India, on May 5 listed out its priorities as it is all set to be elected as a non-permanent seat for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) from January 2021. India stated that it will help "overcome faultline" in a world in which the "normal process of international governance" has come under "strain as frictions have occurred.''

India's 5 point agenda at UNSC: Vows to 'overcome fault lines'

The former President of the United Nations Security Council has said "differences over the role of the World Health Organization" has "stalled" any outcomes over COVID resolution at the core UN body.

The former President of the United Nations Security Council has said "differences over the role of the World Health Organization" has "stalled" any outcomes over COVID resolution at the core UN body. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from New York, Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic to the United Nations José Singer Weisinger said that "Security Council can’t remain silent" and "cannot remain inactive towards the response." While the first case of COVID was first reported China's Wuhan in December, it was only during the Presidency of the Dominican Republic in April that it was formally discussed. President of UNSC decides the agenda of the body and it is president for one month. All 15 countries rotationally become the president of UNSC each month, with Estonia being the President for the current month. WION: What has been the key outcome of your Presidency of UNSC for April Month? Jose Singer: We believe the most important outcome of the Dominican Presidency of the UN Security Council in April 2020, was transparency. From the very beginning of our Presidency, our goal was to make the Council’s discussions on Open VTCs, public. Halfway through the month, after reaching consensus from members, we managed to live feed, through the UN Web TV platform, the entirety of the Open VTCs, including briefers and UN Security Council Member statements. Additionally, as another example of a milestone, a historical moment took place on April 21st. For the first time in history, the Council held a public online discussion (Open Debate). In this case, the issue discussed was the protection of civilians from conflict-induced hunger. Furthermore, we were able to reach consensus on: 1) 5 Press Elements (MINUSMA, Covid-19, Yemen, Great Lakes and UNAMID) 2) 2 Press Statements (Colombia and Yemen) 3) 1 PRST (Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict: Protecting Civilians from Conflict Induced Hunger) WION: Finally, talks started on COVID, what has been the progress? How soon we can see consensus on COVID resolutions? Jose Singer: The Security Council has been holding discussions around the possible adoption of a resolution on COVID-19. Last May 5th, the Security Council held a closed consultation on this issue to discuss the way forward. At this moment progress has been achieved throughout different areas that a resolution of this kind should address from a peace and security angle. However, as you are aware there are differences regarding the role of the World Health Organization and these differences, in part, have stalled the process for a while. Tunisia and France as the leads on this resolution have been working tenaciously in order to arrive at an agreement. The reality is that the Security Council can’t remain silent it cannot remain inactive towards the response. The members of the Security Council are on the same line in this respect, which brings an environment of deep commitment to arrive at a consensus in the coming days, but as I said, we would have to continue engaging and hope for an expedited agreement. WION: How do u see India's role when it comes coordinated action on COVID, they have sent your country medicines too? Jose Singer: From our point of view, India is currently an important key player in the present global order, and we are confident it will continue to do so through these hard and unprecedented times. After the COVID-19 crisis hit our nation, the Dominican Government requested our Missions around the world for some assistance and cooperation, from friendly countries and India rose to the occasion. Showing its unique solidarity and friendship towards our people, it was one of the first respondents to our request, not only including us in the 13 countries able to purchase some of the medicines being used to treat this virus, but also donating 200,000 tablets to our country. WION: How has UNSC adopted tech, because it was under your presidency they started meeting regularly via video conference. Jose Singer: Initially, the platform was a bit unstable and we were all trying to figure things out, including new working methods that would allow the Council to continue its work remotely. In this regard, the Dominican Presidency expresses its deepest congratulations and appreciation to the team of hard-working technical personnel of the United Nations. Without their tireless efforts to make possible all the technological arrangements, we would have not been able to proceed with our ambitious plans of keeping the work of the Council as open, transparent and fluid as possible, during the uncertain times that the global COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly brought along.

Covid-19: UNSC can’t remain inactive towards the response, says José Singer Weisinger

Estonia, the country which will chair the United Nations Security Council&nbsp;(UNSC) for the month of May, has termed the body's inability to come out with COVID-19 resolution as a "shame."

At the virtual press conference by Permanent Representative of Estonia to the United Nations Ambassador Sven Jürgenson said, "it is really a shame we have not been able to fulfill&nbsp;our responsibility. There are stumbling blocks, the situation is blocked at the moment, but the talks are continuing, continuing at a high level. And I hope we come out of the gridlock."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-lockdown-extension-will-lead-to-a-faster-recovery-says-top-economist-arvind-panagariya-296260">EXCLUSIVE: Lockdown extension will lead to a faster recovery, says top economist Arvind Panagariya</a>

Estonia has been pushing for COVID-19 meeting and a press statement since March but could not get support because few permanent members of UNSC, notably China had some issues regarding it. The matter finally came up on April 9 under the presidency of the Dominican Republic and now a Franco-Tunisian draft resolution is being discussed.

"It is shame that we have not able to take leadership. There are certain reasons, Estonia has been one of the most active in pushing, pushing very very strongly for more than a month to be there and for the security council to stand were it should stand", the envoy said.

Highlighting the difference, Sven Jürgenson said, "There is no political agreement especially among 2 members of the council and we are expecting to see development and everyone wants council to move forward".

The China-US tiff continues to block the move at UNSC and with Washington and Bejing publicly involved in a war of words, no one knows, when any consensus emerges.&nbsp;

Jürgenson explained, "Still no consensus...(due to) some security council member state...work continues and hope differences will be solved. I do feel as a member of the council UNSC should be active on the matter"

Asked about another initiative on COVID-19, he said, "it would be stuck exactly with the same problem"

United Nations, especially the core body--United Nations Security Council is found missing during the COVID-19 crisis. It was G20 that took the responsibility for a global strategy to deal with the crisis and leaders of the group&nbsp;in March did a video conference to chalk out an action plan to deal with the challenge.&nbsp;

The idea of the meet was discussed by Indian PM Narendra Modi with his G20 counterparts including the chair of G20 Saudi Arabia. PM Modi had in the month of March taken the global lead in the call for a video conference of SAARC countries for a common approach to deal with the crisis.

Estonia, the country which will chair the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the month of May, has termed the body's inability to come out with COVID-19 resolution as a "shame.

Estonia, the country which will chair the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the month of May, has termed the body's inability to come out with COVID-19 resolution as a "shame." At the virtual press conference by Permanent Representative of Estonia to the United Nations Ambassador Sven Jürgenson said, "it is really a shame we have not been able to fulfill our responsibility. There are stumbling blocks, the situation is blocked at the moment, but the talks are continuing, continuing at a high level. And I hope we come out of the gridlock." Also read | EXCLUSIVE: Lockdown extension will lead to a faster recovery, says top economist Arvind Panagariya Estonia has been pushing for COVID-19 meeting and a press statement since March but could not get support because few permanent members of UNSC, notably China had some issues regarding it. The matter finally came up on April 9 under the presidency of the Dominican Republic and now a Franco-Tunisian draft resolution is being discussed. "It is shame that we have not able to take leadership. There are certain reasons, Estonia has been one of the most active in pushing, pushing very very strongly for more than a month to be there and for the security council to stand were it should stand", the envoy said. Highlighting the difference, Sven Jürgenson said, "There is no political agreement especially among 2 members of the council and we are expecting to see development and everyone wants council to move forward". The China-US tiff continues to block the move at UNSC and with Washington and Bejing publicly involved in a war of words, no one knows, when any consensus emerges. Jürgenson explained, "Still no consensus...(due to) some security council member state...work continues and hope differences will be solved. I do feel as a member of the council UNSC should be active on the matter" Asked about another initiative on COVID-19, he said, "it would be stuck exactly with the same problem" United Nations, especially the core body--United Nations Security Council is found missing during the COVID-19 crisis. It was G20 that took the responsibility for a global strategy to deal with the crisis and leaders of the group in March did a video conference to chalk out an action plan to deal with the challenge. The idea of the meet was discussed by Indian PM Narendra Modi with his G20 counterparts including the chair of G20 Saudi Arabia. PM Modi had in the month of March taken the global lead in the call for a video conference of SAARC countries for a common approach to deal with the crisis.

New UNSC Prez says council's inability to come out with coronavirus resolution a 'shame'

The President of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the ambassador of the Dominican Republic, José Singer told WION that an urgent global response is needed to tackle the global coronavirus crisis. He added that the UNSC has an important role to play. The Dominican Republic is the chair of the council for the current month and decides the agenda of the top United Nations body. Speaking from New York, Ambassador Singer said, "COVID-19 is racing its way around the world. There’s growing concern about the unprecedented magnitude of its outbreak globally and its impact on international peace and security."

WION Exclusive conversation with UNSC President José Singer

The United Nations Security Council will hold a closed session to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, the first time the powerful UN organ is holding a meeting on coronavirus that has killed more than 74,000 people. However, the question that arises is how will China and Russia access their veto powers at UNSC. Will they vote against the resolution?

How will China and Russia access their veto powers at UNSC?

The United Nations Security Council held a closed session to discuss the pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19), first time the powerful UN organ held a meeting on Coronavirus that has killed people in millions. But, it looks like, UNSC discussion on pandemic COVID-19 ended up without any concrete outcome.

UNSC discussion on pandemic COVID-19 ended up without any concrete outcome

The United Nations Security Council held a closed session to discuss the pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19), first time the powerful UN organ held a meeting on Coronavirus that has killed people in millions.

UNSC discusses pandemic COVID-19, all 15 members attend meeting via video conference

The United Nations Security Council will hold a closed session on Thursday to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, the first time the powerful UN organ is holding a meeting on coronavirus that has killed more than 74,000 people

UNSC to discuss coronavirus pandemic: Will there be a UNSC resolution?

This is not an exception that China is trying to take a hold of the United Nations (UN), one post at a time.&nbsp;

Former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping had a motto, "Hide your strength. Bide your time." However, the current leader, Xi Jinping does not people in that in that.

The Chinese President wants to project strength, both at home and abroad!

China is flexing its diplomatic muscle by going after the top jobs at UN agencies.

It is installing its diplomats in key positions across UN agencies.

The Director-General of the UN food and agriculture organisation is now Chinese. Qu Dongyu had defeated an American to win the top job.

China is entering another major wing of the UN this year. The board of auditors they keep an eye on the account books of the world body.

India's CAG Rajiv Mehrishi's term will expire in three months.

The Auditor-General of the national audit office of China will take charge in July.

The UN has 15 specialised agencies out of which four are led by China while it has exerted its influence on many others.

These jobs may not boost China's public profile, but, they give Beijing the ability to influence key decisions in the un ecosystem.

Unlike in the past, China is voting actively on key Security Council resolutions.

Since 2011, China has exercised the veto nine times.

This shift in strategy has a direct connection with Xi Jinping's rise to power. The Chinese President wants his country to play a big role in the UN.

And, as a result, China is now the second-largest contributor to the regular budget of the UN. It has become a leader in UN peacekeeping missions.

In 1990, it had just five soldiers deployed in the operations and by Mid 2015, this surged to over three thousand.

Even today, China has over two thousand troops in un peacekeeping efforts.

These contributions come with strings attached as they legitimise the dictatorship of the Communist Party and limit the independence of global platforms against Chinese pressure.

&nbsp;The UN has long been the handmaiden of the United States, now it is being taken over by China, one post at a time.&nbsp;

This is not an exception that China is trying to take a hold of the United Nations (UN), one post at a time. Former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping had a motto, "Hide your strength.

This is not an exception that China is trying to take a hold of the United Nations (UN), one post at a time. Former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping had a motto, "Hide your strength. Bide your time." However, the current leader, Xi Jinping does not people in that in that. The Chinese President wants to project strength, both at home and abroad! China is flexing its diplomatic muscle by going after the top jobs at UN agencies. It is installing its diplomats in key positions across UN agencies. The Director-General of the UN food and agriculture organisation is now Chinese. Qu Dongyu had defeated an American to win the top job. China is entering another major wing of the UN this year. The board of auditors they keep an eye on the account books of the world body. India's CAG Rajiv Mehrishi's term will expire in three months. The Auditor-General of the national audit office of China will take charge in July. The UN has 15 specialised agencies out of which four are led by China while it has exerted its influence on many others. These jobs may not boost China's public profile, but, they give Beijing the ability to influence key decisions in the un ecosystem. Unlike in the past, China is voting actively on key Security Council resolutions. Since 2011, China has exercised the veto nine times. This shift in strategy has a direct connection with Xi Jinping's rise to power. The Chinese President wants his country to play a big role in the UN. And, as a result, China is now the second-largest contributor to the regular budget of the UN. It has become a leader in UN peacekeeping missions. In 1990, it had just five soldiers deployed in the operations and by Mid 2015, this surged to over three thousand. Even today, China has over two thousand troops in un peacekeeping efforts. These contributions come with strings attached as they legitimise the dictatorship of the Communist Party and limit the independence of global platforms against Chinese pressure. The UN has long been the handmaiden of the United States, now it is being taken over by China, one post at a time.

China extends its influence over United Nations Security Council, one post at a time!

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called for an emergency session on Syria, as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces are escalating. In this segment, know what can be a possible outcome of UN emergency meet on Syria.

What can be possible outcome from UN emergency meet on Syria?

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called for an emergency session on Syria, as tensions between Syrian and Turkish forces are escalating.

UNSC calls emergency session on Syria

India's Ministry of External Affairs has responded to China's attempt to raise the Kashmir issue at the United Nations Security Council. MEA spokesperson Ravish Kumar said that Pakistan has misused the UN Security Council's stage through China. He added that the issue of Kashmir has to be solved bilaterally by India and Pakistan.

WION Dispatch: Pakistan peddling baseless allegations, says India MEA spokesperson Ravish Kumar

A proposal by China and Russia to ease UN&nbsp;sanctions on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-envoy-biegun-to-north-korea-were-here-you-know-how-to-reach-us-268526">North Korea</a> increases pressure on the United States and signals what is the likely end of unified efforts to persuade Pyongyang to give up its growing nuclear and missile arsenal.

On Monday China and Russia proposed the United Nations Security Council lift a ban on North Korea exporting statues, seafood, and textiles, and ease restrictions on infrastructure projects and North Koreans working overseas, according to a draft resolution seen by Reuters.

The plan comes at a crucial moment just weeks before the deadline set by North Korea for Washington to offer more concessions and highlights deepening divides over how to engage with North Korea.

Russia and China, which both wield veto power on the Security Council, were key votes in imposing the sanctions in recent years under the "maximum pressure" campaign championed by US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-democrats-seek-testimony-from-bolton-and-other-trump-aides-268609">Donald Trump</a>'s administration.

The United States says it would be premature for the UN&nbsp;to consider lifting sanctions right now and has called for North Korea to return to the negotiating table.

Since North Korea and the United States established a detente in 2018, however, both Moscow and Beijing have increasingly voiced support for easing sanctions. Now, the official proposal represents a new level of public pressure on the United States, analysts said.

Last week, China's ambassador to the UN&nbsp;said a major cause of the deadlock and rising tensions was a failure to respond to "positive steps" taken by North Korea toward denuclearisation.

"The Russia-China initiative at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-security-council-to-meet-over-north-korea-on-wednesday-at-us-request-267389">UNSC</a> is likely coordinated with Pyongyang as the proposal reflects North Korea's demands to be rewarded for the concessions it has already taken," said Artyom Lukin, a professor at Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok. "Pyongyang's recent threats of escalatory action are now backed by the Sino-Russian diplomatic offensive."

China and Russia are effectively undercutting the United States’ current strategy on North Korea, he said. "Pyongyang has again demonstrated its unrivaled capacity to exploit the rivalry between great powers."

China hopes the UN&nbsp;Security Council forms a consensus on the draft resolution, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Tuesday, urging North Korean and the United States to keep talking.

Other analysts noted Beijing and Moscow have shown increasing unity on the issue of security on the Korean peninsula.

Sanctions relief is crucial for both China's Northeast Area Revitalisation Plan as well as Russia's economic interests in the Russian Far East, said Anthony Rinna, a specialist in Korea-Russia relations at Sino-NK, a website that analyses the region.

"Recently the Chinese government has stated that sanctions relief for North Korea is imperative, and Beijing has a much higher chance than Moscow of being taken seriously in Washington," he said. "Furthermore, sanctions are a part of the joint Sino-Russian action plan for peace on the Korean Peninsula."&nbsp;

The call to lift sanctions affecting rail infrastructure and foreign workers, for example, are two areas that are key economic interests for Moscow, Rinna added.

North Korea has set a year-end deadline for Washington to make concessions like easing sanctions. Otherwise, leader Kim Jong Un has said he may be forced to choose an unspecified "new path."

China and Russia appear concerned about what North Korea's next steps may be, and the call for sanctions relief is a way to try to avoid a return to the nuclear weapons tests and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launches that led the two countries to join the United States and its allies in imposing the strict sanctions, analysts said.

"Moscow generally feels that pressure is the wrong tack to take with North Korea, yet if Pyongyang engages in more provocations in the coming year this could be a serious test for both China and Russia's tolerance of North Korea," Rinna said.

China, meanwhile, appears to be wielding ever-greater economic clout over North Korea.

A recent report by a South Korean trade association found China's proportion of the North's overall external trade rose to 91.8 percent last year, compared with 17.3 percent in 2001. Thousands of Chinese tourists provide a further, much-needed economic lifeline.

Behind the scenes, there are reports that unofficial trade between China and North Korea has also increased.

"This could give Pyongyang pause if they're pondering a hardline approach for next year," said Andray Abrahamian, a visiting scholar at George Mason University Korea. "That said, they traditionally have pushed back hard against supposed Chinese leverage, aware that China is willing to punish North Korea."

Daniel DePetris, a fellow at Defense Priorities, a Washington-based think tank, said he hopes Russia and China teaming up could keep Kim restrained for the time being.

"We don’t know what China and Russia’s red-lines are, but it’s reasonably safe to assume another ICBM or nuclear test would force both countries to recalculate its current position," he said.

A proposal by China and Russia to ease UN sanctions on North Korea increases pressure on the United States and signals what is the likely end of unified efforts to persuade Pyongyang to give up its growing nuclear and missile arsenal.

A proposal by China and Russia to ease UN sanctions on North Korea increases pressure on the United States and signals what is the likely end of unified efforts to persuade Pyongyang to give up its growing nuclear and missile arsenal. On Monday China and Russia proposed the United Nations Security Council lift a ban on North Korea exporting statues, seafood, and textiles, and ease restrictions on infrastructure projects and North Koreans working overseas, according to a draft resolution seen by Reuters. The plan comes at a crucial moment just weeks before the deadline set by North Korea for Washington to offer more concessions and highlights deepening divides over how to engage with North Korea. Russia and China, which both wield veto power on the Security Council, were key votes in imposing the sanctions in recent years under the "maximum pressure" campaign championed by US President Donald Trump's administration. The United States says it would be premature for the UN to consider lifting sanctions right now and has called for North Korea to return to the negotiating table. Since North Korea and the United States established a detente in 2018, however, both Moscow and Beijing have increasingly voiced support for easing sanctions. Now, the official proposal represents a new level of public pressure on the United States, analysts said. Last week, China's ambassador to the UN said a major cause of the deadlock and rising tensions was a failure to respond to "positive steps" taken by North Korea toward denuclearisation. "The Russia-China initiative at UNSC is likely coordinated with Pyongyang as the proposal reflects North Korea's demands to be rewarded for the concessions it has already taken," said Artyom Lukin, a professor at Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok. "Pyongyang's recent threats of escalatory action are now backed by the Sino-Russian diplomatic offensive." China and Russia are effectively undercutting the United States’ current strategy on North Korea, he said. "Pyongyang has again demonstrated its unrivaled capacity to exploit the rivalry between great powers." China hopes the UN Security Council forms a consensus on the draft resolution, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Tuesday, urging North Korean and the United States to keep talking. Other analysts noted Beijing and Moscow have shown increasing unity on the issue of security on the Korean peninsula. Sanctions relief is crucial for both China's Northeast Area Revitalisation Plan as well as Russia's economic interests in the Russian Far East, said Anthony Rinna, a specialist in Korea-Russia relations at Sino-NK, a website that analyses the region. "Recently the Chinese government has stated that sanctions relief for North Korea is imperative, and Beijing has a much higher chance than Moscow of being taken seriously in Washington," he said. "Furthermore, sanctions are a part of the joint Sino-Russian action plan for peace on the Korean Peninsula." The call to lift sanctions affecting rail infrastructure and foreign workers, for example, are two areas that are key economic interests for Moscow, Rinna added. North Korea has set a year-end deadline for Washington to make concessions like easing sanctions. Otherwise, leader Kim Jong Un has said he may be forced to choose an unspecified "new path." China and Russia appear concerned about what North Korea's next steps may be, and the call for sanctions relief is a way to try to avoid a return to the nuclear weapons tests and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launches that led the two countries to join the United States and its allies in imposing the strict sanctions, analysts said. "Moscow generally feels that pressure is the wrong tack to take with North Korea, yet if Pyongyang engages in more provocations in the coming year this could be a serious test for both China and Russia's tolerance of North Korea," Rinna said. China, meanwhile, appears to be wielding ever-greater economic clout over North Korea. A recent report by a South Korean trade association found China's proportion of the North's overall external trade rose to 91.8 percent last year, compared with 17.3 percent in 2001. Thousands of Chinese tourists provide a further, much-needed economic lifeline. Behind the scenes, there are reports that unofficial trade between China and North Korea has also increased. "This could give Pyongyang pause if they're pondering a hardline approach for next year," said Andray Abrahamian, a visiting scholar at George Mason University Korea. "That said, they traditionally have pushed back hard against supposed Chinese leverage, aware that China is willing to punish North Korea." Daniel DePetris, a fellow at Defense Priorities, a Washington-based think tank, said he hopes Russia and China teaming up could keep Kim restrained for the time being. "We don’t know what China and Russia’s red-lines are, but it’s reasonably safe to assume another ICBM or nuclear test would force both countries to recalculate its current position," he said.

US led pressure fractures as China, Russia push for North Korea sanctions relief

Speaking exclusively to WION's Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal in New York, India’s envoy to United Nations Syed Akbaruddin said that the reason why India sent a young diplomat to answer Imran Khan’s UNGA speech was to reflect a new India and bring to table energy of a young person.

Speaking exclusively to WION's Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal in New York, India’s envoy to United Nations Syed Akbaruddin said that the reason why India sent a young diplomat to answer Imran Khan’s UNGA speech was to reflect a new India and bring to table energy of a young person. He also spoke on UNSC reforms, issue of terrorism. WION: India sent a young diplomat Vidisha Maitra to reply to Pakistan using the “right of reply” option. What was the intent behind it? Syed Akbaruddin: You know, we are a country with a tradition, a country with a very consistent approach. We also know Pakistan and its approach very well. So if its focus is on one issue, and this issue with which we are very familiar with, we always field our young diplomats who are confident, who reflect a new India, who have the ability to articulate India’s position in very nuanced manner but also very forcefully. They bring to the table the zest and the energy of the young and an understanding of the issues which is historical in nature. It is a tradition for us to field a young officer to clearly indicate and articulate India’s consistent position. WION: How do see the speech of Pakistani PM from the UNGA podium? Syed Akbaruddin: So, India’s articulation across the UN was on themes that was listed by the President of the General Assembly. If other countries want to stray away from that it is their choice. UN is a place where people work in partnerships. Partnerships can be forged on issues of common interest, not on individual interest. So if Pakistan wants to project an issue of individual interest, this is their choice, they wasted it, as you said. WION: What was PM Modi’s big message from his speech at UNGA? Syed Akbaruddin: Global development is sustainable development. Climate action is a key part of that development. PM Modi has made it clear that India’s ambition levels for sustainable development far exceeded with what was thought of even a decade ago. PM’s mention that from the high target we have already set off in terms of renewable energy of 175 GWs, we are now moving to a target of more than 400 GW. That is considerable, similarly on climate action, on whole range of front we are active, including working with the UN, we have set up Gandhi Solar park. Globally we are trying to work we partners to form a collation for disaster resilient infrastructure, so we are working in multifaceted ways, in different ways as well as doing our focus against climate action in India. Watch video: × WION: India sets record in the number of bilaterals held. Syed Akbaruddin: Never before have we been intensely engaged in a manner that we did during this week. PM had 17 bilateral engagements and number of plurilateral level, we have engaged in leaders levels in an unprecedented manner. For the first time, we have plurilateral meetings of India engaging with regions. It has never been done before. For the first summit between India and CARICOM was held. The CARICOM was, we all are familiar with there cricketing abilities. But there are a lot more commonalities between CARICOM and India. Similarly, Indopacific has become a major issue of political importance. This was the first effort of India engaging with Pacific countries on the sidelines of UNGA. In addition, Foreign Minister Jaishankar engaged in as many as 40+ bilateral meetings and a host of plurilateral meetings—The brick, the SAARC, G4, etc. MoS MEA was engaged with the NAM, the commonwealth, the G77. So I told you it is unprecedented in its intensity, in its expanse, in its focus. It is an expression of India’s willingness, and expansiveness to embrace the world and multilateralism. WION: What were the key takeaways for the world? Syed Akbaruddin: Key takeaway is that India is reaching out to the world in a peaceful and harmonious manner. It is an outreach which is extensive. Its an outreach which is expansive and it is an outreach which is expansive and it is an outreach which is all embracive. WION: How big is the issue of terror at the UN? What is the world doing about it? Syed Akbaruddin: There are two ways. One is the normative way of working towards a normative agreement on the issues of terrorism and that is the convention. But there is action-oriented way and that way has progressed and it has progressed considerably because terrorism is considered antithetical to everything that UN stands for or, countries in UN stand for and they have progressed in many, many practical ways to counter terrorism through UNSC resolutions and resolutions through other bodies. So, it depends on how you see it. Normative efforts have been stalled but practical efforts continue. For example this year, you see it for the first time, an attack on Indian paramilitary troops was condemned by the United Nations. It has never happened before. Similarly, after a period of 10 years, Masood Azhar was listed as a terrorist individual. All these things show on the practical front we are moving ahead. And new areas are emerging and how do we tackle the promotion of hate speech and violent extremism and terrorism through cyberspace. There was a meeting of leaders, where they focused on efforts we need to do to prevent the use of internet and cyberspace for promoting violent extremist narrative. This is a new theme and was led by the king of Jordan and Christchurch call countries and President of France made special mention of India’s participation in this and PM Modi’s interest in this and so this is growing area of convergence. WION: How hopeful are you about UNSC reforms? Syed Akbaruddin: We have to understand that the global situation today is one of great volatility. It is one where things are not being done. The world is changing and it is changing dramatically and exponentially. UNSC has been resistant to change. Organizations that don’t change, may become less and less effective. It is a call for them to take, do they want to be relevant to the issues of the day, to addressing and resolving the primary issues that impact global peace and security or other ways will be found. Contemporary reality has to be adjusted. It is the norm in every segment of life for example, in business, companies dominated 70 or 100 years ago are not dominant today. That is the law of nature, it will happen with time but how it happens, when it happens, the situation may arrive. Crisis always required to change. Today there is a crisis, UNSC can’t act on whole hosts of issues. People are bypassing it. The last big institutional change was on the basis of the cataclysmic event. Change happens, sometimes by chance, it happens in ways you do not understand, but it will happen.

We field young diplomats to articulate new India's position: Syed Akbaruddin speaks to WION on India's right to reply

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/high-drama-at-saarc-meet-as-pakistans-foreign-minister-qureshi-boycotts-jaishankars-statement-252290">Pakistan</a> has invited the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other countries to inspect the terrorist camps.

Acting Foreign Secretary Moazzam Ahmad Khan on Thursday briefed Resident Ambassadors of the P5 countries (Permanent Members of the UNSC) about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-bid-to-internationalise-kashmir-fails-world-leans-on-indias-side-252264">rising tensions between India and Pakistan</a>.

"Pakistan is ready to provide full cooperation to delegates from the P5 countries or diplomats from any other country who wish to visit any of the alleged locations to see for themselves that such Indian allegations are totally baseless," said the Foreign Office in a&nbsp;statement.

Pakistan's invitation to representatives comes as a&nbsp;response to the Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat's statement that Islamabad has recently reactivated the terror camp in Balakot.

"Let me tell you, Balakot has been reactivated by Pakistan very recently. Obviously, that shows that Balakot was affected and damaged and destroyed. That is why people had got away from there," General Rawat had said while addressing a press conference in Chennai. He was responding to questions on whether there were new terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

"It highlights that some action had been taken by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Balakot and now they have got the people back there," Rawat added.

On February 27 this year, IAF fighters flew deep into <a href="wionews.com/world/pakistan-called-out-by-us-for-staying-mum-over-chinas-treatment-of-muslims-252323">Pakistan</a> to bomb a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror facility at Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The action came after the February 14 suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, which killed over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. Since then,&nbsp;tensions between India and Pakistan had escalated. It is not the first time that Pakistan has invited foreign delegates and media to visit Pakistan to provide facts. Even after the IAF's Balakot strike, Pakistan had taken representatives of some Islamabad-based international media houses and foreign diplomats to the area.&nbsp;

Pakistan has invited the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other countries to inspect the terrorist camps. Acting Foreign Secretary Moazzam Ahmad Khan on Thursday briefed Resident Ambassadors of the P5 countries (Permanent Members of the UNSC) about rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan has invited the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other countries to inspect the terrorist camps. Acting Foreign Secretary Moazzam Ahmad Khan on Thursday briefed Resident Ambassadors of the P5 countries (Permanent Members of the UNSC) about rising tensions between India and Pakistan. "Pakistan is ready to provide full cooperation to delegates from the P5 countries or diplomats from any other country who wish to visit any of the alleged locations to see for themselves that such Indian allegations are totally baseless," said the Foreign Office in a statement. Pakistan's invitation to representatives comes as a response to the Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat's statement that Islamabad has recently reactivated the terror camp in Balakot. "Let me tell you, Balakot has been reactivated by Pakistan very recently. Obviously, that shows that Balakot was affected and damaged and destroyed. That is why people had got away from there," General Rawat had said while addressing a press conference in Chennai. He was responding to questions on whether there were new terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). "It highlights that some action had been taken by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Balakot and now they have got the people back there," Rawat added. On February 27 this year, IAF fighters flew deep into Pakistan to bomb a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror facility at Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The action came after the February 14 suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, which killed over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. Since then, tensions between India and Pakistan had escalated. It is not the first time that Pakistan has invited foreign delegates and media to visit Pakistan to provide facts. Even after the IAF's Balakot strike, Pakistan had taken representatives of some Islamabad-based international media houses and foreign diplomats to the area.

Pakistan invites United Nations Security Council permanent members to inspect terror camps

Russia and China have asked the United Nations Security Council to meet over a threat to international peace and security. This is after U.S. announces its plans to develop and deploy medium-range missiles.

Russia, China seek UNSC meeting on US missile developments

Russia and China have asked the United Nations Security Council to meet on Thursday over "statements by US officials on their plans to develop and deploy medium-range missiles," according to the request seen by Reuters.

Moscow and Beijing want to convene the 15-member council under the agenda item "threats to international peace and security" and have requested that UN disarmament affairs chief Izumi Nakamitsu brief the body.

The Pentagon said on Monday it had tested a conventionally configured cruise missile that hit its target after more than 500 km (310 miles) of flight, the first such test since the United States pulled out Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF).

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper was asked in a Fox News Channel interview on Wednesday whether the test was aimed at sending a message to China, Russia or North Korea and indicated that the main concern was China.&nbsp;

"We want to make sure that we, as we need to, can deter Chinese bad behaviour by having our capability to be able to strike at intermediate ranges," he said.

Esper said on a visit to Australia this month he was in favour of placing ground-launched, intermediate-range missiles in Asia relatively soon. 
Esper was also asked about a rocket test accident in Russia this month which U.S. officials believe was associated with the Kremlin`s hypersonic cruise missile program.

“They are trying to expand their strategic nuclear arsenal to deal with the United States," he said, adding that all such new weapons would have to be included in any future strategic arms reduction treaty.

"Right now Russia has possibly nuclear-tipped ... INF-range cruise missiles facing toward Europe, and that`s not a good thing,” he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday the United States was in a position to deploy a new land-based cruise missile in Romania and Poland, a scenario he considered a threat that Moscow would need to respond to.&nbsp;

The United States has said it has no imminent plans to deploy new land-based missiles in Europe.

This week's US test would have been banned under the INF, which prohibited land-based missiles with a range of between 310 and 3,400 miles, reducing the ability of the United States and Russia to launch a nuclear strike at short notice. China was not a party to the INF treaty and has a large arsenal of land-based intermediate-range missiles.

Washington formally withdrew from the landmark 1987 pact with Russia on Aug. 2 after determining that Moscow was violating the treaty, an accusation the Kremlin has denied.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Tuesday that the US&nbsp;test showed the United States was stoking a new arms race and confrontation, which would have a serious negative impact on regional and global security.&nbsp;

A North Korean spokesman said on Thursday the US&nbsp;test and plans to deploy F-35 jets and offensive military equipment around the Korean peninsula were "dangerous" moves that would "trigger a new Cold War" in the region.&nbsp;

Asked whether he thought it was appropriate for Washington to continue to seek negotiations with Pyongyang after its repeated recent tests of short-range missiles, Esper said the biggest US concern was about North Korea's long-range missiles, tests of which it has frozen since 2017.

"I think you need to take a look at the bigger picture," he said when asked if recent U.S. statements playing down the short-range tests amounted to giving North Korea permission to conduct them.

Russia and China have asked the United Nations Security Council to meet on Thursday over "statements by US officials on their plans to develop and deploy medium-range missiles," according to the request seen by Reuters.

Russia and China have asked the United Nations Security Council to meet on Thursday over "statements by US officials on their plans to develop and deploy medium-range missiles," according to the request seen by Reuters. Moscow and Beijing want to convene the 15-member council under the agenda item "threats to international peace and security" and have requested that UN disarmament affairs chief Izumi Nakamitsu brief the body. The Pentagon said on Monday it had tested a conventionally configured cruise missile that hit its target after more than 500 km (310 miles) of flight, the first such test since the United States pulled out Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF). US Defense Secretary Mark Esper was asked in a Fox News Channel interview on Wednesday whether the test was aimed at sending a message to China, Russia or North Korea and indicated that the main concern was China. "We want to make sure that we, as we need to, can deter Chinese bad behaviour by having our capability to be able to strike at intermediate ranges," he said. Esper said on a visit to Australia this month he was in favour of placing ground-launched, intermediate-range missiles in Asia relatively soon. Esper was also asked about a rocket test accident in Russia this month which U.S. officials believe was associated with the Kremlin`s hypersonic cruise missile program. “They are trying to expand their strategic nuclear arsenal to deal with the United States," he said, adding that all such new weapons would have to be included in any future strategic arms reduction treaty. "Right now Russia has possibly nuclear-tipped ... INF-range cruise missiles facing toward Europe, and that`s not a good thing,” he said. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday the United States was in a position to deploy a new land-based cruise missile in Romania and Poland, a scenario he considered a threat that Moscow would need to respond to. The United States has said it has no imminent plans to deploy new land-based missiles in Europe. This week's US test would have been banned under the INF, which prohibited land-based missiles with a range of between 310 and 3,400 miles, reducing the ability of the United States and Russia to launch a nuclear strike at short notice. China was not a party to the INF treaty and has a large arsenal of land-based intermediate-range missiles. Washington formally withdrew from the landmark 1987 pact with Russia on Aug. 2 after determining that Moscow was violating the treaty, an accusation the Kremlin has denied. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Tuesday that the US test showed the United States was stoking a new arms race and confrontation, which would have a serious negative impact on regional and global security. A North Korean spokesman said on Thursday the US test and plans to deploy F-35 jets and offensive military equipment around the Korean peninsula were "dangerous" moves that would "trigger a new Cold War" in the region. Asked whether he thought it was appropriate for Washington to continue to seek negotiations with Pyongyang after its repeated recent tests of short-range missiles, Esper said the biggest US concern was about North Korea's long-range missiles, tests of which it has frozen since 2017. "I think you need to take a look at the bigger picture," he said when asked if recent U.S. statements playing down the short-range tests amounted to giving North Korea permission to conduct them.

Russia, China seek United Nations Security Council meeting on US missile developments

After failing to censure <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-related-to-article-370-of-indian-constitution-entirely-internal-issue-india-reiterates-after-unsc-meet-on-kashmir-concludes-243517">India at United Nations Security Council</a>, baffled Pakistan government has called high-level meeting on Saturday to discuss its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mediation-off-table-as-trump-calls-for-bilateral-between-india-and-pakistan-243529">future plan of action on Kashmir issue</a>.

It will see the participation of various Pakistani institutions.

Speaking to media following the&nbsp;UNSC closed-door meeting, Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said: "I have called for a meeting tomorrow at 11 am in which various Pakistani institutions would take part."

"We will deliberate on the future course of action and what further steps can be taken to help and support the people of Kashmir," he said.

Earlier in the day, the UNSC held a closed-door consultation on Kashmir. The meeting was called by China on the behest of Pakistan.

However, the China-Pakistan axis failed at the UNSC closed-door meeting when a majority of the Council members refused to take up the Kashmir matter and rejected the Chinese position.

China and Pakistan stood isolated as a member after member refused to endorse their position.

When asked whether Pakistan is ready for dialogue with India, Qureshi said: "Pakistan has always pushed for engagement and a peaceful resolution. There is no chance of bilateral talks until the curfew is lifted in Kashmir".

However, India has always maintained that it will not initiate a dialogue with Pakistan until it takes actions against terror groups operating from its soil.

After failing to censure India at United Nations Security Council, baffled Pakistan government has called high-level meeting on Saturday to discuss its future plan of action on Kashmir issue.

After failing to censure India at United Nations Security Council, baffled Pakistan government has called high-level meeting on Saturday to discuss its future plan of action on Kashmir issue. It will see the participation of various Pakistani institutions. Speaking to media following the UNSC closed-door meeting, Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said: "I have called for a meeting tomorrow at 11 am in which various Pakistani institutions would take part." "We will deliberate on the future course of action and what further steps can be taken to help and support the people of Kashmir," he said. Earlier in the day, the UNSC held a closed-door consultation on Kashmir. The meeting was called by China on the behest of Pakistan. However, the China-Pakistan axis failed at the UNSC closed-door meeting when a majority of the Council members refused to take up the Kashmir matter and rejected the Chinese position. China and Pakistan stood isolated as a member after member refused to endorse their position. When asked whether Pakistan is ready for dialogue with India, Qureshi said: "Pakistan has always pushed for engagement and a peaceful resolution. There is no chance of bilateral talks until the curfew is lifted in Kashmir". However, India has always maintained that it will not initiate a dialogue with Pakistan until it takes actions against terror groups operating from its soil.

Pakistan calls for high-level meeting to deliberate future course of action on Kashmir

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Friday held a rare closed-door consultation on the situation in Kashmir days after India revoked the special status to Jammu and Kashmir, sparking a fresh row with Pakistan. Watch this video to know more.

Breaking News: 4 permanent members back India at UNSC closed-door meet on J&K

Pakistan's efforts to raise Indian government's decision to end the special status of Jammu and Kashmir at the United Nations were thwarted on Friday as China's initiative to discuss the matter at the United Nations Security Council found no takers.

Breaking News: Pakistan's efforts to rake up Kashmir issue fall flat at UNSC

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-letter-on-kashmir-united-nations-security-council-to-hold-closed-door-talks-on-kashmir-today-243241">Pakistan's letter on Kashmir: United Nations Security Council to hold closed-door talks on Kashmir today</a>

Following a request from China, the&nbsp;United Nations Security Council&nbsp;(UNSC) will hold closed-door talks on Kashmir on Friday. All 15 members of the UNSC will be present when the issue is taken up.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-projectiles-rejects-south-koreas-dialogue-pledge-243231">North Korea fires projectiles, rejects South Korea's dialogue pledge</a>

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;launched at least two projectiles into the sea on Friday, South&nbsp;Korea's military said, shortly after Pyongyang described South&nbsp;Korea's president as "impudent" and vowed that inter-Korean talks are over.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blames-mass-shootings-on-mentally-ill-calls-for-more-mental-institutions-243232">Trump blames mass shootings on mentally ill, calls for more mental institutions</a>

President Donald Trump said on Thursday he supports meaningful background checks for gun buyers, but he told reporters that those responsible for recent mass shootings were mentally ill and the United States should build more mental institutions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-china-talks-productive-beijing-vows-tariff-retaliation-243233">Trump says China talks 'productive'; Beijing vows tariff retaliation</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that US and Chinese negotiators were holding "productive" trade talks and expected them to meet in September despite US tariffs on over $125 billion worth of Chinese imports taking effect September 1.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gibraltar-decides-to-free-seized-iranian-tanker-us-opens-new-case-to-hold-it-243219">Gibraltar decides to free seized Iranian tanker; US opens new case to hold it</a>

Britain's Mediterranean territory Gibraltar decided on Thursday to free a seized&nbsp;Iranian oil tanker, but did not immediately indicate when or if the ship would set sail after the United States launched a new, last-minute legal bid to hold it.

&nbsp;

Pakistan's letter on Kashmir: United Nations Security Council to hold closed-door talks on Kashmir today Following a request from China, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold closed-door talks on Kashmir on Friday.

Pakistan's letter on Kashmir: United Nations Security Council to hold closed-door talks on Kashmir today Following a request from China, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold closed-door talks on Kashmir on Friday. All 15 members of the UNSC will be present when the issue is taken up. North Korea fires projectiles, rejects South Korea's dialogue pledge North Korea launched at least two projectiles into the sea on Friday, South Korea's military said, shortly after Pyongyang described South Korea's president as "impudent" and vowed that inter-Korean talks are over. Trump blames mass shootings on mentally ill, calls for more mental institutions President Donald Trump said on Thursday he supports meaningful background checks for gun buyers, but he told reporters that those responsible for recent mass shootings were mentally ill and the United States should build more mental institutions. Trump says China talks 'productive'; Beijing vows tariff retaliation US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that US and Chinese negotiators were holding "productive" trade talks and expected them to meet in September despite US tariffs on over $125 billion worth of Chinese imports taking effect September 1. Gibraltar decides to free seized Iranian tanker; US opens new case to hold it Britain's Mediterranean territory Gibraltar decided on Thursday to free a seized Iranian oil tanker, but did not immediately indicate when or if the ship would set sail after the United States launched a new, last-minute legal bid to hold it.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Following a request from China, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold closed-door talks on Kashmir on Friday. All 15 members of the UNSC will be present when the issue is taken up.

Following a request from China, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold closed-door talks on Kashmir on Friday. All 15 members of the UNSC will be present when the issue is taken up. China asked for informal closed-door consultations on Friday following Pakistan's letter to the UNSC in New York. The informal consultations, scheduled at 10am local time (7.30pm IST), will see the exchange of views among the UNSC members on Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's letter to UNSC President & Polish envoy Joanna Wronecka on Kashmir in the aftermath of new Delhi's decision to remove special status to erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The UNSC will discuss how to react to Pakistan's letter, according to reports. Pakistan had called for the letter to be circulated as quickly as possible and is reportedly keen on a meeting of the permanent members. Equatorial Guinea, who is a non-permanent member of the UNSC has said that they have received no instructions on the way forward... Poland---the current chair of the security council had however asked India and Pakistan to resolve the dispute bilaterally. The Pakistan FM asked the letter to be disseminated at the earliest and that a meeting of UNSC should be called but so far no such call has been taken. Pakistan is keen to have a meeting in which it gets right to speak and record of discussion takes place. The consultations will happen without India and Pakistan, both not being present and since it is a consultation process it will not be part of the UNSC record. Meanwhile, Russia has said there is no information on any initiative on Pakistan's letter. Dmitry Polyanskiy, first deputy permanent representative of Russia to the UN said, "There is no direct information that there will be some meeting, no initiative to my knowledge". "Russia will not object if it is a closed meeting since Kashmir issue has not been taken up at UNSC for long time. We need to compare notes and reload this file," he said. When asked if Moscow is doing anything behind the scenes, Polyanskiy said, "Everybody is doing something behind the scenes because we are all worried including Moscow".

Pakistan's letter on Kashmir: United Nations Security Council to hold closed-door talks today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/you-are-a-thief-pakistans-un-representative-maleeha-lodhi-heckled-in-new-york-242594">Pakistan</a> on Tuesday asked the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/let-people-in-pakistan-kashmir-be-aware-unsc-not-waiting-for-you-qureshi-242536">United Nations Security Council </a>to meet over India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

&nbsp;"Pakistan will not provoke a conflict. But India should not mistake our restraint for weakness," Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi wrote in a letter to the Security Council.&nbsp;

"If India chooses to resort again to the use of force, Pakistan will be obliged to respond, in self defence, with all its capabilities," he said, adding that "in view of the dangerous implications" Pakistan requested the meeting.

It was not immediately clear how the 15-member council would respond to the request and whether a member of the body would also need to make a formal request. Pakistan said on Saturday it had China's support for the move.

Watch: Pakistan seeks special UNSC session over J&amp;K

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Poland is president of the Security Council for August. Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz told reporters at the United Nations on Tuesday that the council had received a letter from Pakistan and "will discuss that issue and take a proper decision."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on India and Pakistan to refrain from any steps that could affect the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Guterres also said he was concerned about reports of restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir.

The UN Security Council adopted several resolutions in 1948 and in the 1950s on the Kashmir issue, including one which says a plebiscite should be held to determine the state's future.

Another resolution also calls upon both sides to "refrain from making any statements and from doing or causing to be done or permitting any acts which might aggravate the situation."

UN peacekeepers have been deployed since 1949 to observe a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan on Tuesday asked the United Nations Security Council to meet over India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. "Pakistan will not provoke a conflict.

Pakistan on Tuesday asked the United Nations Security Council to meet over India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. "Pakistan will not provoke a conflict. But India should not mistake our restraint for weakness," Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi wrote in a letter to the Security Council. "If India chooses to resort again to the use of force, Pakistan will be obliged to respond, in self defence, with all its capabilities," he said, adding that "in view of the dangerous implications" Pakistan requested the meeting. It was not immediately clear how the 15-member council would respond to the request and whether a member of the body would also need to make a formal request. Pakistan said on Saturday it had China's support for the move. Watch: Pakistan seeks special UNSC session over J&K × Poland is president of the Security Council for August. Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz told reporters at the United Nations on Tuesday that the council had received a letter from Pakistan and "will discuss that issue and take a proper decision." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on India and Pakistan to refrain from any steps that could affect the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Guterres also said he was concerned about reports of restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir. The UN Security Council adopted several resolutions in 1948 and in the 1950s on the Kashmir issue, including one which says a plebiscite should be held to determine the state's future. Another resolution also calls upon both sides to "refrain from making any statements and from doing or causing to be done or permitting any acts which might aggravate the situation." UN peacekeepers have been deployed since 1949 to observe a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan asks UN Security Council to meet over India's move in Jammu and Kashmir

In a big snub to Pakistan, the United Nations Security Council did not take up Islamabad's letter of August 6 at several meetings it held this week, in the aftermath of New Delhi removing the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi in a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres tried to rake up Kashmir issue at the top United Nations body on August 6. Pakistani ambassador to UN Maleeha Lodhi briefed UN Security Council President Joanna Wronecka in this regard but the matter seems not to have found any traction.

Answering a question on if UNSC will take up the matter on Thursday, the UNSC president responded saying "no comments".

This even as Russia, one of the Permanent five members of the UNSC has come out openly in support of India on it abrogating article 370.

The Russia Foreign Ministry said changes in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its bifurcation is "carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India". &nbsp;

Echoing New Delhi on Shimla agreement, Moscow said, "We hope that the differences between them(India and Pakistan) will be resolved by political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis by following the provisions of the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999." 
&nbsp; 
US State Department last week in a statement said it has "taken note" of Indian government saying development on changing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir is its internal matter. &nbsp;

China, on the other hand, reacted negatively calling India's move as "unacceptable". &nbsp;India responded to it asking Bejing "not to comment on the internal affairs of other countries". So far no statement was issued by France or UK on the development.

The United Nations also last week reacted to the developments in the Indian subcontinent.&nbsp; 
Recalling the Shimla agreement, the UN urged restraint by all sides. Interestingly, it did not offer its "good offices" for mediation between India and Pakistan.

In a big snub to Pakistan, the United Nations Security Council did not take up Islamabad's letter of August 6 at several meetings it held this week, in the aftermath of New Delhi removing the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a big snub to Pakistan, the United Nations Security Council did not take up Islamabad's letter of August 6 at several meetings it held this week, in the aftermath of New Delhi removing the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi in a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres tried to rake up Kashmir issue at the top United Nations body on August 6. Pakistani ambassador to UN Maleeha Lodhi briefed UN Security Council President Joanna Wronecka in this regard but the matter seems not to have found any traction. Answering a question on if UNSC will take up the matter on Thursday, the UNSC president responded saying "no comments". This even as Russia, one of the Permanent five members of the UNSC has come out openly in support of India on it abrogating article 370. The Russia Foreign Ministry said changes in the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and its bifurcation is "carried out within the framework of the Constitution of the Republic of India". Echoing New Delhi on Shimla agreement, Moscow said, "We hope that the differences between them(India and Pakistan) will be resolved by political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis by following the provisions of the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999." US State Department last week in a statement said it has "taken note" of Indian government saying development on changing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir is its internal matter. China, on the other hand, reacted negatively calling India's move as "unacceptable". India responded to it asking Bejing "not to comment on the internal affairs of other countries". So far no statement was issued by France or UK on the development. The United Nations also last week reacted to the developments in the Indian subcontinent. Recalling the Shimla agreement, the UN urged restraint by all sides. Interestingly, it did not offer its "good offices" for mediation between India and Pakistan.

United Nations Security Council snubs Pakistan, does not discuss its letter on Kashmir

The UN Security Council on Monday called for dialogue and measures to end tensions in the Gulf, but Iran rejected talks with the United States after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khamenei-ultimately-responsible-says-trump-after-fresh-us-sanctions-on-iran-230106">President Donald Trump imposed fresh sanctions</a>.

In a unanimous press statement drafted by Kuwait, the council condemned recent attacks on oil tankers, calling them a threat to the world's energy supply and to international peace and security.

After a two-hour meeting, the council agreed on a statement that did not single out Iran but made clear that all sides should back away from a much-feared military confrontation.

That joint stance from world powers came just hours after Trump slapped new sanctions on Iran, targeting supreme leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-protests-sea-lanes-for-other-countries-for-zero-compensation-we-dont-even-need-to-be-there-trump-230043">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a> and eight Iranian commanders.

As the council met behind closed doors at Washington's request, Iran's UN ambassador told reporters that conditions were not ripe for dialogue with the United States.

"You cannot start a dialogue with somebody who is threatening you, who is intimidating you," said Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi, who said the "atmosphere of such a dialogue is not ready yet."

Watch: Trump refuses to pay heed to UN report

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The council said all concerned parties and all countries in the region must "exercise maximum restraint and take measures and actions to reduce escalation and tension."

"Council members urge that differences must be addressed peacefully and through dialogue," said the statement backed by both Russia, a friend of Iran, and the United States.&nbsp;

Britain, France and Germany separately called for "de-escalation and dialogue, with full respect for international rules."

US presents evidence

The Iranian ambassador told reporters that the United States must stop "its economic war against the Iranian people" and renewed an offer to hold regional talks on security, under UN auspices.

"As long as this threat is there, there is no way that Iran and the US can start a dialogue," said the ambassador.&nbsp;

Tensions have soared after Iran last week shot down a US surveillance drone that Tehran insists had ventured into its airspace -- a claim rejected by Washington.

Trump triggered an international alarm when he said on Friday that he had called off US military strikes against Iran at the last minute because he decided there would be too much collateral damage.

During the meeting, the United States presented evidence which it says shows that Iran was behind recent attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, using divers who placed mines on the ship's haul.&nbsp;

Tehran has denied responsibility for those attacks.

US Acting Ambassador Jonathan Cohen nevertheless said, "the only state actor with the capabilities and the motive to carry out these attacks is Iran."

UN diplomats said the United States pressed to have a mention of a "state actor" responsible for the tanker attacks in the press statement, but that Russia rejected the language.

The Security Council is set on Wednesday to discuss the Iran nuclear deal that the United States has exited and that the Europeans are struggling to salvage.

The UN Security Council on Monday called for dialogue and measures to end tensions in the Gulf, but Iran rejected talks with the United States after President Donald Trump imposed fresh sanctions.

The UN Security Council on Monday called for dialogue and measures to end tensions in the Gulf, but Iran rejected talks with the United States after President Donald Trump imposed fresh sanctions. In a unanimous press statement drafted by Kuwait, the council condemned recent attacks on oil tankers, calling them a threat to the world's energy supply and to international peace and security. After a two-hour meeting, the council agreed on a statement that did not single out Iran but made clear that all sides should back away from a much-feared military confrontation. That joint stance from world powers came just hours after Trump slapped new sanctions on Iran, targeting supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and eight Iranian commanders. As the council met behind closed doors at Washington's request, Iran's UN ambassador told reporters that conditions were not ripe for dialogue with the United States. "You cannot start a dialogue with somebody who is threatening you, who is intimidating you," said Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi, who said the "atmosphere of such a dialogue is not ready yet." Watch: Trump refuses to pay heed to UN report The council said all concerned parties and all countries in the region must "exercise maximum restraint and take measures and actions to reduce escalation and tension." "Council members urge that differences must be addressed peacefully and through dialogue," said the statement backed by both Russia, a friend of Iran, and the United States. Britain, France and Germany separately called for "de-escalation and dialogue, with full respect for international rules." US presents evidence The Iranian ambassador told reporters that the United States must stop "its economic war against the Iranian people" and renewed an offer to hold regional talks on security, under UN auspices. "As long as this threat is there, there is no way that Iran and the US can start a dialogue," said the ambassador. Tensions have soared after Iran last week shot down a US surveillance drone that Tehran insists had ventured into its airspace -- a claim rejected by Washington. Trump triggered an international alarm when he said on Friday that he had called off US military strikes against Iran at the last minute because he decided there would be too much collateral damage. During the meeting, the United States presented evidence which it says shows that Iran was behind recent attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, using divers who placed mines on the ship's haul. Tehran has denied responsibility for those attacks. US Acting Ambassador Jonathan Cohen nevertheless said, "the only state actor with the capabilities and the motive to carry out these attacks is Iran." UN diplomats said the United States pressed to have a mention of a "state actor" responsible for the tanker attacks in the press statement, but that Russia rejected the language. The Security Council is set on Wednesday to discuss the Iran nuclear deal that the United States has exited and that the Europeans are struggling to salvage.

UN Security Council urges dialogue, end to US-Iran tensions as Trump announces new sanctions

While Afghanistan gears up to have its fourth Presidential elections in September this year, India has reiterated its support for an "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" inclusive peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country.

India`s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-envoy-to-un-syed-akbaruddin-speaks-exclusively-to-wion-215115">Syed Akbaruddin</a> speaking at an open debate on the situation in Afghanistan at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-requests-un-security-council-meeting-on-golan-205899">United Nations Security Council</a> said on Wednesday that India stands committed to support the peace process, which promotes and protects unity, sovereignty, democracy, inclusiveness and prosperity of the country.&nbsp;

Akbaruddin said that while the country may be perceived as a "threat of transnational terrorism," it is the people of Afghanistan who have long been its victims.

"While there may be perceptions of threats of transnational terrorism from Afghanistan, in reality, it is the Afghan people who have been, for long, victims of transnational terrorism," said Akbaruddin.&nbsp;

Afghanistan is suffering from an unstable political, social, and security situation due to the activities of the various terrorist organisation, including the Taliban and the Islamic State (IS).&nbsp;

In his address, Akbaruddin stressed that the "sanctuaries and safe havens provided to" these terror networks need to be addressed for genuine and sustainable peace in the region.

"As the way forward is chalked out, we cannot ignore those groups enjoying the support and safe havens carry out violent and terrorist activities from across borders.&nbsp;

They cannot be allowed to negotiate from a place of advantage," said Akbaruddin"The sanctuaries and safe havens provided to terror networks have to be addressed for genuine and sustainable peace.

&nbsp;The terrorist activities of the Taliban, Haqqani Network, Da`esh, as well as Al Qaeda and its proscribed affiliates, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, need to end," he added.&nbsp;

The war-torn nation is scheduled to undergo three elections--presidential, the provincial councils and the Ghazni parliamentary elections, simultaneously on September 28."By all accounts, this is a crucial year for Afghanistan.

&nbsp;While Afghanistan gears up to have its fourth Presidential elections later this year, all of us need to be mindful of the gains that the Afghan people have made in the last 18 years.

"They have strengthened democracy in their country; established a constitutional order; uplifted the status of women; protected the status of minorities and youth; built a strong army and sturdy security forces, and created stronger regional links.&nbsp;

The Ambassador stressed that India will continue to assist the people of Afghanistan in "fulfilling their desire for a peaceful country, which can focus on development and build on the gains in their journey towards greater prosperity and higher achievements" The conduct of transparent, credible and timely Presidential elections during the year will assist in this endeavour," he said.&nbsp;

Akbaruddin referred to the concluding communique of the Loya Jirga, convened by President Ghani on April 29, which called amongst other things for a ceasefire, talks without pre-conditions, a Taliban office to be opened in Afghanistan, a responsible withdrawal of international forces, the formation of an inclusive negotiating team, continued support from the international community, and the preservation of human rights, particularly women`s rights.

"These provisions, agreed to by the Afghan people, have been long-standing and are supported strongly by several countries in the region," he said.&nbsp;

While Afghanistan gears up to have its fourth Presidential elections in September this year, India has reiterated its support for an "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" inclusive peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country.

While Afghanistan gears up to have its fourth Presidential elections in September this year, India has reiterated its support for an "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled" inclusive peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country. India`s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin speaking at an open debate on the situation in Afghanistan at United Nations Security Council said on Wednesday that India stands committed to support the peace process, which promotes and protects unity, sovereignty, democracy, inclusiveness and prosperity of the country. Akbaruddin said that while the country may be perceived as a "threat of transnational terrorism," it is the people of Afghanistan who have long been its victims. "While there may be perceptions of threats of transnational terrorism from Afghanistan, in reality, it is the Afghan people who have been, for long, victims of transnational terrorism," said Akbaruddin. Afghanistan is suffering from an unstable political, social, and security situation due to the activities of the various terrorist organisation, including the Taliban and the Islamic State (IS). In his address, Akbaruddin stressed that the "sanctuaries and safe havens provided to" these terror networks need to be addressed for genuine and sustainable peace in the region. "As the way forward is chalked out, we cannot ignore those groups enjoying the support and safe havens carry out violent and terrorist activities from across borders. They cannot be allowed to negotiate from a place of advantage," said Akbaruddin"The sanctuaries and safe havens provided to terror networks have to be addressed for genuine and sustainable peace. The terrorist activities of the Taliban, Haqqani Network, Da`esh, as well as Al Qaeda and its proscribed affiliates, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, need to end," he added. The war-torn nation is scheduled to undergo three elections--presidential, the provincial councils and the Ghazni parliamentary elections, simultaneously on September 28."By all accounts, this is a crucial year for Afghanistan. While Afghanistan gears up to have its fourth Presidential elections later this year, all of us need to be mindful of the gains that the Afghan people have made in the last 18 years. "They have strengthened democracy in their country; established a constitutional order; uplifted the status of women; protected the status of minorities and youth; built a strong army and sturdy security forces, and created stronger regional links. The Ambassador stressed that India will continue to assist the people of Afghanistan in "fulfilling their desire for a peaceful country, which can focus on development and build on the gains in their journey towards greater prosperity and higher achievements" The conduct of transparent, credible and timely Presidential elections during the year will assist in this endeavour," he said. Akbaruddin referred to the concluding communique of the Loya Jirga, convened by President Ghani on April 29, which called amongst other things for a ceasefire, talks without pre-conditions, a Taliban office to be opened in Afghanistan, a responsible withdrawal of international forces, the formation of an inclusive negotiating team, continued support from the international community, and the preservation of human rights, particularly women`s rights. "These provisions, agreed to by the Afghan people, have been long-standing and are supported strongly by several countries in the region," he said.

India supports Afghan-led inclusive peace process: Syed Akbaruddin

Sri Lanka on Wednesday said it will implement the United Nations Security Council's resolution to curb terrorism and violent extremism in the country, weeks after the country saw the worst jihadi attack.

The announcement came days after the visit by the UN Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) and Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) Michele Coninsx, during which both sides discussed measures needed to be taken by Colombo to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters and counter violent extremism, in compliance with the international counter-terrorism obligations.&nbsp;

"Sri Lanka expressed its commitment to the 'Whole of government' approach in counter terrorism and violent extremism," the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

During her talks with the Sri Lankan officials, Coninsx also discussed terrorist financing and asset freezing, dealing with foreign terrorist fighters, the counterterrorism legislation, countering radicalisation and violent extremism, effective border management against terrorist travel, and the threat posed by the internet and social media in spreading radical ideology and violent extremism.

The officials apprised the ASG about recent moves by the country, like banning three groups--National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ), Jamaathe Millathe Ibrahim (JMI) and Wilayah As Seylani (WAS)--as terrorist organisations after the April 21 serial bomb blasts in three churches and as many luxury hotels in which 258 people died and over 500 injured.

According to Sri Lankan police, following the Easter blasts around 2,300 people were arrested, of which a majority - over 1820 - were Muslims.

Coninsx also informed about the further measures that Sri Lanka needs to take in order to be compliant with international counter-terrorism obligations under the UN Security Council resolutions 2178 of 2014 and 2396 of 2017.&nbsp;

The ASG was visiting the country on the invitation of Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena had requested UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the visit following the devastating terror attacks to counter the new threat posed by terrorism.&nbsp;

At a review meeting held at the conclusion of the visit, Marapana received an assessment from the visiting ASG and discussed future cooperation with the Government, the statement said.

UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Hanna Singer, officials from the CTED and the UN Country team were associated with the ASG. Sri Lanka's Permanent Mission in

New York which has been coordinating with the CTED, will engage in necessary follow up from the visit, it said.

The CTED was established by the UN Security Council as a special political mission to assist the UN Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC). It is tasked with carrying out the policy decisions of the CTC, conduct expert assessments of member states and facilitate counter-terrorism technical assistance to countries.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka on Wednesday said it will implement the United Nations Security Council's resolution to curb terrorism and violent extremism in the country, weeks after the country saw the worst jihadi attack.

Sri Lanka on Wednesday said it will implement the United Nations Security Council's resolution to curb terrorism and violent extremism in the country, weeks after the country saw the worst jihadi attack. The announcement came days after the visit by the UN Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) and Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) Michele Coninsx, during which both sides discussed measures needed to be taken by Colombo to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters and counter violent extremism, in compliance with the international counter-terrorism obligations. "Sri Lanka expressed its commitment to the 'Whole of government' approach in counter terrorism and violent extremism," the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry said in a statement. During her talks with the Sri Lankan officials, Coninsx also discussed terrorist financing and asset freezing, dealing with foreign terrorist fighters, the counterterrorism legislation, countering radicalisation and violent extremism, effective border management against terrorist travel, and the threat posed by the internet and social media in spreading radical ideology and violent extremism. The officials apprised the ASG about recent moves by the country, like banning three groups--National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ), Jamaathe Millathe Ibrahim (JMI) and Wilayah As Seylani (WAS)--as terrorist organisations after the April 21 serial bomb blasts in three churches and as many luxury hotels in which 258 people died and over 500 injured. According to Sri Lankan police, following the Easter blasts around 2,300 people were arrested, of which a majority - over 1820 - were Muslims. Coninsx also informed about the further measures that Sri Lanka needs to take in order to be compliant with international counter-terrorism obligations under the UN Security Council resolutions 2178 of 2014 and 2396 of 2017. The ASG was visiting the country on the invitation of Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena had requested UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the visit following the devastating terror attacks to counter the new threat posed by terrorism. At a review meeting held at the conclusion of the visit, Marapana received an assessment from the visiting ASG and discussed future cooperation with the Government, the statement said. UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Hanna Singer, officials from the CTED and the UN Country team were associated with the ASG. Sri Lanka's Permanent Mission in New York which has been coordinating with the CTED, will engage in necessary follow up from the visit, it said. The CTED was established by the UN Security Council as a special political mission to assist the UN Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC). It is tasked with carrying out the policy decisions of the CTC, conduct expert assessments of member states and facilitate counter-terrorism technical assistance to countries.

Sri Lanka to implement UN Security Council's measures on counter-terrorism

The UN has sanctioned ISIS' South Asia Branch, a terrorist group formed in 2015 by a Pakistani national and a former commander of the TTP, for its links with al-Qaeda and involvement in several deadly attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan that killed over 150 people.

The United Nations Security Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee on Tuesday sanctioned Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan (ISIL-K), which is also known as 'ISIS' South Asia Branch, ISIL Khorasan, Islamic State's Khorasan Province' and 'South Asian Chapter of ISIL'.

The listing comes two weeks after the Sanctions Committee designated Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as "global terrorist" on May 1, capping a decade-long effort by India and its allies including the US, the UK, France to sanction the mastermind of several attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the February 14 Pulwama terror attack which killed 40 CRPF soldiers.

The group is now subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.

The Sanctions Committee said in a statement that ISIS-K was formed on January 10, 2015, by a former Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander and was established by former Taliban faction commanders "who swore an oath of allegiance" to ISIS and its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

ISIS-K has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The Sanctions Committee said the group was listed as being associated with ISIS or al-Qaida for "participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating" acts or activities by supplying, selling or transferring arms and related material.

It said the group engaged in "other acts or activities indicating an association with al-Qaeda, ISIS, or any cell, affiliate, a splinter group of al-Qaeda in Iraq". 
The group had announced its formation in an online video in January 2015.

ISIS spokesman Abou Mohamed al Adnani had announced its expansion into the area historically known as Khorasan, by acknowledging ISIS K leader's pledge of allegiance to al-Baghdadi and claiming the leader of the Islamic State had accepted his pledge and appointed him as governor of the Khorasan Province.

The Sanctions Committee said ISIS-K had carried out numerous attacks since its formation that have killed more than 150 people.

In November 2016, the group carried out a suicide bombing at a Sufi shrine in Quetta, Pakistan that killed at least 50 people and injured over 100 people, it said.

In December 2017, the outfit claimed multiple suicide bombings at a Shia cultural centre and news agency in Kabul, Afghanistan that killed more than 41 people, including women and children, and injured over 84 people, it added.

In July 2018, the group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing outside a polling station in Quetta, Pakistan that killed at least 31 people and injured over 24 people.

According to leading Washington-based think tank for defence and national security Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in 2014, Pakistani national Hafiz Saeed Khan was chosen to spearhead ISIL-K province as its first "emir".

Khan, a senior TTP commander, "brought along other prominent TTP members including the group's spokesman Sheikh Maqbool and many district chiefs - when he initially pledged allegiance to al-Baghdadi in October 2014," the CSIS, a nonprofit policy research organisation, noted on its website.

The website said the group's "early membership included a contingent of Pakistani militants who emerged in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province around 2010, just across the border from the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan".

It also said many of these militants were "estranged members" of TTP and Lashkar-e Islam, who had fled Pakistan to escape from the security forces.

According to Combatting Terrorism Center, an academic institution at US Military Academy in New York, as of 2017, some members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, the Haqqani Network and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) had also "defected" to ISIS-K.&nbsp;

The UN has sanctioned ISIS' South Asia Branch, a terrorist group formed in 2015 by a Pakistani national and a former commander of the TTP, for its links with al-Qaeda and involvement in several deadly attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan that killed over 150 people.

The UN has sanctioned ISIS' South Asia Branch, a terrorist group formed in 2015 by a Pakistani national and a former commander of the TTP, for its links with al-Qaeda and involvement in several deadly attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan that killed over 150 people. The United Nations Security Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee on Tuesday sanctioned Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan (ISIL-K), which is also known as 'ISIS' South Asia Branch, ISIL Khorasan, Islamic State's Khorasan Province' and 'South Asian Chapter of ISIL'. The listing comes two weeks after the Sanctions Committee designated Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as "global terrorist" on May 1, capping a decade-long effort by India and its allies including the US, the UK, France to sanction the mastermind of several attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the February 14 Pulwama terror attack which killed 40 CRPF soldiers. The group is now subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo. The Sanctions Committee said in a statement that ISIS-K was formed on January 10, 2015, by a former Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander and was established by former Taliban faction commanders "who swore an oath of allegiance" to ISIS and its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. ISIS-K has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Sanctions Committee said the group was listed as being associated with ISIS or al-Qaida for "participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating" acts or activities by supplying, selling or transferring arms and related material. It said the group engaged in "other acts or activities indicating an association with al-Qaeda, ISIS, or any cell, affiliate, a splinter group of al-Qaeda in Iraq". The group had announced its formation in an online video in January 2015. ISIS spokesman Abou Mohamed al Adnani had announced its expansion into the area historically known as Khorasan, by acknowledging ISIS K leader's pledge of allegiance to al-Baghdadi and claiming the leader of the Islamic State had accepted his pledge and appointed him as governor of the Khorasan Province. The Sanctions Committee said ISIS-K had carried out numerous attacks since its formation that have killed more than 150 people. In November 2016, the group carried out a suicide bombing at a Sufi shrine in Quetta, Pakistan that killed at least 50 people and injured over 100 people, it said. In December 2017, the outfit claimed multiple suicide bombings at a Shia cultural centre and news agency in Kabul, Afghanistan that killed more than 41 people, including women and children, and injured over 84 people, it added. In July 2018, the group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing outside a polling station in Quetta, Pakistan that killed at least 31 people and injured over 24 people. According to leading Washington-based think tank for defence and national security Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in 2014, Pakistani national Hafiz Saeed Khan was chosen to spearhead ISIL-K province as its first "emir". Khan, a senior TTP commander, "brought along other prominent TTP members including the group's spokesman Sheikh Maqbool and many district chiefs - when he initially pledged allegiance to al-Baghdadi in October 2014," the CSIS, a nonprofit policy research organisation, noted on its website. The website said the group's "early membership included a contingent of Pakistani militants who emerged in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province around 2010, just across the border from the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan". It also said many of these militants were "estranged members" of TTP and Lashkar-e Islam, who had fled Pakistan to escape from the security forces. According to Combatting Terrorism Center, an academic institution at US Military Academy in New York, as of 2017, some members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, the Haqqani Network and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) had also "defected" to ISIS-K.

UNSC sanctions terror group ISIS' South Asia Branch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the ban on Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a “big victory’ on Wednesday during an election rally in Jaipur.&nbsp;

PM Modi said that the designating Azhar as a global terrorist is a “big victory for India in its fight against terrorism”.&nbsp;

"UN's step of designating Masood Azahar as 'global terrorist' is the result of India's constant struggle against terrorism," said PM Modi.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: "UNSC has listed JeM's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MasoodAzhar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MasoodAzhar</a> as a Global Terrorist. In our fight against terrorism, it is a big victory," says, PM Narendra Modi <a href="https://t.co/262cSkV68t">pic.twitter.com/262cSkV68t</a>
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Masood Azhar in fourth attempt was&nbsp;listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's 1267 committee. China, earlier on Wednesday, removed its hold on the listing of Masood Azhar, the man behind several terror attacks in India.

Listing of Azhar means that travel and an arms embargo will be imposed on him which means he cannot travel outside Pakistan nor can he buy weapons. His assets will also be frozen globally. But the big message that India has been able to send is that Pakistan remains the epicentre of terror. It is interesting to know that Pakistan hosts the largest number of United Nations listed terrorist.&nbsp;

India has been trying to list Azhar as a global terrorist for nearly a decade. It was in first in 2009 that New Delhi tried to get Azhar as a United Nations listed terrorist. India was the lone proposer back then. In 2016, India again proposed the listing and it was co-sponsored by UK, US, France. But the move was was blocked by China.

In 2017, the US, UK and France moved the proposal but China blocked the move again. The move in February of 2019 saw global support with 14 out of 15 members of UNCS backing the move for the listing of Masood Azhar. The proposal was moved US, UK, France and co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan.&nbsp;

After the Chinese hold in March, France had announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with the European Union. A joint release by French Foreign, Interior and Finance Ministry said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree."

Currently, a text has been circulated among all members of the European Union for listing of Azhar as a terrorist under EU jurisdiction. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the ban on Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a “big victory’ on Wednesday during an election rally in Jaipur. PM Modi said that the designating Azhar as a global terrorist is a “big victory for India in its fight against terrorism”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the ban on Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as a “big victory’ on Wednesday during an election rally in Jaipur. PM Modi said that the designating Azhar as a global terrorist is a “big victory for India in its fight against terrorism”. "UN's step of designating Masood Azahar as 'global terrorist' is the result of India's constant struggle against terrorism," said PM Modi. #WATCH: "UNSC has listed JeM's #MasoodAzhar as a Global Terrorist. In our fight against terrorism, it is a big victory," says, PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/262cSkV68t — ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2019 × Masood Azhar in fourth attempt was listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's 1267 committee. China, earlier on Wednesday, removed its hold on the listing of Masood Azhar, the man behind several terror attacks in India. Listing of Azhar means that travel and an arms embargo will be imposed on him which means he cannot travel outside Pakistan nor can he buy weapons. His assets will also be frozen globally. But the big message that India has been able to send is that Pakistan remains the epicentre of terror. It is interesting to know that Pakistan hosts the largest number of United Nations listed terrorist. India has been trying to list Azhar as a global terrorist for nearly a decade. It was in first in 2009 that New Delhi tried to get Azhar as a United Nations listed terrorist. India was the lone proposer back then. In 2016, India again proposed the listing and it was co-sponsored by UK, US, France. But the move was was blocked by China. In 2017, the US, UK and France moved the proposal but China blocked the move again. The move in February of 2019 saw global support with 14 out of 15 members of UNCS backing the move for the listing of Masood Azhar. The proposal was moved US, UK, France and co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan. After the Chinese hold in March, France had announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with the European Union. A joint release by French Foreign, Interior and Finance Ministry said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree." Currently, a text has been circulated among all members of the European Union for listing of Azhar as a terrorist under EU jurisdiction. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi terms listing of JeM founder Masood Azhar as 'big victory for India in fight against terrorism

China, which lifted its technical hold on listing JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, said on Wednesday that it took the decision after it found no objection to the listing proposal by the US, the UK and France following a careful study of the revised materials.

In a huge diplomatic win for India, the United Nations Wednesday designated Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist him.

The 1267 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council has detailed criteria for the listing procedures.&nbsp;

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China always believes that the relevant work should be carried out in an objective, unbiased and professional manner and based on solid evidence and consensus among all parties, a press release issued by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

"On this listing issue, China has been communicating with relevant parties in a constructive and responsible fashion. Recently, relevant countries revised and re-submitted the materials for the listing proposal to the 1267 Committee. After careful study of the revised materials and taking into consideration the opinions of relevant parties concerned, China does not have an objection to the listing proposal," he said.

"The proper settlement of the above-mentioned issue again shows that in international counter-terrorism cooperation, we have to uphold the rules and procedures of relevant UN body, follow the principle of mutual respect, resolve differences and build consensus through dialogue, and prevent politicising technical issues," he said.

"I would like to stress that Pakistan has made enormous contributions to fighting terrorism, which deserves the full recognition of the international community. China will continue firmly support Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism and extremist forces," Geng said.

China, which lifted its technical hold on listing JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, said on Wednesday that it took the decision after it found no objection to the listing proposal by the US, the UK and France following a careful study of the revised materials.

China, which lifted its technical hold on listing JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN, said on Wednesday that it took the decision after it found no objection to the listing proposal by the US, the UK and France following a careful study of the revised materials. In a huge diplomatic win for India, the United Nations Wednesday designated Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal to blacklist him. The 1267 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council has detailed criteria for the listing procedures. China always believes that the relevant work should be carried out in an objective, unbiased and professional manner and based on solid evidence and consensus among all parties, a press release issued by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said. "On this listing issue, China has been communicating with relevant parties in a constructive and responsible fashion. Recently, relevant countries revised and re-submitted the materials for the listing proposal to the 1267 Committee. After careful study of the revised materials and taking into consideration the opinions of relevant parties concerned, China does not have an objection to the listing proposal," he said. "The proper settlement of the above-mentioned issue again shows that in international counter-terrorism cooperation, we have to uphold the rules and procedures of relevant UN body, follow the principle of mutual respect, resolve differences and build consensus through dialogue, and prevent politicising technical issues," he said. "I would like to stress that Pakistan has made enormous contributions to fighting terrorism, which deserves the full recognition of the international community. China will continue firmly support Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism and extremist forces," Geng said.

Found no objection to list Azhar after studying revised materials: China

In a major diplomatic victory for India, Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's (UNSC) 1267 committee. This became possible after China, one of the five permanent members of the UNSC, removed its hold on the listing of Azhar.

In the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack that killed more 40 Indian security personnel, US along with France and UK had moved a proposal for listing of Masood Azhar. But on March 13, the day of the deadline for the listing of Azhar, China had put a hold, citing more time to understand the issue.

Azhar's JeM is responsible for Parliament, 2016 Pathankot and 2019 Pulwama attacks.

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Impact of UNSC listing

Now that Masood Azhar has been listed as a global terrorist, he will be put under a travel and arms embargo.

An assets freeze under the Sanctions Committee requires that all states freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities. The Jaish-e-Muhammad is already a proscribed organisation.

The travel ban entails preventing the entry into or transit by all states through their territories by designated individuals.

Under the arms embargo, all states are required to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, spare parts, and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities, to designated individuals and entities.

Global support for listing of Masood Azhar

India has been, for a decade, trying to list Azhar as an international terrorist. It was in 2009 that New Delhi first hoped to list Azhar as a United Nations listed terrorist. It was a lone proposer back then. In 2016, India again proposed the listing and it was co-sponsored by UK, US, France but the proposal was blocked by China. The year 2017 saw the US, the UK and France moving the proposal but China blocked the move again. The move in February of 2019 saw global support with 14 out of 15 members of UNSC backing the move for the listing of Masood Azhar. The proposal was moved the US, the UK, France and co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan.

After the Chinese hold in March, France had announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with the European Union. A joint release by French foreign, interior and finance ministries said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree."

Listing 20 years after hijacking of IC-814

The listing of Masood Azhar comes 20 years after he was released when Pakistan-based terrorist hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814 and took it to Taliban controlled Kandahar. The motive of the hijack was to not only get the release of Azhar but also other terrorists. All the released terrorists found safe houses in Pakistan and in years to follow masterminded many terror attacks in India and the killing of South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal, Daniel Pearl.

In a major diplomatic victory for India, Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's (UNSC) 1267 committee.

In a major diplomatic victory for India, Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's (UNSC) 1267 committee. This became possible after China, one of the five permanent members of the UNSC, removed its hold on the listing of Azhar. In the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack that killed more 40 Indian security personnel, US along with France and UK had moved a proposal for listing of Masood Azhar. But on March 13, the day of the deadline for the listing of Azhar, China had put a hold, citing more time to understand the issue. Azhar's JeM is responsible for Parliament, 2016 Pathankot and 2019 Pulwama attacks. Impact of UNSC listing Now that Masood Azhar has been listed as a global terrorist, he will be put under a travel and arms embargo. An assets freeze under the Sanctions Committee requires that all states freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities. The Jaish-e-Muhammad is already a proscribed organisation. The travel ban entails preventing the entry into or transit by all states through their territories by designated individuals. Under the arms embargo, all states are required to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types, spare parts, and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities, to designated individuals and entities. Global support for listing of Masood Azhar India has been, for a decade, trying to list Azhar as an international terrorist. It was in 2009 that New Delhi first hoped to list Azhar as a United Nations listed terrorist. It was a lone proposer back then. In 2016, India again proposed the listing and it was co-sponsored by UK, US, France but the proposal was blocked by China. The year 2017 saw the US, the UK and France moving the proposal but China blocked the move again. The move in February of 2019 saw global support with 14 out of 15 members of UNSC backing the move for the listing of Masood Azhar. The proposal was moved the US, the UK, France and co-sponsored by Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan. After the Chinese hold in March, France had announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with the European Union. A joint release by French foreign, interior and finance ministries said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree." Listing 20 years after hijacking of IC-814 The listing of Masood Azhar comes 20 years after he was released when Pakistan-based terrorist hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814 and took it to Taliban controlled Kandahar. The motive of the hijack was to not only get the release of Azhar but also other terrorists. All the released terrorists found safe houses in Pakistan and in years to follow masterminded many terror attacks in India and the killing of South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal, Daniel Pearl.

Masood Azhar named global terrorist: How it will affect the JeM chief?

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