<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/53207988.cms" /> India's Ambassador to the UN <keyword id="882197" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Syed-Akbaruddin">Syed Akbaruddin</keyword> has strongly reacted to Pakistan's envoy <keyword id="705054" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maleeha-Lodhi">Maleeha Lodhi</keyword>’s statements in which she condemned the killing of Hizbul commander <keyword id="2931728" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Burhan-Wani">Burhan Wani</keyword>. 
 
In its reaction to the above, India accused Pakistan of praising the virtues of terrorists and wanting others’ territories. 
 
It was during a debate on human rights in the 193-member UN General Assembly that Lodhi raised the issue of Kashmir, and called "Kashmiri leader" Wani’s encounter as an "extra-judicial" killing. 
 
In the past UN meetings as well, Lodhi has regularly raised the Kashmir issue. This time around, she called Wani's killing as the "most chilling recent example" of "human rights violations" by Indian forces in Kashmir. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/India-Pakistan-peace-talks/articleshow/52618842.cms">India never opened a window for dialogue, says Pakistan</a> 
 
She alleged that the denial of self-determination to Kashmiri people is responsible for arbitrary detentions, summary executions and other "atrocious" violations by the armed forces. "Its most chilling recent example is the extra-judicial killing last week of a Kashmiri leader, Burhan Wani, shot to death by Indian forces along with dozens of other innocent Kashmiris," she said. 
 
To this, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Indias-most-familiar-foreign-ministry-face-now-Indias-permanent-representative-at-the-UN/articleshow/49089442.cms">Akbaruddin </a>said that Pakistan "extols" the virtues of terrorists and it’s because of its track record that it’s been unable to gain membership of the UN's human rights body. 
 
"Regrettably, earlier today we have seen an attempt at misuse of this UN platform. The attempt came from Pakistan; a country that covets the territory of others; a country that uses terrorism as state policy towards that misguided end; a country that extols the virtues of terrorists and that provides sanctuary to UN-designated terrorists; and a country that masquerades its efforts as support for human rights and self determination," he was reported saying. 
 
"The international community has long seen through such designs. Cynical attempts, like the one this morning therefore, find no resonance in this forum or elsewhere in the United Nations," he added. 
 
"We remain strongly committed to the promotion and protection of all human rights for all through pursuit of dialogue and cooperation," he said. 
 
After Wani's encounter last week, the valley has seen <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Jammu-and-Kashmir-tense-after-militants-killing-five-more-killed-curfews-imposed/articleshow/53149032.cms">at least 30 deaths</a>, with more than 250 people injured in the clashes between protesters and security personnel. 
 On this issue, UN Secretary General <keyword id="41013" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ban-Ki-Moon">Ban Ki-moon</keyword> has asked all parties to exercise "maximum restraint to avoid further violence and hopes that all concerns would be addressed through peaceful means." 
 
<a href="http://img.patrika.com/upload/images/2015/11/16/Syed-Akbaruddin-4-1447688054.jpg">Image source</a>

Don’t praise terrorists, India warns Pakistan at UN meet

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/50559491.cms" /> As the ambitious <keyword id="3204746" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="2030-Development-Agenda">2030 Development Agenda</keyword> is starting to be implemented, India has demanded that the priorities and needs of developing countries must be kept at the centre of attention. 
 "The 2030 Agenda including the <keyword id="879547" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sustainable-development-goals">Sustainable Development Goals</keyword> as well as the commitments contained in the <keyword id="3205079" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Addis-Ababa-Action-Agenda">Addis Ababa Action Agenda</keyword> must now be implemented expeditiously and in good faith," said <keyword id="882197" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Syed-Akbaruddin">Syed Akbaruddin</keyword>, India's new Permanent Representative to the UN. 
 
"In this process, the objectives, priorities and needs of the developing countries must remain the centre of attention, "Akbaruddin said. 
 He was speaking at the handover ceremony of the <keyword id="3205080" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="G77-Chairmanship">G77 Chairmanship</keyword> from South Africa to Thailand, which was his first speech at the world body after taking charge at the Permanent Mission of India here last week. He also said that if 2015 was a year of negotiation and deliberation, "2016 should be a time of consolidation and implementation." 
 He further added that India will be resolute in pushing for developing country unity and there would be no stone unturned to give special consideration to the interests of the <keyword id="484496" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="least-developed-countries">Least Developed Countries</keyword>, <keyword id="3205081" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Small-Island-Developing-States">Small Island Developing States</keyword> and <keyword id="3205082" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Landlocked-Developing-Countries">Landlocked Developing Countries</keyword>. 
 <keyword id="97094" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="UN-secretary-general">UN Secretary General</keyword> <keyword id="41013" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ban-Ki-Moon">Ban Ki-moon</keyword>, in his address to UN member states, said that the year 2015 was a "turning point" in international efforts to safeguard the plan and make sure that the world was a place of peace and sustainable prosperity for all. 
 
"This year there are heightened expectations for the directions the United Nations development system can take to support Agenda 2030. The test for success will always remain what happens on the ground," the UN Chief said. 
 
"We need to get this right so that our operational and normative work can converge and make a difference where it matters most -- at the country level," he added. 
 
<a href="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/740181-SyedAkbaruddin-1406145662.jpg">Image source</a>

India wants priorities of developing nations to be the centre of attention of 2030 Development Agenda

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/49089562.cms" /><a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=syed+akbaruddin">Syed Akbaruddin</a>, who became a familiar face as spokesperson of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=ministry+of+external+affairs">Ministry of External Affairs</a>, is now going to take over as India’s <keyword id="164569" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="permanent-representative">permanent representative</keyword> at the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=United+Nations">United Nations</a> in New York. 
 In a major rejig at the MEA, Akbaruddin will be handling the position, replacing <keyword id="376834" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Asoke-Mukerji">Asoke Mukerji</keyword> who will be retiring. 
 
Also, Gautam Bambawale, India's ambassador to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Bhutan">Bhutan</a>, will take over from TCA Raghavan as high commissioner to Pakistan when the latter retires in December. 
 
Bambawale is an expert on <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Modi-says-this-is-the-year-of-India-and-China/articleshow/47292783.cms">China</a> and will be taking over one of India's most sensitive diplomatic positions. 
 
While, present secretary (west) in MEA, Navtej Sarna, will be India's next high commissioner to London, Anil Wadhwa, secretary (east), will go to Rome. 
 
The two senior-most officials in headquarters will be replaced by Amar Sinha, who has been India’s ambassador to Afghanistan, and Amarendra Khatua, who is currently ambassador to Argentina. They will be the next Secretaries East and West. 
 
Meanwhile, in Moscow, P S Raghavan will be replaced by Pankaj Saran. Saran, who is currently India's high commissioner to Dhaka, has believed to have played a key role in securing the land boundary agreement between India and Bangladesh. 
 
Vijay Gokhale, India's ambassador to Germany, will go to Beijing. 
 
Sujan Chinoy, India's ambassador to Mexico, will take over from Deepa Wadhwa in Tokyo. 
 
(Image: tibetanreview.net)

India’s most familiar foreign ministry face now India’s permanent representative at the UN

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/46712279.cms" />He hit jackpot when his book 'Q&amp;A,' was made into the Oscar winning blockbuster '<keyword id="32892" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Slumdog-Millionaire">Slumdog Millionaire</keyword>.' An Oscar winning novel, and a few more books later, <keyword id="842" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="author">author</keyword> Vikas Swarup — a 1986 batch <keyword id="128755" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Indian-Foreign-Service">Indian Foreign Service</keyword> <keyword id="46129" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="officer">officer</keyword> — will continue to remain in the limelight in a new role -- as the next <keyword id="929386" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Foreign-ministry-spokesperson">foreign ministry spokesperson</keyword>. 
 Starting mid-April, Swarup will succeed <keyword id="882197" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Syed-Akbaruddin">Syed Akbaruddin</keyword>, who will be the chief coordinator for the India-Africa Summit to be held here in October, which is expected to be attended by more than 40 heads of states or governments. After the summit, which was postponed in December following the Ebola outbreak, Akbaruddin will head for an ambassadorial posting. 
 
A ccording to the Economic Times, official sources have said that the file regarding Swarup's appointment was issued on Wednesday, ending speculation about who would succeed Akbaruddin. Swarup has maintained a low profile as <keyword id="196131" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="joint-secretary">joint secretary</keyword> (United Nations-Political), handling India's role in the UN amid its ambitions to enter the <keyword id="159214" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Security-Council">Security Council</keyword> as a permanent member, sources said. Swarup was involved in <keyword id="71" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Prime-Minister">Prime Minister</keyword> <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>'s first outing at the <keyword id="107187" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="UN-General-Assembly">UN General Assembly</keyword> and Sushma Swaraj's maiden foray at the global body as <keyword id="46159" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Foreign-Minister">foreign minister</keyword> last year. 
 Swarup published his debut novel 'Q&amp;A' in 2005, which director <keyword id="233428" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Dan-Boyle">Dan Boyle</keyword> made into a movie three years later. The novel has been translated into 43 languages. 
 It was shortlisted for the Best First Book by the Commonwealth Writers and won <keyword id="6355117" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="South-Africa">South Africa</keyword>'s Exclusive Books Boeke Prize 2006 as well as the Prix Grand Public at the 2007 Paris Book Fair. It was also voted winner of the Best Travel Read (Fiction) at the Heathrow Travel Product Award 2009. His second novel, 'Six Suspects,' was released in 2008, loosely based on the Jessica Lal murder case. In 2013, Swarup's third novel, 'The Accidental Apprentice,' was released. Swarup is also a short-story writer and has written for Time, <keyword id="37727" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Newsweek">Newsweek</keyword>, Guardian and Daily Telegraph. 
 
Beginning his career with a posting in Turkey, Swarup has served in Indian diplomatic missions in Washington, Addis Ababa, London, Pretoria (as deputy high commissioner) and as Consul General in Osaka-Kobe in Japan, before returning to New Delhi in 2013. He also has experience of the neighbourhood as during 2003-06, Swarup dealt with Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan, besides handling the office of the foreign minister. 
 Akbaruddin leaves behind big shoes to fill. As MEA <keyword id="6357308" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="spokesperson">spokesperson</keyword>, he was the only one of his tribe who held weekly briefings, was available 24x7 and made optimum use of social media

Author of 'Slumdog Millionaire', now India's Foreign Office Spokesperson

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/43815265.cms" /> After winning over thousands of Indian-Americans at the <keyword id="8953" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Madison-Square-Garden">Madison Square Garden</keyword> (MSG), Indian Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> meets top American business big-wigs today in Washington to reposition India as the global brand. 
 
The world's largest democracy looks forward to attract more overseas investors in order to boost its economy and do away with the criticism that had mounted against it under the UPA regime. 
 A group of 11 CEOs– including Google's Eric Schmidt, Citigroup's Michael Corbat, <keyword id="44803" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Carlyle-group">Carlyle Group</keyword> co-CEO David Rubenstein, Cargill CEO David MacLennan, Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier, Caterpillar CEO Dough Oberhelman, MasterCard CEO Ajay Banga and <keyword id="54572" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="PepsiCo">Pepsico</keyword> CEO Indra Nooyi– meets PM Modi over breakfast today. 
	 Six others, who have one-on-one appointment with Modi, include Goldman Sachs's Lloyd Blankfein, Boeing's James McNerney, BlackRock's Laurence Fink, IBM's Ginni Rometty, General Electric's Jeff Immelt and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) co-Chairmen and CEOs Henry Kravis and George Roberts, updated <keyword id="882197" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Syed-Akbaruddin">Syed Akbaruddin</keyword>, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson. 
	 
	Here, at Business Insider India, we predict what the Prime Minister would talk about during this much-anticipated meet. 
	 
	1) Turn India into a global manufacturing hub 
	Business is NaMo’s mantra, and that is what we expect him to create in his meetings with global CEOs. We expect that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will try garnering support for his 'Make in India' campaign, which aims to turn the Indian sub-continent into a global manufacturing hub. The ambitious plan entails increasing the growth rate in the manufacturing sector to 10% per year and raising its share to 25%in the overall GDP. If the plan falls in place, it will create job opportunities for over 10 million people residing in the country. 
	 
	2) May lift FDI cap to woo overseas investors To turn 'Make in India' campaign into a grand success, India needs long-term foreign capital or foreign direct investment (FDI) in different sectors. In the last decade, gross FDI inflows into the nation have averaged less than 2% of GDP and the new government will have to up that figure considerably. However, it still remains to be seen how <keyword id="6360789" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Modi-Government">Modi government</keyword> would do that. Will it lift the FDI cap to woo investors? He surely can, but let’s see if he will. 
	 
	3) May try to bring clean energy in India 
	Modi might try to ensure gas supply from the US and seek aid in shale gas exploration. He might also try to bring in more investments in clean energy technology. India had recently done away with the anti-dumping duty on solar energy equipment to encourage the renewable energy sector, and now the focus is on tapping solar and wind energy. 
	 
	4) Could address taxation issues 
	The biggest task that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has at hand is to convince investors on India’s commitment to faster reforms, especially those related to labour laws, land acquisition and taxation. These taxation issues have been a sore point with global investors for long. The retrospective amendment, introduced in 2012, resulted in high-profile tax enforcement actions against global companies such as Vodafone. These episodes dented India’s appeal as an investment destination, contributing to an image of India as a country that pursues “tax terrorism”. 
	 
	5) Modi may clarify the new government's stand on <keyword id="6533263" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="GAAR">GAAR</keyword> 
	To bring out the investor-friendly image of the ‘New India’ under the rule of the BJP government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi might use the opportunity to clarify the central government's stand on the General Anti-avoidance Rules (GAAR), which had sparked alarm among foreign investors. The provision included tightening rules on investments from countries that have double taxation treaties with India. 
	(Image: Press Information Bureau)

5 Things To Expect Out Of Modi’s Meeting With American Business Heads

<ul><li><keyword id="3198282" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jaish-chief">Jaish chief</keyword> <keyword id="6459729" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="masood-azhar">Masood Azhar</keyword> has been designated as a terrorist by the United Nations.</li><li>Syed Akbaruddin, India’s ambassador to the <keyword id="6355835" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="un">UN</keyword>, took to Twitter to announce the UN’s decision. </li></ul>In what comes as a huge victory for India, Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar has been designated as a terrorist by the United Nations. Syed Akbaruddin, India’s ambassador to the UN, took to Twitter to announce the UN’s decision. He wrote, “Big,small, all join together.Masood Azhar designated as a terrorist in @UN Sanctions list. Grateful to all for their support.” India was pushing at the UN for Masood Azhar to be declared as a global terrorist and the proposal for the same had been pushed forward by the US, UK and France. China had then exercised its veto in the United Nations to put a hold on listing Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. Azhar’s JeM had claimed responsibility for the four deadliest terror attacks in India since the turn of the century. On Tuesday, during an official visit to Islamabad, Alice Wells, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, United States of America had<a href="https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/need-to-move-forward-in-listing-masood-azhar-as-terrorist-us-official-2031441"> said</a> “We would encourage the parties to move forward with Masood Azhar's designation as global terrorist. It reaffirms the centrality of UNs’ role in designating terrorists.” Earlier this year,The French government had announced that it will be freezing all assets of Azhar in its country. In March 2019, the US had moved a draft resolution in the United Nations Security Council, supported by France and the UK, to blacklist Masood Azhar. Welcoming Azhar’s designation as a global terrorist, the spokesperson for Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/live-updates-decision-on-masood-azhars-blacklisting-at-un-likely-today/liveblog/69128905.cms">said</a>, “For many years now, French diplomacy has been relentlessly pleading for sanctioning Mr Azhar, head of the terrorist group responsible, notably, for the <keyword id="4650805" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="pulwama-Attack">Pulwama attack</keyword> last February. In application of its Monetary and Financial Code, France had adopted national sanctions against Masood Azhar on 15th March. This decision taken at the United Nations Security Council signals the successful realization of our efforts.”

Masood Azhar of Jaish-e-Mohammad is named ‘global terrorist’ by the United Nations

In what is considered as a massive victory for India’s diplomacy, the UN has designated <keyword id="6459729" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="masood-azhar">Masood Azhar</keyword> as a global terrorist on Wednesday, <a name="_GoBack"></a>May 1, 2019. The present move by the UN follows after China was made to lift its hold on the proposal that would blacklist Masood Azhar, the Jaish-e-Mohammed chief based in Pakistan. India has succeeded in its mission after its decade long efforts with the UN fighting for the said case. Earlier China had thrice opposed the UN’s proposal to designate Azhar as an international terrorist on the grounds of lack of enough evidence against him. Syed Akbaruddin, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations wrote in his tweet, “Big, small, all join together. Masood Azhar designated as a terrorist in @UN Sanctions list. Grateful to all for their support.” Here we try to understand what ‘<keyword id="3826364" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="UN-sanctions-list">UN sanctions List</keyword>’ is and what it implies when a person is designated as a global terrorist. As per what is stated by the United Nations, when a person is designated as a global terrorist under the UN 1267 ISIL and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee, a travel ban is imposed on the subject. The other obvious implications are assets freeze and an embargo on arms. Many other things also come with the designation which are worth exploring. The UN Security Council is responsible for maintaining International Peace and Security. With its 15 members enjoying one vote each, the Charter of the United Nations makes it obligatory for all the Member States to abide by the Council’s decisions. Sanctions List provides a powerful tool to the UN to enforce its decision on the participating states. An assets freeze as per the <keyword id="45167" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="UNSC">UNSC</keyword> (United Nations Sanctions Committee) will require that all the states freeze the funds and financial assets of the designated individual with immediate effect. The clause of travel ban will require all the states to prevent the subject(s) to enter or transit through their territories. The clause of arms embargo will need the participating states to avert both the direct and indirect supply of arms to concerned subjects. The member countries are also prohibited from selling, supplying, transporting the materials, spare parts, technical advice, any kinds of assistance or training related articles and military activities to the designated individuals. Via Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) with regard to ISIL (Da'esh) Al-Qaida and all the individuals connected with them and the groups, undertakings and entities connected with Jaish-e-Mohammed were banned by the UN in 2001. However, the move to designate Masood Azhar as a global terrorist was repeatedly unsuccessful even after the Mumbai terror attack since China was using its veto power to block the said proposal. Azhar has been the mastermind behind a long list of terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the gravest one being the Pulwama terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 40 army personnel. The present victory to India’s efforts can be considered as a decisive and momentous move against terrorism by the sub-continent.

What is UN Sanctions List And what happens when a person is designated a Global Terrorist?

<img class="float_right" src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5492e7e5ecad0443298de3d3-1200-924/zaki-ur-rehman-lakhvi.jpg" border="0" alt="Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi">Pakistan has released on bail the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, multiple sources are reporting, two days after the Pakistani Taliban carried out an attack that <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/pakistan-is-paralyzed-after-the-talibans-worst-terrorist-attack-ever-2014-12">killed</a> 141 people, mostly children, in Peshawar.&#xa0;</img>
Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the former head of the Pakistani terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, has been granted a release following his payment of 1 million rupees ($9,950) as a surety bond.
The Mumbai terror attack, which Lakhvi orchestrated, killed 165 people and an additional nine gunmen.&#xa0;
The BBC <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30529137">reports</a> that it remains "unclear on what grounds the court ordered Mr Lakhvi's bail."&#xa0;
The timing of Lakhvi's release is particularly dubious. The Pakistani Taliban attack on Monday has led to a public outcry over the country's murky relationship with terrorism. Pakistan, or at least the country's secretive security and intelligence apparatus, has cultivated the Afghan Taliban in order to maintain influence in the country's restive western neighbor. At the same time, elements of the government have also <a href="http://www.cfr.org/pakistan/pakistans-new-generation-terrorists/p15422">aided Islamists like Lakhvi</a> for attacks against Indian targets.
On Tuesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-pakistan-to-end-death-penalty-moratorium-in-terror-cases-pms-office-2014-12">pledged</a> to end militancy in the country and said it would reinstate the death penalty in cases tied to terrorism.&#xa0;
Lakhvi has been designated by the UN as a terrorist, and the decision to release him has prompted outrage from neighboring India.
"We cannot accept that LeT's chief operation commander Zakiur Lakhvi, one of the key conspirators of the Mumbai terror attacks in which so many innocent people were slaughtered, a person designated as an international terrorist by the UNSC, is being released on bail," Syed Akbaruddin, India's&#xa0;External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson, has <a href="http://www.firstpost.com/world/bail-lakhvi-unacceptable-demand-pakistan-reverse-decision-mea-1856223.html">said</a>.&#xa0;&#xa0;
Lakhvi had filed his bail applications yesterday, just a day after the Peshawar attacks.&#xa0;

Pakistan Released A Notorious Terrorist From Prison Two Days After Jihadists Massacred Scores Of Children

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/41438066.cms" /><keyword id="4741" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Tokyo">TOKYO</keyword>: <keyword id="6355311" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Japan">Japan</keyword> and India agreed on Monday to strengthen strategic ties as Asia's second and third biggest economies keep a wary eye on a rising China, and agreed to accelerate talks on the possible sale of an amphibious aircraft to India's navy. 
 Japanese <keyword id="71" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Prime-Minister">Prime Minister</keyword> <keyword id="590894" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Shinzo-Abe">Shinzo Abe</keyword> and <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> also agreed to speed up talks on a so-far elusive deal on nuclear energy cooperation. 
 
"The two prime ministers reaffirmed the importance of defence relations between Japan and India in their strategic partnership and decided to upgrade and strengthen them," Abe and Modi said in a statement after a summit in Tokyo. 
 
The two countries agreed to pursue comprehensive security and defence cooperation, including maritime security. 
 
"Concerning economic matters, we have agreed to move towards a common goal of dramatically increasing Japan's investment in India," Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on the occasion. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
	
		Dawn of a new era in India-Japan relations. Special Strategic &amp; Global partnership launched. <a href="http://t.co/4QtN1qyBaw">http://t.co/4QtN1qyBaw</a>
	— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/statuses/506392698396237825">September 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Shinzo Abe for inviting him and said he was happy that within 100 days of becoming PM he got the opportunity to visit Japan. 
 
READ ALSO: <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Tokyo-Declaration-for-India-Japan-Special-Strategic-and-Global-Partnership/articleshow/41433328.cms">Full text of Tokyo Declaration</a> 
 
"The attention which Shinzo Abe accorded to me during this visit shows his love for India," Modi said adding, "the visit had raised hopes for the future." 
 
Modi hailed Abe for announcing investment to the tune of $ 35 billion and said, " PM Abe has understood my vision and assured support in various sectors." 
 
On the nuclear deal, Shinzo Abe said, "I had frank discussion on this issue, we are able to deepen our understanding on both sides." 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
	
		PM Modi : Japan &amp; India are the two most important democracies of India. Our ties will have an effect in Asia &amp; World <a href="http://t.co/A31tzSDuAJ">pic.twitter.com/A31tzSDuAJ</a>
	— ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/statuses/506395056740110336">September 1, 2014</a></blockquote>
 
(With inputs from Reuters)

No Nuke Deal, But Japan And India Agree To Boost Strategic Ties At Tokyo Summit

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/36280614.cms" />NEW DELHI: In its first official engagement with India after the change of guard here, <keyword id="1333" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Beijing">Beijing</keyword>’s statecraft again came to the fore as visiting foreign minister Wang Yi used nothing short of a panegyric to PM <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> to reach out to the new government. 
 Wang is in India as a special envoy of President Xi Jinping. In his first meeting with his Indian counterpart <keyword id="6355111" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Sushma-Swaraj">Sushma Swaraj</keyword>, which lasted for three hours, Wang showered encomiums on the NDA government led by Modi, even saying it had injected a “new vitality into an ancient civilization”. Modi, Wang said, was an old friend of China. 
 
Outlining ancient links between the two countries, Modi had earlier regaled Chinese Premier Li Keqiang with a reference to the travels of Hiuen Tsang in their telephonic conversation, saying the Chinese scholar had even visited his village Vadnagar during his stay in India in the 7th century. Li was the first foreign leader to call Modi after he assumed office. 
 
READ ALSO: <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/NarendraModi-charms-Chinese-Premier-Li-Keqiang-with-Hiuen-Tsang-story/articleshow/35742979.cms">Narendra Modi charms Chinese Premier Li Keqiang with Hiuen Tsang story</a> 
 Without getting into the specifics, Indian officials said “all perennials'' of China-Indian relations were discussed in a “frank manner” during the meeting. This included the need for resolving the contentious border issue and Beijing’s insistence on giving residents of J&amp;K and <keyword id="46408" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Arunachal-Pradesh">Arunachal Pradesh</keyword> stapled Chinese visas, it is learned. 
 Wang, who promised support for India’s <keyword id="352701" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Economic-Development">economic development</keyword>, insisted that the dreams of both China and India have commonalities and that Beijing was ready to engage with the new government. Foreign ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin described the talks as “cordial, useful, substantive and productive”. 
 
“Even while there was a determination to add new content and substance to the relationship, there was an understanding that respect for the sensitivities and aspirations of each other was essential for expansion of bilateral relations,'' said the spokesperson, as he summed up the mood by referring to the Chinese proverb that a 1000-mile journey begins with a single step. “That step has been taken with this engagement,'' he added. 
 
<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/36280593.cms" /> 
(Wang Yi with Sushma Swaraj) 
 
The two sides also discussed economic issues in detail, including specific projects and the rising trade deficit between the two countries. Swaraj spoke about the need for more Chinese investments into India and also the possibility of setting up industrial parks in India. Wang responded by saying that China will support expansion of economic cooperation with India. 
 Wang will call on PM Modi, and also President <keyword id="6359124" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Pranab-Mukherjee">Pranab Mukherjee</keyword>, on Monday. In his interaction with Swaraj, joint secretary (East Asia) Gautam Bambawale said, Wang thanked India for the position it had taken on recent incidents of terrorism in China. Possible counter-terrorism cooperation was also discussed even though there is already a joint working group to address the issue. 
 
The Wang visit will also pave the way for a slew of engagements between the two countries in the next six months. While Xi is expected to visit India after September, there are at least five other meetings likely to take place between the two countries at the levels of President, PM, vice-president and foreign minister. 
 
Sushma greets Wang in Mandarin 
 
Foreign affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, who emphasized on the need for more Chinese investment into India before her counterpart Wang Yi, lent her own special touch to the meeting when she started her conversation with him in Mandarin. Sources said the gesture almost took Wang by surprise as he wasn't expecting it. He warmly responded in China's official language and with a smile. Swaraj greeted him by saying “reliye huanying nin” which translated into English means “I welcome you warmly''. She ended with a “xie xie” which means thank you. 
<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/36280594.cms" />

China Heaps Praise On 'Old Friend' Modi

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/46677930.cms" />Today seems to be a good day for all social media fans in India. In the morning, Supreme Court of India gave Indian citizens the right to post on social media sites without any fear by striking down the draconian Section 66 A of the IT Act in its entirety. And right in the evening we got the news that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) has took another step in his Digital India initiative by launching ‘Twitter Samvad’, a service aimed to boost the nation’s e-governance plans by helping government bodies and leaders communicate directly with citizens on a daily basis via tweets and SMSes on their mobile devices. 
 
PM Narendra Modi announced the rollout of this initiative through a tweet. 
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
	
		Lets deepen our connect! Give a missed call on 011 3006 3006 &amp; get my Tweets on your mobile as SMS.
	— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/580337412284358656">March 24, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 
Through ‘Twitter Samvad’, Government of India will share a set of curated tweets delivered from the government and leaders’ accounts to mobile users across the country as SMS—every day. Updates on government services, policies and activities can be delivered to any user with a mobile device signed up for the service with each of the 16 launch partners. Anyone with a mobile phone, with our without a data plan, can register for the service by giving a missed call to a unique number for each of the partners. 
 
Twitter CEO Dick Costolo, who met Prime Minister Modi to discuss areas of collaboration, said, “Based on Indian technological innovation, Twitter Samvad is dedicated and specially built for the largest democracy of the world. The Lok Sabha election of 2014 was the first-ever Twitter Election in India and we want to continue contributing to the development of digital governance in India. As part of the Prime Minister’s Digital India initiative, this Tweet-powered service enables citizens to be the first to know about the government’s actions by receiving political content in real-time on their mobile devices anywhere in the country.” 
 
The company is demonstrating its commitment to the Indian market by launching Twitter Samvad during the Twitter CEO’s first-ever visit to India. Rishi Jaitly, Twitter’s Market Director for India and Southeast Asia, said, “We are proud to have launched a service here that is for the people and of the people. This can eventually give every political leader and every government organization a mobile microphone to connect with each Indian, whether in Imphal or in Diu or in Leh or in Pudducherry.” 
 
Twitter Samvad is based on the platform provided by ZipDial, an Indian company recently acquired by Twitter, making this the company’s first Indian service launched using indigenous technology. 
 
Here is a list of a 16 government partners who are participating in the launch of Twitter Samvad: 
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="624">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
				Accounts</td>
			<td>
				Description</td>
			<td>
				Phone Number</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@NarendraModi</a></td>
			<td>
				Personal account of Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi</td>
			<td>
				011 3006 3006</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia">@PMOIndia</a></td>
			<td>
				Official account of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi</td>
			<td>
				011 3006 3007</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi">@adgpi</a></td>
			<td>
				Official account of Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of Ministry of Defence</td>
			<td>
				011 3049 6116</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://twitter.com/RailMinIndia">@RailMinIndia</a></td>
			<td>
				Official account of the Ministry of Railways</td>
			<td>
				011 3049 6222</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://twitter.com/anandibenpatel">@anandibenpatel</a></td>
			<td>
				Personal account of Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat</td>
			<td>
				011 3049 6050</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://twitter.com/CMofKarnataka">@CMofKarnataka</a></td>
			<td>
				Official account for the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah</td>
			<td>
				011 3049 4737</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://twitter.com/CPBlr">@CPBLR</a></td>
			<td>
				Official account for Mr. M N Reddi, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City</td>
			<td>
				011 3049 5141</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://twitter.com/BlrCityPolice">@BlrCityPolice</a></td>
			<td>
				Official account for Bengaluru City Police</td>
			<td>
				011 3049 5242</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://twitter.com/blrcitytraffic">@blrcitytraffic</a></td>
			<td>
				Official account for Bengaluru City Traffic Police</td>
			<td>
				011 3049 5464</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://twitter.com/ncbn">@ncbn</a></td>
			<td>
				Personal account of N Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh,</td>
			<td>
				011 3049 5767</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://twitter.com/TelanganaCMO">@TelanganaCMO</a></td>
			<td>
				Official account of Chief Minister of Telangana, Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao</td>
			<td>
				011 3049 5868</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://twitter.com/yadavakhilesh">@</a>YadavAkhilesh</td>
			<td>
				Personal account of Akhilesh Yadav, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh</td>
			<td>
				011 3008 3380</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://twitter.com/UPGovt">@UPGovt</a></td>
			<td>
				Official account for the Government of Uttar Pradesh</td>
			<td>
				011 3049 6353</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://twitter.com/nitishkumarjdu">@NitishKumarJDU</a></td>
			<td>
				Personal account of Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar</td>
			<td>
				011 3008 2828</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://twitter.com/mamataofficial">@MamataOfficial</a></td>
			<td>
				Personal account of Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister, West Bengal</td>
			<td>
				011 3008 3333</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://twitter.com/meaindia">@MeaIndia</a></td>
			<td>
				Official account of Ministry of External Affairs, India, Syed Akbaruddin</td>
			<td>
				011 3049 5969This is how you can sign up for Twitter Samvad 
				 
				 </td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
	This is how you can sign up for Twitter Samvad: 
	● Give a missed call to each of the numbers listed above to follow each of their Twitter accounts. For example, for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the number is 011 3006 3006. 
	● Immediately after placing the missed call, you will start receiving a curated set of tweets throughout the day from leaders and government agencies. 
	● In case of emergency or urgent public announcements, account owners (leaders, government agencies, disaster management cell) will instantly send an update on a given situation to all registered users. 
	 
	Any government body, NGO or public institution interested in joining the Twitter Samvad program can read this <a href="https://blog.twitter.com/india">blog</a> for more details. 
	 
	 
	(Image: www.narendramodi.in) 
	 </blockquote>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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