74th session of United Nations General Assembly underway. To know more watch the video

PM Modi addresses the UNGA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his UNGA speech said that the country is committed to eradicating Tuberculosis by 2025 while noting that the dateline is five years ahead of that set by the United Nations under its sustainable development goals.

PM Modi said that his government is running a major campaign to free the country from the single-use plastic.

"While I was coming here, I read on the walls of the United Nations "No more single-use plastic". I am delighted to inform you that we are running a big campaign in India to free the country of single-use plastic," Modi said during his address at the United Nations General Assembly session.

Modi said that it is an honour for him to address the UN General Assembly once again.

"The world's largest democracy voted for my govt &amp; me. We came back to power with a bigger majority and because of this mandate I am here today," Modi said.

This was the Prime Minister's maiden speech at the UN General Assembly after assuming office for the second term. He had last addressed the gathering four years ago, with former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj representing India at the world body during the interim years.

The 69th session of the UNGA had witnessed the Indian Prime Minister calling for the early adaptation of the Comprehensive Convention on Global Terrorism, highlighting that it was a matter that had been pending for long. He had made it clear that India wanted to pursue bilateral talks with Pakistan in an environment of peace, free from the shadow of terror.

Modi's address at the UN comes on the final day of his week-long visit to the US. The leader had a packed agenda of bilaterals amongst other engagements, beginning with the mega "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston event that witnessed him sharing the stage with US President Donald Trump before a crowd of more than 50,000 Indian-Americans.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his UNGA speech said that the country is committed to eradicating Tuberculosis by 2025 while noting that the dateline is five years ahead of that set by the United Nations under its sustainable development goals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his UNGA speech said that the country is committed to eradicating Tuberculosis by 2025 while noting that the dateline is five years ahead of that set by the United Nations under its sustainable development goals. PM Modi said that his government is running a major campaign to free the country from the single-use plastic. "While I was coming here, I read on the walls of the United Nations "No more single-use plastic". I am delighted to inform you that we are running a big campaign in India to free the country of single-use plastic," Modi said during his address at the United Nations General Assembly session. Modi said that it is an honour for him to address the UN General Assembly once again. "The world's largest democracy voted for my govt & me. We came back to power with a bigger majority and because of this mandate I am here today," Modi said. This was the Prime Minister's maiden speech at the UN General Assembly after assuming office for the second term. He had last addressed the gathering four years ago, with former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj representing India at the world body during the interim years. The 69th session of the UNGA had witnessed the Indian Prime Minister calling for the early adaptation of the Comprehensive Convention on Global Terrorism, highlighting that it was a matter that had been pending for long. He had made it clear that India wanted to pursue bilateral talks with Pakistan in an environment of peace, free from the shadow of terror. Modi's address at the UN comes on the final day of his week-long visit to the US. The leader had a packed agenda of bilaterals amongst other engagements, beginning with the mega "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston event that witnessed him sharing the stage with US President Donald Trump before a crowd of more than 50,000 Indian-Americans.

Modi at UNGA: PM recounts India's achievements in health sector, says country committed to eradicating Tuberculosis

PM Narendra Modi pitches India as a global leader

The tale of Two prime ministers at U.N.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;hailed the government's flagship scheme, Ayushman Bharat&nbsp;while addressing&nbsp;the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday.

Speaking at the UNGA, the PM Modi said:&nbsp; "When a developing country runs successfully the world's largest health insurance scheme, provides free health check-up of five lakh to around 50 crore people of the country,&nbsp;the arrangements made with it give a motivational message to the entire world."

During his speech, the Indian prime minister also stressed that the country will be free from&nbsp;tuberculosis by 2025.

"India will&nbsp;be tuberculosis free by 2025. We have opened 5,000 special pharmacies," he said.

"India has given insurance to 5,00,000 people. 500 million poor people have been given medical facilities. Around 800 varieties of vital medicines have been made available."

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Health Cover for 50 crore Indians! <a href="https://t.co/OLuUVPmHBu">pic.twitter.com/OLuUVPmHBu</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1177585853167620096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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AB-PMJAY is the flagship scheme of the government&nbsp;that provides cover of up to Rs 5 lakhs per family per year, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 10.74 crore vulnerable entitled families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries).

Last year on September 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched PM-JAY from Ranchi, Jharkhand.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the government's flagship scheme, Ayushman Bharat while addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the government's flagship scheme, Ayushman Bharat while addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday. Speaking at the UNGA, the PM Modi said: "When a developing country runs successfully the world's largest health insurance scheme, provides free health check-up of five lakh to around 50 crore people of the country, the arrangements made with it give a motivational message to the entire world." During his speech, the Indian prime minister also stressed that the country will be free from tuberculosis by 2025. "India will be tuberculosis free by 2025. We have opened 5,000 special pharmacies," he said. "India has given insurance to 5,00,000 people. 500 million poor people have been given medical facilities. Around 800 varieties of vital medicines have been made available." Health Cover for 50 crore Indians! pic.twitter.com/OLuUVPmHBu — PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 27, 2019 × AB-PMJAY is the flagship scheme of the government that provides cover of up to Rs 5 lakhs per family per year, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 10.74 crore vulnerable entitled families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries). Last year on September 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched PM-JAY from Ranchi, Jharkhand.

PM Modi hails Ayushman Bharat scheme at UNGA

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Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz praised US President Donald Trump in his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday.

"I want to thank the President of the United States, Donald Trump, for his historic and brave decision to recognise <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/jerusalem-attack-in-pictures-361">Jerusalem</a>, the eternal capital of the Jewish people," Katz told the gathering.

In 2017 Trump broke with longstanding US policy when he recognised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/360-wion-what-makes-jerusalem-so-holy-to-muslims-3557">Jerusalem</a> as the capital of Israel, imperilling Middle East peace efforts and upsetting the Arab world and Western allies alike.

"I call on all countries to follow the United States and to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. No one can separate the Jewish people from our historical homeland, and no one can separate us from Jerusalem, our eternal capital," he added.

Earlier in the day, in his address to the General Assembly, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on Trump to rescind his decisions recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and cutting aid to the Palestinians, which he said had undermined the two-state solution to the Middle East conflict.

Katz also singled out Trump's hard line policy towards Iran, saying, "I call on the international community to support President Trump's "maximum pressure policy' against Iran. This is the way to stop them. We must stop Iran today, in order to prevent war tomorrow," he added.

The US-Iranian confrontation has ratcheted up since last year, when US President Donald Trump withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with major powers and reimposed sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy to force Tehran to renegotiate the pact.

Iran refuses to hold any talks with the United States unless Washington lifts sanctions on Tehran.

Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz praised US President Donald Trump in his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday. "I want to thank the President of the United States, Donald Trump, for his historic and brave decision to recognise Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people," Katz told the gathering.

Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz praised US President Donald Trump in his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday. "I want to thank the President of the United States, Donald Trump, for his historic and brave decision to recognise Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people," Katz told the gathering. In 2017 Trump broke with longstanding US policy when he recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, imperilling Middle East peace efforts and upsetting the Arab world and Western allies alike. "I call on all countries to follow the United States and to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. No one can separate the Jewish people from our historical homeland, and no one can separate us from Jerusalem, our eternal capital," he added. Earlier in the day, in his address to the General Assembly, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on Trump to rescind his decisions recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and cutting aid to the Palestinians, which he said had undermined the two-state solution to the Middle East conflict. Katz also singled out Trump's hard line policy towards Iran, saying, "I call on the international community to support President Trump's "maximum pressure policy' against Iran. This is the way to stop them. We must stop Iran today, in order to prevent war tomorrow," he added. The US-Iranian confrontation has ratcheted up since last year, when US President Donald Trump withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with major powers and reimposed sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy to force Tehran to renegotiate the pact. Iran refuses to hold any talks with the United States unless Washington lifts sanctions on Tehran.

Israeli foreign minister Katz praises Trump on Jerusalem move in UNGA speech

India, Brazil and South Africa on Thursday pledged to promote the reform of the multilateral system through cooperation in all relevant multilateral fora and international organisations and reiterated their commitment to working together to prosecute persons sought for corruption and economic crimes.

The commitment was made by the IBSA member states -- India, Brazil and South Africa, which was attended by the foreign ministers of the respective countries.

"At a time of significant and pressing global challenges, India, Brazil and South Africa acknowledge our common objectives and shared responsibility to help build a peaceful, secure and prosperous world. The right to development and equality of opportunities are critical means to achieve such goals," a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

It noted that there is a need for the reformation of the multilateral system, so as to ensure that it works effectively for all states and its peoples.

"As large democracies and vibrant nations, we believe that people should be placed at the centre of inclusive international governance. We are committed to reforming the multilateral system in order to meet the needs and expectations of our peoples, as well as to respond to increasing global challenges," the statement said.

"We reaffirm our commitment to enhance the voice and representation of emerging and developing economies, especially those in Africa, in the decision-making bodies of multilateral institutions," it added.

The member countries also said they remain committed to working together for the expansion of membership in both the permanent and non-permanent categories in the UN Security Council, stressing that it remains a crucial international undertaking.

"The comprehensive reform of the United Nations (UN) system, including that of the UN Security Council, remains a crucial international undertaking. As we welcome, inter-alia, the cooperation between the United Nations and IBSA countries, as well as with regional organisations and institutions, such as the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), in the promotion of international peace and security, we remain committed to working together for the expansion of membership in both the permanent and non-permanent categories for achieving a more representative, inclusive and equitable UN Security Council," the statement outlined.

It also said that IBSA member states remained concerned with the slow pace of inter-governmental negotiations on UN Security Council reform, which have not produced tangible progress in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

"With the onset of the 75th anniversary of the UN in 2020, we urge redoubling of efforts to achieve progress on this issue, with a view to an early comprehensive reform of the Security Council," the statement said.

The IBSA members outlined that the reform of the international economic governance architecture, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the international financial institutions, should also be a priority.

"IBSA countries have contributed meaningfully in making the international economic governance architecture more representative and democratic, and will continue to work together to advance an agenda that promotes sustainable development and inclusive growth," the statement said.

"The process of WTO reform must keep development at its core, promote inclusiveness and non-discrimination, build trust and address the inequalities and asymmetries in existing agreements. It should take into account the diversity of interests and concerns of the whole Membership, including developing Members, in particular, LDCs. IBSA countries recognise the central role played by the WTO in promoting the interests of developing countries on issues such as agriculture," it stressed.

The statement noted that strengthening the global financial safety net, with a strong, quota-based, and adequately resourced International Monetary Fund (IMF) at its centre, is essential.

The member nations reiterated their commitment to working together on strengthening cooperation to prosecute persons sought for corruption and other economic crimes, including through international organisations and institutions such as the G20, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and others.

"We underscore the need for continuing consultations and exchange of views between the IBSA countries in order to build partnerships in multilateral fora," the statement said.

"We commit ourselves to promoting the reform of the multilateral system through cooperation and coordination in all relevant multilateral fora and international organizations including the WTO and groupings of G20, BRICS, BASIC, and G-77," it further noted.

India, Brazil and South Africa on Thursday pledged to promote the reform of the multilateral system through cooperation in all relevant multilateral fora and international organisations and reiterated their commitment to working together to prosecute persons sought for corruption and economic crimes.

India, Brazil and South Africa on Thursday pledged to promote the reform of the multilateral system through cooperation in all relevant multilateral fora and international organisations and reiterated their commitment to working together to prosecute persons sought for corruption and economic crimes. The commitment was made by the IBSA member states -- India, Brazil and South Africa, which was attended by the foreign ministers of the respective countries. "At a time of significant and pressing global challenges, India, Brazil and South Africa acknowledge our common objectives and shared responsibility to help build a peaceful, secure and prosperous world. The right to development and equality of opportunities are critical means to achieve such goals," a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. It noted that there is a need for the reformation of the multilateral system, so as to ensure that it works effectively for all states and its peoples. "As large democracies and vibrant nations, we believe that people should be placed at the centre of inclusive international governance. We are committed to reforming the multilateral system in order to meet the needs and expectations of our peoples, as well as to respond to increasing global challenges," the statement said. "We reaffirm our commitment to enhance the voice and representation of emerging and developing economies, especially those in Africa, in the decision-making bodies of multilateral institutions," it added. The member countries also said they remain committed to working together for the expansion of membership in both the permanent and non-permanent categories in the UN Security Council, stressing that it remains a crucial international undertaking. "The comprehensive reform of the United Nations (UN) system, including that of the UN Security Council, remains a crucial international undertaking. As we welcome, inter-alia, the cooperation between the United Nations and IBSA countries, as well as with regional organisations and institutions, such as the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), in the promotion of international peace and security, we remain committed to working together for the expansion of membership in both the permanent and non-permanent categories for achieving a more representative, inclusive and equitable UN Security Council," the statement outlined. It also said that IBSA member states remained concerned with the slow pace of inter-governmental negotiations on UN Security Council reform, which have not produced tangible progress in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). "With the onset of the 75th anniversary of the UN in 2020, we urge redoubling of efforts to achieve progress on this issue, with a view to an early comprehensive reform of the Security Council," the statement said. The IBSA members outlined that the reform of the international economic governance architecture, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the international financial institutions, should also be a priority. "IBSA countries have contributed meaningfully in making the international economic governance architecture more representative and democratic, and will continue to work together to advance an agenda that promotes sustainable development and inclusive growth," the statement said. "The process of WTO reform must keep development at its core, promote inclusiveness and non-discrimination, build trust and address the inequalities and asymmetries in existing agreements. It should take into account the diversity of interests and concerns of the whole Membership, including developing Members, in particular, LDCs. IBSA countries recognise the central role played by the WTO in promoting the interests of developing countries on issues such as agriculture," it stressed. The statement noted that strengthening the global financial safety net, with a strong, quota-based, and adequately resourced International Monetary Fund (IMF) at its centre, is essential. The member nations reiterated their commitment to working together on strengthening cooperation to prosecute persons sought for corruption and other economic crimes, including through international organisations and institutions such as the G20, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and others. "We underscore the need for continuing consultations and exchange of views between the IBSA countries in order to build partnerships in multilateral fora," the statement said. "We commit ourselves to promoting the reform of the multilateral system through cooperation and coordination in all relevant multilateral fora and international organizations including the WTO and groupings of G20, BRICS, BASIC, and G-77," it further noted.

India, Brazil, South Africa pledge to work together in prosecuting economic offenders, reforming of multilateral system

Countdown to PM Modi's speech at UNGA begins, slotted to speak at 7.30 pm IST. Watch video to know more.

Countdown to PM Modi's speech at UNGA begins, slotted to speak at 7.30 pm IST

Before starting his first address before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-unga-today-pm-modi-to-lead-from-the-front-252332">United Nations General Assembly </a>on Thursday, 38-year-old El Salvador President Nayib Bukele asked the audience to hold on a second, took out his phone, and snapped a selfie.

"Believe me, many more people will see this selfie than will hear this speech," Bukele quipped before delivering his address calling on the United Nations to change with the times and for world leaders to do more to connect with their countries' youth.

The former mayor of the capital, San Salvador, who took office in June, is a prolific user of social media. In his speech, he attributed his election victory to his mastery of platforms like Facebook Live, which he said his political opponents did not fully grasp.

After finishing his speech, Bukele uploaded the photo to Twitter, where it received more than 7,000 likes in less than an hour. The picture showed him smiling in front of the U.N. logo - a map of the world surrounded by olive branches - and Argentine U.N. Ambassador Martin Garcia Moritan, one of several General Assembly vice presidents.

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— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) <a href="https://twitter.com/nayibbukele/status/1177305252179193862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Maybe in a few years, thousands of us will not have to travel to New York to meet in this building," Bukele said. "A series of videoconferences would have cost several hundred million dollars less, and I'm sure it would have the same effect, if not greater."

Before starting his first address before the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, 38-year-old El Salvador President Nayib Bukele asked the audience to hold on a second, took out his phone, and snapped a selfie.

Before starting his first address before the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, 38-year-old El Salvador President Nayib Bukele asked the audience to hold on a second, took out his phone, and snapped a selfie. "Believe me, many more people will see this selfie than will hear this speech," Bukele quipped before delivering his address calling on the United Nations to change with the times and for world leaders to do more to connect with their countries' youth. The former mayor of the capital, San Salvador, who took office in June, is a prolific user of social media. In his speech, he attributed his election victory to his mastery of platforms like Facebook Live, which he said his political opponents did not fully grasp. After finishing his speech, Bukele uploaded the photo to Twitter, where it received more than 7,000 likes in less than an hour. The picture showed him smiling in front of the U.N. logo - a map of the world surrounded by olive branches - and Argentine U.N. Ambassador Martin Garcia Moritan, one of several General Assembly vice presidents. #UNSelfie pic.twitter.com/P7qH5p2l04 — Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) September 26, 2019 × "Maybe in a few years, thousands of us will not have to travel to New York to meet in this building," Bukele said. "A series of videoconferences would have cost several hundred million dollars less, and I'm sure it would have the same effect, if not greater."

'Just bear with me', El Salvador President Nayib Bukele takes selfie before his first address at UNGA

Brazil's famed indigenous chief Raoni Metuktire was welcomed by opposition lawmakers to Congress on Wednesday (September 25) with ovations and chants of "Bolsonaro no, Raoni yes," a day after Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro accused him of being a pawn of foreign interests.

Brazilians rally to Amazon chief after Bolsonaro criticism

When <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modis-week-long-us-visit-to-end-with-unga-address-on-friday-252137">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> attended his first UNGA session in 2014, he stressed the need for bilateral talks with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-called-out-by-us-for-staying-mum-over-chinas-treatment-of-muslims-252323">Pakistan</a>. The only disclaimer, Pakistan must create an environment for talks by addressing anti-India terrorism.

"I am prepared to engage in a serious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/differing-narratives-while-pm-modi-ticks-all-boxes-at-un-pak-pm-harps-on-kashmir-252145">bilateral dialogue with Pakistan</a> in a peaceful atmosphere, without the shadow of terrorism, to promote our friendship and cooperation. However, Pakistan must also take its responsibility seriously to create an appropriate environment," PM Modi had said at UNGA in 2014.

In 2015, PM Modi addressed the UN sustainable development forum while the late former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke at the UNGA.

Watch: D-day at United Nations General Assembly

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Again, India's message to Pakistan was articulate and could not be missed - 'talks and terror cannot go together'.

A year later in 2016, PM Modi skipped the UNGA meeting, but India kept the heat on Pakistan. During the session, former Pak PM Nawaz Sharif eulogised Kashmir-based terrorist Burhan Wani as a martyr and the "symbol of the latest Kashmiri Intifada" and in response, India highlighted the oppression of minorities in Pakistan.

The last two UNGA sessions saw India taking the pole position on several global issues.

But this year is not any other year. Pulwama terror attacks, Balakot airstrikes, the re-election of PM Modi and then the decision to abrogate Article 370 Kashmir.

Watch:&nbsp;Countdown to PM Modi's speech at UNGA begins, slotted to speak at 8.30 pm IST

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Pakistan is shaken, Imran Khan is running from pillar to post to find that elusive support while India is on the front-foot from the word go.

Prime Minister Modi is leading India from the front this time.

He started the UNGA week by addressing the United Nations Climate Change Summit where he highlighted the government's climate action policies and called for a global movement to bring about change.

PM Modi in the third US-India bilateral meeting with Trump set a trade target of 60 billion dollars.

So far, PM Modi has conducted bilateral meetings with more than ten global leaders including US President Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Modi also reached out to small Island countries at the India Pacific Island meet and the 1st India Caribbean Summit to strengthen ties and improve cooperation.

Considering all this, PM Modi is expected to thwart Imran Khan's misinformation campaign. The Indian PM has already taken the attack to Pakistan.

The prime minister kicked-off his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/howdy-america-key-highlights-of-pm-modis-us-visit-252166">US visit</a> by sharing the stage with US President Donald Trump at the 'Howdy, Modi' event during which he said, "whether it is the perpetrators of the 9/11 terrorist attack or the 26/11 in India, where were the plotters of these attacks found?"

PM Modi also exposed Pakistan's unhealthy obsession with terrorism in the global arena.

"Some people, who are not able to govern their own country, have a problem with what India is doing," PM Modi had said, adding, "now the time has come for a decisive battle against terrorism and those who encourage terrorism."

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended his first UNGA session in 2014, he stressed the need for bilateral talks with Pakistan. The only disclaimer, Pakistan must create an environment for talks by addressing anti-India terrorism.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended his first UNGA session in 2014, he stressed the need for bilateral talks with Pakistan. The only disclaimer, Pakistan must create an environment for talks by addressing anti-India terrorism. "I am prepared to engage in a serious bilateral dialogue with Pakistan in a peaceful atmosphere, without the shadow of terrorism, to promote our friendship and cooperation. However, Pakistan must also take its responsibility seriously to create an appropriate environment," PM Modi had said at UNGA in 2014. In 2015, PM Modi addressed the UN sustainable development forum while the late former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke at the UNGA. Watch: D-day at United Nations General Assembly Again, India's message to Pakistan was articulate and could not be missed - 'talks and terror cannot go together'. A year later in 2016, PM Modi skipped the UNGA meeting, but India kept the heat on Pakistan. During the session, former Pak PM Nawaz Sharif eulogised Kashmir-based terrorist Burhan Wani as a martyr and the "symbol of the latest Kashmiri Intifada" and in response, India highlighted the oppression of minorities in Pakistan. The last two UNGA sessions saw India taking the pole position on several global issues. But this year is not any other year. Pulwama terror attacks, Balakot airstrikes, the re-election of PM Modi and then the decision to abrogate Article 370 Kashmir. Watch: Countdown to PM Modi's speech at UNGA begins, slotted to speak at 8.30 pm IST Pakistan is shaken, Imran Khan is running from pillar to post to find that elusive support while India is on the front-foot from the word go. Prime Minister Modi is leading India from the front this time. He started the UNGA week by addressing the United Nations Climate Change Summit where he highlighted the government's climate action policies and called for a global movement to bring about change. PM Modi in the third US-India bilateral meeting with Trump set a trade target of 60 billion dollars. So far, PM Modi has conducted bilateral meetings with more than ten global leaders including US President Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Modi also reached out to small Island countries at the India Pacific Island meet and the 1st India Caribbean Summit to strengthen ties and improve cooperation. Considering all this, PM Modi is expected to thwart Imran Khan's misinformation campaign. The Indian PM has already taken the attack to Pakistan. The prime minister kicked-off his US visit by sharing the stage with US President Donald Trump at the 'Howdy, Modi' event during which he said, "whether it is the perpetrators of the 9/11 terrorist attack or the 26/11 in India, where were the plotters of these attacks found?" PM Modi also exposed Pakistan's unhealthy obsession with terrorism in the global arena. "Some people, who are not able to govern their own country, have a problem with what India is doing," PM Modi had said, adding, "now the time has come for a decisive battle against terrorism and those who encourage terrorism."

At UNGA today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lead from the front

D-day at United Nations General Assembly as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the annual high-level UN General Assembly (UNGA) session today along with his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan.

D-day at United Nations General Assembly

What To Expect From Indian PM Modi's Address & Pakistan PM Imran Khan's Address At The U.N. General Assembly Meeting.

Gravitas U.S. Edition: India-Pakistan faceoff at the U.N. General Assembly: What to expect

Halfway Into the 74th Session Of U.N. General Assembly, Pakistan 's Anti-India Campaign Fails Spectacularly.

Gravitas U.S. Edition: Pakistan's misinformation campaign against India finds no takers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York on Thursday.

PM Modi to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani today

At the United Nations, Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi reiterated his commitment to stop the use of single-use plastic. In a special report, WION's&nbsp;Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay takes a look at the many ways the United Nations aims to avoid plastic use.&nbsp;

Climate change has been at the forefront of India's agenda at the United Nations General Assembly. The Indian prime minister has taken&nbsp;leadership position on the issue. PM Modi has spoken about sustainable development and climate action in India as well and&nbsp;talked about giving up the use of single-use plastic altogether.

When such conversations begin at the United Nations, it is obvious for a tangible change to reverberate through the UN premises. At the media centre of the United Nations, WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay saw what could aptly be called the future of packaged drinking water - no more plastic bottles!

No plastic at UN

"At the United Nations, we didn't see plastic water bottles, we came across boxed water, the package read, "boxed water is better". It is sustainable, thoughtful and pure," Palki Sharma Upadhyay reported from New York. &nbsp;

The second option to plastic water bottles that WION came across was called "Ever &amp; Ever" - drinking water packaged in recyclable aluminum bottles.&nbsp;

Ever and ever...

"Thanks to those who recycle, 75 per cent of all aluminum ever produced is still in use. When used properly and recycled, this water may go on to become wind chimes, a flag pole, a filing cabinet, a pin-tie, and the Ever &amp; Ever once again," as mentioned on the product website.&nbsp;

Plastic waste

As per a report published by an environmental watchdog, WorldWatch, in the year 2015, "Some 299 million tons of plastics were produced in 2013, representing a 4 per cent increase over 2012. Recovery and recycling, however, remain insufficient, and millions of tons of plastics end up in landfills and oceans each year".

"According to the United Nations Environmental Program, between 22 percent and 43 percent of the plastic used worldwide is disposed of in landfills, where its resources are wasted, the material takes up valuable space, and it blights communities," the report stated.&nbsp;

Interestingly, there have been many attempts to thwart the growing human dependence on the world of plastic.&nbsp;

Leaf republic

A German startup called the Leaf Republic creates durable, bio-degradable cutlery from waste leaves. The leaf-based cutlery is free from artificial agents and chemicals. The leaves are procured from wild vines of South America and Asia. A single plate comprises three layers, sewn and put together using palm fibres.&nbsp;

The waterproof leaf-based cutlery is washable can be used again. The plates, when discarded, take around a month to get decomposed completely.

Eat your water!

Ooho, 'edible water bottles' were put on trial in April 2017 in London, UK. Tiny balls of water are, in reality, ice dipped in a mix of algae and calcium chloride. The entire ball of water can be gobbled down as it is, the product is completely digestible.

"The aim of Ooho is to provide the convenience of plastic bottles while limiting the environmental impact," Skipping Rocks Lab.

So, the next time you reach out to plastic water bottles, think of the alternatives you already have available in the market.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

At the United Nations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his commitment to stop the use of single-use plastic. In a special report, WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay takes a look at the many ways the United Nations aims to avoid plastic use.

At the United Nations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his commitment to stop the use of single-use plastic. In a special report, WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay takes a look at the many ways the United Nations aims to avoid plastic use. Climate change has been at the forefront of India's agenda at the United Nations General Assembly. The Indian prime minister has taken leadership position on the issue. PM Modi has spoken about sustainable development and climate action in India as well and talked about giving up the use of single-use plastic altogether. When such conversations begin at the United Nations, it is obvious for a tangible change to reverberate through the UN premises. At the media centre of the United Nations, WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay saw what could aptly be called the future of packaged drinking water - no more plastic bottles! No plastic at UN "At the United Nations, we didn't see plastic water bottles, we came across boxed water, the package read, "boxed water is better". It is sustainable, thoughtful and pure," Palki Sharma Upadhyay reported from New York. The second option to plastic water bottles that WION came across was called "Ever & Ever" - drinking water packaged in recyclable aluminum bottles. Ever and ever... "Thanks to those who recycle, 75 per cent of all aluminum ever produced is still in use. When used properly and recycled, this water may go on to become wind chimes, a flag pole, a filing cabinet, a pin-tie, and the Ever & Ever once again," as mentioned on the product website. Plastic waste As per a report published by an environmental watchdog, WorldWatch, in the year 2015, "Some 299 million tons of plastics were produced in 2013, representing a 4 per cent increase over 2012. Recovery and recycling, however, remain insufficient, and millions of tons of plastics end up in landfills and oceans each year". "According to the United Nations Environmental Program, between 22 percent and 43 percent of the plastic used worldwide is disposed of in landfills, where its resources are wasted, the material takes up valuable space, and it blights communities," the report stated. Interestingly, there have been many attempts to thwart the growing human dependence on the world of plastic. Leaf republic A German startup called the Leaf Republic creates durable, bio-degradable cutlery from waste leaves. The leaf-based cutlery is free from artificial agents and chemicals. The leaves are procured from wild vines of South America and Asia. A single plate comprises three layers, sewn and put together using palm fibres. The waterproof leaf-based cutlery is washable can be used again. The plates, when discarded, take around a month to get decomposed completely. Eat your water! Ooho, 'edible water bottles' were put on trial in April 2017 in London, UK. Tiny balls of water are, in reality, ice dipped in a mix of algae and calcium chloride. The entire ball of water can be gobbled down as it is, the product is completely digestible. "The aim of Ooho is to provide the convenience of plastic bottles while limiting the environmental impact," Skipping Rocks Lab. So, the next time you reach out to plastic water bottles, think of the alternatives you already have available in the market.

Watch: At UN, WION explores alternatives to plastic water bottles 

Armenia has backed New Delhi on Kashmir, saying we defend the Indian position. In a candid chat with WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in New York&nbsp;on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA), Armenia PM Nikol Pashinyan also talked about trade, terror and climate change.

Watch Video:

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WION: Can you give an overview of the ties?

PM Nikol Pashinyan: We are very close historically, culturally and politically and today the most urgent question is to make our countries closer economically. Today, we had a very positive discussion with PM Modi and we were discussing the opportunities to make our economic ties stronger and to increase the level of bilateral trade.&nbsp;

WION: How can trade be enhanced between the two countries?

PM Nikol Pashinyan: We can cooperate on exporting and importing goods and products. We can cooperate particularly in tourism, culture and the Indian prime minister has made a very interesting proposal to start a movie project about the mutual history&nbsp;of Armenia&nbsp;and Indian people and our historic ties.&nbsp;

WION: What do you think about the issue of terrorism?

PM Nikol Pashinyan: Terrorism is a global issue and world is facing this challenge and international cooperation is aimed at addressing this challenge and particularly our cooperation in framework of the United Nation should be more and more effective and we should find a way to eradicate fundamentalism and terrorism and to create proper environment for cooperation and friendship.

WION: How big is the challenge of climate change for you?&nbsp;

PM Nikol Pashinyan: Climate is a global challenge. Firstly, I think that international cooperation must be done for addressing this challenge because it in not possible to solve the problem with the effort of one country because as you know, climate doesn't know borders that is why we need effective cooperation. Our country is ready and now we taking steps to address this challenge.&nbsp;

WION: What do you think about India removing special status for Jammu and Kashmir?

PM Nikol Pashinyan: In the Kashmir issue we fully defend the Indian position and it is our firm position. We hope in this case we will be able to create international cooperation to solve the situation peacefully.

Armenia has backed New Delhi on Kashmir, saying we defend the Indian position. In a candid chat with WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA), Armenia PM Nikol Pashinyan also talked about trade, terror and climate change.

Armenia has backed New Delhi on Kashmir, saying we defend the Indian position. In a candid chat with WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA), Armenia PM Nikol Pashinyan also talked about trade, terror and climate change. Watch Video: WION: Can you give an overview of the ties? PM Nikol Pashinyan: We are very close historically, culturally and politically and today the most urgent question is to make our countries closer economically. Today, we had a very positive discussion with PM Modi and we were discussing the opportunities to make our economic ties stronger and to increase the level of bilateral trade. WION: How can trade be enhanced between the two countries? PM Nikol Pashinyan: We can cooperate on exporting and importing goods and products. We can cooperate particularly in tourism, culture and the Indian prime minister has made a very interesting proposal to start a movie project about the mutual history of Armenia and Indian people and our historic ties. WION: What do you think about the issue of terrorism? PM Nikol Pashinyan: Terrorism is a global issue and world is facing this challenge and international cooperation is aimed at addressing this challenge and particularly our cooperation in framework of the United Nation should be more and more effective and we should find a way to eradicate fundamentalism and terrorism and to create proper environment for cooperation and friendship. WION: How big is the challenge of climate change for you? PM Nikol Pashinyan: Climate is a global challenge. Firstly, I think that international cooperation must be done for addressing this challenge because it in not possible to solve the problem with the effort of one country because as you know, climate doesn't know borders that is why we need effective cooperation. Our country is ready and now we taking steps to address this challenge. WION: What do you think about India removing special status for Jammu and Kashmir? PM Nikol Pashinyan: In the Kashmir issue we fully defend the Indian position and it is our firm position. We hope in this case we will be able to create international cooperation to solve the situation peacefully.

We fully defend Indian position: Armenia PM Nikol Pashinyan on Jammu and Kashmir

There are series of protests that are taking place outside the UN Headquarters in New York amid 74th UNGA session. Watch WION's report from New York.

Series of protests underway amid 74th UNGA session

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi said that India is making headway and assuming leadership in the matter of climate change.&nbsp;

"Indians have started understanding the value of protection of the climate. We are extremely happy that the things are moving forward," he added.&nbsp;

Satyarthi added that the United Nations must focus on the "children of the world". His comments came on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

Watch: WION speaks to Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi

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"We have to reaffirm our commitment and investment in children so that we can put an end to child slavery, child trafficking, child labour and make sure that every child is safe, free and educated which requires&nbsp;a lot of political will," Satyarthi told WION.&nbsp;

The Nobel Peace Prize recipient said that the leaders of the world need to be "honest, bold, responsible and compassionate toward the children in the world".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-inaugurates-gandhi-solar-park-at-un-headquarters-launches-commemorative-postage-stamp-251853">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>&nbsp;is currently on a week-long visit to the United States on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

His first engagement at the United Nations was at UN Climate Action Summit during which he called for a global movement to bring about change saying "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/time-for-talks-is-over-world-needs-to-act-now-pm-modi-at-un-climate-change-summit-251563">time for talk is over</a>, the world needs to act now".

"What is needed is a comprehensive approach that covers education, lifestyle, development strategy. We need global people's movement to bring about change," the prime minister told the UN climate change summit.

"We believe that an ounce of practice is worth more than a ton of preaching," PM Modi asserted.

Talking about India's climate change policies, PM Modi said,&nbsp;"Respect for nature is part of the tradition and need and not greed."

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi said that India is making headway and assuming leadership in the matter of climate change.

In an exclusive conversation with WION, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi said that India is making headway and assuming leadership in the matter of climate change. "Indians have started understanding the value of protection of the climate. We are extremely happy that the things are moving forward," he added. Satyarthi added that the United Nations must focus on the "children of the world". His comments came on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Watch: WION speaks to Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi × "We have to reaffirm our commitment and investment in children so that we can put an end to child slavery, child trafficking, child labour and make sure that every child is safe, free and educated which requires a lot of political will," Satyarthi told WION. The Nobel Peace Prize recipient said that the leaders of the world need to be "honest, bold, responsible and compassionate toward the children in the world". Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a week-long visit to the United States on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). His first engagement at the United Nations was at UN Climate Action Summit during which he called for a global movement to bring about change saying "time for talk is over, the world needs to act now". "What is needed is a comprehensive approach that covers education, lifestyle, development strategy. We need global people's movement to bring about change," the prime minister told the UN climate change summit. "We believe that an ounce of practice is worth more than a ton of preaching," PM Modi asserted. Talking about India's climate change policies, PM Modi said, "Respect for nature is part of the tradition and need and not greed."

India making headway, assuming leadership on climate change: Kailash Satyarthi tells WION

United States President Donald Trump again <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mediation-only-if-both-india-pakistan-agree-trump-after-meeting-pm-imran-khan-251588">offered mediation over Kashmir</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, despite India making clear its position&nbsp;that its a bilateral matter between the country and Pakistan.

Confirming that Kashmir was raised during his bilateral&nbsp;meetings with Pakistan and&nbsp;India, Trump said, "We talked about Kashmir and whatever help I can be, I said I offered."

"Whether its arbitration or mediation or whatever it has to be," Trump added.

"I will do whatever I can because they are at very serious odds right now and hopefully that will get better," Trump also said.

"You look at two gentlemen heading those two countries, two good friends of mine, I said fellas work it out, just work it out. Those are two nuclear countries, they've gotta work it out," Trump also said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs reacting to the comments said, "Our position is very clear which was articulated by the PM and as well the foreign minister S Jaishankar."

The ministry clarified that the talks on Jammu and Kashmir took place but on "counterterrorism" and said that "there will be no change in our position".&nbsp;

Earlier this week as well, Trump offered to mediate between India and Pakistan over Kashmir as he met Pak PM Imran Khan on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly.

Trump had said he is "ready, willing, and able" to meditate on the Kashmir matter if India and Pakistan want him to do so.

"If I can help, I would certainly do that. It will be dependent on both of these gentlemen (Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Imran Khan)," Trump had said in response to a question on whether he will offer to mediate on the issue of Kashmir.

"One without the other does not work, if you want to do the mediation or if you want to do the arbitration. But I would certainly want to help if both India and Pakistan would want to do that. It's a complex issue, but if both want it, I would be willing to do that," he had added.

A similar statement was made by the US President in the presence of Khan at a joint press conference during the latter's visit to Washington in July.

Tensions between India and Pakistan soared following New Delhi's decisions to abrogate Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the region into two Union Territories (UTs).&nbsp;

Pakistan has downgraded its diplomatic ties and suspended bilateral trade with India in the aftermath of the move.

India has maintained that its constitutional decisions on Kashmir is its internal matter -- a stance that has been supported by many countries around the world. 
&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump again offered mediation over Kashmir on Wednesday, despite India making clear its position that its a bilateral matter between the country and Pakistan.

United States President Donald Trump again offered mediation over Kashmir on Wednesday, despite India making clear its position that its a bilateral matter between the country and Pakistan. Confirming that Kashmir was raised during his bilateral meetings with Pakistan and India, Trump said, "We talked about Kashmir and whatever help I can be, I said I offered." "Whether its arbitration or mediation or whatever it has to be," Trump added. "I will do whatever I can because they are at very serious odds right now and hopefully that will get better," Trump also said. "You look at two gentlemen heading those two countries, two good friends of mine, I said fellas work it out, just work it out. Those are two nuclear countries, they've gotta work it out," Trump also said. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs reacting to the comments said, "Our position is very clear which was articulated by the PM and as well the foreign minister S Jaishankar." The ministry clarified that the talks on Jammu and Kashmir took place but on "counterterrorism" and said that "there will be no change in our position". Earlier this week as well, Trump offered to mediate between India and Pakistan over Kashmir as he met Pak PM Imran Khan on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly. Trump had said he is "ready, willing, and able" to meditate on the Kashmir matter if India and Pakistan want him to do so. "If I can help, I would certainly do that. It will be dependent on both of these gentlemen (Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Imran Khan)," Trump had said in response to a question on whether he will offer to mediate on the issue of Kashmir. "One without the other does not work, if you want to do the mediation or if you want to do the arbitration. But I would certainly want to help if both India and Pakistan would want to do that. It's a complex issue, but if both want it, I would be willing to do that," he had added. A similar statement was made by the US President in the presence of Khan at a joint press conference during the latter's visit to Washington in July. Tensions between India and Pakistan soared following New Delhi's decisions to abrogate Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the region into two Union Territories (UTs). Pakistan has downgraded its diplomatic ties and suspended bilateral trade with India in the aftermath of the move. India has maintained that its constitutional decisions on Kashmir is its internal matter -- a stance that has been supported by many countries around the world.

'I'll do whatever I can': Trump again offers to mediate over Kashmir between India, Pakistan

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-new-york-pm-modi-tells-american-investors-a-golden-opportunity-awaits-in-india-252042">Narendra Modi</a> held separate meetings with CEOs of various companies including Boeing Defence, Shell, Bank of America, CocaCola on Wednesday&nbsp;on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session in New York.

"Showcasing India as an attractive destination for doing business. PM @narendramodi had separate meetings with President &amp; CEO @Marriott Arne Sorenson, CEO @IBM @GinniRometty, President &amp; CEA @Walmart Douglas McMillon &amp; Chairman &amp; CEO of @CocaCola James Quincey," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

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Also met with CEO of <a href="https://twitter.com/Shell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Shell</a> Ben van Beurden, CEO of <a href="https://twitter.com/BankofAmerica?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BankofAmerica</a> Brian T. Moynihan, <a href="https://twitter.com/BoeingDefense?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BoeingDefense</a> CEO Leanne Caret. <a href="https://t.co/1CIEBncr4V">pic.twitter.com/1CIEBncr4V</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1176933796869861376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Also met with CEO of @Shell Ben van Beurden, CEO of @BankofAmerica Brian T. Moynihan, @BoeingDefense CEO Leanne Caret," he added.

The CEO of Lockheed Martin, Marillyn Hewson, also met the Prime Minister on Wednesday.

"The meeting with PM Modi was excellent. I congratulate India on their pro-growth policies," Hewson said in a video tweeted by the Prime Minister's office.

Modi had a tight schedule packed with back-to-back engagements in New York today.

He started his day with an address at the Bloomberg Global Business Forum in the morning, following which he held a roundtable with 42 CEOs of top global companies.&nbsp;

He also held a bilateral with his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel.

Modi is currently in the United States on a week-long visit, during which he is slated to speak at the UN General Assembly on Friday.&nbsp;

He has already held a string of engagements, including meeting US President Donald Trump twice -- once during their joint address at the mega Howdy Modi! event in Houston on Sunday and during a bilateral on Tuesday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held separate meetings with CEOs of various companies including Boeing Defence, Shell, Bank of America, CocaCola on Wednesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session in New York.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held separate meetings with CEOs of various companies including Boeing Defence, Shell, Bank of America, CocaCola on Wednesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session in New York. "Showcasing India as an attractive destination for doing business. PM @narendramodi had separate meetings with President & CEO @Marriott Arne Sorenson, CEO @IBM @GinniRometty, President & CEA @Walmart Douglas McMillon & Chairman & CEO of @CocaCola James Quincey," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. Also met with CEO of @Shell Ben van Beurden, CEO of @BankofAmerica Brian T. Moynihan, @BoeingDefense CEO Leanne Caret. pic.twitter.com/1CIEBncr4V — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 25, 2019 × "Also met with CEO of @Shell Ben van Beurden, CEO of @BankofAmerica Brian T. Moynihan, @BoeingDefense CEO Leanne Caret," he added. The CEO of Lockheed Martin, Marillyn Hewson, also met the Prime Minister on Wednesday. "The meeting with PM Modi was excellent. I congratulate India on their pro-growth policies," Hewson said in a video tweeted by the Prime Minister's office. Modi had a tight schedule packed with back-to-back engagements in New York today. He started his day with an address at the Bloomberg Global Business Forum in the morning, following which he held a roundtable with 42 CEOs of top global companies. He also held a bilateral with his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel. Modi is currently in the United States on a week-long visit, during which he is slated to speak at the UN General Assembly on Friday. He has already held a string of engagements, including meeting US President Donald Trump twice -- once during their joint address at the mega Howdy Modi! event in Houston on Sunday and during a bilateral on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Narendra Modi holds meetings with business leaders in New York

India is set to participate at the SAARC foreign ministers meeting that is to be held on Thursday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) session amid heightened tensions with Pakistan after scrapping of special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370.

India's Jaishankar, Pakistan's Qureshi likely to come face-to-face

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-doing-better-than-many-western-countries-in-achieving-paris-accords-commitment-jaishankar-251920">Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar</a> has ruled out the possibility India playing cricket with Pakistan. While referring to Islamabad's support to terrorism, Jaishankar said that New Delhi can't take a "tea break" and say "let us go and play cricket" with Pakistan.

Speaking in New York at an event, Jaishankar said that the "dominating narrative of the relationship" between New Delhi and Islamabad "is of terrorism, suicide bombings, violence and then you say, 'okay guys tea break, let us go and play cricket'".

He highlighted the recent terror attacks in India at Uri, Pathankot, and Pulwama and said that "its a very hard narrative to sell to people... It's a democracy, sentiments do matter and one message [that] I don't want to give [is that] you do terrorism by night, and [then] it's business as usual during the day."

He added that "it is very difficult in real life to separate issues".

India has been focusing on the issue of counter-terrorism and urging the world to speak about it in unison.

While slamming Islamabad, Jaishankar said, "You have terrorism in different parts of the world but there is no part where a country uses it consciously as a large scale industry against its neighbour".

This is the second time in a week that the minister has slammed Pakistan in New York at an event.

Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has ruled out the possibility India playing cricket with Pakistan. While referring to Islamabad's support to terrorism, Jaishankar said that New Delhi can't take a "tea break" and say "let us go and play cricket" with Pakistan.

Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has ruled out the possibility India playing cricket with Pakistan. While referring to Islamabad's support to terrorism, Jaishankar said that New Delhi can't take a "tea break" and say "let us go and play cricket" with Pakistan. Speaking in New York at an event, Jaishankar said that the "dominating narrative of the relationship" between New Delhi and Islamabad "is of terrorism, suicide bombings, violence and then you say, 'okay guys tea break, let us go and play cricket'". He highlighted the recent terror attacks in India at Uri, Pathankot, and Pulwama and said that "its a very hard narrative to sell to people... It's a democracy, sentiments do matter and one message [that] I don't want to give [is that] you do terrorism by night, and [then] it's business as usual during the day." He added that "it is very difficult in real life to separate issues". India has been focusing on the issue of counter-terrorism and urging the world to speak about it in unison. While slamming Islamabad, Jaishankar said, "You have terrorism in different parts of the world but there is no part where a country uses it consciously as a large scale industry against its neighbour". This is the second time in a week that the minister has slammed Pakistan in New York at an event.

Cricket no longer possible with Pakistan: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar

As French, Pakistani and other leaders seek to engineer a meeting between the US and Iranian Presidents on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, big power rivalry could rack up tension in the waters of the Gulf and the Indian Ocean.

With prospects for a face-to-face encounter between presidents Donald J Trump and Hassan Rouhani slim at best, attention is likely to focus on beefing up the security of key Saudi oil facilities after drone and missile attacks, blamed by the kingdom and the United States on Iran, and identifying an appropriate response that minimizes the risk of a full-fledged military confrontation.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, days after the attacks severely damaged oil installations, joined a US-led coalition to secure the Middle East’s waterways. Earlier, Britain, Bahrain and Australia pledged to participate in the coalition.

Japan declined to join but said it was considering sending its Maritime Self-Defense Force (SDF) on information-gathering missions in the region. It said it would coordinate with the US-led coalition and would include the Strait of Hormuz in its operations if Iran agreed. Japan has unsuccessfully sought to mediate between the United States and Iran.

The US Defense Department, meanwhile, in response to a request from Saudi Arabia and the UAE and in an effort to reassure Gulf allies said last week that it was sending an unspecified number of troops and equipment to the two countries to bolster their defences.

Iranian Brigadier General Ghadir Nezami, head of international and diplomatic affairs of his country’s armed forces, raised the stakes by saying that the Iranian navy would be holding joint exercises with Russia and China in the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman.

General Nezami, who is believed to have recently accompanied chairman of the Iranian Joint Chiefs of Staff Major General Mohammad Baqeri on a visit to China, gave no date for the exercises. Chinese and Russian media have yet to report the planned exercise while spokesmen in the two countries declined to confirm or deny the Iranian announcement.

Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said in July that the Russian and Iranian navies would be conducting a joint exercise within a matter of months to boost military cooperation.

Russian and Chinese hesitancy to confirm the exercise may be designed to avoid hiking tensions as efforts at the United Nations to mediate between the United States and Iran proceed.

Moreover, Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to want to avoid a shadow being cast over his planned visit to Saudi Arabia in October. Putin has urged the kingdom to proceed with the acquisition of Russia’s S-400 anti-missile system that was agreed in principle two years ago.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov met this week with his Saudi counterpart Ibrahim Assaf at the United Nations to discuss the visit.

Russia and China may also not want to undermine a Chinese-backed Russian proposal for a collective security agreement in the Gulf that would replace the US defence umbrella at a time that Saudi Arabia, uncertain about American reliability, may reach out to other countries for support in protecting its oil assets.

South Korea’s Yonhap news agency last week reported that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had requested South Korean assistance in the strengthening of the kingdom’s air defence system.

Gulf concern about US reliability, dating back to US President Barak Obama’s negotiation of an international nuclear agreement with Iran and reinforced by Trump’s transactional response to the recent attacks on Saudi oil fields, leaves the Saudis and the Americans with no good choices.

Middle East scholar and former advisor to the US Defence Department Bilal YSaab argues, against the backdrop of a widespread feeling in Gulf states that the United States is gradually reducing its commitment to their defence as Washington focuses on Asia and the Indo-Pacific, that the United States, in particular, is caught in a Catch-22.

Its options of reducing commitment without surrendering its umbilical defense cord and making way for America’s rivals are limited.

Saab believes that the United States should focus its security cooperation less single-mindedly on arms sales and more on building the Gulf states’ institutional national defense infrastructure. Failure to do so, would risk regional tensions repeatedly spiralling out of control and ultimately prevent a gradual US drawdown.

The problem is, in Saab’s words, that what the United States should be doing to “responsibly reduce its security burden and footprint in the region” while safeguarding opportunities for lucrative arms sales would likely reinforce perceptions of America as unreliable and willing to sacrifice its friends – a perception that dates from the 2011 popular Arab revolts when Washington ultimately backed the toppling of Egyptian president and US ally Hosni Mubarak.

He is the first person to admit that his proposition may be pie in the sky.

“It would mean building and empowering institutions that have the guns, and thus the ability, to conduct coups. Only a foolish Arab autocrat would be interested in that. It would also mean liberalising or professionalising national-security ministries and intelligence agencies. Few Arab leaders would voluntarily undermine the favourable clientelistic networks that are run by their governments. In short, defense reform requires political reform,” he says.

Moreover, institution building would bring the different threat perceptions of the Gulf states and the US into sharp relief and force Gulf states to rethink their arms acquisition policies and grant the United States access to their jealousy guarded most secret data and programs.

Said Saab: “There is no shortage of problems on the US end or on its partners’ end when it comes to security cooperation. But it will be impossible to address any of those without making a total switch on how the United States thinks about security cooperation.”

That would require a US president who thinks in strategic rather than transactional terms. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

As French, Pakistani and other leaders seek to engineer a meeting between the US and Iranian Presidents on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, big power rivalry could rack up tension in the waters of the Gulf and the Indian Ocean.

As French, Pakistani and other leaders seek to engineer a meeting between the US and Iranian Presidents on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, big power rivalry could rack up tension in the waters of the Gulf and the Indian Ocean. With prospects for a face-to-face encounter between presidents Donald J Trump and Hassan Rouhani slim at best, attention is likely to focus on beefing up the security of key Saudi oil facilities after drone and missile attacks, blamed by the kingdom and the United States on Iran, and identifying an appropriate response that minimizes the risk of a full-fledged military confrontation. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, days after the attacks severely damaged oil installations, joined a US-led coalition to secure the Middle East’s waterways. Earlier, Britain, Bahrain and Australia pledged to participate in the coalition. Japan declined to join but said it was considering sending its Maritime Self-Defense Force (SDF) on information-gathering missions in the region. It said it would coordinate with the US-led coalition and would include the Strait of Hormuz in its operations if Iran agreed. Japan has unsuccessfully sought to mediate between the United States and Iran. The US Defense Department, meanwhile, in response to a request from Saudi Arabia and the UAE and in an effort to reassure Gulf allies said last week that it was sending an unspecified number of troops and equipment to the two countries to bolster their defences. Iranian Brigadier General Ghadir Nezami, head of international and diplomatic affairs of his country’s armed forces, raised the stakes by saying that the Iranian navy would be holding joint exercises with Russia and China in the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman. General Nezami, who is believed to have recently accompanied chairman of the Iranian Joint Chiefs of Staff Major General Mohammad Baqeri on a visit to China, gave no date for the exercises. Chinese and Russian media have yet to report the planned exercise while spokesmen in the two countries declined to confirm or deny the Iranian announcement. Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said in July that the Russian and Iranian navies would be conducting a joint exercise within a matter of months to boost military cooperation. Russian and Chinese hesitancy to confirm the exercise may be designed to avoid hiking tensions as efforts at the United Nations to mediate between the United States and Iran proceed. Moreover, Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to want to avoid a shadow being cast over his planned visit to Saudi Arabia in October. Putin has urged the kingdom to proceed with the acquisition of Russia’s S-400 anti-missile system that was agreed in principle two years ago. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov met this week with his Saudi counterpart Ibrahim Assaf at the United Nations to discuss the visit. Russia and China may also not want to undermine a Chinese-backed Russian proposal for a collective security agreement in the Gulf that would replace the US defence umbrella at a time that Saudi Arabia, uncertain about American reliability, may reach out to other countries for support in protecting its oil assets. South Korea’s Yonhap news agency last week reported that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had requested South Korean assistance in the strengthening of the kingdom’s air defence system. Gulf concern about US reliability, dating back to US President Barak Obama’s negotiation of an international nuclear agreement with Iran and reinforced by Trump’s transactional response to the recent attacks on Saudi oil fields, leaves the Saudis and the Americans with no good choices. Middle East scholar and former advisor to the US Defence Department Bilal YSaab argues, against the backdrop of a widespread feeling in Gulf states that the United States is gradually reducing its commitment to their defence as Washington focuses on Asia and the Indo-Pacific, that the United States, in particular, is caught in a Catch-22. Its options of reducing commitment without surrendering its umbilical defense cord and making way for America’s rivals are limited. Saab believes that the United States should focus its security cooperation less single-mindedly on arms sales and more on building the Gulf states’ institutional national defense infrastructure. Failure to do so, would risk regional tensions repeatedly spiralling out of control and ultimately prevent a gradual US drawdown. The problem is, in Saab’s words, that what the United States should be doing to “responsibly reduce its security burden and footprint in the region” while safeguarding opportunities for lucrative arms sales would likely reinforce perceptions of America as unreliable and willing to sacrifice its friends – a perception that dates from the 2011 popular Arab revolts when Washington ultimately backed the toppling of Egyptian president and US ally Hosni Mubarak. He is the first person to admit that his proposition may be pie in the sky. “It would mean building and empowering institutions that have the guns, and thus the ability, to conduct coups. Only a foolish Arab autocrat would be interested in that. It would also mean liberalising or professionalising national-security ministries and intelligence agencies. Few Arab leaders would voluntarily undermine the favourable clientelistic networks that are run by their governments. In short, defense reform requires political reform,” he says. Moreover, institution building would bring the different threat perceptions of the Gulf states and the US into sharp relief and force Gulf states to rethink their arms acquisition policies and grant the United States access to their jealousy guarded most secret data and programs. Said Saab: “There is no shortage of problems on the US end or on its partners’ end when it comes to security cooperation. But it will be impossible to address any of those without making a total switch on how the United States thinks about security cooperation.” That would require a US president who thinks in strategic rather than transactional terms. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Big power rivalry in the Gulf requires a US strategy rethink

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-doing-better-than-many-western-countries-in-achieving-paris-accords-commitment-jaishankar-251920">Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar</a> has ruled out the possibility India playing cricket with Pakistan. While referring to Islamabad's support to terrorism, Jaishankar said that New Delhi can't take a "tea break" even if Pakistan says "let us go and play cricket".

Speaking in New York at an event, Jaishankar said that the "dominating narrative of the relationship" between New Delhi and Islamabad "is terrorism, suicide bombings, violence", making it impossible to resume a normal relationship.

He highlighted the recent terror attacks in India at Uri, Pathankot, and Pulwama and said that "its a very hard narrative to sell to people... It's a democracy, sentiments do matter and one message [that] I don't want to give [is that] you do terrorism by night, and [then] it's business as usual during the day."

He added that "it is very difficult in real life to separate issues".

India has been focusing on the issue of counter-terrorism and requesting the world to speak about it in unison.

While slamming Islamabad, Jaishankar said, "You have terrorism in different parts of the world but there is no part where a country uses it consciously as a large scale industry against its neighbour".

This is the second time in a week that the minister has slammed Pakistan in New York at an event.

Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has ruled out the possibility India playing cricket with Pakistan. While referring to Islamabad's support to terrorism, Jaishankar said that New Delhi can't take a "tea break" even if Pakistan says "let us go and play cricket".

Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has ruled out the possibility India playing cricket with Pakistan. While referring to Islamabad's support to terrorism, Jaishankar said that New Delhi can't take a "tea break" even if Pakistan says "let us go and play cricket". Speaking in New York at an event, Jaishankar said that the "dominating narrative of the relationship" between New Delhi and Islamabad "is terrorism, suicide bombings, violence", making it impossible to resume a normal relationship. He highlighted the recent terror attacks in India at Uri, Pathankot, and Pulwama and said that "its a very hard narrative to sell to people... It's a democracy, sentiments do matter and one message [that] I don't want to give [is that] you do terrorism by night, and [then] it's business as usual during the day." He added that "it is very difficult in real life to separate issues". India has been focusing on the issue of counter-terrorism and requesting the world to speak about it in unison. While slamming Islamabad, Jaishankar said, "You have terrorism in different parts of the world but there is no part where a country uses it consciously as a large scale industry against its neighbour". This is the second time in a week that the minister has slammed Pakistan in New York at an event.

Cricket no longer possible with India: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar

PM Modi and Donald Trump meet for the 2nd time. Watch video to know more.

PM Modi and Donald Trump meet for the 2nd time

After being bestowed with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-receives-global-goalkeepers-award-for-swachh-bharat-campaign-251855">Global Goalkeeper Award</a> for 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan'&nbsp;on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the honour does not belong to him but to the crores of Indians who made the initiative a part of their daily lives.

The award was presented by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation at a ceremony on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly session in New York.

"This honour is not mine but of the crores of Indians who not only fulfilled the 'Swachh Bharat'&nbsp;dream but also made it a part of their daily lives," Modi said after receiving the award from Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

The Prime Minister said it is significant that he received the award on the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

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"This is a proof that if the manpower of 130 crore people gets involved in fulfilling any one resolution, then any challenge can be won," Modi said.

He said that while the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'&nbsp;was initiated by his government, it was the people of the country who took the movement forward.

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"In the last five years, a record more than 11 crore toilets were constructed. If this mission has benefited someone the most, it is the poor of this country and the women," the Prime Minister noted.

Modi said that the construction of 11 crore toilets opened a new door of economic activity at the village level.He said, "I have been told that in a report of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation it was found that in India due to better rural sanitation, heart problems in children have decreased, and there has been an improvement in Body Mass Index of women."

The Prime Minister said that India is close to achieving its sanitation target and the country is also working steadfastly on other missions as well.

"Through Fit India movement we are promoting fitness and preventive healthcare," he underlined.Modi said he was happy that through the 'Swachh Survekshan', there is a competition among the states in India to make it to the top in the cleanliness rankings.

"Many such mass movements are going on in India today. I have full faith in the ability of 1.3 billion Indians. I am confident that like the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan', other missions will also be successful," he remarked.

The 'Swachh Bharat Mission'&nbsp;was launched by the Modi government in 2014 and its components include the construction of household toilets, community and public toilets and solid waste management.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Goalkeeper's Award is accorded every year to individuals for their achievement in a specific sustainable development goal.Prior to Modi, the previous winners have been Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia.

After being bestowed with the Global Goalkeeper Award for 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan' on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the honour does not belong to him but to the crores of Indians who made the initiative a part of their daily lives.

After being bestowed with the Global Goalkeeper Award for 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan' on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the honour does not belong to him but to the crores of Indians who made the initiative a part of their daily lives. The award was presented by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation at a ceremony on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly session in New York. "This honour is not mine but of the crores of Indians who not only fulfilled the 'Swachh Bharat' dream but also made it a part of their daily lives," Modi said after receiving the award from Microsoft founder Bill Gates. The Prime Minister said it is significant that he received the award on the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. × "This is a proof that if the manpower of 130 crore people gets involved in fulfilling any one resolution, then any challenge can be won," Modi said. He said that while the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' was initiated by his government, it was the people of the country who took the movement forward. × "In the last five years, a record more than 11 crore toilets were constructed. If this mission has benefited someone the most, it is the poor of this country and the women," the Prime Minister noted. Modi said that the construction of 11 crore toilets opened a new door of economic activity at the village level.He said, "I have been told that in a report of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation it was found that in India due to better rural sanitation, heart problems in children have decreased, and there has been an improvement in Body Mass Index of women." The Prime Minister said that India is close to achieving its sanitation target and the country is also working steadfastly on other missions as well. "Through Fit India movement we are promoting fitness and preventive healthcare," he underlined.Modi said he was happy that through the 'Swachh Survekshan', there is a competition among the states in India to make it to the top in the cleanliness rankings. "Many such mass movements are going on in India today. I have full faith in the ability of 1.3 billion Indians. I am confident that like the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan', other missions will also be successful," he remarked. The 'Swachh Bharat Mission' was launched by the Modi government in 2014 and its components include the construction of household toilets, community and public toilets and solid waste management. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Goalkeeper's Award is accorded every year to individuals for their achievement in a specific sustainable development goal.Prior to Modi, the previous winners have been Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia.

This belongs to crores of Indians who adopted 'Swachh Bharat': PM Modi on receiving Global Goalkeeper Award

President of Iran, Hassan Rouhani speaks at the UNGA. To know more watch the video

President of Iran, Hassan Rouhani speaks at the UNGA

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi "Father of India". The two leaders, who met at the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, heaped praises on each other during the press briefing.

Donald Trump calls PM Modi 'Father of India'

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