Interactive session of High Commissioner of India with students on the COVID-19 situation. On 17 April 2020, the High Commissioner of India to Australia Mr. Gitesh Sarma had a live interaction with Indian students from major cities across Australia on the COVID19 pandemic situation.

During the discussions facilitated by the Australian-Indian Sports Educational and Cultural Society (AISECS), Mr.Gitesh Sarma responded to a number of specific queries from participants on various issues related to the welfare of the Indian student community in Australia.

In the course of his interaction, Mr. Sarma briefed the students on the various steps taken by the Mission and the three Indian Consulates in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to provide relief assistance to needy Indian nationals, especially the student community across major cities in the country.

In this regard, Mr. Sarma also noted and conveyed his appreciation for the major role played by Indian community and diaspora organisations in Australia in serving the needy during the difficult times.

In response to queries on travelling back to India, Mr. Sarma pointed to the extension of travel restrictions in India till 3 May 2020 and emphasised on the importance of everyone to come together in the national and global effort to resolutely fight the pandemic. Emphasising on the need to develop a feeling of togetherness, Mr. Sarma requested the students to be in close touch with their family and friends, while ensuring that they comply with the relevant advisories from the local authorities and follow the social distancing norms. Consul General of India in Sydney Mr. Manish Gupta, Founder of AISECS Mr. Gurnam Singh and Ambassador Mr. Reet Pal Singh also participated actively during the interaction.

Thank you Ministry of External Affairs Government of India for the support.