The new president of the United Nations Security Council Estonia has called for more transparency and information on COVID crisis even as the country has sought cooperation among members of the core UN body. Speaking exclusively to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal Estonia's envoy to India Katrin Kivi this kind of threats can't stop on the state border. Estonia had presented COVID draft in March but due to lack of consensus among permanent UNSC members, it was not adopted. The country has also invited India to join in open meetings during their presidency. On Kashmir, she said, UNSC should be seized of other mater and no one should bring the bilateral issue on the table of the body.

WION: Key focus areas for Estonia as the President of UNSC?

Ambassador Katrin Kivi: Thank you for inviting me, it a pleasure to share some insights about the Estonian Presidency at UNSC. We have a number of priorities, starting with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Estonia will push to address the issue because the ongoing pandemic can have a huge impact on global peace and security and many humanitarian issues.&nbsp;

We will also look at many cybersecurity-related issues because in recent times, cybercrime, cybersecurity incidents have significantly grown and we must contribute to making our society more resilient to that.

Furthermore, we will also address the issue of climate change and security because there as well a clear security link. Changes going on a global level, and they may one day have a very dramatic impact to our security.&nbsp;

Of course, there are many global conflicts and wars, like the conflict in Syria, conflict in Ukraine. Estonia pays attention, also, rule of law--both offline and online should be applicable.&nbsp;

As you all know we have to work now remotely, the same goes for UNSC, that remains working from home offices, at least for the month of May and the role of presidency remains that these meetings remain substantial, transparent and natural one, that looks like the normal meetings.

 
WION: UNSC has been found missing on COVID crisis..how hopeful you are that your presidency will see an action?Ambassador&nbsp;

Ambassador Katrin Kivi: Yes, Estonia was pushing since the month of March to put the COVID crisis on the Agenda of the UNSC. It took for a while because we could not get consensus immediately among some permanent members of the council but of 9th April, the issue was on the agenda and was discussed and we could make some press conclusions from that.&nbsp;

Of course, we will continue to address the issue because we need more information. We have to be transparent and continue cooperation because only this way we could solve the issue.&nbsp;

WION: More information, you talked about, the world has been asking for transparency on the COVID-19 crisis?

Ambassador Katrin Kivi: I think it is time for multilateral efforts also in the framework of WHO. It is not yet time to concentrate on who is guilty or who was not able to do this or that.&nbsp;

We need to cooperate because this kind of threat can't stop on the state border and we need, also all security council members on board while discussing and addressing the issue.&nbsp;

Once we have some solution, then it is time to make to take lessons learnt, conclusions on how to better react in the future. Only in that way we can assure an adequate and kind of reaction that makes a difference.

WION: Your FM spoke to EAM earlier this week, what was the focus of the talks?

Ambassador Katrin Kivi: My FM called his counterpart EAM Jaishankar on Monday, and they mainly had two&nbsp;issues to discuss, one was the upcoming chairmanship or presidency of Estonia at the security council and my FM invited EAM to take part in some of the council meetings in May.&nbsp;

Some of them are open to all member states, some of them are informal. For example on cyber stability, conflict prevention, and starting from May 8 we will mark 75th year of the end of World War-II.

This is also an occasion to address the security situation, security architecture in Europe or globally in order to avoid a similar kind of atrocities like we have been witnessing during the second world war.&nbsp;

The second was the digitalization. DIgital cooperation and our two countries are very advance and it is most natural that Estonia and India cooperate on cybersecurity, on e-governance and also we have MoUs with Indian computing emergency response team and Estonian information authorities.&nbsp;

Our respective companies and state actors are working together because of digitalisation offerers many answers to the current crisis, how to better and safely work from home.&nbsp;

It is time for working from home or home office, &nbsp;and security setting there maybe not best updated to the current challenges as to working normally from home. Estonian cybersecurity companies have made many mobile applications and digital platforms accessible free of charge as our contribution to the current crisis.

WION: Technology is something Estonia is master of, how much will that be the focus of your presidency?

Ambassador Katrin Kivi: In the UNSC and at the UN, there is a group of friends of cybersecurity and e-governance and Estonia and Singapore are co-chairs of these groups and we will raise the issue of how also other states could give the best digital solution available on the same platform to the rest of the world.&nbsp;

We will for sure address the issue in the month of May and we are very happy about the cooperation with India, especially since you are joining the UNSC as of next year and we will be working together--not only this year in May but we will continue our cooperation.

WION: Kashmir is something one country in the region is keen to talk about...under your presidency, will it be raked?

Ambassador Katrin Kivi: Our view about addressing the issue at the UNSC has not changed. We think it is a bilateral issue that should be resolved through direct contact and dialogue.&nbsp;

We would encourage both parties to further work on it. But UNSC should really be seized for a very, very serious global conflict like chemical weapons use in Syria or similar magnitude.

We encourage further India and Pakistan if necessary take direct contact and resolve it bilaterally and not raise the issue at UNSC.

The new president of the United Nations Security Council Estonia has called for more transparency and information on COVID crisis even as the country has sought cooperation among members of the core UN body.

The new president of the United Nations Security Council Estonia has called for more transparency and information on COVID crisis even as the country has sought cooperation among members of the core UN body. Speaking exclusively to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal Estonia's envoy to India Katrin Kivi this kind of threats can't stop on the state border. Estonia had presented COVID draft in March but due to lack of consensus among permanent UNSC members, it was not adopted. The country has also invited India to join in open meetings during their presidency. On Kashmir, she said, UNSC should be seized of other mater and no one should bring the bilateral issue on the table of the body. WION: Key focus areas for Estonia as the President of UNSC? Ambassador Katrin Kivi: Thank you for inviting me, it a pleasure to share some insights about the Estonian Presidency at UNSC. We have a number of priorities, starting with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Estonia will push to address the issue because the ongoing pandemic can have a huge impact on global peace and security and many humanitarian issues. We will also look at many cybersecurity-related issues because in recent times, cybercrime, cybersecurity incidents have significantly grown and we must contribute to making our society more resilient to that. Furthermore, we will also address the issue of climate change and security because there as well a clear security link. Changes going on a global level, and they may one day have a very dramatic impact to our security. Of course, there are many global conflicts and wars, like the conflict in Syria, conflict in Ukraine. Estonia pays attention, also, rule of law--both offline and online should be applicable. As you all know we have to work now remotely, the same goes for UNSC, that remains working from home offices, at least for the month of May and the role of presidency remains that these meetings remain substantial, transparent and natural one, that looks like the normal meetings. WION: UNSC has been found missing on COVID crisis..how hopeful you are that your presidency will see an action?Ambassador Ambassador Katrin Kivi: Yes, Estonia was pushing since the month of March to put the COVID crisis on the Agenda of the UNSC. It took for a while because we could not get consensus immediately among some permanent members of the council but of 9th April, the issue was on the agenda and was discussed and we could make some press conclusions from that. Of course, we will continue to address the issue because we need more information. We have to be transparent and continue cooperation because only this way we could solve the issue. WION: More information, you talked about, the world has been asking for transparency on the COVID-19 crisis? Ambassador Katrin Kivi: I think it is time for multilateral efforts also in the framework of WHO. It is not yet time to concentrate on who is guilty or who was not able to do this or that. We need to cooperate because this kind of threat can't stop on the state border and we need, also all security council members on board while discussing and addressing the issue. Once we have some solution, then it is time to make to take lessons learnt, conclusions on how to better react in the future. Only in that way we can assure an adequate and kind of reaction that makes a difference. WION: Your FM spoke to EAM earlier this week, what was the focus of the talks? Ambassador Katrin Kivi: My FM called his counterpart EAM Jaishankar on Monday, and they mainly had two issues to discuss, one was the upcoming chairmanship or presidency of Estonia at the security council and my FM invited EAM to take part in some of the council meetings in May. Some of them are open to all member states, some of them are informal. For example on cyber stability, conflict prevention, and starting from May 8 we will mark 75th year of the end of World War-II. This is also an occasion to address the security situation, security architecture in Europe or globally in order to avoid a similar kind of atrocities like we have been witnessing during the second world war. The second was the digitalization. DIgital cooperation and our two countries are very advance and it is most natural that Estonia and India cooperate on cybersecurity, on e-governance and also we have MoUs with Indian computing emergency response team and Estonian information authorities. Our respective companies and state actors are working together because of digitalisation offerers many answers to the current crisis, how to better and safely work from home. It is time for working from home or home office, and security setting there maybe not best updated to the current challenges as to working normally from home. Estonian cybersecurity companies have made many mobile applications and digital platforms accessible free of charge as our contribution to the current crisis. WION: Technology is something Estonia is master of, how much will that be the focus of your presidency? Ambassador Katrin Kivi: In the UNSC and at the UN, there is a group of friends of cybersecurity and e-governance and Estonia and Singapore are co-chairs of these groups and we will raise the issue of how also other states could give the best digital solution available on the same platform to the rest of the world. We will for sure address the issue in the month of May and we are very happy about the cooperation with India, especially since you are joining the UNSC as of next year and we will be working together--not only this year in May but we will continue our cooperation. WION: Kashmir is something one country in the region is keen to talk about...under your presidency, will it be raked? Ambassador Katrin Kivi: Our view about addressing the issue at the UNSC has not changed. We think it is a bilateral issue that should be resolved through direct contact and dialogue. We would encourage both parties to further work on it. But UNSC should really be seized for a very, very serious global conflict like chemical weapons use in Syria or similar magnitude. We encourage further India and Pakistan if necessary take direct contact and resolve it bilaterally and not raise the issue at UNSC.

New UNSC President Estonia calls  for transparency on COVID-19 crisis

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India's young diplomats have outdone themselves in reaching out to Indian community stranded in Spain, one of the worst impacted countries of the world, that is the word from Indian envoy to Spain Sanjay Verma.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal&nbsp;from Madrid, Amb Verma said, " In times of crisis, Indian diplomacy puts its best foot forward and same is the case now".

He also said India will be closely watching Spain's exit strategy which is one of the worst impact countries in the world with 24000 deaths.

WION: How is the Indian mission is reaching out to Indians stranded in Spain?

Sanjay Verma:&nbsp;Thank you for this opportunity. Let me extend greetings to your viewers from Madrid. The Indian diaspora in Spain is about 80,000 which includes 50,000 Indian passport holders and 30,000 naturalised Spaniards.&nbsp;

The biggest challenge was maintaining communication links during the crisis because we were ourselves isolated and under lockdown. The second challenge was reaching out with services, by way of provisions of medicines, PPEs to the community. Third and the most important was keeping up the morale and keeping up the spirits of the community and we have done it through a variety of ways. We have been accessible, we have seven hotlines operating 24*7, we have email accounts, we have officers personally calling thousands and thousands of Indian nationals, we have given them medicines and food though Gurudwara and temples because while we are in Madrid, we have to depend extensively on our community leaders in places like Barcelona, Valencia etc.&nbsp;

In a way, we are happy to report we have been able to report all 3 of our objectives and despite Spain being worst impacted, despite that number of desperate cries from the diaspora have actually been muted and subdued. They have shown a supportive attitude to what is happening in India as well. Rather than to add to the problems in India, the community has chosen to stay put in Madrid to the extent they can.&nbsp;

WION: And how many Indians infected?

Sanjay Verma: There have been not too many, 3-4 cases, fortunately for us, there has not been the causality and as far actually all 4 have recovered. So in that sense, the community is safe and sound.&nbsp;

WION: What has been the ground situation in Spain?

Sanjay Verma: Spain continues to be 3rd most impact country in the world with about 24,000 deaths, as of today. Today is the day 45 of the lockdown and to put it in perspective, April 2nd in Spain, the death count in one day alone was 961 and in India toll was 900 old only yesterday. So what India suffered from a period of 4-6 weeks is what Spain endured in just one day, so that brings in sharp contrast to the suffering of Spain.&nbsp;

Having said that, the worst appears to be behind. The govt announced a phased exit strategy starting this weekend and by end of June, in best case situation they would have opened up the entire country beginning by allowing smaller establishments to open, restaurants to work at 30% capacity, schools only till the age of 6 so that parents can work while the kids are in school, religious places with 30% occupancy and all in a phased manner.&nbsp;

All asymmetrical in the sense region will work differently with the centre on this but all on the same page. With this exit strategy, Spain is announcing to the world it has drawn in confidence in its ability to tackle this and the worst may be behind and livelihood is as important as saving lives, we hope that Spain reaches business as a usual scene later.&nbsp;

WIONl: How are India and Spain cooperating to deal with COVID crisis?

Sanjay Verma: What we have done is, we have had dialogue between our 2 countries at the highest level. Our Prime Ministers have had a conversation, our foreign ministers have spoken a couple of time. Again in the context of G20, in which Spain is an invite, there has been a positive dialogue on the way forward. On more practical terms, India has reached out to Spain by offering-- HCQ and PCM etc and we have also aided the evacuation of Spaniards in India, most 300 of them. So in that sense, we have also exchanged information on how we are respectively tackling the crisis, so that learnings can be shared.&nbsp;

WION: Have we shared Indian best practices or Indian containment model?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sanjay Verma: It has been work in progress and all countries, are open to ideas and suggestion and we ourself, the mission has shared with the Spanish govt, the way Govt of India has approached it. While the problem is common, the approaches are different surely because of different political and social circumstances. Largely we are tracking each other's practices but on specifics, can't pinpoint any concrete area of cooperation but largely in this situation we are aware of each other's practices like an exit strategy to ease the lockdown something we will be watching very closely, I mean both countries.&nbsp;

WION: How Indian diplomats reaching out or how has been the condition for them?

Sanjay Verma: Well, you know, in times of crisis, Indian diplomacy puts its best foot forward and same is the case now. I am very proud that the embassy and its young officers have worked tirelessly. They have defied concerns about own health. They have reached out to the community, have been available 24*7, have personally picked up the phone.

These are young diplomats who have themselves called hundreds of community members, offered counselling---these are difficult times-- from marital discord to depression to rushing medicines to just offering a word of comfort is what officers have personally done, a hand-on approach and whenever required, despite curfew-like situations, we have come to the embassy and we have done regularly now. I do not think we have been found wanting in any particular respect, during the crisis. I am very proud of Indian foreign service, young diplomats who have outdone themselves, like everywhere else even in Spain.
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India's young diplomats have outdone themselves in reaching out to Indian community stranded in Spain, one of the worst impacted countries of the world, that is the word from Indian envoy to Spain Sanjay Verma.

India's young diplomats have outdone themselves in reaching out to Indian community stranded in Spain, one of the worst impacted countries of the world, that is the word from Indian envoy to Spain Sanjay Verma. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Madrid, Amb Verma said, " In times of crisis, Indian diplomacy puts its best foot forward and same is the case now". He also said India will be closely watching Spain's exit strategy which is one of the worst impact countries in the world with 24000 deaths. WION: How is the Indian mission is reaching out to Indians stranded in Spain? Sanjay Verma: Thank you for this opportunity. Let me extend greetings to your viewers from Madrid. The Indian diaspora in Spain is about 80,000 which includes 50,000 Indian passport holders and 30,000 naturalised Spaniards. The biggest challenge was maintaining communication links during the crisis because we were ourselves isolated and under lockdown. The second challenge was reaching out with services, by way of provisions of medicines, PPEs to the community. Third and the most important was keeping up the morale and keeping up the spirits of the community and we have done it through a variety of ways. We have been accessible, we have seven hotlines operating 24*7, we have email accounts, we have officers personally calling thousands and thousands of Indian nationals, we have given them medicines and food though Gurudwara and temples because while we are in Madrid, we have to depend extensively on our community leaders in places like Barcelona, Valencia etc. In a way, we are happy to report we have been able to report all 3 of our objectives and despite Spain being worst impacted, despite that number of desperate cries from the diaspora have actually been muted and subdued. They have shown a supportive attitude to what is happening in India as well. Rather than to add to the problems in India, the community has chosen to stay put in Madrid to the extent they can. WION: And how many Indians infected? Sanjay Verma: There have been not too many, 3-4 cases, fortunately for us, there has not been the causality and as far actually all 4 have recovered. So in that sense, the community is safe and sound. WION: What has been the ground situation in Spain? Sanjay Verma: Spain continues to be 3rd most impact country in the world with about 24,000 deaths, as of today. Today is the day 45 of the lockdown and to put it in perspective, April 2nd in Spain, the death count in one day alone was 961 and in India toll was 900 old only yesterday. So what India suffered from a period of 4-6 weeks is what Spain endured in just one day, so that brings in sharp contrast to the suffering of Spain. Having said that, the worst appears to be behind. The govt announced a phased exit strategy starting this weekend and by end of June, in best case situation they would have opened up the entire country beginning by allowing smaller establishments to open, restaurants to work at 30% capacity, schools only till the age of 6 so that parents can work while the kids are in school, religious places with 30% occupancy and all in a phased manner. All asymmetrical in the sense region will work differently with the centre on this but all on the same page. With this exit strategy, Spain is announcing to the world it has drawn in confidence in its ability to tackle this and the worst may be behind and livelihood is as important as saving lives, we hope that Spain reaches business as a usual scene later. WIONl: How are India and Spain cooperating to deal with COVID crisis? Sanjay Verma: What we have done is, we have had dialogue between our 2 countries at the highest level. Our Prime Ministers have had a conversation, our foreign ministers have spoken a couple of time. Again in the context of G20, in which Spain is an invite, there has been a positive dialogue on the way forward. On more practical terms, India has reached out to Spain by offering-- HCQ and PCM etc and we have also aided the evacuation of Spaniards in India, most 300 of them. So in that sense, we have also exchanged information on how we are respectively tackling the crisis, so that learnings can be shared. WION: Have we shared Indian best practices or Indian containment model? Sanjay Verma: It has been work in progress and all countries, are open to ideas and suggestion and we ourself, the mission has shared with the Spanish govt, the way Govt of India has approached it. While the problem is common, the approaches are different surely because of different political and social circumstances. Largely we are tracking each other's practices but on specifics, can't pinpoint any concrete area of cooperation but largely in this situation we are aware of each other's practices like an exit strategy to ease the lockdown something we will be watching very closely, I mean both countries. WION: How Indian diplomats reaching out or how has been the condition for them? Sanjay Verma: Well, you know, in times of crisis, Indian diplomacy puts its best foot forward and same is the case now. I am very proud that the embassy and its young officers have worked tirelessly. They have defied concerns about own health. They have reached out to the community, have been available 24*7, have personally picked up the phone. These are young diplomats who have themselves called hundreds of community members, offered counselling---these are difficult times-- from marital discord to depression to rushing medicines to just offering a word of comfort is what officers have personally done, a hand-on approach and whenever required, despite curfew-like situations, we have come to the embassy and we have done regularly now. I do not think we have been found wanting in any particular respect, during the crisis. I am very proud of Indian foreign service, young diplomats who have outdone themselves, like everywhere else even in Spain.

Young diplomats have outdone themselves in reaching out to stranded Indians, Indian envoy to Spain

Ministry of external affairs has said that India has enhanced its reputation as the pharmacy of the world as it continues to supply the world with essential medicines in this time of the crisis.&nbsp;

Spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs, Anurag Srivastava said, "Our supplies for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-testing-kits-from-china-being-examined-by-icmr-foreign-ministry-295876">HCQ</a> and other essential medicines continue. Even in this challenging time, we have remained responsible for living up to our international commitments. This has enhanced our reputation as the pharmacy of the world".

India has provided 2.8 million Hydroxychloroquine tablets as grant assistance to 25 countries while 1.9 million tablets of paracetamol to 31 countries. Hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol is also being sent to 87 countries on a commercial basis.

Earlier this week, secretaries in the ministry of external affairs held a series of meetings through video-conference with groups of resident ambassadors of foreign missions in Delhi and briefed them about the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the country and measures taken to combat the pandemic.

MEA spokesperson said, "Through the resident Ambassadors, we thanked the foreign governments for taking care of Indians citizens including students stranded in their countries."

The ministry has repatriated about 60000 foreign nationals from 72 countries so far despite the challenge of logistics during the lockdown period.

Ministry of external affairs has said that India has enhanced its reputation as the pharmacy of the world as it continues to supply the world with essential medicines in this time of the crisis.

Ministry of external affairs has said that India has enhanced its reputation as the pharmacy of the world as it continues to supply the world with essential medicines in this time of the crisis. Spokesperson of the ministry of external affairs, Anurag Srivastava said, "Our supplies for HCQ and other essential medicines continue. Even in this challenging time, we have remained responsible for living up to our international commitments. This has enhanced our reputation as the pharmacy of the world". India has provided 2.8 million Hydroxychloroquine tablets as grant assistance to 25 countries while 1.9 million tablets of paracetamol to 31 countries. Hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol is also being sent to 87 countries on a commercial basis. Earlier this week, secretaries in the ministry of external affairs held a series of meetings through video-conference with groups of resident ambassadors of foreign missions in Delhi and briefed them about the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the country and measures taken to combat the pandemic. MEA spokesperson said, "Through the resident Ambassadors, we thanked the foreign governments for taking care of Indians citizens including students stranded in their countries." The ministry has repatriated about 60000 foreign nationals from 72 countries so far despite the challenge of logistics during the lockdown period.

Enhanced our position as pharmacy of the world: MEA on sending medicines globally

Expressing confidence in India-Gulf ties, the ministry of external affairs said today that it has received a request from Gulf countries for the deployment of doctors and nurses over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-testing-kits-from-china-being-examined-by-icmr-foreign-ministry-295876">COVID-19</a> crisis

MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said: "Gulf countries value ties with India and want priority discussion with India for post-COVID-19 economic recovery. These countries are deeply committed to supporting ties with India."

He said India has "made special effort to ensure uninterrupted supply of food during Ramazan to the Gulf".

PM Modi and external affairs minister S Jaishanker have been in touch with their Gulf counterparts in the past few weeks.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi has had telephonic conversations with leaders of GCC countries - Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman - as well as with leaders of Palestine, Jordan and Eqypt.&nbsp;

EAM Jaishanker has had telephonic conversations with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Oman on April 23 and with foreign ministers of Qatar, UAE and Palestine on April 24. He had earlier spoken to foreign ministers of Bahrain, Kuwait and Algeria.

Slamming the emergence of fake tweets, as seen in the past few weeks, he said, "few tweets can't characterise India-Gulf ties".&nbsp;

Last week saw a Pakistani ID impersonating as an Omani Princess after which clarification was issued by the princess. 
&nbsp; 
Asked about the evacuation of Indians, MEA spokesperson said, "The matter is receiving the attention of the government."&nbsp;

"It is premature to spell out plans at this stage but consultation and discussion are underway," the spokesman added.

He said Indian missions are making "exceptional efforts" for the welfare of stranded Indians and have been reaching out to them in several ways including providing food.

Indian missions in countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia have tweeted asking stranded Indians to register in the event of a possible future evacuation once the lockdown is removed.

On Oman's ministry of finance issuing a circular to replace ex-pat workers with Omanis in the government sector impacting India, Mea said, "It is not a recent policy. It is not specific to India or targets India" highlighting that the government of Oman is taking "special care of Indians" during the ongoing global pandemic.

There are 7,70,000 Indians in Oman of which 6,55,000 are workers, according to the MEA. The Omani government puts the number of Indian workers in Oman at 617,730 at the end of 2019.

Expressing confidence in India-Gulf ties, the ministry of external affairs said today that it has received a request from Gulf countries for the deployment of doctors and nurses over COVID-19 crisis MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said: "Gulf countries value ties with India and want priority discussion with India for post-COVID-19 economic recovery.

Expressing confidence in India-Gulf ties, the ministry of external affairs said today that it has received a request from Gulf countries for the deployment of doctors and nurses over COVID-19 crisis MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said: "Gulf countries value ties with India and want priority discussion with India for post-COVID-19 economic recovery. These countries are deeply committed to supporting ties with India." He said India has "made special effort to ensure uninterrupted supply of food during Ramazan to the Gulf". PM Modi and external affairs minister S Jaishanker have been in touch with their Gulf counterparts in the past few weeks. Prime Minister Modi has had telephonic conversations with leaders of GCC countries - Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman - as well as with leaders of Palestine, Jordan and Eqypt. EAM Jaishanker has had telephonic conversations with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Oman on April 23 and with foreign ministers of Qatar, UAE and Palestine on April 24. He had earlier spoken to foreign ministers of Bahrain, Kuwait and Algeria. Slamming the emergence of fake tweets, as seen in the past few weeks, he said, "few tweets can't characterise India-Gulf ties". Last week saw a Pakistani ID impersonating as an Omani Princess after which clarification was issued by the princess. Asked about the evacuation of Indians, MEA spokesperson said, "The matter is receiving the attention of the government." "It is premature to spell out plans at this stage but consultation and discussion are underway," the spokesman added. He said Indian missions are making "exceptional efforts" for the welfare of stranded Indians and have been reaching out to them in several ways including providing food. Indian missions in countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia have tweeted asking stranded Indians to register in the event of a possible future evacuation once the lockdown is removed. On Oman's ministry of finance issuing a circular to replace ex-pat workers with Omanis in the government sector impacting India, Mea said, "It is not a recent policy. It is not specific to India or targets India" highlighting that the government of Oman is taking "special care of Indians" during the ongoing global pandemic. There are 7,70,000 Indians in Oman of which 6,55,000 are workers, according to the MEA. The Omani government puts the number of Indian workers in Oman at 617,730 at the end of 2019.

Gulf countries have requested for deployment of doctors over COVID-19, says MEA

BRICS countries have agreed to set up $15 billion loan instrument to finance projects for the economic rebuilding of BRICS countries due to Covid crisis. This was among the key outcome of the BRICS foreign ministers meet via video conference on Tuesday.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who initiated the meet being said," BRICS agreed to increase bilateral partnership at the international organisations like UN, G20, WHO, WTO, IMF &amp; World Bank. We decided to set up a special loan instrument to finance projects for the economic rebuilding of BRICS countries. In total, we decided to allocate $15 billion. Russia advised about the ideas that we need to jointly respond to the crisis"

BRICS economic experts will meet on April 29th,&nbsp;followed by BRICS health ministers meet on May 7th.

India also highlighted the economic impact of the pandemic with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying the crisis not only poses a "great risk to the health and well being of humanity but is also severely impacting global economy and output by disruption of global trade and supply chains."

Highlighting how economic activity across sectors has been "negatively impacted leading to loss of jobs and livelihoods", Jaishanker said, "we need to provide support to businesses, especially MSMEs, to tide over the crisis and ensure livelihoods are not lost."

He also called for the need for "reform of multilateral systems", comments clearly indicating at reforms at world bodies including WHO which is under increased criticism for failing to warn about the pandemic.

Other BRICS members were also informed about India's actions to deal with COVID crisis including measures in South Asia with the creation of COVID-19 emergency fund and providing assistance of medicines to 85 countries.

Interestingly, no BRICS joint statement on COVID-19 was released after the meeting of foreign ministers. The meet saw the participation of Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, India by EAM S Jaishankar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil Amb. Ernesto Araújo, Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi &amp; Minister of International Relations Grace Naledi Pandor.

BRICS bring together 42% of the global population and has evolved rapidly since the first decade of the current century.

BRICS countries have agreed to set up $15 billion loan instrument to finance projects for the economic rebuilding of BRICS countries due to Covid crisis. This was among the key outcome of the BRICS foreign ministers meet via video conference on Tuesday.

BRICS countries have agreed to set up $15 billion loan instrument to finance projects for the economic rebuilding of BRICS countries due to Covid crisis. This was among the key outcome of the BRICS foreign ministers meet via video conference on Tuesday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who initiated the meet being said," BRICS agreed to increase bilateral partnership at the international organisations like UN, G20, WHO, WTO, IMF & World Bank. We decided to set up a special loan instrument to finance projects for the economic rebuilding of BRICS countries. In total, we decided to allocate $15 billion. Russia advised about the ideas that we need to jointly respond to the crisis" BRICS economic experts will meet on April 29th, followed by BRICS health ministers meet on May 7th. India also highlighted the economic impact of the pandemic with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying the crisis not only poses a "great risk to the health and well being of humanity but is also severely impacting global economy and output by disruption of global trade and supply chains." Highlighting how economic activity across sectors has been "negatively impacted leading to loss of jobs and livelihoods", Jaishanker said, "we need to provide support to businesses, especially MSMEs, to tide over the crisis and ensure livelihoods are not lost." He also called for the need for "reform of multilateral systems", comments clearly indicating at reforms at world bodies including WHO which is under increased criticism for failing to warn about the pandemic. Other BRICS members were also informed about India's actions to deal with COVID crisis including measures in South Asia with the creation of COVID-19 emergency fund and providing assistance of medicines to 85 countries. Interestingly, no BRICS joint statement on COVID-19 was released after the meeting of foreign ministers. The meet saw the participation of Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, India by EAM S Jaishankar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil Amb. Ernesto Araújo, Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi & Minister of International Relations Grace Naledi Pandor. BRICS bring together 42% of the global population and has evolved rapidly since the first decade of the current century.

COVID-19: BRICS to set up $15 billion loan support as India calls for reform of multilateral system

Continuing its support to the Maldives in times of COVID-19 crisis, New Delhi has activated a currency swap arrangement to help the Indian Ocean Island country to mitigate the impact of COVID crisis. The move is expected to help Maldive's financial system by stabilizing the exchange rate and ease liquidity.&nbsp;

India has given a foreign currency swap facility of $ 150 million to the Maldives Central Bank--Maldives Monetary Authority-- under the USD 400 million currency swap agreement signed in July 2019 between the two countries.

A currency swap is a transaction in which two parties exchange principal and interest in different currencies.

Companies doing business abroad often use currency swaps to get more favourable loan rates in the local currency than if they borrowed money from a local bank

Example if, the Maldives borrow 100 Rs From India and told India that it will repay 100 Rs in INR but the Interest in Maldivian rufiyaa or vice versa the Maldives borrow Rs 100 from India and gave back the principal amount in Maldivian rufiyaa and repaid interest in INR. Both parties benefit by hedging against interest rates.&nbsp;

The decision to activate the currency swap arrangement comes a week Indian PM Modi and Maldives President Solih spoke. The $ 400 million currency swap facility is a part of the $ 1.4 billion the economic package announced by India for the Maldives in December 2018 during the State Visit of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. That was the first visit of Maldives President to India after being elected in November of that year.

Indian govt is also considering extending the validity of the currency swap facility by one year. Maldives is the only SAARC country other than Bhutan, which has been extended USD 400 million currency swap facility. 
&nbsp;

Continuing its support to the Maldives in times of COVID-19 crisis, New Delhi has activated a currency swap arrangement to help the Indian Ocean Island country to mitigate the impact of COVID crisis.

Continuing its support to the Maldives in times of COVID-19 crisis, New Delhi has activated a currency swap arrangement to help the Indian Ocean Island country to mitigate the impact of COVID crisis. The move is expected to help Maldive's financial system by stabilizing the exchange rate and ease liquidity. India has given a foreign currency swap facility of $ 150 million to the Maldives Central Bank--Maldives Monetary Authority-- under the USD 400 million currency swap agreement signed in July 2019 between the two countries. A currency swap is a transaction in which two parties exchange principal and interest in different currencies. Companies doing business abroad often use currency swaps to get more favourable loan rates in the local currency than if they borrowed money from a local bank Example if, the Maldives borrow 100 Rs From India and told India that it will repay 100 Rs in INR but the Interest in Maldivian rufiyaa or vice versa the Maldives borrow Rs 100 from India and gave back the principal amount in Maldivian rufiyaa and repaid interest in INR. Both parties benefit by hedging against interest rates. The decision to activate the currency swap arrangement comes a week Indian PM Modi and Maldives President Solih spoke. The $ 400 million currency swap facility is a part of the $ 1.4 billion the economic package announced by India for the Maldives in December 2018 during the State Visit of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. That was the first visit of Maldives President to India after being elected in November of that year. Indian govt is also considering extending the validity of the currency swap facility by one year. Maldives is the only SAARC country other than Bhutan, which has been extended USD 400 million currency swap facility.

India activates currency swap to help the Maldives amid COVID-19

BRICS Foreign minister will meet today via video conference at 4.30 pm IST to discuss COVID crisis. The meet is expected to discuss a possible joint BRICS strategy to deal with the crisis that has engulfed the world.

The meet has been organised by Russia that is the chair of the grouping this year and will host all the BRICS meets this year.&nbsp;

It comes as a multilateral organisation such as G20 have seen activity on a globally coordinated approach to deal with COVID crisis.&nbsp;

The matter was discussed during the conversation between Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov. During the talks, both sides also talked about the close bilateral cooperation in ensuring the welfare of each other’s stranded citizens in their respective countries due to COVID crisis. About 15,000 Indian students in Russia and about 5000 Russian tourists are in India.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Meanwhile, Russia has called Indian decision to send medicines as a "noble" one, saying it will be reciprocated. Speaking to WION, Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev said,"The generous decision of the government of India to lift the ban on the export of important medicines to treat COVID-19 patients despite the increased demand in this country was very much appreciated in Russia. Be sure, it will be reciprocated."

He also lauded India's "Comprehensive efforts" that resulted in significant "decrease in the rate of infection". Last month Indian PM Modi and Russian President Putin had spoken on the COVID crisis issue.

&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Russian Government's main defence export body, Rosoboronexport has donated $2 million for PM CARES Fund formed to deal with the COVID crisis. &nbsp;Rosoboronexport is the first foreign donor to acknowledge its contribution to PM CARES fund.

BRICS Foreign minister will meet today via video conference at 4.30 pm IST to discuss COVID crisis. The meet is expected to discuss a possible joint BRICS strategy to deal with the crisis that has engulfed the world.

BRICS Foreign minister will meet today via video conference at 4.30 pm IST to discuss COVID crisis. The meet is expected to discuss a possible joint BRICS strategy to deal with the crisis that has engulfed the world. The meet has been organised by Russia that is the chair of the grouping this year and will host all the BRICS meets this year. It comes as a multilateral organisation such as G20 have seen activity on a globally coordinated approach to deal with COVID crisis. The matter was discussed during the conversation between Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov. During the talks, both sides also talked about the close bilateral cooperation in ensuring the welfare of each other’s stranded citizens in their respective countries due to COVID crisis. About 15,000 Indian students in Russia and about 5000 Russian tourists are in India. Meanwhile, Russia has called Indian decision to send medicines as a "noble" one, saying it will be reciprocated. Speaking to WION, Russian envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev said,"The generous decision of the government of India to lift the ban on the export of important medicines to treat COVID-19 patients despite the increased demand in this country was very much appreciated in Russia. Be sure, it will be reciprocated." He also lauded India's "Comprehensive efforts" that resulted in significant "decrease in the rate of infection". Last month Indian PM Modi and Russian President Putin had spoken on the COVID crisis issue. Meanwhile, the Russian Government's main defence export body, Rosoboronexport has donated $2 million for PM CARES Fund formed to deal with the COVID crisis. Rosoboronexport is the first foreign donor to acknowledge its contribution to PM CARES fund.

BRICS Foreign Ministers video conference meet on COVID-19 today

India has given go-ahead to Malaysia's request for hydroxychloroquine(HCQ), a drug that is being called a game-changer to deal with COVID crisis. Kuala Lumpur had requested hydroxychloroquine from India to deal with COVID even as New Delhi got the request from several countries for the drug.

India has given go-ahead to Malaysia's request for hydroxychloroquine(HCQ), a drug that is being called a game-changer to deal with COVID crisis. Kuala Lumpur had requested hydroxychloroquine from India to deal with COVID even as New Delhi got the request from several countries for the drug. New Delhi has gifted 5 million HCQ tablets to countries in the neighbourhood and the IOR, Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, Eurasia and WANA regions. It is also providing 1.32 million Paracetamol (PCM) tablets to its neighbouring and other partner countries. Total Value of the medicines and other supplies to be gifted by India stands at INR 383 million (about USD 5 million). In addition to this, India has given clearance to commercial consignments of around 285 million HCQ tablets to 40 countries. Commercial consignments of around 500 million PCM tablets for 60 countries have also been cleared. Ties between India and Malaysia are headed towards a positive trajectory under the new leadership. Earlier this month, Indian high commissioner to Malaysia Mridul Kumar met Malaysian foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein regarding cooperation on COVID-19. That was the second meet between both of them in the last month. Indian high commissioner was the first envoy received by the Malaysian foreign minister on March 18, and on the same day, HC Kumar also called on the new Malaysian PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin. India had allowed eighteen special Malaysian flights for the evacuation of Malaysian nationals since it had imposed a ban on international flights on March 20. This is the biggest number of flights New Delhi allowed for any foreign country. The flights brought back 2,833 Malaysian nationals, which is again the maximum number of citizens repatriated till now for any foreign country.

India gives go head to Malaysia's hydroxychloroquine request

India will be sending its medical supplies to Palestine and currently, these supplies are under preparation. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Ramallah, India's representative to the State of Palestine Sunil Kumar said, "recent global battle against the COVID-19 pandemic also witnessed India’s pledge to assist Palestine".

India will be sending its medical supplies to Palestine and currently, these supplies are under preparation. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Ramallah, India's representative to the State of Palestine Sunil Kumar said, "recent global battle against the COVID-19 pandemic also witnessed India’s pledge to assist Palestine".The Representative Office of India is in contact with Indian citizens who reside in the East Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza Strip to ensure their safety. WION: How is India reaching out to Palestine to help at the time of COVID crisis? Indian PM Modi has assured all possible support. How much medicine --HCQ we sending to it? Sunil Kumar: India’s outreach and support to Palestine isn’t new or recent. Over the long decades of friendly and positive relations that our two friendly nations enjoy, India has always supported Palestine in several fields and on various fronts. In addition to the well-known traditional political, capacity building, budgetary, education, United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and projects support India extends to Palestine, the recent global battle against the COVID-19 pandemic also witnessed India’s pledge to assist Palestine. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi recently conversed with President Mahmoud Abbas over the phone, appreciated the efforts being made by Palestine to protect its population from the virus and also assured all possible support from India for these efforts. During the telephone conversation, President Abbas expressed his confidence in the ability of India and Indian people under the wise leadership of Prime Minister Modi to overcome this global ordeal (corona-virus) as quickly as possible with minimal loses. Last week over the phone, Hon’ble External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Palestinian Foreign Minister Dr Riad Malki also discussed mutual efforts to fight the global pandemic. Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the strong historical relations between the two countries, the friendship between the two peoples and assured India’s medical assistance to Palestine at this critical time in which unified efforts of humanity is needed to overcome the pandemic. The medical supplies from India are currently being prepared and will reach Palestine very soon. WION: What has been the situation on the ground in Palestine..this when Ramazan is on? Sunil Kumar: As of now, the virus outbreak in Palestine is under control with around 495 detected cases, out of which 83 have recovered and only 4 deaths have been reported. The situation would have been worse but due to the promptness and early preemptive measures adopted by the Government of Palestine, the situation hasn’t aggravated and the total number of cases haven’t soared like in other countries of the region, in spite of all odds faced and the relatively limited resources that Palestine has. The holy month of Ramadan in Palestine is usually celebrated with lots of enthusiasm, joy and social outreach amongst the citizens. Unfortunately, Ramadan, this year comes at a very critical time in the history of humanity. In line with the measures taken by the Government of Palestine to counter the spread of the virus which include prohibiting public gatherings and closure of places of worship, but nonetheless the people are doing their best to keep the spirit of Ramadan alive since they truly believe that at times of hardship collective efforts towards compassion, patience and harmony must prevail. WION: Any Indian pilgrims in the territory. How has been the 800-year-old Indian hospice Jerusalem, it has been used by Indians. Sunil Kumar: Due to the prevailing political situation in Palestine, the Indian community here is quite limited. The Representative Office of India is in frequent contact with our citizens whom reside in the East Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza Strip to ensure their safety and any needs in case required. Additionally our Mission has put to service a 24 hours/7 days a week emergency helpline for members of our Indian community in Palestine. The Indian Hospice in the Old City of Jerusalem is a true beacon of friendship and historic bonds that link our two peoples. Initially founded by Indian pilgrims at the dwelling place of Indian Sufi Hazrat Farid ud-Din Ganj Shakar (Baba Farid) around the year 1200, and throughout the following centuries, the Hospice adjacent to Al-Aqsa Masjid has served as a shrine, a pilgrims’ lodge, and a leave camp for the Indian Fourth Infantry division in 1948. During the 1967 Six-Day War, the Hospice was bombarded and sustained severe damages. In the early 1990’s the Hospice witnessed massive renovations and life reflowed back to it. Prominently standing with the Tri-Colour within the historic walls of ancient Jerusalem, the Hospice today houses a library, a prayer chamber and guest rooms where Indian officials, guests, pilgrims and visitors reside during their visits to the City.

COVID-19: Indian medical supplies to reach Palestine soon 

United Nations will later today screen "Earth Anthem" written by Indian Diplomat Abhay Kumar. Abhay Kumar who is currently India's Envoy to Madagascar and Comoros had penned the Earth Anthem in 2008 in St. Petersburg.

Explaining the need for a common anthem for the planet, Abhay K. said. "The global spread of Coronavirus has proved our interdependence once again, whichever country we come from, we can not remain indifferent. Similarly, environmental pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change affect all of us, it does not matter whether we live in the global north or south or east or west."

Adding, "All life is interdependent and until we understand this basic fact clearly and wholeheartedly, we will not be able to fight climate change, biodiversity loss or Novel Corona Virus pandemic."

Civil Society Unit, United Nations Department of Global Communications which is hosting a Youth-Led live event to commemorate Earth Day will release the anthem at around 6.30 pm IST in New York. The Earth Anthem will be live-streamed globally at the FB page of the UN Department of Global Communications Civil Society Youth Representatives.

The anthem has been sung by Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam and Bindu Subramaniam and was released on April&nbsp;22, 2020, to mark the golden jubilee celebrations of Earth Day.

United Nations will later today screen "Earth Anthem" written by Indian Diplomat Abhay Kumar. Abhay Kumar who is currently India's Envoy to Madagascar and Comoros had penned the Earth Anthem in 2008 in St.

United Nations will later today screen "Earth Anthem" written by Indian Diplomat Abhay Kumar. Abhay Kumar who is currently India's Envoy to Madagascar and Comoros had penned the Earth Anthem in 2008 in St. Petersburg. Explaining the need for a common anthem for the planet, Abhay K. said. "The global spread of Coronavirus has proved our interdependence once again, whichever country we come from, we can not remain indifferent. Similarly, environmental pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change affect all of us, it does not matter whether we live in the global north or south or east or west." Adding, "All life is interdependent and until we understand this basic fact clearly and wholeheartedly, we will not be able to fight climate change, biodiversity loss or Novel Corona Virus pandemic." Civil Society Unit, United Nations Department of Global Communications which is hosting a Youth-Led live event to commemorate Earth Day will release the anthem at around 6.30 pm IST in New York. The Earth Anthem will be live-streamed globally at the FB page of the UN Department of Global Communications Civil Society Youth Representatives. The anthem has been sung by Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam and Bindu Subramaniam and was released on April 22, 2020, to mark the golden jubilee celebrations of Earth Day.

United Nations to screen 'earth anthem' written by Indian diplomat

India and Israel are jointly exploring the use of artificial intelligence to diagnose COVID-19 spread even as both are looking for cooperation for the development of the vaccines.&nbsp;

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Tel Aviv, India's envoy to Israel Sanjeev Singla said, "India has supplied Israel with hydroxychloroquine and other medical supplies" and the mission has been reaching out to stranded students. Four Indians have been tested COVID-19 positive in Israel with one of them recovering and has been discharged.&nbsp;

WION: What is the role of the Indian mission in Israel in taking care of Indian citizens? How many Indians have been impacted by COVID-19?

Sanjeev Singla: The embassy has been in close touch with nearly 15,000 Indian community in Israel, comprising of caregivers, high-tech workers, students and others. In the early days of the coronavirus outbreak in Israel, an emergency point of contact was designated by the embassy for any corona-related query from the Indian community.&nbsp;

The embassy also proactively reached out to our Indian students for quick sharing of information and responding to their queries. And we continue to update relevant information, such as the Israeli and Indian government advisories, on a regular basis on our website and our social media handles.&nbsp;

As the number of cases in Israel increased, we took the initiative to distribute protective masks, gloves and hand sanitizers to Indian students and caregivers spread all over Israel.&nbsp;

We also counselled many anxious community members and allayed their fears by providing them proper information. Thankfully, only four Indians have had confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far, of whom one has completely recovered and been discharged. We are in regular touch with the patients as well as with the relevant Israeli authorities regarding their well being and care. &nbsp;

WION: How are India and Israel collaborating in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic? Anything on combined efforts to develop a vaccine?

Sanjeev Singla: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke twice on the telephone within a span of one month during this crisis. In their last conversation on April 3, they discussed how the two countries can deepen their technological cooperation. India has supplied Israel with hydroxychloroquine and other medical supplies.&nbsp;

One big area for collaboration relates to the use of AI in diagnosing the spread of such pandemics, new therapies, as also in new methodologies in the development of vaccines, a process that is generally long, expensive and uncertain.&nbsp;

Technical experts from both sides are engaging to explore possibilities for joint cooperation in this regard.

WION: What do you think about the Israel model and have we shared any Indian model?

Sanjeev Singla: The essential model in both countries has been the same -strict nationwide lockdown, with provision for the delivery of essential supplies. What is different is obviously the scale, with Israel being less than the size of Bengaluru in terms of population. Another aspect is how Israel almost has a habit of rallying as a society and nation in times of a crisis since it has been under siege, so to say, ever since its independence and it reflects in its quick response.&nbsp;

It was one of the first countries to impose restrictions on travellers from coronavirus hotspots around the world and even though it has had a substantial case load of over 15,000 cases, it has been able to keep the mortality rate remarkably low.&nbsp;

Once the pandemic has subsided, it would perhaps be interesting for both countries to share their experiences and practices with regard to tackling the pandemic in high density hotspots.&nbsp;

Another useful experience sharing could relate to policies regarding easing of lockdowns while maintaining the required medical norms, and the utility of ‘nudge’ policies of behavioural economics and public trust that we in India have been emphasising towards behavioural safeguards that will be crucial once the economies reopen, such as those relating to the need for social distancing and hygiene.&nbsp;

We, of course, have been sharing through social media and with our interlocutors India’s response to the pandemic.&nbsp;

WION: How are diplomats working, how tough it has been for them?

Sanjeev Singla: Israel, like India, has been under a strict lockdown. It’s only very recently that some relaxations have been given, now that the pandemic indicators are improving steadily. All of us have been working mostly from home, even though we have been going to office from time to time when necessary. But it’s not the same thing.&nbsp;

Our job involves reaching out to people across a cross-section of the society and from various streams, meeting them face-to-face. That obviously has been impacted, along with high-level delegation visits from both countries. A whole lot of meetings have had to be cancelled and would now have to be rescheduled once the situation normalises slowly.&nbsp;

At the same time, we are thankful to the local authorities for having ensured all possible help at various times, especially for our large community here.

India and Israel are jointly exploring the use of artificial intelligence to diagnose COVID-19 spread even as both are looking for cooperation for the development of the vaccines.

India and Israel are jointly exploring the use of artificial intelligence to diagnose COVID-19 spread even as both are looking for cooperation for the development of the vaccines. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Tel Aviv, India's envoy to Israel Sanjeev Singla said, "India has supplied Israel with hydroxychloroquine and other medical supplies" and the mission has been reaching out to stranded students. Four Indians have been tested COVID-19 positive in Israel with one of them recovering and has been discharged. WION: What is the role of the Indian mission in Israel in taking care of Indian citizens? How many Indians have been impacted by COVID-19? Sanjeev Singla: The embassy has been in close touch with nearly 15,000 Indian community in Israel, comprising of caregivers, high-tech workers, students and others. In the early days of the coronavirus outbreak in Israel, an emergency point of contact was designated by the embassy for any corona-related query from the Indian community. The embassy also proactively reached out to our Indian students for quick sharing of information and responding to their queries. And we continue to update relevant information, such as the Israeli and Indian government advisories, on a regular basis on our website and our social media handles. As the number of cases in Israel increased, we took the initiative to distribute protective masks, gloves and hand sanitizers to Indian students and caregivers spread all over Israel. We also counselled many anxious community members and allayed their fears by providing them proper information. Thankfully, only four Indians have had confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far, of whom one has completely recovered and been discharged. We are in regular touch with the patients as well as with the relevant Israeli authorities regarding their well being and care. WION: How are India and Israel collaborating in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic? Anything on combined efforts to develop a vaccine? Sanjeev Singla: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke twice on the telephone within a span of one month during this crisis. In their last conversation on April 3, they discussed how the two countries can deepen their technological cooperation. India has supplied Israel with hydroxychloroquine and other medical supplies. One big area for collaboration relates to the use of AI in diagnosing the spread of such pandemics, new therapies, as also in new methodologies in the development of vaccines, a process that is generally long, expensive and uncertain. Technical experts from both sides are engaging to explore possibilities for joint cooperation in this regard. WION: What do you think about the Israel model and have we shared any Indian model? Sanjeev Singla: The essential model in both countries has been the same -strict nationwide lockdown, with provision for the delivery of essential supplies. What is different is obviously the scale, with Israel being less than the size of Bengaluru in terms of population. Another aspect is how Israel almost has a habit of rallying as a society and nation in times of a crisis since it has been under siege, so to say, ever since its independence and it reflects in its quick response. It was one of the first countries to impose restrictions on travellers from coronavirus hotspots around the world and even though it has had a substantial case load of over 15,000 cases, it has been able to keep the mortality rate remarkably low. Once the pandemic has subsided, it would perhaps be interesting for both countries to share their experiences and practices with regard to tackling the pandemic in high density hotspots. Another useful experience sharing could relate to policies regarding easing of lockdowns while maintaining the required medical norms, and the utility of ‘nudge’ policies of behavioural economics and public trust that we in India have been emphasising towards behavioural safeguards that will be crucial once the economies reopen, such as those relating to the need for social distancing and hygiene. We, of course, have been sharing through social media and with our interlocutors India’s response to the pandemic. WION: How are diplomats working, how tough it has been for them? Sanjeev Singla: Israel, like India, has been under a strict lockdown. It’s only very recently that some relaxations have been given, now that the pandemic indicators are improving steadily. All of us have been working mostly from home, even though we have been going to office from time to time when necessary. But it’s not the same thing. Our job involves reaching out to people across a cross-section of the society and from various streams, meeting them face-to-face. That obviously has been impacted, along with high-level delegation visits from both countries. A whole lot of meetings have had to be cancelled and would now have to be rescheduled once the situation normalises slowly. At the same time, we are thankful to the local authorities for having ensured all possible help at various times, especially for our large community here.

India, Israel looking at joint development of COVID-19 vaccine; use of Artificial Intelligence to diagnose virus

In the first-ever interview after the fake Twitter post impersonating an Oman Princess, Indian envoy to Oman&nbsp;ambassador Munu Mahawar has said those&nbsp;trying to create differences between India and Oman will never succeed. Speaking exclusively with WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Muscat, Envoy Mahawar said, India-Oman ties will remain strong and expressed gratitude that Omani authorities&nbsp;acted swiftly. He also spoke on how the mission is reaching out to stranded Indians and is preparing&nbsp;a list of Indians who want to come back home.&nbsp;

WION: Role played by the Indian mission in Oman in taking care of Indian citizens? Many migrant Indians in Oman.

Amb Munu Mahawar: We have a large Indian community in Oman. Of about 7.7 lakh Indians, most of them are blue-collar&nbsp;workers. They are vulnerable and they have been impacted hard by the crisis. To address the challenges&nbsp;faced by the Indian community, first of all, we have worked&nbsp;closely with the Board of Directors to address those issues.&nbsp;

Oman is providing free testing and treatment to ex-pat community members also. We have reached out to the community, we have established 24*7 helplines, the community members are contacting us via phone, via emails, via Whatsapp messages and we are trying to resolve the issues. We are handling more than 100 queries every day, we have created a network of social workers, medical professionals, prominent Indians, I interact&nbsp;with community members regularly via video conferencing, we are also organising open house meetings via telephone&nbsp;during which any member of the community&nbsp;can contact me directly, we have created awareness among the community about the precautions they need to take regarding COVID and giving information in many Indian languages. We are also providing direct food and medical assistance&nbsp;to the community.

We have created a network of social workers through which we have already provided food kits to over 10,000 needy Indians. The number of issues related to Indian schools, we have 21 Indian schools, in which over 46000 Indian students study, concerns were there related to school fee, concerns related to online classes. We have worked closely&nbsp;related to board of director to address those issues. We are collecting information related to those Indians who wish to travel back to India, once the lockdown is lifted. So, all in all, we have taken a range of measures, to address the challenges faced by the Indian community in Oman.&nbsp;

WION: How are India and Oman collaborating in the fight against COVID pandemic?

Amb Munu Mahawar: India and Oman are working closely to address the challenges of COVID. Our leaders have been in contact. PM Modi had a telephonic conversation with his Majesty Sultan&nbsp;Haitham bin Tariq in which his majesty assures, safety&nbsp;and well being of Indian nationals in Oman. Our foreign ministers have spoken, I have been in regular&nbsp;touch with the minister&nbsp;and senior officials of the govt of Oman.

I would like&nbsp;to convey our deep&nbsp;gratitude to the&nbsp;govt of&nbsp;Oman for the&nbsp;measures they have&nbsp;taken to support the&nbsp;Indian community in&nbsp;Oman. Oman is providing free testing,&nbsp;and treatment and they have also provided food in the areas of strict lockdown. On our part, we have been facilitating the supply of food items and other&nbsp;commodities to Oman, via air and sea routes. We have facilitated the&nbsp;evacuation&nbsp;of Oman nationals. Recently, we agreed to provide HCQ as requested by Govt of Oman. Our 2 countries are working closely and our cooperation is in keeping with the strategic&nbsp;partnership&nbsp;we have.&nbsp;

WION: What do u think about the Oman model and have we shared any Indian model?

Amb Munu Mahawar:&nbsp;I would say Oman's response to COVID has been very effective, this is also evident from the fact that Oman is the least impacted country in the gulf, with about 2000 cases. Oman's response to cases has been quite similar to India's response. Like India, Oman decided to suspend international Air Travel very early and decided to put the country in lockdown. The lockdown in Oman will continue till May 8th, and they may decide to further extend it. Further recognising that the maximum number of cases in the Muscat area, they have isolated Muscat from the rest of the country.

Travel in and out of Muscat is not possible. Oman recognised pressure on the health care system will increase as the number of cases increase. They have decided to put part of the health care workforce in reserve so that they remain available during the peak. We have been in close contact with the ministry of health and ministry of foreign affairs of Oman to share our experiences and as I mentioned earlier, India has agreed to supply HCQ to Oman as it had requested. In coming days we will remain in close contact with Oman to continue sharing our experiences.

WION:&nbsp;We saw an incident last week in which someone did mischief by impersonating an Omani Princess. We saw ur tweet too, and sudden spurt of such tweets. Your take.

Amb Munu Mahawar:&nbsp;In recent days we have seen a number of instances of fake news or fake social media posts are being made to created differences between India and its friends. In the particular case, fake tweets were created impersonating the member of the Omani Royal family, her highness Dr&nbsp;Mona bint Fahad al said&nbsp;and certain very offensive comments about India were attributed to her. We were happy that Omani authorities acted swiftly and her highness issued a clarification swiftly and those behind such campaigns were exposed.

I would like to say India and Oman enjoy a very special relationship and complete trust and mutual understanding between our 2 countries, those who are trying to create differences between us will never succeed, their efforts are completely futile and we are confident that the relations between India and Oman will remain as strong as ever.

In the first-ever interview after the fake Twitter post impersonating an Oman Princess, Indian envoy to Oman ambassador Munu Mahawar has said those trying to create differences between India and Oman will never succeed.

In the first-ever interview after the fake Twitter post impersonating an Oman Princess, Indian envoy to Oman ambassador Munu Mahawar has said those trying to create differences between India and Oman will never succeed. Speaking exclusively with WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Muscat, Envoy Mahawar said, India-Oman ties will remain strong and expressed gratitude that Omani authorities acted swiftly. He also spoke on how the mission is reaching out to stranded Indians and is preparing a list of Indians who want to come back home. WION: Role played by the Indian mission in Oman in taking care of Indian citizens? Many migrant Indians in Oman. Amb Munu Mahawar: We have a large Indian community in Oman. Of about 7.7 lakh Indians, most of them are blue-collar workers. They are vulnerable and they have been impacted hard by the crisis. To address the challenges faced by the Indian community, first of all, we have worked closely with the Board of Directors to address those issues. Oman is providing free testing and treatment to ex-pat community members also. We have reached out to the community, we have established 24*7 helplines, the community members are contacting us via phone, via emails, via Whatsapp messages and we are trying to resolve the issues. We are handling more than 100 queries every day, we have created a network of social workers, medical professionals, prominent Indians, I interact with community members regularly via video conferencing, we are also organising open house meetings via telephone during which any member of the community can contact me directly, we have created awareness among the community about the precautions they need to take regarding COVID and giving information in many Indian languages. We are also providing direct food and medical assistance to the community. We have created a network of social workers through which we have already provided food kits to over 10,000 needy Indians. The number of issues related to Indian schools, we have 21 Indian schools, in which over 46000 Indian students study, concerns were there related to school fee, concerns related to online classes. We have worked closely related to board of director to address those issues. We are collecting information related to those Indians who wish to travel back to India, once the lockdown is lifted. So, all in all, we have taken a range of measures, to address the challenges faced by the Indian community in Oman. WION: How are India and Oman collaborating in the fight against COVID pandemic? Amb Munu Mahawar: India and Oman are working closely to address the challenges of COVID. Our leaders have been in contact. PM Modi had a telephonic conversation with his Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in which his majesty assures, safety and well being of Indian nationals in Oman. Our foreign ministers have spoken, I have been in regular touch with the minister and senior officials of the govt of Oman. I would like to convey our deep gratitude to the govt of Oman for the measures they have taken to support the Indian community in Oman. Oman is providing free testing, and treatment and they have also provided food in the areas of strict lockdown. On our part, we have been facilitating the supply of food items and other commodities to Oman, via air and sea routes. We have facilitated the evacuation of Oman nationals. Recently, we agreed to provide HCQ as requested by Govt of Oman. Our 2 countries are working closely and our cooperation is in keeping with the strategic partnership we have. WION: What do u think about the Oman model and have we shared any Indian model? Amb Munu Mahawar: I would say Oman's response to COVID has been very effective, this is also evident from the fact that Oman is the least impacted country in the gulf, with about 2000 cases. Oman's response to cases has been quite similar to India's response. Like India, Oman decided to suspend international Air Travel very early and decided to put the country in lockdown. The lockdown in Oman will continue till May 8th, and they may decide to further extend it. Further recognising that the maximum number of cases in the Muscat area, they have isolated Muscat from the rest of the country. Travel in and out of Muscat is not possible. Oman recognised pressure on the health care system will increase as the number of cases increase. They have decided to put part of the health care workforce in reserve so that they remain available during the peak. We have been in close contact with the ministry of health and ministry of foreign affairs of Oman to share our experiences and as I mentioned earlier, India has agreed to supply HCQ to Oman as it had requested. In coming days we will remain in close contact with Oman to continue sharing our experiences. WION: We saw an incident last week in which someone did mischief by impersonating an Omani Princess. We saw ur tweet too, and sudden spurt of such tweets. Your take. Amb Munu Mahawar: In recent days we have seen a number of instances of fake news or fake social media posts are being made to created differences between India and its friends. In the particular case, fake tweets were created impersonating the member of the Omani Royal family, her highness Dr Mona bint Fahad al said and certain very offensive comments about India were attributed to her. We were happy that Omani authorities acted swiftly and her highness issued a clarification swiftly and those behind such campaigns were exposed. I would like to say India and Oman enjoy a very special relationship and complete trust and mutual understanding between our 2 countries, those who are trying to create differences between us will never succeed, their efforts are completely futile and we are confident that the relations between India and Oman will remain as strong as ever.

Those trying to create differences will never succeed: Indian envoy to Oman on fake Twitter post

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sidhant Sibal

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