BILATERAL ISSUES
a. EGYPT
1. India by the Nile 2014: Opening Reception, Cairo, 3 April 2014.
In a reception at the Indian Ambassador’s residence on 2 April 2014, the Embassy of India, Cairo in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Cairo Opera House and managed by Teamworks Arts, announced the return of the second edition of India by the Nile in April 2014. The reception was attended by Mohamed Saber Arab, the Minister of Culture, Hisham Zazou, the Minister of Tourism, Dr. Yahia Gamal, Former Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Camelia Sobhi, First Undersecretary, Ministry of Culture, Inas Abdel Dayem, Chair of the Cairo Opera House, Amb. Ahmed Ismail, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Amb. Satish Mehta, Director General for Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and Sanjoy Roy, Director of Teamwork Arts Ltd. in addition to representatives of the Indian companies, other dignitaries, diplomats and members of the Press.

Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Suri said that the festival was an effort to create lasting collaborations between India and Egypt and to convey a positive image of the country in the current period. Thanking the partners, particularly the Ministries of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation as well as the Opera House, he said such a festival would not have been possible without their full cooperation. The Minister for Culture said that the festival was an example of the saying “a friend in need is a friend indeed,” while explaining that the festival was a continuation of a historic relationship. The Minister of Tourism said that he had fallen in love with India at first sight, and an Indian festival in Egypt was an ideal support to boosting tourism from the country. The Director General for Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Amb. Satish Mehta spoke of the importance of cultural diplomacy as a bridge between cultures. Sanjoy Roy, Director of Teamwork Arts Ltd thanked the support of the Embassy, the partners, and the sponsors for the event, and welcomed Egyptians to come and actively participate in the three weeks of the festival.

Last year the festival was billed as the biggest foreign festival in Egypt since the 25 January Revolution. This year the festival, running from 1-19 April, will have a grand opening with Bollywood Love Story- A Musical at the Opera House from the 3 to the 6 of April, and will see more than 35 Indian dancers performing to the much-loved music of Indian cinema. The musical will also travel to Alexandria, Hurghada and Luxor.

Through the three weeks of the festival, the range and variety of India’s diverse cultural ethos will be on display. Noted classical Indian dancer Marami Medhi will perform Kathak both in Cairo and Alexandria, while an exhibition of Saris (the traditional Indian dress for women) will showcase the beauty of India’s textile traditions, with even some free lessons in Sari Draping. Shabana Azmi, a distinguished Indian actress, will be in conversation with Samir Farid, followed by a screening of her most celebrated movies, and Urvashi Butalia, a writer and feminist will speak with Dr. Saher al Mougy. All these elements celebrate the successes of ‘Women of Substance’ – a major theme of the festival, and recognize the challenges and similarities of women in both India and Egypt.

The festival will also see an emphasis on Indian music and art, and collaboration will be the order of the day - an Indian folk music troupe, Rajasthani Josh, will perform both in Cairo and Alexandria, while Javed Akhtar, one India’s most famous lyricists will discuss the Song in Indian cinema. Political cartoonist Sudhir Tailang will display his work, and collaborate with the Egyptian Caricature Exhibition. Thinkers and writers from both India and Egypt will also be in attendance during the Words on Water session at the Supreme Council of Culture moderated by Mohamed Salmawy.
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

2. Indian Film Panorama, Cairo, 10 April 2014.
The Embassy of India will organize an ‘Indian Film Panorama’ which will be inaugurated on April 11 at Artistic Creativity Center at Cairo after the event in which Shabana Azmi will speak about Indian cinema. The event, which will continue till 16 of May and involves screening of some of the popular Indian movies like Godmother, Bhaag Milkha Baagh, and Gujarish as per the schedule appended below. Entry to the event is free of Cost.
Schedule: -
11 April: Godmother – It is a story about the rise of a woman from a housewife to a powerful politician.
12 April: Band Baaja Baarat - The movie is about two wedding planners who achieve success as partners but differences turn them into bitter rivals.
13 April: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag – It is a biographical sports drama film based on the life of Milkha Singh, an Indian athlete who was a national champion runner and an Olympian.
14 April: Guzaarish – It is the story of a paralyzed magician-turned-radio jockey who files a petition in court seeking permission to end his life.
15 April: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara – A coming-of-age comedy-drama road film about three friends who have been inseparable since childhood.
16 April: English Vinglish - The film revolves around a housewife who enrolls in an English-speaking course to stop her husband and daughter from mocking her lack of English speaking skills.
The festival is organized by the by the Embassy of India, Cairo in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Cairo Opera House and managed by Teamworks Arts, and includes a variety of events from Bollywood dancing to folk music, a sari exhibition, Indian food, and a symposium of writers. Last year the festival was billed as the largest foreign festival in Egypt since the 25 January Revolution.

For further information, please contact Indian Embassy Cairo at info.cairo@mea.gov.in, or the embassy website at www.indembcairo.com, our Facebook page Indian Embassy Cairo or visit us at www.indiabythenile.com.
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

3. Being HuMan workshops at New Horizon International School, Cairo, 13 April 2014.
The Embassy of India, in collaboration with Teamwork Arts, and the New Horizon International School organized a three day workshop from 6-8 April entitled ‘Being HuMan’ that brought together 35 students from Class 9-12. The workshop was conducted by Puneeta Roy, who as Managing Trustee of the Yuva Ekta Foundation in India has been working on self empowerment and healing with young people from marginalized as well as privileged backgrounds for over a decade, using Theatre and the Arts. A keen documentary film maker, she dreams of setting up a Global Youth Citizenship Network.

In the three day workshop, the students set out to explore together issues like qualities and core values that define a HuMan, appropriate responses of a Human in situations of conflict and violence, as well as solutions to the greed and hatred so prevalent in the world today. In a participative free flowing format, the students were encouraged to actively engage with the concepts being discussed. Through interactive discussions, meditations, role playing, creative writing and drawing, the students were introduced to the Energy states of every HuMan - 'Hu' being a Greek word for light. The students understood the concept of Free Willl and their fundamental right to make choices at every given moment, but also to take complete responsibility for the consequences of these choices.

Aly, one of the students who participated in the workshop, had this to say: “The biggest conflict of all is internal conflict. Internal conflict is the start of all external conflicts. That split second after someone starts a scuffle with you, when you are locked inside your mind with only two choices: to be the bigger person or the smaller person....where your Ego kicks in forcing you to be the smaller person. Very few can control their Ego but the ones who can achieve the greatest peace of all.”

The workshop was organized as part of India by the Nile 2014, an annual festival by the Embassy of India, Cairo in partnership with Teamworks Arts, and includes a variety of events from Bollywood dancing to folk music, a sari exhibition, Indian food, and a symposium of writers.
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

4. Bollywood Dance workshop at Awlady Orphanage, Cairo, 13 April 2014.
The Embassy of India, Cairo in collaboration with Teamwork Arts Ltd, organized a Bollywood dance workshop for the children of the Awlady Orphanage in Maadi on 8 April, as part of the India by the Nile festival. The workshop was conducted by Gilles Chuyen, a training choreographer and dancer for around 40 children at the premises of the orphanage. As mentioned by Nada Sabet, one of the staff at the orphanage, it was one of the biggest dreams of the children to learn Bollywood dancing. The children, whose ages ranged from 6-15, spent a few eventful hours learning the steps of some of the most popular Bollywood songs, and enjoyed the experience thoroughly. Gilles Chuyen explained the importance of the various steps, and asked the children to do presentations afterwards.  

Trained in France in folk, Modern Jazz, Ballet and contemporary dance styles, Gilles Chuyen has been working in India since 1994 with various dance forms such as Chhau Mayurbhanj, Kathak and Bharata Natyam. He has been choreographing plays directed by prestigious Indian directors. His Bollywood career comprises of ad campaigns, films & stage shows. He also taught Bollywood dance style extensively in India, U.K, U.S.A and South Africa. Bollywood Dance workshops communicate the energy and fun that imbibes Indian cinema.

The festival runs from 1 to 19April and includes a variety of events from Bollywood dancing to folk music, a sari exhibition, Indian food, and a symposium of writers. Last year the festival was billed as the biggest foreign festival in Egypt since the 25 January Revolution.
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

5. Shabana Azmi - In Conversation, Cairo, 13 April 2014.
The Embassy of India, Cairo in partnership with Teamwork Arts Ltd organized a conversation with distinguished Indian actress, Shabana Azmi at the Artistic Creativity Centre on 11 April. During a one hour long free-wheeling discussion with Egypt’s leading film critic and President of Cairo International Film Festival, Samir Farid, and head of Teamwork Arts and Director Sanjoy Roy, Shabana Azmi spoke at length about the evolution of Indian cinema and the portrayal of women, her own growth as an actress, and her work as an activist and a member of Parliament. She pointed out that despite the many problems facing women in Indian cinema; there has been significant change in their portrayal over the last few decades – representing a more accurate reality of their status in society. She asked the audience to introspect as to why television serials continued to portray women in a certain light, adding that the consumers had as much a responsibility as the producers of content. On he own roles, she said that she was able to portray a diversity of characters as she had been trained to ask “If I were…” before playing a role. Samir Farid spoke about the role of Indian cinema, and the distinctions he saw between it and other world cinema, mentioning that India was unique as cinema was an integral part of life.

Shabana Azmi also spoke about her political career, and her work in Parliament, adding that the years she spent in the legislature was an opportunity to work in bridging the divide between theory and practice in the field of rights, particularly for women. She had entered the field, she said, when she realized that it was not enough to benefit from the portrayal of women, but to work with them on a long term basis. She mentioned that today in India, women’s issues can no longer be ignored.  

Welcoming the guests at the beginning, Ambassador Navdeep Suri spoke about the power of Bollywood and the impact of the roles that Shabana Azmi had played, touching on the theme “Women of Substance” as part of this year’s India by the Nile Festival. The discussion was followed by a screening of her movie Godmother.

Shabana Azmi is a highly acclaimed Indian actress who has acted in more than 100 Hindi and several international films. She has won many national and international awards for her performances. She is also a social activist advocating the rights of women. She served as a Goodwill Ambassador for both the United Nations Population Fund and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation’s (SAARC) Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Centre. Azmi served as a Member of the Upper House of Indian Parliament from 1997 to 2003 and received India’s one of India’s highest civilian award, the Padma Bhusan in 2012.

The festival is organized by the by the Embassy of India, Cairo in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Cairo Opera House and managed by Teamworks Arts, and includes a variety of events from Bollywood dancing to folk music, a sari exhibition, Indian food, and a symposium of writers.
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

b. IRAQ
6. A. Ajay Kumar appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Iraq, New Delhi, 4 April 2014.
A. Ajay Kumar, (IFS:2001) currently Counsellor in Embassy of India, Tehran, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Iraq.
He is expected to take up his assignment shortly.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

c. JORDAN
7. Press Release, Amman, 1 April 2014.
Foreign Office Consultations between India and Jordan were held on 1 April 2014, in Amman after a gap of over eight years.  His Excellency Anil Wadhwa, Secretary [East], Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India led the Indian delegation; and the Jordanian delegation was headed by His Excellency Ambassador Mohammad Taisir Masadeh, Secretary General [SG] in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Anil Wadhwa and Ambassador Mohammad Taisir Masadeh held constructive discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral relations, especially in the fields of politics, defence, security, economy, energy and culture. They also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest. The discussions were held in a very cordial atmosphere reflecting the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries. The two sides reviewed the progress in India-Jordan relations since the last meeting in August 2005 and underscored the importance of holding Foreign Office Consultations at regular intervals, which are an important tool to assess the state of bilateral relations and the measures to enhance multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

Later on the day, Anil Wadhwa had discussions with the Secretary General, Ministry of Agriculture and Secretary General, Ministry of Transport over a lunch that was hosted by the Secretary General in the Foreign Ministry. He also met with the CEO of Jordan Investment Board; and discussed Indian investment in Jordan and possible areas of investment in the future. Secretary [East] also met with Amer Al-Majali, Chairman of Jordan Phosphate Mines Company and discussed the existing bilateral cooperation in the field of fertilizers, including a joint venture to produce phosphoric acid, which would be operational in May this year.

Secretary [East] also called on His Excellency Hatem Hafez Al-Halawani Al-Tamimi, Minister of Industry, Trade & Supply and Minister of Information, Communication & Technology on 31 March 2014. During the meeting which focused on economic and commercial matters, it was agreed to convene the next meeting of the India-Jordan Trade Committee at the Ministerial level in Amman after June 2014.

Secretary [East] also called on His Excellency Nasser S. Judeh, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Expatriate Affairs on 1 April 2014. FM Judeh described India-Jordan relations as “excellent” and suggested that we focus on boosting trade and economic relations between the two countries with an annual target for two-way trade.
Source: Embassy of India, Amman

d. KUWAIT
8. Transportation of Mortal Remains of Indian Nationals, Kuwait, 1 April 2014.
The Embassy had registered 533 deaths of Indian nationals in Kuwait during the year 2013. Out of this, the mortal remains of 107 deceased Indian nationals were buried in Kuwait, as per the wishes of their family members; whereas, the mortal remains of 426 Indian nationals were airlifted to India for final rites. The Embassy paid for air transport of the mortal remains of 24 deceased Indian nationals from Kuwait to India for final rites (while mortal remains of 402 deceased Indian nationals were sent to India by air by the employers / relatives of the deceased for final rites.) Such expenses are paid in the Embassy from the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) for airlifting the mortal remains to the nearest airport in India.

During the current year from 1 January 2014 to 28 February 2014, 91 deaths of Indian nationals have been registered. The mortal remains of 16 deceased Indian nationals were buried in Kuwait, as per the wishes of their family members and the Embassy has paid the transportation of the mortal remains of 8 deceased Indian nationals from Kuwait to India for final rites (whereas 67 mortal remains of deceased Indian nationals were airlifted to India by the employers / relatives of the deceased for final rites.)

The Embassy highly appreciates the voluntary efforts of Indian community members in helping destitute Indians in Kuwait and remains confident of the community’s continued support and helping hand in future also. The community members are also extending valuable assistance in completion of various formalities in Kuwait for despatch of mortal remains to India.

The Embassy will continue to provide air tickets to destitute Indian nationals to return to their homeland, as well as pay for air transportation of mortal remains of deceased Indian nationals to India for final rites.

The details of the deceased Indian nationals, whose mortal remains were airlifted to India, with air transportation provided by the Embassy, are provided for information of Indian community in Kuwait, for the period 1 January 2013 – 28 February 2014.

DETAILED TABLE IS AVAILABLE ONLY IN PDF FORMAT
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

9. Indian Embassy participates in “Living Kuwait” festival at GUST, Kuwait, 10 April 2014.
Indian Embassy participated in “Living Kuwait” festival organized by Humanities and Social Sciences Department of Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), West Mishref from 6-9 April 2014. This festival offered rich display of art, fashion, embroidery, handicraft, cultural banners and publicity materials from many countries. The Indian stall was decorated with rich embroidery, manuscripts, handicrafts, cultural banners, dance posters and publicity material. The festival was very well attended by the students and the faculty members of GUST.
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

10. Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), Kuwait, 22 April 2014.
For the welfare of Indian Community residing in Kuwait, the Indian Embassy has been providing financial assistance to distressed Indian Workers from the Indian Community Welfare Fund. During the period January- March 2014, the Embassy has incurred expenditure of KD 7,302.970 plus US$10,000/- for providing assistance to Indian nationals.

The Embassy has been providing the following services in most demanding cases:
i. Boarding and lodging for distressed Indian Workers in domestic sectors (Article 20 visa);
ii. Extending emergency medical care to the Overseas Indians;
iii. Providing air passage to stranded and distressed Overseas Indians; and
iv. Expenditure on incidentals and for airlifting the mortal remains to India of the deceased Overseas Indians in cases where the sponsor is unable or unwilling to do so as per the contract and the family is also unable to meet the cost.

The number of cases during the period January-March 2014 in which Embassy provided air ticket, medical care and contingency travel expenses to the distressed Indian Workers are as under :
(Period January –March 2014)

THE DETAILED TABLE IS AVAILABLE ONLY IN PDF FORMAT
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

11. Updates on visa processing for Kuwait residents, Kuwait, 23 April 2014.
The Embassy of India Kuwait has been issuing 5-year and one-year multiple entry Business Visas for Kuwaiti businesspersons to promote business activities between the two friendly countries and 6-month multiple entry Tourist Visas to promote further tourism in India. In addition to this, Embassy also issues 1-year Medical visas and Student & Employment visas of the required duration. All expatriates living in Kuwait and having residency of Kuwait, are treated at par with Kuwaiti nationals with regard to time taken in visa processing.

To obtain Indian visa, please fill Visa Application Form online at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in. The printed copy of duly filled Visa application form along with original passport, copy of Passport, two recent passport size photographs with white background, copy of Civil ID card and other relevant documents along with the Visa Fees can be submitted at following two outsource centers:
(i)    M/s. BLS International Services, Emad Commercial Centre, Basement floor Ahmed Al Jaber Street, Sharq, Kuwait City (Telephone: 22986607 – Fax: 22470006) and
(ii)    M/s. BLS International Services, Mujamma Unood, 4th floor, Office No.25-26 Makka Street, Entrance 5, Fahaheel, Kuwait (Telephone: 22986607 – Fax: 22470006).
Timing of the outsource centers are - Sunday to Thursday: 08:00 hrs – 11:30 hrs and 16:00 hrs - 19:30 hrs; Saturday: 16:00 hrs – 19:30 hrs. The outsource centers also provide assistance in filling the online visa application form by charging a nominal fee.

The processing of Visa Application Form require 2 working days (excluding any closed holidays) and Visas from the outsource centers can be collected on the 3rd working day.

In case of emergency, the printed copy of duly filled Visa application form along with Passport, photographs, relevant documents, and Visa fee along with emergency charges can be deposited directly at the Embassy Reception at 9:00 hrs – 12:00 hrs on all working days and the visa can be collected from the Embassy on the same working day at 15:00 hrs – 17:00 hrs. However, processing of visa application for foreign nationals, who are not resident in Kuwait, requires 5 working days. For additional information, please contact on Ph no. 22550171 and 22530600 Ext no. 292, 235 and 279; and e-mail political@indembkwt.org
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

e. LIBYA
12. India Day Event, 6 April 2014.
An India day event titled ‘India-Libya: Business Partners in Progress and Development’ was organised by Embassy of India, Tripoli on 6 April 2014 at 1900hrs at the Lebdah Hall, Hotel Corinthia in  collaboration with India’s premier trade promotion agency viz. India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India which is also leading the largest ever Indian participation in the shape of ‘India Pavilion’ in the Tripoli International Fair (2-12 April 2014).

The event was inaugurated with opening remarks made by Ambassador His Excellency Shri Anil Kumar Trigunayat and a welcome speech given by the Chief Guest Hon’ble Minister of Culture and Housing His Excellency Habib Al-Amin.

The President of the Tripoli Local Council His Excellency Dr. Sadat El-Badri spoke on the occasion and presented a memento to the Ambassador as an acknowledgement of India's continued support and economic engagement with Libya. The head of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) led CEOs delegation on visit to Libya also spoke on the occasion.

A MoU between the Libyan Business Council (LBC) and CII was also signed by Chairman, LBC and Head of the CII led CEOs delegation in the presence of the Ambassador of India and the Minister of Culture and Housing.

The other attendees included representatives of the Indian firms participating in the Tripoli International Fair, 2014, Indian companies present in Libya, Libyan businessmen and entrepreneurs, members of the Libyan Business Chambers/Councils of Commerce [now broadly part of the so called ‘Libya-India Business Network (LIBN)], members of the High level CEOs delegation on visit to Libya (6-8 April 2014), senior Libyan Government officials from various Ministries and Agencies concerned from Tripoli and outside among others.

The event and the dinner that followed provided a unique opportunity for interaction and networking to all those interested in doing business both in ‘New Libya’ and in India, one of the largest and fastest growing economies of the world.
Source: Embassy of India, Libya

13. Speech by Ambassador Anil Trigunayat during the visit of CII delegation to Libya, 5-7 April 2014, Tripoli, 6 April 2014.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Let me begin by thanking our hosts and the organizers for hosting this rather important interaction between the dynamic business community representatives of the two countries. When we began to embark on this initiative and visit I was driven by the promise that I had made myself that during my term here I would try and ensure that the businesses in India become sensitive and interested in the mutually beneficial opportunities that have presented themselves in the past few years. I am happy that the CII has agreed to launch their second delegation to Libya in past two years (and to Malta) . I sincerely thank our hosts the Businessmen Council and Tripoli Chamber of Commerce for their cooperation and I am confident that this interaction will enable long term beneficial outcomes for businesses from both India and Libya. I thank you for this opportunity.

Libya is going through its years of important transition. Transition of history, economy, politics and attitudes. all these do not happen overnight especially when you come out of one-dimensional  dictatorial experience of 42 or more years when the command structure from the top had not allowed individual enterprise. Today’s democratic Libya faces huge challenges which are natural but I am confident that the Libyan resolve and resoluteness will overcome these well known challenges since I have a great faith in the Libyan Enterprise. India and Indian entrepreneurs will surely want to be your worthy partners.

As our first Prime Minister said that India on the eve of Independence had made a tryst with destiny. It is a socio political compact that the Indians had made with themselves for their own better future. You do not have institutions. We had them but they catered to the colonial empire and given the Indianness of the people and the system they changed overtime, perhaps longer than necessary, to move on with times for strengthening the country. Today’s India is reckoned as a regional power and an economic power house which is the largest democracy in the world. Starting April 7 this month 814 million voters most of whom are below 35 years will decide the future political course. But this  gigantic democratic exercise done through  EVMs in a country where still many an Indian are illiterate . Being illiterate does not mean that they are not political savvy. In fact I would say they have become more shrewd and selective overtime and use their right very sensibly and change the governments that according to them do not seem to deliver.

India which is rated as the 4th largest economy has been growing rapidly in the past 25 years or so. Sometimes it grew sluggishly and often at a much faster pace. During 2003-10 it recorded a strong growth of over 8,5 percent becoming perhaps the second fastest growing major economy in the world .But in later years due to impact of global down turn the economy slowed down to 6.4% and this year we expect it to be around 5-5.5 percent according to a recent statement by the Reserve Bank of India Governor. It is good and will pick up steam as per new indicators but I believe we will have to grow at a rate of over 8 percent if we have to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves.  Economic reforms that were embarked upon by Dr Manmohan Singh in 1991 who was then the Finance Minister of India unleashed energy and an opportunity that many could not envisage. Results are there for all to see. Of course economic reforms are an ongoing process and there is always a possibility that can be addressed.

In the high growth period the Indian middle class grew by 4 times crossing 300 million and now it is over 450 million in a 1.2 billion strong population. Yet poverty and other social challenges remain onboard and need to be addressed so that large cross section of the people could benefit from the dividends of democracy and economic growth.  You may have indeed seen the Hollywood film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ that was made on a novel by a friend of mine Vikas Swarup. This is a also a reality but it also showed the energy and entrepreneurship of the people and the masses many of whom are aspiring to reach the higher end of the economic ladder.  An attitudinal change has come even among the poor in India. They want to lead a life of dignity through hard work and enterprise rather than depending on the Government or its charities and handouts. This energy is what will provide the engine for India’s future growth. Their aspirations, impatience, energy, drive and expectations make India a nation of consumers, trade and enterprise.  Hence it is natural that India did not follow the model of low cost manufactured goods occasionally made by forced labour to the West. India instead relied more on its domestic market more than exports, consumption, savings and high tech and services sector.  No wonder India is a leader in information technology. Given its forward looking investment policies and a driven youthful India I have no doubt that India will grow stronger as an economic power house that will be good for the world.

As far as India and Libya are concerned we are committed to Libya’s growth and development of democracy and institutional and capacity building.  Many of the major Indian companies have returned and resumed their projects even though they have not received any compensation claims or settlement of their pending bills. Security is a concern but helping and assisting Libya in these times is a great priority for Indian firms. Similarly the trade has seen a very good growth despite constraints. Large number of Libyan businessmen travelled to India. Our embassy issues the fastest business visas to genuine businessmen. We do hope Libyan government will also evolve fast track procedures for Indian businessmen which will further enrich our bilateral economic cooperation.  We are also committed to sharing our expertise with Libya in training and capacity building and human resource development. Apart from providing large number of scholarships for training India is setting up a Vocational Training centre in Libya. There is also a possibility of establishing a Centre of Excellence focusing on IT education and training. India is also a leader is small and Medium Industries and we shall be sharing our experience with our Libyan friends early next month when Indian trainers will be visiting Libya. I would like to assure you that in your reconstruction and development efforts we stand with you.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone here for participating in this interaction and want to assure you that my Embassy is ready to assist in your ventures. I wish you all the very best.
Source: Embassy of India, Tripoli

f. QATAR
14. Open House Notice, Doha, 20 April 2014.
Madam. Embassy of India will hold an Open House on Friday, 25 April 2014, to address any urgent consular and labour issues/cases of Indian nationals in the State of Qatar.

Written information on issues/cases proposed to be discussed with Embassy officials may please be given from 5.30 pm to 6 pm. This will be followed by meeting with Embassy officials from 6 pm to 6.30 pm.
Salient information would be sent to the media after the Open House.
Source: Embassy of India, Doha

15. Embassy Open House, Doha, 25 April 2014.
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 25 April 2014. Ambassador Sanjiv Arora and other officials met all the complainants, discussed their problems and assured them that the Embassy would actively follow up their cases with the authorities concerned in Government of Qatar. Kareem Abdulla, President of the 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 80 and174, respectively.

The Labour and Community Welfare Section of the Embassy have received a total of 1,176 complaints from January till 24 April 2014. The number of complaints received during the last two years is as follows:
Year   Number
2012   3385
2013   3558

18 deaths have been registered in the Embassy during
April 2014. The total number of deaths registered so far this year is 89. The number of deaths registered in the Embassy during the last two years is as follows:

Year   Number
2012   237
2013   241

On the basis of requests received from the Qatari authorities for travel documents for detainees in the Deportation Centre, the Embassy has issued 15 Emergency Certificates (ECs) in April, 2014. The Embassy’s follow up facilitated the return of 34 Indian nationals from the Deportation Centre so far during April 2014.

The Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) continues to help Indian workers through its welfare measures. They have been providing air tickets, medical help and financial assistance to those in need.

ICBF, in association with the Indian Schools in Qatar, organized the firstICBF Hajikka Memorial Essay Competition on 19 April 2014, as a tribute to the exemplary community services of Late M.V. Abdul Khader, popularly known as Hajika. A total of 130 students from 8 schools participated in the competition which was conducted at MES Indian School. The winners of the Essay competition will be awarded certificates and prizes by Ambassador Sanjiv Arora at a function being organized at MES Indian School on 25 April 2014 evening.
Source: Embassy of India, Doha

g. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
16. Change of Location of M/s BLS International, Outsourcing agent for Indian passports and Visa services, Abu Dhabi, 3 April 2014.
M/s BLS International Services Limited, providing passport and visa services to the Consulate General of India, Dubai, earlier located at No. 202, 2nd floor, Dubai National Insurance Building, Port Saeed, Deira, Dubai is now being relocated to the following address with effect from Saturday, 5 April 2014:
Office No. 13, Ground Floor,
Zeenah building, (Opposite to-Deira City Centre- P3 parking)

The current BLS office will be functioning till Thursday, 3 April 2014. The BLS website, www.blsindiavisa-uae.com, has been updated. The phone number (04-2555530) of the call centre of M/s BLS International Services Ltd. remains unchanged.
Source: Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi

17. Launching of Electronic Indian Postal Order (Eipo), Abu Dhabi, 10 April 2014.
Department of Personnel and Training, Department of Posts India has launched a service called "Eipo" (Electronic Indian Postal Order) w.e.f. 22 March 2013. This facility has been extended to facilitate the Indian nationals living/based out of India seeking information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 from any Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs), by making an online payment of fees for the same. Online payment is possible by electronically purchasing an Indian Postal order (Eipo), which can be purchased through e-Post Office Portal -http://www.epostoffice.gov.in. It can also be accessed through India Post website www.indianpost.gov.in. Debit and Credit cards can be used to purchase the eIPOs. For this the user has to register himself / herself at the website. He/ She has to select the Ministry/Department from whom he /she desires to seek the information under RTI Act and the eIPO so generated could be used to seek information from the respective Ministry/Department. A printout of the eIPO is required to be attached with the RTI application. If the RTI application is filled electronically, eIPO is required to be attached. This facility is only for purchasing an IPO electronically. All the requirements for filling an RTI application as well as other provisions regarding eligibility, time limit, exemptions, etc., as provided in the RTI Act, 2005 will continue to apply.
Source: Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi

18. Revised duration and entries for visas for travel to India, Abu Dhabi, 28 April 2014.
Applicants intending to travel to India for the purpose of Tourism, Business and Medical treatment may please note the revised duration and entries for which they can now apply for visa. The revised durations and entries are as follows:

Tourist Visa    : Maximum Duration- Six months; Maximum Entries- Multiple
Business Visa    : Up to maximum five years; Maximum Entries- Multiple
Medical Visa    : Duration- Up to One Year or period of treatment whichever is less;                                Maximum Entries- Multiple
Note: The BLS would accept visa request submitted by the applicants based on the revised provisions as mentioned above. However the Embassy/ Consulate reserve the final decision on duration and entries depending on the applicant profiles.
Source: Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi

19. Admission notification for Foreign Nationals, PIOs, NRIs, Abu Dhabi, 28 April 2014.
Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India has allocated some seats under its Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) Scheme for admission of Foreign Nationals/ Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)/ Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in Under Graduate and Post Graduate Programmes in Engineering /Architecture /Planning and MBA in National Institutes of Technology (NITs) / School of Planning and Architecture (SPAs) / Indian Institutes of Information and Technology (IIITs) and other premier centrally funded Institutions in India. Ministry of Human Resource Development has entrusted the coordination of DASA 2014-15 admissions to National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal. The last dates for submission of online application for Under Graduate and Post Graduate Programmes are 26 May and 23 June 2014 respectively.

Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India has allocated some seats under its Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) Scheme for admission of Foreign Nationals/ Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)/ Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in Under Graduate and Post Graduate Programmes in Engineering /Architecture /Planning and MBA in National Institutes of Technology (NITs) / School of Planning and Architecture (SPAs) / Indian Institutes of Information and Technology (IIITs) and other premier centrally funded Institutions in India. Ministry of Human Resource Development has entrusted the coordination of DASA 2014-15 admissions to National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal. The last dates for submission of online application for Under Graduate and Post Graduate Programmes are 26 May and 23 June 2014 respectively.
For more details please visit the online portal for admission www.dasanit.org
Source: Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi

MULTILATERAL ISSUES/REGIONAL ISSUES
h. OPEN DEBATE ON MIDDLE EAST
20. Statement by Ambassador Asoke K. Mukerji, Permanent Representative, Open Debate on ‘Middle East’ at the United Nations Security Council, New York, 29 April 2014.
Thank you, Mr. President,

Let me begin by expressing our appreciation for convening this quarterly open debate, which will allow the Council to take stock of recent developments in the Middle East, including the State of Palestine. I would like to thank Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry for his comprehensive briefing.

President, it is unfortunate that the negotiation between Israel and Palestine that began in late July 2013 with the aim of reaching a deal within nine months ended without any outcome. There is no doubt that the dialogue process generated hope as it came after a hiatus of more than two years in talks between the parties. We express regret that the parties failed to seize the opportunity presented by the direct negotiations and strike a peace deal. It is a serious setback to the Middle East Peace Process. We hope that both sides will demonstrate the necessary political will to return to the negotiating table and will strike a mutually acceptable political solution to this crisis.

President, in the West Bank and East Jerusalem the plight of ordinary Palestinians is worsening everyday due to roadblocks and related infrastructure of occupation that put restrictions on the free movement of persons and goods. The blockade of Gaza is also continuing and adversely affecting essential services, economic activities and infrastructure development. It is also driving militant elements to vent their frustration through violence, thereby further complicating the situation on the ground and increasing Israel’s vulnerability and security concerns.

President,     we firmly support a negotiated solution to the Israeli Palestinian issue resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel. As a member of the Security Council during 2011-12, India supported Palestine’s bid for full and equal membership of the United Nations. Continuing this support, India cosponsored the General Assembly resolution in November 2012 that upgraded the status of Palestine to a non-member Observer State.

President, the declaration of 2014 as the International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People by UN is a positive step and the Indian delegation fully supports the activities of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestine People to make it a meaningful year.

President, India has always supported the nation-building efforts of Palestine through technical and economic assistance, including budgetary support. In 2012 India pledged an amount of US$ 10 million as budgetary support to Palestine and signed three Memoranda of Understanding for development projects in the fields of Information and Communication Technology, vocational training and construction of schools. In September 2013, India contributed US$ 1 million to UNRWA, primarily for provision of food and medicines to displaced people in the refugee camps under UNRWA’s various programmes. We are also implementing a series of development projects under the IBSA Fund in Palestine. We have so far been able to assist in the rehabilitation of a cultural and hospital center in Gaza, construction and equipping a center for differently abled persons in Nablus, and supporting recreational activities through infrastructure support for a football stadium in Ramallah.

President, turning to Syria, the removal of almost 92 percent of Syria's declared stockpile of chemical weapons out of Syria is a positive development. However, we regret the stalemate in the political process. We hope that both parties resolve the differences and return to the third round of direct talks with the strong political will and commitment. We also urge both sides to sincerely implement the Security Council resolution 2139 ensuring the humanitarian access and immediately cease attacks against civilians and lift the siege of populated areas. These measures can go a long way in alleviating the human sufferings caused by the conflict that began some three years ago. Unilateral sanctions which adversely impact on the population of Syria must be lifted in order to alleviate humanitarian suffering.

Before I conclude I would like to stress that there can be no military solution to this conflict. India fully supports 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