With Africa in focus, India has suggested that national governments should be part of taking calls where the UN peacebuilding commission are active and has urged "donors and international organizations (to) provide flexibility" for program re-design amidst COVID pandemic.

India in its statement at the United Nations Security Council or UNSC said, "national governments should support and engage local peacebuilders to help design and lead COVID-19 sensitization and response efforts to help mitigate further conflict, prevent violence, adapt and sustain peace processes, and rebuild social cohesion."

The New Delhi in its statement on the subject “Pandemics and the Challenges of Sustaining Peace” gave a 10-point suggestion under which UN peacekeeping should adapt as the world faces the COVID pandemic.

Majority of UN peacebuilding work takes place in Africa where New Delhi has a huge interest and the suggestions are largely in that context. &nbsp;

The suggestion included UN Secretariat carrying out "realistic assessment" of contingents in the mission areas with "troop competencies need to be a critical requirement of selection criteria."

It called on troop contributing countries to adhere to "training plans, including pre-deployment and in-mission training" and "peacebuilding, has to....rest on institutions and not on individuals" with "strengthening of national institutions combined with the strengthening of democratic structures (that) should not be compromised in the face of the crisis brought about by the pandemic."

"Institution building", is an area where India's strength lies and has provided support in areas like judicial systems, elections, etc.

Highlighting how "India has been a positive contributor to international peace and security", the statement said, "We area major Troop Contributing Country to the UN Peacekeeping Operations, including through women peacekeepers."

Other suggestions include ensuring other things such as the participation of women and youth, peacebuilders to counter misinformation and combat “infodemic” of false information, &nbsp;increased support for psycho-social and trauma healing programs during the crisis.

Amidst the pandemic, India has deployed additional medical personnel and equipment to the military hospitals in Goma, United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo &nbsp;(MONUSCO) and Juba, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

With Africa in focus, India has suggested that national governments should be part of taking calls where the UN peacebuilding commission are active and has urged "donors and international organizations (to) provide flexibility" for program re-design amidst COVID pandemic.

With Africa in focus, India has suggested that national governments should be part of taking calls where the UN peacebuilding commission are active and has urged "donors and international organizations (to) provide flexibility" for program re-design amidst COVID pandemic. India in its statement at the United Nations Security Council or UNSC said, "national governments should support and engage local peacebuilders to help design and lead COVID-19 sensitization and response efforts to help mitigate further conflict, prevent violence, adapt and sustain peace processes, and rebuild social cohesion." The New Delhi in its statement on the subject “Pandemics and the Challenges of Sustaining Peace” gave a 10-point suggestion under which UN peacekeeping should adapt as the world faces the COVID pandemic. Majority of UN peacebuilding work takes place in Africa where New Delhi has a huge interest and the suggestions are largely in that context. The suggestion included UN Secretariat carrying out "realistic assessment" of contingents in the mission areas with "troop competencies need to be a critical requirement of selection criteria." It called on troop contributing countries to adhere to "training plans, including pre-deployment and in-mission training" and "peacebuilding, has to....rest on institutions and not on individuals" with "strengthening of national institutions combined with the strengthening of democratic structures (that) should not be compromised in the face of the crisis brought about by the pandemic." "Institution building", is an area where India's strength lies and has provided support in areas like judicial systems, elections, etc. Highlighting how "India has been a positive contributor to international peace and security", the statement said, "We area major Troop Contributing Country to the UN Peacekeeping Operations, including through women peacekeepers." Other suggestions include ensuring other things such as the participation of women and youth, peacebuilders to counter misinformation and combat “infodemic” of false information, increased support for psycho-social and trauma healing programs during the crisis. Amidst the pandemic, India has deployed additional medical personnel and equipment to the military hospitals in Goma, United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and Juba, United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

With Africa in focus, India says national governments should be part of peacebuilding

In an indirect reference to Pakistan, India has said "conflict actors" are trying to exploit the current uncertainty created due to COVID-19 pandemic to indulge misinformation, terrorist attacks.&nbsp;

In a statement at the united nations security council (UNSC), India said, " Some conflict actors are exploiting the current climate of uncertainty to press their agendas, including through spread of misinformation to foment discord and violence and even sponsor opportunistic terrorist attacks."

Highlighting how COVID-19 Pandemic has "caused global disruption" on a "scale that has not been experienced before by this generation", the statement said, "the pandemic is still raging, and its implications, though hard to foretell in exact terms, is certain to be profound and multidimensional."

New Delhi said, "pandemics can exacerbate the humanitarian consequences of any conflict situation....maintenance of peace and security, including UN peacekeeping operations"

The UN Secretary-General in a meeting of Security Council on 9 April had pointed out how the pandemic can lead to erosion of trust in public institutions, a rise in societal tensions etc.&nbsp;

India suggested the use of "digital solutions" to bring communities closer together especially in sharing life-saving information on how to survive the pandemic and it is "important for international players to look at a model of international development and humanitarian action which will strengthen not just the national response to COVID-19 but also promote essential pillars of peacebuilding." 
&nbsp;

In an indirect reference to Pakistan, India has said "conflict actors" are trying to exploit the current uncertainty created due to COVID-19 pandemic to indulge misinformation, terrorist attacks.

In an indirect reference to Pakistan, India has said "conflict actors" are trying to exploit the current uncertainty created due to COVID-19 pandemic to indulge misinformation, terrorist attacks. In a statement at the united nations security council (UNSC), India said, " Some conflict actors are exploiting the current climate of uncertainty to press their agendas, including through spread of misinformation to foment discord and violence and even sponsor opportunistic terrorist attacks." Highlighting how COVID-19 Pandemic has "caused global disruption" on a "scale that has not been experienced before by this generation", the statement said, "the pandemic is still raging, and its implications, though hard to foretell in exact terms, is certain to be profound and multidimensional." New Delhi said, "pandemics can exacerbate the humanitarian consequences of any conflict situation....maintenance of peace and security, including UN peacekeeping operations" The UN Secretary-General in a meeting of Security Council on 9 April had pointed out how the pandemic can lead to erosion of trust in public institutions, a rise in societal tensions etc. India suggested the use of "digital solutions" to bring communities closer together especially in sharing life-saving information on how to survive the pandemic and it is "important for international players to look at a model of international development and humanitarian action which will strengthen not just the national response to COVID-19 but also promote essential pillars of peacebuilding."

'Conflict actors' exploiting COVID-19 for misinformation, terror attacks, says India at UNSC

Sediq Sediqqi, the spokesperson of the Afghan President has said that India has played an important role in the country's democracy and lauded New Delhi's "very principled policy" towards Afghanistan of standing with the "legitimate government of the people".&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kabul, Sediqqi also spoke on the Afghan peace process saying, "ball is in the court of the Taliban" to begin peace talks and he hoped "it doesn't take any longer because people are waiting and huge national consensus".&nbsp;

On Pakistan, the Afghan spokesperson said, "not only Afghanistan but the global community is asking Pakistan to play an important and positive role for our peace."&nbsp;

His comments come hours after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani signed a decree to release the 400 Taliban prisoners as agreed in the Loya Jirga or the Grand Assembly which could soon lead to formal peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban.

WION: How do you see current India-Afghan ties.

Sediq Sediqqi: No doubt the relationship between India and Afghanistan is a very historic relation. It is between the people of both countries. It is between the governments of both countries. It is an all-weather friendship we have enjoyed, especially in the last 20 years when Afghanistan needed a true friend when we started the path of reconstruction and building our democracies.&nbsp;

India was a very strong and proper model in terms of working with us, support us, along with the international community in Afghanistan so that we have a different system and we are a democratic country. I will again say we have a very strong relationship. We are happy to build on that and we are grateful to the great nation of India for so many years.

WION: How have India and &nbsp;Afghanistan been collaborating amid COVID-19:

Sediq Sediqqi: From the start of the pandemic both countries and the leaders of both countries engaged meaningfully. They talk to each other, and there was a summit organised by the Prime Minister of India in which our president presented the strategy on Afghanistan on how to address pandemic in Afghanistan and there is a quiet exchange of experience between the 2 countries, exchange of expertise. We are grateful for the support we have been receiving so far in that area especially 75,000 tonnes of wheat that India promised to Afghanistan, of a big number has arrived in Afghanistan. Besides that, there was medical support, medical assistance to Afghanistan so that we can fight together this pandemic.

WION: On connectivity, Chabahar as become the focal point. Also on Chabahr Zahedan rail project, how has been the progress. India, Iran and Afghanistan working on the project...

Sediq Sediqqi: Afghanistan is pursuing the goal of regional connectivity, which is the expansion of trade and transit. That has been our quest. Chabahar is playing a crucial role in terms of the export of Afghan products to India, reaching out to India via Chabahar is a game-changer and we in the past 6 months were able to export 6000 metric tonnes of Afghani products to India. That plays a very important role. Afghanistan has opened its proposal of furthering and strengthening regional cooperation, and we are now connected with central Asian countries.&nbsp;

Afghanistan just signed a 10-year contract with Uzbekistan to export electricity and energy, so that kind of agenda we are pursuing, we would really rely on the political support of countries like India and central Asia. So we have to connect all these countries together. We are trying to introduce a new Afghanistan with a new agenda which is basically an expansion of trade, transit and mutual cooperation.&nbsp;

WION: Can you update us on the Afghan peace process, the jirga just meet...

Sediq Sediqqi: The Jirga played an important role in terms of naming a new milestone for the peace process. Some 3400 people's representatives came to Kabul in the great assembly, we call it jirga to actually, to give govt a clear instruction in the peace process.&nbsp;

The first recommendation they gave to govt was to release 400 Taliban members and prisoners with the Afghan govt. So Afghan president signed a decree so they are released according to recommendations, or the decisions of the Loya jirga. So we think, that we have to move forward, we will have to see what will be Taliban reaction to this.&nbsp;

The Taliban has to reciprocate the decision that Afghan people took in the jirga. It is now up to the Taliban, the ball is in the court of the Taliban. People are ready, the Afghan government is ready, we have the negotiating team ready, so we hope very much that we see practical commitments, a clear commitment from the Taliban side to enter the negotiations.&nbsp;

There are some rumours, some dates moving around but I will not able to tell u what are the exact dates when the talks begin but we hope as the Taliban had said and our allies say to us, within 3 days of prisoners exchange the peace talks will begin. We are all waiting, the Afghan people are waiting to see, what will be the next move by the Taliban because the Afghan govt has taken all those steps so that peace talks can start.

WION: So peace talks can start perhaps within a fortnight?

Sediq Sediqqi: We hope that before that talks will begin. As the President said in the Jirga, after the release of the Taliban, the remaining prisoners-- date, which could be this week, which could be next week but we hope it doesn't take any longer because people are waiting and huge national consensus and demands by the Afghan people to start the talks.

WION: Where do you see India's role in the Afghan peace process?

Sediq Sediqqi: The major global consensus that are supporting Afghan govt, a democratic, unified and independent Afghanistan which is the end state of not one the Afghan people, but the global community, so we want a sovereign Afghanistan, peace within itself, peace with the region and with the global community. India has a very principled policy towards Afghanistan. That is what we expect from India as a friend, to stand with the legitimate government of the people.&nbsp;

Many other countries have expressed support for unified and democratic Afghanistan, that is what we demand from our friends because in the past 20 years, we have faced an enormous price to have a democratic and independent country.&nbsp;

Our gains are not reversible, but they are irreversible gains we have made. It is not only the Afghan govt, the people that have made the gains. We have done it with our global partners, regional partners and India has played an important role in our democracy and in our development.&nbsp;

WION: The&nbsp;role of&nbsp;Islamabad in the region, and in Afghanistan, do you see a negative role?

Sediq Sediqqi: Pakistan has to support, a democratic and unified and a sovereign Afghanistan. We really expect the Pakistani govt to stand with the Afghan govt, and Afghan people and in true sense support the peace process in Afghanistan, which is in the good of Pakistanis and also as I said, earlier that our agenda is to improve and strengthen regional cooperation and trade and transit.&nbsp;

So we will have to see that role that is expected from Pakistan, not only Afghanistan but the global community is asking Pakistan to play an important and positive role for our peace and for the peace of the region and of course for the peace of the globe.&nbsp;

In the past few months, few visits of Pakistani officials to Afghanistan has taken place and they have expressed the willingness, expressed support to the Afghan peace process. We will have to see that materialise and we hope very much that there will be strong positive role by Pakistan as a neighbour to Afghanistan in our peace process.&nbsp;

WION: Minorities in Afghanistan are coming to India..how do you see the development?

Sediq Sediqqi: They are not our minorities. We will not call them minorities. They are our soul mates, they are our Afghan brothers and sisters and we feel so sad because they are leaving. We hope very much they don't leave. They stay in the country, we should work very hard to provide them security and that is the responsibility of the government.&nbsp;

Watching them leave the country, is sad and we all are sad. We never hope to see our brothers and sisters from Sikh and Hindu community to leave us, they are our soul mates, they are flowers of our garden and we will never call them minorities, they are Afghans.&nbsp;

It is sad that Afghans are being targeted by these terrorist groups. It is a threat are not only to them but to all of us. We hope very much that one day they will come back and live in their own country. We will not see that our citizens are forced to leave and that is a pain in our heart and we are forced to carry that.&nbsp;

Sediq Sediqqi, the spokesperson of the Afghan President has said that India has played an important role in the country's democracy and lauded New Delhi's "very principled policy" towards Afghanistan of standing with the "legitimate government of the people".

Sediq Sediqqi, the spokesperson of the Afghan President has said that India has played an important role in the country's democracy and lauded New Delhi's "very principled policy" towards Afghanistan of standing with the "legitimate government of the people". Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kabul, Sediqqi also spoke on the Afghan peace process saying, "ball is in the court of the Taliban" to begin peace talks and he hoped "it doesn't take any longer because people are waiting and huge national consensus". On Pakistan, the Afghan spokesperson said, "not only Afghanistan but the global community is asking Pakistan to play an important and positive role for our peace." His comments come hours after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani signed a decree to release the 400 Taliban prisoners as agreed in the Loya Jirga or the Grand Assembly which could soon lead to formal peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban. WION: How do you see current India-Afghan ties. Sediq Sediqqi: No doubt the relationship between India and Afghanistan is a very historic relation. It is between the people of both countries. It is between the governments of both countries. It is an all-weather friendship we have enjoyed, especially in the last 20 years when Afghanistan needed a true friend when we started the path of reconstruction and building our democracies. India was a very strong and proper model in terms of working with us, support us, along with the international community in Afghanistan so that we have a different system and we are a democratic country. I will again say we have a very strong relationship. We are happy to build on that and we are grateful to the great nation of India for so many years. WION: How have India and Afghanistan been collaborating amid COVID-19: Sediq Sediqqi: From the start of the pandemic both countries and the leaders of both countries engaged meaningfully. They talk to each other, and there was a summit organised by the Prime Minister of India in which our president presented the strategy on Afghanistan on how to address pandemic in Afghanistan and there is a quiet exchange of experience between the 2 countries, exchange of expertise. We are grateful for the support we have been receiving so far in that area especially 75,000 tonnes of wheat that India promised to Afghanistan, of a big number has arrived in Afghanistan. Besides that, there was medical support, medical assistance to Afghanistan so that we can fight together this pandemic. WION: On connectivity, Chabahar as become the focal point. Also on Chabahr Zahedan rail project, how has been the progress. India, Iran and Afghanistan working on the project... Sediq Sediqqi: Afghanistan is pursuing the goal of regional connectivity, which is the expansion of trade and transit. That has been our quest. Chabahar is playing a crucial role in terms of the export of Afghan products to India, reaching out to India via Chabahar is a game-changer and we in the past 6 months were able to export 6000 metric tonnes of Afghani products to India. That plays a very important role. Afghanistan has opened its proposal of furthering and strengthening regional cooperation, and we are now connected with central Asian countries. Afghanistan just signed a 10-year contract with Uzbekistan to export electricity and energy, so that kind of agenda we are pursuing, we would really rely on the political support of countries like India and central Asia. So we have to connect all these countries together. We are trying to introduce a new Afghanistan with a new agenda which is basically an expansion of trade, transit and mutual cooperation. WION: Can you update us on the Afghan peace process, the jirga just meet... Sediq Sediqqi: The Jirga played an important role in terms of naming a new milestone for the peace process. Some 3400 people's representatives came to Kabul in the great assembly, we call it jirga to actually, to give govt a clear instruction in the peace process. The first recommendation they gave to govt was to release 400 Taliban members and prisoners with the Afghan govt. So Afghan president signed a decree so they are released according to recommendations, or the decisions of the Loya jirga. So we think, that we have to move forward, we will have to see what will be Taliban reaction to this. The Taliban has to reciprocate the decision that Afghan people took in the jirga. It is now up to the Taliban, the ball is in the court of the Taliban. People are ready, the Afghan government is ready, we have the negotiating team ready, so we hope very much that we see practical commitments, a clear commitment from the Taliban side to enter the negotiations. There are some rumours, some dates moving around but I will not able to tell u what are the exact dates when the talks begin but we hope as the Taliban had said and our allies say to us, within 3 days of prisoners exchange the peace talks will begin. We are all waiting, the Afghan people are waiting to see, what will be the next move by the Taliban because the Afghan govt has taken all those steps so that peace talks can start. WION: So peace talks can start perhaps within a fortnight? Sediq Sediqqi: We hope that before that talks will begin. As the President said in the Jirga, after the release of the Taliban, the remaining prisoners-- date, which could be this week, which could be next week but we hope it doesn't take any longer because people are waiting and huge national consensus and demands by the Afghan people to start the talks. WION: Where do you see India's role in the Afghan peace process? Sediq Sediqqi: The major global consensus that are supporting Afghan govt, a democratic, unified and independent Afghanistan which is the end state of not one the Afghan people, but the global community, so we want a sovereign Afghanistan, peace within itself, peace with the region and with the global community. India has a very principled policy towards Afghanistan. That is what we expect from India as a friend, to stand with the legitimate government of the people. Many other countries have expressed support for unified and democratic Afghanistan, that is what we demand from our friends because in the past 20 years, we have faced an enormous price to have a democratic and independent country. Our gains are not reversible, but they are irreversible gains we have made. It is not only the Afghan govt, the people that have made the gains. We have done it with our global partners, regional partners and India has played an important role in our democracy and in our development. WION: The role of Islamabad in the region, and in Afghanistan, do you see a negative role? Sediq Sediqqi: Pakistan has to support, a democratic and unified and a sovereign Afghanistan. We really expect the Pakistani govt to stand with the Afghan govt, and Afghan people and in true sense support the peace process in Afghanistan, which is in the good of Pakistanis and also as I said, earlier that our agenda is to improve and strengthen regional cooperation and trade and transit. So we will have to see that role that is expected from Pakistan, not only Afghanistan but the global community is asking Pakistan to play an important and positive role for our peace and for the peace of the region and of course for the peace of the globe. In the past few months, few visits of Pakistani officials to Afghanistan has taken place and they have expressed the willingness, expressed support to the Afghan peace process. We will have to see that materialise and we hope very much that there will be strong positive role by Pakistan as a neighbour to Afghanistan in our peace process. WION: Minorities in Afghanistan are coming to India..how do you see the development? Sediq Sediqqi: They are not our minorities. We will not call them minorities. They are our soul mates, they are our Afghan brothers and sisters and we feel so sad because they are leaving. We hope very much they don't leave. They stay in the country, we should work very hard to provide them security and that is the responsibility of the government. Watching them leave the country, is sad and we all are sad. We never hope to see our brothers and sisters from Sikh and Hindu community to leave us, they are our soul mates, they are flowers of our garden and we will never call them minorities, they are Afghans. It is sad that Afghans are being targeted by these terrorist groups. It is a threat are not only to them but to all of us. We hope very much that one day they will come back and live in their own country. We will not see that our citizens are forced to leave and that is a pain in our heart and we are forced to carry that.

Exclusive: India played an important role in our democracy, says Sediq Sediqqi, spokesperson of Afghan president

India on Tuesday expressed interest in getting Russian COVID vaccine Sputnik V according to a statement. The statement on the website dedicated to the "world's first registered Covid-19 vaccine" lists out India along with 20 other countries that have shown interest in getting the vaccine.

The statement says," At least 20 countries had expressed interest in obtaining the Sputnik V, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Philippines, Brazil, Mexico and India."

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday announced his country has come out with vaccine against COVID, with one dose being given to his daughters.&nbsp;

Russian Direct Investment Fund or RDIF, Russia's Sovereign wealth fund is financing the production of the vaccine and sees "strong global interest in the vaccine", according to the statement.&nbsp;

The statement explained RDIF plans to "conduct Phase 3 clinical trials in different countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Brazil, India and Philippines" and "start mass production in other countries in partnership with local sovereign wealth funds, including India, South Korea and Brazil, as well as, in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Cuba."

Mass production of the vaccine is expected to start in September 2020. Future plans include ramping up the vaccine production to 200 million doses by the end of 2020 including 30 million doses in Russia.

India on Tuesday expressed interest in getting Russian COVID vaccine Sputnik V according to a statement. The statement on the website dedicated to the "world's first registered Covid-19 vaccine" lists out India along with 20 other countries that have shown interest in getting the vaccine.

India on Tuesday expressed interest in getting Russian COVID vaccine Sputnik V according to a statement. The statement on the website dedicated to the "world's first registered Covid-19 vaccine" lists out India along with 20 other countries that have shown interest in getting the vaccine. The statement says," At least 20 countries had expressed interest in obtaining the Sputnik V, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Philippines, Brazil, Mexico and India." Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday announced his country has come out with vaccine against COVID, with one dose being given to his daughters. Russian Direct Investment Fund or RDIF, Russia's Sovereign wealth fund is financing the production of the vaccine and sees "strong global interest in the vaccine", according to the statement. The statement explained RDIF plans to "conduct Phase 3 clinical trials in different countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Brazil, India and Philippines" and "start mass production in other countries in partnership with local sovereign wealth funds, including India, South Korea and Brazil, as well as, in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Cuba." Mass production of the vaccine is expected to start in September 2020. Future plans include ramping up the vaccine production to 200 million doses by the end of 2020 including 30 million doses in Russia.

Russian COVID-19 vaccine: New Delhi expresses interest as Moscow scouts for mass production in India

Reacting to Afghanistan government's call for moving forward on the talks, the Taliban on Tuesday said that they will move forward with peace parleys only after all prisoners are released.&nbsp;

"We will start intra-Afghan negotiations but they should release all remaining prisoners from the list that they are holding now," Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen told WION.

His comments came after Sediq Sediqqi, spokesperson of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in an interview to WION called for "clear commitment from the Taliban side to enter the negotiations. "

Sediqqi said, "It is now up to the Taliban, the ball is in the court of the Taliban. People are ready, the Afghan government is ready, we have the negotiating team ready."

Over the weekend the Afghan Loya Jirga or grand assembly agreed on the release of 400 Taliban prisoners. The Afghan president signed the order for the release on Monday. While the dates are still not announced on Afghan Govt-Taliban talks, hopes are that it will begin in a few days time.

Reacting to Afghanistan government's call for moving forward on the talks, the Taliban on Tuesday said that they will move forward with peace parleys only after all prisoners are released.

Reacting to Afghanistan government's call for moving forward on the talks, the Taliban on Tuesday said that they will move forward with peace parleys only after all prisoners are released. "We will start intra-Afghan negotiations but they should release all remaining prisoners from the list that they are holding now," Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen told WION. His comments came after Sediq Sediqqi, spokesperson of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in an interview to WION called for "clear commitment from the Taliban side to enter the negotiations. " Sediqqi said, "It is now up to the Taliban, the ball is in the court of the Taliban. People are ready, the Afghan government is ready, we have the negotiating team ready." Over the weekend the Afghan Loya Jirga or grand assembly agreed on the release of 400 Taliban prisoners. The Afghan president signed the order for the release on Monday. While the dates are still not announced on Afghan Govt-Taliban talks, hopes are that it will begin in a few days time.

Taliban reacts to WION interview with Afghan govt spokesperson; says peace talks after prisoners released

India will be sending relief and humanitarian supplies to Lebanon as the country deals with the aftermath of the Beirut blast that killed more than 200 people.

India's envoy to United Nations TS&nbsp;Tirumurti said, "India has just recently sent Lebanon essential medical items to combat COVID-19. We are immediately sending more relief and humanitarian material of medicines, foodstuff and other essential items to do whatever we can to alleviate the difficulties on the ground. We are discussing with the Government of Lebanon on how we can contribute further."

He was speaking at United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs UNOCHA meeting on Lebanon.

Extending India's condolences to Lebanon on the "terrible human tragedy", Envoy Tirumurti said, "We are shocked by the loss of human lives and the widespread destruction this has caused in Beirut. We pray for strength to families to overcome their great loss."

Recalling his visit to the city of Beirut last year and India’s close relations, including through "our peacekeepers" in United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) , he added, "I admire the resilience of the people and the dedication of the rescue workers to cope with this tragedy".

India will be sending relief and humanitarian supplies to Lebanon as the country deals with the aftermath of the Beirut blast that killed more than 200 people. India's envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti said, "India has just recently sent Lebanon essential medical items to combat COVID-19.

India will be sending relief and humanitarian supplies to Lebanon as the country deals with the aftermath of the Beirut blast that killed more than 200 people. India's envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti said, "India has just recently sent Lebanon essential medical items to combat COVID-19. We are immediately sending more relief and humanitarian material of medicines, foodstuff and other essential items to do whatever we can to alleviate the difficulties on the ground. We are discussing with the Government of Lebanon on how we can contribute further." He was speaking at United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs UNOCHA meeting on Lebanon. Extending India's condolences to Lebanon on the "terrible human tragedy", Envoy Tirumurti said, "We are shocked by the loss of human lives and the widespread destruction this has caused in Beirut. We pray for strength to families to overcome their great loss." Recalling his visit to the city of Beirut last year and India’s close relations, including through "our peacekeepers" in United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) , he added, "I admire the resilience of the people and the dedication of the rescue workers to cope with this tragedy".

Beirut blast: India to send relief and humanitarian supplies to Lebanon

India will increase its diplomatic presence at its mission to the United Nations ahead of taking the role as a non-permanent member at UNSC from 1st January 2021.&nbsp;

India will be appointing four more diplomats who will serve at the Indian mission to UN in New York viz. R Ravindran IFS 1999, Pratik Mathur IFS 2007, Ashish Sharma IFS 2009, Rajesh Parihar IFS 2009.

The mission is led by Ambassador T S Tirumurti who is India's top diplomat at the Indian mission to UN--India's Permanent Representative(PR) and Ambassador Nagaraj Naidu, Deputy&nbsp;Permanent Representative (DPR),&nbsp;both of which are Ambassador level ranks. R Ravindra currently Joint Secretary (Central and West Africa) will be the Political Coordinator for UNSC matter and his designation will be&nbsp;Deputy&nbsp;Permanent Representative. All UNSC member countries have political coordinators, which in India's case will be--R Ravindra.&nbsp;

Pratik Mathur is currently Deputy Secretary PMO, Ashish Sharma is in protocol division of MEA and Rajesh Parihar is first secretary (Economic &amp; Commerce) at the Indian mission in Bejing.

With a strong Beijing connection, four&nbsp;diplomats -- Deputy envoy Nagaraj Naidu, Madhu Sudan, Prateek Mathur and Siddharth Malik, are Mandarin speakers. Madhu Sudan was Prime Minister Modi's interpreter at the informal Wuhan summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April of 2018.&nbsp;

India has 14 diplomats at its mission in the UN and with the addition of four, strength will go up to 18. Other Indian diplomats are Amarnath, Mayank Singh, Vidisha Maitra, Yedla Umashankar, Deepak Misra, &nbsp;Paulomi Tripathi, Mijito Vinito, Gopal K Wadhwa with Col. Sandeep Kapoor looking into Peacekeeping and Thirugnana Sambandan into Peacekeeping issues relating to Police.

India got elected to the UNSC in June with the overwhelming support of 184 votes out of 192 countries.&nbsp;

It was elected unopposed, as New Delhi was the sole candidate for the Asia-Pacific seat. As the founding member of the world body, India has already served seven times as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

India will increase its diplomatic presence at its mission to the United Nations ahead of taking the role as a non-permanent member at UNSC from 1st January 2021.

India will increase its diplomatic presence at its mission to the United Nations ahead of taking the role as a non-permanent member at UNSC from 1st January 2021. India will be appointing four more diplomats who will serve at the Indian mission to UN in New York viz. R Ravindran IFS 1999, Pratik Mathur IFS 2007, Ashish Sharma IFS 2009, Rajesh Parihar IFS 2009. The mission is led by Ambassador T S Tirumurti who is India's top diplomat at the Indian mission to UN--India's Permanent Representative(PR) and Ambassador Nagaraj Naidu, Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR), both of which are Ambassador level ranks. R Ravindra currently Joint Secretary (Central and West Africa) will be the Political Coordinator for UNSC matter and his designation will be Deputy Permanent Representative. All UNSC member countries have political coordinators, which in India's case will be--R Ravindra. Pratik Mathur is currently Deputy Secretary PMO, Ashish Sharma is in protocol division of MEA and Rajesh Parihar is first secretary (Economic & Commerce) at the Indian mission in Bejing. With a strong Beijing connection, four diplomats -- Deputy envoy Nagaraj Naidu, Madhu Sudan, Prateek Mathur and Siddharth Malik, are Mandarin speakers. Madhu Sudan was Prime Minister Modi's interpreter at the informal Wuhan summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April of 2018. India has 14 diplomats at its mission in the UN and with the addition of four, strength will go up to 18. Other Indian diplomats are Amarnath, Mayank Singh, Vidisha Maitra, Yedla Umashankar, Deepak Misra, Paulomi Tripathi, Mijito Vinito, Gopal K Wadhwa with Col. Sandeep Kapoor looking into Peacekeeping and Thirugnana Sambandan into Peacekeeping issues relating to Police. India got elected to the UNSC in June with the overwhelming support of 184 votes out of 192 countries. It was elected unopposed, as New Delhi was the sole candidate for the Asia-Pacific seat. As the founding member of the world body, India has already served seven times as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

India to send 4 diplomats to New York as it takes seat at UNSC high table

Highlighting the "shared Buddhist Heritage", India on Sunday said, Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism was born in Lumbini in Nepal. The comments came in response to Nepal's reaction to external affairs ministry's remarks yesterday at the CII event regarding Buddhist heritage.

Highlighting the "shared Buddhist Heritage", India on Sunday said, Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism was born in Lumbini in Nepal. The comments came in response to Nepal's reaction to external affairs ministry's remarks yesterday at the CII event regarding Buddhist heritage. ''There is no doubt that Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini, which is in Nepal", S Jaishankar said. "Who are the 2 greatest Indians ever that you can remember. I can say one is Gautam Buddha and the other is Mahatma Gandhi. Not just greatest Indians as you and I remember, but greatest Indian that the world remembers, " he said. The Nepal foreign ministry had sharply reacted to the development saying, " “It is a well-established and undeniable fact proven by historical and archaeological evidence that Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal. Lumbini, the Birthplace of Buddha and the fountain of Buddhism, is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites." Adding, "It is true that Buddhism spread from Nepal to other parts of the world in the subsequent period. The matter remains beyond doubt and controversy and thus cannot be a subject of debate. The entire international community is aware of this.” Buddha, born in Lumbini, attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, gave his first sermon at Sarnath and died in Kushinagar. Buddha was the son of Suddhodana who was the leader of Shakya in Magadha situated in present-day Nepal and India. The development comes even as Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli has again reiterated that Lord Ram was a Nepali. Oli spoke to a delegation of Madi municipality in Chitwan district in Nepal and told them he believes Lord Ram was born in that area. He called for developing the region and building a Ram Temple. Nepal PM also suggested the name of the municipality be changed to Ayodhyapuri. Last week Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a Ram Temple in Ayodhya, UP.

India says Buddha was born in Lumbini in Nepal

The mega Chinese infrastructure project - China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that passes through the length of Pakistan, other than saddling Islamabad with debt has other issues now--corruption and scuffles between Chinese labourers and Pakistani soldiers.

One such incident which occurred on July 21 has come to light in which physical altercation took place between Chinese labourers and Pakistan protection party working on CPEC's Main Line -1 (ML-1) Karachi-Peshawar project.

The incident took place in Pakistan's most populated Punjab Province's Bahawalpur District between 6.30 am to 6.45 am. Details of the incident have been mentioned in a letter from Lt Col Imran Qasim, commanding officer 27 Wing of Special Security Division (SSD) based at Bahawalpur to HQ 341 Light Commando Brigade.

To provide protection to Chinese workers, Pakistan has been providing "protection party" and in this case six Pak army personnel from 341 Light Commando Brigade led by Havaldar Asad Ullah were provided to protect four Chinese labourers namely Li Yuyun, Li Yujun, Li Guoying and Bu Lei. In all the group had twelve people, including two Chinese civilians and one Pakistani army vehicle.

The work was to be done at two sites: Tower G-1526 &amp; Tower G-1523. The Chinese group was led by Li Yuyun who insisted on moving to G-1523 with the entire group, leaving only one Chinese labourer at G-1526.&nbsp;

Havaldar Asad Ullah suggested an additional soldier and a Chinese vehicle should be left with the one Chinese labourer. While Asad wanted to clarify the issue with his seniors due to language problem, he was assaulted by Li Yuyun by hitting on his head twice. This made other Pakistani soldiers angry with Sapper Fazal ur Rehman come to the rescue of Asad before he was also attacked by other Chinese workers.

When the matter was reported to Camp commandant Maj Shehzad, who asked his soldiers to not confront with Chinese and the matter was quietly hushed up.&nbsp;

In the current incident, Lt Col Imran Qasim, Commanding officer of 27 Special Security Division has been involved in making money, by providing local labourers to Chinese contractors via proxy. The officer is involved in the embezzlement of tens of lakhs Pakistani rupees. &nbsp;Maj Shehzad's lack of proactive action against the Chinese is believed to be under the direction of Lt Col Imran Qasim who is part of money-making in the project.

Such incidents have become symptomatic of the CPEC, with kickbacks helping Pakistani officers to be quite of any trouble being faced by the rank and file. A committee announced by Pakistani govt to look into the country's power sector where Chinese companies are heavily involved showed how the number of officials in the country are benefiting from it. The Chinese companies providing supplies at inflated prices was one of the key focus areas of the report. The report has been kept away from public scrutiny.

The mega Chinese infrastructure project - China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that passes through the length of Pakistan, other than saddling Islamabad with debt has other issues now--corruption and scuffles between Chinese labourers and Pakistani soldiers.

The mega Chinese infrastructure project - China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that passes through the length of Pakistan, other than saddling Islamabad with debt has other issues now--corruption and scuffles between Chinese labourers and Pakistani soldiers. One such incident which occurred on July 21 has come to light in which physical altercation took place between Chinese labourers and Pakistan protection party working on CPEC's Main Line -1 (ML-1) Karachi-Peshawar project. The incident took place in Pakistan's most populated Punjab Province's Bahawalpur District between 6.30 am to 6.45 am. Details of the incident have been mentioned in a letter from Lt Col Imran Qasim, commanding officer 27 Wing of Special Security Division (SSD) based at Bahawalpur to HQ 341 Light Commando Brigade. To provide protection to Chinese workers, Pakistan has been providing "protection party" and in this case six Pak army personnel from 341 Light Commando Brigade led by Havaldar Asad Ullah were provided to protect four Chinese labourers namely Li Yuyun, Li Yujun, Li Guoying and Bu Lei. In all the group had twelve people, including two Chinese civilians and one Pakistani army vehicle. The work was to be done at two sites: Tower G-1526 & Tower G-1523. The Chinese group was led by Li Yuyun who insisted on moving to G-1523 with the entire group, leaving only one Chinese labourer at G-1526. Havaldar Asad Ullah suggested an additional soldier and a Chinese vehicle should be left with the one Chinese labourer. While Asad wanted to clarify the issue with his seniors due to language problem, he was assaulted by Li Yuyun by hitting on his head twice. This made other Pakistani soldiers angry with Sapper Fazal ur Rehman come to the rescue of Asad before he was also attacked by other Chinese workers. When the matter was reported to Camp commandant Maj Shehzad, who asked his soldiers to not confront with Chinese and the matter was quietly hushed up. In the current incident, Lt Col Imran Qasim, Commanding officer of 27 Special Security Division has been involved in making money, by providing local labourers to Chinese contractors via proxy. The officer is involved in the embezzlement of tens of lakhs Pakistani rupees. Maj Shehzad's lack of proactive action against the Chinese is believed to be under the direction of Lt Col Imran Qasim who is part of money-making in the project. Such incidents have become symptomatic of the CPEC, with kickbacks helping Pakistani officers to be quite of any trouble being faced by the rank and file. A committee announced by Pakistani govt to look into the country's power sector where Chinese companies are heavily involved showed how the number of officials in the country are benefiting from it. The Chinese companies providing supplies at inflated prices was one of the key focus areas of the report. The report has been kept away from public scrutiny.

China-Pak economic corridor's other side: Corruption, scuffles between Chinese workers & Pak soldiers

Indian Army gifted ten ICU ventilators to Nepali Army on Sunday amidst the COVID-19 crisis. The ventilators are designed for many applications including advanced invasive or non-invasive respiratory support.

They were handed over by Indian envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra to Sukirtimaya Rashtradeep General Purna Chandra Thapa, Chief of the Army Staff, Nepal Army. The Nepal Army Chief is honorary General of Indian Army. President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the "Honorary rank" to present Nepal Army chief in January 2019.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-indias-tally-crosses-21-lakh-mark-with-64399-new-cases-319173">Also read|&nbsp;COVID-19: India's tally crosses 21 lakh mark with 64,399 new cases</a>

Indian mission in a release said, "The Indian army has a long record of extending support to the Nepali Army as a first responder for humanitarian assistance and relief. The gifting of ventilators is part of this continued humanitarian cooperation between the two Armies."

Adding, "During the handing over, Ambassador Kwatra reaffirmed India’s commitment to provide all necessary help to the people of Nepal in prevailing over the pandemic."

The ICU can be used for secondary care in hospitals and since they are compact, they are handy in the transportation of patients requiring intensive care.

Indian Army gifted ten ICU ventilators to Nepali Army on Sunday amidst the COVID-19 crisis. The ventilators are designed for many applications including advanced invasive or non-invasive respiratory support.

Indian Army gifted ten ICU ventilators to Nepali Army on Sunday amidst the COVID-19 crisis. The ventilators are designed for many applications including advanced invasive or non-invasive respiratory support. They were handed over by Indian envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra to Sukirtimaya Rashtradeep General Purna Chandra Thapa, Chief of the Army Staff, Nepal Army. The Nepal Army Chief is honorary General of Indian Army. President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the "Honorary rank" to present Nepal Army chief in January 2019. Also read| COVID-19: India's tally crosses 21 lakh mark with 64,399 new cases Indian mission in a release said, "The Indian army has a long record of extending support to the Nepali Army as a first responder for humanitarian assistance and relief. The gifting of ventilators is part of this continued humanitarian cooperation between the two Armies." Adding, "During the handing over, Ambassador Kwatra reaffirmed India’s commitment to provide all necessary help to the people of Nepal in prevailing over the pandemic." The ICU can be used for secondary care in hospitals and since they are compact, they are handy in the transportation of patients requiring intensive care.

Indian army gifts 10 ventilators to Nepal army amidst COVID

India is exploring all avenues to help Mauritius to deal with the oil spill, following which the country declared a state of environmental emergency. The incident happened when a tanker MV Wakashio carrying over 4000 tonnes of fuel got stuck in a reef at Pointe d'Esny.

Indian government sources told WION, "This is an evolving situation and we are in regular touch with Mauritian authorities."&nbsp;

"We are ascertaining various requirements and exploring all avenues to offer all possible help for salvage operations and for environment protection concerns" the sources added.

Indian Oil (Mauritius) Ltd has already positioned a barge at the site to extend any assistance which may be needed in evacuating fuel oil from the vessel.

India and Mauritius share close ties.&nbsp;

On 30th July, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritius counterparty Pravind Jugnauth virtually inaugurated the new Supreme Court Building, which was built with India's&nbsp;assistance.

In October 2019, Prime Minister Modi and Mauritius PM had jointly inaugurated the Phase -I of the Metro Express Project and the new ENT Hospital project in Mauritius.

India is exploring all avenues to help Mauritius to deal with the oil spill, following which the country declared a state of environmental emergency. The incident happened when a tanker MV Wakashio carrying over 4000 tonnes of fuel got stuck in a reef at Pointe d'Esny.

India is exploring all avenues to help Mauritius to deal with the oil spill, following which the country declared a state of environmental emergency. The incident happened when a tanker MV Wakashio carrying over 4000 tonnes of fuel got stuck in a reef at Pointe d'Esny. Indian government sources told WION, "This is an evolving situation and we are in regular touch with Mauritian authorities." "We are ascertaining various requirements and exploring all avenues to offer all possible help for salvage operations and for environment protection concerns" the sources added. Indian Oil (Mauritius) Ltd has already positioned a barge at the site to extend any assistance which may be needed in evacuating fuel oil from the vessel. India and Mauritius share close ties. On 30th July, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritius counterparty Pravind Jugnauth virtually inaugurated the new Supreme Court Building, which was built with India's assistance. In October 2019, Prime Minister Modi and Mauritius PM had jointly inaugurated the Phase -I of the Metro Express Project and the new ENT Hospital project in Mauritius.

India exploring avenues to help Mauritius to deal with oil spill

India's external affairs minister on Saturday termed technology as "new parameter" to measure "power and influence" while adding that it can never be "politically neutral".

India's external affairs minister on Saturday termed technology as "new parameter" to measure "power and influence" while adding that it can never be "politically neutral". "Today there are new parameters and technology is certainly one of them because what they do is they create relationships, in some case dependencies, convergencies...technology has never been politically neutral, how one approaches it. At the end of the day there is so much interpenetration at one level and yet so much divisiveness and how you straddled that," he said. The statement comes amidst a global backlash by many countries on Chinese tech companies and apps. India in the aftermath of Galwan violent face-off 15th June banned 59 Chinese apps including popular Tik Tok. Countries are taking a position on Chinese technology firms and just last week US President Donald Trump issued orders banning Tik Tok and WeChat. Globally concerns and actions are being taken by countries like UK, the US, Canada and others on 5G by Chinese company Huawei. EAM speaking at the CII virtual event said, "We think technology is capability, but it is hugely security" Earlier this year, the ministry of external affairs ministry announced the establishment of New, Emerging and Strategic Technologies (NEST) Division to evaluate decisions on technology.

Technology is never politically neutral, says Jaishankar

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidhant Sibal

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