A blitz on the cyber fraud industry along Myanmar's border with Thailand has led to the rescue of around 10,000 workers. Hundreds of Chinese workers have started to arrive home, with the first planes carrying Chinese nationals departing Thailand on Thursday.

Crackdown on cyberfraud industry: Hundreds of Chinese workers sent back home via Thailand

The family of an Indian-origin student who passed away in Canada due to a cardiac arrest on Friday (Feb 16) is seeking assistance from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to repatriate his body to India. The student has been identified as Shaik Muzammil Ahmed, a Hyderabad resident.

<h2>A request for help</h2>

On X, formerly Twitter, Amjad Ullah Khan, a leader from the Telangana-based political party Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), confirmed the news of the 25-year-old student's death and stated that Ahmed's family has sought assistance from Union Minister S Jaishankar.

According to Khan, Ahmed, a Master's student in IT at Conestoga College in Ontario, had been suffering from a fever for the past week. On Friday, his family received a call from a friend informing them of his sudden demise.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-police-identifies-indian-origin-techie-as-suspect-in-family-murder-suicide-case-690859">US: Indian-origin techie killed family, then self in apparent murder-suicide, police say</a>

In a letter to Jaishankar, Ahmed's uncle expressed the family's shock and requested the Indian High Commission in Ottawa and the Consulate General of India in Toronto to expedite the repatriation process.

"@DrSJaishankar&nbsp;Sir, One Shaik Muzammil Ahmed-25 years from Hyderabad, Telangana State pursuing Masters in IT from Conestoga College, Waterloo Campus in Kitchener City in Ontario, Canada since Dec 2022 was suffering from fever since last one week, but his family received a call from his friend that he died due to cardiac arrest today," reads the&nbsp;post shared on X by Khan.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> Sir, One Shaik Muzammil Ahmed-25 years from Hyderabad, Telangana State persuing Masters in IT from Conestoga College, Waterloo Campus in Kitchener City in Ontario, Canada since Dec 2022 was suffering from fever since last one week, but his family received a call… <a href="https://t.co/hvA1munXaX">pic.twitter.com/hvA1munXaX</a>
— Amjed Ullah Khan MBT (@amjedmbt) <a href="https://twitter.com/amjedmbt/status/1758248796088148426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Along with the post, the Telangana leader shared a letter written by Muzammil Ahmed's uncle Mahammed Amzad.&nbsp;

"On hearing this news his parents and entire family is in a state of shock, and we request you to kindly send his mortal remains back to Hyderabad as soon as possible," read&nbsp;the letter.&nbsp;

This tragic incident, as per a Hindustan Times report, comes in the wake of another incident where an Indian student, Syed Mazahir Ali, was brutally attacked in Chicago, as previously highlighted by Khan.

(With inputs from agencies)

The family of an Indian-origin student who passed away in Canada due to a cardiac arrest on Friday (Feb 16) is seeking assistance from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to repatriate his body to India.

The family of an Indian-origin student who passed away in Canada due to a cardiac arrest on Friday (Feb 16) is seeking assistance from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to repatriate his body to India. The student has been identified as Shaik Muzammil Ahmed, a Hyderabad resident. A request for help On X, formerly Twitter, Amjad Ullah Khan, a leader from the Telangana-based political party Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), confirmed the news of the 25-year-old student's death and stated that Ahmed's family has sought assistance from Union Minister S Jaishankar. According to Khan, Ahmed, a Master's student in IT at Conestoga College in Ontario, had been suffering from a fever for the past week. On Friday, his family received a call from a friend informing them of his sudden demise. Also read | US: Indian-origin techie killed family, then self in apparent murder-suicide, police say In a letter to Jaishankar, Ahmed's uncle expressed the family's shock and requested the Indian High Commission in Ottawa and the Consulate General of India in Toronto to expedite the repatriation process. "@DrSJaishankar Sir, One Shaik Muzammil Ahmed-25 years from Hyderabad, Telangana State pursuing Masters in IT from Conestoga College, Waterloo Campus in Kitchener City in Ontario, Canada since Dec 2022 was suffering from fever since last one week, but his family received a call from his friend that he died due to cardiac arrest today," reads the post shared on X by Khan. .@DrSJaishankar Sir, One Shaik Muzammil Ahmed-25 years from Hyderabad, Telangana State persuing Masters in IT from Conestoga College, Waterloo Campus in Kitchener City in Ontario, Canada since Dec 2022 was suffering from fever since last one week, but his family received a call… pic.twitter.com/hvA1munXaX — Amjed Ullah Khan MBT (@amjedmbt) February 15, 2024 × Along with the post, the Telangana leader shared a letter written by Muzammil Ahmed's uncle Mahammed Amzad. "On hearing this news his parents and entire family is in a state of shock, and we request you to kindly send his mortal remains back to Hyderabad as soon as possible," read the letter. This tragic incident, as per a Hindustan Times report, comes in the wake of another incident where an Indian student, Syed Mazahir Ali, was brutally attacked in Chicago, as previously highlighted by Khan. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian student dies in Canada, family appeals to MEA for help in bringing back mortal remains

In a moving tale of redemption, a former looter, weakened by cancer, helped Cambodia regain its stolen cultural treasure, a statue. Toek Tik, the former thief, witnessed the return of the stolen Cambodian statue just months before his death.

<h2>Thief turned saviour</h2>

Toek Tik joined forces with a team of Cambodian investigators led by American lawyer Brad Gordon in tracking down stolen treasures.&nbsp;

CBS reports that the looting of Cambodia's cultural treasures began a century ago, intensified during the country's colonisation by France, and became a global business in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s amidst genocide, civil war, and political turmoil.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/this-chinese-company-gives-monthly-bonus-based-on-employees-exercise-routine-670831">Fitness matters: Walk, run, jog, hike your way to the bank at this Chinese company</a>

Cambodia's temples, holding sacred stone, bronze, and gold artefacts, were easy targets for unscrupulous antiquities collectors.&nbsp;

Douglas Latchford, a British dealer, was identified as the mastermind behind large-scale looting in Cambodia. Toek Tik had supplied the antiquities' dealer with thousands of looted artefacts.

"He felt tremendously guilty about many things he had done in his life, about the killing, about the looting," said Gordon, as quoted by CBS.

<h2>The mastermind</h2>

Despite portraying himself as a scholar and protector of Cambodia's culture, Douglas Latchford was accused of stealing many artefacts featured in his books.&nbsp;

As per investigators, Latchford sold most of the loot to wealthy collectors, and museums, keeping a few for himself.

"I would say that he was, in many ways, the mastermind behind the greatest art heist in history," remarks Gordon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-texas-police-on-alert-as-man-serving-life-for-child-sexual-abuse-escapes-jail-670901">US: Texas police on alert as man serving life for child sexual abuse escapes jail</a>

A 2011 auction of a stolen sandstone warrior from Koh Ker brought him to the attention of US law enforcement.

Latchford was indicted by US authorities in 2019 for smuggling, conspiracy, and wire fraud, but he died before facing trial. Testimony of former looters found by the investigators proved critical in the case against Latchford.

"It's quite remarkable to have looters actively assisting a team of investigators to recover artifacts that they had a first hand in helping remove from the country," said J P Labbat, who a former special agent with Homeland Security's cultural property, art, and antiquities unit.

Brad Gordon negotiated the return of Latchford's personal collection of stolen treasures with his family. Some other stolen treasures have been returned by museums. However, other stolen Cambodian antiquities, including those at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met), are still being sought for repatriation.&nbsp;

The Met recently reached an agreement to voluntarily return 13 artefacts tied to Latchford.&nbsp;

As per Phoeurng Sackona, Cambodia's culture minister, the Met's announcement was a&nbsp;"first step". She looks "forward to the return of many more of our treasures," added Sackona.

Additionally, 33 stolen treasures from the collection of the late billionaire George Lindemann are voluntarily being returned by his family.

More than 30 other sculptures were discovered in 2008 when Architectural Digest published images from the Lindemann mansion. The Lindemann family voluntarily agreed to return the stolen treasures in September.&nbsp;

The artefacts, symbols of Cambodia's gods and ancestors, are on their way home after decades of being displaced, said Gordon. "We feel like the gods have spoken today. They want to come home."

(With inputs from agencies)

In a moving tale of redemption, a former looter, weakened by cancer, helped Cambodia regain its stolen cultural treasure, a statue. Toek Tik, the former thief, witnessed the return of the stolen Cambodian statue just months before his death.

In a moving tale of redemption, a former looter, weakened by cancer, helped Cambodia regain its stolen cultural treasure, a statue. Toek Tik, the former thief, witnessed the return of the stolen Cambodian statue just months before his death. Thief turned saviour Toek Tik joined forces with a team of Cambodian investigators led by American lawyer Brad Gordon in tracking down stolen treasures. CBS reports that the looting of Cambodia's cultural treasures began a century ago, intensified during the country's colonisation by France, and became a global business in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s amidst genocide, civil war, and political turmoil. Also read | Fitness matters: Walk, run, jog, hike your way to the bank at this Chinese company Cambodia's temples, holding sacred stone, bronze, and gold artefacts, were easy targets for unscrupulous antiquities collectors. Douglas Latchford, a British dealer, was identified as the mastermind behind large-scale looting in Cambodia. Toek Tik had supplied the antiquities' dealer with thousands of looted artefacts. "He felt tremendously guilty about many things he had done in his life, about the killing, about the looting," said Gordon, as quoted by CBS. The mastermind Despite portraying himself as a scholar and protector of Cambodia's culture, Douglas Latchford was accused of stealing many artefacts featured in his books. As per investigators, Latchford sold most of the loot to wealthy collectors, and museums, keeping a few for himself. "I would say that he was, in many ways, the mastermind behind the greatest art heist in history," remarks Gordon. Also read | US: Texas police on alert as man serving life for child sexual abuse escapes jail A 2011 auction of a stolen sandstone warrior from Koh Ker brought him to the attention of US law enforcement. Latchford was indicted by US authorities in 2019 for smuggling, conspiracy, and wire fraud, but he died before facing trial. Testimony of former looters found by the investigators proved critical in the case against Latchford. "It's quite remarkable to have looters actively assisting a team of investigators to recover artifacts that they had a first hand in helping remove from the country," said J P Labbat, who a former special agent with Homeland Security's cultural property, art, and antiquities unit. Brad Gordon negotiated the return of Latchford's personal collection of stolen treasures with his family. Some other stolen treasures have been returned by museums. However, other stolen Cambodian antiquities, including those at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met), are still being sought for repatriation. The Met recently reached an agreement to voluntarily return 13 artefacts tied to Latchford. As per Phoeurng Sackona, Cambodia's culture minister, the Met's announcement was a "first step". She looks "forward to the return of many more of our treasures," added Sackona. Additionally, 33 stolen treasures from the collection of the late billionaire George Lindemann are voluntarily being returned by his family. More than 30 other sculptures were discovered in 2008 when Architectural Digest published images from the Lindemann mansion. The Lindemann family voluntarily agreed to return the stolen treasures in September. The artefacts, symbols of Cambodia's gods and ancestors, are on their way home after decades of being displaced, said Gordon. "We feel like the gods have spoken today. They want to come home." (With inputs from agencies)

Redemption story: Ex-thief, battling cancer, aids in return of Cambodia's cultural treasures

Russia has consented to reunite four Ukrainian kids with their families, following an agreement facilitated by Qatar.

These children&nbsp;are in the age group of&nbsp;two to 17 years old. This repatriation initiative represents the initial phase of a trial programme aimed at bringing back a larger number of the many children who were reportedly taken by Russia in the wake of its extensive invasion of Ukraine last year.

As per&nbsp;Ukrainian authorities, they have identified approximately 20,000 children whom they claim were forcibly seized by Russia during this period.

Amid&nbsp;the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow maintained that its actions were driven by humanitarian concerns.

Russian authorities insisted that they had undertaken a massive evacuation operation, rescuing hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children to shield them from the perilous circumstances in their home country. During this period, prominent Russian officials openly disregarded any allegations against their intentions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-does-the-russia-ukraine-war-impact-indias-wheat-export-strategy-467097">How does the Russia-Ukraine war impact India's wheat export strategy?</a>

<h2>Challenges in repatriation</h2>

However, the process of bringing these children back from Russia has not been without complications. In some instances, children have had to embark on a convoluted journey, traversing through Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland before reuniting with their families in Ukraine.

The first to return was a seven-year-old who was reunited with his grandmother.

The&nbsp;reunion took place on Friday (Oct 13), and the next on&nbsp;Monday (Oct 16). The remaining&nbsp;children are expected to reach Ukraine later this week.

These four children are part of a larger cohort of Ukrainian children who Kyiv alleges were forcibly separated from their families, transported across the border into Russia, and subjected to a concerted effort to erase their Ukrainian identity.

Investigations by the BBC have revealed that Ukrainian children in Russia were frequently informed that there was nothing left for them in their home country and were subjected to varying degrees of indoctrination in a "patriotic" Russian curriculum.

Some Ukrainian families have had to undertake arduous journeys into Russia to reclaim their children. It's estimated that&nbsp;prior to Qatar's mediation,&nbsp;only about 400 Ukrainian children had returned to their homeland.

Also watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine's package will maintain vehicles, protect key infrastructure

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<h2>Ukraine's accusations and Russia's response</h2>

Daria Gerasymchuk, an adviser to the Ukrainian president for children's rights and rehabilitation, voiced strong accusations, suggesting that Russia aimed to forcibly separate children from their biological families, impose a "Russified" identity upon them, and integrate them into another ethnic group, reported the BBC.&nbsp;

Russia has indicated a willingness to cooperate in reuniting children with their families. Russian authorities have pledged to cover transportation and accommodation costs and, when necessary, conduct DNA analysis to confirm familial connections.

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Russia has consented to reunite four Ukrainian kids with their families, following an agreement facilitated by Qatar. These children are in the age group of two to 17 years old.

Russia has consented to reunite four Ukrainian kids with their families, following an agreement facilitated by Qatar. These children are in the age group of two to 17 years old. This repatriation initiative represents the initial phase of a trial programme aimed at bringing back a larger number of the many children who were reportedly taken by Russia in the wake of its extensive invasion of Ukraine last year. As per Ukrainian authorities, they have identified approximately 20,000 children whom they claim were forcibly seized by Russia during this period. Amid the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow maintained that its actions were driven by humanitarian concerns. Russian authorities insisted that they had undertaken a massive evacuation operation, rescuing hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children to shield them from the perilous circumstances in their home country. During this period, prominent Russian officials openly disregarded any allegations against their intentions. Also read | How does the Russia-Ukraine war impact India's wheat export strategy? Challenges in repatriation However, the process of bringing these children back from Russia has not been without complications. In some instances, children have had to embark on a convoluted journey, traversing through Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland before reuniting with their families in Ukraine. The first to return was a seven-year-old who was reunited with his grandmother. The reunion took place on Friday (Oct 13), and the next on Monday (Oct 16). The remaining children are expected to reach Ukraine later this week. These four children are part of a larger cohort of Ukrainian children who Kyiv alleges were forcibly separated from their families, transported across the border into Russia, and subjected to a concerted effort to erase their Ukrainian identity. Investigations by the BBC have revealed that Ukrainian children in Russia were frequently informed that there was nothing left for them in their home country and were subjected to varying degrees of indoctrination in a "patriotic" Russian curriculum. Some Ukrainian families have had to undertake arduous journeys into Russia to reclaim their children. It's estimated that prior to Qatar's mediation, only about 400 Ukrainian children had returned to their homeland. Also watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine's package will maintain vehicles, protect key infrastructure Ukraine's accusations and Russia's response Daria Gerasymchuk, an adviser to the Ukrainian president for children's rights and rehabilitation, voiced strong accusations, suggesting that Russia aimed to forcibly separate children from their biological families, impose a "Russified" identity upon them, and integrate them into another ethnic group, reported the BBC. Russia has indicated a willingness to cooperate in reuniting children with their families. Russian authorities have pledged to cover transportation and accommodation costs and, when necessary, conduct DNA analysis to confirm familial connections. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia returns four Ukrainian children in Qatar-mediated repatriation deal

After being stolen from Mexico in the late 1950s, the ancient Olmec artefact known as "Gateway to the Underworld," has been returned to its homeland. The piece, also referred to as the Monument 9 of Chalcatzingo arrived in Mexico on a Mexican Air Force plane on Friday (May 19), following a repatriation operation supervised by Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard.

The "Portal of the Underworld" holds historical and cultural importance for Mexico as it reaffirms the significance of the Olmec civilisation as one of the world's earliest and most remarkable civilisations.

The repatriation event was attended by notable figures, including Colorado Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, Chief Officer for North America Roberto Velasco, Consul General of Mexico in Denver Pavel Hernández, Consul General of Mexico in New York Jorge Islas, and INAH archaeologist Mario Córdova.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bird-flu-fowls-the-mood-kills-nearly-9000-marine-creatures-in-chile-france-develops-vaccine-for-ducks-596812">Bird flu 'fowls' the mood, kills nearly 9,000 marine creatures in Chile, France develops vaccine for ducks</a>

Considered Mexico's most sought-after piece from the Olmec civilisation, Monument 9 as per Reuters depicts the Chalcatzingo hill in central Mexico. Carved in volcanic stone, it stands 1.8 metres (5 feet) tall and 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) wide. Experts believe it belongs to the Mid-Pre-Classic period, dating back to 800-400 BC.

As per the Government of Mexico website, "The approximately 2,500-year-old monument was for decades Mexico's number one priority&nbsp;in terms of recovering its historical heritage."

<h2>The importance of the&nbsp;'Portal of the underworld'&nbsp;</h2>

The artefact was reportedly taken out of Mexico and eventually discovered in the United States in the 1960s. It was exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum in New York from 1970 to 1971.&nbsp;

"The piece has great meaning for our conception of ourselves... What is being restored to us explains where we come from, and that it is part of the heritage of the Mexican people," said Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard.

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He explained that "the piece confirms the importance of the Olmec civilization, one of the oldest and most outstanding civilizations of the world. One of the first civilizations that developed writing, and the zero."

The artefact will be exhibited in Morelos and will allow the Mexican people to connect with their past and heritage.

<h2>Olmec civilisation</h2>

The Olmec civilisation, one of the oldest in Mesoamerica, thrived between 1200 and 400 BC. It is renowned for its complex culture; the Olmecs played a pivotal role in shaping the region's worldview and political organization. It is also considered to be one of the first civilisations to develop writing and the number zero.&nbsp;

Foreign Secretary Ebrard emphasised the successful cooperation between Mexico and the United States in the repatriation process, highlighting the positive outcomes achieved through joint efforts.&nbsp;

"We have done this with the United States, which shows that when we work together we achieve results; this is testimony that Mexico-U.S. cooperation can be extraordinary," he said adding that the return of the "Portal of the Underworld" is a testament to the priority given by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Dr Beatriz Gutiérrez Müller to the preservation and recovery of Mexico's cultural heritage.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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After being stolen from Mexico in the late 1950s, the ancient Olmec artefact known as "Gateway to the Underworld," has been returned to its homeland. The piece, also referred to as the Monument 9 of Chalcatzingo arrived in Mexico on a Mexican Air Force plane on Friday (May 19), following a repatriation operation supervised by Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard.

After being stolen from Mexico in the late 1950s, the ancient Olmec artefact known as "Gateway to the Underworld," has been returned to its homeland. The piece, also referred to as the Monument 9 of Chalcatzingo arrived in Mexico on a Mexican Air Force plane on Friday (May 19), following a repatriation operation supervised by Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard. The "Portal of the Underworld" holds historical and cultural importance for Mexico as it reaffirms the significance of the Olmec civilisation as one of the world's earliest and most remarkable civilisations. The repatriation event was attended by notable figures, including Colorado Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, Chief Officer for North America Roberto Velasco, Consul General of Mexico in Denver Pavel Hernández, Consul General of Mexico in New York Jorge Islas, and INAH archaeologist Mario Córdova. Also read | Bird flu 'fowls' the mood, kills nearly 9,000 marine creatures in Chile, France develops vaccine for ducks Considered Mexico's most sought-after piece from the Olmec civilisation, Monument 9 as per Reuters depicts the Chalcatzingo hill in central Mexico. Carved in volcanic stone, it stands 1.8 metres (5 feet) tall and 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) wide. Experts believe it belongs to the Mid-Pre-Classic period, dating back to 800-400 BC. As per the Government of Mexico website, "The approximately 2,500-year-old monument was for decades Mexico's number one priority in terms of recovering its historical heritage." The importance of the 'Portal of the underworld' The artefact was reportedly taken out of Mexico and eventually discovered in the United States in the 1960s. It was exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum in New York from 1970 to 1971. "The piece has great meaning for our conception of ourselves... What is being restored to us explains where we come from, and that it is part of the heritage of the Mexican people," said Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard. Also read | Berlin police to investigate Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters for inciting hatred by donning ‘Nazi-style’ uniform He explained that "the piece confirms the importance of the Olmec civilization, one of the oldest and most outstanding civilizations of the world. One of the first civilizations that developed writing, and the zero." The artefact will be exhibited in Morelos and will allow the Mexican people to connect with their past and heritage. Olmec civilisation The Olmec civilisation, one of the oldest in Mesoamerica, thrived between 1200 and 400 BC. It is renowned for its complex culture; the Olmecs played a pivotal role in shaping the region's worldview and political organization. It is also considered to be one of the first civilisations to develop writing and the number zero. Foreign Secretary Ebrard emphasised the successful cooperation between Mexico and the United States in the repatriation process, highlighting the positive outcomes achieved through joint efforts. "We have done this with the United States, which shows that when we work together we achieve results; this is testimony that Mexico-U.S. cooperation can be extraordinary," he said adding that the return of the "Portal of the Underworld" is a testament to the priority given by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Dr Beatriz Gutiérrez Müller to the preservation and recovery of Mexico's cultural heritage. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Mexico's Olmec 'Portal of the Underworld' returns home after five decades in US

Indian government is keen to begin talks with the United Kingdom over repatriation of objects taken from the country during the colonial era beginning with “cooperation in manuscripts”, said a report in Politico citing an unnamed Indian government representative.

According to the representative, India's culture secretary Govind Mohan is focussed on the 'low-hanging fruits' first.

India has begun approaching countries that might have antiquities taken by force or looted during colonial times.

India is hoping for “a process of retrieval of antiquities through bilateral cooperation and partnership, in a manner consistent with existing international arrangements,” said the representative as quoted by Politico.

Whenever there is talk of looting of colonial-era artifacts and gems, the legendary Kohinoor diamond is almost always mentioned. The priceless gem, once the biggest diamond in the world, was given to Queen Victoria by East India Company after it annexed Punjab and is now among Britain's crown jewels.

During his coronation earlier this month, King Charles III eschewed it for other gems after India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said it "brings back painful memories of&nbsp;the colonial past".

According to a report by Politico last week, India wants "a suitable dialogue" and "result-oriented conversation around the Kohinoor diamond and about return of other objects taken from temples".

<h2>Not the first time</h2>

This is not the first time a country would be in dialogue with Britain about colonial-era artifacts.

The British Museum is currently in talks with Greece for possible sharing of Parthenon marbles.

India and the UK are currently negotiating a trade deal. It is expected that UK PM Rishi Sunak would meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of G7 Summit. It is expected that both leaders will talk about the deal and other bilateral issues.&nbsp;

India has also placed the repatriation of antiquities on this agenda in G20. India holds presidency of G20 summit this year.

“India remains committed to work with international partners in building holistic and cooperative ties,” said the Indian government representative, “in which our shared history is an important pillar, but not the only one.”

The representative was quoted by the Politico. 
 
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Indian government is keen to begin talks with the United Kingdom over repatriation of objects taken from the country during the colonial era beginning with “cooperation in manuscripts”, said a report in Politico citing an unnamed Indian government representative.

Indian government is keen to begin talks with the United Kingdom over repatriation of objects taken from the country during the colonial era beginning with “cooperation in manuscripts”, said a report in Politico citing an unnamed Indian government representative. According to the representative, India's culture secretary Govind Mohan is focussed on the 'low-hanging fruits' first. India has begun approaching countries that might have antiquities taken by force or looted during colonial times. India is hoping for “a process of retrieval of antiquities through bilateral cooperation and partnership, in a manner consistent with existing international arrangements,” said the representative as quoted by Politico. Whenever there is talk of looting of colonial-era artifacts and gems, the legendary Kohinoor diamond is almost always mentioned. The priceless gem, once the biggest diamond in the world, was given to Queen Victoria by East India Company after it annexed Punjab and is now among Britain's crown jewels. During his coronation earlier this month, King Charles III eschewed it for other gems after India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said it "brings back painful memories of the colonial past". According to a report by Politico last week, India wants "a suitable dialogue" and "result-oriented conversation around the Kohinoor diamond and about return of other objects taken from temples". Not the first time This is not the first time a country would be in dialogue with Britain about colonial-era artifacts. The British Museum is currently in talks with Greece for possible sharing of Parthenon marbles. India and the UK are currently negotiating a trade deal. It is expected that UK PM Rishi Sunak would meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of G7 Summit. It is expected that both leaders will talk about the deal and other bilateral issues. India has also placed the repatriation of antiquities on this agenda in G20. India holds presidency of G20 summit this year. “India remains committed to work with international partners in building holistic and cooperative ties,” said the Indian government representative, “in which our shared history is an important pillar, but not the only one.” The representative was quoted by the Politico. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India keen to talk with Britain for return of colonial era objects

On Tuesday, the Dutch government in a statement said that they would repatriate 12 women and 28 children from Kurdish-run detention camps in northern Syria. This would make it the largest of its kind operation by the Netherlands yet, said reports. This follows a Dutch court ruling in May, earlier this year, which has ordered that the women be brought back.&nbsp;

In a letter to the country’s parliament, Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra and Justice Minister Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius said, “The cabinet is transferring 12 Dutch women suspected of terrorist offenses and their 28 children to the Netherlands.” They added that the women will be arrested upon arrival in the country and will be tried.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-must-re-examine-repatriation-requests-of-women-who-travelled-to-syria-to-join-is-516187">France must re-examine repatriation requests of women who travelled to Syria to join IS</a>

Reports suggest that the Netherlands has long refused to repatriate women from Syrian refugee camps saying that it was their choice to go to the war-torn country. However, a Rotterdam court in May ordered the officials to repatriate these women and their children within the next four months so that their actions do not go “unpunished”.&nbsp;

According to Dutch government records, some 300 citizens have gone to Syria and this is not the first such operation conducted by the government as they had repatriated five women and eleven children from a Kurdish refugee camp earlier this year.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrian-refugees-from-lebanon-to-leave-for-syria-rights-group-express-doubt-over-repatriation-528162">Syrian refugees from Lebanon to leave for Syria; Rights group express doubt over repatriation</a>

While the details of the upcoming operations have not been revealed including its location or which camp, the officials have said that children during the trial will be looked after by the Dutch child protection services. So far, at least 5,000 Europeans have gone to Syria, while some have become fighters, others have married militants, said media reports.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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On Tuesday, the Dutch government in a statement said that they would repatriate 12 women and 28 children from Kurdish-run detention camps in northern Syria. This would make it the largest of its kind operation by the Netherlands yet, said reports.

On Tuesday, the Dutch government in a statement said that they would repatriate 12 women and 28 children from Kurdish-run detention camps in northern Syria. This would make it the largest of its kind operation by the Netherlands yet, said reports. This follows a Dutch court ruling in May, earlier this year, which has ordered that the women be brought back. In a letter to the country’s parliament, Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra and Justice Minister Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius said, “The cabinet is transferring 12 Dutch women suspected of terrorist offenses and their 28 children to the Netherlands.” They added that the women will be arrested upon arrival in the country and will be tried. ALSO READ: France must re-examine repatriation requests of women who travelled to Syria to join IS Reports suggest that the Netherlands has long refused to repatriate women from Syrian refugee camps saying that it was their choice to go to the war-torn country. However, a Rotterdam court in May ordered the officials to repatriate these women and their children within the next four months so that their actions do not go “unpunished”. According to Dutch government records, some 300 citizens have gone to Syria and this is not the first such operation conducted by the government as they had repatriated five women and eleven children from a Kurdish refugee camp earlier this year. ALSO READ: Syrian refugees from Lebanon to leave for Syria; Rights group express doubt over repatriation While the details of the upcoming operations have not been revealed including its location or which camp, the officials have said that children during the trial will be looked after by the Dutch child protection services. So far, at least 5,000 Europeans have gone to Syria, while some have become fighters, others have married militants, said media reports. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Netherlands set to repatriate at least 40 women and children from IS camps in Syria

The United States on Thursday (October 20)&nbsp;unveiled criminal accusations against seven Chinese nationals who were accused of conducting a surveillance and harassment campaign against a US resident and his family, in an effort to deport them to China.&nbsp;

Quanzhong An, 55, of Roslyn, New York, his 34-year-old daughter Guangyang An and five others, are the seven people accused.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-family-appeals-for-justice-in-14-year-olds-death-who-was-sent-to-a-covid-quarantine-facility-527285">Also read |&nbsp;China: Family appeals for justice in 14-year-old's death who was sent to a Covid quarantine facility</a>

The Justice Department's most recent case focuses on China's alleged immigration programme, known as "Operation Fox Hunt," and it includes an eight-count indictment that was unsealed in a US district court.&nbsp;

China and the United States do not share an extradition agreement.

Quanzhong is the principal suspect and he along with his daughter was taken into custody. The former has been charged with conspiring with China's Provisional Commission for Discipline Inspection to intimidate and harass a Chinese man and his son who lived in the US.&nbsp;

The man and his son were identified as John Doe-1 and John Doe-2. To get John Doe-1 to come back to China, his relative was forced to come from here to the US for the scheme.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/chinas-new-era-dawns-in-manchester-527312">Also read |&nbsp;China’s new era dawns in Manchester</a>

The relative further told John Doe-2 that he was forced by the Chinese government&nbsp;to go there.&nbsp;

Another prosecution of the family was a writing campaign that "coming back and giving yourself in is the only way."

As per a New York state court, the father allegedly stole money from a Chinese employer and his son also made illicit gains.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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&nbsp;

The United States on Thursday (October 20) unveiled criminal accusations against seven Chinese nationals who were accused of conducting a surveillance and harassment campaign against a US resident and his family, in an effort to deport them to China.

The United States on Thursday (October 20) unveiled criminal accusations against seven Chinese nationals who were accused of conducting a surveillance and harassment campaign against a US resident and his family, in an effort to deport them to China. Quanzhong An, 55, of Roslyn, New York, his 34-year-old daughter Guangyang An and five others, are the seven people accused. Also read | China: Family appeals for justice in 14-year-old's death who was sent to a Covid quarantine facility The Justice Department's most recent case focuses on China's alleged immigration programme, known as "Operation Fox Hunt," and it includes an eight-count indictment that was unsealed in a US district court. China and the United States do not share an extradition agreement. Quanzhong is the principal suspect and he along with his daughter was taken into custody. The former has been charged with conspiring with China's Provisional Commission for Discipline Inspection to intimidate and harass a Chinese man and his son who lived in the US. The man and his son were identified as John Doe-1 and John Doe-2. To get John Doe-1 to come back to China, his relative was forced to come from here to the US for the scheme. Also read | China’s new era dawns in Manchester The relative further told John Doe-2 that he was forced by the Chinese government to go there. Another prosecution of the family was a writing campaign that "coming back and giving yourself in is the only way." As per a New York state court, the father allegedly stole money from a Chinese employer and his son also made illicit gains. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US charges seven Chinese nationals for running 'forced' repatriation campaign

The European Court of Human Rights ruled on Wednesday that France must reconsider its refusals to accept the repatriation requests of two French women who joined the Islamic State in Syria together with their partners and the children they gave birth to there.&nbsp;

The court determined that France's reluctance to let&nbsp;the women and children to return to their country of origin violated their constitutional right to "enter the territory of the state of which (one) is a national."&nbsp;

After France refused to let the&nbsp;daughters and grandchildren return, the parents of the two women took their case to the European court in Strasbourg. They are currently being held in camps in northeastern Syria that are managed by Kurds.

The families had argued that the women and children's lengthy incarceration in Syria breached their right to respect for family life by subjecting them to cruel and inhumane treatment.&nbsp;

France has long fought requests from human rights organisations for return of women who joined the Islamist terrorist group, claiming that it views them as "fighters" who should be punished where they are alleged to have committed crimes.

The court determined that because France "was not exercising its jurisdiction there," it should not be held accountable for the living conditions in the Syrian refugee camps.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/juxtapose-dramatic-expansion-of-bahrain-by-building-land-on-sea-1987-vs-2022-515720">Before and after images show dramatic expansion of Bahrain by building land on sea: 1987 vs 2022</a>

The verdict did not establish a broad right to repatriation, according to Nicolas Hervieu, a legal expert at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, because "France is not responsible for their life and bodily integrity in and of itself."&nbsp;

Olivier Veran, a government spokesman, responded to the judgement by claiming that France had "not waited for the European court decision" to move forward and citing the July repatriation of 16 women and 35 children, some of whom were orphans, on chartered aircraft as evidence.

That action ran against France's general rule that mothers should not accompany children back home.&nbsp;

According to rights organisations, 160 kids and 75 French women are still housed in the camps. According to Human Rights Watch, they are among the more than 40,000 foreign nationals in jail, most of whom are Iraqis.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The European Court of Human Rights ruled on Wednesday that France must reconsider its refusals to accept the repatriation requests of two French women who joined the Islamic State in Syria together with their partners and the children they gave birth to there.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled on Wednesday that France must reconsider its refusals to accept the repatriation requests of two French women who joined the Islamic State in Syria together with their partners and the children they gave birth to there. The court determined that France's reluctance to let the women and children to return to their country of origin violated their constitutional right to "enter the territory of the state of which (one) is a national." After France refused to let the daughters and grandchildren return, the parents of the two women took their case to the European court in Strasbourg. They are currently being held in camps in northeastern Syria that are managed by Kurds. The families had argued that the women and children's lengthy incarceration in Syria breached their right to respect for family life by subjecting them to cruel and inhumane treatment. France has long fought requests from human rights organisations for return of women who joined the Islamist terrorist group, claiming that it views them as "fighters" who should be punished where they are alleged to have committed crimes. The court determined that because France "was not exercising its jurisdiction there," it should not be held accountable for the living conditions in the Syrian refugee camps. Also Read: Before and after images show dramatic expansion of Bahrain by building land on sea: 1987 vs 2022 The verdict did not establish a broad right to repatriation, according to Nicolas Hervieu, a legal expert at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, because "France is not responsible for their life and bodily integrity in and of itself." Olivier Veran, a government spokesman, responded to the judgement by claiming that France had "not waited for the European court decision" to move forward and citing the July repatriation of 16 women and 35 children, some of whom were orphans, on chartered aircraft as evidence. That action ran against France's general rule that mothers should not accompany children back home. According to rights organisations, 160 kids and 75 French women are still housed in the camps. According to Human Rights Watch, they are among the more than 40,000 foreign nationals in jail, most of whom are Iraqis. (with inputs from agencies)

France must re-examine repatriation requests of women who travelled to Syria to join IS

Save&nbsp;the&nbsp;Children&nbsp;on Saturday urged&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;to halt the&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;to Morocco of hundreds of unaccompanied&nbsp;minors&nbsp;who were among thousands of migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta three months ago.

The international NGO accused Madrid of failing to protect the rights of the&nbsp;children.

Up to 10,000 migrants flooded across the border in North Africa into Ceuta&nbsp;over&nbsp;several days in May as Moroccan border guards stood aside.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-die-dozens-rescued-as-migrant-boat-capsizes-off-spains-tenerife-373576">Three die, dozens rescued as migrant boat capsizes off Spain's Tenerife</a>&nbsp;

This was widely seen as retaliation for&nbsp;Spain's decision to host Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front, which has for decades fought Morocco for the independence of Western Sahara, for medical treatment.

Spain&nbsp;on Friday began sending back more than 700 unaccompanied&nbsp;minors&nbsp;to Morocco.

"Repatriations from Ceuta continue today,"&nbsp;Save&nbsp;the&nbsp;Children&nbsp;posted on Twitter Saturday.

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Hoy continúan las repatriaciomes desde Ceuta. Estamos viendo como sacan a niños desde el pabellón deportivo de Santa Amelia para llevarlos a Marruecos. Pedimos el cese de estas reagrupaciones, España no está garantizando la protección de los menores. <a href="https://t.co/SSuBZH5IqP">pic.twitter.com/SSuBZH5IqP</a>
— Save the Children Es (@SaveChildrenEs) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaveChildrenEs/status/1426458830897045506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The NGO called "for an end" to these. "Spain&nbsp;is not guaranteeing the protection of&nbsp;minors," it said.

The interior ministry has not officially announced the repatriations and was not immediately available when contacted by AFP.

Ione Belarra, leader of the far-left Podemos, the junior member of&nbsp;Spain's ruling coalition, also criticised the transfers in a letter to Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-opens-migrant-camps-in-the-canaries-expecting-fresh-influx-359667">Spain opens migrant camps in the Canaries expecting fresh influx</a>

"We have been informed by&nbsp;children's organisations on the ground that the&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;of&nbsp;minors&nbsp;has begun," she wrote in the letter published in online daily El Confidencial.

She said that the operation might be taking place "without strict observance" of various Spanish and international laws.

Save the Children on Saturday urged Spain to halt the repatriation to Morocco of hundreds of unaccompanied minors who were among thousands of migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta three months ago.

Save the Children on Saturday urged Spain to halt the repatriation to Morocco of hundreds of unaccompanied minors who were among thousands of migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta three months ago. The international NGO accused Madrid of failing to protect the rights of the children. Up to 10,000 migrants flooded across the border in North Africa into Ceuta over several days in May as Moroccan border guards stood aside. Also read | Three die, dozens rescued as migrant boat capsizes off Spain's Tenerife This was widely seen as retaliation for Spain's decision to host Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front, which has for decades fought Morocco for the independence of Western Sahara, for medical treatment. Spain on Friday began sending back more than 700 unaccompanied minors to Morocco. "Repatriations from Ceuta continue today," Save the Children posted on Twitter Saturday. Hoy continúan las repatriaciomes desde Ceuta. Estamos viendo como sacan a niños desde el pabellón deportivo de Santa Amelia para llevarlos a Marruecos. Pedimos el cese de estas reagrupaciones, España no está garantizando la protección de los menores. pic.twitter.com/SSuBZH5IqP — Save the Children Es (@SaveChildrenEs) August 14, 2021 × The NGO called "for an end" to these. "Spain is not guaranteeing the protection of minors," it said. The interior ministry has not officially announced the repatriations and was not immediately available when contacted by AFP. Ione Belarra, leader of the far-left Podemos, the junior member of Spain's ruling coalition, also criticised the transfers in a letter to Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. Also read | Spain opens migrant camps in the Canaries expecting fresh influx "We have been informed by children's organisations on the ground that the repatriation of minors has begun," she wrote in the letter published in online daily El Confidencial. She said that the operation might be taking place "without strict observance" of various Spanish and international laws.

Save the Children slams Spain over repatriation of minors

Five&nbsp;Indian nationals who are stranded in Iran have sought the help of the Indian government&nbsp;for repatriation. The Indians are seafarers and have been stranded in Iran's Chabahar port for two&nbsp;years now.

The Indian citizens&nbsp;— Aniket Sham Yenpure, Mandar Milind Worlikar from Mumbai, Naveen Singh from Uttarakhand, Pranav Kumar from Bihar, and Thamizhselvan Rengasamy from Tamil Nadu — were arrested in connection with a narcotics case, only to be released after a local court in Chabahar found them innocent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-consulate-in-city-still-open-says-kandahar-governors-spokesman-397532" hreflang="en">Indian consulate in city still open, says Kandahar governor's&nbsp;spokesman</a>

They spent 403 days in Chabahar Central Jail and were released from prison on March 09 but have not been handed back their passports.

Indian world forum President Puneet Singh has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on their behalf seeking help. He also highlighted that they were duped by recruiters. Highlighting that "these seafarers belonging to lower middle class families have not only been duped by their respective recruitment and placement services agents in India" who in "collusion with their international partners promised them hefty pay jobs in Gulf", &nbsp;Puneet explained that "each of them has been extorted to the tune of Rs 500,000 as charges towards arranging overseas employment."

The agent had assured them of employment with shipping companies in UAE but was diverted mid-way to Iran without being given any remunerations. The five Indians are between the age group of 30 to 22. It is understood that after the letter, Prime Minister's office has taken cognizance of the development.

Five Indian nationals who are stranded in Iran have sought the help of the Indian government for repatriation. The Indians are seafarers and have been stranded in Iran's Chabahar port for two years now.

Five Indian nationals who are stranded in Iran have sought the help of the Indian government for repatriation. The Indians are seafarers and have been stranded in Iran's Chabahar port for two years now. The Indian citizens — Aniket Sham Yenpure, Mandar Milind Worlikar from Mumbai, Naveen Singh from Uttarakhand, Pranav Kumar from Bihar, and Thamizhselvan Rengasamy from Tamil Nadu — were arrested in connection with a narcotics case, only to be released after a local court in Chabahar found them innocent. Also read | Indian consulate in city still open, says Kandahar governor's spokesman They spent 403 days in Chabahar Central Jail and were released from prison on March 09 but have not been handed back their passports. Indian world forum President Puneet Singh has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on their behalf seeking help. He also highlighted that they were duped by recruiters. Highlighting that "these seafarers belonging to lower middle class families have not only been duped by their respective recruitment and placement services agents in India" who in "collusion with their international partners promised them hefty pay jobs in Gulf", Puneet explained that "each of them has been extorted to the tune of Rs 500,000 as charges towards arranging overseas employment." The agent had assured them of employment with shipping companies in UAE but was diverted mid-way to Iran without being given any remunerations. The five Indians are between the age group of 30 to 22. It is understood that after the letter, Prime Minister's office has taken cognizance of the development.

Indians stranded in Iran's Chabahar seek govt help for repatriation

Bangladesh&nbsp;called for "peace and stability" in Myanmar after a military coup on Monday, and said it hoped its neighbour makes genuine efforts to move forward the stalled process of voluntary repatriation of Rohingya Muslim refugees.

Mainly-Muslim&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;has sheltered 1 million Rohingya who had fled violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, where most of them are denied citizenship.

A UN-backed repatriation process has failed to take off despite multiple attempts from&nbsp;Bangladesh, which has now started sending some refugees to an isolated island in the Bay of Bengal.

"We have been persistent in developing mutually beneficial relations with Myanmar and have been working with Myanmar for the voluntary, safe and sustained repatriation of the Rohingya sheltered in&nbsp;Bangladesh," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Reuters in a statement.

"We expect these processes to continue in right earnest."

Myanmar's military seized power on Monday in a coup against the democratically elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who was detained along with other leaders of her National League for Democracy party in early morning raids.

"We hope that the democratic process and constitutional arrangements will be upheld in Myanmar,"&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;said.

Suu Kyi's international reputation was damaged after she failed to stop the forced expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya from western Rakhine State in 2017.

Nevertheless, Rohingya in&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;expressed fears for their people still in Myanmar following the military's ouster of Suu Kyi.

"She was no good for us but there was still hope that through the democratic process we could achieve our rights. Now it seems Myanmar has no democratic future in the near term," a 31-year-old Rohingya told Reuters by telephone from a refugee camp, asking not to be named for fear of reprisal.

"We are very concerned.... Terrified about what’s going to happen to the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar," he said.

Dil Mohammed, a Rohingya leader in one of the camps, told Reuters: "We urge the global community to come forward and restore democracy at any cost."

Bangladesh called for "peace and stability" in Myanmar after a military coup on Monday, and said it hoped its neighbour makes genuine efforts to move forward the stalled process of voluntary repatriation of Rohingya Muslim refugees.

Bangladesh called for "peace and stability" in Myanmar after a military coup on Monday, and said it hoped its neighbour makes genuine efforts to move forward the stalled process of voluntary repatriation of Rohingya Muslim refugees. Mainly-Muslim Bangladesh has sheltered 1 million Rohingya who had fled violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, where most of them are denied citizenship. A UN-backed repatriation process has failed to take off despite multiple attempts from Bangladesh, which has now started sending some refugees to an isolated island in the Bay of Bengal. "We have been persistent in developing mutually beneficial relations with Myanmar and have been working with Myanmar for the voluntary, safe and sustained repatriation of the Rohingya sheltered in Bangladesh," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Reuters in a statement. "We expect these processes to continue in right earnest." Myanmar's military seized power on Monday in a coup against the democratically elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who was detained along with other leaders of her National League for Democracy party in early morning raids. "We hope that the democratic process and constitutional arrangements will be upheld in Myanmar," Bangladesh said. Suu Kyi's international reputation was damaged after she failed to stop the forced expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya from western Rakhine State in 2017. Nevertheless, Rohingya in Bangladesh expressed fears for their people still in Myanmar following the military's ouster of Suu Kyi. "She was no good for us but there was still hope that through the democratic process we could achieve our rights. Now it seems Myanmar has no democratic future in the near term," a 31-year-old Rohingya told Reuters by telephone from a refugee camp, asking not to be named for fear of reprisal. "We are very concerned.... Terrified about what’s going to happen to the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar," he said. Dil Mohammed, a Rohingya leader in one of the camps, told Reuters: "We urge the global community to come forward and restore democracy at any cost."

Bangladesh expects Myanmar to keep Rohingya repatriation commitments despite coup

Germany and Finland said Sunday they had repatriated 23 of their nationals, women and children, from Syria, some of whom were under criminal investigation for allegedly belonging to the Islamic State group.

"I am very relieved that we were able to repatriate another 12 children and three mothers from camps in northeastern Syria yesterday," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a statement.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-at-highest-risk-of-humanitarian-catastrophe-in-2021-warns-irc-350103">Yemen at highest risk of humanitarian catastrophe in 2021, warns IRC</a>

Maas said the repatriations were "humanitarian cases, primarily orphans and children who were ill -– cases in which a repatriation was deemed particularly necessary and urgent."

He added that it is not legally possible to repatriate children without their mothers.

For its part, the Finnish foreign ministry said that it had brought home six children and two adult mothers.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-africa-has-become-the-new-jihadist-battleground-350563">Why Africa has become the new jihadist battleground</a>

"Under the constitution, Finnish public authorities are obligated to safeguard the basic rights of the Finnish children interned in the camps insofar as this is possible," it said.&nbsp;

"The basic rights of the children interned in the al-Hol camps can be safeguarded only by repatriating them to Finland".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/saudi-led-coalition-bombs-yemen-rebel-sites-after-aramco-attack-345914" hreflang="en">Saudi-led coalition bombs Yemen rebel sites after Aramco attack</a>

According to Helsinki, more than 9,000 foreign women and children, two-thirds of them children, are still being held in the al-Hol and Roj camps in northeastern Syria, housing suspected Islamic State family members and sympathisers.

Many European nations have resisted repatriating their nationals from the camps, because of the security risks, it said.&nbsp;

According to German media reports, the three repatriated German women are aged between 21 and 38 and the children are aged between two and 12.&nbsp;

The group resided in a refugee camp under Kurdish control.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-finland-repatriate-citizens-from-syria-terrorist-camps-351344">WATCH|</a>

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The three women were "wives of jihadists" of the Islamic State group and "are in very poor health," a spokesman for the Kurdish administration's foreign relations office, Kamal Akif, told AFP.&nbsp;

One of the German women was detained on arrival in Frankfurt, a statement by the anti-terrorist prosecutors' office said.

As well as allegedly belonging to the Islamic State group, the woman, identified as Leonora M. and aged 21, is suspected of using a young Yazidi woman as a slave.&nbsp;

Her husband was a member of the Islamic State group's "secret services", the prosecutor said.&nbsp;

Germany and Finland said Sunday they had repatriated 23 of their nationals, women and children, from Syria, some of whom were under criminal investigation for allegedly belonging to the Islamic State group.

Germany and Finland said Sunday they had repatriated 23 of their nationals, women and children, from Syria, some of whom were under criminal investigation for allegedly belonging to the Islamic State group. "I am very relieved that we were able to repatriate another 12 children and three mothers from camps in northeastern Syria yesterday," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a statement. Also read| Yemen at highest risk of humanitarian catastrophe in 2021, warns IRC Maas said the repatriations were "humanitarian cases, primarily orphans and children who were ill -– cases in which a repatriation was deemed particularly necessary and urgent." He added that it is not legally possible to repatriate children without their mothers. For its part, the Finnish foreign ministry said that it had brought home six children and two adult mothers. Also read| Why Africa has become the new jihadist battleground "Under the constitution, Finnish public authorities are obligated to safeguard the basic rights of the Finnish children interned in the camps insofar as this is possible," it said. "The basic rights of the children interned in the al-Hol camps can be safeguarded only by repatriating them to Finland". Also read: Saudi-led coalition bombs Yemen rebel sites after Aramco attack According to Helsinki, more than 9,000 foreign women and children, two-thirds of them children, are still being held in the al-Hol and Roj camps in northeastern Syria, housing suspected Islamic State family members and sympathisers. Many European nations have resisted repatriating their nationals from the camps, because of the security risks, it said. According to German media reports, the three repatriated German women are aged between 21 and 38 and the children are aged between two and 12. The group resided in a refugee camp under Kurdish control. WATCH| × The three women were "wives of jihadists" of the Islamic State group and "are in very poor health," a spokesman for the Kurdish administration's foreign relations office, Kamal Akif, told AFP. One of the German women was detained on arrival in Frankfurt, a statement by the anti-terrorist prosecutors' office said. As well as allegedly belonging to the Islamic State group, the woman, identified as Leonora M. and aged 21, is suspected of using a young Yazidi woman as a slave. Her husband was a member of the Islamic State group's "secret services", the prosecutor said.

Germany, Finland to repatriate women, children from Syria

After US administration imposed restrictions on Air India’s repatriation flights, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has said that it is "now looking at the possibility of establishing bilateral arrangements".

We have received requests from concerned authorities in several countries including US, France, Germany among others requesting that their air carriers be allowed to participate in the transportation of passengers along the line being conducted by Air India under Vande Bharat Mission. These requests are being examined. We have also had one round of negotiations with the US on 15 June with representatives of the US Department of Transportation and US Embassy on this issue," the ministry said.

The US government’s Department of Transport (DoT) has said that how Air India is conducting operations under the guise of charter flights creates a “competitive disadvantage” for US airlines.

The statement came after the US government’s Department of Transport (DoT) has said that the manner in which Air India is conducting operations under the guise of charter flights creates a “competitive disadvantage” for US airlines.

Its basic grouse was that even as Air India flew in and out of the US airports, under Vande Bharat Mission, American airlines weren't allowed to do the same.

(With inputs from agencies)

After US administration imposed restrictions on Air India’s repatriation flights, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has said that it is "now looking at the possibility of establishing bilateral arrangements".

After US administration imposed restrictions on Air India’s repatriation flights, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has said that it is "now looking at the possibility of establishing bilateral arrangements". We have received requests from concerned authorities in several countries including US, France, Germany among others requesting that their air carriers be allowed to participate in the transportation of passengers along the line being conducted by Air India under Vande Bharat Mission. These requests are being examined. We have also had one round of negotiations with the US on 15 June with representatives of the US Department of Transportation and US Embassy on this issue," the ministry said. The US government’s Department of Transport (DoT) has said that how Air India is conducting operations under the guise of charter flights creates a “competitive disadvantage” for US airlines. The statement came after the US government’s Department of Transport (DoT) has said that the manner in which Air India is conducting operations under the guise of charter flights creates a “competitive disadvantage” for US airlines. Its basic grouse was that even as Air India flew in and out of the US airports, under Vande Bharat Mission, American airlines weren't allowed to do the same. (With inputs from agencies)

Looking to establish bilateral arrangements: India responds to US allegations over Vande Bharat

A old man died onboard Air India's Loagos-Mumbai AI 1906 flight, that was a part of the ongoing Vande Bharat Mission.

The man was 42 years old and travelling from Lagos to Mumbai on Sunday, when the incident happened. He suddenly&nbsp;collapsed and died due to natural causes, reported Air India.

"A doctor onboard along with our crew, trained to handle such medical emergencies, made a valiant attempt to revive the passenger, aged 42, who had suddenly collapsed, through resuscitation etc but all their efforts went in vain," the airline's spokesperson said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cancer-patient-flew-from-singapore-to-india-to-fulfil-her-last-wish-305225">Also read:&nbsp;Cancer patient flew from Singapore to India to fulfill her last wish</a>

Air India's flight AI 1906 departed from Lagos in Nigeria at 7 pm Indian Standard Time on Saturday and landed in Mumbai at 3.45 am on Sunday.

After the onboard doctor&nbsp;declared him dead, the body of the deceased was examined by a team of doctors after landing at the Mumbai Airport. The body was then sent to a hospital, as per the protocol.

Relatives of the deceased were informed. Due to the tough times, the aircraft was also fumigated completely, as per the norms.

The doctors have confirmed that the death was due to natural causes.

(With inputs from PTI)

A old man died onboard Air India's Loagos-Mumbai AI 1906 flight, that was a part of the ongoing Vande Bharat Mission. The man was 42 years old and travelling from Lagos to Mumbai on Sunday, when the incident happened.

A old man died onboard Air India's Loagos-Mumbai AI 1906 flight, that was a part of the ongoing Vande Bharat Mission. The man was 42 years old and travelling from Lagos to Mumbai on Sunday, when the incident happened. He suddenly collapsed and died due to natural causes, reported Air India. "A doctor onboard along with our crew, trained to handle such medical emergencies, made a valiant attempt to revive the passenger, aged 42, who had suddenly collapsed, through resuscitation etc but all their efforts went in vain," the airline's spokesperson said. Also read: Cancer patient flew from Singapore to India to fulfill her last wish Air India's flight AI 1906 departed from Lagos in Nigeria at 7 pm Indian Standard Time on Saturday and landed in Mumbai at 3.45 am on Sunday. After the onboard doctor declared him dead, the body of the deceased was examined by a team of doctors after landing at the Mumbai Airport. The body was then sent to a hospital, as per the protocol. Relatives of the deceased were informed. Due to the tough times, the aircraft was also fumigated completely, as per the norms. The doctors have confirmed that the death was due to natural causes. (With inputs from PTI)

Man, onboard Vande Bharat Mission flight, dies due to natural causes

The number of coronavirus cases has surged in Libya this month, with health authorities blaming the biggest outbreak in a southern city on the repatriation of nationals stranded abroad.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-restart-election-campaign-with-fresh-rallies-even-as-coronavirus-cases-climb-in-the-us-304426" hreflang="en">Trump to restart election campaign while COVID-19 threat lingers</a>

The National Centre for Disease Control last week announced more than 90 new cases in the southern city of Sebha after weeks with only a few dozen confirmed cases across the whole country.

By Tuesday, Libya had confirmed 332 cases of COVID-19, of which 142 were in Sebha and the others mostly in the northwest.

Libyan and international health agencies have warned of the high risks of any wave of coronavirus cases in Libya, where years of chaos and war have undermined the health system.

Libya closed its borders in March to stop the coronavirus spreading but last month began arranging flights to repatriate Libyans stuck abroad, without a quarantine requirement.

The disease control centre attributed the cases in Sebha to people returning home, though the city medical centre's media office manager Mohamed Grain said they had not yet identified the "patient zero" who triggered the outbreak.

Libya has been divided since 2014 between warring rivals in the east and west who control different parts of the country, meaning there is no unified approach to the virus.

The disease control centre is one of the few state institutions to operate across the country but the two rival governments are responsible for setting and enforcing public health policies.

"The fear, if cases rise, is that citizens will not follow social distancing procedures. Then we will be unable to deal with all the cases," said Ali Saidi, head of Sebha's quarantine centre where three out of 16 intensive care beds are occupied.

Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj, head of the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, formed a committee on May 28 to investigate the spread of coronavirus among people returning from abroad.

The number of coronavirus cases has surged in Libya this month, with health authorities blaming the biggest outbreak in a southern city on the repatriation of nationals stranded abroad.

The number of coronavirus cases has surged in Libya this month, with health authorities blaming the biggest outbreak in a southern city on the repatriation of nationals stranded abroad. Also read: Trump to restart election campaign while COVID-19 threat lingers The National Centre for Disease Control last week announced more than 90 new cases in the southern city of Sebha after weeks with only a few dozen confirmed cases across the whole country. By Tuesday, Libya had confirmed 332 cases of COVID-19, of which 142 were in Sebha and the others mostly in the northwest. Libyan and international health agencies have warned of the high risks of any wave of coronavirus cases in Libya, where years of chaos and war have undermined the health system. Libya closed its borders in March to stop the coronavirus spreading but last month began arranging flights to repatriate Libyans stuck abroad, without a quarantine requirement. The disease control centre attributed the cases in Sebha to people returning home, though the city medical centre's media office manager Mohamed Grain said they had not yet identified the "patient zero" who triggered the outbreak. Libya has been divided since 2014 between warring rivals in the east and west who control different parts of the country, meaning there is no unified approach to the virus. The disease control centre is one of the few state institutions to operate across the country but the two rival governments are responsible for setting and enforcing public health policies. "The fear, if cases rise, is that citizens will not follow social distancing procedures. Then we will be unable to deal with all the cases," said Ali Saidi, head of Sebha's quarantine centre where three out of 16 intensive care beds are occupied. Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj, head of the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, formed a committee on May 28 to investigate the spread of coronavirus among people returning from abroad.

Coronavirus cases surge in Libya after repatriations

In a very interesting and proactive development, 25 stranded Indians were brought back from Tunisia in a military plane, which was en route Thailand and Vietnam.

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Tunis, Indian envoy to Tunisia Puneet Roy Kundal, while giving the details of the operation, thanked the Tunisian government and said, Indian diplomats in Tunisia have been personally speaking to Indians stranded in the country every week. Meanwhile, India has made sure no Tunisian government officials have been stranded in India and all were brought back before lockdown kicked in.&nbsp;

WION: How are both countries cooperating during the current times of covid crisis? 
Puneet R. Kundal: India and Tunisia have a very historic relationship that goes back to 1958 when Tunisia got its independence. On the issue of COVID, Tunisia is not as badly hit as we are, as of now they have 1046 cases, with 883 recoveries and 47 deaths. So they have managed to keep it under control.

They follow, a similar containment strategy like we did, in terms of having a strict lockdown, complete lockdown, the prohibition of flights from outside and stopping movement between various cities and governorates. They have been able to control the situation. They are also in the process of requesting govt of India to provide them with some medicines, we don't have a formal request as yet. Informally I have been told, we will have a request from the govt, much in keeping with India's tag as the pharmacy of the world.

We have have been cooperating with Tunisia in providing the e-ITEC courses for Tunisian health professionals to help them fight the COVID pandemic. But there are some very good things that have emerged for Tunisia in this pandemic, most of these have been observed by foreign media. Like they have used, the robotic vehicle, for example, to enforce the lockdown on the streets. They are also using the robotic vehicle to help in checking of the people at the hospitals.

Tunisia has also created a web-based platform that scans lung X rays and evaluates if the person has COVID or does not has COVID. In terms of their progress on COVID, they have managed to decode local strain of the COVID virus, a local institute called the Pasteur institute is actively working on developing vaccination against COVID. They have been largely successful till now in handling the crisis. The biggest thing they did for us is that they allowed 25 Indians nationals who were stranded here to fly back on a Tunisian military aircraft that left Tunisia on 21st of May 2020 and reached on 22nd of May

 
WION: Coming to bringing back stranded Indians, Tunisian military aircraft brought back Indians. If you can give details. 
Puneet R. Kundal: When the Vande Bharat mission started, the focus was on getting back the Indians from abroad, especially the blue collared workers. We only had 45 Indians here who were in the category of stranded Indian nationals. Therefore, organising a flight for 45 people, hailing from 10 different states in India, was always an uphill task. Tunisia has been sending its aircraft for getting Tunisians back from various cities. And we were on a lookout as and when they have an aircraft heading to India or anywhere in the east, we can request them to help us. We were told three days back, a Tunisian cargo aircraft of the military that was going to Vietnam and Thailand and will pick up stranded Tunisians from Delhi.

So at that stage, we sprung into action, we contacted, the embassy of Tunisia in Delhi, we contacted the foreign office here and requested them to accommodate Indians nationals on the flight. At the end of the day, 25 Indian nationals were interested in taking this flight. The government of Tunisia very kindly agreed to take them on board. I was at the airport and made sure all the Indians to do the COVID negative test first of all. They were spread across 4-5 cities across Tunisia. We established contact with concerned hospitals all across the country and made sure they underwent the test smoothly. Then we made arrangements for them to travel to Tunis, in the capital we arranged a hotel for them and made sure there is no problem when it comes to check-in and being looked after here.

On the morning of the flight, I was at the airport and made sure each of them boards the flight comfortably and I must say the process was extremely smooth and the embassy, all the staff worked hard. The Indian nationals who were in the process of getting repatriated were extremely cooperative. There were tensed moments, moments when we had to rush through things. Every operation has its own moments but at it 25 boarded the plane and have reached India on 22nd May.

WION: How has the mission been reaching out to the stranded Indians, in terms of accommodation or food. A helpline is something, all missions have.. 
Puneet R. Kundal: So we had a 24*7 helpline, that was available and we got everyone to register at the embassy. But one thing we did, since the number was less, was that we spoke to each person at least twice a week. We assigned our consular office here, who spoke to each person once or twice a week. I personally spoke to a few of them who were more anxious than others, including one 19-year-old medical student who was staying with a Tunisian family.

I must express thanks to that family as well, they gave him food, shelter and took good care of him for the last two months. So we made it point to reach out to each and every stranded Indian here, establishing touch with them once a week, attending to the questions. We made sure if they had a medical requirement that was taken care off. Most of them were in the professional category so no financial element involved but reaching out to them, giving them moral support, speaking them regularly, keeping the spirits high in this time was the main challenge.

WION: How has life been for Indian diplomats, for you, how much reliance for digital diplomacy has increased... 
Puneet R. Kundal: Life is now digital, we really shifted a lot of activity to the digital platform. I must say the entire process started with PM of India reaching out to the SAARC leaders. Reaching out to the G20, with our FM S Jaishankar reaching out to all the counterparts using digital technology, that really spurred us on as well. The country has good digital infrastructure. We shifted whole lot of digital activities online as well. &nbsp;The pace of the work also slackened down a bit but we tried to carry on the activity. We offered Tunisia e ITEC programmes. 120 Tunisians travelled to India every year.

Post-COVID, it was not possible so we were providing them training on COVID module by electronic means to get them involved via our training programmes, to keep up the pace of our training programme. In fact, I must also here add that there were 6 Tunisian nationals who were in India just before the lockdown and we brought them back here before we went into lockdown. That was also something worthy of notice that we made sure no Tunisian govt officials or trainees from our side who were stranded in India. We made sure each of them got back, there were 6 of these who were in India.&nbsp;

WION: Increased focus on digital diplomacy, but how have the ties been between the countries, how do you see ties in a post covid world?&nbsp; 
Puneet R. Kundal: Digital diplomacy is here to stay. We understand that, they understand that. As I said, Tunisia has a good digital infrastructure backbone. They have been carrying out a whole lot of interactions, with multilateral organisations and forums digitally. We also expect that there will be a telephonic conversation between our Foreign minister and Tunisian FM very soon. There is a whole lot of interaction that goes on and we have been trying to inform the Tunisian side that life has to continue and life has to continue in a digital manner. This has also been taken cognizance by our ministry of external affairs in Delhi and we hope very soon we have some digital meetings we should be proud of before life resumes and actual travel starts.

Tunisia and India have a bilateral trade of 445 million dollars, this was a figure for last year. And one of the most important areas of cooperation is in the area of Phosphate. We have a bilateral investment project called Tunisia India fertiliser plant and India is committed to buying 100% of the output of the plant. That is the flagship of our cooperation, and it cut both ways --we get our phosphoric acid in a reliable fashion from Tunisia and the country gets 180-235 million dollars annually which adds to the resources of the country. Big companies like TATA and Mahindra produce vehicles here, we have electrical companies.

In fact, I am happy to tell you, on 20th may an Indian company has won the contract for building substations here. COVID or no COVID, bilateral interaction especially in economic and trade field is continuing. Politically the foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar was here, he met with the President and Speaker of the Parliament and had detailed discussions with his counterpart here. This is in addition to the regular interaction we have with Tunisia at the UN, Tunisia is the non-permanent member of the UNSC for this year and next year and we have a whole lot of cooperation with them at the multilateral forums in Geneva and New York. We have supported Tunisian candidature at several forums as have they, it ongoing cooperation because we have a similarity of vision on a lot of issues of multilateral interest.&nbsp;

In a very interesting and proactive development, 25 stranded Indians were brought back from Tunisia in a military plane, which was en route Thailand and Vietnam.

In a very interesting and proactive development, 25 stranded Indians were brought back from Tunisia in a military plane, which was en route Thailand and Vietnam. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Tunis, Indian envoy to Tunisia Puneet Roy Kundal, while giving the details of the operation, thanked the Tunisian government and said, Indian diplomats in Tunisia have been personally speaking to Indians stranded in the country every week. Meanwhile, India has made sure no Tunisian government officials have been stranded in India and all were brought back before lockdown kicked in. WION: How are both countries cooperating during the current times of covid crisis? Puneet R. Kundal: India and Tunisia have a very historic relationship that goes back to 1958 when Tunisia got its independence. On the issue of COVID, Tunisia is not as badly hit as we are, as of now they have 1046 cases, with 883 recoveries and 47 deaths. So they have managed to keep it under control. They follow, a similar containment strategy like we did, in terms of having a strict lockdown, complete lockdown, the prohibition of flights from outside and stopping movement between various cities and governorates. They have been able to control the situation. They are also in the process of requesting govt of India to provide them with some medicines, we don't have a formal request as yet. Informally I have been told, we will have a request from the govt, much in keeping with India's tag as the pharmacy of the world. We have have been cooperating with Tunisia in providing the e-ITEC courses for Tunisian health professionals to help them fight the COVID pandemic. But there are some very good things that have emerged for Tunisia in this pandemic, most of these have been observed by foreign media. Like they have used, the robotic vehicle, for example, to enforce the lockdown on the streets. They are also using the robotic vehicle to help in checking of the people at the hospitals. Tunisia has also created a web-based platform that scans lung X rays and evaluates if the person has COVID or does not has COVID. In terms of their progress on COVID, they have managed to decode local strain of the COVID virus, a local institute called the Pasteur institute is actively working on developing vaccination against COVID. They have been largely successful till now in handling the crisis. The biggest thing they did for us is that they allowed 25 Indians nationals who were stranded here to fly back on a Tunisian military aircraft that left Tunisia on 21st of May 2020 and reached on 22nd of May WION: Coming to bringing back stranded Indians, Tunisian military aircraft brought back Indians. If you can give details. Puneet R. Kundal: When the Vande Bharat mission started, the focus was on getting back the Indians from abroad, especially the blue collared workers. We only had 45 Indians here who were in the category of stranded Indian nationals. Therefore, organising a flight for 45 people, hailing from 10 different states in India, was always an uphill task. Tunisia has been sending its aircraft for getting Tunisians back from various cities. And we were on a lookout as and when they have an aircraft heading to India or anywhere in the east, we can request them to help us. We were told three days back, a Tunisian cargo aircraft of the military that was going to Vietnam and Thailand and will pick up stranded Tunisians from Delhi. So at that stage, we sprung into action, we contacted, the embassy of Tunisia in Delhi, we contacted the foreign office here and requested them to accommodate Indians nationals on the flight. At the end of the day, 25 Indian nationals were interested in taking this flight. The government of Tunisia very kindly agreed to take them on board. I was at the airport and made sure all the Indians to do the COVID negative test first of all. They were spread across 4-5 cities across Tunisia. We established contact with concerned hospitals all across the country and made sure they underwent the test smoothly. Then we made arrangements for them to travel to Tunis, in the capital we arranged a hotel for them and made sure there is no problem when it comes to check-in and being looked after here. On the morning of the flight, I was at the airport and made sure each of them boards the flight comfortably and I must say the process was extremely smooth and the embassy, all the staff worked hard. The Indian nationals who were in the process of getting repatriated were extremely cooperative. There were tensed moments, moments when we had to rush through things. Every operation has its own moments but at it 25 boarded the plane and have reached India on 22nd May. WION: How has the mission been reaching out to the stranded Indians, in terms of accommodation or food. A helpline is something, all missions have.. Puneet R. Kundal: So we had a 24*7 helpline, that was available and we got everyone to register at the embassy. But one thing we did, since the number was less, was that we spoke to each person at least twice a week. We assigned our consular office here, who spoke to each person once or twice a week. I personally spoke to a few of them who were more anxious than others, including one 19-year-old medical student who was staying with a Tunisian family. I must express thanks to that family as well, they gave him food, shelter and took good care of him for the last two months. So we made it point to reach out to each and every stranded Indian here, establishing touch with them once a week, attending to the questions. We made sure if they had a medical requirement that was taken care off. Most of them were in the professional category so no financial element involved but reaching out to them, giving them moral support, speaking them regularly, keeping the spirits high in this time was the main challenge. WION: How has life been for Indian diplomats, for you, how much reliance for digital diplomacy has increased... Puneet R. Kundal: Life is now digital, we really shifted a lot of activity to the digital platform. I must say the entire process started with PM of India reaching out to the SAARC leaders. Reaching out to the G20, with our FM S Jaishankar reaching out to all the counterparts using digital technology, that really spurred us on as well. The country has good digital infrastructure. We shifted whole lot of digital activities online as well. The pace of the work also slackened down a bit but we tried to carry on the activity. We offered Tunisia e ITEC programmes. 120 Tunisians travelled to India every year. Post-COVID, it was not possible so we were providing them training on COVID module by electronic means to get them involved via our training programmes, to keep up the pace of our training programme. In fact, I must also here add that there were 6 Tunisian nationals who were in India just before the lockdown and we brought them back here before we went into lockdown. That was also something worthy of notice that we made sure no Tunisian govt officials or trainees from our side who were stranded in India. We made sure each of them got back, there were 6 of these who were in India. WION: Increased focus on digital diplomacy, but how have the ties been between the countries, how do you see ties in a post covid world? Puneet R. Kundal: Digital diplomacy is here to stay. We understand that, they understand that. As I said, Tunisia has a good digital infrastructure backbone. They have been carrying out a whole lot of interactions, with multilateral organisations and forums digitally. We also expect that there will be a telephonic conversation between our Foreign minister and Tunisian FM very soon. There is a whole lot of interaction that goes on and we have been trying to inform the Tunisian side that life has to continue and life has to continue in a digital manner. This has also been taken cognizance by our ministry of external affairs in Delhi and we hope very soon we have some digital meetings we should be proud of before life resumes and actual travel starts. Tunisia and India have a bilateral trade of 445 million dollars, this was a figure for last year. And one of the most important areas of cooperation is in the area of Phosphate. We have a bilateral investment project called Tunisia India fertiliser plant and India is committed to buying 100% of the output of the plant. That is the flagship of our cooperation, and it cut both ways --we get our phosphoric acid in a reliable fashion from Tunisia and the country gets 180-235 million dollars annually which adds to the resources of the country. Big companies like TATA and Mahindra produce vehicles here, we have electrical companies. In fact, I am happy to tell you, on 20th may an Indian company has won the contract for building substations here. COVID or no COVID, bilateral interaction especially in economic and trade field is continuing. Politically the foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar was here, he met with the President and Speaker of the Parliament and had detailed discussions with his counterpart here. This is in addition to the regular interaction we have with Tunisia at the UN, Tunisia is the non-permanent member of the UNSC for this year and next year and we have a whole lot of cooperation with them at the multilateral forums in Geneva and New York. We have supported Tunisian candidature at several forums as have they, it ongoing cooperation because we have a similarity of vision on a lot of issues of multilateral interest.

Tunisian military plane enroute to East Asia brings back 25 stranded Indians; Indian envoy Kundal thanks the govt

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 second repatriation Navy ship INS Magar has left male with 202 stranded Indian nationals. The 202 stranded Indian nationals include 24 women, two expectant mothers, two children and one man from Tamil Nadu with a fractured leg.

The Navy in a statement said, "Even as heavy rains at Male made conditions difficult, the ship made arrangements to ensure safety of people."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizens-aboard-ins-jalashwa-return-from-maldives-as-a-part-of-repatriation-mission-297742">Also read:&nbsp;Citizens aboard INS Jalashwa return from Maldives as a part of repatriation mission</a>

The ship is expected to arrive on the Indian shores in 48 hours time. Indian envoy to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir thanked Indian Navy for its support.

He said, "Operation Vande Bharat is the largest evacuation operation ever conducted by the government of India. We are sending 202 Indian nationals to Kochi onboard INS Magar. Grateful to Indian navy for its operation Samudra Setu and sparing INS Jalashwa and INS Magar for this major operation which means so much to Indian community members who will soon be getting back to meet families."&nbsp;

INS Jalashwa with 687 repatriated Indians reached Kochi harbour on Sunday morning. INS Jalashwa was the first repatriation ship sent last week on May 08 to get back stranded Indian nationals.&nbsp;

India started its mega repatriation process last week to bring back foreign Indian nationals who are stranded due to COVID-19 crisis by air and sea.&nbsp;

The second repatriation Navy ship INS Magar has left male with 202 stranded Indian nationals. The 202 stranded Indian nationals include 24 women, two expectant mothers, two children and one man from Tamil Nadu with a fractured leg.

The second repatriation Navy ship INS Magar has left male with 202 stranded Indian nationals. The 202 stranded Indian nationals include 24 women, two expectant mothers, two children and one man from Tamil Nadu with a fractured leg. The Navy in a statement said, "Even as heavy rains at Male made conditions difficult, the ship made arrangements to ensure safety of people." Also read: Citizens aboard INS Jalashwa return from Maldives as a part of repatriation mission The ship is expected to arrive on the Indian shores in 48 hours time. Indian envoy to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir thanked Indian Navy for its support. He said, "Operation Vande Bharat is the largest evacuation operation ever conducted by the government of India. We are sending 202 Indian nationals to Kochi onboard INS Magar. Grateful to Indian navy for its operation Samudra Setu and sparing INS Jalashwa and INS Magar for this major operation which means so much to Indian community members who will soon be getting back to meet families." INS Jalashwa with 687 repatriated Indians reached Kochi harbour on Sunday morning. INS Jalashwa was the first repatriation ship sent last week on May 08 to get back stranded Indian nationals. India started its mega repatriation process last week to bring back foreign Indian nationals who are stranded due to COVID-19 crisis by air and sea.

Operation Setu Samudra: INS Magar departs from Male; to bring back 202 stranded Indians

Indian government, along with Air India and Indian Navy, has started the biggest repatriation operation to bring back the Indians stranded abroad.

A lot of stranded Indians have been brought back home from Doha, Singapore, Kuwait, the UK and the US, and many more countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vande-bharat-operation-177-indians-brought-back-from-kuwait-297702">Also read:&nbsp;Vande Bharat operation: 177 Indians brought back from Kuwait</a>

However, Air India's spokesperson announced that the Air India Express flight IX 374 from Doha which was earlier scheduled to leave Doha at 3:35 pm on Sunday and reach Thiruvananthapuram&nbsp;by 10:45 pm is cancelled.

The revised schedule will be updated later. The reason of the cancellation has not been disclosed yet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizens-aboard-ins-jalashwa-return-from-maldives-as-a-part-of-repatriation-mission-297742">Also read:&nbsp;Citizens aboard INS Jalashwa return from Maldives as a part of repatriation mission</a>

It was also announced on Sunday that five Air India pilots tested positive for coronavirus. These pilots fly Boeing 787 planes.&nbsp;

The airlines had asked its pilots to undertake coronavirus&nbsp;test before they operate such flights.

However, as the pilots were tested one after another, the sources have revealed that it might also be a case of faulty test kits.

These pilots had not flown any flight since the last three weeks.&nbsp;"These pilots had operated cargo flights to China prior to April 20," an&nbsp;official said.

Indian government, along with Air India and Indian Navy, has started the biggest repatriation operation to bring back the Indians stranded abroad. A lot of stranded Indians have been brought back home from Doha, Singapore, Kuwait, the UK and the US, and many more countries.

Indian government, along with Air India and Indian Navy, has started the biggest repatriation operation to bring back the Indians stranded abroad. A lot of stranded Indians have been brought back home from Doha, Singapore, Kuwait, the UK and the US, and many more countries. Also read: Vande Bharat operation: 177 Indians brought back from Kuwait However, Air India's spokesperson announced that the Air India Express flight IX 374 from Doha which was earlier scheduled to leave Doha at 3:35 pm on Sunday and reach Thiruvananthapuram by 10:45 pm is cancelled. The revised schedule will be updated later. The reason of the cancellation has not been disclosed yet. Also read: Citizens aboard INS Jalashwa return from Maldives as a part of repatriation mission It was also announced on Sunday that five Air India pilots tested positive for coronavirus. These pilots fly Boeing 787 planes. The airlines had asked its pilots to undertake coronavirus test before they operate such flights. However, as the pilots were tested one after another, the sources have revealed that it might also be a case of faulty test kits. These pilots had not flown any flight since the last three weeks. "These pilots had operated cargo flights to China prior to April 20," an official said.

Air India Express flight from Doha cancelled; five pilots test positive

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

Stranded Indian nationals return home under biggest repatriation operation

The first Air India flight from Britain, as part of the Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate Indians stranded overseas due to the coronavirus lockdown, took off&nbsp;with 326 passengers from London's Heathrow Airport on Saturday. It is scheduled to land in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday.

The flight marks the first of seven Air India routes organised by the Indian government from London Heathrow Airport to six Indian cities over the next week -- Mumbai (Saturday and Tuesday), Bengaluru (Sunday), Hyderabad (Monday), Ahmedabad (Wednesday), Chennai (Thursday) and New Delhi (Friday).

The first Air India flight will land at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at 1.30 am IST on Sunday.

Each of the passengers underwent temperature tests before boarding. These passengers could face 14 days of quarantine at a hotel or other location designated by the Maharashtra government on landing. The passengers are expected to be screened and allotted quarantine locations based on affordability.

Air India is providing a kit for all passengers confirmed to fly, with meals, snacks, sanitisers, masks and gloves.

Organisers have said that further flights are planned from the UK to other cities of India as well in phase two of the Vande Bharat Mission.

The schedule is being coordinated by the Indian High Commission in London, with payments made directly to Air India by confirmed passengers.

The first set of seven flights to India will prioritise Indian passport holders on vulnerability and health grounds.

The Air India flights landing at London Heathrow will also be bringing back some expatriates and UK visa holders wanting to fly back to the UK.

(with inputs from PTI)

The first Air India flight from Britain, as part of the Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate Indians stranded overseas due to the coronavirus lockdown, took off with 326 passengers from London's Heathrow Airport on Saturday.

The first Air India flight from Britain, as part of the Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate Indians stranded overseas due to the coronavirus lockdown, took off with 326 passengers from London's Heathrow Airport on Saturday. It is scheduled to land in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday. The flight marks the first of seven Air India routes organised by the Indian government from London Heathrow Airport to six Indian cities over the next week -- Mumbai (Saturday and Tuesday), Bengaluru (Sunday), Hyderabad (Monday), Ahmedabad (Wednesday), Chennai (Thursday) and New Delhi (Friday). The first Air India flight will land at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at 1.30 am IST on Sunday. Each of the passengers underwent temperature tests before boarding. These passengers could face 14 days of quarantine at a hotel or other location designated by the Maharashtra government on landing. The passengers are expected to be screened and allotted quarantine locations based on affordability. Air India is providing a kit for all passengers confirmed to fly, with meals, snacks, sanitisers, masks and gloves. Organisers have said that further flights are planned from the UK to other cities of India as well in phase two of the Vande Bharat Mission. The schedule is being coordinated by the Indian High Commission in London, with payments made directly to Air India by confirmed passengers. The first set of seven flights to India will prioritise Indian passport holders on vulnerability and health grounds. The Air India flights landing at London Heathrow will also be bringing back some expatriates and UK visa holders wanting to fly back to the UK. (with inputs from PTI)

First repatriation flight from London takes off for Mumbai

As a part of Indian government's biggest repatriation operation, Indian Navy has launched&nbsp;Operation "Samudra Setu"(Sea Bridge). The Navy will be&nbsp;bringing back thousands of stranded Indians from&nbsp;Maldives.

Western Fleet Ships mission deployed in the Indian Ocean Region has set sail on Saturday evening, and joined&nbsp;joined INS Jalashwa.&nbsp;INS Jalashwa set sail from Maldives on Friday bring with more than 700 passengers onboard.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fixes-40-per-head-for-repatriation-by-sea-from-male-to-kochi-297273">Also read:&nbsp;India fixes $40 per head for repatriation by sea from Male to Kochi</a>

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Operation <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SamudraSetu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SamudraSetu</a>: Western Fleet Ships mission deployed in the Indian Ocean Region joined INS Jalashwa, on her passage back to Kochi in Kerala from the Maldives. INS Jalashwa is bringing back 698 Indians from the Maldives. <a href="https://t.co/NL5GAUWV5z">pic.twitter.com/NL5GAUWV5z</a>
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"This operation is being carried out in close coordination with ministries of defence, external affairs, home affairs, health and various other agencies of the government of India and state governments," the Navy said in a statement.

This is Indian Navy's first big-scale repatriation operation during the pandemic.

As the officials gear up to welcome the stranded Indians back home, a top police officer assured that all arrangements were in place in the Kerala to accommodate and transport&nbsp;the returnees. All passengers will have to go through thermal scanning upon arrival on the port. They will laos be asked to sign a self-declaration form before disembarking the vessel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-indias-flight-from-dhaka-brings-back-129-stranded-indians-297624">Also read:&nbsp;Air India's flight from Dhaka brings back 129 stranded Indians</a>

The repatriated Indians&nbsp;comprise&nbsp;over 400 Keralites, around 180 people are from Tamil Nadu and the rest hail from Karnataka, Goa,&nbsp;Andhra Pradesh, Assam,&nbsp;Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, among other states.

The ship is expected to arrive at the Cruise Terminal of the Cochin Port Trust on Sunday between 9.30-10 am.

Upon returning, Keralities will be transported by KSRTC buses in small groups.&nbsp;The people from other states will be quarantined in&nbsp;Ernakulam for 14 days.

As a part of Indian government's biggest repatriation operation, Indian Navy has launched Operation "Samudra Setu"(Sea Bridge). The Navy will be bringing back thousands of stranded Indians from Maldives.

As a part of Indian government's biggest repatriation operation, Indian Navy has launched Operation "Samudra Setu"(Sea Bridge). The Navy will be bringing back thousands of stranded Indians from Maldives. Western Fleet Ships mission deployed in the Indian Ocean Region has set sail on Saturday evening, and joined joined INS Jalashwa. INS Jalashwa set sail from Maldives on Friday bring with more than 700 passengers onboard. Also read: India fixes $40 per head for repatriation by sea from Male to Kochi Operation #SamudraSetu: Western Fleet Ships mission deployed in the Indian Ocean Region joined INS Jalashwa, on her passage back to Kochi in Kerala from the Maldives. INS Jalashwa is bringing back 698 Indians from the Maldives. pic.twitter.com/NL5GAUWV5z — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2020 × "This operation is being carried out in close coordination with ministries of defence, external affairs, home affairs, health and various other agencies of the government of India and state governments," the Navy said in a statement. This is Indian Navy's first big-scale repatriation operation during the pandemic. As the officials gear up to welcome the stranded Indians back home, a top police officer assured that all arrangements were in place in the Kerala to accommodate and transport the returnees. All passengers will have to go through thermal scanning upon arrival on the port. They will laos be asked to sign a self-declaration form before disembarking the vessel. Also read: Air India's flight from Dhaka brings back 129 stranded Indians The repatriated Indians comprise over 400 Keralites, around 180 people are from Tamil Nadu and the rest hail from Karnataka, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, among other states. The ship is expected to arrive at the Cruise Terminal of the Cochin Port Trust on Sunday between 9.30-10 am. Upon returning, Keralities will be transported by KSRTC buses in small groups. The people from other states will be quarantined in Ernakulam for 14 days.

Operation Samudra Setu: Second naval ship sets sails for India

As part of the mission 'Vande Bharat' which has been intitiated by the Indian government to bring back all Indian citizens stranded in other countries due to coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown, over 1,000 people will be evacuated today.

Over 1,000 people to be evacuated on day 2 of India's Vande Bharat Mission

Day 2 of India's repatriation mission is underway. In this segment of WION, we bring to you exclusive visuals from Malé ahead of evacuation.

Operation Samudra Setu: Exclusive visuals from Malé airport ahead of evacuation

India’s massive exercise called 'Vande Bharat Mission' to bring back lakhs of its citizens stranded abroad is currently underway. Watch this video to know more.

Vande Bharat Mission: India’s massive repatriation exercise underway

Today is day 1 of India's biggest repatriation mission. Over the next week, India will bring back more than 14000 Indian nationals who are stuck in foreign countries due to travel restrictions imposed.

COVID-19 Pandemic: India's biggest repatriation mission to bring back stranded Indians in foreign countries

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