European Union has said that India has taken pandemic very seriously and New Delhi's measures to curb COVID spread is in line with global lessons learnt.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, EU Ambassador to India Ugo Astuto said, Unprecedented events call for unprecedented actions, and welcoming Indian PM Modi starting the "conversation" on COVID at G20.

WION: How do India and EU cooperating on COVID crisis? 
 
Ambassador Ugo Astuto: Thank u very much. The crisis has called for national cooperation and solidarity and I think India and EU start from the same proposition that we are all together in this and that we all need to work together to overcome the challenge. Unprecedented events call for unprecedented actions, fast and coordinated action. Coordination on macroeconomic policy to mitigate the downturn also needed. Initiative taken by PM Modi to start the conversation in G20 was particularly was timely and EU fully support, I think, we need to work together and we need to mobilize all the international mechanism to be it the UN, G20 or IMF and Indian leadership has been in touch with the European leadership EU and member state on the present state regularly. EAM and his counterpart spoke and we try to work hand in hand to offer our contribution to the global endeavour.

WION: How is the situation in Europe? 
Ambassador Ugo Astuto: It is a global pandemic and it is impacting the entire world. Europe has been hit, it has been hit hard, Italy, Spain, France and all over Europe. No country has been spared actually, now in Europe we have started to see some signal infection is slowing, hopefully, it will regress starting with countries it has hit first. But we need to remain vigilant and determined and it is not time to lower our guard, we need to continue to keep and take necessary measures to fight the virus, and EU has been mobilizing all the tools it has to foster a coordinated reaction to the challenge, just to give you an example, we have mobilized funds 140 million..ensuring provisions of medical equipment, coordinating the delivery of masks and respirators which are surely needed this time, set up a task force of scientists to develop guidelines and strategy, it is important whatever we do is evidence-based and based on best available scientific advice and we have been trying to help global endeavours, for instance, supporting WHO by setting aside euro 140 million to boost global containment.

WION: How do see Indian actions to curb COVID? 
Ambassador Ugo Astuto: Indian authorities have taken the issue of pandemic very seriously since the beginning and rightly so. I see measures adopted is in line with the lessons learnt in other countries. As I said, we need to act globally in a coordinated fashion to win this battle, so EU and India are on the same page, and initiatives taken by PM Modi to discuss it at G20, is something important. We need a global conversation and global cooperation on COVID and we need global coordinated actions and international action.

WION: European citizens in India, their evacuation..any update? 
Ambassador Ugo Astuto: Several EU member states have started to organise special flights to bring tourist home and EU delegation has tried to assist in their endeavours and u can imagine it is a complex operation logistically. EU members states are counting on the full support of Indian authorities and we are very grateful, it is a massive operation and not yet over and difficult to quote figures but I think we are looking at thousands of tourists. &nbsp;

WION: How do u see UN meet on COVID 
Ambassador Ugo Astuto: We have all been taken aback at the beginning of this crisis and magnitude of the challenge we facing and now we all stepping up the reaction. Globally, EU is a strong supporter of the UN and belives in the rules-based international system of governance and we can only welcome, discussion at UN for a coordinated global response.

European Union has said that India has taken pandemic very seriously and New Delhi's measures to curb COVID spread is in line with global lessons learnt. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, EU Ambassador to India Ugo Astuto said, Unprecedented events call for unprecedented actions, and welcoming Indian PM Modi starting the "conversation" on COVID at G20.

European Union has said that India has taken pandemic very seriously and New Delhi's measures to curb COVID spread is in line with global lessons learnt. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, EU Ambassador to India Ugo Astuto said, Unprecedented events call for unprecedented actions, and welcoming Indian PM Modi starting the "conversation" on COVID at G20. WION: How do India and EU cooperating on COVID crisis? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: Thank u very much. The crisis has called for national cooperation and solidarity and I think India and EU start from the same proposition that we are all together in this and that we all need to work together to overcome the challenge. Unprecedented events call for unprecedented actions, fast and coordinated action. Coordination on macroeconomic policy to mitigate the downturn also needed. Initiative taken by PM Modi to start the conversation in G20 was particularly was timely and EU fully support, I think, we need to work together and we need to mobilize all the international mechanism to be it the UN, G20 or IMF and Indian leadership has been in touch with the European leadership EU and member state on the present state regularly. EAM and his counterpart spoke and we try to work hand in hand to offer our contribution to the global endeavour. WION: How is the situation in Europe? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: It is a global pandemic and it is impacting the entire world. Europe has been hit, it has been hit hard, Italy, Spain, France and all over Europe. No country has been spared actually, now in Europe we have started to see some signal infection is slowing, hopefully, it will regress starting with countries it has hit first. But we need to remain vigilant and determined and it is not time to lower our guard, we need to continue to keep and take necessary measures to fight the virus, and EU has been mobilizing all the tools it has to foster a coordinated reaction to the challenge, just to give you an example, we have mobilized funds 140 million..ensuring provisions of medical equipment, coordinating the delivery of masks and respirators which are surely needed this time, set up a task force of scientists to develop guidelines and strategy, it is important whatever we do is evidence-based and based on best available scientific advice and we have been trying to help global endeavours, for instance, supporting WHO by setting aside euro 140 million to boost global containment. WION: How do see Indian actions to curb COVID? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: Indian authorities have taken the issue of pandemic very seriously since the beginning and rightly so. I see measures adopted is in line with the lessons learnt in other countries. As I said, we need to act globally in a coordinated fashion to win this battle, so EU and India are on the same page, and initiatives taken by PM Modi to discuss it at G20, is something important. We need a global conversation and global cooperation on COVID and we need global coordinated actions and international action. WION: European citizens in India, their evacuation..any update? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: Several EU member states have started to organise special flights to bring tourist home and EU delegation has tried to assist in their endeavours and u can imagine it is a complex operation logistically. EU members states are counting on the full support of Indian authorities and we are very grateful, it is a massive operation and not yet over and difficult to quote figures but I think we are looking at thousands of tourists. WION: How do u see UN meet on COVID Ambassador Ugo Astuto: We have all been taken aback at the beginning of this crisis and magnitude of the challenge we facing and now we all stepping up the reaction. Globally, EU is a strong supporter of the UN and belives in the rules-based international system of governance and we can only welcome, discussion at UN for a coordinated global response.

Indian measures in line with global lessons says European Union; lauds PM Modi's initiative at G20

The United Nations security council UNSC could discuss the global COVID pandemic this week, the body in its release on the this week's agenda has said. The agenda release said, "A meeting this week on this issue is possible.

The United Nations security council UNSC could discuss the global COVID pandemic this week, the body in its release on the this week's agenda has said. The agenda release said, "A meeting this week on this issue is possible." Nine elected members of the UNSC have written to the president of the Security Council requesting a meeting on the "peace and security impacts of COVID-19", said the agenda. Currently, two draft resolutions on COVID-19 are under discussion among different groups of Council members – one among the permanent members and another among the elected members. The meet could not happen in the month of March with the President of the body that month China not very enthusiastic about it. The President of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the month of April, Dominican Republic has said that a session on Covid crisis can happen soon. Special Envoy from the Dominican Republic to the United Nations Security Council Ambassador Jose Singer in a presser last week while listing out the council's agenda for the month said special meet on COVID is being "negotiated" & "it has been brought up by few (UNSC) envoy..it is taking shape" Ambassador Jose Singer said, "UNSC session could happen for sure next week or before" and when asked if a resolution can be expected on COVID crisis, he said, "Have not discussed the issue of resolution (on COVID)" and "We expect to hold the meet and see how events play out" United Nations, especially the core body--United Nations Security Council is found missing during the COVID crisis. It was G20 that took the responsibility for a global strategy to deal with the crisis and leaders the grouping in the month of the march did a video conference to chalk out an action plan to deal with the challenge. The idea of the meet was discussed by Indian PM Modi with his G20 counterparts including the chair of G20 Saudi Arabia. PM Modi had in the month of March taken the global lead in calling for a video conference of SAARC countries for a common approach to deal with the crisis.

9 UNSC members call for meet on COVID-19

Several foreign missions took part in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's solidarity call of switching off lights of the missions and residence of diplomats and lighting up diyas, candles and touches tonight.&nbsp;

More than 10 foreign mission confirmed participation.

The Iconic Nepal embassy at Mandi House in Delhi switched off the light over PM Modi's solidarity call. Nepal Envoy Nilamber Acharya along with other Nepali diplomats light up diyas and candles.

Bangladesh Envoy Mohammad Imran joined in the call and the mission turned off its light to light up diyas.&nbsp;

Afghan envoy Tahir Qadiry, who has been very busy leading the evacuation of Afghan nations also enthusiastically supported the call. He said, "This is the right time to remember all those great souls and heroes, nurses and the doctors, who are fighting in the front line. Let us all pledge to regard the social distancing and take all right precautions"

Aminath Shabeena Maldivian Acting High Commissioner who took part in a message she said, "Maldives is fighting COVID-19 alongside our many close friends, such as India."

Outside the mission of neighbouring countries, missions of several countries participated. Vietnam's Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau was part of the solidarity call at the mission along with 30 diplomatic residences and offices of Vietnam who joined Prime Minister Modi’s call to show solidarity in the fight against Coronavirus by lightning up candles at 9:00 pm sunday night.

Polish Envoy Adam Burakowski had a message of Poland and India friendship. He said,"This is the sign of polish Indian friendship. Poland stand united with India in the fight against coronavirus"

A small polish community of Delhi also joined the call by lighting up diyas.&nbsp;

The solidarity call was celebrated at the Indonesian mission by envoy Sidharto Suryodipuro, by the mexican envoy Federico Salas and Kyrgystan's envoy Asein Isaev.

At UK mission, acting high commissioner Jan Thompson along with other British diplomats took part while at the Australian High Commission families joined India in its efforts to come together for 9 mins at 9pm at their respective households.

Chinese Envoy Sun Weidong posted on twitter page a picture of diya he lit up. in a tweet he said, "Light a Diya to stand in solidarity with people of #India in the fight against #COVID19. Pay tribute to all medical workers. At this difficult time, #Chinese &amp; Indian people are standing together through thick &amp; thin. Wish India an early victory against the epidemic. #9pm9minute"

Indian missions globally also marked it. In Bhutan and Bangladesh, Indian missions switched off lights with Indian envoys Ruchira Kamboj and Riva Ganguly Das led the solidarity call. Members of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan and their families also joined "in demonstrating collective resolve and positivity by lighting diyas and candles.", a tweet by the mission said.

Several foreign missions took part in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's solidarity call of switching off lights of the missions and residence of diplomats and lighting up diyas, candles and touches tonight.

Several foreign missions took part in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's solidarity call of switching off lights of the missions and residence of diplomats and lighting up diyas, candles and touches tonight. More than 10 foreign mission confirmed participation. The Iconic Nepal embassy at Mandi House in Delhi switched off the light over PM Modi's solidarity call. Nepal Envoy Nilamber Acharya along with other Nepali diplomats light up diyas and candles. Bangladesh Envoy Mohammad Imran joined in the call and the mission turned off its light to light up diyas. Afghan envoy Tahir Qadiry, who has been very busy leading the evacuation of Afghan nations also enthusiastically supported the call. He said, "This is the right time to remember all those great souls and heroes, nurses and the doctors, who are fighting in the front line. Let us all pledge to regard the social distancing and take all right precautions" Aminath Shabeena Maldivian Acting High Commissioner who took part in a message she said, "Maldives is fighting COVID-19 alongside our many close friends, such as India." Outside the mission of neighbouring countries, missions of several countries participated. Vietnam's Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau was part of the solidarity call at the mission along with 30 diplomatic residences and offices of Vietnam who joined Prime Minister Modi’s call to show solidarity in the fight against Coronavirus by lightning up candles at 9:00 pm sunday night. Polish Envoy Adam Burakowski had a message of Poland and India friendship. He said,"This is the sign of polish Indian friendship. Poland stand united with India in the fight against coronavirus" A small polish community of Delhi also joined the call by lighting up diyas. The solidarity call was celebrated at the Indonesian mission by envoy Sidharto Suryodipuro, by the mexican envoy Federico Salas and Kyrgystan's envoy Asein Isaev. At UK mission, acting high commissioner Jan Thompson along with other British diplomats took part while at the Australian High Commission families joined India in its efforts to come together for 9 mins at 9pm at their respective households. Chinese Envoy Sun Weidong posted on twitter page a picture of diya he lit up. in a tweet he said, "Light a Diya to stand in solidarity with people of #India in the fight against #COVID19. Pay tribute to all medical workers. At this difficult time, #Chinese & Indian people are standing together through thick & thin. Wish India an early victory against the epidemic. #9pm9minute" Indian missions globally also marked it. In Bhutan and Bangladesh, Indian missions switched off lights with Indian envoys Ruchira Kamboj and Riva Ganguly Das led the solidarity call. Members of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan and their families also joined "in demonstrating collective resolve and positivity by lighting diyas and candles.", a tweet by the mission said.

COVID-19: Foreign missions enthusiastically take part in PM Modi's solidarity call 

India has received US request for hydroxychloroquine and is looking into the request.

Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19.

US President Donald Trump had on Saturday said he had requested India to release hydroxychloroquine it had ordered.

US President said, "I called PM Modi of India...they make large amounts of hydroxychloroquine, very large amounts frankly. And I said, they had a hold, they have 1.5 billion people, and I said, I would appreciate it if they would release the amounts we have ordered and they are giving it serious consideration. India makes a lot of it."

On Saturday, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced the total prohibition on export of hydroxychloroquine &amp; formulations made of hydroxychloroquine "without exception".

In an earlier order issued on March 25th, the DGFT had announced export hydroxychloroquine except under 3 exceptions which have been deleted in the new order.

US President Trump has backed hydroxychloroquine as a solution to the COVID-19 crisis, though it is not backed completely by the medical community.&nbsp;

India has allowed hydroxychloroquine for medical and health care workers dealing with COVID-19 patients.

India has received US request for hydroxychloroquine and is looking into the request. Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19. US President Donald Trump had on Saturday said he had requested India to release hydroxychloroquine it had ordered.

India has received US request for hydroxychloroquine and is looking into the request. Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19. US President Donald Trump had on Saturday said he had requested India to release hydroxychloroquine it had ordered. US President said, "I called PM Modi of India...they make large amounts of hydroxychloroquine, very large amounts frankly. And I said, they had a hold, they have 1.5 billion people, and I said, I would appreciate it if they would release the amounts we have ordered and they are giving it serious consideration. India makes a lot of it." On Saturday, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced the total prohibition on export of hydroxychloroquine & formulations made of hydroxychloroquine "without exception". In an earlier order issued on March 25th, the DGFT had announced export hydroxychloroquine except under 3 exceptions which have been deleted in the new order. US President Trump has backed hydroxychloroquine as a solution to the COVID-19 crisis, though it is not backed completely by the medical community. India has allowed hydroxychloroquine for medical and health care workers dealing with COVID-19 patients.

India is looking into US request for hydroxychloroquine

India has got requests from 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19. Several world leaders have personally raised the request with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent conversation they had with him.

From the US to Latin America to Europe, the request has come from several places which shows India's importance in the global pharma sector.&nbsp;

The government officials said while New Delhi is looking into the requests but will review domestic requirements first. Domestically India has allowed the use of hydroxychloroquine by medical and health care workers dealing with COVID-19 patients.

Indian PM Modi has spoken to 15 world leaders since the outbreak which includes German German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al Thani, Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon, Saudi Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. One of the main aims of the conversation is to chalk out a global strategy to deal with the crisis.&nbsp;

PM Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have spoken twice in the last few weeks. Readout from the Indian government on April 3rd talks said, "The leaders explored possible collaboration between India and Israel in fighting the pandemic, including by improving availability of pharmaceutical supplies"

India has confirmed that it has received American request for hydroxychloroquine and is looking into the request. US President Donald Trump had on Saturday said he has requested India to release hydroxychloroquine it had ordered.

US President said, "I called PM Modi of India...they make large amounts of hydroxychloroquine, very large amounts frankly. And I said, they had a hold, they have 1.5 billion people, and I said, I would appreciate it if they would release the amounts we have ordered and they are giving it serious consideration. India makes a lot of it."

The Indian read out of PM Modi-US president talks said both leaders "agreed to deploy the full strength of the India – US partnership to resolutely and effectively combat COVID-19" and exchanged notes on the "respective steps taken in each country for mitigating the health and economic impacts of the pandemic."

Trump has backed hydroxychloroquine as a solution to the COVID-19 crisis calling it "game-changer", though it is not back completely by the medical community.&nbsp;

In an order issued on April 4th, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced the total prohibition of the export of hydroxychloroquine &amp; formulations made of hydroxychloroquine "without exception".

In an earlier order issued on March 25th, the DGFT had announced export hydroxychloroquine except under three exceptions which have been deleted in the new order. 
&nbsp;

India has got requests from 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19. Several world leaders have personally raised the request with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent conversation they had with him.

India has got requests from 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19. Several world leaders have personally raised the request with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent conversation they had with him. From the US to Latin America to Europe, the request has come from several places which shows India's importance in the global pharma sector. The government officials said while New Delhi is looking into the requests but will review domestic requirements first. Domestically India has allowed the use of hydroxychloroquine by medical and health care workers dealing with COVID-19 patients. Indian PM Modi has spoken to 15 world leaders since the outbreak which includes German German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al Thani, Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon, Saudi Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. One of the main aims of the conversation is to chalk out a global strategy to deal with the crisis. PM Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have spoken twice in the last few weeks. Readout from the Indian government on April 3rd talks said, "The leaders explored possible collaboration between India and Israel in fighting the pandemic, including by improving availability of pharmaceutical supplies" India has confirmed that it has received American request for hydroxychloroquine and is looking into the request. US President Donald Trump had on Saturday said he has requested India to release hydroxychloroquine it had ordered. US President said, "I called PM Modi of India...they make large amounts of hydroxychloroquine, very large amounts frankly. And I said, they had a hold, they have 1.5 billion people, and I said, I would appreciate it if they would release the amounts we have ordered and they are giving it serious consideration. India makes a lot of it." The Indian read out of PM Modi-US president talks said both leaders "agreed to deploy the full strength of the India – US partnership to resolutely and effectively combat COVID-19" and exchanged notes on the "respective steps taken in each country for mitigating the health and economic impacts of the pandemic." Trump has backed hydroxychloroquine as a solution to the COVID-19 crisis calling it "game-changer", though it is not back completely by the medical community. In an order issued on April 4th, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced the total prohibition of the export of hydroxychloroquine & formulations made of hydroxychloroquine "without exception". In an earlier order issued on March 25th, the DGFT had announced export hydroxychloroquine except under three exceptions which have been deleted in the new order.

WION Exclusive: India gets request from 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine

Several foreign missions will be taking part in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's solidarity call of switching off lights of the missions and residence of diplomats and lighting up diyas, candles and touches tonight.&nbsp;

Indian PM Modi has called for switching off lights for nine minutes at nine pm today as a mark of solidarity as the world fights the challenge of COVID-19.

In the of the South Asian region--Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives missions have confirmed that they will be part of the nationwide solidarity call against COVID-19.

Nepal's envoy Nilamber Acharya told WION, "We, Nepal and India, are all in full solidarity in this fight against COVID-19 pandemic".

"We will participate in the nationwide collective resolve to defeat coronavirus", echoed the sentiment Bangladesh Envoy Mohammad Imran

Afghan envoy Tahir Qadiry, who has been very busy leading the evacuation of Afghan nations also enthusiastically supported the call. He said, "I will be switching off lights and lighting a candle at 9 pm tonight for 9 minutes to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to showcase our solidarity and our concerted efforts in a battle against the Corona Virus pandemic."

Adding, "Let’s all pledge to diligently maintain social distancing and take right precautions."

Outside the south Asian region, missions and diplomats from Vietnam, Japan, Australia, Israel, German, Tunisia, Mexico have confirmed participation.&nbsp;

German envoy Walter J. Lindner in response to WION question on the mission's participation said, "Will do! Underlining our common effort to get through this together!!&nbsp;

British acting high commissioner Jan Thompson also confirmed to WION that she will take part in PM's solidarity call.

Meanwhile, Polish envoy Adam Burakowski told wion,"Poland stands united with India and with all the World to fight the coronavirus. I am sure that if we all take preventive measures, the threat will be much lower and that we would recover soon. Long live Polish-Indian friendship!"

The Polish community in Delhi will also participate in the event.

Vietnam's Ambassador to India, Pham Sanh Chau said, "All our 30 diplomatic residences and offices will join in Prime Minister Modi’s call to show solidarity in the fight against Coronavirus by lightning up candles at 9:00 pm tonight."

In a tweet, Israeli deputy chief of mission Maya Kadosh said," I gathered all my candle holders and places them out of my windows #9pm9minutes"

Earlier in March, when Indian Prime Minister called for Janta curfew and everyone coming out at 5 pm and ringing bells, missions and foreign diplomats had participated in that too.&nbsp; 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Several foreign missions will be taking part in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's solidarity call of switching off lights of the missions and residence of diplomats and lighting up diyas, candles and touches tonight.

Several foreign missions will be taking part in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's solidarity call of switching off lights of the missions and residence of diplomats and lighting up diyas, candles and touches tonight. Indian PM Modi has called for switching off lights for nine minutes at nine pm today as a mark of solidarity as the world fights the challenge of COVID-19. In the of the South Asian region--Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives missions have confirmed that they will be part of the nationwide solidarity call against COVID-19. Nepal's envoy Nilamber Acharya told WION, "We, Nepal and India, are all in full solidarity in this fight against COVID-19 pandemic". "We will participate in the nationwide collective resolve to defeat coronavirus", echoed the sentiment Bangladesh Envoy Mohammad Imran Afghan envoy Tahir Qadiry, who has been very busy leading the evacuation of Afghan nations also enthusiastically supported the call. He said, "I will be switching off lights and lighting a candle at 9 pm tonight for 9 minutes to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to showcase our solidarity and our concerted efforts in a battle against the Corona Virus pandemic." Adding, "Let’s all pledge to diligently maintain social distancing and take right precautions." Outside the south Asian region, missions and diplomats from Vietnam, Japan, Australia, Israel, German, Tunisia, Mexico have confirmed participation. German envoy Walter J. Lindner in response to WION question on the mission's participation said, "Will do! Underlining our common effort to get through this together!! British acting high commissioner Jan Thompson also confirmed to WION that she will take part in PM's solidarity call. Meanwhile, Polish envoy Adam Burakowski told wion,"Poland stands united with India and with all the World to fight the coronavirus. I am sure that if we all take preventive measures, the threat will be much lower and that we would recover soon. Long live Polish-Indian friendship!" The Polish community in Delhi will also participate in the event. Vietnam's Ambassador to India, Pham Sanh Chau said, "All our 30 diplomatic residences and offices will join in Prime Minister Modi’s call to show solidarity in the fight against Coronavirus by lightning up candles at 9:00 pm tonight." In a tweet, Israeli deputy chief of mission Maya Kadosh said," I gathered all my candle holders and places them out of my windows #9pm9minutes" Earlier in March, when Indian Prime Minister called for Janta curfew and everyone coming out at 5 pm and ringing bells, missions and foreign diplomats had participated in that too. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COVID-19: Foreign missions to participate in PM Modi's solidarity call; to turn off lights, light up candles 

Days after Kabul Gurudwara terror attack for which Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility, its chief, a Pakistani national, Aslam Farooqui has been arrested.

The Afghan intelligence agency National Directorate of Security (NDS) in a statement confirmed his arrest and said he has been arrested along with 20 other members of the ISKP.

Aslam's original name is Abdullah Urakzai and is from the tribal area of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

In the release, NDS said Aslam Farooq had links with Pakistan based terror networks like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Haqqani network.&nbsp;

Afghanistan will share his confessions soon.

ISKp carried out the attack on Kabul's Gurdwara Har Rai Sahib on March 25th killing more than 25 people, 24 Afghan Sikhs and a lone Indian national.

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case in the attack in which one Indian national Tian Singh of Greater Kailash of Delhi died.

This is the first time that NIA registered a case in an attack which took place outside India. According to recent amendments in NIA Act, NIA has the power to investigate terror cases which are committed at "any place outside India against the Indian Citizens or affecting the interest of India", said a government release. 
&nbsp;

Days after Kabul Gurudwara terror attack for which Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility, its chief, a Pakistani national, Aslam Farooqui has been arrested.

Days after Kabul Gurudwara terror attack for which Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility, its chief, a Pakistani national, Aslam Farooqui has been arrested. The Afghan intelligence agency National Directorate of Security (NDS) in a statement confirmed his arrest and said he has been arrested along with 20 other members of the ISKP. Aslam's original name is Abdullah Urakzai and is from the tribal area of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In the release, NDS said Aslam Farooq had links with Pakistan based terror networks like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Haqqani network. Afghanistan will share his confessions soon. ISKp carried out the attack on Kabul's Gurdwara Har Rai Sahib on March 25th killing more than 25 people, 24 Afghan Sikhs and a lone Indian national. India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case in the attack in which one Indian national Tian Singh of Greater Kailash of Delhi died. This is the first time that NIA registered a case in an attack which took place outside India. According to recent amendments in NIA Act, NIA has the power to investigate terror cases which are committed at "any place outside India against the Indian Citizens or affecting the interest of India", said a government release.

Pakistani national and Islamic State Khorasan chief arrested days after Kabul terror attack 

Fifteen Indians have died globally due to COVID-19 crisis, with a maximum number in the US at 6 followed by 5 in Italy. Two Indians have died in UAE, while one each in Iran and Egypt.

Fifteen Indians have died globally due to COVID-19 crisis, with a maximum number in the US at 6 followed by 5 in Italy. Two Indians have died in UAE, while one each in Iran and Egypt. The authorities have begun the process of repatriation of bodies. Meanwhile, the maximum number of Indians infected with COVID-19 is in Iran's Qom city where a quarantine centre has been created by the Indian mission in Iran. One Indian national in Sweden had committed suicide after getting COVID-19 positive report. Globally, India has evacuated more than 2500 of its citizens from 4 countries including China, Japan, Iran and Italy over the deadly COVID-19 crisis. Last week PM Modi had a video conference with Indian envoys across the world over the COVID-19 crisis. In the meet that lasted for 75 minutes, PM Modi complimented Heads of Missions for their "efforts to evacuate Indians stranded abroad" and "also to address other problems Indians might face abroad, including arranging shelter, where necessary and feasible" said a PMO release. During the meet, the Heads of Beijing, Washington DC, Tehran, Rome, Berlin, Kathmandu, Abu Dhabi, Kabul, Male, and Seoul missions spoke to PM Modi shared their perspectives about the on-ground situation The US seems to have become the epicentre of the crisis, after Europe with nearly 1500 deaths in the country in the 24 hours period between Thursday and Friday. The number of people dead in the US due to COVID is over 7000. The pandemic which started in China has spread across the world has infected more than 1,000,000 around the world with 50,000 deaths globally.

15 Indians die globally due to coronavirus

As part of its neighbourhood first policy, 6 Indian Navy ships are on standby for assistance to neighbouring countries over COVID crisis. Along with Navy ships, top sources told WION that, 5 medical teams are standby for deployment in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan &amp; Afghanistan if the situation worsens.&nbsp;

On March 30 India sent medical supplies to Nepal. Sources said, Dornier &amp; Mi 17 were used to position medical load at Gorakhpur on Monday &amp; the load was thereafter taken to Nepal by road.

In March, Indian PM Modi had proposed a SAARC meet on the COVID crisis via video conference in which all SAARC heads of state/govt participated barring the Pakistani PM Imran Khan who was represented at a junior level.&nbsp;

India had announced the formation of a COVID emergency fund with a contribution of $10 million in which all SAARC countries barring Pakistan has announced contribution. &nbsp;Sri Lanka contributed $ 5 million, Bangladesh contributed $ 1.5 million, Nepal $ 1 million, Afghanistan $ 1 million, Maldives $ 200,000 and Bhutan $ 100,000 taking the total amount in the COVID-19 Emergency Fund to USD 18.3 million. New Delhi also said, that its rapid response team are at disposal of any SAARC Member country.

Since the SAARC leader meeting, health officials of countries have had a video conference and commerce ministry officials will soon meet via the same format.

As an early responder, India evacuated several South Asian nationals stranded in Wuhan, which was once the epicentre of the COVID crisis. India got back 23 Bangladeshi, 9 Maldivian from Wuhan and 2 Sri Lankans and One Nepali from quarantined cruise ship Diamond Princess off the coast of Japan.

As part of its neighbourhood first policy, 6 Indian Navy ships are on standby for assistance to neighbouring countries over COVID crisis. Along with Navy ships, top sources told WION that, 5 medical teams are standby for deployment in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan & Afghanistan if the situation worsens.

As part of its neighbourhood first policy, 6 Indian Navy ships are on standby for assistance to neighbouring countries over COVID crisis. Along with Navy ships, top sources told WION that, 5 medical teams are standby for deployment in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan & Afghanistan if the situation worsens. On March 30 India sent medical supplies to Nepal. Sources said, Dornier & Mi 17 were used to position medical load at Gorakhpur on Monday & the load was thereafter taken to Nepal by road. In March, Indian PM Modi had proposed a SAARC meet on the COVID crisis via video conference in which all SAARC heads of state/govt participated barring the Pakistani PM Imran Khan who was represented at a junior level. India had announced the formation of a COVID emergency fund with a contribution of $10 million in which all SAARC countries barring Pakistan has announced contribution. Sri Lanka contributed $ 5 million, Bangladesh contributed $ 1.5 million, Nepal $ 1 million, Afghanistan $ 1 million, Maldives $ 200,000 and Bhutan $ 100,000 taking the total amount in the COVID-19 Emergency Fund to USD 18.3 million. New Delhi also said, that its rapid response team are at disposal of any SAARC Member country. Since the SAARC leader meeting, health officials of countries have had a video conference and commerce ministry officials will soon meet via the same format. As an early responder, India evacuated several South Asian nationals stranded in Wuhan, which was once the epicentre of the COVID crisis. India got back 23 Bangladeshi, 9 Maldivian from Wuhan and 2 Sri Lankans and One Nepali from quarantined cruise ship Diamond Princess off the coast of Japan.

COVID-19 crisis: India's navy ships, medical teams on stand by for neighbours

Amidst the Global Corona Crisis, India launched an 18-hour operation, operation Sanjeevani to deliver Maldives &nbsp;6.2 tonnes of essential medicines and hospital consumables.&nbsp;

Indian Airforce lifted medicines from airports in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Madurai before delivering to the Maldives. The Indian Army facilitated the transport of these medicines and consumables from warehouses across India to the respective airports.

Indian Envoy to Maldives Sanjay Sudhir on Operation Sanjeevni to the Maldives said, "We have been able to carry Operation Sanjeevani with help of Indian armed forces. It is very important assistance to the Maldives. Maldives has been one of the foremost countries which have received Indian assistance during COVID crisis. It is a growing example of India's neighbourhood first policy and reciprocation of Maldives' India first policy. Friendship in action!"

Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid thanked India for the support and in a tweet said, "Friends &amp; partners indeed! Thank u #India for facilitating the transfer of 6.2 tonnes of medicines procured by STO from Indian cities to #Maldives."

Adding, "Special thanks to PM @narendramodi &amp; EAM @DrSJaishankar for this timely support! Close cooperation is essential to overcome #COVID19"

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Friends &amp; partners indeed! Thank u <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> for facilitating the transfer of 6.2 tonnes of medicines procured by STO from Indian cities to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maldives?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maldives</a>. Special thanks to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> &amp; EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> for this timely support! Close cooperation is essential to overcome <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://t.co/GwNNxX8ZiC">pic.twitter.com/GwNNxX8ZiC</a>
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1245651569921556480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The medicines include influenza vaccines, anti-viral drugs such as lopinavir and ritonavir which have been used to treat patients with COVID-19 in other countries, medicines for cardiac conditions, kidney ailments, hypertension as well as consumables such as catheters, nebulisers, urine bags and infant feeding tubes.

India has been assisting Maldives during the COVID crisis. New Delhi gifted 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines to the Maldives on March 14, 2020, and also sent a 14-member COVID-19 Rapid Response Team of doctors to enhance preparedness. It had evacuated 9 Maldives nationals from Wuhan which was once the epicentre of the crisis.

Amidst the Global Corona Crisis, India launched an 18-hour operation, operation Sanjeevani to deliver Maldives 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines and hospital consumables.

Amidst the Global Corona Crisis, India launched an 18-hour operation, operation Sanjeevani to deliver Maldives 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines and hospital consumables. Indian Airforce lifted medicines from airports in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Madurai before delivering to the Maldives. The Indian Army facilitated the transport of these medicines and consumables from warehouses across India to the respective airports. Indian Envoy to Maldives Sanjay Sudhir on Operation Sanjeevni to the Maldives said, "We have been able to carry Operation Sanjeevani with help of Indian armed forces. It is very important assistance to the Maldives. Maldives has been one of the foremost countries which have received Indian assistance during COVID crisis. It is a growing example of India's neighbourhood first policy and reciprocation of Maldives' India first policy. Friendship in action!" Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid thanked India for the support and in a tweet said, "Friends & partners indeed! Thank u #India for facilitating the transfer of 6.2 tonnes of medicines procured by STO from Indian cities to #Maldives." Adding, "Special thanks to PM @narendramodi & EAM @DrSJaishankar for this timely support! Close cooperation is essential to overcome #COVID19" Friends & partners indeed! Thank u #India for facilitating the transfer of 6.2 tonnes of medicines procured by STO from Indian cities to #Maldives. Special thanks to PM @narendramodi & EAM @DrSJaishankar for this timely support! Close cooperation is essential to overcome #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/GwNNxX8ZiC — Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) April 2, 2020 × The medicines include influenza vaccines, anti-viral drugs such as lopinavir and ritonavir which have been used to treat patients with COVID-19 in other countries, medicines for cardiac conditions, kidney ailments, hypertension as well as consumables such as catheters, nebulisers, urine bags and infant feeding tubes. India has been assisting Maldives during the COVID crisis. New Delhi gifted 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines to the Maldives on March 14, 2020, and also sent a 14-member COVID-19 Rapid Response Team of doctors to enhance preparedness. It had evacuated 9 Maldives nationals from Wuhan which was once the epicentre of the crisis.

Operation Sanjeevani: India sends 6.2 tonnes of medical assistance to Maldives amidst COVID crisis

As the number of coronavirus cases in India crossed the 1,000 mark, India has reached out to foreign countries for medical assistance.&nbsp;

Three Asian countries -- South Korea, Singapore and China -- will be supplying India with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ventilators.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Joint Secretary of Health Ministry, Lav Aggarwal said, "We got a shipment which has masks, Personal Protective Equipment and ventilators"

India has identified a Singapore based online platform that can supply 10 lakh PPE kits and an order has been placed to procure them.

Another supplier based in South Korea, which has tie-up&nbsp;with production companies in Vietnam and Turkey has been identified. India has ordered 20 lakh PPE from the South Korean firm which has the capacity to produce 1 lakh equipment.&nbsp;

Last week, China's Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation had supplied Indian Red cross society 10,000 PPEs.

&nbsp;Currently, Indian hospitals have 3.34 lakh PPEs.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has approached suppliers in China for sourcing 10,000 ventilators.

As the number of coronavirus cases in India crossed the 1,000 mark, India has reached out to foreign countries for medical assistance. Three Asian countries -- South Korea, Singapore and China -- will be supplying India with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ventilators.

As the number of coronavirus cases in India crossed the 1,000 mark, India has reached out to foreign countries for medical assistance. Three Asian countries -- South Korea, Singapore and China -- will be supplying India with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ventilators. On Sunday, Joint Secretary of Health Ministry, Lav Aggarwal said, "We got a shipment which has masks, Personal Protective Equipment and ventilators" India has identified a Singapore based online platform that can supply 10 lakh PPE kits and an order has been placed to procure them. Another supplier based in South Korea, which has tie-up with production companies in Vietnam and Turkey has been identified. India has ordered 20 lakh PPE from the South Korean firm which has the capacity to produce 1 lakh equipment. Last week, China's Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation had supplied Indian Red cross society 10,000 PPEs. Currently, Indian hospitals have 3.34 lakh PPEs. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has approached suppliers in China for sourcing 10,000 ventilators.

India reaches out to China, Singapore, South Korea for PPE as COVID-19 cases surge 

Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation have sent the first tranche of medical supplies to India on Saturday. This was donated to Indian Red Cross Society and more supplies are expected in the future.

Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation have sent the first tranche of medical supplies to India on Saturday. This was donated to Indian Red Cross Society and more supplies are expected in the future. Joint Secretary of Health Ministry, Lav Aggarwal said, "We got a shipment yesterday, which has masks, Personal Protective Equipment and ventilators" India in February sent 15 tonnes of medical assistance comprising masks, gloves and other emergency medical equipment to China. The assistance included 1 lakh pieces of Surgical masks, 5 lack pairs of Surgical gloves, 75 pieces of infusion pumps, 30 pieces of external feeding pumps, 21 pieces of the defibrillator and 4000 pieces of N95 mask. The total cost of these medical supplies was worth Rs. 2.11 crores. These supplies were delivered by an Indian Air Force C-17 special flight which landed in Wuhan, China and in return flight sent brought back many stranded Indians. Supplies were handed over to the Hubei Charity Federation in Wuhan, China.

Jack Ma Foundation sends masks, ventilators to India 

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sidhant Sibal

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