The Indian mission in Cambodia is actively working with the authorities of both countries to ensure trade does not get much impacted due to the coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Phnom Penh, Indian envoy to Cambodia Manika Jain said 200 Indians wanted to go back to India and for that, the mission is "coordinating with the headquarters to arrange for evacuation as soon as possible."&nbsp;

The Indian mission has also donated masks, sanitisers to a Cheychamnas Referral Hospital in the country with which it has a long-standing relationship.&nbsp;

Wion: How is the Indian mission reaching to stranded Indians in the country? Any plans of repatriation? Any Indian infected with COVID?

Manika Jain: In March before the lockdown in India, Indian tourists in Cambodia were assisted to take a flight out from Thailand and Singapore as countries began to enforce travel restrictions due to the pandemic. The mission reached out to Indians through community organisations, embassy website, social media, emails as well as a 24-hour helpline. Further, I formed a task force consisting of prominent members to discuss the issue and provide help. We maintained regular contact through the community, WhatsApp, and video conference.&nbsp;

And we have also provided food and shelter to needy Indians who are stranded and have no resources. We visited the guest houses in which Indians have been accommodated to make sure that they are being taken care of and they do not have any issues. We also meet them regularly and guide them if they are in need of any further assistance. We are also providing medicines to those who need them. Fortunately, there are no coronavirus cases among Indians in Cambodia. Regarding the evacuation of Indian nationals from Cambodia, earlier the number of stranded Indians who wanted to go back to India were few. But now we have 200 people who are eager to return -- so we have been trying our best and coordinating with the headquarter to arrange for evacuation as soon as possible.&nbsp;

Wion: How are India and Cambodia cooperating over the pandemic?&nbsp;

Manika Jain: India and Cambodia have friendly relations and the two countries have always cooperated in the past. We are cooperating during the current period of difficulties as well and hope to maintain the warm relations in the future too.&nbsp;

One important thing Cambodia is doing is that it is automatically extending the tourist visas of Indians who came to the country after January 1, 2020 and whose visas had expired during the period when travel restrictions were put in place. For other types of visas, the mission also has been taking the matter on case to case basis, with the foreign office and we are getting the necessary assistance.&nbsp;

Since trade has been severely impacted during the pandemic, the mission has been able to get assistance from Indian and Cambodian authorities in cases of import disruption, problems of custom clearances. Regarding assistance to Cambodia, we have donated material such as masks, sanitisers, soaps etc to a hospital in Cambodia with whom we have a long relationship. The hospital was very appreciative of our help, this institution has the only centre in the country treating child and adolescent mental disabilities and it is doing exceptional work. An Indian travel company is also trying to evacuate stranded Cambodians from India and get them back to the country. Overall Cambodia is appreciative of the steps taken by India in containing the pandemic.

 
Wion: How has the ground situation in Cambodia changed? And how have Indian diplomats been faring?

Manika Jain: Cambodia has been fortunate to not have any lethal effects of the pandemic. Till date, no death has been reported. The total number of infected cases were 12 -- we have not seen single addition in last one and half months. All 122 patients were cured and out of these 122, more than 60 were foreigners.&nbsp;

Despite weak health infrastructure and limited testing, I would say Cambodia with the help of international partners has been able to contain the pandemic well. As mentioned earlier, no Indians were infected. A complete lockdown was never enforced; some restrictions were put in place. They are being slowly eased off, particularly because the Cambodian economy has been hard hit. We are following social distancing and wearing masks, and govt has been cautioning the people in continuing the precaution in order to prevent the second wave. The international community including WHO is weary of a second stronger wave of infections. Many foreigners and diplomats continue to work from home and Indian diplomats are also taking physical precautions like others, but haven't stopped working even during the peak of infection. &nbsp;

The Indian mission in Cambodia is actively working with the authorities of both countries to ensure trade does not get much impacted due to the coronavirus crisis.

The Indian mission in Cambodia is actively working with the authorities of both countries to ensure trade does not get much impacted due to the coronavirus crisis. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Phnom Penh, Indian envoy to Cambodia Manika Jain said 200 Indians wanted to go back to India and for that, the mission is "coordinating with the headquarters to arrange for evacuation as soon as possible." The Indian mission has also donated masks, sanitisers to a Cheychamnas Referral Hospital in the country with which it has a long-standing relationship. Wion: How is the Indian mission reaching to stranded Indians in the country? Any plans of repatriation? Any Indian infected with COVID? Manika Jain: In March before the lockdown in India, Indian tourists in Cambodia were assisted to take a flight out from Thailand and Singapore as countries began to enforce travel restrictions due to the pandemic. The mission reached out to Indians through community organisations, embassy website, social media, emails as well as a 24-hour helpline. Further, I formed a task force consisting of prominent members to discuss the issue and provide help. We maintained regular contact through the community, WhatsApp, and video conference. And we have also provided food and shelter to needy Indians who are stranded and have no resources. We visited the guest houses in which Indians have been accommodated to make sure that they are being taken care of and they do not have any issues. We also meet them regularly and guide them if they are in need of any further assistance. We are also providing medicines to those who need them. Fortunately, there are no coronavirus cases among Indians in Cambodia. Regarding the evacuation of Indian nationals from Cambodia, earlier the number of stranded Indians who wanted to go back to India were few. But now we have 200 people who are eager to return -- so we have been trying our best and coordinating with the headquarter to arrange for evacuation as soon as possible. Wion: How are India and Cambodia cooperating over the pandemic? Manika Jain: India and Cambodia have friendly relations and the two countries have always cooperated in the past. We are cooperating during the current period of difficulties as well and hope to maintain the warm relations in the future too. One important thing Cambodia is doing is that it is automatically extending the tourist visas of Indians who came to the country after January 1, 2020 and whose visas had expired during the period when travel restrictions were put in place. For other types of visas, the mission also has been taking the matter on case to case basis, with the foreign office and we are getting the necessary assistance. Since trade has been severely impacted during the pandemic, the mission has been able to get assistance from Indian and Cambodian authorities in cases of import disruption, problems of custom clearances. Regarding assistance to Cambodia, we have donated material such as masks, sanitisers, soaps etc to a hospital in Cambodia with whom we have a long relationship. The hospital was very appreciative of our help, this institution has the only centre in the country treating child and adolescent mental disabilities and it is doing exceptional work. An Indian travel company is also trying to evacuate stranded Cambodians from India and get them back to the country. Overall Cambodia is appreciative of the steps taken by India in containing the pandemic. Wion: How has the ground situation in Cambodia changed? And how have Indian diplomats been faring? Manika Jain: Cambodia has been fortunate to not have any lethal effects of the pandemic. Till date, no death has been reported. The total number of infected cases were 12 -- we have not seen single addition in last one and half months. All 122 patients were cured and out of these 122, more than 60 were foreigners. Despite weak health infrastructure and limited testing, I would say Cambodia with the help of international partners has been able to contain the pandemic well. As mentioned earlier, no Indians were infected. A complete lockdown was never enforced; some restrictions were put in place. They are being slowly eased off, particularly because the Cambodian economy has been hard hit. We are following social distancing and wearing masks, and govt has been cautioning the people in continuing the precaution in order to prevent the second wave. The international community including WHO is weary of a second stronger wave of infections. Many foreigners and diplomats continue to work from home and Indian diplomats are also taking physical precautions like others, but haven't stopped working even during the peak of infection.

India, Cambodia ensure trade doesn't get affected amid coronavirus crisis

The Indian government on Thursday refuted China's claims that India was carrying out activities in violation of the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh and Sikkim.

"Any suggestion that Indian troops had undertaken activity across the LAC in the Western Sector or the Sikkim sector is not accurate," the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Anurag Srivastava told the media during a virtual press briefing.

All Indian activities, he said, are entirely on the Indian side of the LAC.&nbsp;

"In fact, it is Chinese side that has recently undertaken activity hindering India's normal patrolling patterns."

The spokesperson said that Indian troops are fully familiar with the alignment of the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas and abide by it scrupulously.

The Indian troops strictly follow the procedures laid down in various bilateral agreements and protocols to resolve any situations which may arise due to difference in the perception of the LAC.

The spokesperson said India and China have established mechanisms to resolve such situations peacefully through dialogue. He added Indian side remains firmly committed to work for the common objective of maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas.

"This is an essential prerequisite to the further development of Indian-China bilateral relations," he said.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has erected a sizeable number of tents in the Galwan Valley of the Union Territory of Ladakh - an area over which India is sensitive about since the showdown in the 1962 war. In the first week of May, 250 Indian and Chinese soldiers clashed with iron rods, sticks, and even resorted to stone-pelting in the Pangong Tso lake area.

In the second week of May, around 150 soldiers of both sides had a face-off near Naku La Pass in Sikkim. In both the incidents, soldiers sustained injuries. Both India and China have now deployed addition troops both in tense areas of Galwan valley, Pangong Tso lake and several areas in northern Sikkim.

(with inputs from PTI)

The Indian government on Thursday refuted China's claims that India was carrying out activities in violation of the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh and Sikkim. "Any suggestion that Indian troops had undertaken activity across the LAC in the Western Sector or the Sikkim sector is not accurate," the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Anurag Srivastava told the media during a virtual press briefing.

The Indian government on Thursday refuted China's claims that India was carrying out activities in violation of the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh and Sikkim. "Any suggestion that Indian troops had undertaken activity across the LAC in the Western Sector or the Sikkim sector is not accurate," the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Anurag Srivastava told the media during a virtual press briefing. All Indian activities, he said, are entirely on the Indian side of the LAC. "In fact, it is Chinese side that has recently undertaken activity hindering India's normal patrolling patterns." The spokesperson said that Indian troops are fully familiar with the alignment of the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas and abide by it scrupulously. The Indian troops strictly follow the procedures laid down in various bilateral agreements and protocols to resolve any situations which may arise due to difference in the perception of the LAC. The spokesperson said India and China have established mechanisms to resolve such situations peacefully through dialogue. He added Indian side remains firmly committed to work for the common objective of maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas. "This is an essential prerequisite to the further development of Indian-China bilateral relations," he said. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has erected a sizeable number of tents in the Galwan Valley of the Union Territory of Ladakh - an area over which India is sensitive about since the showdown in the 1962 war. In the first week of May, 250 Indian and Chinese soldiers clashed with iron rods, sticks, and even resorted to stone-pelting in the Pangong Tso lake area. In the second week of May, around 150 soldiers of both sides had a face-off near Naku La Pass in Sikkim. In both the incidents, soldiers sustained injuries. Both India and China have now deployed addition troops both in tense areas of Galwan valley, Pangong Tso lake and several areas in northern Sikkim. (with inputs from PTI)

India refutes China's claims of activity in violation of Line of Actual Control

While addressing the Parliament, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli blamed India for the spread of coronavirus in the neighbouring countries and said the virus from India is more lethal than the Chinese and Italian ones.

Nepal PM: Indian virus more lethal than Chinese and Italian

India on Wednesday asked Nepal to not resort to any "artificial enlargement" of its territorial claim after the neighbouring country came up with a new political map showing Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani as its territory.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement, said the revised map of Nepal included parts of the Indian territory and asked Kathmandu to refrain from such "unjustified cartographic assertion".

India's reaction came in the aftermath of the Nepal government releasing a revised political and administrative map of the country laying claim over the strategically key areas along the border between the two countries.

"This unilateral act is not based on historical facts and evidence. It is contrary to the bilateral understanding to resolve the outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue. Such artificial enlargement of territorial claims will not be accepted by India," MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

He said Nepal was well aware of India's consistent position on the matter.

"We urge the government of Nepal to refrain from such unjustified cartographic assertion and respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We hope that the Nepalese leadership will create a positive atmosphere for diplomatic dialogue to resolve the outstanding boundary issues," he said.

The new map was released by Nepal's Land Reforms Minister Padma Aryal during a televised press conference in Kathmandu.

The ties between the two countries came under strain after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a 80 km-long strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8.

Nepal reacted sharply to the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through Nepalese territory. India rejected the claim asserting that the road lies completely within its territory.

Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali last week summoned Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra and handed over a diplomatic note to protest against India inaugurating the key road.

In the midst of the row, Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane said there were reasons to believe that Nepal objected to the road at the behest of "someone else", in an apparent reference to a possible role by China on the matter.

The Lipulekh pass is a far western point near Kalapani, a disputed border area between Nepal and India. Both India and Nepal claim Kalapani as an integral part of their territory -- India as part of Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district and Nepal as part of Dharchula district.

Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Tuesday asserted that Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura belong to Nepal and vowed to "reclaim" them from India through political and diplomatic efforts.

Addressing Parliament, Oli said the territories belong to Nepal but India has made it a disputed area by keeping its Army there.

The ties between India and Nepal came under strain after New Delhi issued a new political map incorporating Kalapani and Lipulekh as part of its territory in October last year.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

India on Wednesday asked Nepal to not resort to any "artificial enlargement" of its territorial claim after the neighbouring country came up with a new political map showing Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani as its territory.

India on Wednesday asked Nepal to not resort to any "artificial enlargement" of its territorial claim after the neighbouring country came up with a new political map showing Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani as its territory. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement, said the revised map of Nepal included parts of the Indian territory and asked Kathmandu to refrain from such "unjustified cartographic assertion". India's reaction came in the aftermath of the Nepal government releasing a revised political and administrative map of the country laying claim over the strategically key areas along the border between the two countries. "This unilateral act is not based on historical facts and evidence. It is contrary to the bilateral understanding to resolve the outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue. Such artificial enlargement of territorial claims will not be accepted by India," MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said. He said Nepal was well aware of India's consistent position on the matter. "We urge the government of Nepal to refrain from such unjustified cartographic assertion and respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We hope that the Nepalese leadership will create a positive atmosphere for diplomatic dialogue to resolve the outstanding boundary issues," he said. The new map was released by Nepal's Land Reforms Minister Padma Aryal during a televised press conference in Kathmandu. The ties between the two countries came under strain after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a 80 km-long strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8. Nepal reacted sharply to the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through Nepalese territory. India rejected the claim asserting that the road lies completely within its territory. Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali last week summoned Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra and handed over a diplomatic note to protest against India inaugurating the key road. In the midst of the row, Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane said there were reasons to believe that Nepal objected to the road at the behest of "someone else", in an apparent reference to a possible role by China on the matter. The Lipulekh pass is a far western point near Kalapani, a disputed border area between Nepal and India. Both India and Nepal claim Kalapani as an integral part of their territory -- India as part of Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district and Nepal as part of Dharchula district. Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Tuesday asserted that Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura belong to Nepal and vowed to "reclaim" them from India through political and diplomatic efforts. Addressing Parliament, Oli said the territories belong to Nepal but India has made it a disputed area by keeping its Army there. The ties between India and Nepal came under strain after New Delhi issued a new political map incorporating Kalapani and Lipulekh as part of its territory in October last year. (with inputs from agencies)

India calls Nepal's new map unjustified cartographic assertion

After #MapFixing, Nepal's Prime Minister KP Oli has blamed India for the spread of coronavirus cases in his country. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more about Nepal's latest provocation.

Gravitas: After Map Fixing, Nepal PM blames India for coronavirus spread

Tensions at the India - China border are escalating. A new report claims that China has tripled its boats in India’s Pangong Tso Lake. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Tensions escalate at India - China border

India has sent 15 tonnes of protective items to Lisbon from Banglore, other than providing 2.5 million tablets of HCQ as part of the ongoing cooperation between the 2 countries.

India sends 15 tonnes of protective items to Lisbon. Exclusive conversation with Indian envoy to Portugal

The US on Tuesday included the India unit of Huawei along with its other foreign subsidiaries in its Entity List, as part of efforts to prevent the Chinese telecom company from doing business in America.

The Trump administration in recent months has increased its action against Huawei, preventing it from doing business in the US, as it believes the company known for its technological advancement in 5G is being used by the Chinese leadership in Beijing to serve their interest.

Huawei and its non-US affiliates have been added to the Entity List, because they pose a significant risk of involvement in activities contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States, said a notification issued in the Federal Register on Tuesday.

The Indian entity listed in the notification is Huawei Technologies India Private Limited.

"Huawei is an untrustworthy vendor and a tool of the Chinese Communist Party, beholden to its orders,"&nbsp;the State Department said in a statement last week.

The Department of Justice has indicted Huawei for stealing US technology and helping Iran evade sanctions, and the Department of Commerce placed Huawei on the Entity List in 2019.

"The Department of State has engaged for more than a year to share what we know about Huawei and other untrustworthy vendors with allies and partners around the world,"&nbsp;it said.

The expansion of entities list and its other affiliates, the State Department said, helps prevent Huawei from undermining US export controls, closing a loophole that has allowed the company to exploit US technology and threaten our national security.

It also imposes US export control restrictions on countries that use US technology or software to design and produce semiconductors for Huawei. Companies wishing to sell certain items to Huawei produced with US technology must now obtain a license from the United States, it said.

"The US will continue to restrict most US exports to Huawei and its affiliates on the Entity List for activities that threaten US national security and international stability,"&nbsp;the State Department said.

The US on Tuesday included the India unit of Huawei along with its other foreign subsidiaries in its Entity List, as part of efforts to prevent the Chinese telecom company from doing business in America.

The US on Tuesday included the India unit of Huawei along with its other foreign subsidiaries in its Entity List, as part of efforts to prevent the Chinese telecom company from doing business in America. The Trump administration in recent months has increased its action against Huawei, preventing it from doing business in the US, as it believes the company known for its technological advancement in 5G is being used by the Chinese leadership in Beijing to serve their interest. Huawei and its non-US affiliates have been added to the Entity List, because they pose a significant risk of involvement in activities contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States, said a notification issued in the Federal Register on Tuesday. The Indian entity listed in the notification is Huawei Technologies India Private Limited. "Huawei is an untrustworthy vendor and a tool of the Chinese Communist Party, beholden to its orders," the State Department said in a statement last week. The Department of Justice has indicted Huawei for stealing US technology and helping Iran evade sanctions, and the Department of Commerce placed Huawei on the Entity List in 2019. "The Department of State has engaged for more than a year to share what we know about Huawei and other untrustworthy vendors with allies and partners around the world," it said. The expansion of entities list and its other affiliates, the State Department said, helps prevent Huawei from undermining US export controls, closing a loophole that has allowed the company to exploit US technology and threaten our national security. It also imposes US export control restrictions on countries that use US technology or software to design and produce semiconductors for Huawei. Companies wishing to sell certain items to Huawei produced with US technology must now obtain a license from the United States, it said. "The US will continue to restrict most US exports to Huawei and its affiliates on the Entity List for activities that threaten US national security and international stability," the State Department said.

US includes Huawei India in its export control Entity List

Coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to revisit its position on many global issues, and participation of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly (WHA) forum&nbsp;scheduled next week, is one of them. WHA is the world's highest health policy-setting body, through which the World Health Organisation (WHO) is governed by its 194 member states. The main task of the WHA is to decide on main international policy frameworks related to global health, approve WHO work programmes and its budget, and pass international health resolutions. Its tasks, especially at the time of the pandemic, indicate that it has to globally inclusive; hence cannot be seen to be isolating a particular segment of humanity from its programmes and participation.&nbsp;

In the context of the above, Taiwan was invited on 28 April 2009 to participate in the WHA 2009 as an observer for the first time since losing its China seat in United Nations to People's Republic of China in 1971, despite ‘One China Policy’. In 2016, subsequent to democratic elections in Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen of DPP was sworn in as President. China was utterly uncomfortable with that applied political pressure on WHA. In May 2017, WHA succumbed to Chinese pressure to completely exclude Taiwan from its observer list. It was poor precedence in the history of WHA/UN.

What has changed Now?&nbsp;

Taiwan's success in combatting COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in global perception and US-led demand, supported by many nations for reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, despite China's reminder&nbsp;of &nbsp;‘One-China’ policy. Taiwan just off the coast of China was predicted to have the second-highest 'importation risk' by any country with over 850,000 of its citizens residing and working in mainland China undergoing frequent travels. Considering the risk, having only 440 cases with seven deaths so far is creditable. Its success is attributed to early action by National Health Command Center (NHCC) established after the SARS outbreak, including border control (air and sea), efficient management of pandemic, resources, technological innovations and many other best practices, relevant for the world community. It has also dented Chinese narrative that an autocratic regime can handle the pandemic better than democracy. This has led to many countries expanding ties with Taiwan to bolster their own COVID-19 responses and recalibration of their Taiwan policy.&nbsp;

Global politics over health Issue&nbsp;

In March 2020, the US administration enacted Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative Act (TAIPEI Act), aimed at supporting Taiwan’s international presence. US is backing Taiwan’s “appropriate role” in the WHO, along with Japan, New Zealand, UK, Canada, Australia, France, many European and developing countries. Many countries are thankful to Taiwan for grant of much-needed resource assistance in combating pandemic, while many are collaborating in research and development, contact-tracing, and scientific engagements. This has further angered China, which is being increasingly seen as exploiting other countries during pandemic, by coercive adventurism in the strategic and military domain, besides profiteering out of pandemic. Many countries are also looking at WHA for consensus on asking for investigations regarding various aspects of the outbreak of COVID-19, delayed warnings, alleged slackness of WHO in a timely declaration of pandemic and ignoring Taiwan’s inputs, to prevent global reoccurrence.&nbsp;

Taiwan has own reasons to demand international participation, as a democratic society, having elected government, own constitution, own defence forces, own currency, strong economy with a population exceeding more than three-quarters of the world’s nations; and territory larger than two-fifths of the world’s nations. A recent survey has indicated that most Taiwanese want to identify themselves as Taiwanese and not Chinese and support closer ties with the US. A global consensus seems to be emerging for Taiwan’s access to the WHO and other multilateral agencies, much against Chinese opposition.&nbsp;

What should India do?&nbsp;

India, ready to take over as the chairperson of the WHO’s executive decision making body at the end of May, needs to take a stand on whether to support the US-led multinational demand of reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, or listen to Chinese argument of ‘One China Policy’. Taiwan is an important partner in the global fight against the pandemic, besides being an important potential commercial and technological investor. Its donation of about one million surgical masks to help India during pandemic should not be ignored. Strategically, most strategic partners/Quad members seem convinced about Taiwan’s re-entry into WHA, a fact which India cannot overlook. In my opinion, India must set aside global politics and take a moral position for Taiwan to be in WHA to share its best practices, in view of the unprecedented global pandemic requiring entire humanity to be together to combat COVID-19.

Likely outcome&nbsp;

Despite all the efforts of the global community for Taiwan’s reentry as an observer in WHA, it may still not materialise due to technical reasons, as WHO could insist on approval from all its 194 members, before it can send out an invitation to Taiwan, which may not be possible. The demand for medical investigation might remain restricted to ‘Investigation by WHO’, which is unlikely to yield any result because of the high possibility of destruction of evidence.&nbsp;It will, therefore, build up a strong case in support of Taiwan by the global community, thereby putting pressure on China for the future.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to revisit its position on many global issues, and participation of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly (WHA) forum scheduled next week, is one of them.

Coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to revisit its position on many global issues, and participation of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly (WHA) forum scheduled next week, is one of them. WHA is the world's highest health policy-setting body, through which the World Health Organisation (WHO) is governed by its 194 member states. The main task of the WHA is to decide on main international policy frameworks related to global health, approve WHO work programmes and its budget, and pass international health resolutions. Its tasks, especially at the time of the pandemic, indicate that it has to globally inclusive; hence cannot be seen to be isolating a particular segment of humanity from its programmes and participation. In the context of the above, Taiwan was invited on 28 April 2009 to participate in the WHA 2009 as an observer for the first time since losing its China seat in United Nations to People's Republic of China in 1971, despite ‘One China Policy’. In 2016, subsequent to democratic elections in Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen of DPP was sworn in as President. China was utterly uncomfortable with that applied political pressure on WHA. In May 2017, WHA succumbed to Chinese pressure to completely exclude Taiwan from its observer list. It was poor precedence in the history of WHA/UN. What has changed Now? Taiwan's success in combatting COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in global perception and US-led demand, supported by many nations for reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, despite China's reminder of ‘One-China’ policy. Taiwan just off the coast of China was predicted to have the second-highest 'importation risk' by any country with over 850,000 of its citizens residing and working in mainland China undergoing frequent travels. Considering the risk, having only 440 cases with seven deaths so far is creditable. Its success is attributed to early action by National Health Command Center (NHCC) established after the SARS outbreak, including border control (air and sea), efficient management of pandemic, resources, technological innovations and many other best practices, relevant for the world community. It has also dented Chinese narrative that an autocratic regime can handle the pandemic better than democracy. This has led to many countries expanding ties with Taiwan to bolster their own COVID-19 responses and recalibration of their Taiwan policy. Global politics over health Issue In March 2020, the US administration enacted Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative Act (TAIPEI Act), aimed at supporting Taiwan’s international presence. US is backing Taiwan’s “appropriate role” in the WHO, along with Japan, New Zealand, UK, Canada, Australia, France, many European and developing countries. Many countries are thankful to Taiwan for grant of much-needed resource assistance in combating pandemic, while many are collaborating in research and development, contact-tracing, and scientific engagements. This has further angered China, which is being increasingly seen as exploiting other countries during pandemic, by coercive adventurism in the strategic and military domain, besides profiteering out of pandemic. Many countries are also looking at WHA for consensus on asking for investigations regarding various aspects of the outbreak of COVID-19, delayed warnings, alleged slackness of WHO in a timely declaration of pandemic and ignoring Taiwan’s inputs, to prevent global reoccurrence. Taiwan has own reasons to demand international participation, as a democratic society, having elected government, own constitution, own defence forces, own currency, strong economy with a population exceeding more than three-quarters of the world’s nations; and territory larger than two-fifths of the world’s nations. A recent survey has indicated that most Taiwanese want to identify themselves as Taiwanese and not Chinese and support closer ties with the US. A global consensus seems to be emerging for Taiwan’s access to the WHO and other multilateral agencies, much against Chinese opposition. What should India do? India, ready to take over as the chairperson of the WHO’s executive decision making body at the end of May, needs to take a stand on whether to support the US-led multinational demand of reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, or listen to Chinese argument of ‘One China Policy’. Taiwan is an important partner in the global fight against the pandemic, besides being an important potential commercial and technological investor. Its donation of about one million surgical masks to help India during pandemic should not be ignored. Strategically, most strategic partners/Quad members seem convinced about Taiwan’s re-entry into WHA, a fact which India cannot overlook. In my opinion, India must set aside global politics and take a moral position for Taiwan to be in WHA to share its best practices, in view of the unprecedented global pandemic requiring entire humanity to be together to combat COVID-19. Likely outcome Despite all the efforts of the global community for Taiwan’s reentry as an observer in WHA, it may still not materialise due to technical reasons, as WHO could insist on approval from all its 194 members, before it can send out an invitation to Taiwan, which may not be possible. The demand for medical investigation might remain restricted to ‘Investigation by WHO’, which is unlikely to yield any result because of the high possibility of destruction of evidence. It will, therefore, build up a strong case in support of Taiwan by the global community, thereby putting pressure on China for the future. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why does India need to back Taiwan’s reentry to the World Health Assembly?

India has resumed purchases of Malaysian palm oil after a four-month gap following a diplomatic row. The process was spurred by a fall in domestic inventories and discounted prices.

The renewed purchases come amid improving trade relations between the two countries, with Malaysia signing a deal last week to buy a record 1,00,000 tonnes of Indian rice.

This happened after the formation of a new government in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia's palm oil inventories jumped to more than 2 million tonnes in April, well above expectations, as production surged to a six-month high and coronavirus lockdown led to a slump in demand.

Leading Indian importers last week contracted up to 2,00,000 tonnes of crude palm oil (CPO) from Malaysia to be shipped in June and July.

India's total palm oil imports for the first four months of 2020 fell by more than 50% from the same period in 2019 to 1.11 million tonnes.

India early this year restricted imports of Malaysian palm oil after then prime minister Mahathir Mohamad criticised policies by New Delhi affecting the country's Muslim minority.

The renewed buying has hence been spurred by low stocks, while India's relations with Malaysia have been improving since a new government was formed in early March.

Malaysian palm oil is now available at a $15 discount to supplies from Indonesia which on Monday raised its palm oil export levy by $5 per tonne.

India buys more than 9 million tonnes of palm oil a year, accounting for nearly two-thirds of its total edible oil imports, and took a record 4.4 million tonnes of Malaysian palm oil in 2019.

Indian purchases of palm oil from Malaysia could rise further if discounts remain.

(with inputs from Reuters)

India has resumed purchases of Malaysian palm oil after a four-month gap following a diplomatic row. The process was spurred by a fall in domestic inventories and discounted prices.

India has resumed purchases of Malaysian palm oil after a four-month gap following a diplomatic row. The process was spurred by a fall in domestic inventories and discounted prices. The renewed purchases come amid improving trade relations between the two countries, with Malaysia signing a deal last week to buy a record 1,00,000 tonnes of Indian rice. This happened after the formation of a new government in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia's palm oil inventories jumped to more than 2 million tonnes in April, well above expectations, as production surged to a six-month high and coronavirus lockdown led to a slump in demand. Leading Indian importers last week contracted up to 2,00,000 tonnes of crude palm oil (CPO) from Malaysia to be shipped in June and July. India's total palm oil imports for the first four months of 2020 fell by more than 50% from the same period in 2019 to 1.11 million tonnes. India early this year restricted imports of Malaysian palm oil after then prime minister Mahathir Mohamad criticised policies by New Delhi affecting the country's Muslim minority. The renewed buying has hence been spurred by low stocks, while India's relations with Malaysia have been improving since a new government was formed in early March. Malaysian palm oil is now available at a $15 discount to supplies from Indonesia which on Monday raised its palm oil export levy by $5 per tonne. India buys more than 9 million tonnes of palm oil a year, accounting for nearly two-thirds of its total edible oil imports, and took a record 4.4 million tonnes of Malaysian palm oil in 2019. Indian purchases of palm oil from Malaysia could rise further if discounts remain. (with inputs from Reuters)

India resumes purchase of Malaysian palm oil

India has started reparation of 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 & Paraguay.

Exclusive conversation with Indian Envoy to Argentina

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a draft resolution which calls for 'impartial, independent and comprehensive' probe into the coronavirus pandemic. India is backing the demand for probe into COVID-19 pandemic.

India backs demand for probe into COVID-19 pandemic

India: Ahmedabad is second worst affected city of Coronavirus across the country with more than 7.000 positive coronavirus cases. Ahmedabad municipal body has screened more than 33,000 people across the city.

India: Ahmedabad is second worst affected city of Coronavirus across the country

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday accused India of attempting to create an opportunity to conduct a false-flag operation against his country by alleging that Islamabad was supporting terrorism in Kashmir.

Khan once again took to Twitter to allege that the Indian government was trying to deprive the Kashmiris of their right of self-determination by "illegal annexation of their territory."

In a series of tweets, Khan alleged that India was 'trying to show Kashmiris' right to struggle for self-determination guaranteed in UN Security Council Resolutions as terrorism being abetted by Pakistan - to create opportunity for a false flag operation against Pakistan while detracting world attention away from" Kashmir.

Khan's statement came amidst the ongoing war of words between the two countries.

Pakistan on Saturday rejected the Indian army chief Gen MM Naravane's recent allegations of organising and supporting a new terror group in Kashmir, known as 'The Resistance Front'.

"I would like to emphasise that Indian Army will give proportionate response to all acts of infringement of ceasefire and its (Pakistan's) support to terrorism. The onus remains with Pakistan to bring peace in the region," Gen Naravane said last week.

The ties between India and Pakistan strained following the Pulwama terror attack and the subsequent Balakot airstrikes by the Indian Air Force.

The bilateral relations further nose-dived following the Indian goverment's abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution in August last that revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The move angered Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties with India and expelled the Indian High Commissioner.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday accused India of attempting to create an opportunity to conduct a false-flag operation against his country by alleging that Islamabad was supporting terrorism in Kashmir.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday accused India of attempting to create an opportunity to conduct a false-flag operation against his country by alleging that Islamabad was supporting terrorism in Kashmir. Khan once again took to Twitter to allege that the Indian government was trying to deprive the Kashmiris of their right of self-determination by "illegal annexation of their territory." In a series of tweets, Khan alleged that India was 'trying to show Kashmiris' right to struggle for self-determination guaranteed in UN Security Council Resolutions as terrorism being abetted by Pakistan - to create opportunity for a false flag operation against Pakistan while detracting world attention away from" Kashmir. Khan's statement came amidst the ongoing war of words between the two countries. Pakistan on Saturday rejected the Indian army chief Gen MM Naravane's recent allegations of organising and supporting a new terror group in Kashmir, known as 'The Resistance Front'. "I would like to emphasise that Indian Army will give proportionate response to all acts of infringement of ceasefire and its (Pakistan's) support to terrorism. The onus remains with Pakistan to bring peace in the region," Gen Naravane said last week. The ties between India and Pakistan strained following the Pulwama terror attack and the subsequent Balakot airstrikes by the Indian Air Force. The bilateral relations further nose-dived following the Indian goverment's abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution in August last that revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The move angered Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties with India and expelled the Indian High Commissioner.

Imran Khan accuses India of creating opportunity for 'false-flag operation' against Pak

The Covid-19 infection rate in India shows no signs of abating as the nation reported the biggest ever spike in fresh cases.

India records almost 5,000 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

United States of America will donate ventilators to India in battle against pandemic Coronavirus. US President Trump said that India, US will beat this invisible enemy together.

US to donate ventilators to India in battle against pandemic Coronavirus

In India, Beekeepers in J&K faces challenge amid COVID-19 lockdown. Beekeepers are unable to deliver products to domestic as well as international markets.

India: Beekeepers in J&K faces challenge amid COVID-19 lockdown

Leading countries are throwing their support behind Taiwan's bid to participate at the WHO World Health Assembly. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why India must back Taiwan's participation.

Gravitas: Why India must back Taiwan

Pakistan is rebranding terror groups. As Pakistani terrorists make more nefarious plans, Islamabad has opened the doors to Indian medical supplies. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more about a contrast that exposes the fault lines in South Asia.

Gravitas: Pakistan exports terror, imports drugs from India

The foreign ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will meet on Wednesday via video conference, India will be represented by external affairs ministers S Jaishankar.

SCO members to work together against coronavirus outbreak

India has kicked off a mission to bring back 1.8 million Indians stranded around the world. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about the mission - which is being called the biggest evacuation in history.

Gravitas: India kicks off world's biggest evacuation mission

A dispute between India and Nepal has escalated into a full-blown diplomatic crisis. Kathmandu on Monday summoned the Indian ambassador who was given a 'diplomatic note'.

Nepal is objecting over a road built by India. This is a new link road to Kailash Mansarovar that goes through the Lipulekh pass. The road was inaugurated by defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday.

Nepal stakes claim over Lipulekh pass, a territory that India controls. For quite some time now, Indians and Tibetans have been using Lipulekh for border trade. India and Nepal were in the process of resolving this dispute and foreign secretaries from both sides were supposed to meet, but the coronavirus outbreak has delayed the talks. The project has been in the public domain since the UPA era. They had cleared it way back in 2005, the BJP government began work on it two years ago.

Observers say domestic compulsions could have compelled the Nepalese government to take a stand on the dispute. Reportedly, Nepal's prime minister KP Sharma Oli was under pressure and factions of his government wanted Oli to take a tough stand against India.

Nepal is governed by the Nepal communist party which was founded in 2018 when two left parties joined hands. This was when Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal joined hands.

The party won power, but the government has been unstable because of the constant in-fighting. There is still a risk that the Nepal Communist Party could split.

Last week, China's ambassador to Nepal met with all key political stakeholders, including prime minister Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Observers saw this as a move to repair the relationship between the two. When Oli was faced pressure to protest against India, he apparently chose to give in.

What is now becoming clear is the fact that China is micromanaging Nepal. Nepal is struggling to strike a balance between India and China, and prime minister KP Sharma Oli seems to be caught between a rock and a hard place.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A dispute between India and Nepal has escalated into a full-blown diplomatic crisis. Kathmandu on Monday summoned the Indian ambassador who was given a 'diplomatic note'.

A dispute between India and Nepal has escalated into a full-blown diplomatic crisis. Kathmandu on Monday summoned the Indian ambassador who was given a 'diplomatic note'. Nepal is objecting over a road built by India. This is a new link road to Kailash Mansarovar that goes through the Lipulekh pass. The road was inaugurated by defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday. Nepal stakes claim over Lipulekh pass, a territory that India controls. For quite some time now, Indians and Tibetans have been using Lipulekh for border trade. India and Nepal were in the process of resolving this dispute and foreign secretaries from both sides were supposed to meet, but the coronavirus outbreak has delayed the talks. The project has been in the public domain since the UPA era. They had cleared it way back in 2005, the BJP government began work on it two years ago. Observers say domestic compulsions could have compelled the Nepalese government to take a stand on the dispute. Reportedly, Nepal's prime minister KP Sharma Oli was under pressure and factions of his government wanted Oli to take a tough stand against India. Nepal is governed by the Nepal communist party which was founded in 2018 when two left parties joined hands. This was when Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal joined hands. The party won power, but the government has been unstable because of the constant in-fighting. There is still a risk that the Nepal Communist Party could split. Last week, China's ambassador to Nepal met with all key political stakeholders, including prime minister Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Observers saw this as a move to repair the relationship between the two. When Oli was faced pressure to protest against India, he apparently chose to give in. What is now becoming clear is the fact that China is micromanaging Nepal. Nepal is struggling to strike a balance between India and China, and prime minister KP Sharma Oli seems to be caught between a rock and a hard place.

As China's influence grows, Nepal struggles to strike balance between India and Beijing

China has extended its claim on the world's highest mountain peak Mount Everest. Watch this video to know more.

China extends its claim on the world's highest mountain peak Mt. Everest

Pakistan's state-run media on Sunday started providing detailed weather update of Jammu and Kashmir, days after India started the coverage of weather of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

State-run Radio Pakistan on Sunday reported that in most parts of Jammu and Kashmir "partly cloudy weather is expected with chances of rain."

It reported the maximum and minimum temperatures of Srinagar, Pulwama, Jammu and Ladakh.

Radio Pakistan has special Kashmir coverage and a part of its webpage is dedicated to news from Jammu and Kashmir. The state-run Pakistan Television also gives coverage to news from Kashmir and runs special bulletin on the Valley.

The coverage is expected to increase after the Indian media started showing weather of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan on Friday rejected India's move to begin broadcasting weather reports on Mirpur, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), terming it as a "legally void" action to change the status of the region.

Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement that like the so-called ?political maps? issued last year by India, this move is also legally void, contrary to reality, and in violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

India in November last released fresh maps showing PoK as part of the newly created Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, while Gilgit-Baltistan is in the Union Territory of Ladakh following the bifurcation.&nbsp;

Pakistan's state-run media on Sunday started providing detailed weather update of Jammu and Kashmir, days after India started the coverage of weather of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan's state-run media on Sunday started providing detailed weather update of Jammu and Kashmir, days after India started the coverage of weather of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. State-run Radio Pakistan on Sunday reported that in most parts of Jammu and Kashmir "partly cloudy weather is expected with chances of rain." It reported the maximum and minimum temperatures of Srinagar, Pulwama, Jammu and Ladakh. Radio Pakistan has special Kashmir coverage and a part of its webpage is dedicated to news from Jammu and Kashmir. The state-run Pakistan Television also gives coverage to news from Kashmir and runs special bulletin on the Valley. The coverage is expected to increase after the Indian media started showing weather of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan on Friday rejected India's move to begin broadcasting weather reports on Mirpur, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), terming it as a "legally void" action to change the status of the region. Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement that like the so-called ?political maps? issued last year by India, this move is also legally void, contrary to reality, and in violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. India in November last released fresh maps showing PoK as part of the newly created Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, while Gilgit-Baltistan is in the Union Territory of Ladakh following the bifurcation.

Pakistan's state-run media starts providing weather update of J-K

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