South Korea has said that through its democratic efforts, the country has been able to reduce the number of people impacted due to Coronavirus and welcomed Indian measures to deal with the crisis.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, South Korean envoy Amb Shin Bongkil lauded India for giving a "very good example by holding SAARC" for a coordinate approach on dealing with the pandemic.

WION: South Korea's numbers of confirmed cases have been very high and many countries have tried to distance themselves from your country. What is the situation like now?

Amb. Shin Bongkil: Korea is now in full control and confirmed cases are decreasing significantly.&nbsp;

It's two digits now. The important thing is a number of fully cured person surpasses the number of newly confirmed cases. So the overall situation is improving a lot, that is the situation in South Korea

WION: India has also restricted travel with South Korea. Is there anything your is doing to prevent the outflow of COVID-19?

Amb. Shin Bongkil​​​​​​​:&nbsp;South Korea is very strict in outbound travel and when you come to the airport, there are multiple tests and checks.&nbsp;

In Korea, we identify coronavirus contact, that means if you are exposed to an infected person in two meters of range, then you are classified as coronavirus close contact. Then you are not allowed to travel abroad, the government controls it. We are very tight in controlling our outbound travel to other countries, we don't harm other countries.

WION: Korea has recently been in international news as a democratic model for the approach to this pandemic. What has been your country's approach to tackling this pandemic?

Amb. Shin Bongkil: When we say democratic, that means we are very open and very transparent, the government announces every kind of facts about the infection, disease, and government measures and now people have full confidence on government announcements.&nbsp;

This is the most important things of democratic procedures in South Korea.&nbsp;

We are using scientific and technological measures. We use very innovate measures. We introduced, drive through check centre and introduced work through test centre for those who don't have vehicles and we use smartphone apps, we follow movements of all the people who are impacted.&nbsp;

We tell the public not to go to problematic areas, those kinds of information. We are a very wired country, we use top-end technology in preventing and isolating this disease.&nbsp;

WION: How has COVID-19 affected India-Korea relations?

Amb. Shin Bongkil: Actually, as with other countries, most of the diplomatic activities and exchanges were stopped. What is the important thing is that an important business project should not be stopped, timing is very important.&nbsp;

We are cooperating with the Indian government very efficiently, that we provide health certificate to those who have very compelling reasons to visit India to install new kind of facility like Samsung, LG, Hyundai, if we can explain it to your embassy in Seoul, if they expect it as the compelling reason they provide health certificate and you allow some of them,&nbsp; 
We accept quarantine and things are like that, how to help these kinds of economic business and not make such big problems that is the most important what we are doing with the Indian government.

WION: How do you plan to mitigate the impact and what do you think of the Indian government's measures?

Amb. Shin Bongkil: Until now South Korea has been successful in mitigating the coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;

We first, tried to identify it. We used the best possible test facilities, that means who is infected&nbsp;and isolate them and due to early identification and isolation, we can stop the spread of the virus and we can treat them easily, that is why South Korea's death rate is so low as compared to some other developed countries.&nbsp;

Early detection is very important in case of South Korea, in case of India it is such a big country how to contain the spread of the virus is the most important aspect and the Indian government is doing very well, I heard from WHO experts in Delhi, until now India is doing very well and we hope that you can make it and its 1.4 billion if you can make a successful resolve, then India will make the top country as a democracy.

WION: G20 is all set to have a video conference, you are a G20 country, you take...

Amb. Shin Bongkil: &nbsp;In this multilateral kind of approach, India made a very good example by holding SAARC summit and actually SAARC was almost a dead body, now it is revitalized and PM Modi's initiative made it possible and overcoming this long time issue of terror and you were successful in inviting Pakistan, even though the PM did not come his advisor came, anyway eight member countries - multilateral regional cooperation regime made an effective conference and I think India proposed formulating a medical team providing some financial assistance, it is a good initiative.

Also, they made out some suggestion and I think in G20...actually South Korean President Moon Jae In had proposed to hold the G20 video conference on March 13, long time ago, maybe he was the first to propose the important meeting and I think there was some technical problem, its a big group, in the US its day time, in India its night, it will not be easy, every country has its own problem and in case of Korea, as I told you is fully controlling this invisible enemy and we can provide our experience and we can propose medical team, or financial help and every country has something to contribute.&nbsp;

This is a very good suggestion, the proposal...it will help a lot in resolving the issue.

South Korea has said that through its democratic efforts, the country has been able to reduce the number of people impacted due to Coronavirus and welcomed Indian measures to deal with the crisis.

South Korea has said that through its democratic efforts, the country has been able to reduce the number of people impacted due to Coronavirus and welcomed Indian measures to deal with the crisis. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, South Korean envoy Amb Shin Bongkil lauded India for giving a "very good example by holding SAARC" for a coordinate approach on dealing with the pandemic. WION: South Korea's numbers of confirmed cases have been very high and many countries have tried to distance themselves from your country. What is the situation like now? Amb. Shin Bongkil: Korea is now in full control and confirmed cases are decreasing significantly. It's two digits now. The important thing is a number of fully cured person surpasses the number of newly confirmed cases. So the overall situation is improving a lot, that is the situation in South Korea WION: India has also restricted travel with South Korea. Is there anything your is doing to prevent the outflow of COVID-19? Amb. Shin Bongkil: South Korea is very strict in outbound travel and when you come to the airport, there are multiple tests and checks. In Korea, we identify coronavirus contact, that means if you are exposed to an infected person in two meters of range, then you are classified as coronavirus close contact. Then you are not allowed to travel abroad, the government controls it. We are very tight in controlling our outbound travel to other countries, we don't harm other countries. WION: Korea has recently been in international news as a democratic model for the approach to this pandemic. What has been your country's approach to tackling this pandemic? Amb. Shin Bongkil: When we say democratic, that means we are very open and very transparent, the government announces every kind of facts about the infection, disease, and government measures and now people have full confidence on government announcements. This is the most important things of democratic procedures in South Korea. We are using scientific and technological measures. We use very innovate measures. We introduced, drive through check centre and introduced work through test centre for those who don't have vehicles and we use smartphone apps, we follow movements of all the people who are impacted. We tell the public not to go to problematic areas, those kinds of information. We are a very wired country, we use top-end technology in preventing and isolating this disease. WION: How has COVID-19 affected India-Korea relations? Amb. Shin Bongkil: Actually, as with other countries, most of the diplomatic activities and exchanges were stopped. What is the important thing is that an important business project should not be stopped, timing is very important. We are cooperating with the Indian government very efficiently, that we provide health certificate to those who have very compelling reasons to visit India to install new kind of facility like Samsung, LG, Hyundai, if we can explain it to your embassy in Seoul, if they expect it as the compelling reason they provide health certificate and you allow some of them, We accept quarantine and things are like that, how to help these kinds of economic business and not make such big problems that is the most important what we are doing with the Indian government. WION: How do you plan to mitigate the impact and what do you think of the Indian government's measures? Amb. Shin Bongkil: Until now South Korea has been successful in mitigating the coronavirus crisis. We first, tried to identify it. We used the best possible test facilities, that means who is infected and isolate them and due to early identification and isolation, we can stop the spread of the virus and we can treat them easily, that is why South Korea's death rate is so low as compared to some other developed countries. Early detection is very important in case of South Korea, in case of India it is such a big country how to contain the spread of the virus is the most important aspect and the Indian government is doing very well, I heard from WHO experts in Delhi, until now India is doing very well and we hope that you can make it and its 1.4 billion if you can make a successful resolve, then India will make the top country as a democracy. WION: G20 is all set to have a video conference, you are a G20 country, you take... Amb. Shin Bongkil: In this multilateral kind of approach, India made a very good example by holding SAARC summit and actually SAARC was almost a dead body, now it is revitalized and PM Modi's initiative made it possible and overcoming this long time issue of terror and you were successful in inviting Pakistan, even though the PM did not come his advisor came, anyway eight member countries - multilateral regional cooperation regime made an effective conference and I think India proposed formulating a medical team providing some financial assistance, it is a good initiative. Also, they made out some suggestion and I think in G20...actually South Korean President Moon Jae In had proposed to hold the G20 video conference on March 13, long time ago, maybe he was the first to propose the important meeting and I think there was some technical problem, its a big group, in the US its day time, in India its night, it will not be easy, every country has its own problem and in case of Korea, as I told you is fully controlling this invisible enemy and we can provide our experience and we can propose medical team, or financial help and every country has something to contribute. This is a very good suggestion, the proposal...it will help a lot in resolving the issue.

India set good example by holding SAARC meet on coronavirus: South Korea

Nepal and Bhutan have pitched in for the COVID-19 emergency fund&nbsp;for South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries which was envisioned by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kathmandu has announced 10 crore Nepali Rupees for the fund while Bhutan has announced&nbsp;USD 100,000 for it.

Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced it during his Friday evening address to the nation on the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, "I want to inform you that Nepal will contribute Rs 10 crores in this fund set up with the objective to provide requisite help to the SAARC nations"

The Bhutan foreign office in a statement said, "The Royal Government of Bhutan has welcomed the establishment of the Emergency Fund&nbsp;and has decided to make an initial contribution of USD 100,000 (US Dollar One Hundred Thousand only)."

Recognising the urgent need for "collective efforts to combat such crisis", Bhutan government said, it "would like to reassure its full support and cooperation to do everything possible in close collaboration with all Member States to overcome the COVID- 19 pandemic".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-scare-universal-screening-for-passengers-coming-from-australia-uk-and-us-287687" hreflang="en">Coronavirus scare: Universal screening for passengers coming from Australia, UK and US</a>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the formation of the fund during the SAARC video conference that took place last Sunday to curate a joint COVID-19 strategy. India had offered to pitch in&nbsp;USD 10 million for the emergency fund.

The proposal for the video conference was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week on Twitter, and the video conference happened on Sunday. All SAARC leaders were present in the meet except Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan who had sent a junior representative, Special Advisor on Health Dr Zafar Mirza to represent him.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-indian-diplomat-infected-with-covid-19-say-indian-government-sources-287660" hreflang="en">No Indian diplomat infected with COVID-19, say Indian government sources</a>

Nepal and Bhutan have pitched in for the COVID-19 emergency fund for South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries which was envisioned by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Nepal and Bhutan have pitched in for the COVID-19 emergency fund for South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries which was envisioned by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kathmandu has announced 10 crore Nepali Rupees for the fund while Bhutan has announced USD 100,000 for it. Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced it during his Friday evening address to the nation on the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, "I want to inform you that Nepal will contribute Rs 10 crores in this fund set up with the objective to provide requisite help to the SAARC nations" The Bhutan foreign office in a statement said, "The Royal Government of Bhutan has welcomed the establishment of the Emergency Fund and has decided to make an initial contribution of USD 100,000 (US Dollar One Hundred Thousand only)." Recognising the urgent need for "collective efforts to combat such crisis", Bhutan government said, it "would like to reassure its full support and cooperation to do everything possible in close collaboration with all Member States to overcome the COVID- 19 pandemic". Also read: Coronavirus scare: Universal screening for passengers coming from Australia, UK and US Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the formation of the fund during the SAARC video conference that took place last Sunday to curate a joint COVID-19 strategy. India had offered to pitch in USD 10 million for the emergency fund. The proposal for the video conference was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week on Twitter, and the video conference happened on Sunday. All SAARC leaders were present in the meet except Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan who had sent a junior representative, Special Advisor on Health Dr Zafar Mirza to represent him. Also read: No Indian diplomat infected with COVID-19, say Indian government sources

Nepal, Bhutan pledge contribution to COVID-19 SAARC emergency fund announced by PM Modi

The Indian government sources have said that no Indian diplomat, especially in worst impacted countries like China, Iran and Italy, has been infected with the novel coronavirus. Indian diplomats in all the three countries played an important role in the evacuation of stranded Indian citizens.&nbsp;

On Thursday, at a special press conference organised by the Ministry of External Affairs on the crisis, Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Indian missions across the world, and wherever you have the pandemic are working under tremendous local challenges because the ecosystem is not under our control. We&nbsp;have restrictions in terms of medical facilities"&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/study-says-no-age-group-is-immune-from-coronavirus-287645" hreflang="en">Study says no age-group is immune from coronavirus</a>

Adding further, he said, "People right in the front are trying best to be able to help, in term of providing accommodation, in term of arranging food in the lockdown situation. So there are challenges.&nbsp;Mission officials who are right at the forefront are operating under complex environment, they have to follow local advisories".

The Indian mission in China&nbsp;helped evacuate&nbsp;723 Indian citizens&nbsp;and 45 foreign nationals from Wuhan, which was&nbsp;the pilot&nbsp;epicentre of COVID-19. India had led three&nbsp;evacuations from Wuhan in the month of February.

In Iran, the Indian Mission did&nbsp;not only evacuate&nbsp;but also helped in establishing a quarantine facility in Qom city, the centre of the crisis in the West Asian country.&nbsp;More than 250 Indians are infected with the virus in the country, with one death of an Indian reported so far.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-metro-train-services-to-remain-closed-on-sunday-in-wake-of-pms-janta-curfew-call-287596" hreflang="en">Delhi Metro train services to remain closed on Sunday in wake of PM's 'Janta curfew' call</a>

Many Indians have been evacuated from Italy, and an Air India flight will be sent to Rome this weekend to bring back more Indians.

As per the numbers released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 196 positive cases have been reported in India so far. Four deaths have been locally recorded, with 22 people being marked as ''cured/discharged''. Additionally, India has so far screened over&nbsp;14,59,993 people at airports across the country.

The Indian government sources have said that no Indian diplomat, especially in worst impacted countries like China, Iran and Italy, has been infected with the novel coronavirus.

The Indian government sources have said that no Indian diplomat, especially in worst impacted countries like China, Iran and Italy, has been infected with the novel coronavirus. Indian diplomats in all the three countries played an important role in the evacuation of stranded Indian citizens. On Thursday, at a special press conference organised by the Ministry of External Affairs on the crisis, Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Indian missions across the world, and wherever you have the pandemic are working under tremendous local challenges because the ecosystem is not under our control. We have restrictions in terms of medical facilities" Also read: Study says no age-group is immune from coronavirus Adding further, he said, "People right in the front are trying best to be able to help, in term of providing accommodation, in term of arranging food in the lockdown situation. So there are challenges. Mission officials who are right at the forefront are operating under complex environment, they have to follow local advisories". The Indian mission in China helped evacuate 723 Indian citizens and 45 foreign nationals from Wuhan, which was the pilot epicentre of COVID-19. India had led three evacuations from Wuhan in the month of February. In Iran, the Indian Mission did not only evacuate but also helped in establishing a quarantine facility in Qom city, the centre of the crisis in the West Asian country. More than 250 Indians are infected with the virus in the country, with one death of an Indian reported so far. Also read: Delhi Metro train services to remain closed on Sunday in wake of PM's 'Janta curfew' call Many Indians have been evacuated from Italy, and an Air India flight will be sent to Rome this weekend to bring back more Indians. As per the numbers released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 196 positive cases have been reported in India so far. Four deaths have been locally recorded, with 22 people being marked as ''cured/discharged''. Additionally, India has so far screened over 14,59,993 people at airports across the country.

No Indian diplomat infected with COVID-19, say Indian government sources

India will&nbsp;participate in China led video conference on tackling corona crisis today. In the conference, New Delhi will be represented at the joint secretary-level from the health ministry.&nbsp;

Chinese envoy to India Sun Weidong in a tweet said, "China will hold a video conference with more than ten countries in the Eurasian and South Asia on prevention and control of Covid-19 today. China will support and assist its friendly neighbours in the spirit of solidarity amid adversity."

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— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/China_Amb_India/status/1240886343380525057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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All of the South Asian countries including Pakistan and Bhutan will be present in the video conference.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-misused-saarc-video-conference-meet-on-coronavirus-india-287450">Pakistan misused SAARC video conference meet on coronavirus - India</a>

On March&nbsp;15, PM Modi held a meeting with SAARC heads to chalk a strategy against the coronavirus which is rapidly spreading around the world.

During the meet, New Delhi announced an emergency COVID fund and its rapid response teams for any South Asian country which might be keen to use them.

Next week, G20 Video conference will take place, which was also proposed by PM Modi. The invitation has been accepted by G20 Chair Saudi Arabia and Australian PM Scott Morrison.&nbsp;

India will participate in China led video conference on tackling corona crisis today. In the conference, New Delhi will be represented at the joint secretary-level from the health ministry.

India will participate in China led video conference on tackling corona crisis today. In the conference, New Delhi will be represented at the joint secretary-level from the health ministry. Chinese envoy to India Sun Weidong in a tweet said, "China will hold a video conference with more than ten countries in the Eurasian and South Asia on prevention and control of Covid-19 today. China will support and assist its friendly neighbours in the spirit of solidarity amid adversity." China will hold a video conference with more than 10 countries in the Eurasian and South Asia on prevention&control of #Covid-19 today. China will support&assist its friendly neighbors in the spirit of solidarity amid adversity. — Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) March 20, 2020 × All of the South Asian countries including Pakistan and Bhutan will be present in the video conference. Also read: Pakistan misused SAARC video conference meet on coronavirus - India On March 15, PM Modi held a meeting with SAARC heads to chalk a strategy against the coronavirus which is rapidly spreading around the world. During the meet, New Delhi announced an emergency COVID fund and its rapid response teams for any South Asian country which might be keen to use them. Next week, G20 Video conference will take place, which was also proposed by PM Modi. The invitation has been accepted by G20 Chair Saudi Arabia and Australian PM Scott Morrison.

India to participate in China-led video conference on coronavirus

India has received an informal request from Maldives and Nepal for its rapid response team, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is at the disposal of SAARC countries. PM Modi had made the announcement on Sunday during the video conference with SAARC leaders for the joint strategy to deal with Corona Virus Crisis.&nbsp;

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh in response to a question at the special presser on coronavirus crisis said, "A crisis of this magnitude does not recognize borders. It requires a coordinated response on a regional and global level. It was in this spirit that Prime Minister took the initiative of getting all the SAARC countries to cooperate closely to combat the pandemic."

Adding, "Initiative has been appreciated by several countries, including the SAARC member States. We are moving very fast on these announcements."

PM Modi had also announced the establishment of a SAARC Emergency Response Fund for COVID-19, with the initial US $ 10 million contributions from India which is up and running.&nbsp;

India has also got requests from SAARC countries for assistance in the form of masks, gloves, disinfectants and other items and the quantum of requests received is already above 1 million Dollar. India has already sent supplies to Bhutan and Maldives.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Indian envoy to Maldives Sanjay Sudhir said, "India is the only country which has come to the concrete assistance of Maldives. We have provided 5.5 ton of essential medicines which will suffice for three months. We have also provided a rapid response medical team which is working right now in the Maldives. We are committed, and will always stand by the side of Maldives. "

India had evacuated 9 Maldivians from Wuhan, which was the epicentre of the crisis in January. Other than Maldivians, India got back 23 Bangladeshis, 2 Sri Lankans and One Nepali also from Wuhan.

Another SAARC video conference is also scheduled for 26th March among the Health Professionals of all the SAARC. During the conference, the best practices being followed by health professionals of the respective countries will be discussed.

India has received an informal request from Maldives and Nepal for its rapid response team, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is at the disposal of SAARC countries.

India has received an informal request from Maldives and Nepal for its rapid response team, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is at the disposal of SAARC countries. PM Modi had made the announcement on Sunday during the video conference with SAARC leaders for the joint strategy to deal with Corona Virus Crisis. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh in response to a question at the special presser on coronavirus crisis said, "A crisis of this magnitude does not recognize borders. It requires a coordinated response on a regional and global level. It was in this spirit that Prime Minister took the initiative of getting all the SAARC countries to cooperate closely to combat the pandemic." Adding, "Initiative has been appreciated by several countries, including the SAARC member States. We are moving very fast on these announcements." PM Modi had also announced the establishment of a SAARC Emergency Response Fund for COVID-19, with the initial US $ 10 million contributions from India which is up and running. India has also got requests from SAARC countries for assistance in the form of masks, gloves, disinfectants and other items and the quantum of requests received is already above 1 million Dollar. India has already sent supplies to Bhutan and Maldives. Speaking to WION, Indian envoy to Maldives Sanjay Sudhir said, "India is the only country which has come to the concrete assistance of Maldives. We have provided 5.5 ton of essential medicines which will suffice for three months. We have also provided a rapid response medical team which is working right now in the Maldives. We are committed, and will always stand by the side of Maldives. " India had evacuated 9 Maldivians from Wuhan, which was the epicentre of the crisis in January. Other than Maldivians, India got back 23 Bangladeshis, 2 Sri Lankans and One Nepali also from Wuhan. Another SAARC video conference is also scheduled for 26th March among the Health Professionals of all the SAARC. During the conference, the best practices being followed by health professionals of the respective countries will be discussed.

SAARC conference on coronavirus: Maldives, Nepal request for India's rapid response teams

Even as G20 leaders are all set to meet via video conference to tackle the coronavirus crisis, an Indian idea accepted by G20 Chair Saudi Arabia, India's Sherpa or the chief negotiator at the grouping Suresh Prabhu has said that the grouping should develop a vaccine for the epidemic as soon as possible.&nbsp;

Suresh Prabhu speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal also said,"PM Modi is very keen that we must address this global challenge together ".&nbsp;

Prabhu is currently in self-quarantine as a precaution after his return from Riyadh G20 Sherpa meet.

WION: What is India's expectation from the G20 summit via video conference on the coronavirus?

Suresh Prabhu: Our honourable Prime Minister has always taken a lead in dealing with global issues.&nbsp;G20, the grouping, representing 86 per cent of global GDP is a forum that can play a leadership role.&nbsp;

Coronavirus has become one of the most destabilising factors, economically, socially, politically all over the world.&nbsp;A situation like this must have prevailed during the World War-II, businesses are shutting down, people are apprehensive.&nbsp;

G20 should play a key role. He had instructed me when I went to Saudi Arabia for the second Sherpa meet to ensure that the group comes out with a statement on coronavirus.&nbsp;

One of the key points is we must develop a vaccine as early as possible. The WHO must develop an early warning system which is very important and then whatever investment is going on to fight coronavirus must also go to address the long term challenges. Money should be used in creating an infrastructure which will help us deal with a future crisis.&nbsp;

WION: What suggestions can be expected from India, from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi?&nbsp;

Suresh Prabhu: We will see when he addresses the nation. PM Modi has been consistently and always has been playing a leadership role in dealing with global challenges.&nbsp;

PM Modi has always said that G20 must not always speak for the 20 countries, but for those who are not in the room. Many countries who are outside the room and not in the G20, we should all speak for them, we must think of them, we must act. It is also imperative that countries who are more vulnerable, have less financial resources even suffer more because of such viruses.

WION: What has been the response of other G20 countries on Indian proposals, on the summit as well as the vaccine?

Suresh Prabhu: All countries supported us and I must thank my Saudi counterpart, the Saudi minister, who supported India's stance to work together in a manner that the world community as a whole must address this challenge. PM Modi always believes in the unity of action is what is necessary.&nbsp;

WION: In the past also India has taken up the lead role, this time new proposals can be expected...

Sidhant Sibal: That we will come to know when the summit takes place. PM Modi is very keen that we must address this global challenge together and bring our resources together and make sure teamwork can result in fighting this menace.

Even as G20 leaders are all set to meet via video conference to tackle the coronavirus crisis, an Indian idea accepted by G20 Chair Saudi Arabia, India's Sherpa or the chief negotiator at the grouping Suresh Prabhu has said that the grouping should develop a vaccine for the epidemic as soon as possible.

Even as G20 leaders are all set to meet via video conference to tackle the coronavirus crisis, an Indian idea accepted by G20 Chair Saudi Arabia, India's Sherpa or the chief negotiator at the grouping Suresh Prabhu has said that the grouping should develop a vaccine for the epidemic as soon as possible. Suresh Prabhu speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal also said,"PM Modi is very keen that we must address this global challenge together ". Prabhu is currently in self-quarantine as a precaution after his return from Riyadh G20 Sherpa meet. WION: What is India's expectation from the G20 summit via video conference on the coronavirus? Suresh Prabhu: Our honourable Prime Minister has always taken a lead in dealing with global issues. G20, the grouping, representing 86 per cent of global GDP is a forum that can play a leadership role. Coronavirus has become one of the most destabilising factors, economically, socially, politically all over the world. A situation like this must have prevailed during the World War-II, businesses are shutting down, people are apprehensive. G20 should play a key role. He had instructed me when I went to Saudi Arabia for the second Sherpa meet to ensure that the group comes out with a statement on coronavirus. One of the key points is we must develop a vaccine as early as possible. The WHO must develop an early warning system which is very important and then whatever investment is going on to fight coronavirus must also go to address the long term challenges. Money should be used in creating an infrastructure which will help us deal with a future crisis. WION: What suggestions can be expected from India, from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi? Suresh Prabhu: We will see when he addresses the nation. PM Modi has been consistently and always has been playing a leadership role in dealing with global challenges. PM Modi has always said that G20 must not always speak for the 20 countries, but for those who are not in the room. Many countries who are outside the room and not in the G20, we should all speak for them, we must think of them, we must act. It is also imperative that countries who are more vulnerable, have less financial resources even suffer more because of such viruses. WION: What has been the response of other G20 countries on Indian proposals, on the summit as well as the vaccine? Suresh Prabhu: All countries supported us and I must thank my Saudi counterpart, the Saudi minister, who supported India's stance to work together in a manner that the world community as a whole must address this challenge. PM Modi always believes in the unity of action is what is necessary. WION: In the past also India has taken up the lead role, this time new proposals can be expected... Sidhant Sibal: That we will come to know when the summit takes place. PM Modi is very keen that we must address this global challenge together and bring our resources together and make sure teamwork can result in fighting this menace.

G20 must develop a vaccine against coronavirus fast: Suresh Prabhu, India's Sherpa at G20

Saudi Arabia has accepted Indian PM&nbsp;Narendra Modi's proposal for a G20 summit via video conference to deal with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-crosses-100-in-us-as-coronavirus-spreads-to-all-states-287098">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;crisis next week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-spain-grapple-with-coronavirus-epidemic-as-death-toll-rises-287087">Also Read: Italy, Spain grapple with coronavirus epidemic as death toll rises</a>

Saudi Arabia is the chair of the G20 this year and will be taking all calls regarding the summit.

The G-20 secretariat in Riyadh in a release said, "The Saudi G-20 Presidency is communicating with G20 countries to convene an extraordinary virtual G20 leaders' Summit next week to advance a coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its human and economic implications."

"The Saudi Presidency will continue to support and coordinate international efforts to counter the impact of the pandemic, both in human and economic terms," it said.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the two leaders discussed the COVID –19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi during the telephonic talk highlighted India’s initiative to organise a video conference among SAARC countries on Sunday evening.

The Indian government readout of the talks said, "The two leaders agreed that a similar exercise at the level of G-20 leaders, under the aegis of Saudi Arabia as the Chair of G20, would be useful at a global scale, both for discussing specific measures to address the challenges posed by the global outbreak of COVID-19."

PM Modi has suggested the idea of G20 summit via video conferencing to other G20 leaders as well.&nbsp;

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison over the weekend said, "I'm also aware that (Indian) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to organise a link-up between all the G20 leaders. I think that's a commendable initiative, Australia obviously supports that, communicate that."&nbsp;

Morrison called for a further meet on G20 finance meeting to deal with the economic impact.

The EU is also keen on the summit. The spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy EU Virginie Battu-Henriksson told WION, "We need strong G20 coordination and leadership. COVID-19 is a severe public health emergency and a major economic shock affecting many countries around the world."

G20, at summit level, emerged after the 2008 financial crisis and since then has been playing a major role in shaping global policy actions. The grouping meets once a year and has a rotational presidency.

Saudi Arabia has accepted Indian PM Narendra Modi's proposal for a G20 summit via video conference to deal with the coronavirus crisis next week. Also Read: Italy, Spain grapple with coronavirus epidemic as death toll rises Saudi Arabia is the chair of the G20 this year and will be taking all calls regarding the summit.

Saudi Arabia has accepted Indian PM Narendra Modi's proposal for a G20 summit via video conference to deal with the coronavirus crisis next week. Also Read: Italy, Spain grapple with coronavirus epidemic as death toll rises Saudi Arabia is the chair of the G20 this year and will be taking all calls regarding the summit. The G-20 secretariat in Riyadh in a release said, "The Saudi G-20 Presidency is communicating with G20 countries to convene an extraordinary virtual G20 leaders' Summit next week to advance a coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its human and economic implications." "The Saudi Presidency will continue to support and coordinate international efforts to counter the impact of the pandemic, both in human and economic terms," it said. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the two leaders discussed the COVID –19 pandemic. Prime Minister Modi during the telephonic talk highlighted India’s initiative to organise a video conference among SAARC countries on Sunday evening. The Indian government readout of the talks said, "The two leaders agreed that a similar exercise at the level of G-20 leaders, under the aegis of Saudi Arabia as the Chair of G20, would be useful at a global scale, both for discussing specific measures to address the challenges posed by the global outbreak of COVID-19." PM Modi has suggested the idea of G20 summit via video conferencing to other G20 leaders as well. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison over the weekend said, "I'm also aware that (Indian) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to organise a link-up between all the G20 leaders. I think that's a commendable initiative, Australia obviously supports that, communicate that." Morrison called for a further meet on G20 finance meeting to deal with the economic impact. The EU is also keen on the summit. The spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy EU Virginie Battu-Henriksson told WION, "We need strong G20 coordination and leadership. COVID-19 is a severe public health emergency and a major economic shock affecting many countries around the world." G20, at summit level, emerged after the 2008 financial crisis and since then has been playing a major role in shaping global policy actions. The grouping meets once a year and has a rotational presidency.

G20 chair Saudi Arabia accepts PM Modi's call for meet via video conference over coronavirus

Even as G20 is set to meet via video conference for a global coordinated after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposal, France has welcomed the development saying they expect India to be very dynamic.&nbsp;

 
French envoy Emmanuel Lenain speaking exclusively to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal said, "We expect India to be very dynamic in raising the issue within G20."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mind-your-own-business-china-to-trump-after-he-calls-covid-19-chinese-virus-287042">Mind your own business: China to Trump after he calls COVID-19 'Chinese virus'</a>

WION: How do you see the current situation do to Corona Virus? 
 
Emmanuel Lenain: The situation is truly exceptional. We have to win. My govt has taken truly exceptional temporary measures that will be applied to the next 15 days, 30 days minimum. All our people have to show discipline and solidarity. This virus is not only harmful to a certain part of the population, but all the young people can also get the disease, it can be transmitted even if u don't show symptoms. We must be strict on that.

WION: Indian PM Modi has proposed G20 Meet. It has been accepted by Saudi Arabia..how do u see the development? 
 
Emmanuel Lenain: Virus has no border. We can only this war if we are collective players. If we join efforts under the auspices of WHO, under national coordinated measures, that is why all discussions under international bodies are important. India has a key player at the global stage, also global health issues have a role. U mentioned G20, we expect a lot from India, India is going to be the chair of G20 in 2022. In the run-up to this big year, we expect India to be very dynamic in raising the issue within G20.

WION: How do u see the economic impact? 
 
Emmanuel Lenain: Economic impact has to be assessed but we know for sure it going to be huge. All our governments are taking measures and announcing packages for the activity but in the end, we need big coordination between our countries. I know that we are discussing with India on certain measures, we discussing within international bodies, within G7, G20, India is talking within regional bodies like SAARC. It has to be continued, we need to accelerate, we need to put on board the IMF, world bank. It is a collective effort.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-in-india-live-updates-coronavirus-cases-in-india-live-news-latest-updates-one-intel-employee-potentially-exposed-to-coronavirus-under-quarantine-284099">Coronavirus LIVE: 276 Indians, including 255 in Iran, infected with Covid-19 abroad, says MEA</a>

Even as G20 is set to meet via video conference for a global coordinated after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposal, France has welcomed the development saying they expect India to be very dynamic.

Even as G20 is set to meet via video conference for a global coordinated after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposal, France has welcomed the development saying they expect India to be very dynamic. French envoy Emmanuel Lenain speaking exclusively to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal said, "We expect India to be very dynamic in raising the issue within G20." Also read: Mind your own business: China to Trump after he calls COVID-19 'Chinese virus' WION: How do you see the current situation do to Corona Virus? Emmanuel Lenain: The situation is truly exceptional. We have to win. My govt has taken truly exceptional temporary measures that will be applied to the next 15 days, 30 days minimum. All our people have to show discipline and solidarity. This virus is not only harmful to a certain part of the population, but all the young people can also get the disease, it can be transmitted even if u don't show symptoms. We must be strict on that. WION: Indian PM Modi has proposed G20 Meet. It has been accepted by Saudi Arabia..how do u see the development? Emmanuel Lenain: Virus has no border. We can only this war if we are collective players. If we join efforts under the auspices of WHO, under national coordinated measures, that is why all discussions under international bodies are important. India has a key player at the global stage, also global health issues have a role. U mentioned G20, we expect a lot from India, India is going to be the chair of G20 in 2022. In the run-up to this big year, we expect India to be very dynamic in raising the issue within G20. WION: How do u see the economic impact? Emmanuel Lenain: Economic impact has to be assessed but we know for sure it going to be huge. All our governments are taking measures and announcing packages for the activity but in the end, we need big coordination between our countries. I know that we are discussing with India on certain measures, we discussing within international bodies, within G7, G20, India is talking within regional bodies like SAARC. It has to be continued, we need to accelerate, we need to put on board the IMF, world bank. It is a collective effort. Coronavirus LIVE: 276 Indians, including 255 in Iran, infected with Covid-19 abroad, says MEA

G20 coronavirus meet: France welcomes India's active role in G20, lauds SAARC video conference 

The Indian army is taking suitable measures to curb the spread of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-embassy-in-italy-says-its-assisting-more-than-300-indian-students-in-rome-287097">coronavirus</a> after it confirmed the first case of the virus among the ranks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-positive-cases-in-india-jumps-to-147-287102">Also Read:&nbsp;COVID-19 positive cases in India jumps to 147</a>

A 34-year-old soldier in Leh has been confirmed the first case of infection in the army and got it from his father who was tested positive for the coronavirus. The soldier was quarantined on March 7 and detected to be positive on March 16 was isolated at the same Hospital.

Sources say the soldier "was helping his family during the quarantine period and was staying at Chuchot village."

His father had returned from Iran after pilgrimage on February 27. The father reported positive for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-chair-saudi-arabia-accepts-pm-modis-call-for-meet-via-video-conference-over-coronavirus-287105">COVID-19</a> on March 6 and was isolated at Sonam Norboo Memorial Hospital, Leh. The soldier's sister, wife and two children have also been quarantined.

The Indian Army has put in place measures like postponing of courses from coming Monday, however, the courses which are already in progress will continue with precautions. Non-essential training conferences have also been cancelled.

The National Defence College will remain closed until March 31 with recruitment drives postponed by a month.

An advisory has been issued to all military staff to avoid mass gatherings as much as possible which includes festival celebrations as well as visits to shopping malls and movie theatres.

The Indian Navy has also issued health advisories to all naval ships moving in international waters. Earlier, the Navy had deferred Milan - the largest ever multi-country wargame involving 30 nations.

The Indian army is taking suitable measures to curb the spread of coronavirus after it confirmed the first case of the virus among the ranks. Also Read: COVID-19 positive cases in India jumps to 147 A 34-year-old soldier in Leh has been confirmed the first case of infection in the army and got it from his father who was tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Indian army is taking suitable measures to curb the spread of coronavirus after it confirmed the first case of the virus among the ranks. Also Read: COVID-19 positive cases in India jumps to 147 A 34-year-old soldier in Leh has been confirmed the first case of infection in the army and got it from his father who was tested positive for the coronavirus. The soldier was quarantined on March 7 and detected to be positive on March 16 was isolated at the same Hospital. Sources say the soldier "was helping his family during the quarantine period and was staying at Chuchot village." His father had returned from Iran after pilgrimage on February 27. The father reported positive for COVID-19 on March 6 and was isolated at Sonam Norboo Memorial Hospital, Leh. The soldier's sister, wife and two children have also been quarantined. The Indian Army has put in place measures like postponing of courses from coming Monday, however, the courses which are already in progress will continue with precautions. Non-essential training conferences have also been cancelled. The National Defence College will remain closed until March 31 with recruitment drives postponed by a month. An advisory has been issued to all military staff to avoid mass gatherings as much as possible which includes festival celebrations as well as visits to shopping malls and movie theatres. The Indian Navy has also issued health advisories to all naval ships moving in international waters. Earlier, the Navy had deferred Milan - the largest ever multi-country wargame involving 30 nations.

First coronavirus case reported in Indian Army

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over American sanctions impacting fight against coronavirus crisis in the Ismalic Republic.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over American sanctions impacting fight against coronavirus crisis in the Ismalic Republic. The Iranian leader wrote to other global leaders as well. Iranian president in the letter wrote, ''virus knows no boundary and claims, victims, without political, religious, ethnic and racial considerations''. In a tweet Iran Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said, "In a letter to counterparts @HassanRouhani informs how efforts to fight #COVID19 pandemic in Iran have been severely hampered by US sanctions, urging them to cease observing them: It is IMMORAL to let a bully kill innocents" "Viruses recognize no politics or geography. Nor should we," he added. US imposed punitive sanctions on Iran after pulling out of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in November of 2018. The Iran deal or JCPOA was signed in 2015 after talks between five permanent members of UN Security council --US, Russia, China, Britain, France & European Union, Germany and Iran. The deal led to the removal of UN sanctions on Iran with the latter committing to curtailing its nuclear programme. Due to US sanctions, anyone importing oil from Iran will also be sanctioned, thus impacting Tehran economically in a major way. While US sanctions made no exceptions, India got wavier for the Chabahar project in which New Delhi has stakes. The port got major Indian investments and is helping India connect with landlocked Afghanistan. The port got functional last year and has been helping drive trade and connectivity between India and Afghanistan.

Iran president writes to Indian PM, says US sanctions impacting fight against coronavirus 

The SAARC video conference on coronavirus outbreak proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, to take place on Sunday at 5 pm. In a tweet, PM Modi said, "I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus.

The SAARC video conference on coronavirus outbreak proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, to take place on Sunday at 5 pm. In a tweet, PM Modi said, "I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus." "We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy," he added. All SAARC countries including Pakistan welcomed the idea and affirmed participation in the meet. Pakistan will be represented by Special Assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister (SAPM) on health Dr Zafar Mirza. In a tweet, spokesperson of Pakistani Foreign Ministry Aisha Farooqui said, "The threat of #COVID-19 requires coordinated efforts at global and regional level. We have communicated that SAPM on Health will be available to participate in the video conference of SAARC member countries on the issue." This has been conveyed to the Indian side through diplomatic channels as well. The measure is also seen as revival SAARC which as a grouping has been defunct since 2016 following a terror attack in Uri, India in which 19 Indian soldiers. The attack was planned by Pakistan based terrorist which led to India boycotting the summit in Islamabad that year. New Delhi was joined by other SAARC countries to boycott the 2016 Islamabad summit and since then India has been focusing on BIMSTEC grouping whose leaders were invited for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi after he won the second term in 2019.

SAARC video conference on coronavirus to take place on Sunday 

India has reached out to the Maldives with medical supplies and by sending a medical team in the backdrop of growing coronavirus epidemic. The Indian envoy to Maldives Sanjay Sudhir handed over three months supply of medicines weighing 5.5 tonnes to Maldives foreign minister Shahid Abdulla.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modis-maldives-visit-from-cricket-to-defence-what-will-be-on-prime-ministers-agenda-225378">PM Modi's Maldives visit: From cricket to defence, what will be on Prime Minister's agenda</a>

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the Indian envoy said, "Pandemics do not know national boundaries and COVID-19 has taken its toll globally and the world is under its impact. The world is going through difficult times and so is India and so is the Maldives. This is the time for friends to stand with each other and support each other in action as India and Maldives are doing today."

Explaining, "Being the major country in the SAARC region, and also the Indian Ocean region, who else can provide concrete and timely support to the Maldives, it has to India. We are trying our best, to do our bit in this joint efforts."

Maldives foreign minister has welcomed the gesture and in a tweet said, "It will be a tremendous help as we combat the #COVID19. One country alone cannot face this pandemic. Together, we shall prevail".

A 14-member Indian team of pulmonologists, anaesthetists, physicians and lab technicians reached the Indian Ocean country on Friday.

In the month of February, India evacuated nine Maldivians in two evacuation missions along with other Indian nationals from Wuhan in China which is the epicentre of the crisis. Earlier this year, India provided 30,000 doses of measles vaccines within 72 hours of request made by Male.

 
&nbsp;

India has reached out to the Maldives with medical supplies and by sending a medical team in the backdrop of growing coronavirus epidemic. The Indian envoy to Maldives Sanjay Sudhir handed over three months supply of medicines weighing 5.

India has reached out to the Maldives with medical supplies and by sending a medical team in the backdrop of growing coronavirus epidemic. The Indian envoy to Maldives Sanjay Sudhir handed over three months supply of medicines weighing 5.5 tonnes to Maldives foreign minister Shahid Abdulla. Also read: PM Modi's Maldives visit: From cricket to defence, what will be on Prime Minister's agenda Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the Indian envoy said, "Pandemics do not know national boundaries and COVID-19 has taken its toll globally and the world is under its impact. The world is going through difficult times and so is India and so is the Maldives. This is the time for friends to stand with each other and support each other in action as India and Maldives are doing today." Explaining, "Being the major country in the SAARC region, and also the Indian Ocean region, who else can provide concrete and timely support to the Maldives, it has to India. We are trying our best, to do our bit in this joint efforts." Maldives foreign minister has welcomed the gesture and in a tweet said, "It will be a tremendous help as we combat the #COVID19. One country alone cannot face this pandemic. Together, we shall prevail". A 14-member Indian team of pulmonologists, anaesthetists, physicians and lab technicians reached the Indian Ocean country on Friday. In the month of February, India evacuated nine Maldivians in two evacuation missions along with other Indian nationals from Wuhan in China which is the epicentre of the crisis. Earlier this year, India provided 30,000 doses of measles vaccines within 72 hours of request made by Male.

Coronavirus: India reaches out to Maldives, sends three months' medical supplies

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