Most Countries Are Afraid Of Covid Mutations: German Ambassador To NDTV

"Even India would try to avoid it if there was a mutation coming from another country. Hence most of the EU countries have put in some travel restrictions and we can lift them once things get better," the German Ambassador to India, Walter Lindner said.

In an exclusive interview to NDTV, the German Ambassador to India, Walter Lindner says he hopes once the travel ban is lifted, it will welcome fully vaccinated Indians, especially students who form a huge part of its international community. "Because countries are afraid of mutations, travel curbs have been placed in EU nations," he says. He also remarked that the while the Indian government handled the Covid crisis well, he hopes the country is better prepared in the event of a possible third wave. "I would hope travel can resume sooner than better. Germany and Europe had the third wave. Now India is expecting a third wave - we hope that doesn't arise." Commenting on the concerns emerging around the Delta variant, the ambassador said, "Most of the counties are afraid of any mutation. Call it Delta or Delta plus, it could have other names. Even India would try to avoid it if there was a mutation coming from another country. Hence most of the EU countries have put in some travel restrictions and we can lift them once things get better" When asked if Covishield - which has now received a nod in 7 EU nations - holds an entry card into the EU, he said "for us who have taken Covishield - doesn't mean we can travel -- because there is a travel ban. But for those Indians who can travel will have an easy travel in Europe can use Covishield as valid proof of anti-covid vaccination. But this is not an entry card. Travel ban is still out there."