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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taliban acknowledges Kashmir internal matter of India after fake tweets

A lot of questions are being raised on British Government's decision on refusing a request from indian government to&nbsp;extradite Mohammed Hanif Umerji Patel, also known as `Tiger Hanif`,&nbsp;a suspect in 1993 bomb blasts that happened in Surat, Gujarat.

He is&nbsp;alleged to be an aide of the infamous underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. He has been accused by the Indian government of playing a main role in the devastating 1993 Surat bomb blasts.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-loses-final-chance-to-appeal-against-india-extradition-plea-298675">Also read:&nbsp;Vijay Mallya loses final chance to appeal against India extradition plea</a>

The bombings took place in january 1993&nbsp;at a railway station in the Varachha area of Surat, and left dozens of people critically injured.

Hanif has, in the past, stated that his human rights will be violated and he will be tortured in india, but has lost multiple legal bids to remain in the UK.&nbsp;

It is believed that Hanif arrived in the UK illegally in 1996 after jumping bail in India, following his arrest over the attacks and eventually obtained a British passport in 2005. He was arrested by British police in 2010 after India requested his extradition. He had been picked up whilst working at a grocery store in northern England.

Since 2013, the 57-year-old has lost a number of legal bids to remain in the UK by claiming that his human rights would be violated. He has repeatedly insisted that he would be tortured if returned to India.

Although he has been cleared to return to India,&nbsp;UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid refused the request for extradition in 2019, and thus Hanif has managed to stay in the UK.

A lot of questions are being raised on this decision by Sajid Javid, as he approved Indian government's similar request for Vijay Mallya, but refused for Hanif. In both cases, the individuals had contested against extradition on similar grounds that they would not receive fair trials and jail conditions would breach their basic human rights.

A lot of questions are being raised on British Government's decision on refusing a request from indian government to extradite Mohammed Hanif Umerji Patel, also known as `Tiger Hanif`, a suspect in 1993 bomb blasts that happened in Surat, Gujarat.

A lot of questions are being raised on British Government's decision on refusing a request from indian government to extradite Mohammed Hanif Umerji Patel, also known as `Tiger Hanif`, a suspect in 1993 bomb blasts that happened in Surat, Gujarat. He is alleged to be an aide of the infamous underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. He has been accused by the Indian government of playing a main role in the devastating 1993 Surat bomb blasts. Also read: Vijay Mallya loses final chance to appeal against India extradition plea The bombings took place in january 1993 at a railway station in the Varachha area of Surat, and left dozens of people critically injured. Hanif has, in the past, stated that his human rights will be violated and he will be tortured in india, but has lost multiple legal bids to remain in the UK. It is believed that Hanif arrived in the UK illegally in 1996 after jumping bail in India, following his arrest over the attacks and eventually obtained a British passport in 2005. He was arrested by British police in 2010 after India requested his extradition. He had been picked up whilst working at a grocery store in northern England. Since 2013, the 57-year-old has lost a number of legal bids to remain in the UK by claiming that his human rights would be violated. He has repeatedly insisted that he would be tortured if returned to India. Although he has been cleared to return to India, UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid refused the request for extradition in 2019, and thus Hanif has managed to stay in the UK. A lot of questions are being raised on this decision by Sajid Javid, as he approved Indian government's similar request for Vijay Mallya, but refused for Hanif. In both cases, the individuals had contested against extradition on similar grounds that they would not receive fair trials and jail conditions would breach their basic human rights.

Questions raised as UK Home Secretary says no to extradition of Dawood's aide

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

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

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

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

India is among 62 nations who have moved a draft resolution demanding evaluation of the World Health Organisation (WHO)`s response towards the novel coronavirus pandemic.

India is among 62 nations who have moved a draft resolution demanding evaluation of the World Health Organisation (WHO)`s response towards the novel coronavirus pandemic. The European Union-led draft resolution on global COVID-19 response is set to be tabled at the upcoming World Health Assembly on Monday. The draft resolution demands initiation "at the earliest appropriate moment to review experience gained and lessons learned from the WHO-coordinated international health response to COVID-19". "We are deeply concerned by the morbidity and mortality caused by COVID-19 pandemic, the negative impacts on physical and mental health and social well-being, the negative impacts on economy and society and the consequent exacerbation of inequalities within and between countries," read the draft. "We express solidarity to all countries affected by the pandemic, as well as condolences and sympathy to all the families of the victims of COVID-19," it added. The resolution says timelines are to be evaluated regarding "recommendations the WHO made to improve global pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capacity". The global health body has come under criticism not just from the US for its response being "China-centric".

India among 62-nation seeking probe into WHO's COVID-19 response

The Pakistan Army on Sunday opened fire and shelled forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said.

The cross-border firing started in Degwar sector around 8:40 am, drawing retaliation from the Indian Army, the spokesman said.

He said there was no report of any casualty on the Indian side in the Pakistani firing.

They started with small arms firing and later fired mortars around 9:30 am,&nbsp;the spokesman said, adding the cross-border firing between the two sides was going on when last reports came in.

The Pakistani firing ended over a week-long lull along the LoC.

Pakistan last violated the ceasefire in Degwar sector on May 9 and Kirni, Qasba and Shahpur sectors of Poonch two days earlier.

The Pakistan Army on Sunday opened fire and shelled forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said.

The Pakistan Army on Sunday opened fire and shelled forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said. The cross-border firing started in Degwar sector around 8:40 am, drawing retaliation from the Indian Army, the spokesman said. He said there was no report of any casualty on the Indian side in the Pakistani firing. They started with small arms firing and later fired mortars around 9:30 am, the spokesman said, adding the cross-border firing between the two sides was going on when last reports came in. The Pakistani firing ended over a week-long lull along the LoC. Pakistan last violated the ceasefire in Degwar sector on May 9 and Kirni, Qasba and Shahpur sectors of Poonch two days earlier.

Pakistan Army shells forward areas along LoC in Poonch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, as he and his rival-turned-partner Benny Gantz joined hands to form a coalition government, ending months of political uncertainty in the country.

"Mazel Tov (congratulations) my friend @netanyahu for forming your fifth government in Israel," PM Modi wrote on Twitter in Hebrew and English.

"I wish you and @gantzbe (Benny Gantz) success and look forward to continue working closely with your government to further strengthen India-Israel strategic partnership," the prime minister said.

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Mazel Tov my friend <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netanyahu</a> for forming your fifth government in Israel. I wish you and <a href="https://twitter.com/gantzbe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gantzbe</a> success and look forward to continue working closely with your government to further strengthen India-Israel strategic partnership.
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Netanyahu on Sunday announced that a new government led by him would be sworn-in with a pledge of Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank to write another glorified chapter in the history of Zionism.

On Wednesday, Netanyahu announced that he has succeeded in forming a unity government in letters sent to President Reuven Rivlin, and Blue and White party Chairman Benny Gantz, who was temporarily serving as the speaker of Knesset (Israeli Parliament).

The government was to be sworn-in on Thursday but internal squabbles in the ruling Likud party over ministerial claims postponed it.

The new government, which according to the coalition agreement, will see Gantz replace Netanyahu as Prime Minister after 18 months on November 17, 2021, as the per power-sharing deal.

Netanyahu would then acquire the title of "Alternate Prime Minister", something that Gantz would now enjoy while also being the Defence Minister.

The government with 32 ministers initially will swell to 36 in six months, making it the largest government in the Jewish state's history.

Prominent ministerial appointments include Gabi Ashkenazi (Blue and White party) as foreign minister, Israel Katz (Likud) as finance minister, Avi Nissenkorn (Blue and White party) as Justice minister and Likud Yuli Edelstein (Likud) as health minister.

Netanyahu's close confidante Amir Ohana, currently serving as interim Justice Minister, is expected to receive the public security portfolio, which oversees law enforcement.

During his tenure as justice minister, Ohana repeatedly attacked the judiciary and those leading it as they pushed forward with criminal investigations, and eventually indictments, against Netanyahu.

Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing and his trial is set to start later this month. 
Ohana's possible appointment as public security minister has sparked speculation among top police officials that he may oppose possible new probes against Netanyahu.

The beleaguered Israeli Prime Minister managed to hold on to his right-wing bloc amid three inconclusive polls to force his main rival Gantz to finally succumb to the demand of a broad national unity government.

(with inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, as he and his rival-turned-partner Benny Gantz joined hands to form a coalition government, ending months of political uncertainty in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, as he and his rival-turned-partner Benny Gantz joined hands to form a coalition government, ending months of political uncertainty in the country. "Mazel Tov (congratulations) my friend @netanyahu for forming your fifth government in Israel," PM Modi wrote on Twitter in Hebrew and English. "I wish you and @gantzbe (Benny Gantz) success and look forward to continue working closely with your government to further strengthen India-Israel strategic partnership," the prime minister said. Mazel Tov my friend @netanyahu for forming your fifth government in Israel. I wish you and @gantzbe success and look forward to continue working closely with your government to further strengthen India-Israel strategic partnership. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 17, 2020 × Netanyahu on Sunday announced that a new government led by him would be sworn-in with a pledge of Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank to write another glorified chapter in the history of Zionism. On Wednesday, Netanyahu announced that he has succeeded in forming a unity government in letters sent to President Reuven Rivlin, and Blue and White party Chairman Benny Gantz, who was temporarily serving as the speaker of Knesset (Israeli Parliament). The government was to be sworn-in on Thursday but internal squabbles in the ruling Likud party over ministerial claims postponed it. The new government, which according to the coalition agreement, will see Gantz replace Netanyahu as Prime Minister after 18 months on November 17, 2021, as the per power-sharing deal. Netanyahu would then acquire the title of "Alternate Prime Minister", something that Gantz would now enjoy while also being the Defence Minister. The government with 32 ministers initially will swell to 36 in six months, making it the largest government in the Jewish state's history. Prominent ministerial appointments include Gabi Ashkenazi (Blue and White party) as foreign minister, Israel Katz (Likud) as finance minister, Avi Nissenkorn (Blue and White party) as Justice minister and Likud Yuli Edelstein (Likud) as health minister. Netanyahu's close confidante Amir Ohana, currently serving as interim Justice Minister, is expected to receive the public security portfolio, which oversees law enforcement. During his tenure as justice minister, Ohana repeatedly attacked the judiciary and those leading it as they pushed forward with criminal investigations, and eventually indictments, against Netanyahu. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing and his trial is set to start later this month. Ohana's possible appointment as public security minister has sparked speculation among top police officials that he may oppose possible new probes against Netanyahu. The beleaguered Israeli Prime Minister managed to hold on to his right-wing bloc amid three inconclusive polls to force his main rival Gantz to finally succumb to the demand of a broad national unity government. (with inputs from agencies)

PM Modi congratulates Netanyahu as new Israeli government is formed

India should speak with Taliban militants if it feels that it will help the peace process, Pakistan's envoy to Washington said on Saturday, after a series of attacks in Afghanistan raised questions about whether the US peace effort may collapse.

India should speak with Taliban militants if it feels that it will help the peace process, Pakistan's envoy to Washington said on Saturday, after a series of attacks in Afghanistan raised questions about whether the US peace effort may collapse. In an interview with The Hindu, an Indian newspaper, U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad said it would be "appropriate" for an India-Taliban engagement. India and Pakistan have gone to war three times since they won independence from British colonial rule in 1947 and Pakistan has guarded the influence it has over the Taliban. Islamabad has long been resistant to India increasing its influence in Pakistan. "It is for India to respond to that suggestion," Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Asad Khan told Reuters. Asked if he was open to an Indian dialogue with the Taliban, Khan said: "If India feels that their engagement is going to help the peace process, then we would defer to their judgment. But it's not for us to sit in judgment on what they should do or they shouldn't do." He stopped short of saying he was open to an Indian engagement with the Taliban or whether Islamabad favored such a move. However, any acquiescence by Islamabad to an Indian role could be seen in Kabul and elsewhere as a sign of growing international concern with the peace push. Khan said that he would hopefully be speaking with Khalilzad soon and did not go by Indian media accounts, which he said in many cases are "fanciful" and give their own interpretations. The two nuclear armed neighbors came close to another war last year after a deadly attack on Indian police by a Pakistan-based militant group resulted in air strikes by both countries. Pakistan's role in the peace negotiations is a delicate one, with Islamabad seeking to avoid demonstrating the kind of broad influence over the Taliban that Washington has long accused it of having. Two attacks in Afghanistan on Tuesday have complicated the U.S. push for peace. One attack, on a Kabul hospital's maternity ward, killed 24 people, including two babies. Another, at a funeral in eastern Afghanistan, killed 32. The United States has blamed the Islamic State for the attacks. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani ordered the military on Tuesday to switch to "offensive mode" against the Taliban following the attacks.

India should talk to Taliban if Delhi feels it will bolster peace push: Pakistan's US envoy

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the United States will donate ventilators to India and added, together ''we will beath the invisible enemy''. ''I am proud to announce that the United States will donate ventilators to our friends in India.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the United States will donate ventilators to India and added, together ''we will beath the invisible enemy''. ''I am proud to announce that the United States will donate ventilators to our friends in India. We stand with India and @narendramodi during this pandemic. We’re also cooperating on vaccine development. Together we will beat the invisible enemy!'' Trump tweeted on Friday. × At an event in the White House Rose Garden, Trump expressed his hope that a vaccine would be in place before the end of the year and said his administration would mobilize its forces to get a vaccine distributed once one was in place. I am proud to announce that the United States will donate ventilators to our friends in India. We stand with India and @narendramodi during this pandemic. We’re also cooperating on vaccine development. Together we will beat the invisible enemy! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 15, 2020 × ''India has been so great. As you know your prime minister has been a very good friend of mine and I just got back from India recently. We are working very much with India too and we have a tremendous Indian population in the United States,'' Trump told a reporter. ''Many of the people you are talking about are working on the vaccine too. Great scientists and researches. We are working very closely with India too and say hello to your prime minister,'' he added.

United States will donate ventilators to India, says President Trump

Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee has said that there is no certainty that India will gain from shifting of businesses from China in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking to a Bengali news channel ABP Ananda on Monday evening, Banerjee said that everyone is blaming China for the COVID-19 outbreak as it has origin there.

"China is being blamed now for the coronavirus outbreak. Even people are saying that India stands to benefit as businesses will shift from China and come to India. But that may not be true," the economist said.

Banerjee, who is also a member of Global Advisory Board formed by the West Bengal government to prepare a roadmap for COVID-19 response in the state, said, "What happens if China depreciates its currency. In that case, Chinese products will be cheaper and people will continue to buy their products".

Talking about the proportion of gross domestic product (GDP) planned to be spent by the Centre for a relief package, Banerjee said countries like the US, UK and Japan are spending a high share of their respective GDPs.

"India plans to spend less than one per cent of its GDP at Rs 1.70 lakh crore. We should spend much increased proportion of GDP," he said.

The Centre had announced a more than Rs 1.70-lakh crore package to alleviate the hardship of the poor hit by economic disruption due to coronavirus outbreak.

The Economics Nobel Prize winner said main problem is that people of the country do not have high purchasing power.

"The poor people now do not have the money and they hardly have any purchasing power. There is no demand as well. The government should give money in the hands of the common people because they run the economy, not the rich," he said.

Money should be given in the hands of poor people in phases over a period of three to six months, the economist said, adding that if they do not spend that, there is no problem.

Banerjee felt that it is the responsibility of the Centre to look after the migrant workers.

"We have not thought of their problems that they will face. They have no shelter and money in their pockets," he said.

There is a need to issue emergency ration cards to all for a period of three or six months, he said.

"It is the responsibility of the Centre as the migrant workers pass through various states to reach their homes," Banerjee noted.

He said the central government has taken some steps to provide relief to the people, of which extending moratorium on loan repayment is one.

"There is need for taking other steps as well. But the problem is where is the demand," he said.

The MIT professor said there is no dearth of work in India.

"Workers in Delhi and Bangalore are being asked not to leave the states as there are works," he pointed out.

Talking about the nationwide lockdown imposed to contain coronavirus outbreak, he said it has been extended in phases and people were made aware of social distancing and asked to wear masks.

"But that stage is not reached about how to run the economy by maintaining social distancing," he said, adding that it is easier said than done.

Regarding testing of samples, he said India is a big country and the quantum of test should have been more from the beginning.

"We do not know the extent of the coronavirus outbreak as there was no population testing done," he said, adding that more testing should be conducted before lifting the lockdown.

He further said, "More the test, lesser will be the death rates. In West Bengal, the number of tests has increased now. So, the incremental death rate is gradually falling".

On increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country, he said, "It is rising linearly, not exponentially".&nbsp;

Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee has said that there is no certainty that India will gain from shifting of businesses from China in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee has said that there is no certainty that India will gain from shifting of businesses from China in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. Speaking to a Bengali news channel ABP Ananda on Monday evening, Banerjee said that everyone is blaming China for the COVID-19 outbreak as it has origin there. "China is being blamed now for the coronavirus outbreak. Even people are saying that India stands to benefit as businesses will shift from China and come to India. But that may not be true," the economist said. Banerjee, who is also a member of Global Advisory Board formed by the West Bengal government to prepare a roadmap for COVID-19 response in the state, said, "What happens if China depreciates its currency. In that case, Chinese products will be cheaper and people will continue to buy their products". Talking about the proportion of gross domestic product (GDP) planned to be spent by the Centre for a relief package, Banerjee said countries like the US, UK and Japan are spending a high share of their respective GDPs. "India plans to spend less than one per cent of its GDP at Rs 1.70 lakh crore. We should spend much increased proportion of GDP," he said. The Centre had announced a more than Rs 1.70-lakh crore package to alleviate the hardship of the poor hit by economic disruption due to coronavirus outbreak. The Economics Nobel Prize winner said main problem is that people of the country do not have high purchasing power. "The poor people now do not have the money and they hardly have any purchasing power. There is no demand as well. The government should give money in the hands of the common people because they run the economy, not the rich," he said. Money should be given in the hands of poor people in phases over a period of three to six months, the economist said, adding that if they do not spend that, there is no problem. Banerjee felt that it is the responsibility of the Centre to look after the migrant workers. "We have not thought of their problems that they will face. They have no shelter and money in their pockets," he said. There is a need to issue emergency ration cards to all for a period of three or six months, he said. "It is the responsibility of the Centre as the migrant workers pass through various states to reach their homes," Banerjee noted. He said the central government has taken some steps to provide relief to the people, of which extending moratorium on loan repayment is one. "There is need for taking other steps as well. But the problem is where is the demand," he said. The MIT professor said there is no dearth of work in India. "Workers in Delhi and Bangalore are being asked not to leave the states as there are works," he pointed out. Talking about the nationwide lockdown imposed to contain coronavirus outbreak, he said it has been extended in phases and people were made aware of social distancing and asked to wear masks. "But that stage is not reached about how to run the economy by maintaining social distancing," he said, adding that it is easier said than done. Regarding testing of samples, he said India is a big country and the quantum of test should have been more from the beginning. "We do not know the extent of the coronavirus outbreak as there was no population testing done," he said, adding that more testing should be conducted before lifting the lockdown. He further said, "More the test, lesser will be the death rates. In West Bengal, the number of tests has increased now. So, the incremental death rate is gradually falling". On increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country, he said, "It is rising linearly, not exponentially".

Not sure whether India will gain if businesses shift from China due to COVID-19: Abhijit Banerjee

India on Sunday said its security forces had a face-off with that of China in northern Sikkim and in eastern Ladakh, posing a greater concern in the time of global coronavirus crisis.

The first face-off took place in the Nakula area of North Sikkim with both sides suffering injuries.

To this end, a defence spokesperson, in a statement, said, "Aggressive behaviour by the two sides resulted in minor injuries to troops. The two sides disengaged after a dialogue and interaction at local level.

"Temporary and short duration face-offs between the border guarding troops do occur as boundaries are not resolved."

Sources told WION there was nothing "extra-ordinary" about the scuffle&nbsp;in Sikkim and that "more face-offs happen in summer than winters."

The second face-off took place in eastern Ladakh in the intervening night of May 5 and 6. Sources told WION that during the clashes some soldiers were hurt, and the issue was finally resolved.

WION asked Chinese embassy for a response on the face-off, but to no avail.

The last major stand-off that took place between India and China was the 2017 Doklam crisis at the trijunction of India, China and Bhutan. The over two-month long stand-off started with Chinese army building a road into Bhutanese territory and this was stopped by Indian troops.

This was followed by Wuhan informal summit in 2018 in which India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China President Xi Jinping met in the Chinese city and gave guidance to their respective militaries -- in order to strengthen communication to "build trust and mutual understanding and enhance predictability and effectiveness in the management of border affairs" so that any repetition of Doklam crisis is avoided.

India on Sunday said its security forces had a face-off with that of China in northern Sikkim and in eastern Ladakh, posing a greater concern in the time of global coronavirus crisis.

India on Sunday said its security forces had a face-off with that of China in northern Sikkim and in eastern Ladakh, posing a greater concern in the time of global coronavirus crisis. The first face-off took place in the Nakula area of North Sikkim with both sides suffering injuries. To this end, a defence spokesperson, in a statement, said, "Aggressive behaviour by the two sides resulted in minor injuries to troops. The two sides disengaged after a dialogue and interaction at local level. "Temporary and short duration face-offs between the border guarding troops do occur as boundaries are not resolved." Sources told WION there was nothing "extra-ordinary" about the scuffle in Sikkim and that "more face-offs happen in summer than winters." The second face-off took place in eastern Ladakh in the intervening night of May 5 and 6. Sources told WION that during the clashes some soldiers were hurt, and the issue was finally resolved. WION asked Chinese embassy for a response on the face-off, but to no avail. The last major stand-off that took place between India and China was the 2017 Doklam crisis at the trijunction of India, China and Bhutan. The over two-month long stand-off started with Chinese army building a road into Bhutanese territory and this was stopped by Indian troops. This was followed by Wuhan informal summit in 2018 in which India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China President Xi Jinping met in the Chinese city and gave guidance to their respective militaries -- in order to strengthen communication to "build trust and mutual understanding and enhance predictability and effectiveness in the management of border affairs" so that any repetition of Doklam crisis is avoided.

India, China face off in Ladakh, Sikkim; both sides suffer injuries

Fearing retaliation from India,&nbsp;Pakistani Air Force increased flying operations over its territory following Handwara terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Top government sources told that at the time of the incident, Pakistan was already carrying out an aerial exercise about which India also had information.

"Soon after the death of the Colonel, the Pakistani Air Force increased its patrols involving its mix of fighter aircraft including the F-16s and the JF-17 which were being constantly monitored by our surveillance platforms," they said.

Soon after that, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted about a possible false flag operation by India after New Delhi stated that Pakistan was behind the violence taking place in India.

"I have been warning the world about India`s continuing efforts to find a pretext for a false flag operation targeting Pakistan. Latest baseless allegations by India of `infiltration` across LoC are a continuation of this dangerous agenda," Khan had tweeted.

Sources said after the flying activities increased on the Pakistani side, it seemed that they were taking precautions against any possible retaliation from Indian side over the increased violence levels in the Kashmir valley at the behest of Pakistan.

In the last few years, after major terrorist attacks, there has been retaliation by the Indian armed forces, like the one after Uri attack and the Pulwama suicide attack.

After the Pulwama attack, the Indian Air Force had launched an aerial attack on terror camp operated by Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot town of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;

Fearing retaliation from India, Pakistani Air Force increased flying operations over its territory following Handwara terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Top government sources told that at the time of the incident, Pakistan was already carrying out an aerial exercise about which India also had information.

Fearing retaliation from India, Pakistani Air Force increased flying operations over its territory following Handwara terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Top government sources told that at the time of the incident, Pakistan was already carrying out an aerial exercise about which India also had information. "Soon after the death of the Colonel, the Pakistani Air Force increased its patrols involving its mix of fighter aircraft including the F-16s and the JF-17 which were being constantly monitored by our surveillance platforms," they said. Soon after that, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted about a possible false flag operation by India after New Delhi stated that Pakistan was behind the violence taking place in India. "I have been warning the world about India`s continuing efforts to find a pretext for a false flag operation targeting Pakistan. Latest baseless allegations by India of `infiltration` across LoC are a continuation of this dangerous agenda," Khan had tweeted. Sources said after the flying activities increased on the Pakistani side, it seemed that they were taking precautions against any possible retaliation from Indian side over the increased violence levels in the Kashmir valley at the behest of Pakistan. In the last few years, after major terrorist attacks, there has been retaliation by the Indian armed forces, like the one after Uri attack and the Pulwama suicide attack. After the Pulwama attack, the Indian Air Force had launched an aerial attack on terror camp operated by Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot town of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Pakistan Air Force jets increased patrols after Handwara terror attack

Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Saturday said that India is a "reliable partner" to the US and has been able to fulfil whatever assistance Washington has required.

"Both International Centre for Medical Education and Research (ICMER) and here the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have been collaborating for years. There is close cooperation exchange of information. Plus, as I said, collaboration, the at least three vaccines, on which Indian companies, and the United States companies are working together," Sandhu said.

The Indian and American pharmaceutical companies are currently working together on at least three possible vaccines to fight the coronavirus, India Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, he told.

About two or three years back the ICMR and the CDC had together developed a vaccine for another virus, named the rotavirus, he said.

"It has helped not only India but the United States as well along with many other countries," Sandhu said.

The US and India have been closely cooperating during COVID-19 crisis and are providing all possible assistance to each other. The leaders of the two countries are in regular touch since the outbreak on the virus.

The US has provided almost USD 5.9 million towards health assistance to India to curb the spread of COVID-19.

India also exported a consignment of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets to the US, last month, after a request by President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Saturday said that India is a "reliable partner" to the US and has been able to fulfil whatever assistance Washington has required.

Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Saturday said that India is a "reliable partner" to the US and has been able to fulfil whatever assistance Washington has required. "Both International Centre for Medical Education and Research (ICMER) and here the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have been collaborating for years. There is close cooperation exchange of information. Plus, as I said, collaboration, the at least three vaccines, on which Indian companies, and the United States companies are working together," Sandhu said. The Indian and American pharmaceutical companies are currently working together on at least three possible vaccines to fight the coronavirus, India Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, he told. About two or three years back the ICMR and the CDC had together developed a vaccine for another virus, named the rotavirus, he said. "It has helped not only India but the United States as well along with many other countries," Sandhu said. The US and India have been closely cooperating during COVID-19 crisis and are providing all possible assistance to each other. The leaders of the two countries are in regular touch since the outbreak on the virus. The US has provided almost USD 5.9 million towards health assistance to India to curb the spread of COVID-19. India also exported a consignment of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets to the US, last month, after a request by President Donald Trump. (With inputs from ANI)

India reliable partner of US, working on at least 3 COVID-19 vaccines: Ambassador Sandhu

Taliban -- in a first -- has said it would like to have "positive" relations with India while welcoming New Delhi's cooperation in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

"Based on our national interest and mutual respect, we would like to have positive relations with neighbouring countries, including India. We welcome their contribution and cooperation in the reconstruction of future Afghanistan," Suhail Shaheen spokesperson Taliban Political Office, Doha said in an exclusive conversation with WION.

He explained, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is a national liberation force which has been struggling for the emancipation of the country from occupation. We don’t have any agenda beyond our border. "

The comments come in the wake of the US being keen that New Delhi engages with the Taliban. Also, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad was in Delhi last week -- the first such visit after the US-Taliban deal on February 29 -- and had spoken about this with India.

During the visit, he called on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Sources said, "It is clear, New Delhi needs to be part of the process if we need to contribute effectively to the (Afghan) peace process."

The talks which had "level of urgency", sources added, had "covered the entire gamut of the situation in Afghanistan. Proposal for the accommodation of different strands of political thoughts was discussed."

In an interview to the Hindu newspaper, Zalmay Khalilzad had said India should speak directly to the Taliban.

The Indian readout of the meet said that EAM and NSA had reiterated "India's continued support for strengthening peace, security, unity, democratic and inclusive polity" and "protection of rights of all sections of the Afghan society, including Afghan Hindus and Sikhs."&nbsp;

Earlier this year, terrorists attacked a Gurudwara in Kabul killing more than 25 Afghan Sikhs and was claimed by the Islamic State. The attack also killed one Indian.

To this end, India had expressed deep "concern at the upsurge in violence" and extended support for "call for an immediate ceasefire" and need to "assist the people of Afghanistan in dealing with coronavirus pandemic."

India also emphasised on the need to "putting an end to terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries" which is necessary for "enduring and sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan."

The US special envoy was accompanied by Senior Director in the US National Security Council Lisa Curtis and the US Ambassador to India Ken Juster.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/us-threatens-taliban-with-retaliatory-actions-if-violence-in-afghanistan-continues-296384">Also read |&nbsp;US threatens Taliban with retaliatory actions if violence in Afghanistan continues</a>

Taliban -- in a first -- has said it would like to have "positive" relations with India while welcoming New Delhi's cooperation in Afghanistan. "Based on our national interest and mutual respect, we would like to have positive relations with neighbouring countries, including India.

Taliban -- in a first -- has said it would like to have "positive" relations with India while welcoming New Delhi's cooperation in Afghanistan. "Based on our national interest and mutual respect, we would like to have positive relations with neighbouring countries, including India. We welcome their contribution and cooperation in the reconstruction of future Afghanistan," Suhail Shaheen spokesperson Taliban Political Office, Doha said in an exclusive conversation with WION. He explained, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is a national liberation force which has been struggling for the emancipation of the country from occupation. We don’t have any agenda beyond our border. " The comments come in the wake of the US being keen that New Delhi engages with the Taliban. Also, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad was in Delhi last week -- the first such visit after the US-Taliban deal on February 29 -- and had spoken about this with India. During the visit, he called on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Sources said, "It is clear, New Delhi needs to be part of the process if we need to contribute effectively to the (Afghan) peace process." The talks which had "level of urgency", sources added, had "covered the entire gamut of the situation in Afghanistan. Proposal for the accommodation of different strands of political thoughts was discussed." In an interview to the Hindu newspaper, Zalmay Khalilzad had said India should speak directly to the Taliban. The Indian readout of the meet said that EAM and NSA had reiterated "India's continued support for strengthening peace, security, unity, democratic and inclusive polity" and "protection of rights of all sections of the Afghan society, including Afghan Hindus and Sikhs." Earlier this year, terrorists attacked a Gurudwara in Kabul killing more than 25 Afghan Sikhs and was claimed by the Islamic State. The attack also killed one Indian. To this end, India had expressed deep "concern at the upsurge in violence" and extended support for "call for an immediate ceasefire" and need to "assist the people of Afghanistan in dealing with coronavirus pandemic." India also emphasised on the need to "putting an end to terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries" which is necessary for "enduring and sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan." The US special envoy was accompanied by Senior Director in the US National Security Council Lisa Curtis and the US Ambassador to India Ken Juster. Also read | US threatens Taliban with retaliatory actions if violence in Afghanistan continues

Would like to maintain positive relations with India, says Taliban

Pakistan said on Sunday that it has "fully complied" with the ICJ's judgement in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, days after India's lead counsel asserted that New Delhi had hoped it might be able to persuade Islamabad through "back channel" to release the Indian death-row convict.

Jadhav, the 49-year-old retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" in April 2017. Weeks later, India approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Pakistan for denial of consular access to Jadhav and challenging the death sentence.

Senior advocate Harish Salve was the lead counsel for India in the Jadhav case at the Hague-based ICJ which ruled in July last year that Pakistan must undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay.

"We were hoping that through back channel, we may be able to persuade Pakistan to let him go. If they want to say on humanitarian ground or whatever, we want him back. We said let him go. Because it has become a big ego problem in Pakistan. So, we were hoping that they will let him go. They haven't," Salve said on May 3 while speaking online from London.

"We have written four-five letters. They just keep on denying. I think we have reached a point where we have to now decide whether we want to go back to ICJ for consequential directions because Pakistan has not moved ahead," he said.

Responding to Salve's remarks, Pakistan's Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said Islamabad had noted the statements made by India's legal counsel in the Jadhav case.

While suggesting that India may have to go back to ICJ, Salve has made certain statements which are contrary to the facts of the case, she said.

"We firmly reject the Indian Counsel's baseless and inaccurate assertion that Pakistan has not complied with the ICJ's judgment inthe case. Pakistan has fully complied with the judgment and remains committed to continue doing so as the case proceeds further," Farooqui said.

She said Pakistan granted India consular access to Jadhav and was processing measures for effective review and reconsideration as per the guidelines provided by the ICJ in its judgment.

Being a responsible state, Pakistan abides by all its international obligations, the Spokesperson said. 
"It is regrettable that Mr Salve has chosen to make statements which are inaccurate and misrepresent facts," she said.

In its 42-page order, the world court, while rejecting Pakistan's objection to admissibility of the Indian application in the case, had held that "a continued stay of execution constitutes an indispensable condition for the effective review" of the sentence of Jadhav.

The bench, however, rejected some remedies sought by India, including annulment of the military court's decision convicting Jadhav, his release and safe passage to India.

The ICJ upheld India's stand that Pakistan had "breached" the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, which gives countries the right to consular access when their nationals are arrested abroad.

Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from the restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran.

However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy.&nbsp;

Pakistan said on Sunday that it has "fully complied" with the ICJ's judgement in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, days after India's lead counsel asserted that New Delhi had hoped it might be able to persuade Islamabad through "back channel" to release the Indian death-row convict.

Pakistan said on Sunday that it has "fully complied" with the ICJ's judgement in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, days after India's lead counsel asserted that New Delhi had hoped it might be able to persuade Islamabad through "back channel" to release the Indian death-row convict. Jadhav, the 49-year-old retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" in April 2017. Weeks later, India approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Pakistan for denial of consular access to Jadhav and challenging the death sentence. Senior advocate Harish Salve was the lead counsel for India in the Jadhav case at the Hague-based ICJ which ruled in July last year that Pakistan must undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay. "We were hoping that through back channel, we may be able to persuade Pakistan to let him go. If they want to say on humanitarian ground or whatever, we want him back. We said let him go. Because it has become a big ego problem in Pakistan. So, we were hoping that they will let him go. They haven't," Salve said on May 3 while speaking online from London. "We have written four-five letters. They just keep on denying. I think we have reached a point where we have to now decide whether we want to go back to ICJ for consequential directions because Pakistan has not moved ahead," he said. Responding to Salve's remarks, Pakistan's Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said Islamabad had noted the statements made by India's legal counsel in the Jadhav case. While suggesting that India may have to go back to ICJ, Salve has made certain statements which are contrary to the facts of the case, she said. "We firmly reject the Indian Counsel's baseless and inaccurate assertion that Pakistan has not complied with the ICJ's judgment inthe case. Pakistan has fully complied with the judgment and remains committed to continue doing so as the case proceeds further," Farooqui said. She said Pakistan granted India consular access to Jadhav and was processing measures for effective review and reconsideration as per the guidelines provided by the ICJ in its judgment. Being a responsible state, Pakistan abides by all its international obligations, the Spokesperson said. "It is regrettable that Mr Salve has chosen to make statements which are inaccurate and misrepresent facts," she said. In its 42-page order, the world court, while rejecting Pakistan's objection to admissibility of the Indian application in the case, had held that "a continued stay of execution constitutes an indispensable condition for the effective review" of the sentence of Jadhav. The bench, however, rejected some remedies sought by India, including annulment of the military court's decision convicting Jadhav, his release and safe passage to India. The ICJ upheld India's stand that Pakistan had "breached" the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, which gives countries the right to consular access when their nationals are arrested abroad. Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from the restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran. However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy.

'Fully complied' with ICJ judgement on Kulbhushan Jadhav, claims Pakistan

On day four of India's repatriation mission,&nbsp;INS Jalashwa - with 698 Indian nationals from the Maldives arrived at the Kochi port a short while back.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-among-3-key-us-members-of-white-house-response-team-in-self-quarantine-after-covid-exposure-297726" hreflang="en">Fauci among 3 in US response team self-quarantined after virus exposure</a>

The visuals of the navy vessel nearing the Kochi port were seen with almost 700 passengers on board.

Passengers are expected to disembark a short while from now.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-brazil-records-10627-deaths-155939-confirmed-cases-297712">COVID-19: Brazil records 10,627 deaths, 155,939 confirmed cases</a>

Special arrangements have been made at the Kochi port for the arriving passengers.

Ambulances are on standby, and all evacuees will undergo temperature checks before being placed under quarantine.

As part of operation Samudra Setu, the second navy ship - INS Magar is expected to depart the Maldives later today.

The ship will be carrying around 200 Indian nationals from the Maldives.

Both ships - &nbsp;ins Jalashwa and INS Magar are expected to repatriate another group of Indians to Tuticorin next week.

The passengers will be first taken to the male airport for immigration and other formalities following which they will board the vessel.

On the air evacuation front, eights flights are scheduled to arrive throughout today. Four flights will be arriving from the gulf nations that remains the focus of this repatriation mission.

Two flights from Doha will be landing in Kerala and one flight each from Kuwait and Riyadh.

Two flights are also scheduled to arrive in Delhi and Mumbai from London.

On day four of India's repatriation mission, INS Jalashwa - with 698 Indian nationals from the Maldives arrived at the Kochi port a short while back. Also read: Fauci among 3 in US response team self-quarantined after virus exposure The visuals of the navy vessel nearing the Kochi port were seen with almost 700 passengers on board.

On day four of India's repatriation mission, INS Jalashwa - with 698 Indian nationals from the Maldives arrived at the Kochi port a short while back. Also read: Fauci among 3 in US response team self-quarantined after virus exposure The visuals of the navy vessel nearing the Kochi port were seen with almost 700 passengers on board. Passengers are expected to disembark a short while from now. Also read: COVID-19: Brazil records 10,627 deaths, 155,939 confirmed cases Special arrangements have been made at the Kochi port for the arriving passengers. Ambulances are on standby, and all evacuees will undergo temperature checks before being placed under quarantine. As part of operation Samudra Setu, the second navy ship - INS Magar is expected to depart the Maldives later today. The ship will be carrying around 200 Indian nationals from the Maldives. Both ships - ins Jalashwa and INS Magar are expected to repatriate another group of Indians to Tuticorin next week. The passengers will be first taken to the male airport for immigration and other formalities following which they will board the vessel. On the air evacuation front, eights flights are scheduled to arrive throughout today. Four flights will be arriving from the gulf nations that remains the focus of this repatriation mission. Two flights from Doha will be landing in Kerala and one flight each from Kuwait and Riyadh. Two flights are also scheduled to arrive in Delhi and Mumbai from London.

Citizens aboard INS Jalashwa return from Maldives as a part of repatriation mission

India's fuel demand dipped 45.8% in April from a year earlier, as economic activity came to a halt due to nationwide lockdown and travel curbs to combat the spread of novel coronavirus.

India's fuel demand dipped 45.8% in April from a year earlier, as economic activity came to a halt due to nationwide lockdown and travel curbs to combat the spread of novel coronavirus. Consumption of fuel totalled 9.93 million tonnes - its lowest since 2007, government data showed on Saturday. State fuel retailers in India sold 50% less refined fuel in the first two weeks of April than the same time a year earlier as the country came to a standstill due to the lockdown that was put in place on March 24. The government last week extended the lockdown until May 17, with some relaxations in lower-risk areas, although travel by air, rail and metro and inter-state movement of people by road was still banned. The International Energy Agency (IEA) in its latest report said India's annual fuel consumption will decline by 5.6% in 2020 compared with growth of 2.4% forecast in its March report. Consumption of diesel, which is widely used for transportation as well as for irrigation needs in India, was down about 55.6% year-over-year at 3.25 million tonnes. (With inputs from Reuters)

India's fuel demand falls sharply in April amid lockdown to curb spread of coronavirus

Air India has announced that it will resume bookings for evacuation flights for people who wish to travel to London, Singapore and select destinations in the US.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlyAI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlyAI</a> : Important Update for passengers regarding evacuation flights from India. Please visit <a href="https://t.co/FOAixDQ0Qo">https://t.co/FOAixDQ0Qo</a> for details. <a href="https://t.co/O23kcKLVlU">pic.twitter.com/O23kcKLVlU</a>
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The flights will operate from May 08 to May 14. These flights are specifically for people who are stranded and wish to be evacuated. These outgoing flights will have certain rules in place.

Air India will only be allowing the eligible passengers to board the flight. The eligibility will depend on the nationality status with respect to the destination countries, i.e., the passenger should either hold a green card/permanent residency or a one-year valid visa.

The passengers will have to go through thermal screening, compulsorily wear face masks and follow all protocols of social distancing at all times.

The entire cost of the travel will be borne by the passenger. In addition to this, if the passenger is quarantined or deported, he/she will have to bear the entire cost for that too.

The bookings can be made through Air India's official website.

Air India has announced that it will resume bookings for evacuation flights for people who wish to travel to London, Singapore and select destinations in the US.

Air India has announced that it will resume bookings for evacuation flights for people who wish to travel to London, Singapore and select destinations in the US. #FlyAI : Important Update for passengers regarding evacuation flights from India. Please visit https://t.co/FOAixDQ0Qo for details. pic.twitter.com/O23kcKLVlU — Air India (@airindiain) May 6, 2020 × The flights will operate from May 08 to May 14. These flights are specifically for people who are stranded and wish to be evacuated. These outgoing flights will have certain rules in place. Air India will only be allowing the eligible passengers to board the flight. The eligibility will depend on the nationality status with respect to the destination countries, i.e., the passenger should either hold a green card/permanent residency or a one-year valid visa. The passengers will have to go through thermal screening, compulsorily wear face masks and follow all protocols of social distancing at all times. The entire cost of the travel will be borne by the passenger. In addition to this, if the passenger is quarantined or deported, he/she will have to bear the entire cost for that too. The bookings can be made through Air India's official website.

Air India starts bookings for London, Singapore and the US

A new report from tuberculosis research and advocacy group suggests the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns could have a devastating impact on the global TB burden in the coming years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-china-censors-european-unions-friendship-letter-297279" hreflang="en">Now, China censors European Union's 'friendship letter'</a>

The analysis is focused on three high-TB burden countries—India, Kenya, and Ukraine, where disruption of TB care could have a significant impact.

The current lockdown has disrupted the basic service of TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention for 2 months in almost every country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/love-triangle-or-conspiracy-questions-around-professor-bing-lius-death-remain-unanswered-297281" hreflang="en">Love triangle or conspiracy? Questions around Professor Bing Liu's death remain unanswered</a>

Once the lockdown ends, it would take another 2 months to get TB services back up and running, and that could result in a rapidly growing pool of undetected and untreated TB patients.

Up to 6.3 million more people are predicted to develop TB between now and 2025 and 1.4 million more people are expected to die as cases go diagnosed and untreated during the lockdown.

Under normal conditions, TB already kills 1.5 million people a year, more than any other infectious disease.

&nbsp;The past few years have seen a steady decline in TB deaths as a result of more services to treat the disease and prevent its spread, but coronavirus lockdown will set back global efforts to end TB by five to eight years.

Meanwhile, in India, the number of TB notifications have dropped by 80 per cent as many people with TB symptoms are avoiding to visit the hospital during the lockdown.

Even for those people who are battling cancer, the impact of lockdown can be terrifying and life-threatening.

Oncologists have raised concerns about the delayed diagnosis of cancer and its stage migration due to fear of visiting hospitals amid the outbreak. 
&nbsp; 
For 56-year-old Anita Watson diagnosed with a stage 4 breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, the coronavirus outbreak has cast her into even greater uncertainty.

Worried about the potentially fatal risk if she were to catch the virus herself, she also has to deal with the fact that the overloaded health services no longer consider her a priority

Anita Watson said: "If you've got any problems if you feel ill, unwell you can pick up the phone and get through to the chemotherapy ward and they're going to treat you. They're going to sort it out straight away. Now with coronavirus and with them saying you're no longer a priority, what that actually means is that, unfortunately, and quite rightly so, they have to treat the curable cases first." 
&nbsp; 
While COVID-19 restrictions have varied from country to country, many countries have implemented stay-at-home strategies lasting several weeks.

Routine surgeries and procedures have been put off at hospitals in several countries as they adjust to treating the influx of patients with COVID-19 and possible shortages of beds, protective equipment and supplies.

A new report from tuberculosis research and advocacy group suggests the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns could have a devastating impact on the global TB burden in the coming years.

A new report from tuberculosis research and advocacy group suggests the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns could have a devastating impact on the global TB burden in the coming years. Also read: Now, China censors European Union's 'friendship letter' The analysis is focused on three high-TB burden countries—India, Kenya, and Ukraine, where disruption of TB care could have a significant impact. The current lockdown has disrupted the basic service of TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention for 2 months in almost every country. Also read: Love triangle or conspiracy? Questions around Professor Bing Liu's death remain unanswered Once the lockdown ends, it would take another 2 months to get TB services back up and running, and that could result in a rapidly growing pool of undetected and untreated TB patients. Up to 6.3 million more people are predicted to develop TB between now and 2025 and 1.4 million more people are expected to die as cases go diagnosed and untreated during the lockdown. Under normal conditions, TB already kills 1.5 million people a year, more than any other infectious disease. The past few years have seen a steady decline in TB deaths as a result of more services to treat the disease and prevent its spread, but coronavirus lockdown will set back global efforts to end TB by five to eight years. Meanwhile, in India, the number of TB notifications have dropped by 80 per cent as many people with TB symptoms are avoiding to visit the hospital during the lockdown. Even for those people who are battling cancer, the impact of lockdown can be terrifying and life-threatening. Oncologists have raised concerns about the delayed diagnosis of cancer and its stage migration due to fear of visiting hospitals amid the outbreak. For 56-year-old Anita Watson diagnosed with a stage 4 breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, the coronavirus outbreak has cast her into even greater uncertainty. Worried about the potentially fatal risk if she were to catch the virus herself, she also has to deal with the fact that the overloaded health services no longer consider her a priority Anita Watson said: "If you've got any problems if you feel ill, unwell you can pick up the phone and get through to the chemotherapy ward and they're going to treat you. They're going to sort it out straight away. Now with coronavirus and with them saying you're no longer a priority, what that actually means is that, unfortunately, and quite rightly so, they have to treat the curable cases first." While COVID-19 restrictions have varied from country to country, many countries have implemented stay-at-home strategies lasting several weeks. Routine surgeries and procedures have been put off at hospitals in several countries as they adjust to treating the influx of patients with COVID-19 and possible shortages of beds, protective equipment and supplies.

Coronavirus pandemic could burden global tuberculosis fight: Report

As Karnataka denied entry to the migrant workers, a group of almost 150 migrant labourers arrived at the Campal area of Panaji on Wednesday night.&nbsp;

The chaos happened as the workers apparently failed to prove their identity as a Karnataka resident. The workers claim to have proper permission from the Goa government to travel back to their hometowns in Karnataka. However, they were denied entry to the state and had to return back to Goa.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/11-killed-and-over-500-hospitalised-after-vizag-pharma-gas-leak-297117">Also read:&nbsp;11 killed and over 500 hospitalised after Vizag pharma gas leak</a>

The labourers were asked to present Aadhar card or some other proof of valid identification card with a Karnataka address on it. However, as some of them failed to present it, they were denied entry.

Deputy Collector Vivek HP, along with a team of senior officials went to the Campal area to meet the stranded labourers on Wednesday night. He has assured the labourers that he will talk to Karnataka government and help them migrate back to their hometowns.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/53000-total-covid-19-cases-in-india-now-death-toll-jumps-to-1783-297123">Also read:&nbsp;53,000 total COVID-19 cases in India now; death toll jumps to 1783</a>

Migrant labourers were also spotted on the mumbai-Nashik highway, trying to walk or cycle back to their hometowns. A lot of labourers are walking back to their native villages which are hundreds of kilometers away.

These migrants have been travelling in the early hours of the day and after the sun sets, to avoid the heat.

Some NGOs have been helping these migrants by providing them food packets, water and essential medicines.

As Karnataka denied entry to the migrant workers, a group of almost 150 migrant labourers arrived at the Campal area of Panaji on Wednesday night. The chaos happened as the workers apparently failed to prove their identity as a Karnataka resident.

As Karnataka denied entry to the migrant workers, a group of almost 150 migrant labourers arrived at the Campal area of Panaji on Wednesday night. The chaos happened as the workers apparently failed to prove their identity as a Karnataka resident. The workers claim to have proper permission from the Goa government to travel back to their hometowns in Karnataka. However, they were denied entry to the state and had to return back to Goa. Also read: 11 killed and over 500 hospitalised after Vizag pharma gas leak The labourers were asked to present Aadhar card or some other proof of valid identification card with a Karnataka address on it. However, as some of them failed to present it, they were denied entry. Deputy Collector Vivek HP, along with a team of senior officials went to the Campal area to meet the stranded labourers on Wednesday night. He has assured the labourers that he will talk to Karnataka government and help them migrate back to their hometowns. Also read: 53,000 total COVID-19 cases in India now; death toll jumps to 1783 Migrant labourers were also spotted on the mumbai-Nashik highway, trying to walk or cycle back to their hometowns. A lot of labourers are walking back to their native villages which are hundreds of kilometers away. These migrants have been travelling in the early hours of the day and after the sun sets, to avoid the heat. Some NGOs have been helping these migrants by providing them food packets, water and essential medicines.

Migrant workers denied entry into Karnataka; Goa offers help

Ahead of Indian Navy's Operation “Samudra Setu” (Sea Bridge) to get back stranded Indians from the Maldives due to COVID crisis, Indian Envoy to the Maldives Sunjay Sudhir has said while the process starts on 8th May Mid Day, more such evacuation will happen in subsequent days. Speaking exclusively to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from capital Male, Envoy Sunjay said, "We have the full backing of our govt" and "we are looking forward to 8th of May when the first lot of Indians will return back home to Kochi".

He confirmed 54 Indians have been tested positive in the Indian Ocean Island country. Meanwhile, New Delhi has been reaching out to the Maldives during the ongoing COVID crisis with medicines and in coming few days will be gifting 580 tons of essential food items including wheat, flours, eggs, sugar, potatoes and onions to the Maldives even as the country observes Ramzan.

WION: How is the mission reaching&nbsp;out to Indians stranded in the Maldives and the repatriation process is all set to start, your take?

Sunjay Sudhir:&nbsp;The Indian community is a high priority&nbsp;for us. In the Maldives, we have 27000 Indians, mainly in the hospitality&nbsp;sector, the medical profession, as well as the education profession. Of the total 550 cases, 54 Indians have tested positive. Fortunately, they are all in good&nbsp;health. We maintain very close contact with the community mainly using social media--Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and Viber groups in the community. We try our best to share practical&nbsp;information, authentic information on how to deal with COVID and other evacuation related information.

I myself have given out 2 video messages to the Indian community. We have also set up helplines, on which people can call freely and speak in multiple Indian languages. As far as positive tested Indians are concerned we have sent out care packages which contain lot of essential things which can at least&nbsp;mitigate the difficult&nbsp;times which are Indian friends are going through. We have also made an&nbsp;arrangement&nbsp;for food for those who have lost the jobs and are finding difficult to fend for themselves.

We are providing medical assistance including essential medicines for stranded&nbsp;tourist. We have been able to create a complete database&nbsp;of Indians who want to go back to India. We will take Indian navy's ship help, the first of which, will arrive 2 days from now. Around midday of 8th of May, the first group of about 700 Indians will set sail back home,&nbsp;back to Kochi,&nbsp;that will be the first lot. After that we are planning few&nbsp;other evacuations though Navy ship.

&nbsp;

WION: How has the cooperation between India and Maldives going to jointly deal with COVID crisis.&nbsp;We launched operation Sanjevani to supply medicines to the Maldives..

Sunjay Sudhir:&nbsp;Cooperation on the COVID front has been characteristic of the relationship, the way we have been working with each other at almost&nbsp;all times in our history. The first thing we did was in the context of COVID is to evacuate all the 7 Maldivians from Wuhan. Actually, Maldives was the first country whose nationals we evacuated from Wuhan. Our 14 member rapid response medical team were here for 10 days in March.

Again the Maldives was the first country to which we sent a medical team. We also gifted about 5.5 tonnes&nbsp;of COVID related and other essential medicines to the govt of Maldives. Operation Sanjeevani was a very challenging operation which we could accomplish with the help of IAF. One IAF C130 picked up huge amount of medical consignment from 4 Indian cities and delivered that to Male, it was about 6.2 tonns.

This was done on April 2nd. We also facilitated&nbsp;continues supply of essential food items, also commodities like cement so that the construction&nbsp;sector does not suffer&nbsp;here. We have been facilitating&nbsp;evacuation flights for Maldivians, facilitating cargo flights. Digital video conferences have happened between trade officials, health officials and as we speak--series of 3 video conferences between top doctors of AIIMS and top doctors in the Maldives currently going on. The first of the series happened only yesterday. Within a week's time, we will also be gifting 580 tonnes&nbsp;of essential food items including wheat, flours, eggs, sugar, potatoes and onions to the govt of Maldives.

It has been testing times and also remembers it happens to be the holy month of Ramzan. On the economic front, the govt of Maldives has taken a big hit because of the hit to the tourism industry as well as the export of fishes. This has led to a bad liquidity situation. We have provided $150 million dollars worth of currency swap under the bilateral agreement which we had. This happened just a few days back and it happened of 27th April, we have been trying our level best to provide whatever assistance we can to govt of Maldives in these very very difficult times.

&nbsp;

WION: How has the&nbsp;cooperation to deal with COVID crisis been between the countries been under the&nbsp;SAARC framework..

Sunjay Sudhir:&nbsp;PM Modi has championed a regional approach to combat tourism, perhaps that is the most sustainable way in which we can handle a pandemic situation. In the digital video conference which PM initiated on March 5th with heads of state of govt of SAARC countries, India had announced a COVID emergency fund of 10 million dollars. And the Maldives was the first and perhaps the largest beneficiary of this fund so far.

The Maldives on its part also pledged $ 200,000 for this fund. PM had initiated some kind of viable framework for joint cooperation&nbsp;between SAARC countries to&nbsp;combat COVID.A digital video conference was also initiated by the SAARC disaster management centre in Gujarat with all the other countries to deal with this disaster could be discussed and that was a very successful&nbsp;video conference.

WION: How has been the&nbsp;ground situation and how are the Indian diplomats faring..

Sunjay Sudhir:&nbsp;I must say govt of Maldives has been trying its level best. President Solih has himself led the charge for this big challenge and for a long time they were able to protect Male. It was only on 15th April, the situation changed when the first person tested positive in the capital city and after that, you can imagine that in a city as congested as Male, it is very difficult to contain the spread and now, unfortunately, it has reached the level of community spread. I think things have plateaued&nbsp;out. Of the 550 cases, the&nbsp;majority are foreigners.

It all started with foreigners and even now if you look at Male, the&nbsp;majority are foreigners.&nbsp; Actually half the numbers are Bangladeshis because of a lot of Bangladeshi workers in Male. Govt is working on a war footing to contain the spread and create new isolation facilities but it is a herculean task.

For us at the high commission, it has been testing times. We are working overtime to take care of the community and at the same time provide assistance to the govt of Maldives. You have rightly mentioned it is the largest evacuation&nbsp;process globally as well as Indians in the Maldives. We have roped in some volunteers from the community and I must acknowledge&nbsp;that help has been very very forthcoming. We have the full backing of our govt that makes our task much less formidable. These days we are working day in and day out on evacuation exercise and we are looking&nbsp;forward to&nbsp;8th of May when the first lot of Indians will return back home to Kochi and then we will subsequently plan other rounds of evacuation in the days and weeks to come.

WION: Have we shared any Indian COVID containment models with the Maldives?

Sunjay Sudhir:&nbsp;We have done that. The Indian rapid response medical teams were first to visit the Maldives. It was first for the Maldives as well as Indian team to visit any country and that team came here with the protocols which were in practice, in India at that time, including the protocol developed by AIIMS and the medical teams also helped set up facilities in outline Islands. And as we speak digital video conference between the senior doctors from AIIMS including director Dr&nbsp;Randeep Guleria and very senior cardiologist Dr Ambuj Roy has been taking place.

The first session took place earlier and the Maldivian side was led by the Maldives minister of state for health who happens to be a medical doctor&nbsp;Dr Shah Mahir. In this discussion, I am told several containment models and approaches have been discussed and we continue to share best practices.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ahead of Indian Navy's Operation “Samudra Setu” (Sea Bridge) to get back stranded Indians from the Maldives due to COVID crisis, Indian Envoy to the Maldives Sunjay Sudhir has said while the process starts on 8th May Mid Day, more such evacuation will happen in subsequent days.

Ahead of Indian Navy's Operation “Samudra Setu” (Sea Bridge) to get back stranded Indians from the Maldives due to COVID crisis, Indian Envoy to the Maldives Sunjay Sudhir has said while the process starts on 8th May Mid Day, more such evacuation will happen in subsequent days. Speaking exclusively to our principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from capital Male, Envoy Sunjay said, "We have the full backing of our govt" and "we are looking forward to 8th of May when the first lot of Indians will return back home to Kochi". He confirmed 54 Indians have been tested positive in the Indian Ocean Island country. Meanwhile, New Delhi has been reaching out to the Maldives during the ongoing COVID crisis with medicines and in coming few days will be gifting 580 tons of essential food items including wheat, flours, eggs, sugar, potatoes and onions to the Maldives even as the country observes Ramzan. WION: How is the mission reaching out to Indians stranded in the Maldives and the repatriation process is all set to start, your take? Sunjay Sudhir: The Indian community is a high priority for us. In the Maldives, we have 27000 Indians, mainly in the hospitality sector, the medical profession, as well as the education profession. Of the total 550 cases, 54 Indians have tested positive. Fortunately, they are all in good health. We maintain very close contact with the community mainly using social media--Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp and Viber groups in the community. We try our best to share practical information, authentic information on how to deal with COVID and other evacuation related information. I myself have given out 2 video messages to the Indian community. We have also set up helplines, on which people can call freely and speak in multiple Indian languages. As far as positive tested Indians are concerned we have sent out care packages which contain lot of essential things which can at least mitigate the difficult times which are Indian friends are going through. We have also made an arrangement for food for those who have lost the jobs and are finding difficult to fend for themselves. We are providing medical assistance including essential medicines for stranded tourist. We have been able to create a complete database of Indians who want to go back to India. We will take Indian navy's ship help, the first of which, will arrive 2 days from now. Around midday of 8th of May, the first group of about 700 Indians will set sail back home, back to Kochi, that will be the first lot. After that we are planning few other evacuations though Navy ship. WION: How has the cooperation between India and Maldives going to jointly deal with COVID crisis. We launched operation Sanjevani to supply medicines to the Maldives.. Sunjay Sudhir: Cooperation on the COVID front has been characteristic of the relationship, the way we have been working with each other at almost all times in our history. The first thing we did was in the context of COVID is to evacuate all the 7 Maldivians from Wuhan. Actually, Maldives was the first country whose nationals we evacuated from Wuhan. Our 14 member rapid response medical team were here for 10 days in March. Again the Maldives was the first country to which we sent a medical team. We also gifted about 5.5 tonnes of COVID related and other essential medicines to the govt of Maldives. Operation Sanjeevani was a very challenging operation which we could accomplish with the help of IAF. One IAF C130 picked up huge amount of medical consignment from 4 Indian cities and delivered that to Male, it was about 6.2 tonns. This was done on April 2nd. We also facilitated continues supply of essential food items, also commodities like cement so that the construction sector does not suffer here. We have been facilitating evacuation flights for Maldivians, facilitating cargo flights. Digital video conferences have happened between trade officials, health officials and as we speak--series of 3 video conferences between top doctors of AIIMS and top doctors in the Maldives currently going on. The first of the series happened only yesterday. Within a week's time, we will also be gifting 580 tonnes of essential food items including wheat, flours, eggs, sugar, potatoes and onions to the govt of Maldives. It has been testing times and also remembers it happens to be the holy month of Ramzan. On the economic front, the govt of Maldives has taken a big hit because of the hit to the tourism industry as well as the export of fishes. This has led to a bad liquidity situation. We have provided $150 million dollars worth of currency swap under the bilateral agreement which we had. This happened just a few days back and it happened of 27th April, we have been trying our level best to provide whatever assistance we can to govt of Maldives in these very very difficult times. WION: How has the cooperation to deal with COVID crisis been between the countries been under the SAARC framework.. Sunjay Sudhir: PM Modi has championed a regional approach to combat tourism, perhaps that is the most sustainable way in which we can handle a pandemic situation. In the digital video conference which PM initiated on March 5th with heads of state of govt of SAARC countries, India had announced a COVID emergency fund of 10 million dollars. And the Maldives was the first and perhaps the largest beneficiary of this fund so far. The Maldives on its part also pledged $ 200,000 for this fund. PM had initiated some kind of viable framework for joint cooperation between SAARC countries to combat COVID.A digital video conference was also initiated by the SAARC disaster management centre in Gujarat with all the other countries to deal with this disaster could be discussed and that was a very successful video conference. WION: How has been the ground situation and how are the Indian diplomats faring.. Sunjay Sudhir: I must say govt of Maldives has been trying its level best. President Solih has himself led the charge for this big challenge and for a long time they were able to protect Male. It was only on 15th April, the situation changed when the first person tested positive in the capital city and after that, you can imagine that in a city as congested as Male, it is very difficult to contain the spread and now, unfortunately, it has reached the level of community spread. I think things have plateaued out. Of the 550 cases, the majority are foreigners. It all started with foreigners and even now if you look at Male, the majority are foreigners. Actually half the numbers are Bangladeshis because of a lot of Bangladeshi workers in Male. Govt is working on a war footing to contain the spread and create new isolation facilities but it is a herculean task. For us at the high commission, it has been testing times. We are working overtime to take care of the community and at the same time provide assistance to the govt of Maldives. You have rightly mentioned it is the largest evacuation process globally as well as Indians in the Maldives. We have roped in some volunteers from the community and I must acknowledge that help has been very very forthcoming. We have the full backing of our govt that makes our task much less formidable. These days we are working day in and day out on evacuation exercise and we are looking forward to 8th of May when the first lot of Indians will return back home to Kochi and then we will subsequently plan other rounds of evacuation in the days and weeks to come. WION: Have we shared any Indian COVID containment models with the Maldives? Sunjay Sudhir: We have done that. The Indian rapid response medical teams were first to visit the Maldives. It was first for the Maldives as well as Indian team to visit any country and that team came here with the protocols which were in practice, in India at that time, including the protocol developed by AIIMS and the medical teams also helped set up facilities in outline Islands. And as we speak digital video conference between the senior doctors from AIIMS including director Dr Randeep Guleria and very senior cardiologist Dr Ambuj Roy has been taking place. The first session took place earlier and the Maldivian side was led by the Maldives minister of state for health who happens to be a medical doctor Dr Shah Mahir. In this discussion, I am told several containment models and approaches have been discussed and we continue to share best practices.

India experiences biggest ever spike in cases and deaths with 46,000 cases and 1,583 deaths

The United Kingdom has now the highest death toll in Europe, deaths from Northern Ireland and Scotland have been added to UK's total.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-survivors-in-china-want-to-sue-their-government-report-296858" hreflang="en">Coronavirus survivors in China want to sue their government: Report</a>

Over 32,000 people have died in the UK due to coronavirus. The World Health Organisation (WHO) isn’t surprised that a coronavirus case was reported in France in December. WHO says more cases of early origins may come to light.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/african-nations-decry-racism-in-china-296866" hreflang="en">African nations decry racism in China</a>

A French hospital retested old pneumonia cases. One sample from December 27 was found to be positive for coronavirus.

Australia and New Zealand have agreed on a trans-Tasman travel bubble. The aim is to boost the trade, travel and aviation sectors.

Talks between Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern have begun.The move is still several weeks away

Nearly 200 stranded Pakistanis crossed the border from India. The Indian government opened the border crossing for the first time on Tuesday, it had earlier extended the visa of stranded Pakistanis amid the nationwide lockdown.

Only cyclists will be allowed on 50km of Paris's busiest roads and only pedestrians will be allowed on another 30 streets. The measures will come into effect when the lockdown is eased next week. The French government also unveiled a 20 million euro package to boost cycling in the post coronavirus era.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says virus likely emerged in a Wuhan wet market. But he has not ruled out the possibility that the virus escaped from a lab. Morrison has called for an independent international probe.

&nbsp;Bars, fitness centres &amp; salons are set to reopen in Hong Kong from Friday. Dancing or live musical performances will not be allowed for now. Measures like temperature checks and social distancing will remain in place.

Leaders of Brazil’s indigenous people have appealed to the World Health Organisation. They have urged the who to set up and emergency fund and provide PPEs. Leaders claim Brazil’s 850,000 indigenous people have been ignored by the Bolsonaro government.

Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Italy. Ronaldo arrived in Turin in his private jet to rejoin his team Juventus. The Portuguese striker will have to complete a 14-day quarantine before he can resume training.

Tennis' World Number 2 Rafa Nadal believes the 2020 tennis season is virtually over. Nadal does not believe the tour will resume this year. Wimbledon has been cancelled, french open postponed, while doubts remain over the US Open.&nbsp;

Dozens of sheep paraded through the city of Atakum on Turkey’s northern Black Sea coast. Atakum is among 30 Turkish cities in a state of lockdown. Turkey has over 127,659 cases of coronavirus and 3,461 deaths.

The United Kingdom has now the highest death toll in Europe, deaths from Northern Ireland and Scotland have been added to UK's total. Also read: Coronavirus survivors in China want to sue their government: Report Over 32,000 people have died in the UK due to coronavirus.

The United Kingdom has now the highest death toll in Europe, deaths from Northern Ireland and Scotland have been added to UK's total. Also read: Coronavirus survivors in China want to sue their government: Report Over 32,000 people have died in the UK due to coronavirus. The World Health Organisation (WHO) isn’t surprised that a coronavirus case was reported in France in December. WHO says more cases of early origins may come to light. Also read: African nations decry racism in China A French hospital retested old pneumonia cases. One sample from December 27 was found to be positive for coronavirus. Australia and New Zealand have agreed on a trans-Tasman travel bubble. The aim is to boost the trade, travel and aviation sectors. Talks between Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern have begun.The move is still several weeks away Nearly 200 stranded Pakistanis crossed the border from India. The Indian government opened the border crossing for the first time on Tuesday, it had earlier extended the visa of stranded Pakistanis amid the nationwide lockdown. Only cyclists will be allowed on 50km of Paris's busiest roads and only pedestrians will be allowed on another 30 streets. The measures will come into effect when the lockdown is eased next week. The French government also unveiled a 20 million euro package to boost cycling in the post coronavirus era. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says virus likely emerged in a Wuhan wet market. But he has not ruled out the possibility that the virus escaped from a lab. Morrison has called for an independent international probe. Bars, fitness centres & salons are set to reopen in Hong Kong from Friday. Dancing or live musical performances will not be allowed for now. Measures like temperature checks and social distancing will remain in place. Leaders of Brazil’s indigenous people have appealed to the World Health Organisation. They have urged the who to set up and emergency fund and provide PPEs. Leaders claim Brazil’s 850,000 indigenous people have been ignored by the Bolsonaro government. Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Italy. Ronaldo arrived in Turin in his private jet to rejoin his team Juventus. The Portuguese striker will have to complete a 14-day quarantine before he can resume training. Tennis' World Number 2 Rafa Nadal believes the 2020 tennis season is virtually over. Nadal does not believe the tour will resume this year. Wimbledon has been cancelled, french open postponed, while doubts remain over the US Open. Dozens of sheep paraded through the city of Atakum on Turkey’s northern Black Sea coast. Atakum is among 30 Turkish cities in a state of lockdown. Turkey has over 127,659 cases of coronavirus and 3,461 deaths.

From United Kingdom to Turkey, coronavirus across the globe!

Because the world is increasingly becoming less-reliant on china be it for test kits, cures, for products, investments or land, China is slowly but steadily being replaced.

India is emerging to be the most sought-after replacement __ at least in some quarters as it&nbsp;has similar things to offer and unlike China, they come with a guarantee. India is now putting these sought-after assets to use starting with one of its most prized possessions __ land.

India is offering land to foreign investors who wish to reduce their reliance on China. The land&nbsp;had been one of the biggest obstacles for companies looking to invest in India. Not anymore.

India is developing a land pool nearly double the size of Luxembourg&nbsp; --&nbsp;a small European nation -- is spread across 2 lakh 43,000 hectares. India is offering land that can fit two Luxembourg. Over&nbsp;4,61,589 hectares land spread across India. This includes 115,131 hectares of existing industrial land in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh...

Several other relevant areas have been identified across the country. Most of it is unused land available in special economic zones. These are zones with power, water and road access. Areas that will easily attract new investments for the Indian economy.&nbsp;According to reports, 10 sectors have been hand-picked by the Indian government. They are: Electrical, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics, heavy engineering, solar&nbsp;equipment, food processing, chemicals and textiles.

These are sectors that will promote manufacturing in India.

Reports say that India has received inquiries from Japan, United States, South Korea and few others.&nbsp;They have expressed interest in relocating certain factories to India. The Centre is taking the state governments along and the states have been&nbsp;'urged' to evolve their own programs for bringing foreign investments. The Indian Prime Minister&nbsp;already chaired a meeting to discuss steps to fast-track strategies and woo investors.

Andhra Pradesh, a state in southern India is already in touch with companies from Japan and South Korea while Uttar Pradesh is developing an online system for land allotment. The world has begun financial distancing from China while India is turning out to be a hotspot for new investments.

China's loss could be India's gain.

Because the world is increasingly becoming less-reliant on china be it for test kits, cures, for products, investments or land, China is slowly but steadily being replaced.

Because the world is increasingly becoming less-reliant on china be it for test kits, cures, for products, investments or land, China is slowly but steadily being replaced. India is emerging to be the most sought-after replacement __ at least in some quarters as it has similar things to offer and unlike China, they come with a guarantee. India is now putting these sought-after assets to use starting with one of its most prized possessions __ land. India is offering land to foreign investors who wish to reduce their reliance on China. The land had been one of the biggest obstacles for companies looking to invest in India. Not anymore. India is developing a land pool nearly double the size of Luxembourg -- a small European nation -- is spread across 2 lakh 43,000 hectares. India is offering land that can fit two Luxembourg. Over 4,61,589 hectares land spread across India. This includes 115,131 hectares of existing industrial land in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh... Several other relevant areas have been identified across the country. Most of it is unused land available in special economic zones. These are zones with power, water and road access. Areas that will easily attract new investments for the Indian economy. According to reports, 10 sectors have been hand-picked by the Indian government. They are: Electrical, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics, heavy engineering, solar equipment, food processing, chemicals and textiles. These are sectors that will promote manufacturing in India. Reports say that India has received inquiries from Japan, United States, South Korea and few others. They have expressed interest in relocating certain factories to India. The Centre is taking the state governments along and the states have been 'urged' to evolve their own programs for bringing foreign investments. The Indian Prime Minister already chaired a meeting to discuss steps to fast-track strategies and woo investors. Andhra Pradesh, a state in southern India is already in touch with companies from Japan and South Korea while Uttar Pradesh is developing an online system for land allotment. The world has begun financial distancing from China while India is turning out to be a hotspot for new investments. China's loss could be India's gain.

India offers land to foreign investors who wish to reduce their reliance on China

Over 190 Pakistanis who were stranded in India for over two months due the coronavirus-induced lockdown on Tuesday returned to Pakistan through the Wagah Border.

The Border Security Force (BSF) handed over 193 people, including women and children, to the Pakistan Rangers at the Wagah Border.

These Pakistanis had been stranded in different parts of India for about two months because of the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, a Pakistani Rangers official said.

Most of them had gone to India to visit their relatives, seek medical treatment or to attend religious ceremonies.

On their return to Pakistan, they were screened and transferred to quarantine centres in Lahore where they will stay for 72 hours.

If their coronavirus test comes in negative they will be allowed to go home after 72 hours otherwise they will be quarantined for 14 days, he said.

Those who returned were reportedly also quarantined in various cities in India. Before their entry into Pakistan, they were screened at Attari, the Indian side of the border.

They were handed over to the Pakistani authorities after none of them was symptomatic. The relatives of those repatriated from India were not allowed to enter the Wagah Border to meet them.

Around 49 of them arrived here from Nagpur, 33 from Madhya Pradesh, 12 from Ahmedabad, nine each from Mumbai, Delhi, Raipur and Jaipur, six each from Bijnor and Anand, five each from Lucknow and Bhopal, four from Gurugram, three each from Agra, Raebareli, Rampur, Kaushambi, Kohlapur, Kota and Ferozepur, two from Kolkata, and one each from Burhanpur, Jodhpur and Ludhiana.

The first batch of 41 Pakistanis who were stranded in India since the start of the lockdown arrived here via the Wagah Border in mid of April.

The Indian government, on the request of the Pakistan High Commission, extended visas of all Pakistanis who were told to apply for an extension online.

Over 190 Pakistanis who were stranded in India for over two months due the coronavirus-induced lockdown on Tuesday returned to Pakistan through the Wagah Border.

Over 190 Pakistanis who were stranded in India for over two months due the coronavirus-induced lockdown on Tuesday returned to Pakistan through the Wagah Border. The Border Security Force (BSF) handed over 193 people, including women and children, to the Pakistan Rangers at the Wagah Border. These Pakistanis had been stranded in different parts of India for about two months because of the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, a Pakistani Rangers official said. Most of them had gone to India to visit their relatives, seek medical treatment or to attend religious ceremonies. On their return to Pakistan, they were screened and transferred to quarantine centres in Lahore where they will stay for 72 hours. If their coronavirus test comes in negative they will be allowed to go home after 72 hours otherwise they will be quarantined for 14 days, he said. Those who returned were reportedly also quarantined in various cities in India. Before their entry into Pakistan, they were screened at Attari, the Indian side of the border. They were handed over to the Pakistani authorities after none of them was symptomatic. The relatives of those repatriated from India were not allowed to enter the Wagah Border to meet them. Around 49 of them arrived here from Nagpur, 33 from Madhya Pradesh, 12 from Ahmedabad, nine each from Mumbai, Delhi, Raipur and Jaipur, six each from Bijnor and Anand, five each from Lucknow and Bhopal, four from Gurugram, three each from Agra, Raebareli, Rampur, Kaushambi, Kohlapur, Kota and Ferozepur, two from Kolkata, and one each from Burhanpur, Jodhpur and Ludhiana. The first batch of 41 Pakistanis who were stranded in India since the start of the lockdown arrived here via the Wagah Border in mid of April. The Indian government, on the request of the Pakistan High Commission, extended visas of all Pakistanis who were told to apply for an extension online.

190 Pakistanis stranded in India for over two months due to coronavirus lockdown return home

Vietnam appreciates "enormity and scale of action taken in India to enforce social distancing through the lockdown to contain the spread of novel coronavirus," says Indian envoy to Vietnam Pranay Verma.

In an exclusive conversation from Hanoi with WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said both India and Vietnam have shared best practices on dealing with the crisis.

Verma further said that no Indian COVID-19 case in Vietnam even as the mission reaches out to stranded Indians.&nbsp;

Most of the stranded Indians in the country are tourist, business travellers, short term visitors, he said.

India engagement on pharmaceuticals with Vietnam continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said and added, both India and Vietnam have witnessed among the lowest per capita incidents of infections.

Vietnam appreciates "enormity and scale of action taken in India to enforce social distancing through the lockdown to contain the spread of novel coronavirus," says Indian envoy to Vietnam Pranay Verma.

Vietnam appreciates "enormity and scale of action taken in India to enforce social distancing through the lockdown to contain the spread of novel coronavirus," says Indian envoy to Vietnam Pranay Verma. In an exclusive conversation from Hanoi with WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said both India and Vietnam have shared best practices on dealing with the crisis. Verma further said that no Indian COVID-19 case in Vietnam even as the mission reaches out to stranded Indians. Most of the stranded Indians in the country are tourist, business travellers, short term visitors, he said. India engagement on pharmaceuticals with Vietnam continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said and added, both India and Vietnam have witnessed among the lowest per capita incidents of infections.

India, Vietnam witnessed among lowest per capita incidents of infections: Indian envoy to Vietnam 

As neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural links, India and Thailand will work together to deal with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/do-not-visit-railway-stations-ministry-clarifies-on-running-of-special-trains-296251">Also read:&nbsp;'Do not visit railway stations': Ministry clarifies on running of special trains</a>

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Discussed issues related to COVID-19 pandemic with good friend <a href="https://twitter.com/prayutofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@prayutofficial</a>. As neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural links, India and Thailand will work together to deal with the multifarious challenges posed by this present crisis.
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Modi said he spoke with "good friend" Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and discussed issues related to the pandemic.

"As neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural links, India and Thailand will work together to deal with the multifarious challenges posed by this present crisis," the prime minister wrote on Twitter.

As neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural links, India and Thailand will work together to deal with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday.

As neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural links, India and Thailand will work together to deal with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday. Also read: 'Do not visit railway stations': Ministry clarifies on running of special trains Discussed issues related to COVID-19 pandemic with good friend @prayutofficial. As neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural links, India and Thailand will work together to deal with the multifarious challenges posed by this present crisis. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 2, 2020 × Modi said he spoke with "good friend" Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and discussed issues related to the pandemic. "As neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural links, India and Thailand will work together to deal with the multifarious challenges posed by this present crisis," the prime minister wrote on Twitter.

PM Modi discusses COVID-19 crisis with Thai PM

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday hailed the central government`s decision to extend the nationwide lockdown by two more weeks.

"I welcome the decision by Modi government to extend the lockdown by two more weeks, which is in line with Goa's request. The Government of Goa would ensure that all guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs are followed for the Lockdown 3 period," Sawant said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/migrant-worker-cycles-from-maharashtra-to-up-dies-mid-way-296223">Also read:&nbsp;Migrant worker cycles from Maharashtra to UP; dies mid-way</a>

"Our state has now been classified as a green zone by the Government of India and Goa is now COVID-19 free as we have not registered any positive case since April 3. The previous seven cases have recovered," he added.

On March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. The lockdown was later extended till May 3.The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday issued an order to extend the ongoing lockdown by two more weeks from May 4 and also allowed the movement of migrant workers, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places, by special trains.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday hailed the central government`s decision to extend the nationwide lockdown by two more weeks. "I welcome the decision by Modi government to extend the lockdown by two more weeks, which is in line with Goa's request.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday hailed the central government`s decision to extend the nationwide lockdown by two more weeks. "I welcome the decision by Modi government to extend the lockdown by two more weeks, which is in line with Goa's request. The Government of Goa would ensure that all guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs are followed for the Lockdown 3 period," Sawant said. Also read: Migrant worker cycles from Maharashtra to UP; dies mid-way "Our state has now been classified as a green zone by the Government of India and Goa is now COVID-19 free as we have not registered any positive case since April 3. The previous seven cases have recovered," he added. On March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. The lockdown was later extended till May 3.The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday issued an order to extend the ongoing lockdown by two more weeks from May 4 and also allowed the movement of migrant workers, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places, by special trains.

Welcome lockdown extension: Goa CM

India will be soon sending 2nd consignment of hydroxychloroquine to UAE. The second consignment will include 34 million tablets of HCQ.&nbsp;

Earlier India had sent 5.5 million tablets of the drug to the west Asian country with which New Delhi has close ties.

This comes even as New Delhi allowed 88 specialist, doctors and nurses to go back to UAE who were stranded in India due to lockdown.

Many Gulf countries have requested for essential medicines like hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol with New Delhi sending aid and supplies to the region on a commercial basis. India is sending hydroxychloroquine to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Egypt and Palestine.

As part of outreach to extended neighbourhood, India has sent its rapid response teams to Kuwait to help the country deal with the COVID-19 crisis.

PM and EAM have already been in touch with gulf counterparts in the past few weeks over COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has had telephonic conversations with leaders of GCC countries --Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman-- as well as with leaders of Palestine, Jordan and Egypt.&nbsp;

EAM Jaishankar has had telephonic conversations with his counterparts of Saudi Arabia and Oman on April 23rd and with Foreign Ministers of Qatar, UAE and Palestine on 24 April. He had earlier spoken to Foreign Ministers of Bahrain, Kuwait and Algeria.

India will be soon sending 2nd consignment of hydroxychloroquine to UAE. The second consignment will include 34 million tablets of HCQ. Earlier India had sent 5.

India will be soon sending 2nd consignment of hydroxychloroquine to UAE. The second consignment will include 34 million tablets of HCQ. Earlier India had sent 5.5 million tablets of the drug to the west Asian country with which New Delhi has close ties. This comes even as New Delhi allowed 88 specialist, doctors and nurses to go back to UAE who were stranded in India due to lockdown. Many Gulf countries have requested for essential medicines like hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol with New Delhi sending aid and supplies to the region on a commercial basis. India is sending hydroxychloroquine to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Egypt and Palestine. As part of outreach to extended neighbourhood, India has sent its rapid response teams to Kuwait to help the country deal with the COVID-19 crisis. PM and EAM have already been in touch with gulf counterparts in the past few weeks over COVID-19 crisis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has had telephonic conversations with leaders of GCC countries --Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman-- as well as with leaders of Palestine, Jordan and Egypt. EAM Jaishankar has had telephonic conversations with his counterparts of Saudi Arabia and Oman on April 23rd and with Foreign Ministers of Qatar, UAE and Palestine on 24 April. He had earlier spoken to Foreign Ministers of Bahrain, Kuwait and Algeria.

India to send second consignment of hydroxychloroquine to UAE

More than 1.5 million coronavirus cases have been reported in Europe, just under half the worldwide total, according to an AFP tally at 0850 GMT on Saturday. With at least 1,506,853 infections, including 140,260 deaths, Europe is the hardest-hit continent.

More than 1.5 million coronavirus cases have been reported in Europe, just under half the worldwide total, according to an AFP tally at 0850 GMT on Saturday. With at least 1,506,853 infections, including 140,260 deaths, Europe is the hardest-hit continent. Across the world, 3,350,224 cases and 238,334 deaths have been recorded. according to the report. Spain, with 215,216 cases and 24,824 deaths, Italy with 207,428 cases and 28,236 deaths, Britain (177,454 and 27,510), France (167,346 and 24,594) and Germany (161,703 and 6,575) are the five European countries with official tolls over 150,000. The tallies, using data collected by AFP from national authorities and information from the World Health Organization (WHO), probably reflect only a fraction of the actual number of infections. Many countries are testing only the most serious cases. (With inputs from AFP)

Coronavirus cases in Europe top 1.5 million: Report

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