INDIA & THE WORLD BILATERAL AFFAIRS AUGUST 2015
- India and Egypt sign pacts on security, counter-terrorism and defence
Seeking to inject new momentum in their ties, India and Egypt on 24th August decided to put in place a bilateral framework for enhancing cooperation in key areas of security, counter-terrorism, defence and investments. Both sides agreed to step up engagement in a range of potential areas while underlining the need to combat terrorism particularly the threat of dreaded terrorist outfit ISIS in an effective manner as visiting External Affairs Minister Swaraj called on Egyptian President Fattah Al-Sisi. - Australia to collaborate with Indian researchers
The Australian government, through the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF), would collaborate with Indian researches in the field of agriculture, mining, energy, health etc. The Australian government has earmarked $84 million to be spent over three years in creating infrastructure, awarding fellowship and scholarship to promote research between the two countries.
During his visit to Australia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi identified sectors like agriculture, mining, energy, health etc for research, so Australia has decided to enhance cooperation between the two countries in these areas.
The AISRF is Australia's largest fund dedicated to bilateral research with any country and one of India's largest sources of support for international science. The AISRF helps Australian researchers from public and private sectors to participate with Indian scientists in leading-edge scientific research projects and workshops. Taking a step forward in this direction, the minister on Saturday officially opened new facilities at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB)-Monash Research Academy.
The collaboration between the IITB and Monash University will see students receive a joint PhD from both institutions, with the added benefit of exposing a large cohort of young researchers to cutting-edge international research.
The Australia-Asia Building Regional Intercultural Dialogue and Growing Engagement, or BRIDGE, connects Australian teachers, students, and school communities with their peers in Asia so they can exchange knowledge. - IndianOil inks MoU to build Rs. 275 cr pipeline to Nepal
Indian Oil Corporation has signed an agreement with Nepal Oil Corporation to build a Rs. 275-crore petroleum product pipeline from Raxaul in Bihar to Amlekhgunj in Nepal.
Subsequent to signing of a MoU between the Government of India and the Government of Nepal on August 24, 2015, Indian Oil and Nepal Oil signed a MoU on August 25 in Kathmandu for construction of Raxaul-Amlekhgunj petroleum product pipeline with a 1.3-million tonne per annum capacity
Construction of the pipeline and maintenance work at the Amlekhgunj petroleum depot of Nepal Oil will cost Rs. 275 crore. Indian Oil said that the completion period is 30 months after the receipt of the statutory clearances. The 41-km pipeline will primarily run through Nepal and initially supply petrol, diesel and kerosene.
Indian Oil said that the pipeline will “ensure long-term supply of petroleum products to Nepal as well as stability of supplies from India to Nepal, which will benefit both the countries. - India to boost security ties with Egypt to tackle terrorism: Sushma Swaraj
India on 25th August said it was ramping up security ties with Egypt to remove the scourge of terrorism completely. In an address to a select group of strategic thinkers and policy makers, External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj talked about the threat of dreaded terror outfit ISIS in the Gulf region and that of Taliban and LeT in India's neighbourhood.
Swaraj, who held extensive talks with Egyptian leadership on 24th August, proposed to step up exchange of information and coordination to combat terrorism, both at the regional as well as global level while elaborating on importance of closer security and defence cooperation between India and Egypt. - Black money fight: India, Seychelles sign info exchange pact
India has signed an information exchange agreement with Seychelles on tax matters. This will help New Delhi fight against Black money. The agreement was signed after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the visiting Seychelles President James Alix Michel in New Delhi on 26th August.
It will help curb tax evasion and provide for mutual assistance between the authorities of the two countries on enforcement action against suspected tax evaders.
The two countries also signed 4 other agreements including one on air connectivity and the other for supply of a Dornier aircraft to the island nation besides agricultural research.
According to Modi, India and Seychelles have excellent security cooperation especially for maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. He said, India will gift one more interceptor coast guard boat to the Island nation. The Prime Minister said, bilateral agreement for cooperation on blue economy is a huge step forward in the relationship and in promoting sustainable ocean economy in the region.
He said, India is looking forward to cooperate in Space, including in the areas of managing land and marine resources, fisheries advisory, weather forecasting and disaster management.
President of Seychelles James Alix Michel said, his visit illustrates the unique and special relationship that the two countries share based on common values and aspirations. - India acquires Ambedkar’s London house
Ending months of uncertainty, India on 27th August sealed the deal to acquire the ownership of a three-storey bungalow here, where Dr. B.R. Ambedkar lived as a student in the 1920s, and will be converted into an international memorial.
Maharashtra’s Minister for social justice and special assistance Raj Kumar Badole exchanged contracts with regard to the 2,050 sq ft house at 10 King Henry’s Road, in northwest London, said Santosh Dass, president of the Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations UK. - PM Modi visits Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque in UAE
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 16th August began his two-day trip to the UAE by visiting the historic Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque, the world's third largest
After his arrival, PM Modi, on first public engagement in Abu Dhabi, visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a key place of worship in the UAE and known as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
The mosque is third largest in the world after the ones in Mecca and Madina in Saudi Arabia. It is named after the founder and first President of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The mosque can accommodate around 40,000 people. The mosque was constructed from 1996 to 2007. - India-US joint military training exercise in Sept
India-US Combined Military Training Exercise YUDH ABHYAS 2015, will be held from 9th of next September at Joint Base Lewis McChord in the USA. This will be the 11th such event in the Yudh Abhyas series, which started in 2004 under US Army Pacific partnership program. It said, the exercise will strengthen and broaden interoperability and cooperation between both the Armies and cooperation between the two armies. - Indian govt donates 40 ambulances, eight buses to Nepal
Government of India has gifted 40 ambulances and eight buses to various hospitals, non-profit charitable organization and educational institutions in Nepal. Gifting of ambulances and buses is a part of the larger India-Nepal Development partnership with an overall outlay of over 75 billion Nepali rupee. - India, Bangladesh to fight fake currency
Indian and Bangladeshi security agencies have agreed to work in close coordination to curb the smuggling of counterfeit currency notes, posing a threat to national security. They have signed a memorandum of understanding to this effect. At a meeting of the Joint Task Force on Fake Currency Notes in Dhaka on August 12 and 13, the two sides committed themselves to sharing intelligence on a real-time basis. A secure channel will be established for information exchange, for which a standard operating procedure is being developed.
The MoU was signed by the Bangladeshi team led by Additional Inspector-General Mohammed Mokhlesur Rahman and the Indian team headed by National Investigation Agency IG Sanjeev Kumar Singh. - PM Modi announces MADAD and e-migrant portal for UAE expats
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a new scheme as part of various measures for the welfare of Indian Diaspora. Addressing a large gathering of Indian expats in International Cricket Stadium at Dubai on 17th August he said, a welfare fund for Diaspora is to be set up for their benefit, to help them legally so that they can deal with problems.
He said, Indian mission in UAE has set up an e-migrant portal to help Indian migrant workers and an online platform 'MADAD' to assist them. The Prime Minister said he has instructed the Indian embassy in UAE to solve the technical problems faced by the e-migrant portal in one month's time. Mr. Modi also assured to look into other problems like school admissions. - India, UAE to boost defence, security ties
In a significant move, India and the UAE on 17th August decided to establish a “strategic security dialogue” and boost defence ties, besides resolving to work together in counter-terrorism operations, combating money laundering, drug trafficking and trans-national crimes.
A joint statement said the two sides agreed to “work together to control, regulate and share information on flow of funds that could have a bearing on radicalisation activities and cooperate in interdicting illegal flows and take action against concerned individuals and organisations”.
To step up cooperation on security related issues, both sides decided to establish a strategic security dialogue to deliberate on major issues.
Both sides decided to establish a strategic security dialogue to deliberate on major issues and agreed to establish a dialogue between their National Security Advisors and their National Security Councils. They also came down heavily on countries sponsoring terrorism and asked all states to dismantle terror infrastructure.
The two sides agreed to strengthen defence relations, including through regular exercises and training of naval, air, land and special forces, and in coastal defence.
The UAE also conveyed to India that it will cooperate in manufacture of defence equipment in India. The joint statement said both sides decided to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, other trans-national crimes, extradition arrangements, as well as police training.
They also agreed to promote cooperation in cyber security, including "prevention on use of cyber for terrorism, radicalisation and disturbing social harmony." The two sides will also establish points of contact between their security agencies to further improve operational cooperation.
They have also agreed to cooperate to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean region, which is vital for the security and prosperity of both countries. - PM offers Rs 65-lakh-cr Investment Avenue to UAE
Inviting investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17th August said India had an immediate investment opportunity of $1 trillion (Rs 65 lakh crore) and the government would take urgent steps to address concerns of businessmen. - India, UAE decry state-sponsored terror
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and undertook to “co-ordinate efforts to fight radicalisation and misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred, perpetrating and justifying terrorism or pursuing political aims.”
This was announced in a joint statement after bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan - Russia backs India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat
After the United States, Russia too has clarified that it is open to supporting India’s bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that while Moscow supports the candidature of India and Brazil for permanent membership in the U.N. Security Council, it also feels that the presence of an African country in this structure is also necessary.
Russia’s explanation comes days after it was made known that along with the U.S. and China, Moscow was opposed to negotiations to reform the U.N. body, which would have paved the way for India’s inclusion in the group with the P-5. - Special investment channel for the UAE
After 'Japan Plus' and 'Korea Plus', the government is mulling another separate investment desk exclusively for funds flowing in from the Arab Sheikhdom, to tap the latter’s $800-billion sovereign wealth fund. This is in addition to the UAE-India Infrastructure Investment Fund which Prime Minister Narendra Modi said would be set up with a corpus of $75 billion.
The government has not made the time-period explicit over which this $75 billion will be spread. The amount is meant to be utilised in developing railways, ports, roads, airports and industrial corridors and parks across India. Over the past 15 years, the UAE has invested only $3 billion, accounting for a paltry 1.2 per cent of the country’s total foreign direct investment inflows of $249 billion.
Indian companies have turned out to be major investors in UAE with investments outflows from India to that country reaching $55 billion last fiscal.
According to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in order to correct this imbalance, investments from United Arab Emirates (UAE) can be facilitated by setting up special purpose vehicles in sectors such as semiconductors and renewable energy, apart from infrastructure development.
According to the India-UAE joint statement, both sides will seek to increase their bilateral trade by 60 per cent by 2020. The UAE is India’s third largest trade partner accounting for eight per cent of the country’s total trade volume. Two-way merchandise trade rose to $60 billion in 2014-15 from $43 billion in 2009-2010.
During his visit, PM Modi offered investment opportunities of $1 trillion into India by UAE. CII believes this can be tapped by setting up a petrochemical-refinery complex exclusively using Emirati crude. Both countries can explore a joint space exploration programme by way of partnership between India's successful mission to Mars and UAE's Al Amal project. - Cabinet nod for information sharing pact with Seychelles
In a move to check generation of black money and to curb tax evasion, the Union Cabinet has approved the signing and ratification of an agreement between India and Seychelles for exchange of information with respect to taxes.
The Cabinet also approved the signing of the revised Air Services Agreement (ASA) between the two countries that would increase the number of flights between the two nations from three to seven a week. The revised pact will update and modernise the existing agreement signed in 1978.
The agreement on information sharing on taxes will enable the two countries to help curb tax evasion through exchange of information on administration and enforcement of domestic laws related to taxes covered by the pact
The government has taken various initiatives, including signing of FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) with the US and enactment of black money law. While the agreement does not have any financial implications, only in the event of extraordinary costs exceeding $500, the Government of India will bear the same
The Air Services Agreement with Seychelles signifies an important landmark in the civil aviation relations between the two countries and has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries - Iran removed from restricted visa list countries
The Union government has removed Iran from the list of countries put under the restricted visa category, indicating that it wants to reach out to the Persian Gulf nation. India sees Iran as a key supporter in the wake of the growing threats and influence of Islamist terror groups such as the Islamic State in Central Asia. India has liberalised its visa policy for Iran and struck it off the prior referral category (PRC) of countries. Three categories of visas — employment, conference, students and research visa — were on the restricted list till now.
On 19th August, the Union Home Ministry issued an order which said Iran was no longer on the PRC list, which has countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh and China.
The decision comes after National Security Adviser Ajit Doval convened a high-level meeting in July to explore the possibilities of lifting restrictions on visas for Iran nationals. Mr. Doval visited Iran in February and underlined the need for widening cooperation between the two countries in fighting terrorism. - PM Modi appeals Pacific island nations to support India for permanent UNSC seat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed the Pacific island nations to extend support to India for a permanent membership of the UN Security Council. In his opening remarks in the 2nd India -Pacific Islands Cooperation, FIPIC Summit in Jaipur on 21st August, the Prime Minister said that the member countries must together press for reform in the UN Security Council to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in the 21st century.
Terming climate change as an existential threat to the Pacific islands, Narendra Modi sought a concrete and effective outcome on climate change at COP 21 in Paris later this year. He stressed that we should work together for a separate goal on climate change in the Sustainable Development Goals, and in a manner that addresses the interests of developing countries.
Other important points- Modi said that India’s grant-in-aid to these countries has been enhanced from 125,000 to 200,000 US dollars.
- He also announced the establishment of the FIPIC Trade Office in the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi.
- The PM exhorted these island nations to become partners of India in various fields beyond fisheries, and to work together for a separate goal on climate change.
- All the above-mentioned dignitaries expressed strong support for UN reforms and India's candidature for the permanent membership of a reformed UN Security Council.
- Pakistan calls off NSA-level talks with India
Pakistan is not ready to focus fully on terrorism and calls off NSA-level talks with India. Talks between National Security Advisors of two countries were to begin on 23rd August. India has termed Pakistan's decision to call off talks as 'unfortunate.'
External Affairs Ministry further said India never put any preconditions for the NSA Level talks. What India had insisted upon was commitment to the spirit of Shimla Agreement and the Ufa Declaration.
In some tough talking that has put the ball back in Pakistan's court, India has made it clear that while it is committed to peaceful and bilateral talks, it will not be held hostage by any pre- conditions set at the last minute and that talks with separatists is unacceptable. Pointing to increased ceasefire violations and cross border terrorism, India questioned commitment to the Ufa agreement.
Last year India had cancelled talks with Pakistan after its High Commissioner held talks with separatist leaders just before the NSA level talks. Terrorism and other contentious issues, which are in the domain of the NSAs, will be taken up at the talks.
This includes destabilisation in FATA, Balochistan, and Karachi. Sources say India will not only handover evidence of Udhampur attack perpetrator Naved belonging to Pakistan but also evidence of Pak involvement in the Gurdaspur attack and a dossier with evidence on Pak sponsored terrorist attacks on Indian soil. India will also hand over a list of absconding terrorists and criminals who have sought refuge in Pakistan. - Cabinet approves MoU between India, Nepal for construction of petroleum pipeline
Union Cabinet on 12th August approved the Memorandum of Understanding between India and Nepal for construction of petroleum products pipeline from Raxaul in India to Amlekhgunj in Nepal. The MoU will promote bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sector and secure long term supply of petroleum products to Nepal. It will also help to preserve the environment along the route and decongest the international border at Raxaul.
On behalf of Indian Government, the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has been entrusted with the job of construction of the pipeline and re-engineering of the Amlekhgunj Depot and allied facilities. In the first phase, a petroleum products pipeline from Raxaul to Amlekhgunj will be constructed by IOC at a cost of 200 crore rupees.
The Cabinet also gave ex-post-facto approval to an MoU between India and Mongolia to establish basis for cooperative institutional relationship to encourage and promote technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable energy.
This MoU was signed at Ulaanbaatar during the visit of the Prime Minister to Mongolia on 17th May this year. The Cabinet also gave ex-post-facto approval to a MoU between India and France to establish basis for cooperative institutional relationship to encourage and promote technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable energy issues. The MoU was signed in Paris, during the visit of the Prime Minister to France on 10th April this year. - India to set up skill development centre for Agriculture in Sri Lanka
India will establish a Centre for Skill Development for the Faculty of Agriculture at the Kilinochchi Campus of Jaffna University in Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Following competitive bidding, the contract to construct the building complex was awarded to a private company in the presence of Indian High Commissioner Mr. Y.K. Sinha, Sri Lanka’s Secretary of Higher Education Mr. P. Ranepura and Vice Chancellor of Jaffna University Prof. Vasanthy Arasaratnam in Colombo.
The project, that is a part of India’s development partnership with Sri Lanka, will cost 15 crore rupees. It includes construction of building, supply of equipment and furniture, training and curriculum development.
The project is a result of India’s commitment towards capacity building in the Tamil majority Northern Province that was devastated by a 30 year long war between LTTE militants and the Sri Lankan security forces. - India, Slovak ink MoU on technical cooperation in railway sector
India and Slovak have signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on technical cooperation in railway sector. Railway Ministry said the MoU was signed in New Delhi for cooperation in the management of station development and workshop modernisation.
Under the agreement the two countries will cooperate in the modernisation of signaling, telecom, information and communication technologies, especially for passenger. - United States-India Cyber Dialogue
2015 US - India Cyber Dialogue was held on 11 and 12 August 2015 at the US Department of State in Washington, DC. The dialogue was held with an aim to increase global cyber security and promote the digital economy. The whole-of-government Cyber Dialogue, fourth in the series, was led by the US Cyber security Coordinator and Special Assistant to the President Michael Daniel and by India's Deputy National Security Advisor Arvind Gupta. - India, Mozambique agree to deepen cooperation in energy sector
India and Mozambique on 5th August agreed to deepen cooperation in New and Renewable Energy. The two sides signed an MoU on expanding cooperation in energy sector.
The visiting President of Mozambique, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said new and renewable energy is an important area for sustainable development. He said Africa and the Indian Ocean are among the highest priorities for India's foreign policy and Mozambique is crucial for both.
The Prime Minister said Mozambique can be a large and a proximate source of natural gas, coal and other minerals to meet India's energy security. Both leaders discussed ways to intensify cooperation in maritime security and ocean economy as they have large coastlines and are linked by the Indian Ocean.
Calling the discussions fruitful and positive, Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi said it was decided to enhance cooperation in a number of areas including oil and gas and that Indian companies will be welcomed for more investment in his country.
A high-level delegation, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Minerals and Energy, Agriculture, Transportation and Communications and Interior are accompanying the visiting President besides senior officials and a business delegation. - Centre to extend e Tourist Visa facility to 36 more countries from Aug 15
The Centre is going to extend the facility of e Tourist Visa to 36 more countries from 15th of this month. The new countries being included in the scheme are Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Belgium, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, East Timor, Guatemala, Hungary, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, Malaysia, Mongolia, Monaco, Mozambique, Netherlands, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Seychelles, Slovenia, Spain, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Sweden, Taiwan, Tanzania, Turks & Caicos Island, United Kingdom, Uruguay and Venezuela.
With this addition, the total count of countries under the scheme will go upto 113.
Simultaneously, the Centre is going to add 7 more Indian airports as designated airports for entry on e-Tourist Visa from August 15th.
The new airports being included in the scheme are, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Gaya, Jaipur, Lucknow, Tirchy and Varanasi. With this, the total number of designated airports will become 16. The Centre has launched the scheme on November last year. The scheme has been extended to 77 countries at nine airports designated for providing e-Tourist visa service till now. Since the launch of the scheme more than 2 lakhs e-Tourist Visas have been issued till now. - Seven more airports declared entry points for e-visa
Seven more airports including Varanasi and Ahmedabad have been declared as entry points along with the existing nine where citizens from eligible countries can land with an e-tourist visa. The government has also extended e-tourist visa facility to 36 more countries from 15th August, taking the total number of countries under the scheme upto 113.
Besides Varanasi and Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Amritsar, Gaya, Lucknow and Trichy have been declared as entry points with e-tourist visa. The existing nine airports where one can land with an e-tourist visa are Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram.
Among the countries that will benefit from the fresh extension of e-tourist visa are the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, Malaysia, Tanzania and Argentina. Under the e-visa scheme, an applicant receives an email authorising him or her to travel to India after it is approved and he or she can travel with a print-out of this authorisation.
On arrival, the visitor has to present the authorisation to the immigration authorities who would then stamp the entry into the country. Since the launch of the scheme on 27th November 2014, more than two lakh e-tourist visas have been issued till now.
It is expected that this substantial addition of countries and airports will give a big boost to tourism industry in the country. - India to boycott 61st Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference
India on 7 August 2015 decided to boycott the 61st Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference which is slated to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan from 30 September to 8 October 2015.
The unanimous decision to boycott the meeting was taken after the conclusion of the meeting of the Speakers of all State Legislative Assemblies that was called in New Delhi.
The meeting was called to discuss the Pakistan's deliberate decision to not invite the Speaker of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Kavinder Gupta.
India protested the unilateral decision of Pakistan saying that by not inviting J&K speaker, it is violating the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) constitution and was against the guiding principles of the Commonwealth of promotion of international understanding, world peace and democratic governance. - India affirms commitment to ASEAN engagement
India affirmed its commitment to provide momentum to its engagement with the "close-knit" ASEAN community, as the 10-member economic bloc agreed on a new action plan in areas like IT and healthcare.
Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh told the ASEAN-India ministerial meeting in Kuala Lumpur that this year had a special significance for ASEAN-India strategic partnership.
The meeting agreed on the new programme of action for the period 2016-2020 listing events and programmes to be held during that period mainly in the development side in areas like IT, healthcare with focus on malaria and diabetes, English language training centers by India.
The ministers also discussed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Malaysia and Singapore with the respective foreign ministers. The current five-year plan (2010-2015) to implement ASEAN-India partnership for peace, progress and shared prosperity, would expire at the end of this year. - India and Myanmar inked agreement to set up CESDT in Myanmar
India and Myanmar on 6 August 2015 inked an agreement to set up Centre of Excellence in Software Development and Training (CESDT) in Myanmar.
The project to be set up with the financial support through ASEAN-India Cooperation fund will be implemented by C-DAC. The project envisages setting up of a state of the art Information and Communication Technology Centre, imparting intensive teachers training, extending support for ICT curriculum development, and will be accredited as an authorized Centre of C-DAC.
The agreement was signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during the visit of Minister of State for External Affairs of India Gen (Retd) VK Singh. Singh was in Malaysia to attend the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meet.
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