India and Netherlands are in touch with each other to make sure businesses and economic relation continue in the world that will emerge in a post-COVID-19 world.

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal from the Hague, Indian envoy to the Netherlands Venu Rajamony said that the mission has "started outreach to the business community of both sides--Indians and Dutch companies" and "talking to the business community on India Dutch economic relations and how we face the post COVID-19 world.".

Indian and the Dutch commerce minister had spoken to each other and on June 4..

WION: If you can tell us about the repatriation?

Venu Rajamony: Just two&nbsp;days back, we managed to use the services of KLM to send to around 270 passengers from here back, a large number of them came from Latin American countries like Mexico and Peru as well as Portugal from where people have not been able to go back.

It&nbsp;was a flight which was headed to Mumbai. It&nbsp;is the first group of passengers to go back to India after two&nbsp;months of lockdown and it took coordination between the Indian mission with the government in Delhi as well as KLM and we are very happy passengers have reached safely, they have gone into quarantine and we are working on next options of sending more people to India.

We have around 1,000 people waiting to go to India for many reasons. We will have an Air India flight which will go on June 8 to Delhi and it will take a large number of people. We are trying to see if we can get another Air India flight to South India and we are waiting for confirmation regarding that. We are also exploring if we can get more KLM flights to go back to India.&nbsp;

WION: How is the Indian mission reaching out to stranded Indian citizens in the country...

Venu Rajamony: The Netherlands is home to the largest community of Indian origin and Indians in the whole of European Union post exist of the UK. It was No-2 after the UK in Europe. Large Indian presence here and Amsterdam is a very important hub, airports here used to connect to India on a daily basis.

When the lockdown began, we had a large number of Indians who got stranded here. The first effort we made was to send 115 Indians who came from Latin America and North America and were stranded here without being able to come to Europe, go to India, go back to North America. For two&nbsp;and half days they were stranded at the Schipol airport and they included a pregnant lady who a member of the embassy took to a local hospital because of some emergency reason.

So our staff was fully looking after the people at the airport and the airport had virtually shut down by that time. We work very closely with KLM and we finally managed to put them on a KLM flight and get special permission to enter India.

After that, we still had 51 people who were stranded in Europe and had come here as tourists. We still have a group of 20 people who were workers who lost the job during the crisis, they were dismissed by the employers and were without accommodation, without food.

So all these 51 people mission has been looking after, some of them were headed to Mumbai we were able to put them on KLM flight and send them.

The remaining we hope to send to Delhi as soon as possible. From Delhi, they will make way to onward destinations.

But beyond them, I can tell you around 1,000 people waiting here and embassy from day one have&nbsp;been working 24x7 to connect with them and to connect with the community at large to make ourselves available to them because of the local restrictions and as well as the advisory from India we were all working from home, online means and we were coming into the embassy when absolutely necessary but we continually provided the contact number, made them available.

I gave a large number of video messages and interacted through various social media platform - Webex, Microsoft, skype with different sections of the Indian community and the goal was to tell them don't worry, if you are in a crisis, you can contact us&nbsp; - all you need to do is send an email to us and we will come back to you.

We had to boost morale, people were broken-hearted that they could not go back. many of them had financial problems, many of them had mental stress. We have a large number of Indian students in the Netherlands, about 3,500 they understandably are very young and education was shifted online and universities were shut down.

They were very anxious to go back to India. We tried to help them in whatever way possible. So extensive outreach to the community&nbsp;via online means of every kind and as embassy made a point to be available full time - day or night, Saturday or Sunday.

Anyone can reach us anytime, either via Twitter, Facebook, email or phone call and we are happy to say, our proactive approach has been noted by the community has been well appreciated.

Even the Dutch foreign office expressed its appreciation and said was very happy and that the Indian embassy is playing such an active approach.

We have worked closely with the Dutch govt in helping them bring their nationals back who were stranded in India and in providing visa extensions and other services community required.

While in India numbers are still going, in Netherlands number have been steadily coming down. The government has announced a calender on how they will progressively liberalise the restrictions all the way up to 1 September.

More and more people will go out from June1, restaurants will open with a maximum of 30 people observing social distance.

We are trying to ramp up our machines and go back to normal. Even though the crisis period our priority was stranded Indians, and keeping in touch with the Indian community we have also started outreach to the business community of both sides--Indians and Dutch companies. We have tried to see how we can help them, what problem they facing in supply chain and talking to the business community on India Dutch economic relations and how we face the post-COVID-19 world.

What is the outlook we see, what is the scene we see so that we can work in partnership to continue to ensure this relationship grows.

WION: Any reports of Indians infected or fatalities due to COVID-19?

Venu Rajamony: In the Netherlands, they normally don't test everyone. They have followed a policy in which the focus is on the elderly and the most vulnerable.

So testing has been&nbsp;restricted to health workers or those who need it the most. For the majority of the people advice has been rest at home, take paracetamol, it will come like flu and go away.

The actual number of infected figures, most recent is around 45445 and the death is around 5830 but specific figures on how many Indians have been infected we don't have.

We know by personal accounts, many people had it and recovered. We know one case of one fatality of an Indian citizen who had other complications also. He was married to a health worker. It is not clear if he contracted the virus or because of the virus he passed away or the health worker was asymptomatic and he had picked up the virus from the hospital and then it went to him. The embassy played an active role in supporting them and helping the spouse and cremate him. &nbsp;

WION: Any exchange of best ideas between both the countries?

Venu Rajamony: Health ministries on both sides are entirely focused on handling the domestic situation and there is not much contact between the government on the health field yet.

On June 4, FMs of both countries will speak to each other. In the private sector, the serum institute of India which is the largest producer of vaccines has a subsidiary in the Netherlands.

The subsidiary is currently engaged in producing BCG vaccines as well as polio vaccines and it has an extremely modern facility but due to the COVID-19 crisis, they are turning towards, research on the vaccine and how collaboration can be done.

Johnson and Johnson has a major facility in the country and is funded by the US to rapidly expand to COVID-19 vaccine.

We on our part, as an embassy have been reporting all developments here in the country vaccines, medicines, treatment protocol, research into if HCQ will work, or BCG vaccine will work we have been feeding regularly to MEA and other authorities and waiting for responses to build bridges of cooperation.

The Netherlands is a leader in innovation, science and tech. Health care is an extremely important subject for both.

The Netherlands is home to Philips which is one of the largest health care provider and today in crisis time they rapidly ramping up production of ventilators and have already manufactured a lot of health equipment in India and announced a fresh investment of $50 million to ramp up production facilities in India.

We see&nbsp;all this as areas of further collaboration in future. We had the Dutch health minister visit twice in the last 3 years along with Dutch PM and the King and Queen.

The health minister has travelled all around the country and has been impressed by medical facilities in India. The two&nbsp;countries have been collaborating on research into antimicrobial bacteria. We have had delegations come from India to the Netherlands in the area of digital health.

We are trying to focus on the startups into the health sector. So great deal in the activity. Leading medical centres of the country have already had collaborations and we hope they can be consolidated and strengthed to build bridges of cooperation both to handle COVID-19 crisis and health care.

I would also like to mention that Ayush is a major area of focus, we have had large scale international yoga day celebrations in the Netherlands in most prestigious venues.

This year it will be online due to social distancing. We had a number of events relating to Ayurveda. We had Ayush minister visit here for an international conference and interact with health minister of Netherlands. We believe Ayurveda can help in building immunity.

We believe Ayurveda and Yoga can be of tremendous benefit to society like the Netherlands which has a large elderly population and which has an ageing society to improve wellness, to build immunity to reduce health cost.

One-third of the budget here goes to health care, and health cost is a major concern for the Dutch government and how you can provide quality care at a reduced cost and we think Ayurveda and yoga can help in all this.

India and Netherlands are in touch with each other to make sure businesses and economic relation continue in the world that will emerge in a post-COVID-19 world.

India and Netherlands are in touch with each other to make sure businesses and economic relation continue in the world that will emerge in a post-COVID-19 world. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal from the Hague, Indian envoy to the Netherlands Venu Rajamony said that the mission has "started outreach to the business community of both sides--Indians and Dutch companies" and "talking to the business community on India Dutch economic relations and how we face the post COVID-19 world.". Indian and the Dutch commerce minister had spoken to each other and on June 4.. WION: If you can tell us about the repatriation? Venu Rajamony: Just two days back, we managed to use the services of KLM to send to around 270 passengers from here back, a large number of them came from Latin American countries like Mexico and Peru as well as Portugal from where people have not been able to go back. It was a flight which was headed to Mumbai. It is the first group of passengers to go back to India after two months of lockdown and it took coordination between the Indian mission with the government in Delhi as well as KLM and we are very happy passengers have reached safely, they have gone into quarantine and we are working on next options of sending more people to India. We have around 1,000 people waiting to go to India for many reasons. We will have an Air India flight which will go on June 8 to Delhi and it will take a large number of people. We are trying to see if we can get another Air India flight to South India and we are waiting for confirmation regarding that. We are also exploring if we can get more KLM flights to go back to India. WION: How is the Indian mission reaching out to stranded Indian citizens in the country... Venu Rajamony: The Netherlands is home to the largest community of Indian origin and Indians in the whole of European Union post exist of the UK. It was No-2 after the UK in Europe. Large Indian presence here and Amsterdam is a very important hub, airports here used to connect to India on a daily basis. When the lockdown began, we had a large number of Indians who got stranded here. The first effort we made was to send 115 Indians who came from Latin America and North America and were stranded here without being able to come to Europe, go to India, go back to North America. For two and half days they were stranded at the Schipol airport and they included a pregnant lady who a member of the embassy took to a local hospital because of some emergency reason. So our staff was fully looking after the people at the airport and the airport had virtually shut down by that time. We work very closely with KLM and we finally managed to put them on a KLM flight and get special permission to enter India. After that, we still had 51 people who were stranded in Europe and had come here as tourists. We still have a group of 20 people who were workers who lost the job during the crisis, they were dismissed by the employers and were without accommodation, without food. So all these 51 people mission has been looking after, some of them were headed to Mumbai we were able to put them on KLM flight and send them. The remaining we hope to send to Delhi as soon as possible. From Delhi, they will make way to onward destinations. But beyond them, I can tell you around 1,000 people waiting here and embassy from day one have been working 24x7 to connect with them and to connect with the community at large to make ourselves available to them because of the local restrictions and as well as the advisory from India we were all working from home, online means and we were coming into the embassy when absolutely necessary but we continually provided the contact number, made them available. I gave a large number of video messages and interacted through various social media platform - Webex, Microsoft, skype with different sections of the Indian community and the goal was to tell them don't worry, if you are in a crisis, you can contact us - all you need to do is send an email to us and we will come back to you. We had to boost morale, people were broken-hearted that they could not go back. many of them had financial problems, many of them had mental stress. We have a large number of Indian students in the Netherlands, about 3,500 they understandably are very young and education was shifted online and universities were shut down. They were very anxious to go back to India. We tried to help them in whatever way possible. So extensive outreach to the community via online means of every kind and as embassy made a point to be available full time - day or night, Saturday or Sunday. Anyone can reach us anytime, either via Twitter, Facebook, email or phone call and we are happy to say, our proactive approach has been noted by the community has been well appreciated. Even the Dutch foreign office expressed its appreciation and said was very happy and that the Indian embassy is playing such an active approach. We have worked closely with the Dutch govt in helping them bring their nationals back who were stranded in India and in providing visa extensions and other services community required. While in India numbers are still going, in Netherlands number have been steadily coming down. The government has announced a calender on how they will progressively liberalise the restrictions all the way up to 1 September. More and more people will go out from June1, restaurants will open with a maximum of 30 people observing social distance. We are trying to ramp up our machines and go back to normal. Even though the crisis period our priority was stranded Indians, and keeping in touch with the Indian community we have also started outreach to the business community of both sides--Indians and Dutch companies. We have tried to see how we can help them, what problem they facing in supply chain and talking to the business community on India Dutch economic relations and how we face the post-COVID-19 world. What is the outlook we see, what is the scene we see so that we can work in partnership to continue to ensure this relationship grows. WION: Any reports of Indians infected or fatalities due to COVID-19? Venu Rajamony: In the Netherlands, they normally don't test everyone. They have followed a policy in which the focus is on the elderly and the most vulnerable. So testing has been restricted to health workers or those who need it the most. For the majority of the people advice has been rest at home, take paracetamol, it will come like flu and go away. The actual number of infected figures, most recent is around 45445 and the death is around 5830 but specific figures on how many Indians have been infected we don't have. We know by personal accounts, many people had it and recovered. We know one case of one fatality of an Indian citizen who had other complications also. He was married to a health worker. It is not clear if he contracted the virus or because of the virus he passed away or the health worker was asymptomatic and he had picked up the virus from the hospital and then it went to him. The embassy played an active role in supporting them and helping the spouse and cremate him. WION: Any exchange of best ideas between both the countries? Venu Rajamony: Health ministries on both sides are entirely focused on handling the domestic situation and there is not much contact between the government on the health field yet. On June 4, FMs of both countries will speak to each other. In the private sector, the serum institute of India which is the largest producer of vaccines has a subsidiary in the Netherlands. The subsidiary is currently engaged in producing BCG vaccines as well as polio vaccines and it has an extremely modern facility but due to the COVID-19 crisis, they are turning towards, research on the vaccine and how collaboration can be done. Johnson and Johnson has a major facility in the country and is funded by the US to rapidly expand to COVID-19 vaccine. We on our part, as an embassy have been reporting all developments here in the country vaccines, medicines, treatment protocol, research into if HCQ will work, or BCG vaccine will work we have been feeding regularly to MEA and other authorities and waiting for responses to build bridges of cooperation. The Netherlands is a leader in innovation, science and tech. Health care is an extremely important subject for both. The Netherlands is home to Philips which is one of the largest health care provider and today in crisis time they rapidly ramping up production of ventilators and have already manufactured a lot of health equipment in India and announced a fresh investment of $50 million to ramp up production facilities in India. We see all this as areas of further collaboration in future. We had the Dutch health minister visit twice in the last 3 years along with Dutch PM and the King and Queen. The health minister has travelled all around the country and has been impressed by medical facilities in India. The two countries have been collaborating on research into antimicrobial bacteria. We have had delegations come from India to the Netherlands in the area of digital health. We are trying to focus on the startups into the health sector. So great deal in the activity. Leading medical centres of the country have already had collaborations and we hope they can be consolidated and strengthed to build bridges of cooperation both to handle COVID-19 crisis and health care. I would also like to mention that Ayush is a major area of focus, we have had large scale international yoga day celebrations in the Netherlands in most prestigious venues. This year it will be online due to social distancing. We had a number of events relating to Ayurveda. We had Ayush minister visit here for an international conference and interact with health minister of Netherlands. We believe Ayurveda can help in building immunity. We believe Ayurveda and Yoga can be of tremendous benefit to society like the Netherlands which has a large elderly population and which has an ageing society to improve wellness, to build immunity to reduce health cost. One-third of the budget here goes to health care, and health cost is a major concern for the Dutch government and how you can provide quality care at a reduced cost and we think Ayurveda and yoga can help in all this.

In post-COVID-19 world, India, Netherlands hope to quickly kick-start economic cooperation

The Indian government clarified no conversation has taken place between PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump after the latter said he spoke to PM on India-China tensions, according to sources. Sources in New Delhi said the late conversation between the 2 took place on 4th April and that was on the issue of hydroxychloroquine.&nbsp;

US President on Thursday said, he "did speak to Prime Minister Modi. He's not -- he's not in a good mood about what's going on with China."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-not-in-a-good-mood-trump-says-about-indo-china-border-dispute-301676">PM Modi not in a good mood: Trump says about Indo-China border dispute</a>

Calling the India China standoff as a "big conflict", President said, "Two countries with 1.4 billion people. Two countries with very powerful militaries. And India is not happy, and probably China is not happy."

Meanwhile, govt sources again reiterated that have made it "clear that we are directly in touch with the Chinese through established mechanisms and diplomatic contacts".

Trump earlier said, "If they -- if they thought it would help if I were the mediator or the arbiter, I would do that".

Earlier on Wednesday, he tweeted, "We have informed both India and China that the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate their now raging border dispute. Thank you!"

In the past, the US President has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan with New Delhi rejecting it saying all issues can be resolved bilaterally.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Indian government clarified no conversation has taken place between PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump after the latter said he spoke to PM on India-China tensions, according to sources.

The Indian government clarified no conversation has taken place between PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump after the latter said he spoke to PM on India-China tensions, according to sources. Sources in New Delhi said the late conversation between the 2 took place on 4th April and that was on the issue of hydroxychloroquine. US President on Thursday said, he "did speak to Prime Minister Modi. He's not -- he's not in a good mood about what's going on with China." Also read | PM Modi not in a good mood: Trump says about Indo-China border dispute Calling the India China standoff as a "big conflict", President said, "Two countries with 1.4 billion people. Two countries with very powerful militaries. And India is not happy, and probably China is not happy." Meanwhile, govt sources again reiterated that have made it "clear that we are directly in touch with the Chinese through established mechanisms and diplomatic contacts". Trump earlier said, "If they -- if they thought it would help if I were the mediator or the arbiter, I would do that". Earlier on Wednesday, he tweeted, "We have informed both India and China that the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate their now raging border dispute. Thank you!" In the past, the US President has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan with New Delhi rejecting it saying all issues can be resolved bilaterally.

No recent conversation between PM Narendra Modi and President Trump: Sources

After Ukraine, Pakistani diplomats have been caught in the tight spot again and this time in Africa. A local report in Zimbabwe has said that a Pakistani diplomat in the country has been involved in human trafficking.

"The Standard" of Zimbabwe reported that one Pakistan origin businessman Main Sohail Qaiser "tipped off the immigration officers that (3 Pakistanis)... intended to cross the border illegally with the alleged help of Waqas Ahmed, a Pakistani diplomat based in Harare, who is, however, still employed by the embassy."

Three Pakistanis were arrested on October 2019 sparking tensions between Harare and Islamabad with all 3 being tried in a court and being sentenced to 90 days in prison. &nbsp;What has caused the alarm for the Pakistani mission was that Qaiser had interviewed the detainees in the presence of immigration officials and the interview the women had criticised Pakistan govt as a "facilitator of human trafficking" according to the report. The videos later got circulated in the country and local south Asian community causing embarrassment for the mission.&nbsp;

The Pakistan mission had taken the matter with Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs ministry. In a letter as quoted by the newspaper, the Pakistani mission had said, "It is astonishing to note Mian Sohail Qaiser’s access to official and confidential documents in the highly sensitive institution like immigration and (the) foreign office (sic).”

The mission had sent several diplomatic notes between November 2019 and May 2020 requesting a meeting with Zimbabwe's Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and Foreign Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo. 
 
Meanwhile, Qaiser has accused the Pakistani mission in running a human trafficking cartel and claimed the 2 women were to travel to neighbouring Malawi from Zimbabwe and were later supposed to be "smuggled into South Africa with the help of Pakistani missions in both Malawi and Zimbabwe"

“They are criminals and they are engaged with the videos because I exposed to their country what they are doing here in Zimbabwe,” Qaiser said according to the newspaper.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, a Pakistani foreign service officer, Waqar Ahmad posted in Pakistani mission in Ukraine was sacked by the govt in Islamabad over sexual harassment charges. He was involved in harassment of a local cleaner and involved in "abuse of authority", a Pakistani govt notification said.

After Ukraine, Pakistani diplomats have been caught in the tight spot again and this time in Africa. A local report in Zimbabwe has said that a Pakistani diplomat in the country has been involved in human trafficking.

After Ukraine, Pakistani diplomats have been caught in the tight spot again and this time in Africa. A local report in Zimbabwe has said that a Pakistani diplomat in the country has been involved in human trafficking. "The Standard" of Zimbabwe reported that one Pakistan origin businessman Main Sohail Qaiser "tipped off the immigration officers that (3 Pakistanis)... intended to cross the border illegally with the alleged help of Waqas Ahmed, a Pakistani diplomat based in Harare, who is, however, still employed by the embassy." Three Pakistanis were arrested on October 2019 sparking tensions between Harare and Islamabad with all 3 being tried in a court and being sentenced to 90 days in prison. What has caused the alarm for the Pakistani mission was that Qaiser had interviewed the detainees in the presence of immigration officials and the interview the women had criticised Pakistan govt as a "facilitator of human trafficking" according to the report. The videos later got circulated in the country and local south Asian community causing embarrassment for the mission. The Pakistan mission had taken the matter with Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs ministry. In a letter as quoted by the newspaper, the Pakistani mission had said, "It is astonishing to note Mian Sohail Qaiser’s access to official and confidential documents in the highly sensitive institution like immigration and (the) foreign office (sic).” The mission had sent several diplomatic notes between November 2019 and May 2020 requesting a meeting with Zimbabwe's Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and Foreign Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo. Meanwhile, Qaiser has accused the Pakistani mission in running a human trafficking cartel and claimed the 2 women were to travel to neighbouring Malawi from Zimbabwe and were later supposed to be "smuggled into South Africa with the help of Pakistani missions in both Malawi and Zimbabwe" “They are criminals and they are engaged with the videos because I exposed to their country what they are doing here in Zimbabwe,” Qaiser said according to the newspaper. Earlier this month, a Pakistani foreign service officer, Waqar Ahmad posted in Pakistani mission in Ukraine was sacked by the govt in Islamabad over sexual harassment charges. He was involved in harassment of a local cleaner and involved in "abuse of authority", a Pakistani govt notification said.

After Ukraine, Pakistani diplomat in Zimbabwe embarrasses Islamabad as human trafficking link surfaces

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and US defence secretary Mark T Esper on Friday evening spoke to each other and discussed the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-defence-ministry-reiterates-india-border-issue-stable-and-controllable-301817">India-China</a> border row and the Chinese build-up on its side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/beijing-rejects-trumps-offer-to-mediate-in-india-china-border-standoff-301794">Also Read:&nbsp;Beijing rejects Trump's offer to mediate in India-China border standoff</a>

The call happened at the request of the American side and comes even as US president has said that he is willing to mediate between India and China, something both New Delhi and Beijing have rejected.&nbsp;

The American read out of the talks said, "Secretary Esper and Minister Singh discussed a range of regional security issues and the secretary expressed his firm commitment to India’s leadership across the Indo-Pacific".

The Pentagon read out added,"Secretary&nbsp;Esper reiterated his support for a strong and enduring US-India defense partnership and the two leaders discussed ways to advance several important bilateral initiatives."

Defence ministry readout of the meet said COVID-19 crisis was also discussed with both side briefing "each other on the respective experience of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and vowed to continue the excellent bilateral cooperation in this regard."

Cyclone Amphan which struck West Bengal earlier this month was also mentioned with defence minister briefing about India’s relief efforts to his counterpart.

Defence secretary Esper was to visit earlier this year but could not due to the COVID-19 crisis. &nbsp;

Both ministers spoke to each other last in March. Each year, both meet each other usually at the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) and the annual 2+2 India-US foreign and defence minister meet that alternates between the two&nbsp;capitals.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and US defence secretary Mark T Esper on Friday evening spoke to each other and discussed the ongoing India-China border row and the Chinese build-up on its side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and US defence secretary Mark T Esper on Friday evening spoke to each other and discussed the ongoing India-China border row and the Chinese build-up on its side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Also Read: Beijing rejects Trump's offer to mediate in India-China border standoff The call happened at the request of the American side and comes even as US president has said that he is willing to mediate between India and China, something both New Delhi and Beijing have rejected. The American read out of the talks said, "Secretary Esper and Minister Singh discussed a range of regional security issues and the secretary expressed his firm commitment to India’s leadership across the Indo-Pacific". The Pentagon read out added,"Secretary Esper reiterated his support for a strong and enduring US-India defense partnership and the two leaders discussed ways to advance several important bilateral initiatives." Defence ministry readout of the meet said COVID-19 crisis was also discussed with both side briefing "each other on the respective experience of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and vowed to continue the excellent bilateral cooperation in this regard." Cyclone Amphan which struck West Bengal earlier this month was also mentioned with defence minister briefing about India’s relief efforts to his counterpart. Defence secretary Esper was to visit earlier this year but could not due to the COVID-19 crisis. Both ministers spoke to each other last in March. Each year, both meet each other usually at the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) and the annual 2+2 India-US foreign and defence minister meet that alternates between the two capitals.

Rajanth Singh, US defence secretary Mark Esper discuss China build-up

India has started repatriation flights from Germany with 2 flights this week, and more coming in future. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Frankfurt airport, India's envoy to Germany Mukta Dutta Tomar highlighted the key role played by Gurudwaras in the country in providing food and support to stranded in Indians. Remember Gurudwaras in countries like Australia, Portugal, Canada, the US have been helping out the stranded Indian nationals. Ambassador Tomar also talked about how the mission reached to stranded Indian nationals via online means.

WION: Maam, if you can tell us about the repatriation efforts? 
 
Mukta Dutta Tomar: So we have first 2 flights from Germany under the Vande Bharat mission. The first one today is to Delhi, the second one tomorrow is to Bengaluru. The flight will take back Indian nationals stranded in Germany for the past several months. People on the flight are elderly people, stranded people. Visitors who came on short term visas, expected mothers and students who have finished the studies. The Vande Bharat mission, as you know is a massive effort launched by govt of India. You are aware external affairs minister had a coordination meeting a few days ago. In the first phase, 100,000 Indian nationals who were bright back to India from 30 plus countries. In the second phase, they are going to bring back people from more than 60 countries who are being brought back to India. The effort has been really to cover the whole world to make sure that Indian nationals stranded all over the world to bring them back and we are all working towards that. These are our first 2 flights. But I want to assure all stranded Indians in Germany that don't worry, there are going to be more flights. Next week we have 2 more flights, we will increase our efforts to get people back to India.

Sidhant Sibal: How has been the situation of Indian nationals and how both countries have been in touch with each other? 
 
Mukta Dutta Tomar: Indian nationals stranded in Germany have shown tremendous patience amidst many difficulties people have had. I like to thank them for patience while the situation comes under control. As you know in Germany, 180,000 people impacted but the deaths have been comparatively lower than many countries around 8000. The situation is slowly coming back under control. German health care system has worked well, and India and Germany have been working together and contact has been at the highest level. PM Modi and Chancellor Merkel, our Foreign ministers have also had contact. Our commerce and Industry Minister has also been in touch with his counterpart in federal chancellory. We are not only talking about how we can support each other in such difficult times of pandemic but also see how we can cooperate in research. These are times when all of you need to come together and that is the effort.

Sidhant Sibal: How have german authorities been helping Indian mission's efforts? 
 
Mukta Dutta Tomar: German authorities have been very forthcoming in resolving the problems of Indian nationals stranded in Germany. In Germany, the Indian community and student associations have played a wonderful role in supporting Indian nationals in times of needs and they have really been the family of the nationals away from home. They have supported them materially and morally, provided them encouragement in difficult times. I must also mention, for us, the many Gurudwaras in Germany have played an important role in supporting food and other support people needed. The embassy and the consulates have been at the forefront of lending support to Indian nationals in these difficult and stressful times, via helplines, webinars, emails, we have worked non-stop since the beginning of the pandemic.&nbsp;

India has started repatriation flights from Germany with 2 flights this week, and more coming in future. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Frankfurt airport, India's envoy to Germany Mukta Dutta Tomar highlighted the key role played by Gurudwaras in the country in providing food and support to stranded in Indians.

India has started repatriation flights from Germany with 2 flights this week, and more coming in future. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Frankfurt airport, India's envoy to Germany Mukta Dutta Tomar highlighted the key role played by Gurudwaras in the country in providing food and support to stranded in Indians. Remember Gurudwaras in countries like Australia, Portugal, Canada, the US have been helping out the stranded Indian nationals. Ambassador Tomar also talked about how the mission reached to stranded Indian nationals via online means. WION: Maam, if you can tell us about the repatriation efforts? Mukta Dutta Tomar: So we have first 2 flights from Germany under the Vande Bharat mission. The first one today is to Delhi, the second one tomorrow is to Bengaluru. The flight will take back Indian nationals stranded in Germany for the past several months. People on the flight are elderly people, stranded people. Visitors who came on short term visas, expected mothers and students who have finished the studies. The Vande Bharat mission, as you know is a massive effort launched by govt of India. You are aware external affairs minister had a coordination meeting a few days ago. In the first phase, 100,000 Indian nationals who were bright back to India from 30 plus countries. In the second phase, they are going to bring back people from more than 60 countries who are being brought back to India. The effort has been really to cover the whole world to make sure that Indian nationals stranded all over the world to bring them back and we are all working towards that. These are our first 2 flights. But I want to assure all stranded Indians in Germany that don't worry, there are going to be more flights. Next week we have 2 more flights, we will increase our efforts to get people back to India. Sidhant Sibal: How has been the situation of Indian nationals and how both countries have been in touch with each other? Mukta Dutta Tomar: Indian nationals stranded in Germany have shown tremendous patience amidst many difficulties people have had. I like to thank them for patience while the situation comes under control. As you know in Germany, 180,000 people impacted but the deaths have been comparatively lower than many countries around 8000. The situation is slowly coming back under control. German health care system has worked well, and India and Germany have been working together and contact has been at the highest level. PM Modi and Chancellor Merkel, our Foreign ministers have also had contact. Our commerce and Industry Minister has also been in touch with his counterpart in federal chancellory. We are not only talking about how we can support each other in such difficult times of pandemic but also see how we can cooperate in research. These are times when all of you need to come together and that is the effort. Sidhant Sibal: How have german authorities been helping Indian mission's efforts? Mukta Dutta Tomar: German authorities have been very forthcoming in resolving the problems of Indian nationals stranded in Germany. In Germany, the Indian community and student associations have played a wonderful role in supporting Indian nationals in times of needs and they have really been the family of the nationals away from home. They have supported them materially and morally, provided them encouragement in difficult times. I must also mention, for us, the many Gurudwaras in Germany have played an important role in supporting food and other support people needed. The embassy and the consulates have been at the forefront of lending support to Indian nationals in these difficult and stressful times, via helplines, webinars, emails, we have worked non-stop since the beginning of the pandemic.

Gurudwaras again help stranded Indians, this time in Germany

The elections for the 5 non-permanent seats of United Nations Security Council will take place on 17th June with India being one of the candidates.

India will be standing unopposed for the Asia Pacific seat which is currently held by Indonesia and had announced its candidacy for the the2021-2022 term in November 2013. It was endorsed by the Asia Pacific group in June 2019.

All in All 7 member states--Canada, Djibouti, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico and Norway are in the fray. For one seat of Africa--Djibouti and Kenya are standing, for 2 seats of western Europe and others--3 countries, Canada, Ireland and Norway standing. For the Asia Pacific and Latin America and Caribbean seat--India and Mexico stand unopposed.

As the founding member of the world body, India has served 7 times as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;

The UN said in its candidature India "emphasised its unique position as a democratic country with a population of over one billion" and "As one of the largest troop and police contributors...its durable commitment to UN peacekeeping."

As of 30 April, India contributes 5,434 personnel to nine UN peace operations, predominantly the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), followed by the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

"India would seek to advance discussions on counter-terrorism related issues," said a UN document on upcoming UNSC election, "emphasising the need for better regional and international cooperation to combat terrorism."

New Delhi has been a long-standing proponent of Security Council reform, including the expansion of its membership (both permanent and non-permanent) to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan usually has a rotating presence at the UNSC and usually, South Asian countries rarely run against each other. One exception occurred in 1975 when India and Pakistan contested the same seat and eight rounds of voting were needed before Pakistan prevailed.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the election this time will be different. The President of the General Assembly will give at least ten days’ notice to UN member states of the date of the elections and a designated venue for casting ballots. Member states would cast ballots during designated time slots and at a specified venue.

The elections for the 5 non-permanent seats of United Nations Security Council will take place on 17th June with India being one of the candidates. India will be standing unopposed for the Asia Pacific seat which is currently held by Indonesia and had announced its candidacy for the the2021-2022 term in November 2013.

The elections for the 5 non-permanent seats of United Nations Security Council will take place on 17th June with India being one of the candidates. India will be standing unopposed for the Asia Pacific seat which is currently held by Indonesia and had announced its candidacy for the the2021-2022 term in November 2013. It was endorsed by the Asia Pacific group in June 2019. All in All 7 member states--Canada, Djibouti, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico and Norway are in the fray. For one seat of Africa--Djibouti and Kenya are standing, for 2 seats of western Europe and others--3 countries, Canada, Ireland and Norway standing. For the Asia Pacific and Latin America and Caribbean seat--India and Mexico stand unopposed. As the founding member of the world body, India has served 7 times as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. The UN said in its candidature India "emphasised its unique position as a democratic country with a population of over one billion" and "As one of the largest troop and police contributors...its durable commitment to UN peacekeeping." As of 30 April, India contributes 5,434 personnel to nine UN peace operations, predominantly the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), followed by the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). "India would seek to advance discussions on counter-terrorism related issues," said a UN document on upcoming UNSC election, "emphasising the need for better regional and international cooperation to combat terrorism." New Delhi has been a long-standing proponent of Security Council reform, including the expansion of its membership (both permanent and non-permanent) to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan usually has a rotating presence at the UNSC and usually, South Asian countries rarely run against each other. One exception occurred in 1975 when India and Pakistan contested the same seat and eight rounds of voting were needed before Pakistan prevailed. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the election this time will be different. The President of the General Assembly will give at least ten days’ notice to UN member states of the date of the elections and a designated venue for casting ballots. Member states would cast ballots during designated time slots and at a specified venue.

Elections for 5 non-permanent seats of UNSC on June 17; India stands unopposed in Asia pacific seat

Indonesia has rejected Chinese claims in the South China Sea in a letter written by Indonesia's permanent mission to the United Nation to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Division of Ocean Affairs and Law of the sea of the body.

The letter as seen by WION said, "Indonesia reiterates that the nine-dash line map implying historic rights claim lacks international legal basis and is tantamount to upset UNCLOS 1982".

Nine dash line is Chinese claim in the South China sea and nearly encompasses the entire area include the disputed islands of Paracel and Spratly. Earlier this year, China approved the establishment of 2 districts to administer disputed Paracel &amp; Spratly island in the South China Sea, in an attempt to affirm sovereignty over the area.&nbsp;

The Letter by the Indonesian permanent mission reminded that Chinese claims are in contravention to international law and said that "view has been confirmed by Award of 12 July 2016 by the tribunal that any historic rights that the People's republic of China may have had to the living and non-living resources were superseded by the limits of the maritime zones provided for by UNCLOS 1982"

The 2016 cases of Philippines v. China or the South China Sea Arbitration, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague had ruled that in favour of Philippines and said China has no historic right to the area based on the "nine-dash line".

Since Jakarta is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982) or Laws of the Seas, which is internationally agreed governance system for the sea, the letter called for "full compliance towards international law" and the country "not being bound by any claims made in contravention to international law including UNCLOS 1982".

While this is not for the first time Indonesia has said so, but the letter sent on 26th May to UN come at a time when China in letters to UN has protested against Malaysia, Philipines and against both Malaysia and Vietnam submissions by the ASEAN countries on the continental shelf.

Indonesia has rejected Chinese claims in the South China Sea in a letter written by Indonesia's permanent mission to the United Nation to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Division of Ocean Affairs and Law of the sea of the body.

Indonesia has rejected Chinese claims in the South China Sea in a letter written by Indonesia's permanent mission to the United Nation to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Division of Ocean Affairs and Law of the sea of the body. The letter as seen by WION said, "Indonesia reiterates that the nine-dash line map implying historic rights claim lacks international legal basis and is tantamount to upset UNCLOS 1982". Nine dash line is Chinese claim in the South China sea and nearly encompasses the entire area include the disputed islands of Paracel and Spratly. Earlier this year, China approved the establishment of 2 districts to administer disputed Paracel & Spratly island in the South China Sea, in an attempt to affirm sovereignty over the area. The Letter by the Indonesian permanent mission reminded that Chinese claims are in contravention to international law and said that "view has been confirmed by Award of 12 July 2016 by the tribunal that any historic rights that the People's republic of China may have had to the living and non-living resources were superseded by the limits of the maritime zones provided for by UNCLOS 1982" The 2016 cases of Philippines v. China or the South China Sea Arbitration, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague had ruled that in favour of Philippines and said China has no historic right to the area based on the "nine-dash line". Since Jakarta is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982) or Laws of the Seas, which is internationally agreed governance system for the sea, the letter called for "full compliance towards international law" and the country "not being bound by any claims made in contravention to international law including UNCLOS 1982". While this is not for the first time Indonesia has said so, but the letter sent on 26th May to UN come at a time when China in letters to UN has protested against Malaysia, Philipines and against both Malaysia and Vietnam submissions by the ASEAN countries on the continental shelf.

Indonesia rejects China's claims in the South China Sea; says not bound by claims contravening international law

Amid the India-China face-off at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in Ladakh, Bejing has taken a de-acceleratory approach even as US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-offers-to-mediate-or-arbitrate-between-india-and-china-301344">Trump</a> offered to mediate.

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We have informed both India and China that the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate their now raging border dispute. Thank you!
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The Chinese envoy to India, Sun Weidong speaking at the Confederation of Young leaders Zoom meet&nbsp;said, "realization of "Dragon and Elephant dancing together" is the only right choice for China and India, which serves the fundamental interests of our two countries and two peoples."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-why-pla-soldiers-are-eyeing-the-galwan-valley-301185">Also Read:&nbsp;Why PLA soldiers are eyeing the Galwan valley</a>

"China and India are each other's opportunities and pose no threat to each other" and both "need to see each other's development in a correct way and enhance strategic mutual trust. We should correctly view our differences and never let the differences shadow the overall situation of bilateral cooperation."

Earlier in the day, the Chinese foreign ministry in its daily presser said,"Current situation on China-India border is generally stable and controllable" and confirmed both sides are in touch with each other.

Government&nbsp;sources had told WION on Tuesday that the ongoing India-China standoff along&nbsp;the LAC is "sensitive but not dangerous" and both sides are in communication to resolve the current situation at local and&nbsp;diplomatic."

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he is willing to mediate in the "raging border" dispute.&nbsp;

"We have informed both India and China that the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate their now raging border dispute. Thank you!, the US President said in a tweet.

India and China face-off comes three years after the 2017 Doklam crisis. After the 73-day Doklam crisis both countries had established a mechanism of informal summits alternating between the two countries to resolve any problems that may arise.&nbsp;

In the first informal summit in Wuhan in 2018, both sides gave "guidance" to forces and "committed" to work for the "common objective of maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas". It was reiterated again in the Mamallapuram informal summit that took last year.

US President's offer may not find any traction. Nirupama Rao, India's former foreign secretary, and envoy to the US said, while "US and India are firm friends and strategic partners and kindred democracies. The US and China on the other hand, are in an increasingly combative and competitive mode of relations."

"Offer by President Trump to mediate between India and China is well-intentioned it will not have traction. India and China will have to continue their efforts to seek peaceful solutions to their differences without any third country involvement,"&nbsp;&nbsp;Nirupama Rao said,

Amid the India-China face-off at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in Ladakh, Bejing has taken a de-acceleratory approach even as US President Donald Trump offered to mediate.

Amid the India-China face-off at the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in Ladakh, Bejing has taken a de-acceleratory approach even as US President Donald Trump offered to mediate. We have informed both India and China that the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate their now raging border dispute. Thank you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 27, 2020 × The Chinese envoy to India, Sun Weidong speaking at the Confederation of Young leaders Zoom meet said, "realization of "Dragon and Elephant dancing together" is the only right choice for China and India, which serves the fundamental interests of our two countries and two peoples." Also Read: Why PLA soldiers are eyeing the Galwan valley "China and India are each other's opportunities and pose no threat to each other" and both "need to see each other's development in a correct way and enhance strategic mutual trust. We should correctly view our differences and never let the differences shadow the overall situation of bilateral cooperation." Earlier in the day, the Chinese foreign ministry in its daily presser said,"Current situation on China-India border is generally stable and controllable" and confirmed both sides are in touch with each other. Government sources had told WION on Tuesday that the ongoing India-China standoff along the LAC is "sensitive but not dangerous" and both sides are in communication to resolve the current situation at local and diplomatic." Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he is willing to mediate in the "raging border" dispute. "We have informed both India and China that the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate their now raging border dispute. Thank you!, the US President said in a tweet. India and China face-off comes three years after the 2017 Doklam crisis. After the 73-day Doklam crisis both countries had established a mechanism of informal summits alternating between the two countries to resolve any problems that may arise. In the first informal summit in Wuhan in 2018, both sides gave "guidance" to forces and "committed" to work for the "common objective of maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas". It was reiterated again in the Mamallapuram informal summit that took last year. US President's offer may not find any traction. Nirupama Rao, India's former foreign secretary, and envoy to the US said, while "US and India are firm friends and strategic partners and kindred democracies. The US and China on the other hand, are in an increasingly combative and competitive mode of relations." "Offer by President Trump to mediate between India and China is well-intentioned it will not have traction. India and China will have to continue their efforts to seek peaceful solutions to their differences without any third country involvement," Nirupama Rao said,

China says Elephant & Dragon can dance amid face-off with India as Trump offers to mediate

Indian government sources have said that the ongoing India China standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is "sensitive but not dangerous".

The development comes even as a number of high-level meetings took place in Delhi on the Chinese build up on its side of the LAC.&nbsp;

WION has also learnt that both sides are in communication to resolve the current situation. Sources said,"both sides are in communication at diplomatic and&nbsp;local level."

While both Delhi and Bejing are tight-lipped, it is only after the Global times, the Chinese government&nbsp;mouthpiece first officially confirmed that "Chinese border defence troops have enhanced control measures in the Galwan valley region".&nbsp;

While Global Times claims built in response to India building a structure, India has said the Chinese had hindered Indian patrols in the area.

The ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "All Indian activities are entirely on the Indian side of the LAC. In fact, it is the Chinese side that has recently undertaken activity hindering India's normal patrolling patterns. The Indian side has always taken a very responsible approach towards border management."

Explaining that "Indian troops are fully familiar with the alignment of the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas and abide by it scrupulously", MEA&nbsp;said, "Indian side has always taken a very responsible approach towards border management" and "at the same time, we are deeply committed to ensuring India's sovereignty and security."

While the Ladakh face-off has caught the attention, the recent face of in Naku la, Sikkim and other places across of the LAC has been a worrisome development. After the 73-day&nbsp;Doklam crisis in 2017, both countries established a mechanism of informal summits alternating between the two&nbsp;countries to resolve any problems that may arise. In the first informal summit in Wuhan in 2018, both sides gave "guidance" to forces and "committed" to work for the "common objective of maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas".

It was reiterated again in the Mamallapuram informal summit that took last year.&nbsp;

Indian government sources have said that the ongoing India China standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is "sensitive but not dangerous". The development comes even as a number of high-level meetings took place in Delhi on the Chinese build up on its side of the LAC.

Indian government sources have said that the ongoing India China standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is "sensitive but not dangerous". The development comes even as a number of high-level meetings took place in Delhi on the Chinese build up on its side of the LAC. WION has also learnt that both sides are in communication to resolve the current situation. Sources said,"both sides are in communication at diplomatic and local level." While both Delhi and Bejing are tight-lipped, it is only after the Global times, the Chinese government mouthpiece first officially confirmed that "Chinese border defence troops have enhanced control measures in the Galwan valley region". While Global Times claims built in response to India building a structure, India has said the Chinese had hindered Indian patrols in the area. The ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "All Indian activities are entirely on the Indian side of the LAC. In fact, it is the Chinese side that has recently undertaken activity hindering India's normal patrolling patterns. The Indian side has always taken a very responsible approach towards border management." Explaining that "Indian troops are fully familiar with the alignment of the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas and abide by it scrupulously", MEA said, "Indian side has always taken a very responsible approach towards border management" and "at the same time, we are deeply committed to ensuring India's sovereignty and security." While the Ladakh face-off has caught the attention, the recent face of in Naku la, Sikkim and other places across of the LAC has been a worrisome development. After the 73-day Doklam crisis in 2017, both countries established a mechanism of informal summits alternating between the two countries to resolve any problems that may arise. In the first informal summit in Wuhan in 2018, both sides gave "guidance" to forces and "committed" to work for the "common objective of maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas". It was reiterated again in the Mamallapuram informal summit that took last year.

India-China standoff: Government says situation sensitive but not dangerous

Nepal parliament has delayed taking up the constitutional amendment for the Nepal Map that was to be taken up by the House of Representative. The recently released new Nepal Map, which shows Indian territories as its territories, can get legal backing only after the constitution is amended.

Nepal parliament has delayed taking up the constitutional amendment for the Nepal Map that was to be taken up by the House of Representative. The recently released new Nepal Map, which shows Indian territories as its territories, can get legal backing only after the constitution is amended. No reason has been given why Constitution Amendment Bill for Nepal Map was removed from Nepal's House of Representatives agenda. The initiative was taken by the government with the opposition Nepal Congress yet to endorse it in its central committee meeting. "The decision on the amendment to update the map will be made at the forthcoming Central Working Committee meeting. We requested that amendment be put on hold for time being," Krishna Prasad Situala of Nepali Congress was quoted as saying by Kathmandu Post. Nepal Law Minister Dr. Shivamaya Tumbahangphe was to present the 'Constitution of Nepal Second Amendment Bill 2077' in Wednesday's meet of the Parliament. The Nepali government last week issued a new, controversial map of the country which showed Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura as its own. Earlier this month Nepali President addressing the joint session of the Parliament said the new maps of the country will be published that will show all areas it considers its own. The ongoing dispute is not new and dates back to 1816 when under the Treaty of Sugauli, King of Nepal lost parts of its territory to British including Kalapani and Lipulekh. The development comes even as Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli has said increase in a number of COVID-19 cases in the country is due to unchecked inflow of people from India.

Nepal Parliament delays taking up constitutional amendment for controversial new map

India has begun repatriation of its citizens from Kazakhstan, with first flight leaving on Tuesday. With 3400 Indians registered for repatriation, a thousand are expected back in the first phase which will see flights daily from the central Asian country to India.&nbsp;

India's ambassador to Kazakhstan Prabhat Kumar, speaking to WION from Kazakhstan said, "We are starting evacuation from Kazakhstan. Today is the first flight from Karaganda. We have 7 flights from Karaganda, Almaty, Nur Sultan. From 26th May till 1st, every day one flight which will be taking a thousand people to India. We have registered around 3400 people for evacuation, the rest of the people will be covered in the next phase." 
&nbsp; 
Overall, 3 Flights from Karaganda, 2 flights from Nur Sultan, 2 from Almaty will be coming in next week.

Prabhat Kumar thanked "ministry of external affairs, ministry of foreign affairs of Kazakhstan, airport authorities of Karaganda, Almaty, Nur Sultan for supporting the evacuation" and expressed his appreciation for "Indian home &amp; health &amp; civil aviation ministry and Air India specially for making this possible."

Most of the passengers are students with New Delhi requesting for chartered flights to take care of the workers. Several Indian workers are working to build the mega Abu Dhabi plaza in Capital Nur Sultan.&nbsp;

The plaza consists of offices, residential places and once completed will be the tallest building in the whole of Central Asia.

India has begun repatriation of its citizens from Kazakhstan, with first flight leaving on Tuesday. With 3400 Indians registered for repatriation, a thousand are expected back in the first phase which will see flights daily from the central Asian country to India.

India has begun repatriation of its citizens from Kazakhstan, with first flight leaving on Tuesday. With 3400 Indians registered for repatriation, a thousand are expected back in the first phase which will see flights daily from the central Asian country to India. India's ambassador to Kazakhstan Prabhat Kumar, speaking to WION from Kazakhstan said, "We are starting evacuation from Kazakhstan. Today is the first flight from Karaganda. We have 7 flights from Karaganda, Almaty, Nur Sultan. From 26th May till 1st, every day one flight which will be taking a thousand people to India. We have registered around 3400 people for evacuation, the rest of the people will be covered in the next phase." Overall, 3 Flights from Karaganda, 2 flights from Nur Sultan, 2 from Almaty will be coming in next week. Prabhat Kumar thanked "ministry of external affairs, ministry of foreign affairs of Kazakhstan, airport authorities of Karaganda, Almaty, Nur Sultan for supporting the evacuation" and expressed his appreciation for "Indian home & health & civil aviation ministry and Air India specially for making this possible." Most of the passengers are students with New Delhi requesting for chartered flights to take care of the workers. Several Indian workers are working to build the mega Abu Dhabi plaza in Capital Nur Sultan. The plaza consists of offices, residential places and once completed will be the tallest building in the whole of Central Asia.

India begins repatriation from Kazakhstan; 7 flights to bring back thousands of students 

Indian government sources have dismissed reports of Indian patrol being detailed by the Chinese at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh calling them "inaccurate" The Ministry of external affairs last week said the Chinese side "hindering India’s normal patrolling patterns" after China alleged that Indian side had tried to build a structure in Galwan valley.

Indian government sources have dismissed reports of Indian patrol being detailed by the Chinese at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh calling them "inaccurate" The Ministry of external affairs last week said the Chinese side "hindering India’s normal patrolling patterns" after China alleged that Indian side had tried to build a structure in Galwan valley. The location of present India China face-off is in Galwan Valley in China occupied Ladakh. The MEA explained, "Any suggestion that Indian troops had undertaken activity across the LAC in the Western Sector or the Sikkim sector is not accurate" and the "Indian troops are fully familiar with the alignment of the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas and abide by it scrupulously. " Earlier this month speaking to WION, Army chief Gen MM Naravane on India China Faceoffs in Ladakh and Sikkim said, "I would rather say it is face-offs and these faces-offs have been happening in the past also, nothing new about it." "Different perceptions on where the Line of Actual Control(LAC) runs in these areas, we patrol up to where we believe LAC is, PLA comes were they think LAC comes. When we come face-to-face, when we come at the same place at the same time, that is when such face-offs occur, " he added.

Indian patrol being detained by China is inaccurate, says government sources

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