PM Modi will be leaving for Osaka, Japan today for a three-day visit during which he will be meeting a host of world leaders and take part in the 14th G20 Summit. He will be arriving in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-has-become-a-vital-forum-to-address-the-most-pressing-issues-brazil-ambassador-to-india-andre-aranha-correa-do-lago-230443">Osaka on 27th and on 28th and 29th</a>&nbsp;the Indian prime minister will take part in the G20 summit, his sixth since 2014 and first in his second term.

PM Modi's first bilateral on day one will be with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Japanese PM was the first foreign leader to congratulate PM Modi on phone on his re-election on May 23rd.

The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be visiting India later this year for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan.

Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which Japan announced it will be joining the New Delhi-led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement.&nbsp;

PM Modi will be taking part in more than ten bilaterals and pull-asides at the summit. He will be meeting US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron &nbsp;He met Chinese and Russian leaders on the sidelines of Shanghai cooperation organization Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan just two weeks ago.

The important trilaterals will also happen, the JAI meet - Japan, America, India grouping and RIC meet - Russia, India and China trilaterals. Besides this, a permanent fixture has been informal the BRICS Summit.

The informal meet between Modi-Xi during the informal BRICS summit at the 2017 Hamburg G20 acted as a major ice-breaker between the two countries in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis.

New Delhi is expected to strongly raise the issue of economic offenders and black money. Other than this climate change, counter-terrorism, disaster resilient infrastructure, reformed multilateralism, WTO reforms will be other focus for India.&nbsp;

The summit is happening in the backdrop of trade wars between World's number 1 and number 2 economies - US and China and Washington's diminishing commitment to global trade body - world trade organization(WTO).

The annual gathering of the world's power club will have plenty to talk about including the much talked about meeting between US president Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping to resolve issues on trade. The US-Iran tiff is also expected to dominate the discourse.

The theme of this year's summit under the Japanese Presidency is "human centred future society” and focus will be on a range of issues from Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence to Inclusive and Sustainable World and pressing issues like Energy and Environment, Global Health, Climate change and Marine plastic waste.&nbsp;

G20 emerged in the backdrop of Asian financial crisis in 1999 when it was a forum of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of developing and developed countries.&nbsp;

After the 2008 global financial crisis, it took shape in its present forum and has summits across the world. G20 members represent around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product, over 75 per cent of global trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

PM Modi will be leaving for Osaka, Japan today for a three-day visit during which he will be meeting a host of world leaders and take part in the 14th G20 Summit.

PM Modi will be leaving for Osaka, Japan today for a three-day visit during which he will be meeting a host of world leaders and take part in the 14th G20 Summit. He will be arriving in Osaka on 27th and on 28th and 29th the Indian prime minister will take part in the G20 summit, his sixth since 2014 and first in his second term. PM Modi's first bilateral on day one will be with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Japanese PM was the first foreign leader to congratulate PM Modi on phone on his re-election on May 23rd. The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be visiting India later this year for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan. Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which Japan announced it will be joining the New Delhi-led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement. PM Modi will be taking part in more than ten bilaterals and pull-asides at the summit. He will be meeting US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron He met Chinese and Russian leaders on the sidelines of Shanghai cooperation organization Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan just two weeks ago. The important trilaterals will also happen, the JAI meet - Japan, America, India grouping and RIC meet - Russia, India and China trilaterals. Besides this, a permanent fixture has been informal the BRICS Summit. The informal meet between Modi-Xi during the informal BRICS summit at the 2017 Hamburg G20 acted as a major ice-breaker between the two countries in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis. New Delhi is expected to strongly raise the issue of economic offenders and black money. Other than this climate change, counter-terrorism, disaster resilient infrastructure, reformed multilateralism, WTO reforms will be other focus for India. The summit is happening in the backdrop of trade wars between World's number 1 and number 2 economies - US and China and Washington's diminishing commitment to global trade body - world trade organization(WTO). The annual gathering of the world's power club will have plenty to talk about including the much talked about meeting between US president Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping to resolve issues on trade. The US-Iran tiff is also expected to dominate the discourse. The theme of this year's summit under the Japanese Presidency is "human centred future society” and focus will be on a range of issues from Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence to Inclusive and Sustainable World and pressing issues like Energy and Environment, Global Health, Climate change and Marine plastic waste. G20 emerged in the backdrop of Asian financial crisis in 1999 when it was a forum of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of developing and developed countries. After the 2008 global financial crisis, it took shape in its present forum and has summits across the world. G20 members represent around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product, over 75 per cent of global trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

PM Modi to leave for G20 Summit today; first bilateral meeting with Japan PM Shinzo Abe

Georgia's opposition continued protests on Sunday as thousands gathered in front of the parliament building in the center of Tbilisi. Watch the full video to know more.

Protest in Georgia continues for fourth day

Several thousand anti-government protesters took to the streets of the Georgian capital Tbilisi for a fourth day on Sunday as tensions rose between Moscow and its ex-Soviet neighbour.

The Tbilisi protests erupted after a Russian lawmaker addressed parliament from the speaker's seat last week, a hugely sensitive move for two countries whose ties remain strained after a brief war in 2008.

The rallies have quickly morphed into a broader movement against billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, widely believed to be calling the shots in Georgia as a leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party he founded.

Demonstrators have gathered in front of the imposing building of Georgia's parliament, flooding the capital's main Rustavi Avenue and blocking traffic.&nbsp;

Protest placards took aim at billionaire tycoon Ivanishvili and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who in response to the protests has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-orders-suspension-of-passenger-flights-from-russia-to-georgia-229392">banned Russian airlines from flying to Georgia</a> and Georgian air carriers travelling to Russia.

"Russia will not enslave my country again!" read one of the placards.

Chanting "Resign!" protesters marched at midnight towards the seat of the Georgian government which was encircled by a police cordon.

Waving Georgia's five-cross red-and-white flags, they sang the national anthem and -- before dispersing -- vowed to resume protest on Monday at 1500 GMT.

'Against Putinism'

In another sign of the tense atmosphere, dozens of riot police were deployed outside Ivanishvili's hilltop residence that overlooks Tbilisi, according to footage broadcast by Rustavi-2, a pro-opposition television channel earlier Sunday.

The Kremlin has branded the Tbilisi protests a "Russophobic provocation" and suspended air travel from July 8, in a move criticised by many Russians.

The protesters said they were against Putin and not ordinary Russians.

"We are fighting against Putinism," prominent Georgian novelist Lasha Bugadze said at the rally on Sunday.

"We've got no problems whatsoever with the Russian people, we are not xenophobes."

Ahead of planned parliamentary polls next year, the opposition is demanding electoral reform and snap elections, hoping to capitalise on discontent with the ruling party over its failure to kickstart a stagnant economy.&nbsp;

Opposition parties have also accused Ivanishvili of an "informal oligarch rule," eroding state institutions, and electoral fraud.

The first day of the protests saw a violent police crackdown that left 160 demonstrators and 80 police officers injured. More than 300 people were arrested.&nbsp;

Media reports said that several protesters –- including a 19-year-old girl -- that were hit by rubber bullets have lost their sight.

'Fed up'

The leader of Georgia's opposition Republican Party, Levan Berdzenishvili, told AFP that the appearance of a Russian MP in parliament's plenary chamber "was the last straw for Georgians, long frustrated over Ivanishvili's dysfunctional government and the backsliding of the country's democracy."

"Ordinary Georgians and political parties are united in their resolve to get rid of oligarchic rule," the veteran politician added.

"We are fed up, Russia's puppet Ivanishvili has usurped power in Georgia," said Kakha Vasadze, a 28-year-old musician.

Soso Gagoshvili, a 56-year-old chemist, said Ivanishvili must go. "Oligarchic rule has no place in the 21st century."

Relations between Georgia and its Soviet-era master Russia have long been fractured over Tbilisi's bid to join the European Union and NATO.&nbsp;

The confrontation culminated in a full-out war over Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in August 2008.

After the war, which claimed the lives of hundreds of soldiers and civilians from both sides, Moscow recognised South Ossetia and another separatist enclave, Abkhazia, as independent states where it then stationed permanent military bases.

Tbilisi and its Western allies have denounced the move as an "illegal military occupation."

The two regions constitute 20 per cent of Georgia's territory.

Several thousand anti-government protesters took to the streets of the Georgian capital Tbilisi for a fourth day on Sunday as tensions rose between Moscow and its ex-Soviet neighbour.

Several thousand anti-government protesters took to the streets of the Georgian capital Tbilisi for a fourth day on Sunday as tensions rose between Moscow and its ex-Soviet neighbour. The Tbilisi protests erupted after a Russian lawmaker addressed parliament from the speaker's seat last week, a hugely sensitive move for two countries whose ties remain strained after a brief war in 2008. The rallies have quickly morphed into a broader movement against billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, widely believed to be calling the shots in Georgia as a leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party he founded. Demonstrators have gathered in front of the imposing building of Georgia's parliament, flooding the capital's main Rustavi Avenue and blocking traffic. Protest placards took aim at billionaire tycoon Ivanishvili and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who in response to the protests has banned Russian airlines from flying to Georgia and Georgian air carriers travelling to Russia. "Russia will not enslave my country again!" read one of the placards. Chanting "Resign!" protesters marched at midnight towards the seat of the Georgian government which was encircled by a police cordon. Waving Georgia's five-cross red-and-white flags, they sang the national anthem and -- before dispersing -- vowed to resume protest on Monday at 1500 GMT. 'Against Putinism' In another sign of the tense atmosphere, dozens of riot police were deployed outside Ivanishvili's hilltop residence that overlooks Tbilisi, according to footage broadcast by Rustavi-2, a pro-opposition television channel earlier Sunday. The Kremlin has branded the Tbilisi protests a "Russophobic provocation" and suspended air travel from July 8, in a move criticised by many Russians. The protesters said they were against Putin and not ordinary Russians. "We are fighting against Putinism," prominent Georgian novelist Lasha Bugadze said at the rally on Sunday. "We've got no problems whatsoever with the Russian people, we are not xenophobes." Ahead of planned parliamentary polls next year, the opposition is demanding electoral reform and snap elections, hoping to capitalise on discontent with the ruling party over its failure to kickstart a stagnant economy. Opposition parties have also accused Ivanishvili of an "informal oligarch rule," eroding state institutions, and electoral fraud. The first day of the protests saw a violent police crackdown that left 160 demonstrators and 80 police officers injured. More than 300 people were arrested. Media reports said that several protesters –- including a 19-year-old girl -- that were hit by rubber bullets have lost their sight. 'Fed up' The leader of Georgia's opposition Republican Party, Levan Berdzenishvili, told AFP that the appearance of a Russian MP in parliament's plenary chamber "was the last straw for Georgians, long frustrated over Ivanishvili's dysfunctional government and the backsliding of the country's democracy." "Ordinary Georgians and political parties are united in their resolve to get rid of oligarchic rule," the veteran politician added. "We are fed up, Russia's puppet Ivanishvili has usurped power in Georgia," said Kakha Vasadze, a 28-year-old musician. Soso Gagoshvili, a 56-year-old chemist, said Ivanishvili must go. "Oligarchic rule has no place in the 21st century." Relations between Georgia and its Soviet-era master Russia have long been fractured over Tbilisi's bid to join the European Union and NATO. The confrontation culminated in a full-out war over Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in August 2008. After the war, which claimed the lives of hundreds of soldiers and civilians from both sides, Moscow recognised South Ossetia and another separatist enclave, Abkhazia, as independent states where it then stationed permanent military bases. Tbilisi and its Western allies have denounced the move as an "illegal military occupation." The two regions constitute 20 per cent of Georgia's territory.

Georgian protesters slam 'Putinism', raise pressure on oligarch

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the suspension of Russian passenger flights to Georgia, this is after Georgia's Capital witnessed violent protests.

Georgia Unrest: Protests over Russian lawmaker's visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin has temporarily banned passenger flights from Russia to Georgia, the Kremlin said on Friday following an outbreak of unrest in Tbilisi triggered by the visit of a Russian lawmaker.

The Kremlin said it was also recommending travel agencies suspend tours to Georgia from Russia.

Violence flared in the Georgian capital late on Thursday, where police used tear gas and rubber bullets to stop angry crowds storming parliament.

The crowds were angry about the visit of a Russian delegation led by Sergei Gavrilov, a member of Russia's lower house of parliament, who was taking part in an event designed to foster relations between Orthodox Christian lawmakers.

Hundreds of people, both protesters and police officers, were injured, some seriously, as demonstrators pushed against lines of riot police, threw bottles and stones, and grabbed shields, drawing a tough response.

Though ostensibly about how Georgia handles relations with Russia, with whom it fought and lost a brief war in 2008, opposition parties are seeking to seize the moment to press much wider and unrelated demands and called on people to take to the streets again on Friday evening.

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili called Russia "an enemy and occupier" and suggested Moscow had helped trigger the protests, while the Kremlin on Friday blamed radical Georgian politicians for what it called "an anti-Russian provocation".

Russian President Vladimir Putin has temporarily banned passenger flights from Russia to Georgia, the Kremlin said on Friday following an outbreak of unrest in Tbilisi triggered by the visit of a Russian lawmaker.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has temporarily banned passenger flights from Russia to Georgia, the Kremlin said on Friday following an outbreak of unrest in Tbilisi triggered by the visit of a Russian lawmaker. The Kremlin said it was also recommending travel agencies suspend tours to Georgia from Russia. Violence flared in the Georgian capital late on Thursday, where police used tear gas and rubber bullets to stop angry crowds storming parliament. The crowds were angry about the visit of a Russian delegation led by Sergei Gavrilov, a member of Russia's lower house of parliament, who was taking part in an event designed to foster relations between Orthodox Christian lawmakers. Hundreds of people, both protesters and police officers, were injured, some seriously, as demonstrators pushed against lines of riot police, threw bottles and stones, and grabbed shields, drawing a tough response. Though ostensibly about how Georgia handles relations with Russia, with whom it fought and lost a brief war in 2008, opposition parties are seeking to seize the moment to press much wider and unrelated demands and called on people to take to the streets again on Friday evening. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili called Russia "an enemy and occupier" and suggested Moscow had helped trigger the protests, while the Kremlin on Friday blamed radical Georgian politicians for what it called "an anti-Russian provocation".

Vladimir Putin orders suspension of passenger flights from Russia to Georgia

Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated his 66th birthday Saturday alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, who surprised him with ice cream, the Kremlin said in a statement. The two leaders met in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, where they were attending the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

Chinese President Xi Jinping Gets A Special Gift From Putin

The Kremlin on Tuesday said Moscow had been the victim of US cyberattacks "for years" following a New York Times report that Washington is stepping up digital incursions into Russia's power grid.

"We -- I'm talking about several of our financial and media organisations, state institutions and critical infrastructure -- have been under attack for several years," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

The cyberattacks "come from various Western countries, including the US," he added.&nbsp;

Peskov said that President Vladimir Putin had "several times suggested to Washington and his American counterpart to work together in the field of cybersecurity. These suggestions have been rejected by our American colleagues."

The Times at the weekend reported current and former government officials describing the classified deployment of American computer code inside Russia's power grid and other targets.

The action is intended partly as a warning but also to leave the US poised to conduct cyberstrikes in the event of a major conflict with Russia, the newspaper said.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump reacted with fury to the report, calling it on Twitter a "virtual act of Treason" and rejecting the paper's claims.&nbsp;

The Times report came after an investigation by US special counsel Robert Mueller of alleged hacking by Russia's GRU intelligence agency and social media manipulation by Russia's Internet Research Agency to benefit Trump's election campaign.

The Kremlin on Tuesday said Moscow had been the victim of US cyberattacks "for years" following a New York Times report that Washington is stepping up digital incursions into Russia's power grid.

The Kremlin on Tuesday said Moscow had been the victim of US cyberattacks "for years" following a New York Times report that Washington is stepping up digital incursions into Russia's power grid. "We -- I'm talking about several of our financial and media organisations, state institutions and critical infrastructure -- have been under attack for several years," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. The cyberattacks "come from various Western countries, including the US," he added. Peskov said that President Vladimir Putin had "several times suggested to Washington and his American counterpart to work together in the field of cybersecurity. These suggestions have been rejected by our American colleagues." The Times at the weekend reported current and former government officials describing the classified deployment of American computer code inside Russia's power grid and other targets. The action is intended partly as a warning but also to leave the US poised to conduct cyberstrikes in the event of a major conflict with Russia, the newspaper said. US President Donald Trump reacted with fury to the report, calling it on Twitter a "virtual act of Treason" and rejecting the paper's claims. The Times report came after an investigation by US special counsel Robert Mueller of alleged hacking by Russia's GRU intelligence agency and social media manipulation by Russia's Internet Research Agency to benefit Trump's election campaign.

Russia says victim of US cyberattacks 'for years'

Russia on Tuesday urged the United States and Iran&nbsp;to show restraint as it warned against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-deployment-of-1000-additional-troops-to-middle-east-amid-iran-tensions-228136">additional troop approval in the Middle East</a> by the US.

Speaking to local media, President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "We are urging all the sides to show restraint", adding, "We would prefer not to see any steps that could introduce additional tensions in the already unstable region."

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also told the US to&nbsp;cease actions that looked like a conscious attempt to provoke war with Iran, news agency Reuters reported.

"Now what we see are unending and sustained US attempts to crank up political, psychological, economic and yes military pressure on Iran in quite a provocative way. They (these actions) cannot be assessed as anything but a conscious course to provoke war," Ryabkov was cited as saying.

If Washington did not want war it had to show it, he said.

"If that's really how it is then the US should step back from reinforcing its military presence," said Ryabkov.

The US on Monday approved the deployment of 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East while it is in the midst of soaring tension with Iran.

Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan said in a statement that the troops were being sent "for defensive purposes to address air, naval, and ground-based threats in the Middle East."&nbsp;

"The recent Iranian attacks validate the reliable, credible intelligence we have received on hostile behaviour by Iranian forces and their proxy groups that threaten United States personnel and interests across the region," Shanahan said.

The US has blamed Iran for last week's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-iran-written-all-over-tanker-attacks-227168">attacks on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman</a>, a charge Tehran has denied as "baseless."

"The United States does not seek conflict with Iran," the statement said, adding that the deployment aimed "to ensure the safety and welfare of our military personnel working throughout the region and to protect our national interests."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gulf-of-oman-tanker-attacks-un-chief-pushes-for-an-independent-probe-as-iran-rejects-us-blame-227226">Tensions between Tehran and Washington</a> have escalated ever since the US quit a multi-nation nuclear deal with Iran.&nbsp;

Washington has imposed crippling sanctions, bolstered its military presence in the region and blacklisted Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Tuesday urged the United States and Iran to show restraint as it warned against the additional troop approval in the Middle East by the US. Speaking to local media, President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "We are urging all the sides to show restraint", adding, "We would prefer not to see any steps that could introduce additional tensions in the already unstable region.

Russia on Tuesday urged the United States and Iran to show restraint as it warned against the additional troop approval in the Middle East by the US. Speaking to local media, President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "We are urging all the sides to show restraint", adding, "We would prefer not to see any steps that could introduce additional tensions in the already unstable region." Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also told the US to cease actions that looked like a conscious attempt to provoke war with Iran, news agency Reuters reported. "Now what we see are unending and sustained US attempts to crank up political, psychological, economic and yes military pressure on Iran in quite a provocative way. They (these actions) cannot be assessed as anything but a conscious course to provoke war," Ryabkov was cited as saying. If Washington did not want war it had to show it, he said. "If that's really how it is then the US should step back from reinforcing its military presence," said Ryabkov. The US on Monday approved the deployment of 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East while it is in the midst of soaring tension with Iran. Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan said in a statement that the troops were being sent "for defensive purposes to address air, naval, and ground-based threats in the Middle East." "The recent Iranian attacks validate the reliable, credible intelligence we have received on hostile behaviour by Iranian forces and their proxy groups that threaten United States personnel and interests across the region," Shanahan said. The US has blamed Iran for last week's attacks on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman, a charge Tehran has denied as "baseless." "The United States does not seek conflict with Iran," the statement said, adding that the deployment aimed "to ensure the safety and welfare of our military personnel working throughout the region and to protect our national interests." Tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated ever since the US quit a multi-nation nuclear deal with Iran. Washington has imposed crippling sanctions, bolstered its military presence in the region and blacklisted Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia warns US over extra troop deployment to Middle East

Japanese police Monday arrested a man suspected of stabbing a police officer in the chest and stealing his gun near Osaka, just days before world leaders fly into the city for a G20 summit.

The 33-year-old suspect, who denies the charges, was in possession of an ID document showing he was mentally disabled, an Osaka regional police detective told AFP.

The police officer, 22, is still in a coma, the detective added. His gun was found later with one bullet missing.

The incident, a rare case of violent crime in Japan, hit national headlines due to the proximity of the attack to the G20, which will be held in the western city on June 28 and 29.

"We have not yet studied what impact this will have on the G20 security plan," Takahisa Ishida, chief of the Osaka police, told local media.

US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be among the leaders jetting in for the summit, with tens of thousands of aides in tow.&nbsp;

More than 25,000 police officers will reportedly be mobilised to provide security in Osaka during the summit meetings.

"We will do our best on security measures ahead of the G20 next week," top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters Monday when asked about the incident.

A recent meeting of G20 finance ministers in the western city of Fukuoka was held under extremely high security, with areas around the meeting in total lockdown.

Japanese police Monday arrested a man suspected of stabbing a police officer in the chest and stealing his gun near Osaka, just days before world leaders fly into the city for a G20 summit.

Japanese police Monday arrested a man suspected of stabbing a police officer in the chest and stealing his gun near Osaka, just days before world leaders fly into the city for a G20 summit. The 33-year-old suspect, who denies the charges, was in possession of an ID document showing he was mentally disabled, an Osaka regional police detective told AFP. The police officer, 22, is still in a coma, the detective added. His gun was found later with one bullet missing. The incident, a rare case of violent crime in Japan, hit national headlines due to the proximity of the attack to the G20, which will be held in the western city on June 28 and 29. "We have not yet studied what impact this will have on the G20 security plan," Takahisa Ishida, chief of the Osaka police, told local media. US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be among the leaders jetting in for the summit, with tens of thousands of aides in tow. More than 25,000 police officers will reportedly be mobilised to provide security in Osaka during the summit meetings. "We will do our best on security measures ahead of the G20 next week," top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters Monday when asked about the incident. A recent meeting of G20 finance ministers in the western city of Fukuoka was held under extremely high security, with areas around the meeting in total lockdown.

Police officer stabbed ahead of G20 summit in Japan

The Kremlin said Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin and US counterpart Donald Trump could meet briefly at the G20 in Japan next week.

The leaders will not hold a full-scale meeting at the Group of 20 summit in Osaka starting June 28, however, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, saying Washington has not reached out to organise one.

"There's no news on a possible full-scale meeting between Putin and Trump in Osaka," Peskov said. "That means the American side has still not formulated any initiatives or proposals on this."

Peskov added that "one can't rule out a brief meeting between them while they are standing up, but this won't be a full-scale meeting."

Trump said last week that he would meet Putin on the sidelines of the summit but told a reporter he wanted other people to be present at their meeting because "you people (journalists) don't trust anything."

The US leader said last month he would meet with Putin at the G20, but the Kremlin indicated at the time there was no agreement on a bilateral meeting.

On Tuesday, Trump is set to formally announce his bid for re-election in 2020.

The Kremlin said Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin and US counterpart Donald Trump could meet briefly at the G20 in Japan next week. The leaders will not hold a full-scale meeting at the Group of 20 summit in Osaka starting June 28, however, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, saying Washington has not reached out to organise one.

The Kremlin said Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin and US counterpart Donald Trump could meet briefly at the G20 in Japan next week. The leaders will not hold a full-scale meeting at the Group of 20 summit in Osaka starting June 28, however, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, saying Washington has not reached out to organise one. "There's no news on a possible full-scale meeting between Putin and Trump in Osaka," Peskov said. "That means the American side has still not formulated any initiatives or proposals on this." Peskov added that "one can't rule out a brief meeting between them while they are standing up, but this won't be a full-scale meeting." Trump said last week that he would meet Putin on the sidelines of the summit but told a reporter he wanted other people to be present at their meeting because "you people (journalists) don't trust anything." The US leader said last month he would meet with Putin at the G20, but the Kremlin indicated at the time there was no agreement on a bilateral meeting. On Tuesday, Trump is set to formally announce his bid for re-election in 2020.

President Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump could meet briefly at G20: Russia

Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated his 66th birthday on Saturday with Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-xi-jinping-hit-back-at-us-dominance-at-russia-economic-forum-225330">Vladimir Putin</a>, who Xi considers a close friend and who gave Xi ice cream as a present, Chinese state media reported.

The discussion of senior leaders' private lives is extremely rare in China, and the exact birth dates of most of them are not revealed publicly, as they are considered a state secret.

State television showed pictures of Xi and Putin holding up champagne glasses to toast Xi's birthday at the hotel he is staying at in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, where they are both attending a regional summit.

<img alt="Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0142aed6-0cf7-4546-8a06-c8b868e20e7e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_9.jpg" />

(Picture source: AFP)

While Putin gave Xi Russian ice cream - the flavour was not mentioned - Xi gave Putin back some Chinese tea, the report said.

Xi thanked Putin and said that in China, Putin was extremely popular, it added.

Pictures on Chinese state television's website showed the two men inspecting a white cake decorated with red and blue confectionary flowers with the words written on it, in somewhat shaky red-coloured Chinese characters, "good fortune double six".

It was not immediately clear if Xi ate any of the cake.

Watch: Putin and Xi meet pandas and visit Bolshoi

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&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated his 66th birthday on Saturday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who Xi considers a close friend and who gave Xi ice cream as a present, Chinese state media reported.

Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated his 66th birthday on Saturday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who Xi considers a close friend and who gave Xi ice cream as a present, Chinese state media reported. The discussion of senior leaders' private lives is extremely rare in China, and the exact birth dates of most of them are not revealed publicly, as they are considered a state secret. State television showed pictures of Xi and Putin holding up champagne glasses to toast Xi's birthday at the hotel he is staying at in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, where they are both attending a regional summit. (Picture source: AFP) While Putin gave Xi Russian ice cream - the flavour was not mentioned - Xi gave Putin back some Chinese tea, the report said. Xi thanked Putin and said that in China, Putin was extremely popular, it added. Pictures on Chinese state television's website showed the two men inspecting a white cake decorated with red and blue confectionary flowers with the words written on it, in somewhat shaky red-coloured Chinese characters, "good fortune double six". It was not immediately clear if Xi ate any of the cake. Watch: Putin and Xi meet pandas and visit Bolshoi ×

Russia's Vladimir Putin gives China's Xi Jinping ice cream on his 66th birthday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a delegation-level talk on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek on Thursday.

During the meet, PM thanked Russian President Putin for the "support for the rifle manufacturing unit in Amethi''.

In March of 2019, Prime Minister inaugurated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-provided-stability-and-momentum-to-india-china-ties-pm-modi-to-xi-226895">Indo-Russian joint venture</a> (JV) rifle manufacturing facility in Korwa, Amethi which will produce Kalashnikov AK 203 rifle.

27 meeting has taken place between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/during-bilateral-talks-pm-modi-and-xi-jinping-discuss-pakistan-terror-and-boundary-dispute-226899">Modi and Putin</a> since 2014. Out of which 13 were bilateral while 14 multilateral.

On Friday, PM will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have bilateral meeting meet Iran President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov.&nbsp;

He will also many pull-aside meeting with several countries but no pull aside with Pakistan PM Imran Khan is expected. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a delegation-level talk on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek on Thursday. During the meet, PM thanked Russian President Putin for the "support for the rifle manufacturing unit in Amethi''.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a delegation-level talk on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek on Thursday. During the meet, PM thanked Russian President Putin for the "support for the rifle manufacturing unit in Amethi''. In March of 2019, Prime Minister inaugurated Indo-Russian joint venture (JV) rifle manufacturing facility in Korwa, Amethi which will produce Kalashnikov AK 203 rifle. 27 meeting has taken place between Modi and Putin since 2014. Out of which 13 were bilateral while 14 multilateral. On Friday, PM will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have bilateral meeting meet Iran President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. He will also many pull-aside meeting with several countries but no pull aside with Pakistan PM Imran Khan is expected.

PM Modi holds delegation-level talks with Russian President Putin on SCO sidelines

Russian President Vladimir Putin also meets PM Modi today. PM Modi will visit Vladivostok later this year. Watch this video to know more.

19th SCO Summit: PM Modi meets Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday fired two police generals involved in a discredited criminal case against a journalist, an episode that sparked a mass protest in Moscow the previous day, the Kremlin said.

Russian police abruptly dropped drugs charges on Tuesday against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-police-detain-more-than-400-at-protest-over-journalist-226611">journalist Ivan Golunov</a>, a rare U-turn by the authorities in the face of anger from his supporters who had alleged he was framed for his reporting.

Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev said at the time that he planned to ask Putin to dismiss senior police personnel involved in the case.

The Kremlin said on Thursday that Putin had fired two senior police officers, both of whom had the major-general rank.

Golunov, 36, known for exposing corruption among Moscow city officials, was detained by police last Thursday and accused of dealing drugs, an allegation he denied.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday fired two police generals involved in a discredited criminal case against a journalist, an episode that sparked a mass protest in Moscow the previous day, the Kremlin said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday fired two police generals involved in a discredited criminal case against a journalist, an episode that sparked a mass protest in Moscow the previous day, the Kremlin said. Russian police abruptly dropped drugs charges on Tuesday against journalist Ivan Golunov, a rare U-turn by the authorities in the face of anger from his supporters who had alleged he was framed for his reporting. Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev said at the time that he planned to ask Putin to dismiss senior police personnel involved in the case. The Kremlin said on Thursday that Putin had fired two senior police officers, both of whom had the major-general rank. Golunov, 36, known for exposing corruption among Moscow city officials, was detained by police last Thursday and accused of dealing drugs, an allegation he denied.

Putin fires police generals over discredited case against journalist

President Vladimir Putin said relations between Moscow and Washington were getting worse and worse, noting in an interview published on Thursday that the current US&nbsp;administration had imposed dozens of sanctions on Russia.

Putin made his gloomy assessment ahead of a G20 summit in Japan later this month at which he might meet US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

US-Russia ties remain strained by everything from Syria to Ukraine as well as allegations of Russian interference in US&nbsp;politics, which Moscow denies.

"They (our relations) are going downhill, they are getting worse and worse," Putin told the Mir TV channel, according to a Kremlin transcript.

"The current administration has approved, in my opinion, several dozen decisions on sanctions against Russia in recent years."

The Russian leader contrasted Moscow's troubled relationship with Washington with what he described as its blossoming ties with China, a deepening strategic friendship that has alarmed some US&nbsp;policymakers.

Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he would meet Putin at the G20 in Japan, but the Kremlin said a day earlier that the idea for the meeting was "hanging in the air" and that there were no discussions on specifics yet.

Trump said on Wednesday he hoped the United States would have "a great relationship with Russia," but pledged to deploy 1,000 US&nbsp;troops to Poland, a step sought by Warsaw to deter potential aggression from Russia.

In another move certain to rankle with Moscow, Trump said on Wednesday he was considering sanctions over Russia's Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline project and warned Germany against being dependent on Russia for energy.

Putin, who has spoken out in favour of China in its burgeoning trade war with the United States, said in the same interview that he hoped for smoother ties with Washington despite the current trajectory of their relationship.

"...We really hope that common sense will prevail in the end," said Putin.

"That with all of our partners, including our American partners ... we can reach some decisions in the framework of the forthcoming G20 that will be constructive and create the necessary stable conditions for economic cooperation."

President Vladimir Putin said relations between Moscow and Washington were getting worse and worse, noting in an interview published on Thursday that the current US administration had imposed dozens of sanctions on Russia.

President Vladimir Putin said relations between Moscow and Washington were getting worse and worse, noting in an interview published on Thursday that the current US administration had imposed dozens of sanctions on Russia. Putin made his gloomy assessment ahead of a G20 summit in Japan later this month at which he might meet US President Donald Trump. US-Russia ties remain strained by everything from Syria to Ukraine as well as allegations of Russian interference in US politics, which Moscow denies. "They (our relations) are going downhill, they are getting worse and worse," Putin told the Mir TV channel, according to a Kremlin transcript. "The current administration has approved, in my opinion, several dozen decisions on sanctions against Russia in recent years." The Russian leader contrasted Moscow's troubled relationship with Washington with what he described as its blossoming ties with China, a deepening strategic friendship that has alarmed some US policymakers. Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he would meet Putin at the G20 in Japan, but the Kremlin said a day earlier that the idea for the meeting was "hanging in the air" and that there were no discussions on specifics yet. Trump said on Wednesday he hoped the United States would have "a great relationship with Russia," but pledged to deploy 1,000 US troops to Poland, a step sought by Warsaw to deter potential aggression from Russia. In another move certain to rankle with Moscow, Trump said on Wednesday he was considering sanctions over Russia's Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline project and warned Germany against being dependent on Russia for energy. Putin, who has spoken out in favour of China in its burgeoning trade war with the United States, said in the same interview that he hoped for smoother ties with Washington despite the current trajectory of their relationship. "...We really hope that common sense will prevail in the end," said Putin. "That with all of our partners, including our American partners ... we can reach some decisions in the framework of the forthcoming G20 that will be constructive and create the necessary stable conditions for economic cooperation."

Putin says US-Russia relations are getting 'worse and worse'

&nbsp;The US President Donald Trump pledged to Polish President Andrzej Duda on Wednesday that he will<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-offering-2-billion-to-host-us-military-base-donald-trump-166570"> deploy 1,000 US troops to Poland</a>, a step sought by Warsaw to deter potential aggression from Russia.

Despite their strong show of unity, Trump disagreed with Duda's attempt to force the retirement of some Polish Supreme Court judges, a decision last year that prompted protests. "No," Trump said when asked if he supported the move.

Trump announced the troop deployment at a joint news conference with Duda in the White House Rose Garden shortly after the two leaders signed a joint declaration affirming defence cooperation and watched a US made F-35 fighter jet fly overhead.

Duda, who is considering naming the US installation "Fort Trump," said the new influx of troops was needed because of Moscow's past aggression against Poland and to help solidify his country's ties to the West.

"Russia again is showing its unkind, unfriendly imperial face," he said. "Russia is always looking out to take our territory."

Trump said earlier the troop contingent could come from the US force in Germany, which he has accused of paying too little for NATO's common defence.

The decision by Trump represents an effort to cater to the interests of Poland, a key NATO ally, while not overly antagonizing Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom Trump would like to have friendly relations. He and Putin are to meet in Japan in two weeks.

"I hope that Poland is going to have a great relationship with Russia. I hope that we're going to have a great relationship with Russia," said Trump.

The United States already has troops in Poland as part of a 2016 agreement with the NATO military alliance in response to Moscow's annexation of Crimea from Poland's eastern neighbour Ukraine in 2014.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg issued a statement welcoming the deployment.

"Today’s announcement is part of NATO’s measured, defensive and proportionate efforts to strengthen our deterrence and defence," he said.

Duda denied backsliding on democracy when asked about his attempt to remove the judges. He said some of them dated back to Poland's communist past and that he wanted to remove them as part of judicial reforms.

"This is a very complex issue," he said. "Everything that we were doing was aimed at retiring those people .. Let me assure you, freedom of speech is absolutely respected in Poland. Poland absolutely respects all constitutional standards."

With Trump to turn 73 on Friday, Duda wished Trump a happy birthday at an evening White House reception whose audience included Polish-Americans. Some in the crowd launched into a happy birthday song in Polish.

"This first term of your presidency will be the introduction to your second term," Duda told Trump.

The US President Donald Trump pledged to Polish President Andrzej Duda on Wednesday that he will deploy 1,000 US troops to Poland, a step sought by Warsaw to deter potential aggression from Russia.

The US President Donald Trump pledged to Polish President Andrzej Duda on Wednesday that he will deploy 1,000 US troops to Poland, a step sought by Warsaw to deter potential aggression from Russia. Despite their strong show of unity, Trump disagreed with Duda's attempt to force the retirement of some Polish Supreme Court judges, a decision last year that prompted protests. "No," Trump said when asked if he supported the move. Trump announced the troop deployment at a joint news conference with Duda in the White House Rose Garden shortly after the two leaders signed a joint declaration affirming defence cooperation and watched a US made F-35 fighter jet fly overhead. Duda, who is considering naming the US installation "Fort Trump," said the new influx of troops was needed because of Moscow's past aggression against Poland and to help solidify his country's ties to the West. "Russia again is showing its unkind, unfriendly imperial face," he said. "Russia is always looking out to take our territory." Trump said earlier the troop contingent could come from the US force in Germany, which he has accused of paying too little for NATO's common defence. The decision by Trump represents an effort to cater to the interests of Poland, a key NATO ally, while not overly antagonizing Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom Trump would like to have friendly relations. He and Putin are to meet in Japan in two weeks. "I hope that Poland is going to have a great relationship with Russia. I hope that we're going to have a great relationship with Russia," said Trump. The United States already has troops in Poland as part of a 2016 agreement with the NATO military alliance in response to Moscow's annexation of Crimea from Poland's eastern neighbour Ukraine in 2014. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg issued a statement welcoming the deployment. "Today’s announcement is part of NATO’s measured, defensive and proportionate efforts to strengthen our deterrence and defence," he said. Duda denied backsliding on democracy when asked about his attempt to remove the judges. He said some of them dated back to Poland's communist past and that he wanted to remove them as part of judicial reforms. "This is a very complex issue," he said. "Everything that we were doing was aimed at retiring those people .. Let me assure you, freedom of speech is absolutely respected in Poland. Poland absolutely respects all constitutional standards." With Trump to turn 73 on Friday, Duda wished Trump a happy birthday at an evening White House reception whose audience included Polish-Americans. Some in the crowd launched into a happy birthday song in Polish. "This first term of your presidency will be the introduction to your second term," Duda told Trump.

US will deploy 1,000 troops to Poland; Warsaw may call them 'Fort Trump'

PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-sco-summit-member-countries-say-india-has-important-role-to-play-226250">19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit</a> and hold a number of bilateral meetings. This is the first multilateral summit that PM Modi will be attending after the recently concluded general elections.

In a pre-departure statement ahead of the SCO summit, PM said, "We attach special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interaction in the region".

Explaining further, "India has actively participated in various SCO dialogue mechanisms since its full membership of SCO two years ago. We have extended full cooperation to the Chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic over the past year."

PM Modi will not be using <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-not-to-fly-over-pak-airspace-for-sco-summit-226462">Pakistan's airspace for his Kyrgyzstan visit</a>, instead, he will flying over Oman, Iran and Central Asian countries to reach the country.

Air India has confirmed that the route does not cross Pakistan's airspace in any way. India had explored two options for the route to be taken by PM's aircraft to Bishkek.&nbsp;

The prime minister will be reaching Kyrgyzstan by midday on Thursday and is set to have a packed day. His first engagement will be inaugurating India-Kyrgyz textile exhibition along with Kyrgystan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov on the theme of "Colors and Weaves of India and Central Asia”.&nbsp;

Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan

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The first day will also see him meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be his first meeting with the Chinese President this year and first since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. Later this year, Jinping will be visiting India for the second informal summit.&nbsp;

Last year PM Modi and Chinese President met four times starting with the Wuhan informal summit followed by a meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit in China, the BRICS summit in South Africa and the G20 summit in Argentina.&nbsp;

The second day of PM's Kyrgyzstan trip will have two components - his participation at the SCO summit and his engagement with the Kyrgyz counterpart.&nbsp;

India is expected to raise a number of issues, from terror to trade to connectivity and ties with central Asia at the summit. New Delhi became an SCO member in 2017 and this is the second time PM Modi is participating in the summit.

"Prime Minister, when he participates, when he makes his intervention, he will reflect the Indian concerns and priorities with respect to the SCO process," Secretary West, Gitesh Sarma said in a media briefing ahead of the summit.

The organization represents &nbsp;42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with Central Asian countries.&nbsp;

"We live in a globalised world. The distances are much shorter and multilateralism of this order is the new order of the world relationship," Alok A Dimri, Indian envoy to Kyrgyzstan, told WION in Bishkek.

In the afternoon of June 14, the prime minister will participate in India Kyrgyz Business Forum followed by his bilateral meet with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Remember, India had invited the Kyrgyz president for the oathtaking ceremony of PM Modi on May 30 at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Reacting on the invite, Kyrgyz Envoy Asein Isaev had told WION, "It was a big surprise. We were very excited by this invitation. Our president immediately answered, and immediately arrived. He was in Kazakhstan and after that, he had to go to Saudi Arabia. He only had half a day but he decided to directly come here".

This is the second visit of PM Modi to the central Asian country. In his first term, he had visited all the central Asian countries.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that there will be no structured formal talks between PM Modi and Pakistan's PM Imran Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit but a pull aside is something that is keeping everyone on tenterhooks with huge media presence from both India and Pakistan in Bishkek.

PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and hold a number of bilateral meetings.

PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and hold a number of bilateral meetings. This is the first multilateral summit that PM Modi will be attending after the recently concluded general elections. In a pre-departure statement ahead of the SCO summit, PM said, "We attach special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interaction in the region". Explaining further, "India has actively participated in various SCO dialogue mechanisms since its full membership of SCO two years ago. We have extended full cooperation to the Chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic over the past year." PM Modi will not be using Pakistan's airspace for his Kyrgyzstan visit, instead, he will flying over Oman, Iran and Central Asian countries to reach the country. Air India has confirmed that the route does not cross Pakistan's airspace in any way. India had explored two options for the route to be taken by PM's aircraft to Bishkek. The prime minister will be reaching Kyrgyzstan by midday on Thursday and is set to have a packed day. His first engagement will be inaugurating India-Kyrgyz textile exhibition along with Kyrgystan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov on the theme of "Colors and Weaves of India and Central Asia”. Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan × The first day will also see him meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be his first meeting with the Chinese President this year and first since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. Later this year, Jinping will be visiting India for the second informal summit. Last year PM Modi and Chinese President met four times starting with the Wuhan informal summit followed by a meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit in China, the BRICS summit in South Africa and the G20 summit in Argentina. The second day of PM's Kyrgyzstan trip will have two components - his participation at the SCO summit and his engagement with the Kyrgyz counterpart. India is expected to raise a number of issues, from terror to trade to connectivity and ties with central Asia at the summit. New Delhi became an SCO member in 2017 and this is the second time PM Modi is participating in the summit. "Prime Minister, when he participates, when he makes his intervention, he will reflect the Indian concerns and priorities with respect to the SCO process," Secretary West, Gitesh Sarma said in a media briefing ahead of the summit. The organization represents 42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with Central Asian countries. "We live in a globalised world. The distances are much shorter and multilateralism of this order is the new order of the world relationship," Alok A Dimri, Indian envoy to Kyrgyzstan, told WION in Bishkek. In the afternoon of June 14, the prime minister will participate in India Kyrgyz Business Forum followed by his bilateral meet with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Remember, India had invited the Kyrgyz president for the oathtaking ceremony of PM Modi on May 30 at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Reacting on the invite, Kyrgyz Envoy Asein Isaev had told WION, "It was a big surprise. We were very excited by this invitation. Our president immediately answered, and immediately arrived. He was in Kazakhstan and after that, he had to go to Saudi Arabia. He only had half a day but he decided to directly come here". This is the second visit of PM Modi to the central Asian country. In his first term, he had visited all the central Asian countries. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that there will be no structured formal talks between PM Modi and Pakistan's PM Imran Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit but a pull aside is something that is keeping everyone on tenterhooks with huge media presence from both India and Pakistan in Bishkek.

PM Modi's two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan begins from Thursday; will meet Xi, Putin 

Russian police detained more than 400 people, including opposition politician <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-police-detain-at-least-94-including-opposition-leader-alexei-navalny-at-moscow-journalist-protest-226536">Alexei Navalny</a>, at a protest in Moscow on Wednesday calling for punishment for police officers involved in the alleged framing of a journalist.

Police abruptly dropped drug charges a day earlier against investigative journalist Ivan Golunov, a rare U-turn by the authorities in the face of anger from his supporters who said he was targeted over his reporting.

Golunov, 36, known for exposing corruption among Moscow city officials, was detained by police last Thursday and accused of dealing drugs, an allegation he denied.

The crude way supporters said Golunov was set up and detained triggered an unusual show of media unity and an uncharacteristically swift reversal from authorities nervous about social unrest at a time when President Vladimir Putin already faces disquiet over living standards.

The authorities had hoped freeing Golunov and promising punishment for those who allegedly framed him would appease his supporters, but they decided to go ahead with a protest on Wednesday, a public holiday in Russia, regardless.

Reuters witnesses said well over 1,000 people marched through central Moscow, chanting "Russia will be free", "Russia without Putin" and "Down with the Tsar" as police warned them not to break the law and blocked access to certain streets.

Some of the protesters wore white T-shirts saying "I am/We are Ivan Golunov," the same slogan as a front page headline carried by Russia's three leading daily newspapers on Monday.

In an unexpected twist, a young woman wearing such a T-shirt managed to get a front-row seat at a ceremony in the Kremlin at which President Vladimir Putin was handing out state awards, official footage of the event showed. The ceremony was taking place at the same time as the protest in the city.

OVD-Info, a monitoring group, said police had detained over 400 people. It said police had started to release some of them without charge while drawing up charges against others.

Police said earlier they had detained over 200 people.

Many of the marchers and those forcefully detained by riot police were prominent Russian journalists and activists.

"We came to show the authorities that we have consolidated, that we are united," said Vsevolod, 24. "We demand that hundreds of thousands of (criminal) cases where people are sitting in prison unfairly now be reviewed."

The authorities had warned protesters that their demonstration would be illegal and could threaten public safety.

Under Russian law, the time and place of protests involving more than one person needs to be agreed with the authorities in advance. Organisers of Wednesday's event had demanded that Moscow city officials negotiate those terms with them live on air during a TV broadcast, a demand they said officials refused.

A Reuters witness saw at least three police officers bundle opposition politician Alexei Navalny into a truck.

Kira Yarmysh, his spokeswoman, said on Twitter that Navalny was accused of breaking Russia's protest laws, something he has been repeatedly found guilty of, and faced up to 30 days in jail.

Navalny, who said police had accused him of organising the march, said on Twitter he had been glad to march "among honest people".

One protester, Ivan, 28, explained why marchers had defied the police. "The freeing of Golunov was not a victory. It was a tactical move by the authorities to prevent disorder breaking out today. But we came here anyway."

Russian police detained more than 400 people, including opposition politician Alexei Navalny, at a protest in Moscow on Wednesday calling for punishment for police officers involved in the alleged framing of a journalist.

Russian police detained more than 400 people, including opposition politician Alexei Navalny, at a protest in Moscow on Wednesday calling for punishment for police officers involved in the alleged framing of a journalist. Police abruptly dropped drug charges a day earlier against investigative journalist Ivan Golunov, a rare U-turn by the authorities in the face of anger from his supporters who said he was targeted over his reporting. Golunov, 36, known for exposing corruption among Moscow city officials, was detained by police last Thursday and accused of dealing drugs, an allegation he denied. The crude way supporters said Golunov was set up and detained triggered an unusual show of media unity and an uncharacteristically swift reversal from authorities nervous about social unrest at a time when President Vladimir Putin already faces disquiet over living standards. The authorities had hoped freeing Golunov and promising punishment for those who allegedly framed him would appease his supporters, but they decided to go ahead with a protest on Wednesday, a public holiday in Russia, regardless. Reuters witnesses said well over 1,000 people marched through central Moscow, chanting "Russia will be free", "Russia without Putin" and "Down with the Tsar" as police warned them not to break the law and blocked access to certain streets. Some of the protesters wore white T-shirts saying "I am/We are Ivan Golunov," the same slogan as a front page headline carried by Russia's three leading daily newspapers on Monday. In an unexpected twist, a young woman wearing such a T-shirt managed to get a front-row seat at a ceremony in the Kremlin at which President Vladimir Putin was handing out state awards, official footage of the event showed. The ceremony was taking place at the same time as the protest in the city. OVD-Info, a monitoring group, said police had detained over 400 people. It said police had started to release some of them without charge while drawing up charges against others. Police said earlier they had detained over 200 people. Many of the marchers and those forcefully detained by riot police were prominent Russian journalists and activists. "We came to show the authorities that we have consolidated, that we are united," said Vsevolod, 24. "We demand that hundreds of thousands of (criminal) cases where people are sitting in prison unfairly now be reviewed." The authorities had warned protesters that their demonstration would be illegal and could threaten public safety. Under Russian law, the time and place of protests involving more than one person needs to be agreed with the authorities in advance. Organisers of Wednesday's event had demanded that Moscow city officials negotiate those terms with them live on air during a TV broadcast, a demand they said officials refused. A Reuters witness saw at least three police officers bundle opposition politician Alexei Navalny into a truck. Kira Yarmysh, his spokeswoman, said on Twitter that Navalny was accused of breaking Russia's protest laws, something he has been repeatedly found guilty of, and faced up to 30 days in jail. Navalny, who said police had accused him of organising the march, said on Twitter he had been glad to march "among honest people". One protester, Ivan, 28, explained why marchers had defied the police. "The freeing of Golunov was not a victory. It was a tactical move by the authorities to prevent disorder breaking out today. But we came here anyway."

Russian police detain more than 400 at protest over journalist

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/probable-crash-point-shows-an-32-aircraft-probably-couldnt-get-past-hill-crashed-due-to-blockage-of-view-226544">AN-32 aircraft probably couldn't get past hill, crashed due to blockage of view</a>

Images captured of the probable crash point of missing Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft show that the aircraft was quite close to clearing a hill. The aircraft may have failed flying past the hill probably due to the blockage of view due to clouds, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-two-day-visit-to-kyrgyzstan-begins-from-thursday-will-meet-xi-putin-226559">PM Modi's two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan begins from Thursday; will meet Xi, Putin&nbsp;</a>

PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and hold a number of bilateral meetings. This is the first multilateral summit that PM Modi will be attending after the recently concluded general elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandryaan-2-will-explore-region-of-moon-where-no-mission-has-ever-set-foot-isro-chairman-k-sivan-226520">Chandryaan-2 will explore region of moon where no mission has ever set foot: ISRO chairman K Sivan</a>

India's second mission to the moon, Chandrayaan-II, will be launched on July 15 at 2.51 am, ISRO chairman K Sivan said here on Wednesday.

"In future, the nation will depend more on planetary missions. After Chandrayaan I mission, we are now entering into Chandrayaan II mission. We had slipped many times but now it will be launched on July 15 at 2.51 am," he told a press conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-terrorists-attack-police-party-in-anantnag-three-crpf-personnel-one-terrorist-killed-226570">Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists attack police party in Anantnag; three CRPF personnel, one terrorist killed</a>

A terrorist attack took place at a police party at KP road in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Three CRPF were killed as terrorists and security forces exchanged heavy firing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hamza-shehbaz-remanded-into-14-day-national-accountability-bureau-custody-226500">Hamza Shahbaz remanded into 14-day National Accountability Bureau custody</a>

&nbsp;An accountability court Wednesday remanded Opposition leader in Pakistan's Punjab Assembly Hamza Shahbaz to 14-day physical custody, a day after the country's anti-graft body arrested him in cases related to money laundering and corruption.

AN-32 aircraft probably couldn't get past hill, crashed due to blockage of view Images captured of the probable crash point of missing Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft show that the aircraft was quite close to clearing a hill.

AN-32 aircraft probably couldn't get past hill, crashed due to blockage of view Images captured of the probable crash point of missing Indian Air Force's AN-32 aircraft show that the aircraft was quite close to clearing a hill. The aircraft may have failed flying past the hill probably due to the blockage of view due to clouds, news agency ANI reported. PM Modi's two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan begins from Thursday; will meet Xi, Putin PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and hold a number of bilateral meetings. This is the first multilateral summit that PM Modi will be attending after the recently concluded general elections. Chandryaan-2 will explore region of moon where no mission has ever set foot: ISRO chairman K Sivan India's second mission to the moon, Chandrayaan-II, will be launched on July 15 at 2.51 am, ISRO chairman K Sivan said here on Wednesday. "In future, the nation will depend more on planetary missions. After Chandrayaan I mission, we are now entering into Chandrayaan II mission. We had slipped many times but now it will be launched on July 15 at 2.51 am," he told a press conference. Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists attack police party in Anantnag; three CRPF personnel, one terrorist killed A terrorist attack took place at a police party at KP road in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag on Wednesday. Three CRPF were killed as terrorists and security forces exchanged heavy firing. Hamza Shahbaz remanded into 14-day National Accountability Bureau custody An accountability court Wednesday remanded Opposition leader in Pakistan's Punjab Assembly Hamza Shahbaz to 14-day physical custody, a day after the country's anti-graft body arrested him in cases related to money laundering and corruption.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Russian police detained at least 94 people on Wednesday, including opposition politician <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-opposition-leader-alexei-navalny-detained-in-moscow-report-161502">Alexei Navalny</a>, at a protest in Moscow calling for punishment for police officers involved in the alleged framing of a journalist, monitors said.

Police abruptly dropped drugs charges a day earlier against journalist Ivan Golunov, a rare U-turn by the authorities in the face of anger from his supporters who said he was framed for his reporting.

Golunov, a 36-year-old journalist known for exposing corruption among Moscow city officials, was detained by police last Thursday and accused of dealing drugs, an allegation he flatly denied.

The crude way supporters said Golunov was set up and detained triggered an unusual show of media unity and an uncharacteristically swift reversal from authorities nervous about social unrest at a time when President Vladimir Putin already faces disquiet over living standards.

The authorities had hoped freeing Golunov and promising punishment for those who allegedly framed him would appease his supporters' anger, but his colleagues decided to go ahead with a protest on Wednesday, a public holiday in Russia, regardless.

The authorities had warned them in advance that the demonstration would be illegal and could pose a risk to public safety.

Under Russian law, the time and place of protests involving more than one person needs to be agreed with the authorities in advance. Organisers of Wednesday's event had demanded that Moscow city officials negotiate those terms with them during a live broadcast, something officials refused to do.

OVD-Info, a monitoring group, said police had detained at least 94 people, some of them by force.

A Reuters witness saw at least three police officers bundle opposition politician Alexei Navalny into a truck.

Russian police detained at least 94 people on Wednesday, including opposition politician Alexei Navalny, at a protest in Moscow calling for punishment for police officers involved in the alleged framing of a journalist, monitors said.

Russian police detained at least 94 people on Wednesday, including opposition politician Alexei Navalny, at a protest in Moscow calling for punishment for police officers involved in the alleged framing of a journalist, monitors said. Police abruptly dropped drugs charges a day earlier against journalist Ivan Golunov, a rare U-turn by the authorities in the face of anger from his supporters who said he was framed for his reporting. Golunov, a 36-year-old journalist known for exposing corruption among Moscow city officials, was detained by police last Thursday and accused of dealing drugs, an allegation he flatly denied. The crude way supporters said Golunov was set up and detained triggered an unusual show of media unity and an uncharacteristically swift reversal from authorities nervous about social unrest at a time when President Vladimir Putin already faces disquiet over living standards. The authorities had hoped freeing Golunov and promising punishment for those who allegedly framed him would appease his supporters' anger, but his colleagues decided to go ahead with a protest on Wednesday, a public holiday in Russia, regardless. The authorities had warned them in advance that the demonstration would be illegal and could pose a risk to public safety. Under Russian law, the time and place of protests involving more than one person needs to be agreed with the authorities in advance. Organisers of Wednesday's event had demanded that Moscow city officials negotiate those terms with them during a live broadcast, something officials refused to do. OVD-Info, a monitoring group, said police had detained at least 94 people, some of them by force. A Reuters witness saw at least three police officers bundle opposition politician Alexei Navalny into a truck.

Russian police detain at least 94 including opposition leader Alexei Navalny at Moscow journalist protest

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to meet his counterparts at the SCO summit on 14th of June. The foreign delegation has made all preparations for a successful meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi-Jinping. Here is WION's ground report from Bishkek.

PM Modi to meet Xi, Putin at SCO; See WION's ground report

As leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet for the 19th summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on Thursday many issues such as regional security architecture, counter-terror and trade would take centre stage. While India's presence in the group has been lauded by many members of the eight-country&nbsp;strong group, SCO Chair for this year, Kyrgyzstan told WION that New Delhi's experience can help other members in countering aforementioned&nbsp;issues.

Ambassador Asein Isaev, Kyrgyz's envoy to New Delhi said, "The main objective of the organisation is peaceful development of the region. We need Indian experience in all spheres --&nbsp;democratic development, security possibilities, cultural development; also we hope, India will share the experience with other members of SCO."

Meanwhile, Uzbek envoy to India Farhod Arziev said New Delhi has an important role to play in the international grouping&nbsp;that covers three-fifths of the Eurasian continent and nearly half of the human population.&nbsp;

He said, "We have supported full membership of India to SCO, and we believe it has been a big contribution to further expansion and development of the organisation as an international institution with India being one of the fastest growing countries. It has many things to offer for the development of SCO."

PM Modi will meet many world leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov who was invited for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi in May on the sidelines of the summit.&nbsp;

This will be PM Modi's first meeting with Chinese President since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations.&nbsp;

India has also made it clear no meeting between PM Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled.&nbsp;

Raveesh Kumar, MEA's spokesperson in response to WION's question at the first weekly presser of the new government had said, "To the best of my knowledge no meeting has been planned between PM Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the SCO Summit in Bishkek."

Speculation is rife&nbsp;that both leaders may meet, especially with the visit of Pakistan Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood to India on Eid.&nbsp;

Indian foreign ministry has clarified on the visit, &nbsp;saying it was a "personal visit and there was no meeting scheduled" between Pakistan Foreign Secretary and an Indian official.&nbsp;

Watch: SCO to pitch for a new trading system

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This will be the first multilateral meet in Modi's second term as Prime Minister of the country.

India became a full member of the group in 2017 at the 17th summit of SCO in Astana, Kazakhstan.&nbsp;

As leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet for the 19th summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on Thursday many issues such as regional security architecture, counter-terror and trade would take centre stage.

As leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet for the 19th summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on Thursday many issues such as regional security architecture, counter-terror and trade would take centre stage. While India's presence in the group has been lauded by many members of the eight-country strong group, SCO Chair for this year, Kyrgyzstan told WION that New Delhi's experience can help other members in countering aforementioned issues. Ambassador Asein Isaev, Kyrgyz's envoy to New Delhi said, "The main objective of the organisation is peaceful development of the region. We need Indian experience in all spheres -- democratic development, security possibilities, cultural development; also we hope, India will share the experience with other members of SCO." Meanwhile, Uzbek envoy to India Farhod Arziev said New Delhi has an important role to play in the international grouping that covers three-fifths of the Eurasian continent and nearly half of the human population. He said, "We have supported full membership of India to SCO, and we believe it has been a big contribution to further expansion and development of the organisation as an international institution with India being one of the fastest growing countries. It has many things to offer for the development of SCO." PM Modi will meet many world leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov who was invited for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi in May on the sidelines of the summit. This will be PM Modi's first meeting with Chinese President since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. India has also made it clear no meeting between PM Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled. Raveesh Kumar, MEA's spokesperson in response to WION's question at the first weekly presser of the new government had said, "To the best of my knowledge no meeting has been planned between PM Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the SCO Summit in Bishkek." Speculation is rife that both leaders may meet, especially with the visit of Pakistan Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood to India on Eid. Indian foreign ministry has clarified on the visit, saying it was a "personal visit and there was no meeting scheduled" between Pakistan Foreign Secretary and an Indian official. Watch: SCO to pitch for a new trading system × This will be the first multilateral meet in Modi's second term as Prime Minister of the country. India became a full member of the group in 2017 at the 17th summit of SCO in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Ahead of SCO summit, member countries say India has important role to play

Counter-terrorism, Afghanistan and ties with central Asian countries will be the top focus of India at the Shanghai cooperation organisation&nbsp; (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan between June 13 and 14. PM Modi will be in Bishkek for the summit, which will be his first international multilateral engagement in his second term.

Gitesh Sharma, Secretary (West), MEA, while briefing the media on PM's participation at the summit said,"if you look at the record of previous SCO interactions..terrorism does figure in the deliberations...on contact group of Afghanistan countries of the region are challenged by the situation there and have deep interest in stability of Afghanistan as well"

On central Asia, he said, "The way we approach SCO is that it provides as a framework where we can engage with the central Asian countries in particular. We have robust relations with each one of them."&nbsp;

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to&nbsp;Kyrgyzstan&nbsp;and Modi will be meeting his Kyrgyz counterpart. President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov as SCO chair was invited for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi in May.

Modi will also hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be his first meeting with Chinese leadership after the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations.&nbsp;

Sharma said,"We have excellent relations with Russia and China"

MEA meanwhile clarified that there will be no formal bilateral meet between PM Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Both leaders will be face to face for the first time in their present capacity.&nbsp;

India became full member of SCO in 2017 and this is the second head of states/government meet in which New Delhi is participating. Prime Minister Modi had also attended the last meet in Qingdao , China in June 2018.

SCO represents approximately 42 per cent of the world's population, 22 per cent of world's land area and 20 per cent of global GDP and has 8 members--India, Pakistan, Russia, China and four central asian countries -- Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

Counter-terrorism, Afghanistan and ties with central Asian countries will be the top focus of India at the Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan between June 13 and 14.

Counter-terrorism, Afghanistan and ties with central Asian countries will be the top focus of India at the Shanghai cooperation organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan between June 13 and 14. PM Modi will be in Bishkek for the summit, which will be his first international multilateral engagement in his second term. Gitesh Sharma, Secretary (West), MEA, while briefing the media on PM's participation at the summit said,"if you look at the record of previous SCO interactions..terrorism does figure in the deliberations...on contact group of Afghanistan countries of the region are challenged by the situation there and have deep interest in stability of Afghanistan as well" On central Asia, he said, "The way we approach SCO is that it provides as a framework where we can engage with the central Asian countries in particular. We have robust relations with each one of them." This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Kyrgyzstan and Modi will be meeting his Kyrgyz counterpart. President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov as SCO chair was invited for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi in May. Modi will also hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be his first meeting with Chinese leadership after the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. Sharma said,"We have excellent relations with Russia and China" MEA meanwhile clarified that there will be no formal bilateral meet between PM Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Both leaders will be face to face for the first time in their present capacity. India became full member of SCO in 2017 and this is the second head of states/government meet in which New Delhi is participating. Prime Minister Modi had also attended the last meet in Qingdao , China in June 2018. SCO represents approximately 42 per cent of the world's population, 22 per cent of world's land area and 20 per cent of global GDP and has 8 members--India, Pakistan, Russia, China and four central asian countries -- Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

PM Modi's first multilateral engagement to coincide with SCO Summit

The Moscow Zoo's panda pavilion opened to the public Thursday after Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin unveiled it one day ago.

Moscow Zoo's panda pavilion opens after unveiling by Xi, Putin

India will hold bilateral meetings with Russia and China on the sidelines of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-sidelines-of-sco-summit-xi-and-modi-may-discuss-us-trade-protectionism-in-bishkek-china-225844">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</a> (SCO) summit at Bishkek this week, the Ministry of External Affairs stated during a press briefing on Monday.

The bilaterals will take place when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek to attend the meeting of Council of Heads of State (CHS) of SCO from June 13 to 14.&nbsp;

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Gitesh Sharma, Secretary (West), MEA: There will be a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Putin, and between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. <a href="https://t.co/t2GXfIwD3B">pic.twitter.com/t2GXfIwD3B</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1138035362591170560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The MEA also revealed that India would be holding a meeting with host nation Kyrgyzstan on June 14

''There will be a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Putin, and between PM Modi and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-narendra-modi-to-meet-chinese-president-xi-jinping-on-sidelines-of-sco-summit-225651">Chinese President</a> Xi Jinping on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan,'' said Gitesh Sharma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).&nbsp;

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Responding to a question regarding a probable India-Pakistan meeting, or even a bilateral between India and Iran, the Secretary (West), Gitesh Sarma, said that there is limited time available due to which "requests for other bilaterals will be processed as we go along."However, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar firmly outlined that no meeting between India and Pakistan is being organised."

Questions regarding the agenda during the India-China bilateral were also put forth to the officials. While both the representatives abstained from revealing any part of the agenda, they said that "the current global scenario is uppermost in minds," in response to a question on the ongoing trade dispute between China and the United States being discussed during the bilateral.

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Raveesh Kumar, MEA: There is no meeting which is being organised between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan at SCO Summit. There is nothing more that we can add at this stage. <a href="https://t.co/xEwugFauhJ">pic.twitter.com/xEwugFauhJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1138039412715970560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The SCO summit was described as a "friendly gathering," by Kumar who added that the meeting reflects consensus as the documents are previously negotiated.

"The leaders participating in the Summit are expected to focus their discussions on the global security situation, multilateral economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and also on topical issues of international and regional importance," an MEA statement outlined.

(With inputs from ANI)

India will hold bilateral meetings with Russia and China on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at Bishkek this week, the Ministry of External Affairs stated during a press briefing on Monday.

India will hold bilateral meetings with Russia and China on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at Bishkek this week, the Ministry of External Affairs stated during a press briefing on Monday. The bilaterals will take place when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek to attend the meeting of Council of Heads of State (CHS) of SCO from June 13 to 14. Gitesh Sharma, Secretary (West), MEA: There will be a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Putin, and between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. pic.twitter.com/t2GXfIwD3B — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2019 × The MEA also revealed that India would be holding a meeting with host nation Kyrgyzstan on June 14 ''There will be a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Putin, and between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan,'' said Gitesh Sharma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). × Responding to a question regarding a probable India-Pakistan meeting, or even a bilateral between India and Iran, the Secretary (West), Gitesh Sarma, said that there is limited time available due to which "requests for other bilaterals will be processed as we go along."However, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar firmly outlined that no meeting between India and Pakistan is being organised." Questions regarding the agenda during the India-China bilateral were also put forth to the officials. While both the representatives abstained from revealing any part of the agenda, they said that "the current global scenario is uppermost in minds," in response to a question on the ongoing trade dispute between China and the United States being discussed during the bilateral. Raveesh Kumar, MEA: There is no meeting which is being organised between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan at SCO Summit. There is nothing more that we can add at this stage. pic.twitter.com/xEwugFauhJ — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2019 × The SCO summit was described as a "friendly gathering," by Kumar who added that the meeting reflects consensus as the documents are previously negotiated. "The leaders participating in the Summit are expected to focus their discussions on the global security situation, multilateral economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and also on topical issues of international and regional importance," an MEA statement outlined. (With inputs from ANI)

PM Modi to hold bilateral talks with Putin, Xi on SCO Summit sidelines 

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Ukraine's new leader Volodymyr Zelensky may be a talented actor but his former television role as a fictional president does not automatically give him the skills to be a real one.

"I don't know this person, I hope we meet some day," Putin said at an economic forum in Saint Petersburg when asked why he did not congratulate Zelensky on his inauguration day in May.&nbsp;

"It seems that he is a good specialist in his field, the field he worked before, a good actor," he said.

"But it's one thing to play somebody, and another to be somebody."

A political novice, Zelensky was a professional comedian before running as president and was best known for his role in the series "Servant of the People," where he plays a teacher who is unexpectedly elected head of state.

"To act, you need talent," Putin said in his first detailed comments on Zelensky since his inauguration.&nbsp;

"But to tend to state affairs you need other skills, a certain experience, knowledge. You need to see problems and find tools to solve them."

Putin insisted he was not saying that Zelensky "does not have these traits... but he has not proven himself in any way".

Zelensky was elected in April, taking over from former leader Petro Poroshenko, who led Ukraine after the previous pro-Moscow president was toppled in course of mass protests in 2014.

Zelensky campaigned on a ticket for much-needed reforms but many say he is compromised by ties to tycoon Igor Kolomoisky.

Putin said that Zelensky's rhetoric on Russia has been contradictory.

"He said one thing during the campaign and another thing after the election. We have to wait and see."

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Ukraine's new leader Volodymyr Zelensky may be a talented actor but his former television role as a fictional president does not automatically give him the skills to be a real one.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Ukraine's new leader Volodymyr Zelensky may be a talented actor but his former television role as a fictional president does not automatically give him the skills to be a real one. "I don't know this person, I hope we meet some day," Putin said at an economic forum in Saint Petersburg when asked why he did not congratulate Zelensky on his inauguration day in May. "It seems that he is a good specialist in his field, the field he worked before, a good actor," he said. "But it's one thing to play somebody, and another to be somebody." A political novice, Zelensky was a professional comedian before running as president and was best known for his role in the series "Servant of the People," where he plays a teacher who is unexpectedly elected head of state. "To act, you need talent," Putin said in his first detailed comments on Zelensky since his inauguration. "But to tend to state affairs you need other skills, a certain experience, knowledge. You need to see problems and find tools to solve them." Putin insisted he was not saying that Zelensky "does not have these traits... but he has not proven himself in any way". Zelensky was elected in April, taking over from former leader Petro Poroshenko, who led Ukraine after the previous pro-Moscow president was toppled in course of mass protests in 2014. Zelensky campaigned on a ticket for much-needed reforms but many say he is compromised by ties to tycoon Igor Kolomoisky. Putin said that Zelensky's rhetoric on Russia has been contradictory. "He said one thing during the campaign and another thing after the election. We have to wait and see."

Vladimir Putin says acting talent may not help Ukraine's new leader

China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin hit back at US global economic dominance on Friday as they took the stage together at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-china-show-united-front-at-economic-forum-225258">Russia's showcase business forum</a>.

With China embroiled in a trade war with Washington and Russia under Western sanctions, Xi and Putin <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-us-push-for-dominance-is-a-recipe-for-trade-and-real-wars-225280">lashed out at "inequalities" in the global economic system</a> and vowed to pursue closer ties between their countries.

Putin, speaking in front of political and business leaders at the annual Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, accused Washington of seeking to "extend its jurisdiction to the whole world".

Denouncing the "rhetoric of trade wars and sanctions", Putin called for rethinking the role of the US dollar in global trade and slammed US pressure against Chinese tech giant Huawei.&nbsp;

"They are attempting not just to squeeze but to unceremoniously push (Huawei) out of the global market," Putin said.

Xi said steps needed to be taken to "overcome inequalities" in the global economic system, adding: "The aspirations of nations toward a better life cannot be stopped."

Pointing to Russia as a key partner, he said China was looking to build "beneficial cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual respect" with friendly countries.

"China is ready to share technological inventions with all partners, in particular, 5G technology," Xi said.&nbsp;

Xi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a three-day visit with Putin and described the Russian leader as his "best friend" during a cosy meeting at the Kremlin.

The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with the West and a move towards Russia's neighbour to the east.

China meanwhile is locked in a trade war with the United States that has seen Washington impose sweeping duties and move to blacklist companies like Huawei.&nbsp;

Moscow and Beijing's economic ties have grown in recent years, though they remain heavily weighted in favour of China, which dwarfs Russia in economic and demographic terms.

Dozens of deals signed

Xi's visit has seen the signing of dozens of commercial contracts in e-commerce, telecoms, gas and other areas.

Other deals have been signed at the forum, including one on Friday between Russian and Chinese shipping companies to work together to develop Arctic sea routes.&nbsp;

While this is the Chinese leader's first appearance at the economic forum, where he heads a 1,000-strong delegation, he and Putin have met regularly in recent years.&nbsp;

Ahead of Xi's visit, Kremlin advisor Yury Ushakov described China as "Russia's most important economic partner".&nbsp;

The partnership is yielding increasing trade, which grew by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion, he said.

But despite political tensions and repeated rounds of sanctions over Moscow's actions in Ukraine, the European Union remains by far the biggest foreign investor in Russia -- well ahead of China and the US.

"China is taking time to ramp up investments in Russia," said Charles Robertson, chief economist at Renaissance Capital. "It wants to feel secure about the long term, it doesn't want to rush into it."

He predicted China would make big investments over the next three to five years, possibly even sooner, as Russia plays an important role in projects along Beijing's New Silk Road.&nbsp;

Worry over investor arrest

The first day of the forum on Thursday saw Putin make a pitch for increased foreign investment as Russia looks to revive an economy hit by Western sanctions over Ukraine and the drop in oil prices.&nbsp;

After emerging from recession in 2017, the Russian economy ticked up by only 0.5 per cent in the first quarter of this year.&nbsp;

Putin, whose approval ratings have dropped to record lows, has vowed to boost growth through a series of "national projects" -- ranging from healthcare to infrastructure -- that will cost Russia $388 billion.

But foreign investors, already wary of Russia' volatile business climate, were further spooked by the arrest on fraud charges in February of US businessman Michael Calvey, the founder of one of the oldest private equity firms focusing on Russia.&nbsp;

He denies the charges, saying the arrest was the result of a shareholder dispute.

In a statement through his lawyers on Friday, Calvey regretted that he had been unable to attend this year's forum.&nbsp;

"He expressed regret that it will apparently not be possible for him to attend SPIEF for reasons that are beyond his control," the statement said, with Calvey also thanking the business community "for its remarkable solidarity and support".&nbsp;

China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin hit back at US global economic dominance on Friday as they took the stage together at Russia's showcase business forum.

China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin hit back at US global economic dominance on Friday as they took the stage together at Russia's showcase business forum. With China embroiled in a trade war with Washington and Russia under Western sanctions, Xi and Putin lashed out at "inequalities" in the global economic system and vowed to pursue closer ties between their countries. Putin, speaking in front of political and business leaders at the annual Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, accused Washington of seeking to "extend its jurisdiction to the whole world". Denouncing the "rhetoric of trade wars and sanctions", Putin called for rethinking the role of the US dollar in global trade and slammed US pressure against Chinese tech giant Huawei. "They are attempting not just to squeeze but to unceremoniously push (Huawei) out of the global market," Putin said. Xi said steps needed to be taken to "overcome inequalities" in the global economic system, adding: "The aspirations of nations toward a better life cannot be stopped." Pointing to Russia as a key partner, he said China was looking to build "beneficial cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual respect" with friendly countries. "China is ready to share technological inventions with all partners, in particular, 5G technology," Xi said. Xi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a three-day visit with Putin and described the Russian leader as his "best friend" during a cosy meeting at the Kremlin. The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with the West and a move towards Russia's neighbour to the east. China meanwhile is locked in a trade war with the United States that has seen Washington impose sweeping duties and move to blacklist companies like Huawei. Moscow and Beijing's economic ties have grown in recent years, though they remain heavily weighted in favour of China, which dwarfs Russia in economic and demographic terms. Dozens of deals signed Xi's visit has seen the signing of dozens of commercial contracts in e-commerce, telecoms, gas and other areas. Other deals have been signed at the forum, including one on Friday between Russian and Chinese shipping companies to work together to develop Arctic sea routes. While this is the Chinese leader's first appearance at the economic forum, where he heads a 1,000-strong delegation, he and Putin have met regularly in recent years. Ahead of Xi's visit, Kremlin advisor Yury Ushakov described China as "Russia's most important economic partner". The partnership is yielding increasing trade, which grew by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion, he said. But despite political tensions and repeated rounds of sanctions over Moscow's actions in Ukraine, the European Union remains by far the biggest foreign investor in Russia -- well ahead of China and the US. "China is taking time to ramp up investments in Russia," said Charles Robertson, chief economist at Renaissance Capital. "It wants to feel secure about the long term, it doesn't want to rush into it." He predicted China would make big investments over the next three to five years, possibly even sooner, as Russia plays an important role in projects along Beijing's New Silk Road. Worry over investor arrest The first day of the forum on Thursday saw Putin make a pitch for increased foreign investment as Russia looks to revive an economy hit by Western sanctions over Ukraine and the drop in oil prices. After emerging from recession in 2017, the Russian economy ticked up by only 0.5 per cent in the first quarter of this year. Putin, whose approval ratings have dropped to record lows, has vowed to boost growth through a series of "national projects" -- ranging from healthcare to infrastructure -- that will cost Russia $388 billion. But foreign investors, already wary of Russia' volatile business climate, were further spooked by the arrest on fraud charges in February of US businessman Michael Calvey, the founder of one of the oldest private equity firms focusing on Russia. He denies the charges, saying the arrest was the result of a shareholder dispute. In a statement through his lawyers on Friday, Calvey regretted that he had been unable to attend this year's forum. "He expressed regret that it will apparently not be possible for him to attend SPIEF for reasons that are beyond his control," the statement said, with Calvey also thanking the business community "for its remarkable solidarity and support".

Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping hit back at US dominance at Russia economic forum

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-us-push-for-dominance-is-a-recipe-for-trade-and-real-wars-225280">Putin says US push for dominance is recipe for trade and real wars; slams attempts to 'push' Huawei from global markets</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said that US efforts to foist its dominance on other countries was a recipe for trade and real wars.

Speaking at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin complained about what he called unfair competition and protectionism.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-focus-on-neighbourhood-first-pm-modi-leaves-for-first-foreign-visit-on-saturday-225292">With focus on 'neighbourhood first', PM Modi set for first foreign trip in second term &nbsp;</a>

Ahead of his first foreign visit in the second term, PM Modi on Friday said the visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka will strengthen "close and cordial ties" with both the maritime neighbours and is in line with India's ‘Neighbourhood-First Policy’ and SAGAR or Security and Growth for All in the Region doctrine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rejects-french-call-for-wider-talks-beyond-nuclear-deal-report-225256">Iran rejects French call for wider talks beyond nuclear deal: Report</a>

Iran rejected French calls for wider international talks over its nuclear and military ambitions, saying on Friday it would only discuss its existing 2015 atomic pact with world powers, state TV reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-18-terrorists-killed-by-government-forces-in-logar-province-225281">Afghanistan: 18 terrorists killed by government forces in Logar province</a>

At least eighteen terrorists were killed and four others sustained injuries in an anti-terrorism operation carried out by the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) in the eastern province of Logar on Friday morning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-navy-accuses-us-ship-of-nearly-causing-collision-225242">Russian navy accuses US ship of nearly causing collision</a>

Russia on Friday accused a US naval ship of carrying out a dangerous manoeuvre by sailing within 50 metres of a Russian naval vessel in the East China Sea.

&nbsp;

Putin says US push for dominance is recipe for trade and real wars; slams attempts to 'push' Huawei from global markets Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said that US efforts to foist its dominance on other countries was a recipe for trade and real wars.

Putin says US push for dominance is recipe for trade and real wars; slams attempts to 'push' Huawei from global markets Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said that US efforts to foist its dominance on other countries was a recipe for trade and real wars. Speaking at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin complained about what he called unfair competition and protectionism. With focus on 'neighbourhood first', PM Modi set for first foreign trip in second term Ahead of his first foreign visit in the second term, PM Modi on Friday said the visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka will strengthen "close and cordial ties" with both the maritime neighbours and is in line with India's ‘Neighbourhood-First Policy’ and SAGAR or Security and Growth for All in the Region doctrine. Iran rejects French call for wider talks beyond nuclear deal: Report Iran rejected French calls for wider international talks over its nuclear and military ambitions, saying on Friday it would only discuss its existing 2015 atomic pact with world powers, state TV reported. Afghanistan: 18 terrorists killed by government forces in Logar province At least eighteen terrorists were killed and four others sustained injuries in an anti-terrorism operation carried out by the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) in the eastern province of Logar on Friday morning. Russian navy accuses US ship of nearly causing collision Russia on Friday accused a US naval ship of carrying out a dangerous manoeuvre by sailing within 50 metres of a Russian naval vessel in the East China Sea.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said that US efforts to foist its dominance on other countries was a recipe for trade and real wars.

Speaking at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin complained about what he called unfair competition and protectionism.

The US approach fostered a battle without rules where everyone was pitted against one another, he added.

The Russian President&nbsp;denounced "unceremonious attempts at pushing Huawei from the international market."

"In some circles this is even being called the first technological war of the dawning digital era," Putin said.

Despite international concerns that it could present a security risk, Huawei on Wednesday signed an agreement with Russian telecoms company MTS to develop a 5G network in the country, on the sidelines of a meeting between Putin and Xi in Moscow.

The Chinese telecom giant has been in turmoil since May, when US President Donald Trump's administration banned US companies from selling high-tech equipment to Huawei over suspicions it is spying for Beijing.

Several companies have already distanced themselves from Huawei, including Google, whose Android system equips the vast majority of smartphones in the world.

Huawei's reported potential involvement in Britain's 5G network has proved politically sensitive and Theresa May's government insisted no decision has been made on the issue.

Putin said that the United States was trying to enforce its legal power across the world.

Putin also said 'role of dollar' should be revisited in global trade.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said that US efforts to foist its dominance on other countries was a recipe for trade and real wars. Speaking at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin complained about what he called unfair competition and protectionism.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday said that US efforts to foist its dominance on other countries was a recipe for trade and real wars. Speaking at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin complained about what he called unfair competition and protectionism. The US approach fostered a battle without rules where everyone was pitted against one another, he added. The Russian President denounced "unceremonious attempts at pushing Huawei from the international market." "In some circles this is even being called the first technological war of the dawning digital era," Putin said. Despite international concerns that it could present a security risk, Huawei on Wednesday signed an agreement with Russian telecoms company MTS to develop a 5G network in the country, on the sidelines of a meeting between Putin and Xi in Moscow. The Chinese telecom giant has been in turmoil since May, when US President Donald Trump's administration banned US companies from selling high-tech equipment to Huawei over suspicions it is spying for Beijing. Several companies have already distanced themselves from Huawei, including Google, whose Android system equips the vast majority of smartphones in the world. Huawei's reported potential involvement in Britain's 5G network has proved politically sensitive and Theresa May's government insisted no decision has been made on the issue. Putin said that the United States was trying to enforce its legal power across the world. Putin also said 'role of dollar' should be revisited in global trade. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin says US push for dominance is recipe for trade and real wars; slams attempts to 'push' Huawei from global markets

Russia's oil contamination crisis is almost over, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said at an economic forum in St Petersburg on Friday.

The country's average daily oil output dropped this month to a three-year low after<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-flags-wider-investigation-into-contaminated-russian-oil-213928"> contaminated crude clogged</a> its main export route. Contaminated Urals crude was discovered in the Druzhba pipeline to Europe in mid-April.

Following these reports, Poland, Germany, Ukraine and some other countries suspended imports of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline.

The problem arose when an unidentified Russian producer contaminated the oil with high levels of organic chloride, which is typically used to boost oil output but which must be separated before shipment as it can destroy refining equipment.

Russia's pipeline monopoly Transneft was investigating the matter. It had earlier said that the contamination which led to the suspension of the oil flows to Europe could be deliberate and that a criminal case was opened.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Russia's oil contamination crisis is almost over, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said at an economic forum in St Petersburg on Friday. The country's average daily oil output dropped this month to a three-year low after contaminated crude clogged its main export route.

Russia's oil contamination crisis is almost over, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said at an economic forum in St Petersburg on Friday. The country's average daily oil output dropped this month to a three-year low after contaminated crude clogged its main export route. Contaminated Urals crude was discovered in the Druzhba pipeline to Europe in mid-April. Following these reports, Poland, Germany, Ukraine and some other countries suspended imports of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline. The problem arose when an unidentified Russian producer contaminated the oil with high levels of organic chloride, which is typically used to boost oil output but which must be separated before shipment as it can destroy refining equipment. Russia's pipeline monopoly Transneft was investigating the matter. It had earlier said that the contamination which led to the suspension of the oil flows to Europe could be deliberate and that a criminal case was opened. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian oil contamination crisis is almost over: Energy minister Alexander Novak

Chinese President Xi Jinping appears Friday as a guest of honour at Russia's showcase economic forum, as the two neighbours present a united front in the face of shared troubles with the US.

Xi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a three-day visit with Vladimir Putin and described the Russian leader as his "best friend" during a cosy meeting at the Kremlin.

To end the trip, Xi and his host will appear at a plenary session of the annual Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, which Moscow hopes will woo foreign investors despite an uncertain business climate.

Xi is set to present China's ideas on sustainable development and multilateral cooperation, Beijing said ahead of his appearance.&nbsp;

The 2019 forum "will illustrate very clearly just how bi-polar the world has become," said Chris Weafer, a senior partner at the Macro Advisory consulting firm.

"In the same week that President Trump will be having tea with the Queen in London, President Putin will be hosting President Xi in Saint Petersburg."&nbsp;

The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with the West and a move towards Russia's neighbour to the east.

China meanwhile is locked in a trade war with the United States that has seen Washington impose sweeping duties and move to blacklist companies like tech giant Huawei.&nbsp;

Moscow and Beijing's economic ties have grown in recent years, though they remain heavily weighted in favour of China, which dwarfs Russia in economic and demographic terms.

Dozens of deals signed

Xi's visit has already seen the signing of dozens of commercial contracts in e-commerce, telecoms, gas and other areas.

Other deals have been signed at the forum, including one on Friday between Russian and Chinese shipping companies to work together to develop Arctic sea routes.&nbsp;

While this is the Chinese leader's first appearance at the economic forum, where he heads a 1,000-strong delegation, he and Putin have met regularly in recent years.&nbsp;

Ahead of Xi's visit, Kremlin advisor Yury Ushakov described China as "Russia's most important economic partner".&nbsp;

The partnership is yielding increasing trade, which grew by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion, he said.

At a panel Friday on Russia-China business ties, Russian tycoon Viktor Vekselberg, a target of US sanctions, called for the two countries to carry out more trade in their national currencies, bypassing the US dollar.&nbsp;

But despite political tensions and repeated rounds of sanctions over Moscow's actions in Ukraine, the European Union remains by far the biggest foreign investor in Russia -- well ahead of China and the US.

"China is taking time to ramp up investments in Russia," said Charles Robertson, chief economist at Renaissance Capital. "It wants to feel secure about the long term, it doesn't want to rush into it."

He predicted China would make big investments over the next three to five years, possibly even sooner, as Russia plays an important role in projects along Beijing's New Silk Road.&nbsp;

Worry over investor arrest

The first day of the forum on Thursday saw Putin make a pitch for increased foreign investment as Russia looks to revive an economy hit by Western sanctions over Ukraine and the drop in oil prices.&nbsp;

After emerging from recession in 2017, the Russian economy ticked up by only 0.5 percent in the first quarter of this year.&nbsp;

Putin, whose approval ratings have dropped to record lows, has vowed to boost growth through a series of "national projects" -- ranging from healthcare to infrastructure -- that will cost Russia $388 billion.

But foreign investors, already wary of Russia' volatile business climate, were further spooked by the arrest on fraud charges in February of US businessman Michael Calvey, the founder of one of the oldest private equity firms focusing on Russia.&nbsp;

He denies the charges, saying the arrest was the result of a shareholder dispute.

Speculation swirled at the forum over whether Calvey, who is under house arrest, would attend. On Friday his lawyer said authorities had not yet replied to a request from the businessman to travel to Saint Petersburg.

Chinese President Xi Jinping appears Friday as a guest of honour at Russia's showcase economic forum, as the two neighbours present a united front in the face of shared troubles with the US.

Chinese President Xi Jinping appears Friday as a guest of honour at Russia's showcase economic forum, as the two neighbours present a united front in the face of shared troubles with the US. Xi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a three-day visit with Vladimir Putin and described the Russian leader as his "best friend" during a cosy meeting at the Kremlin. To end the trip, Xi and his host will appear at a plenary session of the annual Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, which Moscow hopes will woo foreign investors despite an uncertain business climate. Xi is set to present China's ideas on sustainable development and multilateral cooperation, Beijing said ahead of his appearance. The 2019 forum "will illustrate very clearly just how bi-polar the world has become," said Chris Weafer, a senior partner at the Macro Advisory consulting firm. "In the same week that President Trump will be having tea with the Queen in London, President Putin will be hosting President Xi in Saint Petersburg." The trip comes five years after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula led to a serious rift with the West and a move towards Russia's neighbour to the east. China meanwhile is locked in a trade war with the United States that has seen Washington impose sweeping duties and move to blacklist companies like tech giant Huawei. Moscow and Beijing's economic ties have grown in recent years, though they remain heavily weighted in favour of China, which dwarfs Russia in economic and demographic terms. Dozens of deals signed Xi's visit has already seen the signing of dozens of commercial contracts in e-commerce, telecoms, gas and other areas. Other deals have been signed at the forum, including one on Friday between Russian and Chinese shipping companies to work together to develop Arctic sea routes. While this is the Chinese leader's first appearance at the economic forum, where he heads a 1,000-strong delegation, he and Putin have met regularly in recent years. Ahead of Xi's visit, Kremlin advisor Yury Ushakov described China as "Russia's most important economic partner". The partnership is yielding increasing trade, which grew by 25 per cent in 2018 to hit a record $108 billion, he said. At a panel Friday on Russia-China business ties, Russian tycoon Viktor Vekselberg, a target of US sanctions, called for the two countries to carry out more trade in their national currencies, bypassing the US dollar. But despite political tensions and repeated rounds of sanctions over Moscow's actions in Ukraine, the European Union remains by far the biggest foreign investor in Russia -- well ahead of China and the US. "China is taking time to ramp up investments in Russia," said Charles Robertson, chief economist at Renaissance Capital. "It wants to feel secure about the long term, it doesn't want to rush into it." He predicted China would make big investments over the next three to five years, possibly even sooner, as Russia plays an important role in projects along Beijing's New Silk Road. Worry over investor arrest The first day of the forum on Thursday saw Putin make a pitch for increased foreign investment as Russia looks to revive an economy hit by Western sanctions over Ukraine and the drop in oil prices. After emerging from recession in 2017, the Russian economy ticked up by only 0.5 percent in the first quarter of this year. Putin, whose approval ratings have dropped to record lows, has vowed to boost growth through a series of "national projects" -- ranging from healthcare to infrastructure -- that will cost Russia $388 billion. But foreign investors, already wary of Russia' volatile business climate, were further spooked by the arrest on fraud charges in February of US businessman Michael Calvey, the founder of one of the oldest private equity firms focusing on Russia. He denies the charges, saying the arrest was the result of a shareholder dispute. Speculation swirled at the forum over whether Calvey, who is under house arrest, would attend. On Friday his lawyer said authorities had not yet replied to a request from the businessman to travel to Saint Petersburg.

Russia and China show united front at economic forum

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