Government forces plan a counteroffensive in Afghanistan's northern provinces after losing ground to the Taliban. The Taliban now control roughly a third of all 421 districts and district centers in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan army plan counteroffensive against Taliban in northern provinces

Afghanistan remains on tenterhooks as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/putin-dials-tajikistan-president-amid-talibans-rapid-advance-in-afghanistan-396250">Taliban </a>makes rapid gains in the country&nbsp;in a situation&nbsp;reminiscent of the 1990s.&nbsp;

Amid the turmoil, the Indian embassy in Kabul has said that Indian consulates in the southern city of Kandahar and northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif are "open" and "functioning".&nbsp;

The Indian mission in a tweet also pointed out, "We do however&nbsp;continue to closely monitor the evolving security situation particularly around Kandahar &amp; Mazar cities."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Media reports on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> closing its Embassy &amp; Consulates in 🇦🇫are incorrect. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbKabul?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianEmbKabul</a>, Consulates in Kandahar &amp; Mazar are open, functioning. We DO HOWEVER continue to closely monitor the evolving security situation particularly around Kandahar &amp; Mazar cities. <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a>
— India in Afghanistan (@IndianEmbKabul) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbKabul/status/1412361259006283780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Taliban is making rapid advances in the country as the last of the American troops withdraw after over two&nbsp;decades.&nbsp;Over 1,000 Afghan soldiers have crossed over to Tajikistan as the Taliban made gains in northern Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Afghan envoy to Delhi,&nbsp;Farid Mamundzay had a meeting with India's foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla and&nbsp;briefed him on the security situation in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

During the meeting, Joint Secretary in the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran(PAI) division of the ministry of external affairs JP Singh was also present.

"FS assured our Afghan friends of India's long term commitment towards peace and prosperity in Afghanistan",&nbsp;MEA spokesperson tweeted.

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Foreign Secretary <a href="https://twitter.com/harshvshringla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@harshvshringla</a> was pleased to welcome Ambassador <a href="https://twitter.com/FMamundzay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FMamundzay</a> of Afghanistan. Ambassador briefed FS on the security situation in Afghanistan. FS assured our Afghan friends of India's long term commitment towards peace and prosperity in Afghanistan. <a href="https://t.co/DqsBbwrTnF">pic.twitter.com/DqsBbwrTnF</a>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1412381850476052483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India has been involved in a number of infrastructure projects in the country which include the Afghan parliament in Kabul and the India-Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat. India being the largest regional donor&nbsp;has also been involved in capacity building projects in the country.

Other countries have also made announcements about their consulates. Russia has already halted operations in its consulate in Mazar- i-Sharif after special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov confirmed it to state agency TASS.

Meanwhile, reports in local media say Iran and Turkey have closed operations in the consulate which is the capital of Balkh province.

Afghanistan remains on tenterhooks as the Taliban makes rapid gains in the country in a situation reminiscent of the 1990s. Amid the turmoil, the Indian embassy in Kabul has said that Indian consulates in the southern city of Kandahar and northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif are "open" and "functioning".

Afghanistan remains on tenterhooks as the Taliban makes rapid gains in the country in a situation reminiscent of the 1990s. Amid the turmoil, the Indian embassy in Kabul has said that Indian consulates in the southern city of Kandahar and northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif are "open" and "functioning". The Indian mission in a tweet also pointed out, "We do however continue to closely monitor the evolving security situation particularly around Kandahar & Mazar cities." Media reports on #India closing its Embassy & Consulates in 🇦🇫are incorrect. @IndianEmbKabul, Consulates in Kandahar & Mazar are open, functioning. We DO HOWEVER continue to closely monitor the evolving security situation particularly around Kandahar & Mazar cities. @MEAIndia — India in Afghanistan (@IndianEmbKabul) July 6, 2021 × Taliban is making rapid advances in the country as the last of the American troops withdraw after over two decades. Over 1,000 Afghan soldiers have crossed over to Tajikistan as the Taliban made gains in northern Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the Afghan envoy to Delhi, Farid Mamundzay had a meeting with India's foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla and briefed him on the security situation in Afghanistan. During the meeting, Joint Secretary in the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran(PAI) division of the ministry of external affairs JP Singh was also present. "FS assured our Afghan friends of India's long term commitment towards peace and prosperity in Afghanistan", MEA spokesperson tweeted. Foreign Secretary @harshvshringla was pleased to welcome Ambassador @FMamundzay of Afghanistan. Ambassador briefed FS on the security situation in Afghanistan. FS assured our Afghan friends of India's long term commitment towards peace and prosperity in Afghanistan. pic.twitter.com/DqsBbwrTnF — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) July 6, 2021 × India has been involved in a number of infrastructure projects in the country which include the Afghan parliament in Kabul and the India-Afghanistan friendship dam in Herat. India being the largest regional donor has also been involved in capacity building projects in the country. Other countries have also made announcements about their consulates. Russia has already halted operations in its consulate in Mazar- i-Sharif after special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov confirmed it to state agency TASS. Meanwhile, reports in local media say Iran and Turkey have closed operations in the consulate which is the capital of Balkh province.

Consulates remain open in Kandahar, Mazar, says India as Taliban makes rapid gains in Afghanistan

As<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/history-combatants-facts-and-timeline-us-led-military-intervention-in-afghanistan-396203"> Afghan</a> troops prepared their counterattack in the north after the Taliban's rapid advance in the area, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon assuring help to the former Soviet republic.

Reports said on Monday that at least 1,000 Afghan government soldiers had crossed over to&nbsp;Tajikistan while losing ground to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/history-combatants-facts-and-timeline-us-led-military-intervention-in-afghanistan-396203">Taliban</a>.

Russia already operates a military base in Tajikistan. On Tuesday, Russian forces fired air-to-surface missiles during a training exercise amid reports of Taliban gaining territories along the area.

Watch:

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The Russian defence ministry had said two MI-24 attack helicopters and two military transport helicopters had also taken part in the military exercise with unguided missiles launched at ground targets.

Last month the Taliban had seized a vital border crossing along the Tajikistan border as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-forces-plan-counteroffensive-in-northern-provinces-adviser-395959">US troops </a>continued their pullout from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The Kremlin said Russia is prepared to help Tajikistan stabilise the border area "both directly and through a regional security bloc", if needed.

"The situation there is rather tense because according to some sources, up to 70% of the Tajik-Afghan border is now controlled by the Taliban," Russia's Interfax news agency quoted Russia's deputy foreign minister Andrei Rudenko as saying.

Last week the US forces had handed over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pentagon-seeks-to-soften-blow-of-us-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-396071">Bagram</a> airbase after nearly 20 years to the Afghan forces as they continued their pullout from the region even as the Taliban continued its rapid advance through the north which was not its traditional stronghold.

As Afghan troops flooded into Tajikistan, President Emomali Rakhmon ordered mobilisation of 20,000 reserve troops on Monday&nbsp;to strengthen the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

Russia had said on Monday that it was closing its consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif located near the border with Uzbekistan due to security reasons.

TASS news agency quoted Russia's envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, saying that "The situation is changing rapidly. The Afghan forces, as they say, have abandoned too many districts. This logically creates nervousness."

(With inputs from Agencies)

As Afghan troops prepared their counterattack in the north after the Taliban's rapid advance in the area, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon assuring help to the former Soviet republic.

As Afghan troops prepared their counterattack in the north after the Taliban's rapid advance in the area, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon assuring help to the former Soviet republic. Reports said on Monday that at least 1,000 Afghan government soldiers had crossed over to Tajikistan while losing ground to the Taliban. Russia already operates a military base in Tajikistan. On Tuesday, Russian forces fired air-to-surface missiles during a training exercise amid reports of Taliban gaining territories along the area. Watch: The Russian defence ministry had said two MI-24 attack helicopters and two military transport helicopters had also taken part in the military exercise with unguided missiles launched at ground targets. Last month the Taliban had seized a vital border crossing along the Tajikistan border as US troops continued their pullout from Afghanistan. The Kremlin said Russia is prepared to help Tajikistan stabilise the border area "both directly and through a regional security bloc", if needed. "The situation there is rather tense because according to some sources, up to 70% of the Tajik-Afghan border is now controlled by the Taliban," Russia's Interfax news agency quoted Russia's deputy foreign minister Andrei Rudenko as saying. Last week the US forces had handed over the Bagram airbase after nearly 20 years to the Afghan forces as they continued their pullout from the region even as the Taliban continued its rapid advance through the north which was not its traditional stronghold. As Afghan troops flooded into Tajikistan, President Emomali Rakhmon ordered mobilisation of 20,000 reserve troops on Monday to strengthen the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Russia had said on Monday that it was closing its consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif located near the border with Uzbekistan due to security reasons. TASS news agency quoted Russia's envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, saying that "The situation is changing rapidly. The Afghan forces, as they say, have abandoned too many districts. This logically creates nervousness." (With inputs from Agencies)

Putin dials Tajikistan president amid Taliban's rapid advance in Afghanistan

The Taliban's march through northern Afghanistan gained momentum overnight with the capture of several districts from fleeing Afghan forces, several hundred of whom fled across the border into Tajikistan.

Taliban captures several districts in Afghanistan, forces flee to Tajikistan

Taliban captures key districts in Afghanistan, 300 military troops flee to Tajikistan

Kyrgyzstan&nbsp;said a&nbsp;ceasefire&nbsp;with&nbsp;Tajikistan&nbsp;was&nbsp;holding&nbsp;on Sunday, as it accused citizens from its Central Asian neighbour of crimes during&nbsp;the pair's worst&nbsp;clashes&nbsp;at their contested border in decades.

The Kyrgyz interior ministry said that casualties on its side had risen to over 160 with 34 deaths, 31 of whom were civilians.

The ministry also said it had opened 11 criminal cases targeting citizens of&nbsp;Tajikistan&nbsp;in connection with the violence, including investigations into murder and illegal border crossings.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-kyrgyzstan-special-forces-start-two-week-counter-terror-drills-378092">India, Kyrgyzstan special forces start two-week counter-terror drills</a>

Clashes&nbsp;between communities over land and water along the long-contested border are regular occurrences, with border guards often getting involved.

But the violence that erupted on Thursday was by far the most serious during the ex-Soviet pair's 30 years of independence.

Tajikistan, a closed authoritarian state, is understood to have also suffered casualties and damages, but has made far fewer statements on the conflict.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyrgyz-vote-on-constitution-boosting-presidential-powers-376758">Kyrgyz vote on constitution boosting presidential powers</a>

By Thursday evening a&nbsp;ceasefire&nbsp;deal had been drawn up, but&nbsp;Kyrgyzstan&nbsp;acknowledged that both sides had continued shooting on Friday and Saturday, before the national security chiefs met to reinforce the&nbsp;ceasefire&nbsp;on Saturday afternoon.

Since then "no incidents of shooting have been registered," a spokesman for&nbsp;Kyrgyzstan's national security committee told AFP by telephone at 1100 GMT, describing the border as "quiet, peaceful, calm".

The two national security chiefs also agreed a border protocol early on Sunday,&nbsp;Kyrgyzstan's main government website reported, offering few details on the agreement.

There was no immediate indication that progress had been made delimiting disputed sections which account for more than a third of the 971-kilometre (604 mile) border between the countries.

Kyrgyzstan&nbsp;on Sunday also accused&nbsp;Tajikistan&nbsp;of mistreating 10 citizens it said were taken hostage during the conflict before being released on Saturday evening.

The people, including the head of one of the border villages, were left bruised&nbsp;after&nbsp;being "beaten with sticks" during their abduction,&nbsp;Kyrgyzstan's health minister Alymkadyr Beishenaliyev&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

"They showed us their bruises. We put nine of them (in hospital), one went to find his family," the minister said.&nbsp;

More than 30,000 Kyrgyz citizens were evacuated during the conflict that Kyrgyz authorities said saw dozens of homes burned on their side of the border.

Both Russia, which maintains military bases in the country, and neighbouring Uzbekistan said they were prepared to mediate in the conflict. &nbsp;

The&nbsp;clashes&nbsp;followed tensions between Kyrgyz and Tajiks over a key piece of river infrastructure on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Kyrgyzstan said a ceasefire with Tajikistan was holding on Sunday, as it accused citizens from its Central Asian neighbour of crimes during the pair's worst clashes at their contested border in decades.

Kyrgyzstan said a ceasefire with Tajikistan was holding on Sunday, as it accused citizens from its Central Asian neighbour of crimes during the pair's worst clashes at their contested border in decades. The Kyrgyz interior ministry said that casualties on its side had risen to over 160 with 34 deaths, 31 of whom were civilians. The ministry also said it had opened 11 criminal cases targeting citizens of Tajikistan in connection with the violence, including investigations into murder and illegal border crossings. Also read | India, Kyrgyzstan special forces start two-week counter-terror drills Clashes between communities over land and water along the long-contested border are regular occurrences, with border guards often getting involved. But the violence that erupted on Thursday was by far the most serious during the ex-Soviet pair's 30 years of independence. Tajikistan, a closed authoritarian state, is understood to have also suffered casualties and damages, but has made far fewer statements on the conflict. Also read | Kyrgyz vote on constitution boosting presidential powers By Thursday evening a ceasefire deal had been drawn up, but Kyrgyzstan acknowledged that both sides had continued shooting on Friday and Saturday, before the national security chiefs met to reinforce the ceasefire on Saturday afternoon. Since then "no incidents of shooting have been registered," a spokesman for Kyrgyzstan's national security committee told AFP by telephone at 1100 GMT, describing the border as "quiet, peaceful, calm". The two national security chiefs also agreed a border protocol early on Sunday, Kyrgyzstan's main government website reported, offering few details on the agreement. There was no immediate indication that progress had been made delimiting disputed sections which account for more than a third of the 971-kilometre (604 mile) border between the countries. Kyrgyzstan on Sunday also accused Tajikistan of mistreating 10 citizens it said were taken hostage during the conflict before being released on Saturday evening. The people, including the head of one of the border villages, were left bruised after being "beaten with sticks" during their abduction, Kyrgyzstan's health minister Alymkadyr Beishenaliyev said. "They showed us their bruises. We put nine of them (in hospital), one went to find his family," the minister said. More than 30,000 Kyrgyz citizens were evacuated during the conflict that Kyrgyz authorities said saw dozens of homes burned on their side of the border. Both Russia, which maintains military bases in the country, and neighbouring Uzbekistan said they were prepared to mediate in the conflict. The clashes followed tensions between Kyrgyz and Tajiks over a key piece of river infrastructure on Wednesday.

Kyrgyzstan says ceasefire with Tajikistan holding after clashes

The Heart of Asia Summit in Tajikistan was supposed to be about the peace efforts in Afghanistan but the world's attention was on the Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan. Many were hoping for a meeting between the two leaders, but in the end, all the hype was for nothing.

Heart of Asia Summit: No bilateral talks between leaders of India and Pakistan

Before the Heart of Asia Summit, there was intense speculation. Many were hoping for a meeting between the Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan. In the end, the leaders had an awkward encounter.

Gravitas: No India-Pakistan bilateral in Tajikistan

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reached Dushanbe, Tajikistan to attend the Heart of Asia Summit. He met with Iranian & Turkish Foreign Ministers and discussed bilateral cooperation.

Heart of Asia Summit: Jaishankar meets Foreign Ministers of Iran and Turkey

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Dushanbe, Tajikistan to attend the Heart of Asia Summit. The summit is aimed at stabilising the situation in Afghanistan.

Heart of Asia Summit: S Jaishankar arrives in Dushanbe to attend conference

The Heart of Asia conference is underway in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India remained committed to the development of Afghanistan in order to make the country self-sufficient.

Heart of Asia Summit: Jaishankar says India remained committed to the development of Afghan

President Ashraf Ghani said that peace in Afghanistan means peace in the entire region. He also said that the ongoing violence in the country is against the will of the people.

Heart of Asia Summit: Prez Ghani says peace in Afghanistan means peace in region

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Iranian and Turkish Foreign Ministers ahead of the Heart of Asia summit and discussed bilateral cooperation. He also visited the Dushanbe-Chortut Highway Project site and lauded the good work done by Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

Heart of Asia Summit: Jaishankar visited Dushanbe-Chortut Highway Project site

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has extended support to a regional process on peace in Afghanistan under the United Nations umbrella at the Heart of Asia Summit.

Heart of Asia Summit: Indian EAM backs regional process on Afghanistan under an umbrella

The Ninth Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia - Istanbul Process is scheduled to take place on the 30th of March 2021 in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.

S Jaishankar arrives in Dushanbe to attend 'Heart of Asia' summit

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said no meeting has been 'finalised or requested' so far with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 'Heart of Asia' conference on Tuesday at Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe, according to a media report on Monday.&nbsp;

The participation of both the ministers at the conference has sparked speculation of a possible meeting between the two leaders amidst recent peace overtures from the Pakistan Army.&nbsp;

Qureshi on Sunday told the Dawn newspaper that no meeting (between him and Jaishankar) has been finalised or requested.&nbsp;

When asked about media speculation that India and Pakistan have been quietly negotiating for the full resumption of diplomatic relations, Qureshi said, "No such decision yet".&nbsp;

Jaishankar last week also did not give a specific reply to questions on whether he will meet Qureshi on the sidelines of the conference.&nbsp;

"My scheduling is in progress. So far, I do not think any such meeting (is scheduled)," he said, at the India Economic Conclave in New Delhi on March 26.&nbsp;

While announcing his participation, the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement on Friday said Jaishankar is expected to meet leaders of other participating countries on the sidelines of the 9th Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) ministerial conference.&nbsp;

The last meeting between Qureshi and an Indian external affairs minister took place in May 2019 in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. Late Sushma Swaraj was then holding the portfolio of the external affairs minister.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Foreign Office on Sunday said Qureshi would hold consultations with key regional and international partners on the sidelines of the conference.&nbsp;

India and Pakistan are without high commissioners in each other's capital, New Delhi and Islamabad, respectively, since the relations between the two countries nosedived after India withdrew special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories in August 2019.&nbsp;

On March 18, Pakistan's powerful Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said it was time for India and Pakistan to 'bury the past and move forward'.&nbsp;

India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence and that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free of terror and hostility.&nbsp;

The HoA-IP ministerial conference is part of the Istanbul Process, a regional initiative on security and cooperation for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan that was launched on November 2, 2011 in Turkey. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said no meeting has been 'finalised or requested' so far with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 'Heart of Asia' conference on Tuesday at Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe, according to a media report on Monday.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said no meeting has been 'finalised or requested' so far with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 'Heart of Asia' conference on Tuesday at Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe, according to a media report on Monday. The participation of both the ministers at the conference has sparked speculation of a possible meeting between the two leaders amidst recent peace overtures from the Pakistan Army. Qureshi on Sunday told the Dawn newspaper that no meeting (between him and Jaishankar) has been finalised or requested. When asked about media speculation that India and Pakistan have been quietly negotiating for the full resumption of diplomatic relations, Qureshi said, "No such decision yet". Jaishankar last week also did not give a specific reply to questions on whether he will meet Qureshi on the sidelines of the conference. "My scheduling is in progress. So far, I do not think any such meeting (is scheduled)," he said, at the India Economic Conclave in New Delhi on March 26. While announcing his participation, the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement on Friday said Jaishankar is expected to meet leaders of other participating countries on the sidelines of the 9th Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) ministerial conference. The last meeting between Qureshi and an Indian external affairs minister took place in May 2019 in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. Late Sushma Swaraj was then holding the portfolio of the external affairs minister. Pakistan's Foreign Office on Sunday said Qureshi would hold consultations with key regional and international partners on the sidelines of the conference. India and Pakistan are without high commissioners in each other's capital, New Delhi and Islamabad, respectively, since the relations between the two countries nosedived after India withdrew special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories in August 2019. On March 18, Pakistan's powerful Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said it was time for India and Pakistan to 'bury the past and move forward'. India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence and that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free of terror and hostility. The HoA-IP ministerial conference is part of the Istanbul Process, a regional initiative on security and cooperation for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan that was launched on November 2, 2011 in Turkey. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak Foreign Minister: Meeting with Jaishankar not 'finalised or requested' 

Tajikistan will host the ninth edition of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HOA-IP) summit in Dushanbe, the country's capital on Monday. Foreign ministers and delegates from about 50 countries are expected to attend the two-day summit.

Afghanistan- Tajikistan to Host 9th Heart of Asia Summit

9th edition of 'Heart of Asia' summit to take place on March 30 in Tajikistan

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will lead a delegation to the 'Heart of Asia' conference scheduled to take place on Tuesday at Tajikistan capital Dushanbe, the Foreign Office announced on Sunday.&nbsp;

On the sidelines of the 9th Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) ministerial conference, Qureshi will hold 'consultations with key regional and international partners', it said.&nbsp;

The conference would also see the participation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

The participation of both the ministers at the event has sparked speculation of a possible meeting between the two leaders amidst peace overtures from the Pakistan Army. However, both countries have not said anything about a possible meeting between the two foreign ministers in Dushanbe.&nbsp;

Jaishankar is expected to meet leaders of other participating countries on the sidelines of the conference, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Friday while announcing his participation.&nbsp;

Speaking at the India Economic Conclave in New Delhi on March 26, Jaishankar did not give a specific reply to questions on whether he will meet Qureshi on the sidelines of the conference.&nbsp;

"My scheduling is in progress. So far, I do not think any such meeting (is scheduled)," he said.&nbsp;

Asked whether the agreement between the militaries of India and Pakistan and the talks between Indus commissioners of the two sides were a sign of thaw in ties, Jaishankar said, "I think the agreements between the DGMOs is a sensible agreement because I don't think Pakistan either did themselves or us good by encouraging or facilitating infiltrators and terrorists across the Line of Control and the IB (international border)."&nbsp;

On March 18, Pakistan's powerful Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said it was time for India and Pakistan to 'bury the past and move forward'.&nbsp;

India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence and that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free of terror and hostility.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will lead a delegation to the 'Heart of Asia' conference scheduled to take place on Tuesday at Tajikistan capital Dushanbe, the Foreign Office announced on Sunday.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will lead a delegation to the 'Heart of Asia' conference scheduled to take place on Tuesday at Tajikistan capital Dushanbe, the Foreign Office announced on Sunday. On the sidelines of the 9th Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) ministerial conference, Qureshi will hold 'consultations with key regional and international partners', it said. The conference would also see the participation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The participation of both the ministers at the event has sparked speculation of a possible meeting between the two leaders amidst peace overtures from the Pakistan Army. However, both countries have not said anything about a possible meeting between the two foreign ministers in Dushanbe. Jaishankar is expected to meet leaders of other participating countries on the sidelines of the conference, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Friday while announcing his participation. Speaking at the India Economic Conclave in New Delhi on March 26, Jaishankar did not give a specific reply to questions on whether he will meet Qureshi on the sidelines of the conference. "My scheduling is in progress. So far, I do not think any such meeting (is scheduled)," he said. Asked whether the agreement between the militaries of India and Pakistan and the talks between Indus commissioners of the two sides were a sign of thaw in ties, Jaishankar said, "I think the agreements between the DGMOs is a sensible agreement because I don't think Pakistan either did themselves or us good by encouraging or facilitating infiltrators and terrorists across the Line of Control and the IB (international border)." On March 18, Pakistan's powerful Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said it was time for India and Pakistan to 'bury the past and move forward'. India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence and that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free of terror and hostility. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak foreign minister to attend 'Heart of Asia' conference in Tajikistan  

India’s external affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will be attending the Ninth Ministerial Conference of the "Heart of Asia" on March 30 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

India, Pakistan Foreign Minister at same platform on March 30

The Central Electoral Commission said the vote had passed the turnout threshold required for validation, with more than 70% of the nearly five million strong electorate casting votes.

Tajikistan vote seen as easy win for strongman

Voting was underway in Tajikistan on Sunday in a presidential election expected to pave the way for incumbent Emomali Rahmon to become the longest-ruling strongman in the former Soviet space.

Tajikistan Elections: Rahmon faces no real challenger in polls

There is something Beijing wants from Tajikistan. It is the Pamir region. The region accounts for 45 per cent of Tajikistan's territory.

Why does China want it?

China says that the Pamir has been its part as a part of history. It is something Beijing has said for every territory it tries to annexe.&nbsp;

It's China's well-known skill with alternative facts.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ram-temple-bhoomi-pujan-today-itinerary-of-pm-modis-ayodhya-visit-india-318228/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

One Chinese historian recently wrote an article. He said China lost Pamir during the last years of the Qin dynasty.

'Pamir was outside China [for] 128 years due to the pressure of world powers', these are the words of Cho Yau Lu.

But the research conducted by us said otherwise. What he is claiming is that 45 per cent of Tajikistan belongs to China.

In 2011, China forced Tajikistan to cede 1000 sq km of Pamir land to Beijing.

This was 5.5 per cent of the total land China wants to grab. The dragon kept fighting for the remaining 94.5 per cent.

In 2019, the Washington Post ran a front-page story on Chinese security presence in the Pamirs. The article quoted a Chinese soldier who said the troops have been in the region for three to four years. He said: “We’ve been here three, four years.”

China is trying to buy Pamir by debt-trapping Dushanbe. Tajikistan joined the belt and road initiative in 2017. At least 350 Chinese companies operate in the country.

As of this year, Beijing owns over half of Tajikistan's external debt. It is around 35.9 per cent of the country's GDP.

In the past, Tajikistan has paid off debts to China by ceding mining rights. China is hoping Pamir maybe next. It is already publishing articles to push this narrative.

This article in Baidu points out that China has shelled out 7 billion dollars for Tajikistan.

And it hints at a repeat of 2011. 'They returned Pamirs to us because they are grateful for China's help.'

It allowed China to build border posts &amp; airports in the Pamir region. This is a lesson for all countries taking Chinese loans.&nbsp;

There is something Beijing wants from Tajikistan. It is the Pamir region. The region accounts for 45 per cent of Tajikistan's territory. Why does China want it? China says that the Pamir has been its part as a part of history.

There is something Beijing wants from Tajikistan. It is the Pamir region. The region accounts for 45 per cent of Tajikistan's territory. Why does China want it? China says that the Pamir has been its part as a part of history. It is something Beijing has said for every territory it tries to annexe. It's China's well-known skill with alternative facts. One Chinese historian recently wrote an article. He said China lost Pamir during the last years of the Qin dynasty. 'Pamir was outside China [for] 128 years due to the pressure of world powers', these are the words of Cho Yau Lu. But the research conducted by us said otherwise. What he is claiming is that 45 per cent of Tajikistan belongs to China. In 2011, China forced Tajikistan to cede 1000 sq km of Pamir land to Beijing. This was 5.5 per cent of the total land China wants to grab. The dragon kept fighting for the remaining 94.5 per cent. In 2019, the Washington Post ran a front-page story on Chinese security presence in the Pamirs. The article quoted a Chinese soldier who said the troops have been in the region for three to four years. He said: “We’ve been here three, four years.” China is trying to buy Pamir by debt-trapping Dushanbe. Tajikistan joined the belt and road initiative in 2017. At least 350 Chinese companies operate in the country. As of this year, Beijing owns over half of Tajikistan's external debt. It is around 35.9 per cent of the country's GDP. In the past, Tajikistan has paid off debts to China by ceding mining rights. China is hoping Pamir maybe next. It is already publishing articles to push this narrative. This article in Baidu points out that China has shelled out 7 billion dollars for Tajikistan. And it hints at a repeat of 2011. 'They returned Pamirs to us because they are grateful for China's help.' It allowed China to build border posts & airports in the Pamir region. This is a lesson for all countries taking Chinese loans.

Now, China eyes Pamir region in Tajikistan

China has debt-trapped Tajikistan, and now it is claiming 45% of its land. China is staking claim over Pamir.

Gravitas: China claims half of Tajikistan's land

Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated his 66th birthday Saturday alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, who surprised him with ice cream, the Kremlin said in a statement. The two leaders met in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, where they were attending the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

Chinese President Xi Jinping Gets A Special Gift From Putin

A day after PM Modi strongly raised the issue of terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called it the " gravest threat" that "we face in Asia today" at a summit in neighbouring Tajikistan.

Speaking at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia or CICA Summit in Tajik capital Dushanbe, EAM said, "Many CICA members are victims of terrorism and should be clear that terrorists and their victims must never be equated".

At the summit, New Delhi called for early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism or CCIT which was proposed by India in 2016 and calls for a common definition on terror.

On regional connectivity initiatives, India reiterated that connectivity projects should be "inclusive, sustainable, transparent and respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity", a message for Bejing, whose CPEC or China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).&nbsp;

CPEC is part of China's mega connectivity plan - Belt and Road Initiative which plans to connect China with the rest of Asia and beyond.

CICA is a 26 member grouping based in Kazakhstan.

On Afghanistan, New Delhi said, "all initiatives and processes must include all sections of Afghan society, including the legitimately elected government", a statement which shows India's continued support to President Ashraf Ghani-led government who seems to be isolated in US-Taliban talks and Russian initiatives on Afghanistan.

On the sidelines of the CICA summit, EAM Jaishankar met Vice President of Vietnam Mme Đặng Thị Ngọc Thịnh, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Khalid Al Khalifa, Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and Bangladesh's AK Abdul Momen.&nbsp;

A day after PM Modi strongly raised the issue of terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called it the " gravest threat" that "we face in Asia today" at a summit in neighbouring Tajikistan.

A day after PM Modi strongly raised the issue of terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called it the " gravest threat" that "we face in Asia today" at a summit in neighbouring Tajikistan. Speaking at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia or CICA Summit in Tajik capital Dushanbe, EAM said, "Many CICA members are victims of terrorism and should be clear that terrorists and their victims must never be equated". At the summit, New Delhi called for early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism or CCIT which was proposed by India in 2016 and calls for a common definition on terror. On regional connectivity initiatives, India reiterated that connectivity projects should be "inclusive, sustainable, transparent and respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity", a message for Bejing, whose CPEC or China-Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). CPEC is part of China's mega connectivity plan - Belt and Road Initiative which plans to connect China with the rest of Asia and beyond. CICA is a 26 member grouping based in Kazakhstan. On Afghanistan, New Delhi said, "all initiatives and processes must include all sections of Afghan society, including the legitimately elected government", a statement which shows India's continued support to President Ashraf Ghani-led government who seems to be isolated in US-Taliban talks and Russian initiatives on Afghanistan. On the sidelines of the CICA summit, EAM Jaishankar met Vice President of Vietnam Mme Đặng Thị Ngọc Thịnh, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Khalid Al Khalifa, Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and Bangladesh's AK Abdul Momen.

Terrorism is gravest threat in Asia: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at CICA Summit

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is representing India at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Summit in the Dushanbe, Tajikistan capital. Watch this video to know more.

S Jaishankar speaks at 5th CICA summit

CICA summit underway in Tajikistan

Three prison guards and 29 inmates have been killed in a high-security prison in Tajikistan after convicted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-dead-in-libya-attack-claimed-by-islamic-state-report-219694">Islamic State militants</a> started a riot, the Central Asian nation's Justice Ministry said on Monday.

The ministry said the riot broke out late on Sunday in the prison in the city of Vakhdat, 10 kilometres east of the capital Dushanbe, as militants armed themselves with knives and killed three guards and five fellow prisoners.

One of the instigators of the riot was Bekhruz Gulmurod, a son of Gulmurod Khalimov, a Tajik special forces colonel who defected to Islamic State in 2015 and, according to the ministry, has since been killed in Syria.

Security forces have killed 24 militants and restored order in the prison which has 1,500 inmates, the ministry added.

Islamic State, which at one point controlled large swathes of land in Syria and Iraq but has now lost its strongholds, claimed responsibility for another Tajik prison riot last November, which followed a deadly attack by its followers on Western tourists in July 2018.

Three prison guards and 29 inmates have been killed in a high-security prison in Tajikistan after convicted Islamic State militants started a riot, the Central Asian nation's Justice Ministry said on Monday.

Three prison guards and 29 inmates have been killed in a high-security prison in Tajikistan after convicted Islamic State militants started a riot, the Central Asian nation's Justice Ministry said on Monday. The ministry said the riot broke out late on Sunday in the prison in the city of Vakhdat, 10 kilometres east of the capital Dushanbe, as militants armed themselves with knives and killed three guards and five fellow prisoners. One of the instigators of the riot was Bekhruz Gulmurod, a son of Gulmurod Khalimov, a Tajik special forces colonel who defected to Islamic State in 2015 and, according to the ministry, has since been killed in Syria. Security forces have killed 24 militants and restored order in the prison which has 1,500 inmates, the ministry added. Islamic State, which at one point controlled large swathes of land in Syria and Iraq but has now lost its strongholds, claimed responsibility for another Tajik prison riot last November, which followed a deadly attack by its followers on Western tourists in July 2018.

Islamic State militants kill 32 in Tajikistan's prison

A mild 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck western Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat on Wednesday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology.

The quake, epicentred in Baghpat in north of Delhi, occurred at 7:59 am.&nbsp;

Tremors were felt in the neighbouring region, including the national capital.&nbsp;

Soon Twitter was flooded with earthquake tweets from people all over Delhi and NCR region.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> 
At 7:59 am in delhi 
Usually I don't feel it 
But today I guess tremors were quite strong
— वेदिता मलिक (@malik_vedita) <a href="https://twitter.com/malik_vedita/status/1098049342907269120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2019</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>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthquake</a> in Delhi. Retweet if true
— Bhavesh Agarwal (@bhaveshagarwall) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhaveshagarwall/status/1098047654737502209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Earthquake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Earthquake</a> rocks India 8 am sharp,all North India effected, epicenter in uttrakhand again,6.8 intensity for 22 seconds.Lot tremors.
— Jagjit (@COMMANMANOFUPA) <a href="https://twitter.com/COMMANMANOFUPA/status/1098047704847040513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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So far no casualty&nbsp;or damage has been reported.

A mild 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck western Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat on Wednesday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology. The quake, epicentred in Baghpat in north of Delhi, occurred at 7:59 am.

A mild 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck western Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat on Wednesday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology. The quake, epicentred in Baghpat in north of Delhi, occurred at 7:59 am. Tremors were felt in the neighbouring region, including the national capital. Soon Twitter was flooded with earthquake tweets from people all over Delhi and NCR region. #earthquake At 7:59 am in delhi Usually I don't feel it But today I guess tremors were quite strong — वेदिता मलिक (@malik_vedita) February 20, 2019 × #earthquake in Delhi. Retweet if true — Bhavesh Agarwal (@bhaveshagarwall) February 20, 2019 × #Earthquake rocks India 8 am sharp,all North India effected, epicenter in uttrakhand again,6.8 intensity for 22 seconds.Lot tremors. — Jagjit (@COMMANMANOFUPA) February 20, 2019 × So far no casualty or damage has been reported.

Magnitude 4 earthquake hits western UP, tremors felt in Delhi

At least 25 inmates and two security officers have been killed after a riot broke out at a high-security prison in Tajikistan, three security sources said on Thursday.

The violence started late on Wednesday when an inmate believed to be a member of the militant group Islamic State attacked a guard and seized his assault rifle, said an interior ministry official who declined to give his name.

Officers restored order hours later with the help of reinforcements, a security official speaking on condition of anonymity said.

The prison in the northern Tajik city of Khujand is where prisoners convicted of religious extremism offences, including membership of Islamic State, are generally held. It also houses other prisoners.

Both officials said at least 25 inmates were killed, as well as one warder and one policeman. The third source, also a security official, said three guards had died.

Local authorities confirmed a riot had occurred but gave no details.

Khujand lies around 300 km (185 miles) north of the Tajik capital, Dushanbe.

In July, Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack which killed four Western tourists in Tajikistan, an impoverished Central Asian country.

At least 25 inmates and two security officers have been killed after a riot broke out at a high-security prison in Tajikistan, three security sources said on Thursday.

At least 25 inmates and two security officers have been killed after a riot broke out at a high-security prison in Tajikistan, three security sources said on Thursday. The violence started late on Wednesday when an inmate believed to be a member of the militant group Islamic State attacked a guard and seized his assault rifle, said an interior ministry official who declined to give his name. Officers restored order hours later with the help of reinforcements, a security official speaking on condition of anonymity said. The prison in the northern Tajik city of Khujand is where prisoners convicted of religious extremism offences, including membership of Islamic State, are generally held. It also houses other prisoners. Both officials said at least 25 inmates were killed, as well as one warder and one policeman. The third source, also a security official, said three guards had died. Local authorities confirmed a riot had occurred but gave no details. Khujand lies around 300 km (185 miles) north of the Tajik capital, Dushanbe. In July, Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack which killed four Western tourists in Tajikistan, an impoverished Central Asian country.

At least 27 dead in Tajikistan prison riot: Security sources

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