India's envoy to Portugal has lauded the "very courageous and very generous people" from the Indian Sikh community who "bravely" went to quarantine centres to deliver supplies to Indians quarantined.

India's envoy to Portugal has lauded the "very courageous and very generous people" from the Indian Sikh community who "bravely" went to quarantine centres to deliver supplies to Indians quarantined. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Lisbon, India's envoy to Portugal Nandini Singla said, "volunteers in the Indian community we were able to arrange free food and deliver food kit rations to more than 1800 stranded Indians". Hundred Indians were quarantined in the country and 55 Indians tested COVID-19 positive, all of whom have recovered. India is in the process of planning a special flight from Lisbon to Goa to bring back around 190 Indian seafarers stuck in a cruise liner. India has also sent 15 tonnes of protective items to Lisbon from Banglore, other than providing 2.5 million tablets of HCQ. WION: How have both the countries working together? Nandini Singla: Both India and Portugal have been cooperating very closely. In fact, our 2 PMs spoke on May 5 and Portuguese PM thanked our PM for repatriation of Portuguese Citizens. He also congratulated our PM for the success they had, even as a large and populous country in containing the Pandemic. Both PMs continued to work together and support each other. India, for instance, waved the export ban, on 2.5 million tablets of HCQ at Portugal's request. We also had 15 tons of protective items like gloves being flown in from Bangalore. As far as Portugal is concerned, the country's health service, the local authorities, the red cross, they have been outstanding in the support to the embassy in terms of taking care of Indians impacted by COVID, Indians who had to be quarantined in schools etc. They have been incredibly supportive and at a policy level, the Portuguese govt announced that all visas and work permits will be automatically extended till the end of June and every foreigner in Portugal will be treated by like Portuguese citizens in terms of health care and other facilities. This has been very welcome to many Indians whose visas have expired and they were anxious if they can go to a public hospital for treatment. Both countries are working very closely, and if I may add, we have also agreed to do joint research on COVID and we plan to anchor a youth hackathon on the theme of COVID. WION: How has the Indian mission reached out to stranded Indians? Nandini Singla: We have an Indian diaspora that is 1.2 lakh strong, it Includes economic migrants, people who work on agriculture farms, in the construction industry many such workers were left jobless because of the pandemic. Many of them didn't have food or shelter. We had stranded Indian students and seafarers, people who were on a cruise ship that is currently anchored in Lisbon. We had a large number of Indians here and with the support of the Gurudwaras, the Sikh community, the Indians diaspora, many volunteers in the Indian community we were able to arrange free food and deliver food kit rations to more than 1800 stranded Indians so far. We have also arranged shelter for those who needed, so all the Indians who were stranded or distressed are being fully taken care of and an important thing we realised, it is the importance of communication itself. Because we were getting many anxious questions and people calling and worried about when they can go back home, what health advice and precautions to follow and pleased to share with you since the pandemic began we have answered 3000 phone calls on 24/7 emergency helpline. We have responded to 2000 messages on emails, WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter. Just last week, we have sent 1100 messages. We are also uploaded audiovisual messages because that is easy to connect especially with the workers who are in a different part of Portugal. We have given different advisories, reassuring words and messages to the diaspora here and happy to tell u, no casualties so far, although 55 Indians tested positive and they have all recovered. All Indians are healthy, thriving and doing well. WION: Any details on the repatriation? Nandini Singla: We have more than 250 people who have registered with the Indian embassy for repatriation. They want to go back to India and a large part of this is crewmen, seafarers who are on board a cruise liner ship. They are 191 of them and we got anxious calls from our seafarers that they do not have the mask, they were not sure about being tested, not having quarantine facilities. We reached out to the cruise ship company and they were very responsive and we now have wifi facility and Indian food being given to our seafarers who are on board the ship. They are happy and well taken care of but they want to go back to India. We are in touch with Indian authorities for a special flight from Lisbon to Goa because a lot of the seafarers are from Goa. Govt of Goa has expressed its willingness to receive them and we are waiting for scheduling for a special flight by Air India and we hope to have some good news soon. WION: Anything to learn from Portugal? How has been the ground situation? Nandini Singla: Portugal has been a success story as you may have heard. They have only about 1231 deaths as of today which is less than 1/5 of per capita mortality rate in the neighbouring country Spain. Less than 65 per cent of Portugal's hospital bed capacity has been used and the recovery rate, people recovering from infection has risen steeply signalling normalcy can be expected soon. So, Portugal is recovering very rapidly, and we have now the second phase of the easing of the lockdown which began on Monday. The 3rd phase will begin on June 1 if everything goes well. So the situation in Portugal is looking good, as far as best practices from Portugal, I think India and Portugal have adopted similar models based on science and empirical data. Both countries heeded early signs and took decisive steps to have the firm and timely lockdown measures. People of 2 countries also complied and both governments have announced generous economic packages to help the jobless and revive the economy. I would say both countries have followed similar tracks and they seem to be based on sensible best practices. As far as distinct things India can pick up, size and population of both countries is vastly different, I am not sure if it will be comparable in terms of the scale of the 2 countries. WION: How have the Indian diplomats been faring? Has it been tough? Nandini Singla: Even for Indian embassies and diplomats, this has been a time of adaption and change and we are very lucky that in Portugal some of us could work from home, some of us came to office. We made sure all services continued, for example, all consular services are being delivered by the embassy by post and in case of emergencies, it is delivered physically. We had a very generous pharma company, Generis which is a subsidiary of Aurobindo pharma, they came forward to provide masks and sanitizers at a time when they were not available in any pharmacy in Portugal. We are very grateful to them and with these masks and sanitizers we have been able to come to the embassy and we can work. Right now you are interviewing me in the embassy and we had a video conference with MEA earlier today. Work is not impacted and we are observing precautions, we are maintaining social distancing, we are observing all the rules and regulations laid by Portuguese govt. WION: How has the Indian community helped in the mission's efforts? Nandini Singla: I don't think, the embassy would have been able to reach out to needy Indians, the way it has, had it not been the Indian community. I would like to place on record, the special thanks to the Sikh community, and the Gurudwaras for doing a fantastic job of helping us reach food and essential supplies to people who needed them. In fact, while I mentioned 55 Indians tested positive, there were more than hundred who were quarantined by the local authorities in schools etc and these people had nothing with them, so the embassy had to supply things like footwear, Indian food, shampoo, stuff like that. No one was willing to go there because the place was quarantined. Very courageous and very generous people from the Indian community bravely went there and delivered the embassy supplies. It was 350 km away from Lisbon, the embassy was in no position to go there and I would like to salute these members of the Indian community and call them COVID-19 warriors who rose to the occasion and helped the Indian embassy in the time of need.

'Brave' Indian Sikh community members went to quarantine centers to deliver mission's supplies: Indian envoy to Portugal

India has started repatriating&nbsp;its citizens from far way Argentina with 24 Indians set to arrive in Delhi later this week even as New Delhi will be gifting medicines to Uruguay and&nbsp;Paraguay.

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Buenos Aires, India's envoy to Argentina, Uruguay &amp; Paraguay Dinesh Bhatia said EAM Jaishankar had "very productive and very fruitful" discussions with foreign ministers of all the 3 countries - Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay on not only "cooperation in the times of COVID-19 but beyond that."

Interestingly, Argentina envoy to India Daniel Chuburu who was in Argentina for two&nbsp;months due to lockdown is coming to India in the first flight from Buenos Aires that left on Monday.

WION: How is the Indian&nbsp;Mission helping in getting citizens back?

Dinesh Bhatia: Argentina was the farthest country from India, there is a large enough community of Indians here, about a couple of thousand Indians in Argentina.

In addition, our embassy also looks after Paraguay and Uruguay and we had stranded Indians there also, the numbers are not very large, the issue is distance is very large, going from Argentina to Delhi and of course Paraguay and Uruguay.

We have to work with stranded Indians in all the 3 countries and we have worked with and managed to send them back. We have a small number but a long stance and I hope they will reach safely.

There are two&nbsp;stops, the flight goes via Sydney and Bangkok and the journey is more than 30 hours and thanks to the leadership of our EAM Jaishanker and FS Harsh Shringla and the entire ministry who has supported us in organising flight back to India.

WION: How many Indian have registered from repatriation from all the 3 countries?

Dinesh Bhatia: We had our registration only from Argentina for more than 60 people who wanted to go back and another 20 people from Uruguay. From Uruguay, they have not been able to get out because all of them work for one particular company called TCS &nbsp;and they decided not to go in this flight, but from Argentina when we circulated to all the 60 people who had registered and also to the larger community and we have 24 Indians going in this flight and one of them dropped out from this flight, unfortunately.

Twenty-four&nbsp;Indians are going back and surprisingly and interestingly Argentiain envoy to India, he was also in Argentina for the last two&nbsp;months, he was here for a family visit. He got stuck because of quarantine and lockdown in Argentina and India, he is also in this flight. He is going back to his workplace.

WION:&nbsp;Any Indian infect in all the 3 countries?

Dinesh Bhatia: Fortunately for us, no Indian has been infected in the 3 countries we deal with. The numbers are also not large and Uruguay has started improving because a number of recovered have been consistently more than infected on a daily basis since the 15th of last month. No Indians infected in the country.

WION: EAM spoke with Foreign Ministers of the countries, what was the key focus?

Dinesh Bhatia: EAM has spoken to foreign ministers of all the 3 countries--Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Discussions were very productive and very fruitful because they not only discussed cooperation in the times of COVID, beyond that.

EAM also committed gift medicines and medical supplies to Uruguay and Paraguay and currently, they are being procured and sent to both countries.

All the three&nbsp;countries have close relations with India and since we sit in Buenos aires, we will talk about the country.

Argentina has a new government since December, this was this is the first conversation between the two&nbsp;FMs and the same thing applies to Uruguay because they had new govt which took over. They had elections in October and November and govt took over on March 1 and EAM spoke to his counterpart in Uruguay too and all the discussions were productive.

WION: How has been the ground situation in the 3 countries?

Dinesh Bhatia: The number in all these 3 countries have not been very large and Argentina and Paraguay have been in complete lockdown since March.

In fact, Argentina was the first country to declare lockdown since 20th March and they will continue for some more time. Paraguay same situation.

Uruguay has opened up, in fact, schools in the rural areas have also opened. They were never under complete lockdown as such, the numbers were very small, a small country with 3.5 million people and numbers have been small. Uruguay is gradually opening-up becoming back to normal.

Argentina will continue till numbers are in control because so far the numbers have been increasing.&nbsp;

India has started repatriating its citizens from far way Argentina with 24 Indians set to arrive in Delhi later this week even as New Delhi will be gifting medicines to Uruguay and Paraguay.

India has started repatriating its citizens from far way Argentina with 24 Indians set to arrive in Delhi later this week even as New Delhi will be gifting medicines to Uruguay and Paraguay. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Buenos Aires, India's envoy to Argentina, Uruguay & Paraguay Dinesh Bhatia said EAM Jaishankar had "very productive and very fruitful" discussions with foreign ministers of all the 3 countries - Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay on not only "cooperation in the times of COVID-19 but beyond that." Interestingly, Argentina envoy to India Daniel Chuburu who was in Argentina for two months due to lockdown is coming to India in the first flight from Buenos Aires that left on Monday. WION: How is the Indian Mission helping in getting citizens back? Dinesh Bhatia: Argentina was the farthest country from India, there is a large enough community of Indians here, about a couple of thousand Indians in Argentina. In addition, our embassy also looks after Paraguay and Uruguay and we had stranded Indians there also, the numbers are not very large, the issue is distance is very large, going from Argentina to Delhi and of course Paraguay and Uruguay. We have to work with stranded Indians in all the 3 countries and we have worked with and managed to send them back. We have a small number but a long stance and I hope they will reach safely. There are two stops, the flight goes via Sydney and Bangkok and the journey is more than 30 hours and thanks to the leadership of our EAM Jaishanker and FS Harsh Shringla and the entire ministry who has supported us in organising flight back to India. WION: How many Indian have registered from repatriation from all the 3 countries? Dinesh Bhatia: We had our registration only from Argentina for more than 60 people who wanted to go back and another 20 people from Uruguay. From Uruguay, they have not been able to get out because all of them work for one particular company called TCS and they decided not to go in this flight, but from Argentina when we circulated to all the 60 people who had registered and also to the larger community and we have 24 Indians going in this flight and one of them dropped out from this flight, unfortunately. Twenty-four Indians are going back and surprisingly and interestingly Argentiain envoy to India, he was also in Argentina for the last two months, he was here for a family visit. He got stuck because of quarantine and lockdown in Argentina and India, he is also in this flight. He is going back to his workplace. WION: Any Indian infect in all the 3 countries? Dinesh Bhatia: Fortunately for us, no Indian has been infected in the 3 countries we deal with. The numbers are also not large and Uruguay has started improving because a number of recovered have been consistently more than infected on a daily basis since the 15th of last month. No Indians infected in the country. WION: EAM spoke with Foreign Ministers of the countries, what was the key focus? Dinesh Bhatia: EAM has spoken to foreign ministers of all the 3 countries--Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Discussions were very productive and very fruitful because they not only discussed cooperation in the times of COVID, beyond that. EAM also committed gift medicines and medical supplies to Uruguay and Paraguay and currently, they are being procured and sent to both countries. All the three countries have close relations with India and since we sit in Buenos aires, we will talk about the country. Argentina has a new government since December, this was this is the first conversation between the two FMs and the same thing applies to Uruguay because they had new govt which took over. They had elections in October and November and govt took over on March 1 and EAM spoke to his counterpart in Uruguay too and all the discussions were productive. WION: How has been the ground situation in the 3 countries? Dinesh Bhatia: The number in all these 3 countries have not been very large and Argentina and Paraguay have been in complete lockdown since March. In fact, Argentina was the first country to declare lockdown since 20th March and they will continue for some more time. Paraguay same situation. Uruguay has opened up, in fact, schools in the rural areas have also opened. They were never under complete lockdown as such, the numbers were very small, a small country with 3.5 million people and numbers have been small. Uruguay is gradually opening-up becoming back to normal. Argentina will continue till numbers are in control because so far the numbers have been increasing.

Repatriation of Indians begins from Argentina; New Delhi gifts medicines to Paraguay & Uruguay

The Afghan government has come in full support of New Delhi after Taliban's political chief Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai said that India has been supporting traitors in the landlocked South Asian country.

Spokesperson of Afghan foreign ministry Gran Hewad said, "India is one of the biggest donor countries and has helped Afghanistan in development and reconstruction areas, we appreciate their cooperation."

The Afghan government would like to India to play an important role, said Gran and added, "We expect India and other neighbouring countries play a significant role in the Afghan peace process".

The Afghan govt's support for India comes even as US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad has been saying that New Delhi should speak to the Taliban.

Suhail Shaheen spokesperson Taliban Political Office, Doha said the group would like to have positive relations with India and welcomed New Delhi's cooperation in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"Based on our national interest and mutual respect, we would like to have positive relations with neighbouring countries including India and welcome their contribution and cooperation in the reconstruction of future Afghanistan," Shaheen said in Doha.

India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built the India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat and the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul.

The development partnership is premised on five pillars Infrastructure, Capacity Building, Humanitarian Assistance, Economic Development &amp; Connectivity. New Delhi offers 500 Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) slots to Afghanistan annually for capacity building.

The Afghan government has come in full support of New Delhi after Taliban's political chief Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai said that India has been supporting traitors in the landlocked South Asian country.

The Afghan government has come in full support of New Delhi after Taliban's political chief Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai said that India has been supporting traitors in the landlocked South Asian country. Spokesperson of Afghan foreign ministry Gran Hewad said, "India is one of the biggest donor countries and has helped Afghanistan in development and reconstruction areas, we appreciate their cooperation." The Afghan government would like to India to play an important role, said Gran and added, "We expect India and other neighbouring countries play a significant role in the Afghan peace process". The Afghan govt's support for India comes even as US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad has been saying that New Delhi should speak to the Taliban. Suhail Shaheen spokesperson Taliban Political Office, Doha said the group would like to have positive relations with India and welcomed New Delhi's cooperation in Afghanistan. "Based on our national interest and mutual respect, we would like to have positive relations with neighbouring countries including India and welcome their contribution and cooperation in the reconstruction of future Afghanistan," Shaheen said in Doha. India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built the India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat and the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul. The development partnership is premised on five pillars Infrastructure, Capacity Building, Humanitarian Assistance, Economic Development & Connectivity. New Delhi offers 500 Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) slots to Afghanistan annually for capacity building.

Afghan govt comes to India's support after Taliban accused New Delhi of supporting traitors

After fake tweets emerged attributing to the Taliban, the group has clarified that it Kashmir is India's internal matter and they don't support any Pakistani style "Ghazwa-E-Hind" or Holy war against India.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-govt-comes-to-indias-support-after-taliban-accused-new-delhi-of-supporting-traitors-299359">Afghan govt comes to India's support after Taliban accused New Delhi of supporting traitors</a>

In a tweet, Suhail Shaheen spokesperson Taliban Political Office, Doha said, "The statement that has been circulated in certain media regarding India does not belong to Islamic emirate. The policy of Islamic Emirate regarding neighbour states is very obvious that we don't interfere in the domestic issue of them"

Fake tweets attributing to Suhail Shaheen and Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has been doing round saying "Friendship between Islamic Emirate and India is impossible" which further stated "Islamic Emirate will capture Kashmir from infidels. 
Clearly, the Taliban has refused to get into Pakistani propaganda on Kashmir and Muslims in India.&nbsp;

The group also sees a positive role for India for peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan.

Earlier this month speaking exclusively to WION from Doha, Suhail Shaheen said, "Based on our national interest and mutual respect, we would like to have positive relations with neighbouring countries including India and welcome their contribution and cooperation in the reconstruction of future Afghanistan."

He explained, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is a national Islamic movement of Afghanistan which has been struggling for the emancipation of the country from occupation. We don’t have any agenda beyond our border. "

The comments come even as the United States is keen that New Delhi speaks to Taliban. US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad was in Delhi last week, the first such visit after the US Taliban deal on 29th February and had spoken about this with India.

Meanwhile, Spokesperson of Afghan foreign ministry Gran Hewad today lauded India's role in the country and said "India one of the biggest donor countries and has helped Afghanistan in development and reconstruction areas, we appreciate their cooperation."

Explaining that Afghan govt would like to India to play an important role Gran said, "We expect India and other neighbouring countries play a significant role in the Afghan peace process".

India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built the India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat and the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul.

The development partnership is premised on five pillars Infrastructure, Capacity Building, Humanitarian Assistance, Economic Development &amp; Connectivity. New Delhi offers 500 Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) slots to Afghanistan annually for capacity building. 
&nbsp;

After fake tweets emerged attributing to the Taliban, the group has clarified that it Kashmir is India's internal matter and they don't support any Pakistani style "Ghazwa-E-Hind" or Holy war against India.

After fake tweets emerged attributing to the Taliban, the group has clarified that it Kashmir is India's internal matter and they don't support any Pakistani style "Ghazwa-E-Hind" or Holy war against India. Also read: Afghan govt comes to India's support after Taliban accused New Delhi of supporting traitors In a tweet, Suhail Shaheen spokesperson Taliban Political Office, Doha said, "The statement that has been circulated in certain media regarding India does not belong to Islamic emirate. The policy of Islamic Emirate regarding neighbour states is very obvious that we don't interfere in the domestic issue of them" Fake tweets attributing to Suhail Shaheen and Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has been doing round saying "Friendship between Islamic Emirate and India is impossible" which further stated "Islamic Emirate will capture Kashmir from infidels. Clearly, the Taliban has refused to get into Pakistani propaganda on Kashmir and Muslims in India. The group also sees a positive role for India for peace and reconstruction in Afghanistan. Earlier this month speaking exclusively to WION from Doha, Suhail Shaheen said, "Based on our national interest and mutual respect, we would like to have positive relations with neighbouring countries including India and welcome their contribution and cooperation in the reconstruction of future Afghanistan." He explained, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is a national Islamic movement of Afghanistan which has been struggling for the emancipation of the country from occupation. We don’t have any agenda beyond our border. " The comments come even as the United States is keen that New Delhi speaks to Taliban. US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad was in Delhi last week, the first such visit after the US Taliban deal on 29th February and had spoken about this with India. Meanwhile, Spokesperson of Afghan foreign ministry Gran Hewad today lauded India's role in the country and said "India one of the biggest donor countries and has helped Afghanistan in development and reconstruction areas, we appreciate their cooperation." Explaining that Afghan govt would like to India to play an important role Gran said, "We expect India and other neighbouring countries play a significant role in the Afghan peace process". India is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built the India Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat and the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul. The development partnership is premised on five pillars Infrastructure, Capacity Building, Humanitarian Assistance, Economic Development & Connectivity. New Delhi offers 500 Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) slots to Afghanistan annually for capacity building.

Taliban acknowledges Kashmir internal matter of India after fake tweets

Nepal's cabinet on Monday approved the new controversial map of the country which shows Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura as its own.

Last week the Nepal president while addressing the joint session of the Parliament had said new maps of the country will be published that will show all areas it considers its own.&nbsp;

Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari said,"Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani region are Nepal's territory and concrete diplomatic efforts will be taken towards reclaiming these territories. An official map of Nepal will be published accordingly incorporating all the territories of Nepal."

Elaborating on the Nepal&nbsp;government's approach, Bhandari explained that the "government of Nepal is committed to safeguarding the international borders of Nepal" and "outstanding border disputes with India will be resolved through diplomatic medium relying on available historical treaties, maps, facts, and evidence".

Kathmandu raised the chorus over the issue earlier this month when India's defence minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new road from Dharchula to Lipulekh that will reduce the time taken for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.

Soon after, Indian envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra was called by Nepal's foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali was called to raise the matter.

India has clarified to Nepal on Lipulekh that the "recently inaugurated road section in Pithoragarh district in the state of Uttarakhand lies completely within the territory of India."

New Delhi sees increased Chinese role in Nepal as a reason for current comments by Kathmandu. Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday had hinted at foreign involvement with Nepal for raking up the Lipulekh issue.

Army chief speaking at a think-tank IDSA's online meet had said,"I do not know exactly what they are exactly agitating about. Never been a problem in the past, reasons to believe they might have raised these problems, issues at the behest of someone else and there is very much a possibility."

While names have not been taken, Chinese increased involvement in the country is something that is well known.

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.&nbsp;

Nepal's cabinet on Monday approved the new controversial map of the country which shows Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura as its own. Last week the Nepal president while addressing the joint session of the Parliament had said new maps of the country will be published that will show all areas it considers its own.

Nepal's cabinet on Monday approved the new controversial map of the country which shows Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura as its own. Last week the Nepal president while addressing the joint session of the Parliament had said new maps of the country will be published that will show all areas it considers its own. Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari said,"Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani region are Nepal's territory and concrete diplomatic efforts will be taken towards reclaiming these territories. An official map of Nepal will be published accordingly incorporating all the territories of Nepal." Elaborating on the Nepal government's approach, Bhandari explained that the "government of Nepal is committed to safeguarding the international borders of Nepal" and "outstanding border disputes with India will be resolved through diplomatic medium relying on available historical treaties, maps, facts, and evidence". Kathmandu raised the chorus over the issue earlier this month when India's defence minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new road from Dharchula to Lipulekh that will reduce the time taken for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. Soon after, Indian envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra was called by Nepal's foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali was called to raise the matter. India has clarified to Nepal on Lipulekh that the "recently inaugurated road section in Pithoragarh district in the state of Uttarakhand lies completely within the territory of India." New Delhi sees increased Chinese role in Nepal as a reason for current comments by Kathmandu. Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday had hinted at foreign involvement with Nepal for raking up the Lipulekh issue. Army chief speaking at a think-tank IDSA's online meet had said,"I do not know exactly what they are exactly agitating about. Never been a problem in the past, reasons to believe they might have raised these problems, issues at the behest of someone else and there is very much a possibility." While names have not been taken, Chinese increased involvement in the country is something that is well known. 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.

Nepal cabinet approves controversial map claiming Indian territory

India has donated $2 million to UNRWA&nbsp;for the welfare of Palestinian refugees. The UN body has called it ''commendable'' at the time of COVID crisis. UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and provides education, health care, relief and social services to Palestinian refugees.&nbsp;

With about, 3.1 million Palestine refugees dependent on health services provided by UNRWA, India's contribution comes at the time of global COVID pandemic.&nbsp;

The agency provides basic health services through a network of primary health care facilities and mobile clinics to the refugees.&nbsp;

India's contribution was handed over by India's representative to Palestine Sunil Kumar.&nbsp;

While handing over the cheque to Chief of Donor Relations of UNRWA Marc Lassouaoui, Kumar said, "On behalf of the Government of India, I would like to express my appreciation for the commendable work and endeavours carried out by UNRWA. We believe that our contribution will support the Agency's activities in providing the needed assistance to Palestinian refugees, and assist in achieving their full human development potential."

India has increased its annual financial contribution to UNRWA from the $1.25 million in 2016 to U$ 5 million in 2018 and 2019 and pledged another US$ 5 million for 2020.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Marc Lassouaoui, Chief of Donor Relations of UNRWA expressed the agency's "deep appreciation" to the Indian government for "advancing part of its contribution, which will help UNRWA address cash flow challenges" and called the "continued determination and commitment of India in support" of the Palestine refugees "commendable" in particular under the "current circumstances brought on us by Covid-19."

With this year's contribution to UNRWA, India open the way to become a member of the Agency's Advisory Commission. Advisory Commission was created by UN Resolution 302 (IV) on 8 December 1949 and is tasked with advising and assisting the Commissioner-General of UNRWA in carrying out the Agency’s mandate. Consisting of four members when it was first created, today the Advisory Commission (AdCom) is made up of 28 Members and 4 Observers.

India's contribution comes even as the agency faces a dire financial situation that can impact health and education for Palestinian refugees. Agency's schools educate 526,000 students every year, of which half are female.UNRWA has been the main provider of primary education to Palestine refugees for 60 years. In 2018, US had stopped aid to UNRWA.

India has donated $2 million to UNRWA for the welfare of Palestinian refugees. The UN body has called it ''commendable'' at the time of COVID crisis. UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and provides education, health care, relief and social services to Palestinian refugees.

India has donated $2 million to UNRWA for the welfare of Palestinian refugees. The UN body has called it ''commendable'' at the time of COVID crisis. UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and provides education, health care, relief and social services to Palestinian refugees. With about, 3.1 million Palestine refugees dependent on health services provided by UNRWA, India's contribution comes at the time of global COVID pandemic. The agency provides basic health services through a network of primary health care facilities and mobile clinics to the refugees. India's contribution was handed over by India's representative to Palestine Sunil Kumar. While handing over the cheque to Chief of Donor Relations of UNRWA Marc Lassouaoui, Kumar said, "On behalf of the Government of India, I would like to express my appreciation for the commendable work and endeavours carried out by UNRWA. We believe that our contribution will support the Agency's activities in providing the needed assistance to Palestinian refugees, and assist in achieving their full human development potential." India has increased its annual financial contribution to UNRWA from the $1.25 million in 2016 to U$ 5 million in 2018 and 2019 and pledged another US$ 5 million for 2020. Marc Lassouaoui, Chief of Donor Relations of UNRWA expressed the agency's "deep appreciation" to the Indian government for "advancing part of its contribution, which will help UNRWA address cash flow challenges" and called the "continued determination and commitment of India in support" of the Palestine refugees "commendable" in particular under the "current circumstances brought on us by Covid-19." With this year's contribution to UNRWA, India open the way to become a member of the Agency's Advisory Commission. Advisory Commission was created by UN Resolution 302 (IV) on 8 December 1949 and is tasked with advising and assisting the Commissioner-General of UNRWA in carrying out the Agency’s mandate. Consisting of four members when it was first created, today the Advisory Commission (AdCom) is made up of 28 Members and 4 Observers. India's contribution comes even as the agency faces a dire financial situation that can impact health and education for Palestinian refugees. Agency's schools educate 526,000 students every year, of which half are female.UNRWA has been the main provider of primary education to Palestine refugees for 60 years. In 2018, US had stopped aid to UNRWA.

Amid COVID-19 India donates $2 million to UNRWA for Palestinian refugees; UN calls it commendable

India has backed the Australia-EU draft to be adopted at the World Health Organisation's (WHO) World Health Assembly (WHA) -- which will start on Monday.

India is among the 62 countries backing the draft which calls for "impartial, independent and comprehensive" probe into the coronavirus crisis.

The draft says, "Initiate, at the earliest appropriate moment, and in consultation with Member States, stepwise process of impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation, including using existing mechanisms, as appropriate, to review experience gained and lessons learned from theWHO-coordinated international health response to COVID-19, including (i) the effectiveness of the mechanisms at WHO’s disposal."

The draft resolution is backed by Albania, Australia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Mozambique, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Moldova, Russia, San Marino , Sierra Leone, South Africa, EU, Turkey, Ukraine, UK and Zambia.

The meeting will take place virtually and India's health minister will represent the country. He is expected to address the meet at 3.30 pm IST.&nbsp;

WHO's WHA is the top body of the UN organ and is made up of health ministers.

The meeting this year has assumed significance due to the coronavirus crisis. But Taiwan's participation in the meet is another issue that is getting the limelight.&nbsp;

China, which considers Taiwan as its part, has not allowed it to participate as a country and voting will hence decide whether it should or should not.

While New Delhi is yet to take a position, Taiwan's envoy to India, Chung-Kwang Tien, in an exclusive conversation with WION, said that as a "valued partner", India will "appreciate Taiwan's rights" on participation at the WHA meet which is the "shared aspiration of the people of Taiwan".

"Participating in WHO is the common aspiration of all people of Taiwan. &nbsp;I would like to expresses sincere appreciation for the unprecedented level of support extended to Taiwan’s campaign for participation in the World Health Organization by diplomatic allies and like-minded nations," he added.

India will take over the Chair of the Executive Board of the World Health Organisation after its annual meeting later this month.

India has backed the Australia-EU draft to be adopted at the World Health Organisation's (WHO) World Health Assembly (WHA) -- which will start on Monday. India is among the 62 countries backing the draft which calls for "impartial, independent and comprehensive" probe into the coronavirus crisis.

India has backed the Australia-EU draft to be adopted at the World Health Organisation's (WHO) World Health Assembly (WHA) -- which will start on Monday. India is among the 62 countries backing the draft which calls for "impartial, independent and comprehensive" probe into the coronavirus crisis. The draft says, "Initiate, at the earliest appropriate moment, and in consultation with Member States, stepwise process of impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation, including using existing mechanisms, as appropriate, to review experience gained and lessons learned from theWHO-coordinated international health response to COVID-19, including (i) the effectiveness of the mechanisms at WHO’s disposal." The draft resolution is backed by Albania, Australia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Mozambique, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Moldova, Russia, San Marino , Sierra Leone, South Africa, EU, Turkey, Ukraine, UK and Zambia. The meeting will take place virtually and India's health minister will represent the country. He is expected to address the meet at 3.30 pm IST. WHO's WHA is the top body of the UN organ and is made up of health ministers. The meeting this year has assumed significance due to the coronavirus crisis. But Taiwan's participation in the meet is another issue that is getting the limelight. China, which considers Taiwan as its part, has not allowed it to participate as a country and voting will hence decide whether it should or should not. While New Delhi is yet to take a position, Taiwan's envoy to India, Chung-Kwang Tien, in an exclusive conversation with WION, said that as a "valued partner", India will "appreciate Taiwan's rights" on participation at the WHA meet which is the "shared aspiration of the people of Taiwan". "Participating in WHO is the common aspiration of all people of Taiwan. I would like to expresses sincere appreciation for the unprecedented level of support extended to Taiwan’s campaign for participation in the World Health Organization by diplomatic allies and like-minded nations," he added. India will take over the Chair of the Executive Board of the World Health Organisation after its annual meeting later this month.

India backs Australia-EU draft at WHO's world health meet

In Chile, which has seen a surge in a number of cases, the Indian mission has started a shelter in the old building of the mission to house stranded Indians. Speaking exclusively to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Santiago, India's Ambassador to Chile Anita Nayar said, about 270 Indians have registered for repatriation.

In Chile, which has seen a surge in a number of cases, the Indian mission has started a shelter in the old building of the mission to house stranded Indians. Speaking exclusively to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Santiago, India's Ambassador to Chile Anita Nayar said, about 270 Indians have registered for repatriation. Around 50 Indians are expected to come back in a LATAM flight that will leave the country on Tuesday. WION: How has been the ground situation in Chile, how are Indian diplomats faring? Anita Nayar: The ground situation in Chile is pretty bad. They have already reached more than 40,000 cases and every day they had between 1200 to 1800, sometimes even 2000 cases. Given that it is a population of 18 million, its not a good ratio. The government has reinstated the lockdown in the metropolitan region of Santiago which represents almost 70% of Chile's population and also in a couple of other areas where the infection seems to be growing at very high rates. The Indian diplomats have been so far faring well, none of us is infected, thank God and even though we have constraints on travel and the embassy most of the staff are working from home, but essential is available and are managing. WION: How are Chile and India cooperating during the COVID crisis. Anita Nayar: Chile has not requested us to provide medicines. They did ask us for N95 masks and ventilators and PPEs but that, of course, we were in no position to provide. But we are, working on a project on cooperation between local immunology institute and ICMR in India to work on a vaccine, perhaps that project will take off quite soon we are hoping. Beyond that Chile has facilitated request for a repatriation flight which has actually been organised by the Argentinian govt--LATAM flight. The flight will take off from Santigo and we have permission to put Indians nationals on the flight so some of the people will be returning on that. WION: How many Indians stranded in the country, how many plan to come back? Anita Nayar: We don't have many people stranded here in Chile. There are about 70 odd people who have given reasons which fit the MHA criteria for urgent and compelling reasons to return to India. Of them, about 50 will be on LATAM flight. The other has chosen not to leave in this flight for whatever reasons. And we hope there will be another evacuation flight because the total of people who have registered for evacuation as 270. WION: Reports suggest some Indians, who were illegally staying in the region have been requesting for repatriation? Anita Nayar: Not aware of any Indian illegally present here who has asked for repatriation. There are people whose visas have expired and they have not been able to renew it because of the lockdown situation. The Chilean foreign ministry has processed all those who have requested to be repatriated on the LATAM flight and we will get the final confirmation on Monday, the flight is on Tuesday--19th. We will get final confirmation on Monday from the foreign office. They have informally assured us there is no problem for any of the people on the list too leave Chile. WION: How is the Indian mission reaching to any stranded Indians in the country..? Anita Nayar: We are making sure that all information we receive, the advisory is put out on various platforms, all our social media platforms direct emails. We have also started a shelter, we are lucky enough to have the old embassy premises which are waiting to be restored to house the stranded Indians in and the community here has been extraordinarily helpful. They have provided us with food, blankets, beds and furniture and almost everything that was needed for the shelter. We currently have 10 people staying there. We have the capacity of another 20 people. The old residence is quite a big building and that I think is one major initiative the embassy has taken to help Indians stranded here and we hope eventually everybody will be repatriated or the crisis is declared over and the lockdown are lifted so that people can again move freely.

270 register for repatriation in Chile as Indian mission starts shelter to house stranded Indians

Taiwan's envoy to India, Chung-Kwang Tien, has said that "valued partner" India will "appreciate Taiwan's rights" in participation at the World Health Assembly meet which is the "shared aspiration of the people of Taiwan".

Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Chung-Kwang Tien lauded Indian Government's "extraordinary efforts" in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 and expressed "strong confidence" that New Delhi will prevail over the challenges and restore momentum and economic growth.

World Health Organisation's global health will be held on&nbsp;Monday virtually but China is blocking Taiwan's participation and a vote will take place on the latter's participation.

WION: What model did Taiwan use to defeat&nbsp;COVID-19?

Chung-Kwang Tien: Preemptive actions taken by the government are key&nbsp;measures to fight this unprecedented disease effectively. On December 31, 2019 the same day China notified the World Health Organization that it had several cases of an unknown pneumonia, R.O.C. Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control immediately ordered inspections of passengers arriving on flights from Wuhan.

A team of experts was quickly dispatched to the mainland on a fact-finding mission on January 12. Shortly after the team returned, Taiwan began requiring hospitals to test for and report cases. That helped the government identify those infected, trace their contacts and isolate everyone involved, preventing the virus from spreading to the community.

In addition, Taiwan has established a comprehensive national disease prevention mechanism: this includes digitized disease monitoring systems, stringent border quarantine measures, extensive community-based countermeasures, advanced medical preparedness, an abundant stock of preventive medical appliances and resources, concise guidelines and information for the reference of the general public, and annual disease prevention and control drills.

Despite Taiwan’s proximity to China, and the high frequency of people to people contacts, we still have kept our confirmed cases to under 500, about 90 per cent of which are imported. This demonstrates that we are effectively controlling the epidemic.

WION: How is Taiwan helping India with its experience?

Chung-Kwang Tien: With India have already implemented several cooperations of how we are doing. First, on February 20, researchers at Academia Sinica announced they had synthesized over 100 milligrams of Remdesivir, an experimental treatment for COVID-19, to 97 per cent purity.

It took the team, which includes two members from India, just two weeks. Second is how Taiwan’s medical institutions have been sharing related information. On April 2 and 14, there was Taiwan-India Webinars on COVID-19, over 14,000 healthcare workers in India benefited from these webinars. Taiwan’s physicians shared their experience fighting the pandemic, including testing methods, treatments, approaches to containing infection, and measures concerning masks.

Third, the Government of Taiwan has already provided one million face masks to India to help protect frontline medical personnel.

The masks were brought to India by a special chartered flight on 4 May 2020.The donation of these masks was handed over these masks to Neel Kamal Singh, Deputy Secretary General of Indian Red Cross Society, at a hand-over ceremony on Friday, 8 May 2020.

India is an important and valued partner to Taiwan. Indian Government has made extraordinary efforts in curtailing the spread of COVID-19. I have strong confidence that India will prevail over the challenges and restore momentum and economic growth.

WION: WHO meet is about the begin, how hopeful&nbsp;are you that Taiwan will participate?

Chung-Kwang Tien: Participating in WHO is the common aspiration of all citizens of Taiwan. The persistent and collective efforts of Taiwan’s government and civil society along with&nbsp;international support and media attention for Taiwan’s campaign have increased considerably over the years.

I would like to expresses sincere appreciation for the unprecedented level of support extended to Taiwan’s campaign for participation in the World Health Organization by diplomatic allies and like-minded nations.

Among like-minded partners, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Belgium has spoken up in favour of Taiwan or echoed its appeal for participation by stressing the importance of inclusiveness and ensuring the non-existence of&nbsp;gaps in the global disease prevention network, particularly this year when Taiwan has shown the world how we fight against the Covid-19 successfully.

Although the current situation is still difficult of being invited to participate in the WHA, our government will never give up and will continue to strive to the last moment with the support of our diplomatic allies and like-minded countries.

WION: What are Taiwn's&nbsp;expectations from India on WHO meet? Has&nbsp;it&nbsp;spoken to Indian government about backing it at the meet? How would you like India to vote?

Chung-Kwang Tien: We are glad to see India is going to take over the Chair of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization after its annual meeting later this month.

Taiwan cherishes the valuable relations with Government of India and its people and hopes that the relations between the two countries will keep moving forward.

It is the shared aspiration of the people of Taiwan to participate in WHO, and the Taiwan government will continue to strive to achieve this important objective.

The Covid-19 situation remains dynamic, and being unable to participate in WHO seriously, affects Taiwan’s ability to obtain complete and timely information on the virus and on epidemic prevention and to contribute our experience with the countries which have suffered the most under the current devastating situation.

WHO should recognize the seriousness of the situation and allow Taiwan’s full participation as soon as possible.

India has emerged as a strong power regionally and internationally, with the high standard of democracy, human rights and freedom. We are certain India will fairly perform her duty as the chair of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization.

We are also confident that, given that Taiwan has received a tremendous amount of support from the general public, scholars and the media lately in India, India Government will appreciate Taiwan's rights in this direction.

WION: Can any&nbsp;particular country or organization be held responsible for this global crisis?

Chung-Kwang Tien: How to fight the disease collectively needs to put the international efforts together, however, COVID-19 is a brand new viral disease fraught with unknowns.

Therefore, the exchange of up-to-the-minute information is of critical importance for effective epidemic prevention and mitigation. Taiwan would very much like to play her role in this historical challenge to safeguard international health and humanity.

Taiwan's envoy to India, Chung-Kwang Tien, has said that "valued partner" India will "appreciate Taiwan's rights" in participation at the World Health Assembly meet which is the "shared aspiration of the people of Taiwan".

Taiwan's envoy to India, Chung-Kwang Tien, has said that "valued partner" India will "appreciate Taiwan's rights" in participation at the World Health Assembly meet which is the "shared aspiration of the people of Taiwan". Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Chung-Kwang Tien lauded Indian Government's "extraordinary efforts" in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 and expressed "strong confidence" that New Delhi will prevail over the challenges and restore momentum and economic growth. World Health Organisation's global health will be held on Monday virtually but China is blocking Taiwan's participation and a vote will take place on the latter's participation. WION: What model did Taiwan use to defeat COVID-19? Chung-Kwang Tien: Preemptive actions taken by the government are key measures to fight this unprecedented disease effectively. On December 31, 2019 the same day China notified the World Health Organization that it had several cases of an unknown pneumonia, R.O.C. Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control immediately ordered inspections of passengers arriving on flights from Wuhan. A team of experts was quickly dispatched to the mainland on a fact-finding mission on January 12. Shortly after the team returned, Taiwan began requiring hospitals to test for and report cases. That helped the government identify those infected, trace their contacts and isolate everyone involved, preventing the virus from spreading to the community. In addition, Taiwan has established a comprehensive national disease prevention mechanism: this includes digitized disease monitoring systems, stringent border quarantine measures, extensive community-based countermeasures, advanced medical preparedness, an abundant stock of preventive medical appliances and resources, concise guidelines and information for the reference of the general public, and annual disease prevention and control drills. Despite Taiwan’s proximity to China, and the high frequency of people to people contacts, we still have kept our confirmed cases to under 500, about 90 per cent of which are imported. This demonstrates that we are effectively controlling the epidemic. WION: How is Taiwan helping India with its experience? Chung-Kwang Tien: With India have already implemented several cooperations of how we are doing. First, on February 20, researchers at Academia Sinica announced they had synthesized over 100 milligrams of Remdesivir, an experimental treatment for COVID-19, to 97 per cent purity. It took the team, which includes two members from India, just two weeks. Second is how Taiwan’s medical institutions have been sharing related information. On April 2 and 14, there was Taiwan-India Webinars on COVID-19, over 14,000 healthcare workers in India benefited from these webinars. Taiwan’s physicians shared their experience fighting the pandemic, including testing methods, treatments, approaches to containing infection, and measures concerning masks. Third, the Government of Taiwan has already provided one million face masks to India to help protect frontline medical personnel. The masks were brought to India by a special chartered flight on 4 May 2020.The donation of these masks was handed over these masks to Neel Kamal Singh, Deputy Secretary General of Indian Red Cross Society, at a hand-over ceremony on Friday, 8 May 2020. India is an important and valued partner to Taiwan. Indian Government has made extraordinary efforts in curtailing the spread of COVID-19. I have strong confidence that India will prevail over the challenges and restore momentum and economic growth. WION: WHO meet is about the begin, how hopeful are you that Taiwan will participate? Chung-Kwang Tien: Participating in WHO is the common aspiration of all citizens of Taiwan. The persistent and collective efforts of Taiwan’s government and civil society along with international support and media attention for Taiwan’s campaign have increased considerably over the years. I would like to expresses sincere appreciation for the unprecedented level of support extended to Taiwan’s campaign for participation in the World Health Organization by diplomatic allies and like-minded nations. Among like-minded partners, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Belgium has spoken up in favour of Taiwan or echoed its appeal for participation by stressing the importance of inclusiveness and ensuring the non-existence of gaps in the global disease prevention network, particularly this year when Taiwan has shown the world how we fight against the Covid-19 successfully. Although the current situation is still difficult of being invited to participate in the WHA, our government will never give up and will continue to strive to the last moment with the support of our diplomatic allies and like-minded countries. WION: What are Taiwn's expectations from India on WHO meet? Has it spoken to Indian government about backing it at the meet? How would you like India to vote? Chung-Kwang Tien: We are glad to see India is going to take over the Chair of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization after its annual meeting later this month. Taiwan cherishes the valuable relations with Government of India and its people and hopes that the relations between the two countries will keep moving forward. It is the shared aspiration of the people of Taiwan to participate in WHO, and the Taiwan government will continue to strive to achieve this important objective. The Covid-19 situation remains dynamic, and being unable to participate in WHO seriously, affects Taiwan’s ability to obtain complete and timely information on the virus and on epidemic prevention and to contribute our experience with the countries which have suffered the most under the current devastating situation. WHO should recognize the seriousness of the situation and allow Taiwan’s full participation as soon as possible. India has emerged as a strong power regionally and internationally, with the high standard of democracy, human rights and freedom. We are certain India will fairly perform her duty as the chair of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization. We are also confident that, given that Taiwan has received a tremendous amount of support from the general public, scholars and the media lately in India, India Government will appreciate Taiwan's rights in this direction. WION: Can any particular country or organization be held responsible for this global crisis? Chung-Kwang Tien: How to fight the disease collectively needs to put the international efforts together, however, COVID-19 is a brand new viral disease fraught with unknowns. Therefore, the exchange of up-to-the-minute information is of critical importance for effective epidemic prevention and mitigation. Taiwan would very much like to play her role in this historical challenge to safeguard international health and humanity.

Taiwan 'confident' of India's support for World Health Assembly: Envoy Chung-Kwang Tien

India's New High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay said that New Delhi will help Colombo to deal with the Economic Challenges precipitated by the COVID-19 crisis and this " is going to be one of my very important tasks", he said.

India's New High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay said that New Delhi will help Colombo to deal with the Economic Challenges precipitated by the COVID-19 crisis and this " is going to be one of my very important tasks", he said. Speaking exclusively to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Colombo, Baglay who presented his credentials last week via video conference said, "with vision and commitment Indian diplomacy is more than committed to adequately address the challenges posed" by the COVID-19 situation. With 1200 Indian nationals registering for repatriation, he also talked about how the mission is reaching out to stranded Indian nationals in the country. This is the first interview of Gopal Baglay to any Indian channel since taking over as the new Indian high commissioner to Sri Lanka. WION: How are India and Sri Lanka cooperating to deal with the COVID crisis? Gopal Baglay: India and Sri Lanka are the closest maritime neighbours. They share a very long history, they not only geography but the bonds of civilization. Buddhism is the common spirit we share. Civilizational strength we have, the diversity we have, so it is very natural for us to very closely cooperate especially in matters pertaining to the development and also when it comes to handling the different crisis and calamities. India has been first responders in many occasions in the past as well when natural calamities struck Sri Lanka. I think we are very fortunate to have the leadership in both the countries which is very keen to develop this cooperation and expand this cooperation. So it is very natural for India to respond to this situation and while we have our challenges and like everyone we are fighting the pandemic, it is very natural for India to come to the assistance of Sri Lanka because that is the mark of true friendship and true cooperation. You must be aware we have sent 4 consignments, in fact, I happen to be on the consignment that came last week and the special flight that brought back 12 and 1/2 tonnes of the consignment. Other than that we have sent 3 consignments earlier, medical material, medicines, essential life saving for fighting COVID as well as the requirement projected by Sri Lankan govt to our govt. We have also arranged special online courses on management of COVID situation under India's ITEC programme which is very old but got a new dimension. It is a new aspect, to use technology. COVID presents many challenges on of which is not only safe distancing, restrictions on travel and how India is managing its COVID situation that is a very important aspect. The number of interaction between health experts in both countries. It was conducted on the Indian side by our premier institutions. So the use of technology to overcome these challenges again is the vision of our leadership of both countries. You are very well familiar, with the Aarogya Setu app in India, similarly robots in Sri Lanka aiding the fight against COVID. Use of tech is another area other than supplies of medicines. We are closely working on the repatriation of Sri Lankan nationals and I would like to say, both the countries see every challenge as an opportunity. When I speak about challenges and opportunities, the cooperation so far in fighting the immediate impact of COVID 19, to look after the health aspect is just the tip of the iceberg. there are bigger challenges, that need to be fought when we speak of economic recovery. Both countries are going to cooperate very closely, we are in touch, 2 govt are in touch, this is going to be one of my very important tasks, to work with the leadership of Sri Lanka, to work with Sri Lanka authorities to chart the way forward for cooperation and dealing with the economic challenges posed by COVID 19. We share a common commitment to shared prosperity and peace and security. WION: How are both cooperating under the SAARC umbrella? Gopal Baglay: PM Modi had taken the lead in arranging the interaction of SAARC leaders on 15th March, 2 months ago. Important decisions were taken in that interaction. South Asia is not merely a geographical region, we share history, we share a common objective and we have a common destiny, a common future. It is the responsibility of us, our country and our govt are committed to neighbourhood first policy to work in the region, to promote cooperation. Especially, SAARC emergy fund has been established which has been utilised to extend the assistance to various countries in the SAARC. Also, health and trade officials have interacted online. What will be the economic cooperation, on trade and such matters, We are keenly following with all SAARC countries. WION: Are we planning to repatriate Indian Nationals from Sri Lanka? Gopal Baglay: COVID 19 has presented a unique situation, and thousands of people are stranded in different countries. So unique situation calls for unprecedented steps and measures. Right now Vande Bharat mission is underway. I am not aware of any similar instance in history were such a massive movement has been coordinated not only by govt in Delhi but state govts in India. Our missions, our embassies in the world are closely involved. As far as Sri Lanka is concerned we have established a 24*7 control room with a dedicated helpline and we have got stranded Indian nationals to register. Working very closely with the local authorities which have facilitated whatever assistance possible, essential items. This is a difficult situation for anyone who gets stranded even within India. As you know, this govt for past 5-6 years, has devoted very attention to looking after our nationals abroad, responsiveness, quick thinking and empathy are very important. So we have worked very closely with Indian nationals and Indian community with coordination with local authorities, whatever essential requirement for their supplies and in touch with authorities in Delhi to work out plans for the return of Indian nationals. WION: How is the mission reaching out to Indian nationals in terms of providing them food or shelter? Gopal Baglay: The first thing was too establish a helpline, establish contact with these Indians. They have got registered, around 1200 or so. We know exactly where they are and when the situation permits movement, our officers have even gone out of Colombo to the east of the country and other places to personally meet these Indians. So we are keeping in touch with the Indians very regularly. We know exactly who they are, what are the requirements, working very closely with the community, local authorities to facilitate as far as possible essential requirements they have while they remain here. The concerns of stranded Indian nationals uppermost in our minds. Sidhant Sibal: You present your credentials via video conference... how is Indian diplomacy changing due to COVID? WION: There has to be a first for everything. I must say Sri Lankan leadership was very very gracious in arranging this ceremony through video conference. It is a new thing and shows the commitment of the leadership in both countries to use technology to overcome challenges and shows innovativeness of diplomacy. As you know now there will be very little travel, there would be very little travel in months come, the conduct of diplomacy has been all about meetings and interactions, discussion these are being held via video conference. You might have heard, just the other day, EAM had joint commission meet with Denmark through video conference. So many examples, the ingenuity of humankind, the inventiveness of the human mind to overcome challenges that is how human species have become Homo sapiens, that is how we progressed, that is how civilisations have progressed. This is one more challenge and I am sure with leadership, with vision and commitment Indian diplomacy is more than committed to adequately address the challenges posed by the COVID situation.

Will help Colombo to deal with economic challenges due to COVID-19, says India's new high commissioner to Lanka

With India&nbsp;all set to begin repatriation of Indian students from Ukraine, students will be the main focus.

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kiev, India's envoy to Ukraine Partha Satpathy said, "14,000 students registered but that is an intention. The actual number&nbsp;we are manually sorting out because we have a criteria list to determine the necessity of students going back."

Both countries have been engaging with each other on the crisis with India which is one of the largest pharma suppliers to Ukraine gifting medicines to the country to deal with COVID-19 pandemic.

WION: How is the Indian mission reaching out to stranded Indians in the country?

Partha Satpathy: Ukraine has a certain number of characteristics which are&nbsp;special to the country, primarily being that it is the student population who we are catering to.

We have about 15,000 students&nbsp;most of them studying medicine here and as you can understand anxiety was amplified on both sides, back in India by the parents and&nbsp;students themselves here.

So we used all the social media messaging platforms and have been conveying all the programming we have been doing for the safety of the students and potential movement. But we utilized Ukrainian authorities to transmit the message of comfort and care.

In that connection, I met the central and state government authorities and reached out to local governments to and amplified the messages of safety, concern and security of the Indian students and I must say things have been fairly okay till now.

WION:&nbsp;Six&nbsp;repatriation flights are coming in phase 2, how many Indians are expected to come back?

Partha Satpathy: As of now, we have 14,000 students registered but that is an intention. The actual number, we are manually sorting out because we have a criteria list to determine the necessity of students going back.

The other limitation is the number of flights, we are starting from May&nbsp;25, we have six&nbsp;flights lined up, both to the south and north India and what I have tried to do is take out students from Red Zone areas of Ukraine.

There are about four&nbsp;Red Zones in Ukraine and they have about 5-6 universities and an attempt is to remove students and give them the opportunity to go back, those who feel insecure.

Of course, stranded passengers in Ukraine and emergency categories here both will get priority. They will need a large number of flights given the number of students and it will be an ongoing operation for quite some time.

WION: How are India and Ukraine cooperating on COVID-19 pandemic?&nbsp;

Partha Satpathy: Both governments have been in touch and regarding its response. Just like in India we have followed regimented lockdown measure, in Ukraine too it was very strict and it was strictly enforced and complied by the people of Ukraine.

We have exchanged experiences and critical part was in the pharma sector. As you know India is one of the largest pharma suppliers to Ukraine and we play a big and important role in access and accessibility programme of medicines in Ukraine and I got a request from foreign minister requesting for HCQ and other such antiviral medicines which the government of India was very gracious in not only gifting it free on the humanitarian ground but also allowing companies of Ukraine to import it.

It was very well appreciated and also it sent a message to all the Indian citizens that we are helping Ukraine to stock up medicinal&nbsp;requirements and helped in removing a lot of concerns. So, yes this collaboration has been going on at various levels.&nbsp;

WION: How has the ground situation in Ukraine changed, how have Indian diplomats faring?

Partha Satpathy: I must thank the authorities in Ukraine, they have been extraordinarily cooperative in every request we have made.

They are aware&nbsp;that the Indian community is not only a strong community but a value-driven community and on top of that the Indian students, which is a big segment both in terms of bolstering their educational capacity and sector but also in terms of revenue.

Ukrainian authorities' reaction, facilitation and cooperation have been very very good. So this kind of helped into the narrative on how to control and how to assuage and finally help the Indian citizens move back.

Students have to give exams, these are medical exams, they are very technical exams, they are qualifying exams so they will take a considered view on when they will move.

So from Red Zone areas of Ukraine, there will be movement and the country on its part has been strict enforcing lockdown and quarantine measures because they find this way best way to contain the spread of the pandemic.

They were also concerned because a large number of Ukrainians work abroad especially in the stricken areas like Poland, Italy and Spain and they were coming back so they had had to take these measures and these lockdown measures have helped and the things are easing up.

So if no further spike, maybe then things will get easier.&nbsp;

With India all set to begin repatriation of Indian students from Ukraine, students will be the main focus. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kiev, India's envoy to Ukraine Partha Satpathy said, "14,000 students registered but that is an intention.

With India all set to begin repatriation of Indian students from Ukraine, students will be the main focus. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Kiev, India's envoy to Ukraine Partha Satpathy said, "14,000 students registered but that is an intention. The actual number we are manually sorting out because we have a criteria list to determine the necessity of students going back." Both countries have been engaging with each other on the crisis with India which is one of the largest pharma suppliers to Ukraine gifting medicines to the country to deal with COVID-19 pandemic. WION: How is the Indian mission reaching out to stranded Indians in the country? Partha Satpathy: Ukraine has a certain number of characteristics which are special to the country, primarily being that it is the student population who we are catering to. We have about 15,000 students most of them studying medicine here and as you can understand anxiety was amplified on both sides, back in India by the parents and students themselves here. So we used all the social media messaging platforms and have been conveying all the programming we have been doing for the safety of the students and potential movement. But we utilized Ukrainian authorities to transmit the message of comfort and care. In that connection, I met the central and state government authorities and reached out to local governments to and amplified the messages of safety, concern and security of the Indian students and I must say things have been fairly okay till now. WION: Six repatriation flights are coming in phase 2, how many Indians are expected to come back? Partha Satpathy: As of now, we have 14,000 students registered but that is an intention. The actual number, we are manually sorting out because we have a criteria list to determine the necessity of students going back. The other limitation is the number of flights, we are starting from May 25, we have six flights lined up, both to the south and north India and what I have tried to do is take out students from Red Zone areas of Ukraine. There are about four Red Zones in Ukraine and they have about 5-6 universities and an attempt is to remove students and give them the opportunity to go back, those who feel insecure. Of course, stranded passengers in Ukraine and emergency categories here both will get priority. They will need a large number of flights given the number of students and it will be an ongoing operation for quite some time. WION: How are India and Ukraine cooperating on COVID-19 pandemic? Partha Satpathy: Both governments have been in touch and regarding its response. Just like in India we have followed regimented lockdown measure, in Ukraine too it was very strict and it was strictly enforced and complied by the people of Ukraine. We have exchanged experiences and critical part was in the pharma sector. As you know India is one of the largest pharma suppliers to Ukraine and we play a big and important role in access and accessibility programme of medicines in Ukraine and I got a request from foreign minister requesting for HCQ and other such antiviral medicines which the government of India was very gracious in not only gifting it free on the humanitarian ground but also allowing companies of Ukraine to import it. It was very well appreciated and also it sent a message to all the Indian citizens that we are helping Ukraine to stock up medicinal requirements and helped in removing a lot of concerns. So, yes this collaboration has been going on at various levels. WION: How has the ground situation in Ukraine changed, how have Indian diplomats faring? Partha Satpathy: I must thank the authorities in Ukraine, they have been extraordinarily cooperative in every request we have made. They are aware that the Indian community is not only a strong community but a value-driven community and on top of that the Indian students, which is a big segment both in terms of bolstering their educational capacity and sector but also in terms of revenue. Ukrainian authorities' reaction, facilitation and cooperation have been very very good. So this kind of helped into the narrative on how to control and how to assuage and finally help the Indian citizens move back. Students have to give exams, these are medical exams, they are very technical exams, they are qualifying exams so they will take a considered view on when they will move. So from Red Zone areas of Ukraine, there will be movement and the country on its part has been strict enforcing lockdown and quarantine measures because they find this way best way to contain the spread of the pandemic. They were also concerned because a large number of Ukrainians work abroad especially in the stricken areas like Poland, Italy and Spain and they were coming back so they had had to take these measures and these lockdown measures have helped and the things are easing up. So if no further spike, maybe then things will get easier.

14,000 Indian students register for repatriation in Ukraine

Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday hinted at foreign involvement with Nepal raking the Lipulekh issue even as Nepal said it will publish new maps showing the territory among others as part of its own.

Army Chief speaking at a think tank IDSA's online meet said, "I do not know exactly what they are exactly agitating about. Never been a problem in the past, reasons to believe they might have raised these problems, issues at the behest of someone else and there is very much a possibility."

While names have not been taken, Chinese increased involvement in the country is something that is well known. Nepal claims Lipulekh which is at the tri-junction of China, India and Nepal and is part of Indian territory. Meanwhile, Nepali President addressing the joint session of the Parliament said new maps of the country will be published that will show all areas it considers disputed and is under Indian territory.

Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari said, "Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani region are Nepal's territory and concrete diplomatic efforts will be taken towards reclaiming these territories. An official map of Nepal will be published accordingly incorporating all the territories of Nepal."

Elaborating Nepali government's approach, Bhandari explained that the "government of Nepal is committed to safeguarding the international borders of Nepal" and "Outstanding border disputes with India will be resolved through diplomatic medium relying on available historical treaties, maps, facts and evidences."

Kathmandu raised the chorus over the issue last week when India inaugurated a new road from Dharchula to Lipulekh that will reduce the time taken for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. 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.&nbsp;

Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday hinted at foreign involvement with Nepal raking the Lipulekh issue even as Nepal said it will publish new maps showing the territory among others as part of its own.

Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday hinted at foreign involvement with Nepal raking the Lipulekh issue even as Nepal said it will publish new maps showing the territory among others as part of its own. Army Chief speaking at a think tank IDSA's online meet said, "I do not know exactly what they are exactly agitating about. Never been a problem in the past, reasons to believe they might have raised these problems, issues at the behest of someone else and there is very much a possibility." While names have not been taken, Chinese increased involvement in the country is something that is well known. Nepal claims Lipulekh which is at the tri-junction of China, India and Nepal and is part of Indian territory. Meanwhile, Nepali President addressing the joint session of the Parliament said new maps of the country will be published that will show all areas it considers disputed and is under Indian territory. Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari said, "Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani region are Nepal's territory and concrete diplomatic efforts will be taken towards reclaiming these territories. An official map of Nepal will be published accordingly incorporating all the territories of Nepal." Elaborating Nepali government's approach, Bhandari explained that the "government of Nepal is committed to safeguarding the international borders of Nepal" and "Outstanding border disputes with India will be resolved through diplomatic medium relying on available historical treaties, maps, facts and evidences." Kathmandu raised the chorus over the issue last week when India inaugurated a new road from Dharchula to Lipulekh that will reduce the time taken for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. 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.

Indian army chief Naravane hints at foreign involvement over Nepal's Lipulekh issue

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidhant Sibal

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