Longstanding defence relationship between SAF and IAF

    New Delhi. The 2nd Defence Ministers’ Dialogue between India and Singapore was successfully concluded today.

   It was inaugurated after both countries signed the revised Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) in 2015 to further strengthen the longstanding defence relationship between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indian Armed Forces.Of particular significance during this meeting was the conclusion of the India-Singapore Bilateral Agreement for Navy Cooperation, which will lead to increased cooperation in maritime security, joint exercises, temporary deployments from each other’s naval facilities and mutual logistics support. 

    Both Ministers looked forward to the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise next year. Dr Ng expressed his appreciation for India’s continued support for the SAF’s training in India, covered by the Air Force and Army Bilateral Agreements. Both Ministers welcomed the renewal of the Air Force Bilateral Agreement on the sidelines of the 11th Singapore-India Defence Policy Dialogue in January this year, and looked forward to the successful renewal of the Army Bilateral Agreement next year. 

    On regional security, both Ministers reaffirmed the importance of maintaining maritime freedom of navigation and trade consistent with international law. India plays a vital role in the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus. Both Ministers also discussed Singapore’s proposal to expand the Code of Unplanned Encounters at Sea to all ADMM-Plus countries as well as to establish guidelines for air encounters between military aircraft, in order to reduce the risk of miscalculations. 

     Appreciating India’s leading role in the Indian Ocean Region, Dr Ng agreed to India’s proposal for continuous and institutionalised naval engagements in their shared maritime space, including establishing maritime exercises with like-minded regional/ ASEAN partners. Both Ministers emphasised the importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational security threats, and in particular measures to collectively tackle the threat of terrorism. 

    Both Ministers also commended the progress made since the India-Singapore Defence Technology Steering Committee was set up in October 2006 to launch joint research projects. Dr Ng expressed his appreciation for India’s offer of its test ranges and infrastructure to Singapore for the conduct of testing and evaluation for R&D projects. 

     Singapore and India have also made progress in defence industry cooperation, with the signing of the terms of reference for the Defence Industry Working Group (DIWG) in August this year. Both Ministers agreed that this would facilitate greater collaboration in aerospace, electronics and other areas of mutual interest between the defence industries of both countries. 

    Dr Ng expressed his appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s acceptance as keynote speaker for the 2018 Shangri-La Dialogue to articulate India’s vision for a stable Indo-Pacific region. 

India-Afghan Cultural Festival in New Delhi

    New Delhi.The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture, Dr. Mahesh Sharma and Minister of Culture and Information of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, His Excellency Prof. Moh. Rasool Bawari inaugurated the India-Afghan Cultural Festival in New Delhi today.

   The Festival has been jointly organized by the Government and Embassy of Afghanistan along with the Government of India and ICCR. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that India and Afghanistan enjoy age old cultural and civilaisational ties and the deep-rooted linkages in the fields of music, art, architecture, language and cuisine constitute an important bond of friendship between the people of the two countries.While exponents of Afghan classical music such as Ustad Sarahang were trained in the Patiala Gharana, the popular Indian music of bollywood resonates in Afghan homes, Dr. Mahesh Sharma explained.

    The central Bamyan province of Afghanistan is an epitome of our shared Buddhist heritage, he added. 

   Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore’s ‘Kabuliwala’ has connected Indians with the honest and large-hearted Afghans.Highlighting the common values shared by the two countries, the Indian Culture Minister said that the four Gurudwaras and the two temples in Kabul itself are testament to tolerant and diverse society of Afghanistan.

   Emphasising the developing partnership being extended by India for the people of Afghanistan, Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that Restoration of Afghan cultural heritage and strengthening its cultural institutions has been an important part of our support in reconstruction of Afghanistan. 

  The restoration of Storay palace in Kabul and support to the Afghan National Institute of Music are a few such examples, the Minister added. 

    Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that the India-Afghan Festival is a unique event being organized and will further bring out the commonalities between the two countries through art, handicrafts, dance, music and other forms.The three day festival includes cultural performances, handicrafts, exhibitions, cuisine and cultural shows from Afghanistan as well as India.

Russia-India cooperation in the sectors of security and counter-terrorism

New Delhi. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh held meeting with Secretary, Security Council of Russian Federation, Mr. Nikolai Patrushev in Moscow yesterday.

Both sides reinforced their determination to further strengthen their cooperation in the sectors of security and counter-terrorism. 

   They also reviewed the implementation of the Agreement on Information Security signed in October 2016. Both sides also welcomed the ongoing cooperation and the regular exchange of visits between the two National Security Councils.Union Home Minister also met Minister for the Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Puchkov and held detailed discussions on cooperation in Disaster Management. 

  They reviewed the progress made on the Agreement on Disaster Management signed in 2010. Both the sides agreed that EMERCOM of Russia would cooperate with India in the establishment of the National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) in India. 

     They also agreed on a programme of training of specialists and sharing of each other’s experiences as well as best practices in the field of Disaster Management. 

    The two leaders later signed a Joint Implementation Plan for the years 2018-19 for cooperation in Disaster Management.During his three-day visit to Russia Rajnath Singh will visit the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) and hold talks with FSB Director Mr. Alexander Bortnikov today. Later he will attend a reception by the Indian community.

Joint Action Plan signed for countering threat posed by narcotics

     Moscow/New Delhi. The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Moscow, Russia yesterday on a three day visit there. 

    He was received by Mr. Igor Zubov, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation at Vnukovo International Airport, Moscow. Rajnath Singh met Mr. Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Minister for Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, today during which the Ministers emphasized the strength of the relationship between India and Russia that has been consolidated in the past 70 years in all areas.

   The Ministers underlined that cooperation in the field of security is an important aspect of this bilateral relationship further strengthen cooperation to combat terrorism, extremism and radicalism. They agreed that terrorism must be fought unitedly and there were no good or bad terrorists.They also agreed to cooperate in combating new challenges, enhance exchange of information, cooperate in building a data base, and in training of police and investigative agencies. 

     Both sides agreed to hold the next Joint Working Group to counter terrorism between India and Russia in 2018. An updated and more comprehensive agreement on Cooperation on Security between Ministry of Home Affairs of India and the Ministry of Interior of the Russian Federation was signed by the two Ministers. 

  This agreement provides a comprehensive approach for cooperation in security related issues, including Information Technology Crimes, Counterfeiting currency, Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, Trafficking in Human Beings, Economic Crimes, Crimes related to Intellectual Property, Cultural Property amongst others.A Joint Action Plan between the Narcotics Control Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs of India and the Ministry of Interior of the Russian Federation for the period 2018-20 was also signed by Pankaj Saran, Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation and Mr. Igor Zubov, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Interior of the Russian Federation on this occasion. 

       During his visit Rajnath Singh will also hold meetings with Mr Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary, Security Council of the Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Puchkov, Minister of Civil Defence, Emergency Situations and Disaster Relief of the Russian Federation and Mr. Alexander Bortnikov, Director, Federal Security Service of Russia. He will also pay a visit to the National Crisis Management Centre (EMERCOM) under Russia’s Ministry of Situations.

Daily Drug Regimen for treatment of Tuberculosis

     New Delhi/Moscow, Russia. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has recently announced the launch of daily regimen for TB patients across the country under The Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP). 

      The Health Ministry has been providing the thrice weekly regimen for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), however it has now decided to change the treatment strategy for TB patients from thrice weekly to daily drug regimen using fixed dose combinations (FDC) for treatment. 

    This change will bring transformation in the approach and the intensity to deal with this disease which accounts for about 4.2 lakh deaths every year.

    The daily FDC anti-TB drugs will be made available to private pharmacy or at private practitioners to dispense to TB patients who seek care in private sector, depending upon the convenience of patient and practitioner free of cost. 

      The Health Ministry will take this forward with all major hospitals, IMA, IAP and other professional medical associations to expand the access to daily FDC to all TB patients.

      The salient features of this treatment strategy are use of Ethambutol in continuation phase for all patients, drugs to be given daily (as against only 3 times weekly previously), fixed dose combination (FDC) tablets to be used which will reduce pill burden (as against separate 7 tablets previously), for children, child friendly formulations as dispersible tablets and use of Information Technology (IT) enabled treatment adherence support system.Current WHO Global TB Report, 2017 has reported that incidence of TB has reduced from 28.2 lakh to 27 lakh and mortality by 60 thousand over the last one year, which is a testimony of anti TB drive by Government of India.

Fast growing economy of India provides for doing business

    New Delhi/Russia. The Minister of Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu is on a visit to Russia from November 15-17, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Meeting of the Ministers of Member States responsible for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade.

   The Minister of Commerce and Industry is also holding bilateral meetings during his visit. This is the first Ministerial Conference on Trade organized by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization after India became a full member of the Organization in June 2017. 

    This is also Prabhu’s first visit to Russia as Minister of Commerce and Industry. During his visit, the Minister of Commerce and Industry met the Member of Board (Minister) for Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EaEC), Ms. Veronika Nikishina on November 15 and discussed early start of negotiations of the Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Commission, as well as the potential and opportunities for increasing trade cooperation.On November 16 Prabhu participated in a Round Table interaction with 30 of Russia’s leading business leaders. 

   The companies that attended the Round Table were leaders in steel, engineering goods, railways, financial services, nuclear energy, agriculture, Venture Capitalists and trade promotion. The Minister told the gathering about the new initiatives of the Government of India, particularly with regard to ease of doing business, priority areas like financing in the nuclear energy sector, natural gas, railways, organizing Trade Fairs, agro-marketing etc. 

    The business leaders participated enthusiastically in the discussion to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation between India and Russia. The Minister of Commerce and Industry invited the businessmen to take part in the Partnership Summit, in Vizag in India from 24-26 February 2018.The Minister of Commerce and Industry also met the Minister for Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Mr. Maxim Oreshkin on November 16 and discussed the current level of bilateral trade between India and Russia and ways for its enhancement. 

    They also discussed opportunities that the fast growing economy of India provides for doing business, particularly in the field of manufacturing. Earlier in day, Prabhu also met the President of Skolkovo Foundation and Renova Group, Mr. Viktor Vekselberg and discussed production of solar panels, bottled Baikal water and renewable energy production.

    The Minister will separately address a gathering of Russian Small and Medium Enterprises and a select group of Russian investors at Delovaya Russia today. He will also meet his other Russian counterpart, the Minister of Industry & Trade of the Russian Federation, Mr. Dennis Manturov. 

    The discussions are likely to included ways to strengthen India- Russia Investment and collaboration in creating Joint Ventures under the Make in India initiative of the Government of India.

Agreement between India-Belarus on Scientific and Technological Cooperation

      New Delhi. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Agreement between the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB) on Scientific and Technological Cooperation for mutual benefit in the areas of science, technology, agriculture, etc.

   The Agreement was exchanged on 12th September, 2017 at New Delhi during the visit of Belarus President H.E. Mr. Alexander Lukashenko.

    The Agreement is aimed at identifying, assessing, developing and commercializing globally competitive technologies from India and Belarus. 

   It will support institutions in both countries by way of research, technology transfers, exchange of visits and joint workshops leading to scientific and economic benefit.

Arun Jaitley Asks in Singapore the Investors to come and invest in India

     Singapore.The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley said that India has become most favourable and attractive destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) evidenced by the fact that it has become one of the largest recipient of FDI in the world.

    The Finance Minister, Jaitley was delivering the Introductory Address at the Investors’ Roundtable Meet in Singapore yesterday. The Investors Roundtable was jointly organized by the Ministry of Finance and the High Commission of India in Singapore. 

    The Finance Minister, Jaitley said that to provide further impetus to the economy, the present Government has implemented a slew of economy reforms one after the other including the roll-out of the Game Changing Tax Reform, Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 1st July, 2017; introduction of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and the Re-Capitalization Package for the Public Sector Banks (PSBs) - which will help to redress the twin balance sheet problem and revive private investment.

     The Finance Minister also spoke about the major initiatives undertaken by the present Government including the crackdown against black money through demonetization and other follow-up measures; and major changes in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy regime, with an aim to make it more liberal and investor friendly. 

     He also highlighted the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ measures initiated by the present Government in last three years resulting in India jumping in World Bank’s “Ease of Doing Business” Index from 146 in 2014 to 100 in October 2017. Earlier in his Key Note Address at the Singapore Fintech Festival yesterday, 

      Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley said that the three key structural reforms implemented by the present Government in recent years viz. Aadhar, Demonetisation and GST have brought transparency and efficiency in Governance and helped in transition from cash to less cash economy and from informal to formal economy. Jaitley further said that demonetisation has also helped in bringing-out black money by giving identity to anonymous cash. 

    The Finance Minister also spoke on India’s growing economy; stable currency, liberalisation of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policies and India’s attractiveness as a global destination for Start-ups among others. He also dwelt on how Aadhaar revolution coupled with Financial Inclusion and its potential applications in transferring of Pension, Scholarship and Government subsidies directly to the actual beneficiaries under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme is transforming the payment landscape in India.

     The Finance Minister Jaitley also visited Singapore Expo, a global event organised by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) attracting over 35,000 fintech participants, showcasing State of the Art developments in Fintech and engaging professionals and Policy Makers on insightful debates on fintech developments across the globe. 

     Earlier, the Finance Minister visited the India Pavilion set-up by the Invest India, along with the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Maharashtra which are also participating in the said Expo.

    The Finance Minister Arun Jaitley later met Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, and discussed the issues of mutual interest between India and Singapore. He also held bilateral meeting with his Singapore counterpart and Finance Minister Mr Heng Swee Keat and discussed key reforms being implemented by the Government of India, along with measures to increase mutual bilateral investments. 

    The Finance Minister, Jaitley met the CEO and Senior officials of GIC and discussed investment opportunities across multiple sectors in India including, National Investment and Infrastructure (NIIF). 

    He also had meeting with the Chairman, SIA & DBS Group Holdings, CEO of Singapore Airlines, Chairman of Blackstone and President, Singapore Stock Exchange; multiple issues of mutual interest were discussed in the Meeting. Subhash Chandra Garg, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, Government of India had a comprehensive bilateral meeting with Ms Tan Ching Yee, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Government of Singapore and discussed issues relating to Singapore’s concerns on the matters of Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), review of the Singapore-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), possibility of mutual co-operation in Financial Innovation, Fintech and Digital Payment ecosystem, and other issues of mutual interests.Detailed interaction took place with more than 25 investors present in the Investors’ Roundtable co-chaired by Subhash Chandra Garg, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA),Ministry of Finance, Government of India; and, Ms Tan Ching Yee, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Government of Singapore.

    During the Conference, a number of questions were posed on the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Singapore, currency stability, fiscal deficit, India’s Sovereign Rating, Supply Chain and issues on Power Sector among others. Garg, Secretary, (DEA) responded on all of these issues further strengthening the confidence and assuages concerns of the investors. Sujoy Bose, CEO, NIIFL briefed investors on National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and about the first close of the Master Fund with a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and four Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) joining in October,2017.

    Later Secretary, DEA, Garg met senior officials of Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the participants from Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand and other States to discuss development of the Fintech Ecosystem in Singapore, and how India can participate and lead the Fintech Revolution and the possibility of entering into Bilateral Regulatory Cooperation with MAS on fintech related issues.Earlier, the Finance Minister of India, Arun Jaitley arrived in Singapore on the morning of 15th November, 2017 on a two-day official visit.

Digital transactions have increased by 34 per cent in one year in INDIA

    Philippines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed ASEAN Business & Investment Summit in Manila.The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said At the onset, I apologise for the delay. In business, like in politics, both time and timing are very important. But sometimes despite our best efforts we cannot help it. I am delighted to be here in Manila, on my very first visit to the Philippines.

   The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said There is a lot that India and the Philippines share in common: We are both pluralistic societies and vibrant democracies. Our economies are among the fastest growing economies in the world. 

    We have large, young and aspiring populations that are innovative and enterprising. 

   The Philippines is a services power house just as India is. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said And, just as in India, here in Philippines also, the government wants to see change, bring about inclusive growth, Develop infrastructure, and fight corruption. No wonder so many of our top IT companies have invested here. They are creating thousands of jobs and promoting the Philippines services sector world-wide.

      The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said This morning we witnessed a brilliant performance of the dance drama 'Rama Hari' based on the Ramayana at the Opening Ceremony of the ASEAN Summit. It depicts the way historically the people of India and ASEAN have been bound together. These are not only historical bonds. This is a living shared heritage. 

    The Act East policy of my government puts this region at the centre of our engagement. We have exceptionally good political and people-to-people relations with each and every country in the ASEAN region. We wish to bring our economic and business relations up to the same level.

        The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said The task of transforming India is proceeding on an unprcedented scale. We are working day and night to ensure Good Governance which includes easy, effective and transparent Governance.

     The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said To give you an example: we have started open auction for natural resources including telecom spectrum, coal mines and other minerals and even private radio channels. This has together contributed about 75 billion US dollars in revenue. Using technology, we are enhancing responsibility and reducing discretion and corruption. We are using our Unique ID system in financial transactions and taxation for this purpose and the results are already visible. 

     These steps, coupled with demonetization of high value notes has resulted in formalizing a large part of our economy. The number of new tax payers filing income tax returns has more than doubled. Digital transactions have increased by 34 per cent in one year, as we march towards a less-cash economy. 

    We have used technology to reach out to people. An online citizen engagement platform, MyGov has harnessed ideas, suggestions and inputs on policies and programmes from 2 million pro-active citizens.

   The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said We have also introduced a new frame-work called PRAGATI – Pro-active Governance and Timely Implemntation under which I am able to review project implemntation and redress public grievances through video conference with officials across the country. In keeping with our emphasis on minimum government and maximum governance, 1200 out-dated laws have been repealed in three years.

   The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said New laws and institutions for Bankruptcy and Insolvency as well as IPR and Arbitration are now in place. 36 white industries have been taken out from the requirement of environmental clearance. Incorporating a company is now just a one day affair. We have simplified industrial licensing, and introduced online application process for environmental and forest clearances. All these have made opening a new business very easy. The results are obvious.

    The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has climbed 30 places in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index this year. It is the biggest jump by any country this year and a recognition of India's long term reform trajectory.

    The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said And, the world is taking notice: We have moved up 32 places in the last two years in the Global Competi- -tiveness Index of the World Economic Forum;- We have also moved up 21 places on the Global Innovation Index of WIPO in two years. We have moved 19 places on the Logistics Performance Index of 2016 of World Bank; 

    The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Most of the sectors of our economy are now open for FDI. More than 90 per cent FDI sectors are on automatic approval route.India has emerged as a front-runner in attracting foreign direct investment. Compared to last three years, we have received 67 per cent more FDI in this year. Now, we are a globally integrated economy. Moreover, these mile-stones have been achieved even before some of the major recent reforms.

    The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said This year in July, we have implemented the highly complex task of migrating to a uniform Goods and Services Tax for the whole country. This has done away with a vast range of State level and central level taxes through-out India. This is no small achievement given the vastness and diversity of our country and the federal nature of our polity. At the same time, we strongly believe that this is not enough.

     The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said A very large part of India’s population had no access to banking services. This deprived them of the opportunities for savings as well as access to institutional credit. With the Jan Dhan Yojana, within a matter of months, the lives of millions of Indians were transformed. 197 million bank accounts were opened in one year.

    The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Till August this year, 290 million such accounts have been opened in Indian banks. Nearly 200 million Ru-pay cards were issued for easy cash-less transactions. Access to banking services by the poor has also played a major role in tackling corruption in government. Now, subsidies meant for the poor get directly deposited into their accounts in the form of direct benefit transfers, eliminating leakages and possibility of any discrimination.

      More than 146 million people are receiving direct cash subsidies through bank accounts on cooking gas alone. Today, the government is using Direct Benefit Transfers for 59 different schemes. Subsidies worth nearly 10 billion US dollars are being directly transferred to the bank accounts of the intended beneficiaries.

    The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said One of the major themes of this summit is entrepreneur--ship We have launched a campaign called Make in India. Through this initiative, we are committed to transform India as a major player in the global value chain. We want to make India a global manufacturing hub. At the same time, we want our youth to be job creators; not just job seekers. For this purpose,

    we have launched drives called Start up India and Stand up India.A major constraint in freeing up the entreprsing energy of small entrepreneurs is lack of collateral for finance. For the first time in India, collateral-free loans have been dis-bursed to more than 90 million small entrepreneurs under the Mudra scheme. Very near to the population of Philippines.

   This is a recognition of the contribution of small entrepreneurs in the economy and to empower a person who has a work-able business idea but no collateral. I see the importance being given to entrepreneur- -ship in the Philippines and in ASEAN region. 

    The ASEAN Mentor-ship for Entrepreneurs launched at this Summit is a commendable initiative that addresses another felt need of entrepreneurs. Indeed, for the near future, South and South East Asia will be the growth engine of the world. Hence, building connectivity with ASEAN is a key objective for India. We wish to build land, sea and air connectivity to this dynamic region. 

     Work is already on in the construction of the tri-lateral highway through Myanmar and Thailand to connect to other countries in South East Asia.The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said We are working on the early conclusion of the Agreement on Maritime Transport between India and ASEAN and are exploring coastal shipping services with countries that are our immediate maritime neighbours.In the area of air connectivity, ASEAN countries enjoy the facility to operate a daily service to the four metro cities in India and to eighteen other destinations.

    We have taken steps such as electronic visa system to boost tourism to India. Out-bound tourism from India is growing at one of the fastest rates in the world. Given the primacy of connectivity, India is organising an ASEAN – India Connectivity Summit in New Delhi next month with Ministers, officials and business representativs from all ASEAN countries participating.Just as India sees business opportunities in the region, 

  The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said I am sure that the ASEAN business community recognises the potential for business in India. While some of you are already deeply involved in India, others are just discovering the possibilities that remain to be tapped. To co-incide with the ASEAN –India Comme--morative Summit of ASEAN leaders in January next year, we are also organising the ASEAN-India Business and Investment Meet and Expo.The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said I invite you all to attend it.It will be the biggest ASEAN focussed business event India has ever organised. India wishes to participate in your growth story and we invite all of ASEAN to participate in ours.

PM visits IRRI, Mahaveer Philippine Foundation

   Philippines.The Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), at Los Banos, in Philippines. 

  IRRI is a premier research organisation dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice growing environment for future generations.

   The Prime Minister reviewed a photo exhibit showcasing flood tolerant rice varieties; drought tolerant rice varieties; salinity tolerant rice varieties; and IRRI's work with women farming cooperatives.

   The Prime Minister undertook a symbolic ground breaking for a new plot for submergence tolerant rice varieties. He unveiled a plaque to mark the inauguration of the Narendra Modi Resilient Rice Field Laboratory. 

   He presented two Indian rice seed varieties to the IRRI gene bank.During the course of the visit, the Prime Minister interacted with several Indian scientists working at IRRI. The Prime Minister also visited the Mahaveer Phillipine Foundation in Manila. 

    This is a long-running humanitarian cooperation programme, between India and the Philippines, and was set up by an Indian origin Mayor of Manila Dr. Ramon Bagatsing. 

    The Foundation, in association with Mahaveer Viklang Sahayta Samiti, has been instrumental in the fitment of Jaipur Foot to needy amputees. The Prime Minister interacted with people who have benefited from the Jaipur Foot.

launch connectivity projects BANDHAN EXPRESS between India and Bangladesh

     New Delhi. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Ms. Mamata Banerjee, today jointly inaugurated a series of connectivity projects BANDHAN EXPRESS between the two countries.

  These include, the second Bhairab and Titas Railway Bridges; and the International Rail Passenger Terminus at Chitpur in Kolkata. 

    The dignitaries also flagged off the inaugural run of the Bandhan Express between Kolkata and Khulna. External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj, also joined the event from New Delhi.

Kashmir is an inalienable and integral part of India

     New Delhi. The Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that Kashmir is an inalienable and integral part of India.

   He was interacting with the Members of British Parliament, Mr. Dan Carden, Ms. Anna McMorrin, Ms. Preet Gill and Ms. Sarah Champion, who called on him, in New Delhi today. The Foreign Secretary of India, Dr. S Jaishankar was also present on the occasion.

    The Vice President conveyed his strong concerns that there was considerable misinformation about Kashmir. He said that it was purely a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. He further said that radicalization and terror are global issues to which we have to find an effective strategy to combat it at various levels. 

   The Vice President said that the bilateral cooperation between India and UK has reached a new high in the areas of economics and commerce, science and technology, defence, education, cyber policy, counter terrorism, sharing of intelligence.

    He further said that our bilateral trade at just about US$ 12.19 billion has a large potential for growth. India is the 3rd largest investor in the UK and the 2nd largest international job creator in the UK, he added. 

   The Vice President said that Indian government over the last three years has championed the cause of ease of doing business. He further said that India has just jumped an unprecedented 30 ranks and are placed at No. 100 in the World Bank Rankings on Ease of Doing Business. India’s flagship initiatives such as the Make in India, Digital India, 100 Smart Cities program and Housing for All by 2022 (Urban Transformation Schemes), Digital India, Start-up India, Clean India and other programmes offer unlimited business opportunities to British companies, he added.

    The Vice President said that India is committed to a fair implementation of the Paris Agreement based on the principles laid down in the Convention – UNFCCC – especially equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibility. 

     He further said that an initiative of note is the International Solar Alliance, which was launched by India in partnership with France in 2015 to develop and promote solar energy. 

    He encouraged the UK to sign and ratify the Framework Agreement of the ISA and join us for the Founding Conference as a Founding Member early next year.

President hosts Belgian King, invites participation in Indian growth story

  New Delhi. The President of India Ram Nath Kovind, received His Majesty King Philippe and Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. 

     He also hosted a banquet in their honour. Welcoming the King and the Queen to India, the President said he was happy to know that India holds a special place for them and for the Belgian Royal family. 

   He said that this State Visit is even more special as India and Belgium are celebrating 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. The President said that India and Belgium enjoy warm and friendly relations.

     Our shared values of democracy, rule of law, pluralism and respect for human rights bind us together. World War I forms part of our shared history.

    Thousands of Indian soldiers fought and sacrificed for Belgium. We in India appreciate the Government of Belgium’s efforts towards recognising their valour and sacrifice.The President said economic relations form the core of the Indo-Belgian partnership. Bilateral trade is growing but we can do a lot more together. We must see how we can replicate the success of the diamond industry in other sectors. 

    The Indian economy is on a steady growth path. Our Make in India, Clean India, Smart Cities and other initiatives offer immense opportunities for Belgian investors. Belgium has global expertise in building and managing ports. India has an ambitious Sagarmala project to develop its port sector. We seek participation of Belgian companies in this regard.Subsequently, in his banquet speech, 

    President Kovind said that the remarkable transformation of the Belgian economy following the World Wars made Belgium a key player in intra-Europe trade and connectivity. It has, ever since, remained at the vanguard of Europe’s industrial progress.

     He stated that at the present juncture, when India is engaging with the world to bring new energy to its development, we welcome Belgian participation in our growth story. The President said that Belgium has been instrumental in the process of uniting Europe into a successful single market. 

    The Government of Belgium has remained committed to the European Union project. India, too, sees the European Union as a factor of stability in a changing world and sincerely wishes its people every success.

India gears up to welcome Global Food Titans

  New Delhi. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will inaugurate World Food India 2017 on 3rd November 2017 from Vigyan Bhavan New Delhi. WFI is the most anticipated international mega food event, as India welcomes to host biggest ever congregation of global investors and business leaders of major food companies from 3-5 November in New Delhi.

  Organized by Ministry of Food Processing Industries under leadership of Union Minister Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal, World Food India aims to transform Food Economy and realize the vision of doubling of famers’ income by establishing India as a preferred investment destination and sourcing hub for the global food processing industry. 

  This is the first time that India is hosting such an event for the Food processing sector.World Food India platform will strengthen India’s position as a Global Food Factory and is a positive step towards making the Country Food Secure. 

    India is expected to attract an investment of US$ 10 billion in food processing sector and generate 1 million jobs in the next 3 years. World Food India 2017 gears up to host over 2,000 participants, over 200 companies from 30 countries, 18 ministerial and business delegations, nearly 50 global CEOs along with CEOs of all leading domestic food processing companies, and representatives of 28 States in India. Germany, Japan and Denmark are Partner Countries to World Food India. Italy & Netherlands are the Focus Countries.

    Specially curated experiential platform ‘Food Street’ specially curated by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, is a lively vibrant zone, that will showcase Indian and foreign cuisines using Indian ingredients, flavours and fragrances to celebrate India's rich cultural heritage, the diverse uniqueness of its produce to create contemporary renditions and fusion food. After the inauguration from Vigyan Bhavan, 

   the Prime Minister will visit the Food Street at India Gate Lawns opposite National stadium.At the inaugural, host Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti will be joined by Chief Ministers of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Ministerial Delegations from a number of countries, leading global and Domestic CEOs, etc will also be present in the inaugural session. Exclusive CEOs roundtables have also been scheduled with Prime Minister of Indiai Narendra Modi, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Shri Arun Jaitley and Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu with CEOs of leading global & Indian food processing companies.

     Illustrative list of Industry Captains participating in World Food India from across the globe and India includes Mr Paul Bulcke , Chairman of the Board of Directors, Nestle, Mr Pieter Boone, Chief Operating Officer & CEO, Metro Cash and Carry, Mr Brian J McNamara, CEO, GSK Consumer Healthcare, Ms. Amanda Sourry, President, Food Unilever; Mr.Sharafuddin Sharaf, Al – Sharaf Group; Mr.Yusuff Ali, Managing Director, LuLu Group, Mr Kishore Biyani, CEO, Future Group; Mr Krish Iyer, CEO, Walmart India; Mr Amit Agrawal, CEO, Amazon, India to name a few.

    A total of 60 Global CEOs including Asia Pacific (APAC) leadership of leading companies will be interacting with leading CEOs from 100+ top Indian food processing leaders. Over 1000 B2B meetings are expected to take place over three days.International Ministerial & business delegations with 200+ members from 15 countries will take part in B2B/B2G meetings. 

    The mega event would also host 8 sectoral conferences, 2 plenary sessions on “India the preferred destination” with the Finance Minister of India as the Guest of Honour and one on “One Nation, one food law- an enabling regulatory environment for investment in the food sector” in association with the Food Standards and Safety Authority of India. In addition, there are 20 State sessions and 6 country sessions. 7 sectoral publications would be released at the event.

   A massive exhibition spread over 40,000 sq mtrs in the verdant C- Hexagon lawns of India Gate is expected to attract significant footfalls. More than 800 global companies representing 22 Countries & domestic companies will be exhibiting. Special focus on Farmer Producer Organizations & Women Entrepreneurs will connect them to corporates – international & Indian- increasing opportunities for sourcing & business.Ministry of Food Processing Industries’ 

     Theme Pavilion provides an exciting view of India’s offering to the world in terms of products, a geo mapping of produce availability and mega food parks.The event is supported by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Development of North East Region, Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Civil Aviation.

India is committed to partner Bhutan in its socio-economic development

     New Delhi. The Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that India is committed to partner Bhutan in its socio-economic development, and to support in its XII Five Year Plan. He was interacting with the King of Bhutan,

  His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, here today. Senior officials from both India and Bhutan were present on the occasion. The Vice President said that India and Bhutan share exemplary bilateral relations and these are unique and special.

  He further said that our historical and cultural linkages make us natural friends and partners. He thanked the King for his warm letter of felicitation on his assumption of responsibilities as the Vice President of India earlier this year. 

   The Vice President said that India is delighted to see the rapid progress which has been made in Bhutan while simultaneously preserving its very special culture as well as protecting the environment. He further said that the Government and people of India appreciate the vision of the Druk Gyalpos (Kings), which has guided relations between our two countries.

  With the wisdom and foresight of the Monarchs of Bhutan and Indian leadership, India-Bhutan relations have grown from strength to strength, he added. The Vice President said that India has been happy to share its knowledge, experience and resources with Bhutan and thus contribute to Bhutan’s socio-economic development.

    He further said that our development cooperation has been guided by the priorities set by the Government and people of Bhutan. India is committed to partner Bhutan in its socio-economic development, and to support in its XII Five Year Plan, he added.

  The Vice President said that India remains committed to consolidate existing hydro-power cooperation with Bhutan. Timely implementation of the ongoing hydro-power projects with minimum cost overrun, is important for both governments.

  This is the flagship area of our bilateral cooperation and has high visibility. We should do everything to make it a model of bilateral cooperation, which will be noted by others in the neighbourhood. 

   The Vice President said that the security concerns of India and Bhutan are indivisible, intertwined and mutual. We look forward to continuing close cooperation with Bhutan on issues of mutual security concern, he added.

Investment opportunities in Latin American and Caribbean regions

Cuba.The Minister for Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu visited Cuba from October 28 to 31 to explore opportunities to tap the huge untapped potential, for not only bilateral trade but also investment in the Latin American and Caribbean regions.

  It has been the strategy to pursue new markets to expand India's trade footprint and targets to double trade with the Latam and Caricom region in the next 4 to 5 years. With the Caribbean region, 

   India’s bilateral trade was US$ 1755 million in 2016-17, constituting only 7.16 percent of India’s trade with the Latin American and Caribbean region.

  India has always enjoyed a good political relationship with Cuba, with India being one of the first countries to recognise the regime after the Revolution.

    The visit of the Commerce & Industry Minister was to leverage this age old political relationship to enhance the economic and commercial ties between the two countries. The Minister met almost the entire top leadership in Cuba including the First Vice President Mr. Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez Mario, Vice President and Minister of Economic Affairs and Planning Mr. Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Mr. Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz, Minister of Energy and Mines Mr. Alfredo Lopez Valdes, Minister of Industries Mr. Salvador Pardo Cruz and also the President of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce. 

  The First Vice President Mr. Miguel Diaz attached historic importance to this visit saying that ‘India has a prominent role in global dynamics” and aligned with the Minister for Commerce & Industries’ proposition of an integrated approach in multilateral organisations and environmental issues. Considering the overwhelming support and warmth in the meetings, a spontaneous decision was taken to take the next step in this econmic engagement in the form of an MoU between the Federation of Indian Exporters Organisation (FIEO) and the Cuban Chamber of Commerce. 

   The MoU priorities six sectors for bilateral trade and investments. These are Pharmaceuticals, Tourism, Renewable Energy, Bio Technology, Sugar and Infrastructure development. Similar MoUs were later signed with Barbados and Guyana. Prabhu also leveraged this opportubity to meet his counterpart from Haiti, Mr. Pierre Marie du Meny and the Barbados Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Mr. Donville Inniss.The Minister for Commerce & Industry also attended the inaugration of the 35th edition of FIHAV-2017 which saw particpation from over 70 countries.

     The Minister also inaugurated the Indian Pavilion in the presence of the Cuban Minister of Energy & Mines. The Minister said “FIHAV was an exhibition of goods but I exhibit the love and affection which 1.3 billion people from India have for Cuba”. Prabhu also engaged with the Indian diaspora, leading businessmen from Cuba and other prominent Cuban individuals, including the daughter of President Raul Castro and the son of Comrade Fidel Castro.

  The Minister for Commerce & Industry also visited the Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) and appreciated the high research standards and advancement in medical technology that Cuba has achieved. Prabhu reiterated the potential of coopertaion between the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry which is a world leader in generics and CIGB to find affordable health solutions.

Agreement between India-Armenia on cooperation & mutual assistance in customs

  New Delhi. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing and ratifying an Agreement between India and Armenia on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters.

  The Agreement will be signed on behalf of the two countries after it is approved by the respective Governments. This Agreement shall enter into force on the first day of the second month after the Contracting Parties notify each other in through diplomatic channels, that the necessary national legal requirements for entry into force of this Agreement have been fulfilled. 

  The Agreement will help in the availability of relevant information for the prevention and investigation of Customs offences. It is also expected to facilitate trade and ensure efficient clearance of goods traded between the countries. 

   The Agreement would provide a legal framework for sharing of information and intelligence between the Customs authorities of the two countries and help in the proper application of Customs laws, prevention and investigation of Customs offences and the facilitation of legitimate trade.

  The draft text of the Agreement has been finalized with the concurrence of the two Customs Administrations.

  The draft Agreement takes care of Indian Customs' concerns and requirements, particularly in the area of exchange of information on the correctness of the Customs value declared and authenticity of certificates of origin of the goods traded between the two countries.

Agreement between India-Ethiopia for strengthening & promoting trade-economic cooperation

   New Delhi. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the trade Agreement between India and Ethiopia for strengthening and promoting trade and economic co-operation. 

 The trade Agreement was signed on 5th October, 2017 during the State visit of the President of India to Ethiopia from 4th to 6th October, 2017. The trade Agreement will replace the existing trade Agreement signed in 1982.

  The trade Agreement will provide for all necessary measures to encourage trade, economic cooperation, investment and technical co-operation.