Indian Army Chief General M M Naravane is on a two-day visit to the Jammu region where the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps will give him an update on security situation and operational preparedness, the Indian Army said.

The Indian Army said on Twitter on Monday: "General MM Naravane, COAS (Chief of Army Staff) is on a two-day visit to Jammu Region wherein GOC White Knight Corps will give an update on security situation and operational preparedness."

"COAS will visit forward areas and interact with troops and commanders on ground," it added.&nbsp;

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General MM Naravane <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COAS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COAS</a> is on a two day visit to Jammu Region wherein GOC White Knight Corps will give an update on security situation and operational preparedness. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COAS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COAS</a> will visit forward areas and interact with troops and commanders on ground. <a href="https://t.co/duufoKOCUT">pic.twitter.com/duufoKOCUT</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1450047467404267526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Army chief's visit comes in the backdrop of a spate of non-local civilian killings by terrorists.

Terrorists shot dead two non-local labourers and injured another on Sunday in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, the latest in the series of attacks targeting civilians.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-seven-terrorists-killed-in-five-operations-in-24-hours-420120">Jammu and Kashmir: Seven terrorists killed in five operations in 24 hours</a>

This was the third attack on non-local labourers in less than 24 hours. A street vendor from Bihar and a carpenter from Uttar Pradesh were shot dead by the ultras on Saturday evening.

Amid the spate of civilian killings, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had on Sunday vowed to avenge every drop of their blood by hunting down terrorists and their sympathisers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Army Chief General M M Naravane is on a two-day visit to the Jammu region where the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps will give him an update on security situation and operational preparedness, the Indian Army said.

Indian Army Chief General M M Naravane is on a two-day visit to the Jammu region where the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps will give him an update on security situation and operational preparedness, the Indian Army said. The Indian Army said on Twitter on Monday: "General MM Naravane, COAS (Chief of Army Staff) is on a two-day visit to Jammu Region wherein GOC White Knight Corps will give an update on security situation and operational preparedness." "COAS will visit forward areas and interact with troops and commanders on ground," it added. General MM Naravane #COAS is on a two day visit to Jammu Region wherein GOC White Knight Corps will give an update on security situation and operational preparedness. #COAS will visit forward areas and interact with troops and commanders on ground. pic.twitter.com/duufoKOCUT — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) October 18, 2021 × The Army chief's visit comes in the backdrop of a spate of non-local civilian killings by terrorists. Terrorists shot dead two non-local labourers and injured another on Sunday in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, the latest in the series of attacks targeting civilians. Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir: Seven terrorists killed in five operations in 24 hours This was the third attack on non-local labourers in less than 24 hours. A street vendor from Bihar and a carpenter from Uttar Pradesh were shot dead by the ultras on Saturday evening. Amid the spate of civilian killings, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had on Sunday vowed to avenge every drop of their blood by hunting down terrorists and their sympathisers. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid civilian killings, Indian Army chief visits Jammu to review security situation

The head of the US International Development Finance Corporation would be visiting India later this month as part of the Quad's efforts to boost vaccine manufacturing.

The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is a state-run development finance institution, which invests in development projects primarily in lower- and middle-income countries.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-experts-recommend-moderna-booster-for-older-and-at-risk-groups-420849">US experts recommend Moderna booster for older and at-risk groups</a>

Leading a high-powered delegation, DFC Chief Operating Officer (COO) David Marchick would travel to India from October 24 to 26.

In Hyderabad, the delegation will visit the offices of the Indian vaccine manufacturer Biological E and participate in a signing ceremony to open a new facility with substantial capacity for vaccine manufacturing, an official release said.

This work is in support of the historic commitment set out by President (Joe) Biden and his counterparts in the 'Quad' &nbsp;Australia, India, Japan and the United States," the DFC said in a statement.

Marchick would travel to India after his visit to South Africa beginning October 18. The travel to South Africa and India is to advance DFC investments helping boost global health and expand COVID-19 vaccine production capacity throughout the developing world.

DFC Vice President of Development Credit Jim Polan and other DFC senior staff will accompany the COO.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-allow-fully-vaccinated-travellers-from-november-8-white-house-421033">US to allow fully vaccinated travellers from November 8: White House&nbsp;</a>

During the South Africa tour, the DFC delegation will visit Africa Data Centres, a DFC client that is developing and expanding critical technology infrastructure throughout Africa. The delegation will tour the sterile facilities of Aspen Pharmacare, Africa's largest pharmaceutical manufacturer, in Gqeberha (formally known as Port Elizabeth), as well as meet with other pharmaceutical manufacturers critical to the COVID-19 response, a media release said.

Since day one of the Biden administration, President Biden has stated that the only way to defeat COVID-19 is to end the pandemic both at home and abroad by vaccinating Americans at home and non-Americans abroad,&nbsp;the DFC said.

The US has committed to donate 1.1 billion doses of Covid vaccines worldwide and has already shipped nearly 200 million doses to developing countries more doses than the rest of the world combined, it said.

The head of the US International Development Finance Corporation would be visiting India later this month as part of the Quad's efforts to boost vaccine manufacturing.

The head of the US International Development Finance Corporation would be visiting India later this month as part of the Quad's efforts to boost vaccine manufacturing. The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is a state-run development finance institution, which invests in development projects primarily in lower- and middle-income countries. Also Read | US experts recommend Moderna booster for older and at-risk groups Leading a high-powered delegation, DFC Chief Operating Officer (COO) David Marchick would travel to India from October 24 to 26. In Hyderabad, the delegation will visit the offices of the Indian vaccine manufacturer Biological E and participate in a signing ceremony to open a new facility with substantial capacity for vaccine manufacturing, an official release said. This work is in support of the historic commitment set out by President (Joe) Biden and his counterparts in the 'Quad' Australia, India, Japan and the United States," the DFC said in a statement. Marchick would travel to India after his visit to South Africa beginning October 18. The travel to South Africa and India is to advance DFC investments helping boost global health and expand COVID-19 vaccine production capacity throughout the developing world. DFC Vice President of Development Credit Jim Polan and other DFC senior staff will accompany the COO. Also Read | US to allow fully vaccinated travellers from November 8: White House During the South Africa tour, the DFC delegation will visit Africa Data Centres, a DFC client that is developing and expanding critical technology infrastructure throughout Africa. The delegation will tour the sterile facilities of Aspen Pharmacare, Africa's largest pharmaceutical manufacturer, in Gqeberha (formally known as Port Elizabeth), as well as meet with other pharmaceutical manufacturers critical to the COVID-19 response, a media release said. Since day one of the Biden administration, President Biden has stated that the only way to defeat COVID-19 is to end the pandemic both at home and abroad by vaccinating Americans at home and non-Americans abroad, the DFC said. The US has committed to donate 1.1 billion doses of Covid vaccines worldwide and has already shipped nearly 200 million doses to developing countries more doses than the rest of the world combined, it said.

US Development Finance Corporation chief to visit India to boost vaccine manufacturing

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will embark on a three-day official visit to Israel from Sunday, in the first high-level engagement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi government and the new Israeli government led by Naftali Bennett.

During his visit, the EAM Jaishankar will meet the top leadership of the Israel coalition government including Israeli PM Naftali Bennett, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/4-para-military-personnel-injured-in-accidental-blast-as-container-of-detonators-slips-while-boarding-train-421202">4 para military personnel injured in accidental blast as container of detonators slips while boarding train</a>

Israel's foreign secretary Alon Ushpiz tweeted his welcome for Jaishankar.

"Shubho Bijoya/Happy Dussehra to all of you, on the eve of @DrSJaishankar's important visit to Israel. India is a strategic partner and a very close friend."

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External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar to be on a three-day official visit to Israel from Sunday 
 
During his visit, the EAM will meet the top leadership of Israel including the PM, NSA and foreign minister 
 
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Jaishankar's Israel visit follows his three-nation tour of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Armenia.

India and Israel have traditionally enjoyed close ties and has over the years developed close "cooperation" in intelligence sharing and "counter insurgency" operations.

Although India had recognised the Jewish State of Israel way back in 1950, it established full diplomatic relations only in 1992.

Since then there has been an upswing in the relations between the two countries in view of the common concerns about religious extremism and global terrorism.

India has become a major buyer of Israeli armaments and Israel is among the key partners of India in agriculture.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will embark on a three-day official visit to Israel from Sunday, in the first high-level engagement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi government and the new Israeli government led by Naftali Bennett.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will embark on a three-day official visit to Israel from Sunday, in the first high-level engagement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi government and the new Israeli government led by Naftali Bennett. During his visit, the EAM Jaishankar will meet the top leadership of the Israel coalition government including Israeli PM Naftali Bennett, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata. Also Read | 4 para military personnel injured in accidental blast as container of detonators slips while boarding train Israel's foreign secretary Alon Ushpiz tweeted his welcome for Jaishankar. "Shubho Bijoya/Happy Dussehra to all of you, on the eve of @DrSJaishankar's important visit to Israel. India is a strategic partner and a very close friend." External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar to be on a three-day official visit to Israel from Sunday During his visit, the EAM will meet the top leadership of Israel including the PM, NSA and foreign minister (file photo) pic.twitter.com/191ytbxZPx — ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2021 × Jaishankar's Israel visit follows his three-nation tour of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Armenia. India and Israel have traditionally enjoyed close ties and has over the years developed close "cooperation" in intelligence sharing and "counter insurgency" operations. Although India had recognised the Jewish State of Israel way back in 1950, it established full diplomatic relations only in 1992. Since then there has been an upswing in the relations between the two countries in view of the common concerns about religious extremism and global terrorism. India has become a major buyer of Israeli armaments and Israel is among the key partners of India in agriculture.

India's external affairs minister Jaishankar to embark on three-day visit to Israel

Germany's lame-duck chancellor, Angela Merkel, was in Israel on Sunday for a final visit before leaving office.

The visit caps Merkel's 16 years in office, which were characterised by near unwavering support for Israel.

Following an inconclusive election last month, her eventual successor&nbsp;to be determined in lengthy coalition talks &nbsp;is not expected to change that approach.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-to-embark-on-three-nation-tour-today-419537">&nbsp;Jaishankar to embark on three-nation tour today</a>

Merkel was scheduled Sunday to meet Israel's new prime minister, Naftali Bennett, and visit Israel's national Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem.

Her talks with Israeli leaders were expected to focus on Iran's nuclear program.

Germany was a leading player in the 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran. The deal fell apart after then-President Donald Trump, with Israel's support, withdrew from the agreement in 2018. The Biden administration has been trying to revive that deal over Israeli objections.

Israel was formed in the wake of the Holocaust in 1948 and the two countries only established diplomatic ties in 1965.

But over the decades those ties have warmed.

Germany is Israel's largest trading partner in Europe and the German government has provided solid support to Israel during wars and diplomatic crises.

Merkel and the former Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, had a sometimes cool relationship due to poor personal chemistry and differences over the Palestinian issue.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-special-envoy-of-pm-modi-mos-lekhi-to-visit-serbia-to-attend-60th-anniversary-of-nam-419538">As special envoy of PM Modi, MoS Lekhi to visit Serbia to attend 60th anniversary of NAM</a>

Germany supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, while both Netanyahu and Bennett do not.

But these differences have done little to upset the broader partnership.

There were no plans for Merkel to meet Netanyahu, who is now Israel's opposition leader.

She also was not scheduled to meet with Palestinian leaders in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Oded Eran, a former Israeli ambassador to the European Union, said that Merkel built on the policies of her predecessors.

He cited security cooperations, defending Israel against criticism in the European Union and a tough stance on antisemitism.

Her predecessors started, but she certainly cemented it and brought it to new levels,&nbsp;he said.

Merkel was scheduled to visit in August, but the trip was postponed after the crisis in Afghanistan in which the Taliban seized power. She then delayed the visit until after last month's German election.

She now remains in office in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed, a process that could take weeks or even months.

Merkel's Christian Democratic Union had its worst-ever election result in the September 26 vote and the party's leader, Armin Laschet, has indicated his willingness to step aside.

The center-left Social Democrats, the environmentalist Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats held their first round of talks Thursday on forming a possible coalition. If they succeed, the alliance would send Merkel's bloc into opposition.

Germany's lame-duck chancellor, Angela Merkel, was in Israel on Sunday for a final visit before leaving office. The visit caps Merkel's 16 years in office, which were characterised by near unwavering support for Israel.

Germany's lame-duck chancellor, Angela Merkel, was in Israel on Sunday for a final visit before leaving office. The visit caps Merkel's 16 years in office, which were characterised by near unwavering support for Israel. Following an inconclusive election last month, her eventual successor to be determined in lengthy coalition talks is not expected to change that approach. Also Read | Jaishankar to embark on three-nation tour today Merkel was scheduled Sunday to meet Israel's new prime minister, Naftali Bennett, and visit Israel's national Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem. Her talks with Israeli leaders were expected to focus on Iran's nuclear program. Germany was a leading player in the 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran. The deal fell apart after then-President Donald Trump, with Israel's support, withdrew from the agreement in 2018. The Biden administration has been trying to revive that deal over Israeli objections. Israel was formed in the wake of the Holocaust in 1948 and the two countries only established diplomatic ties in 1965. But over the decades those ties have warmed. Germany is Israel's largest trading partner in Europe and the German government has provided solid support to Israel during wars and diplomatic crises. Merkel and the former Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, had a sometimes cool relationship due to poor personal chemistry and differences over the Palestinian issue. Also Read | As special envoy of PM Modi, MoS Lekhi to visit Serbia to attend 60th anniversary of NAM Germany supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, while both Netanyahu and Bennett do not. But these differences have done little to upset the broader partnership. There were no plans for Merkel to meet Netanyahu, who is now Israel's opposition leader. She also was not scheduled to meet with Palestinian leaders in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Oded Eran, a former Israeli ambassador to the European Union, said that Merkel built on the policies of her predecessors. He cited security cooperations, defending Israel against criticism in the European Union and a tough stance on antisemitism. Her predecessors started, but she certainly cemented it and brought it to new levels, he said. Merkel was scheduled to visit in August, but the trip was postponed after the crisis in Afghanistan in which the Taliban seized power. She then delayed the visit until after last month's German election. She now remains in office in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed, a process that could take weeks or even months. Merkel's Christian Democratic Union had its worst-ever election result in the September 26 vote and the party's leader, Armin Laschet, has indicated his willingness to step aside. The center-left Social Democrats, the environmentalist Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats held their first round of talks Thursday on forming a possible coalition. If they succeed, the alliance would send Merkel's bloc into opposition.

Germany's Merkel to meet Israeli leaders in farewell visit

With an aim to expand bilateral ties and discuss key regional issues, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a four-day visit to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Armenia from Sunday. The leaders are highly likely to discuss the developments in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

While announcing the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday, "The visit will provide an opportunity for reviewing the progress in our bilateral ties with the three countries as well as share views on developments in the region." &nbsp;&nbsp;

The visit will be a continuation of India's increased engagement with countries in its "extended neighbourhood". &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-defence-minister-lauds-coast-guard-for-ensuring-maritime-peace-security-saving-lives-419490" hreflang="en">Indian&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister&nbsp;lauds coast guard for ensuring maritime peace, security, saving lives&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

Jaishankar's first destination will be Kyrgyzstan, where he will hold talks with his counterpart apart from calling on the President of the nation, the MEA said. &nbsp;

"This will be his first visit to the country as the external affairs minister," the MEA said. Some agreements are also expected to be signed during the visit. &nbsp;

On October 11 and 12, Jaishankar will be in Kazakhstan to attend the 6th Ministerial meeting of the Conference of Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Nur-Sultan. Kazakhstan is the current chair of the grouping. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-maharaja-returned-home-timeline-of-air-india-disinvestment-419460" hreflang="en">How Maharaja returned 'home': Timeline of Air India disinvestment</a>

Jaishankar will hold talks with the deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Kazakhstan. &nbsp;

"The external affairs minister will be visiting Armenia on October 12 and 13. This will be the first-ever visit of an external affairs minister of India to independent Armenia," the MEA said. &nbsp;

The minister will have meetings with Armenian counterpart and Prime Minister. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With an aim to expand bilateral ties and discuss key regional issues, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a four-day visit to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Armenia from Sunday.

With an aim to expand bilateral ties and discuss key regional issues, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a four-day visit to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Armenia from Sunday. The leaders are highly likely to discuss the developments in Afghanistan. While announcing the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday, "The visit will provide an opportunity for reviewing the progress in our bilateral ties with the three countries as well as share views on developments in the region." The visit will be a continuation of India's increased engagement with countries in its "extended neighbourhood". Also Read: Indian defence minister lauds coast guard for ensuring maritime peace, security, saving lives Jaishankar's first destination will be Kyrgyzstan, where he will hold talks with his counterpart apart from calling on the President of the nation, the MEA said. "This will be his first visit to the country as the external affairs minister," the MEA said. Some agreements are also expected to be signed during the visit. On October 11 and 12, Jaishankar will be in Kazakhstan to attend the 6th Ministerial meeting of the Conference of Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Nur-Sultan. Kazakhstan is the current chair of the grouping. Also Read: How Maharaja returned 'home': Timeline of Air India disinvestment Jaishankar will hold talks with the deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Kazakhstan. "The external affairs minister will be visiting Armenia on October 12 and 13. This will be the first-ever visit of an external affairs minister of India to independent Armenia," the MEA said. The minister will have meetings with Armenian counterpart and Prime Minister. (With inputs from agencies)

From October 10 to 13, Jaishankar to visit Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Armenia

Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will be visiting India over the weekend, becoming the first head of government to visit New Delhi in over 20 months.&nbsp;

Delhi has been a busy capital, with a lot of incoming visits,&nbsp;but this was impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last such visit of any head of state was of Myanmar's President U Win Myint from February 26th to 29th, 2020.&nbsp;

That same month saw the high profile visit of then US President Donald Trump. He visited Indian states including, Ahmedabad, Agra and Delhi.

India was impacted by the devastating second wave of COVID-19 pandemic this year. However, the situation has improved significantly. 92.63 crore vaccine doses have been administered.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-crisis-eu-uk-us-denmark-pitch-in-to-assist-india-380206">Also read |&nbsp;Covid Crisis: EU, UK, US, Denmark pitch in to assist India</a>

The country has reported just 22,431 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;Active cases account for less than 1 per cent of the total cases, the lowest since March 2020, reveals government data. Recovery data is also highest since March 2020.

The visit of Denmark PM highlights India's increased engagement with the Nordics.&nbsp;

In September 2020, both India and Denmark held a virtual summit and established a unique and one of a kind ‘Green Strategic Partnership’. The partnership aims at green growth by focussing on an ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Denmark will also hold the next India-Nordic summit.

A release from the ministry of external affairs said, "India-Denmark bilateral relations are marked by regular high-level exchanges and are based on historical links, common democratic traditions and shared desire for regional as well as international peace and stability".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-covid-19-worries-second-india-nordic-summit-postponed-386017">Also read |&nbsp;Amid COVID-19 worries, second India-Nordic summit postponed</a>

Saturday will be the main day of engagement as both the Prime Ministers will hold talks.&nbsp;The visiting PM will be interacting with think tanks, students and members of civil society.&nbsp;

There are over 200 Danish companies present in India and over 60 Indian companies have a presence in Denmark. Both countries already have strong collaboration in the fields of renewable energy, clean technologies, water and waste management, agriculture and animal husbandry, science &amp; technology, digitisation including ICT, smart cities, shipping, etc.

Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will be visiting India over the weekend, becoming the first head of government to visit New Delhi in over 20 months. Delhi has been a busy capital, with a lot of incoming visits, but this was impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will be visiting India over the weekend, becoming the first head of government to visit New Delhi in over 20 months. Delhi has been a busy capital, with a lot of incoming visits, but this was impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last such visit of any head of state was of Myanmar's President U Win Myint from February 26th to 29th, 2020. That same month saw the high profile visit of then US President Donald Trump. He visited Indian states including, Ahmedabad, Agra and Delhi. India was impacted by the devastating second wave of COVID-19 pandemic this year. However, the situation has improved significantly. 92.63 crore vaccine doses have been administered. Also read | Covid Crisis: EU, UK, US, Denmark pitch in to assist India The country has reported just 22,431 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. Active cases account for less than 1 per cent of the total cases, the lowest since March 2020, reveals government data. Recovery data is also highest since March 2020. The visit of Denmark PM highlights India's increased engagement with the Nordics. In September 2020, both India and Denmark held a virtual summit and established a unique and one of a kind ‘Green Strategic Partnership’. The partnership aims at green growth by focussing on an ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Denmark will also hold the next India-Nordic summit. A release from the ministry of external affairs said, "India-Denmark bilateral relations are marked by regular high-level exchanges and are based on historical links, common democratic traditions and shared desire for regional as well as international peace and stability". Also read | Amid COVID-19 worries, second India-Nordic summit postponed Saturday will be the main day of engagement as both the Prime Ministers will hold talks. The visiting PM will be interacting with think tanks, students and members of civil society. There are over 200 Danish companies present in India and over 60 Indian companies have a presence in Denmark. Both countries already have strong collaboration in the fields of renewable energy, clean technologies, water and waste management, agriculture and animal husbandry, science & technology, digitisation including ICT, smart cities, shipping, etc.

With normalcy underway, Denmark PM to become first world leader to visit India in 20 months

A delegation of French senators led by a former defence minister arrived on Wednesday in Taiwan, where they will hold talks with President Tsai Ing-wen, despite strong protests from China.

Beijing opposes Taipei having any official diplomatic exchanges and has aggressively tried to dissuade politicians from visiting in recent years.

The Chinese embassy warned that the visit would damage the interests of China, Chinese-French relations and "the image of France" in recent comments on its website.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-abide-by-taiwan-agreement-says-biden-after-speaking-to-chinese-president-xi-418504">Ready to abide by Taiwan agreement, says Biden after speaking to Chinese President Xi</a>

France's foreign ministry has dismissed China's protests, saying the senators were free to make their own decisions about their travel plans.

The delegation will meet Tsai on Thursday before wrapping up their trip on Sunday, according to Taiwan's foreign ministry.

"The senators are making the visit despite threats from the Chinese ambassador to France, showing their steadfast commitment to the spirit of freedom and democracy," the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Chinese ambassador wrote to the leader of the French delegation, Alain Richard, in February, saying his visit would "clearly violate the one-China principle and send the wrong signal to pro-independence forces in Taiwan".

Richard chairs the French senate's Taiwan Friendship Group and previously visited the island in 2015 and 2018.

Beijing has ramped up pressure on self-ruled democratic Taiwan since Tsai came to power in 2016, as she views the island as a de facto sovereign nation and not part of its territory. 
&nbsp;

A delegation of French senators led by a former defence minister arrived on Wednesday in Taiwan, where they will hold talks with President Tsai Ing-wen, despite strong protests from China.

A delegation of French senators led by a former defence minister arrived on Wednesday in Taiwan, where they will hold talks with President Tsai Ing-wen, despite strong protests from China. Beijing opposes Taipei having any official diplomatic exchanges and has aggressively tried to dissuade politicians from visiting in recent years. The Chinese embassy warned that the visit would damage the interests of China, Chinese-French relations and "the image of France" in recent comments on its website. Also Read | Ready to abide by Taiwan agreement, says Biden after speaking to Chinese President Xi France's foreign ministry has dismissed China's protests, saying the senators were free to make their own decisions about their travel plans. The delegation will meet Tsai on Thursday before wrapping up their trip on Sunday, according to Taiwan's foreign ministry. "The senators are making the visit despite threats from the Chinese ambassador to France, showing their steadfast commitment to the spirit of freedom and democracy," the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. The Chinese ambassador wrote to the leader of the French delegation, Alain Richard, in February, saying his visit would "clearly violate the one-China principle and send the wrong signal to pro-independence forces in Taiwan". Richard chairs the French senate's Taiwan Friendship Group and previously visited the island in 2015 and 2018. Beijing has ramped up pressure on self-ruled democratic Taiwan since Tsai came to power in 2016, as she views the island as a de facto sovereign nation and not part of its territory.

French senators visit Taiwan despite China protests

For a farewell visit before her expected departure from office, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will travel to Israel next week, said Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Monday. &nbsp;

Merkel remained in power for around 16 years. &nbsp;

Citing the tense situation in Afghanistan, the leader had cancelled a planned trip from August 28 to 30 to Israel. At that time, the United States, Germany and others were evacuating personnel and several Afghans ahead of an August 31 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-polls-germany-looks-to-set-highway-speed-limit-418258" hreflang="en">After polls, Germany looks to set highway speed limit</a>

Merkel "will arrive here early next week for an important farewell visit", said Bennett in Israel's parliament. The leader had last visited Israel in 2018. &nbsp;

In power since 2005, Merkel plans to step down after a new government is formed. &nbsp;

Earlier, Germans voted in the national elections in a tight race between Social Democrats (SPD) and Merkel's CDU-CSU conservative alliance. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-warming-arctic-ice-at-a-record-low-and-sea-levels-rising-418244" hreflang="en">Global warming: Arctic ice at a record low and sea levels rising</a>

Olaf Scholz was heading the Social Democrat (SPD) while Merkel had backed Armin Laschet of the CDU-CSU. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chancellor Angela Merkel had also urged Germans to give her would-be successor Laschet their vote to shape Germany's future, in a last-ditch push to shore up his beleaguered campaign 24 hours before Germans vote. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

For a farewell visit before her expected departure from office, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will travel to Israel next week, said Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Monday.

For a farewell visit before her expected departure from office, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will travel to Israel next week, said Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Monday. Merkel remained in power for around 16 years. Citing the tense situation in Afghanistan, the leader had cancelled a planned trip from August 28 to 30 to Israel. At that time, the United States, Germany and others were evacuating personnel and several Afghans ahead of an August 31 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops. Also Read: After polls, Germany looks to set highway speed limit Merkel "will arrive here early next week for an important farewell visit", said Bennett in Israel's parliament. The leader had last visited Israel in 2018. In power since 2005, Merkel plans to step down after a new government is formed. Earlier, Germans voted in the national elections in a tight race between Social Democrats (SPD) and Merkel's CDU-CSU conservative alliance. Also Read: Global warming: Arctic ice at a record low and sea levels rising Olaf Scholz was heading the Social Democrat (SPD) while Merkel had backed Armin Laschet of the CDU-CSU. Chancellor Angela Merkel had also urged Germans to give her would-be successor Laschet their vote to shape Germany's future, in a last-ditch push to shore up his beleaguered campaign 24 hours before Germans vote. (With inputs from agencies)

For a farewell visit, Germany's Merkel to head to Israel next week  

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on the first day of the four-day visit to Sri Lanka, visited Lanka IOC (LIOC) tank farms in Trincomalee.

LIOC officials briefed him about the possibilities for further strengthening the India-Sri Lanka energy partnership to enhance the energy security of the maritime country.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla visited the Oil Tank Farms at Trincomalee today.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-secretary-shringla-begins-4-day-visit-to-sri-lanka-417551">Foreign Secretary Shringla begins 4-day visit to Sri Lanka</a>

"LIOC briefed him about the development undertaken at the Lower Tank Farms and the possibilities for further strengthening India-Sri Lanka energy partnership to enhance SL`s energy security," the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka said in a tweet.

Foreign Secretary Shringla on Saturday reached Sri Lanka`s Colombo on his four-day visit to the nation.

Jayanath Colombage, Sri Lanka`s Foreign Secretary and High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka, Gopal Bagley received Shringla upon his arrival in Colombo.

The visit of the Foreign Secretary will provide an opportunity to review bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka, the progress of ongoing bilateral projects and ongoing cooperation to tackle COVID-19 related disruptions.

Earlier this year, India supplied COVID-19 vaccines to Sri Lanka under the Neighbourhood First policy.&nbsp;

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on the first day of the four-day visit to Sri Lanka, visited Lanka IOC (LIOC) tank farms in Trincomalee. LIOC officials briefed him about the possibilities for further strengthening the India-Sri Lanka energy partnership to enhance the energy security of the maritime country.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on the first day of the four-day visit to Sri Lanka, visited Lanka IOC (LIOC) tank farms in Trincomalee. LIOC officials briefed him about the possibilities for further strengthening the India-Sri Lanka energy partnership to enhance the energy security of the maritime country. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla visited the Oil Tank Farms at Trincomalee today. Also read | Foreign Secretary Shringla begins 4-day visit to Sri Lanka "LIOC briefed him about the development undertaken at the Lower Tank Farms and the possibilities for further strengthening India-Sri Lanka energy partnership to enhance SL`s energy security," the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka said in a tweet. Foreign Secretary Shringla on Saturday reached Sri Lanka`s Colombo on his four-day visit to the nation. Jayanath Colombage, Sri Lanka`s Foreign Secretary and High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka, Gopal Bagley received Shringla upon his arrival in Colombo. The visit of the Foreign Secretary will provide an opportunity to review bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka, the progress of ongoing bilateral projects and ongoing cooperation to tackle COVID-19 related disruptions. Earlier this year, India supplied COVID-19 vaccines to Sri Lanka under the Neighbourhood First policy.

Foreign Secretary Shringla visits Lanka oil tank farms in Trincomalee

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Saturday began his four-day visit to Sri Lanka during which he will meet the top leadership, including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, and review the bilateral ties between India and the island nation.

Shringla arrived today at the invitation of his Lankan counterpart Jayanath Colombage, the foreign ministry said on Saturday.

The visit will contribute towards the long-standing multi-faceted relations and enhance bilateral partnership between the two countries, the ministry said in a press release.

Shringla will also visit the central district of Kandy, eastern port district of Trincomalee and the northern city of Jaffna.

This is his first Lanka visit after assuming the position of foreign secretary in January last year.

The visit of Shringla will provide an opportunity to review bilateral ties, progress of ongoing bilateral projects and ongoing cooperation to tackle Covid related disruptions, the Indian High Commission here said on Friday.

His visit came days after Ahmedabad-headquartered Indian multinational conglomerate Adani Group entered into an agreement with Lanka government owned Port Authority to develop the Colombo Port's West International Container Terminal.

The USD 700 million Build-Operate-Transfer deal is the largest foreign investment ever in the port sector of the island nation, the Lankan government has said.

Announcing Shringla's visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said Lanka occupies a central place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Shringla's visit signifies the importance both the countries attach to strengthening their close and cordial relations in all spheres of mutual interest.

His visit is taking place at a time when Lanka is reeling under economic hardships and he is likely to assess whether India could extend any assistance to the island nation to tide over the situation.

It is learnt that matters relating to the building of the western container terminal at the Colombo port are also likely to figure during the foreign secretary's visit to the neighbouring country.

In his talks in Colombo, Sringla is also expected to reiterate India's views on the long-pending Tamil issue.

India has been consistently calling upon Sri Lanka to fulfil its commitments to protect the interests of the Tamil community and preserve the island nation's character as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.

The Tamil community in Sri Lanka has been demanding the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution that provides for devolution of power to it. The 13th amendment was brought in after the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1987.&nbsp;

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Saturday began his four-day visit to Sri Lanka during which he will meet the top leadership, including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, and review the bilateral ties between India and the island nation.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Saturday began his four-day visit to Sri Lanka during which he will meet the top leadership, including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, and review the bilateral ties between India and the island nation. Shringla arrived today at the invitation of his Lankan counterpart Jayanath Colombage, the foreign ministry said on Saturday. The visit will contribute towards the long-standing multi-faceted relations and enhance bilateral partnership between the two countries, the ministry said in a press release. Shringla will also visit the central district of Kandy, eastern port district of Trincomalee and the northern city of Jaffna. This is his first Lanka visit after assuming the position of foreign secretary in January last year. The visit of Shringla will provide an opportunity to review bilateral ties, progress of ongoing bilateral projects and ongoing cooperation to tackle Covid related disruptions, the Indian High Commission here said on Friday. His visit came days after Ahmedabad-headquartered Indian multinational conglomerate Adani Group entered into an agreement with Lanka government owned Port Authority to develop the Colombo Port's West International Container Terminal. The USD 700 million Build-Operate-Transfer deal is the largest foreign investment ever in the port sector of the island nation, the Lankan government has said. Announcing Shringla's visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said Lanka occupies a central place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Shringla's visit signifies the importance both the countries attach to strengthening their close and cordial relations in all spheres of mutual interest. His visit is taking place at a time when Lanka is reeling under economic hardships and he is likely to assess whether India could extend any assistance to the island nation to tide over the situation. It is learnt that matters relating to the building of the western container terminal at the Colombo port are also likely to figure during the foreign secretary's visit to the neighbouring country. In his talks in Colombo, Sringla is also expected to reiterate India's views on the long-pending Tamil issue. India has been consistently calling upon Sri Lanka to fulfil its commitments to protect the interests of the Tamil community and preserve the island nation's character as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. The Tamil community in Sri Lanka has been demanding the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution that provides for devolution of power to it. The 13th amendment was brought in after the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1987.

Foreign Secretary Shringla begins 4-day visit to Sri Lanka

Netizens seem to be in for a treat with numerous hilarious videos doing rounds recently. In&nbsp;two of such peculiar videos,&nbsp;two young&nbsp;black&nbsp;bears&nbsp;in separate videos&nbsp;can be&nbsp;seen&nbsp;roaming around a mall&nbsp;in a curious manner&nbsp;in Tennessee,&nbsp;the United States.&nbsp;

The video, which was shared on&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;by&nbsp;the College Square Mall&nbsp;in Tennessee, shows one of the bears to be hanging out in front of some stores of the mall.&nbsp;The videos have caught the attention of the netizens.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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In the videos, the bears seem to be looking for something.&nbsp;In the caption of the first video, the mall authorities say,&nbsp;“Check out our visitor this morning looking for showtimes of Space Jam at AMC College Square 12! In all seriousness, please be cognizant of two bears in our area. Do not approach or feed the bears.”&nbsp;The video has already got more than&nbsp;65,000 views and the count is growing by every hour.&nbsp;

In another video, the&nbsp;bear can be seen peeking through the glass doors. It was shared by the mall on its&nbsp;Facebook account.&nbsp;Beverly Robeson-Brooks,&nbsp;an onlooker, had originally,&nbsp;captured&nbsp;this video.

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Both the clips have got several hits and numerous&nbsp;comments.&nbsp;Some asked about&nbsp;updates about the bears, while others shared how to be&nbsp;safe around them. Some just admired the video and opened their heart.&nbsp;A Facebook user wrote,&nbsp;“Aww it’s a baby bear.”&nbsp;

Netizens seem to be in for a treat with numerous hilarious videos doing rounds recently. In two of such peculiar videos, two young black bears in separate videos can be seen roaming around a mall in a curious manner in Tennessee, the United States.

Netizens seem to be in for a treat with numerous hilarious videos doing rounds recently. In two of such peculiar videos, two young black bears in separate videos can be seen roaming around a mall in a curious manner in Tennessee, the United States. The video, which was shared on Facebook by the College Square Mall in Tennessee, shows one of the bears to be hanging out in front of some stores of the mall. The videos have caught the attention of the netizens. × In the videos, the bears seem to be looking for something. In the caption of the first video, the mall authorities say, “Check out our visitor this morning looking for showtimes of Space Jam at AMC College Square 12! In all seriousness, please be cognizant of two bears in our area. Do not approach or feed the bears.” The video has already got more than 65,000 views and the count is growing by every hour. In another video, the bear can be seen peeking through the glass doors. It was shared by the mall on its Facebook account. Beverly Robeson-Brooks, an onlooker, had originally, captured this video. × Both the clips have got several hits and numerous comments. Some asked about updates about the bears, while others shared how to be safe around them. Some just admired the video and opened their heart. A Facebook user wrote, “Aww it’s a baby bear.”

Two bears ‘visit’ to mall makes netizens curious

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz will travel to France this week to discuss spyware sold by Israeli cyber firm NSO that was allegedly used to target French President Emmanuel Macron. 
 
Macron's phone was on a list of targets that were possibly under surveillance by Morocco, which used NSO Group's Pegasus software, according to France's Le Monde newspaper. The French leader has called for an investigation. 
 
Gantz will meet French Defence Minister Florence Parly on Wednesday, an official Israeli statement said. 
 
"Gantz will discuss the crisis in Lebanon and the developing agreement with Iran. He will also update the minister on the topic of NSO," it said. 
 
Israel's Defence Ministry oversees commercial exports of spyware and cyber-surveillance technologies like Pegasus. 
 
A global investigation published last week by 17 media organisations, led by the Paris-based non-profit journalism group Forbidden Stories, said Pegasus had been used in attempted and successful hacks of smartphones belonging to journalists, government officials and human rights activists. 
 
Israel has since set up a senior inter-ministerial team to assess any possible misuse of the spyware. 
 
NSO rejected the reports, saying it was "full of wrong assumptions and uncorroborated theories". Pegasus is intended for use only by government intelligence and law enforcement agencies to fight terrorism and crime, the company said. 
 
Gantz's trip was planned before the NSO affair and was meant to focus on the growing economic crisis in Lebanon, which shares a border with Israel, and on world powers' efforts to resume a nuclear deal with Iran, Israeli media said. 
 
Israel is concerned a revival of the deal may eventually allow its arch-foe Tehran to acquire atomic weapons. Iran denies seeking the bomb. Attempts to revive the 2015 accord, after then-President Donald Trump abandoned it in 2018, have been slow to make progress. 
 
France's foreign ministry said on Monday that Iran was endangering the chance of concluding an accord with world powers over reviving the deal if it did not return to the negotiating table soon.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz will travel to France this week to discuss spyware sold by Israeli cyber firm NSO that was allegedly used to target French President Emmanuel Macron.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz will travel to France this week to discuss spyware sold by Israeli cyber firm NSO that was allegedly used to target French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron's phone was on a list of targets that were possibly under surveillance by Morocco, which used NSO Group's Pegasus software, according to France's Le Monde newspaper. The French leader has called for an investigation. Gantz will meet French Defence Minister Florence Parly on Wednesday, an official Israeli statement said. "Gantz will discuss the crisis in Lebanon and the developing agreement with Iran. He will also update the minister on the topic of NSO," it said. Israel's Defence Ministry oversees commercial exports of spyware and cyber-surveillance technologies like Pegasus. A global investigation published last week by 17 media organisations, led by the Paris-based non-profit journalism group Forbidden Stories, said Pegasus had been used in attempted and successful hacks of smartphones belonging to journalists, government officials and human rights activists. Israel has since set up a senior inter-ministerial team to assess any possible misuse of the spyware. NSO rejected the reports, saying it was "full of wrong assumptions and uncorroborated theories". Pegasus is intended for use only by government intelligence and law enforcement agencies to fight terrorism and crime, the company said. Gantz's trip was planned before the NSO affair and was meant to focus on the growing economic crisis in Lebanon, which shares a border with Israel, and on world powers' efforts to resume a nuclear deal with Iran, Israeli media said. Israel is concerned a revival of the deal may eventually allow its arch-foe Tehran to acquire atomic weapons. Iran denies seeking the bomb. Attempts to revive the 2015 accord, after then-President Donald Trump abandoned it in 2018, have been slow to make progress. France's foreign ministry said on Monday that Iran was endangering the chance of concluding an accord with world powers over reviving the deal if it did not return to the negotiating table soon.

Israel defence minister to visit France to discuss Iran, row over NSO spyware Pegasus

At the invitation of Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will depart on a two-day visit to China on Friday, the Foreign Office (FO) said.&nbsp;

The two sides will discuss bilateral and strategic relations, and will take each other into confidence over the situation in Afghanistan said the minister in a video statement.&nbsp;

Qureshi said, "We will also discuss the regional situation and progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)." He added, the visit is likely to further strengthen ties between Pakistan and China.&nbsp;

The minister will also be accompanied by senior officials during the China visit on July 23 and 24, the FO said in a statement. It added the visit is part of the high-level exchanges between the two nations.&nbsp;

The two ministers are looking to discuss further deepening of bilateral relations, defence and security cooperation, Covid-19 vaccines, counter-terrorism, cooperation under CPEC, and regional and international issues of mutual interest, the statement added.&nbsp;

"The visit will play an important role in further strengthening Pakistan-China 'all-weather strategic cooperative partnership' and will expand strategic communication and coordination with China on a range of issues," the FO added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

At the invitation of Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will depart on a two-day visit to China on Friday, the Foreign Office (FO) said.

At the invitation of Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will depart on a two-day visit to China on Friday, the Foreign Office (FO) said. The two sides will discuss bilateral and strategic relations, and will take each other into confidence over the situation in Afghanistan said the minister in a video statement. Qureshi said, "We will also discuss the regional situation and progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)." He added, the visit is likely to further strengthen ties between Pakistan and China. The minister will also be accompanied by senior officials during the China visit on July 23 and 24, the FO said in a statement. It added the visit is part of the high-level exchanges between the two nations. The two ministers are looking to discuss further deepening of bilateral relations, defence and security cooperation, Covid-19 vaccines, counter-terrorism, cooperation under CPEC, and regional and international issues of mutual interest, the statement added. "The visit will play an important role in further strengthening Pakistan-China 'all-weather strategic cooperative partnership' and will expand strategic communication and coordination with China on a range of issues," the FO added. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan’s fmoreign Minister on two-day China visit

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to visit Kuwait on Wednesday to explore steps to further deepen India's ties with the oil-rich Gulf nation, diplomatic sources said.

The visit comes nearly three months after the two countries decided to establish a joint ministerial commission to formulate a framework to strengthen ties in sectors like energy, trade, investment, manpower and labour and information technology.

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah visited India in March during which both sides decided to set up of the joint commission.

Jaishankar is likely to carry a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah on ways to enhance bilateral ties, the sources said.

During his visit to India, Al-Sabah said that the 'catalogue of cooperation' between India and Kuwait is vast and that there were lots of avenues to explore further.

It was announced during Al-Sabah's visit to India that the joint commission at the level of foreign ministers will steer the relationship and will act as an umbrella body for all bilateral institutional engagements.

Kuwait has been supporting India in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic by supplying relief material as well as medical oxygen. Indian Navy ships have brought large quantity of medical oxygen from Kuwait in the last few weeks.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to visit Kuwait on Wednesday to explore steps to further deepen India's ties with the oil-rich Gulf nation, diplomatic sources said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to visit Kuwait on Wednesday to explore steps to further deepen India's ties with the oil-rich Gulf nation, diplomatic sources said. The visit comes nearly three months after the two countries decided to establish a joint ministerial commission to formulate a framework to strengthen ties in sectors like energy, trade, investment, manpower and labour and information technology. Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah visited India in March during which both sides decided to set up of the joint commission. Jaishankar is likely to carry a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah on ways to enhance bilateral ties, the sources said. During his visit to India, Al-Sabah said that the 'catalogue of cooperation' between India and Kuwait is vast and that there were lots of avenues to explore further. It was announced during Al-Sabah's visit to India that the joint commission at the level of foreign ministers will steer the relationship and will act as an umbrella body for all bilateral institutional engagements. Kuwait has been supporting India in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic by supplying relief material as well as medical oxygen. Indian Navy ships have brought large quantity of medical oxygen from Kuwait in the last few weeks.

EAM Jaishankar likely to visit Kuwait on Wednesday

South&nbsp;Korean President&nbsp;Moon&nbsp;Jae-in will&nbsp;visit&nbsp;US President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;in Washington&nbsp;on&nbsp;May&nbsp;21, the White House said Thursday.&nbsp;

"President&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;looks forward to working with President&nbsp;Moon&nbsp;to further strengthen our alliance and expand our close cooperation," White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Moon's&nbsp;visit&nbsp;will highlight the ironclad alliance between the United States and the&nbsp;Republic of Korea, and the broad and deep ties between our governments, people and economies," she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-us-show-differences-over-japan-governments-fukushima-plans-378353">South Korea, US show differences over Japan government's Fukushima plans&nbsp;</a>

Moon&nbsp;will be the second world leader to&nbsp;visit&nbsp;the White House since&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;took office in January after Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga met with the US leader earlier this month.&nbsp;

The meetings reflect&nbsp;Biden's priority&nbsp;on&nbsp;relationships with Asian allies as his administration continues to focus&nbsp;on&nbsp;competition with China.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin visited Seoul in March to reaffirm the two countries' united force against North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;and Beijing's growing ambitions.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-moon-replaces-pm-cabinet-ministers-after-election-defeat-377919">South Korea's Moon replaces PM, cabinet ministers after election defeat</a>

In a recent interview with The New York Times,&nbsp;Moon&nbsp;called&nbsp;on&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;to re-open negotiations with Pyongyang&nbsp;on&nbsp;the denuclearization of North&nbsp;Korea.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in will visit US President Joe Biden in Washington on May 21, the White House said Thursday. "President Biden looks forward to working with President Moon to further strengthen our alliance and expand our close cooperation," White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in will visit US President Joe Biden in Washington on May 21, the White House said Thursday. "President Biden looks forward to working with President Moon to further strengthen our alliance and expand our close cooperation," White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement. "Moon's visit will highlight the ironclad alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea, and the broad and deep ties between our governments, people and economies," she said. Also read | South Korea, US show differences over Japan government's Fukushima plans Moon will be the second world leader to visit the White House since Biden took office in January after Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga met with the US leader earlier this month. The meetings reflect Biden's priority on relationships with Asian allies as his administration continues to focus on competition with China. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin visited Seoul in March to reaffirm the two countries' united force against North Korea and Beijing's growing ambitions. Also read | South Korea's Moon replaces PM, cabinet ministers after election defeat In a recent interview with The New York Times, Moon called on Biden to re-open negotiations with Pyongyang on the denuclearization of North Korea.

South Korean President Moon to meet Biden at White House on May 21

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to begin his two-day bilateral visit to India on Monday, which will present an opportunity to discuss aspects of bilateral ties and review preparations for the pending India-Russia annual summit later this year.

"The visit will be a unique opportunity to discuss important aspects of our bilateral ties, also to review preparations for the next India Russia annual summit and also perhaps discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said.&nbsp;

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on Thursday had said the Russian Foreign Minister, during his visit, will hold talks with his counterpart External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar.

"The heads of the foreign affairs agencies will discuss the current state of bilateral relations, the preparation of the upcoming high-level meeting this year, including cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, will consider key topics on the regional, global agenda, assess approaches to the interaction between Russia and India on the international arena, including at the UN, BRICS," Zakharova added.

After India, Lavrov will visit Pakistan from April 6-7. The foreign minister’s visit to India comes as Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla visited the country in February this year where he met Lavrov and discussed wide-ranging Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries and ways to further strengthen it.

Shringla had said they discussed some regional and international issues of interest including cooperation in the UN and UNSC where India is a non-permanent member now.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to begin his two-day bilateral visit to India on Monday, which will present an opportunity to discuss aspects of bilateral ties and review preparations for the pending India-Russia annual summit later this year.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to begin his two-day bilateral visit to India on Monday, which will present an opportunity to discuss aspects of bilateral ties and review preparations for the pending India-Russia annual summit later this year. "The visit will be a unique opportunity to discuss important aspects of our bilateral ties, also to review preparations for the next India Russia annual summit and also perhaps discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on Thursday had said the Russian Foreign Minister, during his visit, will hold talks with his counterpart External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. "The heads of the foreign affairs agencies will discuss the current state of bilateral relations, the preparation of the upcoming high-level meeting this year, including cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, will consider key topics on the regional, global agenda, assess approaches to the interaction between Russia and India on the international arena, including at the UN, BRICS," Zakharova added. After India, Lavrov will visit Pakistan from April 6-7. The foreign minister’s visit to India comes as Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla visited the country in February this year where he met Lavrov and discussed wide-ranging Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries and ways to further strengthen it. Shringla had said they discussed some regional and international issues of interest including cooperation in the UN and UNSC where India is a non-permanent member now. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian Foreign Minister to begin two-day India visit tomorrow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi added much&nbsp;lustre&nbsp;to the ongoing birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh’s independence on his Dhaka visit (March 26-27). His bilateral talks on a wide range of issues with the top Bangladesh leadership, visit to a couple of Hindu temples, meeting with a cross section of politicians and minority leaders, and homage to father of the nation, Mujibur Rahman at&nbsp;Tungipara&nbsp;were well received. Similarly, awarding the Gandhi Peace prize posthumously to Bangabandhu was an outstanding gesture. Modi’s powerful and emotional rhetoric in praise of Sheikh Mujib and India’s relations with Bangladesh augured very well as Indo-BD ties were placed on a new pedestal by the historic recent trip by the Indian Prime Minister and Bangladesh exuded immense warmth and enthusiasm on the&nbsp;visit.&nbsp;

However,&nbsp;madarsa&nbsp;inspired fundamentalist religious outfit,&nbsp;Hefazat-e-Islam displayed while flexing its muscles by&nbsp;organising&nbsp;anti-Modi protest demonstrations in Dhaka and other cities of Bangladesh airing its ire on the Bangladesh government for having invited the Indian PM,&nbsp;who was alleged to have carried out discriminatory policies against the Muslims of India. Law enforcing agencies in Bangladesh used force to keep the protesting&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;cadres at bay. Closer to PM Modi’s departure to India, the elite Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) [equivalent to the Border Security Force (BSF) of India] was also deployed in Dhaka to maintain tranquil arising out of the&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;acts of vandalism and destruction of public property. That shows the seriousness and gravity of the prevailing emerging situation, then. It was indeed threatening.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Coincidentally, or otherwise,&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;led well planned and orchestrated violence engulfed parts of Dhaka, Narayanganj,&nbsp;Sunamgunj,&nbsp;Habigunj, Chittagong, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet and&nbsp;Munshigunj. Police stations were set alight, police officers in uniform targeted and worse,&nbsp;in many cases,&nbsp;Hindu temples were desecrated and in some places of worship, ornaments of the deity were allegedly looted. This instilled a sense of insecurity amongst the Hindu minority feeling terribly unsafe by the onslaught of the communal forces. In Brahmanbaria, the renowned Ustad Allauddin Khan music academy came under violent attack. Ustad Allauddin Khan, the legendary maestro, and father of Annapurna Devi and sarod player Ustad Ali Akbar Khan belonged to this&nbsp;city who later established the&nbsp;Maihar&nbsp;gharana in India. The assault on the academy named after the famous musician, shows to what extent the religious extremists can go to harm the hapless.&nbsp;

Amid these unfortunate unfolding of violent happenings, it becomes imperative to quickly examine how&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;e Islam got emboldened to go on such a violent spree when the government was at its feet to foil any protests? How could&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;be able to&nbsp;organise&nbsp;such&nbsp;large&nbsp;scale&nbsp;demonstrations in places other than the port city Chittagong which is its principal bastion? What are the internal and external forces which lent moral and material support to the protestors? These questions need to be answered sooner than later.&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;led violence cost more than scores of lives and wanton vandalism of property. Worryingly, violent attacks on the Hindu temples and defiling of the idols need to shake up the establishment more so as the country celebrates the twin occasions of Mujib centenary and 50 years of independence.&nbsp;

Minority communities have legitimate expectations from the Hasina-led government in place in Dhaka. She is seen as&nbsp;the&nbsp;saviour&nbsp;and protector of the minority. That trust merits to be maintained with no cushion for any deficit. Also, there has been a public perception that&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;was close to the ruling dispensation and enjoyed its patronage. In the year 2013, many liberals and bloggers were hacked to death.&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;was reportedly complicit in the killings. Subsequently, this outfit was extra vocal in removal of statues from the Supreme Court describing their presence as un-Islamic. Their demand was met giving rise to speculations that the government was accommodative to&nbsp;Hefazat&nbsp;diktats.&nbsp;During and after the Modi visit, they have raised their ugly head, again.&nbsp;

In the light of these developments, it’s equally important for the intelligence and security agencies to ascertain the source(s) of funding to such&nbsp;destabilising&nbsp;communalists’ inspired agitation. If any extraneous and hostile forces are involved, they ought to be exposed to prevent recurrences of such&nbsp;unsavoury&nbsp;incidents bringing embarrassment to a regime thought to be progressive. Further, we know Jamaat e Islami (JeI)&nbsp;stands de franchised but the elements remain and possibly alive and kicking.&nbsp;They, by deduction, may have infiltrated into&nbsp;Hefazat.&nbsp;Many&nbsp;Jamaatis&nbsp;who had collaborated with Pakistani occupation forces in 1971, had been hanged to death after trials by a tribunal. The communal forces fifty years ago had connived with the then West Pakistan army. It’s a sad commentary that when the country is&nbsp;celebrating today its half a century of&nbsp;independence,&nbsp;the same very forces are now attempting to undermine the spirit of liberation and supreme sacrifice of the millions of proud&nbsp;Bangalis. It’s time for harsher measures to contain the menace. The space being vulnerable, political opposition like the BNP may also like to fish in the troubled waters trying to&nbsp;capitalise&nbsp;on the developments. Prime Minister Hasina and her government would do well to act astutely and&nbsp;disallow any breathing space to their political adversary to surface over ground for any revival in active association with&nbsp;zealots.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi added much lustre to the ongoing birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh’s independence on his Dhaka visit (March 26-27).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi added much lustre to the ongoing birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh’s independence on his Dhaka visit (March 26-27). His bilateral talks on a wide range of issues with the top Bangladesh leadership, visit to a couple of Hindu temples, meeting with a cross section of politicians and minority leaders, and homage to father of the nation, Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara were well received. Similarly, awarding the Gandhi Peace prize posthumously to Bangabandhu was an outstanding gesture. Modi’s powerful and emotional rhetoric in praise of Sheikh Mujib and India’s relations with Bangladesh augured very well as Indo-BD ties were placed on a new pedestal by the historic recent trip by the Indian Prime Minister and Bangladesh exuded immense warmth and enthusiasm on the visit. However, madarsa inspired fundamentalist religious outfit, Hefazat-e-Islam displayed while flexing its muscles by organising anti-Modi protest demonstrations in Dhaka and other cities of Bangladesh airing its ire on the Bangladesh government for having invited the Indian PM, who was alleged to have carried out discriminatory policies against the Muslims of India. Law enforcing agencies in Bangladesh used force to keep the protesting Hefazat cadres at bay. Closer to PM Modi’s departure to India, the elite Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) [equivalent to the Border Security Force (BSF) of India] was also deployed in Dhaka to maintain tranquil arising out of the Hefazat acts of vandalism and destruction of public property. That shows the seriousness and gravity of the prevailing emerging situation, then. It was indeed threatening. Coincidentally, or otherwise, Hefazat led well planned and orchestrated violence engulfed parts of Dhaka, Narayanganj, Sunamgunj, Habigunj, Chittagong, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet and Munshigunj. Police stations were set alight, police officers in uniform targeted and worse, in many cases, Hindu temples were desecrated and in some places of worship, ornaments of the deity were allegedly looted. This instilled a sense of insecurity amongst the Hindu minority feeling terribly unsafe by the onslaught of the communal forces. In Brahmanbaria, the renowned Ustad Allauddin Khan music academy came under violent attack. Ustad Allauddin Khan, the legendary maestro, and father of Annapurna Devi and sarod player Ustad Ali Akbar Khan belonged to this city who later established the Maihar gharana in India. The assault on the academy named after the famous musician, shows to what extent the religious extremists can go to harm the hapless. Amid these unfortunate unfolding of violent happenings, it becomes imperative to quickly examine how Hefazat e Islam got emboldened to go on such a violent spree when the government was at its feet to foil any protests? How could Hefazat be able to organise such large scale demonstrations in places other than the port city Chittagong which is its principal bastion? What are the internal and external forces which lent moral and material support to the protestors? These questions need to be answered sooner than later. Hefazat led violence cost more than scores of lives and wanton vandalism of property. Worryingly, violent attacks on the Hindu temples and defiling of the idols need to shake up the establishment more so as the country celebrates the twin occasions of Mujib centenary and 50 years of independence. Minority communities have legitimate expectations from the Hasina-led government in place in Dhaka. She is seen as the saviour and protector of the minority. That trust merits to be maintained with no cushion for any deficit. Also, there has been a public perception that Hefazat was close to the ruling dispensation and enjoyed its patronage. In the year 2013, many liberals and bloggers were hacked to death. Hefazat was reportedly complicit in the killings. Subsequently, this outfit was extra vocal in removal of statues from the Supreme Court describing their presence as un-Islamic. Their demand was met giving rise to speculations that the government was accommodative to Hefazat diktats. During and after the Modi visit, they have raised their ugly head, again. In the light of these developments, it’s equally important for the intelligence and security agencies to ascertain the source(s) of funding to such destabilising communalists’ inspired agitation. If any extraneous and hostile forces are involved, they ought to be exposed to prevent recurrences of such unsavoury incidents bringing embarrassment to a regime thought to be progressive. Further, we know Jamaat e Islami (JeI) stands de franchised but the elements remain and possibly alive and kicking. They, by deduction, may have infiltrated into Hefazat. Many Jamaatis who had collaborated with Pakistani occupation forces in 1971, had been hanged to death after trials by a tribunal. The communal forces fifty years ago had connived with the then West Pakistan army. It’s a sad commentary that when the country is celebrating today its half a century of independence, the same very forces are now attempting to undermine the spirit of liberation and supreme sacrifice of the millions of proud Bangalis. It’s time for harsher measures to contain the menace. The space being vulnerable, political opposition like the BNP may also like to fish in the troubled waters trying to capitalise on the developments. Prime Minister Hasina and her government would do well to act astutely and disallow any breathing space to their political adversary to surface over ground for any revival in active association with zealots. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

﻿Shameful violence in aftermath of PM Modi’s Dhaka visit 

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met his Uzbekistan counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov on Thursday and discussed various bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that during Kamilov's two-day visit to New Delhi on February 24 and 25, both sides took stock of various aspects of bilateral cooperation between India and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

"They positively assessed the progress on the outcomes of the India-Uzbekistan Virtual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held on December 11, 2020. Both countries have been actively cooperating in the regional and multilateral formats including the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the India-Central Asia Dialogue," the statement said.&nbsp;

Foreign Minister Kamilov extended an invitation for participation in an international conference on regional connectivity being organised by Uzbekistan in Tashkent on July 15-16, 2021, MEA said.&nbsp;

The MEA also said that both Ministers also discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan and noted the importance of a stable and peaceful Afghanistan for regional peace, stability and security. &nbsp;

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was on a two-day visit to Mauritius, where he offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao. "Offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao this morning. Grateful to FM Alan Ganoo, Culture Minister Avinash Teeluck and Agriculture Minister Maneesh Gobin for joining me," Jaishankar said in a tweet. &nbsp;

This was the last leg of his two-nation tour. Earlier, he visited the Maldives. India and Mauritius had on Monday signed free trade agreement along with five key pacts. This was the first such agreement with an African country. The agreement was signed during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to the island nation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Jaishankar, who addressed the media with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, said India is privileged to have entered the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met his Uzbekistan counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov on Thursday and discussed various bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met his Uzbekistan counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov on Thursday and discussed various bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that during Kamilov's two-day visit to New Delhi on February 24 and 25, both sides took stock of various aspects of bilateral cooperation between India and Uzbekistan. "They positively assessed the progress on the outcomes of the India-Uzbekistan Virtual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held on December 11, 2020. Both countries have been actively cooperating in the regional and multilateral formats including the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the India-Central Asia Dialogue," the statement said. Foreign Minister Kamilov extended an invitation for participation in an international conference on regional connectivity being organised by Uzbekistan in Tashkent on July 15-16, 2021, MEA said. The MEA also said that both Ministers also discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan and noted the importance of a stable and peaceful Afghanistan for regional peace, stability and security. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was on a two-day visit to Mauritius, where he offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao. "Offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao this morning. Grateful to FM Alan Ganoo, Culture Minister Avinash Teeluck and Agriculture Minister Maneesh Gobin for joining me," Jaishankar said in a tweet. This was the last leg of his two-nation tour. Earlier, he visited the Maldives. India and Mauritius had on Monday signed free trade agreement along with five key pacts. This was the first such agreement with an African country. The agreement was signed during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to the island nation. Jaishankar, who addressed the media with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, said India is privileged to have entered the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius.

Jaishankar meets Uzbekistan counterpart, discusses issues of mutual interest

Imran Khan is on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka. His first visit to the island nation since becoming prime minister. On day one, they focused on boosting bilateral relations, expanding trade ties and attracting more investments but as the day ended, it became amply clear that Khan only wanted a new platform to push his anti-India agenda. Alongside, he also did some good PR for Pakistan's iron-brother China.&nbsp;

Imran Khan reached the residence of Sri Lankan prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa for dinner. A lavish banquet was held at Temple Trees. Imran Khan was visibly delighted with the reception. It followed one-on-one meetings and delegation-level-talks. Finally, a joint press briefing by the two prime ministers was held.&nbsp;

Imran Khan started by talking about inequality and why organisations like the United Nations need to look after countries that have been severely hit by the coronavirus. &nbsp;

Day one was about pleading for help and day two was about pushing propaganda for both Pakistan and China. Imran Khan attended a trade and investment conference and he admired China's rise. How China is helping Pakistan rise? He even invited Sri Lanka to join China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Then, it was the turn of Kashmir. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Knowing Khan would bring up Kashmir, Sri Lanka cancelled Khan's address to Parliament. Undeterred, he used a trade conference to talk about Kashmir. "My dream for the subcontinent is that we resolve our differences and our differences is only one, it’s the Kashmir issue. All we want is to resolve according to the UNSC resolution and this can only be resolved through dialogue," said Imran Khan, prime minister, Pakistan.&nbsp;

'Solve it through dialogue' is being said by the prime minister of a country that pursues terror as state policy. A country that pushes terrorists into the Kashmir valley. &nbsp;

Imran Khan should have instead raised the issue of forced cremations in Sri Lanka. Muslims and Christians, who died due to the coronavirus are being denied burials under Sri Lanka's new policy.&nbsp;

Every deceased man or woman, irrespective of their religion has to be cremated. The Islamic world is appalled at this as they are calling it an extension of Sri Lanka's persecution of Muslims. Imran Khan, who calls himself a leader of the Muslim world, chose to remain silent on it. Just like he does on the Uighur issue with China.&nbsp;

On February 15, Amnesty International wrote a letter to Imran Khan requesting him to take up the issue of forced cremations with Sri Lanka during his visit. It says 'honourable prime minister, we urge you to raise the issue of forced cremations at the highest levels possible during the visit to Sri Lanka'.&nbsp;

But he ignored it. Khan is looking forward to boost bilateral ties and the only point where he chose to embarrass his hosts was when he raised Kashmir. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Colombo must have prevailed later, because there was no mention of Kashmir in the joint statement as India is watching closely. It's an old relationship.&nbsp;

Pakistan is Sri Lanka's biggest trading partner in the region after India.&nbsp;

Pakistan is also trying to use its ancient Buddhist connections to promote cultural ties with Sri Lanka but the bedrock of this relationship is defence. Over the past three decades, Colombo has relied on Islamabad for military supplies. Lankan soldiers train in Pakistan. &nbsp;

Earlier this month, Sri Lanka also participated in Pakistan's multi-naval exercise, curiously named Aman, &nbsp;meaning peace, and of course, there's the old link of the president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa. As a young army officer in the 1970s, he went to Pakistan for an officers training course. &nbsp;

There's history, there's diplomacy, there's common interests and there's a common creditor in China to bind Sri Lanka and Pakistan. With the Rajapaksas in power, Sri Lanka was never going to be easy to navigate for New Delhi.&nbsp;

Imran Khan is on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka. His first visit to the island nation since becoming prime minister. On day one, they focused on boosting bilateral relations, expanding trade ties and attracting more investments but as the day ended, it became amply clear that Khan only wanted a new platform to push his anti-India agenda.

Imran Khan is on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka. His first visit to the island nation since becoming prime minister. On day one, they focused on boosting bilateral relations, expanding trade ties and attracting more investments but as the day ended, it became amply clear that Khan only wanted a new platform to push his anti-India agenda. Alongside, he also did some good PR for Pakistan's iron-brother China. Imran Khan reached the residence of Sri Lankan prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa for dinner. A lavish banquet was held at Temple Trees. Imran Khan was visibly delighted with the reception. It followed one-on-one meetings and delegation-level-talks. Finally, a joint press briefing by the two prime ministers was held. Imran Khan started by talking about inequality and why organisations like the United Nations need to look after countries that have been severely hit by the coronavirus. Day one was about pleading for help and day two was about pushing propaganda for both Pakistan and China. Imran Khan attended a trade and investment conference and he admired China's rise. How China is helping Pakistan rise? He even invited Sri Lanka to join China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Then, it was the turn of Kashmir. Knowing Khan would bring up Kashmir, Sri Lanka cancelled Khan's address to Parliament. Undeterred, he used a trade conference to talk about Kashmir. "My dream for the subcontinent is that we resolve our differences and our differences is only one, it’s the Kashmir issue. All we want is to resolve according to the UNSC resolution and this can only be resolved through dialogue," said Imran Khan, prime minister, Pakistan. 'Solve it through dialogue' is being said by the prime minister of a country that pursues terror as state policy. A country that pushes terrorists into the Kashmir valley. Imran Khan should have instead raised the issue of forced cremations in Sri Lanka. Muslims and Christians, who died due to the coronavirus are being denied burials under Sri Lanka's new policy. Every deceased man or woman, irrespective of their religion has to be cremated. The Islamic world is appalled at this as they are calling it an extension of Sri Lanka's persecution of Muslims. Imran Khan, who calls himself a leader of the Muslim world, chose to remain silent on it. Just like he does on the Uighur issue with China. On February 15, Amnesty International wrote a letter to Imran Khan requesting him to take up the issue of forced cremations with Sri Lanka during his visit. It says 'honourable prime minister, we urge you to raise the issue of forced cremations at the highest levels possible during the visit to Sri Lanka'. But he ignored it. Khan is looking forward to boost bilateral ties and the only point where he chose to embarrass his hosts was when he raised Kashmir. Colombo must have prevailed later, because there was no mention of Kashmir in the joint statement as India is watching closely. It's an old relationship. Pakistan is Sri Lanka's biggest trading partner in the region after India. Pakistan is also trying to use its ancient Buddhist connections to promote cultural ties with Sri Lanka but the bedrock of this relationship is defence. Over the past three decades, Colombo has relied on Islamabad for military supplies. Lankan soldiers train in Pakistan. Earlier this month, Sri Lanka also participated in Pakistan's multi-naval exercise, curiously named Aman, meaning peace, and of course, there's the old link of the president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa. As a young army officer in the 1970s, he went to Pakistan for an officers training course. There's history, there's diplomacy, there's common interests and there's a common creditor in China to bind Sri Lanka and Pakistan. With the Rajapaksas in power, Sri Lanka was never going to be easy to navigate for New Delhi.

Imran Khan pushes anti-India agenda on two-day Sri Lanka visit

US President Donald Trump watches WION, World is one. Just 5 days before his India visit he retweets WION. India all set to roll out the red carpet.

Donald Trump Retweets WION

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Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to visit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/death-toll-rises-to-37-in-pakistan-earthquake-as-families-bury-loved-ones-252018">earthquake-hit</a> areas of Mirpur district in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Monday.

He will stay in PoK for two-day and will also inspect the nearby areas on Tuesday.

Khan would be briefed about the damage and rescue relief and rehabilitation operations reported Dawn.

Last week, two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/one-dead-several-injured-in-58-magnitude-quake-near-jhelum-pakistan-government-official-251783">earthquakes</a> struck PoK and adjoining areas.

Chaudhry Mohammad Tayyab, the divisional commissioner of Mirpur, said that 40 people were killed while 680 others suffered injuries in Mirpur and Jhelum district of Pakistan's Punjab.

Tayyab has said that according to preliminary reports 454 concrete houses and 1200 Katcha houses had been destroyed. Meanwhile, 6,660 concrete and 500 Katcha houses were partially damaged.

Nearly 140 school building and 200 vehicles were also marred by the natural disaster.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/differing-narratives-while-pm-modi-ticks-all-boxes-at-un-pak-pm-harps-on-kashmir-252145">Khan was in New York</a> to attend 74th session of United Nations General Assembly during the disaster.

The Prime Minister had on Friday announced Pakistani Rupees 5 lakh compensation to people killed in the quake.

However, no compensation to injured has been issued yet.

Meanwhile, the government has deployed 22 teams, comprising 107 officials, to survey the area for property losses.

They are expected to file a report in the coming 10 days.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to visit earthquake-hit areas of Mirpur district in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Monday. He will stay in PoK for two-day and will also inspect the nearby areas on Tuesday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to visit earthquake-hit areas of Mirpur district in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Monday. He will stay in PoK for two-day and will also inspect the nearby areas on Tuesday. Khan would be briefed about the damage and rescue relief and rehabilitation operations reported Dawn. Last week, two earthquakes struck PoK and adjoining areas. Chaudhry Mohammad Tayyab, the divisional commissioner of Mirpur, said that 40 people were killed while 680 others suffered injuries in Mirpur and Jhelum district of Pakistan's Punjab. Tayyab has said that according to preliminary reports 454 concrete houses and 1200 Katcha houses had been destroyed. Meanwhile, 6,660 concrete and 500 Katcha houses were partially damaged. Nearly 140 school building and 200 vehicles were also marred by the natural disaster. Khan was in New York to attend 74th session of United Nations General Assembly during the disaster. The Prime Minister had on Friday announced Pakistani Rupees 5 lakh compensation to people killed in the quake. However, no compensation to injured has been issued yet. Meanwhile, the government has deployed 22 teams, comprising 107 officials, to survey the area for property losses. They are expected to file a report in the coming 10 days.

Imran Khan to visit earthquake-hit areas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

Punjab minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Thursday said that Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, along with MLAs, entire state cabinet and central government's representative will visit the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-corridor-indian-pakistan-officials-to-meet-wednesday-to-thrash-out-an-agreement-247409">Kartarpur Corridor</a> on the day of its opening.

"Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, MLAs, the entire state cabinet, a central government representative, who will flag off the first 'jatha,'&nbsp;and journalists, will visit Kartarpur Corridor on the day of its opening," Randhawa told ANI over the phone.

With less than two months to go for the historic 550th 'Prakash Purab'&nbsp;of Guru Nanak Dev, Captain Amarinder yesterday took stock of the ongoing construction work for the Kartarpur Corridor while sanctioning Rs 75.23 crore for widening and strengthening of the major roads leading to this iconic town.

On September 16, Pakistan had maintained that the Kartarpur Corridor for Indian pilgrims will be opened on November 9, three days before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

India has asked Pakistan to "reconsider" its decision to charge $20 as service charge from pilgrims to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan.

The corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Punjab minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Thursday said that Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, along with MLAs, entire state cabinet and central government's representative will visit the Kartarpur Corridor on the day of its opening.

Punjab minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Thursday said that Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, along with MLAs, entire state cabinet and central government's representative will visit the Kartarpur Corridor on the day of its opening. "Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, MLAs, the entire state cabinet, a central government representative, who will flag off the first 'jatha,' and journalists, will visit Kartarpur Corridor on the day of its opening," Randhawa told ANI over the phone. With less than two months to go for the historic 550th 'Prakash Purab' of Guru Nanak Dev, Captain Amarinder yesterday took stock of the ongoing construction work for the Kartarpur Corridor while sanctioning Rs 75.23 crore for widening and strengthening of the major roads leading to this iconic town. On September 16, Pakistan had maintained that the Kartarpur Corridor for Indian pilgrims will be opened on November 9, three days before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. India has asked Pakistan to "reconsider" its decision to charge $20 as service charge from pilgrims to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan. The corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Punjab chief minister, entire state cabinet to visit Kartarpur Corridor on day of opening

Nepal and China on Monday exchanged three agreements following bilateral talks between the Nepalese Minister of Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali and his visiting Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

The two countries have seen closer ties after KP Sharma Oli came into power as Nepal's Prime Minister for the second time.

As per the first agreement, China would build a well-equipped hospital in the Manang District of Nepal which is estimated to cost around 350 million Nepalese rupees.

The second agreement will see Beijing providing 5,000 sets of tarpaulins to Nepal, which would be used during the time of emergencies.

The third agreement is aimed at sending volunteer teachers to Nepal from China shortly.

With the signing of the agreement, Nepalese schools would start teaching the Mandarin language.

A few schools close to the Chinese Mission in Nepal had already started teaching the language earlier.

During his three-day visit, the Chinese Foreign Minister also announced 16 Million Nepalese rupees for flood victims in the landlocked nation.

The senior Nepalese officials and ministers present during the bilateral talks included Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Nepal's Ambassador to China Leela Mani Poudyal, Foreign Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi, Finance Secretary Rajan Khanal and the Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kali Prasad Pokharel, to name a few.

The Chinese side was led by Foreign Minister Wang Yi and included Chinese Foreign Secretary Lu Zhoubi, China's ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi, Vice-Chair of ChineseInternational Development Cooperation Agency, officials of the Asia Department at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other senior officials.

Wang arrived in Nepal on September 8 and is scheduled to return on September 10.

Nepal and China on Monday exchanged three agreements following bilateral talks between the Nepalese Minister of Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali and his visiting Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

Nepal and China on Monday exchanged three agreements following bilateral talks between the Nepalese Minister of Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali and his visiting Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. The two countries have seen closer ties after KP Sharma Oli came into power as Nepal's Prime Minister for the second time. As per the first agreement, China would build a well-equipped hospital in the Manang District of Nepal which is estimated to cost around 350 million Nepalese rupees. The second agreement will see Beijing providing 5,000 sets of tarpaulins to Nepal, which would be used during the time of emergencies. The third agreement is aimed at sending volunteer teachers to Nepal from China shortly. With the signing of the agreement, Nepalese schools would start teaching the Mandarin language. A few schools close to the Chinese Mission in Nepal had already started teaching the language earlier. During his three-day visit, the Chinese Foreign Minister also announced 16 Million Nepalese rupees for flood victims in the landlocked nation. The senior Nepalese officials and ministers present during the bilateral talks included Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Nepal's Ambassador to China Leela Mani Poudyal, Foreign Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi, Finance Secretary Rajan Khanal and the Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kali Prasad Pokharel, to name a few. The Chinese side was led by Foreign Minister Wang Yi and included Chinese Foreign Secretary Lu Zhoubi, China's ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi, Vice-Chair of ChineseInternational Development Cooperation Agency, officials of the Asia Department at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other senior officials. Wang arrived in Nepal on September 8 and is scheduled to return on September 10.

Nepal, China ink 3 agreements during Chinese FM's visit

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will travel to Washington on September 7 for talks with US President Donald Trump, a source in Ghani's administration told Sputnik on Friday.

According to the source, a 13-member delegation will accompany the Afghan leader.

The visit will come as Washington and the Taliban movement are making attempts to agree on a peace deal, under which US forces will withdraw from the country, while all the parties involved have concerns.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will travel to Washington on September 7 for talks with US President Donald Trump, a source in Ghani's administration told Sputnik on Friday.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will travel to Washington on September 7 for talks with US President Donald Trump, a source in Ghani's administration told Sputnik on Friday. According to the source, a 13-member delegation will accompany the Afghan leader. The visit will come as Washington and the Taliban movement are making attempts to agree on a peace deal, under which US forces will withdraw from the country, while all the parties involved have concerns.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to hold talks with Trump on September 7 in Washington: Report

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day state visit to Nepal, on Friday met Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, the Foreign Minister of Nepal.

Issues related to the trade deficit and low pace of the implementation of previous agreements were addressed during the delegation level talks held between them, Gyawali told ANI.

He said countries like Nepal want to be linked with various means. Boosting connectivity, through waterways, railways or through information technology can prove to be vital for Nepal's development, the foreign minister of the landlocked nation said.

"It is our consistent policy that Nepal doesn't allow anyone to misuse its territory. We have reiterated that principle. We have to be careful while maintaining the open border, which is a symbol of cordial relationship between both the countries," he added.

After holding talks over gamut of bilateral relations and inaugurating a hydropower project in Kathmandu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a number of tweets hailing the ties between India and Nepal.

PM Modi assured the Himalayan nation of India's support, saying "India stands shoulder to shoulder with Nepal."

He first began by commending Nepal for successfully holding elections at all three levels: federal, provincial and local levels.

Following the above tweet, he expressed India's commitment towards the economic development of Nepal.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi met with President of Nepal Bidhya Devi Bhandari and his Nepali counterpart KP Sharma Oli in Kathmandu.

PM Modi and Oli laid the foundation stone of Arun-III, a hydropower project in Kathmandu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Nepal's Muktinath Temple and met people at Nepal's Muktinath Temple.

After the visit to the temples, Prime Minister Modi is expected to engage with political leaders of various parties. He will attend the civic reception hosted by the mayor of Kathmandu and then depart for India on Saturday evening.

Prime Minister Modi arrived at the city of Janakpur in Nepal on Friday at about 10:45 am (local time).

He was received by Prime Minister Oli after which Prime Minister Modi performed puja at the Ram Janaki Temple and flagged off the shuttle bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya.

Issues related to the trade deficit and low pace of the implementation of previous agreements were addressed during the delegation level talks held between them, Gyawali told ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day state visit to Nepal, on Friday met Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, the Foreign Minister of Nepal. Issues related to the trade deficit and low pace of the implementation of previous agreements were addressed during the delegation level talks held between them, Gyawali told ANI. He said countries like Nepal want to be linked with various means. Boosting connectivity, through waterways, railways or through information technology can prove to be vital for Nepal's development, the foreign minister of the landlocked nation said. "It is our consistent policy that Nepal doesn't allow anyone to misuse its territory. We have reiterated that principle. We have to be careful while maintaining the open border, which is a symbol of cordial relationship between both the countries," he added. After holding talks over gamut of bilateral relations and inaugurating a hydropower project in Kathmandu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a number of tweets hailing the ties between India and Nepal. PM Modi assured the Himalayan nation of India's support, saying "India stands shoulder to shoulder with Nepal." He first began by commending Nepal for successfully holding elections at all three levels: federal, provincial and local levels. Following the above tweet, he expressed India's commitment towards the economic development of Nepal. Earlier in the day, PM Modi met with President of Nepal Bidhya Devi Bhandari and his Nepali counterpart KP Sharma Oli in Kathmandu. PM Modi and Oli laid the foundation stone of Arun-III, a hydropower project in Kathmandu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Nepal's Muktinath Temple and met people at Nepal's Muktinath Temple. After the visit to the temples, Prime Minister Modi is expected to engage with political leaders of various parties. He will attend the civic reception hosted by the mayor of Kathmandu and then depart for India on Saturday evening. Prime Minister Modi arrived at the city of Janakpur in Nepal on Friday at about 10:45 am (local time). He was received by Prime Minister Oli after which Prime Minister Modi performed puja at the Ram Janaki Temple and flagged off the shuttle bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya.

Discussed trade deficit with PM Modi: Nepal's Foreign Minister

The United Nations Security Council, after visiting the Rohingya camp here on Sunday, said that there was no magic solution.

UN Security Council envoys began a four-day visit to Bangladesh and Myanmar on Saturday to see firsthand the aftermath of a Myanmar military crackdown that Britain, the United States and others have denounced as ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims.

The UNSC team comprising of delegates from five permanent members China, France, Russia, UK and the US, and 10 other non-permanent members visited the Kutupalong refugee camp at Tombru border in Bandarban's Naikhyangchhari to assess the plight of the refugees there.

They are due to meet Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and travel to Rakhine state, where the violence erupted eight months ago. Myanmar denies the accusations of ethnic cleansing.

The Rohingya refugees arrived at the location, holding several posters and demanding safe repatriation back to Myanmar.

As per the Daily Star, at least 700,000 Rohingya people have fled to Myanmar since violence escalated following a military crackdown in Rakhine state back in August 2017.

The visit puts a global spotlight back on the crisis amid warnings by the United Nations, aid groups and Myanmar’s panel of international advisers on Rohingya issues that the coming monsoon season would likely worsen the humanitarian situation.

“We have to push to see how we can speed up the process of the implementation of the bilateral agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar,” said Kuwait’s U.N. Ambassador Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi.

Bangladesh has earlier assured assistance to the UN Security Council to help in the repatriation process.

Earlier on April 16, the Myanmar government said in a Facebook post that a family of five had returned to the country from the border area between Bangladesh and Myanmar.

This claim was rejected by a Europe-based website named Rohingya Blogger which called it to be a deception. 
&nbsp;

The UNSC team comprising of delegates from five permanent members China, France, Russia, UK and the US, and 10 other non-permanent members visited the Kutupalong refugee camp at Tombru border in Bandarban's Naikhyangchhari to assess the plight of the refugees there

The United Nations Security Council, after visiting the Rohingya camp here on Sunday, said that there was no magic solution. UN Security Council envoys began a four-day visit to Bangladesh and Myanmar on Saturday to see firsthand the aftermath of a Myanmar military crackdown that Britain, the United States and others have denounced as ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims. The UNSC team comprising of delegates from five permanent members China, France, Russia, UK and the US, and 10 other non-permanent members visited the Kutupalong refugee camp at Tombru border in Bandarban's Naikhyangchhari to assess the plight of the refugees there. They are due to meet Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Myanmar’s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and travel to Rakhine state, where the violence erupted eight months ago. Myanmar denies the accusations of ethnic cleansing. The Rohingya refugees arrived at the location, holding several posters and demanding safe repatriation back to Myanmar. As per the Daily Star, at least 700,000 Rohingya people have fled to Myanmar since violence escalated following a military crackdown in Rakhine state back in August 2017. The visit puts a global spotlight back on the crisis amid warnings by the United Nations, aid groups and Myanmar’s panel of international advisers on Rohingya issues that the coming monsoon season would likely worsen the humanitarian situation. “We have to push to see how we can speed up the process of the implementation of the bilateral agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar,” said Kuwait’s U.N. Ambassador Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi. Bangladesh has earlier assured assistance to the UN Security Council to help in the repatriation process. Earlier on April 16, the Myanmar government said in a Facebook post that a family of five had returned to the country from the border area between Bangladesh and Myanmar. This claim was rejected by a Europe-based website named Rohingya Blogger which called it to be a deception.

UN Security Council puts spotlight on Rohingya refugee crisis, says no magic solution

Nearly five days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bijapur, an exchange of fire took place between Maoists and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel here on Monday.

The skirmish took place on Monday morning in Mahadeoghat area on the Bijapur-Bhopalpatnam road when a team of 85th battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was out on an area-domination operation, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg said.

As per reports, the CRPF troops, along with Chhattisgarh police, were out for area domination when two improvised explosive devices (IED) blasts occurred, followed by a brief exchange of fire.

However, no loss of life or casualty was reported.

Today's exchange of fire comes less than ten days after a security force personnel was injured in an IED blast here in Chinnakorepal village of the district.

As per statistics, as many as 47 security personnel have been killed in Chhattisgarh's Naxal-affected Bastar region since 2005.

Among the major incidents in which insurgents targeted the anti-mine vehicles include the killing of 22 CRPF jawans in September 2005 in Bijapur district, when Naxalites had reportedly used 200 kg of IED to blow up the vehicle.

On a related note, Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit Bijapur on April 14.

The exchange of fire took place in the forest area between Mahadev Ghati and Chinnabodkel in Bijapur between Maoists and troops of the CRPF's 85 Battalion.

Nearly five days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bijapur, an exchange of fire took place between Maoists and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel here on Monday. The skirmish took place on Monday morning in Mahadeoghat area on the Bijapur-Bhopalpatnam road when a team of 85th battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was out on an area-domination operation, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg said. As per reports, the CRPF troops, along with Chhattisgarh police, were out for area domination when two improvised explosive devices (IED) blasts occurred, followed by a brief exchange of fire. However, no loss of life or casualty was reported. Today's exchange of fire comes less than ten days after a security force personnel was injured in an IED blast here in Chinnakorepal village of the district. As per statistics, as many as 47 security personnel have been killed in Chhattisgarh's Naxal-affected Bastar region since 2005. Among the major incidents in which insurgents targeted the anti-mine vehicles include the killing of 22 CRPF jawans in September 2005 in Bijapur district, when Naxalites had reportedly used 200 kg of IED to blow up the vehicle. On a related note, Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit Bijapur on April 14.

Chhattisgarh: Ahead of PM Modi's visit, 2 blasts in Bijapur

India and Japan on Thursday discussed various issues including terrorism, economic development, and mutual cooperation, a joint statement by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday arrived in Japan's capital Tokyo on a three-day visit to Japan during which she will co-chair the Ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

According to the statement, the two leaders exchanged views on Japan's role in the economic development of India, and in the view of Tokyo's contribution in the development of foreign countries, the two countries discussed development schemes in Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

Describing terrorism as a black spot in the world and agreeing to tackle the menace together, Swaraj emphasised on the need to demolish terrorist safe havens, destroy terror networks and stall the terrorists' plans to launch attacks on foreign territories.

Kono and Swaraj welcomed the constantly increasing interaction between the people of the two countries, including economists, Members of Parliament and scholars.

India-Japan ties have been on the upswing after the bilateral relationship was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Japan in 2014.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s visit to India in September last year for the annual bilateral summit gave fresh impetus to the ties. During that visit, the ground-breaking ceremony of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project, to be built with Japanese aid, was also held.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday arrived in Japan's capital Tokyo on a three-day visit to Japan during which she will co-chair the Ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono

India and Japan on Thursday discussed various issues including terrorism, economic development, and mutual cooperation, a joint statement by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday arrived in Japan's capital Tokyo on a three-day visit to Japan during which she will co-chair the Ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. According to the statement, the two leaders exchanged views on Japan's role in the economic development of India, and in the view of Tokyo's contribution in the development of foreign countries, the two countries discussed development schemes in Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Describing terrorism as a black spot in the world and agreeing to tackle the menace together, Swaraj emphasised on the need to demolish terrorist safe havens, destroy terror networks and stall the terrorists' plans to launch attacks on foreign territories. Kono and Swaraj welcomed the constantly increasing interaction between the people of the two countries, including economists, Members of Parliament and scholars. India-Japan ties have been on the upswing after the bilateral relationship was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Japan in 2014. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s visit to India in September last year for the annual bilateral summit gave fresh impetus to the ties. During that visit, the ground-breaking ceremony of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project, to be built with Japanese aid, was also held.

India, Japan aim to combat terrorism, build economic development, mutual cooperation

Former Congress chief and Rae Bareli MP Sonia Gandhi canceled her visit last moment after concerns over her health, reports said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Gandhi, who had plans to go to her parliamentary constituency for a one-day visit after about two years, canceled last moment due to &quot;unavoidable reasons,&quot; her representative K L Sharma said.&nbsp;

Sharma had informed the representatives in Rae&nbsp;Bareli about the update on Friday night, District Congress President VK Shukla said.

&quot;Gandhi&#39;s day-long visit has been canceled due to unavoidable reasons. We informed district officials about it late last night,&quot; her representative K L Sharma said.&nbsp;

Gandhi was to inaugurate various schemes from MP&#39;s discretionary fund at Bhuemau guest house and meet party leaders there.&nbsp;

Gandhi was to inaugurate various schemes from MP's discretionary fund at Bhuemau guest house and meet party leaders there

Former Congress chief and Rae Bareli MP Sonia Gandhi canceled her visit last moment after concerns over her health, reports said on Saturday. Gandhi, who had plans to go to her parliamentary constituency for a one-day visit after about two years, canceled last moment due to "unavoidable reasons," her representative K L Sharma said. Sharma had informed the representatives in Rae Bareli about the update on Friday night, District Congress President VK Shukla said. "Gandhi's day-long visit has been canceled due to unavoidable reasons. We informed district officials about it late last night," her representative K L Sharma said. Gandhi was to inaugurate various schemes from MP's discretionary fund at Bhuemau guest house and meet party leaders there.

Sonia Gandhi cancels visit to Rae Bareli

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Gujarat&#39;s Surat on Saturday.

Here he will also hand over certificates to beneficiaries of various official schemes.

The Prime Minister will visit Chennai, Puducherry and Gujarat in the next two days.

Modi will inaugurate projects worth Rs 1,000 crore in Daman city on February 24 and flag off the marathon in Surat the next day.

&quot;On February 24, Modi will lay the foundation stones for projects including a water treatment plant, a gas pipeline, an electric sub-station, a municipal market, a footbridge among others,&quot; SS Yadav, Adviser to Administrator of

Daman, Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, said today.

The PM will also launch a helicopter service between Daman and Diu, and an Air Odisha flight service connecting Ahmedabad with Diu, he said.

The PM will also launch a helicopter service between Daman and Diu, and an Air Odisha flight service connecting Ahmedabad with Diu, he said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Gujarat's Surat on Saturday. Here he will also hand over certificates to beneficiaries of various official schemes. The Prime Minister will visit Chennai, Puducherry and Gujarat in the next two days. Modi will inaugurate projects worth Rs 1,000 crore in Daman city on February 24 and flag off the marathon in Surat the next day. "On February 24, Modi will lay the foundation stones for projects including a water treatment plant, a gas pipeline, an electric sub-station, a municipal market, a footbridge among others," SS Yadav, Adviser to Administrator of Daman, Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, said today. The PM will also launch a helicopter service between Daman and Diu, and an Air Odisha flight service connecting Ahmedabad with Diu, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Surat

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