External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her France counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian discussed a host of issues from counter-terror, cooperation in Africa to increasing people to people ties.&nbsp;

The French Foreign minister is on a two-day visit to India.&nbsp;

The two ministers also issued a joint press statement in which French Foreign minister said his meeting with India's external affairs minister was marked by a "great convergence of views and shared ambition".&nbsp;

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20 years of a dynamic and multi-faceted strategic partnership! 
 
EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> welcomed Foreign Minister of France <a href="https://twitter.com/JY_LeDrian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JY_LeDrian</a> ahead of the delegation-level talks. This is their second bilateral meeting in six months continuing the momentum of high-level exchanges! <a href="https://t.co/pdQR8dlm0Y">pic.twitter.com/pdQR8dlm0Y</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1073817180423274496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"France and India are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their strategic partnership this year is not by chance. It's because we attach the same importance to multilateralism, respect for the rule of law, the same ambition to usher in a just and sustainable world," he said.&nbsp;

Exuding confidence in India France ties, Le Drian said, "India knows that in France it has a partner that has never failed it and on which it can count on in the future."

Sushma Swaraj said both India and France will take forward cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. Defence ties between both countries are deep and multifaceted.

Both India and France discussed counter terror with EAM Sushma saying "India and France have cooperation on counter-terror especially at FATF". French FM talked about the "shared commitment to fighting terrorism, as we mark ten years since the deadly Mumbai attacks."

Both countries are also planning to launch joint projects in Africa. On people to people front, France plans to host 10,000 Indian students annually by 2020.

This is the second meeting between the External Affairs Minister and French foreign minister this year. They earlier met this year during EAM's visit to Paris. 
&nbsp; 
The French Foreign Minister also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Earlier Le Drian visited Mumbai where he met Bollywood producers and conferred the French honour of Knight of the National Order of Merit on producer Ashok Amritraj.

French company Atos and India's Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) signed MoU for developing supercomputers in India on the occasion.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her France counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian discussed a host of issues from counter-terror, cooperation in Africa to increasing people to people ties.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her France counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian discussed a host of issues from counter-terror, cooperation in Africa to increasing people to people ties. The French Foreign minister is on a two-day visit to India. The two ministers also issued a joint press statement in which French Foreign minister said his meeting with India's external affairs minister was marked by a "great convergence of views and shared ambition". 20 years of a dynamic and multi-faceted strategic partnership! EAM @SushmaSwaraj welcomed Foreign Minister of France @JY_LeDrian ahead of the delegation-level talks. This is their second bilateral meeting in six months continuing the momentum of high-level exchanges! pic.twitter.com/pdQR8dlm0Y — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) December 15, 2018 × "France and India are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their strategic partnership this year is not by chance. It's because we attach the same importance to multilateralism, respect for the rule of law, the same ambition to usher in a just and sustainable world," he said. Exuding confidence in India France ties, Le Drian said, "India knows that in France it has a partner that has never failed it and on which it can count on in the future." Sushma Swaraj said both India and France will take forward cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. Defence ties between both countries are deep and multifaceted. Both India and France discussed counter terror with EAM Sushma saying "India and France have cooperation on counter-terror especially at FATF". French FM talked about the "shared commitment to fighting terrorism, as we mark ten years since the deadly Mumbai attacks." Both countries are also planning to launch joint projects in Africa. On people to people front, France plans to host 10,000 Indian students annually by 2020. This is the second meeting between the External Affairs Minister and French foreign minister this year. They earlier met this year during EAM's visit to Paris. The French Foreign Minister also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier Le Drian visited Mumbai where he met Bollywood producers and conferred the French honour of Knight of the National Order of Merit on producer Ashok Amritraj. French company Atos and India's Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) signed MoU for developing supercomputers in India on the occasion.

In France, India has a partner that has never failed it: French Foreign Minister

French FM to meet Indian counterpart

The first meeting of the newly constituted India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges will take place on December 21. The meeting will be co-chaired by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Remember, this was one of the outcomes agreed upon during the Wuhan informal summit which took place in China earlier this year.&nbsp;

According to the Ministry of External Affairs release, "the High-Level Mechanism reflects the desire on both the sides to build greater synergies in the people-to-people ties between the two countries through enhanced exchanges in areas such as tourism, art, films, media, culture, sports and academic and youth exchanges."

The release added that the High-Level Mechanism "will bring all the existing bilateral cultural and people-to-people engagements between India and China under one umbrella and, thus, add more substance and purpose to the efforts on both sides to promote greater cultural and people-to-people exchanges between them."

Several events will also be held on the sidelines of the meeting of the High-Level Mechanism, including an India-China think tanks forum and a High-Level media forum.

This year saw Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting for a record four times. They first met at the Informal Wuhan Summit in China, followed by a meeting during the Shanghai Cooperation Summit in China and BRICS summit in South Africa. The two leaders finally met in Argentina on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The development comes in the backdrop of the worst stand-off between Indian and Chinese forces at the Doklam Plateau in Bhutan.

During the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-xi-summit-in-wuhan-removed-several-misconceptions-between-india-and-china-indian-envoy-177673">informal meet in China's Wuhan</a>, India and China also agreed on taking up joint projects in Afghanistan. The first one was the joint training of Afghan Diplomats in Delhi and Bejing which took place in the month of April.&nbsp;

India and China, earlier this month, resumed the joint military exercise "Hand In Hand" in which Indian and Chinese forces were seen sharing lighter moments and doing the Bhangra together.&nbsp;

The first meeting of the newly constituted India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges will take place on December 21. The meeting will be co-chaired by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The first meeting of the newly constituted India-China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges will take place on December 21. The meeting will be co-chaired by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Remember, this was one of the outcomes agreed upon during the Wuhan informal summit which took place in China earlier this year. According to the Ministry of External Affairs release, "the High-Level Mechanism reflects the desire on both the sides to build greater synergies in the people-to-people ties between the two countries through enhanced exchanges in areas such as tourism, art, films, media, culture, sports and academic and youth exchanges." The release added that the High-Level Mechanism "will bring all the existing bilateral cultural and people-to-people engagements between India and China under one umbrella and, thus, add more substance and purpose to the efforts on both sides to promote greater cultural and people-to-people exchanges between them." Several events will also be held on the sidelines of the meeting of the High-Level Mechanism, including an India-China think tanks forum and a High-Level media forum. This year saw Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting for a record four times. They first met at the Informal Wuhan Summit in China, followed by a meeting during the Shanghai Cooperation Summit in China and BRICS summit in South Africa. The two leaders finally met in Argentina on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The development comes in the backdrop of the worst stand-off between Indian and Chinese forces at the Doklam Plateau in Bhutan. During the informal meet in China's Wuhan, India and China also agreed on taking up joint projects in Afghanistan. The first one was the joint training of Afghan Diplomats in Delhi and Bejing which took place in the month of April. India and China, earlier this month, resumed the joint military exercise "Hand In Hand" in which Indian and Chinese forces were seen sharing lighter moments and doing the Bhangra together.

Indian, Chinese foreign ministers to meet in Delhi on December 21

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday defended his controversial "googly" comments, which drew sharp criticism from India, saying that linking his remarks to "Sikh sentiments" was misleading.

On Thursday, Qureshi had said Prime Minister Imran Khan bowled a "googly" to ensure Indian government's presence at the groundbreaking ceremony of the landmark Kartarpur Corridor.

A googly is a leg-spinner's prize weapon, which is almost undetectable.

Qureshi noted that it was the same Indian government that had said it will not engage with Pakistan sent two ministers to the groundbreaking ceremony.

Khan on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the Kartarpur Corridor linking two revered gurdwaras on both sides of the border in Kartarpur in Punjab province.&nbsp;

Union ministers from India, Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri, along with Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, attended the event in Pakistan Punjab province's Narowal area.&nbsp;

Qureshi's remarks drew strong criticism from External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who came down heavily on her Pakistani counterpart saying his comments "exposed" him and that Pakistan has "no respect for Sikh sentiments".

Qureshi took to Twitter on Sunday to respond to the criticisms.&nbsp;

"Dragging my comment towards 'Sikh sentiments' is a deliberate attempt to misrepresent &amp; mislead. What I said was strictly with ref to bilateral interaction with the Indian Govt," he tweeted.

"We have deep respect for Sikh sentiments and no amount of distortions or controversies would change it," he said.

Qureshi also said the Kartarpur Corridor was opened to fulfil the desires of the Sikh community.

"In deference to the long-standing desires of our Sikh brethren, we decided to open the Kartarpur Corridor. We have taken this historic initiative in good faith and will carry it forward in good faith," he tweeted.

Earlier in a series of tweets on Saturday, Swaraj said,"Mr. Foreign Minister of Pakistan - Your 'googly' remarks in a dramatic manner has exposed none but YOU. This shows that you have no respect for Sikh sentiments. You only play 'googlies'."&nbsp;

"Let me explain to you that we were not trapped by your 'googlies'. Our two Sikh Ministers went to Kartarpur Sahib to offer prayers in the Holy Gurudwara," she said.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday defended his controversial "googly" comments, which drew sharp criticism from India, saying that linking his remarks to "Sikh sentiments" was misleading.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday defended his controversial "googly" comments, which drew sharp criticism from India, saying that linking his remarks to "Sikh sentiments" was misleading. On Thursday, Qureshi had said Prime Minister Imran Khan bowled a "googly" to ensure Indian government's presence at the groundbreaking ceremony of the landmark Kartarpur Corridor. A googly is a leg-spinner's prize weapon, which is almost undetectable. Qureshi noted that it was the same Indian government that had said it will not engage with Pakistan sent two ministers to the groundbreaking ceremony. Khan on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the Kartarpur Corridor linking two revered gurdwaras on both sides of the border in Kartarpur in Punjab province. Union ministers from India, Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri, along with Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, attended the event in Pakistan Punjab province's Narowal area. Qureshi's remarks drew strong criticism from External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who came down heavily on her Pakistani counterpart saying his comments "exposed" him and that Pakistan has "no respect for Sikh sentiments". Qureshi took to Twitter on Sunday to respond to the criticisms. "Dragging my comment towards 'Sikh sentiments' is a deliberate attempt to misrepresent & mislead. What I said was strictly with ref to bilateral interaction with the Indian Govt," he tweeted. "We have deep respect for Sikh sentiments and no amount of distortions or controversies would change it," he said. Qureshi also said the Kartarpur Corridor was opened to fulfil the desires of the Sikh community. "In deference to the long-standing desires of our Sikh brethren, we decided to open the Kartarpur Corridor. We have taken this historic initiative in good faith and will carry it forward in good faith," he tweeted. Earlier in a series of tweets on Saturday, Swaraj said,"Mr. Foreign Minister of Pakistan - Your 'googly' remarks in a dramatic manner has exposed none but YOU. This shows that you have no respect for Sikh sentiments. You only play 'googlies'." "Let me explain to you that we were not trapped by your 'googlies'. Our two Sikh Ministers went to Kartarpur Sahib to offer prayers in the Holy Gurudwara," she said.

Qureshi defends 'googly' comments, says linking it to Sikh sentiments misleading

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday reacted to Pak foreign minister Shah Mahmood <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-googly-ensured-presence-of-indian-ministers-at-kartarpur-corridor-event-pakistan-foreign-minister-180412">Qureshi's "googly" remark</a>, stating that the two Indian ministers went to Kartarpur Sahib "to offer prayers."

Swaraj added that the "googly" remark has exposed Pakistan, showing that they have no respect for Sikh sentiments. &nbsp;

"Your 'googly' remarks in a dramatic manner has exposed none but YOU. This shows that you have no respect for Sikh sentiments. You only play 'googlies'," she said.&nbsp;

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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj: Let me explain to you that we were not trapped by your 'googlies'. Our two Sikh Ministers went to Kartarpur Sahib to offer prayers in the Holy Gurudwara. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KartarpuraCorridor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KartarpuraCorridor</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068912294657019904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Let me explain to you that we were not trapped by your 'googlies'. Our two Sikh Ministers went to Kartarpur Sahib to offer prayers in the Holy Gurudwara," Swaraj stated.&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Thursday said Prime Minister Imran Khan bowled a "googly" to ensure Indian government's presence at the groundbreaking ceremony of the landmark Kartarpur Corridor.

Qureshi's remarks came a day after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj categorically ruled out the possibility of resumption of bilateral talks with Pakistan unless it stops cross-border terror activities against India, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Pakistan earlier invited Swaraj for Wednesday's ceremony. But Swaraj said she was unable to travel to Kartarpur Sahib due to prior commitments. India was represented at the events by Union ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday reacted to Pak foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi's "googly" remark, stating that the two Indian ministers went to Kartarpur Sahib "to offer prayers.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday reacted to Pak foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi's "googly" remark, stating that the two Indian ministers went to Kartarpur Sahib "to offer prayers." Swaraj added that the "googly" remark has exposed Pakistan, showing that they have no respect for Sikh sentiments. "Your 'googly' remarks in a dramatic manner has exposed none but YOU. This shows that you have no respect for Sikh sentiments. You only play 'googlies'," she said. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj: Let me explain to you that we were not trapped by your 'googlies'. Our two Sikh Ministers went to Kartarpur Sahib to offer prayers in the Holy Gurudwara. #KartarpuraCorridor — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × "Let me explain to you that we were not trapped by your 'googlies'. Our two Sikh Ministers went to Kartarpur Sahib to offer prayers in the Holy Gurudwara," Swaraj stated. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Thursday said Prime Minister Imran Khan bowled a "googly" to ensure Indian government's presence at the groundbreaking ceremony of the landmark Kartarpur Corridor. Qureshi's remarks came a day after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj categorically ruled out the possibility of resumption of bilateral talks with Pakistan unless it stops cross-border terror activities against India, news agency PTI reported. Pakistan earlier invited Swaraj for Wednesday's ceremony. But Swaraj said she was unable to travel to Kartarpur Sahib due to prior commitments. India was represented at the events by Union ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri.

'Googly' remark shows Pak has no respect for Sikh sentiments: Sushma Swaraj  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned down Pakistan's invite to the SAARC summit which is to be held in Islamabad.&nbsp;

The announcement was made by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

"We are not responding to it (Pakistan's invitation to Modi to the SAARC summit) positively because as I said unless and until Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue. So we will not participate in SAARC," ANI quoted Swaraj as saying.&nbsp;

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EAM Sushma Swaraj: We are not responding to it( invitation by Pakistan for SAARC summit) positively because as I said unless and until Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue, so we will not participate in SAARC <a href="https://t.co/ufb2H9UDuD">pic.twitter.com/ufb2H9UDuD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067686478627700736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj had earlier said that India and Pakistan were not going to start talking just becuase they are in the process of opening the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179875">Kartarpur Corridor</a>.&nbsp;

The foundation stone-laying ceremony fo the corridor is taking place today in Kartarpur, Pakistan.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-not-connected-with-dialogue-process-with-pak-sushma-swaraj-179919">Terror and talks cannot go together</a>, Swaraj said.&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal had on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Faisal recalled that Prime Minister Imran Khan had said in his victory speech that if India takes one step forward, Pakistan would take two.

The 2016 SAARC summit was also supposed to have been held in Islamabad.&nbsp;

But after a deadly terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in September that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances".

The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the Islamabad meet. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the initiative.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned down Pakistan's invite to the SAARC summit which is to be held in Islamabad. The announcement was made by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned down Pakistan's invite to the SAARC summit which is to be held in Islamabad. The announcement was made by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. "We are not responding to it (Pakistan's invitation to Modi to the SAARC summit) positively because as I said unless and until Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue. So we will not participate in SAARC," ANI quoted Swaraj as saying. EAM Sushma Swaraj: We are not responding to it( invitation by Pakistan for SAARC summit) positively because as I said unless and until Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue, so we will not participate in SAARC pic.twitter.com/ufb2H9UDuD — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Swaraj had earlier said that India and Pakistan were not going to start talking just becuase they are in the process of opening the Kartarpur Corridor. The foundation stone-laying ceremony fo the corridor is taking place today in Kartarpur, Pakistan. Terror and talks cannot go together, Swaraj said. Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal had on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Faisal recalled that Prime Minister Imran Khan had said in his victory speech that if India takes one step forward, Pakistan would take two. The 2016 SAARC summit was also supposed to have been held in Islamabad. But after a deadly terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in September that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances". The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the Islamabad meet. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the initiative. (With inputs from PTI)

Modi turns down Pakistan invite to SAARC summit

India's Foreign Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that the Kartarpur Corridor is not connected with dialogue process with Pakistan.

India has been asking for a corridor, which will facilitate visa-free travel of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, for many years and she said she was happy that Pakistan had for the first time responded positively.

"But that does not mean that bilateral talks will start only on this," she said, adding that terror and talks can't go together.

Swaraj, who is campaigning in Hyderabad ahead of the Telangana elections on December 7, was addressing a press conference.

"The moment Pakistan stops terrorist activities in India, the dialogue can start but the dialogue is not connected with only the Kartarpur corridor," she said.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan will <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179875">lay the foundation stone</a> for the Kartarpur corridor on Wednesday.

Pakistan had invited Swaraj for the ceremony but she expressed her inability to attend the deremony due to prior commitments. The minister had said that India would be represented by Union ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri.

Pakistan had also invited Punjab Chief Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sidhus-decision-to-visit-pakistan-his-way-of-thinking-amarinder-singh-179604">Captain Amarinder Singh</a> and his cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu. While Singh declined to attend the event, citing continued terrorist attacks in his state and killings of Indian soldiers by Pakistan's armed forces, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/hope-that-kartarpur-corridor-will-be-a-bridge-of-peace-between-india-pakistan-navjot-singh-sidhu-179759">Sidhu left for Pakistan</a> on Tuesday.

The foundation stone for the Kartarpur corridor was laid at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Singh on Monday.

The corridor will facilitate easy passage for Sikh pilgrims to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan.

The decision to build passage from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the International Border was taken by the Union Cabinet on November 22.

It has been a long-pending demand of the Sikh community.

Kartarpur is located in Shakargarh in Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab. Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, had spent more than 18 years of his life there.

The Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara is located on the banks of the Ravi river, about three-four kilometres from the border in Pakistan.

India's Foreign Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that the Kartarpur Corridor is not connected with dialogue process with Pakistan. India has been asking for a corridor, which will facilitate visa-free travel of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, for many years and she said she was happy that Pakistan had for the first time responded positively.

India's Foreign Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that the Kartarpur Corridor is not connected with dialogue process with Pakistan. India has been asking for a corridor, which will facilitate visa-free travel of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, for many years and she said she was happy that Pakistan had for the first time responded positively. "But that does not mean that bilateral talks will start only on this," she said, adding that terror and talks can't go together. Swaraj, who is campaigning in Hyderabad ahead of the Telangana elections on December 7, was addressing a press conference. "The moment Pakistan stops terrorist activities in India, the dialogue can start but the dialogue is not connected with only the Kartarpur corridor," she said. Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan will lay the foundation stone for the Kartarpur corridor on Wednesday. Pakistan had invited Swaraj for the ceremony but she expressed her inability to attend the deremony due to prior commitments. The minister had said that India would be represented by Union ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri. Pakistan had also invited Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and his cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu. While Singh declined to attend the event, citing continued terrorist attacks in his state and killings of Indian soldiers by Pakistan's armed forces, Sidhu left for Pakistan on Tuesday. The foundation stone for the Kartarpur corridor was laid at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Singh on Monday. The corridor will facilitate easy passage for Sikh pilgrims to the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan. The decision to build passage from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the International Border was taken by the Union Cabinet on November 22. It has been a long-pending demand of the Sikh community. Kartarpur is located in Shakargarh in Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab. Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, had spent more than 18 years of his life there. The Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara is located on the banks of the Ravi river, about three-four kilometres from the border in Pakistan.

Kartarpur Corridor not connected with dialogue process with Pak: Sushma Swaraj

In what can be seen as a step forward in India-Pakistan relations, India will be sending two ministers to take part in Kartarpur corridor's groundbreaking ceremony on November 28, which will be done by Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan. India will be represented by Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing &amp; Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri.&nbsp;

In a tweet, External Affairs Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/swaraj-invited-to-pakistan-to-attend-ceremony-of-kartarpur-corridor-qureshi-179200">Sushma Swaraj</a> said, "We welcome this proposal and we are sending two Ministers to represent Government of India"&nbsp;

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Please do not spread disinformation. We welcome this proposal and we are sending two Ministers to represent Government of India. <a href="https://t.co/Xiciu74ljy">https://t.co/Xiciu74ljy</a>
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1066385488267755522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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She also hoped that the Government of Pakistan will "expedite the construction of the corridor" in order to ensure that "our citizens can pay their respects at the Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib using the corridor as soon as possible."

This comes after Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, along with Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and Punjab tourism minister Navjot Singh Sidhu. Navjot Singh Sidhu has already confirmed that he will be going for the ceremony on November 28.

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On behalf of Pakistan I have extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> ,Capt Amarinder Singh <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@capt_amarinder</a> &amp; Navjot Singh Sidhu <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sherryontopp</a> to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kartarpura?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kartarpura</a> on 28 Nov, 2018.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakistanKartarpuraSpirit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakistanKartarpuraSpirit</a>
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/SMQureshiPTI/status/1066336238129618944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Senator Faisal Javed Khan telephoned Navjot Singh Sidhu to extend the invitation.

The Indian cabinet announced that India will be building the corridor till the international border on Thursday and urged Islamabad to build it soon. Citing the fall of the Berlin wall, PM Modi also backed the building of the corridor and said, "Kisne socha that ki Berlin ki deewar gir sakti hai, shayad Guru Nanak Dev Ji ke aashirwad se, Kartarpur ka corridor sirf corridor nahi, Jan Jan ko jodne ka bahut bada karan ban sakta hai" (Who would have thought that Berlin wall would fall. With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Kartarpur corridor will not be just a corridor but will act as a bridge to connect people).

President Ram Nath Kovind along with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh will be laying the foundation for the corridor on November 26 while Pakistan's PM Imran Khan will be laying the foundation on November 28. It was a long-standing demand of the Sikh community in India and New Delhi had been pursuing it for many years.&nbsp;

The corridor issue was again highlighted during Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu's visit to the swearing-in ceremony of Pak PM Imran Khan in which according to Sidhu, Pakistan army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa told him that the corridor should be open.

In what can be seen as a step forward in India-Pakistan relations, India will be sending two ministers to take part in Kartarpur corridor's groundbreaking ceremony on November 28, which will be done by Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In what can be seen as a step forward in India-Pakistan relations, India will be sending two ministers to take part in Kartarpur corridor's groundbreaking ceremony on November 28, which will be done by Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan. India will be represented by Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing & Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri. In a tweet, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "We welcome this proposal and we are sending two Ministers to represent Government of India" Please do not spread disinformation. We welcome this proposal and we are sending two Ministers to represent Government of India. https://t.co/Xiciu74ljy — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 24, 2018 × She also hoped that the Government of Pakistan will "expedite the construction of the corridor" in order to ensure that "our citizens can pay their respects at the Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib using the corridor as soon as possible." This comes after Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, along with Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and Punjab tourism minister Navjot Singh Sidhu. Navjot Singh Sidhu has already confirmed that he will be going for the ceremony on November 28. On behalf of Pakistan I have extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj @SushmaSwaraj ,Capt Amarinder Singh @capt_amarinder & Navjot Singh Sidhu @sherryontopp to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at #Kartarpura on 28 Nov, 2018.#PakistanKartarpuraSpirit — Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) November 24, 2018 × Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Senator Faisal Javed Khan telephoned Navjot Singh Sidhu to extend the invitation. The Indian cabinet announced that India will be building the corridor till the international border on Thursday and urged Islamabad to build it soon. Citing the fall of the Berlin wall, PM Modi also backed the building of the corridor and said, "Kisne socha that ki Berlin ki deewar gir sakti hai, shayad Guru Nanak Dev Ji ke aashirwad se, Kartarpur ka corridor sirf corridor nahi, Jan Jan ko jodne ka bahut bada karan ban sakta hai" (Who would have thought that Berlin wall would fall. With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Kartarpur corridor will not be just a corridor but will act as a bridge to connect people). President Ram Nath Kovind along with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh will be laying the foundation for the corridor on November 26 while Pakistan's PM Imran Khan will be laying the foundation on November 28. It was a long-standing demand of the Sikh community in India and New Delhi had been pursuing it for many years. The corridor issue was again highlighted during Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu's visit to the swearing-in ceremony of Pak PM Imran Khan in which according to Sidhu, Pakistan army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa told him that the corridor should be open.

Kartarpur corridor: India to send 2 ministers to breaking ground ceremony in Pakistan

Kartarpur Groundbreaking on November 28

Pakistan has invited External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to visit the country to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Saturday.&nbsp;

A long-pending demand of the Sikh community to build a religious corridor linking India's border district of Gurdaspur with a historic gurudwara in Pakistan may finally be fulfilled with both the countries announcing that stretches would be developed in their respective areas.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the groundbreaking ceremony of&nbsp;the facilities at on the Pakistan side on November 28.&nbsp;

Apart from Swaraj, Qureshi also invited Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu to the ceremony.

"On behalf of Pakistan I have extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj @SushmaSwaraj , Capt Amarinder Singh @capt_amarinder &amp; Navjot Singh Sidhu @sherryontopp to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at #Kartarpura on 28 Nov, 2018," Qureshi tweeted.&nbsp;

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On behalf of Pakistan I have extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> ,Capt Amarinder Singh <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@capt_amarinder</a> &amp; Navjot Singh Sidhu <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sherryontopp</a> to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kartarpura?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kartarpura</a> on 28 Nov, 2018.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakistanKartarpuraSpirit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakistanKartarpuraSpirit</a>
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/SMQureshiPTI/status/1066336238129618944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India's Cabinet had cleared a proposal Thursday to develop a corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district to the International Border to facilitate Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan has invited External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to visit the country to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Saturday.

Pakistan has invited External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to visit the country to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Saturday. A long-pending demand of the Sikh community to build a religious corridor linking India's border district of Gurdaspur with a historic gurudwara in Pakistan may finally be fulfilled with both the countries announcing that stretches would be developed in their respective areas. Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the groundbreaking ceremony of the facilities at on the Pakistan side on November 28. Apart from Swaraj, Qureshi also invited Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu to the ceremony. "On behalf of Pakistan I have extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj @SushmaSwaraj , Capt Amarinder Singh @capt_amarinder & Navjot Singh Sidhu @sherryontopp to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at #Kartarpura on 28 Nov, 2018," Qureshi tweeted. On behalf of Pakistan I have extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj @SushmaSwaraj ,Capt Amarinder Singh @capt_amarinder & Navjot Singh Sidhu @sherryontopp to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at #Kartarpura on 28 Nov, 2018.#PakistanKartarpuraSpirit — Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) November 24, 2018 × India's Cabinet had cleared a proposal Thursday to develop a corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district to the International Border to facilitate Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan.

Swaraj invited to Pakistan to attend Kartarpur corridor inauguration: Qureshi

India condemns Pakistan over diplomat's harassment

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/have-made-up-my-mind-not-to-contest-next-elections-sushma-swaraj-178379">Have made up my mind not to contest next elections: Sushma Swaraj</a>

The BJP's Sushma Swaraj said Wednesday that she will not contest the 2019 elections.&nbsp;

"It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections," Swaraj said (watch video below).

News reports said Swaraj was stepping down for health reasons.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/after-rbi-relaxes-deadline-banks-will-be-able-to-lend-extra-35-42-billion-sources-178403">After RBI relaxes deadline, banks will be able to lend </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/after-rbi-relaxes-deadline-banks-will-be-able-to-lend-extra-35-42-billion-sources-178403">extra</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/after-rbi-relaxes-deadline-banks-will-be-able-to-lend-extra-35-42-billion-sources-178403"> $35-42 billion: Sources</a>

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) estimates that Indian banks will have capacity to lend an extra 2.5 trillion rupees to 3.0 trillion rupees ($35 billion to $42 billion) over the next year after it decided to relax a deadline for lenders to boost capital ratios, two sources aware of discussions on the matter said on Tuesday.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-khashoggi-murder-some-saudi-royals-turn-against-kings-favourite-son-178419">After Khashoggi murder, some Saudi royals turn against king’s favourite son</a>

Amid international uproar over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, some members of Saudi Arabia's ruling family are agitating to prevent Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from becoming king, three sources close to the royal court said.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imf-demands-details-of-pakistans-financial-assistance-deal-with-china-report-178365">IMF demands details of Pakistan's financial assistance deal with China: Report</a>

The IMF has demanded Pakistan provide all details of China's financial support to the cash-strapped country to avail a bailout package from it, according to media reports.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-believes-maldives-will-make-correct-choice-on-trade-deal-178402">China believes </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-believes-maldives-will-make-correct-choice-on-trade-deal-178402">Maldives</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-believes-maldives-will-make-correct-choice-on-trade-deal-178402"> will make 'correct choice' to continue with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-believes-maldives-will-make-correct-choice-on-trade-deal-178402">free</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-believes-maldives-will-make-correct-choice-on-trade-deal-178402"> trade deal</a>

China believes the Maldives will make the "correct choice" to continue with a bilateral free trade deal, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Tuesday, after a Maldives politician said the tiny nation would pull out of the pact.

Mohamed Nasheed, the chief of the Maldivian Democratic Party, which leads the ruling federal alliance, told Reuters this week that it was a mistake to strike such a deal with the world's second biggest economy.

Have made up my mind not to contest next elections: Sushma Swaraj The BJP's Sushma Swaraj said Wednesday that she will not contest the 2019 elections. "It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections," Swaraj said (watch video below).

Have made up my mind not to contest next elections: Sushma Swaraj The BJP's Sushma Swaraj said Wednesday that she will not contest the 2019 elections. "It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections," Swaraj said (watch video below). News reports said Swaraj was stepping down for health reasons. After RBI relaxes deadline, banks will be able to lend extra $35-42 billion: Sources The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) estimates that Indian banks will have capacity to lend an extra 2.5 trillion rupees to 3.0 trillion rupees ($35 billion to $42 billion) over the next year after it decided to relax a deadline for lenders to boost capital ratios, two sources aware of discussions on the matter said on Tuesday. After Khashoggi murder, some Saudi royals turn against king’s favourite son Amid international uproar over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, some members of Saudi Arabia's ruling family are agitating to prevent Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from becoming king, three sources close to the royal court said. IMF demands details of Pakistan's financial assistance deal with China: Report The IMF has demanded Pakistan provide all details of China's financial support to the cash-strapped country to avail a bailout package from it, according to media reports. China believes Maldives will make 'correct choice' to continue with free trade deal China believes the Maldives will make the "correct choice" to continue with a bilateral free trade deal, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Tuesday, after a Maldives politician said the tiny nation would pull out of the pact. Mohamed Nasheed, the chief of the Maldivian Democratic Party, which leads the ruling federal alliance, told Reuters this week that it was a mistake to strike such a deal with the world's second biggest economy.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The BJP's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-attempt-glorify-terrorism-will-backfire-says-sushma-swaraj-unga-168457">Sushma Swaraj</a> said Wednesday that she will not contest the 2019 elections.&nbsp;

"It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections," Swaraj said (watch video below).

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: "It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections," says External Affairs Minister and Vidisha MP Sushma Swaraj <a href="https://t.co/ao8FIee2I0">pic.twitter.com/ao8FIee2I0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1064820823968677888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections: External Affairs Minister and Vidisha MP Sushma Swaraj <a href="https://t.co/G3cHC6pKGh">pic.twitter.com/G3cHC6pKGh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1064803440877023232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj is currently India's external affairs minister, MP from Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, and one of the BJP's tallest leaders.&nbsp;

Swaraj made her announcement to reporters in Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

Posters had come up recently in Vidisha questioning Swaraj's prolonged absence from the town. When it was brought up at a press conference, Swaraj said she would not be contesting the next elections.&nbsp;

News reports said Swaraj was stepping down for health reasons.&nbsp;

Swaraj has a kidney transplant. She took time off from work in 2016 because of a diabetes condition.&nbsp;

The reports however quoted BJP sources as saying the party might bring Sushma back to Parliament via the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;

The BJP's Sushma Swaraj said Wednesday that she will not contest the 2019 elections. "It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections," Swaraj said (watch video below).

The BJP's Sushma Swaraj said Wednesday that she will not contest the 2019 elections. "It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections," Swaraj said (watch video below). #WATCH: "It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections," says External Affairs Minister and Vidisha MP Sushma Swaraj pic.twitter.com/ao8FIee2I0 — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2018 × It is the party which decides, but I have made up my mind not to contest next elections: External Affairs Minister and Vidisha MP Sushma Swaraj pic.twitter.com/G3cHC6pKGh — ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2018 × Swaraj is currently India's external affairs minister, MP from Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, and one of the BJP's tallest leaders. Swaraj made her announcement to reporters in Madhya Pradesh. Posters had come up recently in Vidisha questioning Swaraj's prolonged absence from the town. When it was brought up at a press conference, Swaraj said she would not be contesting the next elections. News reports said Swaraj was stepping down for health reasons. Swaraj has a kidney transplant. She took time off from work in 2016 because of a diabetes condition. The reports however quoted BJP sources as saying the party might bring Sushma back to Parliament via the Rajya Sabha.

Have made up my mind not to contest next elections: Sushma Swaraj

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday departed for a four-day visit to the Gulf countries of Qatar and Kuwait.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted, "For an enhanced engagement with India`s extended neighbourhood. EAM @SushmaSwaraj emplanes for the first leg of a four day visit to the Gulf region. EAM will visit Qatar &amp; Kuwait to take forward discussions &amp; decisions for strengthing the bilateral relationships."

Swaraj will have engagements in Qatar on October 28-29 and in Kuwait on October 30-31.

This will be her first visit to both the countries.

In Qatar, Swaraj will interact with her counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.

She will also call on His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar.

During her visit, the External Affairs Minister will also interact with the Indian community in Doha.

Qatar hosts about seven lakh Indians who form the largest expatriate community there.

The tiny Gulf nation is a reliable energy partner, supplying more than 50 per cent of India`s natural gas imports.

The bilateral trade between the two countries was USD 9.9 billion in 2017-18.

In Kuwait, Swaraj will hold a bilateral meeting with her counterpart, His Excellency Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait.

She will also call on His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and interact with the Indian community.

Kuwait is a reliable energy supplier to India and hosts about ten lakh Indians forming the largest expatriate community.

India`s bilateral trade with Kuwait was USD 8.5 billion in 2017-18.

The two-nation visit is in pursuit of India`s objective of enhanced engagement with the Gulf region which is in India`s extended neighbourhood, the MEA said in a statement.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday departed for a four-day visit to the Gulf countries of Qatar and Kuwait. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted, "For an enhanced engagement with India`s extended neighbourhood.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday departed for a four-day visit to the Gulf countries of Qatar and Kuwait. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted, "For an enhanced engagement with India`s extended neighbourhood. EAM @SushmaSwaraj emplanes for the first leg of a four day visit to the Gulf region. EAM will visit Qatar & Kuwait to take forward discussions & decisions for strengthing the bilateral relationships." Swaraj will have engagements in Qatar on October 28-29 and in Kuwait on October 30-31. This will be her first visit to both the countries. In Qatar, Swaraj will interact with her counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar. She will also call on His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar. During her visit, the External Affairs Minister will also interact with the Indian community in Doha. Qatar hosts about seven lakh Indians who form the largest expatriate community there. The tiny Gulf nation is a reliable energy partner, supplying more than 50 per cent of India`s natural gas imports. The bilateral trade between the two countries was USD 9.9 billion in 2017-18. In Kuwait, Swaraj will hold a bilateral meeting with her counterpart, His Excellency Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait. She will also call on His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and interact with the Indian community. Kuwait is a reliable energy supplier to India and hosts about ten lakh Indians forming the largest expatriate community. India`s bilateral trade with Kuwait was USD 8.5 billion in 2017-18. The two-nation visit is in pursuit of India`s objective of enhanced engagement with the Gulf region which is in India`s extended neighbourhood, the MEA said in a statement.

Sushma Swaraj leaves for four-day visit to Qatar, Kuwait

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will travel to Qatar and Kuwait from October 28 to 31 in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Gulf region.

She will have engagements in Qatar on October 28 and 29 and in Kuwait on October 30 and 31, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

During her visit to Qatar, Swaraj will interact with her counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister. She will also call on Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar. During her visit, she will also interact with the Indian community in Doha, the MEA said.

India and Qatar share millennia old historic multi-dimensional, relations.

The bilateral visit of the Emir of Qatar in March 2015 and Prime Minister of Qatar to India in December 2016 and that of the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Qatar in June 2016 have further boosted traditionally cordial and close ties between the two countries, the MEA said.

Qatar hosts about seven lakh Indians who form the largest expatriate community there. Qatar is a reliable energy partner, supplying more than 50 per cent of India's natural gas imports, it said.

India's bilateral trade with Qatar in 2017-18 was $ 9.9 billion, the MEA said.

The next leg of the visit would be to Kuwait, where Swaraj will hold a bilateral meeting with her counterpart Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait.

She will also call on the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and interact with the Indian community.

India and Kuwait have close and friendly bilateral relations. Kuwait is a reliable energy supplier to India and hosts about 10 lakh Indians forming the largest expatriate community. India's bilateral trade with Kuwait in 2017-18 was $ 8.5 billion, the MEA said.

This will be Swaraj's first visit as External Affairs Minister to both the countries.

The visit is in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Gulf region which is in India's extended neighbourhood.

It will provide an opportunity to hold in-depth discussions with the political leadership on a wide range of global, regional and bilateral issues and will advance India's growing engagement with these countries in particular and the region in general, the MEA added.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will travel to Qatar and Kuwait from October 28 to 31 in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Gulf region.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will travel to Qatar and Kuwait from October 28 to 31 in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Gulf region. She will have engagements in Qatar on October 28 and 29 and in Kuwait on October 30 and 31, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. During her visit to Qatar, Swaraj will interact with her counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister. She will also call on Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar. During her visit, she will also interact with the Indian community in Doha, the MEA said. India and Qatar share millennia old historic multi-dimensional, relations. The bilateral visit of the Emir of Qatar in March 2015 and Prime Minister of Qatar to India in December 2016 and that of the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Qatar in June 2016 have further boosted traditionally cordial and close ties between the two countries, the MEA said. Qatar hosts about seven lakh Indians who form the largest expatriate community there. Qatar is a reliable energy partner, supplying more than 50 per cent of India's natural gas imports, it said. India's bilateral trade with Qatar in 2017-18 was $ 9.9 billion, the MEA said. The next leg of the visit would be to Kuwait, where Swaraj will hold a bilateral meeting with her counterpart Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait. She will also call on the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and interact with the Indian community. India and Kuwait have close and friendly bilateral relations. Kuwait is a reliable energy supplier to India and hosts about 10 lakh Indians forming the largest expatriate community. India's bilateral trade with Kuwait in 2017-18 was $ 8.5 billion, the MEA said. This will be Swaraj's first visit as External Affairs Minister to both the countries. The visit is in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Gulf region which is in India's extended neighbourhood. It will provide an opportunity to hold in-depth discussions with the political leadership on a wide range of global, regional and bilateral issues and will advance India's growing engagement with these countries in particular and the region in general, the MEA added.

Sushma Swaraj to visit Qatar, Kuwait from October 28

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday met visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and reviewed the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation, according to news agency ANI.

The two leaders also&nbsp;discussed ways to boost ties between the two countries, the report added.

Earlier in the day, Home Minister Rajnath Singh called on Wickremesinghe and discussed issues related to security and anti-terror cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

"Continuing commitment to deepen our partnership with a close friend. EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe @RW_UNP. Exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations and reviewed progress on development projects," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted after the meeting.

The Lankan PM also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe arrived here on Thursday on a three-day visit to boost ties in a range of areas, including trade, investment and maritime security.&nbsp;

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Delhi: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe meets Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj <a href="https://t.co/6FC2xMeNmK">pic.twitter.com/6FC2xMeNmK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053533135793766400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday met visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and reviewed the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation, according to news agency ANI.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday met visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and reviewed the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation, according to news agency ANI. The two leaders also discussed ways to boost ties between the two countries, the report added. Earlier in the day, Home Minister Rajnath Singh called on Wickremesinghe and discussed issues related to security and anti-terror cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. "Continuing commitment to deepen our partnership with a close friend. EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe @RW_UNP. Exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations and reviewed progress on development projects," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted after the meeting. The Lankan PM also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Wickremesinghe arrived here on Thursday on a three-day visit to boost ties in a range of areas, including trade, investment and maritime security. Delhi: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe meets Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj pic.twitter.com/6FC2xMeNmK — ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2018 ×

Sushma Swaraj, Rajnath Singh meet Sri Lankan PM Wickremesinghe

Former Maldives foreign affairs minister Dunya Maumoon on Sunday extended the hand of friendship towards India and said that the trust should be regained between the two countries.

The statement from Maumoon, who is the daughter of former President of the Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom came after meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi.

Taking to Twitter, Maumoon said, "It was such a pleasure to call on my friend HE @SushmaSwaraj to pass on greetings from my father. HE @maumoonagayoom built a warm friendship between our countries while he was in office. We need to regain the trust between our countries."

India-Maldives relations have been strained recently after Male snubbed helicopters and work permit of India.

The rift between the two countries escalated after the Maldives inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pakistan to get help for developing its infrastructure in power sector in July.

The statement from Maumoon came after meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi.

Former Maldives foreign affairs minister Dunya Maumoon on Sunday extended the hand of friendship towards India and said that the trust should be regained between the two countries. The statement from Maumoon, who is the daughter of former President of the Maldives Maumoon Abdul Gayoom came after meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi. Taking to Twitter, Maumoon said, "It was such a pleasure to call on my friend HE @SushmaSwaraj to pass on greetings from my father. HE @maumoonagayoom built a warm friendship between our countries while he was in office. We need to regain the trust between our countries." India-Maldives relations have been strained recently after Male snubbed helicopters and work permit of India. The rift between the two countries escalated after the Maldives inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pakistan to get help for developing its infrastructure in power sector in July.

Need to regain trust between India, Maldives: Ex-foreign minister Dunya Maumoon

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO members including Pakistan to assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, saying terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to development and prosperity.

In an apparent reference to the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Swaraj said that all connectivity initiatives must be based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultations, good governance, transparency, viability and sustainability.

India has opposed the CPEC projects and protested to China as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

Swaraj, who is in Tajikistan's capital to attend a two-day conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)'s Council of Heads of Government (CHG), said: "terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to our common goals of development and prosperity".

As the footprint of terrorism expands, governments must assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, she said in the presence of Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

"We have all benefited from globalisation. We must further develop our trade and investment cooperation. We support an open, stable international trade regime based on centrality of the World Trade Organization," Swaraj said.

India has actively supported the SCO Qingdao Summit Leaders' "Appeal to Youth" against radicalisation of youth, she said and congratulated all her colleagues on the successful completion of the 'SCO Peace Mission 2018'.

It was the first time that India participated in these counter-terrorism exercises.

India stands committed to a peace process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled, that can help Afghanistan emerge as a peaceful, secure, stable, inclusive and economically vibrant nation, Swaraj said.

"In this context, we welcome the signing of the Protocol of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group on the sidelines of the Qingdao Summit. We would be happy to co-host with Afghanistan, the next meeting of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group in India," she said.

India is determined to work together in the SCO on environmentally friendly energy alternatives to ensure sustainable development, Swaraj said.

"India shares the desire of the SCO members for enhanced connectivity. All connectivity initiatives must be based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultations, good governance, transparency, viability and sustainability," she said.

The CPEC is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a pet project of President Xi Jinping aimed at enhancing China's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects.

"I am happy to note that SCO has taken a positive step in this direction by organising the first meeting of the Heads of Railways of the SCO Member States last month," she added.

It is the second CHG meeting since India became a full member of the SCO in June 2017.

India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping last year and New Delhi's entry into it is expected to increase the bloc's heft in regional geo-politics and trade negotiations besides giving it a pan-Asian hue.

Along with India, Pakistan was also granted membership of the SCO last year.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year.

The bloc currently has eight member countries which represent around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led an official delegation to the SCO Summit in Chinese city of Qingdao in June.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO members including Pakistan to assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, saying terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to development and prosperity.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO members including Pakistan to assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, saying terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to development and prosperity. In an apparent reference to the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Swaraj said that all connectivity initiatives must be based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultations, good governance, transparency, viability and sustainability. India has opposed the CPEC projects and protested to China as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Swaraj, who is in Tajikistan's capital to attend a two-day conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)'s Council of Heads of Government (CHG), said: "terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to our common goals of development and prosperity". As the footprint of terrorism expands, governments must assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, she said in the presence of Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. "We have all benefited from globalisation. We must further develop our trade and investment cooperation. We support an open, stable international trade regime based on centrality of the World Trade Organization," Swaraj said. India has actively supported the SCO Qingdao Summit Leaders' "Appeal to Youth" against radicalisation of youth, she said and congratulated all her colleagues on the successful completion of the 'SCO Peace Mission 2018'. It was the first time that India participated in these counter-terrorism exercises. India stands committed to a peace process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled, that can help Afghanistan emerge as a peaceful, secure, stable, inclusive and economically vibrant nation, Swaraj said. "In this context, we welcome the signing of the Protocol of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group on the sidelines of the Qingdao Summit. We would be happy to co-host with Afghanistan, the next meeting of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group in India," she said. India is determined to work together in the SCO on environmentally friendly energy alternatives to ensure sustainable development, Swaraj said. "India shares the desire of the SCO members for enhanced connectivity. All connectivity initiatives must be based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultations, good governance, transparency, viability and sustainability," she said. The CPEC is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a pet project of President Xi Jinping aimed at enhancing China's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects. "I am happy to note that SCO has taken a positive step in this direction by organising the first meeting of the Heads of Railways of the SCO Member States last month," she added. It is the second CHG meeting since India became a full member of the SCO in June 2017. India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region. India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping last year and New Delhi's entry into it is expected to increase the bloc's heft in regional geo-politics and trade negotiations besides giving it a pan-Asian hue. Along with India, Pakistan was also granted membership of the SCO last year. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year. The bloc currently has eight member countries which represent around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led an official delegation to the SCO Summit in Chinese city of Qingdao in June.

Terrorism remains most overwhelming threat to development: Sushma Swaraj

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO member countries to join hands to address global challenges and highlighted the need to fight terrorism, address climate change and promote connectivity and regional peace.

Swaraj, who is here to attend a two-day conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)'s Council of Heads of Government (CHG), called on Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon along with the heads of delegation from other SCO countries.

Swaraj, speaking at the Restricted Format Meeting of the SCO Heads of Government Council here, highlighted the need to join hands to fight terrorism, address climate change, promote connectivity and regional peace, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

The conclave, also attended by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, will focus on boosting cooperation in fighting terrorism, besides deliberating on pressing regional and global issues.

The CHG meeting is also likely to review situation in Syria, Afghanistan and the Korean peninsula.

It is the second CHG meeting since India became a full member of the SCO in June 2017.

India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping last year and New Delhi's entry into it is expected to increase the bloc's heft in regional geopolitics and trade negotiations besides giving it a pan-Asian hue.

Along with India, Pakistan was also granted membership of the SCO last year.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

India and Pakistan became its members last year.

The bloc currently has eight member countries which represent around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led an official delegation to the SCO Summit in Chinese city of Qingdao in June.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO member countries to join hands to address global challenges and highlighted the need to fight terrorism, address climate change and promote connectivity and regional peace.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday urged the SCO member countries to join hands to address global challenges and highlighted the need to fight terrorism, address climate change and promote connectivity and regional peace. Swaraj, who is here to attend a two-day conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)'s Council of Heads of Government (CHG), called on Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon along with the heads of delegation from other SCO countries. Swaraj, speaking at the Restricted Format Meeting of the SCO Heads of Government Council here, highlighted the need to join hands to fight terrorism, address climate change, promote connectivity and regional peace, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet. The conclave, also attended by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, will focus on boosting cooperation in fighting terrorism, besides deliberating on pressing regional and global issues. The CHG meeting is also likely to review situation in Syria, Afghanistan and the Korean peninsula. It is the second CHG meeting since India became a full member of the SCO in June 2017. India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region. India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping last year and New Delhi's entry into it is expected to increase the bloc's heft in regional geopolitics and trade negotiations besides giving it a pan-Asian hue. Along with India, Pakistan was also granted membership of the SCO last year. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year. The bloc currently has eight member countries which represent around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led an official delegation to the SCO Summit in Chinese city of Qingdao in June.

Swaraj urges SCO members to fight terrorism, address climate change and promote connectivity

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be participating in the two-day 17th Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Dushanbe, Tajikistan starting from Thursday.

This will be the second CHG meeting since India became a full member of SCO in June last year. Swaraj had also attended the last year's meeting at Sochi.

Swaraj's programme in Dushanbe will include participation in the SCO CHG meeting, both in the restricted as well as extended formats.

The meeting is a forum that enables India to engage with SCO member countries and Observer states of Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia. It is the first major meeting since Kyrgyzstan took over as chair of the organisation.

The leaders will be discussing prospects for the further development of SCO and will exchange in-depth views on current international and regional issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had led the official delegation to the SCO summit in Qingdao, China in June.

India has participated in a number of meetings of the organisation, with over 12 ministerial-level meetings since joining SCO last year.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be participating in the two-day 17th Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Dushanbe, Tajikistan starting from Thursday.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be participating in the two-day 17th Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Dushanbe, Tajikistan starting from Thursday. This will be the second CHG meeting since India became a full member of SCO in June last year. Swaraj had also attended the last year's meeting at Sochi. Swaraj's programme in Dushanbe will include participation in the SCO CHG meeting, both in the restricted as well as extended formats. The meeting is a forum that enables India to engage with SCO member countries and Observer states of Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia. It is the first major meeting since Kyrgyzstan took over as chair of the organisation. The leaders will be discussing prospects for the further development of SCO and will exchange in-depth views on current international and regional issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had led the official delegation to the SCO summit in Qingdao, China in June. India has participated in a number of meetings of the organisation, with over 12 ministerial-level meetings since joining SCO last year.

Sushma Swaraj to attend SCO meeting in Tajikistan today

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres who is on a three-day visit to India participated in the 150th birth anniversary of India's iconic freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi on Tuesday.

He visited Raj Ghat and laid a wreath to honour Gandhi.

The UN chief will also speak at a closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Conference along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He will also participate in the International Solar Alliance Assembly and a meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association energy ministers.

The UN Chief&nbsp;arrived in the country on Monday and formally inaugurated the UN House in the national capital.

On his visit, Guterres said that he was delighted to be back to Delhi and wished enormous success in the deepening of the cooperation between India and the United Nations.

During his three-day stay, he is expected to discuss key global issues such as climate change and terrorism with PM Modi. He will also meet Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj along with other senior leaders of the country.

Guterres is also scheduled to deliver a lecture at the India Habitat Centre on the theme 'Global challenges, global solutions'.

Guterres had visited the country, earlier in 2016, months before his election as the Secretary-General.

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres who is on a three-day visit to India participated in the 150th birth anniversary of India's iconic freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi on Tuesday.

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres who is on a three-day visit to India participated in the 150th birth anniversary of India's iconic freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi on Tuesday. He visited Raj Ghat and laid a wreath to honour Gandhi. The UN chief will also speak at a closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Conference along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will also participate in the International Solar Alliance Assembly and a meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association energy ministers. The UN Chief arrived in the country on Monday and formally inaugurated the UN House in the national capital. On his visit, Guterres said that he was delighted to be back to Delhi and wished enormous success in the deepening of the cooperation between India and the United Nations. During his three-day stay, he is expected to discuss key global issues such as climate change and terrorism with PM Modi. He will also meet Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj along with other senior leaders of the country. Guterres is also scheduled to deliver a lecture at the India Habitat Centre on the theme 'Global challenges, global solutions'. Guterres had visited the country, earlier in 2016, months before his election as the Secretary-General.

UN Chief Antonio Guterres pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday reiterated that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's statement at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was a "campaign speech", adding that Swaraj was busy sloganeering for her party at the UN.

Speaking to ANI, Tharoor said, "The Foreign Minister of India stands on UN General Assembly platform and delivers a speech that is not even aimed at the audience of international diplomats. She speaks in Hindi on a BJP campaigned theme to her voters back home rather than to an international audience. She mentioned Narendra Modi ten times and India only five times."

"She gives one BJP slogan one after the other or one scheme after the other about the Prime Minister's great vision for the nation as if she is seeking. There's nobody sitting in the UN General Assembly who is going to vote for her. These were all pitched at the audience back in India," he added.

The BJP, in retaliation to Tharoor's remark on Swaraj, had on Monday accused the former of singing in the same tune as Pakistan. The party also said that it is becoming increasingly clear that both Congress and Pakistan are "talking in the same tone."

In response to the BJP, Tharoor said "I find it quite amusing that the BJP would dare to criticise me for pointing out the obvious. I put it in very mild terms that I am disappointed that she used the UN General Assembly platform for a campaign speech to advance the interest of her party. What the foreign minister has done is truly disappointing for any patriotic Indian who wants to see the interest of the Indian nation projected abroad and not of one particular political party."

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday reiterated that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's statement at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was a "campaign speech", adding that Swaraj was busy sloganeering for her party at the UN.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday reiterated that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's statement at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was a "campaign speech", adding that Swaraj was busy sloganeering for her party at the UN. Speaking to ANI, Tharoor said, "The Foreign Minister of India stands on UN General Assembly platform and delivers a speech that is not even aimed at the audience of international diplomats. She speaks in Hindi on a BJP campaigned theme to her voters back home rather than to an international audience. She mentioned Narendra Modi ten times and India only five times." "She gives one BJP slogan one after the other or one scheme after the other about the Prime Minister's great vision for the nation as if she is seeking. There's nobody sitting in the UN General Assembly who is going to vote for her. These were all pitched at the audience back in India," he added. The BJP, in retaliation to Tharoor's remark on Swaraj, had on Monday accused the former of singing in the same tune as Pakistan. The party also said that it is becoming increasingly clear that both Congress and Pakistan are "talking in the same tone." In response to the BJP, Tharoor said "I find it quite amusing that the BJP would dare to criticise me for pointing out the obvious. I put it in very mild terms that I am disappointed that she used the UN General Assembly platform for a campaign speech to advance the interest of her party. What the foreign minister has done is truly disappointing for any patriotic Indian who wants to see the interest of the Indian nation projected abroad and not of one particular political party."

Swaraj's UNGA speech was a political campaign: Shashi Tharoor

Siddhant Sibbal

Exposing Pakistan's duplicity on terror, India lashed out at Islamabad for abetting and aiding terrorist and terrorist groups.&nbsp;

Speaking at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Our neighbour's expertise is not restricted to spawning grounds for terrorism; it is also an expert in trying to mask malevolence with verbal duplicity."

Highlighting how Pakistan gave safe haven to the architect and ideologue of 9/11 &nbsp;Osama Bin Laden, she said, "mastermind of 26/11 Hafiz Saeed still roams the streets of Pakistan with impunity."

Pakistan was recently put on Financial Action Task Force or FATF's grey list making it difficult for the country to take loans from the international market.

New Delhi said that "Pakistan's commitment to terrorism as an instrument of official policy has not abated one bit."

It is interesting to know that India isn't the only neighbouring country to raise the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan, Afghanistan was the first country.

Afghanistan's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah who represented his country at the annual meeting said terror "breeding grounds and sanctuaries" need to be shut but the "response has been sparse."

Talks and terror can't go together

On the recent proposal of talks by the new Prime Minister of Pakistan, EAM said, "We accepted the proposal. But, within hours of our acceptance, news came that terrorists had killed three of our jawans. Does this indicate a desire for dialogue?"

Pakistani PM Imran Khan had proposed a meet between Indian external affairs minister and Pakistan's FM Qureshi on the sidelines of UNGA. India had initially said yes but after the killing of jawans had called off the meet.&nbsp;

This is not the first time India has faced such a situation with Pakistan.&nbsp;

Indian PM Narendra Modi had made a stopover in Lahore on 25th December 2015 but with a week a terror attack took place on Indian army base in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian PM also invited all head of SAARC countries during his swearing-in 2014.

India also slammed Pakistan for glorifying terrorist as so-called freedom fighters, saying "it refuses to see the blood of innocents."

India has been calling common definition on terrorism and had proposed Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) in 1996 but that draft has remained a draft, because "we cannot agree on a common language."

The external affairs minister appealed to UNGA "to come to an agreement, soon, on CCIT as one of the necessary measures in a long-running war"

Siddhant Sibbal Exposing Pakistan's duplicity on terror, India lashed out at Islamabad for abetting and aiding terrorist and terrorist groups. Speaking at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Our neighbour's expertise is not restricted to spawning grounds for terrorism; it is also an expert in trying to mask malevolence with verbal duplicity.

Siddhant Sibbal Exposing Pakistan's duplicity on terror, India lashed out at Islamabad for abetting and aiding terrorist and terrorist groups. Speaking at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Our neighbour's expertise is not restricted to spawning grounds for terrorism; it is also an expert in trying to mask malevolence with verbal duplicity." Highlighting how Pakistan gave safe haven to the architect and ideologue of 9/11 Osama Bin Laden, she said, "mastermind of 26/11 Hafiz Saeed still roams the streets of Pakistan with impunity." Pakistan was recently put on Financial Action Task Force or FATF's grey list making it difficult for the country to take loans from the international market. New Delhi said that "Pakistan's commitment to terrorism as an instrument of official policy has not abated one bit." It is interesting to know that India isn't the only neighbouring country to raise the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan, Afghanistan was the first country. Afghanistan's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah who represented his country at the annual meeting said terror "breeding grounds and sanctuaries" need to be shut but the "response has been sparse." Talks and terror can't go together On the recent proposal of talks by the new Prime Minister of Pakistan, EAM said, "We accepted the proposal. But, within hours of our acceptance, news came that terrorists had killed three of our jawans. Does this indicate a desire for dialogue?" Pakistani PM Imran Khan had proposed a meet between Indian external affairs minister and Pakistan's FM Qureshi on the sidelines of UNGA. India had initially said yes but after the killing of jawans had called off the meet. This is not the first time India has faced such a situation with Pakistan. Indian PM Narendra Modi had made a stopover in Lahore on 25th December 2015 but with a week a terror attack took place on Indian army base in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian PM also invited all head of SAARC countries during his swearing-in 2014. India also slammed Pakistan for glorifying terrorist as so-called freedom fighters, saying "it refuses to see the blood of innocents." India has been calling common definition on terrorism and had proposed Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) in 1996 but that draft has remained a draft, because "we cannot agree on a common language." The external affairs minister appealed to UNGA "to come to an agreement, soon, on CCIT as one of the necessary measures in a long-running war"

Sushma Swaraj exposes Pakistan's 'duplicity' on terror at UNGA

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday launched a frontal attack on neighbouring Pakistan calling them a nation that is not only skilled in spreading terrorism but have also gained expertise in refusing their deeds.&nbsp;

In her address to the General Debate of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly here, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj described terrorism as an "existential threat" to humanity.

Describing terrorism a major challenge in the world, she said terrorists are called freedom fighters in Pakistan which, she said, is the epicentre of terrorism.

9/11 incident in New York &amp; 26/11 incident in Mumbai ruined the expectations of peace, the external affairs minister said and added ''India has been a victim of terrorism and the challenge of terrorism in India is coming from none other than our neighbouring nation.''

Pakistan's attempt to glorify terrorism will backfire, she said.

Swaraj also took a dig at developed countries in fighting climate change.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: EAM Sushma Swaraj in her address at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNGA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNGA</a> reacts on meeting between her and Pakistan foreign minister on the sidelines of UNGA called off by India <a href="https://t.co/lobY7BKLWj">pic.twitter.com/lobY7BKLWj</a>
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The developed countries who developed themselves by destroying nature shouldn't back out from their responsibilities now, she said and added bigger nations will have to help smaller nations.

US President Donald Trump pulled out of landmark Paris climate accord&nbsp;in July 2017.

Climate change and terrorism are one of the biggest challenges the world is facing today, she said and added the biggest victim of climate change are developing and underdeveloped states, those who don't have the capability to defend themselves, she said.

''I can assure you that India will never let you fail. The pace at which PM Modi has started work to fulfil the goals set for 2030 reflects that we will achieve the goals before time. We are very well equipped to achieve the goals,'' she said.&nbsp;

50 crore people will be given Rs. 5 lakhs per year for medical treatment under 'Ayushman Bharat', she said. &nbsp;

Under 'Jan Dhan Yojana', &nbsp;bank accounts of 32,61,00,000 people have been opened, she said and added that these people hadn't even seen the doors of banks.&nbsp;

Swaraj also extended India's full support to earthquake and tsunami hit Indonesia. &nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: EAM Sushma Swaraj says at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNGA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNGA</a>, "our neighbouring nation is not only skilled in spreading terrorism, but have also gained expertise in refusing their deeds. The biggest example of this is that Osama Bin Laden was found in Pakistan" <a href="https://t.co/l7BlXZH1ms">pic.twitter.com/l7BlXZH1ms</a>
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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday launched a frontal attack on neighbouring Pakistan calling them a nation that is not only skilled in spreading terrorism but have also gained expertise in refusing their deeds.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday launched a frontal attack on neighbouring Pakistan calling them a nation that is not only skilled in spreading terrorism but have also gained expertise in refusing their deeds. In her address to the General Debate of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly here, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj described terrorism as an "existential threat" to humanity. Describing terrorism a major challenge in the world, she said terrorists are called freedom fighters in Pakistan which, she said, is the epicentre of terrorism. 9/11 incident in New York & 26/11 incident in Mumbai ruined the expectations of peace, the external affairs minister said and added ''India has been a victim of terrorism and the challenge of terrorism in India is coming from none other than our neighbouring nation.'' Pakistan's attempt to glorify terrorism will backfire, she said. Swaraj also took a dig at developed countries in fighting climate change. #WATCH: EAM Sushma Swaraj in her address at #UNGA reacts on meeting between her and Pakistan foreign minister on the sidelines of UNGA called off by India pic.twitter.com/lobY7BKLWj — ANI (@ANI) September 29, 2018 × The developed countries who developed themselves by destroying nature shouldn't back out from their responsibilities now, she said and added bigger nations will have to help smaller nations. US President Donald Trump pulled out of landmark Paris climate accord in July 2017. Climate change and terrorism are one of the biggest challenges the world is facing today, she said and added the biggest victim of climate change are developing and underdeveloped states, those who don't have the capability to defend themselves, she said. ''I can assure you that India will never let you fail. The pace at which PM Modi has started work to fulfil the goals set for 2030 reflects that we will achieve the goals before time. We are very well equipped to achieve the goals,'' she said. 50 crore people will be given Rs. 5 lakhs per year for medical treatment under 'Ayushman Bharat', she said. Under 'Jan Dhan Yojana', bank accounts of 32,61,00,000 people have been opened, she said and added that these people hadn't even seen the doors of banks. Swaraj also extended India's full support to earthquake and tsunami hit Indonesia. #WATCH: EAM Sushma Swaraj says at #UNGA, "our neighbouring nation is not only skilled in spreading terrorism, but have also gained expertise in refusing their deeds. The biggest example of this is that Osama Bin Laden was found in Pakistan" pic.twitter.com/l7BlXZH1ms — ANI (@ANI) September 29, 2018 ×

Pakistan attempt to 'glorify terrorism' will backfire, says Sushma Swaraj at UNGA

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