From hugs to holiday home visits: PM Modi's personal touch to diplomacy

Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to discuss US plans to exit the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) arms treaty with Donald Trump when the two meet in Paris on November 11, the Kremlin said on Monday.

Trump and Putin plan to hold a bilateral meeting in Paris on the sidelines of events to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One.

"There are still a lot of questions concerning strategic stability, even more so in the context of the stated US intention to leave the INF. All of this will of course be on the agenda," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call.

Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to discuss US plans to exit the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) arms treaty with Donald Trump when the two meet in Paris on November 11, the Kremlin said on Monday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to discuss US plans to exit the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) arms treaty with Donald Trump when the two meet in Paris on November 11, the Kremlin said on Monday. Trump and Putin plan to hold a bilateral meeting in Paris on the sidelines of events to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One. "There are still a lot of questions concerning strategic stability, even more so in the context of the stated US intention to leave the INF. All of this will of course be on the agenda," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call.

Putin wants to discuss US exit from nuclear pact with Trump: Russia

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Sunday that the United States was in consultation with its European allies on an arms control treaty, as NATO members urge Washington to try to bring Russia back into compliance with the pact rather than quit it.

President Donald Trump said on October 20 that Washington planned to quit the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty which Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader, and Ronald Reagan had signed in 1987.

Washington has cited Russia's alleged violation of the treaty as its reason for leaving it, a charge Moscow denies. Russia in turn accuses Washington of breaking the pact.

"We are in consultations with our European counterparts, I was speaking about it the day before with the German defense minister, and so as I said the consultations continue," Mattis told reporters travelling with him to Prague.

He will be meeting with his Czech counterpart and Prime Minister Andrej Babis during a short trip to Prague.

Mattis said ministers from NATO would be meeting in Brussels in December and at that point he would have some kind of "culminating point."

European members of NATO urged the United States on Thursday to try to bring Russia back into compliance with a nuclear arms control treaty rather than quit it, diplomats said, seeking to avoid a split in the alliance that Moscow could exploit.

Mattis said he had asked his NATO counterparts after the last summit if they had any ideas on how to bring Russia back into compliance of INF treaty, but so far none had come back to him.

European allies see the INF treaty as a pillar of arms control and, while accepting that Moscow is violating it by developing new weapons, are concerned its collapse could lead to a new arms race with possibly a new generation of US&nbsp;nuclear missiles stationed on the continent.

Heather Conley, a former US&nbsp;State Department official now with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said Mattis would receive a range of questions from European allies like when a formal notification would be made and whether it signals a new arms race.

"It just deepens the uncertainty. Our allies do not know where US&nbsp;leadership is going, what it's going to do from the day to day basis," Conley said.

When asked whether he could rule out placing intermediate-range missiles on the ground if Washington left the INF treaty, Mattis said: "I never rule things out like that, I also don't rule it in."

"There are a number of ways for us to respond, it does not have to be symmetric and it'll be in close consultation with allies," he added.

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Sunday that the United States was in consultation with its European allies on an arms control treaty, as NATO members urge Washington to try to bring Russia back into compliance with the pact rather than quit it.

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Sunday that the United States was in consultation with its European allies on an arms control treaty, as NATO members urge Washington to try to bring Russia back into compliance with the pact rather than quit it. President Donald Trump said on October 20 that Washington planned to quit the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty which Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader, and Ronald Reagan had signed in 1987. Washington has cited Russia's alleged violation of the treaty as its reason for leaving it, a charge Moscow denies. Russia in turn accuses Washington of breaking the pact. "We are in consultations with our European counterparts, I was speaking about it the day before with the German defense minister, and so as I said the consultations continue," Mattis told reporters travelling with him to Prague. He will be meeting with his Czech counterpart and Prime Minister Andrej Babis during a short trip to Prague. Mattis said ministers from NATO would be meeting in Brussels in December and at that point he would have some kind of "culminating point." European members of NATO urged the United States on Thursday to try to bring Russia back into compliance with a nuclear arms control treaty rather than quit it, diplomats said, seeking to avoid a split in the alliance that Moscow could exploit. Mattis said he had asked his NATO counterparts after the last summit if they had any ideas on how to bring Russia back into compliance of INF treaty, but so far none had come back to him. European allies see the INF treaty as a pillar of arms control and, while accepting that Moscow is violating it by developing new weapons, are concerned its collapse could lead to a new arms race with possibly a new generation of US nuclear missiles stationed on the continent. Heather Conley, a former US State Department official now with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said Mattis would receive a range of questions from European allies like when a formal notification would be made and whether it signals a new arms race. "It just deepens the uncertainty. Our allies do not know where US leadership is going, what it's going to do from the day to day basis," Conley said. When asked whether he could rule out placing intermediate-range missiles on the ground if Washington left the INF treaty, Mattis said: "I never rule things out like that, I also don't rule it in." "There are a number of ways for us to respond, it does not have to be symmetric and it'll be in close consultation with allies," he added.

Jim Mattis looks to calm European allies nervous about INF treaty

The White House has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to Washington, US National Security Adviser John Bolton said on Friday.

Putin and Trump have met several times on the sidelines of multilateral gatherings, but had only one bilateral summit, in the Finnish capital in July.

"We have invited president Putin to Washington," Bolton said. It was not immediately clear if Putin had accepted the invitation.

After the Helsinki encounter, Trump was accused by opponents, and even some members of his own Republican Party, of failing to stand up to the Russian leader.

The topic of Putin visiting the United States is a highly-charged one, because US intelligence agencies allege that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to help Trump win. Russian denies any election meddling.

Trump has said it is in US interests to establish a solid working relationship with Putin.

Trump and Putin plan to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of events in Paris on Nov. 11 to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One.

Bolton, who was speaking at a news conference on a visit to ex-Soviet Georgia, said their Paris meeting would be brief.

The White House has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to Washington, US National Security Adviser John Bolton said on Friday. Putin and Trump have met several times on the sidelines of multilateral gatherings, but had only one bilateral summit, in the Finnish capital in July.

The White House has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to Washington, US National Security Adviser John Bolton said on Friday. Putin and Trump have met several times on the sidelines of multilateral gatherings, but had only one bilateral summit, in the Finnish capital in July. "We have invited president Putin to Washington," Bolton said. It was not immediately clear if Putin had accepted the invitation. After the Helsinki encounter, Trump was accused by opponents, and even some members of his own Republican Party, of failing to stand up to the Russian leader. The topic of Putin visiting the United States is a highly-charged one, because US intelligence agencies allege that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to help Trump win. Russian denies any election meddling. Trump has said it is in US interests to establish a solid working relationship with Putin. Trump and Putin plan to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of events in Paris on Nov. 11 to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One. Bolton, who was speaking at a news conference on a visit to ex-Soviet Georgia, said their Paris meeting would be brief.

White House has invited Putin to Washington: NSA John Bolton

President Vladimir Putin warned Wednesday of a new arms race if America pulls out of weapons treaties, and said Russia would respond "in kind" to any new US missiles placed on European soil.

At the weekend, US President Donald Trump sparked concerns globally when he said he would ditch a key Cold War-era nuclear weapons pact, the three-decade-old Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF).

Speaking after hosting Trump's national security advisor John Bolton on Tuesday, Putin warned that abandoning the treaty, and failure to extend another key arms control agreement known as the New START, would unleash a new arms race and put Europe in danger.

Putin said dismantling a global arms control system was "very dangerous," adding Russia was concerned about the fact that the United States had already abandoned the Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty, planned to ditch the INF, and that the future of the New START was unclear.

"There would be nothing left except an arms race," he said at a news conference after talks with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.&nbsp;

The Russian president said that if Washington moved to abandon the INF and placed more missiles in Europe, Russia would respond "in kind."

"Will we be able to respond?" he said. "Yes, we will and this will be very quick and effective."

Putin said any European countries agreeing to host US missiles would be at risk of a Russian attack.&nbsp;

"These are obvious things," the Russian leader said.&nbsp;

Pershings in Europe

"We will return to the situation with the Pershing missiles in Europe," he said, referring to US missiles stationed in Western Europe in the 1980s.

Putin accused the United States of violating the INF treaty which Trump has said Russia is in breach of.

The Russian president said he wanted to discuss the issue with his American counterpart when they attend a November 11 event in Paris commemorating the centenary of the end of World War I.

"We are ready to work with our American partners without any hysterics," he added.

Italy's Conte said his country was also concerned about a possible collapse of the INF agreement, adding he would speak to Trump on the subject.

"I've already let President Putin know that I was really young in the era of the Pershing missiles and I would not want to return to the time that we have been able to overcome," the 54-year-old said in remarks translated into Russian.

"We should focus on other prospects of cooperation and avoid an escalation that could be alarming for us all."

Trump had said the United States was ready to build up its nuclear arsenal because Russia violated the INF agreement.

"Until people come to their senses, we will build it up," he said Monday, referring to America's nuclear stockpile.&nbsp;

Trump's announcement sparked concern globally, with the European Commission urging the United States and Russia to pursue talks to preserve the treaty, and China calling on Washington to "think twice."

Bolton has said that Britain, Japan, and other countries supported the US position.

Earlier Wednesday, the Kremlin said it was ready to discuss the possibility of a summit between Putin and Trump in Washington next year.

"Undoubtedly (we are) ready," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists after Bolton reportedly said such a summit was possible.&nbsp;

Peskov said the issue had been "raised" but "so far there is no concrete decision on this."

Bolton arrived in Moscow on Sunday evening and held talks with Putin and top officials including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian Security Council chief Nikolai Patrushev.

The US official said the Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty, a key Soviet-era agreement abandoned by George W. Bush, was previously considered a cornerstone of global security, but that the world had remained safe without it.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin warned Wednesday of a new arms race if America pulls out of weapons treaties, and said Russia would respond "in kind" to any new US missiles placed on European soil.

President Vladimir Putin warned Wednesday of a new arms race if America pulls out of weapons treaties, and said Russia would respond "in kind" to any new US missiles placed on European soil. At the weekend, US President Donald Trump sparked concerns globally when he said he would ditch a key Cold War-era nuclear weapons pact, the three-decade-old Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF). Speaking after hosting Trump's national security advisor John Bolton on Tuesday, Putin warned that abandoning the treaty, and failure to extend another key arms control agreement known as the New START, would unleash a new arms race and put Europe in danger. Putin said dismantling a global arms control system was "very dangerous," adding Russia was concerned about the fact that the United States had already abandoned the Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty, planned to ditch the INF, and that the future of the New START was unclear. "There would be nothing left except an arms race," he said at a news conference after talks with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. The Russian president said that if Washington moved to abandon the INF and placed more missiles in Europe, Russia would respond "in kind." "Will we be able to respond?" he said. "Yes, we will and this will be very quick and effective." Putin said any European countries agreeing to host US missiles would be at risk of a Russian attack. "These are obvious things," the Russian leader said. Pershings in Europe "We will return to the situation with the Pershing missiles in Europe," he said, referring to US missiles stationed in Western Europe in the 1980s. Putin accused the United States of violating the INF treaty which Trump has said Russia is in breach of. The Russian president said he wanted to discuss the issue with his American counterpart when they attend a November 11 event in Paris commemorating the centenary of the end of World War I. "We are ready to work with our American partners without any hysterics," he added. Italy's Conte said his country was also concerned about a possible collapse of the INF agreement, adding he would speak to Trump on the subject. "I've already let President Putin know that I was really young in the era of the Pershing missiles and I would not want to return to the time that we have been able to overcome," the 54-year-old said in remarks translated into Russian. "We should focus on other prospects of cooperation and avoid an escalation that could be alarming for us all." Trump had said the United States was ready to build up its nuclear arsenal because Russia violated the INF agreement. "Until people come to their senses, we will build it up," he said Monday, referring to America's nuclear stockpile. Trump's announcement sparked concern globally, with the European Commission urging the United States and Russia to pursue talks to preserve the treaty, and China calling on Washington to "think twice." Bolton has said that Britain, Japan, and other countries supported the US position. Earlier Wednesday, the Kremlin said it was ready to discuss the possibility of a summit between Putin and Trump in Washington next year. "Undoubtedly (we are) ready," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists after Bolton reportedly said such a summit was possible. Peskov said the issue had been "raised" but "so far there is no concrete decision on this." Bolton arrived in Moscow on Sunday evening and held talks with Putin and top officials including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian Security Council chief Nikolai Patrushev. The US official said the Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty, a key Soviet-era agreement abandoned by George W. Bush, was previously considered a cornerstone of global security, but that the world had remained safe without it.

Putin warns of a new 'arms race' with America

Donald Trump wishes to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin when the two visit Paris on November 11 for World War I commemorations, the US president's National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Tuesday.

"I think President Trump will look forward to seeing you in Paris on the sidelines of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Armistice," Bolton told Putin in televised remarks as the two met for talks in Moscow.

Putin said: "It would be useful to continue a direct dialogue with the president of the United States... for example in Paris, if the American side is interested."

Both leaders will be in Paris for the November 11 World War I commemorations, which 60 heads of state and government are expected to attend.

Trump and Putin held their first bilateral summit in Helsinki in July, after which the US president came under strong criticism at home for adopting a very conciliatory tone with his Russian counterpart.

Bolton met Monday with several senior Russian officials before his talks with Putin.

His visit comes after Trump announced that the United States would pull out of the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) signed by president Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader.

Donald Trump wishes to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin when the two visit Paris on November 11 for World War I commemorations, the US president's National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Tuesday.

Donald Trump wishes to meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin when the two visit Paris on November 11 for World War I commemorations, the US president's National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Tuesday. "I think President Trump will look forward to seeing you in Paris on the sidelines of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Armistice," Bolton told Putin in televised remarks as the two met for talks in Moscow. Putin said: "It would be useful to continue a direct dialogue with the president of the United States... for example in Paris, if the American side is interested." Both leaders will be in Paris for the November 11 World War I commemorations, which 60 heads of state and government are expected to attend. Trump and Putin held their first bilateral summit in Helsinki in July, after which the US president came under strong criticism at home for adopting a very conciliatory tone with his Russian counterpart. Bolton met Monday with several senior Russian officials before his talks with Putin. His visit comes after Trump announced that the United States would pull out of the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) signed by president Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader.

Trump wants to meet Putin in Paris on November 11: US's Bolton

US National Security Advisor John Bolton met Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu Tuesday during a visit to Moscow, after President Donald Trump announced plans to withdraw from a nuclear arms treaty.

"Today, there are a large number of problems in the world that we could solve through joint efforts," Shoigu said in comments carried by the RIA Novosti agency.&nbsp;

He mentioned "strategic questions linked to nuclear deterrence as well as to the solution of major, long-running conflicts."

The minister said the first summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin this summer had shown ties between the two countries were gradually being reestablished.

Bolton for his part said he had been sent to Moscow with the task of "deepening and strengthening" dialogue with Russia, in comments translated into Russian.

Bolton is expected to meet with Putin later Tuesday.&nbsp;

Trump sparked concern globally at the weekend by saying he wanted to jettison the three-decade-old Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) signed by former US president Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader.

Signed in 1987, the INF resolved a crisis over Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals.

In Moscow on Monday, Bolton said the pact seemed to have run its course, accusing Russia of violating the treaty.&nbsp;

Russia rejects the claims and accuses Washington of violations.

US-Russia ties are under deep strain over accusations Moscow meddled in the 2016 US presidential election. The two states are also at odds over Russian support for Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria's civil war, and the conflict in Ukraine.

US National Security Advisor John Bolton met Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu Tuesday during a visit to Moscow, after President Donald Trump announced plans to withdraw from a nuclear arms treaty.

US National Security Advisor John Bolton met Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu Tuesday during a visit to Moscow, after President Donald Trump announced plans to withdraw from a nuclear arms treaty. "Today, there are a large number of problems in the world that we could solve through joint efforts," Shoigu said in comments carried by the RIA Novosti agency. He mentioned "strategic questions linked to nuclear deterrence as well as to the solution of major, long-running conflicts." The minister said the first summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin this summer had shown ties between the two countries were gradually being reestablished. Bolton for his part said he had been sent to Moscow with the task of "deepening and strengthening" dialogue with Russia, in comments translated into Russian. Bolton is expected to meet with Putin later Tuesday. Trump sparked concern globally at the weekend by saying he wanted to jettison the three-decade-old Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) signed by former US president Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader. Signed in 1987, the INF resolved a crisis over Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals. In Moscow on Monday, Bolton said the pact seemed to have run its course, accusing Russia of violating the treaty. Russia rejects the claims and accuses Washington of violations. US-Russia ties are under deep strain over accusations Moscow meddled in the 2016 US presidential election. The two states are also at odds over Russian support for Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria's civil war, and the conflict in Ukraine.

John Bolton, in Russia for nuclear talks, meets defence minister Shoigu

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday offered his condolences to the victims of Amritsar train accident in which around 60 people were crushed to death by a running train.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered condolences to President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Amritsar train accident, news agency ANI reported.

The accident took place when a DMU (diesel multiple unit) train ran over the people who were watching Dussehra celebrations in Choura Bazar yesterday.

''I offer my deepest sympathies over tragic consequences of an accident on railways in Punjab. I ask to convey my words of sympathy and support to families and friends of killed people,'' Putin's condolances message said.&nbsp;

The Russian president also wished ''soonest recovery'' to those injured.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I offer my deepest sympathies over tragic consequences of an accident on railways in Punjab. I ask to convey my words of sympathy&amp;support to families &amp; friends of killed people &amp; to wish soonest recovery to those injured: Russia President Vladimir Putin on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmritsarTrainAccident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmritsarTrainAccident</a> <a href="https://t.co/h3MlcB786t">pic.twitter.com/h3MlcB786t</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1053527404839399424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday offered his condolences to the victims of Amritsar train accident in which around 60 people were crushed to death by a running train.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday offered his condolences to the victims of Amritsar train accident in which around 60 people were crushed to death by a running train. Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered condolences to President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Amritsar train accident, news agency ANI reported. The accident took place when a DMU (diesel multiple unit) train ran over the people who were watching Dussehra celebrations in Choura Bazar yesterday. ''I offer my deepest sympathies over tragic consequences of an accident on railways in Punjab. I ask to convey my words of sympathy and support to families and friends of killed people,'' Putin's condolances message said. The Russian president also wished ''soonest recovery'' to those injured. I offer my deepest sympathies over tragic consequences of an accident on railways in Punjab. I ask to convey my words of sympathy&support to families & friends of killed people & to wish soonest recovery to those injured: Russia President Vladimir Putin on #AmritsarTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/h3MlcB786t — ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2018 ×

Amritsar train accident: Russian President Vladimir Putin expresses condolences 

Moscow on Saturday condemned Washington for indicting a Russian woman for interfering in US 2018 elections, saying the accusations were fabricated in order to impose further sanctions on Russia.

"We understand that Washington is fabricating a pretext in order to impose its notorious sanctions once more against our country," deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying in a statement.

He complained that after previous accusations involving the 2016 presidential elections won by Donald Trump, "in Washington they are now trying to play the same card ahead of the approaching election day in the US."

On November 6, Americans will vote in mid-term congressional elections.

The finance chief of Russia's leading troll farm, named as Yelena Khusyainova, was indicted by the US Justice Department on Friday, becoming the first person to face charges of interfering in next month's vote.

Ryabkov accused "certain US politicians" of waging "a shameful slanderous campaign" in order to gain political advantage and "at the same time put pressure on Russia."

Moscow warned Washington that by "demonstrating enmity," it will "just receive an even more forceful rebuff."

Moscow on Saturday condemned Washington for indicting a Russian woman for interfering in US 2018 elections, saying the accusations were fabricated in order to impose further sanctions on Russia.

Moscow on Saturday condemned Washington for indicting a Russian woman for interfering in US 2018 elections, saying the accusations were fabricated in order to impose further sanctions on Russia. "We understand that Washington is fabricating a pretext in order to impose its notorious sanctions once more against our country," deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying in a statement. He complained that after previous accusations involving the 2016 presidential elections won by Donald Trump, "in Washington they are now trying to play the same card ahead of the approaching election day in the US." On November 6, Americans will vote in mid-term congressional elections. The finance chief of Russia's leading troll farm, named as Yelena Khusyainova, was indicted by the US Justice Department on Friday, becoming the first person to face charges of interfering in next month's vote. Ryabkov accused "certain US politicians" of waging "a shameful slanderous campaign" in order to gain political advantage and "at the same time put pressure on Russia." Moscow warned Washington that by "demonstrating enmity," it will "just receive an even more forceful rebuff."

Moscow slams US for 'fabricating' election indictment

Russia's defence minister said Saturday that almost 88,000 rebels had been killed in Syria in the three years since Moscow's intervention to back government forces.

"Over the course of the operation, a total of more than 87,500 rebels have been eliminated, 1,411 settlements have been liberated and more than 95 per cent of Syria's territory," Shoigu was quoted as saying at a forum in Singapore in a ministry statement.

"Most of the rebels have been liquidated," Shoigu said.

Britain-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says close to 365,000 people have been killed during the seven-year civil war.

Russia launched strikes in support of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in September 2015.

Russian air forces have carried out more than 40,000 bombing missions, hitting about 120,000 targets of "terrorist" infrastructure, Shoigu said.

The defence minister said that "Syrian armed forces currently control territory where more than 90 per cent of the population lives."

Russia's defence minister said Saturday that almost 88,000 rebels had been killed in Syria in the three years since Moscow's intervention to back government forces.

Russia's defence minister said Saturday that almost 88,000 rebels had been killed in Syria in the three years since Moscow's intervention to back government forces. "Over the course of the operation, a total of more than 87,500 rebels have been eliminated, 1,411 settlements have been liberated and more than 95 per cent of Syria's territory," Shoigu was quoted as saying at a forum in Singapore in a ministry statement. "Most of the rebels have been liquidated," Shoigu said. Britain-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says close to 365,000 people have been killed during the seven-year civil war. Russia launched strikes in support of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in September 2015. Russian air forces have carried out more than 40,000 bombing missions, hitting about 120,000 targets of "terrorist" infrastructure, Shoigu said. The defence minister said that "Syrian armed forces currently control territory where more than 90 per cent of the population lives."

Moscow's intervention has killed around 88,000 rebels in Syria: Russian defence ministry

Russia and Uzbekistan on Friday hailed the construction of an $11 billion nuclear power plant that should help solve an energy deficit in the Central Asian country while binding it tighter to Moscow politically.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was paying a first state visit to Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev since Mirziyoyev replaced the late Islam Karimov, who ruled for nearly three decades before his death in 2016.&nbsp;

During the visit the two countries signed deals worth $27.1 billion, according to the Uzbek economy ministry.&nbsp;

"Uzbekistan is our loyal ally and our strategic partner... We will do all we can to strengthen our cooperation," Putin said while meeting Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the capital Tashkent.

"Dear Russian friends, welcome to Uzbekistan!" read billboards along the main roads of Tashkent where Russian and Uzbek flags flew side by side.&nbsp;

The nuclear power plant, set to be completed by 2028, has strategic significance for Moscow which is looking to reassert its economic and political clout in Central Asia amid fierce competition from China and other players.&nbsp;

According to the Russian Rosatom nuclear energy agency overseeing the project the plant's output should account for a fifth of Uzbekistan's overall power generation. &nbsp;

Putin suggested on Friday that the facility -- the first of its kind in ex-Soviet Central Asia -- might also help provide power to other countries in the region where the Chernobyl disaster and Soviet-era atomic weapons testing in the Kazakh steppe have coloured attitudes towards nuclear power.&nbsp;

Authoritarian regime intact

Addressing the two leaders via tele-link from the western region of Navoi where the plant is set to be built, Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev assured Uzbekistan that the plant would be built in strict accordance with international standards. &nbsp;

"The main criteria here is safety," Likhachev said at a ceremony marking the start of the project.&nbsp;

Bilateral trade between Russia and Uzbekistan jumped by more than a third year-on-year to $3.7 billion in 2017 as Uzbekistan shakes off nearly three decades of economic isolation under Karimov's rule.

Karimov, who died in 2016, maintained generally good relations with Moscow but was wary of the Kremlin's influence over Uzbekistan and the Central Asian region.

Mirziyoyev, who served as Karimov's prime minister for 13 years, has kept the authoritarian regime intact while also reversing some of his predecessor's most controversial policies.

Putin on Friday paid tribute to reforms launched by Mirziyoyev that have whetted the appetites of foreign investors eyeing new markets in a commodity-rich country of around 33 million people.&nbsp;

"We see how quickly and how fundamentally the situation in Uzbekistan is changing, how reforms are being organised and carried out," Putin said.&nbsp;

Under Mirziyoyev, the government has overhauled its foreign exchange policies, pledged to modernise its banking system and re-launched ties with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development that were effectively severed more than a decade ago.

Among the other economic agreements signed at a business forum running parallel to the two leaders' talks was a memorandum of understanding between Russia's Lukoil energy major and Uzbek state energy company Uzbekneftgaz.&nbsp;

Security was also high on the agenda during talks between the two heads of state. &nbsp;

Under Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has declared its readiness to host talks between the Taliban and the government of Afghanistan, with whom Uzbekistan shares a border.

"It is in our common interest to normalise the situation in Afghanistan," Putin said, backing the initiative.

Russia and Uzbekistan on Friday hailed the construction of an $11 billion nuclear power plant that should help solve an energy deficit in the Central Asian country while binding it tighter to Moscow politically.

Russia and Uzbekistan on Friday hailed the construction of an $11 billion nuclear power plant that should help solve an energy deficit in the Central Asian country while binding it tighter to Moscow politically. Russian President Vladimir Putin was paying a first state visit to Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev since Mirziyoyev replaced the late Islam Karimov, who ruled for nearly three decades before his death in 2016. During the visit the two countries signed deals worth $27.1 billion, according to the Uzbek economy ministry. "Uzbekistan is our loyal ally and our strategic partner... We will do all we can to strengthen our cooperation," Putin said while meeting Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the capital Tashkent. "Dear Russian friends, welcome to Uzbekistan!" read billboards along the main roads of Tashkent where Russian and Uzbek flags flew side by side. The nuclear power plant, set to be completed by 2028, has strategic significance for Moscow which is looking to reassert its economic and political clout in Central Asia amid fierce competition from China and other players. According to the Russian Rosatom nuclear energy agency overseeing the project the plant's output should account for a fifth of Uzbekistan's overall power generation. Putin suggested on Friday that the facility -- the first of its kind in ex-Soviet Central Asia -- might also help provide power to other countries in the region where the Chernobyl disaster and Soviet-era atomic weapons testing in the Kazakh steppe have coloured attitudes towards nuclear power. Authoritarian regime intact Addressing the two leaders via tele-link from the western region of Navoi where the plant is set to be built, Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev assured Uzbekistan that the plant would be built in strict accordance with international standards. "The main criteria here is safety," Likhachev said at a ceremony marking the start of the project. Bilateral trade between Russia and Uzbekistan jumped by more than a third year-on-year to $3.7 billion in 2017 as Uzbekistan shakes off nearly three decades of economic isolation under Karimov's rule. Karimov, who died in 2016, maintained generally good relations with Moscow but was wary of the Kremlin's influence over Uzbekistan and the Central Asian region. Mirziyoyev, who served as Karimov's prime minister for 13 years, has kept the authoritarian regime intact while also reversing some of his predecessor's most controversial policies. Putin on Friday paid tribute to reforms launched by Mirziyoyev that have whetted the appetites of foreign investors eyeing new markets in a commodity-rich country of around 33 million people. "We see how quickly and how fundamentally the situation in Uzbekistan is changing, how reforms are being organised and carried out," Putin said. Under Mirziyoyev, the government has overhauled its foreign exchange policies, pledged to modernise its banking system and re-launched ties with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development that were effectively severed more than a decade ago. Among the other economic agreements signed at a business forum running parallel to the two leaders' talks was a memorandum of understanding between Russia's Lukoil energy major and Uzbek state energy company Uzbekneftgaz. Security was also high on the agenda during talks between the two heads of state. Under Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has declared its readiness to host talks between the Taliban and the government of Afghanistan, with whom Uzbekistan shares a border. "It is in our common interest to normalise the situation in Afghanistan," Putin said, backing the initiative.

Russia, Uzbekistan hail $11 billion nuclear plant project during Putin visit

Putin gives Sisi a ride in Sochi

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said the US bears a "certain responsibility" for the fate of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, adding that there is not enough evidence that Riyadh is behind his disappearance.

"As far as I know, the journalist that disappeared lived in the US. In this sense, of course, the US holds a certain responsibility over what happened to him," Putin said at a forum in the southern Russian city of Sochi.

The Russian leader said Moscow "cannot start deteriorating relations" with Saudi Arabia because "it did not know what really happened."&nbsp;

Turkish officials said this week that Khashoggi was killed by a hit squad in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. Riyadh denies the allegations.

The Russian leader's comments came as senior Western ministers pulled out of a major investment conference in Saudi Arabia, expressing deep concern over the disappearance of Khashoggi.&nbsp;

The ministers joined a slew of corporate bigwigs who are now shunning next week's Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, touted as a showcase for the economic reforms of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has said he will decide later on Thursday whether to attend, with President Donald Trump on the defensive as world opinion rounds on the US's Saudi allies.&nbsp;

Putin met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman before the opening World Cup match in Moscow this summer.&nbsp;

Khashoggi -- a critic of the ultra-conservative kingdom -- was last seen entering his country's consulate in Istanbul on October 2.&nbsp;

The Al-Saud dynasty, which has ruled Saudi Arabia since the early 20th century, has found itself embroiled in one of its worst international crises since Khashoggi's disappearance.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said the US bears a "certain responsibility" for the fate of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, adding that there is not enough evidence that Riyadh is behind his disappearance.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said the US bears a "certain responsibility" for the fate of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, adding that there is not enough evidence that Riyadh is behind his disappearance. "As far as I know, the journalist that disappeared lived in the US. In this sense, of course, the US holds a certain responsibility over what happened to him," Putin said at a forum in the southern Russian city of Sochi. The Russian leader said Moscow "cannot start deteriorating relations" with Saudi Arabia because "it did not know what really happened." Turkish officials said this week that Khashoggi was killed by a hit squad in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. Riyadh denies the allegations. The Russian leader's comments came as senior Western ministers pulled out of a major investment conference in Saudi Arabia, expressing deep concern over the disappearance of Khashoggi. The ministers joined a slew of corporate bigwigs who are now shunning next week's Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, touted as a showcase for the economic reforms of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has said he will decide later on Thursday whether to attend, with President Donald Trump on the defensive as world opinion rounds on the US's Saudi allies. Putin met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman before the opening World Cup match in Moscow this summer. Khashoggi -- a critic of the ultra-conservative kingdom -- was last seen entering his country's consulate in Istanbul on October 2. The Al-Saud dynasty, which has ruled Saudi Arabia since the early 20th century, has found itself embroiled in one of its worst international crises since Khashoggi's disappearance.

Putin says US bears some responsibility for Khashoggi disappearance

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said the mass school shooting in Crimea a day before was the result of "globalisation" and the continuation of an American trend.

"It's a result of globalisation. On social media, on the internet, we see that there is a whole community that has been created. Everything started with the tragic events in schools in the US," he said at a forum in Sochi.

He said unstable young people were creating "fake heroes for themselves" and "reaching out for a surrogate for heroism" in the absence of the real thing.

"We're not creating healthy (internet) content for young people... which leads to tragedies of this kind," he said.

"But there is a place for real heroism in today's life," he said.

An 18-year-old identified as Vladislav Roslyakov on Wednesday killed at least 20 students at a college in the Moscow-annexed peninsula before killing himself.

More than 40 others were injured in what local press dubbed "Russia's Columbine", a reference to a 1999 US high school massacre.

Authorities said they were working to establish the motive for the attack.&nbsp;

An ex-girlfriend told Russian state media Roslyakov had spoken to her about taking revenge for bullying at the school. 
&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said the mass school shooting in Crimea a day before was the result of "globalisation" and the continuation of an American trend.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said the mass school shooting in Crimea a day before was the result of "globalisation" and the continuation of an American trend. "It's a result of globalisation. On social media, on the internet, we see that there is a whole community that has been created. Everything started with the tragic events in schools in the US," he said at a forum in Sochi. He said unstable young people were creating "fake heroes for themselves" and "reaching out for a surrogate for heroism" in the absence of the real thing. "We're not creating healthy (internet) content for young people... which leads to tragedies of this kind," he said. "But there is a place for real heroism in today's life," he said. An 18-year-old identified as Vladislav Roslyakov on Wednesday killed at least 20 students at a college in the Moscow-annexed peninsula before killing himself. More than 40 others were injured in what local press dubbed "Russia's Columbine", a reference to a 1999 US high school massacre. Authorities said they were working to establish the motive for the attack. An ex-girlfriend told Russian state media Roslyakov had spoken to her about taking revenge for bullying at the school.

Putin says Crimea school shooting result of 'globalisation'

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that India "will soon find out" about his decision on the punitive CAATSA sanctions after India signed a 5 billion deal to purchase the much-vaunted S-400 air defence system from Russia.

Under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA sanctions, which was amended early this year, only Trump has the authority for the presidential waiver to India on weapons deal with sanctions-hit Russia.

India last week inked a $ 5 billion deal to purchase S-400 Triumf air defence system from Moscow. The mega deal was sealed in New Delhi during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Asked about the agreement between India and Russia, Trump while interacting with reporters in the Oval Office of the White House, said, "India will find out. Aren't they?"&nbsp;

"India is going to find out,? he reiterated in response to India specific question.

Asked when, he said, "You will see. Sooner than you think."

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was also in the room when Trump answered the question on CAATSA sanctions. Pompeo was scheduled to meet the president later.

Pompeo and Defence Secretary James Mattis had earlier argued the case for a waiver to India.&nbsp;

Last week, the White House had said that the US presidential waiver on weapons deal with sanctions-hit Russia is intended to "wean" countries like India off the Russian equipment.

"The (CAATSA presidential) waiver is narrow, intended to wean countries off Russian equipment and allow for things such as spare parts for previously-purchased equipment," a White House National Security Council Spokesperson had said after the conclusion of the S-400 contract.

The US embassy spokesperson in New Delhi had said that the CAATSA was aimed at Moscow and not intended to damage the military capabilities of its "allies and partners." 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that India "will soon find out" about his decision on the punitive CAATSA sanctions after India signed a 5 billion deal to purchase the much-vaunted S-400 air defence system from Russia.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that India "will soon find out" about his decision on the punitive CAATSA sanctions after India signed a 5 billion deal to purchase the much-vaunted S-400 air defence system from Russia. Under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA sanctions, which was amended early this year, only Trump has the authority for the presidential waiver to India on weapons deal with sanctions-hit Russia. India last week inked a $ 5 billion deal to purchase S-400 Triumf air defence system from Moscow. The mega deal was sealed in New Delhi during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Asked about the agreement between India and Russia, Trump while interacting with reporters in the Oval Office of the White House, said, "India will find out. Aren't they?" "India is going to find out,? he reiterated in response to India specific question. Asked when, he said, "You will see. Sooner than you think." Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was also in the room when Trump answered the question on CAATSA sanctions. Pompeo was scheduled to meet the president later. Pompeo and Defence Secretary James Mattis had earlier argued the case for a waiver to India. Last week, the White House had said that the US presidential waiver on weapons deal with sanctions-hit Russia is intended to "wean" countries like India off the Russian equipment. "The (CAATSA presidential) waiver is narrow, intended to wean countries off Russian equipment and allow for things such as spare parts for previously-purchased equipment," a White House National Security Council Spokesperson had said after the conclusion of the S-400 contract. The US embassy spokesperson in New Delhi had said that the CAATSA was aimed at Moscow and not intended to damage the military capabilities of its "allies and partners."

India will soon find out about my decision over S-400 deal with Russia: Trump

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Monday he believed North Korea's Kim Jong Un would soon meet with the leaders of China and Russia as part of an ongoing diplomatic effort to reduce tensions on the Korean peninsula.

It comes a day after the North Korean leader agreed to hold a second summit with US President Donald Trump "as early as possible", following a meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Pyongyang.

"Separately from the second US-North Korea summit, Chairman Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia and President Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea are expected to take place soon," Moon told a cabinet meeting.

The possibility of a summit between Kim and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is also "open", Moon said, adding: "A new order is being created on the Korean peninsula."

Kim and Xi have met three times in China this year as the two countries seek to repair relations frayed by tensions over the North's nuclear activities and Beijing's backing of United Nations sanctions against its Cold War-era ally.

The North Korean leader has yet to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has previously invited Kim to Moscow.

Japan has historically taken a hard line on Pyongyang and stressed the need to maintain pressure on the regime. More recently, however, Abe has expressed interest in a face-to-face meeting with former international pariah Kim.

The latest chapter in the diplomatic flurry comes as Trump sent Pompeo on a whirlwind trip to the region to rekindle stalled denuclearisation talks with Pyongyang.

Pompeo tweeted Monday that he was heading to China to work on a "final, fully-verified" denuclearisation of North Korea.

The first-ever summit between US and North Korean leaders was held in June this year -- a meeting critics say resulted in only a vague commitment by Kim towards denuclearisation.

North Korea's vice foreign minister Choe Son Hui met with officials in Beijing on Saturday and is due to hold talks with Russian counterparts in Moscow followed by a trilateral meeting with China and Russia.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Monday he believed North Korea's Kim Jong Un would soon meet with the leaders of China and Russia as part of an ongoing diplomatic effort to reduce tensions on the Korean peninsula.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Monday he believed North Korea's Kim Jong Un would soon meet with the leaders of China and Russia as part of an ongoing diplomatic effort to reduce tensions on the Korean peninsula. It comes a day after the North Korean leader agreed to hold a second summit with US President Donald Trump "as early as possible", following a meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Pyongyang. "Separately from the second US-North Korea summit, Chairman Kim Jong Un's visit to Russia and President Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea are expected to take place soon," Moon told a cabinet meeting. The possibility of a summit between Kim and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is also "open", Moon said, adding: "A new order is being created on the Korean peninsula." Kim and Xi have met three times in China this year as the two countries seek to repair relations frayed by tensions over the North's nuclear activities and Beijing's backing of United Nations sanctions against its Cold War-era ally. The North Korean leader has yet to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has previously invited Kim to Moscow. Japan has historically taken a hard line on Pyongyang and stressed the need to maintain pressure on the regime. More recently, however, Abe has expressed interest in a face-to-face meeting with former international pariah Kim. The latest chapter in the diplomatic flurry comes as Trump sent Pompeo on a whirlwind trip to the region to rekindle stalled denuclearisation talks with Pyongyang. Pompeo tweeted Monday that he was heading to China to work on a "final, fully-verified" denuclearisation of North Korea. The first-ever summit between US and North Korean leaders was held in June this year -- a meeting critics say resulted in only a vague commitment by Kim towards denuclearisation. North Korea's vice foreign minister Choe Son Hui met with officials in Beijing on Saturday and is due to hold talks with Russian counterparts in Moscow followed by a trilateral meeting with China and Russia.

Kim Jong Un expected to meet 'soon' with Putin, Xi Jinping: Seoul

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 5th, 2018

Responding to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-sign-s-400-air-defence-system-deal-to-be-delivered-by-2020-169580">S-400 deal</a> between India and Russia, the United States has said that it doesn't want to damage the capabilities of its allies.

"The intent of our implementation of CAATSA is to impose costs on Russia for its malign behaviour, including by stopping the flow of money to Russia's defence sector. CAATSA is not intended to impose damage to the military capabilities of our allies or partners," the US embassy said in a statement.

"The waiver authority is not for a blanket waiver, it is transaction-specific. We cannot prejudge any sanctions decisions," it further added.

The US had earlier said that countries trading with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors would face automatic sanctions under a sweeping legislation called Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA.

A State Department spokesperson had said that the implementation of the sanctions act would be focused at countries acquiring weapons such as the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/all-you-need-to-know-about-russias-s-400-air-defence-system-169587">S-400 missile</a> batteries.

Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on China's military for its purchase of combat fighters as well as the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/thaad-vs-s-400-india-dumps-us-picks-russian-defence-missile-system-169445">S-400 missile system</a> it bought from Russia this year.

On Friday, India agreed to buy S-400 surface to air missile systems from Russia disregarding US warnings that such a purchase could trigger sanctions. Although there was no public signing, the deal was sealed during President Vladimir Putin's ongoing visit to New Delhi for an annual summit.

After summit talks between Putin and Modi, the two countries signed eight agreements covering space, nuclear energy and railways at a televised news conference.

(With inputs from agencies)

Responding to the S-400 deal between India and Russia, the United States has said that it doesn't want to damage the capabilities of its allies. "The intent of our implementation of CAATSA is to impose costs on Russia for its malign behaviour, including by stopping the flow of money to Russia's defence sector.

Responding to the S-400 deal between India and Russia, the United States has said that it doesn't want to damage the capabilities of its allies. "The intent of our implementation of CAATSA is to impose costs on Russia for its malign behaviour, including by stopping the flow of money to Russia's defence sector. CAATSA is not intended to impose damage to the military capabilities of our allies or partners," the US embassy said in a statement. "The waiver authority is not for a blanket waiver, it is transaction-specific. We cannot prejudge any sanctions decisions," it further added. The US had earlier said that countries trading with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors would face automatic sanctions under a sweeping legislation called Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA. A State Department spokesperson had said that the implementation of the sanctions act would be focused at countries acquiring weapons such as the S-400 missile batteries. Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on China's military for its purchase of combat fighters as well as the S-400 missile system it bought from Russia this year. On Friday, India agreed to buy S-400 surface to air missile systems from Russia disregarding US warnings that such a purchase could trigger sanctions. Although there was no public signing, the deal was sealed during President Vladimir Putin's ongoing visit to New Delhi for an annual summit. After summit talks between Putin and Modi, the two countries signed eight agreements covering space, nuclear energy and railways at a televised news conference. (With inputs from agencies)

US responds to India's S-400 deal with Russia, says can't prejudge sanctions decisions

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday at the latter's residence in New Delhi ahead of summit talks.

"Welcome to India, President Putin. Looking forward to our deliberations, which will further enhance India-Russia friendship" said Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in a tweet.

On Friday India and Russia will hold high-level delegation talks and are expected to sign a deal worth more than $5 billion on the delivery of Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missiles.

Local media reported that the two nations are also expected to announce a&nbsp;new space cooperation programme.

The United States has warned India against a planned purchase of S-400 surface-to-air missiles from Russia when President Vladimir Putin visits New Delhi this week, saying such an acquisition would attract sanctions under US&nbsp;law.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Russian President <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VladimirPutin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VladimirPutin</a> meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. He is on a two-day visit to India. <a href="https://t.co/HlvfOGsEcQ">pic.twitter.com/HlvfOGsEcQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047862230786736129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

India's military wants the missile batteries, both as a deterrent against China and to gain an edge over traditional rival, Pakistan, as they are able to track and shoot down combat aircraft, even stealth planes, at unprecedented ranges.

The United States has warned countries trading with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors they would face automatic sanctions under a sweeping legislation called Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) that President Donald Trump signed into law last August.

The law is designed to punish Putin for the 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, involvement in the Syrian civil war and meddling in the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election.

"We urge all of our allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions under the CAATSA," a US&nbsp;State Department representative said.

"The administration has indicated that a focus area for the implementation of CAATSA Section 231 is new or qualitative upgrades in capability – including the S-400 air and missile defence system."

Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on China's military for its purchase of combat fighters as well as the S-400 missile system it bought from Russia this year.

The United States is also concerned about NATO ally Turkey’s decision to buy the Russian missile system, seeing it as incompatible with the alliance systems.

Modi's government, caught in the US-Russia crossfire, hopes the Trump administration will give it a pass on the proposed arms transfer from Russia, officials in New Delhi said.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters India was closing in on the deal to buy the air defence system from Russia, with which it has long-standing military ties.

"Negotiation on S-400 air defence systems has been on for a long while and it is at a stage where it can be finalised," Sitharaman said last week. "We have a big legacy of buying defence equipment from Russia."

More than 80 per cent of India's military equipment was of Soviet origin during the days of the Cold War, but since its breakup, New Delhi has diversified its weaponry.

The United States is one of its top arms suppliers, closing $15 billion worth of deals in just the last decade.

&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday at the latter's residence in New Delhi ahead of summit talks. "Welcome to India, President Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday at the latter's residence in New Delhi ahead of summit talks. "Welcome to India, President Putin. Looking forward to our deliberations, which will further enhance India-Russia friendship" said Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in a tweet. On Friday India and Russia will hold high-level delegation talks and are expected to sign a deal worth more than $5 billion on the delivery of Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missiles. Local media reported that the two nations are also expected to announce a new space cooperation programme. The United States has warned India against a planned purchase of S-400 surface-to-air missiles from Russia when President Vladimir Putin visits New Delhi this week, saying such an acquisition would attract sanctions under US law. #WATCH: Russian President #VladimirPutin meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. He is on a two-day visit to India. pic.twitter.com/HlvfOGsEcQ — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × India's military wants the missile batteries, both as a deterrent against China and to gain an edge over traditional rival, Pakistan, as they are able to track and shoot down combat aircraft, even stealth planes, at unprecedented ranges. The United States has warned countries trading with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors they would face automatic sanctions under a sweeping legislation called Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) that President Donald Trump signed into law last August. The law is designed to punish Putin for the 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, involvement in the Syrian civil war and meddling in the 2016 US presidential election. "We urge all of our allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions under the CAATSA," a US State Department representative said. "The administration has indicated that a focus area for the implementation of CAATSA Section 231 is new or qualitative upgrades in capability – including the S-400 air and missile defence system." Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on China's military for its purchase of combat fighters as well as the S-400 missile system it bought from Russia this year. The United States is also concerned about NATO ally Turkey’s decision to buy the Russian missile system, seeing it as incompatible with the alliance systems. Modi's government, caught in the US-Russia crossfire, hopes the Trump administration will give it a pass on the proposed arms transfer from Russia, officials in New Delhi said. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters India was closing in on the deal to buy the air defence system from Russia, with which it has long-standing military ties. "Negotiation on S-400 air defence systems has been on for a long while and it is at a stage where it can be finalised," Sitharaman said last week. "We have a big legacy of buying defence equipment from Russia." More than 80 per cent of India's military equipment was of Soviet origin during the days of the Cold War, but since its breakup, New Delhi has diversified its weaponry. The United States is one of its top arms suppliers, closing $15 billion worth of deals in just the last decade.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India, meets PM Modi ahead of summit talks

While Russian President Vladimir Putin is making headlines for his two-day visit to India, he is also in the limelight for the Vladimir Putin Official Calendar 2019.&nbsp;

The Calendar has recently hit the stands and showcases the many shades of the Russian President captured in an array of photographs.&nbsp;

From January to December, the calendar captures Putin's outgoing personality. While in one of the pictures he is seen taking a dip in the chilled waters of Lake Seliger, in others he is seen fishing, riding a horse, living like the best example of a leader who is also a true outdoorsman. &nbsp;

But this is nothing new for the Russian leader. The tales of his bravado is not just peculiar to Russia but have travelled across the length and breadth of the world.

For those who don't know, flying fighters jets like the Sukhoi Su 27 or the Supersonic 52 bomber is a special craft requiring years of practice, but for the Russian President, it is certainly not outside the ambit.

In 2008, Putin was at the Ussuri national park, where he shot a tranquillizer dart at a tiger for scientists to carry out some research. The international media was thrilled by Putin's charisma and described it as a stunt.&nbsp;

Putin is also passionate about scuba diving. He has explored the depths of Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world in a deepwater submersible. He has also tried his hand at ice hockey and is reportedly no dilettante at the game.&nbsp;

Ever wonder what makes him so agile? It is because he is a black belt in Judo, swears by a healthy diet and pumps iron with gusto.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

While Russian President Vladimir Putin is making headlines for his two-day visit to India, he is also in the limelight for the Vladimir Putin Official Calendar 2019.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin is making headlines for his two-day visit to India, he is also in the limelight for the Vladimir Putin Official Calendar 2019. The Calendar has recently hit the stands and showcases the many shades of the Russian President captured in an array of photographs. From January to December, the calendar captures Putin's outgoing personality. While in one of the pictures he is seen taking a dip in the chilled waters of Lake Seliger, in others he is seen fishing, riding a horse, living like the best example of a leader who is also a true outdoorsman. But this is nothing new for the Russian leader. The tales of his bravado is not just peculiar to Russia but have travelled across the length and breadth of the world. For those who don't know, flying fighters jets like the Sukhoi Su 27 or the Supersonic 52 bomber is a special craft requiring years of practice, but for the Russian President, it is certainly not outside the ambit. In 2008, Putin was at the Ussuri national park, where he shot a tranquillizer dart at a tiger for scientists to carry out some research. The international media was thrilled by Putin's charisma and described it as a stunt. Putin is also passionate about scuba diving. He has explored the depths of Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world in a deepwater submersible. He has also tried his hand at ice hockey and is reportedly no dilettante at the game. Ever wonder what makes him so agile? It is because he is a black belt in Judo, swears by a healthy diet and pumps iron with gusto.

Putin's world: Russian President's 2019 calendar captures him as true outdoorsman

S-400 sytem has an estimated range of 400 kilometres with an altitude of 30 kilometres. It also has the capability to intercept the intermediate-range ballistic missile, not just that the Tiumph system can target aircrafts, UAVs, cruise missiles with equal ease engaging 300 targets at a time.

Star Wars: America's THAAD vs Russia's S-400 missile defence system

Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in India Thursday evening.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he will hold the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit on Friday, but all eyes will be on the S-400 Triumf defence system deal the two countries are expected to sign during Putin's visit.&nbsp;

The S-400 is a missile defence system, the most advanced in Russia's armoury.&nbsp;

India would like to include it in its own arsenal, especially to help tighten its defences along its 4,000 km long Sino-Indian border.&nbsp;

The US however has said buying the S-400 could invoke sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) which says any country buying a majority of its military equipment from Russia could be sanctioned. The US is keen India buy the American made Thaad defence system. &nbsp;

The US however has also hinted that President Donald Trump may waive the sanctions against India.&nbsp;

China already has the S-400.&nbsp;

New Delhi in turn has so far indicated that it will go ahead with the deal notwithstanding the US sanctions.

"India has maintained its sovereignty as regards to its relationship with countries. We shall maintain it in all earnestness," Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told PTI recently when asked whether the US sanctions will hit India's defence ties with Russia.&nbsp;

The S-400 is expected to cost India over $5 billion.&nbsp;

Apart from the S-400, Moscow and New Delhi are also likely to sign a $2.5 billion deal for four more Krivak/Talwar-class stealth frigates for the Indian Navy. Under the agreement, two of the warships will be constructed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad and two at Goa Shipyard Limited.

Finally, Russia has reportedly also expressed an interest in helping India with its manned space mission. There have been reports that Moscow has offered to train Indian astronauts for its 2022 moon mission.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in India Thursday evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he will hold the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit on Friday, but all eyes will be on the S-400 Triumf defence system deal the two countries are expected to sign during Putin's visit.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in India Thursday evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he will hold the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit on Friday, but all eyes will be on the S-400 Triumf defence system deal the two countries are expected to sign during Putin's visit. The S-400 is a missile defence system, the most advanced in Russia's armoury. India would like to include it in its own arsenal, especially to help tighten its defences along its 4,000 km long Sino-Indian border. The US however has said buying the S-400 could invoke sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) which says any country buying a majority of its military equipment from Russia could be sanctioned. The US is keen India buy the American made Thaad defence system. The US however has also hinted that President Donald Trump may waive the sanctions against India. China already has the S-400. New Delhi in turn has so far indicated that it will go ahead with the deal notwithstanding the US sanctions. "India has maintained its sovereignty as regards to its relationship with countries. We shall maintain it in all earnestness," Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told PTI recently when asked whether the US sanctions will hit India's defence ties with Russia. The S-400 is expected to cost India over $5 billion. Apart from the S-400, Moscow and New Delhi are also likely to sign a $2.5 billion deal for four more Krivak/Talwar-class stealth frigates for the Indian Navy. Under the agreement, two of the warships will be constructed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad and two at Goa Shipyard Limited. Finally, Russia has reportedly also expressed an interest in helping India with its manned space mission. There have been reports that Moscow has offered to train Indian astronauts for its 2022 moon mission. (With inputs from PTI)

Putin to arrive in India today, all eyes on S-400 missile defence system deal

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives for his two-day visit to India. He was received by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. <a href="https://t.co/sNUWyS1ZkJ">pic.twitter.com/sNUWyS1ZkJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1047846088034672641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

7:08 pm: India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj received Russian President Putin at the Delhi Airport. The Russian president will be meeting PM Modi shortly to address the joint statement.

&nbsp;

President&nbsp;Vladimir Putin arrived in India today on a two-day visit to as&nbsp;India and Russia seek&nbsp;to cement their relations amid complex regional moves in the Asian region.

President Putin will be signing 20 bilateral agreements with India during his visit including in trade, tourism, energy and space exploration. However, it is the acquisition of the high tech S-400 missile defence missile system which will be the focus of attention during his visit to India. The US already expressed its displeasure at India signing&nbsp;the defence deal with Putin, threatening to impose sanctions under CAATSA.

During his visit, Putin will be meeting President Kovind and hold other official engagements to boost India-Russia ties. US and Russia have been taking potshots at each other for several months now with the Trump administration blowing hot and cold with Putin.

The US had expelled&nbsp;60 Russian&nbsp;diplomats alleging that they were spies and closed Russia’s consulate in Seattle, siding with the UK over the poisoning&nbsp;of ex-Russian spy Skripal and his daughter. India, on the other hand, has been able to keep its hand on US handle, however, with the imminent signing of the S-400 deal things could change rapidly.&nbsp;

PM Modi had last engaged with the Russian president during the "informal"&nbsp;Sochi summit in May. Modi's boat ride with Putin in the&nbsp;Black Sea had attracted world attention at the time. All eyes with be on PM Modi and President Putin as they engage with each other in New Delhi over the next two days.

Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives for his two-day visit to India. He was received by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. pic.twitter.com/sNUWyS1ZkJ — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × 7:08 pm: India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj received Russian President Putin at the Delhi Airport.

Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives for his two-day visit to India. He was received by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. pic.twitter.com/sNUWyS1ZkJ — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × 7:08 pm: India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj received Russian President Putin at the Delhi Airport. The Russian president will be meeting PM Modi shortly to address the joint statement. President Vladimir Putin arrived in India today on a two-day visit to as India and Russia seek to cement their relations amid complex regional moves in the Asian region. President Putin will be signing 20 bilateral agreements with India during his visit including in trade, tourism, energy and space exploration. However, it is the acquisition of the high tech S-400 missile defence missile system which will be the focus of attention during his visit to India. The US already expressed its displeasure at India signing the defence deal with Putin, threatening to impose sanctions under CAATSA. During his visit, Putin will be meeting President Kovind and hold other official engagements to boost India-Russia ties. US and Russia have been taking potshots at each other for several months now with the Trump administration blowing hot and cold with Putin. The US had expelled 60 Russian diplomats alleging that they were spies and closed Russia’s consulate in Seattle, siding with the UK over the poisoning of ex-Russian spy Skripal and his daughter. India, on the other hand, has been able to keep its hand on US handle, however, with the imminent signing of the S-400 deal things could change rapidly. PM Modi had last engaged with the Russian president during the "informal" Sochi summit in May. Modi's boat ride with Putin in the Black Sea had attracted world attention at the time. All eyes with be on PM Modi and President Putin as they engage with each other in New Delhi over the next two days.

Live: President Putin arrives in India to boost India-Russia ties

President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Sergei Skripal, a Russian former double agent poisoned in Britain, was a scumbag who betrayed Russia.

Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found slumped on a public bench in the English city of Salisbury in March. Britain says they were poisoned with a nerve agent administered by Russian intelligence officers.

A woman later died from what British police say was contact with the poison which her partner found in a discarded perfume bottle.

Russia denies any involvement in the affair, which has deepened its international isolation.

"I see that some of your colleagues are pushing the theory that Mr Skripal was almost some kind of human rights activist," Putin said at an energy forum in Moscow.

"He was simply a spy. A traitor to the motherland. There is such a concept - a traitor to the motherland. He was one of those."

"He's simply a scumbag, that's all."

President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Sergei Skripal, a Russian former double agent poisoned in Britain, was a scumbag who betrayed Russia. Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found slumped on a public bench in the English city of Salisbury in March.

President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Sergei Skripal, a Russian former double agent poisoned in Britain, was a scumbag who betrayed Russia. Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found slumped on a public bench in the English city of Salisbury in March. Britain says they were poisoned with a nerve agent administered by Russian intelligence officers. A woman later died from what British police say was contact with the poison which her partner found in a discarded perfume bottle. Russia denies any involvement in the affair, which has deepened its international isolation. "I see that some of your colleagues are pushing the theory that Mr Skripal was almost some kind of human rights activist," Putin said at an energy forum in Moscow. "He was simply a spy. A traitor to the motherland. There is such a concept - a traitor to the motherland. He was one of those." "He's simply a scumbag, that's all."

Putin calls ex-spy Skripal a scumbag and traitor

Russia's President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday it would be better if US President Donald Trump did not intervene to try to manage oil markets.

Putin said at the Russian Energy Week forum that the price has risen because of the US sanctions against one of the top OPEC producers, Iran.

We would be happy with the oil price at $65-$75 per barrel, Putin said

Meanwhile, he said on Wednesday that Moscow wanted all foreign forces, including the Russian military, to eventually withdraw from Syria.

Putin said that the presence of US forces in Syria violated the UN charter.

Meanwhile, Russia has delivered an S-300 surface-to-air missile system to Syria, it said on Tuesday, in defiance of Israeli and US concerns that the arms sale would embolden Iran and escalate the Syrian war.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin during a meeting broadcast by Rossiya 24 TV: "The work was finished a day ago," adding that the system would improve the security of Russian military personnel in Syria.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday it would be better if US President Donald Trump did not intervene to try to manage oil markets. Putin said at the Russian Energy Week forum that the price has risen because of the US sanctions against one of the top OPEC producers, Iran.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday it would be better if US President Donald Trump did not intervene to try to manage oil markets. Putin said at the Russian Energy Week forum that the price has risen because of the US sanctions against one of the top OPEC producers, Iran. We would be happy with the oil price at $65-$75 per barrel, Putin said Meanwhile, he said on Wednesday that Moscow wanted all foreign forces, including the Russian military, to eventually withdraw from Syria. Putin said that the presence of US forces in Syria violated the UN charter. Meanwhile, Russia has delivered an S-300 surface-to-air missile system to Syria, it said on Tuesday, in defiance of Israeli and US concerns that the arms sale would embolden Iran and escalate the Syrian war. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin during a meeting broadcast by Rossiya 24 TV: "The work was finished a day ago," adding that the system would improve the security of Russian military personnel in Syria.

Better if Trump didn't intervene in oil markets: Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit New Delhi on Thursday and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-india-sign-deal-s-400-air-defence-systems-week-kremlin-169032">ink the deal on S-400 air defence systems</a>. President Putin will also participate in the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Putin, during his two-day visit, will oversee the signing of a $5 billion deal to supply Delhi with S-400 air defence systems, a top Kremlin aide said on Tuesday ahead of Putin's trip to India.

"The president is leaving for India on October 4," Putin's top foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov told reporters.

"The key feature of this visit will be the signing of the agreement to deliver S-400 air defence systems," he said. "The value of the contract will be more than $5 billion."

The Russian President is also expected to hold a meeting with President Kovind, besides holding other official engagements.

Moscow has been negotiating to sell the S-400 long-range surface-to-air missiles to India for months.&nbsp;

"Negotiation on S-400 air defence systems has been on for a long while and it is at a stage where it can be finalised," Minister of Defence, Nirmala Sitharaman noted last week. "We have a big legacy of buying defence equipment from Russia," she added.

Washington's change of heart&nbsp;

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, during his visit to Delhi in last on the sidelines of the 2+2 Dialogue, noted that Washington <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-effort-is-not-to-penalise-great-strategic-partner-like-india-says-pompeo-on-india-buying-russian-s400-defence-system-164013">does not aim to penalise a "strategic partner</a>" like India over buying S-400 missile defence system from Russia.&nbsp;

"Our effort here is not to penalise a great strategic partner like India," Pompeo said on the question of India acquiring the Russian S400 air missile defence system.

"We do understand the history of India's relationship with Russia and legacy systems," Pompeo asserted, adding, "The sanctions aren’t intended to adversely impact countries like India. They are intended to have an impact on the sanctioned country which is Russia."

The Trump administration now seems to have assumed a different stance over the Russia-India S-400 deal, warning India against the planned purchase of the surface-to-air missiles.&nbsp;

"We urge all of our allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions under the CAATSA," a US State Department representative said.

"The administration has indicated that a focus area for the implementation of CAATSA Section 231 is new or qualitative upgrades in capability – including the S-400 air and missile defence system."&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit New Delhi on Thursday and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ink the deal on S-400 air defence systems. President Putin will also participate in the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit, news agency ANI reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit New Delhi on Thursday and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ink the deal on S-400 air defence systems. President Putin will also participate in the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit, news agency ANI reported. Putin, during his two-day visit, will oversee the signing of a $5 billion deal to supply Delhi with S-400 air defence systems, a top Kremlin aide said on Tuesday ahead of Putin's trip to India. "The president is leaving for India on October 4," Putin's top foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov told reporters. "The key feature of this visit will be the signing of the agreement to deliver S-400 air defence systems," he said. "The value of the contract will be more than $5 billion." The Russian President is also expected to hold a meeting with President Kovind, besides holding other official engagements. Moscow has been negotiating to sell the S-400 long-range surface-to-air missiles to India for months. "Negotiation on S-400 air defence systems has been on for a long while and it is at a stage where it can be finalised," Minister of Defence, Nirmala Sitharaman noted last week. "We have a big legacy of buying defence equipment from Russia," she added. Washington's change of heart US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, during his visit to Delhi in last on the sidelines of the 2+2 Dialogue, noted that Washington does not aim to penalise a "strategic partner" like India over buying S-400 missile defence system from Russia. "Our effort here is not to penalise a great strategic partner like India," Pompeo said on the question of India acquiring the Russian S400 air missile defence system. "We do understand the history of India's relationship with Russia and legacy systems," Pompeo asserted, adding, "The sanctions aren’t intended to adversely impact countries like India. They are intended to have an impact on the sanctioned country which is Russia." The Trump administration now seems to have assumed a different stance over the Russia-India S-400 deal, warning India against the planned purchase of the surface-to-air missiles. "We urge all of our allies and partners to forgo transactions with Russia that would trigger sanctions under the CAATSA," a US State Department representative said. "The administration has indicated that a focus area for the implementation of CAATSA Section 231 is new or qualitative upgrades in capability – including the S-400 air and missile defence system." (With inputs from Reuters)

Putin set to ink S-400 defence deal during India visit, US warns against missile pact

India and Russia will hold a joint military exercise from November 18 to 28 in Uttar Pradesh, Russian authorities said Wednesday, ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi.

The exercise -- Indra-2018 -- will see the participation of about 250 servicemen of motorised infantry units of Russia's Eastern Military District (EMD), according to a statement by the EMD.

President Putin will be on a two-day visit to India beginning October 4 to hold the annual India-Russia summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a focus on further boosting bilateral ties, especially defence cooperation.

"The final conference on preparations for the joint Russian-Indian exercise, Indra-2018, has taken place in India," the statement said.

"The sides agreed that the exercise will be held at a training ground near the town of Babina in the state of Uttar Pradesh of the Republic of India, from November 18 to November 28, 2018," it said.

"The Russian side plans to send about 250 servicemen of motorised infantry units of the Eastern Military District, deployed in the Primorye Region (in the Far East)," the statement added. 
&nbsp;

India and Russia will hold a joint military exercise from November 18 to 28 in Uttar Pradesh, Russian authorities said Wednesday, ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi.

India and Russia will hold a joint military exercise from November 18 to 28 in Uttar Pradesh, Russian authorities said Wednesday, ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi. The exercise -- Indra-2018 -- will see the participation of about 250 servicemen of motorised infantry units of Russia's Eastern Military District (EMD), according to a statement by the EMD. President Putin will be on a two-day visit to India beginning October 4 to hold the annual India-Russia summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a focus on further boosting bilateral ties, especially defence cooperation. "The final conference on preparations for the joint Russian-Indian exercise, Indra-2018, has taken place in India," the statement said. "The sides agreed that the exercise will be held at a training ground near the town of Babina in the state of Uttar Pradesh of the Republic of India, from November 18 to November 28, 2018," it said. "The Russian side plans to send about 250 servicemen of motorised infantry units of the Eastern Military District, deployed in the Primorye Region (in the Far East)," the statement added.

Russia, India joint military drill to be held in Uttar Pradesh

Russia has delivered an S-300 surface-to-air missile system to Syria, it said on Tuesday, in defiance of Israeli and US concerns that the arms sale would embolden Iran and escalate the Syrian war.

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin during a meeting broadcast by Rossiya 24 TV: "The work was finished a day ago," adding that the system would improve the security of Russian military personnel in Syria.

Russia decided to supply the system after Moscow accused Israel of indirectly causing the downing of a Russian military jet near Syria in September.

Israel voiced regret at the deaths of 15 Russian aircrew while saying Syrian incompetence was at fault and that it was compelled to continue taking action against suspected deployments of Iranian-backed forces across its northern border.

"We have not changed our strategic line on Iran," Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, said on Tuesday.

"We will not allow Iran to open up a third front against us. We will take actions as required," he told Israel Radio.

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert could not confirm reports that the S-300 had been delivered.

"I cannot confirm that that is accurate. I hope that they did not," she told a press briefing. "That would be, I think, sort of a serious escalation in concerns and issues going on in Syria, but I just can't confirm it."

Russia has delivered an S-300 surface-to-air missile system to Syria, it said on Tuesday, in defiance of Israeli and US concerns that the arms sale would embolden Iran and escalate the Syrian war.

Russia has delivered an S-300 surface-to-air missile system to Syria, it said on Tuesday, in defiance of Israeli and US concerns that the arms sale would embolden Iran and escalate the Syrian war. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin during a meeting broadcast by Rossiya 24 TV: "The work was finished a day ago," adding that the system would improve the security of Russian military personnel in Syria. Russia decided to supply the system after Moscow accused Israel of indirectly causing the downing of a Russian military jet near Syria in September. Israel voiced regret at the deaths of 15 Russian aircrew while saying Syrian incompetence was at fault and that it was compelled to continue taking action against suspected deployments of Iranian-backed forces across its northern border. "We have not changed our strategic line on Iran," Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, said on Tuesday. "We will not allow Iran to open up a third front against us. We will take actions as required," he told Israel Radio. In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert could not confirm reports that the S-300 had been delivered. "I cannot confirm that that is accurate. I hope that they did not," she told a press briefing. "That would be, I think, sort of a serious escalation in concerns and issues going on in Syria, but I just can't confirm it."

Russia completes delivery of S-300 system to Syria

A Syrian rebel alliance has not pulled any heavy arms from the country's north, its spokesman told AFP Sunday, denying reports it had begun implementing a demilitarisation deal there.

Moscow and Ankara reached a deal earlier this month to create a buffer zone around the opposition stronghold of Idlib that would be free of both jihadists and heavy arms.

The National Liberation Front, a pro-Turkey rebel alliance, welcomed the deal, but said Sunday it had not yet moved any heavy arms from the planned zone.

"There have been no withdrawals of heavy weapons from any area or any front. This report is denied, completely denied," NLF spokesman Naji Mustafa told AFP.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor had earlier said one faction of the NLF began withdrawing its heavy weapons under a Turkish-Russian agreement to create a buffer zone in the area.

It said Faylaq al-Rahman, whose fighters number between 8,500 and 10,000, were leaving areas in the planned zone on Sunday "with heavy weapons, including tanks and cannons".

A spokesman for Faylaq al-Rahman also told AFP on Sunday it had not moved any forces or arms.

"There have been no changes in the location of weapons or redistribution of fighters, even as we remain committed to the agreement reached in (the Russian resort of) Sochi," said Sayf al-Raad.

On September 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to set up a demilitarised zone about 15 to 20 kilometres wide ringing around Idlib.

All factions in the planned buffer zone must hand over their heavy weapons by October 10, and radical groups must withdraw by October 15, according to the agreement. 
&nbsp;

A Syrian rebel alliance has not pulled any heavy arms from the country's north, its spokesman told AFP Sunday, denying reports it had begun implementing a demilitarisation deal there.

A Syrian rebel alliance has not pulled any heavy arms from the country's north, its spokesman told AFP Sunday, denying reports it had begun implementing a demilitarisation deal there. Moscow and Ankara reached a deal earlier this month to create a buffer zone around the opposition stronghold of Idlib that would be free of both jihadists and heavy arms. The National Liberation Front, a pro-Turkey rebel alliance, welcomed the deal, but said Sunday it had not yet moved any heavy arms from the planned zone. "There have been no withdrawals of heavy weapons from any area or any front. This report is denied, completely denied," NLF spokesman Naji Mustafa told AFP. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor had earlier said one faction of the NLF began withdrawing its heavy weapons under a Turkish-Russian agreement to create a buffer zone in the area. It said Faylaq al-Rahman, whose fighters number between 8,500 and 10,000, were leaving areas in the planned zone on Sunday "with heavy weapons, including tanks and cannons". A spokesman for Faylaq al-Rahman also told AFP on Sunday it had not moved any forces or arms. "There have been no changes in the location of weapons or redistribution of fighters, even as we remain committed to the agreement reached in (the Russian resort of) Sochi," said Sayf al-Raad. On September 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to set up a demilitarised zone about 15 to 20 kilometres wide ringing around Idlib. All factions in the planned buffer zone must hand over their heavy weapons by October 10, and radical groups must withdraw by October 15, according to the agreement.

Syria rebels deny pulling arms under Turkey-Russia deal

The Kremlin said Friday it was difficult to separate truth from fiction in media reports after a respected investigative group revealed the identity of a suspect in the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal.

"Over the past months, a lot of news about the Skripals' affair has appeared in British media and media in other countries," Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"No one can truly figure out which news is fake and which is true," he told reporters, doubting that it was possible to check the identities of the people mentioned in media reports.

On Wednesday, Bellingcat, the British based investigative group, said that the real name of Ruslan Boshirov, one of the two men accused by British authorities of poisoning Skripal and his daughter Yulia, was Anatoly Chepiga.

The 39-year-old is a military intelligence colonel decorated with the country's top award, the Hero of Russia, Bellingcat said.

The report included a passport photo of Chepiga from 2003 which resembles a younger version of the photo of Boshirov released by British authorities.

Peskov said the Kremlin no longer wanted to discuss the subject with journalists, saying the fact that someone may resemble Boshirov did not prove anything.

"I beg your pardon but we have 10 Stalins and 15 Lenins running around Red Square," Peskov said, referring to street performers impersonating Russia's Soviet leaders.

"They all look extremely similar to the originals."

Peskov also denied that the suspect was awarded the country's top award.

"We have checked it. I have no information about a man with such a name being awarded."

Chepiga was bestowed the Hero of Russia award in 2014 for "conducting a peace-keeping mission," a likely reference to the Ukraine conflict.

Bellingcat said it was "highly likely" that Putin knew Chepiga because he personally hands out these awards.

Only a handful of such awards are given each year, often posthumously.

A respected Russian broadsheet, Kommersant, said Thursday that several residents of a small far eastern village where Chepiga's family used to live, identified him as one of the suspects wanted by Britain.

The Kremlin said Friday it was difficult to separate truth from fiction in media reports after a respected investigative group revealed the identity of a suspect in the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal.

The Kremlin said Friday it was difficult to separate truth from fiction in media reports after a respected investigative group revealed the identity of a suspect in the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal. "Over the past months, a lot of news about the Skripals' affair has appeared in British media and media in other countries," Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "No one can truly figure out which news is fake and which is true," he told reporters, doubting that it was possible to check the identities of the people mentioned in media reports. On Wednesday, Bellingcat, the British based investigative group, said that the real name of Ruslan Boshirov, one of the two men accused by British authorities of poisoning Skripal and his daughter Yulia, was Anatoly Chepiga. The 39-year-old is a military intelligence colonel decorated with the country's top award, the Hero of Russia, Bellingcat said. The report included a passport photo of Chepiga from 2003 which resembles a younger version of the photo of Boshirov released by British authorities. Peskov said the Kremlin no longer wanted to discuss the subject with journalists, saying the fact that someone may resemble Boshirov did not prove anything. "I beg your pardon but we have 10 Stalins and 15 Lenins running around Red Square," Peskov said, referring to street performers impersonating Russia's Soviet leaders. "They all look extremely similar to the originals." Peskov also denied that the suspect was awarded the country's top award. "We have checked it. I have no information about a man with such a name being awarded." Chepiga was bestowed the Hero of Russia award in 2014 for "conducting a peace-keeping mission," a likely reference to the Ukraine conflict. Bellingcat said it was "highly likely" that Putin knew Chepiga because he personally hands out these awards. Only a handful of such awards are given each year, often posthumously. A respected Russian broadsheet, Kommersant, said Thursday that several residents of a small far eastern village where Chepiga's family used to live, identified him as one of the suspects wanted by Britain.

Hard to tell truth from fiction in Skripal affair: Kremlin

The Russian parliament's lower house, State Duma passed the controversial pension bill in key second reading on Wednesday.

The bill passed with 326 votes for, 59 against and one abstention raised the pension age for women by five years to 60 and for men to 65.

The bill was approved&nbsp;after lawmakers earlier during the day unanimously approved&nbsp;a number of concessions proposed by President Vladimir Putin to soften the reform.

The reform bill was approved by the State Duma in a first reading in July.

The reform had led to a rare outburst of public anger in the country&nbsp;with tens of thousands rallying across Russia in recent months.

Most people had been opposed to the hike in the retirement age and the critics claimed that the reform would essentially rob ordinary people of their earnings.&nbsp;

The pension reform, which was announced the day the World Cup started in Russia in June, will be the first retirement age increase in the country in nearly 90 years. &nbsp;

Given the low life expectancy of Russian men -- 65 years -- many would not live long enough under the reform to receive a state pension.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Russian parliament's lower house, State Duma passed the controversial pension bill in key second reading on Wednesday. The bill passed with 326 votes for, 59 against and one abstention raised the pension age for women by five years to 60 and for men to 65.

The Russian parliament's lower house, State Duma passed the controversial pension bill in key second reading on Wednesday. The bill passed with 326 votes for, 59 against and one abstention raised the pension age for women by five years to 60 and for men to 65. The bill was approved after lawmakers earlier during the day unanimously approved a number of concessions proposed by President Vladimir Putin to soften the reform. The reform bill was approved by the State Duma in a first reading in July. The reform had led to a rare outburst of public anger in the country with tens of thousands rallying across Russia in recent months. Most people had been opposed to the hike in the retirement age and the critics claimed that the reform would essentially rob ordinary people of their earnings. The pension reform, which was announced the day the World Cup started in Russia in June, will be the first retirement age increase in the country in nearly 90 years. Given the low life expectancy of Russian men -- 65 years -- many would not live long enough under the reform to receive a state pension. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian parliament passes pension bill in key second reading

vladimir-putin

Vladimir Putin, News on Vladimir Putin, stories on Vladimir Putin, articles on Vladimir Putin, Vladimir Putin stories at Wion, Vladimir Putin news, Vladimir Putin latest news

vladimir putin