Jaishankar holds meetings in virtual mode as 2 Indian officials test positive

The United Kingdom has a set of protocols that will likely be used to take care of the state of affairs that has come up after two members of the Indian delegation led by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to the G7 Foreign Ministers assembly examined positive for COVID-19, mentioned an official of the British High Commission right here.

During a press interplay, British High Commissioner Alex Ellis mentioned officials in London will decide the plan of action to be adopted to safeguard the well being of these concerned in the occasion.

“It is the first summit after the pandemic began. We have a set of protocols. Our approach will be guided by the public health authorities of England and details will be emerging soon about that,” mentioned Mr. Ellis who reminded that the U.K. confronted a tricky COVID-19 state of affairs final yr and that there’s a lot to be taught from that have. The G7 summit will likely be hosted by the U.K. throughout June 11-13 the place PM Modi is anticipated to signify India, a visitor nation.

Sources right here maintained that the Indian delegation didn’t journey with COVID-19 an infection and is now working with the U.K. authorities on the protocol to be adopted. “Entire delegation is in quarantine. External Affairs Minister has made all meetings virtual. Later in the day, we will know what U.K. health authorities suggest. None are unwell, most have been vaccinated fully. They had all had tests before the take off,” mentioned an knowledgeable supply right here who maintained that the assessments had been carried out on Sunday once they turned to be damaging.

The query on the well being scare got here up after the Sky News reported that the 2 members had examined positive. Mr Jaishankar has been in London for the previous three days assembly his counterparts. The go to was vital as it was the “first in-person” assembly of the Ministers of G7 and the companion nations. On Monday, he met U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to debate COVID-19 associated help from the U.S. On Tuesday, he met British Home Secretary Priti Patel simply hours earlier than the Indian and the British Prime Ministers held a bilateral virtual summit.

Following the meting, Ms. Patel mentioned, “A pleasure to welcome Dr. S. Jaishankar to the UK Home Office today as we signed the landmark Migration and Mobility deal as part of our New Plan for Immigration, providing new opportunities for our young people to live and work here and in India as we recover from the pandemic.” The two Ministers exchanged the folder of the Migration and Mobility deal after signing it. This was adopted by an in-person assembly between Mr. Jaishankar and his South African counterpart Dr. Naledi Pandor. He additionally met E.U. High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles.

Sources right here argued that it’s for others to take “protective measures” as the Indian delegation had flown out with damaging test outcomes.

Mr. Jaishankar in a social media submit introduced that he has carried out enterprise in virtual mode as a precaution. (*2*) he mentioned on Twitter.

He additionally interacted together with his French and Australian counterparts Jean Yves Le Drian and Marise Payne. However, it’s not but clear if the trilateral assembly was in individual or carried out in virtual mode.

Mr. Jaishankar on Wednesday delivered a lecture on the COVID-19 state of affairs in India and blamed “societal complacency” for the outbreak of the second wave. He additionally claimed that India has uncared for the well being sector for “75 years”. He is anticipated to take part just about later in the day in the assembly of the Foreign Ministers from G7 members. Other visitor nations are Australia, South Korea, South Africa and Brunei, the Chair of ASEAN.