Terrorism, climate change, reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Sustainable Development Goals are some of the issues that External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj is likely to touch upon during her speech at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly on Saturday evening.

On terrorism, it is expected that apart from regional and global challenges, Swaraj will also talk about issues related to Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism. EAM had raised the issue during the meeting of Foreign Ministers of SAARC countries on the sidelines of UNGA&nbsp;also where she emphasised it as "single largest threat to peace and stability" in the region.

A victim of terror attacks, India has been pushing for Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) for global cooperation in combating the menace.

CCIT will provide a legal framework to prevent global funding and safe havens to the terror groups. India had proposed CCIT in 1996 and it is, however, still under discussion.

Swaraj is also expected to touch upon the issue of much-needed reforms in the United Nations Security Council. India has been making strong diplomatic efforts for the expansion of the UN body to allow more members in Permanent and Non-Permanent category.&nbsp;

According to sources, the minister may also touch upon SDG and the recent Indian flagship initiatives to achieve these targets. India is also expected to reiterate its obligation on climate change and its commitment to address this

Terrorism, climate change, reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Sustainable Development Goals are some of the issues that External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj is likely to touch upon during her speech at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly on Saturday evening.

Terrorism, climate change, reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Sustainable Development Goals are some of the issues that External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj is likely to touch upon during her speech at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly on Saturday evening. On terrorism, it is expected that apart from regional and global challenges, Swaraj will also talk about issues related to Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism. EAM had raised the issue during the meeting of Foreign Ministers of SAARC countries on the sidelines of UNGA also where she emphasised it as "single largest threat to peace and stability" in the region. A victim of terror attacks, India has been pushing for Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) for global cooperation in combating the menace. CCIT will provide a legal framework to prevent global funding and safe havens to the terror groups. India had proposed CCIT in 1996 and it is, however, still under discussion. Swaraj is also expected to touch upon the issue of much-needed reforms in the United Nations Security Council. India has been making strong diplomatic efforts for the expansion of the UN body to allow more members in Permanent and Non-Permanent category. According to sources, the minister may also touch upon SDG and the recent Indian flagship initiatives to achieve these targets. India is also expected to reiterate its obligation on climate change and its commitment to address this

Sushma Swaraj likely to focus on terrorism, climate change at UNGA

&nbsp;Any solution to the Korean Peninsula issue must address India's concerns about the nuclear proliferation linkages in its neighbourhood, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said, in a veiled reference to Pakistan.

In her address to the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Thursday, Ms Swaraj said India has been consistently supporting the efforts to bring about peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula.

"We have been consistently supportive of efforts to bring about peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula," she said in the meeting held on the margins of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly.

"We believe that any solution to the issue of Korean Peninsula must address concerns about the proliferation linkages with India's neighbourhood,"&nbsp;Swaraj said, in an apparent reference to Pakistan which has close defence ties with North Korea.

Since the 1970s, Pakistan and North Korea have cooperated extensively on the development of ballistic missile and nuclear weapons technologies, according to defence analysts and media reports.

She said the world today was characterised by chronic armed-conflicts in different parts of the world, especially in West Asia.

These conflicts are of intra-state nature with the proliferation of non-state actors and terrorist-networks with global reach, she added.

Conflicts in Syria, Libya, Iraq and Yemen pose security challenges for the region and for global peace, Swaraj said while expressing deep concern with continuing tensions on the border between Gaza Strip and Israel.

Swaraj said India had recently considerably increased to US $5 million its contribution to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

"India firmly believes that the dialogue and country-led processes are the only viable options to effectively address the issues in that region," she added.

Any solution to the Korean Peninsula issue must address India's concerns about the nuclear proliferation linkages in its neighbourhood, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said, in a veiled reference to Pakistan.

Any solution to the Korean Peninsula issue must address India's concerns about the nuclear proliferation linkages in its neighbourhood, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said, in a veiled reference to Pakistan. In her address to the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Thursday, Ms Swaraj said India has been consistently supporting the efforts to bring about peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula. "We have been consistently supportive of efforts to bring about peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula," she said in the meeting held on the margins of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly. "We believe that any solution to the issue of Korean Peninsula must address concerns about the proliferation linkages with India's neighbourhood," Swaraj said, in an apparent reference to Pakistan which has close defence ties with North Korea. Since the 1970s, Pakistan and North Korea have cooperated extensively on the development of ballistic missile and nuclear weapons technologies, according to defence analysts and media reports. She said the world today was characterised by chronic armed-conflicts in different parts of the world, especially in West Asia. These conflicts are of intra-state nature with the proliferation of non-state actors and terrorist-networks with global reach, she added. Conflicts in Syria, Libya, Iraq and Yemen pose security challenges for the region and for global peace, Swaraj said while expressing deep concern with continuing tensions on the border between Gaza Strip and Israel. Swaraj said India had recently considerably increased to US $5 million its contribution to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). "India firmly believes that the dialogue and country-led processes are the only viable options to effectively address the issues in that region," she added.

Solution to Korean issue must address India's concern: Sushma Swaraj

SAARC informal meet on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly saw India snubbing Pakistan and strongly raising the issue of terror.

The meet that happened in The Westin Grand Central hotel in New York was attended by all members of SAARC but the meeting that was to happen for two hours concluded in just over one hour with India's external affairs minister making the statement and leaving.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/paks-qureshi-accuses-india-creating-obstacle-regional-cooperation-168061">Also Read:&nbsp;The attitude of only 'one country' is hampering SAARC, says Pak foreign minister Qureshi</a>

Highlighting the number of threats and incidents that endanger South Asia, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said, terrorism remains the single largest threat to peace and stability in our region. She said it is "necessary that we eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms, without any discrimination and end the ecosystem of its support."

But it was Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was at his undiplomatic best. Confirming that there were no talks between India and Pakistan, Qureshi said, "EAM left midway, maybe she wasn't feeling well. I listened to her statement. She talked of regional cooperation. How is regional cooperation possible, when everybody is ready to sit &amp; talk &amp; you're blocking that?"

Without taking name he said, "attitude of one country is blocking the progress of SAARC, connectivity&amp;prosperity of this region &amp; defying the spirit of SAARC".

Meanwhile, India has slammed Pakistan saying remarks by Pakistani Foreign Minister about EAM leaving SAARC foreign minister's informal meeting were "surprising and unfortunate." New Delhi also dismissed allegations by Pakistani Foreign Min regarding India not being serious about SAARC as "baseless &amp; away from reality."

India did extensively talked about various SAARC related projects &amp; expressed its commitment for making SAARC a success as a regional grouping.

Interestingly, Afghanistan's foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani had also left from SAARC FMs meet midway. Afghanistan has already highlight Pakistan using terror as a policy.

Afghanistan's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah who represented his country at the annual UNGA meet said terror "breeding grounds and sanctuaries" need to be shut but the "response has been sparse."

It must be recalled that SAARC summit which was to be held in Islamabad was boycotted by not only India but Afghanistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Many will say what happened at the SAARC meet confirms Pakistan's isolation.

All eyes are now on September, 29th when India's external affairs minister and Pakistan's foreign minister will speak at UNGA.

SAARC informal meet on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly saw India snubbing Pakistan and strongly raising the issue of terror. The meet that happened in The Westin Grand Central hotel in New York was attended by all members of SAARC but the meeting that was to happen for two hours concluded in just over one hour with India's external affairs minister making the statement and leaving.

SAARC informal meet on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly saw India snubbing Pakistan and strongly raising the issue of terror. The meet that happened in The Westin Grand Central hotel in New York was attended by all members of SAARC but the meeting that was to happen for two hours concluded in just over one hour with India's external affairs minister making the statement and leaving. Also Read: The attitude of only 'one country' is hampering SAARC, says Pak foreign minister Qureshi Highlighting the number of threats and incidents that endanger South Asia, India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said, terrorism remains the single largest threat to peace and stability in our region. She said it is "necessary that we eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms, without any discrimination and end the ecosystem of its support." But it was Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was at his undiplomatic best. Confirming that there were no talks between India and Pakistan, Qureshi said, "EAM left midway, maybe she wasn't feeling well. I listened to her statement. She talked of regional cooperation. How is regional cooperation possible, when everybody is ready to sit & talk & you're blocking that?" Without taking name he said, "attitude of one country is blocking the progress of SAARC, connectivity&prosperity of this region & defying the spirit of SAARC". Meanwhile, India has slammed Pakistan saying remarks by Pakistani Foreign Minister about EAM leaving SAARC foreign minister's informal meeting were "surprising and unfortunate." New Delhi also dismissed allegations by Pakistani Foreign Min regarding India not being serious about SAARC as "baseless & away from reality." India did extensively talked about various SAARC related projects & expressed its commitment for making SAARC a success as a regional grouping. Interestingly, Afghanistan's foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani had also left from SAARC FMs meet midway. Afghanistan has already highlight Pakistan using terror as a policy. Afghanistan's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah who represented his country at the annual UNGA meet said terror "breeding grounds and sanctuaries" need to be shut but the "response has been sparse." It must be recalled that SAARC summit which was to be held in Islamabad was boycotted by not only India but Afghanistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Many will say what happened at the SAARC meet confirms Pakistan's isolation. All eyes are now on September, 29th when India's external affairs minister and Pakistan's foreign minister will speak at UNGA.

India snubs Pak at SAARC meet in New York as Sushma Swaraj leaves meeting midway

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday reaffirmed India's commitment to the Palestinian cause and said that New Delhi will further develop a partnership to assist in its nation-building and capacity building efforts.

"India's deep and abiding commitment to Palestine is a reference point of our foreign relations. Our long-standing friendship with Palestine is built around three core dimensions-solidarity with Palestinian people; steadfast support to the Palestinian cause, and development of a partnership to assist nation building and capacity building efforts. We are proud that this NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) Ministerial Committee on Palestine was established under India's Presidency during the seventh NAM Summit in New Delhi in 1983," she said in a statement at Ministerial Committee of the NAM on Palestine, on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Palestine and Israel have been fighting over the Gaza Strip for decades. They were later allotted a large part of Palestine, which they considered their ancestorial land but the Arabs who were already residing in and around the neighbouring countries felt that they have fallen into a pit of injustice and didn't accept the new country.

India's support for the Palestinian cause is an integral part of the nation's foreign policy. In 1974, India became the first Non-Arab State to recognize Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.

India was also one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. In 1996, India opened its Representative Office to the State of Palestine in Gaza, which was shifted to Ramallah in 2003.

India has always played an active role in garnering support for the Palestinian cause across various multilateral fora. India co-sponsored the draft resolution on "the right of Palestinians to self-determination" during the 53rd session of the UNGA and voted in favour of it.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
EAM in her statement at NAM Ministerial Committee Meeting on Palestine yesterday: Our continued commitment to the Palestinian cause &amp; earnestness to develop stronger bilateral relations is demonstrated in the successive high level visits. (Image courtesy - MEA spox Raveesh Kumar) <a href="https://t.co/nkYpfr5bWI">pic.twitter.com/nkYpfr5bWI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1045116819378450433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

India also voted in favour of UNGA Resolution in October 2003 against the construction of the separation wall by Israel and supported subsequent resolutions of the UNGA in this regard.

India voted in favour of accepting Palestine as a full member of UNESCO. In 2012 at the UNGA, Palestine became a 'non-member state'&nbsp;and India had co-sponsored this resolution and voted in favour of it.

India supported the Bandung Declaration on Palestine at Asian African Commemorative Conference in April 2015 as well as the supported installation of Palestinian flag at UN premises in September 2015.

Elaborating further about the initiatives undertaken by India to boost bilateral ties with Palestine, Swaraj said, "India is investing in projects of healthcare, educational infrastructure, women empowerment and a printing press, in addition to other capacity building programmes. We have set up various bilateral institutional consultation mechanisms including Foreign Office consultations and a Joint Commission, which pursues these partnership projects. Development partnership projects worth around US$ 70 million are under implementation during the last five years. These include flagship projects like the super-speciality hospital in Beit Sahour and the India-Palestine Technology Park, which was inaugurated last year in Ramallah."

"The number of youth delegates to participate in the youth exchange programme has been doubled this year. We have also substantially enhanced the scholarships made available for Palestinian professionals and students for technical training and higher education from this year," she added.

The External Affairs Minister also lauded the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for making efforts to provide aid to Palestine refugees and added that "India have increased our contribution to UNRWA by a factor of four times from a figure of $1.25 million to now $5 million annually".

In her concluding remarks, Swaraj said that an early resumption of talks between Israel and Palestine can move towards finding out a comprehensive resolution of the issue. "A negotiated two-state solution remains the only viable solution to the issue to bring sustainable peace and lasting security. Restraint and moderation are required on all sides. The stagnation since the collapse of talks four years ago and the deterioration in the security situation continues to cause serious concern," she said.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday reaffirmed India's commitment to the Palestinian cause and said that New Delhi will further develop a partnership to assist in its nation-building and capacity building efforts.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday reaffirmed India's commitment to the Palestinian cause and said that New Delhi will further develop a partnership to assist in its nation-building and capacity building efforts. "India's deep and abiding commitment to Palestine is a reference point of our foreign relations. Our long-standing friendship with Palestine is built around three core dimensions-solidarity with Palestinian people; steadfast support to the Palestinian cause, and development of a partnership to assist nation building and capacity building efforts. We are proud that this NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) Ministerial Committee on Palestine was established under India's Presidency during the seventh NAM Summit in New Delhi in 1983," she said in a statement at Ministerial Committee of the NAM on Palestine, on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Palestine and Israel have been fighting over the Gaza Strip for decades. They were later allotted a large part of Palestine, which they considered their ancestorial land but the Arabs who were already residing in and around the neighbouring countries felt that they have fallen into a pit of injustice and didn't accept the new country. India's support for the Palestinian cause is an integral part of the nation's foreign policy. In 1974, India became the first Non-Arab State to recognize Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. India was also one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. In 1996, India opened its Representative Office to the State of Palestine in Gaza, which was shifted to Ramallah in 2003. India has always played an active role in garnering support for the Palestinian cause across various multilateral fora. India co-sponsored the draft resolution on "the right of Palestinians to self-determination" during the 53rd session of the UNGA and voted in favour of it. EAM in her statement at NAM Ministerial Committee Meeting on Palestine yesterday: Our continued commitment to the Palestinian cause & earnestness to develop stronger bilateral relations is demonstrated in the successive high level visits. (Image courtesy - MEA spox Raveesh Kumar) pic.twitter.com/nkYpfr5bWI — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × India also voted in favour of UNGA Resolution in October 2003 against the construction of the separation wall by Israel and supported subsequent resolutions of the UNGA in this regard. India voted in favour of accepting Palestine as a full member of UNESCO. In 2012 at the UNGA, Palestine became a 'non-member state' and India had co-sponsored this resolution and voted in favour of it. India supported the Bandung Declaration on Palestine at Asian African Commemorative Conference in April 2015 as well as the supported installation of Palestinian flag at UN premises in September 2015. Elaborating further about the initiatives undertaken by India to boost bilateral ties with Palestine, Swaraj said, "India is investing in projects of healthcare, educational infrastructure, women empowerment and a printing press, in addition to other capacity building programmes. We have set up various bilateral institutional consultation mechanisms including Foreign Office consultations and a Joint Commission, which pursues these partnership projects. Development partnership projects worth around US$ 70 million are under implementation during the last five years. These include flagship projects like the super-speciality hospital in Beit Sahour and the India-Palestine Technology Park, which was inaugurated last year in Ramallah." "The number of youth delegates to participate in the youth exchange programme has been doubled this year. We have also substantially enhanced the scholarships made available for Palestinian professionals and students for technical training and higher education from this year," she added. The External Affairs Minister also lauded the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for making efforts to provide aid to Palestine refugees and added that "India have increased our contribution to UNRWA by a factor of four times from a figure of $1.25 million to now $5 million annually". In her concluding remarks, Swaraj said that an early resumption of talks between Israel and Palestine can move towards finding out a comprehensive resolution of the issue. "A negotiated two-state solution remains the only viable solution to the issue to bring sustainable peace and lasting security. Restraint and moderation are required on all sides. The stagnation since the collapse of talks four years ago and the deterioration in the security situation continues to cause serious concern," she said.

India reaffirms commitment to Palestinian cause

Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, on Wednesday shared information on fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's extradition to India, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Kumar stated that a meeting had been arranged at the request of Foreign Minister of Antigua &amp; Barbuda with External Affairs Minister&nbsp;Sushma Swaraj.

"He personally wanted to tell the External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, of the commitment of his Prime Minister, his government regarding the extradition of Mehul Choksi," he noted.&nbsp;

He added that Swaraj had requested the Antiguan Foreign Minister "that quicker the matter is resolved, better it is." The counterpart replied that they're trying their best, "he said there are some legal angles and court procedures which they'll examine but he expressed the commitment of his PM and the government before the EAM," MEA spokesperson said.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
EAM had requested him that quicker the matter is resolved, better it is. Her counterpart replied that they're trying their best, he said there are some legal angles&amp;court procedures which they'll examine but he expressed the commitment of his PM&amp;govt before EAM: Raveesh Kumar,MEA <a href="https://t.co/1MsRRdbPgu">pic.twitter.com/1MsRRdbPgu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1045103654620090370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, the Antiguan Foreign Minister refused to comment when asked by the media if he will "help India in extraditing Mehul Choksi."

EP Chet Greene claimed, "speak to your Foreign Minister," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Absconding jeweller <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-cries-political-conspiracy-says-govt-under-extraordinary-pressure-ahead-of-polls-165180">Mehul Choksi has claimed that</a> the charges of money laundering and corruption against him are a "big political conspiracy" and that there is "extraordinary pressure" on the ruling dispensation to bring back at least one bank defaulter as this has the potential for changing the results of forthcoming elections.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> New York: Foreign Minister of Antigua &amp; Barbuda EP Chet Greene says 'Speak to your Foreign Minister' when asked 'Will you help India in extraditing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MehulChoksi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MehulChoksi</a>?' <a href="https://t.co/TntbYBEDHh">pic.twitter.com/TntbYBEDHh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1045125444679286784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Calling himself a "soft target", Choksi, an accused in the USD 2-billion PNB fraud case, said he has been made a sacrificial lamb for the "fault" of the state-owned bank where, he alleged, the problem was of a "mismatch" in the reporting mechanism to the Reserve Bank.

Choksi, the maternal uncle of designer diamond jeweller and co-accused in the case Nirav Modi, said as the criminal action was launched by the government against Nirav Modi's companies, and his firms too were included.

The businessman, against whom an Interpol notice sought by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is pending, added he had no business relations with Nirav Modi now.

The businessman, who has been charged with "diverting" and money laundering over Rs 3,250 crore of funds, said he was "shocked" when he heard a criminal case was slapped against him in January, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, on Wednesday shared information on fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's extradition to India, news agency ANI reported.

Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, on Wednesday shared information on fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's extradition to India, news agency ANI reported. Kumar stated that a meeting had been arranged at the request of Foreign Minister of Antigua & Barbuda with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. "He personally wanted to tell the External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, of the commitment of his Prime Minister, his government regarding the extradition of Mehul Choksi," he noted. He added that Swaraj had requested the Antiguan Foreign Minister "that quicker the matter is resolved, better it is." The counterpart replied that they're trying their best, "he said there are some legal angles and court procedures which they'll examine but he expressed the commitment of his PM and the government before the EAM," MEA spokesperson said. EAM had requested him that quicker the matter is resolved, better it is. Her counterpart replied that they're trying their best, he said there are some legal angles&court procedures which they'll examine but he expressed the commitment of his PM&govt before EAM: Raveesh Kumar,MEA pic.twitter.com/1MsRRdbPgu — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × Meanwhile, the Antiguan Foreign Minister refused to comment when asked by the media if he will "help India in extraditing Mehul Choksi." EP Chet Greene claimed, "speak to your Foreign Minister," news agency ANI reported. Absconding jeweller Mehul Choksi has claimed that the charges of money laundering and corruption against him are a "big political conspiracy" and that there is "extraordinary pressure" on the ruling dispensation to bring back at least one bank defaulter as this has the potential for changing the results of forthcoming elections. #WATCH New York: Foreign Minister of Antigua & Barbuda EP Chet Greene says 'Speak to your Foreign Minister' when asked 'Will you help India in extraditing #MehulChoksi?' pic.twitter.com/TntbYBEDHh — ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2018 × Calling himself a "soft target", Choksi, an accused in the USD 2-billion PNB fraud case, said he has been made a sacrificial lamb for the "fault" of the state-owned bank where, he alleged, the problem was of a "mismatch" in the reporting mechanism to the Reserve Bank. Choksi, the maternal uncle of designer diamond jeweller and co-accused in the case Nirav Modi, said as the criminal action was launched by the government against Nirav Modi's companies, and his firms too were included. The businessman, against whom an Interpol notice sought by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is pending, added he had no business relations with Nirav Modi now. The businessman, who has been charged with "diverting" and money laundering over Rs 3,250 crore of funds, said he was "shocked" when he heard a criminal case was slapped against him in January, news agency PTI reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Antiguan PM, govt committed to extraditing Choksi: Ministry of External Affairs

Raveesh Kumar, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, on Tuesday, stated that the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held a series of bilateral meetings with her counterparts on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

"The highlight has been a series of bilateral meetings which EAM had with her counterparts. In the first two days, she had a total of 13 bilateral meetings. She also attended a high-level meeting chaired by US President Trump on 'Global call to action on world drug problem'," Kumar told media.&nbsp;

Swaraj met Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini, Liechtenstein Foreign Minister Aurelia Frick, Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo, Foreign Minister of Ecuador Jose Valencia, Foreign Minister of Australia Marise Payne and Foreign Minister of Mongolia Damdin Tsogtbaatar, PTI reported.&nbsp;

During the day, she also briefly met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Gambian President Adama Barrow and Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Highlight has been a series of bilateral meetings which EAM had with her counterparts. In first 2 days, she had a total of 13 bilateral meetings.She also attended the high level meeting chaired by President Trump on 'Global call to action on world drug problem': Raveesh Kumar,MEA <a href="https://t.co/ouScuGvhgr">pic.twitter.com/ouScuGvhgr</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1044730517600522240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Swaraj at the United Nations General Assembly took a strict stand on terrorism stating that "no one should be allowed to support terror or its perpetrators."

She added that "terror and hateful ideologies" are growing across and beyond borders and are impacting lives, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Our world is still beset with conflicts, terror &amp; hateful ideologies that are transcending borders and impacting our lives," Swaraj noted at Nelson Mandela Peace Summit at United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Raveesh Kumar, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, on Tuesday, stated that the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held a series of bilateral meetings with her counterparts on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Raveesh Kumar, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, on Tuesday, stated that the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held a series of bilateral meetings with her counterparts on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. "The highlight has been a series of bilateral meetings which EAM had with her counterparts. In the first two days, she had a total of 13 bilateral meetings. She also attended a high-level meeting chaired by US President Trump on 'Global call to action on world drug problem'," Kumar told media. Swaraj met Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini, Liechtenstein Foreign Minister Aurelia Frick, Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell, Colombian Foreign Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo, Foreign Minister of Ecuador Jose Valencia, Foreign Minister of Australia Marise Payne and Foreign Minister of Mongolia Damdin Tsogtbaatar, PTI reported. During the day, she also briefly met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Gambian President Adama Barrow and Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan. Highlight has been a series of bilateral meetings which EAM had with her counterparts. In first 2 days, she had a total of 13 bilateral meetings.She also attended the high level meeting chaired by President Trump on 'Global call to action on world drug problem': Raveesh Kumar,MEA pic.twitter.com/ouScuGvhgr — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2018 × Swaraj at the United Nations General Assembly took a strict stand on terrorism stating that "no one should be allowed to support terror or its perpetrators." She added that "terror and hateful ideologies" are growing across and beyond borders and are impacting lives, news agency ANI reported. "Our world is still beset with conflicts, terror & hateful ideologies that are transcending borders and impacting our lives," Swaraj noted at Nelson Mandela Peace Summit at United Nations General Assembly. (With inputs from agencies)

External Affairs Minister Swaraj held 13 bilateral meetings at UN: MEA 

Russia's Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev has said his country and India have a special and strategic relationship in the real sense of the word because of the efforts put in by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Speaking on the occasion of Day of Russia celebrations at the embassy on Tuesday evening, Ambassador Kudashev said, "The presence of Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the celebrations to mark this day at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi not only reminded many of the glorious past which both countries so proudly cherish, but it also reflects the rebuilding of the trust, which according to some quarters has been fading."

Ambassador Kudashev thanked Swaraj for her personal valuable contribution in strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation between India and Russia.

Commenting on the friendship that exists between the two countries, Ambassador Kudashev said, "It is heartening to note that one of the first major international initiatives taken by newly born Russia was the signing of the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation with India on January 28, 1993. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the document, as well as the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, which are one of a kind, rich in substance and unique in terms of mutual respect, trust and benefit."

"Russia and India may proudly boast of their durable and multi-pronged ties, defining the true essence of a special and privileged strategic partnership. Annual summits, held alternately in two countries, are key events of the year providing major boosts to further advance of bilateral cooperation," Ambassador Kudashev added.

Recalling the meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Sochi last month, Ambassador Kudashev said, "We have seen recently a new phenomenon - an informal summit - meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Sochi last month, which I had a privilege to attend and witness, the next annual summit is set for this October in India."

"While celebrating the Day of Russia, we can proudly note that it is people-to-people contacts and mutual affinity that really makes the Russian-Indian friendship so strong. It comes as no surprise that it is our common goal to continue fulfilling the inexhaustible potential of Russia-India trade, investment, technological, scientific and cultural interaction as well as strengthening our cooperation multilaterally in the near future and beyond. Friendship and strategic partnership of Russia and India has all the prerequisites to thrive and blossom for the security and prosperity of not only our nations but also the world at large," Ambassador Kudashev added

The Russian Embassy in New Delhi hosted a lavish reception on Tuesday evening to mark the day which saw the entire premises lit up in a colour theme matching with their national colours. The White Hall saw a gathering of hundreds of guests - influential Indian politicians and public figures, businessmen and officials, cultural and scientific celebrities, activists of Russian-Indian friendship societies, journalists and representatives of Russian companies.

The celebration was also attended by diplomats from various countries.

Highlighting the India-Russia friendship, Praveen Pathak, spokesperson, BrahMos Aerospace, said, "India-Russia relations are time-tested. If there was any country which supported India during sanctions was only Russia. We got all the support from Russia. India reciprocated in the same way and stood by Russia in the 90s when Russia was going through a difficult period. Joint ventures like Brahmos, which emerged in 1998 supported Russian defence industries and defence institutions in a big way."

"In fact, the first launch of Brahmos took place on 12th June 2001, on Russia Day. Today Brahmos is a shining example of India-Russia cooperation in the field of defence, which has been recognized by President Putin and PM Modi around the globe," Said Praveen Pathak, spokesperson, BrahMos Aerospace.

Udit Raj, Lok Sabha MP from North West Delhi, said, "Russia is our natural friend. But in later years we were more tilted towards western countries and the U.S. It is our mental block, which needs to be broken. There are tremendous business opportunities in Russia which need to be explored. Now, the time has come to strengthen friendly relations and to promote people's diplomacy between India and Russia to a new high."&nbsp;

Nikolay Kudashev has said his country and India have a special and strategic relationship in the real sense of the word

Russia's Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev has said his country and India have a special and strategic relationship in the real sense of the word because of the efforts put in by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Speaking on the occasion of Day of Russia celebrations at the embassy on Tuesday evening, Ambassador Kudashev said, "The presence of Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the celebrations to mark this day at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi not only reminded many of the glorious past which both countries so proudly cherish, but it also reflects the rebuilding of the trust, which according to some quarters has been fading." Ambassador Kudashev thanked Swaraj for her personal valuable contribution in strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation between India and Russia. Commenting on the friendship that exists between the two countries, Ambassador Kudashev said, "It is heartening to note that one of the first major international initiatives taken by newly born Russia was the signing of the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation with India on January 28, 1993. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the document, as well as the 71st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, which are one of a kind, rich in substance and unique in terms of mutual respect, trust and benefit." "Russia and India may proudly boast of their durable and multi-pronged ties, defining the true essence of a special and privileged strategic partnership. Annual summits, held alternately in two countries, are key events of the year providing major boosts to further advance of bilateral cooperation," Ambassador Kudashev added. Recalling the meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Sochi last month, Ambassador Kudashev said, "We have seen recently a new phenomenon - an informal summit - meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Sochi last month, which I had a privilege to attend and witness, the next annual summit is set for this October in India." "While celebrating the Day of Russia, we can proudly note that it is people-to-people contacts and mutual affinity that really makes the Russian-Indian friendship so strong. It comes as no surprise that it is our common goal to continue fulfilling the inexhaustible potential of Russia-India trade, investment, technological, scientific and cultural interaction as well as strengthening our cooperation multilaterally in the near future and beyond. Friendship and strategic partnership of Russia and India has all the prerequisites to thrive and blossom for the security and prosperity of not only our nations but also the world at large," Ambassador Kudashev added The Russian Embassy in New Delhi hosted a lavish reception on Tuesday evening to mark the day which saw the entire premises lit up in a colour theme matching with their national colours. The White Hall saw a gathering of hundreds of guests - influential Indian politicians and public figures, businessmen and officials, cultural and scientific celebrities, activists of Russian-Indian friendship societies, journalists and representatives of Russian companies. The celebration was also attended by diplomats from various countries. Highlighting the India-Russia friendship, Praveen Pathak, spokesperson, BrahMos Aerospace, said, "India-Russia relations are time-tested. If there was any country which supported India during sanctions was only Russia. We got all the support from Russia. India reciprocated in the same way and stood by Russia in the 90s when Russia was going through a difficult period. Joint ventures like Brahmos, which emerged in 1998 supported Russian defence industries and defence institutions in a big way." "In fact, the first launch of Brahmos took place on 12th June 2001, on Russia Day. Today Brahmos is a shining example of India-Russia cooperation in the field of defence, which has been recognized by President Putin and PM Modi around the globe," Said Praveen Pathak, spokesperson, BrahMos Aerospace. Udit Raj, Lok Sabha MP from North West Delhi, said, "Russia is our natural friend. But in later years we were more tilted towards western countries and the U.S. It is our mental block, which needs to be broken. There are tremendous business opportunities in Russia which need to be explored. Now, the time has come to strengthen friendly relations and to promote people's diplomacy between India and Russia to a new high."

Envoy credits Sushma Swaraj for strengthening Russia-India ties

&nbsp;India&nbsp;and&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;held the 17th round of Foreign Office Consultations in the national capital on&nbsp;Thursday, which saw the discussion on the entire gamut of the bilateral&nbsp;relationship&nbsp;between the two&nbsp;countries.

"During the discussions, the two sides reviewed the complete range of bilateral relations, including high-level visits, security and&nbsp;defence&nbsp;related issues, boundary matters and border management, trade and commerce, development cooperation, connectivity, cultural and&nbsp;consular&nbsp;matters. They also exchanged views on sub-regional, regional and global issues of mutual interest," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The&nbsp;Indian side was led by Foreign Secretary&nbsp;Vijay Gokhale&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;side by Permanent Secretary,&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;Ministry of&nbsp;Foreign Affairs&nbsp;U Myint Thu.

According to the MEA, during his stay in&nbsp;India, the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;Permanent Secretary will also visit places of historical and cultural significance in the capital.

This comes barely a month after External Affairs Minister&nbsp;Sushma Swaraj's two-day visit to&nbsp;Myanmar, during which she met the country's president U Win Myint and State Counsellor&nbsp;Aung San Suu Kyi.

India and Myanmar held the 17th round of Foreign Office Consultations in the national capital on Thursday, which saw the discussion on the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship between the two countries

India and Myanmar held the 17th round of Foreign Office Consultations in the national capital on Thursday, which saw the discussion on the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. "During the discussions, the two sides reviewed the complete range of bilateral relations, including high-level visits, security and defence related issues, boundary matters and border management, trade and commerce, development cooperation, connectivity, cultural and consular matters. They also exchanged views on sub-regional, regional and global issues of mutual interest," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. The Indian side was led by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and the Myanmar side by Permanent Secretary, Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Myint Thu. According to the MEA, during his stay in India, the Myanmar Permanent Secretary will also visit places of historical and cultural significance in the capital. This comes barely a month after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's two-day visit to Myanmar, during which she met the country's president U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

India, Myanmar discuss bilateral ties

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said India is neither imperialist nor expansionist, adding that "India does not need even an inch of land or a drop of water from anyone."

During her visit to the Ramakrishna Center of Phoenix in Durban, Swaraj talked of protectionism as she said that it stands for "I am superiors and everything is for me" which as per her contradicts with the Indian tradition.

She said, "The Indian tradition is all about `we`. We talk in sutra which stands for our work must for good and benefit for all."

Swaraj expressed her gratitude for opening the Ramakrishna Mission center which as per her "will not help to serve the cause of Ramakrishna but also of the entire humanity."

She said that the center would help to realize "that the Indian tradition and civilisation has the ability to solve issues including terrorism."

The root of terrorism is that my faith is superior to yours. Either follow my belief or I will uproot yours as well" Swaraj added.

While quoting a Sanskrit verse "sarve bhavantu sukhine" (May all see happiness), "sarve santu niramahya" (May All be Healthy (Free from Illness)), and Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu ( May All See what is Auspicious), Swaraj said that such a nation could never stand for protectionism.

``Swaraj then highlighted the significance of Ramakrishna in the modern lives.

She reiterated the words of Mahatma Gandhi that, "Nature has an abundance to fulfill your need but not your greed. Only take that much what you need. If you become selfish and start destroying the nature, then nature will destroy you."

On this note, Swaraj gave an example of the natural calamities including hurricanes, cyclones, earthquake which is a form of nature`s attack on humans.

While talking of another virtue associated with Mahatma Gandhi, Swaraj said that "There is only one truth but the people worship it in different forms. Some call it Christ, some Allah, Guru or Ishwar. We believe what is the truth. We believe truth is one and then there is no dispute at all."

Mahatma Gandhi who is called as the Father of Nation due to his contribution towards helping India achieve independence had gained his Law degree from South Africa and had spent a large amount of time there fighting apartheid.&nbsp

During her visit to the Ramakrishna Center of Phoenix in Durban, Swaraj talked of protectionism as she said that it stands for "I am superiors and everything is for me" which as per her contradicts with the Indian tradition.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said India is neither imperialist nor expansionist, adding that "India does not need even an inch of land or a drop of water from anyone." During her visit to the Ramakrishna Center of Phoenix in Durban, Swaraj talked of protectionism as she said that it stands for "I am superiors and everything is for me" which as per her contradicts with the Indian tradition. She said, "The Indian tradition is all about `we`. We talk in sutra which stands for our work must for good and benefit for all." Swaraj expressed her gratitude for opening the Ramakrishna Mission center which as per her "will not help to serve the cause of Ramakrishna but also of the entire humanity." She said that the center would help to realize "that the Indian tradition and civilisation has the ability to solve issues including terrorism." The root of terrorism is that my faith is superior to yours. Either follow my belief or I will uproot yours as well" Swaraj added. While quoting a Sanskrit verse "sarve bhavantu sukhine" (May all see happiness), "sarve santu niramahya" (May All be Healthy (Free from Illness)), and Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu ( May All See what is Auspicious), Swaraj said that such a nation could never stand for protectionism. ``Swaraj then highlighted the significance of Ramakrishna in the modern lives. She reiterated the words of Mahatma Gandhi that, "Nature has an abundance to fulfill your need but not your greed. Only take that much what you need. If you become selfish and start destroying the nature, then nature will destroy you." On this note, Swaraj gave an example of the natural calamities including hurricanes, cyclones, earthquake which is a form of nature`s attack on humans. While talking of another virtue associated with Mahatma Gandhi, Swaraj said that "There is only one truth but the people worship it in different forms. Some call it Christ, some Allah, Guru or Ishwar. We believe what is the truth. We believe truth is one and then there is no dispute at all." Mahatma Gandhi who is called as the Father of Nation due to his contribution towards helping India achieve independence had gained his Law degree from South Africa and had spent a large amount of time there fighting apartheid.

India is neither imperialist nor expansionist, says Sushma Swaraj

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday participated in the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting with South Africa’s Foreign Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and other leaders at Johannesburg.&nbsp

Swaraj stated that the BRICS countries have contributed to global growth in a world drifting towards uncertainty.

BRICS is a grouping of five countries-Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and IBSA is a tripartite grouping of India, Brazil, South Africa.&nbsp

Swaraj, who is on a five-day visit to South Africa, reached Johannesburg on Sunday evening. Swaraj met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and discussed ways of strengthening bilateral ties between India and South Africa here on Sunday.

During the visit, Swaraj is expected to have meetings with the top leadership of South Africa and chair the IBSA Foreign Ministers Meeting, a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on June 2 read.

During her visit, the EAM, on June 6, will visit the Phoenix Settlement, a South African Heritage site, a place where Mahatma Gandhi developed his philosophy of non-violence.

She would also participate in a series of events at Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, on June 6-7 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the "historic incident in the train compartment that became a catalyst for Gandhiji's Satyagraha movement."

Swaraj, who is on a five-day visit to South Africa, reached Johannesburg on Sunday evening

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday participated in the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting with South Africa’s Foreign Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and other leaders at Johannesburg. Swaraj stated that the BRICS countries have contributed to global growth in a world drifting towards uncertainty. BRICS is a grouping of five countries-Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and IBSA is a tripartite grouping of India, Brazil, South Africa. Swaraj, who is on a five-day visit to South Africa, reached Johannesburg on Sunday evening. Swaraj met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and discussed ways of strengthening bilateral ties between India and South Africa here on Sunday. During the visit, Swaraj is expected to have meetings with the top leadership of South Africa and chair the IBSA Foreign Ministers Meeting, a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on June 2 read. During her visit, the EAM, on June 6, will visit the Phoenix Settlement, a South African Heritage site, a place where Mahatma Gandhi developed his philosophy of non-violence. She would also participate in a series of events at Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, on June 6-7 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the "historic incident in the train compartment that became a catalyst for Gandhiji's Satyagraha movement."

BRICS countries have contributed to global growth in a world drifting towards uncertainty: Sushma Swaraj

There was a moment of absolute scare for the Mauritius air traffic control and external minister Sushma Swaraj's aircraft crew after her VVIP aircraft "Meghdoot" flying from Trivandrum to Mauritius, on her way to South Africa, went incommunicado for about 14 minutes on Saturday, reports said. However, authorities insist that it would not comprise a 'mid air scare'.

The plane, Embraer ERJ135 named “Meghdoot”, had taken off from Trivandrum at 4 pm and lost contact at around 4.44 pm.

After the Mauritius authorities could not establish connection with flight IFC-31, it declared ‘INCERFA’ alarm at 4.44 pm which is used at a time when it is not known whether the aircraft and its occupants are safe or not. Mauritius also contacted the Chennai air traffic control, which was the last flight information region to be in touch with ‘Meghdoot’.

After a panic of 12-14 minutes, the pilots of the plane contacted Mauritius ATC at 4.58 pm.

As per reports, an official informed that communication over oceanic area is often problematic due to erratic VHF signals.&nbsp;

The 14-minute long uncertainty phase (INCERFA) is first of the three emergency phases under International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Chicago Convention.&nbsp;

The second is “alert phase” (ALERFA) in which apprehension exists as to the safety of an aircraft and its occupants. The third is “distress phase” (DETRESFA) wherein there is a reasonable certainty that an aircraft and its occupants are threatened by grave and imminent danger and require immediate assistance.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj left on a five-day visit to South Africa on Saturday where she will meet top leadership of the country and attend meetings of BRICS and IBSA — the two major groups where India has been playing a major role.&nbsp;

She will also attend events marking the 125th anniversary of the historic incident where a young Mahatma Gandhi was thrown out of a train compartment in Pietermaritzburg railway station, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Sushma's Embraer ERJ135 took off from Trivandrum at 4 pm Saturday and lost contact with air traffic control at about 4:44 pm. Officials were able to get back in touch with her plane after some 12 to 14 minutes

There was a moment of absolute scare for the Mauritius air traffic control and external minister Sushma Swaraj's aircraft crew after her VVIP aircraft "Meghdoot" flying from Trivandrum to Mauritius, on her way to South Africa, went incommunicado for about 14 minutes on Saturday, reports said. However, authorities insist that it would not comprise a 'mid air scare'. The plane, Embraer ERJ135 named “Meghdoot”, had taken off from Trivandrum at 4 pm and lost contact at around 4.44 pm. After the Mauritius authorities could not establish connection with flight IFC-31, it declared ‘INCERFA’ alarm at 4.44 pm which is used at a time when it is not known whether the aircraft and its occupants are safe or not. Mauritius also contacted the Chennai air traffic control, which was the last flight information region to be in touch with ‘Meghdoot’. After a panic of 12-14 minutes, the pilots of the plane contacted Mauritius ATC at 4.58 pm. As per reports, an official informed that communication over oceanic area is often problematic due to erratic VHF signals. The 14-minute long uncertainty phase (INCERFA) is first of the three emergency phases under International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Chicago Convention. The second is “alert phase” (ALERFA) in which apprehension exists as to the safety of an aircraft and its occupants. The third is “distress phase” (DETRESFA) wherein there is a reasonable certainty that an aircraft and its occupants are threatened by grave and imminent danger and require immediate assistance. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj left on a five-day visit to South Africa on Saturday where she will meet top leadership of the country and attend meetings of BRICS and IBSA — the two major groups where India has been playing a major role. She will also attend events marking the 125th anniversary of the historic incident where a young Mahatma Gandhi was thrown out of a train compartment in Pietermaritzburg railway station, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

En route to Mauritius, Sushma Swaraj's plane went incommunicado for 14 minutes

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whatever-i-have-to-say-i-will-say-in-nagpur-pranab-mukherjee-on-accepting-rss-invite-141926">Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur: Pranab Mukherjee on accepting RSS invite</a>

Former President Pranab Mukherjee has responded to the criticism (and the many suggestions) he has got after accepting an invite to an RSS event.&nbsp;

Mukherjee has been invited to speak to swayamsevaks in Nagpur on June 7 at the concluding function of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Tritiya Varsha Varg or third-year course.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swarajs-aircraft-goes-incommunicado-for-14-mins-en-route-to-mauritius--141934">En route to Mauritius, Sushma Swaraj's plane went incommunicado for 14 minutes</a>

Mauritius air traffic control was given a serious scare Saturday when External Affaris Minister Sushma Swaraj's aircraft, flying in from Trivandrum, went incommunicado for about 14 minutes.&nbsp;

Swaraj's Embraer ERJ135 jet took from Trivandrum at 4 pm and lost contact at around 4.44 pm.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/autopsy-of-bjp-worker-found-hanging-in-bengal-says-suicide-141953">Autopsy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/autopsy-of-bjp-worker-found-hanging-in-bengal-says-suicide-141953"> of BJP worker found hanging in Bengal says suicide</a>

The autopsy conducted on the body of the BJP worker found hanging yesterday in West Bengal's Purulia district has indicated he committed suicide.&nbsp;

Dulal Kumar was found hanging from an electricity tower on Saturday.&nbsp;

His was the second body to be found hanging in quick succession.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-a-year-of-keeping-quiet-kejriwal-renews-attacks-on-modi-141947">After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi</a>&nbsp;

In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in against the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923">Swara </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923">Bhasker</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923"> calls Pakistan 'failing state'. Pak actress calls her 'failing human being'</a>

Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane has responded to Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker calling Pakistan a 'failing state'.&nbsp;

Hocane, in her response, called Bhasker a 'failing human being'.&nbsp;

Bhasker made her comment after her most recent film Veere Di Wedding was banned in Pakistan because of its "vulgar content".&nbsp;

Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur: Pranab Mukherjee on accepting RSS invite Former President Pranab Mukherjee has responded to the criticism (and the many suggestions) he has got after accepting an invite to an RSS event. Mukherjee has been invited to speak to swayamsevaks in Nagpur on June 7 at the concluding function of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Tritiya Varsha Varg or third-year course. En route to Mauritius, Sushma Swaraj's plane went incommunicado for 14 minutes Mauritius air traffic control was given a serious scare Saturday when External Affaris Minister Sushma Swaraj's aircraft, flying in from Trivandrum, went incommunicado for about 14 minutes. Swaraj's Embraer ERJ135 jet took from Trivandrum at 4 pm and lost contact at around 4.44 pm. Autopsy of BJP worker found hanging in Bengal says suicide The autopsy conducted on the body of the BJP worker found hanging yesterday in West Bengal's Purulia district has indicated he committed suicide. Dulal Kumar was found hanging from an electricity tower on Saturday. His was the second body to be found hanging in quick succession. After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in against the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before. Swara Bhasker calls Pakistan 'failing state'. Pak actress calls her 'failing human being' Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane has responded to Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker calling Pakistan a 'failing state'. Hocane, in her response, called Bhasker a 'failing human being'. Bhasker made her comment after her most recent film Veere Di Wedding was banned in Pakistan because of its "vulgar content".

News brief: Big stories of the day

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today apologised for saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed lakhs of "Indians" in Nepal's Janakpur recently.

She posted a tweeted an apology after people on Twitter, including a Parliamentarian from Nepal, pointed out that Modi addressed Nepali people in Janakpur earlier this month and not Indians.&nbsp

"This was a mistake on my part. I sincerely apologise for this," Swaraj tweeted tonight along with a video of her comments about Modi's efforts to reach out to Indian dispora abroad, including in Nepal.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
This was a mistake on my part. I sincerely apologise for this. <a href="https://t.co/S1CpLv8uu0">pic.twitter.com/S1CpLv8uu0</a>
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1001145977087012864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier addressing a press conference on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the NDA government, Swaraj said no prime minister before Modi had tried to reach out to the Indian diaspora at such a large scale.

"Narendra Modi is the first prime minister of the country who has from America's Madison Square to Janakpur (in Nepal) addressed lakhs of Indians and reached out to them," Swaraj had said.

Nepali Congress leader and Parliamentarian Gagan Thapa criticised Swaraj for the comments and wondered whether it was a "casual undermining of Nepal's sovereignty".

"Regrettable that India's External Affairs Minister @SushmaSwaraj described Janakpur's population that @narendramodi greeted as Indians. One wonders what the confusion was, or if this was casual undermining of Nepal's sovereignty," he tweeted.&nbsp 
&nbsp

Nepali Congress leader and Parliamentarian Gagan Thapa had criticised Swaraj for the comments

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today apologised for saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed lakhs of "Indians" in Nepal's Janakpur recently. She posted a tweeted an apology after people on Twitter, including a Parliamentarian from Nepal, pointed out that Modi addressed Nepali people in Janakpur earlier this month and not Indians. "This was a mistake on my part. I sincerely apologise for this," Swaraj tweeted tonight along with a video of her comments about Modi's efforts to reach out to Indian dispora abroad, including in Nepal. This was a mistake on my part. I sincerely apologise for this. pic.twitter.com/S1CpLv8uu0 — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) May 28, 2018 × Earlier addressing a press conference on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the NDA government, Swaraj said no prime minister before Modi had tried to reach out to the Indian diaspora at such a large scale. "Narendra Modi is the first prime minister of the country who has from America's Madison Square to Janakpur (in Nepal) addressed lakhs of Indians and reached out to them," Swaraj had said. Nepali Congress leader and Parliamentarian Gagan Thapa criticised Swaraj for the comments and wondered whether it was a "casual undermining of Nepal's sovereignty". "Regrettable that India's External Affairs Minister @SushmaSwaraj described Janakpur's population that @narendramodi greeted as Indians. One wonders what the confusion was, or if this was casual undermining of Nepal's sovereignty," he tweeted.

Modi's address in Janakpur: Sushma Swaraj apologises for mistake

India is serious about extradition of fugitive business tycoon Vijay Mallya, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said here on Monday and maintained that United Kingdom has been firmly told the stance taken by British courts that they want to visit Indian jails to verify the prison conditions is "unacceptable".

MEA Swaraj in her strong retort reminded the UK that it is the same jail in which they had imprisoned the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and first Prime Minister of Independent India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and other freedom fighters earlier, while the British ruled India.

According to news reports, the British Prime Minister Theresa May raised concerns over the condition of Indian prisons to PM Modi during her meeting earlier. The worry was later conveyed to MEA Sushma, while PM Modi also shared his disappointment about the UK Court's concern said &nbspSushma to the media during her annual press meet

Along with this, the minister also criticised Pakistan about New Delhi's protests over Islamabad's move to take administrative control over the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The region is a part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and is central to the so-called Gilgit-Baltistan order, under which the Pakistani central government seized more authority from the local council in matters related to the affairs of the region. Sushma remarked over the row: "A country that doesn't know democracy can't preach [to] us."

While Vijay Mallya, the fugitive loan defaulter, is wanted in India after he duped crores of rupees of the State Bank of India by borrowing money fraudulently. Reportedly, Mallya has taken shelter in UK and his extradition case hearing is currently on-going in a UK court. Earlier this week, he also lost a lawsuit filed by 13 Indian banks in a UK High Court seeking to collect more than $1.55 billion, which dealt him a significant blow.

The worry was later conveyed to MEA Sushma, while PM Modi also shared his disappointment about the UK Court's concern said Sushma to the media during her annual press meet

India is serious about extradition of fugitive business tycoon Vijay Mallya, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said here on Monday and maintained that United Kingdom has been firmly told the stance taken by British courts that they want to visit Indian jails to verify the prison conditions is "unacceptable". MEA Swaraj in her strong retort reminded the UK that it is the same jail in which they had imprisoned the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and first Prime Minister of Independent India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and other freedom fighters earlier, while the British ruled India. According to news reports, the British Prime Minister Theresa May raised concerns over the condition of Indian prisons to PM Modi during her meeting earlier. The worry was later conveyed to MEA Sushma, while PM Modi also shared his disappointment about the UK Court's concern said &nbspSushma to the media during her annual press meet Along with this, the minister also criticised Pakistan about New Delhi's protests over Islamabad's move to take administrative control over the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The region is a part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and is central to the so-called Gilgit-Baltistan order, under which the Pakistani central government seized more authority from the local council in matters related to the affairs of the region. Sushma remarked over the row: "A country that doesn't know democracy can't preach [to] us." While Vijay Mallya, the fugitive loan defaulter, is wanted in India after he duped crores of rupees of the State Bank of India by borrowing money fraudulently. Reportedly, Mallya has taken shelter in UK and his extradition case hearing is currently on-going in a UK court. Earlier this week, he also lost a lawsuit filed by 13 Indian banks in a UK High Court seeking to collect more than $1.55 billion, which dealt him a significant blow.

Vijay Mallya extradition: Sushma Swaraj slams UK for raising concern over India jail conditions

Amid the US plan to scrap a rule allowing spouses of H-1B visa holders to work legally in the country, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Monday the government would make all efforts to persuade the Trump administration against such a move.

The Trump administration is planning to end the Obama-era rule under which spouses of H1-B visa holders are given work permit or H-4 visa, a move that could affect more than 70,000 such visa holders. A significantly large number of these H-4 visa holders are high-skilled professionals from India.

Addressing her annual press conference in New Delhi, Swaraj, when asked about the US plan, said it was true that President Donald Trump was reviewing the H-4 visa programme and there were reports of its possible revocation.

"This is not just for H-4, I am also talking about H1-B visa as well. We are making a three-pronged effort to save these visas. We are talking to the White House, we are talking to state administration, and we are also talking to Congressmen and Senators," Swaraj said.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/90000-foreigners-rescued-by-india-in-4-years-proof-of-our-humane-foreign-policy-sushma-swaraj-140366">Terror and talks cannot go together — Sushma Swaraj on Pakistan</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2_yOcJZRC-M" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This has yielded results as 130 members of Parliament, both Congressmen and Senators, have written a letter to Trump asking him not to revoke H-4 visas, stating that the American economy will be jolted by it, she said.

"We are trying our best to save H1-B visas, H4 visas. But America is a sovereign country. Ultimately they have to decide. How successful we will be, will be decided in the future. But I assure the country from this platform that we would not spare any effort," she said.

The H-4 visa holders had obtained work permits under a special order issued by the previous Obama administration.

Indian-Americans were a major beneficiary of this provision. More than 100,000 H-4 visa holders have benefited from this rule.

The 2015 rule allowed work permits for spouses who otherwise could not be employed while H-1B visa holders seek permanent resident status -- a process that can take a decade or longer.

&nbsp;

The Trump administration is planning to end the Obama-era rule under which spouses of H1-B visa holders are given work permit or H-4 visa, a move that could affect more than 70,000 such visa holders. A significantly large number of these H-4 visa holders are high-skilled professionals from India

Amid the US plan to scrap a rule allowing spouses of H-1B visa holders to work legally in the country, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Monday the government would make all efforts to persuade the Trump administration against such a move. The Trump administration is planning to end the Obama-era rule under which spouses of H1-B visa holders are given work permit or H-4 visa, a move that could affect more than 70,000 such visa holders. A significantly large number of these H-4 visa holders are high-skilled professionals from India. Addressing her annual press conference in New Delhi, Swaraj, when asked about the US plan, said it was true that President Donald Trump was reviewing the H-4 visa programme and there were reports of its possible revocation. "This is not just for H-4, I am also talking about H1-B visa as well. We are making a three-pronged effort to save these visas. We are talking to the White House, we are talking to state administration, and we are also talking to Congressmen and Senators," Swaraj said. Also read: Terror and talks cannot go together — Sushma Swaraj on Pakistan × This has yielded results as 130 members of Parliament, both Congressmen and Senators, have written a letter to Trump asking him not to revoke H-4 visas, stating that the American economy will be jolted by it, she said. "We are trying our best to save H1-B visas, H4 visas. But America is a sovereign country. Ultimately they have to decide. How successful we will be, will be decided in the future. But I assure the country from this platform that we would not spare any effort," she said. The H-4 visa holders had obtained work permits under a special order issued by the previous Obama administration. Indian-Americans were a major beneficiary of this provision. More than 100,000 H-4 visa holders have benefited from this rule. The 2015 rule allowed work permits for spouses who otherwise could not be employed while H-1B visa holders seek permanent resident status -- a process that can take a decade or longer.

Would spare no effort to persuade US: Swaraj on plans to end work permits for H-1B spouses

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/90000-foreigners-rescued-by-india-in-4-years-proof-of-our-humane-foreign-policy-sushma-swaraj-140366">When people are dying on the border, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/90000-foreigners-rescued-by-india-in-4-years-proof-of-our-humane-foreign-policy-sushma-swaraj-140366">dialogue</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/90000-foreigners-rescued-by-india-in-4-years-proof-of-our-humane-foreign-policy-sushma-swaraj-140366"> is not appropriate: Sushma Swaraj on Pakistan</a>

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addressed an annual press conference on Monday in which she highlighted the achievements made by the Modi government over the past 4 years.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/this-retired-english-teacher-made-corrections-to-a-letter-sent-by-trump-and-mailed-it-back--140397">This retired English teacher made corrections to a letter sent by Trump and mailed it back</a>

A retired English teacher from the United States did not give any consideration to the fact that the letter she had received, had come from the White House and after being astounded by the grammatical mistakes made the rightful changes and sent it back.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-abortion-law-may-be-termed-as-the-savitas-law-140367">Ireland abortion law may be termed as 'Savita's law'</a>

After Ireland welcomed the abortion vote, campaigners have said that they will be in full support if the new law will be named after the woman who died after miscarriage - Savita Halappanavar.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-foreign-minister-urges-on-strengthening-relations-with-india-140375">Iran Foreign Minister urges on strengthening relations with India</a>

Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Mohammad Javad Zarif, who arrived here on Monday on a one-day visit, stressed upon the idea of strengthening relations shared by the two countries.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-military-says-ex-spy-chief-will-not-be-allowed-to-leave-country-140413">Pakistan military says ex-spy chief will not be allowed to leave </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-military-says-ex-spy-chief-will-not-be-allowed-to-leave-country-140413">country</a>

Pakistan's military Monday took the unprecedented step of preventing a former spy chief from leaving the country, after he ignited a storm by co-authoring a book that touches on Pakistan's alleged roles in Afghanistan and Kashmir.

When people are dying on the border, dialogue is not appropriate: Sushma Swaraj on Pakistan External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addressed an annual press conference on Monday in which she highlighted the achievements made by the Modi government over the past 4 years. This retired English teacher made corrections to a letter sent by Trump and mailed it back A retired English teacher from the United States did not give any consideration to the fact that the letter she had received, had come from the White House and after being astounded by the grammatical mistakes made the rightful changes and sent it back. Ireland abortion law may be termed as 'Savita's law' After Ireland welcomed the abortion vote, campaigners have said that they will be in full support if the new law will be named after the woman who died after miscarriage - Savita Halappanavar. Iran Foreign Minister urges on strengthening relations with India Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Mohammad Javad Zarif, who arrived here on Monday on a one-day visit, stressed upon the idea of strengthening relations shared by the two countries. Pakistan military says ex-spy chief will not be allowed to leave country Pakistan's military Monday took the unprecedented step of preventing a former spy chief from leaving the country, after he ignited a storm by co-authoring a book that touches on Pakistan's alleged roles in Afghanistan and Kashmir.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addressed an annual press conference on Monday in which she highlighted the achievements made by the Modi government over the past 4 years.&nbsp;

She also touched upon India's foreign policy with the neighbouring nations and countries of rest of the world.

"We started a campaign to cover all 192 countries in the world. India is engaging with every single country in the world. Our aim is “Pratham Baar” or “First Time” to take India’s friendly relations with all countries of the world," said external affairs minister on completion of 4 years of NDA government.

"90,000 people from Indian community have been rescued from various places. In his visits to many countries, PM has saved many people from severe punishments. Today, Indians living overseas are living peacefully," said Sushma Swaraj.

On talks with Pakistan and&nbsp;Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018

We never said we are not ready for talks, But there's a caveat — terror and talks cannot go together. This has always been our position. When people are dying on the border, dialogue is not appropriate.

The answer we got in the response to what happened with Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018, was laughable. They tried to teach us history. Pakistan always distorts history & doesn't believe in the law. Only thing I felt while reading their answer was, 'look who's talking'.

US sanctions against Iran

Asked about India's position on the new US sanctions against Iran, Swaraj said, "We only recognise UN sanctions, not country-specific sanctions, We are not coerced into our foreign policy decisions,".

Sushma Swaraj on the H1-B visa concerns

We are trying our best by talking to the White House, talking to the administration and to the Senators and Congressmen.Ultimately its America's decision.they are a sovereign country. But we are trying our best.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations.

Foreign visits by PM and other ministers

I was surprised to hear that there were so many countries that our leaders didn't go to. When we formed our govt, we thought that we will cover all the 192 countries present at the UN, for ministerial-level talks. And, we have covered 186 countries already.

On the use of social media

"Used social media as a tool to help our citizens across the world. We have used Twitter in a progressive manner. All Indians are connected to us. We are just a click away," she added.

"The only export control regime that India is yet to become a member of is the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group)," said Sushma Swaraj.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addressed an annual press conference on Monday in which she highlighted the achievements made by the Modi government over the past 4 years. She also touched upon India's foreign policy with the neighbouring nations and countries of rest of the world. "We started a campaign to cover all 192 countries in the world. India is engaging with every single country in the world. Our aim is “Pratham Baar” or “First Time” to take India’s friendly relations with all countries of the world," said external affairs minister on completion of 4 years of NDA government. "90,000 people from Indian community have been rescued from various places. In his visits to many countries, PM has saved many people from severe punishments. Today, Indians living overseas are living peacefully," said Sushma Swaraj. On talks with Pakistan and Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018 We never said we are not ready for talks, But there's a caveat — terror and talks cannot go together. This has always been our position. When people are dying on the border, dialogue is not appropriate. The answer we got in the response to what happened with Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018, was laughable. They tried to teach us history. Pakistan always distorts history & doesn't believe in the law. Only thing I felt while reading their answer was, 'look who's talking'. US sanctions against Iran Asked about India's position on the new US sanctions against Iran, Swaraj said, "We only recognise UN sanctions, not country-specific sanctions, We are not coerced into our foreign policy decisions,". Sushma Swaraj on the H1-B visa concerns We are trying our best by talking to the White House, talking to the administration and to the Senators and Congressmen.Ultimately its America's decision.they are a sovereign country. But we are trying our best. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations. Foreign visits by PM and other ministers I was surprised to hear that there were so many countries that our leaders didn't go to. When we formed our govt, we thought that we will cover all the 192 countries present at the UN, for ministerial-level talks. And, we have covered 186 countries already. On the use of social media "Used social media as a tool to help our citizens across the world. We have used Twitter in a progressive manner. All Indians are connected to us. We are just a click away," she added.

When people are dying on the border, dialogue is not appropriate: Sushma Swaraj on Pakistan

India needs to be central to what the Trump administration does in South and Central Asia, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the lawmakers on Thursday, asserting that India "ought to be" one of America's closest partners.

"For scores of reasons, India needs to be central to what we do. Specific issues -- South Central Asia issues, Southeast Asia issues. They ought to be one of our closest partners and we ought to do everything we can to make sure that we achieve that," he told the members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. 
 
Pompeo was responding to questions from Senator Chris Coons from Delaware about how to further strengthen the US-India relationship.

"Mr Secretary, if you would like to say anything about how we can work with this most populous democracy, a potential strategic partner to strengthen that relationship, I'll make that my last question," Coons asked.

He said sustaining a strategic dialogue with India was something that "would enjoy strong support here".

Pompeo responded that, "Defense Secretary (James) Mattis and I will jointly meet with our Indian counterparts in a dialogue that the two countries have had. I don't know that the date's been set but we're looking to do it. I think it's set this summer, very important."

Pompeo and Mattis are expected to host their Indian counterparts -- External affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman -- sometime this summer for the inaugural 2+2 dialogue.

The decision about this was taken when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hosted by President Donald Trump at the White House on June 26 last year.

The US-India relationship enjoys bipartisan support in the US Congress.

Early this week, a top US State Department official said the Trump administration supports India's emergence as a leading global power and as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

"The US-India partnership is rooted in shared democratic values and a commitment to a rules-based order. We support India's emergence as a leading global power and as a key partner in our efforts to ensure that the Indo-

Pacific is a region of peace, stability and growing prosperity," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert had said.&nbsp;

Pompeo was responding to questions from Senator Chris Coons from Delaware about how to further strengthen the US-India relationship

India needs to be central to what the Trump administration does in South and Central Asia, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the lawmakers on Thursday, asserting that India "ought to be" one of America's closest partners. "For scores of reasons, India needs to be central to what we do. Specific issues -- South Central Asia issues, Southeast Asia issues. They ought to be one of our closest partners and we ought to do everything we can to make sure that we achieve that," he told the members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Pompeo was responding to questions from Senator Chris Coons from Delaware about how to further strengthen the US-India relationship. "Mr Secretary, if you would like to say anything about how we can work with this most populous democracy, a potential strategic partner to strengthen that relationship, I'll make that my last question," Coons asked. He said sustaining a strategic dialogue with India was something that "would enjoy strong support here". Pompeo responded that, "Defense Secretary (James) Mattis and I will jointly meet with our Indian counterparts in a dialogue that the two countries have had. I don't know that the date's been set but we're looking to do it. I think it's set this summer, very important." Pompeo and Mattis are expected to host their Indian counterparts -- External affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman -- sometime this summer for the inaugural 2+2 dialogue. The decision about this was taken when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hosted by President Donald Trump at the White House on June 26 last year. The US-India relationship enjoys bipartisan support in the US Congress. Early this week, a top US State Department official said the Trump administration supports India's emergence as a leading global power and as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region. "The US-India partnership is rooted in shared democratic values and a commitment to a rules-based order. We support India's emergence as a leading global power and as a key partner in our efforts to ensure that the Indo- Pacific is a region of peace, stability and growing prosperity," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert had said.

India ought to be one of America's closest partners, says US Secretary of State

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday warned that the world was reeling under a storm of protectionism and said India did not agree with US President Donald Trump's "Me First" approach on the issue.

India, she stressed, believed in the concept of "We, Us and Ourselves".

"I was sad when President Trump, in the UN General Assembly, said his slogan was Me First," the external affairs minister said.

She was referring to Trump's speech at the United Nations in September last year when he had said, "As President of the United States, I will always put America first, just like you, as the leaders of your countries will always, and should always, put your countries first."

"There is a storm of protectionism at the global level which is centred around the concept of Me and Myself but India believes in the concept of We, Us and Ourselves. If everyone views the other as equal then there is no place for protectionism in it," she said.

Swaraj was delivering the first Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Memorial International lecture on 'Soft Power Diplomacy: Strength of India', organised by the ICCR.

After Trump's speech, Swaraj said she had a meeting with ministers of Latin American and Caribbean States.

"A foreign minister of a small country spoke about President Trump's speech of Me First. She said if everyone says (and follows the policy) of Me First then how will my country sustain."

Swaraj said she pointed out that India had a different approach.

"I said India does not have the tradition of (following the policy of) Me First. I said my speech will have (the concept of) Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah," she said, quoting a sloka from the Vedas that translates into "May everyone be happy".

"When everyone is happy then everyone will have the provision of food and security," she said.

The minister said India believed in the policy of assisting other countries, especially those who required a helping hand.

"If we don't do this then developed countries will continue to grow and under-developed countries will remain under-developed. So how will economic disparity reduce," she asked.

Swaraj said Indian culture, yoga, classical dance, movies, cuisine and Information Technology were a "treasure of soft power".&nbsp

Narrating anecdotes about the craze for Indian films abroad, the external affairs minister said the passion was not restricted to Hindi cinema but extended to regional language films such as 'Bahubali'.&nbsp

"Chinese President Xi Jinping wanted 'Dangal' to be screened at the BRICS Summit at Xiamen. The Indian ambassador in Mongolia wanted the movie dubbed in Mongolian as wrestling is the national sport of that country. When I met Prime Minister Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh of Mongolia , he said he wanted to be an actor in Bollywood. To this, I quipped we need handsome leaders in politics too," she said.

Swaraj said during bilateral meetings, foreign delegations proposed that the Bollywood industry shoot in their countries as it boosted tourism.

She also shared an anecdote on how leaders in the recently held India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit came up with a demand for a song from the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' and for 'Bol Radha Bol Sangam' from the 1964 Raj Kapoor-starrer 'Sangam'.&nbsp

India, she stressed, believed in the concept of "We, Us and Ourselves".

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday warned that the world was reeling under a storm of protectionism and said India did not agree with US President Donald Trump's "Me First" approach on the issue. India, she stressed, believed in the concept of "We, Us and Ourselves". "I was sad when President Trump, in the UN General Assembly, said his slogan was Me First," the external affairs minister said. She was referring to Trump's speech at the United Nations in September last year when he had said, "As President of the United States, I will always put America first, just like you, as the leaders of your countries will always, and should always, put your countries first." "There is a storm of protectionism at the global level which is centred around the concept of Me and Myself but India believes in the concept of We, Us and Ourselves. If everyone views the other as equal then there is no place for protectionism in it," she said. Swaraj was delivering the first Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Memorial International lecture on 'Soft Power Diplomacy: Strength of India', organised by the ICCR. After Trump's speech, Swaraj said she had a meeting with ministers of Latin American and Caribbean States. "A foreign minister of a small country spoke about President Trump's speech of Me First. She said if everyone says (and follows the policy) of Me First then how will my country sustain." Swaraj said she pointed out that India had a different approach. "I said India does not have the tradition of (following the policy of) Me First. I said my speech will have (the concept of) Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah," she said, quoting a sloka from the Vedas that translates into "May everyone be happy". "When everyone is happy then everyone will have the provision of food and security," she said. The minister said India believed in the policy of assisting other countries, especially those who required a helping hand. "If we don't do this then developed countries will continue to grow and under-developed countries will remain under-developed. So how will economic disparity reduce," she asked. Swaraj said Indian culture, yoga, classical dance, movies, cuisine and Information Technology were a "treasure of soft power". Narrating anecdotes about the craze for Indian films abroad, the external affairs minister said the passion was not restricted to Hindi cinema but extended to regional language films such as 'Bahubali'. "Chinese President Xi Jinping wanted 'Dangal' to be screened at the BRICS Summit at Xiamen. The Indian ambassador in Mongolia wanted the movie dubbed in Mongolian as wrestling is the national sport of that country. When I met Prime Minister Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh of Mongolia , he said he wanted to be an actor in Bollywood. To this, I quipped we need handsome leaders in politics too," she said. Swaraj said during bilateral meetings, foreign delegations proposed that the Bollywood industry shoot in their countries as it boosted tourism. She also shared an anecdote on how leaders in the recently held India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit came up with a demand for a song from the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' and for 'Bol Radha Bol Sangam' from the 1964 Raj Kapoor-starrer 'Sangam'.

India does not believe in 'Me First' approach: Sushma Swaraj

Union Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj today met Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. Swaraj arrived in Myanmar yesterday on a two-day visit where she aims to discuss key bilateral and regional issues, including the Rohingya refugee crisis.

Shortly after reaching Myanmar yesterday, Sushma Swaraj called on Myanmar President U Win Myint.&nbsp;

"Neighbourhood First! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met the State Counsellor and Foreign Minister of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi on the 2nd day of her visit to Myanmar. Discussion focused on strengthening our bilateral relations across different sectors," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Neighbourhood First! EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> met the State Counsellor and Foreign Minister of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi on the 2nd day of her visit to Myanmar. Discussion focused on strengthening our bilateral relations across different sectors. <a href="https://t.co/p2u9ho2lla">pic.twitter.com/p2u9ho2lla</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/994850338585890816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to reports, Swaraj also met General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar armed forces.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

According to reports, Swaraj also met General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar armed forces

Union Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj today met Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. Swaraj arrived in Myanmar yesterday on a two-day visit where she aims to discuss key bilateral and regional issues, including the Rohingya refugee crisis. Shortly after reaching Myanmar yesterday, Sushma Swaraj called on Myanmar President U Win Myint. "Neighbourhood First! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met the State Counsellor and Foreign Minister of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi on the 2nd day of her visit to Myanmar. Discussion focused on strengthening our bilateral relations across different sectors," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Neighbourhood First! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met the State Counsellor and Foreign Minister of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi on the 2nd day of her visit to Myanmar. Discussion focused on strengthening our bilateral relations across different sectors. pic.twitter.com/p2u9ho2lla — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) May 11, 2018 × According to reports, Swaraj also met General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar armed forces. (With inputs from PTI)

Sushma Swaraj meets Myanmar State Counsellor Suu Kyi, discusses Rohingya crisis, bilateral ties

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is on a two-day visit to Myanmar where she will&nbsp;hold discussions on key bilateral and regional issues.

on reaching Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw Thursday, Sushma was received by Ambassador of India and Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Later, she also held a meeting with the President of Myanmar,&nbsp;U Win Myint.

The&nbsp;External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted saying, "EAM will hold discussions with Myanmar leadership to further reinforce our bilateral ties".

Swaraj may discuss the situation of the Rakhine state and the displacement of over thousands of Rohingya Muslims from there since August.

Myanmar has a strategic role to play in India's neighbourhood as it shares its border with many northeastern states including Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland.&nbsp;

In December last year, India has announced an aid of $ 25 million for the Rakhine state.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
On her arrival in Nay Pyi Taw, EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> was warmly received by Ambassador <a href="https://twitter.com/VikramMisri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VikramMisri</a> and Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar U Myint Thu. <a href="https://t.co/QLiv72TT1u">pic.twitter.com/QLiv72TT1u</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/994515322664374272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Neighbourhood first! EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> emplanes for Nay Pyi Taw on a bilateral visit to Myanmar on 10-11 May. EAM will hold discussions with Myanmar leadership to further reinforce our bilateral ties. <a href="https://t.co/BArvYrT2PD">pic.twitter.com/BArvYrT2PD</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/994475335621267456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Swaraj may discuss the situation of the Rakhine state and the displacement of over thousands of Rohingya Muslims from there since August

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is on a two-day visit to Myanmar where she will hold discussions on key bilateral and regional issues. on reaching Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw Thursday, Sushma was received by Ambassador of India and Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Later, she also held a meeting with the President of Myanmar, U Win Myint. The External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted saying, "EAM will hold discussions with Myanmar leadership to further reinforce our bilateral ties". Swaraj may discuss the situation of the Rakhine state and the displacement of over thousands of Rohingya Muslims from there since August. Myanmar has a strategic role to play in India's neighbourhood as it shares its border with many northeastern states including Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland. In December last year, India has announced an aid of $ 25 million for the Rakhine state. On her arrival in Nay Pyi Taw, EAM @SushmaSwaraj was warmly received by Ambassador @VikramMisri and Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar U Myint Thu. pic.twitter.com/QLiv72TT1u — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) May 10, 2018 × Neighbourhood first! EAM @SushmaSwaraj emplanes for Nay Pyi Taw on a bilateral visit to Myanmar on 10-11 May. EAM will hold discussions with Myanmar leadership to further reinforce our bilateral ties. pic.twitter.com/BArvYrT2PD — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) May 10, 2018 ×

Sushma Swaraj may discuss Rohingya issue on two-day visit to Myanmar

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj today came to the rescue of a Kashmiri student residing in the Phillipines but not before pointing out to him that his profile incorrectly stated that he was from "Indian occupied Kashmir".

The student, identifying himself as Sheikh Ateek, had tweeted Sushma Swaraj for help with his passport.

“I m from j&k doing medicine course here in Philippines my passport got damaged i applied for new one 1 month ago i request u plz help me get it as i literally need to go home for medical check up (sic),” he said in a tweet tagging Sushma Swaraj.

"If you are from J&K state, we will definitely help you. But your profile says you are from 'Indian occupied Kashmir'. There is no place like that," Sushma Swaraj wrote.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
If you are from J&K state, we will definitely help you. But your profile says you are from 'Indian occupied Kashmir'. There is no place like that. <a href="https://twitter.com/indembmanila?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indembmanila</a> <a href="https://t.co/Srzo7tfMSx">https://t.co/Srzo7tfMSx</a>
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/994412616394031104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The student, identifying himself as Sheikh Ateek had written Indian-occupied Kashmir on his Twitter profile.

He corrected the description when the external affairs minister pointed it out.

Sushma Swaraj replied that she was "happy" that he had corrected the profile and asked the concerned official to help him.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
1. <a href="https://twitter.com/SAteEQ019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SAteEQ019</a> - I am happy you have corrected the profile. 
 
2. Jaideep - He is an Indian national from J&K. Pls help him. <a href="https://twitter.com/indembmanila?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indembmanila</a> <a href="https://t.co/rArqxIQoN3">https://t.co/rArqxIQoN3</a>
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/994416288368742401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The external affairs minister is known for her prompt response on Twitter to people in distress.

The student, identifying himself as Sheikh Ateek, had tweeted Sushma Swaraj for help with his passport

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj today came to the rescue of a Kashmiri student residing in the Phillipines but not before pointing out to him that his profile incorrectly stated that he was from "Indian occupied Kashmir". The student, identifying himself as Sheikh Ateek, had tweeted Sushma Swaraj for help with his passport. “I m from j&k doing medicine course here in Philippines my passport got damaged i applied for new one 1 month ago i request u plz help me get it as i literally need to go home for medical check up (sic),” he said in a tweet tagging Sushma Swaraj. "If you are from J&K state, we will definitely help you. But your profile says you are from 'Indian occupied Kashmir'. There is no place like that," Sushma Swaraj wrote. If you are from J&K state, we will definitely help you. But your profile says you are from 'Indian occupied Kashmir'. There is no place like that. @indembmanila https://t.co/Srzo7tfMSx — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) May 10, 2018 × The student, identifying himself as Sheikh Ateek had written Indian-occupied Kashmir on his Twitter profile. He corrected the description when the external affairs minister pointed it out. Sushma Swaraj replied that she was "happy" that he had corrected the profile and asked the concerned official to help him. 1. @SAteEQ019 - I am happy you have corrected the profile. 2. Jaideep - He is an Indian national from J&K. Pls help him. @indembmanila https://t.co/rArqxIQoN3 — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) May 10, 2018 × The external affairs minister is known for her prompt response on Twitter to people in distress.

Will help you but no such place as Indian-occupied Kashmir: Sushma Swaraj to student

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has sought the assistance of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-parliament-a-highway-dams-what-india-is-building-in-the-country-135177">Afghanistan government</a> for liberating the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/taliban-suspected-in-abduction-of-indian-engineers-sources-to-wion-135052">seven engineers who were abducted by the Taliban militants</a> on Sunday.

Swaraj made a telephonic call to her Afghan counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani and requested him to provide all possible help in freeing the seven engineers abducted from the restive northern Baghlan province.

The Afghan Foreign Minister in return has assured Swaraj that his government would make all possible efforts for tracing the Indian engineers.

"Rabbani, in the conversation, assured the Indian External Affairs Minister that the Afghan security forces would not spare any efforts in rescuing and ensuring the security and safety of the engineers," the Afghan Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The Indian engineers abducted were employed in KEC International, an RPG group company and were working on a project for the construction of a power sub-station in the country.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Swaraj made a telephonic call to her Afghan counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani and requested him to provide all possible help in freeing the seven engineers abducted from the restive northern Baghlan province

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has sought the assistance of Afghanistan government for liberating the seven engineers who were abducted by the Taliban militants on Sunday. Swaraj made a telephonic call to her Afghan counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani and requested him to provide all possible help in freeing the seven engineers abducted from the restive northern Baghlan province. The Afghan Foreign Minister in return has assured Swaraj that his government would make all possible efforts for tracing the Indian engineers. "Rabbani, in the conversation, assured the Indian External Affairs Minister that the Afghan security forces would not spare any efforts in rescuing and ensuring the security and safety of the engineers," the Afghan Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The Indian engineers abducted were employed in KEC International, an RPG group company and were working on a project for the construction of a power sub-station in the country. (With inputs from PTI)

Sushma Swaraj seeks help from Afghan counterpart for liberating abducted Indians

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will now be celebrated every alternate year and a series of sessions will be held before the event to increase the understanding and bring in an alignment in the interests of the Indians living within and outside the country.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced this on Saturday at a discussion held in connection with the now biennial event, which was annual till now.

There will be some theme-based sessions conducted in which the Ministry of External Affairs will invite about 12 people including both the nationals and the non-resident Indians. An elaborate discussion will be conducted with them, said Sushma Swaraj, who was accompanied by Ministers of State for External Affairs MJ&nbspAkbar and VK&nbspSingh.

Further, some of the themes for the upcoming sessions are being decided to be around 'role of diaspora in capacity-building and artificial intelligence' and 'how diaspora gives back to India and their role with respect to the challenges in India'.

Ms Swaraj also said they would try to understand their experience during their stay here, quality of life abroad and reasons behind their decision to move outside India.

Until now, 10 sessions have been conducted in a build-up to next year's programme, which will be held in Varanasi in January.

At the panel discussion 'Indian Community Organisations Working for Indian Nationals in Distressed Situation', Swaraj also highlighted her efforts to ensure relief to Indians who are living in distress in any corner of the world.

"To help those Indians who are stuck at various corners of the world has become my life's aim," she said.

She also recalled the 'Raahat Operation', wherein 5000 people, including over 1,000 foreigners were evacuated from Yemen in 2015.

Recalling the genesis of the programme for the NRIs, she said under the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Bhartiya Janata Party in 2003 had thought to dedicate one day in a year to the Indians residing abroad.

Swaraj said Mahatma Gandhi was the most famous NRI of India. Thus, the day he returned to the country is regarded as the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas which is January 9, the minister said.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will now be celebrated every alternate year and a series of sessions will be held before the event to increase the understanding and bring in an alignment in the interests of the Indians living within and outside the country. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced this on Saturday at a discussion held in connection with the now biennial event, which was annual till now. There will be some theme-based sessions conducted in which the Ministry of External Affairs will invite about 12 people including both the nationals and the non-resident Indians. An elaborate discussion will be conducted with them, said Sushma Swaraj, who was accompanied by Ministers of State for External Affairs MJ&nbspAkbar and VK&nbspSingh. Further, some of the themes for the upcoming sessions are being decided to be around 'role of diaspora in capacity-building and artificial intelligence' and 'how diaspora gives back to India and their role with respect to the challenges in India'. Ms Swaraj also said they would try to understand their experience during their stay here, quality of life abroad and reasons behind their decision to move outside India. Until now, 10 sessions have been conducted in a build-up to next year's programme, which will be held in Varanasi in January. At the panel discussion 'Indian Community Organisations Working for Indian Nationals in Distressed Situation', Swaraj also highlighted her efforts to ensure relief to Indians who are living in distress in any corner of the world. "To help those Indians who are stuck at various corners of the world has become my life's aim," she said. She also recalled the 'Raahat Operation', wherein 5000 people, including over 1,000 foreigners were evacuated from Yemen in 2015. Recalling the genesis of the programme for the NRIs, she said under the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Bhartiya Janata Party in 2003 had thought to dedicate one day in a year to the Indians residing abroad. Swaraj said Mahatma Gandhi was the most famous NRI of India. Thus, the day he returned to the country is regarded as the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas which is January 9, the minister said.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be celebrated every alternate year: Sushma Swaraj

sushma-swaraj

Sushma Swaraj, News on Sushma Swaraj, stories on Sushma Swaraj, articles on Sushma Swaraj, Sushma Swaraj stories at Wion, Sushma Swaraj news, Sushma Swaraj latest news

sushma swaraj

Sushma Swaraj likely to focus on terrorism, climate change at UNGA

Solution to Korean issue must address India's concern: Sushma Swaraj

India snubs Pak at SAARC meet in New York as Sushma Swaraj leaves meeting midway

India reaffirms commitment to Palestinian cause

Antiguan PM, govt committed to extraditing Choksi: Ministry of External Affairs

External Affairs Minister Swaraj held 13 bilateral meetings at UN: MEA

Envoy credits Sushma Swaraj for strengthening Russia-India ties

India, Myanmar discuss bilateral ties

India is neither imperialist nor expansionist, says Sushma Swaraj

BRICS countries have contributed to global growth in a world drifting towards uncertainty: Sushma Swaraj

En route to Mauritius, Sushma Swaraj's plane went incommunicado for 14 minutes

News brief: Big stories of the day

Modi's address in Janakpur: Sushma Swaraj apologises for mistake

Vijay Mallya extradition: Sushma Swaraj slams UK for raising concern over India jail conditions

Would spare no effort to persuade US: Swaraj on plans to end work permits for H-1B spouses

News brief: Big stories of the day

When people are dying on the border, dialogue is not appropriate: Sushma Swaraj on Pakistan

India ought to be one of America's closest partners, says US Secretary of State

India does not believe in 'Me First' approach: Sushma Swaraj

Sushma Swaraj meets Myanmar State Counsellor Suu Kyi, discusses Rohingya crisis, bilateral ties

Sushma Swaraj may discuss Rohingya issue on two-day visit to Myanmar

Will help you but no such place as Indian-occupied Kashmir: Sushma Swaraj to student

Sushma Swaraj seeks help from Afghan counterpart for liberating abducted Indians

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be celebrated every alternate year: Sushma Swaraj