VIF Information Alerts - 10 January 2020

India’s Kashmir outreach with foreign envoys
Published: India Today

10 Jan 2020

The first official delegation of envoys of the foreign mission is on a two-day trip to Jammu and Kashmir to 'assess' the ground situation and get a sense of Indian government's 'efforts' in bringing normalcy in the UT. Sources told India Today that the perception of the absolute clampdown was broken when the diplomats drove past busy streets where shops were open and people went about their normal chores.
The countries who are part of the group are United States, South Korea, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Fiji, Maldives, Norway, Philippines, Morocco, Argentina, Peru, Niger, Nigeria, Guyana and Togo.Click here to read... [2]

Pakistan moves US court to stop over $6bn fine in Reko Diq case
Published: The Dawn

10 Jan 2020

Pakistan has asked a US federal court to pause an Australian copper company’s bid to enforce a $6 billion arbitral award while it looks to have the award nixed, reports Law360, a New York-based legal publication.
Pakistan argued in a federal court in Washington that the enforcement could have “devastating consequences for its political and economic stability”, said the author, Caroline Simson.Click here to read... [3]

Iran ‘accidentally’ shot down Ukraine plane, killing 176 on board: US officials
Published: Hindustan Times

09 Jan 2020

A Ukraine airliner that crashed in Iran, killing all 176 people aboard, was most likely brought down accidentally by Iranian air defenses, U.S. officials said on Thursday, as President Donald Trump said he had a terrible feeling about the disaster. One U.S. official said U.S. satellites had detected the launch of two missiles shortly before the plane crashed, followed by evidence of an explosion. Two officials said Washington believed the downing of the plane was accidental.Click here to read... [4]

India restricts imports of refined palm oil after Malaysia's criticism of Modi
Published: The Economic Times

09 Jan 2020

India imposed restrictions on imports of refined palm oil and palmolein on Wednesday, a move sources said was retaliation against top supplier Malaysia after its criticism of India's actions in Kashmir and a new citizenship law. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a notification declaring that the import of refined palm oil "is amended from 'Free' to 'Restricted.'"Click here to read... [5]

Amid crisis, Iran envoy says will welcome Indian peace initiative
Published: The Tribune

08 Jan 2020

Iran’s Ambassador Ali Chegeni today advocated a greater role for India in the regional peace effort following the US-Iran crisis. “India is a part of the region. It should be a part of de-escalation. We are welcoming any initiative from our good friends from India,” Ambassador Ali Chegeni told media in New Delhi on the sidelines of a cultural event organised by Iran.Click here to read... [6]