An increase in the number of Pakistani accounts changing the name to Arabic names or after names of Arabic royalty has been seen.

A Pakistani ID @pak_fauj changed its name to Omani Royalty Mona bint Fahd al Said @SayyidaMona to spread propaganda and tweeted anti-India rant.

Twitter gives the option of changing one's Twitter name, username and description but its history is not managed publicly.

The handle Pak Army took full advantage of it and changed its profile's identity to show it as the profile of Omani Princes. What followed an anti-India tweet on ties between India and the Gulf which was retweeted by many including by Pakistani media personnel.

Incidentally, to save itself from being reported and get blocked by Twitter, the account had "parody" mentioned in its bio, something not noticed by many. Twitter doesn't block parody accounts. &nbsp;

The name of the account was changed recently so this username is present in Twitter cache since a simple search of @pak_fauj will lead to the parody account @SayyidaMona. Also, many old tweets by the account were not deleted, perhaps to show it is an old account.

The unique twitter ID of @SayyidaMona is 2870592601 which cannot be modified or transferred. Interestingly, WION was able to crawl out several old tweets from the same account which have been deleted now and it clearly shows Pakistan's ISPR is behind the account. Links from deleted tweet - pic.twitter.com/rYCleSt8SN and pic.twitter.com/LLt3FN1Yed when in google searches shows number of Pakistan army links.

Omani Princess clarifies

Meanwhile, the Omani Princess Mona bint Fahd who was impersonated has issued a statement. In the statement, she said,"Friends, First of all I thank you for your concern to verify the offensive post published through an account impersonating me, which you are sure that I have no connection with it."

Adding,"With full trust in all of you in strengthening awareness among all regarding such activities, which are not acceptable to the Omani society, I confirm again that my presence in social media is restricted on the following accounts: @hhmonaalsaid &nbsp; and @MonaFahad 13."

Indian envoy to Oman Munu Mahawar thanked the Omani princes for clarification. In a tweet he said,"I thank HH @MonaFahad13 for clarification on fake social media posts attributed to her" and India values its "friendly relations with Oman and will continue working closely with the Government and people of Oman to further strengthen our special relationship."

Pak FM quotes non-existent Omani statement

Wednesday's case of Pakistani accounts changing the name has been the only case. A number of Pakistani accounts have been seen trying to change names into Arabic sounding names and tweet anti-India material. And while this is happening, Pakistani foreign minister SM Qureshi was seen fishing in troubled waters.

Highlighting the huge Indian diaspora in Gulf, he said, "Gulf..for example Oman has said Indians working in the country should leave".

No such thing has been said by the Oman govt and it seems he was attributing it fake tweet which was attributed to Omani princess. He also said he will write to Gulf foreign ministers and ask them to reset ties with India over the situation of Muslims in the country, something that will not find many takers in the region.

An increase in the number of Pakistani accounts changing the name to Arabic names or after names of Arabic royalty has been seen. A Pakistani ID @pak_fauj changed its name to Omani Royalty Mona bint Fahd al Said @SayyidaMona to spread propaganda and tweeted anti-India rant.

An increase in the number of Pakistani accounts changing the name to Arabic names or after names of Arabic royalty has been seen. A Pakistani ID @pak_fauj changed its name to Omani Royalty Mona bint Fahd al Said @SayyidaMona to spread propaganda and tweeted anti-India rant. Twitter gives the option of changing one's Twitter name, username and description but its history is not managed publicly. The handle Pak Army took full advantage of it and changed its profile's identity to show it as the profile of Omani Princes. What followed an anti-India tweet on ties between India and the Gulf which was retweeted by many including by Pakistani media personnel. Incidentally, to save itself from being reported and get blocked by Twitter, the account had "parody" mentioned in its bio, something not noticed by many. Twitter doesn't block parody accounts. The name of the account was changed recently so this username is present in Twitter cache since a simple search of @pak_fauj will lead to the parody account @SayyidaMona. Also, many old tweets by the account were not deleted, perhaps to show it is an old account. The unique twitter ID of @SayyidaMona is 2870592601 which cannot be modified or transferred. Interestingly, WION was able to crawl out several old tweets from the same account which have been deleted now and it clearly shows Pakistan's ISPR is behind the account. Links from deleted tweet - pic.twitter.com/rYCleSt8SN and pic.twitter.com/LLt3FN1Yed when in google searches shows number of Pakistan army links. Omani Princess clarifies Meanwhile, the Omani Princess Mona bint Fahd who was impersonated has issued a statement. In the statement, she said,"Friends, First of all I thank you for your concern to verify the offensive post published through an account impersonating me, which you are sure that I have no connection with it." Adding,"With full trust in all of you in strengthening awareness among all regarding such activities, which are not acceptable to the Omani society, I confirm again that my presence in social media is restricted on the following accounts: @hhmonaalsaid and @MonaFahad 13." Indian envoy to Oman Munu Mahawar thanked the Omani princes for clarification. In a tweet he said,"I thank HH @MonaFahad13 for clarification on fake social media posts attributed to her" and India values its "friendly relations with Oman and will continue working closely with the Government and people of Oman to further strengthen our special relationship." Pak FM quotes non-existent Omani statement Wednesday's case of Pakistani accounts changing the name has been the only case. A number of Pakistani accounts have been seen trying to change names into Arabic sounding names and tweet anti-India material. And while this is happening, Pakistani foreign minister SM Qureshi was seen fishing in troubled waters. Highlighting the huge Indian diaspora in Gulf, he said, "Gulf..for example Oman has said Indians working in the country should leave". No such thing has been said by the Oman govt and it seems he was attributing it fake tweet which was attributed to Omani princess. He also said he will write to Gulf foreign ministers and ask them to reset ties with India over the situation of Muslims in the country, something that will not find many takers in the region.

Pak account poses as 'Omani princess' tweets anti-India material; princess clarifies

India has cleared 530 kg of Hydroxychloroquine to Brazil and has offered 5 million tablets of the game-changer drug to Brazil on a commercial basis.

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's Chargé d’ Affaires &nbsp;S. Koventhan said, "India has responded positively to the pharmaceutical requirements of other friendly nations". He also talked about how the mission has tied up with locals Indian restaurants to provide food for stranded Indian nationals.&nbsp;

WION: How are India and Brazil cooperating to fight the COVID-19 crisis?&nbsp;

S. Koventhan: India believes ‘global pandemic requires a global response’. India is committed to contributing to humanity’s fight against this pandemic.

India has responded positively to the pharmaceutical requirements of other friendly nations and also extended assistance to other countries by providing essential medical equipment and medicines based on their requests.&nbsp;

Brazil is an important strategic partner of India. With regard to Brazil, on April 4, 2020, Prime Minister Modi had a telephonic conversation with President Bolsonaro, President of Brazil.&nbsp;

The two leaders discussed the global situation in the wake of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Modi assured all possible support to the Brazilian President in this difficult hour.&nbsp;

They agreed that their officials would remain in regular touch with respect to the COVID-19 situation and its emerging challenges. President Bolsonaro in his address to the nation on April 8 2020 had thanked PM Modi the people of India for the timely help for the export of hydroxychloroquine.

PM Modi also reciprocated his thanks. In the words of the prime minister of India conveyed in one of his tweets, "our partnership with Brazil is stronger than ever in the challenging times."

WION: India sending HCQ to Brazil, how has been the reaction and how did it go about?&nbsp;

S. Koventhan: At the request of the President of Brazil, consignment (530 kg of hydroxychloroquine) for Brazil was put on priority and was cleared as soon as possible. This is a testimony of the importance that both countries attach to their bilateral relationship. This goodwill gesture was well received in Brazil. India has also offered 5 million tablets of hydroxychloroquine to Brazil on a commercial basis.

WION: The role played by the Indian mission in Brazil in taking care of Indian citizens, many Indian nationals are saying they are in deep trouble...&nbsp;

S. Koventhan: To help Indian nationals in Brazil, we had set up two 24x7 Helplinenos +55(61) 981391127 &amp; + 55(11) 994518224. A situation room has been established in Brasilia (email covidsitbrasilia@gmail.com). All the queries received on emails and phone calls are being promptly responded to. We also keep our social media pages updated with&nbsp;all relevant advisories on travel and visa.

Officials from the Consulate-General of India in Sao Paulo &amp; Honorary Consulate in Rio are also part of our response teams.

Through Oyo Rooms, hotel accommodation at discounted rates were facilitated for Indian nationals. We have tied up with Indian restaurants in cities of Sao Paulo, Rio and Brasilia for providing meals at a discounted rate for Indian nationals, who are stranded in these cities.&nbsp;

We are currently working on extending such measures to other cities also. We are also doing a weekly Video conferencing with prominent members of Indian community in Brazil to get their perceptive on handling this situation. In the embassy here, we have adopted the approach of "social distancing and digital proximity".&nbsp;

We have implemented work from home for more than half of our embassy personnel. We also organize online Yoga classes mainly to de-stress our body and mind during this time of crisis. This is well received in Brazil.

WION: Have we shared any Indian model of containment with Brazil?&nbsp;

S. Koventhan: Under the Indian technical and economic cooperation program (ITEC) of the ministry of external affairs, government of India, e-ITEC short training live webinars for healthcare professionals on COVID-19 management strategies and related aspects are proposed to be organized.

These e-ITEC webinars for training on basic COVID-19 management are 45 minutes to one&nbsp;hour interactive sessions and will cover various aspects including – Understanding COVID-19, infection prevention measures, diagnosis, and clinical management of COVID-19 patients &amp; contacts, field surveillance and public health measures and other emerging issues.&nbsp;

Brazil being an ITEC partner country of India, we have extended an invitation to Brazil to participate in this program.

WION: How are the Indian diplomat faring? it hasn't been easy for diplomats too.

S. Koventhan: This is a difficult situation for the whole of humanity. In Brazil, we are taking necessary precautionary measures for the embassy personnel and their families.&nbsp;

We strictly follow measures like social distancing, usage of masks and hand sanitizers etc.

As diplomats, it is important that we keep our physical, mental and emotional well-being high during this time of crisis. We are fully committed towards discharging our duties and responsibilities, in the best possible manner to help our fellow citizens, who are stranded in Brazil because of COVID-19.

India has cleared 530 kg of Hydroxychloroquine to Brazil and has offered 5 million tablets of the game-changer drug to Brazil on a commercial basis. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's Chargé d’ Affaires S.

India has cleared 530 kg of Hydroxychloroquine to Brazil and has offered 5 million tablets of the game-changer drug to Brazil on a commercial basis. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's Chargé d’ Affaires S. Koventhan said, "India has responded positively to the pharmaceutical requirements of other friendly nations". He also talked about how the mission has tied up with locals Indian restaurants to provide food for stranded Indian nationals. WION: How are India and Brazil cooperating to fight the COVID-19 crisis? S. Koventhan: India believes ‘global pandemic requires a global response’. India is committed to contributing to humanity’s fight against this pandemic. India has responded positively to the pharmaceutical requirements of other friendly nations and also extended assistance to other countries by providing essential medical equipment and medicines based on their requests. Brazil is an important strategic partner of India. With regard to Brazil, on April 4, 2020, Prime Minister Modi had a telephonic conversation with President Bolsonaro, President of Brazil. The two leaders discussed the global situation in the wake of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Modi assured all possible support to the Brazilian President in this difficult hour. They agreed that their officials would remain in regular touch with respect to the COVID-19 situation and its emerging challenges. President Bolsonaro in his address to the nation on April 8 2020 had thanked PM Modi the people of India for the timely help for the export of hydroxychloroquine. PM Modi also reciprocated his thanks. In the words of the prime minister of India conveyed in one of his tweets, "our partnership with Brazil is stronger than ever in the challenging times." WION: India sending HCQ to Brazil, how has been the reaction and how did it go about? S. Koventhan: At the request of the President of Brazil, consignment (530 kg of hydroxychloroquine) for Brazil was put on priority and was cleared as soon as possible. This is a testimony of the importance that both countries attach to their bilateral relationship. This goodwill gesture was well received in Brazil. India has also offered 5 million tablets of hydroxychloroquine to Brazil on a commercial basis. WION: The role played by the Indian mission in Brazil in taking care of Indian citizens, many Indian nationals are saying they are in deep trouble... S. Koventhan: To help Indian nationals in Brazil, we had set up two 24x7 Helplinenos +55(61) 981391127 & + 55(11) 994518224. A situation room has been established in Brasilia (email covidsitbrasilia@gmail.com). All the queries received on emails and phone calls are being promptly responded to. We also keep our social media pages updated with all relevant advisories on travel and visa. Officials from the Consulate-General of India in Sao Paulo & Honorary Consulate in Rio are also part of our response teams. Through Oyo Rooms, hotel accommodation at discounted rates were facilitated for Indian nationals. We have tied up with Indian restaurants in cities of Sao Paulo, Rio and Brasilia for providing meals at a discounted rate for Indian nationals, who are stranded in these cities. We are currently working on extending such measures to other cities also. We are also doing a weekly Video conferencing with prominent members of Indian community in Brazil to get their perceptive on handling this situation. In the embassy here, we have adopted the approach of "social distancing and digital proximity". We have implemented work from home for more than half of our embassy personnel. We also organize online Yoga classes mainly to de-stress our body and mind during this time of crisis. This is well received in Brazil. WION: Have we shared any Indian model of containment with Brazil? S. Koventhan: Under the Indian technical and economic cooperation program (ITEC) of the ministry of external affairs, government of India, e-ITEC short training live webinars for healthcare professionals on COVID-19 management strategies and related aspects are proposed to be organized. These e-ITEC webinars for training on basic COVID-19 management are 45 minutes to one hour interactive sessions and will cover various aspects including – Understanding COVID-19, infection prevention measures, diagnosis, and clinical management of COVID-19 patients & contacts, field surveillance and public health measures and other emerging issues. Brazil being an ITEC partner country of India, we have extended an invitation to Brazil to participate in this program. WION: How are the Indian diplomat faring? it hasn't been easy for diplomats too. S. Koventhan: This is a difficult situation for the whole of humanity. In Brazil, we are taking necessary precautionary measures for the embassy personnel and their families. We strictly follow measures like social distancing, usage of masks and hand sanitizers etc. As diplomats, it is important that we keep our physical, mental and emotional well-being high during this time of crisis. We are fully committed towards discharging our duties and responsibilities, in the best possible manner to help our fellow citizens, who are stranded in Brazil because of COVID-19.

530 kg HCQ consignment cleared for Brazil, says India's top diplomat in Brazil

India has placed an order of 7-8 million PPEs and 1,000 ventilators from China and the Indian mission in China are in touch with Chinese authorities regarding the identification of bonafide suppliers.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to WION'sPrincipal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Indian ambassador to China, Vikram Misri said at the height of the outbreak in China, New Delhi "had offered and provided medical assistance" to the country as well. He also spoke about how the mission coordinated the evacuation plan of over 750 Indians and foreigners and how diplomats in the mission are dealing with the crisis.&nbsp;

WION: How can India and China cooperate in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis?

Vikram Misri: In the context of the COVID-19 crisis, there is considerable space for India and China to cooperate in controlling the spread of this pandemic and there are immediate, short-term as well as medium and long term aspects to our cooperation.

When China was at the height of dealing with this outbreak, we had offered and provided medical assistance. Now, India is in the process of commercially procuring a large number of these supplies.&nbsp;

China happens to be one of the largest producers of a number of these products. Thus, in the immediate short-term there is an opportunity for both countries to cooperate in facilitating our procurement of medical equipment and products from China in a stable and orderly manner.

We have been in touch with Chinese authorities regarding the identification of bonafide suppliers. That quality materials are available at reasonable and stable prices and that these are enabled to be transported in an efficient and timely manner to India is a priority.

At the same time, there are a number of Chinese companies whose products have been sold in the past to India and whose products have been licensed for import into India by the concerned Indian regulatory authorities.

However, recent regulations have restricted the number of companies from China that could export to India.

Given the fact that some products are already licensed for import into India, it would be a welcome step for the concerned authorities such as the National Medical Product Authority to expedite the registration of those companies and products that already have a large number of orders in the pipeline from India.

In the medium to longer-term, as both India and China are repositories of large pools of scientific and technological manpower, there is scope for both countries to cooperate on the Research and Development (R&amp;D) aspects of dealing with COVID-19 virus, apart from other public health issues. It would be mutually beneficial to intensify engagements between our biologists, epidemiologists, scientists and relevant national institutes in these fields.

WION: What is the quantum of the medical and protective supplies being procured from China?

Vikram Misri: India and China are cooperating on the procurement of the much needed medical equipment and products by our health care fraternity in India.

These include medical kits and equipment, ventilators, testing kits, PPEs, etc. China happens to be one of the largest producers of a number of these products, and the two governments have been in touch with each other to ensure stable and orderly purchase and procurement of these items.

The embassy has so far placed orders for around 7 to 8 million PPEs and about a 1000 ventilators. More orders are in the pipeline and at various stages of procurement. This is an extremely dynamic process, and it would not be appropriate for me at this time to get into the specifics of all the numbers.

WION: The role played by the Indian mission in Beijing and consulates in various parts of the country from evacuation in February to now?

Vikram Misri: The embassy of India in Beijing and our Consulates-General in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong have been playing a role in India’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

As the outbreak first took place here, our initial concern and attention was focused on the welfare of Indians in China.

We had been closely following the developments here since January, and, on 23 January 2020, set up dedicated 24x7 hotlines and email desks for Indians looking for advice and information on the evolving epidemic situation. Thereafter, as Hubei province went into lockdown, we facilitated the evacuation of over 750 Indian and foreign nationals stranded there and wishing to return home. &nbsp;

Our hotlines continue to be operational. Consular officers also remain directly engaged with members of the community.

I myself recently had an interaction via video conference with representatives of the Indian community from across the country on 17 April 2020.

Our Mission and Consulates continue to remain committed to extending consular services and ensuring the welfare of the Indian community in China during these challenging times.

As the number of cases has increased in India, we have been actively involved in the procurement process for essential medical and protective supplies that India needs to fight the virus, including, as stated earlier, ventilators, testing kits, PPEs, etc.

We are now at the start of what promises to be an extremely intense logistical exercise. As the orders get ready to be shipped, we will have flights taking off on almost a daily basis from Shanghai and Guangzhou. We are engaged with Chinese officials on all aspects of this process, including flight clearances, customs clearances of goods, etc.

WION: How are the Indian diplomats faring. How tough have the past few months been?

Vikram Misri: A critical aspect in all our work has been to ensure that none of our diplomats and staff posted here in Beijing or in the Consulates fall sick.

Speaking for the Mission here in Beijing, I can say that we put in place stringent best practices for preventing infection. These were scrupulously followed by all and I am happy to note that we have been successful in preserving the good health of all of our colleagues so far.

This is an unprecedented situation for most of us and things have been generally tough on the personal and professional front.

But the way I see it, as I am sure most of my colleagues do as well, is that the work that we are doing right now is fundamental to ensuring India’s successful response to the COVID-19 crisis, and this call to duty is not a privilege available to all in the ordinary course of events.

We, therefore, hope to do our best and prove equal to the challenge. 
&nbsp;

India has placed an order of 7-8 million PPEs and 1,000 ventilators from China and the Indian mission in China are in touch with Chinese authorities regarding the identification of bonafide suppliers.

India has placed an order of 7-8 million PPEs and 1,000 ventilators from China and the Indian mission in China are in touch with Chinese authorities regarding the identification of bonafide suppliers. Speaking exclusively to WION'sPrincipal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Indian ambassador to China, Vikram Misri said at the height of the outbreak in China, New Delhi "had offered and provided medical assistance" to the country as well. He also spoke about how the mission coordinated the evacuation plan of over 750 Indians and foreigners and how diplomats in the mission are dealing with the crisis. WION: How can India and China cooperate in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis? Vikram Misri: In the context of the COVID-19 crisis, there is considerable space for India and China to cooperate in controlling the spread of this pandemic and there are immediate, short-term as well as medium and long term aspects to our cooperation. When China was at the height of dealing with this outbreak, we had offered and provided medical assistance. Now, India is in the process of commercially procuring a large number of these supplies. China happens to be one of the largest producers of a number of these products. Thus, in the immediate short-term there is an opportunity for both countries to cooperate in facilitating our procurement of medical equipment and products from China in a stable and orderly manner. We have been in touch with Chinese authorities regarding the identification of bonafide suppliers. That quality materials are available at reasonable and stable prices and that these are enabled to be transported in an efficient and timely manner to India is a priority. At the same time, there are a number of Chinese companies whose products have been sold in the past to India and whose products have been licensed for import into India by the concerned Indian regulatory authorities. However, recent regulations have restricted the number of companies from China that could export to India. Given the fact that some products are already licensed for import into India, it would be a welcome step for the concerned authorities such as the National Medical Product Authority to expedite the registration of those companies and products that already have a large number of orders in the pipeline from India. In the medium to longer-term, as both India and China are repositories of large pools of scientific and technological manpower, there is scope for both countries to cooperate on the Research and Development (R&D) aspects of dealing with COVID-19 virus, apart from other public health issues. It would be mutually beneficial to intensify engagements between our biologists, epidemiologists, scientists and relevant national institutes in these fields. WION: What is the quantum of the medical and protective supplies being procured from China? Vikram Misri: India and China are cooperating on the procurement of the much needed medical equipment and products by our health care fraternity in India. These include medical kits and equipment, ventilators, testing kits, PPEs, etc. China happens to be one of the largest producers of a number of these products, and the two governments have been in touch with each other to ensure stable and orderly purchase and procurement of these items. The embassy has so far placed orders for around 7 to 8 million PPEs and about a 1000 ventilators. More orders are in the pipeline and at various stages of procurement. This is an extremely dynamic process, and it would not be appropriate for me at this time to get into the specifics of all the numbers. WION: The role played by the Indian mission in Beijing and consulates in various parts of the country from evacuation in February to now? Vikram Misri: The embassy of India in Beijing and our Consulates-General in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong have been playing a role in India’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. As the outbreak first took place here, our initial concern and attention was focused on the welfare of Indians in China. We had been closely following the developments here since January, and, on 23 January 2020, set up dedicated 24x7 hotlines and email desks for Indians looking for advice and information on the evolving epidemic situation. Thereafter, as Hubei province went into lockdown, we facilitated the evacuation of over 750 Indian and foreign nationals stranded there and wishing to return home. Our hotlines continue to be operational. Consular officers also remain directly engaged with members of the community. I myself recently had an interaction via video conference with representatives of the Indian community from across the country on 17 April 2020. Our Mission and Consulates continue to remain committed to extending consular services and ensuring the welfare of the Indian community in China during these challenging times. As the number of cases has increased in India, we have been actively involved in the procurement process for essential medical and protective supplies that India needs to fight the virus, including, as stated earlier, ventilators, testing kits, PPEs, etc. We are now at the start of what promises to be an extremely intense logistical exercise. As the orders get ready to be shipped, we will have flights taking off on almost a daily basis from Shanghai and Guangzhou. We are engaged with Chinese officials on all aspects of this process, including flight clearances, customs clearances of goods, etc. WION: How are the Indian diplomats faring. How tough have the past few months been? Vikram Misri: A critical aspect in all our work has been to ensure that none of our diplomats and staff posted here in Beijing or in the Consulates fall sick. Speaking for the Mission here in Beijing, I can say that we put in place stringent best practices for preventing infection. These were scrupulously followed by all and I am happy to note that we have been successful in preserving the good health of all of our colleagues so far. This is an unprecedented situation for most of us and things have been generally tough on the personal and professional front. But the way I see it, as I am sure most of my colleagues do as well, is that the work that we are doing right now is fundamental to ensuring India’s successful response to the COVID-19 crisis, and this call to duty is not a privilege available to all in the ordinary course of events. We, therefore, hope to do our best and prove equal to the challenge.

In touch with China for indentification of bonafide suppliers, says Indian envoy to China Vikram Misri

As COVID crisis impacts the UK in a major way, the Indian mission in the UK is reaching out to the Indian community in several ways including working with diaspora organisation to provide subsidised accommodation and food to stranded Indians.

Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Indian High commissioner to UK Ruchi Ghanashyam said, the Indian mission has set up a team of officers at the mission who are in touch with Indians who need medical assistance and for Indian students, "guidance is in place for their non-eviction".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-cases-in-india-jump-to-15712-more-than-500-dead-293348">Coronavirus cases in India jump to 15,712; more than 500 dead</a>

The envoy also said Indian won't be unfairly penalised and UK visas stand extended for May 31.

Here's the full interview:&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: How are India and UK collaborating on COVID-19 crisis?&nbsp;

Ruchi Ghanashyam: India and the UK are working closely to address the humanitarian crisis emanating from COVID-19 pandemic and to find ways to minimize the impact of this crisis on our economies. India has supplied essential medicines such as paracetamol for the friendly people of the UK despite increasing domestic demand for medicines in India. India has also extended full support to the UK government’s evacuation efforts to bring British citizens back. These steps underline India’s commitment to work with the UK during this unprecedented crisis. I thank the UK government for responding to our call to help Indian citizens, including a large number of students, stranded in the UK whose visas were expiring. Clear guidance has been made available to Indian citizens in the UK for extension of their visas. Guidance is also available for international students regarding their stay in university hostels and helpful guidance is in place for their non-eviction. India and the UK are strategic partners and work closely in multilateral fora including the G20, to address global concerns and challenges. Recently, on March 26, India and the UK attended the Extraordinary G20 Leaders’ Summit. The Summit saw G20 commitment to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and safeguard the global economy. &nbsp;We consult each other, as required, on issues concerning a collective G20 response to COVID-19 challenge. 
&nbsp;

SS: How is the Indian mission taking care of the Indians and many students stranded in the country and the city of London?

RG: Thousands of Indian citizens including students, short term visa holder professionals, businesspersons and tourists, and many others are unable to go back to India due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions. The main challenges facing the High Commission were to be able to address concerns of the stranded Indians which related to accommodation, food, medicines/healthcare, and visa extension.

Two emergency helplines: +44 7768765035 / +44 7739363521 and two emails - inf.london@mea.gov.in / info.london@mea.gov.in are kept operational 24X7. We are also in touch with Indian citizens through our website, Twitter and Facebook.

High Commission is updating Indian citizens in the UK about advisories issued by the government&nbsp;of India and the UK on various issues such as visa extension, COVID-19 helpline of NHS, UK Government’s guidelines about non-eviction policy, and visa extension guidelines, which are of interest to our people in these circumstances.

Given that Indian citizens in need of accommodation and food are spread across the UK, the High Commission has worked with diaspora organisations, student associations, community support groups and individuals across the UK so that assistance may be provided to stranded Indian citizens in terms of subsidised accommodation and food. I am deeply touched that a large number of such organisations, associations and establishments in the UK have come forward to help stranded Indian nationals, including Indian students, in need of assistance with food or reasonably priced accommodation. Details of such associations and establishments are available on our website or social media platforms. Mission’s officers are in touch with these help groups and organizations. There are also challenges that people face in accessing medical services. Indians on short term visits to UK ran out of their prescription medicines and found that their Indian prescriptions are not valid in the UK. Other Indian citizens approached us requiring other medical help. To address these challenges, we approached the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO). We now have a list of multiple options for medical assistance. The first option is medical help through BAPIO. The second is of telephonic consultation through Jain Vishwa Bharti – a registered charity. The third option is a private hospital which can provide consultation through an app and also have the service of medicine delivery in 24 hours. The mission’s panel doctors also help Indians and provide medical guidance. These options are helpful to stranded Indians as the National Health Service of UK is under tremendous stress due to COVID19 outbreak. &nbsp;NHS has also issued clear guidance regarding testing/ treatment for COVID19. We have set up a team of officers in the High Commission to stay in touch with the Indian citizens who need medical assistance. In these times, anxiety and stress are very natural. We have, therefore, put up videos and other advisories of the AYUSH Ministry to guide people about the simple preventive measures available to them in the Indian traditional medicinal system. Yoga is also an effective stress buster and a potent system to boost overall health. Videos from ‘Yoga with Modi’ on YouTube have been made available on our social media platforms. We hope that people will use these to boost health and well-being.&nbsp;

SS: What do you have to say on visa issues are something that has been a worry for Indians? And how much pressure Indian mission is under, given that globally we have seen how Indian diplomats are risking lives in worst impacted areas?

RS: Expiry of visas has been among the main concerns of Indians in the UK in the wake of COVID19 related travel restrictions. The High Commission worked with the UK authorities at the very beginning of the lockdown for extension of visas of short-term visitors and individuals stranded due to COVID19 related travel restrictions. Foreign office has given us an assurance that 'Indian nationals in the UK do not need to be concerned about their immigration status. No one will be unfairly penalised for events beyond their control as a result of COVID-19. I appreciate that the UK government has extended visas till 31st May 2020 and have issued clear guidance in this regard. We remain in regular touch with the UK Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office to address any challenges faced by our nationals in the UK.

As COVID crisis impacts the UK in a major way, the Indian mission in the UK is reaching out to the Indian community in several ways including working with diaspora organisation to provide subsidised accommodation and food to stranded Indians.

As COVID crisis impacts the UK in a major way, the Indian mission in the UK is reaching out to the Indian community in several ways including working with diaspora organisation to provide subsidised accommodation and food to stranded Indians. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Indian High commissioner to UK Ruchi Ghanashyam said, the Indian mission has set up a team of officers at the mission who are in touch with Indians who need medical assistance and for Indian students, "guidance is in place for their non-eviction". Also read | Coronavirus cases in India jump to 15,712; more than 500 dead The envoy also said Indian won't be unfairly penalised and UK visas stand extended for May 31. Here's the full interview: Sidhant Sibal: How are India and UK collaborating on COVID-19 crisis? Ruchi Ghanashyam: India and the UK are working closely to address the humanitarian crisis emanating from COVID-19 pandemic and to find ways to minimize the impact of this crisis on our economies. India has supplied essential medicines such as paracetamol for the friendly people of the UK despite increasing domestic demand for medicines in India. India has also extended full support to the UK government’s evacuation efforts to bring British citizens back. These steps underline India’s commitment to work with the UK during this unprecedented crisis. I thank the UK government for responding to our call to help Indian citizens, including a large number of students, stranded in the UK whose visas were expiring. Clear guidance has been made available to Indian citizens in the UK for extension of their visas. Guidance is also available for international students regarding their stay in university hostels and helpful guidance is in place for their non-eviction. India and the UK are strategic partners and work closely in multilateral fora including the G20, to address global concerns and challenges. Recently, on March 26, India and the UK attended the Extraordinary G20 Leaders’ Summit. The Summit saw G20 commitment to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and safeguard the global economy. We consult each other, as required, on issues concerning a collective G20 response to COVID-19 challenge. SS: How is the Indian mission taking care of the Indians and many students stranded in the country and the city of London? RG: Thousands of Indian citizens including students, short term visa holder professionals, businesspersons and tourists, and many others are unable to go back to India due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions. The main challenges facing the High Commission were to be able to address concerns of the stranded Indians which related to accommodation, food, medicines/healthcare, and visa extension. Two emergency helplines: +44 7768765035 / +44 7739363521 and two emails - inf.london@mea.gov.in / info.london@mea.gov.in are kept operational 24X7. We are also in touch with Indian citizens through our website, Twitter and Facebook. High Commission is updating Indian citizens in the UK about advisories issued by the government of India and the UK on various issues such as visa extension, COVID-19 helpline of NHS, UK Government’s guidelines about non-eviction policy, and visa extension guidelines, which are of interest to our people in these circumstances. Given that Indian citizens in need of accommodation and food are spread across the UK, the High Commission has worked with diaspora organisations, student associations, community support groups and individuals across the UK so that assistance may be provided to stranded Indian citizens in terms of subsidised accommodation and food. I am deeply touched that a large number of such organisations, associations and establishments in the UK have come forward to help stranded Indian nationals, including Indian students, in need of assistance with food or reasonably priced accommodation. Details of such associations and establishments are available on our website or social media platforms. Mission’s officers are in touch with these help groups and organizations. There are also challenges that people face in accessing medical services. Indians on short term visits to UK ran out of their prescription medicines and found that their Indian prescriptions are not valid in the UK. Other Indian citizens approached us requiring other medical help. To address these challenges, we approached the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO). We now have a list of multiple options for medical assistance. The first option is medical help through BAPIO. The second is of telephonic consultation through Jain Vishwa Bharti – a registered charity. The third option is a private hospital which can provide consultation through an app and also have the service of medicine delivery in 24 hours. The mission’s panel doctors also help Indians and provide medical guidance. These options are helpful to stranded Indians as the National Health Service of UK is under tremendous stress due to COVID19 outbreak. NHS has also issued clear guidance regarding testing/ treatment for COVID19. We have set up a team of officers in the High Commission to stay in touch with the Indian citizens who need medical assistance. In these times, anxiety and stress are very natural. We have, therefore, put up videos and other advisories of the AYUSH Ministry to guide people about the simple preventive measures available to them in the Indian traditional medicinal system. Yoga is also an effective stress buster and a potent system to boost overall health. Videos from ‘Yoga with Modi’ on YouTube have been made available on our social media platforms. We hope that people will use these to boost health and well-being. SS: What do you have to say on visa issues are something that has been a worry for Indians? And how much pressure Indian mission is under, given that globally we have seen how Indian diplomats are risking lives in worst impacted areas? RS: Expiry of visas has been among the main concerns of Indians in the UK in the wake of COVID19 related travel restrictions. The High Commission worked with the UK authorities at the very beginning of the lockdown for extension of visas of short-term visitors and individuals stranded due to COVID19 related travel restrictions. Foreign office has given us an assurance that 'Indian nationals in the UK do not need to be concerned about their immigration status. No one will be unfairly penalised for events beyond their control as a result of COVID-19. I appreciate that the UK government has extended visas till 31st May 2020 and have issued clear guidance in this regard. We remain in regular touch with the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office to address any challenges faced by our nationals in the UK.

EXCLUSIVE: Mission has set up teams to reach out to Indians stranded, says Indian envoy to UK

India has shared with Canada "Bhilwara model" of containing the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic and will be sending five&nbsp;million&nbsp;tablets of hydroxychloroquine to the North American country.

Speaking exclusively to WION's&nbsp;principle diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's high commissioner to Canada&nbsp;Ajay Bisaria said India and Canada are collaborating at multiple levels to deal with the crisis and Indian mission is reaching out to the Indian community from&nbsp;Nova Scotia to Vancouver, through the use of technology. Ajay Birasria has written to Canadian provinces,&nbsp;universities to help stranded Indian students even as Indian diaspora has opened doors to help out to them.

WION: How are India and Canada collaborating over COVID crisis?

Ajay Bisaria: India and Canada are collaborating at multiple levels in pandemic times.&nbsp;Our prime ministers have been part of the global conversation in the G20 context. Our foreign ministers have been in touch. Commerce ministers of both countries have had several chats on operational details of trade exchanges. The supply chains from India remain intact and dependable. For instance, we have just cleared a shipment of 5 million tablets of hydroxychloroquine to Canada. We are exchanging knowledge on policy responses. We have shared with Canada the ‘Bhilwara model’ of containing the pandemic. We are in turn studying the Canada model of designing regulations for re-engineering auto sector production lines for health manufacture. I have discussed such issues with Canadian ministers, most recently with Minister for Innovation Navdeep Bains.

India has facilitated multiple evacuation flights to send Canadian citizens home. &nbsp;I have begun teleconferencing with business leaders. We are also looking at business level responses to the current crisis. And we are preparing for business in the new normal of post-pandemic times. &nbsp;In short, we have reacted the way strategic partners should in a crisis. By remaining in close touch, by helping out where possible, by planning ahead.

WION: How is the Indian mission taking care of the Indians in Canada?

Ajay Bisaria: We have over 700000 Indian passport holders in Canada today. This includes a contingent of over 225000 students. Naturally, many of these citizens are keen to get back to India but can’t given the global lockdown. These are extraordinary times, they call for discipline and patience. India is in strict lockdown. In Canada too, the quarantine act has been invoked and most provinces are in states of a medical emergency. There are no flights operating to India till 3 May. Our advice to Indians here is to stay where they are, to avoid all travel and to follow the advisories and instructions of the Canadian authorities.

WION: How is the NRI community helping in the mission's efforts?&nbsp;

Ajay Bisaria: We are hugely proud of the success of the Indian community in Canada. The strength of this diaspora goes beyond its size of 1.6 million. Indo-Canadians occupy unique leadership positions in politics and business and they have shown tremendous generosity in assisting people in distress at this time. Several temples, gurudwaras, NGOs, and even cultural organizations being run by people of Indian origin have come forward to provide food, shelter, medicines and other necessities to Indian students and other Indians stranded here.

Diaspora groups have set up helplines and are providing free advice to people ranging from availing emergency benefits to immigration and visa issues. We at the High Commission have tried to facilitate connections. We have conferred with students, as also community leaders, &nbsp;from Nova Scotia to Vancouver and tried to get a sense of their issues and concerns. I have also written to the leadership of provinces and universities explaining what our students need in these difficult times. Similarly, we are helping out Indians who find themselves stranded in Canada. Some of them have run out of medication and we are working with community doctors and pharmacies to prescribe medicines. Some community members have offered boarding at hotels owned by them.

WION: Any innovate way to reach out to the Indian community?

Ajay Bisaria: We are harnessing all technology to connect and reach out. At the High Commission, we have established an automated help-desk that provides answers and updated information to the most common issues that people here have. It converses in English and Hindi and will soon add Punjabi. Our Mission in Ottawa and our Consulates in Toronto and Vancouver have buzzing helplines and a heavy e-mail traffic of queries which are patiently answered. We are committed to creating a home away from home for Indian nationals in these troubled times. With technology, it’s easier to remain connected even when we’re isolated

India has shared with Canada "Bhilwara model" of containing the COVID-19 pandemic and will be sending five million tablets of hydroxychloroquine to the North American country.

India has shared with Canada "Bhilwara model" of containing the COVID-19 pandemic and will be sending five million tablets of hydroxychloroquine to the North American country. Speaking exclusively to WION's principle diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, India's high commissioner to Canada Ajay Bisaria said India and Canada are collaborating at multiple levels to deal with the crisis and Indian mission is reaching out to the Indian community from Nova Scotia to Vancouver, through the use of technology. Ajay Birasria has written to Canadian provinces, universities to help stranded Indian students even as Indian diaspora has opened doors to help out to them. WION: How are India and Canada collaborating over COVID crisis? Ajay Bisaria: India and Canada are collaborating at multiple levels in pandemic times. Our prime ministers have been part of the global conversation in the G20 context. Our foreign ministers have been in touch. Commerce ministers of both countries have had several chats on operational details of trade exchanges. The supply chains from India remain intact and dependable. For instance, we have just cleared a shipment of 5 million tablets of hydroxychloroquine to Canada. We are exchanging knowledge on policy responses. We have shared with Canada the ‘Bhilwara model’ of containing the pandemic. We are in turn studying the Canada model of designing regulations for re-engineering auto sector production lines for health manufacture. I have discussed such issues with Canadian ministers, most recently with Minister for Innovation Navdeep Bains. India has facilitated multiple evacuation flights to send Canadian citizens home. I have begun teleconferencing with business leaders. We are also looking at business level responses to the current crisis. And we are preparing for business in the new normal of post-pandemic times. In short, we have reacted the way strategic partners should in a crisis. By remaining in close touch, by helping out where possible, by planning ahead. WION: How is the Indian mission taking care of the Indians in Canada? Ajay Bisaria: We have over 700000 Indian passport holders in Canada today. This includes a contingent of over 225000 students. Naturally, many of these citizens are keen to get back to India but can’t given the global lockdown. These are extraordinary times, they call for discipline and patience. India is in strict lockdown. In Canada too, the quarantine act has been invoked and most provinces are in states of a medical emergency. There are no flights operating to India till 3 May. Our advice to Indians here is to stay where they are, to avoid all travel and to follow the advisories and instructions of the Canadian authorities. WION: How is the NRI community helping in the mission's efforts? Ajay Bisaria: We are hugely proud of the success of the Indian community in Canada. The strength of this diaspora goes beyond its size of 1.6 million. Indo-Canadians occupy unique leadership positions in politics and business and they have shown tremendous generosity in assisting people in distress at this time. Several temples, gurudwaras, NGOs, and even cultural organizations being run by people of Indian origin have come forward to provide food, shelter, medicines and other necessities to Indian students and other Indians stranded here. Diaspora groups have set up helplines and are providing free advice to people ranging from availing emergency benefits to immigration and visa issues. We at the High Commission have tried to facilitate connections. We have conferred with students, as also community leaders, from Nova Scotia to Vancouver and tried to get a sense of their issues and concerns. I have also written to the leadership of provinces and universities explaining what our students need in these difficult times. Similarly, we are helping out Indians who find themselves stranded in Canada. Some of them have run out of medication and we are working with community doctors and pharmacies to prescribe medicines. Some community members have offered boarding at hotels owned by them. WION: Any innovate way to reach out to the Indian community? Ajay Bisaria: We are harnessing all technology to connect and reach out. At the High Commission, we have established an automated help-desk that provides answers and updated information to the most common issues that people here have. It converses in English and Hindi and will soon add Punjabi. Our Mission in Ottawa and our Consulates in Toronto and Vancouver have buzzing helplines and a heavy e-mail traffic of queries which are patiently answered. We are committed to creating a home away from home for Indian nationals in these troubled times. With technology, it’s easier to remain connected even when we’re isolated

COVID-19: India shared 'Bhilwara model' with canada, says India Envoy to Canada Ajay Bisaria

The packets of paracetamol that India sent to the UK will soon land in British markets.&nbsp;

New Delhi is sending medicines to several countries to deal with COVID-19 with approximately 55 countries getting hydroxychloroquine called a game-changer drug to deal with the ongoing crisis.&nbsp;

Confirming the development, a British high commission spokesman told WION, "We thank the Government of India for approving the export of 2.8m packets of paracetamol to the UK. The medicine will be distributed to leading UK supermarkets and retailers"

Adding, "Coronavirus is the largest threat we have all faced in decades, so it is imperative that we work together to continue global trade and keep supply chains open. We look forward to continuing to work with India and other countries to ensure we beat coronavirus."

Both countries are working under several multilateral forums to fight against COVID crisis. On 15 April, G20 Finance Ministers agreed on an economic action plan to reduce the global economic damage of the coronavirus pandemic. The development of the action plan was led by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak together with India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

India has facilitated in return of several British nationals stranded in India. Over 3,700 British nationals have arrived back in the UK so far on charter flights organised by the UK government. At the end of the third round of charter flights announced on Friday, UK helped over 9,000 people return to the UK.&nbsp;

British High Commission spokesperson said, "We are looking to arrange additional flights from locations in India where we know there are a large number of British nationals still stranded.’&nbsp;

Asked about the Indian model of containment of COVID, the spokesperson said, ‘Like India, the UK has also introduced restrictions on movement to slow the spread of coronavirus, so that fewer people are sick at any one time and our National Health Service remains able to cope. That’s why we are instructing people to stay home, to protect our health service and save lives.’

Over 15,000 people have died in the UK due to COVID and over a lakh, people have been infected due to the virus. 
&nbsp;

The packets of paracetamol that India sent to the UK will soon land in British markets. New Delhi is sending medicines to several countries to deal with COVID-19 with approximately 55 countries getting hydroxychloroquine called a game-changer drug to deal with the ongoing crisis.

The packets of paracetamol that India sent to the UK will soon land in British markets. New Delhi is sending medicines to several countries to deal with COVID-19 with approximately 55 countries getting hydroxychloroquine called a game-changer drug to deal with the ongoing crisis. Confirming the development, a British high commission spokesman told WION, "We thank the Government of India for approving the export of 2.8m packets of paracetamol to the UK. The medicine will be distributed to leading UK supermarkets and retailers" Adding, "Coronavirus is the largest threat we have all faced in decades, so it is imperative that we work together to continue global trade and keep supply chains open. We look forward to continuing to work with India and other countries to ensure we beat coronavirus." Both countries are working under several multilateral forums to fight against COVID crisis. On 15 April, G20 Finance Ministers agreed on an economic action plan to reduce the global economic damage of the coronavirus pandemic. The development of the action plan was led by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak together with India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. India has facilitated in return of several British nationals stranded in India. Over 3,700 British nationals have arrived back in the UK so far on charter flights organised by the UK government. At the end of the third round of charter flights announced on Friday, UK helped over 9,000 people return to the UK. British High Commission spokesperson said, "We are looking to arrange additional flights from locations in India where we know there are a large number of British nationals still stranded.’ Asked about the Indian model of containment of COVID, the spokesperson said, ‘Like India, the UK has also introduced restrictions on movement to slow the spread of coronavirus, so that fewer people are sick at any one time and our National Health Service remains able to cope. That’s why we are instructing people to stay home, to protect our health service and save lives.’ Over 15,000 people have died in the UK due to COVID and over a lakh, people have been infected due to the virus.

COVID-19: Indian paracetamol to land at British supermarkets soon 

Newly constructed domes of Kartarpur Gurudwara in Pakistan have collapsed.

Initial information suggests that eight&nbsp;newly constructed domes of the outside perimeter of the Gurudwara collapsed due to thunderstorm in the area on Friday evening. Four&nbsp;of the domes which collapsed were on minars--2 on Museum, one&nbsp;on Dewanistan and one&nbsp;on Durshan Deori.

No damage reported to the&nbsp;Sanctum Sanctorum of Kartarpur Gurudwara which is safe. The collapse&nbsp;comes&nbsp;just 6 months after the&nbsp;development of the area around&nbsp;the Gurudwara.

The Gurudwara was inaugurated in November 2019.&nbsp;

The total cost of the upgrading&nbsp;of the Gurudwara was Pakistani rupees 13.2 billion. The Holy place has been closed since 15th March due to global COVID crisis.

Responding to social media post, Pakistan's&nbsp;Federal Minister for Science &amp; Technology Government of Pakistan &nbsp;Ch Fawad Hussain&nbsp;said, "Conveyed this to Noor Ul Haq Qadri sb minister religious affairs with a request for an inquiry".

In November&nbsp;2018, India, Pakistan announced the establishment of a direct border-crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in&nbsp;Kartarpur, the final resting place of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak, to Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district.&nbsp;

Kartarpur&nbsp;is located in Pakistan's Narowal district across the Ravi river, about four km from Dera Baba Nanak, India

Newly constructed domes of Kartarpur Gurudwara in Pakistan have collapsed. Initial information suggests that eight newly constructed domes of the outside perimeter of the Gurudwara collapsed due to thunderstorm in the area on Friday evening.

Newly constructed domes of Kartarpur Gurudwara in Pakistan have collapsed. Initial information suggests that eight newly constructed domes of the outside perimeter of the Gurudwara collapsed due to thunderstorm in the area on Friday evening. Four of the domes which collapsed were on minars--2 on Museum, one on Dewanistan and one on Durshan Deori. No damage reported to the Sanctum Sanctorum of Kartarpur Gurudwara which is safe. The collapse comes just 6 months after the development of the area around the Gurudwara. The Gurudwara was inaugurated in November 2019. The total cost of the upgrading of the Gurudwara was Pakistani rupees 13.2 billion. The Holy place has been closed since 15th March due to global COVID crisis. Responding to social media post, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Science & Technology Government of Pakistan Ch Fawad Hussain said, "Conveyed this to Noor Ul Haq Qadri sb minister religious affairs with a request for an inquiry". In November 2018, India, Pakistan announced the establishment of a direct border-crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, the final resting place of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak, to Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district. Kartarpur is located in Pakistan's Narowal district across the Ravi river, about four km from Dera Baba Nanak, India

Pakistan: Newly constructed domes of Kartarpur Gurudwara collapse

Chabahar Port&nbsp;is the&nbsp;link that has helped India in sending its humanitarian aid of 5022 MT&nbsp;wheat consignment to&nbsp;Afghanistan deal during the coronavirus pandemic.The vessel that set sail from Kandla port in Gujarat reached the&nbsp;Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar on April 15 2020.

Dr Behruz Aghaei, Chabhar Port General Director on the arrival of Indian aid said, "One of the unique advantages of Chabahar is its transit capabilities. Today, Chabahar is one of the most flourishing southern ports of Iran on the transit domain, which can play a vital role in regional trade connectivity."

The 5022 MT is the first consignment of 75000 MT of wheat India is sending to Afghanistan as a gift. Shipment will be cleared and transited through Milak border to Afghanistan next week.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-coronavirus-mediplomacy-russia-says-thanks-to-new-delhi-hcq-sent-to-gulf-293225" hreflang="en">India's coronavirus mediplomacy: Russia says thanks to New Delhi; HCQ sent to Gulf</a>

Afghan Ambassador to Iran&nbsp;Abdol Ghafoor Liwal while expressing his "special thanks to both India and Iran as our friend and neighbouring country for helping transit of shipment" said, "port of Chabahar has very good potential and proper facilities to send Afghanistan&nbsp;cargoes to different destinations in the world"

It must be kept in mind that in the past when India was keen to send aid to Afghanistan via land, Pakistan used to block it. This changed in 2017 when New Delhi first sent wheat aid via Chabahar to Afghanistan, which now has become a norm.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/now-afghanistan-to-battle-coronavirus-with-crumbling-health-infrastructure-293206" hreflang="en">Now, Afghanistan to battle coronavirus with crumbling health infrastructure</a>

Located in southeastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman,&nbsp;Chabahar&nbsp;is the home for Iran's only oceanic&nbsp;port.&nbsp;The operation of the&nbsp;Shaheed Beheshti&nbsp;Port&nbsp;at&nbsp;Chabahar&nbsp;was taken over by&nbsp;India&nbsp;Ports Global Co in December 2018.

Meanwhile, Friday saw India sending 100,000 paracetamol and 500,000 hydroxychloroquine tablets to Afghanistan via Ariana Airlines.&nbsp;

Chabahar Port is the link that has helped India in sending its humanitarian aid of 5022 MT wheat consignment to Afghanistan deal during the coronavirus pandemic.

Chabahar Port is the link that has helped India in sending its humanitarian aid of 5022 MT wheat consignment to Afghanistan deal during the coronavirus pandemic.The vessel that set sail from Kandla port in Gujarat reached the Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar on April 15 2020. Dr Behruz Aghaei, Chabhar Port General Director on the arrival of Indian aid said, "One of the unique advantages of Chabahar is its transit capabilities. Today, Chabahar is one of the most flourishing southern ports of Iran on the transit domain, which can play a vital role in regional trade connectivity." The 5022 MT is the first consignment of 75000 MT of wheat India is sending to Afghanistan as a gift. Shipment will be cleared and transited through Milak border to Afghanistan next week. Also read: India's coronavirus mediplomacy: Russia says thanks to New Delhi; HCQ sent to Gulf Afghan Ambassador to Iran Abdol Ghafoor Liwal while expressing his "special thanks to both India and Iran as our friend and neighbouring country for helping transit of shipment" said, "port of Chabahar has very good potential and proper facilities to send Afghanistan cargoes to different destinations in the world" It must be kept in mind that in the past when India was keen to send aid to Afghanistan via land, Pakistan used to block it. This changed in 2017 when New Delhi first sent wheat aid via Chabahar to Afghanistan, which now has become a norm. Also read: Now, Afghanistan to battle coronavirus with crumbling health infrastructure Located in southeastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman, Chabahar is the home for Iran's only oceanic port. The operation of the Shaheed Beheshti Port at Chabahar was taken over by India Ports Global Co in December 2018. Meanwhile, Friday saw India sending 100,000 paracetamol and 500,000 hydroxychloroquine tablets to Afghanistan via Ariana Airlines.

Chabahar plays a central role as India's wheat aid all set to reach Afghanistan

India's mediplomacy, or sending medicines - hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol is being lauded globally with Russia being the latest entrant. Russia is one of the 55 countries I<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/average-growth-of-coronavirus-in-india-was-21-in-march-12-in-april-health-ministry-293159">ndia</a> is sending the hydroxychloroquine.

The spokesperson of Russian President Vladimir Putin Dmitry Peskov said, "The decision of the Indian leadership to send medicines to Russia to help fight coronavirus is in line with the spirit of partnership between the two countries and was received with a sense of gratitude."

"Moscow is pleased and grateful for the decision of the Indian government to deliver a batch of medicines to Russia to fight the coronavirus, We regard this decision of India as an effective step towards implementing the agreements on cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic," Peskov said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken on March 25 on&nbsp;the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;

Putin's spokesperson also said, "Moscow is well aware that India, which itself is going through difficult times in terms of fighting the epidemic threat, made this decision guided by the common spirit of partnership between the two countries."

PM Modi-President Putin conversations were followed by talks between foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla and Russian Deputy foreign minister Igor Morgulov during which both sides talked about the close bilateral cooperation in ensuring the welfare of each other’s stranded citizens in their respective countries due to COVID-19 crisis.

Meanwhile, in the Gulf region, India has given Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to Bahrain, Paracetamol to Kuwait. HCQ to UAE and Oman are in the pipeline. &nbsp;New Delhi has also sent its rapid response teams to Kuwait as part of helping out its extended neighbourhood policy.

Meanwhile, PM Modi had talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa over the COVID-19 crisis which is part of his global engagement. PM Modi has spoken to over 20 world leaders over the crisis and in many conversations request for HCQ has been common.

India's mediplomacy, or sending medicines - hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol is being lauded globally with Russia being the latest entrant. Russia is one of the 55 countries India is sending the hydroxychloroquine.

India's mediplomacy, or sending medicines - hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol is being lauded globally with Russia being the latest entrant. Russia is one of the 55 countries India is sending the hydroxychloroquine. The spokesperson of Russian President Vladimir Putin Dmitry Peskov said, "The decision of the Indian leadership to send medicines to Russia to help fight coronavirus is in line with the spirit of partnership between the two countries and was received with a sense of gratitude." "Moscow is pleased and grateful for the decision of the Indian government to deliver a batch of medicines to Russia to fight the coronavirus, We regard this decision of India as an effective step towards implementing the agreements on cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic," Peskov said. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken on March 25 on the COVID-19 crisis. Putin's spokesperson also said, "Moscow is well aware that India, which itself is going through difficult times in terms of fighting the epidemic threat, made this decision guided by the common spirit of partnership between the two countries." PM Modi-President Putin conversations were followed by talks between foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla and Russian Deputy foreign minister Igor Morgulov during which both sides talked about the close bilateral cooperation in ensuring the welfare of each other’s stranded citizens in their respective countries due to COVID-19 crisis. Meanwhile, in the Gulf region, India has given Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to Bahrain, Paracetamol to Kuwait. HCQ to UAE and Oman are in the pipeline. New Delhi has also sent its rapid response teams to Kuwait as part of helping out its extended neighbourhood policy. Meanwhile, PM Modi had talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa over the COVID-19 crisis which is part of his global engagement. PM Modi has spoken to over 20 world leaders over the crisis and in many conversations request for HCQ has been common.

India's coronavirus mediplomacy: Russia says thanks to New Delhi; HCQ sent to Gulf

Indian envoy to United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said India &amp; US have been closely cooperating on COVID crisis, with India's Indian Council of Medical Research and America's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention being in touch at the technical level. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Envoy Sandhu talked about how the mission is reaching out to over 200,000 students &amp; thousands of Indian community members. His message to the Indian community, that they must stay where ever they are and follow local advisories.

WION: How are Indian students doing, are all safe? And visa issues, especially H1B remains a top concern. 
&nbsp; 
Taranjit Singh Sandhu: Students are of special category, there are a total of 200,000 Indian students in united states and when this health emergency struck, we immediately, got in touch with them through traditional means of our website, emails, social media but we also created a unique platform--a student peer support line through which we got in touch with different association and bodies. We have almost 8 thousand contacts and through them, we were in touch with 50 thousand students. We have been able to interact with them, in fact very recently we through Instagram, I spoke to almost 25,000 students on the weekend, we have been approached by the students via the various mechanism. We were able to find out they had problems regarding accommodation which we immediately contacted the university authorities. Most of the university authorities have accommodated the students on the campus, in some cases where there was an issue we got in touch with local associations, many of them are of Indian origin and they have come forward and offered, free accommodation to many of our students including some of them who were having problems with getting supplies those also have been accommodated. Our consulates and embassies are in touch with them, whenever they require any assistance or any supply, help, we provide them. Many of them also have medical issues, which we through the Indian American doctors, through telephones and telelines we have been able to provide them medical emergency assistance and finally, we had issues with visas and we are in touch with US authorities and we are trying to facilitate the resolution of these issues. like to mention, we have come out with 20 detailed advisories which layout what all the students need to do to resolve many of these problems.&nbsp;

 
WION: How is the mission reaching out to the Indian community as COVID spreads in the US?&nbsp;

Taranjit Singh Sandhu: As regards the Indian community, just to put it in perspective there are 200,000 students, 600,000 green card holders, there are 125,000 H1Bs and in addition, regularly there are a large number of Indian tourist who travels. On March 11th we proactively reached out through our website, through our social media accounts, through Indian community leaders and we informed them of the situation, the developing and the evolving situation and whoever wanted to return we facilitated there return between 11th to 22nd March, In fact, A number of OCI cardholders, whose parents were based in India, number of other emergency cases including were some deaths took place, we facilitated there return. Besides, we also set up 24*7 helpline since March 11 they are continuously functioning, many of Indian nationals and other Indian origin persons residing in the US have continuously contacted us through these medium and whatever assistance we have required we have tried to facilitate that.&nbsp;

WION: What will you&nbsp;suggest to the Indian community? US is the worst-hit country in the world?

Taranjit Singh Sandhu: Through your medium, I would like to request Indian nationals that it is very very important, that they follow the medical directives that are being issued by local authorities, by the state authorities, by the US authorities even in India and 2 very essential aspects of those are, one avoid any travel, second, keep a social distance. Other medical advisories are very common, and they are also requested to follow them. The number of cases so far have been very limited and that shows, that most of the students are closely following the advisories. My request again will be, please, ensure your wellbeing and also the well being of the people around you, and the others in the community, that is extremely important.&nbsp;

 
WION: How are the Indian diplomats doing, given how Indian diplomats now face the biggest challenge of the century, the COVID crisis, from China to US?

Taranjit Singh Sandhu: I must compliment all the Indian diplomats, who are posted in the embassy and the consulate. They have come forward and faced this challenge, with full responsibility and all our missions have been functioning and they continue to function even in extreme circumstances and by god's grace, everybody so far is safe. We will continue to be of assistance, Indian nationals and others whoever will seek assistance.&nbsp;

WION: How was your conversation with PM over the COVID crisis?

Taranjit Singh Sandhu: The leadership in India, particularly the prime minister has taken a very proactive interest in our activities. First and foremost he held a video conference where he gave us a lot of encouragement and a lot of support and also inquired about the welfare of all the officers and their family and that itself served as great encouragement for us. Secondly, he was very clear in instructing us, that the welfare of Indian nationals and welfare of Indian origin people, is important, so we have been very proactivity in touch with different community members and association including students who regularly check on their welfare and whenever any problem comes to our notice, we try to resolve and facilitate with the local authorities. Finally, the PM mentioned, that it is important, to follow what progress is taking place, especially, in term so of medicine and diagnostic and we keeping close track in that aspect and we keeping ICMR and other important medical authorities in India fully informed.

WION: How are India and US coordinating on COVID crisis, we gave Hydroxychloroquine to US, has it reached us? Any more Indian help to US?

Taranjit Singh Sandhu: On the issue of coronavirus, there has been close cooperation between the 2 sides, at the leadership level, President Trump called PM Modi, EAM has been in touch with the secretary of state and deputy secretary of state who is part of the core team in Washington DC has been in touch with the foreign secretary. At the technical level, there has been close cooperation between CDC and ICMR. They have in past too collaboration to create some vaccines, including the rotavirus, then they have worked toward developing medicines, also on diagnostics kits. In the area of medicine, there has been close cooperation between the 2 sides, we have recently supplied Hydroxychloroquine to US, in fact, president trump has publicly appreciated Indian act, there is strong cooperation between India and the US and there is a partnership which is ongoing. &nbsp;

Indian envoy to United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said India & US have been closely cooperating on COVID crisis, with India's Indian Council of Medical Research and America's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention being in touch at the technical level.

Indian envoy to United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said India & US have been closely cooperating on COVID crisis, with India's Indian Council of Medical Research and America's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention being in touch at the technical level. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Envoy Sandhu talked about how the mission is reaching out to over 200,000 students & thousands of Indian community members. His message to the Indian community, that they must stay where ever they are and follow local advisories. WION: How are Indian students doing, are all safe? And visa issues, especially H1B remains a top concern. Taranjit Singh Sandhu: Students are of special category, there are a total of 200,000 Indian students in united states and when this health emergency struck, we immediately, got in touch with them through traditional means of our website, emails, social media but we also created a unique platform--a student peer support line through which we got in touch with different association and bodies. We have almost 8 thousand contacts and through them, we were in touch with 50 thousand students. We have been able to interact with them, in fact very recently we through Instagram, I spoke to almost 25,000 students on the weekend, we have been approached by the students via the various mechanism. We were able to find out they had problems regarding accommodation which we immediately contacted the university authorities. Most of the university authorities have accommodated the students on the campus, in some cases where there was an issue we got in touch with local associations, many of them are of Indian origin and they have come forward and offered, free accommodation to many of our students including some of them who were having problems with getting supplies those also have been accommodated. Our consulates and embassies are in touch with them, whenever they require any assistance or any supply, help, we provide them. Many of them also have medical issues, which we through the Indian American doctors, through telephones and telelines we have been able to provide them medical emergency assistance and finally, we had issues with visas and we are in touch with US authorities and we are trying to facilitate the resolution of these issues. like to mention, we have come out with 20 detailed advisories which layout what all the students need to do to resolve many of these problems. WION: How is the mission reaching out to the Indian community as COVID spreads in the US? Taranjit Singh Sandhu: As regards the Indian community, just to put it in perspective there are 200,000 students, 600,000 green card holders, there are 125,000 H1Bs and in addition, regularly there are a large number of Indian tourist who travels. On March 11th we proactively reached out through our website, through our social media accounts, through Indian community leaders and we informed them of the situation, the developing and the evolving situation and whoever wanted to return we facilitated there return between 11th to 22nd March, In fact, A number of OCI cardholders, whose parents were based in India, number of other emergency cases including were some deaths took place, we facilitated there return. Besides, we also set up 24*7 helpline since March 11 they are continuously functioning, many of Indian nationals and other Indian origin persons residing in the US have continuously contacted us through these medium and whatever assistance we have required we have tried to facilitate that. WION: What will you suggest to the Indian community? US is the worst-hit country in the world? Taranjit Singh Sandhu: Through your medium, I would like to request Indian nationals that it is very very important, that they follow the medical directives that are being issued by local authorities, by the state authorities, by the US authorities even in India and 2 very essential aspects of those are, one avoid any travel, second, keep a social distance. Other medical advisories are very common, and they are also requested to follow them. The number of cases so far have been very limited and that shows, that most of the students are closely following the advisories. My request again will be, please, ensure your wellbeing and also the well being of the people around you, and the others in the community, that is extremely important. WION: How are the Indian diplomats doing, given how Indian diplomats now face the biggest challenge of the century, the COVID crisis, from China to US? Taranjit Singh Sandhu: I must compliment all the Indian diplomats, who are posted in the embassy and the consulate. They have come forward and faced this challenge, with full responsibility and all our missions have been functioning and they continue to function even in extreme circumstances and by god's grace, everybody so far is safe. We will continue to be of assistance, Indian nationals and others whoever will seek assistance. WION: How was your conversation with PM over the COVID crisis? Taranjit Singh Sandhu: The leadership in India, particularly the prime minister has taken a very proactive interest in our activities. First and foremost he held a video conference where he gave us a lot of encouragement and a lot of support and also inquired about the welfare of all the officers and their family and that itself served as great encouragement for us. Secondly, he was very clear in instructing us, that the welfare of Indian nationals and welfare of Indian origin people, is important, so we have been very proactivity in touch with different community members and association including students who regularly check on their welfare and whenever any problem comes to our notice, we try to resolve and facilitate with the local authorities. Finally, the PM mentioned, that it is important, to follow what progress is taking place, especially, in term so of medicine and diagnostic and we keeping close track in that aspect and we keeping ICMR and other important medical authorities in India fully informed. WION: How are India and US coordinating on COVID crisis, we gave Hydroxychloroquine to US, has it reached us? Any more Indian help to US? Taranjit Singh Sandhu: On the issue of coronavirus, there has been close cooperation between the 2 sides, at the leadership level, President Trump called PM Modi, EAM has been in touch with the secretary of state and deputy secretary of state who is part of the core team in Washington DC has been in touch with the foreign secretary. At the technical level, there has been close cooperation between CDC and ICMR. They have in past too collaboration to create some vaccines, including the rotavirus, then they have worked toward developing medicines, also on diagnostics kits. In the area of medicine, there has been close cooperation between the 2 sides, we have recently supplied Hydroxychloroquine to US, in fact, president trump has publicly appreciated Indian act, there is strong cooperation between India and the US and there is a partnership which is ongoing.

COVID-19 crisis: India's ICMR & America's CDC in touch, says Indian envoy to US; details on ground account of how mission reaching to Indian community

Russian Government's main defence export body, Rosoboronexport has donated $2 million for PM CARES Fund formed to deal with the COVID crisis. The money has already been transferred.

As a source said, "Traditionally India has been one of the major partners of Rosoboronexport as of the supplier of military products. Now it is helping India in the humanitarian domain. The amount of donation is $2 million".

Adding, "This is an act of solidarity in countering the new epidemiological threat."

The Citizen Assistance &amp; Relief in Emergency Situations Fund or PM CARES fund, established by the Indian government, has received the donation from Rosoboronexport for the purposes of acquiring the medical equipment and medical protective gear.

Indian Embassy in Moscow has publicized PM CARES Fund widely. In fact, Indian ambassador to Russia D. Bala Venkatesh Varma made a video appeal to publicize PM CARES Fund in Russia.

The last big deal India signed with Rosoboronexport was in October of 2018 for the S400 air defence missile system. Rosoboronexport is the first foreign donor to acknowledge its contribution to PM CARES fund.

Indian govt has announced that PM CARES Fund, being a public charitable trust will accept a contribution from India and abroad &nbsp;"keeping in mind the unprecedented nature of the pandemic"

Rosoboronexport is part of the Russian govt and announcement shows the traditional warm ties both Moscow and New Delhi enjoy. Last month Indian PM Modi and Russian President Putin had spoken on the COVID crisis issue. It was followed by a talk between, Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov during which both sides 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. Later this month, as part of BRICS joint plan to deal with COVID, Health Officials of all BRICS countries will meet via video conference.

Russian Government's main defence export body, Rosoboronexport has donated $2 million for PM CARES Fund formed to deal with the COVID crisis. The money has already been transferred.

Russian Government's main defence export body, Rosoboronexport has donated $2 million for PM CARES Fund formed to deal with the COVID crisis. The money has already been transferred. As a source said, "Traditionally India has been one of the major partners of Rosoboronexport as of the supplier of military products. Now it is helping India in the humanitarian domain. The amount of donation is $2 million". Adding, "This is an act of solidarity in countering the new epidemiological threat." The Citizen Assistance & Relief in Emergency Situations Fund or PM CARES fund, established by the Indian government, has received the donation from Rosoboronexport for the purposes of acquiring the medical equipment and medical protective gear. Indian Embassy in Moscow has publicized PM CARES Fund widely. In fact, Indian ambassador to Russia D. Bala Venkatesh Varma made a video appeal to publicize PM CARES Fund in Russia. The last big deal India signed with Rosoboronexport was in October of 2018 for the S400 air defence missile system. Rosoboronexport is the first foreign donor to acknowledge its contribution to PM CARES fund. Indian govt has announced that PM CARES Fund, being a public charitable trust will accept a contribution from India and abroad "keeping in mind the unprecedented nature of the pandemic" Rosoboronexport is part of the Russian govt and announcement shows the traditional warm ties both Moscow and New Delhi enjoy. Last month Indian PM Modi and Russian President Putin had spoken on the COVID crisis issue. It was followed by a talk between, Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov during which both sides 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. Later this month, as part of BRICS joint plan to deal with COVID, Health Officials of all BRICS countries will meet via video conference.

Russia's main defence export body donates $2 million for PM CARES Fund

As the COVID-19 crisis spreads in West Asia, India's mission has been reaching out to its nationals in UAE and providing them psychological help and food.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively with diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Indian ambassador to UAE, Pavan Kapoor said both UAE and India have offered to fly back the respective stranded nationals but due to closure of Indian airspace things are not moving currently. UAE hosts over 3.3 million Indians, one of the largest concentrations of anywhere in the world.

 
WION: How is the Indian mission taking care of its nationals in UAE over the COVID-19 crisis?&nbsp;

Pavan Kapoor: One of the things we have done apart from setting up of the 24x7 helplines, both in Abu Dabhi and Dubai for the Indian citizens and the Indian nations here is that we have been trying to provide food to all those who are needy, some of whom we send food provisions to those who can cook, otherwise, we tried to send cooked meals to those bachelors in accommodation who either cannot go out for some reason or unable to afford food at this time.&nbsp;

In addition, we have set up, telemedicine helpline whereby patients or suspected patients are being called by Indian doctors to advised them what to do before they have taken to a quarantine facility or provided other treatment.&nbsp;

We are also providing psychological help through the phone line to calm people who are little concerned and panicking at the spread of coronavirus.&nbsp;

In addition to that, we are also continuing with a lot of work, in terms of continuing to provide passport facility, attestation services in these difficult times and also carrying on with the unfortunate task of sending back mortal remains of people who are passing away at this unfortunate times, this also complicated by the fact that our air space is not really open and we have to get special permission for mortal remains to travel on cargo planes which are going to India, and we are working with our authorities in India and have been managing to help quite a few people with that.&nbsp;

Finally, we are also trying to work with authorities to improve and increase the isolation facilities for our nationals.

WION: How are India and UAE collaborating on the COVID-19 crisis, especially on Indian and UAE citizens, any plans of repatriation?

Pavan Kapoor: One of the first things we are dealing with are cases of a large number of visitors from India, who are here and UAE resident permit holder whose visas and entry permits have expired and they are very concerned as to what is going to happen.&nbsp;

We have worked with UAE authorities to assure them that these visas will be extended and mostly without any penalty charges, so that is one of the things UAE authorities are helpful and working with us.&nbsp;

Another aspect is we are working with UAE authorities to create more isolation facilities for our nationals because the number of them getting infected is increasing, simply because they are a substantial portion of the population so as the number of cases of those being infected in this country goes up, the number of those of Indian nationals also going up. UAE authorities have offered to fly back and assist in flying back of our nationals who are wanting to go back to India.

We have UAE authorities to fly back there nationals who want to come back to UAE. As of now our airspace is still shut for passenger flights but as and when it opens up we will certainly work to help, work with the UAE authorities to get our nationals back to India in a safe and secure manner as possible.

As the COVID-19 crisis spreads in West Asia, India's mission has been reaching out to its nationals in UAE and providing them psychological help and food. Speaking exclusively with diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Indian ambassador to UAE, Pavan Kapoor said both UAE and India have offered to fly back the respective stranded nationals but due to closure of Indian airspace things are not moving currently.

As the COVID-19 crisis spreads in West Asia, India's mission has been reaching out to its nationals in UAE and providing them psychological help and food. Speaking exclusively with diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Indian ambassador to UAE, Pavan Kapoor said both UAE and India have offered to fly back the respective stranded nationals but due to closure of Indian airspace things are not moving currently. UAE hosts over 3.3 million Indians, one of the largest concentrations of anywhere in the world. WION: How is the Indian mission taking care of its nationals in UAE over the COVID-19 crisis? Pavan Kapoor: One of the things we have done apart from setting up of the 24x7 helplines, both in Abu Dabhi and Dubai for the Indian citizens and the Indian nations here is that we have been trying to provide food to all those who are needy, some of whom we send food provisions to those who can cook, otherwise, we tried to send cooked meals to those bachelors in accommodation who either cannot go out for some reason or unable to afford food at this time. In addition, we have set up, telemedicine helpline whereby patients or suspected patients are being called by Indian doctors to advised them what to do before they have taken to a quarantine facility or provided other treatment. We are also providing psychological help through the phone line to calm people who are little concerned and panicking at the spread of coronavirus. In addition to that, we are also continuing with a lot of work, in terms of continuing to provide passport facility, attestation services in these difficult times and also carrying on with the unfortunate task of sending back mortal remains of people who are passing away at this unfortunate times, this also complicated by the fact that our air space is not really open and we have to get special permission for mortal remains to travel on cargo planes which are going to India, and we are working with our authorities in India and have been managing to help quite a few people with that. Finally, we are also trying to work with authorities to improve and increase the isolation facilities for our nationals. WION: How are India and UAE collaborating on the COVID-19 crisis, especially on Indian and UAE citizens, any plans of repatriation? Pavan Kapoor: One of the first things we are dealing with are cases of a large number of visitors from India, who are here and UAE resident permit holder whose visas and entry permits have expired and they are very concerned as to what is going to happen. We have worked with UAE authorities to assure them that these visas will be extended and mostly without any penalty charges, so that is one of the things UAE authorities are helpful and working with us. Another aspect is we are working with UAE authorities to create more isolation facilities for our nationals because the number of them getting infected is increasing, simply because they are a substantial portion of the population so as the number of cases of those being infected in this country goes up, the number of those of Indian nationals also going up. UAE authorities have offered to fly back and assist in flying back of our nationals who are wanting to go back to India. We have UAE authorities to fly back there nationals who want to come back to UAE. As of now our airspace is still shut for passenger flights but as and when it opens up we will certainly work to help, work with the UAE authorities to get our nationals back to India in a safe and secure manner as possible.

With over million Indians in UAE, Indian mission provides food, psychological help

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidhant Sibal

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