POLITICAL ISSUES
EGYPT
1. SM Krishna heads to Egypt, Syria on agenda
New Delhi, Friday, 2 March 2012
During the three day visit to Egypt which is the first high profile visit from India in the aftermath of the Arab Spring that toppled Egypt's longstanding ruler Hosni Mubarak, India’s External Affairs Minister S M Krishna will meet Nabil El Araby, secretary general of the Arab League and its troika of representatives Qatar, Libya and Iraq in Cairo on Saturday, 3 March 2012.
Source: DNA, Mumbai ; Also see

2. Krishna in Egypt, meets Muslim Brotherhood leader
Cairo, Sunday, 4 March 2012
External Affairs Minister SM Krishna met the Egyptian leadership and established first contacts with Mohamed Morsy, the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood's political arm the Freedom and Justice Party that has emerged as the largest force in the first post-Mubarak Egyptian parliament. 
Source: Zee News, New Delhi; Also see: The Outlook, New Delhi

3. S M Krishna meets top Egyptian leaders
Cairo, Monday, 5 March 2012
During his three-day visit, India’s External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and his Egyptian counterpart Mohamed Kamel Amr reviewed the bilateral relations and accepted recommendations of sub-committees on trade and economic co-operation, scientific and technical cooperation, cultural cooperation and information technology.
Source: news.worldsnap.com, Bangalore

4. India, Egypt pledge to build afresh
Cairo, Monday, 5 March 2012
During his visit, India’s External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said that the two countries had identified Information Technology as a thrust area for joint forays.
Source: The Hindu, Chennai

IRAN
5. India, Iran have shared information about attack on Israeli diplomat
New Delhi, Saturday, 24 March 2012
According to official spokesperson in the MEA, Syed Akbaruddin, India has informed the Iranian Ambassador of the involvement of Iranians in an attack on an Israel diplomat on Tuesday, 14 February 2012, to seek the cooperation of the Iranian authorities in bringing those involved in this attack to justice.
Source: newstrackindia.com, New Delhi

6. Iran may help Delhi car blast investigation
Saturday, 24 March 2012
According to a senior government official, the Iranian government has promised assistance in the investigation into the attack on the Israeli diplomat in New Delhi last month on Tuesday, 13 February 2012.
Source: Rediif.com, Mumbai

7. India in touch with Iran to get access to accused Iranians
New Delhi, Saturday, 31 March 2012
India is in touch with Iran to get access to three Iranians wanted in connection with the bomb attack on an Israeli diplomat on Tuesday, 13 February 2012 in Delhi
Source: IBNLive.com, Noida; Also See: India Today, New Delhi

ISRAEL
8. Israeli diplomat attack: Indian journalist with Iran link held
New Delhi, Wednesday, 7 March 2012
The arrest of an Indian journalist reportedly working for an Iranian publication has been connected with an attack on an Israeli diplomat on Tuesday, 13 February 2012.
Source: The Times of India, New Delhi

9. India blacklists Israel Military Industries for 10 years
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
India has barred Israel Military Industries, as well as five other foreign defence contractors, from bidding for defence contracts in the country for 10 years.
Source: Ha'aretz Tel Aviv ; Also See: The Jerusalem Post; Defence News  and The Economic Times, New Delhi 

10. Iranian link to Delhi car blast established
New Delhi, Thursday, 8 March 2012
The Iranian link to the recent blast in an Israel embassy car unravelled on Wednesday,7 March 2012, with the Delhi Police arresting an Indian freelance journalist Syed Mohammed Kazmi allegedly working for Iranian media outlets
Source: The Economic Times, New Delhi

11. India probing Iran’s Quds Force link to Israel Embassy car blast
New Delhi, Friday, 9 March 2012
A day after an Indian Freelance journalist Sayed Mohammed Ahmed Kazmi was arrested for his alleged link to the attack, investigators said on Thursday, 8 March 2012, that either the Quds Force or Lebanese Shia militia Hezbollah might have schemed the terror bombing on an Israeli embassy car on Tuesday, 13 February 2012.
Source:  India Today, New Delhi

12. India issues arrest warrants for three Iranians in Israeli bombing
New Delhi, Friday, 16 March 2012
According to officials, India has issued arrest warrants for three Iranian suspects who reportedly fled the country shortly after last month’s bomb attack on an Israeli diplomatic vehicle and it is seeking Interpol's assistance to apprehend them.
Source: Los Angeles Times

13. Indian police make Iran link to New Delhi bomb and Bangkok explosions
New Delhi, Saturday, 17 March 2012
Indian police have said a bomb attack that wounded an Israeli diplomat's wife in New Delhi on Tuesday, 13 March 2012, is connected to a series of explosions in Bangkok on the same day
Source: The Guardian, London

14. Mossad didn’t question Kazmi: Delhi cops to court
New Delhi, Tuesday, 20 March 2012
In the wake of allegations by Syed Mohammed Ahmad Kazmi that Mossad was interrogating him, Delhi Police told a local court in New Delhi that Israeli intelligence agency Mossad has not questioned Syed Mohammed Ahmad Kazmi, arrested in connection with Israeli diplomat's car bombing on Tuesday, 13 February 2012.
Source: The Hindustan Times, New Delhi

15. Israeli diplomat attack case: Bombers used many passports, police say
New Delhi, Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Police say Houshang Afshar Irani and his co-conspirators, Seyed Ali Mahdiansadr and Mohammad Reza Abolghasemi, possibly used many passports to enter the country.
Source: The Times of India, New Delhi

16. Israel Embassy car blast: Iranian SIM card retrieved from journalist's phone, say sources
New Delhi, Wednesday, 21 March 2012
According to sources, the Delhi police have retrieved an Iranian phone SIM card from the mobile phone of Syed Mohammed Kazmi, the Indian journalist who is being held in connection with the terror plot to kill members of the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi.
Source: NDTV, New Delhi

17. Israeli diplomat attack: Other agency not to Question Kazmi: Court
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
In the wake of allegations that Israel's intelligence agency Mossad was interrogating him, the Delhi Police was specifically told today by a Special Cell in Delhi not to permit any other probe agency to interrogate journalist Syed Mohammed Ahmad Kazmi, arrested for his alleged role in the February 13 bombing of an Israeli diplomat car.
Source: The Economic Times, New Delhi

18. Israeli hit: Iranian suspect had Indian, Thai visa
New Delhi, Saturday, 22 March 2012
Investigators in Delhi have obtained a copy of the visa granted to Seyed Ali Mahdiansadr by the Royal Thai Embassy in Tehran on April 12, 2011
Source: The Indian Express, New Delhi

19. Israeli car blast: Red Corner notice issued against 4 Iranians
New Delhi, Friday, 23 March 2012
A week after the request made by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to arrest the four suspects- Houshang Afshar Irani, Seyed Ali Mahdiansadr, Mohammadreza Abolghasemi  and Sedaghatzadeh Masoud- for their involvement  in the 13 February 2012 Israeli Embassy car attack, red corner notice was issued.
Source: India Today, New Delhi

20. Israeli embassy attack: India to seek Iran help in probe
New Delhi, Wednesday, 28 March 2012
During the investigations, Delhi Police will send letter rogatories to three countries - Iran, Thailand and Malaysia.
Source: The Times of India, New Delhi

JORDAN
21. CEC leads delegation to Jordan
New Delhi, Saturday, 17 March 2012
On Jordanian Prime Minister's invitation, Chief Election Commissioner of India S Y Quraishi led a delegation to Amman wherein accompanying the CEC as part of the delegation are EC's Director General Akshay Rout, Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh Umesh Sinha, and EC's legal adviser S K Mendiratta. 
Source: Zee News, New Delhi; Also See: Islamic Republic News Agency, Tehran

SAUDI ARABIA
22. India, Saudi Arabia finalize Annual Hajj Agreement
New Delhi, Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Under the Annual Hajj Agreement finalized by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed and by Dr. Bandar Bin Mohammed Bin Hamzah Asad Hajjar, Minister for Hajj of Saudi Arabia, more than 170,000 pilgrims from India will perform the Hajj this year
Source: India Times

SYRIA
23. India is too influential to be neutral, says rights body
New Delhi, Saturday, 24 March 2012
India joined 40 countries to condemn "sharply escalating" and widespread violations committed by government forces in Syria on Friday.
Source: The Times of India, New Delhi

UAE
24. Indian MPs lobby for crew of hijacked Dubai tanker
Dubai, Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Politicians in India are pressuring their government to intervene on behalf of crewmembers of the hijacked MT Royal Grace.
Source: The National, Abu Dhabi

YEMEN
25. President Hadi invited to visit India
Sana’a, Sunday, 25 March 2012
Indian ambassador to Yemen Ausaf Sayeed handed over a letter to President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi from Indian president Pratibha Patil which included Patil's invitation to Hadi to visit India and her congratulations on his winning in the presidential election held on 21 February 2012
Source: Yemen News Agency (SABA), Sana'a

ECONOMIC ISSUES
BAHRAIN
26. BKIC-ICICI in insurance deal
Manama, Thursday, 8 March 2012
Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company (BKIC) has signed an agreement with ICICI Bank (Bahrain branch), India's largest private sector bank, for the distribution of its general insurance products targeting primarily the Indian expatriate community in the kingdom.
Source: Gulf Daily News, Manama

27. Indian budget proposals are reviewed
Manama, Wednesday, 21 March 2012
At a meeting of the Bahrain Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (BCICAI), tax expert GP Kapadia & Company Chartered Accountants partner Kirit Mehta claimed that the recent Indian budget changes were in line with the proposed direct tax code but with a token reduction in tax liability.
Source: Gulf Daily News, Manama

IRAN
28. More Iran-India trade would boost ties: FIEO president
Tehran, Saturday, 10 March 2012
At the start of a five-day visit, Rafeeq Ahmed, president of the government-backed Federation of Indian Export Organizations, told a Tehran meeting of Iranian businessmen that New Delhi is seeking to increase its exports to Iran and sees the increase in trade as a sign of deepening relations.
Source: The Economic Times, New Delhi

29. Amid sanctions, Indian business delegation heads to Iran
New Delhi, Saturday, 10 March 2012
An Indian trade delegation comprising around 70 businesspersons and exporters and led by Arvind Mehta, joint secretary in the commerce ministry, and M Rafeeq Ahmed, president of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) left for Tehran to explore business opportunities in the oil-rich country.
Source: IBNLive.com, Noida

30. India keen to boost Iran trade despite U.S.-led sanctions
Tehran, Sunday, 11 March 2012
According to Press TV, the Indian officials have expressed their country’s willingness to boost trade dealings with Iran despite recent Western sanctions imposed against the Iran.
Source: Tehran Times, Tehran

31. India, Iran look at $25 billion trade by 2015
Dubai, Monday, 12 March 2012
According to Commerce Ministry of India, India and Iran plan to reach US $25 billion in annual bilateral trade in the next four years while the current bilateral trade is around US $15 billion.
Source: The Economic Times, New Delhi; Also See: The Hindu Business Line, Chennai

32. India Shipping Corp seeks local insurance cover for Iran imports
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
According to S. Hajara, Chairman of Shipping Corp of India, the country's largest shipping company is in talks with local insurance firms seeking cover for cargoes and vessels for imports from Iran.
Source: Reuters, US

33. India seals deals to export 60,000 tons sugar to Iran
New Delhi, Monday, 19 March 2012
According to three trade sources, Indian traders have struck deals to export 60,000 tons of raw sugar to Iran for March-April delivery, marking their first sales of the sweetener to Tehran since western sanctions were tightened at the start of 2012.
Source: Reuters, US

34. Iran Seeks to Import Farm Commodities From India, Group Says
Thursday, 22 March 2012
According to an exporters’ group, Iran, facing international sanctions over its nuclear program, is seeking to buy more agricultural commodities from India after agreeing to import soybean meal used in livestock feed.
Source: Bloomberg; Also See: Zee News, New Delhi

35. India trade team draws blank in Iran for rupee deals
New Delhi, Thursday, 22 March 2012
A delegation of Indian traders, led by a senior trade ministry official, to sanctions-hit Iran has failed to clinch any deals, raising questions over the viability of a new mechanism to pay for 45 percent of oil imports in rupees and increase exports to redress the trade imbalance.
Source: The Economic Times, New Delhi

36. Iran looks to import 3 million ton Indian wheat
New Delhi, Thursday, 22 March 2012
The sanction-struck Iranian firms such as Kengan Wheat Flour Factory, ALP Company and Magna Business Management have sent wheat import enquiries to the Indian government-run agency Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) for an import requirement of up to 3 million ton through the Indian embassy.
Source: The Economic Times, New Delhi

37. Indian exporters seek advance rupee payments from Iran
New Delhi, Friday, 23 March 2012
Indian Exporters are pressing the government to allow advance payments from Iran in rupees to them under a new mechanism set up to facilitate trade with the sanctions-hit Iran which is its second largest oil supplier.
Source: The Economic Times, New Delhi; Also see: Business Standard, New Delhi

38. Anand Sharma says "can't just rupture" ties with Iran
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Commerce and Trade Minister of India Mr. Anand Sharma said that India "cannot just rupture" ties with Iran, adding that New Delhi will discuss oil imports from Tehran at a meeting of emerging world powerhouses.
Source: Reuters, India

ISRAEL
39. Indo-Israel FTA likely to be concluded this year
Hyderabad, Monday, 19 March 2012
An Indo-Israel Free Trade Agreement is expected to be concluded this year, paving the way for further expansion in bilateral trade between the two countries.
Source: The Hindu Business Line, Chenna

TUNISIA
40. Tunisia: Indian delegation in Tunisia to explore cooperation in Textiles
Friday, 2 March 2012
An Indian delegation paid recently a visit to Tunisia in order to check opportunities of cooperation in textiles
Source: www.africanmanager.com

41. Tunisia: BSNL gives up bidding for Tunisia Telecom license
Saturday, 10 March 2012
According to a senior company executive, India's state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. is unlikely to bid for a telecommunication license in Tunisia.
Source: www.africanmanger.com

TURKEY
42. Turkey awaiting Indian govt's nod for FTA negotiations
Hyderabad, Sunday, 18 March 2012
Turkish Government is awaiting word from its Indian counterpart over initiating negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement aimed at boosting the bilateral trade, Turkish Ambassador to India Burak Akcapar said on the sidelines of a function.
Source: IBN Live, Noida

43. Turkish court rejects Redington unit's plea
Mumbai, Monday, 19 March 2012
A Turkish court has rejected Redington subsidiary Redington International Holdings' (RIHL) plea seeking a stay on market regulator CMB's directive with regard to a mandatory offer post its acquisition of Arena, a listed company in Istanbul.
Source: Business Standard, New Delhi

44. India, Turkey to hold talks on cotton yarn dispute next month
New Delhi, Thursday, 22 March 2012
India and Turkey will negotiate in Ankara in April 2012, to resolve their trade dispute over imposition of special import duties on Indian cotton yarn.
Source: The Economic Times, New Delhi

45. Turkey keen to buy Indian wheat
New Delhi, Wednesday, 28 March 2012
According to an official at the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, a Central government agency, a Turkish company, Tarimex, has shown interest in importing wheat, which is likely to pace up India's wheat export that stands at around 600,000 ton.
Source: The Economic Times, New Delhi

UAE
46. UAE charity sends five tons of dates to India
Abu Dhabi, Saturday, 31 March 2012
The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Charity Foundation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sent five tons of dates to India as part of an aid programme for needy people.
Source: Newstrack India, New Delhi

ENERGY ISSUES
IRAN
47. India to continue Iran oil supplies, says S Jaipal Reddy
Hyderabad, Tuesday, 13 March 2012
In answer to queries by journalists on whether India was planning to suspend oil supplies from Iran due to pressure from the US, Petroleum Minister S. Jaipal Reddy said India will continue its oil supplies from Iran. He, however, refused to comment on hike in petrol prices.
Source: The Economic Times, New Delhi

48. India not to tax rupee payments for Iranian oil
New Delhi, Saturday, 17 March 2012
India has exempted payment in rupees for oil imports from Iran from hefty local taxes, a move that would help refiners settle some of their oil trade with the sanctions-hit Iran if the current mechanism through Turkey folds under fresh sanctions.
Source: Reuters, India

49. Budget 2012: Exporters cheer move to exempt Re payment to Iranian oil companies
New Delhi, Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Exporters have given thumbs up to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's decision to exempt rupee payments made to Iranian Oil Companies from withholding tax, as it would help in full-fledged implementation of the rupee payment mechanism established for carrying out trade with Iran despite US sanctions.
Source: The Economic Times, New Delhi

50. India pushes refiners to cut imports from Iran
New Delhi, Thursday, 22 March 2012
India has been left off a list of nations given a US waiver from the measures, but is privately pushing its refiners for substantial cuts in imports from Iran
Source: The Times of India, New Delhi; Also See: Reuters

51. India min: "systematic" plan for Iranian oil imports
Friday, 23 March 2012
At the Asia Gas Partnership Summit, Indian Oil Minister Jaipal Reddy said that India will continue to import oil from Iran without violating any international law and has requested the United States and the European Union to take into account the country's oil needs.
Source: Reuters, US

52. India 2012/13 Iran crude imports could plunge 25 pct
New Delhi/Mumbai, Thursday, 29 March 2012
According to Reuters’ calculations, India's annual crude imports from Iran could plunge by about a quarter in 2012/13 as Essar Oil (ESRO.NS) joins its state-run refinery peers in cutting purchases from the sanctions-hit country.  
Source: Reuters, India

ISRAEL
53. India's ONGC Plans Israel Visit For Gas Exploration Talks – Report
New Delhi, Tuesday, 27 March 2012
According to energy news portal Indianpetro.com, ONGC Videsh Ltd., the overseas exploration unit of Oil & Natural Gas Corporation will send several top executives to Israel in April for talks on business opportunities, including gas exploration and production possibilities
Source: Fox Business, Manhattan

OMAN
54. Oman government's hike in gas price to Ominfco will cost Rs 60 billion
New Delhi, Thursday, 15 March 2012
The decision by the government of Oman to increase the price of natural gas supplied to urea producer Ominfco, an India-Oman joint venture company, will lead to cost escalation of about US $ 120 million (about Rs 60 billion) for the company
Source: The Economic Times, New Delhi

QATAR
55. India Petronet eyes extra 2-3 mln t/yr Qatar LNG
New Delhi, Saturday, 24 March 2012
According to Chief Executive A.K. Balyan, India's Petronet LNG is looking at sourcing 2-3 million tons of additional liquefied natural gas annually from the world's top exporter Qatar.
Source: Reuters, US; Also see: The Economic Times, New Delhi

SOUTH SUDAN
56. India South Sudan in Oil infra talks
New Delhi, Tuesday, 27 March 2012
India’s state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp. Ltd (ONGC) is in talks with South Sudan to help it build oil pipelines, crude oil stores and refineries in South Sudan.
Source: Livemint.com

SYRIA
57. India refuses government guarantee on Syria oil imports-sources
New Delhi, Friday, 2 March 2012
India has refused to provide its sovereign guarantee for oil imports from Syria, two government sources said, frustrating refiners looking for alternative sources of crude to hedge against possible supply disruptions from sanctions-hit Iran.
Source: Reuters, UK

REGIONAL ISSUES
58. Now, India to back Arab League’s stand on Syria
New Delhi, Thursday, 1 March 2012
With India having switched its stance on Syria to being more critical of the regime, New Delhi is ready to lend its considerable diplomatic influence to support the Arab League, which is driving the international community's response to the ongoing unrest in Syria.
Source: The Times of India, New Delhi

59. Tata Comm launches TGN-Gulf cable system connecting India to the world
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Tata Communications has launched its TGN-Gulf subsea cable system that will connect the Gulf to Mumbai, India and onward to the rest of the Tata Global Network (TGN
Source: moneylife.in; Also See: Gulf Times

60. More Air India flights to Gulf countries soon
Jeddah, Saturday, 24 March 2012
Air India recently planned to increase the frequency of flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi Arabia operating from the home country.
Source: The Times of India, New Delhi

MULTILATERAL ISSUES
61. Iran sanctions: India for resumption of talks
New Delhi, Friday, 23 March 2012
While supporting full implementation of "relevant" UNSC resolutions on the Iranian nuclear programme, India has said all efforts should be made to ensure that legitimate trade and economic activities with the nation do not suffer.
Source: The Times of India, New Delhi

62. India may win Iran sanctions waiver -IEA exec
New Delhi, Friday, 23 March 2012
According to International Energy Agency's executive director Maria van der Hoeven , India could yet be exempted from tighter U.S. sanctions on buyers of Iranian crude, and New Delhi would like to be judged sanctions because on the size of term deals with Tehran which begin in April, 2012.
Sources: Reuters, Africa

MISCELLANEOUS
BAHRAIN
63. Bahrain Air starts four flights from capital city
Thiruvananthapuram, Wednesday, 21 March 2012
While announcing the Bahrain Air’s expansion plans in Thiruvananthapuram, CEO Mr. Richard Nuttall said that the airline is likely to introduce daily flights during the summer months.
Source: The Times of India, New Delhi; Also See: The Hindu Business Line, Chennai

64. P V Radhakrishna Pillai gets Pravasi Bharatiya Samman
Manama, Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardee Mr. P V Radhakrishan Pillai, Indian Community in Bahrain held a grand reception in his honour on Saturday, 10 February 2012 at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam's Diamond Jubilee Hall in Bahrain.
Source: The Times of India, New Delhi

65. Bahrain Air hoping for tie-up with an Indian carrier
Dubai, Tuesday, 27 March 2012
In an Interview to Arabian Business, Mr. Richard Nuttall, CEO of Bahrain Air, said that the airline has been in talks with five Indian Airlines on the possibility of a deal, which it could sign before the end of the year.
Source: The Economic Times, New Delhi

66. Bahrain team 'to visit India for talks on flights dispute'
Manama, Saturday, 31 March 2012
A Bahrain delegation, comprising representatives of the Transportation Ministry and Bahrain Air, will visit India for talks on ways to resolve a dispute over flights to Kerala.
Source: Gulf Daily News, Manama

IRAQ
67. Iraq resumes flights to India after 20 years
Mumbai, Thursday, 15 March 2012
After nearly two decades, Iraqi Airways will restart its flights to India, starting with Mumbai. Direct flights between India and Iraq were stopped during the first Gulf War in 1990-91.
Source: Real Time News India, New Delhi   

ISRAEL
68. India expels Chabad rabbi over alleged attempt to hide conversion efforts
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Indian authorities accused Rabbi Zalman Bernstein, living in Cochin, of failing to declare on his visa application that he would be conducting religious activities and of trying to convert foreigners and hence was expelled to Israel.
Source: The Ha'aretz, Tel Aviv

69. Israel water industry keen to tap Kerala market
Thiruvananthapuram, Wednesday, 14 March 2012
The thriving water industry in Israel is keen on tapping the potential of Kerala water sector and 17 Israeli water technology companies are in the state for exploring the possibilities.
Source: IBN Live, Noida

70. Israel’s agri hi-tech to help India bloom
Chennai, Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Israel offered to assist India in general and Tamil Nadu in particular to increase agricultural output by integrating technology with traditional wisdom.
Source: DNA, Mumbai

71. Israel to set up 3 agricultural excellence centres in state
Vadodara, Friday, 23 March 2012
The Israeli government is planning to set up three agricultural excellence centres in Gujarat with the help of Gujarat government.
Source: The Times of India, New Delhi

KUWAIT
72. Kuwait Ambassador in India joins ceremony for launching Global March to Jerusalem
New Delhi, Saturday, 10 March 2012
Kuwait Ambassador to India Sami Mohammad Suleiman has taken part in a ceremony held at Palestinian Embassy at Delhi to prepare for the launch of Indian leg of the Global March to Jerusalem scheduled to start from Sunday, 11 March 2012.
Source: Kuwait News Agency, Kuwait

MOROCCO
73. Ranbaxy Laboratories opens Morocco unit
Monday, 12 March 201
Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd, India’s top drug maker by sales, said its Moroccan unit has started functioning, giving it direct access to a US $ 1 billion pharmaceuticals market.
Source: Reuters, India

OMAN
74. 3-day Oman-India cultural event begins today
Muscat, Wednesday, 21 March 2012
The three-day mega event “Oman-India Cultural Fiesta” organized by Indian Social Club in collaboration with Al Noor Association for the Blind will be formally inaugurated by Dr Abdullah al Harrasi, Minister for the Public Authority for Oman Television and Radio, Sultanate of Oman and Her Highness Sayyidah Aliya bint Thuwaini al Said, in the presence of various dignitaries from Oman.
Source: Oman Daily Observer, Muscat

75. Now, NRIs in Oman must get their documents attested by MEA in India
Muscat, Thursday, 22 March 2012
The Indian Embassy in Oman has advised all its citizens in the country to get their documents attested/apostilled by the ministry of external affairs, New Delhi as both Republic of India and Oman are member states of the Apostille Convention (1961).
Source: The Times of India, New Delhi

76. Indian sailors without money stranded in Oman
Dubai, Thursday, 29 March 2012
According to a media report, five Indian sailors have been stranded for the last five months on an oil tanker without salary and basic amenities in Oman.
Source: Zeenews.com, Noida

77. Balaji Shipping Lines to start Oman service from India
Dubai, Friday, 30 March 2012
Balaji Shipping Lines (BSL), part of the Transworld Group of companies, said it will start their direct service to Sohar Port in Oman from Mundra Port in Gujarat beginning April 2012.
Source: The Economic Times, New Delhi

QATAR
78. SKVC Qatar chapter community logo is formally unveiled
Sunday, 18 March 2012
The logo of the Sree Kerala Varma College (SKVC) Qatar community was unveiled at a function held at Bhavan’s Public School on Friday
Source: Gulf Times, Doha

79. Indian forum celebrates spring festival
Thursday, 29 March 2012
Karnataka Sangha Qatar (KSQ) has celebrated Vasantotsav, a cultural fiesta heralding the onset of spring season.
Source: Gulf Times, Doha

SAUDI ARABIA
80. India's Jet Airways to launch more Saudi flights
Sunday, 18 March 2012
India's Jet Airways is set to launch direct flights between Dammam in Saudi Arabia and Delhi from Saturday, 24 March 2012.
Source: Arabiansupplychain.com, UAE

81. Youth delegation leaves for India to foster ICT cooperation
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
As part of a cultural and technical exchange initiative, a 45-member Saudi youth delegation will visit India for the first time, beginning from Wednesday, 21 March 2012. The Saudi youth mission, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will stay in India for 11 days, visiting different Indian cities and interacting with Indian youth leaders of different fields.
Source: arabnews.com, Jeddah

82. Indian Embassy to host major catalogue exhibition in Hofuf
Monday, 26 March 2012
The Indian Embassy in association with Al-Ahsa Chamber of Commerce and Industry will hold India Caltex, a multi-sector catalogue exhibition of Indian companies, in the Saudi city of Hofuf on Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Source: Arabnews.com, Jeddah

83. Saudi youth explore India's IT, education space
New Delhi, Thursday, 29 March 2012
A 40-member Saudi Arabian youth team is in India to promote interactions in the field of science and technology.
Source: Newstrack India, New Delhi; Also see, Saudi Gazette

84. Indian Christians against the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, who wants to eliminate all churches
Mumbai, Friday, 30 March 2012
The All India Christian Council (AICC) condemned the statement of the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah, who claims it necessary to destroy all the churches in the region.
Source: AsiaNews.it

TURKEY
85. Turkey to double flights from India
Hyderabad, Sunday, 18 March 2012
Turkey seeks to double flights from India, besides opening four more connecting points.
Source: The Hindu Business Line, Chennai

86. Turkey to open consulate in Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Sunday, 18 March 2012
In a bid to strengthen its centuries old ties with Hyderabad, Turkish ambassador Dr Burak Akcapar said, Turkey plans to not only set up a consulate or appoint an honorary consul in Hyderabad but is also seeking direct air connectivity between Hyderabad and Istanbul.
Source: The Times of India, New Delhi

Compiled by Aradhana Talwar

Aradhana Talwar is pursuing her M Phil degree in the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Email

As part of its editorial policy, the MEI@ND standardizes spelling and date formats 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