The military has taken over Niger and most people appear to be supporting the coup leaders. But, why are there so many Russian flags in this West African nation? Why has the coup in Niger made the West jittery? Why are there pro-Russia chants in Niger? Is Russia in and West out of the African region? Watch Game Plan with Shivan Chanana.

The scramble for Niger after coup: Russia in, West out, or new proxy war?

Niger military junta seems reluctant to step down. The military is resisting pressure from the US and the UN. As the coup leaders refuse to come to the negotiating table.

Niger coup: West is supporting ECOWAS. Will Russia make a move in Niger like it did in Mali?

Niger Coup is drawing attention worldwide. All eyes are on the next move by West African leaders. As the deadline has expired to reinstate the ousted President.The deadline for the threat of force involving troops from the ECOWAS was August 6.

Niger coup: How did ECOWAS act on threats before as deadline ends to reinstate President?

A turning point has been reached in the Ukraine conflict. What happens next could determine the nation's future and have an impact on European security. The Ukrainians have spent the majority of the 18 months since Russia's invasion on the defense, preventing Moscow's forces from capturing more land. But this summer, Ukraine launched an offensive in an effort to drive the Russians from territory they had previously taken control of in the east and south of the nation, with the aid of billions of pounds' worth of Western military hardware.

Ukraine making small gains with Western equipment :Reports | Russia-Ukraine War

Niger Coup is an 'eye-opening' event. The event put forth the West’s failing policy in the Sahel, The coup in Niger was the seventh in West & Central Africa in the last three years.

Why is Niger coup a testament to the West’s failing policy in the Sahel?

The world’s largest rice exporter surprised global market. India imposed a ban on exports of non-basmati white rice. The move came after the retail prices climbed 3% in a month. This was due to damaged crops caused by heavy monsoon rains.

Should India exclude premium rice variety from the export ban?

A report compiled by a EU-Sponsored Rights group has accused Russia of torturing detainees. Can the claims be taken on face value? Here's what Molly Gambhir has to say.

Gravitas: West accuses Russia of torturing detainees

<p>Ultimately, knowledge is power. In the domain of knowledge, the non-West has been on the back foot since the epistemic revolution - the West’s Renaissance occurred in roughly the 17th century. It is not that the catch-up in the domain of knowledge has not occurred. It has. But the terms, dissemination of the method and methodology and creation of new knowledge have been set by the West. The real beauty or tour de force of the West’s epistemic dominance lies in the critical method and pushing the frontiers of knowledge in a way that allows the West to ‘trek the stars.’ Others can and do copy this (often badly). But this is an imitation. Given this, can the non-West ever catch up? Can the non-West excel and attain dominance in this critical and absolutely crucial domain of power? Does the non-West have it in itself? Or is it condemned to a mere catch-up, or only fiddle in the pool of knowledge created in and by the West?</p>

<p>These questions assume great salience in a world where power and competition between and among states have become intense. But the implication here is not that the non-West merely de-colonises its mind and sets itself on the knowledge quest in a zero-sum adversarial contest for epistemic dominance. No, that would be reactionary and self-defeating. We must take a cue from the West here: the ideational West (not the geographic one) actually studied the wellsprings of our epistemic pool and wealth and then not only went miles further but also created new knowledge paradigms. We must do the same. There is, at times, merit in ‘treading the beaten path to craft new paths and thereby destinies. If we do this, we will not be ‘mimic men (women)’ who lap up everything that the West dishes out and then indigenise it, losing our originality and authenticity in the process but we will engineer and craft a destiny that is bold, beautiful and redounds to the efflorescence of civilisation.</p>

<h2><strong>The question is why and how?</strong></h2>

<p>I will dwell on the how of it first. One clichéd and pathetically trite answer would lie in ‘creating learning institutions of excellence.’ But this is boring. It has management connotations to it. The last thing we need to break the silos of our closed minds is a management paradigm. What is required then? The starting point has to be shattering assumptions- epistemic- that define us. The journey then begins or should begin in the mind. Do I mean expanding the vistas and horizons of our minds? Yes and no.&nbsp;No, because it is again a cliché that can mean anything and it can also mean a starting point that is pre-defined. Yes, because only when we think beyond the stars or even beyond the cosmos can our horizons be expanded. But this calls for assumption(s) smattering paradigm shifts that, for example, there are universes beyond the known universe and we have to explore these! How can this orientation and attitude be crystallised?<br />
<br />
There are multiple prongs to this answer: one, the ‘lusty quest for learning has to be engendered among the young. Two, the nature of this learning has to be the creation of new knowledge. Three, while the ultimate quest should be to induce certainty, the starting point of the knowledge quest and creation of the same must be uncertainty. Four, the critical method must underpin the knowledge quest. (There is, it must be noted, that the critical method does not mean contrarianism).&nbsp;Five, the quest and its denouement must be defined by humility. These are just some of the prescriptive features that are the sine qua non of the knowledge quest. But these will come to nought unless these are institutionalised.<br />
Institutionalisation in this context can mean creating institutions and pathways that absorb knowledge from the West in a two-way direction and then apply critiques to it, immersion in a given knowledge and philosophical tradition of the non-West and then applying further critiques to it, to finally culminate in a method- a fresh new one that smacks of originality and authenticity.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/world-disorder-can-the-global-south-define-itself-577017">World disorder: Can the Global South define&nbsp;itself?</a></strong><br />
<br />
The corollary to this approach can be collaborations with foreign universities of excellence. These can be the Ivy League institutions of the United States. I am singling out the country here because its institutions of learning are the best in the world. Europe has lost its edge and the Oxford and Cambridge universities of the world are just brand names that milk their historical brand equity. Oxford, for example, is a moribund university that, at best, has a name to offer on the degree. It is far away from academic or pedagogic vigour.&nbsp;<br />
(Even the name for the initiated and aware might be problematic. Oxford historically has been an ally and handmaiden of colonialism and imperialism).<br />
<br />
Collaborations with Ivy League institutions, underpinned by the approach delineated in this essay would go far in attaining ‘epistemic equality’ with the West. Note here I am using the word equality not dominance. The reasons are that the knowledge quest, as suggested in the introduction, must be a non-zero sum, non-adversarial quest- all aimed at the efflorescence and dynamism of civilisation- not just civilisations.&nbsp;<br />
There are two other corollaries to this: one is psychological and the other political. Psychologically, no matter what is said, the non-West feels in awe of the West - something that is best reflected in the temperament and disposition of our elite who after getting some western education and exposure become V S Naipaul’s ‘mimic men’. They not only in terms of effect, imitate (poorly) their western patrons lock, stock and barrel but at times sneer in contempt at their own cultural and philosophical traditions.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
There then is an inferiority complex that defines them. Two, a two-way dialogic, epistemic quest is essential for a world that needs a dialogue between civilisations. But by its very nature dialogue necessitates power parity. There can be no dialogue between the powerful and the not-so-powerful. Dialogue can only happen between equals.&nbsp;And only those who are equal are free. The starting point of freedom has then to be in the mind and only real and robust knowledge can make the mind free. It is an absolute necessity for the non-West to attain catharsis, closure and equality with the West to not only achieve freedom in the real sense of the term but engage in real, substantive dialogue (of and between equals) with the West. At the risk of repetition, only knowledge or an epistemic revolution can do this!</p>

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Ultimately, knowledge is power. In the domain of knowledge, the non-West has been on the back foot since the epistemic revolution - the West’s Renaissance occurred in roughly the 17th century.

Ultimately, knowledge is power. In the domain of knowledge, the non-West has been on the back foot since the epistemic revolution - the West’s Renaissance occurred in roughly the 17th century. It is not that the catch-up in the domain of knowledge has not occurred. It has. But the terms, dissemination of the method and methodology and creation of new knowledge have been set by the West. The real beauty or tour de force of the West’s epistemic dominance lies in the critical method and pushing the frontiers of knowledge in a way that allows the West to ‘trek the stars.’ Others can and do copy this (often badly). But this is an imitation. Given this, can the non-West ever catch up? Can the non-West excel and attain dominance in this critical and absolutely crucial domain of power? Does the non-West have it in itself? Or is it condemned to a mere catch-up, or only fiddle in the pool of knowledge created in and by the West? These questions assume great salience in a world where power and competition between and among states have become intense. But the implication here is not that the non-West merely de-colonises its mind and sets itself on the knowledge quest in a zero-sum adversarial contest for epistemic dominance. No, that would be reactionary and self-defeating. We must take a cue from the West here: the ideational West (not the geographic one) actually studied the wellsprings of our epistemic pool and wealth and then not only went miles further but also created new knowledge paradigms. We must do the same. There is, at times, merit in ‘treading the beaten path to craft new paths and thereby destinies. If we do this, we will not be ‘mimic men (women)’ who lap up everything that the West dishes out and then indigenise it, losing our originality and authenticity in the process but we will engineer and craft a destiny that is bold, beautiful and redounds to the efflorescence of civilisation. The question is why and how? I will dwell on the how of it first. One clichéd and pathetically trite answer would lie in ‘creating learning institutions of excellence.’ But this is boring. It has management connotations to it. The last thing we need to break the silos of our closed minds is a management paradigm. What is required then? The starting point has to be shattering assumptions- epistemic- that define us. The journey then begins or should begin in the mind. Do I mean expanding the vistas and horizons of our minds? Yes and no. No, because it is again a cliché that can mean anything and it can also mean a starting point that is pre-defined. Yes, because only when we think beyond the stars or even beyond the cosmos can our horizons be expanded. But this calls for assumption(s) smattering paradigm shifts that, for example, there are universes beyond the known universe and we have to explore these! How can this orientation and attitude be crystallised? There are multiple prongs to this answer: one, the ‘lusty quest for learning has to be engendered among the young. Two, the nature of this learning has to be the creation of new knowledge. Three, while the ultimate quest should be to induce certainty, the starting point of the knowledge quest and creation of the same must be uncertainty. Four, the critical method must underpin the knowledge quest. (There is, it must be noted, that the critical method does not mean contrarianism). Five, the quest and its denouement must be defined by humility. These are just some of the prescriptive features that are the sine qua non of the knowledge quest. But these will come to nought unless these are institutionalised. Institutionalisation in this context can mean creating institutions and pathways that absorb knowledge from the West in a two-way direction and then apply critiques to it, immersion in a given knowledge and philosophical tradition of the non-West and then applying further critiques to it, to finally culminate in a method- a fresh new one that smacks of originality and authenticity. ALSO READ| World disorder: Can the Global South define itself? The corollary to this approach can be collaborations with foreign universities of excellence. These can be the Ivy League institutions of the United States. I am singling out the country here because its institutions of learning are the best in the world. Europe has lost its edge and the Oxford and Cambridge universities of the world are just brand names that milk their historical brand equity. Oxford, for example, is a moribund university that, at best, has a name to offer on the degree. It is far away from academic or pedagogic vigour. (Even the name for the initiated and aware might be problematic. Oxford historically has been an ally and handmaiden of colonialism and imperialism). Collaborations with Ivy League institutions, underpinned by the approach delineated in this essay would go far in attaining ‘epistemic equality’ with the West. Note here I am using the word equality not dominance. The reasons are that the knowledge quest, as suggested in the introduction, must be a non-zero sum, non-adversarial quest- all aimed at the efflorescence and dynamism of civilisation- not just civilisations. There are two other corollaries to this: one is psychological and the other political. Psychologically, no matter what is said, the non-West feels in awe of the West - something that is best reflected in the temperament and disposition of our elite who after getting some western education and exposure become V S Naipaul’s ‘mimic men’. They not only in terms of effect, imitate (poorly) their western patrons lock, stock and barrel but at times sneer in contempt at their own cultural and philosophical traditions. There then is an inferiority complex that defines them. Two, a two-way dialogic, epistemic quest is essential for a world that needs a dialogue between civilisations. But by its very nature dialogue necessitates power parity. There can be no dialogue between the powerful and the not-so-powerful. Dialogue can only happen between equals. And only those who are equal are free. The starting point of freedom has then to be in the mind and only real and robust knowledge can make the mind free. It is an absolute necessity for the non-West to attain catharsis, closure and equality with the West to not only achieve freedom in the real sense of the term but engage in real, substantive dialogue (of and between equals) with the West. At the risk of repetition, only knowledge or an epistemic revolution can do this! (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE

Can non-West countries excel or even be at par with the West when it comes to knowledge and progress?

<p>Defending Iran’s tough stance against the West, the country’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday affirmed a lenient approach would only invite more hostilities from Tehran’s enemies. Ayatollah Khamenei was speaking at an event marking the death of his predecessor and the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.</p>

<p>Khamenei said, “Some people are mistaken to think if we back down from our stances in certain cases that will cause the enmity of the US, the global arrogance, or Israel toward us to diminish.” “This is a mistake,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Thugs and Villains responsible for anti-establishment protests: Khamenei</strong></h2>

<p>Khamenei also referred to massive anti-government protests that erupted last year following the murder of 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini at the hands of Iran’s morality police. He said the protests were organised and fuelled by anti-Iran foreign powers. “Thugs and villains did what they did and malicious individuals chanted such slogans,” Khamenei said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “According to their plot they thought the Islamic Republic was finished and they could take the Iranian nation as servants. These fools, once again, were wrong. Once again, they failed to know our people.”</p>

<h2><strong>Iran facing a massive economic crisis</strong></h2>

<p>Iran is amidst the longest economic crisis the country has faced in decades, triggered by former US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and ensuing sanctions on the Iranian regime. However, the sanctions have so far failed to exact any concessions from the Iranian government. The country has significantly boosted its nuclear weapon programme ever since.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Iran: Nation continues to crackdown on anti-govt protesters</strong></p>

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<p>Also, Iran has joined the ranks of Russia, North Korea and China in vehemently opposing the West on every international platform, including the UN.</p>

<h2><strong>Iran’s bid to join BRICS</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Iran has stepped up efforts to integrate its economy with BRICS nations, a bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, China, India and South Africa. Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian recently attended a foreign ministers’ summit of BRICS nations in South Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his speech given at the event, he also stressed that his nation will soon host a conference in co-ordination with the BRICS nations. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said, “We will soon organize a conference in Tehran through coordination with the embassies of BRICS countries to elaborate on existing potentials and capacities of cooperation between Iran and BRICS. I would like to take the opportunity to invite all the BRICS countries to participate in the Tehran conference.”</p>

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Defending Iran’s tough stance against the West, the country’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday affirmed a lenient approach would only invite more hostilities from Tehran’s enemies.

Defending Iran’s tough stance against the West, the country’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday affirmed a lenient approach would only invite more hostilities from Tehran’s enemies. Ayatollah Khamenei was speaking at an event marking the death of his predecessor and the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Khamenei said, “Some people are mistaken to think if we back down from our stances in certain cases that will cause the enmity of the US, the global arrogance, or Israel toward us to diminish.” “This is a mistake,” he added. Thugs and Villains responsible for anti-establishment protests: Khamenei Khamenei also referred to massive anti-government protests that erupted last year following the murder of 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini at the hands of Iran’s morality police. He said the protests were organised and fuelled by anti-Iran foreign powers. “Thugs and villains did what they did and malicious individuals chanted such slogans,” Khamenei said. He added, “According to their plot they thought the Islamic Republic was finished and they could take the Iranian nation as servants. These fools, once again, were wrong. Once again, they failed to know our people.” Iran facing a massive economic crisis Iran is amidst the longest economic crisis the country has faced in decades, triggered by former US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and ensuing sanctions on the Iranian regime. However, the sanctions have so far failed to exact any concessions from the Iranian government. The country has significantly boosted its nuclear weapon programme ever since. Watch: Iran: Nation continues to crackdown on anti-govt protesters × Also, Iran has joined the ranks of Russia, North Korea and China in vehemently opposing the West on every international platform, including the UN. Iran’s bid to join BRICS Meanwhile, Iran has stepped up efforts to integrate its economy with BRICS nations, a bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, China, India and South Africa. Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian recently attended a foreign ministers’ summit of BRICS nations in South Africa. In his speech given at the event, he also stressed that his nation will soon host a conference in co-ordination with the BRICS nations. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said, “We will soon organize a conference in Tehran through coordination with the embassies of BRICS countries to elaborate on existing potentials and capacities of cooperation between Iran and BRICS. I would like to take the opportunity to invite all the BRICS countries to participate in the Tehran conference.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Iran trains its guns on West as it seeks to build closer ties with BRICS nations

In Pics | Russia accuses West of backing Ukraine's attack on Moscow

Author Salman Rushdie has warned that freedom of expression in the West is under its most severe threat in his lifetime. 75-year-old Rushdie looked thinner than before the attack and wore glasses with one tinted lens. He was blinded in his right eye and suffered nerve damage to his hand when he was attacked at a literary festival in new york state in August. Rushdie spent years in hiding with police protection after Iran’s grand ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa in 1989. The 1989 edict called for his death over the alleged blasphemy of the novel - the satanic verses. He gradually returned to public life after the Iranian government distanced itself from the order in 1998, saying it would not back any effort to kill Rushdie. Rushdie won the booker prize in 1981 for his novel - midnight's Children; and in 2008, was voted the best-ever winner of the prestigious fiction prize. His most recent novel - victory city - completed a month before the attack, was published in February.

Rushdie says freedom of expression in West at critical juncture | Author was attacked in New York

Arab nations are set to re-admit Syria into the Arab League despite repeated objections from the United States to ending the decade-long isolation of a regime that it holds accountable for the deaths of more 300,000 civilians and displacement of millions in the country’s brutal civil war.

Arab nations set to rehabilitate Syria's pariah president in defiance of US

The West is adamant that sanctions on Russia are working. However, Russian Oil continues to make its way to reach Europe indirectly. The sanctions were imposed against Russia in response to the war of aggression against Ukraine. The importers of Russian oil and the global oil market bore the brunt of these sanctions. Nations around the world looked for an alternative. India played a key role in filling the void in the global oil market.

West using third countries as bridges to use Russian oil

French President Emmanuel Macron's 'allies not vassals' remark has split the west. Should European nations chalk their own path & stop following Washington's instructions? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Macron's 'allies not vassals' remark splits the West

Gravitas: Macron's 'allies not vassals' remark splits West

S. Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, criticised the West for interfering in the domestic affairs of other countries, saying that the West has a longstanding bad habit of doing so and believes it has a divine mandate to do so.

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar reacts as West comments on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification

Just weeks after the devastating earthquake hit Syria, president Bashar al-Assad visited the UAE this week. He received a warm welcome in Abu Dhabi signalling UAE's efforts to re-integrate Syria back into the Arab world.

Arab nations embracing Syria | The West Asia Post

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin's verbal attack on the West rose to a crescendo for yet another time on Tuesday when he defended the war in Ukraine, saying it is the question of Russia's very existence as a state.</p>

<p>He made these remarks in a long address to workers at an aviation factory in Buryatia, a mountainous Russian republic in eastern Siberia, some 4,400 km east of the capital city of Moscow.</p>

<p>Russian president said that the Ukraine war is more than just a geopolitical task. "So, for us, this is not a geopolitical task, but a task of the survival of Russian statehood, creating conditions for the future development of the country and our children," Putin said in his address.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-raise-retirement-age-to-tackle-ageing-population-571960">China to raise retirement age to tackle ageing population</a></p>

<p>Putin in its speech, which was high in its rhetoric against the West, said that the western nations are&nbsp;actually firing salvos from Ukraine's shoulders.&nbsp;He called for giving the West a strategic blow. Putin also spoke on the economic implications of the war after the heavy Russian sanctions.</p>

<p>Putin said he had apprehensions at the start when western nations imposed hard-hitting sanctions on Moscow. Russia, however, is still standing and proving stronger than was anticipated, he added.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-third-death-from-h3n2-in-indian-state-of-gujarat-571891">India reports third death from H3N2 in Indian state of Gujarat</a></p>

<p>"We have increased our economic sovereignty many times over. After all, what did our enemy count on? That we would collapse in 2-3 weeks or in a month," he said.<br />
<br />
He said that the West had been vying to bring Russia to its knees by triggering unemployment and forcing workers to protest and take on the streets and that Russia would "sway from within and collapse".</p>

<p>Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesias-new-capital-at-the-cost-of-environment-571886">Indonesia's new capital at the cost of environment?</a></p>

<p>"This did not happen," Putin said. "It turned out, for many of us, and even more so for Western countries, that the fundamental foundations of Russia's stability are much stronger than anyone thought."<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin's verbal attack on the West rose to a crescendo for yet another time on Tuesday when he defended the war in Ukraine, saying it is the question of Russia's very existence as a state.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's verbal attack on the West rose to a crescendo for yet another time on Tuesday when he defended the war in Ukraine, saying it is the question of Russia's very existence as a state. He made these remarks in a long address to workers at an aviation factory in Buryatia, a mountainous Russian republic in eastern Siberia, some 4,400 km east of the capital city of Moscow. Russian president said that the Ukraine war is more than just a geopolitical task. "So, for us, this is not a geopolitical task, but a task of the survival of Russian statehood, creating conditions for the future development of the country and our children," Putin said in his address. Also Read | China to raise retirement age to tackle ageing population Putin in its speech, which was high in its rhetoric against the West, said that the western nations are actually firing salvos from Ukraine's shoulders. He called for giving the West a strategic blow. Putin also spoke on the economic implications of the war after the heavy Russian sanctions. Putin said he had apprehensions at the start when western nations imposed hard-hitting sanctions on Moscow. Russia, however, is still standing and proving stronger than was anticipated, he added. Also Read | India reports third death from H3N2 in Indian state of Gujarat "We have increased our economic sovereignty many times over. After all, what did our enemy count on? That we would collapse in 2-3 weeks or in a month," he said. He said that the West had been vying to bring Russia to its knees by triggering unemployment and forcing workers to protest and take on the streets and that Russia would "sway from within and collapse". Watch | Indonesia's new capital at the cost of environment? "This did not happen," Putin said. "It turned out, for many of us, and even more so for Western countries, that the fundamental foundations of Russia's stability are much stronger than anyone thought." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin defends Ukraine war, claims it’s about ‘survival’ of Russian statehood

<p>The verbal confrontation between Russia and the West was on full display as the world leaders gathered in the Indian capital of New Delhi for the G20 foreign ministers' meet on Thursday.&nbsp;On the sidelines of the G20 meeting,&nbsp;Russia and its ally&nbsp;China&nbsp;let out their disgruntlement over the West's position on the Ukraine war in a heavily worded statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both nations chastised the West and accused it of interfering with the internal affairs of other countries. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“A unanimous rejection was expressed on&nbsp;attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, to impose unilateral approaches through blackmail and threats, and to oppose the democratisation of international relations,” the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-divide-over-ukraine-persists-no-joint-statement-for-g20-foreign-ministers-meet-jaishankar-567671">'Differences' over Ukraine conflict, no joint statement for G20 foreign ministers' meet: Jaishankar</a></p>

<p>The relations between the West and China have strained further in recent days as the US warns Beijing against providing lethal aid to Russia and supporting its war which continues to wage on even after a year of casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement was released after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and held talks on the sidelines of the G20 meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, at the G20 finance ministers' meeting in Bengaluru, the members of the grouping failed to reach a joint communique over their lack of consensus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-clears-bill-to-declassify-all-information-on-covid-19-origin-567633">US Senate clears bill to declassify all information on Covid-19 origin</a></p>

<p>Soon after, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar confirmed that because of the "differences" over the Ukraine conflict, the meeting will only have an outcome document and not a joint statement.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There were issues and very frankly they were concerned with the Ukraine conflict. There were divergences. There were differences, which we could not be reconciled," Jaishankar said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/an-affordable-tesla-no-details-revealed-by-elon-musk-on-investors-day-567625">An affordable Tesla? No details revealed by Elon Musk on investors' day</a></p>

<p>However, the minister said that "in terms of the outcome document you will see that there was almost 90 per cent agreement. Just on two paras we were not able to get everybody on the same page - or para."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The verbal confrontation between Russia and the West was on full display as the world leaders gathered in the Indian capital of New Delhi for the G20 foreign ministers' meet on Thursday.

The verbal confrontation between Russia and the West was on full display as the world leaders gathered in the Indian capital of New Delhi for the G20 foreign ministers' meet on Thursday. On the sidelines of the G20 meeting, Russia and its ally China let out their disgruntlement over the West's position on the Ukraine war in a heavily worded statement. Both nations chastised the West and accused it of interfering with the internal affairs of other countries. “A unanimous rejection was expressed on attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, to impose unilateral approaches through blackmail and threats, and to oppose the democratisation of international relations,” the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. Also Read | 'Differences' over Ukraine conflict, no joint statement for G20 foreign ministers' meet: Jaishankar The relations between the West and China have strained further in recent days as the US warns Beijing against providing lethal aid to Russia and supporting its war which continues to wage on even after a year of casualties. The statement was released after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and held talks on the sidelines of the G20 meeting. Earlier, at the G20 finance ministers' meeting in Bengaluru, the members of the grouping failed to reach a joint communique over their lack of consensus. Also Read | US Senate clears bill to declassify all information on Covid-19 origin Soon after, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar confirmed that because of the "differences" over the Ukraine conflict, the meeting will only have an outcome document and not a joint statement. "There were issues and very frankly they were concerned with the Ukraine conflict. There were divergences. There were differences, which we could not be reconciled," Jaishankar said. Also Read | An affordable Tesla? No details revealed by Elon Musk on investors' day However, the minister said that "in terms of the outcome document you will see that there was almost 90 per cent agreement. Just on two paras we were not able to get everybody on the same page - or para." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia, China slam West for blackmailing, attempting to interfere in other countries' internal affairs

The war on ground is intensifying and so are the verbal attacks between the West and Russia. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said that continued arm supply to cover is a global nuclear catastrophe.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reiterates nuclear threat

While visiting the frontline town of Bakhmut, where Ukrainian soldiers were holding out against relentless bombardment, Kyiv's top general received a strong warning from the United States about the ramifications of China providing armaments to back Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

U.S., NATO scramble to discuss China from supplying lethal aid

<p>Russia has accused the West of “destabilising” the G20 finance chiefs’ meeting that took place in India’s southern Bengaluru city. It blamed the US, EU and G7 nations for trying to impose their “diktat” as the talks concluded with differences over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.</p>

<p>“We regret that the activities of the G20 continue to be destabilised by the Western collective and used in an anti-Russian... way," the foreign ministry said in statement on Saturday, reports AFP news agency.</p>

<p>It claimed that the Western nations "disrupted the adoption of collective decisions" by trying to impose their "diktat" with what they said was "clear blackmail".</p>

<p>“Their aim had been to impose their interpretation of the Ukraine conflict in the joint statement by means of lobbying and ultimatums," said the ministry statement.</p>

<h2><strong>Nirmala Sitharaman meets U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen ahead of Bengaluru G20 meet</strong></h2>

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<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-meeting-ends-without-joint-statement-after-differences-over-russia-ukraine-conflict-565938">G20 finance meet ends without joint statement after differences over Russia-Ukraine conflict</a></p>

<p>Moscow said that West should "renounce its destructive policy as soon as possible, to acknowledge the objective realities of a multipolar world".</p>

<p>"The G20 must remain an economic forum rather than encroaching on the security sphere," it said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/german-chancellor-meets-pm-modi-deepening-of-india-germany-ties-in-focus-565780">India ready to contribute to any peace process for resolving Ukraine crisis, says PM Modi</a></strong></p>

<p>The reaction from Kremlin came hours after the conclusion of the meet where most countries condemned the ongoing conflict in Ukraine but China and Russia declined to sign the joint statement. This led India, which was hosting the two-day event to release a “chair’s summary and outcome document” which is said to simply summarise the talks and noted disagreements.</p>

<p>The confusion seemed to prevail over the “different assessments of the situation and sanctions” referring to the ongoing conflict.</p>

<p>A footnote said that the two paragraphs in the summary about the ongoing conflict “were agreed to by all member countries except Russia and China”.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia has accused the West of “destabilising” the G20 finance chiefs’ meeting that took place in India’s southern Bengaluru city. It blamed the US, EU and G7 nations for trying to impose their “diktat” as the talks concluded with differences over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Russia has accused the West of “destabilising” the G20 finance chiefs’ meeting that took place in India’s southern Bengaluru city. It blamed the US, EU and G7 nations for trying to impose their “diktat” as the talks concluded with differences over the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “We regret that the activities of the G20 continue to be destabilised by the Western collective and used in an anti-Russian... way," the foreign ministry said in statement on Saturday, reports AFP news agency. It claimed that the Western nations "disrupted the adoption of collective decisions" by trying to impose their "diktat" with what they said was "clear blackmail". “Their aim had been to impose their interpretation of the Ukraine conflict in the joint statement by means of lobbying and ultimatums," said the ministry statement. Nirmala Sitharaman meets U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen ahead of Bengaluru G20 meet Also read | G20 finance meet ends without joint statement after differences over Russia-Ukraine conflict Moscow said that West should "renounce its destructive policy as soon as possible, to acknowledge the objective realities of a multipolar world". "The G20 must remain an economic forum rather than encroaching on the security sphere," it said. Also read | India ready to contribute to any peace process for resolving Ukraine crisis, says PM Modi The reaction from Kremlin came hours after the conclusion of the meet where most countries condemned the ongoing conflict in Ukraine but China and Russia declined to sign the joint statement. This led India, which was hosting the two-day event to release a “chair’s summary and outcome document” which is said to simply summarise the talks and noted disagreements. The confusion seemed to prevail over the “different assessments of the situation and sanctions” referring to the ongoing conflict. A footnote said that the two paragraphs in the summary about the ongoing conflict “were agreed to by all member countries except Russia and China”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia accuses West of ‘destabilising’ G20 finance chiefs’ meet in India

A Chinese professor has lost his job after he urged secondary school students to get admission at foreign universities so they could procreate with foreigners to produce "better elites", as per reports. Priyanka Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Chinese Professor loses job for glorifying the West

Ahead of Ukraine war completing its one year, US President Joe Biden delivered an impassioned speech from Polish capital, Warsaw. Biden's speech came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual state of the nation address.

Biden hails NATO as 'most consequential alliance' as he rallies NATO allies in Poland

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