<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-try-to-persuade-taliban-to-hold-talks-with-afghan-government-imran-khan-251858">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> on Tuesday was seen skipping a question from Indian media. As WION's Aditi Tyagi stood up to ask her question, Khan quickly rose and went away.&nbsp;

The incident happened during Pak prime minister Imran Khan's press conference on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.&nbsp;

Khan, on Tuesday, said his country will try to persuade the Taliban to hold direct talks with the Afghan government and broker a peace deal to end the 18 year-long civil war in Afghanistan.

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"We thought a deal was being signed in Afghanistan. We found out through a tweet that the deal had been called off. I spoke to President Donald Trump in this regard. We will try our best to get the Taliban to talk to the Afghan government," he told reporters at the UN headquarters.

Khan hoped that a proper political solution is achieved to end the conflict else chaos could aggravate in the war-torn country.

"This time round, when the Americans leave Afghanistan we hope there is a transition to a proper political solution otherwise there will again be chaos in Afghanistan," he said.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump reacted to Khan's admission that his country's ISI is training Al Qaeda saying that "Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-will-take-care-of-it-trump-on-imran-khan-admitting-isis-role-in-training-al-qaeda-251841">Narendra Modi will take care of it</a>".

"...I know that your Prime Minister (PM Modi) will take care of it" Trump said when asked 'how do you see the statement coming from Pakistani PM admitting that the Pakistani ISI trained Al Qaeda?'.

Trump made the remarks during the press meet after holding bilateral meet with PM Modi on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday was seen skipping a question from Indian media. As WION's Aditi Tyagi stood up to ask her question, Khan quickly rose and went away.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday was seen skipping a question from Indian media. As WION's Aditi Tyagi stood up to ask her question, Khan quickly rose and went away. The incident happened during Pak prime minister Imran Khan's press conference on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States. Khan, on Tuesday, said his country will try to persuade the Taliban to hold direct talks with the Afghan government and broker a peace deal to end the 18 year-long civil war in Afghanistan. × "We thought a deal was being signed in Afghanistan. We found out through a tweet that the deal had been called off. I spoke to President Donald Trump in this regard. We will try our best to get the Taliban to talk to the Afghan government," he told reporters at the UN headquarters. Khan hoped that a proper political solution is achieved to end the conflict else chaos could aggravate in the war-torn country. "This time round, when the Americans leave Afghanistan we hope there is a transition to a proper political solution otherwise there will again be chaos in Afghanistan," he said. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump reacted to Khan's admission that his country's ISI is training Al Qaeda saying that "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take care of it". "...I know that your Prime Minister (PM Modi) will take care of it" Trump said when asked 'how do you see the statement coming from Pakistani PM admitting that the Pakistani ISI trained Al Qaeda?'. Trump made the remarks during the press meet after holding bilateral meet with PM Modi on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Watch: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan avoids WION's question, walks away 

United Nations International Children`s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Henrietta Fore called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly session here on Monday.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister underlined the efforts made by his government to improve the health and nutrition of children in India through several focused initiatives.

"Ms. Henrietta Fore @unicefchief called on PM @narendramodi on the margins of #UNGA. PM underlined the efforts made by the Government towards health and nutrition of children in India through several focused initiatives," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Earlier in the day, Modi held meetings with several world leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Colombian President Ivan Marquez, Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering and Niger President Issoufou Mahamadou on the sidelines of his UN engagements.

Modi, who is currently in the US on a week-long visit, addressed at the UN Climate Action Summit and the high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

United Nations International Children`s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Henrietta Fore called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly session here on Monday.

United Nations International Children`s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Henrietta Fore called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly session here on Monday. During the meeting, the Prime Minister underlined the efforts made by his government to improve the health and nutrition of children in India through several focused initiatives. "Ms. Henrietta Fore @unicefchief called on PM @narendramodi on the margins of #UNGA. PM underlined the efforts made by the Government towards health and nutrition of children in India through several focused initiatives," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Earlier in the day, Modi held meetings with several world leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Colombian President Ivan Marquez, Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering and Niger President Issoufou Mahamadou on the sidelines of his UN engagements. Modi, who is currently in the US on a week-long visit, addressed at the UN Climate Action Summit and the high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage.

UNICEF executive director calls on PM Modi on UNGA sidelines

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will sit down for their third bilateral meet, in 2019, on Tuesday afternoon (local time) on the sidelines of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Watch this video to know more.

3rd bilateral meet this year between Modi-Trump today

US President Donald Trump launched a fresh attack on China and accused the world's second-largest economy of currency manipulation, and theft of intellectual property.

US President Donald Trump launched a fresh attack on China and accused the world's second-largest economy of currency manipulation, and theft of intellectual property. In a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump said in 2001 China was admitted to the World Trade Organisation in the hope that it would compel the country to liberalise its economy, however, decades later this theory has been proven wrong, he said. ''Not only has China declined to adopt promised reforms, but it has also embraced an economic model dependent on massive market barriers, currency manipulation, product dumping, forced technology transfers and theft of intellectual property,'' he added. Trump further said that US lost 60,000 factories after China entered WTO, and the same is happening to other countries all over the globe. WTO needs a drastic change, he said and added, the second-largest economy in the world shouldn't be allowed to declare itself a developing country to game the system at others' expense. Accusing Iran of ''blood lust'', Trump said sanctions on Iran would be further increased unless it halts its "fanatical" weapons drive and "aggression" in the Middle East. "Hoping to free itself from sanctions, the regime has escalated its violent and unprovoked aggression," Trump told. "As long as Iran's menacing behaviour continues, sanctions will not be lifted -- they will be tightened." Trump also made a fresh attack against the global order, saying that "globalists" would not triumph. "The future does not belong to globalists. The future belongs to patriots," Trump said. "The future belongs to sovereign and independent nations who protect their citizens, respect their neighbours and honour the differences that make each country special and unique," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump excoriates China on trade, Iran's 'blood lust' in United Nations speech

Watch in WION-USA Direct: U.S. President Donald Trump addresses at United Nations General Assembly. Let's listen in...

WION-USA Direct: U.S. President Donald Trump addresses at United Nations General Assembly

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart Imran Khan could well cross paths with each other at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart Imran Khan could well cross paths with each other at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday. As the UN General Assembly session formally opens, at least one occasion could present itself when Modi and Khan would be under the same roof -- an eagerly-awaited optic amid khan's attempt to draw global attention to Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 which Indian government maintains is an internal matter. That said, while Modi and Khan may chance upon each other at various engagements slated for today, it is speculative at best to assume that the two will confront each other at the United Nations. Both Indian prime minister and his Pakistan counterpart would address the UN general assembly on September 27. Earlier Modi and Khan crossed paths during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek for the first time following Pulwama terror attack. The informal exchange came in the backdrop of Modi’s strong pitch for a regional and global drive to eliminate terrorism. “The Prime Minister exchanged usual pleasantries with the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan in the Leaders’ Lounge,” said a source then. However, the sources said, the interaction did not amount to a meeting or a “pull-aside” and was just an exchange of pleasantries.

PM Modi, Imran Khan likely to cross paths at United Nations headquarters today 

Third bilateral meet this year between PM Modi and Donald Trump today

74th UNGA: High-profile leaders go missing. Watch video to know more.

74th UNGA: High-profile leaders go missing

Leaders prepare for climate Summit 2019. Watch video to know more.

Leaders prepare for climate Summit 2019

74th UNGA: Stage set for confrontation? Watch video to know more.

74th UNGA: Stage set for confrontation?

All eyes will be on New York today where it is going to be a busy week for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/border-security-vital-for-both-us-and-india-says-trump-at-howdy-modi-event-in-houston-251331">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>with several bilateral meetings planned. PM Modi will take part in a climate summit and also address the UN General Assembly.

The summit is being held before the second mega meeting of the international solar alliance to be held in New Delhi. At least, 66 nations have vowed to achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, as a vital goal in preventing catastrophic long term climate change.

PM Modi, along with the then French President Francois Hollande had jointly inaugurated the solar summit in Paris, on the sidelines of Cop-21 UN climate conference.

Watch Video:

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The Indian prime minister had a busy Sunday during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-committed-to-protect-innocents-from-radical-islamic-terrorism-says-trump-at-howdy-modi-251404">the 'Howdy, Modi' event</a> at Houston where he was joined by US President Donald Trump.

PM Modi during his address raised the Article 370 issue in the presence of Trump as the crowd gave a standing ovation for scrapping article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Prime minister Modi's address in Houston drew loud cheers from the 50 thousand stong Indian-American community.

All eyes will be on New York today where it is going to be a busy week for Prime Minister Narendra Modi with several bilateral meetings planned. PM Modi will take part in a climate summit and also address the UN General Assembly.

All eyes will be on New York today where it is going to be a busy week for Prime Minister Narendra Modi with several bilateral meetings planned. PM Modi will take part in a climate summit and also address the UN General Assembly. The summit is being held before the second mega meeting of the international solar alliance to be held in New Delhi. At least, 66 nations have vowed to achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, as a vital goal in preventing catastrophic long term climate change. PM Modi, along with the then French President Francois Hollande had jointly inaugurated the solar summit in Paris, on the sidelines of Cop-21 UN climate conference. Watch Video: The Indian prime minister had a busy Sunday during the 'Howdy, Modi' event at Houston where he was joined by US President Donald Trump. PM Modi during his address raised the Article 370 issue in the presence of Trump as the crowd gave a standing ovation for scrapping article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Prime minister Modi's address in Houston drew loud cheers from the 50 thousand stong Indian-American community.

PM Modi arrives at UN headquarters to address climate change summit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-chance-of-talks-with-india-on-kashmir-until-curfew-is-lifted-imran-khan-250451">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> reached the US on Saturday on a "special aircraft" of Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman.

Dunya News quoting sources said Khan was barred from using a commercial flight by the Saudi Crown Prince, who said: "You are our special guest and you would be going to the US on my special aircraft."

Addressing media, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said, "Prime Minister Imran Khan has reached the US. The seven-day visit is aimed at drawing the attention of the world towards what is happening in Kashmir.''

Before arriving in the US, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-performed-umrah-with-his-wife-250837">Khan was on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia</a> to muster support from the Islamic nation on the Kashmir issue. In Saudi Arabia, Khan met King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and discussed Kashmir apart from trade, investment and economic relations.

Khan on Saturday left for New York from Saudi Arabia to participate in the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

The cricketer-turned-politician is scheduled to address the UNGA on Septemeber 27.&nbsp;

While Khan's address is expected to centre around India's move on Kashmir, New Delhi has cleared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will focus on his country's contribution on development, peace, and security fronts as a responsible member of the global body.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan reached the US on Saturday on a "special aircraft" of Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman. Dunya News quoting sources said Khan was barred from using a commercial flight by the Saudi Crown Prince, who said: "You are our special guest and you would be going to the US on my special aircraft.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan reached the US on Saturday on a "special aircraft" of Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad bin Salman. Dunya News quoting sources said Khan was barred from using a commercial flight by the Saudi Crown Prince, who said: "You are our special guest and you would be going to the US on my special aircraft." Addressing media, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said, "Prime Minister Imran Khan has reached the US. The seven-day visit is aimed at drawing the attention of the world towards what is happening in Kashmir.'' Before arriving in the US, Khan was on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia to muster support from the Islamic nation on the Kashmir issue. In Saudi Arabia, Khan met King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and discussed Kashmir apart from trade, investment and economic relations. Khan on Saturday left for New York from Saudi Arabia to participate in the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The cricketer-turned-politician is scheduled to address the UNGA on Septemeber 27. While Khan's address is expected to centre around India's move on Kashmir, New Delhi has cleared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will focus on his country's contribution on development, peace, and security fronts as a responsible member of the global body.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan arrives in US ahead of 74th session of UNGA

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-howdy-modi-trump-and-pm-modi-could-sign-trade-deal-251028">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> arrived at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport at Houston, Texas on Saturday on a week-long visit to the United States.

Kick-starting his engagements in the US, the PM is expected to meet the&nbsp;CEOs of the energy sector in the country which will be followed by '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/excitement-builds-up-as-indian-diaspora-gears-up-for-electrifying-howdy-modi-event-251008">Howdy Modi</a>', billed as the biggest address ever in the United States by a foreign leader on Sunday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-biggest-diaspora-event-in-us-on-sunday-trump-to-address-indian-american-community-251035">Modi will address the Indian diaspora</a>&nbsp;during the event.

According to the organisers, Texas India Forum, the event is expected to witness the attendance of as many as 50,000 people. Senior US diplomats along with US President Donald Trump will be present at the meeting.&nbsp;

In his departure statement, the prime minister said, "I am confident that my visit would present India as a vibrant land of opportunities, a reliable partner and a global leader and will also help impart new energy to our relations with the US."

PM Modi will be meeting around 45 world leaders from India's immediate neighbourhood to Latin America.&nbsp;

He will be meeting US President Trump on Tuesday in New York. Earlier Modi in the statement said he looks forward to meeting with Trump in Houston and New York.

"The US is a vital partner for our national development with rich possibilities of partnership in education, skills, research, technology and innovation and an enabler for India in economic growth and national security... Working together, we can contribute to building a more peaceful, stable, secure, sustainable and prosperous world," he said.

The prime minister will be in New York from Monday and will be speaking nine times at various events throughout the week that will be broadcast live. Monday will see him address climate change and health care summit at the United Nations.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport at Houston, Texas on Saturday on a week-long visit to the United States. Kick-starting his engagements in the US, the PM is expected to meet the CEOs of the energy sector in the country which will be followed by 'Howdy Modi', billed as the biggest address ever in the United States by a foreign leader on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport at Houston, Texas on Saturday on a week-long visit to the United States. Kick-starting his engagements in the US, the PM is expected to meet the CEOs of the energy sector in the country which will be followed by 'Howdy Modi', billed as the biggest address ever in the United States by a foreign leader on Sunday. Modi will address the Indian diaspora during the event. According to the organisers, Texas India Forum, the event is expected to witness the attendance of as many as 50,000 people. Senior US diplomats along with US President Donald Trump will be present at the meeting. In his departure statement, the prime minister said, "I am confident that my visit would present India as a vibrant land of opportunities, a reliable partner and a global leader and will also help impart new energy to our relations with the US." PM Modi will be meeting around 45 world leaders from India's immediate neighbourhood to Latin America. He will be meeting US President Trump on Tuesday in New York. Earlier Modi in the statement said he looks forward to meeting with Trump in Houston and New York. "The US is a vital partner for our national development with rich possibilities of partnership in education, skills, research, technology and innovation and an enabler for India in economic growth and national security... Working together, we can contribute to building a more peaceful, stable, secure, sustainable and prosperous world," he said. The prime minister will be in New York from Monday and will be speaking nine times at various events throughout the week that will be broadcast live. Monday will see him address climate change and health care summit at the United Nations.

Prime Minister Modi arrives in United States on a week-long visit

In his first engagement after arriving in Houston, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a fruitful round table interaction with 17 global energy company&nbsp;CEOs on Saturday, with the discussions focused on boosting cooperation in energy security.

The combined net worth of companies participating in the round table meeting stood at US$1 trillion with&nbsp;presence in 150 countries. All companies have some engagement or presence in India. 
&nbsp; 
The objective of the meeting was to deepen India's energy cooperation as part of a strategic energy partnership. CEOs talked about enhancing their footprint in India.&nbsp;

They also lauded the Indian government's effort towards Ease of Doing Business and steps taken towards deregulation in the sector.&nbsp;

The business leaders also supported reforms and policies and were upbeat on the issue of Indian economy.&nbsp;

The CEOs were thankful to the Indian government for support and facilitation.&nbsp;

On the sidelines, an MoU was signed between Tellurian, a Houston based energy major and India's Petronet LNG. Petronet will invest $2.5 billion in Tellurian's proposed Driftwood LNG export terminal, in exchange for the rights to 5 million metric tons of LNG per year over 40 years.

In his first engagement after arriving in Houston, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a fruitful round table interaction with 17 global energy company CEOs on Saturday, with the discussions focused on boosting cooperation in energy security.

In his first engagement after arriving in Houston, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a fruitful round table interaction with 17 global energy company CEOs on Saturday, with the discussions focused on boosting cooperation in energy security. The combined net worth of companies participating in the round table meeting stood at US$1 trillion with presence in 150 countries. All companies have some engagement or presence in India. The objective of the meeting was to deepen India's energy cooperation as part of a strategic energy partnership. CEOs talked about enhancing their footprint in India. They also lauded the Indian government's effort towards Ease of Doing Business and steps taken towards deregulation in the sector. The business leaders also supported reforms and policies and were upbeat on the issue of Indian economy. The CEOs were thankful to the Indian government for support and facilitation. On the sidelines, an MoU was signed between Tellurian, a Houston based energy major and India's Petronet LNG. Petronet will invest $2.5 billion in Tellurian's proposed Driftwood LNG export terminal, in exchange for the rights to 5 million metric tons of LNG per year over 40 years.

PM Narendra Modi in Houston: CEOs of energy companies laud government's effort, Petronet signs LNG deal with US's Tellurian

PM Narendra Modi, who reached Houston on Saturday for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-biggest-diaspora-event-in-us-on-sunday-trump-to-address-indian-american-community-251035">‘Howdy, Modi!’</a> event, had a ‘fruitful interaction’ with top energy sector CEOs at a Roundtable meeting on day one of his US visit, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said early Sunday.

This is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-inaugurate-gandhi-solar-park-at-united-nations-on-september-24-251102">Prime Minister</a>'s first engagement during his ongoing, a week-long US trip.

"Further energising India-USA friendship. Among the first engagements of PM @narendramodi in Houston is a meeting with CEOs from the energy sector. India and USA are looking to diversify cooperation in this sector," Prime Minister's Office tweeted informing about the meeting.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) &nbsp;also posted photographs from the meeting, which was attended by the CEOs of some top oil companies based in the United States.

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Further energising India-USA friendship. 
 
Among the first engagements of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> in Houston is a meeting with CEOs from the energy sector. 
 
India and USA are looking to diversify cooperation in this sector. <a href="https://t.co/uqlozcTOAZ">pic.twitter.com/uqlozcTOAZ</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1175554596716064768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale are also present in the meeting.US Ambassador to India, Ken Juster was also seen during the meeting.

"It is impossible to come to Houston and not talk energy! Had a wonderful interaction with leading energy sector CEOs. We discussed methods to harness opportunities in the energy sector," PM Modi tweeted.&nbsp;

"Also witnessed the signing of MoU between Tellurian and Petronet LNG," he added.&nbsp;

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It is impossible to come to Houston and not talk energy! 
 
Had a wonderful interaction with leading energy sector CEOs. We discussed methods to harness opportunities in the energy sector. 
 
Also witnessed the signing of MoU between Tellurian and Petronet LNG. <a href="https://t.co/COEGYupCEt">pic.twitter.com/COEGYupCEt</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1175600120693428225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Watch: PM Modi meets with oil-sectors CEOs

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On the sidelines of Prime Minister Modi's meeting energy sector CEO's in Houston, US liquefied natural gas (LNG) developer Tellurian and Indian energy sector company Petronet sign MOUs for up to five million tonnes of LNG through equity investment in Driftwood.

Tellurian and Petronet announced that the two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding

Petronet and its affiliates intend to negotiate the purchase of up to five million tonnes per annum (5 mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Driftwood, concurrent with its equity investment,

Tellurian and Petronet will endeavour to finalize the transaction agreements by 31 March 2020.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived Houston where he is scheduled to address over 50,000 Indian diasporas at mega Howdy Modi event.

On September 22, Modi will deliver his address at 'Howdy Modi', an Indian community event, which has assumed added importance with US President Donald Trump also attending it. The event at the NRG Stadium will be followed by a luncheon meeting with elected officials and a community reception at the same venue.

(With inputs from ANI)

PM Narendra Modi, who reached Houston on Saturday for the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event, had a ‘fruitful interaction’ with top energy sector CEOs at a Roundtable meeting on day one of his US visit, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said early Sunday.

PM Narendra Modi, who reached Houston on Saturday for the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event, had a ‘fruitful interaction’ with top energy sector CEOs at a Roundtable meeting on day one of his US visit, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said early Sunday. This is Prime Minister's first engagement during his ongoing, a week-long US trip. "Further energising India-USA friendship. Among the first engagements of PM @narendramodi in Houston is a meeting with CEOs from the energy sector. India and USA are looking to diversify cooperation in this sector," Prime Minister's Office tweeted informing about the meeting. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) also posted photographs from the meeting, which was attended by the CEOs of some top oil companies based in the United States. Further energising India-USA friendship. Among the first engagements of PM @narendramodi in Houston is a meeting with CEOs from the energy sector. India and USA are looking to diversify cooperation in this sector. pic.twitter.com/uqlozcTOAZ — PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 21, 2019 × External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale are also present in the meeting.US Ambassador to India, Ken Juster was also seen during the meeting. "It is impossible to come to Houston and not talk energy! Had a wonderful interaction with leading energy sector CEOs. We discussed methods to harness opportunities in the energy sector," PM Modi tweeted. "Also witnessed the signing of MoU between Tellurian and Petronet LNG," he added. It is impossible to come to Houston and not talk energy! Had a wonderful interaction with leading energy sector CEOs. We discussed methods to harness opportunities in the energy sector. Also witnessed the signing of MoU between Tellurian and Petronet LNG. pic.twitter.com/COEGYupCEt — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2019 × Watch: PM Modi meets with oil-sectors CEOs On the sidelines of Prime Minister Modi's meeting energy sector CEO's in Houston, US liquefied natural gas (LNG) developer Tellurian and Indian energy sector company Petronet sign MOUs for up to five million tonnes of LNG through equity investment in Driftwood. Tellurian and Petronet announced that the two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding Petronet and its affiliates intend to negotiate the purchase of up to five million tonnes per annum (5 mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Driftwood, concurrent with its equity investment, Tellurian and Petronet will endeavour to finalize the transaction agreements by 31 March 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived Houston where he is scheduled to address over 50,000 Indian diasporas at mega Howdy Modi event. On September 22, Modi will deliver his address at 'Howdy Modi', an Indian community event, which has assumed added importance with US President Donald Trump also attending it. The event at the NRG Stadium will be followed by a luncheon meeting with elected officials and a community reception at the same venue. (With inputs from ANI)

PM Narendra Modi held ‘fruitful interaction’ with energy sector CEOs in Houston, says MEA

Sylvester Turner, mayor of the city of Houston has said that the relationship between India and Houston is a very 'strong one' and 'Howdy, Modi' going to be a very big event.

In an exclusive conversation with WION's Aditi Tyagi, Turner said that there is a growing synergy between the city of Houston and&nbsp;relationship between both countries is constantly growing.

Talking about US President Donald Trump sharing the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during 'Howdy, Modi!' event&nbsp;he said that this is a big global event and there will be presence of numerous dignitaries including Governors and Congressmen at the gathering.

Watch: WION speaks to the Mayor of Houston

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"We respect PM Modi's decision to visit Houston. the city is honoured to have him.&nbsp;

"This is an opportunity to showcase India-US ties. India is the fourth leading trading partner of the city of Houston. We respect PM Modi's decision to visit the city," the Mayor added.

With a population of more than 200 thousand Indian-Americans, Houston is emerging as a new hub for the Indian community.

Indians are among the most respected communities in Houston with many making an impact in business and public life along with philanthropic and charitable causes.

PM Modi is scheduled to address 50,000 Indian diasporas today in Houston in an event called 'Howdy, Modi'.

The event which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will see the giant NRG stadium filled to the capacity.

Sylvester Turner, mayor of the city of Houston has said that the relationship between India and Houston is a very 'strong one' and 'Howdy, Modi' going to be a very big event.

Sylvester Turner, mayor of the city of Houston has said that the relationship between India and Houston is a very 'strong one' and 'Howdy, Modi' going to be a very big event. In an exclusive conversation with WION's Aditi Tyagi, Turner said that there is a growing synergy between the city of Houston and relationship between both countries is constantly growing. Talking about US President Donald Trump sharing the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during 'Howdy, Modi!' event he said that this is a big global event and there will be presence of numerous dignitaries including Governors and Congressmen at the gathering. Watch: WION speaks to the Mayor of Houston "We respect PM Modi's decision to visit Houston. the city is honoured to have him. "This is an opportunity to showcase India-US ties. India is the fourth leading trading partner of the city of Houston. We respect PM Modi's decision to visit the city," the Mayor added. With a population of more than 200 thousand Indian-Americans, Houston is emerging as a new hub for the Indian community. Indians are among the most respected communities in Houston with many making an impact in business and public life along with philanthropic and charitable causes. PM Modi is scheduled to address 50,000 Indian diasporas today in Houston in an event called 'Howdy, Modi'. The event which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will see the giant NRG stadium filled to the capacity.

India and the city of Houston share a strong relationship: Mayor Sylvester Turner

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-present-india-as-global-leader-says-pm-modi-ahead-of-us-visit-250880">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>&nbsp;will be in the United States for a week-long visit which will see him meet with US President Donald Trump, hold a number of multilateral and bilateral engagements, take part in his biggest ever address in the United States and address the UNGA in New York on September 27. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Here's a quick look at the prime minister's jam-packed US schedule.&nbsp;

PM Modi left for Houston from the national capital late on Friday. The first day of his engagement will see a round table meeting with the CEOs of oil sector companies.&nbsp;

September 22

The prime minister will deliver his address at the '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/howdy-modi-prime-minister-to-address-his-biggest-ever-us-rally-this-weekend-250911">Howdy Modi</a>', an Indian community event, which has assumed added importance with US President Donald Trump also attending it. The event at the NRG Stadium will be followed by a luncheon meeting with elected officials and a community reception at the same venue. Modi will leave for New York the same day.&nbsp;

September 23

PM Modi will attend the United Nations Secretary-General's Climate Action Summit at the UN building. The summit will be followed by a high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage. This will be followed by Prime Minister's meetings with the Amir of Qatar, President of Niger, Prime Minister of Italy and the Director of UNICEF.

He will also attend the Leaders'&nbsp;Dialogue on Strategic Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narratives. Modi will also meet the Presidents of Namibia and Maldives.

September 24

The PM will meet US President Donald Trump at the UN headquarters, which will be their second meeting in three days. His other engagements during the day include India-Pacific islands'&nbsp;leaders'&nbsp;meeting and Gandhi @150 event. Later, he will receive the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Goalkeepers Global Goals Award 2019.

September 25

Modi will deliver a keynote address at the Bloomberg Global Business Forum. He will then attend a CEOs'&nbsp;routable and also have one-on-one meetings. He will also be meeting Prime Ministers of Belgium, Armenia and New Zealand and President of Estonia.

September 26&nbsp;

PM Modi has a scheduled meeting with Iran President Hassan Rouhani. He will also be meeting the president of Cyprus and Prime Minister of Greece.

September 27

The prime minister will address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This will be followed by an informal meeting with other delegations and Indian community outside the general assembly hall. Meetings with prime ministers of Bhutan and Bangladesh is also scheduled on the same day. The Prime Minister will leave for New Delhi on September 28.&nbsp;

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PM Modi's engagements will also include a bilateral meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

On Friday, right before his departure for the United States, PM Modi in a statement said that he will aim to present India as a global leader and boost ties with the US.

"I am confident that my visit would present India as a vibrant land of opportunities, a reliable partner and a global leader and will also help impart new energy to our relations with the US," the prime minister tweeted out.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in the United States for a week-long visit which will see him meet with US President Donald Trump, hold a number of multilateral and bilateral engagements, take part in his biggest ever address in the United States and address the UNGA in New York on September 27.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in the United States for a week-long visit which will see him meet with US President Donald Trump, hold a number of multilateral and bilateral engagements, take part in his biggest ever address in the United States and address the UNGA in New York on September 27. Here's a quick look at the prime minister's jam-packed US schedule. PM Modi left for Houston from the national capital late on Friday. The first day of his engagement will see a round table meeting with the CEOs of oil sector companies. September 22 The prime minister will deliver his address at the 'Howdy Modi', an Indian community event, which has assumed added importance with US President Donald Trump also attending it. The event at the NRG Stadium will be followed by a luncheon meeting with elected officials and a community reception at the same venue. Modi will leave for New York the same day. September 23 PM Modi will attend the United Nations Secretary-General's Climate Action Summit at the UN building. The summit will be followed by a high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage. This will be followed by Prime Minister's meetings with the Amir of Qatar, President of Niger, Prime Minister of Italy and the Director of UNICEF. He will also attend the Leaders' Dialogue on Strategic Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narratives. Modi will also meet the Presidents of Namibia and Maldives. September 24 The PM will meet US President Donald Trump at the UN headquarters, which will be their second meeting in three days. His other engagements during the day include India-Pacific islands' leaders' meeting and Gandhi @150 event. Later, he will receive the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Goalkeepers Global Goals Award 2019. September 25 Modi will deliver a keynote address at the Bloomberg Global Business Forum. He will then attend a CEOs' routable and also have one-on-one meetings. He will also be meeting Prime Ministers of Belgium, Armenia and New Zealand and President of Estonia. September 26 PM Modi has a scheduled meeting with Iran President Hassan Rouhani. He will also be meeting the president of Cyprus and Prime Minister of Greece. September 27 The prime minister will address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This will be followed by an informal meeting with other delegations and Indian community outside the general assembly hall. Meetings with prime ministers of Bhutan and Bangladesh is also scheduled on the same day. The Prime Minister will leave for New Delhi on September 28. × PM Modi's engagements will also include a bilateral meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. On Friday, right before his departure for the United States, PM Modi in a statement said that he will aim to present India as a global leader and boost ties with the US. "I am confident that my visit would present India as a vibrant land of opportunities, a reliable partner and a global leader and will also help impart new energy to our relations with the US," the prime minister tweeted out. (With inputs from ANI)

From diaspora event, meet with Trump to UNGA address: PM Modi's jam-packed US schedule 

It is often said that the presence of people can be felt long after they've left for higher places. Nothing stands truer, as the next UN General Assembly session fast approaches, without the presence of one of India's most beloved leaders, Sushma Swaraj.

The people's External Affairs Minister, Swaraj breathed her last in New Delhi on August 6. India's foreign policy under the Swaraj-Modi leadership put the country on the international map as a force which shapes global agenda.

Amongst other things, the stalwart never shied from shedding light on Pakistan and its "export of terrorism" on international platforms.

During her statement at the General Debate of the 72nd Session of the UNGA in 2017, she had famously highlighted how despite "being the principal destination of Pakistan's nefarious export of terrorism," India had produced scholars, engineers, and doctors while Islamabad had produced terrorists and terrorist camps.

"Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khakan Abbasi accused India of state-sponsored terrorism and of violating human rights. Those listening had only one observation, 'Look who's talking!'&nbsp;A country that has been the world's greatest exporter of havoc, death and inhumanity became a champion of hypocrisy by preaching about humanity from this podium," she had said.

Tearing into Pakistan, Swaraj further said that while India had created and established institutions like IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS which got pride to the country, Islamabad had created terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Haqqani network, to name a few.

Just last year, she tore into Pakistan again. New Delhi had also called off a meeting with Islamabad on the sidelines of the UNGA after three jawans were brutally killed by 'Pakistan-based entities'&nbsp;and Islamabad had released a series of postage stamps glorifying a terrorist and terrorism.

"On December 9, 2016, I personally went to Islamabad and offered a comprehensive bilateral dialogue. But soon after, Pak-sponsored terrorists attacked our air force base in Pathankot on 2nd January. Please explain to me how we could pursue talks in the midst of terrorist bloodshed?" Swaraj had questioned during her speech at the UNGA last year.

"Even now, after the new government came to power, the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan wrote to Prime Minister Modi suggesting a meeting between Foreign Ministers in New York. We accepted the proposal. But, within hours of our acceptance, news came that terrorists had killed three of our jawans. Does this indicate a desire for dialogue?" the late EAM had added during her speech.

Making India's stand against terrorism crystal clear, Swaraj told Pakistan that talks and terror could not go together. It has been India's long-standing condition that Islamabad needs to dismantle all terror infrastructure on its soil and stop providing support to terror outfits for the resumption of bilateral talks.

Even though the international community was made aware of Pakistan's hand-in-glove nature with terrorism through Swaraj's initiatives, the world was provided with cold, hard proof after the February 14 Pulwama terror attacks, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel.

A terrorist belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) had rammed his bomb-laden vehicle into a passing CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to the devastating loss of Indian personnel.

Refusing to be cornered because of Islamabad's patronage to terrorism, New Delhi launched extensive diplomatic efforts globally to get the Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar listed as a global terrorist at the United Nations Security Council which became a reality on May 1, handing New Delhi one of its biggest diplomatic victories.

Soon after India abrogated Article 370 which accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Swaraj tweeted, "@narendramodiji - Thank you Prime Minister. Thank you very much. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime," before she was rushed to AIIMS in New Delhi, where she later breathed her last.

As Pakistan looks to rake up the Kashmir issue at the upcoming UNGA, India has vowed not to use the United Nations as a platform for "dramatic purposes."

"India is a serious actor. Its voice is heard with seriousness. What we do, when we do, we will do the way we want it. It's not for broadcast purposes you will appreciate. We are a player of consequence in the world, not dramatist personae who just is a fleeting presence on the world stage," India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin told ANI, while taking a veiled jibe at Pakistan.

Even as India preps to address another UNGA session, it is difficult to forget the role Swaraj took on to bring terrorism and climate change to the forefront of the global agenda.

There's no better partnership that comes to mind when deliberating on why India's voice is heard louder today on global platforms than of Swaraj and Modi's.

This is why it becomes important to remember the leader as we go forth on our path of becoming the superpower we`re projected to be.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

It is often said that the presence of people can be felt long after they've left for higher places. Nothing stands truer, as the next UN General Assembly session fast approaches, without the presence of one of India's most beloved leaders, Sushma Swaraj.

It is often said that the presence of people can be felt long after they've left for higher places. Nothing stands truer, as the next UN General Assembly session fast approaches, without the presence of one of India's most beloved leaders, Sushma Swaraj. The people's External Affairs Minister, Swaraj breathed her last in New Delhi on August 6. India's foreign policy under the Swaraj-Modi leadership put the country on the international map as a force which shapes global agenda. Amongst other things, the stalwart never shied from shedding light on Pakistan and its "export of terrorism" on international platforms. During her statement at the General Debate of the 72nd Session of the UNGA in 2017, she had famously highlighted how despite "being the principal destination of Pakistan's nefarious export of terrorism," India had produced scholars, engineers, and doctors while Islamabad had produced terrorists and terrorist camps. "Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khakan Abbasi accused India of state-sponsored terrorism and of violating human rights. Those listening had only one observation, 'Look who's talking!' A country that has been the world's greatest exporter of havoc, death and inhumanity became a champion of hypocrisy by preaching about humanity from this podium," she had said. Tearing into Pakistan, Swaraj further said that while India had created and established institutions like IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS which got pride to the country, Islamabad had created terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Haqqani network, to name a few. Just last year, she tore into Pakistan again. New Delhi had also called off a meeting with Islamabad on the sidelines of the UNGA after three jawans were brutally killed by 'Pakistan-based entities' and Islamabad had released a series of postage stamps glorifying a terrorist and terrorism. "On December 9, 2016, I personally went to Islamabad and offered a comprehensive bilateral dialogue. But soon after, Pak-sponsored terrorists attacked our air force base in Pathankot on 2nd January. Please explain to me how we could pursue talks in the midst of terrorist bloodshed?" Swaraj had questioned during her speech at the UNGA last year. "Even now, after the new government came to power, the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan wrote to Prime Minister Modi suggesting a meeting between Foreign Ministers in New York. We accepted the proposal. But, within hours of our acceptance, news came that terrorists had killed three of our jawans. Does this indicate a desire for dialogue?" the late EAM had added during her speech. Making India's stand against terrorism crystal clear, Swaraj told Pakistan that talks and terror could not go together. It has been India's long-standing condition that Islamabad needs to dismantle all terror infrastructure on its soil and stop providing support to terror outfits for the resumption of bilateral talks. Even though the international community was made aware of Pakistan's hand-in-glove nature with terrorism through Swaraj's initiatives, the world was provided with cold, hard proof after the February 14 Pulwama terror attacks, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel. A terrorist belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) had rammed his bomb-laden vehicle into a passing CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to the devastating loss of Indian personnel. Refusing to be cornered because of Islamabad's patronage to terrorism, New Delhi launched extensive diplomatic efforts globally to get the Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar listed as a global terrorist at the United Nations Security Council which became a reality on May 1, handing New Delhi one of its biggest diplomatic victories. Soon after India abrogated Article 370 which accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Swaraj tweeted, "@narendramodiji - Thank you Prime Minister. Thank you very much. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime," before she was rushed to AIIMS in New Delhi, where she later breathed her last. As Pakistan looks to rake up the Kashmir issue at the upcoming UNGA, India has vowed not to use the United Nations as a platform for "dramatic purposes." "India is a serious actor. Its voice is heard with seriousness. What we do, when we do, we will do the way we want it. It's not for broadcast purposes you will appreciate. We are a player of consequence in the world, not dramatist personae who just is a fleeting presence on the world stage," India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin told ANI, while taking a veiled jibe at Pakistan. Even as India preps to address another UNGA session, it is difficult to forget the role Swaraj took on to bring terrorism and climate change to the forefront of the global agenda. There's no better partnership that comes to mind when deliberating on why India's voice is heard louder today on global platforms than of Swaraj and Modi's. This is why it becomes important to remember the leader as we go forth on our path of becoming the superpower we`re projected to be.

As India preps to address another UNGA session, we remember Sushma Swaraj's contributions

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/excitement-builds-up-as-indian-diaspora-gears-up-for-electrifying-howdy-modi-event-251008">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> will be addressing the biggest ever Indian diaspora event, '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-howdy-modi-trump-and-pm-modi-could-sign-trade-deal-251028">Howdy Modi</a>', in the United States in Houston, Texas on Sunday. According to the organisers of the event, Texas India Forum, 50,000 people have registered for the event. The event will take place at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-howdy-modi-diaspora-event-meet-with-trump-multilateral-engagements-to-unga-address-pm-modis-jam-packed-us-schedule-251007">NRG Stadium in Houston</a>.&nbsp;

Jugal Malani, chairperson of Texas India Forum told WION, "Houston has a large Indian diaspora. We started from July 19 and when we started the registration process, within 3 weeks, 50,000 people registered and many are on the waiting list now".

It will be the largest gathering for any democratically elected foreign leader in the US. The biggest gathering which the US has seen for a visiting leader has been for the Pope. The big focus will be on US President Donald Trump's presence at the event.

"It is the relationship between the US and India. This is the main focus. Personal chemistry plays an important role. They have become a good friend", Malani said when asked on Trump's presence.

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This is the first time when an American President will be participating in the diaspora event and address the Indian-American community. Senior Democratic leadership of the United States will also be present at this event, this includes several elected Congressional representatives from both the parties.&nbsp;

Last week External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called Trump's participation a tribute to the role played by the Indian-Americans in the American society.

"I regard this as a great achievement of the Indian-American community that if today you have an event of this size and you have someone like President Trump coming there, this shows where that community has reached, how it is regarded in the US and respect it commands there... it is great achievement of the community,"&nbsp;Jaishankar said.

Before the Houston diaspora event, the prime minister has addressed the Indian-American community twice during his first term - first at the Madison Square Garden, New York in 2014 followed by his address in San Jose in the year 2015.

This is PM Modi's first visit to the US in his second term.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the biggest ever Indian diaspora event, 'Howdy Modi', in the United States in Houston, Texas on Sunday. According to the organisers of the event, Texas India Forum, 50,000 people have registered for the event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the biggest ever Indian diaspora event, 'Howdy Modi', in the United States in Houston, Texas on Sunday. According to the organisers of the event, Texas India Forum, 50,000 people have registered for the event. The event will take place at the NRG Stadium in Houston. Jugal Malani, chairperson of Texas India Forum told WION, "Houston has a large Indian diaspora. We started from July 19 and when we started the registration process, within 3 weeks, 50,000 people registered and many are on the waiting list now". It will be the largest gathering for any democratically elected foreign leader in the US. The biggest gathering which the US has seen for a visiting leader has been for the Pope. The big focus will be on US President Donald Trump's presence at the event. "It is the relationship between the US and India. This is the main focus. Personal chemistry plays an important role. They have become a good friend", Malani said when asked on Trump's presence. × This is the first time when an American President will be participating in the diaspora event and address the Indian-American community. Senior Democratic leadership of the United States will also be present at this event, this includes several elected Congressional representatives from both the parties. Last week External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called Trump's participation a tribute to the role played by the Indian-Americans in the American society. "I regard this as a great achievement of the Indian-American community that if today you have an event of this size and you have someone like President Trump coming there, this shows where that community has reached, how it is regarded in the US and respect it commands there... it is great achievement of the community," Jaishankar said. Before the Houston diaspora event, the prime minister has addressed the Indian-American community twice during his first term - first at the Madison Square Garden, New York in 2014 followed by his address in San Jose in the year 2015. This is PM Modi's first visit to the US in his second term.

'Howdy Modi' will see biggest crowd in US for a visiting leader next to Pope's visit

The United States and India are racing to negotiate a limited trade deal that US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-howdy-modi-diaspora-event-meet-with-trump-multilateral-engagements-to-unga-address-pm-modis-jam-packed-us-schedule-251007">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> can sign at the United Nations General Assembly in New York at the end of September, people familiar with the talks said.

A deal between the world's most populous democracies would be a welcome victory for Trump, whose administration has made little headway negotiating an end to its prolonged trade war with China. Trump is also expected to sign a deal with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe next week that lowers Japanese farm tariffs.

The deal under discussion with India would lower some tariffs on US&nbsp;produce and restore preferential treatment for some Indian exports to the United States, the sources said.

Trump and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/excitement-builds-up-as-indian-diaspora-gears-up-for-electrifying-howdy-modi-event-251008">Modi</a> will meet this Sunday in Houston at an Indian-American rally dubbed "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-present-india-as-global-leader-says-pm-modi-ahead-of-us-visit-250880">Howdy Modi</a>!" in a 50,000-seat stadium -- a sign of their warming relations, which are contributing to expectations for a "mini-deal."

"There's a push to get something done with India, with an eye for UNGA," said a Washington-based source familiar with the discussions.

Trump has demanded better terms of trade from most of the top commercial partners of the United States and blames previous deals for the loss of millions of US&nbsp;manufacturing jobs.

US-India trade relations have been fraught. Trump has repeatedly complained about India's high tariff rates, including a 50 per cent tariff on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

The United States has also taken issue with India's new investment rules on e-commerce that limit how companies like Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-backed Flipkart can do business in a rapidly growing online market set to touch $200 billion by 2027.

"We’ve been talking to the Americans, we have engaged them for many months now," Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said at a news conference this week. "My expectation is that some of the sharper edges, they would be addressed in some forms in the not too distant future."

A US&nbsp;trade representative spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on the US-India talks.

Modi, like Trump, has used tariffs to try to boost investment in manufacturing, a key part of his "Make-In-India" campaign to attract foreign cash and create factory jobs for millions of youth entering the workforce.

Apple Inc supplier Foxconn recently expanded production of iPhones in India to avoid a 20% import tariff and diversify its supply chain from China.

Bilateral US&nbsp;trade with India, at $142 billion last year, is just a fraction of the $737 billion in US-China trade.

Tariffs&nbsp;

The United States in June ended duty-free access for about $5.7 billion worth of Indian exports under its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, including chemicals, plastics, leather and rubber goods, and auto parts. India was the largest beneficiary of the GSP, which was designed to help developing countries that dates from the 1970s. India responded with higher retaliatory tariffs on 28 US&nbsp;products, including almonds, apples and walnuts.

India is the largest buyer of US&nbsp;almonds, paying $543 million for more than half of US&nbsp;almond exports in 2018, according to the US&nbsp;Department of Agriculture. It is the second-largest buyer of US&nbsp;apples.

Pork, dairy, nuts&nbsp;

The talks are focused on US&nbsp;demands that India reduce agricultural tariffs, including those for almonds, pork, dairy products, cherries, apples and other commodities, people familiar with the talks in both Washington and New Delhi said.

India is likely to allow some US&nbsp;dairy imports, the official said. Another Indian official said the United States was pushing India to remove high pricing barriers on imported US&nbsp;medical devices including cardiac stents.

In return, India wants the GSP restored for a few more years, as Modi struggles to boost exports dampened by sluggish global demand made worse by the US-China trade war. New Delhi also wants market access for some of its farm products such as grapes to export to the United States.

The United States is also seeking lower tariffs on high-end electronics products, one of the Indian officials said.

Both sides are discussing revising India's domestic content rules on ethanol to allow more imports of the US&nbsp;fuel additive, two US&nbsp;sources familiar with the discussions said.

A narrow deal would be a positive first step and leave thorny issues aside such as the new e-commerce rules, said Roger Murry, deputy director of the Alliance for Fair Trade with India, a group of US&nbsp;trade associations.

"We're hopeful that the Houston events can be bolstered by some real progress on the trade front that shows the US&nbsp;and India can negotiate some reasonable solutions," Murry said.

The United States and India are racing to negotiate a limited trade deal that US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi can sign at the United Nations General Assembly in New York at the end of September, people familiar with the talks said.

The United States and India are racing to negotiate a limited trade deal that US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi can sign at the United Nations General Assembly in New York at the end of September, people familiar with the talks said. A deal between the world's most populous democracies would be a welcome victory for Trump, whose administration has made little headway negotiating an end to its prolonged trade war with China. Trump is also expected to sign a deal with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe next week that lowers Japanese farm tariffs. The deal under discussion with India would lower some tariffs on US produce and restore preferential treatment for some Indian exports to the United States, the sources said. Trump and Modi will meet this Sunday in Houston at an Indian-American rally dubbed "Howdy Modi!" in a 50,000-seat stadium -- a sign of their warming relations, which are contributing to expectations for a "mini-deal." "There's a push to get something done with India, with an eye for UNGA," said a Washington-based source familiar with the discussions. Trump has demanded better terms of trade from most of the top commercial partners of the United States and blames previous deals for the loss of millions of US manufacturing jobs. US-India trade relations have been fraught. Trump has repeatedly complained about India's high tariff rates, including a 50 per cent tariff on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The United States has also taken issue with India's new investment rules on e-commerce that limit how companies like Amazon.com Inc and Walmart-backed Flipkart can do business in a rapidly growing online market set to touch $200 billion by 2027. "We’ve been talking to the Americans, we have engaged them for many months now," Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said at a news conference this week. "My expectation is that some of the sharper edges, they would be addressed in some forms in the not too distant future." A US trade representative spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on the US-India talks. Modi, like Trump, has used tariffs to try to boost investment in manufacturing, a key part of his "Make-In-India" campaign to attract foreign cash and create factory jobs for millions of youth entering the workforce. Apple Inc supplier Foxconn recently expanded production of iPhones in India to avoid a 20% import tariff and diversify its supply chain from China. Bilateral US trade with India, at $142 billion last year, is just a fraction of the $737 billion in US-China trade. Tariffs The United States in June ended duty-free access for about $5.7 billion worth of Indian exports under its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, including chemicals, plastics, leather and rubber goods, and auto parts. India was the largest beneficiary of the GSP, which was designed to help developing countries that dates from the 1970s. India responded with higher retaliatory tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds, apples and walnuts. India is the largest buyer of US almonds, paying $543 million for more than half of US almond exports in 2018, according to the US Department of Agriculture. It is the second-largest buyer of US apples. Pork, dairy, nuts The talks are focused on US demands that India reduce agricultural tariffs, including those for almonds, pork, dairy products, cherries, apples and other commodities, people familiar with the talks in both Washington and New Delhi said. India is likely to allow some US dairy imports, the official said. Another Indian official said the United States was pushing India to remove high pricing barriers on imported US medical devices including cardiac stents. In return, India wants the GSP restored for a few more years, as Modi struggles to boost exports dampened by sluggish global demand made worse by the US-China trade war. New Delhi also wants market access for some of its farm products such as grapes to export to the United States. The United States is also seeking lower tariffs on high-end electronics products, one of the Indian officials said. Both sides are discussing revising India's domestic content rules on ethanol to allow more imports of the US fuel additive, two US sources familiar with the discussions said. A narrow deal would be a positive first step and leave thorny issues aside such as the new e-commerce rules, said Roger Murry, deputy director of the Alliance for Fair Trade with India, a group of US trade associations. "We're hopeful that the Houston events can be bolstered by some real progress on the trade front that shows the US and India can negotiate some reasonable solutions," Murry said.

After 'Howdy Modi,' Trump and PM Modi could sign trade deal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that he will aim to present India as a global leader and boost ties with the US. The prime minister's comments came ahead of his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/houston-all-set-to-welcome-pm-modi-for-howdy-modi-event-despite-heavy-rains-250752">week-long visit to the US</a>.&nbsp;

In his departure statement, the prime minister said, "I am confident that my visit would present India as a vibrant land of opportunities, a reliable partner and a global leader and will also help impart new energy to our relations with the US."

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I thank the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for conferring upon me the Global Goalkeepers Goals Award 2019. Over the last five years India has taken many efforts to improve cleanliness and sanitation, fulfilling Gandhi Ji's dream of a Swachh Bharat.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1175037634319544320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi will be meeting around 45 world leaders from India's immediate neighbourhood to Latin America. He will be meeting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hails-trumps-special-gesture-towards-houston-diaspora-event-howdy-modi-249898">US President Trump</a> on Tuesday in New York for a bilateral. This will be his third bilateral meet with US President this year after meeting him on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Japan and the G7 Summit in France. PM Modi in the statement said he looks forward to meeting with Trump in Houston and New York.

"The US is a vital partner for our national development with rich possibilities of partnership in education, skills, research, technology and innovation and an enabler for India in economic growth and national security... Working together, we can contribute to building a more peaceful, stable, secure, sustainable and prosperous world".

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Overall there will be three main focus points of Prime Minister's visit -multilateral engagements at United Nations, Bilateral component in the United States--which include meeting with businesses, diaspora and US political leadership and bilateral meeting in New York.

Indian Ambassador to the United States Harsh V Shringla speaking to media in the Houston said, "the prime minister has a comprehensive programme in the US. He arrives in Houston this Saturday and soon after he arrives he has an event to meet the top CEOs of energy companies. Houston is the global hub for energy. Our cooperation with the US has increased significantly because of our interest in US crude oil and energy."

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Key events I would be attending at the <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> are the Climate Action Summit, an event on Universal Health Coverage, and opening plenary of the Bloomberg Global Business Forum. These forums will give opportunities to showcase India’s efforts to build peaceful and prosperous world.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1175037629059878917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi's first stop will be Houston where his first engagement will be to meet the CEOs of top energy companies. Houston, the capital city of Texas, is the fourth most populous city of the US.&nbsp;

On Sunday, PM Modi will be participating in the "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tulsi-gabbard-welcomes-pm-modi-to-us-says-sorry-for-not-being-able-to-attend-howdy-modi-event-250719">Howdy Modi" event</a> wherein he will address the local India diaspora. It will be the largest gathering of people for a visiting democratically elected leader. According to the organisers, 50,000 people have registered for the event, mostly Indian-Americans. US President Donald Trump, along with senior democratic leadership, will be present at the event.

The prime minister will be in New York from Monday and will be speaking nine times at various events throughout the week that will be broadcast live. Monday will see him address climate change and health care summit and a leaders' dialogue on 'strategic responses to terrorist and violent extremists narrative'.

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In New York City, a large part of the programmes will be at the <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a>. Since its inception, India has been actively participating in various programmes and initiatives of the UN, reflecting our unwavering commitment to multilateralism. My address at the UNGA would be on the 27th.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1175037627231166471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Tuesday, the focus will be on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with the launch of Gandhi solar park in United Nations headquarters premises. Gandhi solar park has 193 panels representing the UN member nations and has been built with Indian government's grant of one million dollars. Solar panels gifted from India will be installed on the roof of the UN headquarters. The panels are powered up to reach max 50 KW of generation power. With an output of 86244 Kwh, it equals to 61 metric tons of CO2 or 30,242 kilograms of coal burned carbon sequestered from 1,008 tree seedlings grown over 10 years. A UN postage stamp will also be released and Gandhi peace garden will be inaugurated at the New York State University.

PM Modi will address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27 anytime after 8 pm India time.

Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "This is PM's first visit to the United States after the re-election of the government and the prime minister is going to UNGA with solid achievements in previous five years in sustainable development goals. Our intention is to showcase the progress made on climate change, universal health coverage, sanitation et cetera and convey expectation from other countries and understand their aspirations".

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I look forward to my meeting with <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. 
 
Shared values, convergent interests and complementary strengths provide the strong foundations for a natural partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1175037625532502022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The PM is also of the view that it is important to play the role that his expected of India in shaping the global agenda - both political and socio-economic. The PM will again reiterate a position India has been saying for a long time and that is multilateralism is at the centre of global politics and it should remain so".

Two important summits will take place while PM Modi will be in the United States - the third India-Pacific Island Summit and the first India Caribbean Summit. The focus will also be on investments with PM meeting CEOs of 45 US companies like Amway Corp, Bank of America, Coca Cola, Deloitte, IBM, Cisco Systems Inc, JPMorgan &amp; Chase, Lockheed Martin, Marriott International, MasterCard, Microsoft, Visa, Walmart Retail.

This is the first visit to the US by PM Modi in his second term. In his first term, the prime minister visited the US twice - once in 2014 and then in 2015.

No meeting with Pakistan PM Imran Khan will take place. Khan will also be in New York for the UNGA week.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that he will aim to present India as a global leader and boost ties with the US. The prime minister's comments came ahead of his week-long visit to the US.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that he will aim to present India as a global leader and boost ties with the US. The prime minister's comments came ahead of his week-long visit to the US. In his departure statement, the prime minister said, "I am confident that my visit would present India as a vibrant land of opportunities, a reliable partner and a global leader and will also help impart new energy to our relations with the US." I thank the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for conferring upon me the Global Goalkeepers Goals Award 2019. Over the last five years India has taken many efforts to improve cleanliness and sanitation, fulfilling Gandhi Ji's dream of a Swachh Bharat. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2019 × PM Modi will be meeting around 45 world leaders from India's immediate neighbourhood to Latin America. He will be meeting US President Trump on Tuesday in New York for a bilateral. This will be his third bilateral meet with US President this year after meeting him on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Japan and the G7 Summit in France. PM Modi in the statement said he looks forward to meeting with Trump in Houston and New York. "The US is a vital partner for our national development with rich possibilities of partnership in education, skills, research, technology and innovation and an enabler for India in economic growth and national security... Working together, we can contribute to building a more peaceful, stable, secure, sustainable and prosperous world". × Overall there will be three main focus points of Prime Minister's visit -multilateral engagements at United Nations, Bilateral component in the United States--which include meeting with businesses, diaspora and US political leadership and bilateral meeting in New York. Indian Ambassador to the United States Harsh V Shringla speaking to media in the Houston said, "the prime minister has a comprehensive programme in the US. He arrives in Houston this Saturday and soon after he arrives he has an event to meet the top CEOs of energy companies. Houston is the global hub for energy. Our cooperation with the US has increased significantly because of our interest in US crude oil and energy." Key events I would be attending at the @UN are the Climate Action Summit, an event on Universal Health Coverage, and opening plenary of the Bloomberg Global Business Forum. These forums will give opportunities to showcase India’s efforts to build peaceful and prosperous world. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2019 × PM Modi's first stop will be Houston where his first engagement will be to meet the CEOs of top energy companies. Houston, the capital city of Texas, is the fourth most populous city of the US. On Sunday, PM Modi will be participating in the "Howdy Modi" event wherein he will address the local India diaspora. It will be the largest gathering of people for a visiting democratically elected leader. According to the organisers, 50,000 people have registered for the event, mostly Indian-Americans. US President Donald Trump, along with senior democratic leadership, will be present at the event. The prime minister will be in New York from Monday and will be speaking nine times at various events throughout the week that will be broadcast live. Monday will see him address climate change and health care summit and a leaders' dialogue on 'strategic responses to terrorist and violent extremists narrative'. In New York City, a large part of the programmes will be at the @UN. Since its inception, India has been actively participating in various programmes and initiatives of the UN, reflecting our unwavering commitment to multilateralism. My address at the UNGA would be on the 27th. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2019 × On Tuesday, the focus will be on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with the launch of Gandhi solar park in United Nations headquarters premises. Gandhi solar park has 193 panels representing the UN member nations and has been built with Indian government's grant of one million dollars. Solar panels gifted from India will be installed on the roof of the UN headquarters. The panels are powered up to reach max 50 KW of generation power. With an output of 86244 Kwh, it equals to 61 metric tons of CO2 or 30,242 kilograms of coal burned carbon sequestered from 1,008 tree seedlings grown over 10 years. A UN postage stamp will also be released and Gandhi peace garden will be inaugurated at the New York State University. PM Modi will address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27 anytime after 8 pm India time. Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "This is PM's first visit to the United States after the re-election of the government and the prime minister is going to UNGA with solid achievements in previous five years in sustainable development goals. Our intention is to showcase the progress made on climate change, universal health coverage, sanitation et cetera and convey expectation from other countries and understand their aspirations". I look forward to my meeting with @POTUS @realDonaldTrump. Shared values, convergent interests and complementary strengths provide the strong foundations for a natural partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2019 × "The PM is also of the view that it is important to play the role that his expected of India in shaping the global agenda - both political and socio-economic. The PM will again reiterate a position India has been saying for a long time and that is multilateralism is at the centre of global politics and it should remain so". Two important summits will take place while PM Modi will be in the United States - the third India-Pacific Island Summit and the first India Caribbean Summit. The focus will also be on investments with PM meeting CEOs of 45 US companies like Amway Corp, Bank of America, Coca Cola, Deloitte, IBM, Cisco Systems Inc, JPMorgan & Chase, Lockheed Martin, Marriott International, MasterCard, Microsoft, Visa, Walmart Retail. This is the first visit to the US by PM Modi in his second term. In his first term, the prime minister visited the US twice - once in 2014 and then in 2015. No meeting with Pakistan PM Imran Khan will take place. Khan will also be in New York for the UNGA week.

'Will present India as global leader,' says PM Modi ahead of US visit

Iran clears out that it's President & Foreign Minister got U.S. visas to attend United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. Watch this video to know more.

Iran says, ''Our President & Foreign Minister got U.S. visas to attend UNGA''

In a bid to keep the Kashmir issue in focus, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan today gave a speech<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-approaches-international-community-over-kashmir-but-commits-genocide-in-balochistan-baloch-leader-248933"> at Muzaffarabad in Pakistan</a> Occupied Kashmir(PoK) asserting that he was the &nbsp;"ambassador of Kashmiri people".

The Pakistan prime minister who is set to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN General Assembly in a fortnight set the stage during his address at&nbsp;PoK. "I am going to the UN General Assembly in New York and I will not disappoint the Kashmiri people," he said in a clear message that he would rake up the Kashmir issue during the congregation of world leaders later in the month.

Despite Imran's claim of support, several nations including organisation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kashmir-issue-does-not-concern-muslim-community-uae-snubs-pakistan-247853">Islamic cooperation(OIC) members </a>have backed India's move on abrogation of Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

In fact, Pakistan's ally China had attempted to rake up the Kashmir issue at the UNSC last month calling for a consultative meet. In a huge diplomatic setback for Pakistan, the meeting ended with Russia, France, UK and US backing India. The&nbsp;consultations did not lead to any formal meeting which Islamabad was keen to have.&nbsp;

In the aftermath of India's decision to remove the special status for Jammy and Kashmir, Pakistan has been trying to internationalise Kashmir by reaching out to global capitals but it hasn't received any traction.

In his PoK speech, Imran Khan attacked PM Modi blaming him for the "injustice" in Kashmir. "Today Kashmir has been internationalised," the Pakistan prime minister told the crowd.

The Pakistan prime minister said India was "pushing" Muslim citizens towards "extremism".

Imran referred to the February 27 incident when Pak jets entered Indian airspace asserting that Pak Air Force brought down down the Indian jet. Imran said the government returned the pilot because he wanted to "solve issues through dialogue".

"Let me go to the United Nations and fight Kashmir's case," the Pakistan prime said while concluding his speech.

In a bid to keep the Kashmir issue in focus, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan today gave a speech at Muzaffarabad in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(PoK) asserting that he was the "ambassador of Kashmiri people".

In a bid to keep the Kashmir issue in focus, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan today gave a speech at Muzaffarabad in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(PoK) asserting that he was the "ambassador of Kashmiri people". The Pakistan prime minister who is set to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN General Assembly in a fortnight set the stage during his address at PoK. "I am going to the UN General Assembly in New York and I will not disappoint the Kashmiri people," he said in a clear message that he would rake up the Kashmir issue during the congregation of world leaders later in the month. Despite Imran's claim of support, several nations including organisation of Islamic cooperation(OIC) members have backed India's move on abrogation of Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. In fact, Pakistan's ally China had attempted to rake up the Kashmir issue at the UNSC last month calling for a consultative meet. In a huge diplomatic setback for Pakistan, the meeting ended with Russia, France, UK and US backing India. The consultations did not lead to any formal meeting which Islamabad was keen to have. In the aftermath of India's decision to remove the special status for Jammy and Kashmir, Pakistan has been trying to internationalise Kashmir by reaching out to global capitals but it hasn't received any traction. In his PoK speech, Imran Khan attacked PM Modi blaming him for the "injustice" in Kashmir. "Today Kashmir has been internationalised," the Pakistan prime minister told the crowd. The Pakistan prime minister said India was "pushing" Muslim citizens towards "extremism". Imran referred to the February 27 incident when Pak jets entered Indian airspace asserting that Pak Air Force brought down down the Indian jet. Imran said the government returned the pilot because he wanted to "solve issues through dialogue". "Let me go to the United Nations and fight Kashmir's case," the Pakistan prime said while concluding his speech.

In PoK rally, Imran rakes up Kashmir, set to bring up issue at UNGA

Yet again, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations for raking up the Kashmir issue. Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nation, Maleeha Lodhi, raised the Kashmir issue on Thursday during a discussion on "Report of the Security Council for 2018". Lodhi said that the UN Security Council has failed to implement its resolutions on Kashmir.

Indian diplomat Sandeep Kumar Bayyapu, while giving out the country's statement in the debate said, "There has been yet another attempt by one delegation to misuse this forum to spread baseless and deceitful narratives about my country".

Calling Islamabad's attempts as unsuccessful, the first secretary at the Indian mission in UN, Bayyapu said, "truth is that the delegation represents a geographical space that is now widely known as the hub of terrorism that has jeopardized innocent lives in our region and beyond."

Earlier in the week, Pakistan and India clashed at the United Nations Human Rights Council where Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called New Delhi's decision to revoke special status for Jammu and Kashmir as illegal.

The Indian delegation, led by secretary east Vijay Thakur Singh, called the decision as a sovereign one taken by the Indian parliament and slammed Islamabad for interfering in India's internal matter. India has also highlighted the plight of minorities in the South Asian country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be heading to New York by the end of this month for the 74th session of the UN General Assembly. Both will be speaking on September 27. This will be the second time when PM Modi will be addressing the UNGA since 2014. &nbsp;

Yet again, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations for raking up the Kashmir issue. Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nation, Maleeha Lodhi, raised the Kashmir issue on Thursday during a discussion on "Report of the Security Council for 2018".

Yet again, India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations for raking up the Kashmir issue. Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nation, Maleeha Lodhi, raised the Kashmir issue on Thursday during a discussion on "Report of the Security Council for 2018". Lodhi said that the UN Security Council has failed to implement its resolutions on Kashmir. Indian diplomat Sandeep Kumar Bayyapu, while giving out the country's statement in the debate said, "There has been yet another attempt by one delegation to misuse this forum to spread baseless and deceitful narratives about my country". Calling Islamabad's attempts as unsuccessful, the first secretary at the Indian mission in UN, Bayyapu said, "truth is that the delegation represents a geographical space that is now widely known as the hub of terrorism that has jeopardized innocent lives in our region and beyond." Earlier in the week, Pakistan and India clashed at the United Nations Human Rights Council where Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called New Delhi's decision to revoke special status for Jammu and Kashmir as illegal. The Indian delegation, led by secretary east Vijay Thakur Singh, called the decision as a sovereign one taken by the Indian parliament and slammed Islamabad for interfering in India's internal matter. India has also highlighted the plight of minorities in the South Asian country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be heading to New York by the end of this month for the 74th session of the UN General Assembly. Both will be speaking on September 27. This will be the second time when PM Modi will be addressing the UNGA since 2014.

India slams Pakistan at United Nations for raking up Kashmir issue 

In a bid to highlight religious persecution in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-un-envoy-meets-unga-president-discusses-kashmir-issue-245943">Pakistan</a>, a US-based Sindhi organisation is planning to hold a protest against abduction and forceful conversion of Hindu girls from the community during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-attend-united-nation-general-assembly-meet-in-september-235507">(UNGA) session</a> in New York on September 26.

Sindhi Foundation, which has frequently raised the issue of forced conversion of girls in Pakistan, will hold a demonstration under the banner of SaveSindhiGirl.

The body has noted that there is an escalation of forced conversion in the country.

Every year, around 1,000 young Sindhi Hindu girls between the age of 12 and 28 are abducted, forcibly married and converted to Islam.

Every month between 40 to 60 Sindhi girls are converted.

According to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-intervention-sought-after-deteriorating-human-rights-situation-in-pakistani-province-206647">Pakistan's own human rights</a> commission from January 2004 to May 2018, there were 7,430 cases of such abductions of Sindhi girls in Pakistan.

The actual number is estimated to be much higher as most of the cases go unreported.

According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, families who report their daughters as missing are often ignored by the police and their First Information Report (FIR) is never submitted. Therefore, girls are left with their abductors, where they are often coerced into silence through threats or use of violence against them or their families.

During the UNGA meeting, Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to address the session.

The foundation has said that there is involvement of influential political leaders with links with the Army in the forced conversion of young girls. &nbsp;

Among them is one prominent name, Mian Mitho, a religious leader and politician, who has participated in countless conversions of young Sindhi girls.

He has close connections with both the Army and Imran Khan who have allowed him to do so without receiving any punishment for his actions.

Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in their countries.

Islamabad has also reportedly been discriminating against its religious minorities which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc., making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region.

Last month, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada had raised the issue of suppression of religious freedom by China and Pakistan and slammed the two Asian nations for "persecuting and repressing" their religious minorities.

During the meet on Safety of Religious Minorities, the US, UK, and Canada expressed concerns over the increasing, widespread and undue restrictions on religious freedom in the two countries.

They also highlighted the discrimination suffered by the Uyghur community in China and of Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus and other minorities in Pakistan.

In a bid to highlight religious persecution in Pakistan, a US-based Sindhi organisation is planning to hold a protest against abduction and forceful conversion of Hindu girls from the community during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York on September 26.

In a bid to highlight religious persecution in Pakistan, a US-based Sindhi organisation is planning to hold a protest against abduction and forceful conversion of Hindu girls from the community during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York on September 26. Sindhi Foundation, which has frequently raised the issue of forced conversion of girls in Pakistan, will hold a demonstration under the banner of SaveSindhiGirl. The body has noted that there is an escalation of forced conversion in the country. Every year, around 1,000 young Sindhi Hindu girls between the age of 12 and 28 are abducted, forcibly married and converted to Islam. Every month between 40 to 60 Sindhi girls are converted. According to Pakistan's own human rights commission from January 2004 to May 2018, there were 7,430 cases of such abductions of Sindhi girls in Pakistan. The actual number is estimated to be much higher as most of the cases go unreported. According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, families who report their daughters as missing are often ignored by the police and their First Information Report (FIR) is never submitted. Therefore, girls are left with their abductors, where they are often coerced into silence through threats or use of violence against them or their families. During the UNGA meeting, Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to address the session. The foundation has said that there is involvement of influential political leaders with links with the Army in the forced conversion of young girls. Among them is one prominent name, Mian Mitho, a religious leader and politician, who has participated in countless conversions of young Sindhi girls. He has close connections with both the Army and Imran Khan who have allowed him to do so without receiving any punishment for his actions. Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in their countries. Islamabad has also reportedly been discriminating against its religious minorities which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc., making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region. Last month, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada had raised the issue of suppression of religious freedom by China and Pakistan and slammed the two Asian nations for "persecuting and repressing" their religious minorities. During the meet on Safety of Religious Minorities, the US, UK, and Canada expressed concerns over the increasing, widespread and undue restrictions on religious freedom in the two countries. They also highlighted the discrimination suffered by the Uyghur community in China and of Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus and other minorities in Pakistan.

Sindhi Foundation to hold protest against forceful conversion of girls in Pakistan during UNGA

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro will skip Amazon summit on fire due to his bad health issues. Jair Bolsonaro to undergo a surgery soon. He said that he is just skipping this regional summit but will attend the UNGA even on the wheelchair. Watch this video to know more.

Brazil Prez to skip Amazon summit on fire due to health issues, Bolsonaro to undergo surgery soon

Nepal is planning to hold an informal meeting of foreign ministers from SAARC on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly (UNGA) session in September this year, the country's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali said on Monday.

He made the comments while responding to queries about Nepal's role in creating an environment for the commencement of the regional summit.

"A SAARC Foreign Ministers informal meeting has been planned on the sidelines of the 74th United Nations General Assembly session where we will be discussing its revival. We want SAARC to be active again," Gyawali, who is the group's co-chair, told reporters here.

The 18th SAARC summit was held in Kathmandu in 2014 and Pakistan was to host the next summit in 2016.

However, the summit was cancelled after India boycotted the meeting, in the wake of the terror attack at a military base in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 19 soldiers.

Other countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan, also walked out following India's decision to exit the summit to step up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.

India, the largest member of SAARC forum, has said it will participate in future summits if Pakistan took steps to tackle terrorism.

Nepal is planning to hold an informal meeting of foreign ministers from SAARC on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly (UNGA) session in September this year, the country's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali said on Monday.

Nepal is planning to hold an informal meeting of foreign ministers from SAARC on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly (UNGA) session in September this year, the country's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali said on Monday. He made the comments while responding to queries about Nepal's role in creating an environment for the commencement of the regional summit. "A SAARC Foreign Ministers informal meeting has been planned on the sidelines of the 74th United Nations General Assembly session where we will be discussing its revival. We want SAARC to be active again," Gyawali, who is the group's co-chair, told reporters here. The 18th SAARC summit was held in Kathmandu in 2014 and Pakistan was to host the next summit in 2016. However, the summit was cancelled after India boycotted the meeting, in the wake of the terror attack at a military base in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 19 soldiers. Other countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan, also walked out following India's decision to exit the summit to step up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. India, the largest member of SAARC forum, has said it will participate in future summits if Pakistan took steps to tackle terrorism.

Nepal plans SAARC Foreign Ministers' informal meet on UN General Assembly sidelines

India has said it has no intention of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-low-earth-orbit-satellite-against-which-india-launched-a-surgical-strike-in-space-205974">entering into an arms race</a> in outer space and Anti-Satellite Missile(ASAT) test was done just to "verify" that the country has the "capability to safeguard our space assets."

The test, Mission Shakti which was carried out by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/all-you-need-to-know-about-mission-shakti-indias-anti-satellite-missile-test-205998">Defence Research and Development Organisation</a> (DRDO) and was conducted from the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island launch complex.&nbsp;

Remember that has been a long-standing policy of the Indian government there should not be any weaponisation of Outer Space and that space must be used only for peaceful purposes.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yEBlFh5knKw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The Ministry of external affairs( MEA) frequently asked questions (FAQ) released after the test said, "India believes that Outer space is the common heritage of humankind and it is the responsibility of all space-faring nations to preserve and promote the benefits flowing from advances made in space technology and its applications for all."

With this test, according to the FAQ, "India was able to demonstrate its capability to intercept a satellite in outer space based on complete indigenous technology. DRDO’s Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor was used to target an Indian satellite."

On the question of why the test was done now, India said since it had "acquired the required degree of confidence to ensure its success".

Since the test was done in the lower atmosphere, India has said, there isn't much space debris. Finance minister Arun Jaitley in a presser said, "In a matter of three weeks the whole environment will be debris free".

New Delhi in the past has participated in Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination (IADC) activities with regard to space debris management.

India has also already clarified that the test is not against any country and the test provides deterrence against threats.

India is a party to all the major international treaties relating to Outer Space.

New Delhi supports UNGA resolution 69/32 on No First Placement of Weapons on Outer Space and has called for substantive legal measures to ensure the prevention of an arms race in outer space.

India has also ratified the 1967 Outer Space Treaty which prohibits weapons of mass destruction in outer space. 
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India has said it has no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space and Anti-Satellite Missile(ASAT) test was done just to "verify" that the country has the "capability to safeguard our space assets.

India has said it has no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space and Anti-Satellite Missile(ASAT) test was done just to "verify" that the country has the "capability to safeguard our space assets." The test, Mission Shakti which was carried out by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and was conducted from the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island launch complex. Remember that has been a long-standing policy of the Indian government there should not be any weaponisation of Outer Space and that space must be used only for peaceful purposes. The Ministry of external affairs( MEA) frequently asked questions (FAQ) released after the test said, "India believes that Outer space is the common heritage of humankind and it is the responsibility of all space-faring nations to preserve and promote the benefits flowing from advances made in space technology and its applications for all." With this test, according to the FAQ, "India was able to demonstrate its capability to intercept a satellite in outer space based on complete indigenous technology. DRDO’s Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor was used to target an Indian satellite." On the question of why the test was done now, India said since it had "acquired the required degree of confidence to ensure its success". Since the test was done in the lower atmosphere, India has said, there isn't much space debris. Finance minister Arun Jaitley in a presser said, "In a matter of three weeks the whole environment will be debris free". New Delhi in the past has participated in Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination (IADC) activities with regard to space debris management. India has also already clarified that the test is not against any country and the test provides deterrence against threats. India is a party to all the major international treaties relating to Outer Space. New Delhi supports UNGA resolution 69/32 on No First Placement of Weapons on Outer Space and has called for substantive legal measures to ensure the prevention of an arms race in outer space. India has also ratified the 1967 Outer Space Treaty which prohibits weapons of mass destruction in outer space.

No intention of entering into arms race in outer space: India after ASAT test

In a move that is likely to give a boost to Hindi language's prospects of becoming an official UN language, the United Nations launched its first news service website in Hindi last week.

The launch came on the occasion of World Hindi Day and is first of its kind for a non-UN Asian language.

India would need 2/3rd of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to vote in favour of Hindi to become one of UN's official languages.&nbsp;

Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are currently the six official languages at the United Nations.&nbsp;

A weekly news bulletin was launched by the UN in Hindi last year. The organisation, at present, uses Hindi on its social media platforms as well.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In a move that is likely to give a boost to Hindi language's prospects of becoming an official UN language, the United Nations launched its first news service website in Hindi last week.

In a move that is likely to give a boost to Hindi language's prospects of becoming an official UN language, the United Nations launched its first news service website in Hindi last week. The launch came on the occasion of World Hindi Day and is first of its kind for a non-UN Asian language. India would need 2/3rd of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to vote in favour of Hindi to become one of UN's official languages. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are currently the six official languages at the United Nations. A weekly news bulletin was launched by the UN in Hindi last year. The organisation, at present, uses Hindi on its social media platforms as well.

In first, United Nations launches Hindi website 

India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly for destabilizing Afghanistan and continuing to provide assistance to sanctuaries of terror organisation in its territory.

India also said that the terrorists and their supporters have set up industries of narcotics and illegal mining in the territories they control and added that terrorists are also stealing resources of the Afghan people to fund more violence and terrorism.

As per the latest reports on global terrorism index released earlier this week, Afghanistan is now the world’s deadliest country for terrorism.&nbsp;

One-quarter of all worldwide terrorism-related deaths during 2017 occurred in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The country has seen a number of terror attacks in 2018 in which hundreds of people have been killed.

India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly for destabilizing Afghanistan and continuing to provide assistance to sanctuaries of terror organisation in its territory.

India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly for destabilizing Afghanistan and continuing to provide assistance to sanctuaries of terror organisation in its territory. India also said that the terrorists and their supporters have set up industries of narcotics and illegal mining in the territories they control and added that terrorists are also stealing resources of the Afghan people to fund more violence and terrorism. As per the latest reports on global terrorism index released earlier this week, Afghanistan is now the world’s deadliest country for terrorism. One-quarter of all worldwide terrorism-related deaths during 2017 occurred in Afghanistan. The country has seen a number of terror attacks in 2018 in which hundreds of people have been killed.

Pakistan continues to assist terror groups in Afghanistan: INDIA at UNGA

India slams Pakistan at UNGA

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