European Union envoy to India Ugo Astuto has termed his visit to union territory of Jammu and Kashmir an 'opportunity' to see the 'situation on the ground' and during his interaction taken note of the recent district development council (DDC) elections and resumption of the 4G high-speed internet.&nbsp;

EU envoy speaking to WION said, "In our interaction, we have taken note of recent steps taken, such as the election of the district development council, the resumption of 4G internet services. It is very important obviously, right to freedom of expression online and offline is a key-value for all democracies."&nbsp;

Adding, "We have also noted with great expectations as to other important steps to be taken in the political and economic sphere including the early organization of legislative assembly elections. Overall, the visit presented the opportunity to see the situation on the ground and interact with some local interlocutors as part of the European Union's outreach to all stakeholders and we definitely look forward to continuing our dialogue with our Indian interlocutor."&nbsp;

The two-day visit on Wednesday and Thursday saw 24 foreign heads of the mission visiting the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The envoys visited Srinagar, Budgam, and Jammu. The programme included meeting with the military and the civil authorities, including elected representative. During the Srinagar visit, the envoys met elected representatives of urban local bodies, DDC and block development councils from all districts of the Kashmir division. The group also visited the famous Hazratbal shrine, one of the holiest mosques in the union territory.&nbsp;

The biggest percentage of envoys in the present group came from Europe. These were the EU, Finland, France, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. This is the third such visit of foreign envoys, with two batches visiting the Union territory last year in January and February. EU envoy was present in previous such visits as well.

European Union envoy to India Ugo Astuto has termed his visit to union territory of Jammu and Kashmir an 'opportunity' to see the 'situation on the ground' and during his interaction taken note of the recent district development council (DDC) elections and resumption of the 4G high-speed internet.

European Union envoy to India Ugo Astuto has termed his visit to union territory of Jammu and Kashmir an 'opportunity' to see the 'situation on the ground' and during his interaction taken note of the recent district development council (DDC) elections and resumption of the 4G high-speed internet. EU envoy speaking to WION said, "In our interaction, we have taken note of recent steps taken, such as the election of the district development council, the resumption of 4G internet services. It is very important obviously, right to freedom of expression online and offline is a key-value for all democracies." Adding, "We have also noted with great expectations as to other important steps to be taken in the political and economic sphere including the early organization of legislative assembly elections. Overall, the visit presented the opportunity to see the situation on the ground and interact with some local interlocutors as part of the European Union's outreach to all stakeholders and we definitely look forward to continuing our dialogue with our Indian interlocutor." The two-day visit on Wednesday and Thursday saw 24 foreign heads of the mission visiting the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The envoys visited Srinagar, Budgam, and Jammu. The programme included meeting with the military and the civil authorities, including elected representative. During the Srinagar visit, the envoys met elected representatives of urban local bodies, DDC and block development councils from all districts of the Kashmir division. The group also visited the famous Hazratbal shrine, one of the holiest mosques in the union territory. The biggest percentage of envoys in the present group came from Europe. These were the EU, Finland, France, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. This is the third such visit of foreign envoys, with two batches visiting the Union territory last year in January and February. EU envoy was present in previous such visits as well.

J&K visit an opportunity to see ground situation: EU envoy

The "Chadar" by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani for Ajmer Sharif arrived from Kabul and will be offered at the famous Dargah on Friday. The Chadar will be offered on the occasion of the 809th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty.

WION got an exclusive preview of the 'Chadar' -- on which it has been written "presented by Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani". This is the first time any Afghan President has sent a 'Chadar' to Ajmer.&nbsp;

In the past, US President Barack Obama had sent a 'Chadar' to Ajmer Sharif. &nbsp;

Afghan President has sent a message also -- "It is a singular honour to offer 'Chadar' and as an Afghan and as a student of Sufi order for over 50 years, I have been fascinated with character, impact and reach of Khawaja Garib. Nawaz. Despite a thousand years, there is much to study and learn from the way the Chishty order spread from a district in Herat to becoming a moral force in the continent."

Paying his respects to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty, the Afghan president said, "Millions of people across the centuries have found comfort, meaning, and direction from absorbing the reflection of Chishty order in general and the foundational thought of Khawaja Moinuddin in particular."

The idea was the brainchild of Afghan Cd' A (charge de affairs) Tahir Qadiry who had visited the holy place a month ago and was able to convince the Afghan president. Tahir told WION, "This is quite important because President Ghani being the first to send it and a message of solidarity, love to all, malice to none. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty is the bridge between Afghanistan and India."

A team of Afghan diplomats led by the Afghan mission's cultural attaché Ajmal Alimzai will visit Ajmer with the Chadar. The Chishty Order in Islam, which Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty propagated, follows the popular Sufi tradition. It began in Chishti, a small town near Herat, Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The order known for its tolerance and openness is quite popular in the Indian sub-continent and includes many other famous Sufi saints like Nizamuddin Auliya whose Dargah is in Delhi. The Chishty order is still thriving in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The "Chadar" by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani for Ajmer Sharif arrived from Kabul and will be offered at the famous Dargah on Friday. The Chadar will be offered on the occasion of the 809th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty.

The "Chadar" by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani for Ajmer Sharif arrived from Kabul and will be offered at the famous Dargah on Friday. The Chadar will be offered on the occasion of the 809th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty. WION got an exclusive preview of the 'Chadar' -- on which it has been written "presented by Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani". This is the first time any Afghan President has sent a 'Chadar' to Ajmer. In the past, US President Barack Obama had sent a 'Chadar' to Ajmer Sharif. Afghan President has sent a message also -- "It is a singular honour to offer 'Chadar' and as an Afghan and as a student of Sufi order for over 50 years, I have been fascinated with character, impact and reach of Khawaja Garib. Nawaz. Despite a thousand years, there is much to study and learn from the way the Chishty order spread from a district in Herat to becoming a moral force in the continent." Paying his respects to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty, the Afghan president said, "Millions of people across the centuries have found comfort, meaning, and direction from absorbing the reflection of Chishty order in general and the foundational thought of Khawaja Moinuddin in particular." The idea was the brainchild of Afghan Cd' A (charge de affairs) Tahir Qadiry who had visited the holy place a month ago and was able to convince the Afghan president. Tahir told WION, "This is quite important because President Ghani being the first to send it and a message of solidarity, love to all, malice to none. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty is the bridge between Afghanistan and India." A team of Afghan diplomats led by the Afghan mission's cultural attaché Ajmal Alimzai will visit Ajmer with the Chadar. The Chishty Order in Islam, which Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty propagated, follows the popular Sufi tradition. It began in Chishti, a small town near Herat, Afghanistan. The order known for its tolerance and openness is quite popular in the Indian sub-continent and includes many other famous Sufi saints like Nizamuddin Auliya whose Dargah is in Delhi. The Chishty order is still thriving in Afghanistan.

'Chadar' sent by Afghan president Ashraf Ghani to reach Ajmer Sharif on Friday

At the meet on covid management led by India, Prime Minister Modi's proposals for visa regime for doctors, air ambulance pact has got support from all the participating countries including Pakistan. Indian initiative involved 10 countries in all--Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka.

Seven of these, barring&nbsp;Mauritius and&nbsp;Seychelles are members of the SAARC grouping.

Indian Prime Minister had made five&nbsp;proposals in all. He said, "Can we consider creating a special visa scheme for our doctors and nurses, so that they can travel quickly within our region during health emergencies, on the request of the receiving country? Can our Civil Aviation ministries coordinate a regional Air Ambulance agreement for medical contingencies?".&nbsp;

The other three&nbsp;he pointed out, saying, "Can we create a regional platform for collating, compiling and studying data about the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines among our populations? Can we similarly create a regional network for promoting technology-assisted epidemiology, for preventing future pandemics? And, Beyond COVID-19, can we also share our successful public health policies and schemes?"

The proposals will be taken for a "structured discussion" for regional cooperation. The meet was a workshop on sharing best practices and took place at the level of Health Secretaries. Pakistan, which participated under SAARC umbrella, was represented by Special Assistant to Pak Prime Minister (SAPM) on health Faisal Sultan.

A source said, "All agreed that there was a need for such cooperation on a regional basis for fighting such pandemics."

All countries, barring of course Pakistan lauded India for sending covid vaccines. Pakistan did not request any India-made vaccine. This year, India gifted COVID&nbsp;vaccines to countries in the region. These are Bangladesh with 20 Lakhs doses, Myanmar with 17 Lakhs doses, Nepal with 10 Lakhs, Bhutan with 1.5 Lakhs, the Maldives with 1 Lakh, Mauritius with 1 Lakh, Seychelles with 50000, Sri Lanka with 5 Lakhs, and Afghanistan 5 Lakhs.

In March of Last year, the Indian Prime Minister called for a SAARC meet on the COVID pandemic. One of the key outcomes of the meet was the establishment of the SAARC emergency fund, with India contributing $10 million to it.

At the meet on covid management led by India, Prime Minister Modi's proposals for visa regime for doctors, air ambulance pact has got support from all the participating countries including Pakistan.

At the meet on covid management led by India, Prime Minister Modi's proposals for visa regime for doctors, air ambulance pact has got support from all the participating countries including Pakistan. Indian initiative involved 10 countries in all--Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka. Seven of these, barring Mauritius and Seychelles are members of the SAARC grouping. Indian Prime Minister had made five proposals in all. He said, "Can we consider creating a special visa scheme for our doctors and nurses, so that they can travel quickly within our region during health emergencies, on the request of the receiving country? Can our Civil Aviation ministries coordinate a regional Air Ambulance agreement for medical contingencies?". The other three he pointed out, saying, "Can we create a regional platform for collating, compiling and studying data about the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines among our populations? Can we similarly create a regional network for promoting technology-assisted epidemiology, for preventing future pandemics? And, Beyond COVID-19, can we also share our successful public health policies and schemes?" The proposals will be taken for a "structured discussion" for regional cooperation. The meet was a workshop on sharing best practices and took place at the level of Health Secretaries. Pakistan, which participated under SAARC umbrella, was represented by Special Assistant to Pak Prime Minister (SAPM) on health Faisal Sultan. A source said, "All agreed that there was a need for such cooperation on a regional basis for fighting such pandemics." All countries, barring of course Pakistan lauded India for sending covid vaccines. Pakistan did not request any India-made vaccine. This year, India gifted COVID vaccines to countries in the region. These are Bangladesh with 20 Lakhs doses, Myanmar with 17 Lakhs doses, Nepal with 10 Lakhs, Bhutan with 1.5 Lakhs, the Maldives with 1 Lakh, Mauritius with 1 Lakh, Seychelles with 50000, Sri Lanka with 5 Lakhs, and Afghanistan 5 Lakhs. In March of Last year, the Indian Prime Minister called for a SAARC meet on the COVID pandemic. One of the key outcomes of the meet was the establishment of the SAARC emergency fund, with India contributing $10 million to it.

PM's proposal for visa regime for docs, air ambulance pact get support by Pak, other countries

Ten countries including Pakistan will take part in the India-led initiative on COVID-19 management on Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;

India's health secretary will be hosting the workshop titled-- "COVID-19 Management: Experience, Good Practices and Way Forward". The ten countries which will be part of it are - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka barring&nbsp;Mauritius and Seychelles rest all are SAARC members.

Each country has been invited to participate in one plus one format - health secretary and head of their technical team in charge of COVID-19 management. WION has learnt that Pakistan is participating under the SAARC umbrella. WION was the first channel to break the story of the meet and Pakistan's participation on Tuesday.

In March of last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for a SAARC meet on the COVID-19 pandemic. The meet saw all the SAARC heads of government and state taking part barring Pakistan. Pakistan was present at a junior level at the meeting. One of the key outcomes of the meet was the establishment of the SAARC emergency fund with India contributing $10 million to it.

Amid the pandemic, India reached out to many countries in the region with medicines and other aid. It sent 75000 MT of food aid to Afghanistan via Chabahar, medical equipment, and other related things like masks to Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh. Under Mission Sagar 1, while it reached out to 5 countries in the Indian Ocean--Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles by sending medicines and food aid.

This year, India gifted covid vaccines to countries in the region. These are --Bangladesh with 20 Lakhs doses, Myanmar with 17 Lakhs doses, Nepal with 10 Lakhs, Bhutan with 1.5 Lakhs, the Maldives with 1 Lakh, Mauritius with 1 Lakh, Seychelles with 50000, Sri Lanka with 5 Lakhs, and Afghanistan 5 Lakhs.

Ten countries including Pakistan will take part in the India-led initiative on COVID-19 management on Thursday afternoon. India's health secretary will be hosting the workshop titled-- "COVID-19 Management: Experience, Good Practices and Way Forward".

Ten countries including Pakistan will take part in the India-led initiative on COVID-19 management on Thursday afternoon. India's health secretary will be hosting the workshop titled-- "COVID-19 Management: Experience, Good Practices and Way Forward". The ten countries which will be part of it are - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka barring Mauritius and Seychelles rest all are SAARC members. Each country has been invited to participate in one plus one format - health secretary and head of their technical team in charge of COVID-19 management. WION has learnt that Pakistan is participating under the SAARC umbrella. WION was the first channel to break the story of the meet and Pakistan's participation on Tuesday. In March of last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for a SAARC meet on the COVID-19 pandemic. The meet saw all the SAARC heads of government and state taking part barring Pakistan. Pakistan was present at a junior level at the meeting. One of the key outcomes of the meet was the establishment of the SAARC emergency fund with India contributing $10 million to it. Amid the pandemic, India reached out to many countries in the region with medicines and other aid. It sent 75000 MT of food aid to Afghanistan via Chabahar, medical equipment, and other related things like masks to Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh. Under Mission Sagar 1, while it reached out to 5 countries in the Indian Ocean--Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles by sending medicines and food aid. This year, India gifted covid vaccines to countries in the region. These are --Bangladesh with 20 Lakhs doses, Myanmar with 17 Lakhs doses, Nepal with 10 Lakhs, Bhutan with 1.5 Lakhs, the Maldives with 1 Lakh, Mauritius with 1 Lakh, Seychelles with 50000, Sri Lanka with 5 Lakhs, and Afghanistan 5 Lakhs.

Ten countries, including Pakistan to take part in India-led initiative on COVID-19 crisis

Indian foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov held talks on Wednesday with focus on the upcoming India-Russia annual summit for which Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India.&nbsp;

After the meet, FS Shringla said, "FM emphasized on the importance he attaches to the special privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia....We also spoke about the annual summit and he said President Putin is looking forward to his India visit. That the visit will happen at a date to be decided by the two sides."

The key focus was also on cooperation at the United Nations Security Council given India is a non-permanent member at the UN body for two years and Russia is a permanent member is engaged in COVID-19 vaccine cooperation. India is expected to give approval to Russia's COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V very soon.&nbsp;

FS during his two-day day Russia visit, his first foreign visit this year, also held a meeting with Russian deputy foreign minister Igor Morgulov. He said, "we will see some developments in the next few months that will reinforce close and strategic partnership that we both enjoy."&nbsp;

A number of high-level visits are expected to happen this year between the two countries. The deputy Russian Prime Minister will be visiting India for the Inter-Governmental Commission, the chairman of the state Duma will be visiting while the Indian army and Naval chief will be visiting Russia.&nbsp;

India-Russia relations are much celebrated with the key pillar being defence.

Indian foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov held talks on Wednesday with focus on the upcoming India-Russia annual summit for which Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India.

Indian foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov held talks on Wednesday with focus on the upcoming India-Russia annual summit for which Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India. After the meet, FS Shringla said, "FM emphasized on the importance he attaches to the special privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia....We also spoke about the annual summit and he said President Putin is looking forward to his India visit. That the visit will happen at a date to be decided by the two sides." The key focus was also on cooperation at the United Nations Security Council given India is a non-permanent member at the UN body for two years and Russia is a permanent member is engaged in COVID-19 vaccine cooperation. India is expected to give approval to Russia's COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V very soon. FS during his two-day day Russia visit, his first foreign visit this year, also held a meeting with Russian deputy foreign minister Igor Morgulov. He said, "we will see some developments in the next few months that will reinforce close and strategic partnership that we both enjoy." A number of high-level visits are expected to happen this year between the two countries. The deputy Russian Prime Minister will be visiting India for the Inter-Governmental Commission, the chairman of the state Duma will be visiting while the Indian army and Naval chief will be visiting Russia. India-Russia relations are much celebrated with the key pillar being defence.

Russia FM Lavrov, Indian FS Shringla discuss upcoming Putin visit, Afghanistan

Ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-hold-talks-with-quad-partners-despite-china-pressure-364402">Quad</a> foreign minister meeting later today, the Pentagon has said ties with India is a priority and is critical.

Watch:

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Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said, "India is a critical partner especially when you consider all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region" and US Defence secretary is "prioritizing this relationship, wants to see continuing to grow and develop and to get stronger".

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin and Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke to each other last month with reaffirmation on Indo-Pacific vision.

When it comes to defence relationship, there has been increased engagement including the signing of operational pacts like COMCASA, LEMOA. Bilateral exercises held annually include Malabar, Cope-India (Air Force), Yudh Abhyas (Army) and Vajra Prahar (Special Forces).

The third Quad foreign minister meeting takes place today at 5.30 pm (IST) and will see the participation of US state secretary Blinken, Japan FM Motegi Toshimitsu, Australian FM Marise Payne and EAM Dr S. Jaishankar.

The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "The ministers will exchange views on regional and global issues especially practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region."&nbsp;

While today's meeting will be virtual, the last meeting happened physically in Japan on October 6. The first meeting of Quad FMs took on September 6, 2019, on the sidelines of the UNGA session in New York. Last year also saw COVID plus meetings taking place on how to deal with the pandemic at the foreign secretary-level.

Ned Price, Department spokesperson on the Quad meet said, "this discussion with the Quad foreign ministers, is critical to advancing our shared goals of a free and open Indo-Pacific and rising to the defining challenges of our time, including coordinating our efforts on COVID-19 response as well as climate change."

All four Quad countries issued releases on the meet with a key mention on "Indo-Pacific".&nbsp;

The meet comes within a month of Biden&nbsp;presidency and shows the continuous focus of Washington from previous Trump administration on Indo-Pacific and Quad.&nbsp;

In fact, in response to a question, Pentagon spokesperson said, "US defence secretary will absolutely" support a gathering of Quad countries.&nbsp;

Ahead of the Quad foreign minister meeting later today, the Pentagon has said ties with India is a priority and is critical. Watch: Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said, "India is a critical partner especially when you consider all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region" and US Defence secretary is "prioritizing this relationship, wants to see continuing to grow and develop and to get stronger".

Ahead of the Quad foreign minister meeting later today, the Pentagon has said ties with India is a priority and is critical. Watch: Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said, "India is a critical partner especially when you consider all the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region" and US Defence secretary is "prioritizing this relationship, wants to see continuing to grow and develop and to get stronger". US defence secretary Lloyd Austin and Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke to each other last month with reaffirmation on Indo-Pacific vision. When it comes to defence relationship, there has been increased engagement including the signing of operational pacts like COMCASA, LEMOA. Bilateral exercises held annually include Malabar, Cope-India (Air Force), Yudh Abhyas (Army) and Vajra Prahar (Special Forces). The third Quad foreign minister meeting takes place today at 5.30 pm (IST) and will see the participation of US state secretary Blinken, Japan FM Motegi Toshimitsu, Australian FM Marise Payne and EAM Dr S. Jaishankar. The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "The ministers will exchange views on regional and global issues especially practical areas of cooperation towards maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region." While today's meeting will be virtual, the last meeting happened physically in Japan on October 6. The first meeting of Quad FMs took on September 6, 2019, on the sidelines of the UNGA session in New York. Last year also saw COVID plus meetings taking place on how to deal with the pandemic at the foreign secretary-level. Ned Price, Department spokesperson on the Quad meet said, "this discussion with the Quad foreign ministers, is critical to advancing our shared goals of a free and open Indo-Pacific and rising to the defining challenges of our time, including coordinating our efforts on COVID-19 response as well as climate change." All four Quad countries issued releases on the meet with a key mention on "Indo-Pacific". The meet comes within a month of Biden presidency and shows the continuous focus of Washington from previous Trump administration on Indo-Pacific and Quad. In fact, in response to a question, Pentagon spokesperson said, "US defence secretary will absolutely" support a gathering of Quad countries.

Ahead of Quad meet, Pentagon says relationship with India a 'priority'

Indian government has approved one million doses of COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines for Canada. The development comes days after&nbsp;Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to each other.&nbsp;

During the talks, PM Modi assured the Canadian PM of COVID vaccine supplies. A readout from Indian PM's office said during the talks Prime Minister Trudeau informed his PM Modi about "Canada's requirements of COVID-19 vaccines from India" to which the latter "assured...that India would do its best to support Canada's vaccination efforts, just as it had done for many other countries already".&nbsp;&nbsp;

Later in response to a question in a presser Canadian PM said that his country is "looking at possible extra vaccines coming from India from the Serum Institute".&nbsp;India, which produces 60% of global vaccines, has sent covid vaccines to more than 20 countries.

The vaccine support from New Delhi to Canada comes even as ties were frayed over comments by Canadian PM on the ongoing farmers' protests in India in December 2020. The comments had drawn a strong reaction from India who had lodged a strong protest by summoning the Canadian envoy to Delhi, Nadir Patel, and handing over a demarche that such comments could impact the bilateral ties.&nbsp;

Indian government has approved one million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for Canada. The development comes days after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to each other.

Indian government has approved one million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for Canada. The development comes days after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to each other. During the talks, PM Modi assured the Canadian PM of COVID vaccine supplies. A readout from Indian PM's office said during the talks Prime Minister Trudeau informed his PM Modi about "Canada's requirements of COVID-19 vaccines from India" to which the latter "assured...that India would do its best to support Canada's vaccination efforts, just as it had done for many other countries already". Later in response to a question in a presser Canadian PM said that his country is "looking at possible extra vaccines coming from India from the Serum Institute". India, which produces 60% of global vaccines, has sent covid vaccines to more than 20 countries. The vaccine support from New Delhi to Canada comes even as ties were frayed over comments by Canadian PM on the ongoing farmers' protests in India in December 2020. The comments had drawn a strong reaction from India who had lodged a strong protest by summoning the Canadian envoy to Delhi, Nadir Patel, and handing over a demarche that such comments could impact the bilateral ties.

India approves 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for Canada

India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar on Wednesday announced 200,000 doses of COVID&nbsp;vaccines for UN Peacekeeper while speaking at United Nations Security Council meeting on covid crisis and vaccines.&nbsp;

He said, "Under the initiative of Vaccine Maitri, which translates into Vaccine Friendship, India provides vaccines to the world...Keeping in mind the UN Peacekeepers who operate in such difficult circumstances, we would like to announce today a gift of 200,000 doses for them as well."

India has so far sent COVID&nbsp;vaccines to 25 nations and in coming days will be supplying vaccines to 49 more countries. Around 60 per cent&nbsp;of the global vaccines are produced in India and last year amid the pandemic, it sent medicines to 150 countries.

During his address, EAM put forward 9 points for the world to put "Covid-19 pandemic decisively behind us and to emerge more resilient". Key was putting a stop to "vaccine nationalism" as "hoarding superfluous doses will defeat our efforts towards attaining collective health security", stopping "disinformation campaigns" taking "advantage of this pandemic to advance their nefarious objectives and activities" and "urgently resume immunization programs across the world before children’s lives are threatened by other diseases".

This is the second time EAM has spoken at UNSC. In January, EAM spoke on the issue of terror. India is a non-permanent member of the core UN Body for a period of 2 years starting 1st January 2021.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar on Wednesday announced 200,000 doses of COVID vaccines for UN Peacekeeper while speaking at United Nations Security Council meeting on covid crisis and vaccines.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar on Wednesday announced 200,000 doses of COVID vaccines for UN Peacekeeper while speaking at United Nations Security Council meeting on covid crisis and vaccines. He said, "Under the initiative of Vaccine Maitri, which translates into Vaccine Friendship, India provides vaccines to the world...Keeping in mind the UN Peacekeepers who operate in such difficult circumstances, we would like to announce today a gift of 200,000 doses for them as well." India has so far sent COVID vaccines to 25 nations and in coming days will be supplying vaccines to 49 more countries. Around 60 per cent of the global vaccines are produced in India and last year amid the pandemic, it sent medicines to 150 countries. During his address, EAM put forward 9 points for the world to put "Covid-19 pandemic decisively behind us and to emerge more resilient". Key was putting a stop to "vaccine nationalism" as "hoarding superfluous doses will defeat our efforts towards attaining collective health security", stopping "disinformation campaigns" taking "advantage of this pandemic to advance their nefarious objectives and activities" and "urgently resume immunization programs across the world before children’s lives are threatened by other diseases". This is the second time EAM has spoken at UNSC. In January, EAM spoke on the issue of terror. India is a non-permanent member of the core UN Body for a period of 2 years starting 1st January 2021.

At UNSC, EAM warns against vaccine nationalism, announces 200,000 jabs for UN peacekeepers

Iran has requested&nbsp;India to provide&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccines to the country. Local media in Iran on Wednesday reported that authorities in the country have given approval for use of AstraZeneca-oxford and Bharat Biotech vaccines. Now, Iran joins over 20 countries to request India for vaccines.&nbsp;

India has so far supplied over 229.7 lakh doses of covid vaccines to the global community. Of these over 64 lakh doses have been supplied as grants while over 165 lakh doses have been supplied on a commercial basis.

Last week in response to a question, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "We will continue to take forward the global vaccine supply initiative and cover more countries in a phased manner."

In West Asia, India has already supplied vaccines to Bahrain and Oman as a gift with 1 lakh doses, and Egypt (50000), Kuwait (2 Lakhs), and UAE (2 Lakhs) on a commercial basis.&nbsp;

In fact, India has gifted vaccines to its entire neighbourhood. It has given vaccines to Bangladesh (20 Lakhs), Myanmar (17 Lakhs), Nepal (10 Lakhs), Bhutan (1.5 Lakhs), Maldives (1 Lakh), Mauritius (1 Lakh), Seychelles (50000),Sri Lanka ( 5 Lakhs), Afghanistan (5 Lakhs).&nbsp;

Amid the covid pandemic, India reaffirmed its position as the pharma capital of the world by sending medicines to 150 countries.

Iran has requested India to provide COVID-19 vaccines to the country. Local media in Iran on Wednesday reported that authorities in the country have given approval for use of AstraZeneca-oxford and Bharat Biotech vaccines.

Iran has requested India to provide COVID-19 vaccines to the country. Local media in Iran on Wednesday reported that authorities in the country have given approval for use of AstraZeneca-oxford and Bharat Biotech vaccines. Now, Iran joins over 20 countries to request India for vaccines. India has so far supplied over 229.7 lakh doses of covid vaccines to the global community. Of these over 64 lakh doses have been supplied as grants while over 165 lakh doses have been supplied on a commercial basis. Last week in response to a question, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "We will continue to take forward the global vaccine supply initiative and cover more countries in a phased manner." In West Asia, India has already supplied vaccines to Bahrain and Oman as a gift with 1 lakh doses, and Egypt (50000), Kuwait (2 Lakhs), and UAE (2 Lakhs) on a commercial basis. In fact, India has gifted vaccines to its entire neighbourhood. It has given vaccines to Bangladesh (20 Lakhs), Myanmar (17 Lakhs), Nepal (10 Lakhs), Bhutan (1.5 Lakhs), Maldives (1 Lakh), Mauritius (1 Lakh), Seychelles (50000),Sri Lanka ( 5 Lakhs), Afghanistan (5 Lakhs). Amid the covid pandemic, India reaffirmed its position as the pharma capital of the world by sending medicines to 150 countries.

Iran requests India to provide COVID-19 vaccines

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla arrived in Moscow for a two-day visit during which he will hold meetings with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov for the India-Russia Foreign Office Consultations.

On his arrival, the Foreign Secretary said, "I am very happy to be here in the beautiful city of Moscow...travelling in these covid times gives an indication of the importance we attached to our relation with Russia".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-host-regional-countries-meet-on-covid-crisis-next-week-pak-invited-364128" hreflang="en">India to host regional countries' meet on COVID crisis next week; Pak invited</a>

This will be the first foreign visit of the foreign secretary this year.&nbsp;

Foreign Secretary will also meet Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and deliver a speech on ’India-Russia relations’ at the prestigious Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"We are on our way to see how we can momentum to an already vibrant relationship, a very strong India Russia special and privileged strategic partnership," he said.

Russia and India are engaged in a number of fields, with defence being a key pillar of partnership. India will be getting the first batch of the S400 air defense system by the end of this year. Both are already moving towards the successful implementation of AK-203 Kalashnikov contract.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/active-and-ambitious-agenda-for-foreign-secretarys-russia-visit-envoy-varma-364125" hreflang="en">'Active and ambitious' agenda for foreign secretary's Russia visit: Envoy Varma</a>

Ahead of the visit, India's envoy to Russia D. B. Venkatesh Varma said that the meeting will set forth an "active and ambitious" agenda for bilateral relations including the annual bilateral summit between India and Russia that will see Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting India.&nbsp;

Adding, "India Russia relations are rock solid, strategic partnership diverse" and "foreign secretary's visit is intended to further deepen our cooperation in all sectors. We will also expand our cooperation including to build on PM Modi's visit to Vladivostok in September 2019."

COVID vaccines will be another focus area with Russia's COVID vaccine, Sputnik V, expected to be given regulatory approval for use by India in the next few weeks.

Envoy Varma said, "There is a lot of excitement here in Moscow, about how India and Russia can cooperate with respect to covid pandemic including in the fields of vaccines. That will be another area of discussion".

Last year, India's defence minister visited Moscow 2 times, first time for the 75th anniversary of victory day and then for the Shanghai cooperation organization or SCO defense minister. The Indian external affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar visited the country too for the SCO FMs meet.

WION was the first channel to break the story of FS's Russia visit last week.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla arrived in Moscow for a two-day visit during which he will hold meetings with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov for the India-Russia Foreign Office Consultations.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla arrived in Moscow for a two-day visit during which he will hold meetings with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov for the India-Russia Foreign Office Consultations. On his arrival, the Foreign Secretary said, "I am very happy to be here in the beautiful city of Moscow...travelling in these covid times gives an indication of the importance we attached to our relation with Russia". Also read| India to host regional countries' meet on COVID crisis next week; Pak invited This will be the first foreign visit of the foreign secretary this year. Foreign Secretary will also meet Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and deliver a speech on ’India-Russia relations’ at the prestigious Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "We are on our way to see how we can momentum to an already vibrant relationship, a very strong India Russia special and privileged strategic partnership," he said. Russia and India are engaged in a number of fields, with defence being a key pillar of partnership. India will be getting the first batch of the S400 air defense system by the end of this year. Both are already moving towards the successful implementation of AK-203 Kalashnikov contract. Also read| 'Active and ambitious' agenda for foreign secretary's Russia visit: Envoy Varma Ahead of the visit, India's envoy to Russia D. B. Venkatesh Varma said that the meeting will set forth an "active and ambitious" agenda for bilateral relations including the annual bilateral summit between India and Russia that will see Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting India. Adding, "India Russia relations are rock solid, strategic partnership diverse" and "foreign secretary's visit is intended to further deepen our cooperation in all sectors. We will also expand our cooperation including to build on PM Modi's visit to Vladivostok in September 2019." COVID vaccines will be another focus area with Russia's COVID vaccine, Sputnik V, expected to be given regulatory approval for use by India in the next few weeks. Envoy Varma said, "There is a lot of excitement here in Moscow, about how India and Russia can cooperate with respect to covid pandemic including in the fields of vaccines. That will be another area of discussion". Last year, India's defence minister visited Moscow 2 times, first time for the 75th anniversary of victory day and then for the Shanghai cooperation organization or SCO defense minister. The Indian external affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar visited the country too for the SCO FMs meet. WION was the first channel to break the story of FS's Russia visit last week.

India's foreign secretary arrives in Russia for a two-day visit

With a continued focus on Africa, India's Exim&nbsp;Bank (Export-Import Bank of India) has extended the 5th line of credit (LOC) to Sierra Leone. The LOC worth $15 million will be used for the expansion of projects for rehabilitation of existing potable water facilities that will benefit 100,000 residents in 4 communities. The total value of all the 5 LOCs now stands at $168 million and covers sectors such as power, agriculture, potable water.

The latest LOC was signed on&nbsp;February 5, 2021 between&nbsp;General Manager, Exim Bank&nbsp;Saroj Khuntia, and Sierra Leone's Finance Minister&nbsp;Jacob Jusu Saffa.

Specifically, for Africa,&nbsp;India has a total of 211 Line of Credits (LoCs) amounting to US $ 12.85 billion in various infrastructure projects such as power plants, hydroelectricity, power transmission &amp; distribution networks, dams etc.&nbsp;New sectors such as Telecommunication, Defence and Solar have also been included under the Indian govt's LoCs to Africa in the last few years.&nbsp;

LoCs has been used to build iconic projects like the Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre in Niger. The centre hosted the OIC FMs meet last year. New Delhi has also extended LOC under new channels including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).

With a continued focus on Africa, India's Exim Bank (Export-Import Bank of India) has extended the 5th line of credit (LOC) to Sierra Leone. The LOC worth $15 million will be used for the expansion of projects for rehabilitation of existing potable water facilities that will benefit 100,000 residents in 4 communities.

With a continued focus on Africa, India's Exim Bank (Export-Import Bank of India) has extended the 5th line of credit (LOC) to Sierra Leone. The LOC worth $15 million will be used for the expansion of projects for rehabilitation of existing potable water facilities that will benefit 100,000 residents in 4 communities. The total value of all the 5 LOCs now stands at $168 million and covers sectors such as power, agriculture, potable water. The latest LOC was signed on February 5, 2021 between General Manager, Exim Bank Saroj Khuntia, and Sierra Leone's Finance Minister Jacob Jusu Saffa. Specifically, for Africa, India has a total of 211 Line of Credits (LoCs) amounting to US $ 12.85 billion in various infrastructure projects such as power plants, hydroelectricity, power transmission & distribution networks, dams etc. New sectors such as Telecommunication, Defence and Solar have also been included under the Indian govt's LoCs to Africa in the last few years. LoCs has been used to build iconic projects like the Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre in Niger. The centre hosted the OIC FMs meet last year. New Delhi has also extended LOC under new channels including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).

With focus on Africa, India's Exim Bank extends 5th line of credit to Sierra Leone

Pakistan will take part in India led initiative on the Covid-19 crisis. The meet at the official level-- primarily health experts will focus on the exchange of good practices to deal with the crisis. Many of the countries who have been invited are members of the SAARC grouping.

In March last year, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a SAARC meet on the Covid-19 pandemic. The meet saw all the SAARC heads of govt/state taking part barring Pakistan. Pakistan was present at a junior level at the meeting. One of the key outcomes of the meet was the establishment of the SAARC emergency fund, with India contributing $10 million to it.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-fired-tear-gas-on-protesters-to-test-it-interior-minister-ahmad-claims-364118">Pakistan fired tear gas on protesters to 'test' it, Interior Minister Ahmad claims</a>

Amid the pandemic, India reached out to many countries in the region with medicines and other aid. It sent 75,000 MT of food aid to Afghanistan via Chabahar, medical equipment, and other related things like masks to Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh. Under Mission Sagar 1, while it reached out to 5 countries in the Indian Ocean--Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles by sending medicines and food aid.

This year, India gifted Covid vaccines to countries in the region. These are --Bangladesh with 20 lakh&nbsp;doses, Myanmar with 17 lakh&nbsp;doses, Nepal with 10 lakh, Bhutan with 1.5 lakh, the Maldives with 1 lakh, Mauritius with 1 lakh, Seychelles with 50000, Sri Lanka with 5 lakhs, and Afghanistan 5 lakh. This is additional to many countries in Latin America, CARICOM that New Delhi reached out. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan will take part in India led initiative on the Covid-19 crisis. The meet at the official level-- primarily health experts will focus on the exchange of good practices to deal with the crisis.

Pakistan will take part in India led initiative on the Covid-19 crisis. The meet at the official level-- primarily health experts will focus on the exchange of good practices to deal with the crisis. Many of the countries who have been invited are members of the SAARC grouping. In March last year, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a SAARC meet on the Covid-19 pandemic. The meet saw all the SAARC heads of govt/state taking part barring Pakistan. Pakistan was present at a junior level at the meeting. One of the key outcomes of the meet was the establishment of the SAARC emergency fund, with India contributing $10 million to it. Also read | Pakistan fired tear gas on protesters to 'test' it, Interior Minister Ahmad claims Amid the pandemic, India reached out to many countries in the region with medicines and other aid. It sent 75,000 MT of food aid to Afghanistan via Chabahar, medical equipment, and other related things like masks to Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh. Under Mission Sagar 1, while it reached out to 5 countries in the Indian Ocean--Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles by sending medicines and food aid. This year, India gifted Covid vaccines to countries in the region. These are --Bangladesh with 20 lakh doses, Myanmar with 17 lakh doses, Nepal with 10 lakh, Bhutan with 1.5 lakh, the Maldives with 1 lakh, Mauritius with 1 lakh, Seychelles with 50000, Sri Lanka with 5 lakhs, and Afghanistan 5 lakh. This is additional to many countries in Latin America, CARICOM that New Delhi reached out.

Pakistan to take part in India-led initiative on Covid-19 crisis

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidhant Sibal

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