BILATERAL ISSUES

BAHRAIN

A B2B Webinar on Enhancing Opportunities in Pharmaceuticals and Alternative Medicine Sector’ between India and the Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama, 27 October 2020.

A B2B Webinar on Enhancing Opportunities in Pharmaceuticals and Alternative Medicine Sector’ between India and the Kingdom of Bahrain was organized by the Embassy of India and Pharmexcil in partnership with the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry and National Health Regulatory Authority of Kingdom of Bahrain on 27.10.2020.

H.E. Mr. Piyush Srivastava, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain was the Chief Guest. The event was attended by Dr. Dinesh Dua, Chairman, Pharmexcil; Dr. Ebtisam Al Dallal, Head of Health Committee, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI); Ms Nawal Shaboon, National Health Regulatory Authority of Bahrain; Ms Lakshmi Prasanna, Director, Pharmexcil; Dr. Noor Janahi, Member of Health Committee, BCCI; Dr. Khalid Al Awadhi, Chairman of Gulf

Pharmacy and over 120 companies from both the countries in the Pharmaceutical, Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic sectors.

The panellists shared their views on various aspects of Indian pharmaceutical industry, strong healthcare sector in Bahrain, regulatory procedures and ways to enhance bilateral trade and investment in healthcare sector.

Ambassador Srivastava, in his keynote address, highlighted the historically close relations between India and the Kingdom of Bahrain which have recently expanded & diversified. He highlighted the huge potential of bilateral trade investment in the health services sector including pharmaceuticals, Ayurveda & Homoeopathy, medical devices and instruments. He wished B2B meetings all success and expressed hope that these will lead to concrete business proposals between companies of the two countries.

Pharmexcil Chairman, Dr. Dinesh Dua spoke about India being the ‘Pharmacy of the World’ and its network of pharmaceutical brands creating cost effective and quality generic medicines which have been a panacea for the world. He emphasized that India went a step ahead during Covid 19 and supplied Hydroxycholoroquine and other related drugs to many countries around the globe.

Dr. Ebtisam Al Dallal, Head of Health Committee in BCCI stressed upon the long-standing bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and India being a valuable trading and development partner for Bahrain. Dr. Noor Janahi from BCCI made a presentation on the market of pharmaceuticals and alternative medicine in Bahrain, stressing on favourable regulatory environment, taxation system and its location as gateway to GCC countries, making Bahrain the perfect location for such investments.

Ms Lakshmi Prasanna, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Pharmexcil gave a presentation on the strengths of Indian pharmaceuticals and the opportunities ahead for India and world at large, especially related to the huge size of market for generic medicine in Bahrain and India’s India’s huge capacity and expertise in it.

Ms Nawal Shaboon of NHRA spoke at length about Bahrain’s regulatory procedure and requirement for framework for foreign companies and investors in this sector. She also mentioned about the presence of Alternative Medicine including Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Cupping Therapy, Osteopathy, Chiropractice and the regulation related to it in Bahrain.

The Bahraini pharmaceutical industry was represented by Dr. Khalid Al Awadhi, CEO and Chairman of Gulf Pharmacy, who gave positive reviews of his dealing with Indian pharmaceutical products in his long-term experience in the sector. The economical side of India’s generic medicine was much appreciated as it would facilitate the healthcare sector in Bahrain by reducing costs involved in it.

The Q & A session during the B2B meeting was an active exchange of information on the pharma companies. Most queries related to the details of regulatory regime in Bahrain for the Pharmaceutical sector and the interest of Indian companies in exploring and collaborating for opportunities available in Bahrain.

The Webinar witnessed participation from 115 attendees; 50 companies from India and 30 companies from Bahrain participated in the B2B Session which facilitated the convergence and opening of new ventures for the stakeholders in both India and Bahrain. It was a very productive meeting in terms of understanding the pharmaceutical market and regulatory procedures in the two countries and both sides decided to continue to work towards enhancing bilateral trade and investment particularly in the healthcare sector. Source: Embassy of India, Manama.

IRAN

40% discount on Cargo movement between India and Chabahar Port, Iran extended for one year, New Delhi, 16 October 2020.

The Ministry of Shipping has extended the current concessional rate of 40% discount for coastal movement of cargo and vessel related charges, for a period of further one year to clients for cargo being handled at Jawaharlal Nehru Port and Deendayal Port from/to Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar, Iran.

The levy of concessional Vessel Related Charges (VRC) is to be applied proportionately, subject to vessel loading at least 50 TEUs or 5000 MT cargo to Shahid Beheshti Port.

The ports in coordination with Indian Ports Global Limited will jointly evolve a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure that discounts are given to cargo actually discharged or loaded at Shahid Beheshti Terminal of Chabahar Port.

The aim of the extension of discount period is to promote the trade through Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar, Iran. It would give a boost to coastal movement of cargo being handled at Jawaharlal Nehru Port and Deendayal Port from/to Shahid Beheshti Port. Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB).

ISRAEL

Phone call between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and H.E. Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, New Delhi, 05 October 2020.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke with H.E. Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel earlier today.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed warm greetings on the Jewish New Year and the Jewish festival of Sukkot to Prime Minister Netanyahu and the people of Israel.

The leaders positively assessed the progress in bilateral cooperation in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in the fields of research, field trials of diagnostic tools and vaccine development. They agreed on the importance of close cooperation in these important areas not only for the benefit of the people of the two countries but also for the greater good of humanity.

They also reviewed ongoing cooperation in the areas of water and agriculture, health, trade, and start-up and innovation, and discussed further deepening of these ties.

The leaders agreed to continue holding regular consultations to share assessments on emerging regional and global challenges and opportunities, and for providing guidance to advance the close and robust bilateral strategic partnership. Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB).

KUWAIT

One Day State Mourning on October 4, 2020 as a mark of respect on the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, New Delhi, 01 October 2020.

His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, passed away on September 29, 2020. As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the Government of India has decided that there will be one day’s State Mourning on October 4, 2020 throughout India.

The National Flag will be flown at half mast on all buildings throughout India where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day. Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB).

PM congratulates His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, New Delhi, 09 October 2020.

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for assuming charge as the Amir of the State of Kuwait.  PM has also congratulated His Highness Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on his taking charge as the Crown Prince. 

"Congratulations and best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for assuming charge as the Amir of the State of Kuwait. I also congratulate His Highness Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on his taking charge as the Crown Prince. 

I am confident that the State of Kuwait will continue to play an important global role under their leadership, and the historic India-Kuwait friendship will be further strengthened", the Prime Minister said. Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB).

Visit of Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas to Kuwait, New Delhi, 11 October 2020.

Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan will be visiting Kuwait on 11-12 October 2020 to offer condolences on behalf of the Government of India to the Kuwaiti leadership on the sad demise of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the former Amir of the State of Kuwait. The Minister will carry letters from the Hon’ble President and Prime Minister of India to be delivered to the leadership of Kuwait.

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan will also convey congratulations on behalf of India to His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on assuming responsibilities as the new Amir of the State of Kuwait and His Highness Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as the Crown Prince.

HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the former Amir of the State of Kuwait passed away on 29 September 2020. External Affairs Minister Shri S. Jaishankar had visited Kuwait Embassy in New Delhi on 1 October 2020 to convey India's condolences. India observed a day of national mourning on 4 Oct 2020.

India and Kuwait maintained close and friendly relations under the leadership of the late Amir. He was a true friend and well-wisher of India in guiding and strengthening bilateral engagements for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries. More than one million Indians live and work in Kuwait.

Both countries continue to take forward their historic relationship in diverse areas and have also cooperated closely during Covid-19. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Ambassador met H.E Sheikh Thamer Al-Ali Al-Sabah, President of National Security Bureau, Kuwait, 15 October 2020.

Ambassador of India to the State of Kuwait Shri. Sibi George called on President of National Security Bureau of the State of Kuwait His Excellency Sheikh Thamer Al-Ali Al-Sabah on 14 October 2020.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance and strengthen them and also reviewed various aspects of the existing bilateral cooperation.

Mutual issues of interest and largest regional and international developments, including the COVID-19 pandemic situation and the collective fight against it were also discussed during the meeting. Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait.

Ambassador's call on Hon'ble Speaker of National Assembly of the State of Kuwait, H.E Mr. Marzouq Al-Ghanim, Kuwait, 16 October 2020.

Ambassador of India to the State of Kuwait Mr. Sibi George called on His Excellency Mr. Marzouq Al-Ghanim, Hon’ble Speaker of the National Assembly of the State of Kuwait on Thursday, 15 October 2020.

They discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, mutual issues of interest, and means of enhancing and strengthening the existing institutional cooperation across all domains, especially Parliamentary Affairs. Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait.

Ambassador called-on HE Mr. Anas Khaled Nasser Al-Sabah, Hon'ble Deputy PM and Minister of Interior and Minister of State of Cabinet Affairs, State of Kuwait, Kuwait, 21 October 2020.

Ambassador of India to the State of Kuwait Mr. Sibi George called-on His Excellency Mr. Anas Khaled Nasser Al-Saleh, Hon’ble Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, State of Kuwait, on Wednesday, 21 October 2020.

Ambassador thanked His Excellency for hosting the Indian Community in Kuwait.

They discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and means of further enhancing and strengthening them and also reviewed various aspects of the existing bilateral cooperation.

Mutual matters of interest, including related to diaspora, and latest developments related to COVID-19 pandemic and bilateral cooperation to fight the pandemic were also discussed. Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait.

Ambassador called-on HE Dr. Saud Al- Harbi, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education, State of Kuwait, Kuwait, 24 October 2020.

Ambassador of India to the State of Kuwait Mr. Sibi George called-on His Excellency Dr. Saud Al-Harbi, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education, State of Kuwait on Saturday, 24 October 2020.

During the call-on, they discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, means of enhancing and strengthening the existing institutional cooperation in the domain of Education, and other matters of mutual interest, including those related to verification of academic certificates and matters related to Indian schools in the State of Kuwait. Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait.

LIBYA

Press statement on the release of the seven Indian nationals in Libya, New Delhi, 12 October 2020.

We are happy to inform that the seven Indian nationals who had been abducted at Asshwerif in Libya on 14 September were finally released yesterday (11 October). Our Ambassador to Tunisia Shri Puneet Roy Kundal spoke to them over phone after they were handed over by the abductors to the company Al Shola Al Mudia. All of them are in good health and are currently staying in the company’s premises in Brega. We are trying to complete requisite formalities to enable their return to India.

We convey our sincere thanks to the Libyan authorities and the tribal elders from the region for their steadfast cooperation in securing the release of our nationals unharmed. Both our Ambassador to Tunisia and our local consular staff were in constant touch with them and the company all through the crisis.

Ministry would like to reiterate that there is ban on travel of Indian nationals to Libya, irrespective of the purpose, since May 2016 because of the security situation there. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

MOROCCO

Virtual Meeting between EAM and Foreign Affairs Minister of Morocco, New Delhi, 22 October 2020.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar had a virtual meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco H.E. Mr. Nasser Bourita on 22 October 2020.

2. Both sides agreed that bilateral relations have acquired considerable depth and vitality following the landmark visit of His Majesty Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco in October 2015 for the third India-Africa Forum Summit. Exchange of 23 Ministerial visits and conclusion of over 40 MoUs and Agreements in a range of sectors such as IT, education, culture, agriculture, mutual legal assistance, extradition, etc. since then are a testament to the strong desire on the part of both sides to take bilateral ties to a higher plane. EAM conveyed India’s commendation for His Majesty’s visionary leadership in steering Morocco on the path of economic progress and prosperity.

3. Positively assessing the growth in trade and investment relations, the Ministers noted, in particular, the close cooperation in fertilizers, textiles, pharmaceuticals, automobiles and ICT sectors. They further agreed that the MOUs/ Agreements concluded in the last two years in the fields of cyber security, counter terrorism and space provide strong frameworks for building the foundation of a strong and comprehensive relationship. The Ministers agreed that both sides should expedite the finalisation of the MOU on defence cooperation and the Cultural Exchange Programme so that these can be signed on an early date.

4. They discussed respective national approaches to deal with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. EAM thanked Mr. Bourita for the Moroccan Government’s support for the repatriation of Indian nationals stranded in Morocco due to the suspension of international flights in the wake of the pandemic. Mr. Bourita, in turn, conveyed his Government’s appreciation for India’s facilitation of commercial exports of medicines during this critical time.

5. The two Ministers had an in-depth exchange of views on regional and global issues, including the UN reforms, international fight against terrorism, climate change, renewable energy and cooperation under the India Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) mechanism.

6. Responding to Mr. Bourita’s briefing on the developments in Libya, including at the recent intra-Libyan dialogue in Bouznika, EAM commended Morocco’s resolute and constructive engagement with all the Libyan parties since the beginning of the crisis, and its contribution to the UN efforts aimed at finding a peaceful resolution through a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people while preserving the country’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

7. Mr. Bourita congratulated India on its election to the non-permanent seat of the UNSC for the term 2021-2022 and also conveyed the Moroccan Government’s support for India’s permanent membership in an extended United Nations Security Council. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the ongoing close coordination between the two countries at various international organizations, including the United Nations.

8. EAM expressed India’s support to the efforts of the United Nations Secretary General aimed at achieving a realistic, lasting, mutually negotiated and acceptable political solution to the Sahara issue and noted the efforts of the Kingdom of Morocco in this direction.

9. EAM reiterated his invitation to Mr. Bourita to visit India when the situation permits, which was accepted with pleasure by the Moroccan Foreign Minister. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

OMAN

9th Session of India-Oman Joint Commission Virtual Meeting held, Muscat, 20 October 2020.

The 9th Session of the India-Oman Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) was held on 19 October, 2020 through the virtual platform. It was co-chaired by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and H.E. Mr. Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman. The meeting was attended by representatives of various government departments/ministries from both sides. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the recent developments in trade and investment ties and reaffirmed their commitment to expand the bilateral trade and encourage businesses to invest in each other’s country in order to realize the untapped potential in the commercial and economic relationship.

Both sides, among other things, agreed to cooperate in areas of Agriculture & Food Security, Standards & Metrology, Tourism, Information Technology, Health & Pharmaceuticals, MSMEs, Space, Civil Aviation, Energy including renewable energy, Culture, Mining, and Higher Education.

Both sides also reviewed the progress of prospective Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) in the field of mining, standards and metrology, financial intelligence, cultural exchange, and information technology, and agreed to conclude them expeditiously. Both sides also agreed to expedite their internal procedures for signing and ratification of the Protocol amending India-Oman Double Taxation Agreement and conclusion of the India-Oman Bilateral Investment Treaty.

The two sides also exchanged views on the unprecedented global health and economic situation arising due the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

Indian side appreciated Oman for signing and ratification of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement.

Shri Puri highlighted the recent initiatives taken by the Government for improving the ease of doing business and to boost domestic manufacturing in India, including the production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes for various sectors, and invited Omani Sovereign Wealth Funds and private businesses to invest in India.

India and Oman have always enjoyed close and friendly relations which go back to several millennia. The close bilateral ties, including vibrant trade and cultural exchanges, have now expanded into a strategic partnership based on trust and mutual respect. Increasing bilateral trade and investment between the two countries is a key element of the strategic partnership.

The economic and commercial relations between India and Oman are robust and buoyant. India is among Oman’s top trading partners. For Oman, India was the 3rd largest source for its imports and 3rd largest market for its non-oil exports. Bilateral trade between India and Oman grew at 8.5% in 2019-20 over the previous year to reach USD 5.93 billion.  While India’s exports to Oman were valued at USD 2.26 billion, India’s imports from Oman amounted USD 3.67 billion in 2019-2020.

Bilateral investment flows have been robust. Indian firms have invested heavily in Oman in various sectors like iron and steel, cement, fertilizers, textile, cables, chemicals, automotive, etc.  There are over 4100 Indian enterprises and establishments in Oman with an estimated investment of US$ 7.5 billion.  Cumulative FDI equity inflows from Oman to India during the period April 2000-June 2020 amounted to USD 535.07 million.

Both sides agreed to nominate a focal point from their respective Ministries of Commerce and Industry to carry forward the follow up on the discussions held and the decisions taken during the JCM.

Agreed Minutes of the Meeting were adopted by both Ministers. Source: Embassy of India, Muscat.

UAE

India-UAE Virtual Buyer and Seller Meet, Abu Dhabi, 21 October 2020.

Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) of India jointly organised an India-UAE Virtual Buyer Seller Meet titled “India-UAE Synergies in Apparel & Textiles” on 21st October 2020.

The virtual meeting was attended by more than 50 participants from both sides including senior officials from Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi & AEPC India and senior representatives from UAE’s leading Apparel chains—Landmark Splash Group, Apparel Group LLC, Lulu Group and KM Trading besides major apparel & textile exporters/importers from India and the UAE. Senior Office bearers of Textile Merchants Association (TEXMAS) Dubai also participated in the event.

Mr. Sandeep Kumar Bayyapu, Deputy Chief Mission in his keynote address spoke of India’s potential as sourcing hub for textiles & apparel and also highlighted the investment opportunities in the textiles and apparel sector. Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC in his speech highlighted the various initiatives and activities undertaken by APEC to facilitate and promote India’s exports in apparel and textiles.

India is today recognised as one of the best sourcing destinations for garments, textiles and accessories. It provides a perfect blend of fashion, design, quality, patterns, textures, colour and finish. The Textile Industry in India is one of the largest in the world with a large raw material base and manufacturing strength across the value chain.

The participating textiles & apparel companies from both sides interacted with each other to promote new business collaborations. The business meet helped in facilitating fresh business partnerships and should further strengthen India-UAE trade ties in textiles and apparel sector. Source: Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi.   

Virtual Networking Meet on Agricultural & Food GI Products, Abu Dhabi, 28 October 2020.

Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India jointly organised an India-UAE Virtual Networking Meet on Indian Agricultural & Food Geographical Indication (GI) Products on 28 October 2020.

The meeting was attended by more than 80 participants from both sides including senior officials from the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi; APEDA; Ministry of Commerce, India and representatives from UAE’s leading supermarket chains Lulu Group, Al Maya Group, KM Trading, Spinneys, India-Arab Spices besides, major food exporters or importers from India and the UAE.

H.E. Mr. Pavan Kapoor, Ambassador of India to the UAE in his address highlighted the importance of nurturing powerful and unique agricultural brands which can help farmers gain a competitive advantage in ‘buyer-driven’ global markets. He spoke of India-UAE historic people-to people relations and a strong cultural affinity with familiar cuisines and tastes. Ambassador Kapoor mentioned the important contribution of the Indian agricultural sector to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. A self-reliant India in agriculture and food would largely benefit global food security with India’s increasing contribution to global supply chains for farm produce. He highlighted the strategic significance attached to food security by the UAE and assured that India will remain UAE’s trusted partner in meeting these objectives including through establishment of dedicated food corridors.

Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairman APEDA in his remarks highlighted the efforts made by APEDA in promoting exports of agricultural and food GI products, including through special promotion strategies. On this occasion, an e-catalogue containing details of GI Food products and list of participating companies from both India and the UAE was jointly released by Ambassador Kapoor and Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairman APEDA.

Besides being the leading producer of several agricultural commodities, India has a distinct advantage of having registered geographical indication (GI) for several agricultural and food products. Presently, India has 370 registered GIs, including 130 in agriculture and food. From Basmati rice to Kashmiri Saffron and from Assam Tea to Bikaneri Bhujia, there are many food products that have received the GI tag and are popular across the globe. The networking session facilitated the interaction and tie up between participating Indian and UAE companies to explore and promote new business partnerships. Source: Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi.

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