India and the United States have called on Pakistan to act on terror and to dismantle terror infrastructure in the country.&nbsp;

According to a statement released by India's Ministry of External Affairs after a meeting between India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and US Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo in Washington, the two "agreed that Pakistan needs to take concerted action to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure and to deny safe haven to all terrorist groups in its territory".

The two also agreed that those "who support or abet terrorism in any form should be held accountable".&nbsp;

The announcements come against the backdrop of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/awantipora-crpf-convoy-hit-by-explosives-laden-vehicle-several-jawans-killed-197418">February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack</a> for which the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group has claimed responsibility.&nbsp;

Gokhale conveyed his appreciation to the US government and to Secretary Pompeo "personally for the firm support that India received from the US" in the aftermath of the Pulwama terrorist attack. Secretary Pompeo in turn expressed his "understanding of India's concerns regarding cross-border terrorism."

On trade, the foreign secretary "underscored the significant reduction in trade deficit" in the last three years and conveyed "India's willingness to remain engaged with the US for a meaningful and mutually acceptable package".&nbsp;

Remember, the US announced recently that it would withdraw the Generalised System of Preferences (duty benefits which Washington gives to many countries) it accords to India. The withdrawal will come into effect in about 60 days.

Gokhale and Pompeo also discussed the Afghan peace process and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;

Gokhale is in Washington from March 11 to 13 for the bilateral Foreign Office Consultation and Strategic Security Dialogue with his US counterpart. During his visit, the foreign secretary is also likely to meet with senior leaders in the US administration and US Congress.&nbsp;

US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo had visited India in September of 2018 for the first-ever 2+2 Dialogue.&nbsp;

India and the United States have called on Pakistan to act on terror and to dismantle terror infrastructure in the country. According to a statement released by India's Ministry of External Affairs after a meeting between India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and US Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo in Washington, the two "agreed that Pakistan needs to take concerted action to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure and to deny safe haven to all terrorist groups in its territory".

India and the United States have called on Pakistan to act on terror and to dismantle terror infrastructure in the country. According to a statement released by India's Ministry of External Affairs after a meeting between India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and US Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo in Washington, the two "agreed that Pakistan needs to take concerted action to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure and to deny safe haven to all terrorist groups in its territory". The two also agreed that those "who support or abet terrorism in any form should be held accountable". The announcements come against the backdrop of the February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack for which the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group has claimed responsibility. Gokhale conveyed his appreciation to the US government and to Secretary Pompeo "personally for the firm support that India received from the US" in the aftermath of the Pulwama terrorist attack. Secretary Pompeo in turn expressed his "understanding of India's concerns regarding cross-border terrorism." On trade, the foreign secretary "underscored the significant reduction in trade deficit" in the last three years and conveyed "India's willingness to remain engaged with the US for a meaningful and mutually acceptable package". Remember, the US announced recently that it would withdraw the Generalised System of Preferences (duty benefits which Washington gives to many countries) it accords to India. The withdrawal will come into effect in about 60 days. Gokhale and Pompeo also discussed the Afghan peace process and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Gokhale is in Washington from March 11 to 13 for the bilateral Foreign Office Consultation and Strategic Security Dialogue with his US counterpart. During his visit, the foreign secretary is also likely to meet with senior leaders in the US administration and US Congress. US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo had visited India in September of 2018 for the first-ever 2+2 Dialogue.

India, US ask Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure, deny safe haven to terror groups

Vijay Gokhale and Pompeo to meet in Washington DC

As credible information emerged that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-camps-destroyed-as-12-mirage-jets-drops-1000-kg-bombs-across-loc-iaf-sources-199744"> pre-emptive strike </a>became important and India struck the biggest camp of JeM in Balakot, said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

Briefing media after Indian Air Force's targeted airstrikes on<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-claims-indian-air-force-violated-loc-199740"> terror camps</a> across the Line of Control, Gokhale said&nbsp;India was firmly and resolutely committed to taking all measures to fight the menace of terrorism, he said and added that the non-military pre-emptive action was targeted specifically at JeM camp.

The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualties, he said.

(Watch:&nbsp;Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale briefs media about the strike)

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="720" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4OKjWmerjpU" width="1280"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

''This&nbsp;facility in Balakot was headed by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother in law of JeM Chief Masood Azhar...The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualty. It's located in deep forest on a hilltop," he added.

A&nbsp;very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers and Jihadis were eliminated following the operation.

''Strike has taken only a short while ago and we are waiting for the details,'' he said.&nbsp;

Masood Azhar's brother-in-law has also been killed in the airstrikes.&nbsp;

Slamming Pakistan for not taking any action Gokhale said, ''Pakistan has taken no concrete actions to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism on its soil despite being given information of training camps on its territory.''

He elaborated, "the existence of such massive training facilities capable of training hundreds of jihadis could not have functioned without the knowledge of Pakistan authorities."&nbsp;

He also asked Islamabad ''to not allow its soil or territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India by taking follow up actions to dismantle all JeM and other camps and hold the terrorists accountable for the actions.''

WION has learnt that PM supervised and was present in the situation room at South block when the strike happened.

Sources say multiple options were given with Air Chief Marshal preparing the entire plan.

The target was identified around February 20 and 21&nbsp;with the Army/Air Force doing the air surveillance along the LoC.

Drones were also used. Overall, two Mirage squadrons with 12 jets were selected for operation.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary briefed foreign envoys about the developments. US, China, Russia, UK, Russia, Asean, Brazil envoys were present at the FS briefing.

Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met for the second time since Pulwama attack. Defence minister, external affairs minister, the finance minister, Home Minister, National security advisor and foreign secretary were also present there.

Since the Pulwama attack which took place 12 days ago, India has been taking strong actions against Pakistan on economic front by removing the Most Favored Nation (MFN) status and diplomatically by isolating Pakistan.

As credible information emerged that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, a pre-emptive strike became important and India struck the biggest camp of JeM in Balakot, said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

As credible information emerged that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, a pre-emptive strike became important and India struck the biggest camp of JeM in Balakot, said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. Briefing media after Indian Air Force's targeted airstrikes on terror camps across the Line of Control, Gokhale said India was firmly and resolutely committed to taking all measures to fight the menace of terrorism, he said and added that the non-military pre-emptive action was targeted specifically at JeM camp. The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualties, he said. (Watch: Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale briefs media about the strike) × ''This facility in Balakot was headed by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother in law of JeM Chief Masood Azhar...The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualty. It's located in deep forest on a hilltop," he added. A very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers and Jihadis were eliminated following the operation. ''Strike has taken only a short while ago and we are waiting for the details,'' he said. Masood Azhar's brother-in-law has also been killed in the airstrikes. Slamming Pakistan for not taking any action Gokhale said, ''Pakistan has taken no concrete actions to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism on its soil despite being given information of training camps on its territory.'' He elaborated, "the existence of such massive training facilities capable of training hundreds of jihadis could not have functioned without the knowledge of Pakistan authorities." He also asked Islamabad ''to not allow its soil or territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India by taking follow up actions to dismantle all JeM and other camps and hold the terrorists accountable for the actions.'' WION has learnt that PM supervised and was present in the situation room at South block when the strike happened. Sources say multiple options were given with Air Chief Marshal preparing the entire plan. The target was identified around February 20 and 21 with the Army/Air Force doing the air surveillance along the LoC. Drones were also used. Overall, two Mirage squadrons with 12 jets were selected for operation. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary briefed foreign envoys about the developments. US, China, Russia, UK, Russia, Asean, Brazil envoys were present at the FS briefing. Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met for the second time since Pulwama attack. Defence minister, external affairs minister, the finance minister, Home Minister, National security advisor and foreign secretary were also present there. Since the Pulwama attack which took place 12 days ago, India has been taking strong actions against Pakistan on economic front by removing the Most Favored Nation (MFN) status and diplomatically by isolating Pakistan.

India struck the biggest camp of JeM in Balakot, says Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale

India strikes 'biggest training camp of JeM': Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale

Stunned by the air strikes, Pakistan on Tuesday said it will give an “appropriate reply” to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-carries-out-air-strikes-in-pakistan-199776">Indian action</a>, which it described as “grave aggression”.

Soon after Indian <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-struck-the-biggest-camp-of-jem-in-balakot-says-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-199787">Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale</a> made the official announcement about the air strike, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Prime Minister Imran Khan has called a meeting to discuss the issue.

“It is grave aggression by India. We had told the world community that such a step could be taken by India,” he told state-owned Pakistan Television.

He said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-f16s-were-scrambled-to-retaliate-but-turned-back-sources-199782">Pakistan reserves the right</a> to give a “proper reply” and it will give it.

Earlier Gokhale said India had hit the largest Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) camp in Balakot in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, eliminating a “large number” of terrorists, including top commanders.

The terror camp in a thick forest area atop a hill was led by Ustad Gauri, brother-in-law of JeM chief Masood Azhar, Gokhale said, making a statement before the media, hours after the air strikes using Mirage 2000 were carried out.

He said the “pre-emptive” strike by India had become absolutely necessary as there was credible information that JeM, which recently carried out a terror attack in Pulwama, was planning further attacks in this country.

A large number of Jaish terrorists, including top commanders, trainers and those terrorists who were to be the ‘fidayeen’ (suicide attackers) were eliminated in the “non-military” air strike, the Foreign Secretary said.

Stunned by the air strikes, Pakistan on Tuesday said it will give an “appropriate reply” to the Indian action, which it described as “grave aggression”. Soon after Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale made the official announcement about the air strike, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Prime Minister Imran Khan has called a meeting to discuss the issue.

Stunned by the air strikes, Pakistan on Tuesday said it will give an “appropriate reply” to the Indian action, which it described as “grave aggression”. Soon after Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale made the official announcement about the air strike, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Prime Minister Imran Khan has called a meeting to discuss the issue. “It is grave aggression by India. We had told the world community that such a step could be taken by India,” he told state-owned Pakistan Television. He said Pakistan reserves the right to give a “proper reply” and it will give it. Earlier Gokhale said India had hit the largest Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) camp in Balakot in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, eliminating a “large number” of terrorists, including top commanders. The terror camp in a thick forest area atop a hill was led by Ustad Gauri, brother-in-law of JeM chief Masood Azhar, Gokhale said, making a statement before the media, hours after the air strikes using Mirage 2000 were carried out. He said the “pre-emptive” strike by India had become absolutely necessary as there was credible information that JeM, which recently carried out a terror attack in Pulwama, was planning further attacks in this country. A large number of Jaish terrorists, including top commanders, trainers and those terrorists who were to be the ‘fidayeen’ (suicide attackers) were eliminated in the “non-military” air strike, the Foreign Secretary said.

India action 'grave aggression,' will give befitting reply: Pakistan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indra-2018-after-land-exercise-india-russia-naval-drill-begins-in-bay-of-bengal-183949">India and Russia</a> have reiterated their support for Afghan-led and Afghan-owned inclusive peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country.

Regular&nbsp;bilateral consultations between India and Russia on Afghanistan were held here on Thursday.

In this context, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-west-trying-to-hold-back-powerful-russia-185542">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>'s special envoy Zamir Kabulov held delegation-level talks with Joint Secretary (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran) Deepak Mittal, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

During&nbsp;the meeting, both sides reiterated their support for "Afghan-led and Afghan-owned" inclusive peace and reconciliation process. The Russian side briefed on their efforts to support the peace process through Moscow format of talks.

"It was agreed to maintain regular bilateral consultations and coordination including in the context of international fora with the shared objective to promote peace, security, stability, unity and prosperity in Afghanistan," he added.

The&nbsp;two sides also agreed to hold the next round of consultations on the matter in Moscow in 2019. The&nbsp;Russian envoy later called on Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.&nbsp;

India and Russia have reiterated their support for Afghan-led and Afghan-owned inclusive peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country. Regular bilateral consultations between India and Russia on Afghanistan were held here on Thursday.

India and Russia have reiterated their support for Afghan-led and Afghan-owned inclusive peace and reconciliation process in the war-torn country. Regular bilateral consultations between India and Russia on Afghanistan were held here on Thursday. In this context, Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy Zamir Kabulov held delegation-level talks with Joint Secretary (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran) Deepak Mittal, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. During the meeting, both sides reiterated their support for "Afghan-led and Afghan-owned" inclusive peace and reconciliation process. The Russian side briefed on their efforts to support the peace process through Moscow format of talks. "It was agreed to maintain regular bilateral consultations and coordination including in the context of international fora with the shared objective to promote peace, security, stability, unity and prosperity in Afghanistan," he added. The two sides also agreed to hold the next round of consultations on the matter in Moscow in 2019. The Russian envoy later called on Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

India, Russia pledge for Afghan-led peace process

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Japan starting October 28 to take part in an annual summit between the two nations and will engage with his counterpart Shinzo Abe on a range of issues including defence and regional security.

This will be the 13th annual summit and the fifth one to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale told reporters.

"Regional security will be another topic. We presume that given the interest Japan has in issues related to the Korean peninsula and DPRK, this matter will be discussed. We will certainly raise our concerns over terrorism and other trans-border crimes which are of importance to us," he said.

He said India is also hoping to have some kind of synergy or integration between Modi's Ayushman Bharat scheme, which is the largest medicare programme of its kind globally, and the Japanese programme which is called Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative.

"How we dovetail this and how we leverage Japan's strength in certain areas including medical equipments, hospitals and others is something that the two leaders can explore," Gokhale said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Japan starting October 28 to take part in an annual summit between the two nations and will engage with his counterpart Shinzo Abe on a range of issues including defence and regional security.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Japan starting October 28 to take part in an annual summit between the two nations and will engage with his counterpart Shinzo Abe on a range of issues including defence and regional security. This will be the 13th annual summit and the fifth one to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale told reporters. "Regional security will be another topic. We presume that given the interest Japan has in issues related to the Korean peninsula and DPRK, this matter will be discussed. We will certainly raise our concerns over terrorism and other trans-border crimes which are of importance to us," he said. He said India is also hoping to have some kind of synergy or integration between Modi's Ayushman Bharat scheme, which is the largest medicare programme of its kind globally, and the Japanese programme which is called Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative. "How we dovetail this and how we leverage Japan's strength in certain areas including medical equipments, hospitals and others is something that the two leaders can explore," Gokhale said.

PM Modi on two-day visit to Japan starting October 28

Chinese President Xi Jinping has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation for a Wuhan-style informal summit in India next year, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said on Saturday.

The two leaders had their first informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan on April 27-28 to solidify the relationship in a broad spectrum of areas and ensuring better coordination between the border guarding forces of the two countries after the Dokalam standoff, according to reports.

Prime Minister Modi had detailed discussions with President Xi on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
One of the important outcomes of today's meeting was the Chinese side conveyed that they accepted PM's invitation to President Xi Jinping to have a similar informal summit in India in 2019: Vijay Gokhale, Foreign Secretary <a href="https://t.co/CdwKCMeMZi">pic.twitter.com/CdwKCMeMZi</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005455871302725633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Addressing a press briefing here, Gokhale said that one of the important outcomes of today's meeting between the two leaders was that the Chinese side conveyed that they have accepted the Prime Minister Modi's invitation to President Xi to have a similar informal summit in India in 2019.

He said that the date for the informal meeting has not been decided.

Modi arrived in the picturesque coastal city of China's Shandong province on a two-day visit to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
It was a substantive meeting, President Xi Jinping began by making positive assessment of Wuhan summit.He described it as 'a new starting point' in our bilateral relations. PM described it as 'milestone in our relations': Foreign Secy on bilateral meeting b/w PM Modi&Chinese Pres <a href="https://t.co/zBhGwk38Bo">pic.twitter.com/zBhGwk38Bo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1005457196463767553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp

Date for the informal meeting has not been decided.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation for a Wuhan-style informal summit in India next year, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said on Saturday. The two leaders had their first informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan on April 27-28 to solidify the relationship in a broad spectrum of areas and ensuring better coordination between the border guarding forces of the two countries after the Dokalam standoff, according to reports. Prime Minister Modi had detailed discussions with President Xi on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship. One of the important outcomes of today's meeting was the Chinese side conveyed that they accepted PM's invitation to President Xi Jinping to have a similar informal summit in India in 2019: Vijay Gokhale, Foreign Secretary pic.twitter.com/CdwKCMeMZi — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018 × Addressing a press briefing here, Gokhale said that one of the important outcomes of today's meeting between the two leaders was that the Chinese side conveyed that they have accepted the Prime Minister Modi's invitation to President Xi to have a similar informal summit in India in 2019. He said that the date for the informal meeting has not been decided. Modi arrived in the picturesque coastal city of China's Shandong province on a two-day visit to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). It was a substantive meeting, President Xi Jinping began by making positive assessment of Wuhan summit.He described it as 'a new starting point' in our bilateral relations. PM described it as 'milestone in our relations': Foreign Secy on bilateral meeting b/w PM Modi&Chinese Pres pic.twitter.com/zBhGwk38Bo — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018 ×

Chinese President Xi accepts Modi's invitation for informal summit in India in 2019

&nbsp;India&nbsp;and&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;held the 17th round of Foreign Office Consultations in the national capital on&nbsp;Thursday, which saw the discussion on the entire gamut of the bilateral&nbsp;relationship&nbsp;between the two&nbsp;countries.

"During the discussions, the two sides reviewed the complete range of bilateral relations, including high-level visits, security and&nbsp;defence&nbsp;related issues, boundary matters and border management, trade and commerce, development cooperation, connectivity, cultural and&nbsp;consular&nbsp;matters. They also exchanged views on sub-regional, regional and global issues of mutual interest," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The&nbsp;Indian side was led by Foreign Secretary&nbsp;Vijay Gokhale&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;side by Permanent Secretary,&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;Ministry of&nbsp;Foreign Affairs&nbsp;U Myint Thu.

According to the MEA, during his stay in&nbsp;India, the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;Permanent Secretary will also visit places of historical and cultural significance in the capital.

This comes barely a month after External Affairs Minister&nbsp;Sushma Swaraj's two-day visit to&nbsp;Myanmar, during which she met the country's president U Win Myint and State Counsellor&nbsp;Aung San Suu Kyi.

India and Myanmar held the 17th round of Foreign Office Consultations in the national capital on Thursday, which saw the discussion on the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship between the two countries

India and Myanmar held the 17th round of Foreign Office Consultations in the national capital on Thursday, which saw the discussion on the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. "During the discussions, the two sides reviewed the complete range of bilateral relations, including high-level visits, security and defence related issues, boundary matters and border management, trade and commerce, development cooperation, connectivity, cultural and consular matters. They also exchanged views on sub-regional, regional and global issues of mutual interest," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. The Indian side was led by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and the Myanmar side by Permanent Secretary, Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Myint Thu. According to the MEA, during his stay in India, the Myanmar Permanent Secretary will also visit places of historical and cultural significance in the capital. This comes barely a month after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's two-day visit to Myanmar, during which she met the country's president U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

India, Myanmar discuss bilateral ties

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale held meetings with top State Department officials and discussed various bilateral issues, including a shared interest in the Indo-Pacific region and America&#39;s support for New Delhi&#39;s emergence as a leading power.

Gokhale, on his maiden visit to the US as India&#39;s top diplomat, met the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department yesterday.

&quot;They discussed US-India strategic cooperation, shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region, and US support for India&#39;s emergence as a leading power and security provider,&quot; a State Department Spokesperson told PTI.

Indian Ambassador to the US, Navtej Sarna, and Alice Wells, who is currently State Department&#39;s point person for South and Central Asia, were also present during the meeting.

No other details of the meeting were immediately available.

Gokhale&#39;s meetings in the tour were scheduled well in advance and were mainly meant to prepare for the first-ever two-plus-two dialogue between the two countries.

Officials from either side have not yet announced any dates of such a dialogue, but it was previously scheduled for some time in mid-April.

The launch of the two-plus-two dialogue was announced last summer when Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a successful meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.

The dialogue involves External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and their American counterparts.

Trump fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and nominated CIA Director Mike Pompeo to replace him. Pompeo needs to be confirmed by the Senate before he can occupy the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale held meetings with top State Department officials and discussed various bilateral issues

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale held meetings with top State Department officials and discussed various bilateral issues, including a shared interest in the Indo-Pacific region and America's support for New Delhi's emergence as a leading power. Gokhale, on his maiden visit to the US as India's top diplomat, met the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department yesterday. "They discussed US-India strategic cooperation, shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region, and US support for India's emergence as a leading power and security provider," a State Department Spokesperson told PTI. Indian Ambassador to the US, Navtej Sarna, and Alice Wells, who is currently State Department's point person for South and Central Asia, were also present during the meeting. No other details of the meeting were immediately available. Gokhale's meetings in the tour were scheduled well in advance and were mainly meant to prepare for the first-ever two-plus-two dialogue between the two countries. Officials from either side have not yet announced any dates of such a dialogue, but it was previously scheduled for some time in mid-April. The launch of the two-plus-two dialogue was announced last summer when Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a successful meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The dialogue involves External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and their American counterparts. Trump fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and nominated CIA Director Mike Pompeo to replace him. Pompeo needs to be confirmed by the Senate before he can occupy the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale holds talks with US officials

India`s foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale will participate in Kabul Process Conference in Afghanistan this week.

About 23 nations including Pakistan and the European Union, United Nations and NATO are also participating in Kabul Process Conference which begins tomorrow in Afghanistan.

Earlier on February 26, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had said that their government will propose an inclusive proposal to Pakistan and the Taliban during the Kabul Process conference.

Ghani will highlight the strong commitment of the Afghan government for ensuring peace in Afghanistan at the conference.

The Kabul government will call on countries in the region to reach a consensus to accept Afghan stability and work on achieving it.

About 23 nations including Pakistan and the European Union, United Nations and NATO are also participating in Kabul Process Conference which begins tomorrow in Afghanistan

India`s foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale will participate in Kabul Process Conference in Afghanistan this week. About 23 nations including Pakistan and the European Union, United Nations and NATO are also participating in Kabul Process Conference which begins tomorrow in Afghanistan. Earlier on February 26, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had said that their government will propose an inclusive proposal to Pakistan and the Taliban during the Kabul Process conference. Ghani will highlight the strong commitment of the Afghan government for ensuring peace in Afghanistan at the conference. The Kabul government will call on countries in the region to reach a consensus to accept Afghan stability and work on achieving it.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale to participate in Kabul Process Conference

Amid continued Sino-India discord over a host of issues, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale has made a surprise visit to Beijing and held talks with top Chinese officials on bilateral ties and topics related to regional and international importance. 
 
Gokhale&#39;s visit, which was kept under wraps was announced through a tweet by Indian Embassy early today. 
 
&quot;During the consultations, the two sides reviewed recent developments in bilateral relations, including high level exchanges, and discussed the agenda for bilateral engagement in the coming months,&quot; a statement by the Indian Embassy here said. 
 
Gokhale who was India&#39;s envoy to China before he succeeded S Jaishankar as the Foreign Secretary last month, held talks with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, and called on Foreign Minister Wang Yi and state councillor Yang Jiechi, the statement said. 
 
In Chinese hierarchy, Yang who is the State Councillor besides Special Representative of India-China border talks, is placed higher than the Foreign Minister. 
 
Both Wang and Yang visited New Delhi to kick-start the bilateral dialogue, the first after the 73-day standoff at Doklam which strained ties. 
 
&quot;Both sides agreed upon the need to expedite various dialogue mechanisms in order to promote multifaceted cooperation across diverse fields of India-China engagement,&quot; the statement said. 
 
They noted the need to build on the convergences between India and China and address differences on the basis of mutual respect and sensitivity to each other&#39;s concerns, interests and aspirations, the statement said. 
 
&quot;Both sides underlined that as two major countries, sound development of relations between India and China is a factor of stability in the world today. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest,&quot; it said. 
 
Late last night, the Chinese Foreign Ministry posted a statement on its website. 
 
The Chinese Foreign Ministry in its statement said that Wang told Gokhale that the two sides should enhance strategic mutual trust and accelerate common development in line with the political consensus of the leaders of the two countries. 
 
&quot;We hope that the Indian side will handle sensitive issues prudently and work with China to promote the sound development of China-India relations,&quot; Wang said in an apparent reference to host of sensitive issues, including the current political crisis in Maldives being faced by the two countries. 
 
China and India are both representatives of emerging markets and big developing countries, Wang said, adding that &quot;commonality&quot; cannot be replaced. 
 
Gokhale, meanwhile, said India attaches great importance to its relations with China and is willing to work with it to implement the consensus of leaders, strengthen strategic communications, take care of each other&#39;s core concerns and create a good atmosphere and conditions for the sustained and steady development of bilateral relations. 
 
The visit of Gokhale, who reportedly held the key negotiations to resolve the 73-day standoff at Doklam, came in the backdrop of difficult bilateral and trilateral issues being dealt with by the two countries. 
 
The Doklam standoff ended on August 28 after the Chinese military stopped road building close to the strategic Chicken Neck corridor in an area claimed by Bhutan. 
 
Besides the tensions along the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control (LAC), the two countries faced a range of issues, including India&#39;s objection to the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, China blocking efforts at the UN to list JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist as well as India&#39;s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

The current political crisis in the Maldives also emerged as an irritant in bilateral ties.

The Maldives was plunged into a crisis when President Abdulla Yameen declared a 15-day emergency on February 5 and ordered the arrest of the Chief Justice and a former head of state after the Supreme Court termed &quot;unconstitutional&quot; the imprisonment of nine MPs and former President Mohammed Nasheed. 
 
China which has made large scale investments in the Maldives, called for the crisis to be resolved by relevant parties internally and opposed any external intervention. Beijing also opposed even UN mediation to resolve the crisis.

Former president Nasheed, who is currently in exile in Sri Lanka, however, had called for the Indian intervention to resolve the crisis. 
&nbsp;

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale has made a surprise visit to Beijing and held talks with top Chinese officials on bilateral ties and topics related to regional and international importance.

Amid continued Sino-India discord over a host of issues, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale has made a surprise visit to Beijing and held talks with top Chinese officials on bilateral ties and topics related to regional and international importance. Gokhale's visit, which was kept under wraps was announced through a tweet by Indian Embassy early today. "During the consultations, the two sides reviewed recent developments in bilateral relations, including high level exchanges, and discussed the agenda for bilateral engagement in the coming months," a statement by the Indian Embassy here said. Gokhale who was India's envoy to China before he succeeded S Jaishankar as the Foreign Secretary last month, held talks with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, and called on Foreign Minister Wang Yi and state councillor Yang Jiechi, the statement said. In Chinese hierarchy, Yang who is the State Councillor besides Special Representative of India-China border talks, is placed higher than the Foreign Minister. Both Wang and Yang visited New Delhi to kick-start the bilateral dialogue, the first after the 73-day standoff at Doklam which strained ties. "Both sides agreed upon the need to expedite various dialogue mechanisms in order to promote multifaceted cooperation across diverse fields of India-China engagement," the statement said. They noted the need to build on the convergences between India and China and address differences on the basis of mutual respect and sensitivity to each other's concerns, interests and aspirations, the statement said. "Both sides underlined that as two major countries, sound development of relations between India and China is a factor of stability in the world today. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest," it said. Late last night, the Chinese Foreign Ministry posted a statement on its website. The Chinese Foreign Ministry in its statement said that Wang told Gokhale that the two sides should enhance strategic mutual trust and accelerate common development in line with the political consensus of the leaders of the two countries. "We hope that the Indian side will handle sensitive issues prudently and work with China to promote the sound development of China-India relations," Wang said in an apparent reference to host of sensitive issues, including the current political crisis in Maldives being faced by the two countries. China and India are both representatives of emerging markets and big developing countries, Wang said, adding that "commonality" cannot be replaced. Gokhale, meanwhile, said India attaches great importance to its relations with China and is willing to work with it to implement the consensus of leaders, strengthen strategic communications, take care of each other's core concerns and create a good atmosphere and conditions for the sustained and steady development of bilateral relations. The visit of Gokhale, who reportedly held the key negotiations to resolve the 73-day standoff at Doklam, came in the backdrop of difficult bilateral and trilateral issues being dealt with by the two countries. The Doklam standoff ended on August 28 after the Chinese military stopped road building close to the strategic Chicken Neck corridor in an area claimed by Bhutan. Besides the tensions along the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control (LAC), the two countries faced a range of issues, including India's objection to the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, China blocking efforts at the UN to list JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist as well as India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The current political crisis in the Maldives also emerged as an irritant in bilateral ties. The Maldives was plunged into a crisis when President Abdulla Yameen declared a 15-day emergency on February 5 and ordered the arrest of the Chief Justice and a former head of state after the Supreme Court termed "unconstitutional" the imprisonment of nine MPs and former President Mohammed Nasheed. China which has made large scale investments in the Maldives, called for the crisis to be resolved by relevant parties internally and opposed any external intervention. Beijing also opposed even UN mediation to resolve the crisis. Former president Nasheed, who is currently in exile in Sri Lanka, however, had called for the Indian intervention to resolve the crisis.

Foreign Secretary discusses bilateral ties with top Chinese officials

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a&nbsp;stopover in Zurich on Monday on his way to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum meeting.

During the meet, Modi would be sharing his vision for India&#39;s future engagements with the international community.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
As Modi marks first Indian prime minister presence in last 20 years, the Indian presence would be the largest ever with over 130 participants in the summit which will be attended by more than 3,000 world leaders from business, politics, art, academia and civil society.

The theme for this year&#39;s summit is &#39;Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World&#39;. 
&nbsp; 
Besides delivering his keynote address today, Modi is scheduled to interact with global business community members.

On Monday, Modi hosted a roundtable meeting of the top CEOs before a dinner meet which was attended by 40 CEOs of global companies and 20 from India. &nbsp; 
 
While narrating India&#39;s growth story, Modi said that India means business and presents an exciting opportunity for the global businesses.&nbsp;

He was also accompanied by top government officials including Vijay Gokhale, Jai Shankar and Ramesh Abhishek.&nbsp;

On the sidelines of the event, Modi also met Swiss President Alain Berset and discussed ways to deepen bilateral ties.

Sources said the two leaders are also believed to have discussed the progress on automatic exchange of tax information.

Berset said the discussions marked the meeting of the biggest and the oldest democracies in the world.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Thanking Modi, the Swiss President said he would continue to strengthen &#39;our relations&#39; with India.

(With inputs from PTI)

During the meet, Modi would be sharing his vision for India's future engagements with the international community.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a stopover in Zurich on Monday on his way to Davos to attend the World Economic Forum meeting. During the meet, Modi would be sharing his vision for India's future engagements with the international community. As Modi marks first Indian prime minister presence in last 20 years, the Indian presence would be the largest ever with over 130 participants in the summit which will be attended by more than 3,000 world leaders from business, politics, art, academia and civil society. The theme for this year's summit is 'Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World'. Besides delivering his keynote address today, Modi is scheduled to interact with global business community members. On Monday, Modi hosted a roundtable meeting of the top CEOs before a dinner meet which was attended by 40 CEOs of global companies and 20 from India. While narrating India's growth story, Modi said that India means business and presents an exciting opportunity for the global businesses. He was also accompanied by top government officials including Vijay Gokhale, Jai Shankar and Ramesh Abhishek. On the sidelines of the event, Modi also met Swiss President Alain Berset and discussed ways to deepen bilateral ties. Sources said the two leaders are also believed to have discussed the progress on automatic exchange of tax information. Berset said the discussions marked the meeting of the biggest and the oldest democracies in the world. Thanking Modi, the Swiss President said he would continue to strengthen 'our relations' with India. (With inputs from PTI)

PM Modi, Swiss President discuss tax information in Davos: Sources

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modis-jordan-visit-first-in-three-decades-by-indian-prime-minister-vijay-gokhale-32441">Modi&#39;s Jordan visit, first in three decades by Indian PM: Vijay Gokhale</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit to Jordan is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in three decades, said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-meets-crown-prince-of-abu-dhabi-india-uae-sign-5-agreements-32442">PM meets Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; India, UAE sign 5 agreements</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday as the two sides signed five agreements including a historic pact awarding a consortium of Indian oil companies a 10 per cent stake in offshore oil concession.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-supports-israels-right-to-defend-itself-pentagon-32443">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-supports-israels-right-to-defend-itself-pentagon-32443"> supports Israel&#39;s right to defend itself: Pentagon</a>

The United States fully supports Israel`s right to defend itself against threats, a Pentagon spokesman said after Israel said it struck 12 Iranian and Syrian targets in Syria, including Syrian air defense systems.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-build-speciality-hospital-women-empowerment-centre-in-palestine-signs-6-mous-32445">India to build </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-build-speciality-hospital-women-empowerment-centre-in-palestine-signs-6-mous-32445">speciality</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-build-speciality-hospital-women-empowerment-centre-in-palestine-signs-6-mous-32445"> hospital, women empowerment </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-build-speciality-hospital-women-empowerment-centre-in-palestine-signs-6-mous-32445">centre</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-build-speciality-hospital-women-empowerment-centre-in-palestine-signs-6-mous-32445"> in Palestine, signs 6 MoUs</a>

India and Palestine signed six Memorandums of Understanding (MoU)s worth $40 million on Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fire-breaks-out-in-mumbai-shop-12-fire-tenders-at-the-spot-32450">Fire breaks out in Mumbai shop; 12 fire tenders at the spot</a>

A fire broke out in a &nbsp;shop near Maya Hotel at Mankhurd in Mumbai.&nbsp;

As many as 20 fire tenders at the spot battling to put out the fire, according to news agency ANI.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-4th-pink-odi-india-vs-south-africa-32417">4th ODI IND vs SA: South Africa beats India by 5 wickets</a>

South Africa defeated India in the 4th ODI match by 5 wickets at New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bat.

Modi's Jordan visit, first in three decades by Indian PM: Vijay Gokhale Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit to Jordan is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in three decades, said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. PM meets Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; India, UAE sign 5 agreements Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday as the two sides signed five agreements including a historic pact awarding a consortium of Indian oil companies a 10 per cent stake in offshore oil concession. US supports Israel's right to defend itself: Pentagon The United States fully supports Israel`s right to defend itself against threats, a Pentagon spokesman said after Israel said it struck 12 Iranian and Syrian targets in Syria, including Syrian air defense systems. India to build speciality hospital, women empowerment centre in Palestine, signs 6 MoUs India and Palestine signed six Memorandums of Understanding (MoU)s worth $40 million on Saturday. Fire breaks out in Mumbai shop; 12 fire tenders at the spot A fire broke out in a shop near Maya Hotel at Mankhurd in Mumbai. As many as 20 fire tenders at the spot battling to put out the fire, according to news agency ANI. 4th ODI IND vs SA: South Africa beats India by 5 wickets South Africa defeated India in the 4th ODI match by 5 wickets at New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bat.

WION Morning News Brief, February 11, 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit to Jordan is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in three decades, said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

Gokhale further said this is first ever to visit after former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi`s visit to the country in 1988.

On February 9, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Jordan, which was his transit to Palestine.

The Prime Minister`s office expressed gratitude to King Abdullah II of Jordan for facilitating the transit.

On his arrival in Amman, Modi was received by Jordan Prime Minister Hani Al-Mulki.&quot;Jordan`s King Abdullah II described it [the visit] as the beginning of the new chapter in our [India and Jordan] ties,&quot; Gokhale said, in a media briefing.

The Prime Minister has invited the King of Jordon to make a state visit to India in late February for three days.

&quot;Prime Minister Narendra Modi is looking forward to the visit. During the visit we [India and Jordan] will discuss several issues and also how to take the bilateral relationship forward,&quot; the foreign secretary added.

India and Jordan enjoy friendly ties since diplomatic relations were established in 1950. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Vijay Gokhale said this is first ever to visit after former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi`s visit to the country in 1988

Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visit to Jordan is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in three decades, said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. Gokhale further said this is first ever to visit after former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi`s visit to the country in 1988. On February 9, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Jordan, which was his transit to Palestine. The Prime Minister`s office expressed gratitude to King Abdullah II of Jordan for facilitating the transit. On his arrival in Amman, Modi was received by Jordan Prime Minister Hani Al-Mulki."Jordan`s King Abdullah II described it [the visit] as the beginning of the new chapter in our [India and Jordan] ties," Gokhale said, in a media briefing. The Prime Minister has invited the King of Jordon to make a state visit to India in late February for three days. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is looking forward to the visit. During the visit we [India and Jordan] will discuss several issues and also how to take the bilateral relationship forward," the foreign secretary added. India and Jordan enjoy friendly ties since diplomatic relations were established in 1950.

Modi's Jordan visit, first in three decades by Indian PM: Vijay Gokhale

There are no &quot;plans&quot; of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting at Davos next week, the external affairs ministry said today.

The annual meet of the WEF would be beginning on January 22. Modi would address the opening plenary on January 23.

&quot;As far as I am concerned there are no plans for meeting with the Pakistan Prime Minister,&quot; Secretary (Economic Relations) at the External Affairs Ministry Vijay Gokhale told reporters here.

He was responding to a query on whether Modi would be meeting his Pakistani counterpart as the latter would also be there at WEF on the same day.

The relations between India and Pakistan are strained following series of attacks by Pakistan-based terror groups and incidents of ceasefire violations, causing casualties on both sides.

When asked whether Modi would be meeting US President Donald Trump, he said the two will not be there on the same day.

This would be Modi&#39;s first Davos visit and also the first by an Indian prime minister since the one by H D Deve Gowda in 1997. In case of Trump, he would be the first US President to attend since Bill Clinton in 2000.

To a question on whether Modi is sending a message by not meeting Trump at the event, which has the theme of &#39;Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World&#39;, Gokhale said there were never any plans for the two leaders to meet.

&quot;Besides, this is a multilateral event and the Prime Minister&#39;s central message will be that we are an economy that can be an engine of global growth. We want others to participate in our growth and we also want to participate in others&#39; growth,&quot; he said.

There were never any plans for the two leaders to meet and therefore whether they are present at the same event and are not meeting is not important, he said, adding, &quot;Our focus has always been in a global economy that is open and inclusive&quot;.&nbsp;

The annual meet of the WEF would be beginning on January 22. Modi would address the opening plenary on January 23

There are no "plans" of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting at Davos next week, the external affairs ministry said today. The annual meet of the WEF would be beginning on January 22. Modi would address the opening plenary on January 23. "As far as I am concerned there are no plans for meeting with the Pakistan Prime Minister," Secretary (Economic Relations) at the External Affairs Ministry Vijay Gokhale told reporters here. He was responding to a query on whether Modi would be meeting his Pakistani counterpart as the latter would also be there at WEF on the same day. The relations between India and Pakistan are strained following series of attacks by Pakistan-based terror groups and incidents of ceasefire violations, causing casualties on both sides. When asked whether Modi would be meeting US President Donald Trump, he said the two will not be there on the same day. This would be Modi's first Davos visit and also the first by an Indian prime minister since the one by H D Deve Gowda in 1997. In case of Trump, he would be the first US President to attend since Bill Clinton in 2000. To a question on whether Modi is sending a message by not meeting Trump at the event, which has the theme of 'Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World', Gokhale said there were never any plans for the two leaders to meet. "Besides, this is a multilateral event and the Prime Minister's central message will be that we are an economy that can be an engine of global growth. We want others to participate in our growth and we also want to participate in others' growth," he said. There were never any plans for the two leaders to meet and therefore whether they are present at the same event and are not meeting is not important, he said, adding, "Our focus has always been in a global economy that is open and inclusive".

No plans of bilateral meeting between Modi and Pakistan PM in Davos: MEA

vijay-gokhale

Vijay Gokhale, News on Vijay Gokhale, stories on Vijay Gokhale, articles on Vijay Gokhale, Vijay Gokhale stories at Wion, Vijay Gokhale news, Vijay Gokhale latest news

vijay gokhale