Saudi Arabia & UAE help India score success in OIC: Pak isolated in own 'backyard'

New Delhi, Mar 6 (UNI) Amid mounting pressure on Pakistan, the process of its 'isolation' came near complete at the just concluded Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at Abu Dhabi when its repeated attempts to scuttle invitation extended to India was rejected outright.

"The UAE leadership backed by countries like Saudi Arabia remained steadfast in rejecting Pakistani attempt to scuttle invitation extended to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj," a source said here.
"It is a matter of irony that Pakistan has painted itself into a corner by its own public statements. In the absence of any support and left with no option, Pakistan had to sit out of plenary.....Moreover, the Abu Dhabi declaration issued at the end of meeting carries no reference to Jammu and Kashmir". Indian foreign policy engine room also feels that by going ahead with participation, "we have responded to the desire of all the other OIC members to engage with India" and broken free of Pakistani intransigence.

"In effect, Pakistan stands isolated in what they consider as their own backyard," the source asserted."Even after India's pre-emptive strike against terror camps in Pakistan, the UAE leadership reiterated that they remained committed to their invitation to India to address the plenary," it said adding the OIC leadership also made it clear that India was invited for three major reasons - India's global stature, the deep rooted and historic relationship with OIC member nations and 'important Islamic component (a large Muslim population in India).

Back to its old games - something it was successful in 1969 - Pakistan tried 'its best' to scuttle India’s OIC invite "through whatever means possible till the last minute", but it was hardly entertained this year. The government of India also sees that there was 'considerable enthusiasm' among various foreign ministers on External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's speech over the content, tenor and tone of the speech.

Some even described Ms Swaraj's address as 'statesman like'. "India had opportunity to put forward its views ....the cultural ethos, close bilateral ties with OIC member states, the urgent need to address terrorism and the diversity of India’s Muslims," the source said.


In fact, the South Block and India's foreign policy engine room are enthusiastic to note that later
addressing a media conference UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan had said, that the OIC has sent a very positive and clear sign to people of India and "we want to take it forward
where we can embrace India as OIC member one day. Having Sushma Swaraj as guest of honour was historic".

'Sab kucch wahan haen' - says official on US probe on use of F-16 by Pak

New Delhi, Mar 6 (UNI) Pakistan has yet again walked into a vicious cycle created by itself vis-a-vis its use of F-16 fighter jets against India during February 27 misadventure and now an US investigation is on.

Official sources in Delhi said they are "sure" that Washington was carrying out a thorough investigation into the use of the US-manufactured fighter as well as the missile onboard it in the offensive operation against India.

"Sab kucch wahan haen (Everything is with them)," a key government source said here.

Things like serial number, the name of the company .....everything is with the US.On this backdrop, sources said New Delhi has 'given proof' to Washington about the use of F-16 fighters.

"The fact that Pakistan has to resort to tactics and alleging that the missile came from a Taiwanese inventory and the Taiwan government clearly putting a denial simply indicate the desperation that Pakistan is facing," the source said.

Last week, senior Air Force officials in Delhi displayed 'remains' of a United States-made missile which could only have been fired from an F-16.

The issue has triggered a major row as the US-delivered jets can reportedly only be used against terrorists, not against other countries.

Debates surfaced whether Pakistan willfully violated the end user clauses by putting F-16 jets in use during February 27 misadventure it wanted to strike at military installations in northern sector.
Pakistani agencies and authorities apparently wanted to look for an escape route and said the wreckage could have been part of a missile sold by the U.S. to Taiwan.

In fact, a Pakistan daily also reported - “How the wreckage of a missile sold to Taiwan ended up in the hands of an Indian military air vice marshal is something only New Delhi can explain".

The reference was to Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor statement that Pakistan has no other plane other than the F-16 to use the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) missile beyond visual range air-to-air missile.

But the Pakistan's motives did not run for long and the bluff was called as the Taiwan Air Force quickly did their "checks and ascertained" that the identification numbers reported by Pakistan newspaper did not match any of its missiles. In fact, a section of Taiwanese media was also annoyed with such allegation directed against Taiwan and said the allegation was like a case of Taiwan getting hit by a bullet while lying down.

The US administration has said that America is seeking more information from Pakistan on the potential misuse of American-made F-16 fighter jets by it against India in violation of the end-user agreement. Commenting on the development on the issue, an Indian official said: "We must give the US some time, they must be conducting the investigation".

Making a climb down, Pak to allow return of its envoy to Delhi: Kartarpur talks on

New Delhi/Islamabad, Mar 5 (UNI) In what is seen as a climb down by Imran Khan regime and diplomatic process of de-escalation, Pakistan on Tuesday announced that the Kartarpur talks as slated will take place on March 14 and also that its envoy to New Delhi - Sohail Mahmood - who was recalled, will return to resume his assignments.

"Pakistan's High Commissioner to India (Sohail Mahmood) will be returning New Delhi after completion of consultation in Islamabad," a statement from the Pakistan Foreign Office said in Islamabad. In fact, India's acting High Commissioner to Pakistan Gaurav Ahluwalia was called or invited to the Pak Foreign Ministry by its Director General South Asia and SAARC Mohammad Faisal and Islamabad's decision was conveyed on Tuesday.

It has also been conveyed that the Pakistani delegation will visit New Delhi on March 14 for the talks on draft paper for an agreement on Kartarpur Corridor. Pakistan foreign office also said that it stands 'committed' to continue with the weekly contact at the levels of DGMOs.

Last week amid height of tension between India and Pakistan, the Indian government had made it clear that the proposed meeting on Kartarpur corridor between officials from Foreign Ministries in both countries was "not cancelled".

They (Pakistanis) are welcome if they come - as per old schedule - has been the refrain taken by one Indian official. As part of the earlier understanding, an Indian delegation is likely to visit Pakistan on March 28 for discussions on matters pertaining to Kartarpur corridor.

On February 18 - four day after Pulwama terror strike by Pakistan-based JeM - its envoy in Delhi Sohail Mahmood had left India for 'consultation' by his government.

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria was called by Indian government for consultation on February 15.

Tensions escalated between the two nations after Pakistan based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohamed claimed responsibility for attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama which claimed lives of more than 40 CRPF personnel. Retaliating to the incident, India carried out a pre-emptive air-strikes at terror camps in Balakot in Pakistan killing a large number of Jaish militants and even senior commanders.

President Ram Nath Kovind - the country's Supreme Commander of armed forces - on Monday gave away a strong message to Pakistan that if "need arises", India will use all "our might" to protect nation's sovereignty. "India remains firmly committed to peace, but in case the need arises, we will use all our might to protect the nation’s sovereignty. I am confident that our valiant men and women in uniform will rise to the occasion," the President has at an Air Force function in Tamil Nadu.

No offer for mediation, India has all options open : Sources

New Delhi, Mar 5 (UNI) India's diplomatic efforts after Pulwama terror attack and since February 26 aerial strike has evoked "solid support" for India but to suggest that some countries have come forward and offered 'mediation' role will be completely falsehood, a key government source said here.

"Let us make it very clear. We are not looking for mediation (between India and Pakistan). No body has offered us mediation," the source said on Tuesday.

"Various leaders have spoken to our Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.....there have been solid support but there is no talk of mediation," the source said here.

In contrast, Pakistan is the one which is looking for immediate 'intervention' of a third party, the source said.

At this juncture, the government of India is rejoicing the fact that pressure is being built up

gradually on Pakistan and New Delhi has various options.

"No country or any statement from any country has spoken about the offer for mediation. And from Indian side, it has been made clear to all that whatever is going on now is not an issue of India and Pakistan. It is the issue of terrorism," sources said.

However, it has been made clear that if there is a terror strike, the government of India reserves the right to apply all options.

India has actually "encouraged" all countries including the likes of the US, Russia and even Saudi Arabia "to tell Pakistanis to show action against terrorism".

In fact, sources said Russia and France - even after release of Wg Cdr Abhinandan - had maintained that while release of the captured pilot was a good gesture, Pakistan ought to take actions against terrorism.

end

Claiming victory out of defeat - Propaganda & Bluff - 'Naya Pakistan' upholds old habits

New Delhi, Mar 2 (UNI) Time has dulled Pakistan's memory in more ways than one. Thus, notwithstanding the claim of enforcing principles of 'Naya Pakistan' - as claimed by its new Prime Minister Imran Khan - Islamabad has not yet given up the old habits of trying to thrive in propaganda.

It is certainly this machination that made authorities in India's western neighbour delay the release of captured Air Force pilot Wing Commander Pilot - as he was 'made to undergo' a video recording wherein he is made to say among other things - the Pakistani Army is "very professional and I am impressed by it".

In the ongoing conflict, such a thing has not happened for the first time - and nor it is going to be the last.

"The government of India is aware of power of deceitful strategies applied by Pakistan. Thus, 'Naya Pakistan' of Imran Khan is no different from the old - where bluff and an attempt to turn crushing defeat into 'wins' used to be the order of the day," a government source told UNI here.

As endorsement to this statement, the Indian Air Force on Friday evening released a 'Diary of Events' talking about the latest conflict and aerial engagement.

"There have been many factually incorrect statements that have been made by Pakistan. The First blatant disinformation was that two IAF aircraft were shot down by Pakistan and three pilots were downed. This figure was later revised downwards to two IAF aircraft and two Pilots. The fact, however, is that Indian Army units had reported sighting two parachutes falling in the POJ&K which were of two F-16 pilots shot down by the IAF MiG-21 Bison," the IAF said.

"Pakistan later in the evening (Feb 27) changed its statement to say that one Indian pilot was in their custody," it says.

According to sources, such a policy has existed among the Pakistani military and even political leadership even in 1960s and 1970s.

A retired Army officer and now a BJP lawmaker says, "This is part of their medieval history legacy. None will question an authority even if it is utterly falsehood. They will not seek reform and instead sit back and endure and look for loopholes and theories to deny the fact".

According to him, this was cited in 1965 war and also in 1971 - when Pakistan Army suffered a crushing defeat and had to part with its eastern front in the name of Bangladesh.

"Archives of media reporting in custody of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Pakistan show that grossly exaggerated and false claims of 'military success' were made by the Pakistan military both during 1965 and 1971," the source said.

Even the most 'neutral historians' among Pakistanis, including those settled in the US and European countries, would say that the 1965 Indo-Pak war had 'ended in a stalemate' --- something which is far from truth.

In 1965, he says - there are records to suggest Pakistan resorted to propaganda machination by setting up a so called ‘revolutionary radio’ --- the 'Radio Sada-e-Kashmir'.

The new 'radio station' used to claim of Kashmiri 'revolutionary council' setting up "parallel government in India- administered Kashmir".

There would be also claims that at least crucial bridges on main road linking Jammu with Srinagar and the Kashmir valley have been 'destroyed'.

"Subsequently, Pakistani sponsored propaganda used to be even giving out 'maps' to substantiate the claims. This was old generation video or whatsapp games," the source said.

Hence, many in security establishments in Delhi are not surprised that Wg Cdr Abhinandan was made to go for an artificial video shooting.
"This video of Abhinandan in circulation is not the end of the story. They might have had Wg Cdr Abhinandan sign some blank papers and these may be used and misused in times to come writing all kinds of things about Indian forces and also Pakistan," the source said.

An old timer says in this context, after the 1965 war, the then Field Marshal Ayub Khan continued in power, but his credibility was shaken and this subsequently prompted him to resort to wild campaign against the then 'East Pak' leader Sheikh Mujibar Rahman.

"But the propaganda had failed, when Mujib was charged with high treason, the alienation of Bengalis against western Pak leadership widened and the rest is history," the source said.

Against this backdrop, Indian side says - despite the fact that time span has entered the 21st century, the so called 'virtues of information and technological age' has not entered Pakistani mindset.
"Most Pakistanis have not even heard of the Pak army’s failure to ‘liberate’ Kashmir through ‘Operation Gibraltar’ which was launched in 1965. The Pak operation 'Grand Slam’ also failed. Similarly, in Kargil, they were forced to make retreat, but there is ignorance and blackout simply because these bitter events do not find any mention in the official narrative," says an analyst.

Thus, the implication is Pakistan may easily disown Wg Cdr Shahzaz Ud Din - who was apparently killed by an 'unruly mob' after his F-16 jet fighter crashed on February 27.

If 'lie' is an instrument, Pakistan has won many battles against India. But at the end of the day, Pakistan remains a country where the truth easily gets countered by 'falsehood' and silence.

And that silence is actually a lie.

Here comes the relevance of Air Force officials insisting that while F-16 was downed on February 27, Pakistan is busy denying the obvious.

"There is enough evidence...Pakistan is trying to hide this. The AMRAAM Air to Air Missile was used. Pakistan has only one aircraft  that can carry AMRAAM and that is F-16s, they do not have another plane which can have AMRAAM fitted. Parts of AMRAAM were recovered in East of Rajauri within the Indian territory. Therefore, it is a fact F-16 plane was used and it was shot down by IAF MiG-21 Bison," Air Vice Marshal R G Kapoor told reporters.

India can change word meaning: 'Abhinandan' will soon have new undertone: PM

New Delhi, Mar 2 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India is changing fast these days and what the country does is quickly taken note of by the world too.

"India is changing...This country has the strength to change the word meaning in dictionary also.

At one time the meaning of 'Abhinandan' used to be congratulations, now that meaning of "Abhinandan" will also change," Prime Minister said in his address at the Construction Technology India 2019 conference here.

The remarks from Mr Modi came at the fag end of his speech when he urged the real estate industry players to take adequate steps so that not only their respective companies improve, but there is a general improvement in the real sector as a whole.

"This is certain, whatever India will do, the world will take note of it....This country has that strength.
We have to move forward with the self confidence as a courageous - Parakrami - country, and to fulfill our dreams," he said.

The Prime Minister had welcomed the safe return of Wg Cdr Abhinandan on Friday night from Pakistan captivity in his twitter missive.
"Welcome Home Wing Commander Abhinandan," Mr Modi had written.
"The nation is proud of your exemplary courage. Our armed forces are an inspiration for 130 crore Indians," he said.
In his speech, Mr Modi referred about new initiatives taken by his government to bring general improvement in the real estate sector and mentioned about the Real Estate Regulation and Development Act.
He also spoke about the newly introduced changes in the tax rates of GST in the real estate sector.

Sushma scripts history, quotes Vivekananda: Marks 'end' of a chapter for Pakistan

By Nirendra Dev

Abu Dhabi, Mar 1 (UNI) Some years back BJP patriarch L K Advani had lauded Sushma Swaraj's oratorial genius and said in public speech - the External Affairs Minister has always given him inferiority complex.
 
On March 1, 2019 - as Ms Swaraj marks a major diplomatic achievement for the country by making her speech at the historic inaugural session - she certainly has given 'inferiority complex' to a galaxy of stalwarts in their heydays -- who have served as Foreign Ministers of India.
Needless to add - her predecessors list include a few giants of our time - Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pranab Mukherjee, I K Gujral, P V Narasimha Rao and of course Pt Jawaharlal Nehru himself.

Waxing eloquently - quoting Sura Al Hujurat, the 49th chapter of the Holy Koran, teachings of Sikhism and Swami Vivekananda - she told the OIC meet that at 50 (years of its foundation), the grouping of 57 Islamic countries - is making a 'new beginning'.
"The choices you make, the direction you set, will have a profound impact on humanity. The OIC has a huge responsibility and a great opportunity to lift humanity to a higher level of peace and prosperity, and to make this planet a better place, not just for your people, but for rest of the world," she said on a day Pakistan - thoroughly exposed and sidelined - decided to stay away from the meet.
The emphasis of a new beginning - may be also linked to 'end' of a phase for Pakistan.
Mark the contrast - in circa while Ms Swaraj, daughter of a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) man from Ambala in Haryana on March 1, 2019 made India proud; in 1969 it was at the instance of Pakistan that invitation extended to then Minister in Indira Gandhi's cabinet Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, was cancelled.

Ahmed, who later became President, was not allowed to attend the Rabat conference even after he arrived in the Moroccan capital.

Today, a rather helpless looking Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said in the joint session of parliament, that he had requested them (UAE) to review the decision (on invitation to India). But UAE summarily rejected his plea and said that ''We extended the invitation...it would be hard to retract the invitation".
A milestone has been achieved. Pakistan - said to have been created in the name of religion - was forced to stay away from a formal meeting of foreign ministers of Islamic nation.
Known for her oratorial genius, Ms Swaraj did not stop at that and made absolute use of gift of the gab to point out - "Terrorism and extremism bear different names and labels. It uses diverse causes. But in each case, it is driven by distortion of religion".
This certainly dismantles Pakistan's religion card linking it to terror.

Ms Swaraj also told the gathering: "The fight against terrorism is not a confrontation against any religion".
".....we will work with you to --- counter the language of hate with the message of harmony".

Paying tributes to India's age old diversity and co-existence, Ms Swaraj also took upon herself the role to tell the Islamic world and the global community that notwithstanding a huge number of Muslims - more than 185 million staying in India - "very few Muslims in India have fallen prey to the poisonous propaganda of radical and extremist ideologies".


This is yet another milestone vis-a-vis the communal clamour of Pakistanis.
In a way - India's western neighbour has again come before the mirror today after decades when in 1971 - their eastern wing despite being Muslim populated - thought of walking out of their embrace and Bangladesh was created.
Ms Swaraj did not forget to thank Bangladesh and also Saudi Arabia "and others friends, for their strong support, for hearing India’s voice in OIC meet".
"The OIC members constitute more than one fourth of the members of the United Nations," Ms Swaraj pointed out and stated clearly that this was nearly a quarter of the humanity.

Thus, the OIC is an organisation, that has a "key role in shaping our world", said the External Affairs Minister at a turning phase of world history when there is a growing abhorrence towards many Islamic nations in various quarters.

To avert Pak propaganda, Govt takes firm actions on 'Abhinandan video' on net

New Delhi, Mar 1 (UNI) Smarting under 1999 pressure tactics generated after IC 814 hijack, the government has decided to deal firmly with the public perception and propaganda war vis-a-vis the powerful social network and internet campaign.
 

Accordingly, the YouTube run by Google was asked to remove around a dozen video links pertaining to Wing Commander Abhinandan.

The government officials in various ministries including Home and IT have since February 27 said that the country is no mood to allow 'the morale and mood' of the nation to be decided by one or two videos.
The refrain has been that - what is at stake is national interests and national security and in no circumstances, Pakistan should be allowed to use one video or two to change the mood of the nation that India can be held hostage by such strategies.


Pakistani had played up the same game using Indian population and a section of media in 1999 after the IC814 was hijacked.


"I appeal to social media players that while this government is in favour of freedom of speech and expression, it is also important that their platforms should not be allowed to be misused," IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters here on Thursday evening.


The IT Ministry's decision came close on the heels of directives from the the Union Home Ministry.


"The Indian democracy celebrates freedom of expression and ideas but in the light of the current situation, we expect social media to ensure that their platforms are not abused and country's morale is weakened," Mr Prasad has said.



Sources later said the videos were removed following the government directive.


It was also announced that internet giant Google, which operates Youtube, has a policy to remove such material whenever valid requests and directives come from the government authorities.


Videos of the captured IAF pilot ostensibly released by Pakistani propaganda machinery went viral on February 27 and sought to 'redefine' the entire paradigm of India's war against terror.


Sources said some videos released on social network under 'Hashtags like #BringbackAbhinandan, #SayNoToWar' were more of a 'campaign' seen as intended to weaken India's determined fight against terror.


There were also attempts by a section of foreign media to suggest that captured pilot Abhinandan is at the centre stage of India-Pakistan dispute and the conflict on Jammu and Kashmir.
The real issue as propounded by India is that essentially February 26 strike was targeted with the limited scope of hitting at the terror hubs operated from Pakistan.

The government sources remained firm and it has been made clear that "India is firm" about not falling into Pakistani trap of 1999 when the national mood in India was changed after the hijack of IC814.
Ends

Sushma scripts history, quotes Vivekananda: Marks 'end' of a chapter for Pakistan

Address by External Affairs Minister at the 46th session of Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

March 01, 2019

Your Highness, 
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan,newly elected Chair and Foreign Minister of UAE, 
Your Excellency Dr AK Abdul Momen, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh 
Your Excellency Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen,Secretary General, OIC, Foreign Ministers

Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and GentlemenI am honoured to join my colleagues from nations, that represent a great religion and ancient civilisations. I stand here as a representative of a land, that has been for ages a fountain of knowledge, a beacon of peace, a source of faiths and traditions, and home to religions from the world – and now, one of the major economies of the world.I carry the greetings of my Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modiji and 1.3 billion Indians, including more than 185 million Muslim brothers and sisters. Our Muslims brothers and sisters are a microcosm of the diversity of India. They speak Tamil and Telugu, Malayalam and Marathi, Bangla and Bhojpuri or any of the numerous languages of India.They have diverse culinary tastes, myriad choices of traditional attire, and they maintain strong cultural and linguistic heritage of the regions they loved and have lived for generations. They practice their respective beliefs and live in harmony with each other and with their non-Muslim brethren. It is this appreciation of diversity and co-existence, that has ensured that very few Muslims in India have fallen prey to the poisonous propaganda of radical and extremist ideologies.Your Highness and Excellencies,2019 is indeed a very special year. In this year(i) The OIC is celebrating its Golden Jubilee.(ii) The United Arab Emirates is celebrating Year of Tolerance, and(iii) India is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a global symbol of Truth and Non-violence. It is therefore a matter of pride for me,and for India, to be invited in this special year, to be your Guest of Honour, and to be extended a hand of friendship.I convey my deep appreciation to Foreign Minister His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed for his sagacious leadership and for his invitation. Thank you your Highness.Your Highness and Excellencies,In the past four years, few relationships have seen as much engagement as India’s relationship with UAE and indeed, with the entire Gulf and West Asia Region. It is a return of history.UAE has shown, how a nation can power its progress,(i) with a grand vision, (ii) with the openness of the world,(iii) with an embrace of technology,(iii) with investment in human resources and (iv) with an environment, that nurtures talent and cultures from around the world.

We also express our special gratitude to Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh and others friends,for their strong support for,hearing India’s voice in this forum.

Your Highness and Excellencies,
The OIC members constitute more than one fourth of the members of the United Nations, and nearly a quarter of the humanity. It is an organisation, that has a key role in shaping our world.
It brings together nations, on the foundation of a common faith, but also by a shared desire for a better future for their people.
(i) From Southeast Asia to the shores of Latin America;
(ii) from the steppes of Central Asia to the vast expanse of the African continent;
(iii) from South Asia to the great arc of West Asia and North Africa, the nations represented here, also reflect a magnificent diversity of language and literature, customs and culture, history and heritage.
Your Highness, Excellencies,
India shares much with you. Many of us have experienced the dark days of colonialism.Many of us saw, the light of freedom andthe bright ray of hope at the same time.

We have stood together in solidarity,in our quest for justice, dignity and equality of all people, regardless of race and religion.
We have worked together, to fashion global institutions, into representative platforms, defined not by the interest of a few, but the voice of all sections of humanity.

We have together struggled for a world, where access to resources, markets and opportunities is fair and balanced.And, with so many nations here, India has forged deep bonds of friendship and close partnerships.

As India's economy has grown and become more integrated with the world,these partnerships have become stronger. We have excellent political ties, marked by warmth, respect and goodwill. With many,we have expanding defence and security cooperation.
Our economic engagement is robust and growing rapidly. Our digital partnerships are shaping the course of our future. And, our ties have the warm glow of deepening human and cultural links.
Nations to our east, Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia, are important pillars of India’s Act East Policy, and of our broader engagement in the Indo Pacific Region.
In our neighbourhood, with Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Maldives we have ties, forged in
(i) our shared struggles and sacrifices,
(ii) in the immeasurable warmth of our hearts, and (iii) in our unwavering commitment to the security and prosperity of our people and region.
In Central Asia, where human aspirations linked us across the mightiest mountains since ancient times, we are rebuilding our relationship along new routes of possibilities.
We do this, especially with and through Iran, a country, with which we not only share civilizational and cultural links, but a partnership, that is vital for stability and prosperity in our region.
In West Asia, our solidarity with the aspirations of the Palestinian people have remained unwavering.
Our international journey was often pursued in close partnership with Egypt. Iraq and India have stood together in our triumphs and trials. We have with great admiration supported Jordan’s efforts in strengthening the voices of moderation andbuilding bridges of understanding between faiths.
Further to the West, with nations like Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria we work for a shared desire for a more inclusive world.
With Turkey, a nation, with which, we have many strands of connected history, we are imparting new momentum to our ties.Our many friends from Africa are here.
It is a friendship of deep emotional bond that comes from shared struggle for freedom, and for a voice and a place in the world. Today, on the foundations of that extraordinary heritage, India and Africa have launched a new partnership of prosperity in the dynamic African continent.
Here in our neighbourhood of the Gulf Region, our relationships are as old as time. The tides of Arabian Seas have carried forth,our timeless links of trade, culture and religions.
Presently, the Gulf Region is our largest market, supplier of energy and source of remittances. More than 8 million Indians living in the region, are the 8 million vibrant threads of this partnership.But now our relationship is much more than that, thanks to the extraordinary effort and attention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of the region.
It is an indispensable strategic and security partnership, and a natural economic partnership, of immense value, to our nations, and for our shared region.

Your Highness and Excellencies,
Today, we all live in a world of sweeping changes, and multiple challenges, that happen, but rarely in history.We see global shifts in power.
The centre of gravity of the global economy is moving to Asia. The international order we are familiar with, is changing. Freedom, opportunities, connectivity, health, education and prosperity are more widespread than ever before.
The time it takes nations to lift people out of poverty, is getting shorter. Digital revolution has created unprecedented opportunities to empower people and transform our economies.
We have affordable and accessible technologies that give us hope, for a sustainable energy future.Yet, we also live on the edge of uncertainty.Tensions, turbulence, disputes, violence, dislocation, displacement are also at a high. Conflicts, within and between societies are rising.
We are also seeing the human and economic costs of climate change. And, we are witnessing the terrible daily destruction, in senseless terrorist violence.
It is destroying lives, destabilising regions, and putting the world at great peril. The reach of terror is growing, Its lethality is increasing and The toll it is taking, is rising.
In the rich diversity of Southeast Asia, In West Asia, and the Gulf, In North Africa, and Sahel region, In Europe, and North America, In Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and, India, We see the terrible face of terror;
Excellencies and your Highness
Terrorism and extremism bear different names and labels.It uses diverse causes.But in each case, it is driven by distortion of religion, and a misguided belief in its power to succeed.The fight against terrorism is not a confrontation against any religion.
It cannot be.Just as Islam literally means peace, none of the 99 names of Allah mean violence. Similarly, every religion in the world stands for peace, compassion and brotherhood.
It is a verse in the Holy Koran which says La Ikrah fiddeen
- Let there be no compulsion in religion
And Sura Al Hujurat says
"O Mankind! We created you from a single pair of male and female,
and made you into nations and tribes,
so that you may know one another,
not that you may despise one another.”
The founder Guru of Sikkhism Guru Nanak dev, gave the similar message to the mankind and I quote,
‘awwal allah noor upaaya, kudarat ke sab bande
ek noor te sab jag upjeya, kaun bhale kaun mande’

This means, First, Allah created light; then, by his creative power,

he made all mortal beingsFrom that one light, the entire world came into being,

So, who is good, and who is bad?

Your Highness and Excellencies,

India has always embraced and found it easy to embrace pluralism since it is embedded in the oldest Sanskrit religious text "The Rig Veda” and I quote

एकं सद्विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति,

which means

"God is One but
learned men describe Him in many ways”.

Our great philosopher Swami Vivekananda,said that this phrase from the Rig Veda has "given the theme to all subsequent thoughts in India, and one, that will be the theme of the whole world of religions”.

Your Highness and Excellencies,

This is not a clash of civilisations or cultures, but a contest of ideas and ideals.As Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has often said, it is a struggle between the values of humanism and the forces of inhumanity.

If we want to save the humanity then we must tell the states who provide shelter and funding to the terrorists, to dismantle the infrastructure of the terrorist camps and stop providing funding and shelter to the terror organisations, based in their countries. At the same time I would like to say that this menace could not be fought, only through military, intelligence or diplomatic means.

It is also a battle, that must be won through the strengths of our values, and the real message of religions. This is a task that states, societies, sages, scholars, spiritual leaders, and families must pursue, through personal contacts and on social media. And, for this

- Faiths must speak to faiths.

- Cultures must engage cultures.

- Communities must build bridges, not erect walls.

- The youth must shape the future, not destroy lives.

I am particularly pleased to participate in a conference, whose theme is a road map for prosperity and development.

However, I may enter a caveat: the young are not going to be content, with only road maps. They want roads as well. They also want them to be built fast.

It must be our common objective to ensure, that we leave them a world, that is infinitely better in terms of equitable economic growth and social justice, than the one, we inherited. That is the mission, which has brought us together in Abu Dhabi, a city that has matured into a landmark of Asia and the world.

Your Highness and Excellencies,

India is the world’s third largest economy on Purchasing Power Parity; and, is the fastest growing one. We are prepared to share our market, resources, opportunities, and skills with our partners.
We will do what we can within our capacity to ensure that the path to development remains open to all and the global trade regime is open, stable and fair.
Your Highness and Excellencies,

At 50, Organisation of Islamic States is making a new beginning. The choices you make, the direction you set, will have a profound impact on humanity.
The OIC has a huge responsibility and a great opportunity to lift humanity to a higher level of peace and prosperity, and to make this planet a better place, not just for your people, but for rest of the world.
And, we will work with you to
(i) spread the true meaning and mission of all religions;
(ii) promote respect for and between faiths;
(iii) counter the language of hate with the message of harmony;
(iv) advocate moderation over extremism and pluralism over exclusion;
(v) inspire youth to the path of service, than of destruction;
(vi) build bridge of understanding and reduce barriers across cultures and religions.
Your Highness and Excellencies,
The late President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, popularly referred to as the People’s President, said and I quote,
"Where there is righteousness in the heart,
there is beauty in the character.
When there is beauty in the character,
there is harmony in the home.
When there is harmony in the home,
there is order in the nation.
When there is order in the nation,
there is peace in the world.”
Your Highness and Excellencies,
I come from the land of Mahatma Gandhi, where every prayer ends with the call for Shanti or Peace for all. I convey our best wishes, our support and our solidarity in your quest for stability, peace, harmony, economic growth and prosperity for your people and the world.

Thank you.
Shukran
Abu Dhabi
March 01, 2019

'Sarhad hae mahfooz hamari - Our borders are safe', says Army's Twitter handle

New Delhi, Feb 27 (UNI) Poetry always has powerful message - either in peace time or at the time of conflicts and war. 
It is the poetry that helps to distract one from the rigours of life and also can draw people into the mesmerising world of letters.
Soldiers and armed forces personnel can also get emotive and cannot stay aloof from actions and perhaps 'in actions' happening around.

It is with this spirit perhaps - Indian Army's official Twitter handle from Additional Directorate General of Public Information, Ministry of Defence, passed on a few poetic lines - "Aaj Sindhu ne Vish ugla hae, Laharon ka Youvan machla hae...(Today the river is being malicious and the waves have  moved aggressively).
These words came hours after Indian Air Force executed a well planned aerial strike destroying a large terror camp at Balakot in Pakistan in an operation seen as the first ever cross border exercise by Indian Armed Forces in last five decades.
Was it also a commentary on India's defence and foreign policy - which has emerged as more muscular and pro-active in recent times.

Taken from the master piece 'Toofano Ki Oar' (meaning 'Towards the Storms') penned Shivmangal Singh Suman -- the Tweet also had the line - "Toofanon ki aur ghuma do naavik nij patvaar' ---- Please do steer the boat towards the storm, to imply that the 'storm' be made use to built up the courage in support of righteousness and in battle against the evil.
Echoing similar sentiment, on Wednesday yet again the Twitter handle went cracking putting out illustrious poetic lines -- "Sarhad hae mahfooz hamari, apne veer jawano se (The country's border is safe and sound; and all thanks to our brave soldiers).

"....Likhte hae itihas naya nit, jo apne balidan sey (It is these valiant armed personnel who pen history on daily basis with their sacrifices)".
The underlining missive perhaps being 'peace' always carry more meaning when one is a position of strength and is capable to win.
Poems, they rightly say always re-equip us with the new imagery.

In boost to India's diplomacy: China, Russia talk on 'breeding ground' of terror

Wuzhen, (China), Feb 27 (UNI) In a major boost to India's ongoing and persistent diplomatic efforts, China and Russia on Wednesday agreed to Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's argument that terrorism challenge today required a global level cooperation.
In what seen as a 'gain and endorsement of its stance' in strategic parlance, the Joint Statement issued at the end of RIC Foreign Ministers meeting here said that "the common development and close cooperation of the three countries - Russia, India and China - is conducive for world peace and stability and promoting global growth".
"We agreed to jointly combat all forms terrorism through closer policy coordination and it is especially important to eradicate the breeding grounds of terrorism and extremism," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said summing up the discussions on terrorism.

The mention of the "breeding grounds" of terrorism is largely seen as endorsement of India's stance  specially in the backdrop of the February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack and the second surgical strike carried out by Indian Air Force on Tuesday. India had carried a surgical strike in 2016 after Uri attack too.

For her part, Ms Swaraj at the end of the meeting said, "We have agreed that the UN-led Global Counter Terrorism mechanism be set up and it was also agreed that India-proposed Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism be also finalised and adopted at the earliest".

The Joint Statement said the three foreign ministers "reiterated the importance they attached to the Russia-India-China trilateral format as a platform to foster closer dialogue and practical cooperation in identified areas".

"As countries with significant international and regional influence, the three countries stand ready to expand mutual consultations and cooperation on international and regional issues of mutual interest in the spirit of mutual respect, respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, unity, mutual understanding and trust".

"The common development and close cooperation of the three countries is conducive for world peace and stability and promoting global growth," it said.

The RIC statement comes close on the heels of the US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo taking to its Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and urging that Islamabad should take meaningful action against terror groups.

"I spoke to Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi to underscore the priority of de-escalating current tensions by military action, and the urgency of Pakistan taking meaningful action against terrorist groups operating in its soil," Mr Pompeo said in a statement in Washington.
India on Tuesday bombed and destroyed JeM's biggest training camp in Balakot in a first major cross border exercise in last five decades in which "very large number" of terrorists, trainers and senior commanders were eliminated.However at the media briefing, the Chinese foreign minister took a cautious lie and said "....we believe that Pakistan has always been opposed to terrorism".
He, nevertheless maintained: "China, Russia and India have reaffirmed our strong opposition to terrorism in various forms and manifestations".

Answering a question on whether there were differences between India and China, Ms Swaraj  said

"As far as the joint strategy is concerned, you just heard foreign minister Wang Yi's speech. What he said during his concluding statement, he reiterated here and he said that we would cooperate on eradicating the breeding grounds of terrorism".

"This is not only a common strategy for the three of us, but it is resolution for the three of us. Wang Yi said this during his concluding remarks and reiterated it here," Ms Swaraj emphasised.

"Terrorism is a threat to the humanity that is why not only for our three countries, we also need a global strategy. We need global cooperation," she said.

"Regarding Pulwama, I just told you both during my bilateral meeting with Wang Yi and also in the trilateral platform I strongly put forth India's perspective," she said.

In her speech at the RIC Ministers meet, External Affairs Minister assured the international community that India "does not wish to see" further escalation of the situation.

"Excellencies, this was not a military operation, no military installations were targeted. The limited objective of the preemptive strike was to act decisively against terrorist infrastructure of JeM. India doesn't wish to see further escalation of the situation. India continues to act with responsibility and restraint," she said.

She said it was only after Pakistan's 'continuing refusal' to acknowledge the role of Jaish-e-Mohammad that the Government of India decided to take preemptive action.

"....the target was selected and the largest terror camp in order to avoid civilian casualties," she said.

PAK OFFICIAL-SUMMONED

India has right to take firm action to protect national security, Pak deputy envoy told

New Delhi, Feb 27 (UNI) Pakistan was 'demarched' categorically on its act of aggression against India on Wednesday.

The government also remained firm about its resolve to take 'firm and decisive action' to protect national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity and categorically told Pakistan that instead of taking credible action against terrorists, Islamabad has only acted with 'aggression' against India.

"It was clearly conveyed that India reserves the right to take firm and decisive action to protect its national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity against any act of aggression or cross-border terrorism," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said after Pak Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah was summoned here.

"The Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan was summoned this afternoon by MEA to lodge a strong protest at the unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India earlier today, including by violation of the Indian air space by Pakistan Air Force and targeting of Indian military posts," the statement said.

It maintained clearly that such actions were "in contrast" to the India’s non-military anti-terror pre-emptive strike at a JeM terrorist camp in Balakot on February 26.

"It is unfortunate that instead of fulfilling its international obligation and bilateral commitment to take credible action against terrorist entities and individuals operating from its soil, Pakistan has acted with aggression against India," the deputy envoy was conveyed.

India also strongly 'objected' to Pakistan’s "vulgar display of an injured personnel" of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention.
"It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return," the statement said."Regret was expressed at continuing denial by Pakistan’s political and military leadership at the presence of terrorist infrastructure in territories under its control. A dossier was handed over to Pakistan side with specific details of JeM complicity in Pulwama terror attack," it said.

The Pak deputy High Commissioner was also told about the presence of JeM terror camps and its leadership in Pakistan.
"It was conveyed that India expects Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control," the statement said.
Earlier, MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar told reporters: "India had informed about Counter-Terrorism (CT) action it took yesterday against a training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pakistan based on credible evidence that JeM intended to launch more attacks."
He said, against India's Counter Terrorism Action, Pakistan "responded this morning" by using its Air Force to target military installations on the Indian side.
"Due to our high state of readiness and alertness, Pakistan’s attempts were foiled successfully," he said.
However, while one MiG 21 was lost, pilot of Air Force has also gone 'missing in action'.
India is 'ascertaining' the claims made by Pakistan through unofficial channels about the capture of the pilot, he said.
Meanwhile, according to media reports, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has pressed for peace
and said "all wars are miscalculated and no one knows where they lead to".
In Islamabad, Pakistan’s foreign office also summoned India’s Acting High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia earlier in the day.

'Pak is not your enemy' - Imran Khan's cricketing friend Wasim Akram tells Indians

New Delhi/Islamabad, Feb 28 After Pakistan made a failed attempt to target India's military installations and got a strong rebuttal from New Delhi, number of Pakistani celebrities and prominent citizens too have now started coming forward pushing the cause of peace.


"With my heavy heart I appeal to yours, India, Pakistan is not your enemy....," came in a tweet late Wednesday night from cricket legend Wasim Akram, who used to be hailed once as 'Sultan of Swing' deliveries. 

"Your enemy is our enemy," he tried to make a common cause with Indians and went onto write-
"How much more blood needs to be spilled before we realise we are both fighting the same battle.
We need brothers in arm if we want to beat this war on terror".

The tweet from Akram, also a dedicated lieutenant of senior cricket star and present Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, had the hashtags ' #TogetherWeWin' and ' #NoToWar'.

Author and daughter of late Pakistani politician Murtaza Bhutto, Fatima Bhutto in an Op-Ed for 'The New York Times' also made a cause for peace and urged the Pakistani government to release captured Indian pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan.

"I and many other young Pakistanis have called upon our country to release the captured Indian pilot as a gesture of our commitment to peace, humanity and dignity. We have spent a lifetime at war. I do not want to see Pakistani soldiers die. I do not want to see Indian soldiers die. We cannot be a subcontinent of orphans. My generation of Pakistanis have fought for the right to speak, and we are not afraid to lend our voices to that most righteous cause: peace."

PM Modi dares Imran to fight POVERTY: Pak Hindu lawmaker Vankwani meets Sushma: Pitches for peace

Amid tension, Pak Hindu lawmaker Vankwani meets Sushma: Pitches for peace

New Delhi, Feb 23 Is back channel diplomacy already on between India and Pakistan amid these tensed moments?
In a dramatic development after the US President Donald Trump described the face-off between the two South Asian neighbours as “very, very bad” and stated that the hostilities should end, a Pakistani Hindu lawmaker from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party Ramesh Kumar Vankwani met Indian leaders including foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj and Minister of State for External Affairs Gen V K Singh.
In fact posting a snap of his meeting with Ms Swaraj, Mr Vankwani also tweeted: "Nice meeting with @Sushma Swaraj. Peace is in the best interest of people of both countries, Pakistan and India".

Mr Vankwani was here as part of a large international visiting team of foreign nationals who were on a day-long trip to Prayagraj Kumbh on Friday.

Vankwani's Twitter profile also describes him as a Patron-in-chief of Pakistan Hindu Council.
In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj among others met the visiting foreign nationals from as many as 182 countries. There was no confirmation till evening on whether Mr Vankwani met Prime Minister Modi separately.
A resident of Karachi Mr Vankwani had a brief interaction with MoS External Affairs V K Singh during the lunch break.

When asked to comment on the present impasse in ties between India and Pakistan, the visiting lawmaker (member of the National Assembly of Pakistan) said - "my government in Pakistan does not want any problem....and I can speak to Indian leaders and Prime Minister Narendra Modi if there are problems between the two countries".

Indian officials declined to divulge details about the visiting MP, who is also the chairman of Pak National Assembly Standing Committee on Statistics.
One source in the ICCR, which initiated this marathon Kumbh visit for representatives from 182 countries, merely said, "Mr Vankwani is from Sindh area, this much I know".

Another source said - "He is here in individual capacity, we cannot say Pakistan government has nominated him. Moreover, the visit was essentially aimed at Kumbh".  

The dramatic visit of the Pakistani politician - without oft repeated any row over Visas and in utter secrecy and turning it as a non-event - took place on a day when Prime Minister Modi made a sort of a climb down from the hawkish stance and urged his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan to prove himself as true 'Pathan' by taking steps to fight poverty and illiteracy in the two countries.

“Pakistan’s prime minister told me (last year) ‘I am the son of a Pathan. I do what I say.’ It is time to test his words," Mr Modi said at a rally at Tonk in Rajasthan.
Recalling his first telephonic talk with Mr Khan after latter's poll victory in 2018, Mr Modi said - ''I had told him you are from the world of sports... Come, let India and Pakistan get their act together and fight poverty and illiteracy.

''In response, he had told me that he (Imran) is a son of a Pathan and he will always speak the truth and also do things in the right manner.... Thus time has come for him to prove his own words,'' the Prime Minister said.

All these also happened on a day when the apex body of Islamic nations invited India - for the the first time in its 50 years history - to attend the plenary session of OIC in Abu Dhabi on March 1.

According to observers, the growing international support to the Modi government including strong statement from UNSC and FATF naming JeM for Pulwama attack and the OIC invite are only making things paradoxical and could stall government's hot pursuit against Pakistan.

"The UNSC resolution and anti-money laundering body FATF also taking Pak-based groups by name is a clear recognition of India's grievance and anguish against Pakistan. Thus the onus seems to be coming on the Indian side now and it will not be advisable to give away the high moral ground," a source said.

Interacting with foreign nationals who visited Kumbh and that supposedly also included the Pak lawmaker from Imran Khan's ruling party, Prime Minister Modi said - "I request you all that when you go back to your country, you spread the word about India's culture and heritage and your own positive experience in India".

Amid high-volage tension, PM dares Imran to prove his words on fight against poverty

Tonk, Rajasthan, Feb 23 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday dared his Pakistan counterpart Imran Khan to stick to his own words as a 'Pathan' and dedicate all efforts to fight poverty and illiteracy in the two countries.

''Aaj Pakistan ke pradhan mantri ke shabdoan ko kasauti pe kasne ki jarurat hai...(Time has come for him to prove his own words) Let me see whether he can prove to be truthful to his own words,'' the Prime Minister said addressing a rally here.

Recalling his first telephone talk with Mr Khan after his poll victory in 2018 and said ''I had told him you are from the world of sports... Come let India and Pakistan get their act together and fight poverty and illiteracy.''In response, he had told me that he (Imran) is a son of a Pathan and he will always speak the truth and also do things in the right manner.... Thus time has come for him to prove his own words,'' the Prime Minister said amid escalated tension between two neighbours in the wake of Pulwama attack.

Modi Govt achieves another 'first' in diplomacy: OIC invites Sushma

New Delhi, Feb 23 India on Saturday accepted the invitation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend the 46th session of council of foreign ministers of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on March 1 and 2 in Abu Dhabi.

"We see this invitation as the desire of the enlightened leadership of the UAE to go beyond our rapidly growing close bilateral ties and forge a true multifaceted partnership at the multilateral and international level," an MEA statement said here.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be attending the meet as a 'guest of honour', it confirmed.
Notably, the UAE has sought to record its recognition and appreciation of India in the contemporary setting and said Ms Swaraj's presence at the OIC meet will mark presence of "the friendly Republic of India with all its international political weight and diverse cultural heritage, and an important Islamic component, as a guest of honor".
"We see this invitation as a milestone in our comprehensive strategic partnership with the UAE. We also see this invitation as a welcome recognition of the presence of 185 million Muslims in India and of their contribution to its pluralistic ethos, and of India’s contribution to the Islamic world,"
the MEA statement said.

Sources said it is for the first time, the coveted grouping of Islamic nations have invited India to be an 'observer' for this year's session."India is, therefore, happy to accept the invitation to attend the Inaugural Plenary of the OIC meeting and we thank the leadership of the UAE for their invitation," the statement said.This gesture from the OIC which more often in the past has taken an indifferent approach to India only reflects "India's growing diplomatic influence".Ms Swaraj has been invited by UAE foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to be the guest of honour and address the inaugural session, an MEA statement said here on Saturday.The 46th OIC session this year will be held under the theme: "Fifty years of Islamic cooperation: the road map for prosperity and development", coinciding with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the organisation.

Diplomatic sources said India-UAE bilateral relations have received impetus from time-to-time with exchange of high-level visits from both sides.

"The historic visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to UAE in August 2015 marked the beginning of a new and comprehensive and strategic partnership. In the Joint Statement issued after the visit, both leaders agreed to work together not only to consolidate achievements in the existing domains but also to explore newer areas of cooperation," the source said.
UAE Foreign Minister will open the OIC meeting on March 1 (next Friday) in the presence of Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation  Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen.
Representatives from 56 member states and five observer states are expected to attend the two-day meet.

OIC invite, global backing may halt Modi's hot pursuit policies against Pakistan

New Delhi/Tonk, Feb 23 (UNI) Having mustered global support post-Pulwama and a strongly worded statement against Pakistan from the powerful organ of the United Nations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended an olive branch to Imran Khan to stick to his own words as a 'Pathan' and take steps to fight poverty and illiteracy in the two countries.

''Aaj Pakistan ke pradhan mantri ke shabdoan ko kasauti pe kasne ki jarurat hai...(Time has come for him to prove his own words) Let me see whether he can prove to be truthful to his own words,'' the Prime Minister said addressing a rally at Tonk in western state of Rajasthan.

Recalling his first telephone talk with Mr Khan after his poll victory in 2018, Mr Modi said - ''I had told him you are from the world of sports... Come let India and Pakistan get their act together and fight poverty and illiteracy.

''In response, he had told me that he (Imran) is a son of a Pathan and he will always speak the truth and also do things in the right manner.... Thus time has come for him to prove his own words,'' the Prime Minister said amid escalated tension between two neighbours in the wake of Pulwama attack.

However, in his speech, the Prime Minister asserted that everything will be done to 'crush terrorism'.

A sort of moderate climbdown and mixed message in Prime Minister's speech comes amid immense support from the international community in favour of India even as the US President Donald Trump described the current situation between India and Pakistan as “very, very bad”.

"A very dangerous situation. We would like to see it hostilities stop. A lot of people were just killed. We want to see it just stop. We are very much involved in that process," President Trump had said interacting with media at the Oval Office on Friday hinting that Washington will not like any major military fight in the South Asian theatre.

In yet another testimony to India's growing influence diplomatically, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has been invited at the 46th session of council of foreign ministers of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on March 1 and 2.

"First time as Guest of Honour," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted and also confirming about India's acceptance of the unprecedented invite.

Hailing India's emergence in the comity of nations in the contemporary setting, a UAE statement also said: "The friendly country of India has been named as the guest of honour (at the 46th OIC session) in view of its great global political stature as well as its time-honoured and deeply rooted cultural and historical legacy, and its important Islamic component".

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), in a resolution on Thursday, condemned the terror act at Pulwama and also named Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) for the first time.

In fact, welcoming the UNSC statement, India’s permanent representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin tweeted on the UNSC resolution calling it - “A statement with many firsts takes more time than expected. In complex diplomatic situations, however, it is better to be late than never".

France and the United States have backed India's stance solidly for about a week aftermath the Pulwama attack and despite initial skirmishes raised by China, all the 15 permanent and non-permanent members finally adopted the resolution 'unanimously' that condemned in the “strongest terms” the “heinous and cowardly” attack.

Indian government sources also said it contains specific 'language' that India had proposed via partner countries including on the naming of JeM.

India's stand that perpetrators should be brought to justice was also accepted even as India's formidable competitors and rivals in the region, China and Pakistan tried to do everything to either 'dilute' the content or even total avoidance of a statement altogether.

However, observers of political and strategic affairs have said there is a surcharged and hawkish atmosphere in the country with a section of BJP leaders and workers also expecting a kind of do or die stance against Pakistan.

For its part, the Modi government has taken a number of diplomatic steps and also tightened the noose on Islamabad, commercially withdrawing MFN status and also enhanced the import duties on Pakistani goods to 200 per cent.

Taking these further, Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that even water flowing into Pakistan will be 'diverted'

"Expectations are made from a leader like PM Modi - who can deliver," BJP MP Maheish Giri said.

A  virtual panic driven Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has in the meantime written a letter to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) president, Francisco Antonio Cortorreal and drew attention to the 'deteriorating security situation' in the region.  

"The situation poses a threat to international peace and security.....," he wrote urging the world body to "defuse the current tensions".

On the home front, the Modi government, has, however pursued hot pursuits policy in Jammu and Kashmir and could escalate these actions further against separatist leaders.

While security and other government facilities given to them have been withdrawn, JKLF chairman Yasin Malik was on Friday late night detained.  

According to observers, the growing international support to the government is actually paradoxical in a manner.

"The UNSC resolution and anti-money laundering body FATF also taking Pak-based groups by name is a clear recognition of India's grievance and anguish against Pakistan. Thus the onus seems to be coming on the Indian side now and it will not be advisable to give away the high moral ground New Delhi's diplomacy has achieved," a source said.

PM Modi urges foreign nationals of 182 nations to work as India's cultural envoys

New Delhi, Feb 23 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged representatives and nationals of as many as 182 countries including one Sindh-based Pakistani citizen to work as India's cultural ambassadors and spread the word about India's culture and heritage.




"I request you all that when you go back to your country, you spread the word about India's culture and heritage and your own positive experience in India," Mr Modi said in an interaction with delegates from around the globe who were on a day long trip to Prayagraj Kumbh to see the "largest gathering of humanity". 


He said that until one actually visits the Kumbh Mela, one cannot appreciate completely, what a great heritage it is. He said that this tradition has continued uninterrupted for thousands of years.
He said the Kumbh is as much about social reform as it is about spirituality.


He said that the Kumbh has been a forum for discussion among spiritual leaders and social reformers, to chart a roadmap for the future, and monitor progress.
The Prime Minister said that the effort is now to blend "modernity and technology, with faith, spirituality, and cultural consciousness, at the Kumbh Mela".


External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Minister of State for External Affairs and President of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Vinay Sahasrabuddhe were present on the occasion.


"It is a great occasion when we are seeing the cultural amalgamation. People from across the globe following different religions and social ethos are here to know more about Indian culture and tradition. All these individuals and citizens of countries like Myanmar, Poland, Mali and Somalia during last two days are taking keen interest in the affairs of India," Mr Sahasrabuddhe told UNI.


The visiting delegation also included one Pakistani citizen from Sindh region, an ICCR source said.


He also said all these individuals will play the role "cultural ambassadors" for India and whenever there is any "wrong perception" about India anywhere, it is they who will be highlighting "India's pluralism and the inner faith in democratic traditions".



A large number of foreign delegates visited the famous Kumbh mela at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh on Friday.
At the initiatives of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), delegates from around the globe were on a day long trip to Prayagraj Kumbh to see the 'largest gathering of humanity'.

"This kind of visit is happening for the first time in the history of the Kumbh," Mr Sahasrabuddhe said.

"I will a new chapter has been written in the history of Kumbha today. Prime Minister has taken a giant step to set the agenda for G-All.....something extra ordinary in a world which was more committed with a group of 20 nations or seven or five nations. All were excited by lifetime experience," he said.

Fight is for Kashmir not against Kashmiris: PM

Tonk, Rajasthan, Feb 23 (UNI) In the wake of anxiety expressed by National Conference and PDP that Kashmiri students and people in general require adequate security in the rest of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that the anti-terror fight post Pulwama fight is in effect a fight for the northern state and not against Kashmiris.
''Our fight is against terrorism, against enemies of humanity. Hamari ladai Kashmir ke liye hai, Kashmir ke khilaaf nahi hai, Kashmiriyon ke khilaaf nahi hai,(This fight is never against the people of Kashmir),'' he said at a rally here.
''We are going to move ahead with a strong resolution as 130 crore people are supporting us on this,'' he said, adding it will be erroneous to bring the division of us-and-them syndrome between the People of India and the Kashmiri Muslims, and said there have been occasions when the local Muslims have saved Hindus and also given them protection during Amarnath yatra.
The Prime Minister took strong exception that in some states, Kashmiri students were targetted aftermath Pulwama attack.

''Is desh mein aisa hona nahi chahiye (such attacks should not happen in this country),'' the Prime Minister categorically said.

The remarks come at the backdrop of former J & K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah meeting Home Minister Rajnath Singh and pressing for security of Kashmiri students in states like Uttarakhand. 
State Governor Satya Pal Malik had last week directed the police to take strict action against those indulging in any type of violence, arson or rumour mongering in Jammu regon.
The Union Home ministry on Friday has directed all Chief Secretaries in all states to take adequate measures to ensure security of Kashmiri citizens in their respective states.
''Kashmiris have suffered the most due to terrorism,'' the Prime Minister said and maintained the country needs to support them in their stand.

In the wake of reports of violence against the Kashmiri people aftermath Pulwama attack on February 14, he said the issue is not what happened to Kashmiri children in any corner of the country, but the fact is that Kashimiri youth is tired of terrorism.

Mr Modi said India has won all wars with India in the past and ''the trend will continue''.

People are full of anger, he said, adding that ''we are not going to sit quiet, we know how to crush terror.''

Mr Modi dared his Pakistan counterpart Imran Khan to stick to his own words as a 'Pathan' and dedicate all efforts to fight poverty and illiteracy in the two countries.
''Aaj Pakistan ke pradhan mantri ke shabdoan ko kasauti pe kasne ki jarurat hai...(Time has come for him to prove his own words) Let me see whether he can prove to be truthful to his own words,'' the Prime Minister said.

Recalling his first telephone talk with Mr Khan after his poll victory in 2018 and said ''I had told him you are from the world of sports... Come let India and Pakistan get their act together and fight poverty and illiteracy.
''In response, he had told me that he (Imran) is a son of a Pathan and he will always speak the truth and also do things in the right manner.... Thus time has come for him to prove his own words,'' the Prime Minister said amid escalated tension between two neighbours in the wake of Pulwama attack.

Pak Foreign Minister writes to UNSC Prez, seeks UN help to 'defuse' Indo-Pak tension

New Delhi/Islamabad, Feb 23 (UNI) Virtually pressing a panic button Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has written a letter to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) president, Francisco Antonio Cortorreal and drew attention to the 'deteriorating security situation' in the region resulting from the Indian threats of use of  'force against Pakistan'.

"The situation poses a threat to international peace and security....It is clear that India is making the attempt to present its fallacious assumptions as established facts, seek to cover up its own operational and policy failures, and shift the blame to Pakistan," Mr Qureshi said in his letter - a soft of copy of which has been made available in Delhi.

Pakistan Foreign Minister further said that he has already 'apprised' the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres of the serious situation and underlined that the United Nations "must step into defuse the current tensions".

"It is with a sense of urgency that I draw your attention to the deteriorating security situation in our region resulting from Indian belligerence and threats of use of force against Pakistan," he wrote.

Mr Qureshi further said - "Simultaneously, for domestic political reasons, India has deliberately ratcheted up hostile rhetoric against Pakistan and created a tense environment".

He also accused that Prime Minister Narendra Modi in several public statements has threatened a “befitting response".

"Separately, senior members of the Indian Government are threatening to use water as a weapon. The long-standing legal arrangements agreed under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) are thus being imperiled," he wrote.

ends