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Pakistan PM Imran Khan discusses kashmir issue with Donald Trump. Watch video to know more.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan discusses kashmir issue with Donald Trump

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the evening - August 17th, 2019

Ahead of the closed-door consultations on Kashmir at the United Security Council (UNSC) later on Friday, Pakistan appears to be getting jittery about the outcome and has now started lobbying for support.

Pak's attempt to raise Jammu and kashmir issue at UNSC fails

China and Pakistan on Friday failed in their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unsc-closed-door-meet-russia-supports-india-says-no-unsc-role-in-jammu-and-kashmir-issue-243493">attempt to censure India at UN Security Council</a> as Pakistan's plea against India's Kashmir move found no support.

In his address to media, shortly after the UNSC closed-door consultation ended, India's permanent representative to UN&nbsp;Syed Akbaruddin said the government's decision on Kashmir has "no external ramifications" maintaining that the issue is an internal matter.

"The recent decisions taken by the Government of India and our legislative bodies are intended to ensure that good governance is promoted, social-economic development is enhanced for our people in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh," Akbaruddin said.

"Our national position was and remains that matter related to #Article370 of the Indian Constitution is entirely an internal matter of India," he added.&nbsp;

In his veiled attack on Pakistan, Akbaruddin said that there were attempts "to project an alarmist approach to the situation which is far from the ground realities".&nbsp;

The UN envoy maintained that the Indian government is "committed to gradually <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preventive-restrictions-to-rollback-in-phased-manner-says-jk-chief-secretary-schools-offices-open-from-monday-243363">removing all restrictions" in Jammu and Kashmir</a>.

"India remains committed to ensure that the situation there (J&amp;K) remains calm and peaceful," he said.&nbsp;

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Syed Akbaruddin: These have no external ramifications, the recent decisions taken by the Govt of India and our legislative bodies are intended to ensure that good governance is promoted, social economic development is enhance for our people in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh <a href="https://t.co/RGKvLBJrDc">https://t.co/RGKvLBJrDc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1162397591352565762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Behind closed-door, UNSC members met on Friday for consultations to deliberate on Pakistan's letter on Kashmir.

Pakistan and India, both, were not present for the consultation as procedural.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan's efforts to rake up Kashmir issue fall flat at UNSC

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During the consultations, Russia came out in support of India and stated that the Modi-government has taken the Kashmir decision as it is an internal matter.

"#Russia continues to consistently promote normalisation of #India - #Pakistan ties. We hope that existing divergences around #Kashmir will be settled bilaterally by political and diplomatic means only," Russian Envoy to UN, Dmitry Polyanskiy tweeted out.&nbsp;

Chinese ambassador to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, said on Friday that members of the Security Council generally feel India and Pakistan should both refrain from unilateral action over Kashmir, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Zhang told reporters that the situation in Kashmir is "already very tense and very dangerous."

France and the US also backed India at the consultation.

China and Pakistan on Friday failed in their attempt to censure India at UN Security Council as Pakistan's plea against India's Kashmir move found no support. In his address to media, shortly after the UNSC closed-door consultation ended, India's permanent representative to UN Syed Akbaruddin said the government's decision on Kashmir has "no external ramifications" maintaining that the issue is an internal matter.

China and Pakistan on Friday failed in their attempt to censure India at UN Security Council as Pakistan's plea against India's Kashmir move found no support. In his address to media, shortly after the UNSC closed-door consultation ended, India's permanent representative to UN Syed Akbaruddin said the government's decision on Kashmir has "no external ramifications" maintaining that the issue is an internal matter. "The recent decisions taken by the Government of India and our legislative bodies are intended to ensure that good governance is promoted, social-economic development is enhanced for our people in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh," Akbaruddin said. "Our national position was and remains that matter related to #Article370 of the Indian Constitution is entirely an internal matter of India," he added. In his veiled attack on Pakistan, Akbaruddin said that there were attempts "to project an alarmist approach to the situation which is far from the ground realities". The UN envoy maintained that the Indian government is "committed to gradually removing all restrictions" in Jammu and Kashmir. "India remains committed to ensure that the situation there (J&K) remains calm and peaceful," he said. Syed Akbaruddin: These have no external ramifications, the recent decisions taken by the Govt of India and our legislative bodies are intended to ensure that good governance is promoted, social economic development is enhance for our people in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh https://t.co/RGKvLBJrDc — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2019 × Behind closed-door, UNSC members met on Friday for consultations to deliberate on Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. Pakistan and India, both, were not present for the consultation as procedural. Watch: Pakistan's efforts to rake up Kashmir issue fall flat at UNSC During the consultations, Russia came out in support of India and stated that the Modi-government has taken the Kashmir decision as it is an internal matter. "#Russia continues to consistently promote normalisation of #India - #Pakistan ties. We hope that existing divergences around #Kashmir will be settled bilaterally by political and diplomatic means only," Russian Envoy to UN, Dmitry Polyanskiy tweeted out. Chinese ambassador to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, said on Friday that members of the Security Council generally feel India and Pakistan should both refrain from unilateral action over Kashmir, news agency Reuters reported. Zhang told reporters that the situation in Kashmir is "already very tense and very dangerous." France and the US also backed India at the consultation.

Matter related to Article 370 entirely internal issue: India reiterates after UNSC meet on Kashmir concludes

Behind closed-door, UNSC members met on Friday for consultations to deliberate on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-letter-on-kashmir-china-calls-informal-unsc-consultation-on-friday-243159">Pakistan's letter on Kashmir</a>.

Pakistan and India, both, were not present for the consultation as procedural.&nbsp;

During the consultations, Russia came out in support of India and stated that the Modi-government has taken the Kashmir decision as it is an internal matter.

"#Russia continues to consistently promote normalisation of #India - #Pakistan ties. We hope that existing divergences around #Kashmir will be settled bilaterally by political and diplomatic means only,"&nbsp;Russian Envoy to UN,&nbsp;Dmitry Polyanskiy tweeted out.&nbsp;

"So we will open-heartedly continue to engage with Islamabad and New Delhi in order to help both of them come to terms and have good neighbourly relations on the basis of Simla Agreement of 1972 and Lahore declaration of 1999," Polyanskiy said.

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Russian envoy to UN tweeting from inside <a href="https://t.co/9954bv62V4">https://t.co/9954bv62V4</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1162379225447522304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Russia favoured India-Pak bilateral track, adding there is no UNSC role in the matter.&nbsp;It said that India's move comes under constitutional framework.

The meeting comes after China asked for an informal, closed-door consultation to discuss Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. The consultation took place at the United Nations Security Council in New York, United States.&nbsp;

After the meeting ended, which lasted over an hour, China and Pak UN representatives briefed media.

China said that India and Pakistan should find a proper solution to the Kashmir issue and avoid unilaterality.&nbsp;

Chinese ambassador to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, said on Friday that members of the Security Council generally feel India and Pakistan should both refrain from unilateral action over Kashmir, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Zhang told reporters that the situation in Kashmir is "already very tense and very dangerous."

France and the US also backed India at the consultation.

India's permanent envoy to United Nation&nbsp;Syed Akbaruddin after the meet got over said, "Article 370 is an internal matter... these have no external ramifications".

On talk with Pakistan, Syed said, "Using terror to push goals is not the way normal states behave... stop terror to start talks".

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Russian Envoy to UN: hope existing divergences around Kashmir will be settled bilaterally by political &amp; diplomatic means only <a href="https://t.co/9954bv62V4">https://t.co/9954bv62V4</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1162378670960521216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had asked that the plea to the UNSC is disseminated at the earliest and that a meeting of the UNSC is called.&nbsp;

Last week, a letter written by Pakistan on August 6 was not taken in any of UNSC meetings. This came a day after the Centre decided to remove the special status for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preventive-restrictions-to-rollback-in-phased-manner-says-jk-chief-secretary-schools-offices-open-from-monday-243363">Jammu and Kashmir</a>.&nbsp;

Polish foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz received calls from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan's FM Qureshi.&nbsp;

"We expressed concerns over the current tensions between India and Pakistan... we are in favour of a dialogue between Pakistan and India to sort out differences. We hope both countries can work out a mutually beneficial solution bilaterally," Czaputowicz had said.&nbsp;

Behind closed-door, UNSC members met on Friday for consultations to deliberate on Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. Pakistan and India, both, were not present for the consultation as procedural.

Behind closed-door, UNSC members met on Friday for consultations to deliberate on Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. Pakistan and India, both, were not present for the consultation as procedural. During the consultations, Russia came out in support of India and stated that the Modi-government has taken the Kashmir decision as it is an internal matter. "#Russia continues to consistently promote normalisation of #India - #Pakistan ties. We hope that existing divergences around #Kashmir will be settled bilaterally by political and diplomatic means only," Russian Envoy to UN, Dmitry Polyanskiy tweeted out. "So we will open-heartedly continue to engage with Islamabad and New Delhi in order to help both of them come to terms and have good neighbourly relations on the basis of Simla Agreement of 1972 and Lahore declaration of 1999," Polyanskiy said. Russian envoy to UN tweeting from inside https://t.co/9954bv62V4 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 16, 2019 × Russia favoured India-Pak bilateral track, adding there is no UNSC role in the matter. It said that India's move comes under constitutional framework. The meeting comes after China asked for an informal, closed-door consultation to discuss Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. The consultation took place at the United Nations Security Council in New York, United States. After the meeting ended, which lasted over an hour, China and Pak UN representatives briefed media. China said that India and Pakistan should find a proper solution to the Kashmir issue and avoid unilaterality. Chinese ambassador to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, said on Friday that members of the Security Council generally feel India and Pakistan should both refrain from unilateral action over Kashmir, news agency Reuters reported. Zhang told reporters that the situation in Kashmir is "already very tense and very dangerous." France and the US also backed India at the consultation. India's permanent envoy to United Nation Syed Akbaruddin after the meet got over said, "Article 370 is an internal matter... these have no external ramifications". On talk with Pakistan, Syed said, "Using terror to push goals is not the way normal states behave... stop terror to start talks". Russian Envoy to UN: hope existing divergences around Kashmir will be settled bilaterally by political & diplomatic means only https://t.co/9954bv62V4 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 16, 2019 × Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had asked that the plea to the UNSC is disseminated at the earliest and that a meeting of the UNSC is called. Last week, a letter written by Pakistan on August 6 was not taken in any of UNSC meetings. This came a day after the Centre decided to remove the special status for Jammu and Kashmir. Polish foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz received calls from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan's FM Qureshi. "We expressed concerns over the current tensions between India and Pakistan... we are in favour of a dialogue between Pakistan and India to sort out differences. We hope both countries can work out a mutually beneficial solution bilaterally," Czaputowicz had said.

UNSC meet: Russia backs India's Kashmir move; China asks India, Pakistan to ditch unilaterality

UN Security Council 'closed-door' meeting on Jammu and Kashmir move underway. Watch this video to know more.

WION Fineprint: UNSC 'closed-door' meet on J&K move underway

<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

UN Security Council to hold closed-door meeting over J&K. Watch video to know more.

UN Security Council to hold closed-door meeting over J&K

UN Security Council to hold 'closed-door' meeting on Jammu and Kashmir move. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: UN Security Council to hold 'closed-door' meet on J&K move

UNSC to hold 'closed-door' meeting on Jammu and Kashmir move. Watch this video to know more.

UNSC to hold 'closed-door' meet on Jammu and Kashmir move

China has asked for an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-calls-for-informal-un-security-council-consultation-after-pak-fms-letter-on-kashmir-243087">informal, closed-door consultation</a> to discuss Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. The consultation has been called for this Friday at the United Nations Security Council in New York, United States.&nbsp;

The informal consultation, which is likely to take place at 10 am US time or 7.30 pm IST, will see an exchange of views among the UNSC members on Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi letter's to the UNSC president, Polish envoy Joanna Wronecka on Kashmir in the aftermath of New Delhi's decision to remove special status for Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

All 15 UNSC members will be present when Pak FM's letter will be taken up. The meeting will happen in the consultation room and not in the Security Council Chamber.

Qureshi asked the letter to be disseminated at the earliest and that a meeting of the UNSC be called. So far, no such call has been taken. Pakistan is keen to hold a meeting in which it gets the right to speak and hold record of the discussion that takes place.&nbsp;

The consultations will happen without India and Pakistan. Since it is a consultation process, it will not be part of the UNSC record.

Equatorial Guinea, which is one of the non-permanent members of the UNSC, said all members are waiting for instructions from the chair of the council Poland.&nbsp;

"Pakistan has requested... for a meeting but we have to receive the instruction of the chair of the council until he decides... he is making consultations now", Anatolio Ndong Mba, permanent representative of Equatorial Guinea told reporters.

Last week, a letter written by Pakistan on August 6 was not taken in any of UNSC meetings. This came a day after the Indian government decided to remove the special status for Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz, who has received calls from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan FM Qureshi said, "we expressed concerns over the current tensions between India and Pakistan... we are in favour of a dialogue between Pakistan and India to sort out differences. We hope both countries can work out a mutually beneficial solution bilaterally."

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 "we need to discuss first among ourself because it been a long time since the UNSC touch on this file. We need to compare notes and reload this file," he said.

When asked if Moscow is doing anything behind the scenes, Dmitry Polyanskiy first deputy envoy of Russia at UN said, "everybody is doing something behind the scenes because we are all worried including Moscow".

China has asked for an informal, closed-door consultation to discuss Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. The consultation has been called for this Friday at the United Nations Security Council in New York, United States.

China has asked for an informal, closed-door consultation to discuss Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. The consultation has been called for this Friday at the United Nations Security Council in New York, United States. The informal consultation, which is likely to take place at 10 am US time or 7.30 pm IST, will see an exchange of views among the UNSC members on Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi letter's to the UNSC president, Polish envoy Joanna Wronecka on Kashmir in the aftermath of New Delhi's decision to remove special status for Jammu and Kashmir. All 15 UNSC members will be present when Pak FM's letter will be taken up. The meeting will happen in the consultation room and not in the Security Council Chamber. Qureshi asked the letter to be disseminated at the earliest and that a meeting of the UNSC be called. So far, no such call has been taken. Pakistan is keen to hold a meeting in which it gets the right to speak and hold record of the discussion that takes place. The consultations will happen without India and Pakistan. Since it is a consultation process, it will not be part of the UNSC record. Equatorial Guinea, which is one of the non-permanent members of the UNSC, said all members are waiting for instructions from the chair of the council Poland. "Pakistan has requested... for a meeting but we have to receive the instruction of the chair of the council until he decides... he is making consultations now", Anatolio Ndong Mba, permanent representative of Equatorial Guinea told reporters. Last week, a letter written by Pakistan on August 6 was not taken in any of UNSC meetings. This came a day after the Indian government decided to remove the special status for Jammu and Kashmir. Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz, who has received calls from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan FM Qureshi said, "we expressed concerns over the current tensions between India and Pakistan... we are in favour of a dialogue between Pakistan and India to sort out differences. We hope both countries can work out a mutually beneficial solution bilaterally." 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 "we need to discuss first among ourself because it been a long time since the UNSC touch on this file. We need to compare notes and reload this file," he said. When asked if Moscow is doing anything behind the scenes, Dmitry Polyanskiy first deputy envoy of Russia at UN said, "everybody is doing something behind the scenes because we are all worried including Moscow".

Pakistan's letter on Kashmir: China calls for informal UNSC consultation on Friday

<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

Despite being snubbed by the world in its bid to thwart India’s decision to scrap the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, it seems that Pakistan is not willing to give up just yet. In a fresh desperate attempt, Pakistan on Tuesday wrote to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Pakistan seeks special UNSC session over J&K

Jammu and Kashmir is now preparing for the Independence day. Security has been tightened in Srinagar to avert any attack. I n this video watch WION's ground report from Srinagar.

Kashmir gears up for Independence day 2019

J&K: Security tightened on the eve of Independence Day

Pakistan has now approached the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) over Jammu & Kashmir. Meanwhile, Poland has made it clear that Delhi and Islamabad should find a solution “bilaterally”.

Pakistan's desperation grows, Poland backs bilateral solution on J&K

Pakistan goes to UNSC, Poland backs bilateral solution on J&K

Watch Gravitas full segment and know what has been the most trending and important stories of the day. Watch this video to know more.

Watch: WION Gravitas, 08th August, 2019

US President Donald Trump sermonising to Russia on the latter’s nuclear armoury would be laughable were it not for the seriousness of the situation. Between them, these two powers hold over 90 per cent of all nuclear weapons in the world.

In the wake of the US pulling out of the decades-old Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with Russia, the world is once again confronted with a nuclear arms race which has revived even more intensively.

When it comes to nuclear weapons, the US is the world’s first and leading offender. It was the first to develop, test and use a nuclear weapon. &nbsp;It is also the only country to use the threat of nuclear weapons against others. After all, one use is enough to convince the world that a second use would be disastrous for the planet. Thus, the mere threat of using nuclear force or missiles is sufficient to subdue any other country.

Besides the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council(UNSC), the other nuclear-weapon states are India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel. There are other states on the threshold, capable of developing nuclear weapons at short notice. Then there are forces, including terrorist groups, which would not find it very difficult to get their hands on nuclear weapons of weak states.

The US is the prime culprit in making nuclear weapons aspirational for developing countries. So much so that possession of nuclear weapons is flaunted as a mark of "development". The other eight nuclear-weapon states are equally responsible for making the cult of nuclear weapons a matter of national pride.

It is high time that a global movement for the elimination of nuclear weapons was launched. The new initiative should come from a new quarter, such as BRICS, for example, which has successfully set up a bank in the teeth of opposition from the international community.

Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world

US President Donald Trump sermonising to Russia on the latter’s nuclear armoury would be laughable were it not for the seriousness of the situation. Between them, these two powers hold over 90 per cent of all nuclear weapons in the world.

US President Donald Trump sermonising to Russia on the latter’s nuclear armoury would be laughable were it not for the seriousness of the situation. Between them, these two powers hold over 90 per cent of all nuclear weapons in the world. In the wake of the US pulling out of the decades-old Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty with Russia, the world is once again confronted with a nuclear arms race which has revived even more intensively. When it comes to nuclear weapons, the US is the world’s first and leading offender. It was the first to develop, test and use a nuclear weapon. It is also the only country to use the threat of nuclear weapons against others. After all, one use is enough to convince the world that a second use would be disastrous for the planet. Thus, the mere threat of using nuclear force or missiles is sufficient to subdue any other country. Besides the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council(UNSC), the other nuclear-weapon states are India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel. There are other states on the threshold, capable of developing nuclear weapons at short notice. Then there are forces, including terrorist groups, which would not find it very difficult to get their hands on nuclear weapons of weak states. The US is the prime culprit in making nuclear weapons aspirational for developing countries. So much so that possession of nuclear weapons is flaunted as a mark of "development". The other eight nuclear-weapon states are equally responsible for making the cult of nuclear weapons a matter of national pride. It is high time that a global movement for the elimination of nuclear weapons was launched. The new initiative should come from a new quarter, such as BRICS, for example, which has successfully set up a bank in the teeth of opposition from the international community. Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world

WION Edit: Eliminate nuclear weapons

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/concerned-poland-says-india-pakistan-must-resolve-kashmir-issue-through-dialogue-242711">Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K)</a> has decided to host investors summit from 12-14 October, NK Chaudhary, principal secretary (Commerce &amp; Industry), said on Tuesday.

"This will be the first-ever global summit to be hosted by the state," the principal secretary said, adding, "the inaugural session of the summit will be held in Srinagar on October 12."

On Monday, Northern Army Commander <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-government-needs-time-to-bring-back-normalcy-in-jammu-and-kashmir-says-supreme-court-242715">Lt Gen Ranbir Singh reviewed</a> security in the Kashmir Valley as the government kept restrictions in Kashmir while easing it somewhat during Eid.

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With the scrapping of Article 370 over a week old, the Supreme Court today refused to issue directions to the central government on a petition seeking lifting of all restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir.

The petition was filed by social activist Tehseen Poonawala seeking lifting of curfew and other restrictions including blocking of phone lines, internet and news channels.

The government in its argument in court said it was reviewing the day-to-day situation in the new&nbsp;Union Territory.

The three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra told the petitioner, "We shall wait for the restoration of normalcy, if nothing happens you can back to the court." &nbsp;

Meanwhile, as Pakistan continued to rake up the issue in the international forum, Poland's ambassador to India Adam Burakowski said that India and Pakistan have to resolve the Kashmir issue bilaterally. Poland currently holds the UNSC presidency for August.

In a similar move, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) President Joanna Wronecka had last week refused to comment on Pakistan's letter to the world body regarding abrogation of Article 370 by India.

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had written to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres claiming abrogation of article 370&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir had violated the UNSC resolution.

Pakistan had earlier downgraded ties with India and suspended trade relations over the scrapping of Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) has decided to host investors summit from 12-14 October, NK Chaudhary, principal secretary (Commerce & Industry), said on Tuesday. "This will be the first-ever global summit to be hosted by the state," the principal secretary said, adding, "the inaugural session of the summit will be held in Srinagar on October 12.

Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) has decided to host investors summit from 12-14 October, NK Chaudhary, principal secretary (Commerce & Industry), said on Tuesday. "This will be the first-ever global summit to be hosted by the state," the principal secretary said, adding, "the inaugural session of the summit will be held in Srinagar on October 12." On Monday, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh reviewed security in the Kashmir Valley as the government kept restrictions in Kashmir while easing it somewhat during Eid. With the scrapping of Article 370 over a week old, the Supreme Court today refused to issue directions to the central government on a petition seeking lifting of all restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir. The petition was filed by social activist Tehseen Poonawala seeking lifting of curfew and other restrictions including blocking of phone lines, internet and news channels. The government in its argument in court said it was reviewing the day-to-day situation in the new Union Territory. The three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra told the petitioner, "We shall wait for the restoration of normalcy, if nothing happens you can back to the court." Meanwhile, as Pakistan continued to rake up the issue in the international forum, Poland's ambassador to India Adam Burakowski said that India and Pakistan have to resolve the Kashmir issue bilaterally. Poland currently holds the UNSC presidency for August. In a similar move, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) President Joanna Wronecka had last week refused to comment on Pakistan's letter to the world body regarding abrogation of Article 370 by India. Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had written to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres claiming abrogation of article 370 Jammu and Kashmir had violated the UNSC resolution. Pakistan had earlier downgraded ties with India and suspended trade relations over the scrapping of Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir to host first ever global investors summit in October: NK Chaudhary, principal secretary

Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat has once again warned Pakistan and expressed confidence that the forces are ever vigilant and always prepared to deal with any situation.

J&K gears up for Independence Day celebrations

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

Kashmir Issue: Understanding The UNSC Procedure & The Mandate Of The United Nations. Pakistan is running from pillar to post, from UNSC to China to seek support against India's abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. China has already maintained a safe distance while the UN has raised concerns over the internet shutdown. Now UN's stance is being criticised for double standards because India has not broken any rule. Palki explains the mandate of the UN, the procedures of UNSC and questions their relevance in this issue.

WION Gravitas: What can UNSC really do on Kashmir issue?

Pakistan's Response To India's Kashmir Decision Is Likely To Lead To Escalation Of Tensions

Wion Edit: Analysing Pakistan's response to abrogation of Article 370

India's Decision To Abrogate Article 370 Sparks A Desperate Response From Pakistan

Gravitas: Pakistan's desperate response to Article 370 Abrogation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday briefed envoys of all countries in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) -permanent and non-permanent - on India's decision to remove the special status under article 370 for Jammu and Kashmir.

India explained that proposals under consideration in front of the Parliament on the administrative reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir and Article 370 is a matter internal to India and aimed at providing good governance and ensuring economic development in Jammu and Kashmir.

The MEA officials told envoys that it will increase administrative efficiency and promote social justice. A government source said that the briefing was done due to the interests expressed by members of the diplomatic community in Delhi on the proposals introduced by the government in Parliament on J&amp;K.

Other than the Permanent five of UNSC - China, Russia, US, Britain and France, the non-permanent members include Belgium, Côte d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Indonesia, Kuwait, Peru, Poland and South Africa.

This is significant, given the fact that Pakistan may try to approach UNSC on abrogation of Article 370 and try to internationalise the issue.&nbsp; 
Other than UNSC envoy, envoys of blocs such as ASEAN were also briefed. UNSC envoys and ASEAN group were briefed by Secretary East Vijay Thakur Singh. The group of Latin America and Caribbean Countries, or GRULAC, envoys will be briefed on Tuesday.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday briefed envoys of all countries in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) -permanent and non-permanent - on India's decision to remove the special status under article 370 for Jammu and Kashmir.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday briefed envoys of all countries in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) -permanent and non-permanent - on India's decision to remove the special status under article 370 for Jammu and Kashmir. India explained that proposals under consideration in front of the Parliament on the administrative reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir and Article 370 is a matter internal to India and aimed at providing good governance and ensuring economic development in Jammu and Kashmir. The MEA officials told envoys that it will increase administrative efficiency and promote social justice. A government source said that the briefing was done due to the interests expressed by members of the diplomatic community in Delhi on the proposals introduced by the government in Parliament on J&K. Other than the Permanent five of UNSC - China, Russia, US, Britain and France, the non-permanent members include Belgium, Côte d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Indonesia, Kuwait, Peru, Poland and South Africa. This is significant, given the fact that Pakistan may try to approach UNSC on abrogation of Article 370 and try to internationalise the issue. Other than UNSC envoy, envoys of blocs such as ASEAN were also briefed. UNSC envoys and ASEAN group were briefed by Secretary East Vijay Thakur Singh. The group of Latin America and Caribbean Countries, or GRULAC, envoys will be briefed on Tuesday.

Abrogation of Article 370: India briefs UNSC envoys, tells them decision aimed at improving governance

President Ram Nath Kovind thanked his Beninese counterpart Patrice Talon for expressing support for India's candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council during bilateral talks here on Monday.

Kovind is currently on the first leg of his three-nation tour to Africa, where he reached the Beninese port city of Cotonou on Sunday. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome by Talon on Monday, following which the two sides held talks.

During the meeting, India offered Benin a fresh line of credit (LOC) amounting to&nbsp;100 million US dollars to finance development projects in the Western African nation. A string of initiatives was agreed upon by both the sides during the talks.

"To boost our economic partnership, we signed an agreement wherein India will help set up an Export Credit Agency in Benin. I also conveyed our decision to extend e-visa facility to Benin to give a boost to business and people-to-people ties," Kovind said after the meeting.

Several projects financed by Indian assistance are currently underway in Benin, including a project to supply safe drinking water to 103 villages.

The two sides also signed a Country Agreement for Benin to avail India's tele-education programme, e-Vidyabharati, and telemedicine initiative, e-Arogyabharati."Under these programmes, India is extending free tele-education courses to 15,000 students and telemedicine courses to 1,000 doctors and paramedics in Africa. Our training programme offered to Benin in both civilian and defence fields will be expanded as per the requirements of the Beninese side," a Ministry of External Affairs statement quoted Kovind as saying.

Bilateral trade between India and Benin has risen from $350 million to more than $800 million in the last decade.

With this, India has become Benin's largest trading partner.

"India's transformative growth and Benin's natural strengths complement each other," Kovind said.&nbsp;

President Ram Nath Kovind thanked his Beninese counterpart Patrice Talon for expressing support for India's candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council during bilateral talks here on Monday.

President Ram Nath Kovind thanked his Beninese counterpart Patrice Talon for expressing support for India's candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council during bilateral talks here on Monday. Kovind is currently on the first leg of his three-nation tour to Africa, where he reached the Beninese port city of Cotonou on Sunday. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome by Talon on Monday, following which the two sides held talks. During the meeting, India offered Benin a fresh line of credit (LOC) amounting to 100 million US dollars to finance development projects in the Western African nation. A string of initiatives was agreed upon by both the sides during the talks. "To boost our economic partnership, we signed an agreement wherein India will help set up an Export Credit Agency in Benin. I also conveyed our decision to extend e-visa facility to Benin to give a boost to business and people-to-people ties," Kovind said after the meeting. Several projects financed by Indian assistance are currently underway in Benin, including a project to supply safe drinking water to 103 villages. The two sides also signed a Country Agreement for Benin to avail India's tele-education programme, e-Vidyabharati, and telemedicine initiative, e-Arogyabharati."Under these programmes, India is extending free tele-education courses to 15,000 students and telemedicine courses to 1,000 doctors and paramedics in Africa. Our training programme offered to Benin in both civilian and defence fields will be expanded as per the requirements of the Beninese side," a Ministry of External Affairs statement quoted Kovind as saying. Bilateral trade between India and Benin has risen from $350 million to more than $800 million in the last decade. With this, India has become Benin's largest trading partner. "India's transformative growth and Benin's natural strengths complement each other," Kovind said.

Benin supports India's permanent membership to UNSC during Ram Nath Kovind's visit

In a highly significant diplomatic win for India and testament to its global stature, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-must-renew-efforts-to-gain-unsc-permanent-seat-vice-president-naidu-222390">India's candidature for a non-permanent seat</a> at the powerful UN Security Council for a two-year term has been unanimously endorsed by the Asia-Pacific group at the world body.

Elections for five non-permanent members of the 15-nation Council for the 2021-22 term will be held around June next year.&nbsp;

"A unanimous step. Asia-Pacific Group @UN unanimously endorses India's candidature for a non-permanent seat of the Security Council for 2 year term in 2021/22. Thanks to all 55 members for their support," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin tweeted Tuesday.

A video message accompanying Akbaruddi's tweet said "Asia-Pacific Group endorses India for Non-Permanent Seat of United Nations Security Council. 55 countries, 1 nominee - India for non-permanent seat of UN Security Council Term 2021-2022."

The video message thanked all the countries in the Asia Pacific group for endorsing India's candidature. Among the 55 countries supporting India's candidature are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey, UAE and Vietnam.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A unanimous step. 
 
Asia-Pacific Group <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> unanimously endorses India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat of the Security Council for 2 year term in 2021/22. 
 
Thanks to all 55 members for their support. 🙏🏽 <a href="https://t.co/ekNhEa19U1">pic.twitter.com/ekNhEa19U1</a>
— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkbaruddinIndia/status/1143716761986129920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Each year the 193-member General Assembly elects five non-permanent members for a two-year term at the UN high-table. The five permanent members of the Council are China, France, Russia, UK and the US.

The 10 non-permanent seats are distributed on a regional basis : five for African and Asian States; one for Eastern European States; two for the Latin American and Caribbean States; and two for Western European and other States.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Previously, India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the Council for the years 1950-1951, 1967-1968, 1972-1973, 1977-1978, 1984-1985, 1991-1992 and most recently in 2011-2012 under the leadership of former Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri.&nbsp;

Early this month, Estonia, Niger, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam were elected to the Council for a two-year term beginning January 2020. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the smallest nation ever to secure a seat.&nbsp;

Currently the 10 non-permanent members are Belgium, Cote d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Indonesia, Kuwait, Peru, Poland and South Africa.

India has been at the forefront of the years-long efforts to reform the Security Council saying it rightly deserves a place as a permanent member of the Council, which in its current form does not represent the geo-political realities of the 21st Century.

India's former Permanent Representative to the UN Asoke Kumar Mukerji had previously told PTI that the country will contest the elections for a non-permanent member seat of the Security Council for the 2021-2022 term.&nbsp;

In a highly significant diplomatic win for India and testament to its global stature, India's candidature for a non-permanent seat at the powerful UN Security Council for a two-year term has been unanimously endorsed by the Asia-Pacific group at the world body.

In a highly significant diplomatic win for India and testament to its global stature, India's candidature for a non-permanent seat at the powerful UN Security Council for a two-year term has been unanimously endorsed by the Asia-Pacific group at the world body. Elections for five non-permanent members of the 15-nation Council for the 2021-22 term will be held around June next year. "A unanimous step. Asia-Pacific Group @UN unanimously endorses India's candidature for a non-permanent seat of the Security Council for 2 year term in 2021/22. Thanks to all 55 members for their support," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin tweeted Tuesday. A video message accompanying Akbaruddi's tweet said "Asia-Pacific Group endorses India for Non-Permanent Seat of United Nations Security Council. 55 countries, 1 nominee - India for non-permanent seat of UN Security Council Term 2021-2022." The video message thanked all the countries in the Asia Pacific group for endorsing India's candidature. Among the 55 countries supporting India's candidature are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey, UAE and Vietnam. A unanimous step. Asia-Pacific Group @UN unanimously endorses India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat of the Security Council for 2 year term in 2021/22. Thanks to all 55 members for their support. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/ekNhEa19U1 — Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) June 26, 2019 × Each year the 193-member General Assembly elects five non-permanent members for a two-year term at the UN high-table. The five permanent members of the Council are China, France, Russia, UK and the US. The 10 non-permanent seats are distributed on a regional basis : five for African and Asian States; one for Eastern European States; two for the Latin American and Caribbean States; and two for Western European and other States. Previously, India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the Council for the years 1950-1951, 1967-1968, 1972-1973, 1977-1978, 1984-1985, 1991-1992 and most recently in 2011-2012 under the leadership of former Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri. Early this month, Estonia, Niger, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam were elected to the Council for a two-year term beginning January 2020. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the smallest nation ever to secure a seat. Currently the 10 non-permanent members are Belgium, Cote d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Indonesia, Kuwait, Peru, Poland and South Africa. India has been at the forefront of the years-long efforts to reform the Security Council saying it rightly deserves a place as a permanent member of the Council, which in its current form does not represent the geo-political realities of the 21st Century. India's former Permanent Representative to the UN Asoke Kumar Mukerji had previously told PTI that the country will contest the elections for a non-permanent member seat of the Security Council for the 2021-2022 term.

Big diplomatic win for India as all 55 Asia-Pacific nations endorse New Delhi's bid for non-permanent UNSC seat

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

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday called for renewed efforts by India to gain permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.

Interacting with the Officer Trainees of the 2018 Batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Bhutanese Diplomats here, the Vice President referred to the growing prominence of India on the world stage and underscored the need for enhancing support from world nations and building a sustained dialogue in favour of UNSC reforms.

"During the last five years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly and remarkably raised the visibility and standing of India. India has emerged as the fastest growing economy with global powers acknowledging India's growth story," Naidu said.

The Vice President also stressed the need to build a consensus for expansion and democratisation of a number of multilateral fora to ensure representation to a number of other emerging nations.

"We must renew our efforts to gain permanent membership of the UN Security Council by further enhancing support from world nations and building a sustained dialogue in favour of UNSC reforms. We have to build consensus for the expansion and democratization of a number of other multilateral fora to ensure representation of a number of other emerging nations," he added.

Naidu further cautioned that the return of the unwelcome tendency of protectionism would adversely impact the global effort for collective advancement.

Outlining the challenges the budding diplomats would have to deal with, Naidu expressed his concern over the threat posed by terrorism.

"Let me impress upon you the grave nature of the threat that the world community, as a whole, faces due to terrorism. No country in the world is immune to the consequences of terrorism now and therefore curbing this menace would require a united response from world nations," he said.

"India has consistently taken an unrelenting and uncompromising stand against terrorism, we must continue to be champions of peace," he added.

Talking about the unethical acts of financial fugitives, the Vice President expressed his concern over the ease with which they find safe havens in other countries.

He suggested the constant updating and overhauling of Extradition Treaties and all bilateral and multilateral agreements to defend and safeguard the integrated global economic order for the collective good.

Referring to the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, Naidu said that people had made their choice with resounding clarity and voted for stability.&nbsp;

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday called for renewed efforts by India to gain permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. Interacting with the Officer Trainees of the 2018 Batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Bhutanese Diplomats here, the Vice President referred to the growing prominence of India on the world stage and underscored the need for enhancing support from world nations and building a sustained dialogue in favour of UNSC reforms.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday called for renewed efforts by India to gain permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. Interacting with the Officer Trainees of the 2018 Batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Bhutanese Diplomats here, the Vice President referred to the growing prominence of India on the world stage and underscored the need for enhancing support from world nations and building a sustained dialogue in favour of UNSC reforms. "During the last five years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly and remarkably raised the visibility and standing of India. India has emerged as the fastest growing economy with global powers acknowledging India's growth story," Naidu said. The Vice President also stressed the need to build a consensus for expansion and democratisation of a number of multilateral fora to ensure representation to a number of other emerging nations. "We must renew our efforts to gain permanent membership of the UN Security Council by further enhancing support from world nations and building a sustained dialogue in favour of UNSC reforms. We have to build consensus for the expansion and democratization of a number of other multilateral fora to ensure representation of a number of other emerging nations," he added. Naidu further cautioned that the return of the unwelcome tendency of protectionism would adversely impact the global effort for collective advancement. Outlining the challenges the budding diplomats would have to deal with, Naidu expressed his concern over the threat posed by terrorism. "Let me impress upon you the grave nature of the threat that the world community, as a whole, faces due to terrorism. No country in the world is immune to the consequences of terrorism now and therefore curbing this menace would require a united response from world nations," he said. "India has consistently taken an unrelenting and uncompromising stand against terrorism, we must continue to be champions of peace," he added. Talking about the unethical acts of financial fugitives, the Vice President expressed his concern over the ease with which they find safe havens in other countries. He suggested the constant updating and overhauling of Extradition Treaties and all bilateral and multilateral agreements to defend and safeguard the integrated global economic order for the collective good. Referring to the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, Naidu said that people had made their choice with resounding clarity and voted for stability.

India must renew efforts to gain UNSC permanent seat: Vice President Naidu

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