Bilateral Issues
a. Bahrain
1. Press Release, Manama, Ghudaibiya, 8 August 2012
To facilitate the participation of the largest number of Indian expatriates, the Flag Hoisting Ceremony to celebrate 65th Anniversary of India’s Independence, will be held at 07.00 am on Wednesday, the 15 August 2012, at the premises of the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (Building No. 32, Road 2801, Block 328, Segaiya-328). The Ceremony will include reading of the message of the President of India and rendering patriotic songs.
All Indian nationals including families in the Kingdom of Bahrain are requested to assemble by 06.45 am.
Source: Embassy of India, Ghudaibiya

2. Agreement with Bahrain, New Delhi, 27 August 2012
Question:
The Will the Minister of Commerce and Industry be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether India and Bahrain have recently signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement to promote economic and joint investments between the two countries;
(b) If so, the details thereof;
(c) The quantum of total trade carried out between the two countries during the last three years, value-wise and commodity-wise;
(d) Whether any other agreements/Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between India and Bahrain to promote trade and investments;
(e) If so, the details thereof; and
(f) The likely outcome of these agreements and the present status thereof?

Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Mr. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia)
(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. India and Bahrain have signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement on 31st May, 2012. The said Agreement is yet to enter into force as Bahrain is yet to notify to India the completion of procedures required for entry into force. The Agreement, after it enters into force, will enhance mutual co-operation in exchange of tax information.

(c) The quantum of total trade between India and Bahrain during the last three years is as under:
                    Value in US$ (millions)
Sl. No.    Particulars    2009-10   2010-11 2011-12 (P)
1.    Exports    250.2     651.8         446.5
2.    Imports    502.9    641.3         882.7
3.    Total Trade    753.1    1293.1         1329.2

PS: P- Provisional
The Commodity-wise information is Annexed.

(d) to (f) Bahrain is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Two Rounds of India, GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Free Trade Agreement negotiations have been held so far in March, 2006 and September, 2008 after which no round has been held for more than 3 years and 11 months. As per the information furnished by Embassy of India in Riyadh, negotiations with all countries and economic groups have been deferred by GCC till it completes its review of the issue of negotiations. India has also entered into an agreement with Bahrain on the Promotion and Protection of Bilateral Investment (BIPA) with the objective to promote and protect the interests of investors of either country in the territory of other country.
ANNEXURE: http://164.100.47.132/Annexture/lsq15/11/au2443.htm
Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No. 2443 asked by Mr. Somendra Nath Mitra

b. Egypt
3. 66th Independence Day of India, Cairo, 13 August 2012
A Flag Hoisting ceremony on the occasion of the 66th Independence Day will be held at India House, 19 Mohamed Mazhar Street, Zamalek on 15 August 2012 at 0830 hrs.
Members of the Indian community in Egypt and friends of India are cordially invited to attend the ceremony.
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

c. Iran
4. Alternate payment channel for oil imported from Iran, New Delhi, 21 August 2012
Question:
(a) Whether Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has been unable to pay for oil imports from Iran;
(b) If so, the details thereof and the reasons therefore;
(c) Whether Government has managed to set up an alternate payment mechanism for imported crude oil shipments from Iran;
(d) If so, the details thereof; and
(e) If not, the reasons therefore?
Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (Mr. R.P.N. Singh)
(a). BPCL has made payment for the entire upliftment of crude oil for the period 2011-12.
(b). Does not arise in view of (a) above.
(c) and (d). After the Asian Clearing Union mechanism was withdrawn by the RBI in December 2010, the Government operationalized a new payment mechanism in August, 2011 under which all outstanding payments due to the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) are being settled.
India has reached an agreement with Iran to pay 45% of the total value of crude oil imported from that country in Indian Rupee (INR).
(e). Does not arise in view of (c) and (d) above.
Source:  Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 1045 asked by Mr. Kanwar Deep Singh

5. Ban on import of urea from Iran, New Delhi, 24 August 2012
Question:
(a) Whether it is a fact that India imports urea from foreign countries;
(b) If so, the names of those countries and the quantity imported from those countries during 2010-2011 and 2011-12;
(c) Whether Government has banned import of urea from Iran; and
(d) If so, the reasons therefore?
Answer
The Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Mr. Srikant Kumar Jena)
(a) & (b): Yes sir, the country wise imports of urea on Government account during the year 2010-11 and 2011-12 is as per Annexure.
(c) & (d): No sir, India is also importing urea from Iran. The urea imported from Iran during the current year (up to 31st July 2012) is 3.24 lakh MT.
Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 1444 asked by Mr. Sanjay Raut

6. Import of urea from Iran, New Delhi, 30 August 2012
Question:
Will the Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether India has been importing urea from Iran for the last so many years;
(b) is so, the details of imports of urea from Iran during each of the last three years and the current year;
(c) Whether India has banned import of urea from Iran vide its April 2012 tender; and
(d) If so, the reasons therefore?
Answer
The Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Mr. Srikant Kumar Jena)
(a) & (b) : Yes Madam, The year-wise urea imports from Iran on Government account during the last three years and current year (up to 31st July 2012) are as under:-
Year        Quantity (in lakh MT)
2009-2010    2.76
2010-2011    11.13
2011-2012    19.97
2012-2013    3.26 (Up to 31.07.2012)
(c):     No madam
(d):     In view of the (c) above, question dose not arise.
Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No. 3140 asked by Mr. Rajagopal Lagadapati

d. Israel
7. Israel assistance in agriculture, New Delhi, 28 August 2012
Question:
Will the Minister of Agriculture be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether it is a fact that Israel plans to take up agricultural development projects in India; and
(b) If so, the details thereof along with the places identified for the purpose?
Answer
Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Processing Industries and Parliamentary Affairs (Mr. Harish Rawat)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. Under the Indo-Israel Action Plan for Horticulture for the period 2011-2015, it has been agreed to set up Crop specific Centres of Excellence in the States of Haryana, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No. 2559 asked by Mr. Anantha Venkataramani Reddy

8. Indo Israel MoU on Research Programmes, New Delhi, 31 August 2012
Question:
(a) Whether it is a fact that Government has signed an MoU with Government of Israel for launching a programme that promotes collaborative research across a wide range of disciplines; and
(b) If so, the details thereof?
Answer
Minister of Human Resource Development (Mr. Kapil Sibal)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between University Grants Commission (UGC) and Israel Science Foundation (ISF) on India-Israel Joint Research Programme (IIRP) was signed on 2.8.2012 to promote collaborative research across a wide range of disciplines. The initial cooperation for this programme is for a period of five years (2013-2018). The main characteristics of the programme are:-
•    It has a broad disciplinary scope and includes Life Sciences, Medicine, Exact Sciences and Technologies, Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts;
•    It include funding of workshops and joint research projects
•    Funding is based on the peer review of joint projects;
•    It is aimed to support basic research, conducted primarily in academic research institutions;
•    Joint management of the evaluation will be under taken by University Grants Commission & All India Council for Technical Education of India and the Israel Science Foundation of Israel;
•    It is governed by a joint steering committee;
Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 2282 asked by Mr. Pradeep Kumar

e. Kuwait
9. Indian Ambassador hosts Iftar, Kuwait, 8 August 2012
Ambassador of India HE Satish C. Mehta hosted the annual Iftar on August 07, 2012 at India House in a spirit of friendship and brotherhood. A large number of prominent Kuwaitis, distinguished Ambassadors from Asian countries and representatives of Indian community in Kuwait and other dignitaries attended the Iftar. The Ambassador conveyed Ramadan greetings to all and thanked them for coming to India House to break the fast during the Holy month of Ramadan.
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

10. Message of HE Mr. Satish C. Mehta, Ambassador of India to Kuwait, on the Independence Day of India, Kuwait, 14 August 2012
Dear Fellow Citizens,
On the happy occasion of India’s 66th Independence Day, I convey my warm greetings and felicitations to all members of the Indian community in Kuwait. I also take this opportunity to thank our Kuwaiti and other friends for their good wishes and greetings.

This is a sacred day for every Indian. Today we remember the sacrifices of our freedom-fighters who, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of our Nation, fought for our freedom. We also pay homage to the unsung heroes who have fought selflessly and laid their lives for safety and security of the Nation. India will eternally remain grateful to them. We also remember with gratitude the hard work and dedication of all those who have toiled to build a prosperous, just and modern India.

Political freedom paved the way for economic growth. And our successes have been significant. India is today amongst the world’s largest economies, poised to do even better in the years ahead. The government’s policies aim at achieving rapid growth with social justice and equity. Our economy has strong fundamentals, is very resilient and less vulnerable to external shocks. Despite an international economic slowdown, the Indian economy grew by an estimated 6.5 percent in 2011-12, which is amongst the highest in the world.

Infrastructure is critical for India’s economic development. In the five-year plan that ended on March 31, 2012, we spent about US$ 500 billion on infrastructure. To give some examples, just in the last year, we added new power generation capacity of 20,000 MW and nearly 100 million new telephone connections, including more than 40 million in rural areas. In the current five-year plan (2012-17) we aim to invest US$ 1 trillion in infrastructure sector alone.

We are making great strides in the field of science and technology. In our space programme, the flawless test launch of the Agni-5 long range ballistic missile, successful launch of Indigenous Cryogenic Engines, and the successful fabrication and launch of the RISAT-1 satellite which can take images even in cloudy weather are some of the significant achievements in the last one year. After the successful launch of Chandrayaan-1, India’s first unmanned Moon Mission in October 2008 at a project cost of US$ 90 million, India is gearing up for yet another ambitious project of leading a Mission to Mars sometime in November 2013.

Energy is the prime mover of economic growth. Last year we added new capacity of over 20,000 MWs. However, mindful of protecting the environment, India is moving towards alternative sources of energy like nuclear, wind and solar.

Leveraging our high-quality manpower and technological skills, we are building a knowledge-based economy. To give some examples, India tops the world in exporting generic medicines with exports of over US$ 11 billion, in the IT-BPO global sourcing industry, India accounted for about 58% of market share; and India exports over US$ 10 billion worth of Engineering and R&D services.

With the opening of the economy, Indian Capital Markets have undergone a paradigm shift in the last two decades, offering unprecedented prospects for global investors and business. The most recent scheme of allowing Qualified Foreign Investors (QFIs) to invest in Indian equity, mutual funds and corporate bonds have evoked great interest in the Gulf region as well.

As a result of its strong economic fundamentals, India continues to be a preferred destination for foreign investors. The total amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) equity inflows during April 2011- February 2012 stood at almost US$ 28.4 billion. The Government intends to increase India's share in the global FDI space from 1.3 per cent in 2007 to 5 per cent by 2017 through investor-friendly FDI norms. For the fourth straight year, India has remained the world's top recipient of officially recorded remittances which were around $ 63 billion. Even as the world is investing in India, our intrepid businessmen are reaching out to the world in search of resources, technologies and markets. Overseas direct investment by Indian companies has increased at a steady pace in 2011-12, with cumulative investments amounting to almost US$ 24 billion.

Sustained high rates of growth have enabled us to pursue our agenda of inclusive and equitable growth and devote more resources to the social sector such as education and health. For our development to be real the poorest of our land must feel that they are a part of the narrative of rising India. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGA) now reaches nearly one out of four rural households. In 2010-11, nearly 55 million families were provided over 2500 million person-days of work under the programme. Last year witnessed record food grain production, crossing 250 million tons for the first time in our history. Primary school enrolment has become near universal. 51,000 new schools were opened and 680,000 teachers were appointed in the last two years.

In India’s foreign policy, there were significant developments in our relations with our neighbours as well as other countries. As a responsible member of the United Nations Security Council and other international fora, we have made important contributions in addressing global issues.

The Gulf region, a part of our extended neighbourhood, is an important area of our foreign policy. It is one of India’s largest trading partners, provides around 70% of our energy requirements and is home to over 6 million Indians. It has been India’s endeavour to build on our longstanding historical relations with this region.

India and Kuwait have close ties underpinned by mutual understanding and common positions on most issues, growing investments, trade and economic links and close cooperation in human resource. Prominent visits from India included those of Minister of State for External Affairs Mr. E. Ahamed, Advisor to Prime Minister Mr. T.K.A. Nair and Mr. Rahul Gandhi, MP. A meeting of the Joint Working Group on Labour, Employment and Manpower between India and Kuwait was held at New Delhi in January this year. A Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Health was signed on April 23 and the first Foreign Office Consultations took place on May 7, 2012 at New Delhi. We are working to enhance political and other engagements between the two countries.

The 650,000 strong Indian communities in Kuwait contribute significantly to bilateral relations. I am proud to say that our community has earned a well-deserved reputation for being sincere, talented, disciplined, hard-working and law-abiding. Our community members are present in practically every segment of the society and contribute immensely to the development and prosperity of Kuwait. I would like to express deep gratitude for the benevolence bestowed on the Indian community by HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, as well as by the Government of the State of Kuwait.

It has been the constant endeavour of the Embassy to improve the quality of the welfare services provided to the Indian workers. Responding to increased demand arising from enhanced bilateral interaction, the Embassy outsourced its passport and visa services in May 2009. These outsourced service centres are located conveniently at Sharq and Fahaheel and have been functioning satisfactorily. In addition to the daily “Consular Open House” at the Embassy during which a senior consular official could be met without appointment, I have started an ‘Open House’ every Wednesday where any Indian citizen can meet me without an appointment for any unresolved matter. For me this has been a rewarding experience as it has enabled me to better understand the difficulties being faced by some of our community members. Our “Indian Workers Welfare Centre” which includes a help desk to guide Indians on immigration, employment, etc, the labour complaints desk, the toll-free 24x7 telephonic helpline for domestic workers, separate shelters for male and female domestic workers, a free legal advice clinic and an employment contract attestation system are working well. On May 15, 2012, an optional paid Courier Service facility was initiated for delivering the processed passports to the applicants at their homes. It has been and would continue to be our endeavour to provide high-quality consular and welfare support services for Indians in Kuwait within our limited resources.

On this happy occasion, as we commit ourselves anew to serving our motherland, I wish all Indians in Kuwait good health, happiness and prosperity. I also take this opportunity to wish continued good health and well-being to HH the Amir, HH the Crown Prince, HH the Prime Minister, and the friendly people of the State of Kuwait.
Jai Hind!
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

11. Indians in Kuwait celebrate Independence Day, Kuwait, 15 August 2012
The 66th Independence Day of India was celebrated on August 15, 2012 in Kuwait at the Embassy premises by unfurling of the National Flag by the Ambassador of India, Mr. Satish C. Mehta. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem and reading of the Address to the Nation of the Hon’ble President of India by the Ambassador. Patriotic songs were sung by members of the Indian Community to mark the occasion.

Despite the hot weather condition a large number of Indian citizens turned up for the open-air function to show their love and respect for their motherland. Members of the Indian community in Kuwait from all walks of life including representatives of Indian associations, businessmen, doctors, engineers, other professionals, domestic workers and Embassy staff with their families participated with joy and enthusiasm in the celebrations reflecting India’s rich ethnic, linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity.

The Ambassador extended his warmest greetings to all members of the Indian Community in Kuwait and also conveyed his good wishes for the continued good health and well being of His Highness The Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince, His Highness The Prime Minister as well as the people of the friendly state of Kuwait with which India shares close historical, cultural, trade and economic links. The Ambassador also wished everyone Ramadan Kareem.
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

f. Libya
12. Manpower assistance to Libya, New Delhi, 31 August 2012
Question:
Will the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether the Government of Libya had sought manpower assistance from the India Government in the recent past;
(b) If so, the details thereof along with the response of the Government thereon;
(c) Whether the Government has lifted the ban on emigration to Libya;
(d) If so, the details thereof and the reasons therefore;
(e) The details of the professionals permitted to emigrate to Libya from India during the last three years and the current year; and
(f) The steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government for protection of persons of Indian origin living/working in Libya?
Answer
Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs (Mr. Vayalar Ravi)
(a) & (b): Request for providing doctors and paramedics from India was received from the Health Ministry of Libya through the Indian Mission, which was considered and agreed to.
(c) & (d): The ban on granting Emigration clearance to workers (ECR passport holders) for employment in Libya is still in force.
(e): The details of professionals holding Non ECR passports and emigrating for work are not maintained. Only Indian workers holding ECR passports are required to approach the offices of the Protectors of Emigrants for obtaining emigration clearance for employment in ECR notified countries.
(f) Pre-attestation of employment related documents by the Indian Mission for Indian workers seeking employment in Libya has been made mandatory so as to ensure the protection and welfare of the workers.
On receipt of a complaint from Indian workers alleging exploitation, maltreatment, non-payment of dues etc., the matter is taken up with the Indian Mission for taking it up with the employer and local authorities concerned and also with the Recruitment Agencies wherever applicable.
An Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) has also been put in place for relief to Indian workers in distress.
Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No. 3305 asked by Mr. Kishanbhai Vestabhai Patel and Mr. Pradeep Kumar Majhi

g. Oman
13. Problems of Indian in Oman, New Delhi, 9 August 2012
Question:
(a) Whether Government is aware that out of the Indians residing in Oman, one Indian is committing suicide every sixth day;
(b) Whether Government has made efforts to find out the reasons behind depression and incidents of suicide among the Indians residing there;
(c) If so, the details thereof; and
(d) The efforts made by Government to make Indians residing in Oman depression free?
Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mr. E. Ahamed)
(a)    Over 700,000 Indians are residing in Oman. 54 cases of suicide deaths of Indians were reported in 2011 and 39 such cases have been reported till July 2012.
(b) & (c) Most of the suicide incidents have reportedly occurred due to depression on account of personal/family reasons.
(d) Our Embassy in Muscat has taken the following steps to safeguard the interests of Indian nationals in Oman:-
i. A dedicated Community Welfare Wing looks after welfare of the Indian community in Oman and also caters to the needs of distressed Indian workers;
ii. Three local law firms are on the panel of the Embassy to advise and assist Indian nationals in legal matters; Free legal counselling session is held twice every week to guide and assist Indian nationals on their legal rights and responsibilities vis-a-vis their grievances;
iii. Financial assistance is provided from the Indian Community Welfare Fund to needy and deserving Indians;
iv. Holding of Open House sessions every third Friday of the month to provide an additional informal platform to address the problems of Indian nationals;
v. A 24X7 helpline for distressed Indian workers;
vi. In addition various social organizations and individuals in Oman have been encouraged to reach out to Indian nationals, including those working in interior areas of Oman, through anti-suicide campaigns.
Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 183 asked by Mr. Motilal Vora

14. The Embassy of India, Muscat celebrates 66th Independence Day of India, Muscat, 15 August 2012
On the occasion of the 66th Independence Day of India, H. E. J.S. Mukul, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman unfurled the Indian National Flag and read out the Address of Hon’ble President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee at a ceremony organized at the Embassy of India premises. The function was attended by around 500 members of the Indian community from all walks of life.
In his remarks on this occasion, Ambassador extended heartiest congratulations to all Indians and persons of Indian origin living in Oman. He hailed the developments in bilateral relations, including the excellent progress in economic relations and trade, between India and Oman.
Ambassador appreciated the people to people contact between the two countries saying that India and Oman have enjoyed longstanding and traditional trading and maritime relations. He further said that these civilizational links have facilitated friendly relations between the two countries.
Source: Embassy of India, Muscat

h. Palestine
15. Intervention by External Affairs Minister at the Ministerial Meeting of the NAM Committee on Palestine, Tehran, 28 August 2012
Mr. Chairman,
Distinguished members of the Committee,

At the outset, let me thank the NAM Committee on Palestine for organizing this Ministerial Meeting. As you may recall, this meeting was originally scheduled earlier this month in Ramallah to demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinian people. Unfortunately, Israel prevented the meeting on the grounds that some members do not have relations with Israel. The NAM Committee had aptly condemned this blatant action of Israel in strong terms.

The Palestinian cause is of paramount importance to India. In fact, India was the first non-Arab country to recognize the State of Palestine on 16 November 1988, pursuant to the Algiers Declaration of 15 November 1988.

We believe that the conflict in West Asia is essentially political in nature and cannot be resolved by force. In line with our support for UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, India supports a negotiated solution resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its Capital, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side at peace with Israel as endorsed in the Quartet Roadmap and UNSC Resolutions 1397 & 1515. In addition, we have also supported the Arab Peace Initiative.

Mr. Chairman, India has always extended its unwavering support to the Palestinian cause in international fora. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in his address to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2011 announced that India looks forward to welcoming Palestine as an equal member of the United Nations. When I visited Ramallah in January this year, I, too, reiterated India’s firm resolve to continue to support the Palestinian nationhood.

The Government and people of India eagerly look forward to the visit of President Mahmoud Abbas to India next month.

India has called for an end to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories and for an early and significant easing of restrictions on the free movement of persons and goods within Palestine. The continuing settlement activities in West Bank and East Jerusalem are threatening the basic premises of the two-state solution. We think that freezing of illegal settlement activities by Israel should be the first step for resumption of direct talks.

Settlement activities have also exacerbated the humanitarian problems of the Palestinian people with increasing violence and aggravation of tension between the settlers and the Palestinian population. We, therefore, reiterate our call to Israel to stop all settlement activities.

Mr. Chairman, India has been providing developmental support and assistance to Palestine. The assistance includes capacity building measures and support for the development of human resources. We would be regularly exploring ways to further enhance our developmental support to Palestine.

The political upheavals in the Middle East and North Africa and some other factors have unfortunately pushed the Middle East Peace Process to the background. We support the revival of the Peace Process. We had welcomed the ‘direct talks’ between the Israelis and the Palestinians. However, informal talks over the last two years have not resulted so far in any substantive progress towards resumption of direct talks.

In line with their commitment to democratic values and principles, reconciliation in Palestine is welcome. We hope that these efforts will bear fruit soon, leading to the formation of a Unity Government, holding of elections, re-unification of Palestinian state institutions and measures for reconstruction and development of Palestinian society.

Let me reiterate that India continues to support the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to an independent State living side by side and in peace and security with Israel.

We are hopeful that this collective endeavour of NAM will send a strong signal to all concerned and will lead to revival of the peace process to achieve a just, comprehensive and durable peace in the Middle East.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

i. Saudi Arabia
16. Independence Day, Riyadh, 8 August 2012
On the occasion of 66th Independence Day, Mr. Hamid Ali Rao, Ambassador of India, will hoist the National Flag on Wednesday, 15 August, 2012, at 8:30 am, at the Embassy of India, B-1, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh. All Indians and friends of India are cordially invited.
Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

j. Syria
17. Statement by Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri, Permanent Representative in Explanation of Vote after the vote on the General Assembly Resolution on Syria, New York, 3 August 2012
Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the floor.

Since the last meeting of the General Assembly on this agenda item, the situation in Syria has steadily deteriorated. Neither side has implemented its obligations under the six-point plan of Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan, which was endorsed by Security Council resolutions 2042 and 2043. The conflict has got increasingly more militarized and a number of terrorist acts have been committed against state institutions and public infrastructure. There have been gross violations of human rights by all sides. The humanitarian situation has also become dire, and more than two million Syrians are said to be in need of humanitarian assistance. Unfortunately, the Syrian parties, instead of seriously commencing a Syrian-led political process, have pursued a military approach to realize their objectives.

We strongly condemn all violence and violations of human rights irrespective of who their perpetrators are. We also condemn in the strongest terms possible the terrorist acts that have been and continue to be committed in Syria. We call upon all parties to dissociate themselves from terrorist groups and ensure that no space is provided for those groups.

Mr. President, under the prevailing circumstances in Syria, there is an urgent need for the international community to close ranks and send a united message to the Syrian parties to walk back from their military approach and resolve the crisis through an inclusive Syrian-led political process. There is no other way to bring about a sustained cessation of violence in all its forms by all parties. This is also the only way to end human rights violations and create an atmosphere for safe and unhindered delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance.

Mr. President, we have consistently called for international efforts to assist the Syrian parties to resolve the crisis and bring about peace through dialogue and political processes. Accordingly, we have strongly supported the efforts of Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan. Even though Mr. Annan has resigned, it is important to note that his efforts have put in place a set of valuable documents, which, if implemented, can facilitate a political resolution of the Syrian crisis without any further bloodshed.

In order to assist the Syrian parties change their course and address the crisis through political dialogue, it is important that all parties, inside and outside Syria, fully abide by their obligations under resolutions 2042 and 2043. The parties must be prevailed upon to implement the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the

Final Communiqu? issued at Geneva on 30 June, which have been accepted by the Government of Syria.

Mr. President, India firmly believes that it is critical for the United Nations to remain strongly involved with the Syrian parties and other actors in the search for a way forward. Unilateral action of any kind will not resolve the crisis. It will only exacerbate the problem and cause greater instability and violence. We also believe that the leadership of Syria is for Syrians to decide through a democratic process. The task of the international community, anchored in the United Nations, is to assist the Syrian parties in this process.

Mr. President, the resolution that the General Assembly has adopted today makes specific reference to the decision of the League of Arab States of 22 July 2012. Though we do not hold any brief for any particular Syrian leader, we cannot welcome the League of Arab States resolution of 22 July 2012, which openly called for President Assad to step down from power and for other UN members to severe diplomatic relations and contacts with Syria. It is unfortunate that this element of the present resolution was not removed, and hence we have abstained from the resolution today.
I thank you.
Source: Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York

VOTING ON THE RESOLUTION [DEMANDS ALL IN SYRIA ‘IMMEDIATELY AND VISIBLY’]
…. Taking the floor after the vote were the representatives of Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, Viet Nam, Israel, United Republic of Tanzania, China, Uruguay, Argentina, Nigeria, Serbia, Dominican Republic, India, Guyana, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Libya, Qatar and Saudi Arabia (on behalf of the Arab Group).
The representative of India said that since the last meeting of the General Assembly on the situation, it had steadily deteriorated.  The conflict had become increasingly militarized and a number of terrorist acts had been carried out.  More than 2 million Syrians were said to be in need of humanitarian assistance.  India strongly condemned all violence and human rights violations.  It also condemned all terrorist acts and called on all parties to disassociate themselves from terrorist groups and to make no space available to them.  It was time to close ranks and send a united message to the parties on the need for a Syrian-led political process.  That was the only way to end the human rights violations.
He said his country had consistently called for international efforts to assist the parties.  Mr. Annan’s effort had put in place a platform for resolving the crisis.  To assist the parties in changing their course, it was important that all parties fully abide by their obligations under Security Council resolutions.  India believed that it was critical for the United Nations to be firmly involved with the Syrian parties in the search for the way forward.  Unilateral actions of any kind would not help.  In that light, India had abstained from the vote.….

ANNEX
Vote on Situation in Syria
The draft resolution on The Situation in Syria (document A/66/L.57) was adopted by a recorded vote of 133 in favour to 12 against, with 31 abstentions, as follows:
In favour:  Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, C?te d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Zambia.
Against:  Belarus, Bolivia, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Russian Federation, Syria, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
Abstain:  Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Burundi, Ecuador, Eritrea, Fiji, Ghana, Guyana, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mali, Namibia, Nepal, Pakistan, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Viet Nam.
Absent:  Cambodia, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Kiribati, Malawi, Philippines, South Sudan, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Yemen.
Source: General Assembly of the United Nations, New York

18. Indian mission in Syria, New Delhi, 17 August 2012
Question:
Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether the Government proposes to trim down its Mission in Syria and other disturbed countries across the world;
(b) If so, the details thereof;
(c) Whether the Government also proposes to evacuate families of Indian Embassy personnel posted in such disturbed countries particularly from Syria;
(d) If so, the details thereof; and
(e) The other steps being taken to ensure safety of personnel and their families deployed in such missions abroad?
Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mrs. Preneet Kaur)
(a) & (b) The Government regularly monitors security related developments in places where Indian Missions/Posts are located. In view of the recent developments in Syria, the Indian Ambassador in Damascus has been advised to take all steps necessary for ensuring the safety and security of our personnel, including trimming down of the personnel strength if so required.
(c) & (d) The Indian Mission in Syria has also been authorized to evacuate the members of the families of the India- based personnel in the Mission. Most of the families have in fact already returned to India.
(e) Depending upon the evolving security scenario anywhere, appropriate decisions are taken from time to time with regard to the optimal personnel strength; declaring a Mission non-family; need for evacuation; desirability of continued operations etc. in respect of a particular Mission/Post abroad.
Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No. 1227 asked by Mr. Ramkishun, Mr. Baidyanath Prasad Mahto and Mr. Kaushalendra Kumar

19. Vote against Syria in UNSC, New Delhi, 17 August 2012
Question:
Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether India along with some other countries voted in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) against Syria recently;
(b) If so, the details thereof and the reasons therefore; and
(c) The advantages likely to accrue to the country as a result of this decision?
Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mrs. Preneet Kaur)
(a) to (c) India voted in favour of the latest Resolution on the situation in Syria which was voted upon in the Security Council on 19 July 2012. The Resolution was supported by 11 of the 15 members of the Council, including India, but was not adopted due to a double veto by Russia and China.

India’s support for the Resolution was in accordance with our consistent support for the efforts by the United Nations to mobilize international action to achieve a cessation of violence by all parties and the peaceful resolution of the ongoing crisis in Syria. India had also supported Resolutions 2042 and 2043 adopted by the Security Council in April 2012 for the establishment of the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) and to oversee the implementation of the six-point plan of Mr. Kofi Annan, Joint Special Envoy of the UN and the League of Arab States, accepted by the Government of Syria, to facilitate a cessation of violence and the commencement of a Syrian-led inclusive political process. In continuation of this policy, we voted in favour of the Security Council Resolution on 19 July 2012 to facilitate united action by the Security Council in support of the efforts of the Joint Special Envoy and to ensure the continued presence of the UNSMIS in Syria.
Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No.1280 asked by Mr. Ajay Kumar

20. Statement by Mr. Vinay Kumar, Charge d'Affaires, at the UN Security Council briefing on Syria, New York, 30 August 2012
Thank you, Mr. President.
At the outset, let me welcome you, Mr. President, to the Security Council and thank you for presiding over this meeting. I would also like to thank the Deputy Secretary General, the High Commissioner for Refugees and the Ministers from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey and from Colombia, Morocco, Togo and the United Kingdom for their participation and statements.

Mr. President, since the beginning of the crisis in Syria in March 2011 the situation has been steadily deteriorating. More than 2.5 million people are in the need of humanitarian assistance. More than 1 million are internally displaced and more than 200,000 are refugees. The continuing military operations by all sides have prevented timely and adequate delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need. Efforts of the international community have so far failed to address the crisis, which is increasingly affecting the region as a whole.

It is unfortunate that neither side to the Syrian conflict has implemented its obligations under the six-point plan, which was endorsed by Security Council resolutions 2042 and 2043. The conflict has got increasingly more militarized, which has also been exploited by well-known terrorist groups. A number of terrorist acts have been committed against state institutions and public infrastructure. There have been gross violations of human rights by all sides. Unfortunately, the Syrian parties, instead of seriously commencing a Syrian-led political process, have pursued a military approach to realize their objectives.

Mr. President, we strongly condemn all violence and violations of human rights irrespective of who their perpetrators are. We also condemn in the strongest terms possible the terrorist acts that have been and continue to be committed in Syria. We call upon all parties, Syrian as well as foreign, to dissociate themselves from terrorist groups and ensure that no space or justification is provided for terrorist acts.

Mr. President, under the prevailing circumstances in Syria, there is an urgent need for the international community to close its ranks and send a united message to the Syrian parties to walk back from their military approach and resolve the crisis through an inclusive Syrian-led political process. There is no other way to bring about a sustained cessation of violence in all its forms by all parties. This is also the only way to end human rights violations and create an atmosphere for safe and unhindered delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance. Any further militarization of the conflict will not only make a political solution more difficult to reach but also exacerbate the humanitarian situation. In this connection, any militarization of the humanitarian situation will worsen the security situation as well as humanitarian conditions for millions of Syrians, and must, therefore, be avoided.

In order to assist the Syrian parties change their course and address the crisis through political dialogue, it is important that all parties, inside and outside Syria, fully abide by their obligations under resolutions 2042 and 2043. The parties must be prevailed upon to implement the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the Final Communiqu? issued at Geneva on 30 June.

India firmly believes that it is critical for the United Nations to remain strongly engaged with the Syrian parties and other actors in the search for a way forward. Unilateral action of any kind will not resolve the crisis. It will only exacerbate the problem and cause greater instability and violence even beyond Syria’s borders. We also believe that the leadership of Syria is for Syrians to decide through a democratic process. The task of the international community, anchored in the United Nations, is to assist the Syrian parties in this process.

Mr. President, India has consistently called for and supported international efforts to assist the Syrian parties to resolve the crisis and bring about peace through dialogue and political processes. Accordingly, we strongly supported the efforts of Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan. We welcome the appointment of Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi as the Joint Special Representative, and urge all sides, Syrian and foreign, to cooperate with him in good faith so that the Syrian crisis can be resolved without any further bloodshed.
I thank you.
Source: Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York

k. Yemen
21. Independence Day, 2012, Sana’a, 8 August 2012
The Embassy of India, Sana’a cordially invites Indian nationals and persons of Indian Origin in the Republic of Yemen, along with their families, to join for 66th   Independence Day celebrations on Wednesday, the 15th August, 2012 at the Indian Embassy.
Venue: Embassy of India, Sana’a, Off Street No. 24, Near Y Building, Haddah Zone, Sana’a
Programme: 0845 hours – Assemble at the Embassy 0900 hours – Flag hoisting
[Mobile Phones/ Bags etc. are not allowed inside the premises.]
Source: Embassy of India, Sana’a

Specific Issues
l. Incident off the coast of UAE
22. Death of Indian Fishermen, New Delhi, 9 August 2012
Government of India (GOI) is in contact with the Governments of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States of America (USA) with regard to the death of an Indian fisherman off the coast of UAE following firing by a US Naval Ship. GOI has sought from the US Government a full, transparent and expeditious investigation into the shooting incident. The UAE Government has registered a case and is conducting an independent enquiry into the incident. Our Ambassador in Abu Dhabi and our Consulate officials in Dubai have visited the injured fishermen in hospital and have extended all possible assistance in their medical treatment. GOI has also assisted in the transportation of the mortal remains of the deceased fisherman to his home town in Tamil Nadu.

The United States has expressed regret on the loss of life of the Indian fisherman and injury to three others and has conveyed that it is carrying out full investigation into the incident. The US Embassy in New Delhi issued a statement on 17 July 2012 conveying its condolences to families of Indian fishermen who came under fire from the US Naval Ship. The US Government has further conveyed that its Department of Defence has launched two separate investigations into the incident. GOI is in touch with the authorities in the US and UAE who are carrying out full investigation into the circumstances leading to the incident.

The US Government has conveyed to GOI that it is exploring the possibility of providing humanitarian assistance and relief to the affected families without prejudice to the outcome of the investigation.

This information was given by the Minister of State for External Affairs Mr. E. Ahamed in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Source: Press Information Bureau, New Delhi

23. Firing on Indian fishermen off Dubai coast, New Delhi, 17 August 2012
Question:
Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether the Government has taken note of the incident of firing on Indian fishermen in Saudi Arabia by the United States Navy;
(b) If so, the number of Indian fishermen killed and wounded along with the reasons therefore;
(c) Whether the Government has taken up this matter with US Government and if so, the details and the outcome thereof;
(d) Whether suitable compensation has been paid by the Union Government or the US Government to the family of the deceased/wounded fishermen;
(e) If so, the details thereof and if not the reasons therefore; and
(f) The steps taken for avoiding such incidents in future?
Answer
The Minister of External Affairs (Mr. S.M. Krishna)
(a) to (f) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 106 REGARDING `FIRING ON INDIAN FISHERMEN OFF DUBAI COAST` FOR ANSWER ON 17.08.2012
(a) to (f) A U.S. Navy Ship, USNS Rappahannock, fired upon a UAE fishing vessel near the Jebel Ali Port in Dubai in the Gulf at approximately 3.00 pm on 16 July 2012, which resulted in the death of one Indian fisherman and injury to three other Indian fishermen. The U.S. Navy claimed that the fishing vessel was shot at because it disregarded warnings and rapidly approached the U.S. ship. The claim has been contested by the injured Indian fishermen.
The Government has protested the shooting with the U.S. Government and has asked for a full, transparent and expeditious investigation into the incident. The Government took charge of the medical treatment of the injured fishermen and the transportation of the remains of the dead fisherman.
The U.S. Government has expressed regret for the loss of life and injuries caused by the shooting. It has further conveyed that the U.S. Department of Defence is conducting two separate investigations into the incident. The UAE Government has registered a case on the shooting incident and is conducting its own investigations. The two Governments have assured us that they will share the results of their investigations. The Government will decide on appropriate further steps thereafter.
The U.S. Government has made humanitarian relief payment of ` 5,00,000 to the family of the deceased fisherman and ` 50,000 each to the families of fishermen injured in the incident through the Government of Tamil Nadu. It has stated that this payment was without prejudice to its ongoing investigations into the incident.
Government has underscored the need for all naval vessels plying in the Gulf region to enhance their situational awareness regarding civilian and fishing vessels in the crowded Gulf region and exercise maximum caution and restraint in their operations so that innocent civilian ships and their occupants are not adversely affected.
Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Starred Question No. 106 asked by Mr. P. Lingam and Mr. P. Karunakaran

m. Indians returning from Kuwait and Iran
24. Indians coming back from Kuwait and Iran, New Delhi, 16 August 2012
Question:
(a) Whether it is a fact that a large number of Indians, belonging to Kerala State, were forced to flee back to India from Kuwait and Iran as the two countries got engaged in war;
(b) If so, the details thereof with list of total number of such persons who had come back;
(c) Whether all these persons lost everything what they had and the United Nations compensation committee had agreed to pay compensation to them; and
(d) If so, the details of the applications received and compensation paid?

Answer
Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mr. E. Ahamed)
(a) No.
(b) to (d) Does not arise.
Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 642 asked by Mr. M.P. Achuthan

n. Protection of Overseas Indian workers
25. Measures to Protect Welfare of Overseas Indian Workers, New Delhi, 24 August 2012
Complaints regarding non-delayed- payment of salaries, non-renewal of visa, and unsatisfactory living conditions; and refusal of  medical treatment, leave or air ticket on completion of two years period of contract from Indian emigrants are received from time to time. Whenever a complaint is received, action is initiated by the Ministry by asking the concerned Indian Mission to look into the matter. If need be, steps are taken for the suspension or cancellation of the Registration Certificate of the Recruiting Agent. If required, requisite legal action is also initiated against the concerned Recruiting Agent. Complaints filed against illegal agents are referred to the State Governments. When there is a complaint against a foreign employer, proceedings for blacklisting such an employer are initiated. Indian Missions also take up these issues with the foreign employers/local governments to protect the welfare of the workers.
The Government has taken several initiatives to protect the welfare of Overseas Indian Workers which inter alia include:
(i) A Nation - wide Awareness-cum-Publicity Campaign through media is carried out to educate intending emigrants about legal emigration procedures, risk of illegal migration and precautions to be taken during emigration.
(ii) The Ministry has notified the Emigration (Amendment) Rules 2009 on 9th July, 2009 revising the eligibility criteria of Recruiting Agents (RAs) and increasing the security amount and service charges.
(iii) The Ministry has set up the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) in all the Indian Missions for providing onsite support and financial assistance to Indian workers in distress.
(iv) The Government has established an Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC) which is a 24 hour telephone helpline in eight languages to provide authentic information to intending emigrants as well as emigrants on all aspects of emigration.
(v) Indian Workers’ Resource Centre (IWRC) is also functioning at Dubai for taking care of the emergency needs of Indian workers.
(vi) India had signed Labour Agreements with Jordan and Qatar in the 1980s to protect the interests of the Indian Workers. Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) were signed with United Arab Emirates (UAE) in December, 2006, with Kuwait in April, 2007, with Oman in November 2008, with Malaysia in January 2009, and with Bahrain in June 2009.
An Additional Protocol to the existing Labour Agreement between India and Qatar was signed in November, 2007.
These MOUs enhance bilateral co-operation in the management of migration and protection of labour welfare. Under these MOUs Joint Working Groups (JWG) have been constituted that meet regularly in order to resolve bilateral labour issues.
(vii)    In addition, the Government has taken the following measures for protecting the safety and welfare of women workers of the ECR (Emigration Check Required) category to emigrate to 17 ECR notified countries: -
(1)      Minimum Age limit of 30 years has been made mandatory in respect of all intending women emigrants.
(2)      The employment contract must be duly attested by the Indian Missions in respect of all such women.
(3)      Women household workers are allowed to emigrate after the Indian mission has attested the identity of the foreign employer and terms and conditions of the contract.
(4)      A pre-paid mobile facility must be provided by the employer to every woman Household Worker.
(5)        The Foreign Employer recruiting a woman household worker is required to deposit a security amount of $2500 with the Indian Mission.
The Indian Missions in Middle East Countries have reported that they are not aware of the death of persons who have been sent to those countries fraudulently.   However, the data of Indians who died in these countries is as below.
Country 2009; 2010; 2011; 2012(till July)

Saudi Arabia 1729; 1855; 1954; 437
Kuwait  458; 453; 459; NA
UAE  1688; 1498; 1307; 435 (up to May)
Oman 543; 539; 522; 248(up to May)
Qatar 262;  233; 239; NA
Bahrain 1042
Libya 15; 27; 08; 02
Lebanon nil 06; 07; 01
Syria 08; 08; 09; 08
   
This information was given by the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri. Vayalar Ravi in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Source: Press Information Bureau, New Delhi

o. Hajj
26. Increase in Hajj Quota, New Delhi, 9 August 2012
Question:
(a) The details of Hajj quota fixed for the various authorities/agencies/Waqf Board/State Government including Member of Parliament;
(b) Whether the quota was fixed long back;
(c) If so, whether Government proposes to increase the quota; and
(d) If so, the details thereof and if not the reason therefore?

Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mr. E. Ahamed)
(a) Government of India (GOI) and Saudi Arabia annually sign a bilateral Hajj Agreement in which the overall Hajj Quota for India for the year is specified. For Hajj 2012, Government of Saudi Arabia allocated 1,70,000 Hajj seats to India - 1,25,000 for pilgrims going through the Hajj Committee of India (HCOI) and 45,000 for pilgrims facilitated by Private Tour Operators (PTOs). The HCOI Hajj quota is distributed among States/ Union Territories (UT) in proportion to their Muslim population. As per the Order dated July 23, 2012 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, 300 seats have been allocated for discretionary allocation. Distribution of these 300 seats as per the Order is limited to - 100 seats for allotment on recommendation of the Hon’ble President, 75 each on recommendations by the Hon’ble Vice-President and Hon’ble Prime Minister and 50 by the Hon’ble External Affairs Minister.

(b) The overall Quota is decided at the time of signing the annual bilateral Hajj Agreement. This year the Agreement was signed on 14.3.2012.

(c)&(d) GOI requests the Saudi authorities every year for additional quota to accommodate, even if partially, the excess applications received by HCOI. In 2010 & 2011, 10,000 additional seats were released at GOI’s request by the Saudi authorities and were distributed through the HCOI to States/ UTs with applications in excess of allocated quota.
Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 173 asked by Mr. D.P.Tripathi

27. Hajj quota for Madhya Pradesh, New Delhi, 9 August 2012
Question:
(a) The details of Hajj quota allotted to various State Hajj Committees every year vis-a-vis application received from Hajj aspirants during the last three years including current year, year-wise;
(b) whether Government has any plan to increase the Hajj quota of Madhya Pradesh State Hajj Committee in view of a large number of pending applications of Hajj aspirants;
(c) If so, the details thereof; and
(d) If not, the reasons therefore?

Answer
Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mr. E. Ahamed)
(a) Details are attached at Annexure ’A’.
(b) No.
(c) & (d) Allocation of Hajj seats to each State/Union Territory are done by the Hajj Committee of India in proportion to the Muslim population in each State/U.T. vis-a-vis the national population of Muslims as per 2001 Census. Madhya Pradesh has been allocated its quota on the basis of this formula. However, following the order dated July 23, 2012 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, some more seats have become available. These seats will be distributed by HCOI among States/UTs, with applications in excess of their quota, in proportion to their Muslim population. Madhya Pradesh will get its due share from these surplus seats.
ANNEXURE: http://164.100.24.219/annex/226/Au168.docx
Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 168 asked by Mr. Chandan Mitra

28. Request to increase Hajj quota, New Delhi, 9 August 2012
Question:
(a) Whether the Ministry has been requested by Uttarakhand State or through its public representatives to increase its quota of pilgrims going to Hajj;
(b) If so, whether the Ministry is considering increase in the Hajj quota at present; and
(c) if not, whether Government intends to consider it in future?
Answer
The Minister of External Affairs (Mr. S.M. Krishna)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) & (c) Allocation of Hajj seats to each State/Union Territory is done by the Hajj Committee of India (HCOI) in proportion to population of Muslims in the State/U.T. vis-a-vis the national population of Muslims as per 2001 Census. Uttarakhand has been allocated its quota on the basis of this formula. However, following the order dated July 23, 2012 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, some more seats have become available. These seats will be distributed by HCOI among States/UTs, with applications in excess of their quota, in proportion to their Muslim population. Uttarakhand will get its due share from these surplus seats.
Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 24 asked by Mr. Mahendra Singh Mahra

29. Orders Judgments on Hajj matters, New Delhi, 9 August 2012
Question:
(a) The details of various orders/judgments of various courts on Hajj matters this year; and
(b) The action being taken in this regard?
Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mr. E. Ahamed)
(a) The details of orders/ judgments of various courts on Hajj matters this year are listed below. They can be accessed on websites indicated order-wise below:
Order No. & date    Hon’ble Court which passed the Order    Website Address
SLP (C) 28609/2011 dated. 24thFebruary 2012    Hon’ble
Supreme Court www.supremecourtofindia.nic.in
SLP (C) 28609/2011 dated. 8th May, 2012    Hon’ble
Supreme Court    www.supremecourtofindia.nic.in
W.P. (C) 3275/2012 & C.M. No. 6983/2012 dated. 31st May 2012    Hon’ble High Court of Delhi, New Delhi www.delhihighcourt.nic.in
W.P.(C) No. 12264 of 2012 (G) dated. 26th June, 2012    Hon’ble High Court of Kerala at Ernakulum    www.highcourtofkerala.nic.in
SLP (C) 28609/2011 dated. 23rd July, 2012    Hon’ble
Supreme Court    www.supremecourtofindia.nic.in
SLP (C) 28609/2011 dated. 27th July, 2012    Hon’ble
Supreme Court    www.supremecourtofindia.nic.in
Copy of the Orders/Judgments mentioned above will be submitted

(b)    MEA is implementing the directions and orders passed by the Hon’ble High Courts and Supreme Court in Hajj related matters.
Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 174 asked by Mohammed Adeep

30. Construction of Hajj Ghars, New Delhi, 9 August 2012
Question:
Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether Government has constructed “Hajj Ghars” in the country, particularly in Andhra Pradesh; and
(b) If so, the details thereof during the last three years and the funds allocated and spent for this purpose?

Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mr. E. Ahamed)
 (a) “Hajj Ghars” are constructed by the respective State Governments. Hajj Committee of India (HCOI) provides financial assistance as per laid down norms to the extent of one third of the total cost of the project or Rs. 1.5 Crore, whichever is less for construction of Hajj House in a State in which Embarkation Points for Hajj pilgrims are located. Accordingly, HCOI has provided financial assistance to Andhra Pradesh for construction of Hajj House at Nampally. The details of payments are as follows:
Date     Amount
06.12.1999    Rs.25, 00,000/-
12.02.2001    Rs.24, 60,000/-
22.10.2001    Rs.30, 00,000/-
Total     Rs.79, 60,000/-
(b) During the last three years, HCOI has provided financial assistance only to Maharashtra State Hajj Committee for construction of Hajj House at Nagpur, as per following details:
Date     Amount
10.08.2006    Rs.37, 50,000/-
14.08.2007    Rs.37, 50,000/-
11.02.2008    Rs.37, 50,000/-
14.06.2010    Rs.37, 50,000/-
Total     Rs.1, 50, 00,000/-
Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 181 asked by Mr. Mohd. Ali Khan

31. Hajj Quota for MP and UP, New Delhi, 9 August 2012
Question:
(a) Whether it is a fact that each State has been allotted a Hajj quota on the basis of its Muslim population;
(b) If so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) The reasons Madhya Pradesh has been allotted very less quota; and
(d) The steps being taken by Government to increase the Hajj quota of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and the time by which it would be done?
Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mr. E. Ahamed)
(a)    Yes.
(b) Details of allocation of seats to each State/Union Territory for Haj-2012 are attached at Annexure ‘A’.
(c) & (d) Allocation of Hajj seats to each State/Union Territory are done by the Hajj Committee of India in proportion to the Muslim population in each State/U.T. vis-a-vis the national population of Muslims as per 2001 Census. UP and MP have been allocated their quota on the basis of this formula. However, following the order dated July 23, 2012 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, some more seats have become available. These seats will be distributed by HCOI among States/UTs, with applications in excess of their quota, in proportion to their Muslim population. UP and MP will get their due shares from these surplus seats.
Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 175 asked by Mr. Chaudhary Munabbar Saleem

32. Malaysian model for Hajj, New Delhi, 9 August 2012
Question:
(a) Whether Government has any proposal to adopt Malaysian model of Hajj;
(b) If so, by when it would be adopted; and
(c) If not, the reasons therefore?

Answer
The Minister of External Affairs (Mr. S.M. Krishna)
(a) No, Sir. No such proposal is under consideration. However, a report on ‘Hajj Management Reforms’ was submitted in 2006 to the Hon’ble Prime Minister suo motto by a Task Force comprising a group of Members of Parliament led by then Hon’ble Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha. The Tabung Hajji model envisaged in that report was examined by the Ministry and was also studied at the level of Committee of Secretaries in March 2007. Keeping in view the socio-political, economic and legal environment obtaining in India, it was not found feasible to accept the recommendations of the Task Force.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Does not arise.
Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Starred Question No. 32 asked by Mr. Rasheed Masood

33. Facilities for Hajj pilgrims, New Delhi, 16 August 2012
Question:     
(a) The details of facilities being provided by the Central Government to Hajj pilgrims; and
(b) The number of pilgrims who have gone on Hajj from India during the last two years and the expenditure incurred on these pilgrimages by Government?
Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mr. E. Ahamed)
(a) Government of India assists the Hajj pilgrims in coordination with the Hajj Committee of India through- (i) provision of accommodation and other logistical support at Mecca, Medina and Jeddah, (ii) Deputation of Doctors and Paramedics , Coordinators, Assistant Hajj Officers, Hajj Assistants and Khadim-ul-Hujjaj to assist Hajjis during Hajj, (iii) setting up Hospitals and dispensaries and providing ambulances and supply of medicines to Hajjis in the holy Hajj sites in Mecca, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifa and Medina, (iv) Facilitating Air travel from 21 embarkation points in India to Jeddah and back , (v) Trains the trainers who in turn train the pilgrims before they proceed to Saudi Arabia for performing the Hajj.
(b) The number of pilgrims who had gone on Hajj from India during the last two years and the expenditure incurred by Government is as follows:
Year    No. of Hajj pilgrims    Expenditure on Hajj (incurred by Ministry of External Affairs)
(Rs. in Crores)     Expenditure on Hajj subsidy administered by Civil Aviation
(Rs. in Crores)
2010    1, 71,671    27.04    600
2011    1, 70,362    33.16    685
Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 632 asked by Mr. Om Prakash Mathur

34. Improvement in Hajj arrangements, New Delhi, 16 August 2012
Question:     
(a) The details of improvement in Hajj arrangements and facilities for Hajj pilgrims this year over those of the last year;
(b) The details of the problems being reported/encountered by the prospective Hajj pilgrims this year;
(c) The action taken in each case; and
(d) The result achieved?
Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mr. E. Ahamed)
a) The Hajj pilgrimage is a complex organizational task undertaken by Government of India (GOI) outside its borders for which elaborate organizational arrangements are made in India and extensive logistical arrangements in Saudi Arabia with regard to transportation, accommodation, medical care, assistance in performance of the Hajj rites, supply of Zam Zam etc. Notable arrangements this year are that Hajj Committee of India (HCOI) pilgrims could avail of Train service in the Mashaer region, accommodation within the traditional boundaries of Mina, and Preloaded SIM cards to all Hajjis in India itself etc.
(b) to (d) Problems being reported/ encountered by the prospective Hajj pilgrims and issues raised therein are being dealt in the best possible manner and in consultation with the stake holders concerned. It is the constant endeavour of GOI to improve the Hajj management with a view to provide the best possible service for the Hajj pilgrimage based on the experience gained in each Hajj operation and in consultation with all stakeholders.
Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 641 asked by Mr. Mohammed Adeep

35. Hajj quota to VIPs, New Delhi, 17 August 2012
Question:
Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether there is any provision to send persons on Hajj yatra from discretionary quota or VIPs quota of the Ministry;
(b) If so, the details thereof;
(c) Whether there is any VIP quota for Members of Parliament to recommend names of people for Hajj yatra;
(d) If so, the details thereof;
(e) If not, whether the Government propose to permit Members of Parliament to recommend the names of Hajj pilgrims and to fix any quota in this regard; and
(f) The complete details thereof?
Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mrs. Preneet Kaur)
(a) & (b) Yes. As per the interim order dated July 23, 2012 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, 300 seats have been allocated for discretionary allocation by dignitaries as follows:-
The Hon’ble President of India                  100 seats
The Hon’ble Vice-President                        75 seats
The Hon’ble Prime Minister                        75 seats
The Hon’ble External Affairs Minister       50 seats
(c) No.
(d) Not applicable.
(e) & (f) While Hon’ble Members of Parliament could make recommendations; no quota has been fixed in this regard.
Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No. 1328 asked by Mr. Arjun Ram Meghwal

36. Hajj quota, New Delhi, 17 August 2012
Question:
Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:-
(a) The manner in which the Government ensures transparency on Hajj quota allocations;
(b) Whether various States including Andhra Pradesh have requested the Union Government to enhance their Hajj allocations in future; and
(c) If so, the details thereof, State-wise along with the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mrs. Preneet Kaur)
(a) It is the constant endeavour of the Government to allocate Hajj quota in a transparent manner. Allocation of Hajj seats to each State/Union Territory (UT) is done by the Hajj Committee of India (HCOI) in proportion to population of Muslims in the State/UT vis-a-vis the national population of Muslims as per 2001 Census. In case the State Hajj Committees/ UTs receive applications in excess of their quota then the surplus seats available from States which receive less application than their allotted quota is distributed proportionately to States/UTs with excess demand. The information on allocation of Hajj seats is freely accessible on HCOI’s website.
(b) Yes.
(c) Following the order dated July 23, 2012 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, some more seats had become available. These seats will be distributed by HCOI among States/UTs, with applications in excess of their quota, in proportion to their Muslim population. For Haj-2012, the Quota distribution charts of various States/UTs as of date are attached at Annexure I, II & III.
Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No. 1161 asked by Suresh Kumar Shetkar

37. Discretionary quota of Hajj, New Delhi, 17 August 2012
Question:
Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether the Government is aware of the recent orders of Supreme Court cutting down the discretionary Hajj quota;
(b) If so, the details thereof;
(c) The details of Hajj quota before and after passing of such orders, dignitary-wise; and
(d) The response of the Government to the Supreme Court judgment regarding the discretionary Hajj quota?
Answer
Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mrs. Preneet Kaur)
(a)    Yes.
(b)    As per the interim order dated July 23, 2012 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the discretionary Hajj quota of the Government has been curtailed to 300 seats and for the Hajj Committee of India (HCOI) to 200 seats.
(c)    Prior to the order of Hon’ble Supreme Court, there was no fixed Hajj quota for dignitaries. Government’s discretionary quota in 2011 of 3061 seats was allotted to those pilgrims who had applied for Hajj to the HCOI but were unsuccessful in the Qurrah and had been recommended by dignitaries and eminent persons.
In pursuance of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s order dated July 23, 2012, the number of seats to be allotted on the recommendations of the dignitaries is to be limited to the following:
The Hon’ble President of India              100 seats
The Hon’ble Vice-President                            75 seats
The Hon’ble Prime Minister                             75 seats
The Hon’ble External Affairs Minister             50 seats
HCOI                            200 seats
(d) Government is implementing the directions and orders passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Hajj related matters.
Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No. 1265 asked by Mr. Somendra Nath Mitra and Mr. Manikrao Hodlya Gavit

38. Hajj flights, New Delhi, 24 August 2012
Question:
Will the Minister of Civil Aviation be pleased to state:-
(a) The details of the arrangements made/proposed to be made for Hajj flights;
(b) Whether the Government has received any complaints of difficulties and harassment of the Hajj pilgrims;
(c) If so, the details thereof;
(d) Whether there are demands and requests for abolition of subsidy on airfare and freedom for global tenders; and
(e) If so, the reaction of the Government thereto?

Answer
Minister of Civil Aviation (Mr. Ajit Singh)
(a): Air travel arrangements by charter flights have been made for 1,25,000 pilgrims going on Hajj through Hajj Committee of India. The Hajj Charter flights would be operated from 21 airports in India to Jeddah/Medina in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Air India and Saudi Arabian Airlines have been selected through tendering process to operate the charter flights.
(b) and (c) : A few complaints like non receipt of baggage, delay in operation of flights, delay in providing refreshment/hotel accommodation etc. were received for Hajj flights during previous years.
(d) and (e): Gradual reduction/abolition of subsidy on air travel of Hajj pilgrims is under consideration of the Government. In order to reduce cost of air travel, the airlines are being selected through tendering process and the fare charged from pilgrims is also being increased gradually.
Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No. 2091 asked by Mr. A.K.S. Vijayan

39. Slashing of the Hajj quota, New Delhi, 30 August 2012
Question:
(a) Whether the Supreme Court slashed the Hajj discretionary quota of Government greatly;
(b) If so, the details thereof; and
(c) The details of the various other incorporations made in the guidelines issued in this regard?
Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mr. E. Ahamed)
(a) Yes.
(b) & (c) As per the interim order dated July 23, 2012 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the discretionary Hajj quota of the Government has been curtailed to 500 seats comprising 200 seats for Hajj Committee of India (HCOI) and 300 seats for the recommendations of dignitaries limited to the following:
Hon’ble President of India     100 seats
Hon’ble Vice-President     75 seats
Hon’ble Prime Minister     75 seats
Hon’ble External Affairs Minister    50 seats
HCOI                                          200 seats
Total                                           500 Seats
Source: Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 2028 asked by Mr. Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu

40. Compensation to kin of Hajjis, New Delhi, 31 August 2012
Question:
Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether the Government provides compensation to the next of kin of those Hajjis who lost their lives during Hajj;
(b) If so, the details of such compensation given during each of the last three years and the current year; and
(c) if not, whether the Government has any proposal to provide compensation in such cases?
Answer
(a) No.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) No. However, compensation is given to the next of kin of pilgrims who perform Hajj under the aegis of the Hajj Committee of India (HCOI) in the event of death of a pilgrim in an accident. Natural death is not covered under this scheme. Compensation is provided under an Agreement on Comprehensive Personal Accident Insurance Scheme between HCOI and the authorized Insurance Company.
Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No. 3232 asked by Darshana Vikram Jardosh

41. Increase in Hajj Quota, New Delhi, 9 August 2012
Government of India (GOI) and Saudi Arabia annually sign a bilateral Hajj Agreement in which the overall Hajj Quota for India for the year is specified. For Hajj 2012, Government of Saudi Arabia allocated 1,70,000 Hajj seats to India - 1,25,000 for pilgrims going through the Hajj Committee of India (HCOI) and 45,000 for pilgrims facilitated by Private Tour Operators (PTOs). The HCOI Hajj quota is distributed among States/ Union Territories (UT) in proportion to their Muslim population. As per the Order dated July 23, 2012 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, 300 seats have been allocated for discretionary allocation. Distribution of these 300 seats as per the Order is limited to - 100 seats for allotment on recommendation of the Hon’ble President, 75 each on recommendations by the Vice-President and Prime Minister and 50 by the External Affairs Minister.
The overall Quota is decided at the time of signing the annual bilateral Hajj Agreement. This year the Agreement was signed on 14.3.2012.
GOI requests the Saudi authorities every year for additional quota to accommodate, even if partially, the excess applications received by HCOI. In 2010 & 2011, 10,000 additional seats were released at GOI’s request by the Saudi authorities and were distributed through the HCOI to States/ UTs with applications in excess of allocated quota.
Allocation of Hajj seats to each State/Union Territory is done by the Hajj Committee of India in proportion to the Muslim population in each State/U.T. vis-a-vis the national population of Muslims as per 2001 Census. All States/U.T. have been allocated their quota on the basis of this formula. However, following the order dated July 23, 2012 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, some more seats have become available. These seats will be distributed by HCOI among States/UTs, with applications in excess of their quota, in proportion to their Muslim population. UP and MP will get their due shares from these surplus seats.
Details of allocation of seats to each State/Union Territory for Haj-2012 are as follows:
STATE-WISE DISTRIBUTION OF QUOTA
FOR THE PILGRIMS OF HAJJ -2012 AS PER 2001 CENSUS
Sr. # Name of States/Union Territory      Final Quota (*)
1 Andaman & Nicobar (UT) 28
2 Andhra Pradesh    6680
3 Assam  3586
4 Bihar  6662
5 Chandigarh (UT)  34
6 Chhattisgarh     392
7 Dadra Nagar Haveli (UT)  6
8 Daman & Diu (UT)        12
9 Delhi (NCT)  1552
10 Goa        88
11 Gujarat    4391
12 Himachal Pradesh  114
13 Haryana           1170
14 Jammu & Kashmir   6494
15 Jharkhand         3504
16 Karnataka         6179
17 Kerala            7518
18 Lakshadweep (UT)  55
19 Madhya Pradesh    3672
20 Maharashtra       9819
21 Manipur           183
22 Orissa            729
23 Pondicherry (UT)  57
24 Punjab            365
25 Rajasthan         4578
26 Tamil Nadu        3318
27 Tripura           63
28 Uttar Pradesh     29387
29 Uttarakhand       967
30 West Bengal       12397
   Total             114000
(*) Original Quota + surrendered quota and cancellation of repeaters of five States.
This information was given by the Minister of State for External Affairs Shri E. Ahamed in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Source: Press Information Bureau, New Delhi

Multilateral Issues/ Regional Issues
p. India at Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
42. OIC Summit Communique, New Delhi, 17 August 2012
In response to a question the Official Spokesperson said:
“We note that there is an erroneous and factually incorrect mention about an integral part of India by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in its Communiqu? issued at its Fourth Extraordinary Summit held in Mecca on August 14-15, 2012. This is wrong, unacceptable and we reject it.”
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

From the Final Communique adopted by the Fourth Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference "Promotion of Islamic Solidarity"
…The Conference affirms its solidarity with and full support of the Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Jammu and Kashmir, Iraq, Yemen, Cote d’Ivoire, the Union of Comoros and the Turkish Republic of Cyprus in addressing their challenges…
Source: Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Jeddah

q. India at the Non-Aligned Movement Summit 2012
43. Transcript of the media briefing by Foreign Secretary on Prime Minister’s visit to Iran to attend XVI NAM Summit, New Delhi, 25 August 2012
Official Spokesperson (Mr. Syed Akbaruddin): Good afternoon friends and thank you very much for coming for this media interaction with the Foreign Secretary on the Prime Minister ’s visit to Tehran for the Non-Aligned Movement Meeting.

As is usual, we will begin with a few opening remarks by the Foreign Secretary followed by any questions that you may have.

Before I begin, I also wanted to mention that along with Foreign Secretary is Mr. Yash Sinha who is Joint Secretary (Pakistan, Afghanistan & Iran) and he will be assisting the Foreign Secretary in case there are any questions that you may like to ask on that matter too.

With that I request the Foreign Secretary to make his opening remarks, and then we will follow with the Question & Answer Session. Foreign Secretary.

Foreign Secretary (Mr. Ranjan Mathai): Thank you, Akbar.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will be visiting Iran to participate in the Sixteenth Summit Meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement which is being held at Tehran on 30th and 31st August, 2012.

This will be the third NAM Summit in which Prime Minister Dr. Singh is participating. He had earlier participated in the NAM Summit held at Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt in July 2009, and earlier at the Summit in Havana in Cuba in September 2006. PM will address the Summit during the General Debate on 30th August.

The theme of the Tehran NAM Summit is “Lasting Peace through Joint Global Governance”. An interactive debate on this subject is expected at the Ministerial Segment of the Summit on 28th and 29th August.

As is customary in NAM Summits, the Tehran Summit will also have comprehensive discussion on major global regional and sub-regional issues as well as issues relating to social and economic matters. The Summit meeting is expected to adopt a Final Document, which is a rather lengthy document, listing the Movement’s position on all important international issues.

The Summit level meeting will be preceded by a customary Ministerial meeting, to which I referred, which will be on 28th and 29th August, and a Senior Officials Meeting on 26th and 27th August. The External Affairs Minister Mr. S. M. Krishna will represent India at the Ministerial Meeting. The External Affairs Minister will also represent India at the NAM Ministerial Committee on Palestine which is scheduled to meet separately in the evening of 28th August. I will be leading the Indian delegation for the Senior Officials meeting which starts tomorrow.

Non-alignment has been the bedrock of India’s foreign policy since it was enunciated by the first Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. In the post-Cold War era, when the world is no longer divided into two military blocs, the Non-Aligned Movement has a renewed role to play in the emerging world order. Today NAM seeks to articulate the concerns of the developing countries regarding the contemporary global challenges facing the international community such as food security, protection of the environment and the reform of the institutions of global governance.

As a founding-member of the Non-Aligned Movement, India has consistently striven to ensure that the Movement moves forward on the basis of cooperation and constructive engagement rather than confrontation, and that it straddles the differences of the traditional North-South divide. India’s commitment to NAM is firm and abiding and this will be the guiding principle for our participation at the Tehran Summit.

Prior to this multilateral event, Prime Minister will have bilateral engagements with the Supreme Leader and President of Iran on 29th August. This will be the first bilateral visit at this level after 2001. India shares historical and cultural links with Iran and in recent times the relationship has expanded to include cooperation in diverse fields like hydrocarbons, trade and economic matters, consultations on important international and regional issues, cultural and people-to-people contacts.

During the Prime Minister’s meetings with the leadership of Iran he will review the state of bilateral relations and discuss all issues of interest to us. The Prime Minister is likely to meet representatives of the Indian community based in Iran.

Finally, Prime Minister will also be meeting with some of the leaders from other NAM countries participating in the Summit. This is subject to scheduling arrangements because arrivals and departures of various leaders makes the time available somewhat limited. Many of the other leaders are arriving only late on the 29th and some on the 30th. But we expect to fix meetings with the leaders of Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal and Pakistan. And we are scheduling a pull-aside meeting, subject to time constraints making it possible, with the President of Egypt.
Thank you.
Official Spokesperson: Before we open the floor for questions, may I request that all questions related to NAM and Iran be asked first. And if there is time, then Foreign Secretary will take questions on any other issue. We will begin with NAM and Iran.

Question: Sir, Susan Rice was here a few days ago. The US is obviously a factor when it comes to India’s relations with Iran in terms of their views and their perceptions on the bilateral engagement. Have they formally raised any concerns that they would like India to take to Iran when this visit does take place both at the NAM level and at the bilateral level with the leadership of Iran, America’s concerns and how India will sort of negotiate or navigate?

Foreign Secretary: Susan Rice was here on really what was a private visit, but we did have a full discussion. NAM as such was not a topic for discussion with Ambassador Rice. We did discuss matters relating to Iran and other issues in West Asia, but formally no such issues were taken up.

Question: Sir, there was a report just this week that the Iranians would be giving the green signal to the Chabahar port investment deal. In the same story there was this reference that Afghanistan might not be very keen on that. So, I was wondering, what is the Indian position? Is there a possibility of an India-Afghanistan-Iran trilateral meeting?

Foreign Secretary: Yes, in fact we are hoping to schedule a trilateral meeting, this is what the Iranians had suggested, in fact tomorrow. This would be a meeting at the level of the Foreign Secretaries or Deputy Foreign Ministers of the three countries. The discussions between India and Iran on this issue have been under way for some time now. We have just received a report analyzing various options in the light of what Iran plans for the port. And this report has been given to us, which we had commissioned by the Indian Ports Association. It has a number of different possibilities and we are studying it. So, at this stage it is a little premature to prejudge the outcome of how the discussions would take place. But we have been told that a trilateral meeting would be held at my level.

Question: What is the present state of bilateral, economic, trade relations between India and Iran, and how the US sanctions come in the way of deepening economic relations between the two countries?

Foreign Secretary: Relations between our two countries have been strong. Trade relations have in fact been improving over the last few years. The balance of trade is still decisively in the favour of Iran because of the large scale oil purchases and the relatively small level of Indian exports. It is around 11 to 12 billion dollars from one side and two or three billion dollars, give or take a little, depending which year’s figures we use. We would certainly like to expand Indian exports to Iran. To give you the exact figures, total bilateral trade in 2011-12 was around 15.9 billion US dollars, of which imports to India was 13.5 billion dollars and exports from India was around 2.4 or 2.5 billion dollars.

We have emphasized again and again that we formally accept only the sanctions which are those implemented by the United Nations. But given the fact that there are a number of sanctions which have been introduced by other countries, there are problems which arise in terms of banking arrangements for trade, for shipping, insurance, and so on. So, these have had an impact on the level of the trade, particularly in the level of oil imports from Iran.

Question: Sir, the Iranians are coming up with a Resolution on Syria to finding a peaceful solution to the crisis there. Does India have a stand on this? Could you elaborate a little bit on India’s stand on the current situation?

Foreign Secretary: Actually the position of the Non-Aligned Movement in the final outcome document, that is the Declaration, was concluded in Sharm el-Sheikh one or two months ago. After that, we have not been told of any formal intention to have a separate declaration on Syria. What was agreed at Sharm el-Sheikh was, in fact, “that the Heads of State and Government took note of the efforts of the international community to deal with the situation in Syria. They welcomed the efforts of Mr. Kofi Annan and called for full implementation of the Joint Envoys Plan and its six points as well as the Security Council Resolutions 2042 and 2043. And they welcomed the acceptance by the Syrian Government of this plan”. This is what is in the document as it has been negotiated at the Meeting of Senior Officials in Sharm el-Sheikh. We fully endorse this position.

Question: Sir, you spoke of the meeting with the Supreme Leader Khamenei. We hear from the Iranian side that India wanted the meeting. Can you tell us what the issues are going to be? Also, Victoria Nuland last night has said specifically that America would be happy if India expressed American concerns about peace and security to the Iranians. Can you react to that please? What kind of American concerns are these and what really would be expressed by the Indian side, if they are?

Foreign Secretary: First of all, let me say that we have indeed proposed to schedule a meeting with the Supreme Leader. We have been told that it is being arranged. The exact timing will be known very soon. During this meeting, Prime Minister will of course raise all issues of importance in India-Iran bilateral relations, and issues of interest and concern to us. Peace and security is indeed our primary concern given just how important the entire West Asian region and the Gulf region in particular is for India’s security for the very large number of Indian citizens who live in that region and for the Indian economy both in terms of our oil imports and our exports. So, this is our own concern and we do not have to take anybody else’s concern as being a priority over that. This is indeed our own very specific concern. Prime Minister will raise those and definitely discuss issues relating to West Asia and issues relating to peace and security in the region from our perspective.

Question: Sir, there was this case of some Indian students being expelled by Iran in an apparent retaliation of some Iranian students being expelled from India. This matter was raised at various levels. Will it be coming up at the bilateral with Iran? And what is the status on this issue?

Foreign Secretary: This issue has been discussed with the Iranian side during various meetings including what was called the Bilateral Consular Committee, which was held some months ago. We have not had a final outcome of that, but we will continue to discuss it, probably while we are there in Tehran, and we hope that this issue will be resolved soon.

Joint Secretary was there at the Consular Committee’s meeting, maybe he will tell you.

Joint Secretary (PAI) (Mr. Y.K. Sinha): There is this issue of certain Iranian students also who had left from here over the last two years and three Indian students were also asked to leave from there. We are seeing how we can amicably resolve this issue, as Foreign Secretary mentioned. It has been discussed in various fora and various bilateral meetings and we would be taking this up again in Tehran, and we hope for an expeditious resolution of this issue.

Question: Sir, US Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice was here a couple of days ago. I believe there were discussions on Syria and Iran. In the context of the bilateral meeting, does the US expect us to carry any message to the Iranian President? Second, what proposals are we carrying to reinvigorate Non-Aligned Movement? What will be our pitch at the Non-Aligned Movement?

Foreign Secretary: I have answered the question regarding my discussions with Susan Rice. She was here on what was essentially a private visit but we took the opportunity to raise issues. We discussed, let me just clarify this, issues in front of the United Nations. That is the basis on which I had a discussion with her and that certainly included both Syria and Iran, and I have already said what was discussed at that level.

In terms of reinvigorating NAM, I think we are looking at NAM focusing on issues which unite the entire movement and the membership of the Movement rather than divisive and contentious issues. What we would like is a greater focus on issues of global governance, how the balance in international institutions should be, including the reform of the United Nations, reform of international financial institutions at one level. We would also like a focus on food security, on energy, on issues of sustainable development. We have had these major conferences at Rio, and this issue will be coming up in a number of other conferences. The time has come for the members of the NAM, which includes almost all the developing countries in the world, to give greater emphasis to finding common positions in regard to these global issues so that they can sub serve the common interest of all developing countries.

Question: Sir, there was the issue of the attack on the Israeli diplomat here in Delhi and of course a series of other attacks elsewhere that also linked with the Iranians, and also the Delhi Police team that went to Iran alleged that they actually were not given much cooperation, how will this issue play out? Will there also be message that New Delhi should not be turned into some sort of a chessboard between these forces?

Foreign Secretary: Let me start by saying that we have not received the report of the police team which went there. As soon as we receive it, we would be able to decide what needs to be done. But in general terms when we are in Tehran and we meet at various levels – at the officials level, Ministerial level – we will certainly emphasize to Iran our desire that they should cooperate fully with us so that we can get to the bottom of this attack and ensure that India is not drawn into other people’s conflicts. But as I said, at this moment, I cannot comment in greater detail as we have not received the Delhi Police report yet.

Question: Sir, the last two meetings of the Non-Aligned Movement attended by the Prime Minister saw very big news between India and Pakistan, as you know, in Sharm el-Sheikh and Cuba. Do we expect anything substantial coming out of the proposed bilateral? Can you tell us what the focus would be from where new news can come out? As you know, Sharm el-Sheikh was a kind of a milestone.

Foreign Secretary: All I can say is that, as I mentioned in the beginning, we are scheduling these meetings. As soon as they are over, I will do a briefing.

Question: You just said that you are not aware of the Delhi Police team’s report.

Foreign Secretary: I have not received it.

Question: Isn’t that unusual that they went there without keeping the MEA in the loop?

Foreign Secretary: Let me clarify. They went abroad in a meeting which was arranged by us. What we are saying is their conclusions at the end of their visit, normally there would be a report which has not been received yet.

Question: The US and Israel have suggested that Tehran is not an appropriate place for a UN Secretary-General to visit, even if it is for the NAM Summit. Does India have a position on this?

Foreign Secretary: This is a matter for the UN Secretary-General to decide.

Question: Sir, you mentioned that you are going to meet your Iranian and Afghan counterparts in a trilateral. I know it is sort of before the event happened, but what are the proposals for example that India would be looking at?

Foreign Secretary: The proposal is specifically for a discussion on Chabahar. And when I say my counterparts, I know that the Iranian counterpart is there. Whether the Afghan counterpart would be the same person who normally interacts with me, I am not sure. But they have said at Deputy Foreign Minister’s level they will be represented. The idea is to take forward a kind of general discussion as to what we need to do about Chabahar, what is our common interest in the development of the infrastructure, the port, developing the use of Chabahar and the related infrastructure as an alternative route into Afghanistan which we certainly regard as being of very great significance. So, we will discuss it.

But as I said, there are a number of options which are on the table given that the Iranians have a certain amount of infrastructure, they have a two-phase plan for developing that infrastructure – Phase 1 and Phase 2 – and there are options of participating in these. Separately they have an idea of developing an industrial zone just on the side of it and they are inviting investments in that zone. Beyond that there is a road infrastructure which already links Chabahar to the border of Afghanistan. The Iranians have plans for developing also the rail lines which will go from Chabahar not only towards the Afghan border but further to the Turkmen border through Mashad. All these raise a number of very interesting possibilities in terms of the reconstruction at the industrial developments in Afghanistan in which we have a very large stake. Afghanistan certainly also finds it of interest being an alternative route into their country from which they can get vital supplies. So, I think this is a common interest, and
we are going to look at it. But as I said, between these very interesting concepts and general matter of interest, there is always the nuts and bolts of how it works, how much it will cost, whether it can be cost effective, if not this model what is a better model which could be more cost effective, these are the kinds of things on which we need expert level advice.

As I said, we have received some expert opinion from the Indian Ports Association. I will be discussing some of those issues with the Iranians and with the Afghans and then we will take it forward. What we would probably need is a kind of a Joint Working Group at experts’ level to take up what we mutually decide is probably the best way to go. But it’s early days yet.

Question: Going back to the Syrian issue that will be one of the agenda items in Tehran … (Inaudible)…Sharm el-Sheikh Summit but on the ground situation has evolved dramatically and a lot of things happened. … (Inaudible)… And on the other side, do you have any bilateral scheduled with any other delegation?

Foreign Secretary: Let me clarify. What I read out was not from the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit but it was from the Sharm el-Sheikh Senior Officials / Ministerial Meeting which was held I think two months ago. That Senior Officials Meeting prepared the document which should be now the document which is the outcome of the Tehran Summit. We have not been told that that language anyone is seeking to change. That language, as I read out to you, is based on the desire of the international community and the NAM itself that there should be peace and reconciliation in Syria, that the former United Nations and Arab League Joint Special Envoys Plan with its six-point agenda is endorsed and supported, and that the Syrian Government’s acceptance of the plan is a very positive development. So, that is the position.

Certainly during the general debate we expect that various leaders will express their own views. We would certainly express our view which is already known from our position which we have clarified every time the matter has come up for discussion, and we have said this also in our bilateral engagements that we would like to see a Syrian-led, inclusive process for reform and change in Syria to bring an end to the current conflict. We believe the international community’s role should be to assist that Syrian-led process. In that the United Nations has a particular role to play. And that is why if you look at the record of our voting, we have voted consistently in favour of the United Nations having a role, whether it was through a monitoring mission or through support to the Joint Special Envoys. We will continue to take that position and support it.

I have said that we would certainly like to schedule a meeting with the President of Egypt. We have been told that possibly Mr. Halqi the Prime Minister of Syria, would also be coming to Tehran. The exact details we do not know. But when we are there we will see if there is a need and a possibility to have short meetings with other leaders. There would be one or two other leaders at Head of Government, Head of State level. In fact, in total we were told originally 30 countries are to be represented at Head of State, Head of Government level. We now understand the number may go up even higher. So, depending on who is there, what time available is, certainly Prime Minister would like to engage in discussions with this. Our position has always been in terms of trying to win support for an outcome which helps the Syrian people achieve their own objectives.

Question: So far as this nuclear policy of Iran, there is a lot of push and pull in the global scenario. I want to know what India’s position is before this visit. There is a theory that for nuclear deterrence it is better to be a nuclear Iran. It is a developing situation. So, I want to know the latest position of India before this visit?

Foreign Secretary: In the NAM itself there is no specific reference to Iran per se. There is a discussion relating to peaceful uses of nuclear energy. I will just mention it because this is significant and it leads on to the second part of your question.  

Question: Sir, bilateral meeting also.

Foreign Secretary: Yes, but let me finish this, if I may because it leads on, as I said, to the bilateral. The Heads of State and Government took note of the adoption of what is being discussed in the IAEA Board of Governors, etc., etc., and then it says at the end, “The Heads of State and Government emphasize that decisions should be made by consensus with the participation of all IAEA members states, and that the decisions of the IAEA must be consistent with its statute without any prejudice to the inalienable right of its member states to research, develop and use for peaceful purposes, of nuclear sciences in all its aspect including the inalienable right of each state party, if it so decides, to develop for peaceful purposes a full national nuclear fuel cycle in accordance with its rights and obligations under the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons”. This is the language which has emerged.

In effect, this is precisely the language we have used in all discussions relating to the Iranian nuclear programme. This has been our position, it has been explained in the IAEA, we believe that there is a right of each state party to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, and this has to be done in a manner which accords with both their rights and their obligations which they themselves have entered into.
…
Question: I just wanted to know if the Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline is off the board because it is no longer talked about.

Foreign Secretary: I think it has been talked about. Would you like to mention it?

Joint Secretary (PAI): This issue was dealt in the Joint Working Group between India and Iran, which is having its next meeting next month in Delhi. It is the Joint Working Group on Hydrocarbons. …

Official Spokesperson: Thank you very much. With that we come to the end of this interaction.
(Concluded)
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

44. Intervention by Mr. S. M. Krishna, Minister of External Affairs, at the Interactive Debate on ‘Lasting Peace through Joint Global Governance’ At the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement, Tehran, 28 August 2012
Mr. Chairman,
Excellencies and Distinguished delegates,

At the outset, allow me to extend my warm congratulations to the distinguished Foreign Minister of Iran on his election as Chair of this meeting. I thank our Iranian hosts for their gracious hospitality and excellent arrangements made for this Summit.

As we deliberate today in Tehran, I also recall the shared civilizational linkages and interaction between the peoples of our two countries.

I also wish to convey our sincere appreciation to the Government of Egypt for their able stewardship of the Movement over the past three years, amidst a period of profound democratic transition in the country.

The theme of our debate is significant and timely. In today’s increasingly inter-connected and interdependent world, the destinies of nations are more inextricably linked than at any other time in our history. While the process of globalization has offered us immense opportunities, it has also accentuated the challenges, which are much more complex, multidimensional and trans-national in nature.

Mr. Chairman, the central challenges of our times relate to management of the global economy and finance, securing stable food and energy supplies, poverty alleviation, eradicating hunger and deprivation, tackling pandemics, raising literacy levels, ensuring sustainable development and coping with climate change. Equally serious challenges are posed by terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, piracy, drug trafficking, organized crime and other threats to international peace and security.

Developing countries have been disproportionately impacted by the uncertainties in the current global economic environment. The global economic recovery continues to falter. The situation in the Euro zone has made matters even more difficult. At this juncture, enhanced international policy coordination is necessary to maintain macroeconomic stability conducive to the healthy recovery of the global economy.

With 80% of the world’s population and about 90% of the world’s youth living in developing countries, the challenges of growth and development facing us are immense. We need to impart our youth with the necessary technical skills. We need to create job opportunities to foster rapid economic growth.

Mr. Chairman, attainment of the Millennium Developmental Goals (MDGs) is fundamental to our quest for inclusive, equitable and sustained global growth. Given the halting progress that we have achieved so far, it would be important to maintain our focus on MDGs beyond 2015, entailing enhanced financial and technological support for developing countries.

Nowhere in the world are the development challenges as stark as in the African continent. The Movement must continue to work towards ensuring Africa’s primacy in the development Agenda. On our part, we are scaling up our development assistance bilaterally as well as within the framework of India-Africa Summits and South-South cooperation. We must work towards preserving the centrality of the development agenda in the Doha round of multilateral trade negotiations.

The imperatives of ensuring Sustainable Development and addressing Climate Change are greater than ever before. Recently, we had a successful conclusion of the RIO+20 Conference. It is important that we make all possible efforts to realize the outcome in letter and on the basis of the accepted principle of common but differentiated responsibility and equity. More importantly, we need to firmly anchor the role of the developing world in the decision making processes.

Mr. Chairman, terrorism is the biggest scourge of our times targeting the socio-economic fabric of our pluralistic societies. We need to raise the fight against terrorism to a higher level. There should be zero tolerance towards terrorism. It is high time that we demonstrate the necessary political will and agree on a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations. Piracy off the coast of Somalia has brought immense human sufferings while posing a serious threat to sea-lanes of maritime commerce. We need concerted international action to combat this menace, preferably under the aegis of the UN.

The Movement needs to play a more active and advocacy role in efforts aimed at achieving universal nuclear disarmament and a world free of all nuclear weapons. The apparent failings of the present global governance architecture have further constrained our ability to respond to global challenges. The time has come for the developed and the developing countries to work together on the basis of universally recognized norms of international law and multilateral decision making to deal with the challenges and the opportunities before the world today.

Mr. Chairman, we need approaches which are inclusive, transparent and firmly anchored in multilateralism to navigate these challenges. It is our considered view that the United Nations stands best placed to play a central role in this regard. We need to redouble our efforts towards a more democratic, equitable, and legitimized international architecture that reflects contemporary realities.

India remains convinced that until comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council is undertaken, the overall reform of the UN can only be regarded as piecemeal and incomplete. We also need a more representative international financial architecture, with an increase in the voice and representation of the developing countries. The current slow pace of quota and governance reforms in the IMF must be expedited.

Since the beginning of 2011, people’s profound yearning for playing a greater role in their political, social and economic lives has been sweeping parts of West Asia and North Africa. In dealing with legitimate aspirations, it is necessary that all sides shun recourse to violence. Changes brought about by non-violent, inclusive political processes are not only enduring but also promote social cohesion and stability.

In this context, we are deeply concerned at developments in Syria, which have the potential to spill over beyond Syria’s borders. Further militarization of the conflict must, therefore, be avoided. We reiterate our support for a Syrian-led inclusive political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of all sections of Syrian society and respects Syria’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Mr. Chairman, developments in West Asia and North Africa should not sideline the Palestinian issue. We continue to support the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to a state of their own based on the pre-1967 border with East Jerusalem as its capital living side by side and in peace with Israel. We also continue to support Palestine’s application for membership of the United Nations.

The diversity of our Movement is our biggest strength. We respect each other’s paths to development, distinct cultural traditions and have an abiding faith in peaceful co-existence. India’s former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi quite aptly described NAM as the largest peace movement in the world.

For further strengthening our Movement, we need to build on areas of commonality and effectively exploit the synergies amongst its vast membership. I am confident that our deliberations during the course of this Summit would be helpful in evolving a contemporary and compelling vision for our Movement.
Source: Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York

45. Prime Minister’s Statement prior to his departure for Tehran for the XVI NAM Summit, New Delhi, 28 August 2012
I am leaving today to attend the XVI NAM Summit in Tehran at the invitation of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

India is a founder member of the Non-Aligned Movement. During the entire period of the Cold War and its ideological and military confrontation across the Iron Curtain, the Non-Aligned Movement constituted a voice of reason and sanity. Our grouping, while avoiding entanglement in a destructive and wasteful confrontation so as to be able to purse economic and social development, was nevertheless at the forefront of promoting mutual understanding and lessening of tensions. I will emphasize at the Summit that those original wellsprings of our Movement continue to remain relevant, especially in a world where the global economy remains in crisis and the geo-political landscape continues to be transformed in uncertain and unpredictable ways.

There is widespread recognition that the outdated structures of global governance have not been able to keep pace with contemporary political and economic challenges. Many of these challenges, such as the worsening situation in Syria, a persistent global economic slowdown, and other new and emerging threats, require credible trans-national action. The theme of the XVI NAM Summit – Lasting Peace through Joint Global Governance – is thus extremely relevant. I will stress that our Movement should provide a strong political impetus to the ongoing efforts to reform and democratize global governance structures, which are critical to tackle these challenges more effectively.

The diversity and size of membership of NAM presents a tremendous potential for collaboration and cooperation amongst us to resolve shared developmental challenges. It is important that our Movement catalyzes such opportunities for mutual benefit. India will continue with its contributions in these endeavours of South-South cooperation.

During my visit to Tehran, I will also hold bilateral meetings with the Iranian leadership and with leaders of various other NAM countries participating in the Summit. I look forward to the opportunity to review our respective bilateral relations with these countries. I also look forward to exchanging views on regional and global issues with many of my counterparts.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

46. Transcript of the Media Briefing by Foreign Secretary in Tehran on Prime Minister’s meetings in Iran, New Delhi, 30 August 2012
Official Spokesperson (Mr. Syed Akbaruddin): Thank you all for being very patient and waiting. Both our Ambassador and Foreign Secretary will make a brief opening statement each. After that, if you have any questions they will answer those. I will first ask Ambassador to make his opening remarks followed by which Foreign Secretary will make his opening remarks, so that you will get the entire picture of our activities.

Indian Ambassador to Iran (Mr. D.P. Srivastava): Good evening.

India-Iran relations go back to more than two thousand years. You may be interested to know that while it is well known that Urdu has Persian parentage, not many are aware that there is a strong belief, that the roots of Farsi can be traced to Sanskrit.

Coming to the visit, this was the sixth Prime Minister’s visit. The earlier visits were bilateral. This visit took place on the margins of NAM Summit. Before the Summit segment there was an official meeting and there was a Ministerial segment. Foreign Secretary had a trilateral meeting with Iran and Afghanistan on Chabahar. Our External Affairs Minister met Dr. Salehi. During these two meetings the entire spectrum of bilateral relations including commercial, economic, political, consular, were discussed. Prime Minister had made a call on the President. This was followed by meeting with the Supreme Leader.

During these two meetings, both sides recalled our historical relations, cultural links, and the Prime Minister expressed our support to Iran’s Chairmanship of NAM. I will stop here and I will request Foreign Secretary to speak.

Foreign Secretary (Mr. Ranjan Mathai): I would just like to add one word and then I will come to Pakistan because I know that is of interest.

PM’s meeting with the President of Iran was in fact a full-fledged official meeting with delegations, a full bilateral meeting. It was not in the nature of a courtesy call. PM made a call on the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Uzma, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei. I would like to mention that in that call – it is, I think important to reflect on this – the Supreme Leader of Iran spoke about the deep-rooted civilizational ties between India and Iran which go well beyond the state of our bilateral relations. I know that Akbar has given you some briefing yesterday. But I thought there were two-three remarks which were very very significant in that. He recalled his own readings of Indian history, his appreciation for Gandhiji’s struggle, and his belief that Nehru was in fact the founder of the Non-Aligned Movement, and the wellsprings of that foundation really came from the beliefs and the struggles which were led by both Gandhiji and Nehru in India’s own Independence Struggle. So, that was the kind of background.

He also made a very interesting comment about contemporary India. He said, “We want sincere and deep-rooted relations”. Then speaking about his own experience he mentioned that he had been on a street called Ali Kabir Street here; he had seen members of the Sikh community who live in this country and who run businesses here. He had gone into one of those shops - this was many years ago - and he had been presented some books. So, he had some idea about the Sikh religion and the diversity of religions in India. He had in 1981 visited India and seen some of this for himself. He said that he believed that religious diversity was important and should not harm India’s national unity; sectarian feuds should be avoided; and there is a need for harmony among all groups.

He then made a very interesting statement. He said, “It is important and valuable to us in Iran for India to have stability and power”. I think this is the kind of background which reflects the deep-rooted civilizational ties between our two countries, and the deep understanding which the Iranian leadership has of the nature of Indian society, our polity and what we stand for.
….
Finally, PM also had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Syria, who called on PM and he explained in detail the ongoing situation in that country, the efforts made by the leadership of that country to undertake a reform process and the difficulties it faced because of the continuing violence, which the Syrian leader said, is instigated from outside. PM reiterated what he has mentioned already in his NAM address, which is that India believes in a Syrian-led, inclusive political dialogue is the only way forward. And he also expressed support for the efforts of Lakhdar Brahimi, who has been appointed as the Joint Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General and the Arab League, to undertake a process of good offices and mediation.

Official Spokesperson: We open the floor now to any questions that any of you may have on either what Ambassador Dinkar Srivastava said or the Foreign Secretary.
….
Question: I have two questions. The Prime Minister was on the dais today. I do not know whether in Sharm el-Sheikh or in Cuba it is a normal practice as a founder member of NAM. Secondly, did Syria walk out? Al Jazeera and Reuters have done stories on that. Do you consider it … (Inaudible)… We do not have the information whether they have walked out or not walked out. Can you tell us for certain?

Foreign Secretary: I will answer the second question first. It is certainly not our business, but the Syrian delegation was sitting immediately behind us in the hall, and when we turned around we did not see them there during one of the speeches. So, clearly there was a walkout at one stage. But I do not want to make it an India issue at all. But I happened to be seated just in front of them. So, I noticed it.

As regards the seating arrangement and the fact that PM was on the dais, I was not present either at Sharm el-Sheikh or Havana. You would probably have been there. So, you have the advantage over me. What I know is that when the Iranian leadership was speaking to us prior to the actual meeting, we had actually no indication that this seating arrangement was going to be made. But they emphasized one thing that among the founders of the Non-Aligned Movement, India was the only country present in Iran at the Head of Government level. This was mentioned as a fact in appreciation of our presence. Sorry I need to clarify that. When I say that, it is apart from Egypt which is already in the Chair. So, these were the two countries along with Indonesia and Ghana and former Yugoslavia who were the founding members of NAM. But this is a decision that the Iranian Conference managers took.
…
Official Spokesperson: Thank you very much. With that we end this interaction.
(Concluded)
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

47. Prime Minister's Statement at the XVI Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, Tehran, 30 August 2012
I congratulate His Excellency Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on assuming the Chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement. Mr. Chairman, India will extend its full cooperation to Iran as it leads the Movement over the next three years.

I also express my appreciation to Egypt for its stewardship of the Movement since the last Summit, even though Egypt has been in the midst of profound domestic change.

Mr. Chairman, the Non-Aligned Movement, representing the large majority of humankind, has been a powerful force for the promotion of global peace, security and development. Our shared objectives of working together to preserve our strategic space, ensure our social and economic development and strive for a more just and equitable world order remain as true and relevant today as they were in the past.

Mr. Chairman, your chosen theme for our Summit – Lasting Peace through Joint Global Governance - is timely. Today’s structures for global governance remain driven by the power equations of the past. It is not surprising that they have proved inadequate in dealing with the economic and political crises of our present.

The deficit in global governance is perhaps most stark in the sphere of international peace and security and in restoring just and fair economic and financial mechanisms.

The West Asian and North African region is undergoing profound change. As the world’s largest democracy, India supports popular aspirations for a democratic and pluralistic order. Nevertheless, such transformations cannot be prompted by external intervention, which exacerbate the suffering of ordinary citizens. The deteriorating situation in Syria is a matter of particular concern. Our Movement should take a stand on the issue in keeping with universally accepted principles. We should urge all parties to recommit themselves to resolving the crisis peacefully through a Syrian-led inclusive political process that can meet the legitimate aspirations of all Syrian citizens.

The Non-Aligned Movement has always championed the cause of the Palestinian people. Today, we should renew our pledge to support an early resolution of the Palestinian question, so that the long suffering people of Palestine can live in peace and dignity in a state of their own.

Mr. Chairman, in the past, individually we may have had little economic and military clout but the collective voice and reasoned interventions of our Movement commanded respect and credibility. That voice should again find true expression on a variety of issues.

We need new instruments of global governance to confront cross-cutting and trans-national challenges through coordinated global action. These include international terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the menace of maritime piracy, the growing threat to cyber security and the growing challenge of pursuing ecologically sustainable development while ensuring energy, water and food security.

Our Movement should take the lead in building global governance structures that are representative, credible and effective. It is my sincere hope that the Movement can agree on action to reform institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, the World Bank and the IMF. Existing problems cannot be solved effectively without a greater voice for developing countries on issues such as global trade, finance and development.

Developing countries can be drivers of global growth. International financial institutions should therefore be encouraged to fund infrastructure development in the developing world in innovative ways. We should also urge that the current economic crisis should not lead to a dilution of development assistance flows from the developed world to the developing countries.

While we come together on the international stage, it is equally important for us to collaborate among ourselves in tackling problems and developing solutions that are best suited to our own circumstances.

For example, the developing world is rich in renewable sources of energy like solar power We should use our financial and intellectual resources to develop renewable energy technologies that get less attention in the industrialized world where the resource base is different. Adoption of these technologies will also enable us to contribute to preservation of the environment. We can learn from each other in this effort.

Similarly, food security is a basic problem for many of our countries. Excessive speculation, structural bottlenecks and lack of coordination are fuelling food inflation at the global level. Our Movement should push for effective food policy coordination and cooperation at the global level in areas such as agricultural productivity, weather forecasting and research and development.

Perhaps most relevant for us is to focus on investing in the knowledge economy and building our human resources. When faced with our unique developmental challenges, our youth have the creativity and energy to find solutions that are innovative, frugal and affordable. However, we need to provide them skills and equip them to find productive employment in a rapidly changing and inter-connected global economy. India would be happy to contribute to a NAM initiative on skill development, particularly focused on the knowledge economy.

Mr. Chairman, the African continent provided the intellectual wellspring for many of the leaders of the Non Aligned Movement. The growth of NAM and decolonization in Africa progressed almost hand in hand. Africa therefore has a special place in NAM. India’s own strategic partnership with Africa is premised on making the people of Africa its primary beneficiaries. The India-Africa Forum Summit thus provides for an ambitious programme of pan-African institution-building to enhance our multi-faceted cooperation. I invite interested NAM members to work with us in areas of priority to Africa.

Nearly two decades ago, India embarked on a “Look East” policy in an endeavour to learn and benefit from and contribute to the evolution of a new Asian economic community to our East. However, the progress, prosperity, well being, political stability and plurality of the Asia to our West have always been of equal historical and civilizational significance for us. A West Asian region that can realize its full developmental potential, live in peace and harmony and join the comity of democratic and plural societies will contribute enormously to human progress and peace in the 21st Century.

Mr. Chairman, let me conclude by thanking you for this opportunity to renew our Movement’s collective endeavour for peace and prosperity which is needed in our troubled planet today. Even as our members have differing views on different issues, our sense of common destiny and solidarity unites us and gives us a common sense of purpose. I am certain that our deliberations will be helpful in restoring this historic Movement to its rightful place on the international stage.
I thank you.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

48. Transcript of on board media interaction of Prime Minister en route from Tehran to New Delhi, New Delhi, 31 August 2012
Prime Minister of India (Dr. Manmohan Singh): Ladies and gentlemen, as you know, I came to Tehran to attend the NAM Summit. My speech at the Plenary Session of the Summit has already been circulated and you must have gone through it.

In addition I had a meeting with the Supreme Leader, and also with President Ahmadinejad to review the state of our bilateral relations. I was particularly struck by what the Supreme Leader told me about his interest and involvement in Indian affairs. He recalled the influence that Mahatma Gandhi had on him, the role that Jawaharlal Nehru played in India’s freedom struggle, his visit to India in 1980-81, meetings with Mrs. Gandhi, visiting various other parts of our country including Hyderabad.

And what I was more struck was his statement that a country of India’s great diversity, different languages, different religions, has greater chances of achieving its national goals, if there is growing respect for tolerance and respect for diversity. He said that is the way of the future, human civilization is moving in that direction, and what India is trying to achieve is truly remarkable.

In addition, with President Ahmadinejad I reviewed the state of our bilateral relations. And there is lot of interest in doing business with India and getting Indian investment in infrastructure. There are of course difficulties imposed by western sanction, but subject to that I think we will explore ways and means of developing our relations with Iran.

I had also on the sidelines meetings with President Zardari of Pakistan, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister of Nepal, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, President Morsi of Egypt, the Crown Prince of Jordan, and several other world leaders, including the new Prime Minister of Syria who called on me and explained to me his Government’s point of view about developments in Syria.

I think all these matters have been reported to you and you have been briefed about that by the Foreign Secretary. If there are any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

I am sorry I forgot to mention my meeting with President Karzai of Afghanistan.

Question (Mr. Jagdish Chandra, ETV Network): Sir, Foreign Secretary also briefed us about your excellent meeting with the Supreme Leader where he was very appreciative of India’s 2000 year old relationship with Iran, and you also told us about it. Did he seek any intervention of India to sort out any of their issues with America? Would you like to tell us something more about your meeting with the Supreme Leader? Did he seek your intervention to sort out their issues with any other country?

Prime Minister: There is no issue of India intervening to solve any problems in which Iran is involved. It was a philosophical discussion. The relations between our countries which go back to centuries old ties of culture, civilization, language, religion, the continuing relevance of what India is trying to achieve, a country with composite culture trying to make sense of diversity of our people to create a sense of unity amidst diversity. He was very appreciative of these things.
…
Question (Mr. Upendra Rai, Sahara News Network): In your NAM address you touched on two points. One was food security and the other was cyber terrorism. For food security you said that you look for international cooperation. What kind of international cooperation do you look for? And on cyber terrorism, on our domestic front we need more domestic legal framework because we do not have any comprehensive cyber policy in our country.

Prime Minister: I agree, you are right. I have been asking my National Security Advisor to zero in on the gaps in evolving a viable cyber policy to tackle the menace of cyber terrorism.

As far as food security is concerned, we would like the world to cooperate more in increasing agricultural productivity. Particularly in the countries of Africa there is enormous scope for increasing agricultural production. Our India-Africa Forum Summit seeks to use India’s capabilities to bring them to bear on improving agricultural productivity wherever there is a demand on the part of African countries. At the same time technology can be a very important source of increasing food production, food productivity. Better weather forecasting can itself help in putting in place early warning systems whether they are floods or droughts. The biotechnology has also very important role to play and the nations of the world should cooperate with each other to make success of the efforts of biotechnology to bring about another Green Revolution. In the twenty-first century, water is going to be the most important, I think critical, inputs in development processes. So, how to economize water use, how to use modern technologies of irrigation, sprinkler irrigation as against flow irrigation? What countries like Israel have done have morals for many other countries. So, on a whole gamut of issues the NAM countries can cooperate but the NAM countries can enlarge their mandate to work together with other parts of the globe to increase agricultural production.
…
Question (Dr Bharat Agarwal, Dainik Bhaskar): Sir, my question is related to NAM visit. The neo conservative blog media repeatedly claims Iran as a rogue state with nuclear capabilities. Do you see this NAM Summit as a slap to US or Israel? If not, then why not, Sir?

Prime Minister: NAM Summit is not meant to be a slap to any one country. NAM has a set agenda. This was the Sixteenth Summit. Iran has been chosen as the Chairperson. Therefore, it is only appropriate that the Summit should meet in Iran, which is a very important country in our region and in the developing world. The Iranians have a very proud civilization. They have many things to contribute to the world. And, therefore, meeting in Tehran has no more or no less significance than the fact that Iran being a member of NAM in good standing is hosting the Summit.
…
Official Spokesperson: Thank you.
(Concluded)
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

Note: One Lakh= 100,000; One Crore= 10 Millions

Compiled by Alvite N

Alvite N is a Doctoral candidate at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Email

As part of the policy, the MEI@ND standardizes spellings and date format to make the text uniformly accessible and stylistically consistent. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views/positions of the MEI@ND. Editor, MEI@ND P R Kumaraswamy