BILATERAL ISSUES
a. EGYPT
1. Visit of Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways for the Inauguration of the New Suez Canal, Cairo, 5 August 2015
Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari represented India in the spectacular inauguration ceremony of the New Suez Canal on 6 August 2015. Earlier, Shipping Minister called on President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi on 5 August 2015. President Sisi extended a warm welcome and highlighted the importance that he attaches to Egypt-India relations. Minister Gadkari congratulated President Sisi on the completion of the New Suez Canal noting that it is a great achievement which would further promote economic development in Egypt and in the region. President Sisi said that he was very impressed by recent economic developments in India, which he sees as a model for all developing countries.

Minister Gadkari also called on the Egyptian Minister of Transport Hany Dahy. Minister Gadkari gave an overview of the Indian transport sector. He detailed achievements in developing the road network in India and the major initiatives to upgrade and strengthen highways and expressways, involvement of the private sector, and National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)’s international projects. He mentioned India will be happy to work with Egypt on development of Model Ports, Railways, National Highways, waterways etc. They also exchanged views on Egypt’s experiences in inland waterways that will be useful for India. The Egyptian side arranged a field trip on Nile River and gave a detailed presentation on the inland waterways in Egypt and its future development plans. Minister Gadkari called for an early conclusion of the MoU on Maritime Cooperation. He extended an invitation to Egyptian Minister to visit India. Egyptian Minister mentioned about Egypt’s plans to develop industrial area in the Suez Canal Zone and welcomed cooperation with India.

Minister Gadkari requested Egyptian Minister’s intervention for the early release of six Indian seamen, detained in Egypt since February 2014.
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

2. Official Visit of Minister of External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Cairo, 18 August 2015
Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs Sushma Swaraj will be paying her first official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt on 24-25 August 2015 at the invitation of her Egyptian counterpart Sameh Hassan Shoukry.

During her visit, the Hon’ble Minister will call on H.E. Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, hold bilateral talks with her counterpart and meet Dr. Nabil El-Araby, Secretary General of the League of Arab States and other leaders. Hon’ble Minister is scheduled to deliver a public address at the Diplomatic Club, Cairo hosted by the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs.

India and Egypt have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations.  Hon’ble Minister’s visit to Cairo will provide an opportunity to review the entire gamut of our bilateral and multilateral relations and to exchange views with the Egyptian leadership covering whole range of issues of mutual interest.
Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

3. Official Visit of Minister of External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Cairo, 24 August 2015
At the invitation of Sameh Hassan Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs Sushma Swaraj visited Egypt from 23-25 August 2015. During her visit, she called on H.E. Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, President of Egypt and met Sameh Shoukry, Foreign Minister of Egypt and Dr. Nabil El-Araby, Secretary General of League of Arab States on 24 August. She also met with the representatives of the Indian Community in Egypt on 23 August.

President Sisi extended a warm welcome and highlighted the importance that he attaches to Egypt-India relations and his desire to take the relations to a higher level. External Affairs Minister conveyed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s greetings and congratulated him on the completion of the New Suez Canal. She outlined the preparations for deepening and expanding bilateral cooperation in all areas.  She also extended her condolences on the passing away of his mother. President Sisi mentioned that he was very impressed by the recent economic developments and scientific and technological achievements in India, which he sees as a model for all developing countries. He also hoped for closer cooperation in fighting terrorism and promoting security cooperation and defence R&D and joint production.

External Affairs Minister held extensive bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Shoukry, who also hosted lunch in her honour. They noted that our shared values and experiences form a strong foundation to further expand cooperation on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues. They discussed ways to develop an agenda to deepen and expand cooperation to take our relations to a higher level. Foreign Minister Shoukry accepted External Affairs Minister’s invitation to visit New Delhi to co-Chair the 7th meeting of India-Egypt Joint Commission in January 2016 and also hold Foreign Office Consultations at Secretary Level in November 2015. External Affairs Minister renewed the invitation to him to participate in IAFS-III in October 2015 in India.

External Affairs Minister requested her counterpart’s intervention for the early release of six Indian seamen, detained in Egypt since February 2014 and thanked Foreign Minister Shoukry for facilitating the process for transfer of two Indian prisoners who are serving life terms in Egyptian jails.

Two documents were signed on the occasion, including an MoU on Cooperation in the field of Tourism and an MoU between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of India and the National Research Centre (NRC) of Egypt for Scientific and Technical Cooperation. It was also agreed that the Agreement on Maritime Transport, the text of which had been finalized would be signed soon.

External Affairs Minister and Secretary General of League of Arab States El-Araby reviewed India-Arab relations as well as regional issues. Both sides noted that India's traditionally close links with the Arab world have been strengthened further in recent years. They welcomed the success of special events such as the India-Arab Cultural Festival,   India-Arab Media Symposium and India- Arab Partnership Conference. They agreed that the First Senior Officials Meeting of the India-Arab Cooperation Forum held in New Delhi and the first India-Arab Ministerial Conference to be held in Manama later this year would give further momentum to our expanding relations.

External Affairs Minister Swaraj is scheduled to deliver a lecture on ‘India’s relations with Egypt and the region’ at the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs on 25 August. The public address will be attended by strategic thinkers, academics, diplomats, intelligentsia and media. External Affairs Minister Swaraj will also interact with a number of Egyptian Ministers, and policy makers.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi; See Also: Embassy of India

4. MoUs Signed during the visit of External Affairs Minister to Egypt, Cairo, 24 August 2015
MoUs Signed during the visit of EAM to Egypt

THE TABLE IS AVAILABEL ONLY IN PDF VERSION

Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

b. KUWAIT
5. National Pension System (NPS) for non resident Indians, Kuwait, 04 August 2015
The Government of India has launched the National Pension System (NPS) for the benefit of 10 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) so as to provide old age security to Indians, both in India and abroad. Recently, in this regard, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) held a conference on NPS for NRIs at New Delhi, where based on discussions with the various stakeholders, following steps towards making NPS available to NRIs were taken.
a. Upload of the FAQs specific to NPS for NRI segment.
b. Simplification of the application form of NPS for NRIs and its upload on our website.
c. Streamlining the distribution channel for operationalizing the scheme through the Bank branches doing/ authorized to do NRI business.
d. Developing specific communication strategy for promoting the scheme.
e. Information emailers to various non-resident Indian associations.

The details of NPS for NRIs are available at the Embassy of India web site at
For any clarification/ further details, please contact:
(i) Mamta Rohit, Chief General Manager, PFRDA e-mail: mamta.rohit@pfrda.org.in;
(ii) Akhilesh Kumar, Deputy General Manager, PFRDA, e-mail: akhilesh.kumar@pfrda.org.in;
(iii) Sumeet Kaur Kapoor, General Manager, PFRDA, e-mail: sumeet.kapoor@pfrda.org.in; telephone: +91-11-26897937+91-11-26897937.
Details on the NPS are also available on PFRDA’s website: www.pfrda.org.in.
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

6. Independence day celebrations in Kuwait, Kuwait, 15 August 2015
Despite hot weather, approximately 5,000 Indian nationals participated in the 69th Independence Day celebrations at the Embassy premises. The function started with the unfurling of the tri-colour National Flag by Ambassador Sunil Jain and the singing of the National Anthem. Thereafter, Ambassador read out Hon’ble President’s Address to the Nation. The Bohra Community band played a variety of marching tunes to the delight of the assembled gathering. The cultural programme concluded with the singing of patriotic songs followed by the children of various Indian schools in Kuwait.

Kuwait has more than eight lakh Indian nationals, working as businesspersons, doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, technicians in oil and gas sector, construction workers, nurses and domestic workers, etc. They participated in the Independence Day celebrations with great joy and enthusiasm, reflecting India’s rich ethnic, linguistic, religious and cultural diversity.

The Ambassador emphasized that the relations between the two countries have been historically close, warm, friendly and commended the contribution of the Indian community in Kuwait’s socio-economic development. He extended his warm greetings to all members of the Indian community in Kuwait. The Ambassador highlighted several measures taken by the Embassy for the welfare of the community.

Hot Chole Bhature, Gulab Jamuns, Tea, Juice and Mineral Water were served to all those present.
Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

c. OMAN
7. The 69th Independence Day of India was celebrated today morning at the premises of Indian Embassy in Muscat. Over 350 members of the Indian Community joined the celebration, Muscat, 15 August 2015
Indra Mani Pandey, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, unfurled the Indian National Flag and read out the Address of Honourable President of India to the Nation. Students from the Indian School Darsait led the gathering in singing the National Anthem, followed by other patriotic songs. Honourable Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech from the ramparts of Red Fort was screened. Earlier in the morning today, Ambassador unfurled the tri-colour at Indian School Al Seeb in presence of thousands of students, teachers and parents.

In his remarks on the occasion, Ambassador greeted the Indian Community in Oman whose diligence, sincerity and professionalism is well recognized by all. He complimented them for their outstanding contributions in strengthening our friendly relations with Oman, and in the progress of Oman. Ambassador reiterated that the historical links between India and Oman have since grown to a strategic partnership and thanked His Majesty’s Government and people of Oman for their warmth and continued support for the Indian community resident in Oman.

The 69th Independence Day of India was celebrated today morning at the premises of Indian Embassy in Muscat. Over 350 members of the Indian Community joined the celebration.

Ambassador also announced the continuation of Open House facility to meet officers of the Mission with regard to Consular and Community Welfare issues on all working days of the week from 10 am to 12 noon.
Source: Embassy of India, Muscat

8. Legal Cooperation with Oman, New Delhi, 11 August 2015
Will the Minister of Home Affairs be pleased to state:-
(a) Whether the Government has signed an agreement with the Government of Oman on judicial and legal co-operation; and
(b) If so, the details thereof?

Answer
Minister of State in the Ministry Of Home Affairs [Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary]
(a) Yes, Madam.
(b) Under the Agreement on Legal and Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters between India and Oman, each country shall provide the widest measure of reciprocal assistance in Criminal Matters to the other country. Assistance includes: identifying persons and objects and determining their locations; serving of documents including subpoenas; providing information, documentation, objects and records; search and seizure; collecting evidence and taking statements, permitting the coming of persons from the Requesting State to assist in the execution of request; permitting the appearance of detained persons to give evidence or assist in investigations; facilitating the attendance of witnesses to assist in investigations; taking necessary action to locate, restrain or forfeit the proceeds and instruments of the crime; and any other form of assistance which is not contrary to the law of the State requested to provide assistance.
Source: Lok Sabha (Council of People), Unstarred Question No.3524, asked by Konakalla Narayana

d. QATAR
9. Embassy open house, Doha, 27 August 2015                                           
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 on 27 August 2015.  Ambassador Sanjiv Arora, Deputy Chief of Mission R.K. Singh 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.  Arvind Patil, President of Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), a community association working 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 Deportation Centre 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 98 and 214, respectively.

During the current year, the Labour and Community Welfare Section of the Embassy have received a total of 2778 complaints so far. The number of complaints received during 2014 was 3943.

The number of deaths registered in the Embassy in August 2015 so far is 26. The number of deaths registered during 2015 so far is 192. The number of deaths registered during 2014 was 279.

On the basis of requests received from the Qatari authorities for travel documents for Indian nationals in the Deportation Centre, the Embassy has issued 18 Emergency Certificates (ECs) in August 2015. The Embassy also issued 19 air tickets to Indian nationals in distress for their return to India in August 2015.

Indian Community Benevolent Forum [ICBF] continues to help Indian workers through various welfare measures, including provision of air tickets, financial assistance and medical help. The assistance given by the ICBF to Indian nationals during August 2015 includes 9 air tickets for destitute workers.
Source: Embassy of India, Doha  

10. Visit of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani, Chairperson, Reliance Group to Doha, Doha, 30 August 2015
Anil Dhirubhai Ambani, Chairperson of the Reliance Group, accompanied by a team of senior executives, visited Doha on 30 August 2015.

Ambani’s visit underlined Reliance Group’s keen interest to play a larger role in the growing economic partnership between India and the State of Qatar.

After meeting Sanjiv Arora, Ambassador of India to Qatar, Anil Ambani called on Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Ali Shareef Al Emadi, Minister of Finance; Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, CEO of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA); Sheikh Abdullah bin Saoud Al Thani, Governor of Qatar Central Bank; and Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, President & CEO, Qatar Petroleum (QP). He also met with a number of top Qatari businessmen and investors at an interaction hosted by Dr. R. Seetharaman, Group CEO, Doha Bank and his team at which Akbar Al Baker, Group CEO, Qatar Airways was the Guest of Honour. Ambassador of India participated in Ambani’s meetings with Qatari dignitaries as well as his interaction with businessmen.

At his meetings, Ambani highlighted the operations of Reliance Group in diverse sectors and discussed possible areas of interest for expanding business cooperation with Qatar to the mutual benefit of both sides.

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and other dignitaries, and Qatari businessmen deeply appreciated the distinctive strengths and achievements of various companies of the Reliance Group. They emphasized that there was vast potential to further expand business collaborations between India and Qatar in mutually identified sectors, and welcomed Reliance Group’s keenness to contribute more significantly to this process.

Ambani conveyed his sincere thanks for the warm welcome and the cordial and productive discussions at his meetings.

Reliance Group, including Reliance Communications, Reliance Capital, Reliance Infrastructure, and Reliance Power, is amongst India's top five business houses and has the world's largest shareholder/investor base of over 13 million. Reliance Group has assets in excess of US$ 43 billion; annual revenues of the order of US$ 9 billion; net worth of over US$ 16 billion; and over 1,00,000 employees.
Source: Embassy of India, Doha

e. UAE
11. Official Visit of Prime Minister to UAE, New Delhi, 11 August 2015
At the invitation of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will pay an Official Visit to UAE on 16-17 August 2015.Prime Minister will also meet with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai during the visit.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

12. Joint Statement between the United Arab Emirates and India, New Delhi, 17 August 2015
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi visited the United Arab Emirates from 16-17 August 2015 at the invitation of His Highness Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed AI Nahyan.

The visit of an Indian Prime Minister to UAE after 34 years marks the beginning of a new and comprehensive strategic partnership between India and UAE in a world of multiple transitions and changing opportunities and challenges.

In recent decades, UAE's economic progress has been one of the global success stories, transforming the nation into a regional leader and a thriving international centre that attracts people and business from across the world. India has emerged as one of the major world powers, contributing to the advancement of global peace and stability. India's rapid growth and modernization, along with its talented human resources and large markets, make it one of the anchors of the global economy. The dynamism of the two countries have translated into a rapidly expanding economic partnership, making India UAE's second largest trading partner; and UAE not only India's third largest trading partner, but also India's gateway to the region and beyond.

India and UAE share centuries-old ties of commerce, culture and kinship. Today, the Indian community of over 2.5 million is a major part of UAE's vibrant society and its economic success. It also makes a significant economic contribution to India and constitutes an indelible human bond of friendship between the two nations.

An extensive framework of agreements, including economic, defence, security, law enforcement, culture, consular and people-to-people contacts constitute solid bedrock for elevating bilateral cooperation across the full spectrum of our relationship.

Today, as India accelerates economic reforms and improves its investment and business environment, and UAE becomes an increasingly advanced and diversified economy, the two countries have the potential to build a transformative economic partnership, not only for sustained prosperity of their two countries, but to also advance progress in the region and help realize the vision of an Asian Century.

Yet, their common vision of progress and prosperity faces challenges from many shared threats to peace, stability and security in the region. A shared endeavour to address these challenges, based on common ideals and convergent interests, is vital for the future of the two countries and their region.

UAE is at the heart of the Gulf and West Asia region and its major economic hub. India, with seven million citizens in the Gulf, also has major energy, trade and investment interests in the region. The two nations also share a commitment to openness, peaceful coexistence and social harmony that are based on their cultural traditions, spiritual values and shared heritage. UAE is a shining example of a multi-cultural society. India is a nation of unparalleled diversity, religious pluralism and a composite culture.

The two nations reject extremism and any link between religion and terrorism. They condemn efforts, including by states, to use religion to justify, support and sponsor terrorism against other countries. They also deplore efforts by countries to give religious and sectarian colour to political issues and disputes, including in West and South Asia, and use terrorism to pursue their aims.

Proximity, history, cultural affinity, strong links between people, natural synergies, shared aspirations and common challenges create boundless potential for a natural strategic partnership between India and UAE. Yet, in the past, relations between the two governments have not kept pace with the exponential growth in relations between their people or the promise of this partnership. However, the need for a close strategic partnership between UAE and India has never been stronger or more urgent, and its prospects more rewarding, than in these uncertain times.

Today, in Abu Dhabi, His Highness Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed AI Nahyan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to seize this historic moment of opportunity and shared responsibility to chart a new course in their partnership for the 21st century. The leaders agreed on the following:
1. Elevate the India-UAE relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
2.  Coordinate efforts to counter radicalization and misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred, perpetrating and justifying terrorism or pursuing political aims. The two sides will facilitate regular exchanges of religious scholars and intellectuals and organize conferences and seminars to promote the values of peace, tolerance, inclusiveness and welfare that is inherent in all religions.
3. Denounce and oppose terrorism in all forms and manifestations, wherever committed and by whomever, calling on all states to reject and abandon the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they exist, and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice.
4. Enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing and capacity building.
5. Work together for the adoption of India’s proposed Comprehensive convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations.
6. Work together to control, regulate and share information on flow of funds that could have a bearing on radicalization activities and cooperate in interdicting illegal flows and take action against concerned individuals and organizations.
7. Strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, other trans-national crimes, extradition arrangements, as well as police training.
8. Promote cooperation in cyber security, including prevention on use of cyber for terrorism, radicalization and disturbing social harmony.
9. Establish a dialogue between their National Security Advisors and National Security Councils. The National Security Advisors, together with other high-level representatives for security from both nations, will meet every six months. The two sides will also establish points of contact between their security agencies to further improve operational cooperation.
10. Cooperate to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean region, which is vital for the security and prosperity of both countries.
11. Promote collaboration and inter-operability for humanitarian assistance and evacuation in natural disasters and conflict situations.
12. Strengthen defence relations, including through regular exercises and training of naval, air, land and Special Forces, and in coastal defence. India warmly welcomed UAE's decision to participate in International Fleet Review in India in February 2016.
13. Cooperate in manufacture of defence equipment in India.
14. Work together to promote peace, reconciliation, stability, inclusiveness and cooperation in the wider South Asia, Gulf and West Asia region.
15. Support efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts and promote adherence to the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in the conduct of relations between nations and settlement of disputes.
16. Call on all nations to fully respect and sincerely implement their commitments to resolve disputes bilaterally and peacefully, without resorting to violence and terrorism.
17. Establish a Strategic Security Dialogue between the two governments.
18. Recognizing that India is emerging as the new frontier of investment opportunities, especially with the new initiatives by the Government to facilitate trade and investment, encourage the investment institutions of UAE to raise their investments in India, including through the establishment of UAE-India Infrastructure Investment Fund, with the aim of reaching a target of US$ 75 billion to support investment in India's plans for rapid expansion of next generation infrastructure, especially in railways, ports, roads, airports and industrial corridors and parks.
19. Facilitate participation of Indian companies in infrastructure development in UAE.
20. Promote strategic partnership in the energy sector, including through UAE's participation in India in the development of strategic petroleum reserves, upstream and downstream petroleum sectors, and collaboration in third countries.
21. Further, promote trade between the two countries, and use their respective locations and infrastructure for expanding trade in the region and beyond; and, with the target of increasing trade by 60 percent in the next five years.
22. Tap India's expertise in Small and Medium Enterprises to create a vibrant industrial base in UAE, which could also be of benefit to Indian enterprises.
23. Strengthen cooperation between UAE's increasingly sophisticated educational institutions and India's universities and higher research institutions. Promote scientific collaboration, including in the areas of renewable energy, sustainable development, arid agriculture, desert ecology, urban development and advanced healthcare.
24. Promote cooperation in Space, including in joint development and launch of satellites, ground-based infrastructure and space application. Prime Minister Modi welcomed UAE's plan to set up the West Asia's first Space Research Centre at AI Ain and plans to launch a Mars Mission in 2021.
25. Cooperate in peaceful uses of nuclear energy including in areas like safety, health, agriculture and science and technology.
26. The 70th anniversary of the United Nations is an occasion to press for early reforms of the United Nations, and that the Inter-Governmental Negotiations on the reforms of the UN Security Council should be concluded expeditiously. Prime Minister thanked UAE for its support for India's candidature for permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council.
27. The finalization of the post-2015 Development Agenda with elimination of poverty by 2030 as its core objective was a welcome development.
28. The International Conference on Climate Change in Paris in December 2015 should produce an effective agreement, which includes provision of means and technologies to developing countries to transition to clean energy.
29. The overwhelming global response to the International Day of Yoga was a reflection of global community's ability to come together to seek a peaceful, more balanced, healthier and sustainable future for the world. Prime Minister thanked UAE for its strong support to the International Day of Yoga on 21 June this year.
30. India and UAE were shining examples of open and multicultural societies, which should work together to promote these values for a peaceful and inclusive global community. India and UAE will also enhance cultural and sports exchanges in each other's countries.
31. People-to-people were at the heart of India-UAE relations and both governments will continue to nurture these relations and ensure the welfare of their citizens, especially the workers, in each other's country, as also work together to prevent human trafficking.
Prime Minister thanked the Crown Prince for his decision to allot land for construction of a temple in Abu Dhabi.

His Highness the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister resolved to maintain regular summits, high-level ministerial dialogue and meetings of bilateral mechanisms to realize their vision of a strong comprehensive strategic partnership. They are confident that it would play a defining role in securing a future of sustained prosperity for their people and shaping the course of their region, and also contribute to a peaceful, stable, sustainable and prosperous Asia and the world.
Source: Press Information Bureau, New Delhi

13. Visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of United Arab Emirates to India, New Delhi, 29 August 2015
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of United Arab Emirates is leading a delegation, including senior officials and captains of industry to India for the India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting on Technical and Economical Cooperation, scheduled to be held on 2-3 September 2015 in New Delhi. Eleventh in series, the Joint Commission Meeting with UAE will be co-chaired by External Affairs Minister of India and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of UAE and will discuss a variety of bilateral issues including trade, investment and cooperation in new areas including defence production, infrastructure, security, counter-terrorism, energy security and medium and small enterprises; scientific collaboration in the area such as space and renewable energy, sustainable development, environment, arid agriculture, desert ecology, urban development and advanced healthcare.

India and UAE have historically enjoyed close and friendly relations marked by high-level visits, commercial exchanges and people-to-people contacts. Geographical proximity, historical trade links, cultural affinities and growing cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, including, energy security, trade and investment, infrastructure development projects, petrochemicals, education and culture continue to strengthen and deepen this relationship. The recent historic visit of Prime Minister of India to the UAE has redefined our bilateral relationship and elevated it to a strategic partnership.

The forthcoming Joint Commission Meeting is expected to take our multifaceted bilateral relations to new heights.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi

Note: The Exact web links for the questions in the Indian Parliament are non-functional due to technical reasons. They can be searched through the question number or the name of the Member of Parliament concerned at the Websites http://rajyasabha.nic.in/ of Rajya Sabha and http://loksabha.nic.in/ of Lok Sabha.
1 Crore = 10 million. Lakh = 100,000

Compiled by Jatin Kumar

Jatin Kumar 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