Sri Lanka focusing being a progressive partner in South Asia: Namal Rajapaksa

Impact of India's economic growth in South Asian region has not been realised: Shaurya Doval

Unlike China, India is a democracy and all the changes that have to be brought must be brought through parliament, through consensus, said Bhaswati Mukherjee, a former diplomat.

Bhaswati Mukherjee and Kanwal Sibal spoke to international journalist Riz Khan on the rise of South Asia on the sidelines of WION Global Summit in Dubai.

Mukherjee said India is not a dictatorship where the prime minister can issue an order.&nbsp;

''At the movement, China is way ahead of India but we will catch up. India's development model is very different from the Chinese. We believe in sustainable development but through developmental projects in other countries, China is looking for economic gain or putting the countries in a debt trap or they have an imperialistic motive. That's not the kind of path India has taken nor will ever take,'' she added.&nbsp;

Both admitted that having a large English speaking population in India is a plus but policies are more important.&nbsp;

''Having a large number of English speaking population is an advantage but what is critical is the policies you pursue. Global powers like China and Japan despite not having a huge English speaking population like India have shown tremendous growth,'' said Kanwal Sibal.&nbsp;

Commenting on the rise of East, Sibal said West is not in decline. EU is growing at 0.5 per cent a quarter and the American economy is also growing but there is a significant rise in the east which will set up new power balances, he said.

The powershifting has been a story for the past decade but what has brought this sharply is the rise of China in the last decade or so, Sibal said.&nbsp;

''Under Xi Jinping, China has become formidable, ambitious and they want to challenge the United States. On the other hand Trump has given an impression that West is disarray by challenging NATO, challenging Transatlantic Trade, &nbsp;favouring Brexit, he walked out of climate change agreement and Iran deal,'' he said.

Speaking about the challenges facing the US under the leadership of Donald Trump, Sibal said the US is no longer willing to take the leadership role and being challenged by two global power.&nbsp;

''Now, the US is also challenged by two powers -- one is a huge economic power and the other is a huge nuclear power and they are cooperating with each other to challenge the US. Trump has also created the impression that the US is no longer willing to take the leadership of the world,'' Sibal said.

Chief guest and guest of honour His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates inaugurated WION's Global Summit.

Unlike China, India is a democracy and all the changes that have to be brought must be brought through parliament, through consensus, said Bhaswati Mukherjee, a former diplomat.

Unlike China, India is a democracy and all the changes that have to be brought must be brought through parliament, through consensus, said Bhaswati Mukherjee, a former diplomat. Bhaswati Mukherjee and Kanwal Sibal spoke to international journalist Riz Khan on the rise of South Asia on the sidelines of WION Global Summit in Dubai. Mukherjee said India is not a dictatorship where the prime minister can issue an order. ''At the movement, China is way ahead of India but we will catch up. India's development model is very different from the Chinese. We believe in sustainable development but through developmental projects in other countries, China is looking for economic gain or putting the countries in a debt trap or they have an imperialistic motive. That's not the kind of path India has taken nor will ever take,'' she added. Both admitted that having a large English speaking population in India is a plus but policies are more important. ''Having a large number of English speaking population is an advantage but what is critical is the policies you pursue. Global powers like China and Japan despite not having a huge English speaking population like India have shown tremendous growth,'' said Kanwal Sibal. Commenting on the rise of East, Sibal said West is not in decline. EU is growing at 0.5 per cent a quarter and the American economy is also growing but there is a significant rise in the east which will set up new power balances, he said. The powershifting has been a story for the past decade but what has brought this sharply is the rise of China in the last decade or so, Sibal said. ''Under Xi Jinping, China has become formidable, ambitious and they want to challenge the United States. On the other hand Trump has given an impression that West is disarray by challenging NATO, challenging Transatlantic Trade, favouring Brexit, he walked out of climate change agreement and Iran deal,'' he said. Speaking about the challenges facing the US under the leadership of Donald Trump, Sibal said the US is no longer willing to take the leadership role and being challenged by two global power. ''Now, the US is also challenged by two powers -- one is a huge economic power and the other is a huge nuclear power and they are cooperating with each other to challenge the US. Trump has also created the impression that the US is no longer willing to take the leadership of the world,'' Sibal said. Chief guest and guest of honour His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates inaugurated WION's Global Summit.

Global powershift: India's development model is very different from China's, says Bhaswati

WION Global Summit: The Changing Face of Media & Entertainment

At WION Global Summit, Sadhguru explains what drives human soul to resort to violence

Talking peace is fashionable but can't talk peace endlessly: Sadhguru at WION Global Summit

At WION Global Summit, Sadhguru explains how sports can break barriers of caste, religion

The terrorists look for one time opportunity to make it to the newspaper headline. As long as we keep the suicide bomber in a way that their picture will be on the front page, in all likelihood, you could create hundred more of them, said &nbsp;Roland Schatz, senior adviser to UN director general.

Speaking to WION on the sidelines of WION Global Summit in Dubai, Schatz said as a journalist ''we need to cover terrorist attacks but should not put a terrorist’s picture on the front page''. &nbsp;

India has been a victim of terrorism. Germany too had a history of violence. When asked can there is a learning curve for India, Schatz said, “When you are a victim, what you need is good friends who are not only helping you to heal but also to overcome the problems. One of the learnings from Germany is that in the 70s, media and the vast majority of people were against terrorists.”

“The terrorists wanted the media to portray them in a way that one could feel sympathy for them, and as long as that happened, terrorism continued,” he said. “In the 70s, it was very clear that a terror attack was absolutely a 'no go' and one would not get any credit even in a small section of the society. That was the moment when terrorism faded away,” Schartz added.&nbsp;

When asked how this strategy can be applied in the context of Kashmir, he said that from his experience and his research in the global media it has become evident that an act of terror only works if it gets the attention.&nbsp;

''From all my experience and learning, I have come to the conclusion that terrorism only works if you give them global attention. While a news report needs to mention the death toll and other details, we should be very careful with the pictures we choose,'' he said.

He also said that Trump would not be in the White House if all the global media have not covered Muslims in the context of terrorism. If they have not covered Mexicans as criminals in the way they did, Trump would not have been the US President.&nbsp;

''CNN is the reason why Trump is in office,'' he said in his concluding remarks.

The terrorists look for one time opportunity to make it to the newspaper headline. As long as we keep the suicide bomber in a way that their picture will be on the front page, in all likelihood, you could create hundred more of them, said Roland Schatz, senior adviser to UN director general.

The terrorists look for one time opportunity to make it to the newspaper headline. As long as we keep the suicide bomber in a way that their picture will be on the front page, in all likelihood, you could create hundred more of them, said Roland Schatz, senior adviser to UN director general. Speaking to WION on the sidelines of WION Global Summit in Dubai, Schatz said as a journalist ''we need to cover terrorist attacks but should not put a terrorist’s picture on the front page''. India has been a victim of terrorism. Germany too had a history of violence. When asked can there is a learning curve for India, Schatz said, “When you are a victim, what you need is good friends who are not only helping you to heal but also to overcome the problems. One of the learnings from Germany is that in the 70s, media and the vast majority of people were against terrorists.” “The terrorists wanted the media to portray them in a way that one could feel sympathy for them, and as long as that happened, terrorism continued,” he said. “In the 70s, it was very clear that a terror attack was absolutely a 'no go' and one would not get any credit even in a small section of the society. That was the moment when terrorism faded away,” Schartz added. When asked how this strategy can be applied in the context of Kashmir, he said that from his experience and his research in the global media it has become evident that an act of terror only works if it gets the attention. ''From all my experience and learning, I have come to the conclusion that terrorism only works if you give them global attention. While a news report needs to mention the death toll and other details, we should be very careful with the pictures we choose,'' he said. He also said that Trump would not be in the White House if all the global media have not covered Muslims in the context of terrorism. If they have not covered Mexicans as criminals in the way they did, Trump would not have been the US President. ''CNN is the reason why Trump is in office,'' he said in his concluding remarks.

Tackling terrorism: Roland Schatz on what India can learn from Germany

The recent terror attack in Pulwama, in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 40 soldiers of India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed, left the entire nation in shock and saw some tough steps being initiated by the government of India to diplomatically isolate Pakistan. The attack was carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation.

WION hosted a summit in Dubai where a discussion was held on "Uprooting state-sponsored terrorism: An imperative for peace in South Asia". The panelists in this session were former Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh, former diplomats G Parthasarathy and Kanwal Sibal, director of US-based think tank Hudson Institute Husain Haqqani, and South Asia expert from the Wilson Centre Michael Kugelman.

During the panel discussion, General Bikram Singh said, "We've been adopting idealistic agenda for too long. You can't keep giving your cheek and get slapped," referring to India's policy on Pakistan.

"Let's not allow epicentre of terrorism to raise problems. We got to take Pakistan to task," the former Indian Army chief said.

Husain Haqqani, Pakistan's ex-ambassador to the US, said the strategy of "sub-conventional warfare" had failed. "State-sponsored terrorism is a widely used phrase. One country that can call one nation as state sponsor will not call another country the same for its own benefits. Consistency is required," he said.

"We need to think long-term, this region will eventually become as integrated if not more as other parts of the world," Haqqani added.

G Parthasarathy, India's former High Commissioner to Pakistan, said, "Every country has an army but in Pakistan, the army has the country. Today, Bangladesh has a far better growth rate than Pakistan because they focus on development."

The Global Summit which started on Wednesday morning in Dubai was inaugurated by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates.

Kanwal Sibal, India's former foreign secretary said that since 1990 Pakistan's rate of growth in terrorism had risen.

"We should be a soft nation but we should slap hard too when required," Sibal asserted.

Micheal Kugelman, South Asia expert at the Wilson Centre in the US, said, "We need to look at the issue of Pakistan's military. Just uprooting terrorism will not bring peace in South Asia. Water shortages, climate change also play a role."

The recent terror attack in Pulwama, in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 40 soldiers of India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed, left the entire nation in shock and saw some tough steps being initiated by the government of India to diplomatically isolate Pakistan.

The recent terror attack in Pulwama, in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 40 soldiers of India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed, left the entire nation in shock and saw some tough steps being initiated by the government of India to diplomatically isolate Pakistan. The attack was carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation. WION hosted a summit in Dubai where a discussion was held on "Uprooting state-sponsored terrorism: An imperative for peace in South Asia". The panelists in this session were former Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh, former diplomats G Parthasarathy and Kanwal Sibal, director of US-based think tank Hudson Institute Husain Haqqani, and South Asia expert from the Wilson Centre Michael Kugelman. During the panel discussion, General Bikram Singh said, "We've been adopting idealistic agenda for too long. You can't keep giving your cheek and get slapped," referring to India's policy on Pakistan. "Let's not allow epicentre of terrorism to raise problems. We got to take Pakistan to task," the former Indian Army chief said. Husain Haqqani, Pakistan's ex-ambassador to the US, said the strategy of "sub-conventional warfare" had failed. "State-sponsored terrorism is a widely used phrase. One country that can call one nation as state sponsor will not call another country the same for its own benefits. Consistency is required," he said. "We need to think long-term, this region will eventually become as integrated if not more as other parts of the world," Haqqani added. G Parthasarathy, India's former High Commissioner to Pakistan, said, "Every country has an army but in Pakistan, the army has the country. Today, Bangladesh has a far better growth rate than Pakistan because they focus on development." The Global Summit which started on Wednesday morning in Dubai was inaugurated by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates. Kanwal Sibal, India's former foreign secretary said that since 1990 Pakistan's rate of growth in terrorism had risen. "We should be a soft nation but we should slap hard too when required," Sibal asserted. Micheal Kugelman, South Asia expert at the Wilson Centre in the US, said, "We need to look at the issue of Pakistan's military. Just uprooting terrorism will not bring peace in South Asia. Water shortages, climate change also play a role."

We've been adopting idealistic agenda for too long: Former Indian army chief Bikram Singh at WION Global Summit

WION hosted a global summit in Dubai on Wednesday in which thought leaders from South Asia gathered to discuss the future of the region. One of the sessions at the day-long conclave was "Future of South Asia - Strategic Balances &amp; Alliances" which saw participation from former information minister from Bangladesh Hasanul Haq Inu, lawyer and parliamentarian from Sri Lanka Namal Rajapaksa, director of Delhi-based think tank India Foundation Shaurya Doval, social activist from Afghanistan Zakia Wardak and South Asia expert at the Wilson Centre in the US Michael Kugelman.

The session, moderated by Riz Khan, opened with remarks by Bangladesh's former information minister Hasanul Haq Inu, who talked about the relevance of South Asia. "The region has oldest civilisation in the world. Secondly, South Asia is also global because of its diaspora, its market. We are reaching out to the global markets" he said.

The former Bangladesh minister then listed the achievements of his government and showcased his country as one of most important countries in South Asia.

The other esteemed panelist, Namal Rajapaksa, while listing his government's initiatives in making Sri Lanka a partner in South Asia's progress, said his country is India's closest ally and that the island nation wants to benefit from the progress of India - one of the fastest growing countries in the world. Talking about the strategic balances and alliances in the region, Rajapaksa said, "Economic cooperation, trade and development are the ways to tackle terrorism. We have fought the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world for 30 years and learned that poverty, unemployment and lack of education are the main reasons for a terrorist organisation to arise."

"So cooperation among the countries of South Asia will help a lot in the development of the region, Rajapaksa added. He also listed some steps his government is taking to develop Sri Lanka as aviation and maritime hub. The strategic location of Sri Lanka has never been utilised. At one point, we were conquered, colonised, then we faced two civil uprisings, but now we are working towards developing Sri Lanka," Rajapaksa said.

Earlier, former chief of the Indian Army, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/weve-been-adopting-idealistic-agenda-for-too-long-former-indian-army-chief-bikram-singh-198529">General Bikram Singh</a>, in another session named "Uprooting state-sponsored terrorism: An imperative for peace in South Asia" had said India has been adopting and idealistic agenda for too long.

The event was inaugurated by chief guest and guest of honour His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates.

During the discussion, Michael Kluegman, South Asia expert who is a leading specialist on Afghanistan, said, "Trump administration in its National Security Advisory had mentioned China is its biggest concern, China in South Asia is being seen as a significant concern for the US."

WION hosted a global summit in Dubai on Wednesday in which thought leaders from South Asia gathered to discuss the future of the region. One of the sessions at the day-long conclave was "Future of South Asia - Strategic Balances & Alliances" which saw participation from former information minister from Bangladesh Hasanul Haq Inu, lawyer and parliamentarian from Sri Lanka Namal Rajapaksa, director of Delhi-based think tank India Foundation Shaurya Doval, social activist from Afghanistan Zakia Wardak and South Asia expert at the Wilson Centre in the US Michael Kugelman.

WION hosted a global summit in Dubai on Wednesday in which thought leaders from South Asia gathered to discuss the future of the region. One of the sessions at the day-long conclave was "Future of South Asia - Strategic Balances & Alliances" which saw participation from former information minister from Bangladesh Hasanul Haq Inu, lawyer and parliamentarian from Sri Lanka Namal Rajapaksa, director of Delhi-based think tank India Foundation Shaurya Doval, social activist from Afghanistan Zakia Wardak and South Asia expert at the Wilson Centre in the US Michael Kugelman. The session, moderated by Riz Khan, opened with remarks by Bangladesh's former information minister Hasanul Haq Inu, who talked about the relevance of South Asia. "The region has oldest civilisation in the world. Secondly, South Asia is also global because of its diaspora, its market. We are reaching out to the global markets" he said. The former Bangladesh minister then listed the achievements of his government and showcased his country as one of most important countries in South Asia. The other esteemed panelist, Namal Rajapaksa, while listing his government's initiatives in making Sri Lanka a partner in South Asia's progress, said his country is India's closest ally and that the island nation wants to benefit from the progress of India - one of the fastest growing countries in the world. Talking about the strategic balances and alliances in the region, Rajapaksa said, "Economic cooperation, trade and development are the ways to tackle terrorism. We have fought the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world for 30 years and learned that poverty, unemployment and lack of education are the main reasons for a terrorist organisation to arise." "So cooperation among the countries of South Asia will help a lot in the development of the region, Rajapaksa added. He also listed some steps his government is taking to develop Sri Lanka as aviation and maritime hub. The strategic location of Sri Lanka has never been utilised. At one point, we were conquered, colonised, then we faced two civil uprisings, but now we are working towards developing Sri Lanka," Rajapaksa said. Earlier, former chief of the Indian Army, General Bikram Singh, in another session named "Uprooting state-sponsored terrorism: An imperative for peace in South Asia" had said India has been adopting and idealistic agenda for too long. The event was inaugurated by chief guest and guest of honour His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates. During the discussion, Michael Kluegman, South Asia expert who is a leading specialist on Afghanistan, said, "Trump administration in its National Security Advisory had mentioned China is its biggest concern, China in South Asia is being seen as a significant concern for the US."

Sri Lanka's strategic location not being properly used: Namal Rajapaksa at WION's Global Summit

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The sight of Gandhi on Burj Khalifa speaks of India-UAE relation: His Excellency Navdeep Suri

Sadhguru, founder of Isha Foundation, while speaking to the audience at <a href="http://www.wionews.com/globalsummit">WION's Global Summit</a>, said that practical situations need to be handled in different ways when human conflicts occur.

Sadhguru who is the head of the Isha Foundation, a non-profit organisation, emphasised that sustainable development was the way forward for South Asia. He pointed out that in a democracy, everyone's emotions and considerations need to be considered, although it becomes difficult at times.

"This is that kind of time that whatever you say, it will be taken in an extreme way. There are lots of dead bodies and a lot of grieving families. So, there are emotions, some very strong emotions. But there are problems and there are solutions. When we invest in problems, problems multiply. It would be wise to invest in solutions. But in a democratic nation, when you take everyone's considerations and emotions it becomes very difficult to move in any one direction," Sadhguru said.

"I feel this won't be a difficult problem to solve if there is abstinence from daily violence that's unleashed in the form of terror. The old philosophy of thousand cuts is still being executed. When that's going on, it becomes difficult to even talk about solutions. I think that's where we are right now," he added.

Talking about the state of South Asia, Sadhguru said, "In the region, we have 33 per cent of world's malnourished. The largest number of stunted children in the world are in this region. If you take individuals and families, their aspirations will be very economic. I feel putting economics as the front foot is the best way to do it."

Sadhguru was part of a session on South Asia: A possibility beyond present realities which was moderated by international journalist Riz Khan.

Talking about India and Pakistan, the two neighbouring countries, and the ties between them, Sadhguru said that India made a serious effort in giving Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan “but it did not work out and the MFN status was withdrawn”.

"Talking peace is a very fashionable thing. But when the proponents of violence say they will first liberate Kashmir, and subsequently India, you cannot endlessly talk peace with them," the spiritual guru said. He added that the whole region has to bring economic prosperity for peace to prevail here.

"I'm sure people in Pakistan also aspire for their well-being. Certain forces in every nation behave like they are the representatives of an entire country, but they are not. You should see the bonhomie between Indians and Pakistanis when they are outside the region," he said.

The global summit was inaugurated by chief guest and guest of honour <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/his-excellency-sheikh-nahayan-mabarak-al-nahayan-cabinet-member-and-minister-of-tolerance-united-arab-emirates-inaugurates-wion-global-summit-198472">His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan</a>, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates in Dubai today.

Sadhguru, founder of Isha Foundation, while speaking to the audience at WION's Global Summit, said that practical situations need to be handled in different ways when human conflicts occur.

Sadhguru, founder of Isha Foundation, while speaking to the audience at WION's Global Summit, said that practical situations need to be handled in different ways when human conflicts occur. Sadhguru who is the head of the Isha Foundation, a non-profit organisation, emphasised that sustainable development was the way forward for South Asia. He pointed out that in a democracy, everyone's emotions and considerations need to be considered, although it becomes difficult at times. "This is that kind of time that whatever you say, it will be taken in an extreme way. There are lots of dead bodies and a lot of grieving families. So, there are emotions, some very strong emotions. But there are problems and there are solutions. When we invest in problems, problems multiply. It would be wise to invest in solutions. But in a democratic nation, when you take everyone's considerations and emotions it becomes very difficult to move in any one direction," Sadhguru said. "I feel this won't be a difficult problem to solve if there is abstinence from daily violence that's unleashed in the form of terror. The old philosophy of thousand cuts is still being executed. When that's going on, it becomes difficult to even talk about solutions. I think that's where we are right now," he added. Talking about the state of South Asia, Sadhguru said, "In the region, we have 33 per cent of world's malnourished. The largest number of stunted children in the world are in this region. If you take individuals and families, their aspirations will be very economic. I feel putting economics as the front foot is the best way to do it." Sadhguru was part of a session on South Asia: A possibility beyond present realities which was moderated by international journalist Riz Khan. Talking about India and Pakistan, the two neighbouring countries, and the ties between them, Sadhguru said that India made a serious effort in giving Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan “but it did not work out and the MFN status was withdrawn”. "Talking peace is a very fashionable thing. But when the proponents of violence say they will first liberate Kashmir, and subsequently India, you cannot endlessly talk peace with them," the spiritual guru said. He added that the whole region has to bring economic prosperity for peace to prevail here. "I'm sure people in Pakistan also aspire for their well-being. Certain forces in every nation behave like they are the representatives of an entire country, but they are not. You should see the bonhomie between Indians and Pakistanis when they are outside the region," he said. The global summit was inaugurated by chief guest and guest of honour His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates in Dubai today.

In a democracy, everyone's emotions need to be taken into account: Sadhguru at WION Global Summit

Pakistan's strategy of sub-conventional warfare has failed: Husain Haqqani at WION Global Summit

Pakistan remains a problem in combating terror: Kanwal Sibal at WION Global Summit

Every country has an army but in Pakistan, an army has a country: G Parthasarathy at WION Global Summit

It's not possible to isolate Pakistan on world stage: Michael Kugelman at WION Global Summit

Maldives, India conducting series of military exercises: Mohamed Jameel Ahmed at WION Global Summit

Bhaswati Mukherjee, former Indian diplomat, Kanwal Sibal, ex-foreign secretary, Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, former vice-president of Maldives and G Parthasarathy, former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan took part in the "India &amp; Maldives - Emergence of Indo-Pacific" at<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lankas-strategic-location-not-being-properly-used-namal-rajapaksa-at-wions-global-summit-198559"> WION's Global Summit in Dubai</a> on Wednesday.

During the discussion, Bhaswati Mukherjee said: "India's approach may not be as effective as China's approach. China is trying to encircle us by using debt trap of smaller countries."&nbsp;

"We try for sustainable development projects in countries like the Maldives,"&nbsp;she said, adding,"This is also understood by African nations which is the difference in approach of India and China."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/weve-been-adopting-idealistic-agenda-for-too-long-former-indian-army-chief-bikram-singh-198529">Echoing similar thoughts</a>, Kanwal Sibal, ex-foreign secretary of India said that PM Modi going to the Maldives for President Solih's inauguration and Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih coming to India was the "first step".

Sibal pointed out that visa rule changes had made it easier for people-to-people contact.&nbsp;

"China has made its ambitions very clear in terms of maritime positioning in the region," he added. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, ex-vice president of Maldives said: "Maldives and India are conducting a series of military exercises, India is playing a wider role in the Maldives."

Ahmed asserted that India has been playing an important role in Maldives tourism.

"After the Tsunami in 2004, it was India which came out with a financial package for the Maldives which was very helpful," he informed.

Bhaswati Mukherjee, former Indian diplomat, Kanwal Sibal, ex-foreign secretary, Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, former vice-president of Maldives and G Parthasarathy, former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan took part in the "India & Maldives - Emergence of Indo-Pacific" at WION's Global Summit in Dubai on Wednesday.

Bhaswati Mukherjee, former Indian diplomat, Kanwal Sibal, ex-foreign secretary, Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, former vice-president of Maldives and G Parthasarathy, former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan took part in the "India & Maldives - Emergence of Indo-Pacific" at WION's Global Summit in Dubai on Wednesday. During the discussion, Bhaswati Mukherjee said: "India's approach may not be as effective as China's approach. China is trying to encircle us by using debt trap of smaller countries." "We try for sustainable development projects in countries like the Maldives," she said, adding,"This is also understood by African nations which is the difference in approach of India and China." Echoing similar thoughts, Kanwal Sibal, ex-foreign secretary of India said that PM Modi going to the Maldives for President Solih's inauguration and Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih coming to India was the "first step". Sibal pointed out that visa rule changes had made it easier for people-to-people contact. "China has made its ambitions very clear in terms of maritime positioning in the region," he added. Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, ex-vice president of Maldives said: "Maldives and India are conducting a series of military exercises, India is playing a wider role in the Maldives." Ahmed asserted that India has been playing an important role in Maldives tourism. "After the Tsunami in 2004, it was India which came out with a financial package for the Maldives which was very helpful," he informed.

His Excellency Navdeep Suri, Indian Ambassador to UAE&nbsp;while speaking at WION's Global Summit said India and the UAE have a "special relationship".

"The remarkable sight of Mahatma Gandhi on Burj Khalifa on October 2nd speaks about the special relationship between the two countries," His Excellency Navdeep Suri emphasised.

WION's Global summit was earlier<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/his-excellency-sheikh-nahayan-mabarak-al-nahayan-cabinet-member-and-minister-of-tolerance-united-arab-emirates-inaugurates-wion-global-summit-198472"> inaugurated by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan</a>, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates in Dubai today.

"The bilateral trade was $52 billion last year, the UAE is the second largest export partner after the US," he pointed out.

"I cannot think of one major Middle East country that does not have an office in Dubai," he said, adding," with 3.3 million Indians, it has the largest concentration of Indians outside India."

 
&nbsp;

His Excellency Navdeep Suri, Indian Ambassador to UAE while speaking at WION's Global Summit said India and the UAE have a "special relationship". "The remarkable sight of Mahatma Gandhi on Burj Khalifa on October 2nd speaks about the special relationship between the two countries," His Excellency Navdeep Suri emphasised.

His Excellency Navdeep Suri, Indian Ambassador to UAE while speaking at WION's Global Summit said India and the UAE have a "special relationship". "The remarkable sight of Mahatma Gandhi on Burj Khalifa on October 2nd speaks about the special relationship between the two countries," His Excellency Navdeep Suri emphasised. WION's Global summit was earlier inaugurated by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates in Dubai today. "The bilateral trade was $52 billion last year, the UAE is the second largest export partner after the US," he pointed out. "I cannot think of one major Middle East country that does not have an office in Dubai," he said, adding," with 3.3 million Indians, it has the largest concentration of Indians outside India."

Remarkable sight of Gandhi on Burj Khalifa speaks about our special relationship: His Excellency Navdeep Suri, Indian Ambassador to UAE

WION Global Summit: Unleashing the Power of South Asia kicks off in Dubai

Pakistan has to be taken to task: Former Indian Army chief at WION Global Summit

In democracy, everyone's emotions need to be taken into account: Sadhguru at WION Global Summit

Panelists discuss issues concerning the industry in session for 'The Changing Face of Media & Entertainment' at WION Global Summit

WION Global Summit: Laxman on Pulwama attack, India's chances in 2019 World Cup and Kohli's captaincy

India playing wider role in Maldives: Mohamed Jameel Ahmed at WION Global Summit

Uprooting state-sponsored terrorism: Experts at WION Global Summit

WION global summit: Namal Rajapaksa and others on Future of South Asia

wion-global-summit

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WION global-summit

Sri Lanka focusing being a progressive partner in South Asia: Namal Rajapaksa

Impact of India's economic growth in South Asian region has not been realised: Shaurya Doval

Global powershift: India's development model is very different from China's, says Bhaswati

WION Global Summit: The Changing Face of Media & Entertainment

At WION Global Summit, Sadhguru explains what drives human soul to resort to violence

Talking peace is fashionable but can't talk peace endlessly: Sadhguru at WION Global Summit

At WION Global Summit, Sadhguru explains how sports can break barriers of caste, religion

Tackling terrorism: Roland Schatz on what India can learn from Germany

We've been adopting idealistic agenda for too long: Former Indian army chief Bikram Singh at WION Global Summit

Sri Lanka's strategic location not being properly used: Namal Rajapaksa at WION's Global Summit

Virat Kohli will leave a legacy behind: VVS Laxman at WION Global Summit

'Cricket last thing on my mind, have to back security forces,' says VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman picks his four teams for World Cup 2019 semi finals

The sight of Gandhi on Burj Khalifa speaks of India-UAE relation: His Excellency Navdeep Suri

In a democracy, everyone's emotions need to be taken into account: Sadhguru at WION Global Summit

Pakistan's strategy of sub-conventional warfare has failed: Husain Haqqani at WION Global Summit

Pakistan remains a problem in combating terror: Kanwal Sibal at WION Global Summit

Every country has an army but in Pakistan, an army has a country: G Parthasarathy at WION Global Summit

It's not possible to isolate Pakistan on world stage: Michael Kugelman at WION Global Summit

Maldives, India conducting series of military exercises: Mohamed Jameel Ahmed at WION Global Summit

Maldives, India conducting series of military exercises: Mohamed Jameel Ahmed at WION Global Summit

Remarkable sight of Gandhi on Burj Khalifa speaks about our special relationship: His Excellency Navdeep Suri, Indian Ambassador to UAE

WION Global Summit: Unleashing the Power of South Asia kicks off in Dubai

Pakistan has to be taken to task: Former Indian Army chief at WION Global Summit

In democracy, everyone's emotions need to be taken into account: Sadhguru at WION Global Summit

Panelists discuss issues concerning the industry in session for 'The Changing Face of Media & Entertainment' at WION Global Summit