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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 14 June, left for Delhi after the SCO summit in Bishkek.
While addressing the Heads of State of SCO member nations, PM Modi raised the issue of terrorism and said that countries supporting and funding terrorism must be held accountable.
He also exchanged “usual pleasantries” with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in the Leaders' Lounge at the Summit. It is also learnt that Khan congratulated Modi on his election victory during their first face-to-face interaction, reported PTI.
Modi on Thursday, 13 June, held a bilateral meeting with the Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of the summit.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not fly over Pakistan on his way to Bishkek on Thursday to attend a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the External Affairs Ministry said.
It said Modi's aircraft will fly over Oman, Iran and several Central Asian countries to reach the Kyrgyz capital.
"The government of India had explored two options for the route to be taken by the VVIP aircraft to Bishkek. A decision has now been taken that the VVIP aircraft will fly via Oman, Iran and Central Asian countries on the way to Bishkek," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Wednesday.
He was responding to media queries regarding the route to be taken by the prime minister while travelling to Bishkek.
On Monday, a Pakistani official told PTI that Islamabad has accorded an "in principle" approval to India's request.
India's decision on the prime minister's travel route to Bishkek appears surprising as it had only requested Pakistan to let Modi's aircraft fly over its airspace when he travels to Bishkek.
For its part, China has already flagged its expectations both on Xi-Modi meeting as well as of the summit.
"President Xi and Prime Minister Modi are good friends. They had very successful informal summit at Wuhan last year," Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Hanhui told a media briefing here early this month answering a question on the Modi-Xi meeting.
Early this year, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that President Xi would go to India later this year for a second informal summit.
Officials say Xi's visit is expected to come up for discussion during his meeting with Modi at Bishkek.
China also hinted that President Xi would highlight the need to forge a united front against US President Donald Trump's policies of trade protectionism and unilateralism using tariffs as a weapon.
Chinese officials hope that India, which is also facing trade frictions with the US specially over termination of its designation as a 'beneficiary developing country' under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), would join the fight against Trump's protectionist policies.
"Trade protectionism and unilateralism are very much on the rise. How to respond to the bullying practices of the US, its practice of trade protectionism this is an important question not only to China, but also has direct bearing on the recovery of global economy," Zhang said.
"So I would say it will be helpful if the two leaders could exchange views and we hope their communication will lead to extensive consensus on upholding justice and opposing trade protectionism," he said.
About the summit agenda, Zhang said the institutional building of the SCO would be discussed involving economic and security cooperation, particularly on counter terrorism.
"Security and development are two major issues focus of the SCO," he said.
"The establishment of the SCO is not to target any country but summit of this level would certainly pay attention to major international and regional issues," he said in response to a question whether the thrust of the summit would be to oppose the US' trade frictions with China and other countries.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday left for Kyrgyz capital Bishkek where he would attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on its sidelines, the first meeting between the two leaders after the BJP's massive victory in the general elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the global security situation as well as economic cooperation will be on the agenda at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan, and asserted that his visit to the Central Asian country will strengthen India's ties with the SCO member states.
Modi, in a statement said that on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, he also plans to meet several leaders bilaterally.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan where he will attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on 13-14 June. He will also hold bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia.
The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted, “The SCO Summit will be followed by the bilateral component of the visit to Kyrgyz Republic on 14 June. PM @narendramodi will have delegation-level talks with President Jeenbekov and jointly inaugurate the India-Kyrgyz Business Forum with Kyrgyz President.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands at the Bishkek airport in Kyrgyzstan for two-day SCO Summit. He is also set to hold meetings with leaders of China and Russia on the sidelines of the summit.
After his arrival, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Multilateral connect for a better future.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and discussed ways to further strengthen the bilateral relations. This is the first meeting between the two leaders after Modi's re-election.
The economic and commercial engagement between India and China constitutes a major component of the bilateral relations with bilateral trade which crossed USD 95 billion last year and is set to cross USD 100 billion this year.
Chinese President Xi Jinping was conferred with the highest national award of Kyrgyzstan, which is hosting the 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov awarded his Chinese counterpart (Xi Jinping) the Manas Order of the First Degree, the country's highest national prize, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Speaking at the ceremony, Jeenbekov said he appreciates Xi's special contributions to the development of the Kyrgyzstan-China comprehensive strategic partnership.
He said his country will never forget China's long-running support and assistance. He also said that he believes that Xi's visit this time will open up a new chapter of bilateral ties between the two countries.
In response, Xi said the medal has fully demonstrated the Kyrgyz people's profound friendship towards the Chinese people, adding that he values it very much.
Xi said he is ready to join hands with Jeenbekov to deepen the traditional friendship of the two countries, and to push forward the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership for new achievements, so as to better benefit the two peoples.
The meeting between the two leaders comes a month after the UN Security Council designated Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist after China lifted its technical hold on the proposal to blacklist him.
The meeting began with President Xi congratulating Prime Minister Modi over his election victory.
"After the election results in India, I got your message, and today again you wish me on the victory, I am very grateful to you for this," Modi replied.
Xi had extended "heartfelt congratulations" to Prime Minister Modi for winning the general elections last month, in a rare gesture of greeting a foreign leader well before the official announcement of the results.
"On behalf of all Indians, I wish you a very happy birthday," Modi told Xi, greeting the Chinese leader who will turn 66 on 15 June.
Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said "There was a brief discussion on Pakistan. PM Modi recalled that he has made efforts and these efforts have been derailed, and that Pakistan needs to create atmosphere free of terror. At this stage, we do not see this happening. We expect it to take concrete action."
"During the meeting, President Xi Jinping agreed that both sides (India and China) need to raise expectations from their relationship. PM Modi welcomed him to India for next informal summit and President Xi confirmed his readiness to visit India this year," Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale told reporters in Bishkek.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held delegation level talks on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek on Thursday. The two leaders reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations to further strengthen the strategic relationship.
“I am very grateful for your support for the rifle manufacturing unit in Amethi,” PM Modi told Putin during his opening remarks.
Russian President President Putin has invited PM Modi to be the main guest at Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia in early September, and PM Modi has accepted the invitation, said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale during a press conference in Bishkek.
Foreign Secretary, Vijay Gokhale in Bishkek, said that “there will be a Russia, India and China trilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Japan’s Osaka later this month.”
Russia has also activated the first batch of orders of AK-203 Kalashnikov rifles, he said.
"Naturally, discussions took place on defence related issues. Prime Minister thanked President Putin for the rapidity with which Russia had responded to our request for Make in India to manufacture the AK-203 Kalashnikov rifles in Amethi," he said.
Gokhale said this is a project which was set up in record time and President Putin in fact confirmed that the first batch of orders was already activated.
“Both leaders were very pleased with it. In a sense, this marks the beginning of the process where we will move away from the buyer, seller relationship to one way that is technology transfer and Make in India, job creation and content creation in India," he said.
Pakistan's relationship with India is probably at its "lowest point", Prime Minister Imran Khan has said even as he expressed hope that his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi will use his "big mandate" to resolve all differences, including the Kashmir issue.
In an interview to Russian news agency Sputnik before heading to Bishkek, Khan said the SCO summit provided him an opportunity to speak to the Indian leadership to improve ties between the two neighbours.
"At the moment, our bilateral relationship with India is, probably, at its lowest point," he said, adding that Pakistan was open for "any kind of mediation" and seeks peace with all its neighbours, especially with India
The three "small wars" have damaged both the countries that now grapple with the "greatest amount of poverty", he said.
(Source: PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and discussed the role being played by India towards an inclusive peace process in the conflict-hit nation.
The two leaders “shared perspectives on situation in Afghanistan, including the role played by India towards an inclusive peace process,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted after the meeting.
(Source: PTI)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, at delegation level talks with PM Modi, said, “In the course of past years, we've done a great deal to promote our interstate relations. They developed steadily, through your personal efforts and attention to development of Russian-Indian relations.”
Further, he congratulated PM Modi for being decorated with the highest state award of Russia, Order of St Andrew the Apostle and said , “I'd like to congratulate you and express my hope that after your re-election, our work on promoting bilateral contacts and relations for benefit of people of India and Russia will continue.”
(Source: ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 13 June, met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Bishkek on the sidelines of the SCO summit. India, during the bilateral meeting, said that Pakistan is yet to "take concrete action" on the former's concerns about terrorism, which is important for the two sides to have any possible engagement.
Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale addressed the media after the bilateral meeting between the two neighbouring leaders and said, "The Prime Minister did inform President Xi Jinping that Pakistan needs to create an atmosphere free of terrorism and that at this stage, we did not see this as happening as yet, and that, therefore, we expect Pakistan to take concrete action on the issues that India has proposed in the areas of concern that we have flagged to Pakistan."
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is also attending the summit in Bishkek. The meeting also comes a month after a UN Security Council committee designated Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist after China lifted its technical hold on the proposal to blacklist him
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the leaders of member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at the SCO summit in Bishkek.
MEA tweeted, “President Sooronbay Jeenbekov of #Kyrgyz Republic, current Chair of #SCOSummit2019 warmly welcomed PM @narendramodi as he arrived at the Ala Archa Presidential Palace ahead of the SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting today morning.”
All the leader of states arrives for joint photograph at the summit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the leaders of member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at the SCO summit in Bishkek.
All the leader of states arrives for joint photograph at the summit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov ahead of the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting here.
Jeenbekov is also the current Chair of the SCO Summit 2019.
Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by the Kyrgyz President as he arrived at the Ala Archa Presidential Palace ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the leaders of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states at the SCO summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
He highlighted the spirit and ideals of SCO to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism. “Countries supporting, aiding and funding terrorism must be held accountable,” said Modi.
Modi said, “India has been a permanent SCO member for two years now, we've given a positive contribution in all activities of SCO. We've continued engagements to enhance SCO's role and credibility on the international stage.”
The PMO took to Twitter and said, “India has been playing the role of first responder in humanitarian cooperation and in disaster in his field. We will be happy to share our experience and expertise with the SCO countries. We should pay special attention to the subject of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.”
Addressing the SCO summit, PM Modi gave a template, 'HEALTH', for strengthening cooperation.
"Our vision is to strengthen the healthy cooperation among us. Using the letters of HEALTH, we can make a good template for cooperation.
"H for healthcare cooperation, E for economic cooperation, A for alternate energy, L for literature and culture, T for terrorism-free society and H for humanitarian cooperation," Modi said.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan also attended the session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Friday, 14 June.
Pakistan was called upon to strengthen their efforts in fighting terrorism on the ground with more effective measures.
“All member countries have come to a consensus on a statement against terrorism, i.e.consensus of all the countries which are coming out with a joint declaration. It is a strong statement endorsed by all the member countries,” said MEA at the SCO summit in Bishkek.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan broke the diplomatic protocol at the opening ceremony of the SCO Summit in Bishkek when he sat down even as all other leaders, including his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, were standing, an embarrassing gaffe for which he was trolled online.
He stood briefly when his name was announced and then seated himself again before the other leaders, in a breach of protocol.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, at India-Kyrgyzstan Business Forum in Bishkek, reported ANI.
Addressing the India-Kyrgyz Business Forum, he said that India and Kyrgyztan have given the final shape to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and the bilateral investment treaty, which would help in creating a proper atmosphere for the bilateral trade.
PM Modi at India-Kyrgyz Business Forum: “Growth in economical status and advancement in technology in India are prominent reasons for development across globe. Besides, youth and innovators of India will play significant role in attainment of India's goal of 5 trillion dollars.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Iran President Hassan Rouhani in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, cancelled due to scheduling issues, reported ANI.
The official banquet got delayed which disrupted the schedule of all the leaders.
In Kyrgyzstan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Bishkek, as he officially began his bilateral visit to Kyrgyzstan, after the end of SCO Summit.
Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov also present.
The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov has ended. In the meeting, discussion exploring new areas of cooperation took place.
“Jeenbekov and I, both of us realise the potential of mutual cooperation, which is why we have decided to take our relationship to the next level and become strategic partners,” said PM Modi.
Modi also said, “We are together in fight against terrorism, it is imperative to give out a message to the world that terrorism will not be tolerated at any cost.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanged usual pleasantries with the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan in the Leaders' Lounge at the SCO Summit in Bishkek, reported ANI.
It is also learnt that Khan congratulated Modi on his election victory during their first face-to-face interaction, reported PTI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to thank the people of the Kyrgyzstan Republic and President Jeenbekov for hosting the SCO Summit and the hospitality.