Bilateral Issues
a. EGYPT
1. India Participates on PLASTEX 2012, Cairo, 11 September 2012
Fourteen Indian companies participated in the 13th International African-Arabian Exhibition for Plastics Industries “PLASTEX 2012” was held in Cairo International Conference Centre from 6-9 Sept. 2012.
 
PLASTEX is one of the leading international trade fair dedicated to the Plastic Machinery, Components, Raw materials and chemicals for plastic industries.  In addition to the local companies, more than 195 foreign companies from 25 Countries have participated in the above mentioned exhibition (58 companies from China, 46 from Taiwan, 29 from Italy, 16 from Germany, 14 from India, rest of the companies from Austria, Canada, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, K.S.A, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, U.A.E, U.K, and U.S.A).  The fourteen Indian companies are manufacturing and exporting Plastic Machinery, Moulds, Compounds, Master batches, chemicals, additive for Plastic Industries and Plastic products, some of them having their Egyptian customers and exporting regularly to the Egyptian Market and the other are participating for the first time to explore the possibility and opportunity to export their products into Egypt.
 
Egypt total Import of Plastics and Articles during the eleven months of the Egyptian Financial Year (July 2011 to May 2012) was US$ 2,975 million, out of which US$ 55.5 million was imported from India.
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

2. Ambassador of India in Cairo calls on H. E. Dr. Hisham Qandil, Prime Minister of Egypt, Cairo, 24 September 2012
Ambassador Navdeep Suri called on H.E. Dr. Hisham Qandil, Prime Minister of Egypt on 23 September 2012. At the meeting, Ambassador Suri briefed the Prime Minister on the multi-faced cooperation between India and Egypt particularly our economic engagements.

Over 50 Indian companies have invested roughly US $ 2.5 billion in Egypt providing employment opportunities to over 35,000 gyptians. No Indian company left Egypt after the revolution. In fact, five Indian companies have decided to bring in new investments into Egypt after the 2011 revolution. Bilateral trade has witnessed rapid growth and is expected to cross the US $ 4 billion mark this year. Indian tourists continue to visit Egypt and more than 110,000 tourists from India visited Egypt in 2011. More than 100 Egyptian officials and expert go to India to train in various fields. India and Egypt are expanding the Pan-African Network for tele-education and tele-medicine at Alexandria University. The two countries will soon light up villages in Matrouh Governorate using solar technology and will together upgrade a vocational training centre in Shoubra El Kheima, Cairo.
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

3. Celebration of Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) day in Cairo, Cairo, 27 September 2012
ITEC day will be celebrated in Cairo on 27 September 2012 at India House.  H.E. Dr. Ashref Al Sayed Al Arabi, Hon’ble Minister of Planning and International Cooperation will be the Guest of Honour. The function will be attended by a large number of Egyptian officials and nationals who have been trained in various courses organized under the ITEC programme in India.  

Launched in 1964 as a programme of cooperation and partnership from India to address the needs of friendly developing countries including in the human resource development, Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme is an important component of India’s economic relations with Egypt.  Under this programme of cooperation and partnership, India shares its technical expertise with Egypt.  The scheme offers training in over 250 courses in prestigious educational, technical and vocational institutes in India in a variety of fields ranging from information technology to management, vocational training, banking, finance, English language and so on.

Around 300 Egyptian scholars have attended various short-term training courses in the last few years under the ITEC and related programmes.  Encouraged by the considerable interest in Egypt in the programme, the Government of India has decided to offer around 100 ITEC slots to Egyptian officials and nationals on a yearly basis.
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

b. IRAN
4. Insurance coverage of Indian ships carrying Iranian crude, New Delhi, 4 September 2012
Question:
(a) Whether it is a fact that the Western Insurance Companies which cover Indian ships transporting Iranian crude have decided to withdraw from August to tighten sanctions against Iran;
(b) If so, the details thereof;
(c) Whether Government has directed public sector insurers to cover Indian ships carrying crude from Iran;
(d) If so, the details thereof;
(e) Whether the move is aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted supply; and
(f) If so, the details thereof?

Answer
The Minister of Shipping (Mr. G.K. Vasan)
(a): Yes, Madam. The insurance companies based in European Union (EU) regulated region have decided to withdraw the Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance cover effective from 1st July 2012.
(b): The European Union (EU) had issued Council Regulation Number 267/2012 dated 23rd March 2012 concerning restrictive measures against Iran which, inter-alia, include prohibition of providing directly or indirectly, financing or financial assistance including financial derivatives, as well as insurance and re-insurance related to the import, purchase or transport of crude oil, petroleum products and petrochemical products.

Since the International Group of P&I Clubs, who provide these insurance covers to Indian ship owners, are based in EU region, they are bound by the Regulation and therefore, no cover is available for transportation of crude oil and petroleum products from Iran w.e.f. 1st July 2012.

(c) to (f): The Government had suggested to the public sector insurers and General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC) to extend insurance/re-insurance cover to Indian flagships for importing crude oil from Iran to India subject to due diligence of assets and fixing up of premium accordingly as is done in normal course. GIC has informed that the insurance cover has been provided by the public sector insurance companies for US$ 50 million each for Hull & Machinery and P&I cover. The step taken by the Government is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted supply of crude oil from Iran.
Source:  Rajya Sabha (Council of States), Unstarred Question No. 2663 asked by Mr. S. Thangavelu

5. Insurance Coverage of Indian Ships Carrying Iranian Crude, New Delhi, 4 September 2012
The insurance companies based in European Union (EU) regulated region have decided to withdraw the Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance cover effective from 1st July 2012.

The European Union (EU) had issued Council Regulation Number 267/2012 dated 23 March 2012 concerning restrictive measures against Iran which, inter-alia, include prohibition of providing directly or indirectly, financing or financial assistance including financial derivatives, as well as insurance and re-insurance related to the import, purchase or transport of crude oil, petroleum products and petrochemical products. Since the International Group of P&I Clubs, who provide these insurance covers to Indian ship-owners, are based in EU region, they are bound by the Regulation and therefore, no cover is available for transportation of crude oil and petroleum products from Iran w.e.f. 1 July 2012.

The Government had suggested to the public sector insurers and General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC) to extend insurance/re-insurance cover to Indian flagships for importing crude oil from Iran to India subject to due diligence of assets and fixing up of premium accordingly as is done in normal course. GIC has informed that the insurance cover has been provided by the public sector insurance companies for US$ 50 million each for Hull & Machinery and P&I cover. The step taken by the Government is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted supply of crude oil from Iran.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Shipping, Mr. G.K. Vasan in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Source: Press Informational Bureau, New Delhi

c. ISRAEL
6. Secretary Textiles Inaugurates Buyer Seller Meet in Tel AVIV, Israel, New Delhi, 6 September 2012
Chairman AEPC Signed a MoU with Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute

In a bid to target the Middle East Market Apparel Market, Apparel Export Promotion Council is organized a Buyer Seller Meet in Tel Aviv, Israel from 5 – 6 September 2012. This is for the first time the Council is organizing such a huge event in the Middle East region. The Textile and Apparel Show in Israel was inaugurated on 5 September 2012, by Secretary (Textiles), Government of India Mrs. Kiran Dhingra, in Tel Aviv Exhibition Centre. The show was organized by Apparel Export Promotion Council of India. Speaking on the occasion, Dr A. Sakthivel, Chairman AEPC said, “Israel is an important market and with the India- Israel FTA in the anvil, we are hopeful of increased trade between the two countries. AEPC for the first time is organizing a Buyer Seller Meet in Israel to capture not only the Israel apparel market but also US $ 11 billion apparel market of Middle East region."

The first day of the two-day show, from 5-6 September 2012 in Tel Aviv, saw over 140 buyers from leading retail chains like Delta, Fox, Co op Israel, Matimli and Crazy line. Dr Yuli Tamir, President, Shenker College of Engineering & Design besides many leading fashion designers were also present on the occasion.

On the occasion, a high-level delegation has also been mounted with the aim of exploring areas of cooperation between Israel and Indian in the areas of Textiles and Apparel. Taking this mission forward, Chairman AEPC signed a MoU with Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute today. Mr Ramzi Gabby, Chairman of IEICI signed on behalf of the Institute. The MoU is aimed at enhancing trade and economic relation by expanding business and cooperation in the sphere of clothing & fashion industries, innovative technologies and possible solutions for the textile industry. AEPC and IEICI will be working towards facilitating linkages of appropriate organizations that can contribute in furthering apparel trade. Chairman AEPC was hopeful that the MoU will go a long way in knowledge transfer for mutual enhancement of trade.

Israel’s RMG Imports:
Israel`s RMG Imports, US$ Million
Import From World: 949.91058.81278.320.7
Import From India: 18.419.034.481.3
India`s Share in Percentage: 1.91.82.750.1
Source: UN Comtrade, 2012
(It can be seen from the above exports figures that there is a tremendous potential of export of readymade garments to Israel)      

Israel is the only country in the world that has FTAs with both the U.S. and the EU, making it a bridge between the continents. By virtue of the North American Free Trade Area agreement (NAFTA), Israel also enjoys duty-free access to Canada and Mexico. This agreement, together with the Israel-Mexico FTA (which became effective in the summer of 2000), allows Israel duty-free access to practically all of North America. Israel also has FTAs with Jordan, Egypt, Turkey and the Palestinian Authority.

Apparel Trade of Israel
India is significant trade partner of Israel. Though India has a trade deficit in comparison to Israel, however, prospects for trade relations are high. Israel in terms of Apparel imports has been ranked as 31st largest importer in world with a share of 0.3% of total world apparel import. India is ranked as eighth largest supplier of apparel to Israel with the share of 2 percent in 2011. India’ export in 2011 was to the tune of US$ 21.6 million, which had increased by 14 percent from previous year. However, share of India’s apparel export in Israel apparel import is less than 2 percent.
Source: Press Information Bureau, New Delhi

7. Mr. Jaideep Sarkar appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Israel, New Delhi, 27 September 2012
Mr. Jaideep Sarkar, presently Joint Secretary at Headquarters, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Israel.
He is expected to take up his assignment shortly.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

d. KUWAIT
8. Hindi Diwas celebrated at Embassy of India, Kuwait, 16 September 2012
Fourteen September is observed every year as “Hindi Diwas” across India. On the occasion of Hindi Diwas, a function was organized at the Embassy of India, Kuwait in which Embassy officials as well as their family members including children participated. The function was inaugurated by Mr. Vidhu P. Nair, Charge d’ Affaires, who spoke on the relevance of Hindi and the need to promote its use. This was followed by competitions in Hindi including composition/speech for adults and recitation/song for children.
The topics for composition this year were:
• Pravasi Bhartiya aur Hindi
• Olympics mein Bhartiya Khiladiyon Ki Badti Bhagidari
• Bharat ke Swadhinata Sangram Mein Tatkalin Pramukh Netao Ka Yogdan
• Bharat ki Rashtriya Nadi Ganga ko Pradushanrahit evam Paryavaran ke Anukul Kis Prakar Banaya Jaye

The topics for recitation this year were:
• Nature
• Patriotism.
The event witnessed impressive performance by participants who creatively expressed themselves in Hindi. The best presentations received prizes from Mr. Vidhu P. Nair, Charge d’ Affaires. The programme was ably compeered by Mr. Manoj Kumar Mandal.
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

e. LIBYA
9. Greeting Letter from Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha to Hon’ble President of General National Congress of Libya, 13 September 2012
Excellency, it gives me great pleasure to felicitate you on your Excellency’s election as President of the National Congress at a crucial time when Libya is seeking to strengthen its democratic institutions.

I recall your association with India and look forward to working together in strengthening the ties of friendship binding our two countries and Parliaments in particular.

I extend my best wishes for Your Excellency’s good health and for success in your assignment and continued peace and prosperity for the friendly people of Libya.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
Warm Regards

Meira Kumar (Smt.) August 2012
His Excellency
Mr. Mohamed Yousef el-Magariaf
President of the National Congress of Libya
Tripoli
Source: Embassy of India, Tripoli

f. PALESTINE
10. State Visit of President of Palestine to India, New Delhi, 6 September 2012
President of Palestine, H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Abbas will be on a State Visit to India on 11 September 2012 which will be his fourth visit to India and second State Visit. He will be accompanied by a delegation comprising senior Ministers including Dr. Saeb M.S. Erakat, PLO Executive Committee Member, and Mr. Nabil G.O. Aburudainah, President’s Advisor. The visit includes inter-alia meeting with President, Delegation level talks with PM, calls by Vice President, and External Affairs Minister.

India's solidarity with the Palestinian people and its support for the Palestinian cause go back in time. India's empathy with the Palestinian cause and its friendship with the people of Palestine has become an integral part our foreign policy. India has extended its consistent and unwavering support to the Palestinian issue. 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 living within secure and recognized borders, side by side at peace with Israel as endorsed in the Quartet Roadmap and UNSC Resolutions 1397 & 1515. India has supported the Arab Peace Plan, which calls for withdrawal of Israel to pre-1967 borders, along with recognition of Israel and the establishment of the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. India has called for an end to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories and had welcomed the ‘direct talks’ between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

India has always extended its support to Palestine in multilateral fora. India strongly supported the Palestinian application for membership of UN in 2011. India also supported Palestine in gaining membership in UNESCO in October 2011.

Apart from strong political support to the Palestinian cause at international, regional and bilateral levels, India has also been contributing, since long time, material and technical assistance to the Palestinian people. During the present visit, both sides will sign MOUs for cooperation in ICT, vocational training and constructing schools in Palestine.

The visit will also provide an opportunity for reviewing the entire gamut of bilateral relations, the Middle East Peace Process, regional and international issues of common concern and in particular the political turmoil in West Asia.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

11. State Visit of President of the Palestine to India, New Delhi, 9 September 2012
Ministry of External Affairs
(XP Division)
MOST IMMEDIATE/MEDIA ADVISORY
As on 09 September 2012 at 1500 hrs
State Visit of His Excellency Mr. Mahmoud Abbas President of the Palestine to India (10-12 September 2012)

Monday, 10 September 2012
1000 hrs Arrival Delhi
Venue: Receptorium, Air Force Station, Palam
(Photo-op: AV Media )

Tuesday, 11 September 2012
0900 hrs Ceremonial Reception
Venue : Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan
(Photo op: AV media)

0930 hrs Wreath Laying at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi
Venue: Rajghat
(Photo op: AV media)

1015 hrs Call by External Affairs Minister
Venue: Hotel The Leela Palace
(Photo op: AV Media)

1130 hrs Delegation Level Talks with Prime Minister
Venue: Hyderabad House
(Photo-op: AV media)

1230 hrs Signing of Agreement
Venue: Hyderabad House
(Photo-op: All media)

1245 hrs Press Statement
Venue: Hyderabad House
(All Media)

1630 hrs Call by Vice President
Venue: Hotel The Leela Palace
(Photo op: Agencies Only)

1930 hrs Call on the President
Venue: Rashtrapati Bhavan
(Photo op: Agencies only)
Wednesday, 12 September 2012

1400 hrs. Departure from New Delhi
Please note:
Media is requested to arrive 1(one) hr. before each event.
Access restricted to holders of PIB/organisation card only
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

12. Revised Media Advisory on the State Visit of President of the Palestine to India, New Delhi, 10 September 2012
Thank Ministry of External Affairs
(XP Division)
MOST IMMEDIATE/MEDIA ADVISORY
As on 10 September 2012 at 0930 hrs
State Visit of His Excellency Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestine National Authority of the State of Palestine to India (10-12 September 2012)
 
Monday, 10 September  2012
2100 hrs Arrival Delhi
Venue: Receptorium, Air Force Station, Palam
(Photo-op: AV Media )

Tuesday, 11 September 2012
0900 hrs Ceremonial Reception
Venue : Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan
(Photo op: AV media)

0930 hrs Wreath Laying at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi
Venue: Rajghat
(Photo op: AV media)

1015 hrs Call by the External Affairs Minister
Venue: Hotel The Leela Palace
(Photo op: AV Media)

1130 hrs Delegation Level Talks with Prime Minister
Venue: Hyderabad House
(Photo-op: AV media)

1230 hrs Signing of Agreement
Venue: Hyderabad House
(Photo-op: All media)

1245 hrs Press Statement
Venue: Hyderabad House
(All Media)

1630 hrs Call by the Vice President
Venue: Hotel The Leela Palace
(Photo op: Agencies Only)

1930 hrs Call on the President
Venue: Rashtrapati Bhavan
(Photo op: Agencies only)

Wednesday, 12 September 2012
1400 hrs. Departure from New Delhi
Please note:
Media is requested to arrive 1(one) hr. before each event.
Access restricted to holders of PIB/organisation card only
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

13. Prime Minister’s Media Statement during the State Visit of President of Palestine to India, New Delhi, 11 September 2012
Your Excellency, President Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian National Authority,
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media,

It is an honour for me to welcome President Mahmoud Abbas on his State Visit to India. He is no stranger to India and, indeed, we regard him as a very special friend.

President Abbas and I have held useful discussions aimed at further expanding and strengthening the India-Palestine partnership, which is rooted in history and flows from our national ethos.

Support for the Palestinian cause has been a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy. During our meeting, I reiterated India’s firm support for the struggle of the Palestinian people to achieve a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel.

India had played an active role in supporting the efforts of the State of Palestine to secure full membership status at UNESCO. We will continue to support Palestine’s bid for full and equal membership of the United Nations.

We also look forward to early resumption of peace talks between the Palestinians and Israelis leading to a comprehensive resolution between the two sides.

Bilaterally, India will continue to support the development and nation-building efforts of Palestine. The MOUs signed today are indicative of our commitment to contribute in the areas of Information & Communication Technology, vocational training and education.

The Government of India will also contribute US Dollar 10 million to Palestine’s budget for this year to help address its financial requirements.

Later today, President Abbas will inaugurate the new Palestinian Embassy building, which has been built with Indian support. The building is a symbol of the enduring friendship between our two countries and peoples.

President Abbas and I also exchanged views on regional developments, particularly the developments in the West Asian and the Gulf region. There is a great degree of similarity in our views. We both agree that the developments in the region must be addressed through political dialogue and peaceful means without recourse to violence and outside interference, while taking into account the legitimate aspirations of all people.

I look forward to working together with President Abbas to further carry forward our special bilateral relations.
I now invite President Abbas to make his remarks.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

g. SAUDI ARABIA
14. First Meeting of India-Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Defence Co-Operation, New Delhi, 10 September 2012
The first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation was held here today. The 11-member Saudi delegation was headed by Maj. Gen. Suleiman Saleh Al-Khalifa, Chief of the Armed Forces Operations of Saudi Arabia. The Indian delegation was headed by Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence.

The establishment of the Joint Committee had been decided during the meeting of the Defence Minister Mr. AK Antony with the Saudi Defence Minister (and now also Crown Prince) Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, during the Defence Minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia in February, 2012. The Joint Committee was mandated to formulate a programme to develop areas of cooperation between the defence establishments of both countries.

During the meeting, both sides expressed their interest in further enhancing defence exchanges and interactions between their armed forces. Proposals for exchange of high-level visits, training exchanges and functional exchanges in various areas were discussed and will be finalized over the coming weeks.
Source: Press Information Bureau

15. Saudi Agro Food 2012, New Delhi, 22 September 2012
Thirty-eight Indian companies are participating in the forthcoming Saudi Agro Food 2012 exhibition in Riyadh which is being organised at Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre from 24-27 September 2012 under the banner of India Trade   Promotion Organization (ITPO).

India’s huge agro resource base and a host of natural advantages make it a chosen destination for sourcing a variety of agricultural products. The total Indian agriculture exports were US$ 15599 million during 2011-12 (April-Feb), out of which, Saudi Arabia accounted for approximately US$ 1040 million during this period. Major products being exported to Saudi Arabia are rice, buffalo and sheep and goat meat, fresh and preserved fruits and vegetables, confectionery and other processed foods. The Saudi Agro Food 2012 will have a dedicated India Pavilion in Hall No. 4 to showcase Indian products like spices, pickles, instant mixes, agri-commodities, fresh fruits & vegetables, mango pulp, basmati & non basmati rice, frozen meat, processed meat, halal frozen boneless buffalo meat, grains, oil & oil seeds, foils & tissues paper products, ready to eat canned products, whole wheat atta, coconut juice, coconut oil, coconut milk, desiccated coconut, etc. The display of Indian products would be spread over in an area over 400 sq. metres. India attaches a lot of importance to the Saudi Arabian market and hence there would be a direct participation of Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India and Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Government of India this year.

India Trade Promotion Organisation is one of the premier trade promotion agencies of the Government of India. Equipped with a modern exhibition complex at Pragati Maidan and with its headquarter in New Delhi, ITPO is promoting trade through a wide gamut of activities ranging from fairs and exhibitions in India and abroad, overseas Buyer-Seller Meets and Contact Promotion Programmes for promotion of Indian merchandise through reputed department store chains and dissemination of information on products, markets, importers-exporters, etc. ITPO is an umbrella organization for coordinating the efforts of various bodies and institutions in so far as promotion of India’s trade is concerned.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority popularly known as APEDA is an apex body of the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, to promote the export of agricultural commodities and processed food products. APEDA links Indian exporters to global markets besides providing comprehensive export oriented services. It also provides referral services and suggests suitable partners for joint ventures. APEDA’s export basket includes pickles, chutneys, sauces, curries, rice, honey, fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, beverages, guar gum, poultry, meat and dairy products, confectionery, cut flowers, food grains, and aromatic plants and other Indian delicacies. It also assists its buyers with quality products acceptable in the international market supported by regular supply with improved infrastructure. Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India creates favourable environment for the food processing industry in India by providing policy support, promotional initiatives, physical facilities to promote value-added exports, creating more opportunities for value addition in agricultural produce, induction of modern technology into the food processing industries and minimizing wastage in the food processing chain by developing infrastructure for storage, transportation, and encouraging research and development in food processing.

Visitors to Saudi Agro-Food 2012 from 24-27 September 2012, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia are invited to visit the India Pavilion in Hall No. 4 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre to savour the incomparable Indian cuisine of Basmati rice and Processed Foods from India.

The visitors to the India Pavilion will benefit from the personal presence of selected and leading exporters of agro- products including rice, chutneys and pickles, ready-to-eat snacks, processed foods and other Indian delicacies. The senior officials from ITPO (Mr. Gunasekaran, Deputy General Manager), APEDA (Mr. S.S. Nayyar, General Manager), MOFPI (Mr. Pankaj Kumar, Director) and the Indian exhibitors would also be available to explain the unique characteristics of Indian food in detail and hold extended discussions on matters related to the subject including investment in Agro-food sector in India.
Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

h. UAE
16. New Locations of BLS International ltd Outsourcing agent for Indian passports and visas in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Abu Dhabi, 10 September 2012
BLS International Ltd., outsourcing agent for Indian passports and visas, has recently shifted its Premium Lounge Facility in Abu Dhabi to the address mentioned below:
M02, Building # 2202,
Hamad Obaid Hamad Ahmed Al Mehairi Building,
Al-Nahyan -2, Muroor Road
(Sixth Building from Mawaqif Customer Service Centre).

Passport Section of BLS International Services Ltd., processing passport applications for the Consulate General of India, Dubai is being relocated from its existing location at # 106, First Floor in Al Khaleej Centre, Bur Dubai to # S 118, Mezzainine Floor in the same building with effect from 8 September 2012 (8 AM).

There are no changes in the existing location of the Visa Application Centre of BLS International Services Ltd. Dubai, which will continue to function from # 105, First Floor at Al Khaliz Mall, Dubai. BLS Passport & Visa facilitation Centres located at Premium Lounge (Bank Street, Bur Dubai) and Dubai National Insurance Building, Port Saeed, DIERA, Dubai will also continue to function from their existing locations.
Source: Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi

i. YEMEN
17. Intervention by Ambassador Navjit Sarna, Additional Secretary, on Forth Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of Yemen Group, New York, 27 September 2012.
My delegation would like to congratulate the President of Yemen H.E. Abdel-Rabbuh Mansour Hadi and his team for their efforts to take Yemen towards a democratic, stable and secure future. We would also like to congratulate the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United Nations for the road map prepared by them for a peaceful political transition in Yemen, thereby preventing the country from entering into more serious uncertainty.

We recognize the extraordinary political, security, economic and humanitarian challenges currently being faced by Yemen. We also strongly condemn terrorist acts and violence in all their manifestations in Yemen. India stands by the people and Government of Yemen in their journey towards a secure, prosperous, and democratic future.

Excellencies, we believe that core focus in this group should be to assist the Government of Yemen in ensuring peace and stability and create a conducive environment to facilitate rebuilding of institutions and effectively addressing the dire economic and humanitarian crises. In this context, it is also extremely important that a serious and inclusive dialogue continues among all stakeholders in Yemen.

India's approach is to provide Yemen humanitarian aid and assist Yemen in capacity building. India's bilateral programme with Yemen for training and capacity building and providing assistance continues. In addition to our engagement under the 'Friends of Yemen Group', India would be happy to look at specific proposals for assistance from Government of Yemen, particularly in the field of training, capacity building, entrepreneurship development, Small and Medium Enterprises, Education and IT within our bilateral framework for cooperation. India is already supplying a crucial consignment of rice and wheat of US $ 2 million each to Yemen. India also stands ready to offer concessional Lines of Credit (LOCs) for projects and programmes considered urgent and necessary by Yemen once Feasibility Reports on such proposals can be made available to Government of India under the umbrella of Credit lines for LDCs already announced by India during the India-LDC Ministerial Conference in New Delhi in February 2011 and the UN LDC Meeting at Istanbul in May 2011.

Yet another avenue open to Yemen in accessing the assistance is the Indian-Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC). Several programmes and projects are emerging under the Indian chairmanship of this grouping of which Yemen was a former Chairman and continues to be an active member.

In conclusion, my delegation would like to wish the friendly people of Yemen continued progress, peace and prosperity and reassure them of India’s support as the country traverses through a crucial phase in its history.
Thank you.
Source: Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York

Specific Issues
j. HAJJ
18. Hajj Applications RPO-wise, New Delhi, 7 September 2012
Question:
Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:-
(a) The Regional Passport Office (RPO)-wise number of applications received for hajj during current year;
(b) Whether all the applications have been processed and passports issued to the concerned applicants;
(c) If so, the details thereof, RPO-wise and if not, the reasons therefore;
(d) Whether any complaints have been received by Government regarding delay in issuing passports to the concerned applicants;
(e) If so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefore; and
(f) The corrective steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

Answer
Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mrs. Preneet Kaur)
(a) to (e) Beginning 2012, the Hajj Committee of India has made it mandatory to provide a copy of valid passport along with the application from prospective Hajj applicants. Thus in 2012, 3, 07,000 applications for Hajj with valid passports were submitted before the Hajj authorities by the 25 April 2012 against the allocated quota of 1, 25,000 pilgrims. As normal passports are issued to those applying for Hajj, no separate data is maintained for passports issued to Hajj pilgrims. All the applications received from concerned applicants were processed and passports issued by the prescribed deadline. In those cases where police verification reports were not received in time, Hajj applicants were issued Short Validity Passports valid for travel to Saudi Arabia only on the basis of an affidavit submitted by the applicant.

(f) As possession of a valid passport has been made mandatory before submission of Hajj applications, all Passport Offices are being advised to raise public awareness about the revised procedures so that those intending to go on Hajj pilgrimage may apply well in time in order to get a passport to enable them to apply for Hajj 2013. In addition, Passport Offices are also advised to appoint Nodal Officers and open facilitation counters to help prospective Hajj applicants.
Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No. 4569 asked by Mr. Kaushalendra Kumar

19. Hajj Subsidy, New Delhi, 7 September 2012
Question:
Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether the Government has substantially increased Hajj expenses on Hajj pilgrims;
(b) If so, the details thereof and the reasons therefore;
(c) Whether the Government proposes to curtail this expenditure;
(d) If so, the details thereof; and
(e) If not, the reasons therefore?

Answer
The Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs (Mrs. Preneet Kaur)
(a) (a)& (b) The expenditure of the Government towards subsidising air transport costs and on provision of facilities for the pilgrims has increased and has been as follows:
Year    No. of        Expenditure on Hajj    Expenditure on Hajj   
Hajj         subsidy administered    incurred by Ministry of
Pilgrims    by Civil Aviation    External Affairs
(Rs. in Crores)        (Rs. in Crores)
2010    171,671    600            27.04
2011    170,362    685            33.16
This is on account of inflation and increase in airfares.
(c) to (e) Hon’ble Supreme Court vide its interim order dated 08 May, 2012 has directed the Government to progressively phase out the Hajj subsidy in such a way so as to completely eliminate it within a period of 10 years from now.
Source: Lok Sabha (House of the People), Unstarred Question No. 4446 asked by Mr. Shafiqur Rahman Barq

Multilateral Issues/ Regional Issues
k. Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
20. Statement by Mr. Ranjan Mathai, Foreign Secretary, at the High-Level Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East, at the United Nations Security Council, New York, 26 September 2012
Thank you, Mr. President.
Let me begin by congratulating you on presiding over this High Level Meeting on peace and security in West Asia and North Africa. I also want to thank the UN Secretary General and the Secretary General of the League of States for their valuable statements.

Mr. President, developments in West Asia and North Africa have played a major role in shaping the history of the world since ancient times. The region has been the birthplace of major religions of the world and of great civilizations. By virtue of the genius of its peoples, its strategic location and its natural resources, the region has been a focus of considerable interest internationally. It is, therefore, not surprising that the momentous transformation in several countries of the region since late 2010 has been of great interest to the world at large. It has been a general aspiration that these transformations should be peaceful and lead to inclusive and democratic outcomes within these countries.

The League of Arab States, as the most important regional organization predating the United Nations, has played a significant role in the unfolding of events in the region, and guided the involvement of the international community in these events. Chapter VIII of the UN Charter recognizes the importance of the regional organizations and their role in matters related to the maintenance of international peace and security. The Charter also provides a broad framework for this Council’s cooperation with the regional organizations, while clearly stating the primary responsibility of the Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security.

The cooperation between the Arab League and the United Nations started in early 1950’s. Both organizations have benefited from the convergence of objectives to maintain international peace and security, despite occasional differences. Enhanced partnership between UN agencies and the Arab League at institutional level in the fields of human development, capacity building, and empowerment of women and youth have been of great benefit for the countries of the region. There is a need now for further strengthening the existing cooperation to help the countries in the region in meeting the aspirations of their people for playing a greater role in shaping their destiny. India stands ready to cooperate in this regard.

Mr. President, it is important to underline here that this Council’s cooperation with regional organizations, particularly with the League of Arab States, should avoid selectivity. Also, cooperation with one regional organization should not come at the cost of another. The objective of peaceful resolution of conflicts should determine the actions of the Security Council. All UN activities, including its cooperation with regional organizations, should be consistent with the provisions of the UN Charter. Both organizations should use all tools of diplomacy to assist the concerned countries in transiting to an inclusive and participatory polity while maintaining social stability and cohesion. The cooperation should encompass all relevant issues related to international peace and security, particularly the fight against terrorism. The principles of national sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity must be respected. It is also important that peculiarities of each situation are kept in mind.

Mr. President, if there is one issue that requires immediate attention of both the United Nations and the League of Arab States; it is the Arab-Israeli conflict, including the Israeli-Palestinian issue. This issue cannot be ignored while we focus on recent developments in the region. There can be no durable peace in West Asia without a just and comprehensive settlement, based on the realization by the Palestinian people of their inalienable right to a state of their own with internationally recognized borders, living side by side and in peace and security with Israel. We, therefore, urge this Council as well as the Arab League to urgently facilitate the resumption of the Middle East Peace Process.

Mr. President, the League of Arab States has been playing an important role in resolving the Syrian crisis. We fully support the peaceful resolution of the conflict through a Syrian-led inclusive political process, based on firm rejection of any military intervention. We urge all sides, Syrian and foreign, to cooperate with Joint Special Representative Mr. Lakhdhar Brahimi 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

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