South East Asia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed yesterday to end India’s status as the world’s number one defense importer, saying he wanted 70 percent of hardware to be manufactured domestically by the turn of the decade. Speaking at the start of a major aviation industry conference, Modi told hundreds of foreign and …

The United States has welcomed the signing of civil nuclear cooperation agreement between India and Sri Lanka, saying it is consistent with IAEA safeguards and other international standards and practices. “We welcome regional cooperation on nuclear energy that is consistent with IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) safeguards and other international …

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has said that Turkey and Pakistan will “continue their cooperation and solidarity in the fight against terror and Islamophobia” around the world. “We have a common position regarding terrorism and all Islamophobic attacks in different parts of the world,” Davutoğlu told a joint press conference …

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned in a statement the attack on a Shia mosque in Peshawar in Pakistan during Friday prayers, which has reportedly killed at least 19 people and injured dozens. The attack killed Naveed Abbas, a Pakistan national working with the UN Department of Safety and Security, …

In an ice-breaking move after a six-month hiatus in Indo-Pak ties, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke to his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif after which it was announced that Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar will visit Islamabad when he will “push bilateral agenda”. Using cricket diplomacy, Modi called leaders of …

Pakistan and China Thursday reiterated their resolve to boost their existing ties and further deepen their cooperation in various sectors. Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and advisor to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz made the announcement while addressing a joint news conference …

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday arrived in Pakistan to hold bilateral talks, promote economic and trade cooperation and discuss the regional situation. During the two-day visit, Wang Yi, who is leading an eight-member delegation, will meet Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj …

U.S. President Barack Obama called for “swift work” by Beijing to narrow their differences on cyber issues, the White House said, as the two sides start planning for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Washington in September. The world’s two biggest economies have been trying to ease tensions amid mutual …

French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Laurent Fabius on Thursday met the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj here. Fabius, accompanied by a delegation of fellow dignitaries, started his official trip to India today. According to reports, Fabius will also be holding meetings with Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu …

Terming India as an important “net provider of security” in the region, US President Barack Obama’s pick for Defence Secretary has said strengthening defence ties and expanding collaboration on military technology with the country would be his top priority. “India and the United States have built a strong strategic partnership. …