Ministry of External Affairs on Monday hosted a lunch for Latin American envoys during which the focus was on New Delhi's outreach to the region and ties can be further strengthened. The lunch was hosted by Secretary East Riva Ganguly Das and saw the participation of envoys of several countries like Venezuela, Mexico and Brazil.

Brazilian Ambassador Aranha Correa do Lago told WION, “It was a great pleasure to be reunited with her since we had worked together at the Johannesburg Summit for Sustainable Development in 2002. I am thrilled that we will work together again, this time to make the Brazil-India relationship even stronger and more diverse.”

Mexican envoy Federico Salas on the informal meet said, "India is keen on strengthening ties with Latin America".

This is the first in-person meeting of most of the envoy of the Latin American countries with the new secretary East.

Venezuelan Envoy Coromoto Godoy told WION, "A wonderful interaction during lunch with the new Secretary East. She had this warm gesture of inviting us for lunch to meet all head of missions personally and to reiterate MEA’s interest in working closely with our region."

Adding, "A very experienced diplomat with a solid career that makes us predict she will achieve great success as Secretary East. Undoubtedly an example of the excellence of women in Indian diplomacy."

India has been reaching out to Latin America, a number of high-level visits have happened from India including that of PM Modi to Brazil for Brics, Argentina for G20 and Mexico for a bilateral visit in 2016.

Ministry of External Affairs on Monday hosted a lunch for Latin American envoys during which the focus was on New Delhi's outreach to the region and ties can be further strengthened.

Ministry of External Affairs on Monday hosted a lunch for Latin American envoys during which the focus was on New Delhi's outreach to the region and ties can be further strengthened. The lunch was hosted by Secretary East Riva Ganguly Das and saw the participation of envoys of several countries like Venezuela, Mexico and Brazil. Brazilian Ambassador Aranha Correa do Lago told WION, “It was a great pleasure to be reunited with her since we had worked together at the Johannesburg Summit for Sustainable Development in 2002. I am thrilled that we will work together again, this time to make the Brazil-India relationship even stronger and more diverse.” Mexican envoy Federico Salas on the informal meet said, "India is keen on strengthening ties with Latin America". This is the first in-person meeting of most of the envoy of the Latin American countries with the new secretary East. Venezuelan Envoy Coromoto Godoy told WION, "A wonderful interaction during lunch with the new Secretary East. She had this warm gesture of inviting us for lunch to meet all head of missions personally and to reiterate MEA’s interest in working closely with our region." Adding, "A very experienced diplomat with a solid career that makes us predict she will achieve great success as Secretary East. Undoubtedly an example of the excellence of women in Indian diplomacy." India has been reaching out to Latin America, a number of high-level visits have happened from India including that of PM Modi to Brazil for Brics, Argentina for G20 and Mexico for a bilateral visit in 2016.

Want to strengthen ties, India tells envoys of Latin American countries

Russia will host its mega "artificial intelligence journey" event next month virtually, from 3rd to 5th December, and will see major participation from India. A record-high number of Indian participants and many Indian origin keynote speakers are set to speak at the event. Anima Anandkumar from California Institute of Technology, Pradeep Dubey of Intel, Gurdeep Singh of Microsoft is among the speakers at the event.

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the same meet last year. The event is sponsored by Sberbank, Russia's state-owned bank, and one of the largest banks in the country and central and Eastern European region. The Russian government is the principal shareholder of the bank.

Alexander Vedyakhin, First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board, Sberbank said, "This challenging year, our conference has already beaten the AI ​​Journey 2019 record in terms of the number of applications submitted by foreign participants. At the moment, specialists from every fourth country in the world are set to participate in the event.".

Taling about India, he said, "We expect many professionals from India – last year its experts did not attend, but now India ranks first among foreign countries in terms of the number of registrations".

400 people from 58 countries have confirmed attendance at the meet. More than 5,315 people have registered on the conference website. The meet has been growing in clout as the significance of artificial intelligence grows in daily life.&nbsp;

Russia will host its mega "artificial intelligence journey" event next month virtually, from 3rd to 5th December, and will see major participation from India. A record-high number of Indian participants and many Indian origin keynote speakers are set to speak at the event.

Russia will host its mega "artificial intelligence journey" event next month virtually, from 3rd to 5th December, and will see major participation from India. A record-high number of Indian participants and many Indian origin keynote speakers are set to speak at the event. Anima Anandkumar from California Institute of Technology, Pradeep Dubey of Intel, Gurdeep Singh of Microsoft is among the speakers at the event. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the same meet last year. The event is sponsored by Sberbank, Russia's state-owned bank, and one of the largest banks in the country and central and Eastern European region. The Russian government is the principal shareholder of the bank. Alexander Vedyakhin, First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board, Sberbank said, "This challenging year, our conference has already beaten the AI Journey 2019 record in terms of the number of applications submitted by foreign participants. At the moment, specialists from every fourth country in the world are set to participate in the event.". Taling about India, he said, "We expect many professionals from India – last year its experts did not attend, but now India ranks first among foreign countries in terms of the number of registrations". 400 people from 58 countries have confirmed attendance at the meet. More than 5,315 people have registered on the conference website. The meet has been growing in clout as the significance of artificial intelligence grows in daily life.

Russia's mega artificial intelligence event next month; major participation from India

India has backed the candidature of Maldives Foreign Minister&nbsp;Abdulla Shahid&nbsp;for the President of United Nations General Assembly for 2021-22 period.&nbsp;

Speaking in Male, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla Said, "We feel that the Maldives should play a more prominent role in the UN. In this context, I am happy to reiterate the commitment made by our External Affairs Minister earlier during the Virtual Meeting with Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid that India will support his candidature for Presidency of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly next year."

The post of president of UNGA is voted on a yearly basis by all the 192 members of the core UN body. Among South Asian states, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh nationals have been UNGA President in the past. Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan nationals have not UNGA president ever.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-focus-on-development-projects-india-maldives-to-sign-mous-discuss-covid-crisis-341840" hreflang="en">With focus on development projects, India-Maldives to sign MOUs; discuss COVID crisis</a>

The Indian Foreign Secretary explained, "With his vast diplomatic experience and leadership qualities, Foreign Minister Shahid has the best credentials to preside over the General Assembly in these tumultuous times.".

Adding, "his Presidency will also provide greater visibility to the Maldives. We are happy that his term will coincide with our membership of the United Nations Security Council for 2021-22. We look forward to working closely with the Maldives in the United Nations."

India's support to the Maldives shows New Delhi's close ties with Male. Both sides have seen increased engagement, especially with support extended by India during the COVID crisis.&nbsp;

In June, Turkish Diplomat Volkan Bozkir was elected President of the forthcoming session of the UN General Assembly. India's Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit in 1953 was the first women President of the body.

India has backed the candidature of Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid for the President of United Nations General Assembly for 2021-22 period. Speaking in Male, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla Said, "We feel that the Maldives should play a more prominent role in the UN.

India has backed the candidature of Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid for the President of United Nations General Assembly for 2021-22 period. Speaking in Male, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla Said, "We feel that the Maldives should play a more prominent role in the UN. In this context, I am happy to reiterate the commitment made by our External Affairs Minister earlier during the Virtual Meeting with Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid that India will support his candidature for Presidency of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly next year." The post of president of UNGA is voted on a yearly basis by all the 192 members of the core UN body. Among South Asian states, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh nationals have been UNGA President in the past. Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan nationals have not UNGA president ever. Also read: With focus on development projects, India-Maldives to sign MOUs; discuss COVID crisis The Indian Foreign Secretary explained, "With his vast diplomatic experience and leadership qualities, Foreign Minister Shahid has the best credentials to preside over the General Assembly in these tumultuous times.". Adding, "his Presidency will also provide greater visibility to the Maldives. We are happy that his term will coincide with our membership of the United Nations Security Council for 2021-22. We look forward to working closely with the Maldives in the United Nations." India's support to the Maldives shows New Delhi's close ties with Male. Both sides have seen increased engagement, especially with support extended by India during the COVID crisis. In June, Turkish Diplomat Volkan Bozkir was elected President of the forthcoming session of the UN General Assembly. India's Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit in 1953 was the first women President of the body.

India backs Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid's candidature for UNGA president

Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO virtual summit will take place tomorrow starting at 2.30 pm IST and is expected to last two and a half hours.

The summit, being hosted by Russia as the chair of the grouping for this year will see the participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Putin, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, and leaders of 4 central Asian countries. 4 central Asian members of the SCO are: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Minister of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava&nbsp;said, "PM will lead the Indian delegation to the 20th summit of SCO Council of heads of state which will be held in the virtual format on 10th of November. The meeting will be chaired by President Putin of the Russian Federation".

This is the 3rd meeting in which India will be participating as full members. New Delhi was granted the observer status of SCO in 2005 and in June 2017 it became a full member.

Both Pakistan and China have confirmed participation. This will be the first time PM Modi and Chinese President Xi will be sharing a platform virtually after the Galwan incident.&nbsp;

The Galwan&nbsp;incident saw the death of 20 Indian soldiers due to Chinese aggressiveness at the line of actual control in eastern Ladakh. China also suffered casualties but never came out with figures. Ties between the two&nbsp;countries deteriorating as Chinese troops massed at the LAC.

All in All, PM Modi and President Xi will be together 3 times this month, first at SCO heads of state virtual summit, BRICS virtual summit on 17th November and then the G20 virtual summit on 21st and 22nd November.

Interestingly, Indian and Pakistani PMs will also be on the same virtual platform. Last time they PM Modi and Imran khan were under the same roof were at the UNGA dinner and lunch last year in New York. Given the tensions in ties post-Pulwama terror attack, no meeting took place.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO virtual summit will take place tomorrow starting at 2.30 pm IST and is expected to last two and a half hours. The summit, being hosted by Russia as the chair of the grouping for this year will see the participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Putin, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, and leaders of 4 central Asian countries.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO virtual summit will take place tomorrow starting at 2.30 pm IST and is expected to last two and a half hours. The summit, being hosted by Russia as the chair of the grouping for this year will see the participation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Putin, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, and leaders of 4 central Asian countries. 4 central Asian members of the SCO are: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Minister of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava said, "PM will lead the Indian delegation to the 20th summit of SCO Council of heads of state which will be held in the virtual format on 10th of November. The meeting will be chaired by President Putin of the Russian Federation". This is the 3rd meeting in which India will be participating as full members. New Delhi was granted the observer status of SCO in 2005 and in June 2017 it became a full member. Both Pakistan and China have confirmed participation. This will be the first time PM Modi and Chinese President Xi will be sharing a platform virtually after the Galwan incident. The Galwan incident saw the death of 20 Indian soldiers due to Chinese aggressiveness at the line of actual control in eastern Ladakh. China also suffered casualties but never came out with figures. Ties between the two countries deteriorating as Chinese troops massed at the LAC. All in All, PM Modi and President Xi will be together 3 times this month, first at SCO heads of state virtual summit, BRICS virtual summit on 17th November and then the G20 virtual summit on 21st and 22nd November. Interestingly, Indian and Pakistani PMs will also be on the same virtual platform. Last time they PM Modi and Imran khan were under the same roof were at the UNGA dinner and lunch last year in New York. Given the tensions in ties post-Pulwama terror attack, no meeting took place.

SCO virtual summit tomorrow; Modi, Xi to share platform for the first time since Galwan

A number of MoUs in the field of sports and on implementation of some high impact community development projects will be signed later today between Maldives and India in its national capital Malé. The signing comes during the visit of Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla to the country.

Earlier today, Maldivian Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed and his Indian counterpart held official discussions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with&nbsp;particular emphasis "on the recovery and resilience efforts to curb the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, including boosting tourism", Maldives foreign ministry readout said.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, India had sent relief to the Maldives in terms of food, medicine.

The focus was also on "accelerating" the implementation of the ongoing development cooperation projects across the Maldives.

During the visit, FS will also hand over $100 million for the &nbsp;Maldives--the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP). India is overall providing funding of $500 million for the project, of which $100 million is a grant and $400 million is a Line of Credit (LOC). The biggest project of the country will connect capital Malé with Villingili, Thilafushi, and Gulhifalhu via bridges and causeways of a total length of 6.695 kilometers.

During the visit, Foreign Secretary will also call-on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and have talks with ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Finance, Economic Development, Planning, Home Affairs, Tourism, and Youth &amp; Sports. FS will also call-on Speaker Mohamed Nasheed and meet with other political leaders.

Ahead of the visit, the ministry of external affairs in a release said, "The Maldives occupies a special place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. This time-tested and enduring relationship with the Maldives strengthened and deepened even further in recent months."

Indian FS has been to Bangladesh, Myanmar, France, Germany, and UK as part of India's diplomatic outreach amidst the COVID pandemic.

A number of MoUs in the field of sports and on implementation of some high impact community development projects will be signed later today between Maldives and India in its national capital Malé.

A number of MoUs in the field of sports and on implementation of some high impact community development projects will be signed later today between Maldives and India in its national capital Malé. The signing comes during the visit of Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla to the country. Earlier today, Maldivian Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed and his Indian counterpart held official discussions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with particular emphasis "on the recovery and resilience efforts to curb the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, including boosting tourism", Maldives foreign ministry readout said. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, India had sent relief to the Maldives in terms of food, medicine. The focus was also on "accelerating" the implementation of the ongoing development cooperation projects across the Maldives. During the visit, FS will also hand over $100 million for the Maldives--the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP). India is overall providing funding of $500 million for the project, of which $100 million is a grant and $400 million is a Line of Credit (LOC). The biggest project of the country will connect capital Malé with Villingili, Thilafushi, and Gulhifalhu via bridges and causeways of a total length of 6.695 kilometers. During the visit, Foreign Secretary will also call-on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and have talks with ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Finance, Economic Development, Planning, Home Affairs, Tourism, and Youth & Sports. FS will also call-on Speaker Mohamed Nasheed and meet with other political leaders. Ahead of the visit, the ministry of external affairs in a release said, "The Maldives occupies a special place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. This time-tested and enduring relationship with the Maldives strengthened and deepened even further in recent months." Indian FS has been to Bangladesh, Myanmar, France, Germany, and UK as part of India's diplomatic outreach amidst the COVID pandemic.

With focus on development projects, India-Maldives to sign MOUs; discuss COVID crisis

Diversification of supply chains was the top focus of India-Italy virtual summit on Friday, the 5th such virtual summit of Indian Prime Minister amidst the COVID pandemic. The virtual summit between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Italian PM Giuseppe Conte also saw both sides discussing the COVID crisis and G20 summit, given Italy will host the summit next year and India in 2022.

Sandeep Chakravorty, Secretary (Europe West) at the MEA presser, after the virtual summit said, "Italy is very keen to diversify its supply chains &amp; investment to have a more substantive economic partnership with India. Bilateral economic cooperation was focused on diversification of supply chains".

India, Australia and Japan are working on alternate supply chains, and focus is that more countries join the initiative. In fact, one was the virtual summit was with Denmark's PM and the focus on the diversified supply chain. &nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-envoys-welcome-meas-covid-briefing-india-to-show-its-vaccine-facility-341260">Foreign envoys welcome MEA's COVID briefing; India to show its vaccine facility</a>

Currently, global supply chains are China dominated and amidst the covid pandemic, an aggressive Beijing necessitated alternate supply chains by like-minded countries such as India, US, Japan, Australia.

Interestingly, the Joint statement after the summit saw both sides stressing on the "importance of the Indo-Pacific region as a fundamental area" for connecting Asia and Europe and stated their Countries’ willingness to support"all connectivity initiatives based on internationally recognized norms and standards, good governance, rule of law, inclusiveness, transparency and a level playing field."

All in all 15 MoU were signed between the two sides, on trade, technology, shipping, energy.

Diversification of supply chains was the top focus of India-Italy virtual summit on Friday, the 5th such virtual summit of Indian Prime Minister amidst the COVID pandemic.

Diversification of supply chains was the top focus of India-Italy virtual summit on Friday, the 5th such virtual summit of Indian Prime Minister amidst the COVID pandemic. The virtual summit between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Italian PM Giuseppe Conte also saw both sides discussing the COVID crisis and G20 summit, given Italy will host the summit next year and India in 2022. Sandeep Chakravorty, Secretary (Europe West) at the MEA presser, after the virtual summit said, "Italy is very keen to diversify its supply chains & investment to have a more substantive economic partnership with India. Bilateral economic cooperation was focused on diversification of supply chains". India, Australia and Japan are working on alternate supply chains, and focus is that more countries join the initiative. In fact, one was the virtual summit was with Denmark's PM and the focus on the diversified supply chain. Also read| Foreign envoys welcome MEA's COVID briefing; India to show its vaccine facility Currently, global supply chains are China dominated and amidst the covid pandemic, an aggressive Beijing necessitated alternate supply chains by like-minded countries such as India, US, Japan, Australia. Interestingly, the Joint statement after the summit saw both sides stressing on the "importance of the Indo-Pacific region as a fundamental area" for connecting Asia and Europe and stated their Countries’ willingness to support"all connectivity initiatives based on internationally recognized norms and standards, good governance, rule of law, inclusiveness, transparency and a level playing field." All in all 15 MoU were signed between the two sides, on trade, technology, shipping, energy.

Diversification of supply chains top focus at India-Italy virtual summit

Taiwan is set to host mega Diwali celebration that is being sponsored by the Taiwanese government and will see the participation of representation by government. The Diwali celebration will take place in the Taiwanese capital Taipei and is being organised by Taipei India Music and culture centre and Indians in Taiwan group. Deputy Taiwan Foreign Minister Tien Chung Kwang will be present at the celebrations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-urges-who-chief-to-invite-taiwan-to-a-key-meeting-341119">Also read|&nbsp;US urges WHO chief to invite Taiwan to a key meeting</a>

Recently engagement between India and Taiwan have increased in terms of societal interaction. On Taiwan National Day, strong support was seen in India angering Chinese Embassy. Taiwanese president Tsai ing-wen had tweeted about Indian dishes and said her favourite food being Chana Masala and Naan. She also recalled her India visit, what she termed as "memories of a vibrant, diverse &amp; colorful country."

The increased societal interaction comes even as China has been aggressive with both India and Taiwan this year. With India, the line of actual control row has been the worst Chinese build-up while with Taiwan, Chinese jets have been breaching the Taiwan strait median line that separates Taiwan from China.

Taiwan is set to host mega Diwali celebration that is being sponsored by the Taiwanese government and will see the participation of representation by government.

Taiwan is set to host mega Diwali celebration that is being sponsored by the Taiwanese government and will see the participation of representation by government. The Diwali celebration will take place in the Taiwanese capital Taipei and is being organised by Taipei India Music and culture centre and Indians in Taiwan group. Deputy Taiwan Foreign Minister Tien Chung Kwang will be present at the celebrations. Also read| US urges WHO chief to invite Taiwan to a key meeting Recently engagement between India and Taiwan have increased in terms of societal interaction. On Taiwan National Day, strong support was seen in India angering Chinese Embassy. Taiwanese president Tsai ing-wen had tweeted about Indian dishes and said her favourite food being Chana Masala and Naan. She also recalled her India visit, what she termed as "memories of a vibrant, diverse & colorful country." The increased societal interaction comes even as China has been aggressive with both India and Taiwan this year. With India, the line of actual control row has been the worst Chinese build-up while with Taiwan, Chinese jets have been breaching the Taiwan strait median line that separates Taiwan from China.

Taiwan government to host mega Diwali celebration

India on Friday briefed 190 heads of the diplomatic mission and international organisations for two hours on its covid related measures including on vaccine development. Ministry of external affairs will soon organize a tour of the head of diplomatic missions to its vaccine and diagnostic facilities in Pune.

During the briefing, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla speaking on the COVID vaccine said, "We are on track on the development and trial of vaccines. We are exploring the possibility of conducting phase III trials in a few of our partner countries."

Adding, "We are also looking forward to researching collaboration in the field of vaccine development. Based on willingness, we may also go for joint production of vaccines in some countries."

India has already conducted online training sessions for nearly 90 participants from 8 neighbouring countries to develop capacity in clinical trials and clinical practices.

He reiterated PM Modi's commitment that "India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis", something PM had mentioned during his United Nations General Assembly address.

Meanwhile, many of the foreign envoys speaking to WION welcomed the initiative by the MEA. Dean of Diplomatic Corps Hans Dannenberg Castellanos called the briefing as "excellent..very informative and well prepared, with distinguished speakers from Health Sector."

Further adding,"all of the Diplomatic Corp that attended were very grateful, pleased and interested in the subject. Kudos to Foreign &nbsp;Secretary, Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Chief of Protocol, Nagesh Singh, for organizing this for the Heads of Missions and Diplomatic community, in a socially distant and safe environment."

Kazakh Envoy Yerlan Alimbayev, called the presentation "very informative..Government officials assured that India will make sure every country will get the right vaccine."

Venezuela's envoy's Coromoto Godoy echoed similar sentiments saying, "India being the country with the greatest capacity to produce and distribute the vaccine, it is wonderful that PM Modi has guaranteed to put these capacities at the service of humanity."

Elaborating, "We had the opportunity to hear about the progress of vaccines, the main ones being between phase II and phase III professing very well." She told WION that her government looks at India as of the country with which it can collaborate for mass production of its own vaccine, once WHO gives approval.

Asked on COVID vaccine detail by India, Kyrgystan's Envoy Asein Isaev said Indian officials said they are looking for vaccine "in the first quarter of next year".

"It was said that five vaccines are at different stages of development. Out of that three are entirely Indian", Sri Lanka's deputy high commissioner Niluka Kadurugamuwa told WION.

Ambassador of Denmark to India Freddy Svane described the briefing as a "great event. India has proven its capacity and capabilities." Bhutan's envoy to India, Maj Gen Vetsop Namgyel also described the briefing as "very good and comprehensive".

Amidst the COVID pandemic, India reached out to 150 countries with anti-COVID medicines. It also sent food and medicine aid to 5 Indian ocean countries and to 4 African countries under its Sagar1 &amp; Sagar 2 mission.

India on Friday briefed 190 heads of the diplomatic mission and international organisations for two hours on its covid related measures including on vaccine development.

India on Friday briefed 190 heads of the diplomatic mission and international organisations for two hours on its covid related measures including on vaccine development. Ministry of external affairs will soon organize a tour of the head of diplomatic missions to its vaccine and diagnostic facilities in Pune. During the briefing, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla speaking on the COVID vaccine said, "We are on track on the development and trial of vaccines. We are exploring the possibility of conducting phase III trials in a few of our partner countries." Adding, "We are also looking forward to researching collaboration in the field of vaccine development. Based on willingness, we may also go for joint production of vaccines in some countries." India has already conducted online training sessions for nearly 90 participants from 8 neighbouring countries to develop capacity in clinical trials and clinical practices. He reiterated PM Modi's commitment that "India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis", something PM had mentioned during his United Nations General Assembly address. Meanwhile, many of the foreign envoys speaking to WION welcomed the initiative by the MEA. Dean of Diplomatic Corps Hans Dannenberg Castellanos called the briefing as "excellent..very informative and well prepared, with distinguished speakers from Health Sector." Further adding,"all of the Diplomatic Corp that attended were very grateful, pleased and interested in the subject. Kudos to Foreign Secretary, Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Chief of Protocol, Nagesh Singh, for organizing this for the Heads of Missions and Diplomatic community, in a socially distant and safe environment." Kazakh Envoy Yerlan Alimbayev, called the presentation "very informative..Government officials assured that India will make sure every country will get the right vaccine." Venezuela's envoy's Coromoto Godoy echoed similar sentiments saying, "India being the country with the greatest capacity to produce and distribute the vaccine, it is wonderful that PM Modi has guaranteed to put these capacities at the service of humanity." Elaborating, "We had the opportunity to hear about the progress of vaccines, the main ones being between phase II and phase III professing very well." She told WION that her government looks at India as of the country with which it can collaborate for mass production of its own vaccine, once WHO gives approval. Asked on COVID vaccine detail by India, Kyrgystan's Envoy Asein Isaev said Indian officials said they are looking for vaccine "in the first quarter of next year". "It was said that five vaccines are at different stages of development. Out of that three are entirely Indian", Sri Lanka's deputy high commissioner Niluka Kadurugamuwa told WION. Ambassador of Denmark to India Freddy Svane described the briefing as a "great event. India has proven its capacity and capabilities." Bhutan's envoy to India, Maj Gen Vetsop Namgyel also described the briefing as "very good and comprehensive". Amidst the COVID pandemic, India reached out to 150 countries with anti-COVID medicines. It also sent food and medicine aid to 5 Indian ocean countries and to 4 African countries under its Sagar1 & Sagar 2 mission.

Foreign envoys welcome MEA's COVID briefing; India to show its vaccine facility

India on Friday evening summoned Pakistan's top diplomat in Delhi to strongly protest the issue of changing the management of Kartarpur Gurudwara. A project management unit was formed under the&nbsp;Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETBP) by the Pakistani government that had no Sikh on it, sparking angry reactions by Sikh groups.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson&nbsp;Anurag Srivastava&nbsp;said India conveyed to Pakistan's Action High Commissioner Aftab Hasan, "that this unilateral decision by Pakistan is highly condemnable" and "runs against the spirit of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor as also the religious sentiments of the Sikh community at large."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sikh-body-loses-control-of-gurdwara-darbar-sahib-kartarpur-to-pakistan-government-340603" hreflang="en">Sikh body loses control of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur to Pakistan govt</a>

The summoning continued for 20 minutes at the ministry of external affairs headquarters.&nbsp;New Delhi has already received many representations from the Sikh community over the development expressing grave concern at this decision by Pakistan.

The MEA spokesperson said, "Pakistan is called upon to reverse its arbitrary decision to deprive the Sikh minority community of it’s right to manage affairs of the Holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib."

Founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev&nbsp;spent the last 18 years of his life in the Gurudwara which is just a few kilometers away from the International border with India. Earlier the Gurudwara's management was under&nbsp;Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.&nbsp;

It's for the first time that the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has been scrapped off its management rights of this sacred Gurudwara.

India on Friday evening summoned Pakistan's top diplomat in Delhi to strongly protest the issue of changing the management of Kartarpur Gurudwara. A project management unit was formed under the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETBP) by the Pakistani government that had no Sikh on it, sparking angry reactions by Sikh groups.

India on Friday evening summoned Pakistan's top diplomat in Delhi to strongly protest the issue of changing the management of Kartarpur Gurudwara. A project management unit was formed under the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETBP) by the Pakistani government that had no Sikh on it, sparking angry reactions by Sikh groups. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said India conveyed to Pakistan's Action High Commissioner Aftab Hasan, "that this unilateral decision by Pakistan is highly condemnable" and "runs against the spirit of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor as also the religious sentiments of the Sikh community at large." Also read: Sikh body loses control of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur to Pakistan govt The summoning continued for 20 minutes at the ministry of external affairs headquarters. New Delhi has already received many representations from the Sikh community over the development expressing grave concern at this decision by Pakistan. The MEA spokesperson said, "Pakistan is called upon to reverse its arbitrary decision to deprive the Sikh minority community of it’s right to manage affairs of the Holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib." Founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev spent the last 18 years of his life in the Gurudwara which is just a few kilometers away from the International border with India. Earlier the Gurudwara's management was under Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. It's for the first time that the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has been scrapped off its management rights of this sacred Gurudwara.

Kartarpur Gurudwara management issue: India summons Pakistan's top diplomat

Even as India has increased engagement with Nordic and Baltic countries of North European, New Delhi sees the partnership with them for a green and digital future.

Speaking at the India-Nordic-Baltic CII Conclave, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "lessons of our pandemic response to serve the cause of global welfare" and "our growth must consequently be greener, be smarter and be more digital" and given the "meshing of capabilities, outlook and ambition....the India-Nordic-Baltic partnership can make a real difference".

Nordic countries are a group of 5 countries in Northern Europe--Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland, while Baltic countries are 3 countries--Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania who share a coastline with Baltic Sea.

Highlighting how "India and the Nordic-Baltic nations have much in common", EAM said, "our shared values have led to a similar outlook towards global challenges and opportunities".&nbsp;

India has increased engagement with these countries, and 2018 saw first India Nordic summit in Sweden during which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all 5 Nordic leaders were present. Denmark will see the 2nd India Nordic summit and this was one of the key outcomes of the India-Denmark virtual summit that took place earlier this year.&nbsp;

During his address to Nordic and Baltic counterparts, EAM pointed out that India is "keen to promote more resilient global supply chains" and elaborated on India's Atmanirbhar Bharat--self-reliant India policy that "aims to promote entrepreneurship, employment, innovation and skill" and "it would strike a balance between what we build at home, what the world has to offer and what we can contribute."

Present during the virtual meet were--Denmark's foreign minister Jeppe Kofod, Finland's FM Ville Skinnari, Iceland's Industry Minister Kolbrún R. Gylfadóttir, Latvia's FM Edgars Rinkevics &amp; Estonia's FM Urmas Reinsalu. On the Indian side were-- Secretary West, Vikas Swarup, Secretary ER Rahul Chhabra and Joint Secretary Central Europe Neeta Bhushan.

Even as India has increased engagement with Nordic and Baltic countries of North European, New Delhi sees the partnership with them for a green and digital future.

Even as India has increased engagement with Nordic and Baltic countries of North European, New Delhi sees the partnership with them for a green and digital future. Speaking at the India-Nordic-Baltic CII Conclave, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "lessons of our pandemic response to serve the cause of global welfare" and "our growth must consequently be greener, be smarter and be more digital" and given the "meshing of capabilities, outlook and ambition....the India-Nordic-Baltic partnership can make a real difference". Nordic countries are a group of 5 countries in Northern Europe--Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland, while Baltic countries are 3 countries--Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania who share a coastline with Baltic Sea. Highlighting how "India and the Nordic-Baltic nations have much in common", EAM said, "our shared values have led to a similar outlook towards global challenges and opportunities". India has increased engagement with these countries, and 2018 saw first India Nordic summit in Sweden during which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all 5 Nordic leaders were present. Denmark will see the 2nd India Nordic summit and this was one of the key outcomes of the India-Denmark virtual summit that took place earlier this year. During his address to Nordic and Baltic counterparts, EAM pointed out that India is "keen to promote more resilient global supply chains" and elaborated on India's Atmanirbhar Bharat--self-reliant India policy that "aims to promote entrepreneurship, employment, innovation and skill" and "it would strike a balance between what we build at home, what the world has to offer and what we can contribute." Present during the virtual meet were--Denmark's foreign minister Jeppe Kofod, Finland's FM Ville Skinnari, Iceland's Industry Minister Kolbrún R. Gylfadóttir, Latvia's FM Edgars Rinkevics & Estonia's FM Urmas Reinsalu. On the Indian side were-- Secretary West, Vikas Swarup, Secretary ER Rahul Chhabra and Joint Secretary Central Europe Neeta Bhushan.

India will work with Nordic-Baltic countries for greener, smarter, digital & innovation-led future: S Jaishankar

The 8th round of India, China military talks or Corps Commander Talks will take place on Friday. The talks will start at 9.30 am IST in Chushul at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh.&nbsp;

The first round of talks happened in early June but was followed by Galwan incident. 20 Indian soldiers died in violent clashes due to Chinese aggressiveness in the area. China also suffered casualties but never came out with figures.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Defence minister Rajnath Singh said, India is determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity "in the face of unilateralism and aggression, no matter what the sacrifice".

The Chinese foreign minister last week described the border situation "generally stable" at the moment, with both sides having "unimpeded channels for communication" and are "properly handling matters through consultation and negotiation."

India has called for early disengagement, but Chinese forces have maintained a presence in the north bank of the Pangong Lake. This year has seen the longest India China standoff at the Line of Actual control in many decades starting in May and still continuing.

The 8th round of India, China military talks or Corps Commander Talks will take place on Friday. The talks will start at 9.30 am IST in Chushul at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh.

The 8th round of India, China military talks or Corps Commander Talks will take place on Friday. The talks will start at 9.30 am IST in Chushul at the line of actual control in Eastern Ladakh. The first round of talks happened in early June but was followed by Galwan incident. 20 Indian soldiers died in violent clashes due to Chinese aggressiveness in the area. China also suffered casualties but never came out with figures. On Thursday, Defence minister Rajnath Singh said, India is determined to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity "in the face of unilateralism and aggression, no matter what the sacrifice". The Chinese foreign minister last week described the border situation "generally stable" at the moment, with both sides having "unimpeded channels for communication" and are "properly handling matters through consultation and negotiation." India has called for early disengagement, but Chinese forces have maintained a presence in the north bank of the Pangong Lake. This year has seen the longest India China standoff at the Line of Actual control in many decades starting in May and still continuing.

Ladakh standoff: India and China to hold 8th round of military talks on Friday

Indian government is in touch with the Chinese side to facilitate "essential travel" of Indians to and from China even as Beijing has announced that it barred travel from India.&nbsp;

A release from the Chinese embassy said, due to the COVID pandemic China has decided to "temporarily suspend" the entry into China by "foreign nationals in India holding valid Chinese visas or residence permits.”&nbsp;

The release explained the suspension is a "temporary measurement" that China has to "adopt" to deal with the current covid crisis and the country will make "further adjustment and announcement in accordance" with the ongoing pandemic situation. The entry into China with visas issued after November 3, 2020, is not affected by this announcement.&nbsp;

Indian government sources explained that the "measure is not India specific" and "similar measures have been announced in respect of several other countries".

Other than India, the Chinese embassy in Belgium, UK and Philippines have also announced that temporary suspension of entry into China by Non-Chinese nationals in these countries despite holding visas or residence permits.&nbsp;

The announcement by the Chinese side comes in the backdrop after 19 Indians tested covid positive on Vande Bharat flight from Delhi to Wuhan on October 30. While the fate of upcoming Vande Bharat mission (VBM) flights is not known, 4 flights from Wuhan to Delhi are scheduled as of now on--November 13, 20th 27 and December 4. A planned VBM flight on November 6 from Delhi to Wuhan and back to Delhi did not receive required clearance from Chinese authorities and the flight has been postponed.

Indian government is in touch with the Chinese side to facilitate "essential travel" of Indians to and from China even as Beijing has announced that it barred travel from India.

Indian government is in touch with the Chinese side to facilitate "essential travel" of Indians to and from China even as Beijing has announced that it barred travel from India. A release from the Chinese embassy said, due to the COVID pandemic China has decided to "temporarily suspend" the entry into China by "foreign nationals in India holding valid Chinese visas or residence permits.” The release explained the suspension is a "temporary measurement" that China has to "adopt" to deal with the current covid crisis and the country will make "further adjustment and announcement in accordance" with the ongoing pandemic situation. The entry into China with visas issued after November 3, 2020, is not affected by this announcement. Indian government sources explained that the "measure is not India specific" and "similar measures have been announced in respect of several other countries". Other than India, the Chinese embassy in Belgium, UK and Philippines have also announced that temporary suspension of entry into China by Non-Chinese nationals in these countries despite holding visas or residence permits. The announcement by the Chinese side comes in the backdrop after 19 Indians tested covid positive on Vande Bharat flight from Delhi to Wuhan on October 30. While the fate of upcoming Vande Bharat mission (VBM) flights is not known, 4 flights from Wuhan to Delhi are scheduled as of now on--November 13, 20th 27 and December 4. A planned VBM flight on November 6 from Delhi to Wuhan and back to Delhi did not receive required clearance from Chinese authorities and the flight has been postponed.

In touch with China to facilitate ‘essential travel’ says New Delhi as Beijing bars travel from India

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