Satellite images reveal widespread destruction in Ukrainian industrial city of Sievierodonetsk

Egyptian ambassador to India Wael Hamed has dismissed reports of Indian wheat being infected with pests even as the country receives its first consignments.

Speaking to WION, ambassador Hamed said, "These are miscommunicated reports... Egypt, as a big wheat importer, stands by its deals, provided they observe the requirements and have undergone the inspection procedures agreed with India as the exporting country."

In April, Egypt gave a go-ahead to import wheat from India. That month, officials from Egypt’s Agriculture Quarantine and Pest Risk Analysis department visited various processing units, port facilities and farms in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab.

It is pertinent to mention that the north African country is one of the largest importers of wheat in the world and has a major say in global wheat prices with its import capacity.

The envoy explained that the "consignments not intended for Egypt are simply that... not intended for Egypt. On the other hand, consignments intended for Egypt cannot possibly have pests since the inspections take place before loading the cargo ships.”

Egypt has been traditionally importing wheat from Russia and Ukraine. But this has been impacted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, chocking the supplies.

New markets, especially India, are being looked into internationally. India is one of the largest producers of wheat globally and has got requests from over 20 countries as the prices of the food commodity increase.

Last financial year, India exported 7 million tonnes of wheat. Amid the heatwave and inflation, New Delhi put a ban on the export of wheat. But it has allowed government-to-government transactions.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "We are not going to give speculators an open access to the Indian market so that Indian customers and the least developed nations of the world are at the short end.”

He highlighted that India’s aim is to prevent a "diversion to high-income countries because what we saw happening to vaccines, we don't want to see happen with wheat—wherein which rich people were vaccinated, and the poor left out."

India has exported wheat to 23 countries this year.

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Egyptian ambassador to India Wael Hamed has dismissed reports of Indian wheat being infected with pests even as the country receives its first consignments. Speaking to WION, ambassador Hamed said, "These are miscommunicated reports.

Egyptian ambassador to India Wael Hamed has dismissed reports of Indian wheat being infected with pests even as the country receives its first consignments. Speaking to WION, ambassador Hamed said, "These are miscommunicated reports... Egypt, as a big wheat importer, stands by its deals, provided they observe the requirements and have undergone the inspection procedures agreed with India as the exporting country." In April, Egypt gave a go-ahead to import wheat from India. That month, officials from Egypt’s Agriculture Quarantine and Pest Risk Analysis department visited various processing units, port facilities and farms in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab. It is pertinent to mention that the north African country is one of the largest importers of wheat in the world and has a major say in global wheat prices with its import capacity. The envoy explained that the "consignments not intended for Egypt are simply that... not intended for Egypt. On the other hand, consignments intended for Egypt cannot possibly have pests since the inspections take place before loading the cargo ships.” Egypt has been traditionally importing wheat from Russia and Ukraine. But this has been impacted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, chocking the supplies. New markets, especially India, are being looked into internationally. India is one of the largest producers of wheat globally and has got requests from over 20 countries as the prices of the food commodity increase. Last financial year, India exported 7 million tonnes of wheat. Amid the heatwave and inflation, New Delhi put a ban on the export of wheat. But it has allowed government-to-government transactions. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "We are not going to give speculators an open access to the Indian market so that Indian customers and the least developed nations of the world are at the short end.” He highlighted that India’s aim is to prevent a "diversion to high-income countries because what we saw happening to vaccines, we don't want to see happen with wheat—wherein which rich people were vaccinated, and the poor left out." India has exported wheat to 23 countries this year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Egypt envoy Hamed dismisses reports of Indian wheat being infected with pests

Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä, who is on a visit to India, has said that the European country can possibly become a NATO member by this summer.

The statement is significant since Russia last week warned of consequences if Finland and its neighbour Sweden tried to join the US-led military alliance.

The Russian military’s offensive in Ukraine has alarmed these Nordic countries who are now looking to shed their non-alignment policy.

Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, minister Lintilä said, "Finland strongly condemns the Russian attack...And, I have to say, the EU is stronger than ever in this case."

The economic minister is accompanied by a big business delegation and he is expected to meet many Indian ministers.

India’s trade with Finland crossed US$ 1 billion (Euros 870 million) mark, and is heavily in Finland’s favour.

Trade in services is growing and has crossed US$ 1.5 billion (Euros 1.3 billion) mark with many Indian IT companies positioned in Finland.

According to Indian government estimates, Finnish companies invested US$ 497 million between April 2000 and December 2019. Within the EU, Finland ranks 12th among countries investing in India.

More than 100 Finnish companies have operations in India, including through investments. Nokia, Kone, Wartsila, UPM, Fortum, Metso, Huhtamaki, Salcomp, Ahlstrom, etc. have set up their manufacturing facilities in India.

&nbsp;

WION: What is the focus of your visit to India?

Mika Lintilä: India is a very important and interesting partner. Finland is total export country, more than 40 per cent of our GDP is contributed by exports. In this situation, we need more and more companies to do export, bring investment in Finland and so on, and India is very important and has a lot of potential. We already have good relations between our countries. I want to have open doors for Indian companies. I have 13 companies in my delegation who are very interested in cooperating with Indian companies.

&nbsp;

WION: You are going to meet the policymakers, what are you going to tell them&nbsp;and what Finland can offer?

Mika Lintilä: For example, we can cooperate in the research sector, or can focus on our biggest challenge—climate change. Finland is one of the front runners in new technologies in the energy sector, like circular economy. We can offer (assistance) in the energy sector. This could be a sector in which we can have more cooperation.

&nbsp;

WION: Basically, you are mentioning clean energy

Mika Lintilä: Over 50 per cent of our energy needs come from renewable energy sources. We have different ways, like wind power, a little bit of solar power, not so much as India, biomass and so on. The one area where Finland has been a major player is the waste to energy. I am 100 per cent sure, we can offer you solutions where you can use waste to energy better.

&nbsp;

WION: What is Finland’s stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

Mika Lintilä: Finland strongly condemns the Russian attack. It is totally violent and against international law. Of course, war in Europe is very complicated, people are nervous. I have to say that the EU is stronger than ever in this case.

&nbsp;

WION: Europe is heavily reliant on Russian energy, what is your government doing to address that?

Mika Lintilä: Actually, our situation is quite good, because, for example, we import oil from other countries as well. Only 5 per cent of our energy needs are met with the Russian gas. But it could be a big challenge for Germany which uses a lot of Russian gas.

&nbsp;

WION: What can you do to help the European continent to reduce its dependency on Russian energy?

Mika Lintilä: We already have independent production in the energy sector, but as I said, there are a lot of European countries who are reliant on Russian gas. They have to find a new way to reduce their dependence and develop other sources of energy.

&nbsp;

WION: Will Finland join NATO? Because this is something that has been in news, and we saw the reaction from Moscow, which has sounded a warning

Mika Lintilä: The security situation is totally different as it was a few months ago. It could be possible that both countries or I can say that the Finish side could possibly join NATO this summer.

&nbsp;

WION: Indian PM will be visiting Denmark for the India-Nordic summit. We are going to have the Nordic leaders' summit as well, what will be the key focus?

Mika Lintilä: I don't know what will be discussed, but I can imagine that they are watching the big picture in the security situation globally and especially in Europe. Of course, they discussed how to continue relations with Russia. But they were talking before the invasion scenario. Now, it is difficult as these sanctions are tight.

&nbsp;

WION: Are European sanctions working on Russian leadership?

Mika Lintilä: I think sanctions working are better, but the main question is the energy sector, especially gas and oil. I am sure, the next sanctions will be on oil. In the financial sector, sanctions are tight and they work very well.

Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä, who is on a visit to India, has said that the European country can possibly become a NATO member by this summer.

Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä, who is on a visit to India, has said that the European country can possibly become a NATO member by this summer. The statement is significant since Russia last week warned of consequences if Finland and its neighbour Sweden tried to join the US-led military alliance. The Russian military’s offensive in Ukraine has alarmed these Nordic countries who are now looking to shed their non-alignment policy. Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, minister Lintilä said, "Finland strongly condemns the Russian attack...And, I have to say, the EU is stronger than ever in this case." The economic minister is accompanied by a big business delegation and he is expected to meet many Indian ministers. India’s trade with Finland crossed US$ 1 billion (Euros 870 million) mark, and is heavily in Finland’s favour. Trade in services is growing and has crossed US$ 1.5 billion (Euros 1.3 billion) mark with many Indian IT companies positioned in Finland. According to Indian government estimates, Finnish companies invested US$ 497 million between April 2000 and December 2019. Within the EU, Finland ranks 12th among countries investing in India. More than 100 Finnish companies have operations in India, including through investments. Nokia, Kone, Wartsila, UPM, Fortum, Metso, Huhtamaki, Salcomp, Ahlstrom, etc. have set up their manufacturing facilities in India. WION: What is the focus of your visit to India? Mika Lintilä: India is a very important and interesting partner. Finland is total export country, more than 40 per cent of our GDP is contributed by exports. In this situation, we need more and more companies to do export, bring investment in Finland and so on, and India is very important and has a lot of potential. We already have good relations between our countries. I want to have open doors for Indian companies. I have 13 companies in my delegation who are very interested in cooperating with Indian companies. WION: You are going to meet the policymakers, what are you going to tell them and what Finland can offer? Mika Lintilä: For example, we can cooperate in the research sector, or can focus on our biggest challenge—climate change. Finland is one of the front runners in new technologies in the energy sector, like circular economy. We can offer (assistance) in the energy sector. This could be a sector in which we can have more cooperation. WION: Basically, you are mentioning clean energy Mika Lintilä: Over 50 per cent of our energy needs come from renewable energy sources. We have different ways, like wind power, a little bit of solar power, not so much as India, biomass and so on. The one area where Finland has been a major player is the waste to energy. I am 100 per cent sure, we can offer you solutions where you can use waste to energy better. WION: What is Finland’s stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine? Mika Lintilä: Finland strongly condemns the Russian attack. It is totally violent and against international law. Of course, war in Europe is very complicated, people are nervous. I have to say that the EU is stronger than ever in this case. WION: Europe is heavily reliant on Russian energy, what is your government doing to address that? Mika Lintilä: Actually, our situation is quite good, because, for example, we import oil from other countries as well. Only 5 per cent of our energy needs are met with the Russian gas. But it could be a big challenge for Germany which uses a lot of Russian gas. WION: What can you do to help the European continent to reduce its dependency on Russian energy? Mika Lintilä: We already have independent production in the energy sector, but as I said, there are a lot of European countries who are reliant on Russian gas. They have to find a new way to reduce their dependence and develop other sources of energy. WION: Will Finland join NATO? Because this is something that has been in news, and we saw the reaction from Moscow, which has sounded a warning Mika Lintilä: The security situation is totally different as it was a few months ago. It could be possible that both countries or I can say that the Finish side could possibly join NATO this summer. WION: Indian PM will be visiting Denmark for the India-Nordic summit. We are going to have the Nordic leaders' summit as well, what will be the key focus? Mika Lintilä: I don't know what will be discussed, but I can imagine that they are watching the big picture in the security situation globally and especially in Europe. Of course, they discussed how to continue relations with Russia. But they were talking before the invasion scenario. Now, it is difficult as these sanctions are tight. WION: Are European sanctions working on Russian leadership? Mika Lintilä: I think sanctions working are better, but the main question is the energy sector, especially gas and oil. I am sure, the next sanctions will be on oil. In the financial sector, sanctions are tight and they work very well.

Finland can possibly join NATO this summer: Minister Lintilä to WION

Ever since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started last month, there have been concerns raised over whether the conflict could spill over the Ukrainian border.&nbsp;

Given the impact that the Ukraine invasion has had on the security environment in the region, Estonia —which shares a border with Russia —has called for NATO to build up a permanent force in the region that is capable of stopping the Russian offensive

In an exclusive conversation, when WION asked Eva-Maria Liimets, the Foreign Minister of Estonia, if she is worried that Vladimir Putin will not stop at Ukraine, the minister said, “We truly hope that this unprovoked and unjustified war started by Russia will end as soon as possible. So that we will not see any more civilian casualties and also that Ukraine could restore its territorial integrity. Here in Estonia, we don't see that there is a direct military threat to any of the NATO countries."

The minister added, "But as we have seen, Russia has a very aggressive approach towards its neighbours, towards democratic countries in the neighbourhood. We, of course, are a bit worried that we need to have a stronger defence posture so we don't give any reasoning for any miscalculations."

There are around 320,000 ethnic Russians in Estonia. When asked about the sentiment prevailing within that community over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Estonian foreign minister said, “This community is well integrated and of course, there are different views among these people. But the majority of them support Estonian views on this issue.”

Talking about China, the minister said it is "very important that China and other countries would really help us to end this war and also pressure Russia to end this war."

Western nations have warned that Russia could be preparing to use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine. When asked about her views on this, Eva-Maria Liimets said, "It is really difficult to predict how this war in Ukraine continues. But I personally and truly hope that Russia stops the violation of international law, the UN Charter, and also other agreements related to peace and security. I truly hope that the international community comes together and helps to avoid another massacre where chemical weapons are used.”

The minister also sent out a solidarity message to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky through WION.

The minister said, “We continue to support your country politically, also towards your aspiration towards EU (membership). We continue to support your country economically. We continue to support your people. We truly hope the war ends, that your country can restore its territorial integrity within the internationally recognised borders."

"I would ask the Russian president to end this unjustified and unprovoked war,” she added.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;'China needs to put pressure on Russia to end war,' says Estonian foreign minister Eva-Maria Liimets

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Ever since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started last month, there have been concerns raised over whether the conflict could spill over the Ukrainian border. Given the impact that the Ukraine invasion has had on the security environment in the region, Estonia —which shares a border with Russia —has called for NATO to build up a permanent force in the region that is capable of stopping the Russian offensive In an exclusive conversation, when WION asked Eva-Maria Liimets, the Foreign Minister of Estonia, if she is worried that Vladimir Putin will not stop at Ukraine, the minister said, “We truly hope that this unprovoked and unjustified war started by Russia will end as soon as possible.

Ever since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started last month, there have been concerns raised over whether the conflict could spill over the Ukrainian border. Given the impact that the Ukraine invasion has had on the security environment in the region, Estonia —which shares a border with Russia —has called for NATO to build up a permanent force in the region that is capable of stopping the Russian offensive In an exclusive conversation, when WION asked Eva-Maria Liimets, the Foreign Minister of Estonia, if she is worried that Vladimir Putin will not stop at Ukraine, the minister said, “We truly hope that this unprovoked and unjustified war started by Russia will end as soon as possible. So that we will not see any more civilian casualties and also that Ukraine could restore its territorial integrity. Here in Estonia, we don't see that there is a direct military threat to any of the NATO countries." The minister added, "But as we have seen, Russia has a very aggressive approach towards its neighbours, towards democratic countries in the neighbourhood. We, of course, are a bit worried that we need to have a stronger defence posture so we don't give any reasoning for any miscalculations." There are around 320,000 ethnic Russians in Estonia. When asked about the sentiment prevailing within that community over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Estonian foreign minister said, “This community is well integrated and of course, there are different views among these people. But the majority of them support Estonian views on this issue.” Talking about China, the minister said it is "very important that China and other countries would really help us to end this war and also pressure Russia to end this war." Western nations have warned that Russia could be preparing to use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine. When asked about her views on this, Eva-Maria Liimets said, "It is really difficult to predict how this war in Ukraine continues. But I personally and truly hope that Russia stops the violation of international law, the UN Charter, and also other agreements related to peace and security. I truly hope that the international community comes together and helps to avoid another massacre where chemical weapons are used.” The minister also sent out a solidarity message to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky through WION. The minister said, “We continue to support your country politically, also towards your aspiration towards EU (membership). We continue to support your country economically. We continue to support your people. We truly hope the war ends, that your country can restore its territorial integrity within the internationally recognised borders." "I would ask the Russian president to end this unjustified and unprovoked war,” she added. Watch | 'China needs to put pressure on Russia to end war,' says Estonian foreign minister Eva-Maria Liimets

Estonian foreign minister to WION: China, other countries must pressure Russia to end Ukraine war

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