Hopeful that China will extend visas soon to Indian nationals meeting criterion: MEA

India is hopeful that the Chinese embassy will issue visas to Indian nationals who have met the requirements laid down by that country. Addressing a press conference, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that while Chinese nationals are able to visit India despite the absence of air connectivity, Indians have not been able to do so as Beijing has suspended the existing visas of Indian nationals.

"We hope the Chinese embassy will be able to issue visas soon to Indian nationals who have met requirements laid down by China," Bagchi said.

He further added that the MEA is working actively to protect the interests of Indians/students residing abroad but stuck in India. "We are aware of challenges being faced by Indian students who are unable to return to pursue their studies. We have been taking this up with concerned governments actively," he said.

PM Modi to attend outreach sessions of G7 summit:

In accordance with the G7 invitation of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in outreach sessions on June 12 and 13, virtually, Bagchi said. This is the second time PM will be participating in G7.

Bagchi said that the leaders participating in the summit will discuss global initiatives on recovery from the pandemic and climate change.

The UK, which holds the presidency of G-7 has invited Australia, India, South Africa and South Korea for the G-7 summit. the theme for this year's summit is 'Build Back Better' and the priority areas outlined by the UK include recovery from COVID-19, free and fair trade, climate change and championing shared values and open societies.