INDIA & THE WORLD BILATERAL AFFAIRS JUNE 2014

INDIA & THE WORLD BILATERAL AFFAIRS JUNE 2014

• Indian and New Zealand universities on 26 June partnered to offer as many as seven joint research projects worth NZ$ 460,000 (US$ 403,500).Education New Zealand (ENZ) and the University Grants Commission, India, have collaborated to offer diverse programmes for Indian and New Zealand researchers as part of an initiative by the India New Zealand Education Council (INZEC) seeking to enhance bilateral tertiary education cooperation. The topics covered will include health and migration patterns in the South Pacific, managing India New Zealand institutional challenges and the impact of climate change.
  
• Among the Indian universities, participants include Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, Anna University, Chennai, Madurai Kamaraj University, Tamil Nadu, University of Delhi, University of Calcutta and Amritsar's Guru Nanak Dev University.
  
• Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry O Rogozin held extensive talks on crucial bilateral issues including trade and energy security on 17 June in New Delhi. It is the first high-level engagement between India and Russia after NDA government came to power. They also deliberated on regional and international issues of mutual concern. Rogozin and Sushma have discussed about preparations for the annual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin scheduled during the course of the year. Issues relating to economic cooperation, energy security and the deal for the third and fourth reactors of Kudankulam power plant have taken place in the talks. 
  • Russia has in-principle, agreed to the Indian nuclear liability law, paving the way for signing a contract for unit 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP).
  • India and Russia signed a general framework agreement on unit 3 and 4 in April this year after crossing the initial hurdles of the Civil Liability Nuclear Damage Act 2010.
    
• Prime Minister NarendraModi on 15, 16 of June made his first official visit to Bhutan. He addressed the Joint Sitting of the Parliament in the GyalyongTshogkhang on 16 June. The two sides acknowledged the importance of cooperation and mutual benefit arising from the hydropower sector between the two countries and expressed satisfaction on the progress being made. Both sides recalled their commitment to achieve the target of 10000 MW. The Prime Minister unveiled the foundation Stone of the 600 Megawatt Kholongchu Hydropower Project. The project is a Joint Venture project between the Indian and Bhutanese PSUs, SJVNL and Druk Green Power Corporation. Prime Minister of Bhutan thanked the Government of India for the allocation of Rs. 45 billion for the 11th Five Year Plan and Rs. 5 billion for the economic stimulus plan of the Royal Government of Bhutan. Narendra Modi has made an announcement that the Government of India would provide grant assistance for the establishment of the digital section/ E-library in the National Library of Bhutan and in all 20 districts of Bhutan.
  • Mr.LyonchhenTsheringTobgay is the Prime Minister of Bhutan.
  • Prime Minister NarendraModi unveiled the Foundation Stone of the 600 Megawatt Kholongchu Hydropower Project, which is a Joint Venture project of India and Bhutan.
    
• Credit Agreement for World Bank DPL Loan of US$ 100 million for promoting Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development has been signed between the Government of India, the World Bank and the Government of Himachal Pradesh in New Delhion 11 June. The Loan agreement signed will be financed by the Clean Technology Fund (CTF). It will help Himachal Pradesh bring in better policies and practices to guide the development of sustainable hydropower; adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change; empower local communities to conserve their watersheds better; promote cleaner methods of industrial production; promote environmentally sustainable tourism; and integrate GIS in decision making. The Government of Himachal Pradesh is the implementing agency. 
  • Mr. Onno Ruhl is the World Bank Country Director in India.
    
• The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs and Grant Thornton India LLP have signed a memorandum of understanding on 4 June in Delhi. The objective of the MoU is to develop capacity of the Indian companies for effective implementation of the CSR Rules laid down as per Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013. The MoU was signed by Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, DG&CEO, IICA and Mr. Vikesh Harish Mehta, Partner, Grant Thornton India LLP.
  
• The Indian Air Force & French Air Force commenced the bilateral exercise “Ex Garuda V” at Jodhpur Air Base on 2 June. The main objective of the exercise is enhancing Operational Co-operation and to validate capabilities. During this fortnight long exercise both the Air Forces would engage in Operations based on their Operational Philosophy and methodology of operations practicing various challenging air situation scenarios. The Exercise would help both Air Forces in appreciating the intricacies of planning and conduct of combat missions in an Operational Environment. Frontline fighter aircraft of the IAF including the SU 30, Mig-27 (UPG), Mig 21 Bison and force multipliers such as the AWACS and Flight Refueller Aircraft IL 78 would be participating from the Indian Air Force while the French AF has fielded their frontline Rafale Fighter aircraft along with their KC 135 Refueller. 
  • The Fifth Indo-French bilateral Air Exercise “Garuda-V” is scheduled from 2-13 June at Air Force Station Jodhpur. ·
  • The previous edition of the exercise was held at Istres, France during 2010.