BILATERAL ISSUES
a. BAHRAIN
1. Key Note Address by Minister of State for External Affairs, E. Ahamed at the ‘Bahrain-India Exhibition and Conference’, Manama, 22 October 2013.
Your Excellency Dr. Hassan Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Kingdom of Bahrain,
Friends and Participants,
I am grateful to Her Excellency Sheikha Hissa and His Excellency Dr. Hassan Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Kingdom of Bahrain for inviting me to jointly inaugurate this Bahrain-India Exhibition-cum-Conference at this state-of-the-art pillar-free exhibition facility in this beautiful city of Manama. I am deeply thankful to Excellency Dr. Hassan Fakhro for his presence amidst us on this occasion and for the patronage his Ministry has extended to this joint Bahrain India exhibition-cum-conference.

This is a laudable initiative to bring together businesses of India and Bahrain to promote bilateral trade and investment. I appreciate the support and participation from the Indian side particularly from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) which has joined hands with Bahrain for showcasing small and medium businesses of India. However, we all know that the credit for building this platform as a viable link between the business and investor communities of the two countries goes exclusively to Excellency Dr. Hassan Fakhro and Sheikha Noora.

I have no doubt about the success of this exhibition-cum-conference in providing opportunities for Indian companies looking for the possibilities to market their products and services in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.

Yet another thematic hallmark of this platform is to bring together, under this seamless exhibition facility, a whole range of sectors including investments, finance, banking, insurance, tourism, information & communication technology, industrial products, consumer goods, handicrafts, real estate, hotels, catering, health tourism, law firms, software development, consultancy, IT parks, etc.

India values its cordial and friendly ties with the Kingdom of Bahrain buttressed by close people to people contacts. Last year, in May 2012, we had the honour to receive His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Earlier this year in March, we again had the opportunity to welcome him in Kerala which he visited with a large business delegation.

During both these visits, His Royal Highness expressed keen interest in further expanding economic and commercial relations with India. I am confident that such regular high level exchanges would further strengthen and diversify the existing trade and economic cooperation and events like this exhibition will contribute to realize this interest.

This first of its kind exhibition-cum-conference aimed at making the people of Bahrain aware not only of India’s economic, scientific and technological strengths and advantages but also open before them new opportunities that can be mutually beneficial for cooperation between India and Bahrain and through Bahrain with the other GCC countries.

From the Indian perspective, Bahrain is an ideal gateway to the GCC markets and a launching pad for GCC enterprises into the global marketplace.

India’s two-way trade with the Gulf region countries has grown to more than US$ 181 billion in 2012-13. Today, the GCC is our largest trading partner group. But we must harness the scope which exists for further expansion and diversification in our trade basket. While encouraging more business-to-business engagements, I would underline that the discussions on the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) need to be revived. India and the GCC started negotiations on FTA as far back as 2005 but the two rounds of negotiations held so far have not translated into signing the Agreement. India is ready to hold the third round of meeting for expeditious conclusion of the FTA.

The Indian economy is entering yet another phase of growth after many recent reform initiatives. There are enormous mutually beneficial avenues for investment, particularly in the infrastructure sector on which India proposes to spend around US$ one trillion during the 12th Five Year Plan (from 2012-17).

The GCC investment in India is not commensurate with the acknowledged strength of the sovereign wealth funds available in the GCC countries. I would like to emphasize that India and GCC must hold investment conclaves more often with regular follow up.

Indian expatriate community in the Gulf plays a prominent role in the development of their host countries and consequently in the Indian society and economy. Contribution of the hard work of millions of Indians in the Gulf and the goodwill they have earned has contributed significantly to good relations with this region all these years.

Bahrain has been a favourite destination for Indian workers. The main forte of the Indian community is its strong work ethic and apolitical character, making it the most sought-after in the Gulf region. This vast community has strong roots in Bahrain. It constitutes a key factor in our bilateral relations.

The welfare and well being of the Indian community in the region has always been and will continue to be a priority for India. Bahrain has not only appreciated the contribution of Indians to the progress and development of Bahrain but has also stood behind them to ensure their safety and security for which India is very grateful to the leadership and the people of Bahrain.

With these thoughts, I express my gratitude to the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the people of Bahrain. I thank Excellency Dr. Hassan Fakhro and join him to inaugurate the ‘Bahrain-India Exhibition & Conference’.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

b. EGYPT
2. Exhibition of Caricatures of Indian and Egyptian personalities at MACIC, Cairo, 23 October 2013.
The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) will inaugurate an exhibition entitled "Faces and Features: Caricatures of Indian and Egyptian personalities" by the Egyptian Caricature Society on 30 October 2013. The exhibition will have depiction of prominent Indian figures from the field of politics, art and literature, and cinema, and they will be shown alongside leading Egyptians in similar fields. Indian personalities that are depicted include Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai while Egyptians include Naguib Mahfouz, Youssef Chahine, and Omar Sharief.   

The exhibition will be jointly inaugurated by the First Undersecretary in the Ministry of Culture, Camelia Sobhi and the Ambassador of India to Egypt Navdeep Suri. Ahmed Toghan, the pioneering caricaturist and the President of the Caricature Society, whose work will be shown in the exhibition, will also address the gathering.

The Egyptian Caricature Society has worked closely with the Maulana Azad Centre recently with an exhibition of caricatures of Gandhi being inaugurated on 2 October to mark the International Day of Non-Violence and the 144th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Both India and Egypt have a rich history of caricatures and cartoons, and the exhibition is the first of a series of steps to deepen the cooperation in the field of caricature art between India and Egypt.

The inauguration will take place at 1730 hours on 30 October at the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), 23, Talaat Harb, Downtown Cairo. The exhibition will remain open till 14 November, except for Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, contact the Centre at macic@indembcairo.com  or visit the Indian Embassy Facebook page: Indian Embassy Cairo.
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

3. Exhibition of Caricatures of Indian and Egyptian personalities at MACIC, Cairo, 31 October 2013.
The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC) inaugurated an exhibition entitled "Faces and Features: Caricatures of Indian and Egyptian personalities" by the Egyptian Caricature Society on 30 October 2013. The exhibition has depictions of prominent Indian figures from the field of politics, art and literature, and cinema, and they are shown alongside leading Egyptians in similar fields. Indian personalities that are depicted include Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai while Egyptians include Naguib Mahfouz, Youssef Chahine, and Omar Sharief.   

The exhibition was jointly inaugurated by the First Undersecretary in the Ministry of Culture, Camelia Sobhi, the pioneering Egyptian caricaturist Ahmed Toghan and the Ambassador of India to Egypt, Navdeep Suri. Dr. Camelia Sobhi in her keynote address said that such cultural and artistic events "contribute in further enhancing our interaction with the Indian civilization, which is a very unique one." The Artist Ahmed Toghan, quoted lines by the poet Ahmed Shawky written when Mahatma Gandhi passed through the Suez Canal. Toghan had drawn a sketch of the Jawaharlal Nehru and Gamal Abdel Nasser at the famous Bandung Conference in 1955, which was the first work on display at the function. Also present at the event was Mostafa El Fiqi, former diplomat and politician, who thanked the Ambassador for the role he was playing in furthering cooperation between India and Egypt. He said that India had always supported Arab causes, and the interests and hopes of the countries were closely aligned. He recalled an incident during the first Gulf war, when Indian officials had consulted Egypt in formulating a response to the events. Ambassador Suri said that even while the current exhibition was being prepared, Egyptian school children were participating in the Glimpses of India Competition, and all these collaborations only deepened the bonds between India and Egypt.

The Egyptian Caricature Society has worked closely with the Maulana Azad Centre recently with an exhibition of caricatures of Gandhi being inaugurated on 2 October to mark the International Day of Non-Violence and the 144th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Both India and Egypt have a rich history of caricatures and cartoons, and the exhibition is the first of a series of steps to deepen the cooperation in the field of caricature art between India and Egypt.

The exhibition will remain open at the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), 23, Talaat Harb, Downtown Cairo till 14 November, except for Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, contact the Centre at macic@indembcairo.com, the Information Wing at info.cairo@mea.gov.in or visit the Indian Embassy Facebook page: Indian Embassy Cairo.
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

c. KUWAIT
4. Embassy of India Holiday notice, Kuwait, 9 October 2013.
The Embassy of India will remain closed on Tuesday, 15 October 2013 on account of IDU’L ZUHA (Bakrid).
As intimated earlier, Embassy of India will also remain closed on Sunday, 13 October 2013, on account of Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami).    
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

5. Embassy of India - Holidays Notice, Kuwait, 23 October 2013.
The Embassy of India will remain closed on the following dates during the month of November 2013.
3 November 2013, Sunday     – Deepawali
14 November 2013, Thursday     – Muharram
17 November 2013, Sunday     – Guru Nanak’s Birthday
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

6. Visit of Indian business delegation, Kuwait, 27 October 2013.
A 20-member Indian Business Delegation organized by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), visits Kuwait from 29-30 October 2013 comprising CEOs/MDs of companies in a variety of fields including fly ash, fly ash bricks and blocks; power plant equipment and spares, industrial plant and product designers, heavy fabrication/ technological structures and engineering products; food processing machines; manufacturers of PVC pipes, wires and cables; turnkey solutions for pharma, heath-care, oil and gas, food and beverage, electrical and telecommunication; stainless steel fabrication; medical equipments; building and construction materials; civil engineering products and test equipments; real-estate; logistics service provider to engineering industry and IT logistics and services; granite, marble, slate, sandstone and limestone, agro-food products and industrial supplies for plants and projects.
• Leader of the Delegation -Hiten Haresh Bhuta, CEO, CGS Infotech Ltd.
• Interactive meeting – at Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Al Boom Hall (11th Floor) on 29 October 2013 at 1000 hours.
• Business-to-Business (B2B) Meet - at KCCI Hall (Ground Floor) on 29 October 2013 from 1100 hour until 1800 hours (lunch break from 1300 hours to 1430 hours).
For further information kindly contact the Commerce Section, Embassy of India, Kuwait, [Tel 22571193 (Dir), 22530600 Extn: 211, Fax: 22525811, Email: commercial@indembkwt.org]
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

7. Visit of Indian business delegation Kuwait, 30 October 2013.
The Embassy of India, Kuwait and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) organized a visit of a 15-member Indian Business Delegation to Kuwait from 29-30 October 2013.

Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, known as FICCI, is the largest, oldest and the apex business organization in India. Set up in 1927, FICCI is a non-government, not-for-profit organization. It draws its membership from the corporate sector, both private and public and includes SMEs and MNCs. It enjoys an indirect membership of over 250,000 companies from various regional chambers of commerce.

The FICCI delegation, led by Hiten Haresh Bhuta, CEO, CGS Infotech Ltd., had an interactive business meeting with Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) headed by His Excellency Tarek Bader Salem Al-Mutawa in the presence of His Excellency Rabah Abdulrehman Al-Rabah, Director-General of KCCI and Kuwaiti business community at KCCI’s premises.

In his address Al-Mutawa, while welcoming the Indian delegation, lauded the India-Kuwait relations and ever-increasing bilateral trade. He also briefed the delegation about the upcoming opportunities under Kuwait’s Development Plan for Indian companies. He also informed that KCCI would mount a business delegation during the visit of His Highness the Prime Minister of Kuwait to India in November 2013.

Ambassador of India, His Excellency Satish C. Mehta addressed the business delegation of the two sides. In his speech, he said that the bilateral trade during 2012-13 was over US$ 17.6 billion and more is possible and desirable. He also underscored the importance of exchange of such business delegations between the two countries to keep the momentum going in enhancing the economic and trade relations.

The leader of the Indian delegation Hiten Haresh Bhuta also gave a presentation on Indian economy as also presentation on his own company. The other delegates also gave brief presentation about the activities of their companies. The meeting was followed by a question-answer session.

A B2B Meet was also organized for the FICCI delegation to interact with the Kuwaiti business community on 29 October 2013. This B2B Meet which was attended by a number of Kuwaiti businessmen provided an excellent opportunity to meet the Indian manufacturers and exporters in a variety of fields including fly ash, fly ash bricks and blocks; power plant equipment and spares, industrial plant and product designers, heavy fabrication/ technological structures and engineering products; stainless steel fabrication, food processing machines; manufacturers of PVC pipes, wires and cables; turnkey solutions for pharma, heath-care, oil and gas, food and beverage, electrical and telecommunication; stainless steel fabrication; medical equipments; building and construction materials; civil engineering products and test equipments; real-estate; logistics service provider to engineering industry and IT logistics and services; granite, marble, slate, sandstone and limestone, and industrial supplies for plants and projects.

The Indian Business Council, headed by S.K. Wadhawan, also organized a dinner meeting for the FICCI delegation to facilitate interaction with Indian business community members in the evening on 29 October at Hotel Crowne Plaza.

The visit aimed at strengthening and expanding the trade and economic relations between India and Kuwait. Some of the companies, which were new to the Kuwaiti market, were seeking tie-ups with Kuwaiti companies to expand their network to the region.
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

8. State Visit of HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait to India, New Delhi, 31 October 2013.
At the invitation of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait is paying a state visit to India from 7-10 November 2013. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, senior officials and captains of industry.

This is the first Head of Government-level visit from Kuwait to India since the post of Crown Prince and Prime Minister was bifurcated in 2003. From our side, the last Head of Government level visit to Kuwait was in 1981 when the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited there.

During the visit, Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber will call on President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice-President Hamid Ansari. He will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. His other engagements would include meetings with Ministers of Finance, External Affairs and Commerce & Industry. Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber will also attend a business luncheon meeting jointly organized by the three business chambers, FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM. Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber and his delegation would also be visiting Agra.

India and Kuwait historically share friendly relations based on close people-to-people contacts. Geographic proximity, historical trade links, cultural affinities and growing cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, including inter alia energy security, trade and investment, infrastructure development projects, petrochemicals and education continue to strengthen and broaden this longstanding relationship.

The two countries are among each other’s major trading partners. Kuwait has been India’s fourth largest crude oil supplier globally with bilateral trade in excess of US$ 17 billion in 2012-13. Both countries are exploring enhanced cooperation in energy and other sectors through mutually beneficial investments in projects, including in oil exploration, refineries, petrochemical complexes and fertilizer plants.

Indians form the largest expatriate community in Kuwait and their positive contribution in the progress and development of their host country is well recognized. There are over 700,000 Indian nationals working in Kuwait.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

d. LIBYA
9. Message from the Hon. President of India on the occasion of Libyan Liberation Day, Tripoli, 22 October 2013.
Excellency,
On behalf of the Government and people of India, I extend to you and to the Government and the people of Libya hearty felicitations on the occasion of your Liberation Day.

India and Libya have always shared warm and friendly relations. I am, confident that in the coming years, the relationship between our two countries will be further strengthened and diversified for the mutual benefit of our people.

With the assurances of my highest consideration.
 (Pranab Mukherjee)

To:
H.E. Nuri Ali Abu Sahmain
President of General National Congress
State of Libya
Tripoli.
Source: Embassy of India, Tripoli

10. Ambassador calls on the Deputy Prime Minister for Developmental Affairs, Tripoli, 28 October 2013.
His Excellency Anil Kumar Trigunayat, Ambassador of India called on the Deputy Prime Minister for Developmental Affairs and Acting Minister of Interior His Excellency Siddiq Abdul Karim Abdul Rahman on 28 October 2013 and several senior officials of the Asia and International Cooperation Department of the Libyan Foreign Ministry were also present.

The meeting was to take stock of various aspects of the bilateral relations between India and Libya and to follow up on the recent meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the two countries on the sidelines of the UNGA (September 2013).

In the meeting the two sides, emphasizing the strategic nature of their relations, agreed to initiate cooperation in the security sector through Indian assistance in Libyan Capacity building and training. The Indian side offered to train Libyan Police Personnel as part of such capacity building which the Libyan side welcomed.

Ambassador of India also discussed with the Libyan side the various Indian projects including a Vocational Training Centre, other proposals in pipeline in Libya and forthcoming bilateral visits and events and reiterated India’s continuing support and assistance to help Libya in Nation building. His Excellency Siddiq Abdul Karim Abdul Rahman on his part assured of his Government’s fullest support to further the bilateral relations.
Source: Embassy of India, Tripoli

11. A 27-member Libyan business delegation participated in 'I for Afrika' event organized by the Indo-African Chamber of Commerce in Mumbai from 3-6 October 2013, Tripoli, 29 October 2013.
A 27-member business delegation comprising of Khalil Masoud Mahfud, Chairman of Tripoli Chamber of Commerce and Shaban I. Almountsar, Vice Chairman, Libya Business Council participated in ‘I for Afrika’ event organized by the Indo-African Chamber of Commerce in Mumbai from 3-6 October 2013.

During the visit, the Libyan delegation had the opportunity of interacting with their Indian counterparts and several potential business proposals were finalized during the B2B meetings. The areas of potential cooperation are construction, energy, oil & gas, IT and the Education sector. A MoU for cooperation was also signed between the two Chambers. This was the first Libyan delegation with diverse business interests which visited India in recent years. Trade between the two countries has grown significantly crossing US$ two billion in 2012-13.
Source: Embassy of India, Tripoli

e. QATAR
12. Ambassador’s audience with His Highness the Emir, Doha, 9 October 2013.
Sanjiv Arora, Ambassador of India had an audience with His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at the Emiri Diwan on 8 October 2012.

His Highness the Emir conveyed his best wishes to the Ambassador for his assignment in the State of Qatar. The Ambassador thanked His Highness the Emir and conveyed the warmest greetings of the Government and People of India.

His Highness the Emir and the Ambassador discussed the strong ties of friendship and cooperation between India and the State of Qatar. Photos taken on this occasion may be seen in ‘Picture Gallery’.
Source: Embassy of India, Doha

13. Visit of a delegation of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) to Doha, 26 October 2013.
A high level business delegation of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is visiting the State of Qatar on 27-28 October 2013.   The 20-member delegation is led by Hiten Haresh Bhuta, CEO of CGS Infotech Limited  and includes CEOs and senior representatives of companies representing a wide range of sectors, including software development;  engineering;  manufacturing;  construction and real estate;   pharmaceutical and healthcare; consultancy; international trading; sports and sports infrastructure; and  commodities.

The visit of the FICCI delegation comes in the framework of the growing economic and commercial cooperation between India and Qatar achieved through such missions undertaken in recent years and the vast potential to further expand business collaborations between the two sides to mutual benefit.  

The programme arranged by the Embassy for the visiting delegation includes interaction with Qatari companies at a meeting organized by Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) and at the B2B meetings organized by Indian Business and Professionals Network.  The delegation will also interact with several Qatari businessmen at an event jointly organized by the Embassy and Commercial Bank of Qatar.  The Embassy deeply appreciates the cooperation and support of QCCI and other organizations concerned.

FICCI is India’s oldest and largest apex trade and industry body at the national level, with over 250,000 members and a widespread global representation.  FICCI had earlier sent business missions to the State of Qatar in September 2011 and September 2012, with positive outcomes for both sides.  
Source: Embassy of India, Doha

14. Embassy Open House, Doha, 31 October 2013.
The monthly Open House to address urgent consular and labour issues/cases of Indian nationals in the State of Qatar was held at the Embassy premises on 31 October 2013.   Ambassador Sanjiv Arora and other senior officials met all the complainants, discussed their problem and assured them that the Embassy would actively follow up their cases with the authorities concerned in Government of Qatar.  Kareem Abdulla, President of Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), functioning under the aegis of the Embassy for the welfare of Indian workers also attended the Open House.

An Embassy team visited the Central Prison and the Deportation Centre during this week to enquire about the welfare of detainees from India.  The total number of Indian nationals in the Central Prison and the Deportation Centre currently is 44 and 247, respectively.

During the current year, the Labor and Community Welfare Section of the Embassy has received a total of 2,934 complaints so far.  The number of complaints during the last three years is as follows:
Year        Number
2010        3,034
2011        3,186
2012        3,385
The number of deaths registered in the Embassy in October 2013 was 23.  The total number of deaths registered in the Embassy, so far during 2013 is 189.  The number of deaths registered in the last three years is as follows:
Year       Number
2010       233
2011       239
2012       237
On the basis of requests received from the Qatari authorities for travel documents for inmates in the Deportation Centre, the Embassy has issued 18 Emergency Certificates (ECs) in October 2013.  The Embassy also issued one air ticket to an Indian national for return to India in the month of October 2013.
ICBF is organizing an awareness campaign for school students on 16 November, 2013 to spread the message of benevolence.  Approximately 200 students and teachers are expected to participate in this campaign.    Ministry of Interior has agreed to support the awareness campaign through performance of a skit on cyber security.

The  assistance given by the ICBF to Indian nationals during October 2013 so far includes  five air tickets for destitute workers,  medical assistance in two  cases,  two renewal of  air tickets, Emergency Certificate fees in 10 cases, minor financial assistance for six fishermen and food assistance to 29  Indian nationals in distress.
Source: Embassy of India, Doha

f. SAUDI ARABIA
15. Press Release, Riyadh, 1 October 2013.
The Embassy of India, Riyadh will remain closed on Wednesday, 2 October 2013 on account of Gandhi Jayanti. NO applications for Emergency Certificate will be accepted on 2 October 2013.
Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

16. Special Registration Drive for Grace Period, Riyadh, 7 October 2013.
1.         Name:
2.         Passport No. (if available)
3.         Visa Type and No. (if available)
4.         Iqama No. (if available)
5.         Border Entry No. (if available)
6.         Date and Place of Entry (if available)
7.         Did you meet Kafeel?
8.         If yes, details of Kafeel
9.         Was your Iqama Made?
10.       If Yes then what is the problem in renewal
Huroob (date of Huroob)
* Iqama Expiry (date of Expiry)
* Kafeel not cooperating, details thereof
11.       Contact Details
 
Mobile No. (KSA)
Alternative Mobile No. (KSA)
Contact No. (India)
Address in KSA
Address in India
 
 12.       Original documents available (give copies):
* Passport
* Visa Copy
* Border Entry No.
* Iqama
* Jawazat Printout
13.       Remarks:
 Comes under Grace Period Concessions: Y/N
* If yes, why couldn’t avail amnesty:
* If No, why:
Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

17. Special Registration Drive to help Overstaying Indian Nationals, Riyadh, 7 October 2013.
The grace period announced by the authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expires on 3 November 2013.  The Embassy of India has been urging all Indian nationals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to correct their legal status during the ongoing grace period.  Many Indian nationals have already availed of the concessions given by the Saudi authorities and corrected their status or obtained final exits and left the country, without facing any penal action. The Embassy officials deployed at the Tarheel have been assisting Indian workers to correct their status or assist them in getting such final exits from the beginning of the grace period.

The Embassy understands that there are some Indian nationals who are not in possession of the required documents (original passport/Iqama).  There are also some Indians whose fingerprinting records are not available. All undocumented/illegal Indian nationals who have not corrected their status or have not processed their cases for final exit at Tarheel so far, are hereby urged to register with the Embassy through volunteers registered with the Indian Embassy. A Special Registration Counter will be opened in the Embassy on 12, 13 and 14 October 2013 (Saturday, Sunday & Monday) from 0930 hours to 1300 hours. For those outside of Riyadh, the details in the prescribed format could also be forwarded to First Secretary (Community Welfare) on wel.riyadh@mea.gov.in

Those Indian nationals who do not posses any documents whatsoever should register themselves with the Embassy. The purpose behind this drive is to have a data base of such Indians and to know their specific problems in order to explore the possibility of finding a suitable solution for them within Saudi rules and regulations. While the Embassy will be taking up this matter with the local authorities, there can be no assurance given in this regard by the Embassy, since this is a matter to be decided entirely by the Saudi authorities.
Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

18. Press Release, Riyadh, 10 October 2013.
The Embassy is in the process of preparing a data-base of local artist/talent in the field of Performing Art (e.g. Indian Folk Dance, Dance, Music, Vocal Recital, Calligraphy, Painting etc.).  This is aimed at providing a platform for showcasing their art/talent in due course.

All interested Indian Nationals who are artists and residing in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are invited to register themselves with the Indian Embassy.

All interested can download the attached form and submit the same at the following address by 10 December 2013:-
Second Secretary (CLE)
Embassy of India
B-1 Diplomatic Quarter
PB No. 94387
Riyadh-11693
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Tel:-2811696
E-mail:- cul.riyadh@mea.gov.in
REGISTRATION FORM
1.            NAME: - ___________________________________________________
2.            DATE OF BIRTH: - _________________________________________
3.            PERMANENT ADDRESS: - _____________________________________________
4.            CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS: - ______________________________________
5.            TELEPHONE NUMBER:-
(OFFICE) :-                      (RESIDENCE) :-                             (MOBILE) :-
(FAX NO.) :-                      (E-MAIL):-
6.            NATIONALITY: - ________________________________________________
7.            NAME OF FATHER/SPOUSE: - __________________________________
8.            EMPLOYMENT STATUS: - _____________________________________________
9.         CLASSIFIED FIELD/STYLE: (FIELD OF SPECIALIZATION, STYLE FOR WHICH CATEGORY ARTISTE WANTS TO APPLY):-
10.       WHETHER PERFORMED ANYWHERE: - _______________________________
11.       DOCUMENTS ENCLOSED: - _________________________________________
·         Bio-Data
·         Important Press Clippings/Reports; if any
·         Performance Photographs
·         Brochure; if available
·         VCD/DVD of the performance
 
Date: -                                                                                      (Signature of the Artist)
Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

19. Press Release, Riyadh, 10 October 2013.
The Embassy of India, Riyadh will remain closed on Sunday, 13 October 2013 and Tuesday, 15 October 2013 on account of Dussehra and Id-ul-Zuha respectively. NO fresh applications for Emergency Certificate will be accepted on 13 October & 15 October 2013.

However, the Special Registration Counter will be operational on 12, 13 and 14 October 2013 from 0930 hours to 1300 hours for registering undocumented Indian nationals who have not corrected their status or have not processed their cases for final exit at Tarheel so far.
Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

20. Press Release, Riyadh, 14 October 2013.
The Embassy of India, Riyadh, has decided to extend the Special Registration Drive for all those Indian expatriates who have not corrected their status or facing difficulty in obtaining final exit, by two more days i.e. on 16-17 October 2013. So far, around 500 Indian expatriates have registered with the Embassy during this special drive.

The Indian expatriates can also register themselves with the volunteers registered with the Embassy during the extended Special Registration Drive. The Embassy urges all the overstaying Indian expatriates to rectify their legal status and approach the Embassy or volunteers registered with the Embassy immediately, in case of any difficulty being faced by them in this process.

The purpose behind this drive is to have a database of such Indians and to know their specific problems in order to explore the possibility of finding a suitable solution for them within Saudi rules and regulations. While the Embassy will be taking up this matter with the local authorities, there can be no assurance given in this regard by the Embassy, since this is a matter to be decided entirely by the Saudi authorities."
Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

21. Press Note on Hajj 2013, Jeddah, 15 October 2013.
The Hajj this year has been very smooth till date. The movement of pilgrims from Mina to Arafat was very smooth. It was in fact over by 0900 hours.  All pilgrims were there in their camps in Arafat by 0900 hours for the first time in history. Similarly, the movement from Arafat to Muzdalifa was very smooth and comfortable.

The train services were excellent this time. Our pilgrims used the Mashear trains very smoothly and comfortably. The Saudi authorities organized the train services very well.

About 1,500 volunteers from Kerala Muslim Cultural Congress (KMCC), Indian Fraternity Forum (IFF) and Jeddah Welfare Forum have provided much required help and guidance to the pilgrims at the railway stations and other public places. In addition to this, students from International Indian School, Jeddah have also provided excellent scouting services to the pilgrims.  

This time, there was no heavy rush seen in the Mashaer region. No unruly crowds or untoward incidents were seen or reported from anywhere in the Hajj region till now.

A remarkable achievement of this year’s Hajj was that there only 41  pilgrims who were reported missing since the start of operation in Mina as  compared to 300 last year during the period.

As regards deaths, five pilgrims died today (15 October 2013) of whom one has been buried while four cases are under burial process.  

Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad visited several camps and Maktabs of Indian pilgrims and interacted with pilgrims.

Another information which we wish to share with the media is that this time Saudi authorities have located some illegal pilgrims at Arafat and have taken their fingerprints. If such pilgrims were found to be on visit visas, they will be banned and if they were on employment visas they will be fined and or banned for entering the kingdom.
Source: Consulate General of India, Jeddah

22. Press Release, Riyadh, 16 October 2013.
Sub: Participation of Indian companies in 'Saudi Build 2013' (4-7 November 2013).

An Indian business delegation under Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), consisting of 40 Indian exporters and including 'All India Granite and Stone Association' is participating in the 'Saudi Build 2013', the 25th International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition to be held at Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre from 4-7 November 2013. There is a separate pavilion for Indian companies at' Hall No. 5’ in the Exhibition Centre, where the Indian companies are exhibiting their product ranges from construction/building materials and machineries. (The list of participating Indian companies is given below).

These Indian companies exports a variety of high quality construction/ building materials and machineries such as granites, marbles, ceramic tiles, natural stone, Fibre Cement Board (FCB), walls, flooring, cladding, doors, roofing and pre-engineered steel buildings, building and roofing solutions, fasteners and structure, industrial and construction equipment and materials such as hoists, work platforms, pan mixers, weigh batchers, concrete mixers, reverse drum mixers, material handling carts, bar bending and cutting machines, scaffolding frames, construction fittings, brass builders hardware, bathroom fittings, site truck, brake motor etc., and home needs and white goods such as air conditioners, LED TVs, chest freezer, air coolers, washing machines, clothes dryers, stabilizer, bread maker, garment steamer, etc.

The bilateral trade and commercial relations between India and Saudi Arabia is growing at a steady rate. Saudi Arabia is the 4th largest trading partner for India. The value of the two-way trade between the two countries in 2012-13 exceeded US$ 43.19 billion.

Interested Saudi and Indian companies and businessmen are cordially invited to visit the Indian Pavilion at Saudi Build 2013 at Hall No. 5 in the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre on the above mentioned dates.

THE LIST COMPANIES IS AVAILABLE ONLY IN PDF FORMAT.

Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

23. Press Release, Riyadh, 16 October 2013.
Sub: Participation of Indian companies in 'Saudi Build 2013' (November 4-7, 2013).
An Indian business delegation under Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), consisting of 40 Indian exporters and including 'All India Granite and Stone Association' is participating in the 'Saudi Build 2013', the 25th International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition to be held at Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre from 4-7 November 2013. There is a separate pavilion for Indian companies at 'Hall No. 5’ in the Exhibition Centre, where the Indian companies are exhibiting their product ranges from construction/building materials and machineries.(The list of participating Indian companies is given below).

These Indian companies exports a variety of high quality construction/ building materials and machineries such as granites, marbles, ceramic tiles, natural stone, Fibre Cement Board (FCB), walls, flooring, cladding, doors, roofing and pre-engineered steel buildings, building and roofing solutions, fasteners and structure, industrial and construction equipment and materials such as hoists, work platforms, pan mixers, weigh batchers, concrete mixers, reverse drum mixers, material handling carts, bar bending and cutting machines, scaffolding frames, construction fittings, brass builders hardware, bathroom fittings, site truck, brake motor etc., and home needs and white goods such as air conditioners, LED TVs, chest freezer, air coolers, washing machines, clothes dryers, stabilizer, bread maker, garment steamer, etc.

The bilateral trade and commercial relations between India and Saudi Arabia is growing at a steady rate. Saudi Arabia is the 4th largest trading partner for India. The value of the two-way trade between the two countries in 2012-13 exceeded USD 43.19 billion.

Interested Saudi and Indian companies and businessmen are cordially invited to visit the Indian Pavilion at Saudi Build 2013 at Hall No. 5 in the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre on the above mentioned dates.
Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

24. Ambassador’s remarks at the press conference on the steps taken during the ongoing grace period and on the way forward, Riyadh, 22 October 2013.
I am thankful to the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques His Majesty King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud and the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for announcing the grace period and extending it till 3 November 2013. I recall the services of the Saudi officers at Labour offices and Tarheels during this period including during the Hajj holidays and also during the holy Month of Ramadan.

The grace period helped many people who could not go to India for a long time, to go to India, visit their relatives etc. They could go to India without facing any penal action for their illegal stay here and also with no ban on their return. This is a major achievement. It helped also many people to correct their legal status here.

Indians have benefited from the Saudi programme to streamline its labour market. At all levels the Saudi authorities have adopted a humanitarian approach in implementing their programme. Indians have been the most preferred community in Saudi Arabia. At the end of the grace period, Indians continues to be the most preferred community here. This is a major achievement. We are thankful to our partners - volunteers, schools and media - in their support to the Embassy and their service to the community. Without their support we would not have been able to achieve what we have achieved.

A streamlined labour market is good for Indians. I am told that the number of Indians have increased marginally in Saudi Arabia compared to April 2013 when we started the process. This could be because of new arrivals or because of more people legalizing their status.

It is a matter of satisfaction for the Embassy that the Saudi authorities have offered solution to almost all the cases that we took up with them till date.

Till 21 October, the Embassy and the Consulate has prepared Emergency Certificates (travel documents) for 77,054 Indians. Our estimate is that over 95 per cent of the people who obtained their ECs have been able to get their exit from the Saudi authorities. The rest of the people are in the process of getting their final exit. We also estimate that over 95 per cent of those who got their exit have already left the country. We urge others also to approach the Saudi authorities before 3 November 2013.

The figures that we have till date is that more than one million Indians have used the concessions announced by His Majesty and corrected their status. Since the beginning of grace period so far 359,997 Indians have transferred their services, 355,035 Indians have changed their job title and 466,689 Indians have renewed their licenses. This is not a small achievement for the Indian community here.

Well before the Saudi authorities announced the grace period we had taken several steps preparing for the major task ahead. We encouraged the Indian community in Saudi Arabia to transcend sectarian, religious, regional and linguistic barriers and work together to help their brothers and sisters in need. This was a unifying exercise for the Indians in Saudi Arabia, which worked so far.  The Embassy remained engaged with the Saudi authorities at the Ministerial and official levels.

There have been some vested interests who had tried to derail our unity and combined efforts. They remain isolated and irrelevant. We have also been able to expose some self-styled social workers and agents who were exploiting the community through false promise of legal assistance, quick embassy services etc. The Embassy’s investigation against them is making progress. We will take appropriate action against them at appropriate time. We will not allow anyone to exploit our brothers and sisters in distress. That is my personal commitment.

From day one, I have been urging all Indians in Saudi Arabia to fully utilize the grace period and correct their status.  We organized several rounds of meetings with the Indian community in various cities of Saudi Arabia including Riyadh and Dhammam. We have effectively used social media, including the website and Facebook to spread the message. We gave regular interviews to print and electronic media in India and in Saudi Arabia and issued daily press releases.

The network of more than 600 non-remunerative registered volunteers who joined hands with the Embassy all across Saudi Arabia continues to be our strength. We will remain engaged with these volunteers even after the end of the grace period.

The 10 Indian community schools in Saudi Arabia in the major cities were the focal point of our activities of the Embassy in each of the major cities. The teachers and non-teaching staff of these schools served as volunteers for the Embassy.

I have deployed an official of the Embassy permanently at Dhammam, while my officers regularly visit other cities of Saudi Arabia.

Emergency Certificates have been issued free of cost to all Indians who applied for ECs at the Embassy. Special Government of India Gazette notification was issued for that purpose. You recall the tents that we erected at the Embassy premises to receive EC applicants. Desert coolers were provided and when required food and water was distributed to many who approached the Embassy.

More than 200 companies approached the Embassy offering jobs for Indians. The Embassy organized a major job fair in collaboration with the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, which was attended by 500 companies and 8,000 workers. Many have benefited by such efforts.

The way forward:
We are in the final days of grace period announced by the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques His Majesty King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud. We will continue our efforts till the last day to ensure that no Indian stays here illegally after 3 November 2013. We have just concluded a special drive to register those who did not have any documents. There were some who were not covered under the concessions announced during the grace period. Our officers today met the Ministry of Labour with the list of such cases. We will continue our engagement with Saudi authorities at all levels.

I called this meeting today to urge the community to use the grace period till the last day. We cannot expect another extension of grace period.

I also want to alert you about attempts by some vested interests to create panic within the community on the period after the end of grace period. There is no need for panic reaction. We have so far been in control and we will continue to be in control of the situation. We will continue our engagement with the Saudi authorities at all levels to ensure the welfare of all our brothers and sisters in Saudi Arabia.

We are in a foreign land. We will not and should not violate any rules and regulations of our host country. We have always been a law abiding community. This has been the strength of our community so far. This is why we will continue to be the most preferred community here. The goodwill that the Indian community enjoys in this country is important for welfare of the more than 2.8 million Indians who will continue to work in this country in coming years.

The Embassy is aware of its responsibility to the 2.8 million Indians resident in Saudi Arabia and to their families in India. We will continue to do all that we can do to help our brothers and sisters within the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia. We should always remember the humanitarian approach that this country and its leadership adopted by giving an extended grace period to all illegal to correct their legal status or to leave the country without facing penal action or without a ban on their return to this country. This was a dream come true for several thousands of Indians in Saudi Arabia.

We will continue our efforts during the last few days of grace period and even after that. Given the size of our community in this country, we will always face some challenges. There would always be issues. We will stand united and face such challenges. We should meet the challenges responsibly.
Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

25. Press Release, Riyadh, 23 October 2013.
Sub: SIBN event on "Infrastructure" at Embassy of India, Riyadh, from 1100 hours to 1300 hours on 5 November 2013 (Tuesday).

An Indian business delegation under Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), consisting of 40 Indian exporters and including 'All India Granite and Stone Association' is participating in the 'Saudi Build 2013', an International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition to be held at Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre from 4-7 November 2013

These Indian companies export a variety of high quality  construction/ building materials and machineries such as granites, marbles, ceramic tiles, natural stone, Fibre Cement Board (FCB), walls, flooring, cladding, doors, roofing and pre-engineered steel buildings, building and roofing solutions, fasteners and structure, industrial and construction equipment and materials such as hoists, work platforms, pan mixers, weigh batchers, concrete mixers, reverse drum mixers, material handling carts, bar bending and cutting machines, scaffolding frames, construction fittings, brass builders hardware, bathroom fittings, site truck, brake motor etc., and home needs and white goods such as air conditioners, LED TVs, chest freezer, air coolers, washing machines, clothes dryers, stabilizer, bread maker, garment steamer, etc.

The Indian Embassy, under the aegis of India Saudi Business Network (SIBN) is organizing a B2B Interactive session of Saudi and Indian businessmen at the premises of Embassy of India, Riyadh on 5 November 2013 (Tuesday) at 1100 hours. The event will be a unique opportunity to meet representatives of major Indian companies and explore the possibility of developing business to business (B2B) tie-ups.

Interested Saudi and Indian companies and businessmen are cordially invited to attend the event or send your representative and meet the executives of the Indian companies at the Indian Embassy premises from 1100 hours to 1300 hours on 5 November 2013 (Tuesday). Please confirm your participation at landline: 011-4884144 Ext.208/228 or Fax: 011-4884189 or by e-mail: com.riyadh@mea.gov.in
Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

26. Press Release, Riyadh, 23 October 2013.
The Embassy of India has been informed by the concerned Saudi authorities that necessary instructions has been issued to the concerned authorities for issue of Final Exit to the Indian nationals who have obtained Emergency Certificates (ECs) and do not possess their original passports or Iqamas, but otherwise covered under the concessions announced during the grace period.

The Embassy of India urges all Indian nationals who have obtained Emergency Certificates to approach the Tarheel authorities for obtaining Final Exit on the ECs before 3 November 2013. The Embassy officials will be available at Tarheel in Riyadh to help the Indian nationals.
Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

27. Press Release, Riyadh, 30 October 2013.
The last date for submission of fresh application for Emergency Certificates (EC) at the Embassy is 31 October 2013 for those applicants who fall within the concessions announced during the grace period. Those applications collected on 31 October 2013 will be issued ECs on Saturday, 2 November 2013.

The Embassy has set up Help Cells at the Tarheel and Labour Office in Riyadh to assist those who are not eligible under the grace period concessions. Their cases need to be handled at the Labour office during office hours. Special help lines are set up at the Labour office manned by the Embassy officials to assist Indian nationals. Similar arrangements are in place in Tarheel, Riyadh as well. The Embassy official deployed at the Tarheel in Dhammam will continue to function even after the end of grace period.

The help line numbers in Riyadh from 4 November 2013 are as follows:
OFFICIALS ON TARHEEL DUTY
1.    Raisul Azam                             Mobile No.0546843866
2.    K. Yoosuf                                Mobile No.0546843836
3.    Moosa Raza                             Mobile No.0546843746
4.    Afilaj Hussain                          Mobile No.0546843894

OFFICIALS ON LABOUR OFFICE DUTY
1.     Naseem Khan                        Mobile No.0546843922                 
2.     Mohd Anwar Hafeez             Mobile No.0546843734
3.     Wasiullah                                Mobile No.0546843750
4.     Tahir Shamo                           Mobile No.0548981774

EMBASSY HELP LINE NUMBERS
0501699879 / 0501700106 / 0501699895 and 0501699894
The Embassy of India, Riyadh will remain closed on Sunday, 3 November 2013 on account of Diwali.
Source: Embassy of India, Riyadh

g. TUNISIA
28. Press Release on a seminar on ‘Gandhian thought’ organized, Tunis, 5 October 2013.
The Embassy of India in Tunis, in cooperation with Ahmed Tlili Foundation, organized a seminar on Gandhian thought on Saturday, 5 October 2013 at the University of Constitutional Law and Political Science in Tunis.  Ambassador Nagma M. Mallick delivered a keynote address titled ‘Gandhi’s enduring example: the Power of Non-violent Action’ (Text of speech available at the Embassy website www.embassyofindiatunis.com).  The other speakers were Prof. Ridha Tlili, the founder of the Ahmed Tlili Foundation & its Chairman, Fadl Moussa, Hony. Prof. Abdul Majeed, Mohamed Haddad and other academics.

The seminar was well attended by a cross-section of university students, media personalities, intellectuals and other Tunisians.  Ahmed Tlili Foundation was established in January 2011 with the objective of spreading the spirit of cultural diversity and political pluralism in Tunisia and to introduce young people to a democratic culture.  The Foundation is named after Ahmed Tlili, a well-known trade unionist and freedom fighter.
Source: Embassy of India, Tunis

29. Assembly plant of Mahindra pickup trucks inaugurated in Sousse, Tunisia, 30 October 2013.
A new assembly plant of Mahindra pickup trucks was jointly inaugurated by Ridha Saidi, Minister for Economic Affairs in the Prime Minister’s Office and by Nagma M. Mallick, Ambassador of India to the Republic of Tunisia on 30 October 2013. Ruzbeh Irani, Chief Executive International Operations and other representatives of Mahindra and Mahindra Limited were also present, as was Moukhless Jmal, Governor of Sousse. The plant is located in Sousse on the east coast of Tunisia and can produce up to 5,000 trucks per year. The reputed Indian auto company, Mahindra and Mahindra, will provide the vehicles as knocked-down kits, which will be assembled in the factory at Sousse by the Tunisian company, M/s. MEDICARS, with full technical support from the Indian company. The Tunisian partner company will also import other Mahindra products, including tractors, SUVs and 4X4s into Tunisia.

This is the first assembly plant of Mahindra pickup trucks in Africa. The plant will employ 250 persons and the components of the vehicles will be gradually indigenized so that eventually 30 percent of the pickup trucks will be made in Tunisia, thereby further stimulating employment opportunities and economic activity within the Tunisian economy.

The inauguration of the assembly plant was accompanied by a grand and colourful ceremony with Tunisian musicians and performers. Ridha Saidi, in his remarks at the ceremony, welcomed the establishment of the plant and hailed the partnership of Indian companies in the revitalization of the Tunisian economy. He recalled the inauguration in July 2013 of the Tunisia-Indian joint venture for the production of phosphoric acid, TIFERT SA, which created 500 new jobs in Skhira, and expressed his happiness that the Tunisian private sector was also now partnering with well-known Indian companies. Ambassador Nagma M. Mallick expressed her confidence that the robustness and durability, for which Mahindra products were famous, would ally with Tunisian technical competence in the production of very attractive vehicles which would find many buyers in Tunisia and other countries of North Africa.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by a large number of dignitaries, entrepreneurs and media persons. The event ended by eight happy buyers driving off with the Mahindra pickups that they had just bought, flagged off by the assembled dignitaries.
Source: Embassy of India, Tunis, Tunisia

h. TURKEY
30. Transcript of Media Briefing by Special Secretary (AD) on President's forthcoming visit to Belgium and Turkey, New Delhi, 1 October 2013.
… Coming to Turkey, after his State visit to Belgium the President would be visiting Turkey from 5 October to the evening of 7 October. This would be the third visit by an Indian President to Turkey. The previous two had been by Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma in 1993 and K.R. Narayanan in September 1998.

To give brief details of the programme, President will be arriving in Istanbul in the morning of 5 October and will be conferred an Honorary Doctorate by Istanbul University. There will be a visit to Cappadocia the next day where he meets the Governor. After his arrival at Ankara on 6th afternoon, the President will address the Indian community. He will lay a wreath at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. He will be received by the President of Turkey. Foreign Minister will call on the President. And the President of Turkey will host a banquet in honour of the President.

Turkey and India, as I am sure you know, are linked by historical bonds of civilization, philosophy, culture and language. The historical connections start with the exchange of diplomatic missions between the Ottoman Sultans and the Muslim rulers of the subcontinent in the year 1481-82. We have, as a result of these interactions, a great cultural overlap. I have a statistic here which says that there are about 9,500 words which are common in Hindustani and the Turkish language. The name of Urdu language can be traced back to the Turkish language.

Among the common elements in our cultural traditions is the Ottoman architect Mimar Yusuf who came to India and entered the service of Akbar, and he is reputed to have had a hand in the buildings of Agra and Delhi, especially the Taj Mahal. We know of course about the Sufi philosophy of Maulana Rumi, which had resonance with India’s own traditions of Sufiism.

As in the case of Belgium, we have had a number of high-level visits exchanged between Turkey and India. The Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey visited India in 2008. President Abdullah Gul visited us in February 2010. Our own Vice-President visited Turkey in October 2011. And our External Affairs Minister was there very recently in July 2013.

We of course recognize the geographical and geopolitical importance of Turkey as a strong democratic and economically growing nation at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. Turkish leaders have noted the democratic ideals of India, the secular nature of its polity, its emerging economy, and our position in regional and international politics.

In the economic and commercial area we see Turkey as among our important partners in the region. Two-way trade touched US$ 7.25 billion in 2011. There has been a slight dip in the next two years and that again is because of the recessionary trends in Europe. But we see the headline trend in trade as in the upward direction. In fact as far back as in 2008 when our trade was only US$ three billion we had set a target of US$ five billion by 2010, which as you see we have surpassed easily.

More than 100 Indian companies have registered businesses in Turkey with investments in areas ranging from infrastructure and automobiles to IT and consultancy services. Prominent Indian companies with a presence in Turkey include GMR which won a bid for construction of the Istanbul airport; Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra, Reliance, Aditya Birla group, Ispat, Tafe, Wipro, Dabur India, etc. Turkish companies also have a presence in India in the infrastructure and oil and petrochemical sectors.

We have a joint commission on trade and economic cooperation which is co-chaired by the Commerce Ministers of the two countries. A meeting of this joint commission is due perhaps later this year or early next year. We have an agreement for avoidance of double taxation, an agreement for protection and promotion of investments. As in the case of Belgium, cooperation in the cultural and educational sectors has been particularly vibrant in recent years. Again, the high-level delegation of academicians who will be on the President’s delegation hope to establish connections and arrangements with their counterpart universities in Turkey.

Indian culture, films, dance, yoga, Ayurveda and Indian cuisine have been very popular in Turkey. ISRO launched Turkey’s first nano satellite on a PSLV vehicle in September 2009.

Indian nationals are not a very large number here. There are only 200 Indian nationals in Turkey, most of them are in Istanbul working in commercial organizations. India and Turkey are members of the G20. Turkey incidentally is the only Eurasian country which is a member of NATO. We are both countries which see ourselves as victims of international terrorism. A joint statement against terrorism was issued when President Abdullah Gul visited India in February 2010. We believe that the President’s visit will provide an added impetus and momentum towards consolidation and strengthening of the broad-based, multifaceted and comprehensive partnership both with Belgium and with Turkey.

This is what I would call an opening statement. We would of course be happy to field questions. I would like to request the Press Secretary to the President Venu Rajamony to add to what I said.

Press Secretary to President (Venu Rajamony): Thank you. Good evening friends. Ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure to be back here in MEA and to be interacting with all of you.

The Secretary has given a very comprehensive description of the state of bilateral relations and set the context for the visit. I would just like to add a few points on behalf of the President.

The President of India is greatly looking forward to his forthcoming State visits to Belgium and Turkey. Both the countries are familiar to him and he has visited them many times in the past. The President’s last visit to Belgium was in his capacity as External Affairs Minister when he went for a conference of the Indian Heads of Missions to the European Union member states on 30 May 2007.

His last visit to Turkey was in his capacity as Finance Minister when the annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank were held in Istanbul from 3 to 5 October 2009. The President has not visited Ankara before. So, this would be the first time he would be visiting the capital city of Turkey.

The leadership of both Belgium and Turkey are familiar to the President. He has interacted with them, the present King of Belgium as well as his father, the previous King, on the occasion of their previous visits to India. He has also interacted with the Turkish leadership, both the President and Prime Minister, during their visits to India. The President attaches the highest importance to India’s relations with Belgium and Turkey. He has very carefully chosen a delegation comprising the Minister of Shipping G.K. Vasan, and five Members of Parliament to accompany him from different political parties. The Members of Parliament are: four from the Congress, one from the BJP, and one from the Biju Janata Dal. They span both the Lok Sabha as well as the Rajya Sabha. There is a mixture of men and women, and there is an emphasis on youth if you look at the whole delegation. Those of you who are travelling with the President will all have opportunities to meet them and interact with them during the course of the tour…

… The President views Turkey as a country, as mentioned by Secretary, with whom India has had historic and civilizational links. Turkey’s War of Independence and the life and message of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was an inspiration for India’s national movement. The President sees his visit to Turkey as an opportunity to inject new dynamism into the relationship, to renew high-level political contacts, and to encourage Turkish participation and investment in Indian infrastructure. He would also in particular like to encourage joint collaboration between Indian and Turkish companies in areas like Afghanistan and Central Asia…

Question: Rajamony, you have talked about Afghanistan and Central Asia as important geographical locations for both Turkey and India. As far as Afghanistan is concerned, in 2014 the international forces are withdrawing from Afghanistan. So, the Turkish forces may remain there as a military power in Afghanistan. India has huge investments in Afghanistan. Both Presidents of Turkey and India are former Foreign Ministers. What kind of meetings are going to take place regarding Afghanistan? And as Central Asia is a source of energy for both the countries, I would like to learn the details of the meetings regarding that.

Another question I would like to ask is about the civil aviation. As we know, the Turkish Airlines has applied for the expansion of their flights to India almost one year ago. In this visit of President, will there be any kind of talks on this civil aviation agreement?

Press Secretary to President: As far as Afghanistan and Central Asia are concerned, Afghanistan in particular, clearly India and Turkey share a lot of common interest in ensuring that there is peace, there is stability, there is political continuity and the environment for economic progress and development. As you mentioned, India has very major investments in Afghanistan. We have very major interests in Afghanistan. Similarly Turkey. Turkish forces are going to stay back. Turkey has maintained an active interest in what is happening in Afghanistan.

So, it is an area where there is scope for India and Turkey to work together, particularly in the private sector where Turkish companies are all big in infrastructure globally. We are welcoming their participation in India. There are a large number of Indian companies in Turkey. The Secretary has mentioned that in his briefing. So, all this offer ideal grounds for much greater collaboration between the two countries. Certainly this would be a very important topic of discussions.

Similarly Central Asia is an area which in many ways binds both our countries together. It has always bound us together historically and culturally. Here again there would be great scope for both of us to work together. And these are issues which would come up in the discussions when the President is there and when he meets the leadership of Turkey. I think what emerges from the discussions is something which can be talked about only after the meetings are actually held.

Special Secretary (Administration): On civil aviation, these are actually commercial discussions that are going on between the airlines of both countries. All I can say at the moment is that these discussions are ongoing. I cannot tell you whether something will happen during the President’s visit. But as I said, this is primarily a commercial discussion that is going on between the Turkish Airlines and its counterpart in India.

Press Secretary to President: To add to that, irrespective of the discussions between the two airlines, what is indisputable and what both countries agreed on is the need for much greater connectivity between the countries. We need much more flights between the countries. We would like to have greater number of tourists from Turkey visiting India, from India visiting Turkey. And considering the history that we share and the commonalities in culture that we share, we need to have much greater movement of people between the two countries. And better airline connections are an absolutely critical ingredient for making sure that that happens.

Question: The fulcrum of power in the Islamic world has now moved away from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to Turkey and Iran now. And the West has been always wary of this kind of a combination historically. In what way actually it helps India and what it means for India?

Secondly, we have been quite wary about and have been very sensitive about the Chinese presence in the PoK. There is a heavy Turkish presence also in the PoK. They have actually opened their … (Inaudible)… Muzaffarabad after the earthquake and they are very actively involved in the Kashmiri refugee camps also in the PoK. But it has never raised our hackles.

Special Secretary (Administration): I think even by a large stretch of the imagination you cannot say that deals with the President’s visit to Turkey and Belgium. The role of Islam, the fulcrum of Islam, these are all very large questions which are the subject of debate in other fora and I do not want to get into it here. I do not see why we should dwell on these subjects at this press briefing.

Deputy Secretary (XP): Since there are no other questions, we come to the end of this event. Thank you.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

31. State Visit of President of India to Belgium and Turkey (2-8 October 2013), New Delhi, 1 October 2013.
… After his State Visit to Belgium, the President will pay a State Visit to Turkey from 5-7 October 2013, at the invitation of the President of Turkey. It would be the third visit by an Indian President to Turkey, after the visits by the President of India in 1993 and 1998…
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

32. President Pranab Mukherjee’s acceptance speech on being conferred Honoris Causa by the University of Istanbul, 5 October 2013.
Rector of Istanbul University Professor Dr Yunus Soylet,
Dean faculty of Political Sciences, Professor Dr Emra Cengiz,
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me begin by extending to the friendly people of Turkey, warm greetings and good wishes from the people of India, the Indian Government and from my own self.

I would like to express my appreciation to the Istanbul University for honouring me today with the Doctorate, Honoris Causa, in Political Science. I am privileged to receive this honour from Istanbul University which, like the city itself, is steeped in history and has been a bridge connecting two disparate land continents and civilizations. I am indeed proud and privileged to be here.

There is a 200 strong Indian Diaspora in your beautiful country, which is a vibrant community in its own right. Their ethos, experience and expertise help in cementing stronger ties of friendship, goodwill and mutual understanding between our peoples. I thank the Government, Universities, employers and people of Turkey, who have extended their hand of friendship to our Diaspora here. This people-to-people link is a great asset in the building of closer bilateral relations between our two countries.

The statement read out by the Dean of Political Sciences, Professor Dr. Emra Cengiz, explained that the conferment of the Honorary Degree, Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa, to me was on account of my achievement as someone who has spent decades in political life and contributed to governance and democracy in India. While I am humbled by this honour, this recognition, in my view, is due to the Indian nation and its people.

India is a developing economy. It has pursued a democratic model of governance to provide opportunity for the development of every individual. India’s democracy is an inspiration to the forces of liberty around the world. When we started our journey of democracy in 1947, we were a new nation with a handful of challenges. We have overcome trials and tribulations and grown in strength to be a vibrant democracy today.

Our democratic foundation is built on the three pillars of Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary. The Parliament is a sacred institution that reflects the will of the people. The Members of our Parliament are the chosen representatives of the people who carry their hopes and aspirations and resonate their grievances. The accountability of the Executive to the people for its actions is exercised through the Parliament.

We share with Turkey a deep commonality in our respective political structures. The success of our democratic institutions lies in responding to the challenges of our time and the hopes and aspirations of our people. They have to usher in the change and achieve the progress that we desire in our two countries. A key factor that can contribute to its achievement is Good Governance.

Nations are according this goal more importance than ever before because of its inseparable link to social welfare and public good. Absence of good governance has been identified as the root cause of many of the serious deficiencies in societies. It robs the citizenry of their security, and of their social and economic rights, ironically established for their welfare and collective good.

Good governance is critically dependent on the existence of some fundamental pre-requisites. At the core is the inviolable adherence to rule of law and delivery of justice. From these principles would emanate the existence of participatory decision-making structure, transparency, responsiveness, accountability, equity and inclusiveness. This would particularly imply the existence of a corruption free society and the presence of adequate avenues especially for the marginalized sections to have a definitive role in decision-making. In brief, good governance means the existence of an elaborate architecture that has the good of the people as their only foci.

Stability, growth, progress—all this could only be achieved if we set the right priorities and execute bold policy measures to achieve them. I believe good governance ought to be the essential, the most basic philosophy with the rule of law and justice being the most important tenets of good governance.

Three days ago, on 2 October, we marked the 144th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Indian Nation, who shaped our liberation struggle and for whom Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founding Father of your great nation had a special affection. We are aware that political leaders from both countries have an abiding mutual admiration and empathy as well as respect for Mahatma Gandhi. His philosophy of tolerance and self-restraint had a big impact on how India has administered itself over the past six and half decades with democratic governance. The value system propounded as part of his philosophy included sincerity of effort, honesty of purpose and sacrifice for the larger good.

As I look around the world as someone who has lived on this planet for close to eight decades and as a Gandhian, I ask myself whether the ideals of patriotism, compassion, tolerance, self-restraint, honesty, discipline and respect for women are prevalent to the extent that they should be. I have endeavoured in my private and public life to contribute to these very ideals, which I believe, are the very essence of being human.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, despite challenges, and occasional setbacks, India is no longer defined by her problems but by her achievements and the opportunities it offers. We have become a trillion dollar economy, the largest in Southeast Asia. We also have the largest middle class in the region. The last decade has seen India emerge as one of the fastest growing nations in the world. During this period, our economy grew annually at an average rate of 7.9 per cent. We are self-sufficient in food grains production, the largest exporter of rice and the second largest exporter of wheat. However, achieving equitable economic growth is still a challenge. So also is the complete elimination of poverty, although a declining trend in the poverty rate is clearly visible.

Rapid creation of employment opportunities is an essential aspect of good governance. It is the approximately 350 million middle-class Indian citizens that have put India on the world map over the past two decades or so. In my Address to the Indian nation on the eve of 15th August, which marked the 66th Anniversary of our Independence, I referred to the need to provide our citizens entitlements backed by legal guarantees in terms of right to employment, education, food and information. We also need to ensure that these entitlements lead to real empowerment of the people. It will be essential to develop and sustain robust delivery mechanisms to make these legislations work.

Our trajectory of high level growth will need to be sustained. Our continued success will need to be earned. In spite of our achievements during these transformational decades, there remains much work to be done. Indeed, sustaining India’s transformation will require the hard work and diligence of the country’s people, and particularly, good governance that its leaders have to steer. We will have to also strengthen the rule of law and good governance practices. We will have to ensure harmonious relations among our diverse ethnic and religious groups which, in a secular polity, is of supreme importance for nation building.

Friends,
We have learnt the difficult way that unless there is peace at our borders, development, and harmony cannot be achieved. India and Turkey live in extremely difficult geographies, and both of us are aware of the grave challenges to our security, internal as well as external. However, I am sure you would agree that India’s commitment to peace is unfailing. We continue to sustain moderation, pluralism and tolerance in our society.

I certainly hope that with all this, in 2047—after one hundred years of independence—my vision of an India fully transformed into a democratically mature, stable and peaceful nation with freedom and opportunity for all will become a reality. It will be an India that is economically prosperous at all levels of society. In 1947, with an India coming into being after two centuries of colonial rule, many would have thought this vision as being far-fetched, but as envisioned by our national leaders, I am proud to say that today; this is a future well within our reach.

I am happy that the idea of 'India’ has withstood the vicissitudes of time and presented itself as a secular, socialist, democratic republic, one that is non-aligned, non-violent and peace-loving as envisioned by the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Our friends around the world, like Turkey, have contributed to making such an idea become a reality.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
In conclusion, I am reminded of the Nobel laureate Indian poet and philosopher, Rabindranath Tagore whose work, Geetanjali, includes these lines which summarize my hopes and dreams for a successful and fully developed India ready to take its rightful place in this world:

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;
Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depth of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is led forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action –
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.
Thank you.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

33. Transcript of media briefing by President En route from Istanbul, New Delhi, 7 October 2013.
Press Secretary to President (Venu Rajamony): Good evening friends. The President will make the opening remarks and then take your questions.

President of India (Pranab Mukherjee): Friends, I have completed a fruitful state visit to the Republic of Turkey.

It was the first visit by an Indian President in 15 years. The President and Prime Minister of Turkey expressed appreciation of the visit. I was very warmly received at all places of my visit. I am particularly grateful to the Istanbul University, which is one of the oldest universities in the world, for having conferred on me an honorary doctorate in political science. This is not just a personal honour but an honour for India and all Indians.

I visited Capadocia, one of Turkey’s World Heritage Sites, and am very impressed by the natural beauty of the area as well as the range of tourist attractions in this country.

My meeting with President Gul and Prime Minister Erdogan were warm and cordial. Foreign Minister Davutoglu also called on me. I had extensive discussions on bilateral, multilateral and global issues with Turkish leaders. We agreed that there were a number of commonalities in our worldview as well as on developments in our neighbourhood.

We decided that India and Turkey should initiate comprehensive dialogue mechanisms for exchange of perspectives on all areas of our interest. This could cover our cooperation in the United Nations, G20 and other multilateral groupings as well as global issues like climate change, sustainable development, food security and energy security.

Both President Gul and Prime Minister Erdogan agreed with me that terrorism is a menace threatening the world and we need to deal with it both individually and collectively. I briefed the leaders of Turkey on our problems with terrorism, particularly cross-border terrorism. I also briefed them on initiatives that our Government has taken to promote friendly relations and peace with Pakistan.

We agreed that terrorists wreak wanton destruction and have no religion, nor friends. Prime Minister Erdogan said that Turkey would like to learn from the experiences of India in dealing with terrorism, which he said was a menace which Turkey was also experiencing.

We agreed that it was important to support democracy and development in Afghanistan. Turkey appreciated our significant role in capacity building and development projects in that country. Like India, Turkey is also involved in a range of developmental activities in Afghanistan, and Prime Minister Erdogan confirmed that it would continue to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan even after 2014. We agreed to build on this convergence of views.

We expressed satisfaction at the growth in our economic cooperation both in trade and investment. We felt, however, that there was considerable potential to further expand the cooperation. We decided to convene soon the Joint Economic Committee in New Delhi to address all aspects of our economic cooperation.

We noted the adverse Turkish balance of trade with India and agreed to work on means of addressing it, including through enhanced investments in India by Turkish companies and tourism exchanges. In this context I briefed the Turkish leadership about our ambitious plan to invest about US$ one trillion in infrastructure over the next five years, and invited Turkish companies which have great strength in these areas to participate in these projects. Indian and Turkish companies could also explore joint venture opportunities in third countries. IT was identified as a promising area for this.

We concluded five inter-governmental agreements during the visit, for cooperation between our national broadcaster and their Turkish counterpart on science and technology cooperation, on cooperation between our medium and small-scale industries, and exchanges between our national archives.

I briefed the Turkish leadership about India’s efforts for full membership of the four export control regimes and stressed our impeccable record on non-proliferation. We agreed that Turkey and India would continue consultations and discussions on this matter.

Foreign Minister Davutoglu conveyed to me that Turkey would be supportive of India, but would need to work with other NSG members on this matter.

I had mentioned in my remarks after the visit to Belgium, my effort to promote the level of research and innovation in our academic institutions. I am happy that four prominent Indian universities concluded six memoranda of understanding with their counterparts in Turkey with a view to promoting faculty, students and research exchanges.

I extended an invitation to President Gul to visit India. While accepting it, he spoke of his respect and affection for our country. Prime Minister Erdogan also asked me to convey to our Prime Minister the pending invitation for him to visit Turkey.

I believe that in the course of my interaction with the Turkish leadership we have made progress in a number of areas. Turkey is an important country in its region and among the emerging economies in the world. There is significant potential for expanding our cooperation in all fields, and we intend to maintain a robust dialogue towards peace and across all sectors and at all levels.
Thank you.

Question: Excellency, traditionally Turkey is perceived to be closer to Pakistan. During your talks with Turkish leaders, some miracle happened. First they did not mention about Kashmir. Second they did mention about terror attacks in Pakistan. Is it your diplomatic success or really Turkey is now moving closer to India?

President of India: Every country has its own approach towards each and every other country. But this much I would like to say that I briefed them about our initiatives on Pakistan and also the requirement which has been repeatedly placed before the Pakistan leadership. I also mentioned the last meeting between the two Prime Ministers at the margin of the United Nations. But this is the situation which we shall have to recognize.

While talking on terrorism there was convergence of views, which I have mentioned in my statement, that terrorists have no religion, no country, no respect for borders. Their only aim is to continue wanton destruction of everything. And we have also recognized that this is not confined to one country or one region; it appears to be a menace to the international peace and stability.

Question: Sir, recently Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was also in Turkey …(Inaudible)… he expressed publicly and first time he said …(Inaudible)… having good relations with India. He had a detailed discussion with the Turkish leadership. Now are you confident that Turkish leadership would prevail upon the Pakistan leadership so that India’s concerns can be addressed?

President of India: Our effort in respect of Pakistan that it is essential that bilateral issues are to be resolved between India and Pakistan themselves within the framework of Shimla Agreement. Therefore, the question of any third country intervention on this issue does not arise. And India has never sought any foreign country’s intervention in this matter (Inaudible)…

Question: Mr. President, Turkey had not been very supportive of India’s bid for UN Security Council membership, and has been part of a small ginger group, which includes China and Pakistan, which opposed India’s membership in UNSC. Did you after your discussions get an impression that Turkey’s view might change?

President of India: Every country has its own angularity and approach towards the United Nations reform, how it should take place, when it should take place. And in the open-ended working group which is functioning from 1995 till date, almost 28 years, it has not been possible to find a common ground about the date, time, and broad contours of the reform of the United Nations. Therefore, there were no new areas to discuss except in general terms.

Question: We saw in this instance how Turkey perhaps dramatically has taken a view to strengthen ties with India during your visit. But should such an impression gain ground that our relations with Pakistan will always come up whenever we are trying to strengthen ties with various countries, what would you say? Given its relations with Pakistan, it is not satisfactory. Should that come between relations with other countries?

President of India: Our relation with other countries is not specific to any country. We do not believe that relationship between two countries, bilateral relationship … (Inaudible)… in the context of a third country

Question: Sir, in recent times we have witnessed increasing friction among different institutions of our democracy. In the latest instance you had the Supreme Court talking about Representation of People Act and the Government trying to bring an ordinance to overturn the Supreme Court judgment. How do you look at this increasing friction among the institutions and do you think that judiciary is overstepping its jurisdiction?

President of India: Umpteen number of times I have stated that each institution should function within its limitations which have been determined by the Constitution. Every institution derives its authority from the Constitution itself. And in a living, dynamic, multiparty system, there may be occasions when various institutions act in a particular way, but we have the capacity and flexibility in the system to adjust the friction and to avoid any crisis.
Press Secretary to President: Thank you.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

34. Speech by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee at the state banquet hosted by the President of Turkey, H.E. Mr. Abdullah Gul, Ankara, 7 October 2013.
Excellency,
During the last three days that I have been privileged to be in your beautiful and friendly country I have felt the warmth and welcome of the Turkish people. Today your amity and goodwill are manifest with this invitation to me to share a meal with you. The warmth that I have perceived in our interactions today is reflective of the potential that exists for bringing our two countries closer. I accept this as a tribute to our shared cultural, linguistic, social and civilizational experiences. For me and my delegation, it has been a privilege and pleasure to be here and to learn firsthand about Turkey, its people, its history and its grandeur. I thank you, Excellency, for having invited me for this visit.

I look forward, Excellency, to welcome you in my own country, India. I assure you that the shared similarities between our two countries - Turkey and India – in hospitality, in welcoming guests and in our cuisine which you would have experienced while you were in India 3 and half years ago, will equally enrich your visit. Our countries share bonds that go beyond a mere sharing of cultural heritage, arts and cuisine.

As two emerging economies with congruent interests in several cross cutting areas, we should aim to reap the benefits of closer interaction. Our developing societies can engage across sectors; we are looking forward to enhancing academic exchanges and people to people contact. Being members of the G-20, we interact closely on issues affecting the global community. We are at historical cross roads; the decisions we take today will influence the future of this relationship.

Excellency, it is my ardent hope that as two independent nations we will work together to make this world a better and safer place to live in and take our bilateral relations to greater heights of cooperation and mutual understanding.

I am carrying back very fond memories of my visit to Turkey. Excellency, please join me in raising a toast for your health, and the progress and prosperity of the Turkish people. Let us rededicate ourselves to making our two countries focal points that will usher in peace and stability for our respective regions, and for the world as a whole.
Source: The President of India, New Delhi

MULTILATERAL ISSUES/REGIONAL ISSUES
i. THEMATIC DEBATE ON OTHER WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION
35. Statement by Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Member of Parliament & Member of the Indian Delegation, during the Thematic Debate on Other Weapons Mass Destruction at the First Committee of 68th United Nations General Assembly, New York, 25 October 2013.    
Chairperson,
India attaches high importance to the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention. These are examples of non-discriminatory treaties in the field of disarmament which could effectively lead to the total elimination of biological and chemical weapons of mass destruction. These treaties are indeed historic in the sweep of their vision and the unity of purpose that has inspired them.

… Recent events in Syria have demonstrated the importance of complete destruction and elimination of chemical weapons stockpiles in the world as soon as possible and the need to ensure that terrorists and non-state actors are prevented from acquiring access to these weapons. The use of chemical weapons anywhere and by anyone must be condemned and the international norm against the use of chemical weapons must be rigorously enforced. India supports the ongoing efforts of the OPCW for the expedited destruction and elimination of chemical weapons stockpiles in Syria …
Source: Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New Delhi

SPECIFIC ISSUES
j. SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST
36. Statement by Preneet Kaur, Minister of State for External Affairs, Debate on “The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Questions”, in the United Nations Security Council, New York, 22 October 2013.
President,
Thank you for giving me the floor.
At the outset let me express our appreciation to you for convening this quarterly open debate, which allows the Council to take stock of recent developments in the Middle East, including the State of Palestine. I would also like to thank Under Secretary General for Political Affairs Jeffery Feltman, for his comprehensive briefing.

President,  
Resolution of the Palestinian question remains an urgent and key issue for the international community. It is a prerequisite for building a sustainable and lasting peace in the Middle East region. Given the evolving situation in the Middle East region and its inherent fragility and unpredictability, it is necessary that there is no more delay in the resolution of the Palestinian question.

We are encouraged by the ongoing direct talks between Israel and Palestine facilitated by the US. We hope that the direct talks which have resumed after one of the longest period of stalemate since the signing of the Oslo Accords will lead to concrete results within the time frame of nine months envisaged by the US Secretary of State, John Kerry.

In this context, it is necessary to address the issue of Israeli settlement activities, which are continuing unabated. These activities are not only illegal, but also pose a serious threat to the two-state solution. We join others in urging Israel to stop settlement activities.

The blockade of Gaza has had serious consequences for the lives of Palestinians.  It has adversely affected essential services, economic activities and infrastructure development. We continue to hold that it is necessary for Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza and allow normal and unrestricted movement of persons and goods within Palestine.

President,
India remains steadfast in its support for a negotiated solution to the Israeli Palestinian issue resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders with East Jerusalem as its Capital, side by side and at peace with Israel as endorsed in the Quartet Roadmap, various UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Given the financial difficulties that the Palestinian Authority continues to face, India remains committed to support the Palestinian Authority bilaterally as well as through IBSA Fund. Bilaterally, we continue to partner with the Palestinian Authority by providing developmental support and assistance through direct budgetary support, contributions to UNRWA, training, etc. Through IBSA Fund, we will continue to undertake capacity building and infrastructure projects that are prioritized by the Palestinian Authority.

As demonstrated over the past six decades, including during its memberships in the UN Security Council, India also stands ready to support all measures that the Palestinian leadership may take towards political resolution of the Final Status issues.

President,
Before I conclude, I would like to express our deep concern at the situation in Syria. While we welcome the adoption of Security Council resolution 2118 on the elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons programme as well as the Presidential Statement on the humanitarian situation in Syria, we are concerned at the continuing violence and worsening humanitarian situation.

We have long held that there is no military solution to this conflict. We continue to think that an inclusive political dialogue to resolve the crisis should remain the focus of the United Nations, including this Council. We look forward to an early holding of the Geneva-2 Conference, which should help commence a Syrian-led inclusive political dialogue that resolves the current crisis and meets the legitimate aspirations of all sections of Syrian society.  
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