ALERGIA

Advisory for Indian exporters to Algeria, 21 December 2022

The Embassy of India recommends that contracts should be negotiated with the Algerian companies on the basis of confirmed and irrevocable Line of Credit through reputed International banks and not on the basis of Cash on Delivery/Cash against documents. Exporters need to exercise due diligence in ensuring that all business details are included in the written contract.

IMPORTANT:

1. The Bank of Algeria vide its Instruction No. 05-2017 dated 22 October 2017 fixed conditions relating to domiciliation of the operations of import of goods intended for resale as final product. These instructions require the Algerian importers to do the domiciliation procedures at least 30 days prior to the shipment of goods. It also requires a deposit of 120% of the total value of the import transaction by the Algerian importer. Indian companies must dispatch their consignments only after completion of banking procedures (bank domiciliation) by the Algerian company as per above instructions.

2. As per the latest instructions from the Ministry of Trade and Promotion of Exports of Algeria issued in April 2022 Algerian importers are now required to obtain a document issued by the Algerian Export Promotion Agency ALGEX that attests the unavailability of the products to be imported. This document will be submitted by Algerian importers to their banks for domiciliation procedures.

3. Without the document issued by ALGEX an importer from Algeria cannot clear imported goods. The Embassy has received multiple complaints and problems faced by Indian exporters due to Algerian  importers not being in possession of the above document issued by ALGEX.

4. It is strongly reiterated Indian exporters must ascertain that their clients have the documents issued by ALGEX before dispatching the goods. Source: Embassy of India, Algiers.

Celebration of India Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day 2022, 22 December 2022

1. The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day 2022 was celebrated on 22 December 2022 at the Hotel Sofitel, Algiers. ITEC is a bilateral programme of assistance which was established in September 1964. Training and capacity building is one of its major goals. Under ITEC, Algerian professionals are offered training courses in different centres of excellence in India which empower them with professional skills and prepare them for an increasingly globalized world. Every year India offers 40 slots in training courses at different Indian Institutes covering diverse themes and these are open to Algerian officials, public sector employees, universities, Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the private sector.

2. Large number of ITEC alumni attended the event. During the event, eight of the ITEC alumni shared their rich experience during their training in India in the field of solar energy technologies,  startups,  diplomacy, industrial projects and infrastructures, health, WTO issues and in web technologies. Representatives were also present from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Trade and Promotion of Exports, Ministry of Health, Population and Hospital Reforms, Ministry of Energy and Mines, the Algerian Space Agency. Several journalists from prominent Algerian print and electronic media covered the event.

3. Since 2007, more than 365 candidates from Algeria have availed ITEC training. This year the Embassy has received a record number of applications. Some of the popular ITEC courses in Algeria are: advanced methods of crime investigation, narcotics and psychotropic substances, Human Resource Management for organizational excellence, government accounting and financial management, audit of e-governance, WTO issues, development partnership – learning South-South cooperation, climate change and sustainable development, recycling technology, artificial intelligence, data analytics and risk management.

4. In his remarks, Ambassador Gaurav Ahluwalia spoke about excellent bilateral relations between India and Algeria and appreciated the contribution of ITEC alumni in enhancing the relationship by acting as a bridge of understanding between the two countries. He spoke about the ongoing digital revolution in India and IndiaStack which has revolutionized financial transactions in India. Referring to President Tebboune’s focus on creating a start-up, entrepreneurial economy in Algeria, the Ambassador hoped that ITEC alumni would find IndiaStack a useful case study for implementation of President Tebboune’s vision. He added the building on these digital public goods was a key focus area for India’s G20 Presidency. Source: Embassy of India, Algiers.

IRAQ

Buyer-Seller Meeting (BSM) to promote Indusfood 2023, 05 December 2022

A Buyer Seller Meeting (BSM) was organized by the Embassy for the visiting business delegation from Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), which had arrived in Baghdad to promote the 6th Indusfood Exhibition, South Asia’s largest integrated Food Show, being held from 8-10 January, 2022 at Hyderabad.

2. TPCI is an apex trade and investment promotion organization supported by Department of Commerce, Government of India. It works toward facilitating the growth of Indian industry with global investment and trade opportunities. TPCI organizes specialized business events and also provides policy suggestion to the Government to promote trade and investment.

3. Ambassador presented an overview of the business and investment prospects, future trends, sectors of partnerships and regulatory provisions governing the trade and commercial activities in India. It was agreed that given the business constraints, as far as regulatory mechanisms /logistics issues, lack of banking channels, etc., the bilateral trade should be taken to the next level so that it realizes the true inherent potential. TPCI Representative, Mr. Ashok Sethi informed the meeting that this year 900 importers from 80 countries are expected to participate in B2B meetings with 400 prominent Indian F&B exporters. He requested the Iraqi businessmen in attendance to register themselves to participate in the exhibition to get attractive concessions, viz., US$ 400 airfare discount, free airport pick-up / drop and hotel accommodation, etc. The TPCI delegation is also travelling to Erbil, Kurdistan to promote Indusfood in Kurdistan seeking the participation of Kurdish importers in Indusfood exhibition. India is a major supplier of rice, tea, meat and agro products to Iraq.

4. Ambassador averred that there is immense potential for exponential growth in export of Indian F&B products and services in the Iraqi market and called for concerted efforts by both sides to vigorously explore and expand the opportunities in Iraq. The participants expressed views about their firm desire to promote business relations between both the countries and further strengthen and reinforce business linkages. It was assured that Embassy would provide all necessary assistance, including facilitation of business visas to Iraqi business community. Source: Embassy of India, Baghdad.

ISRAEL

PM extends Hanukkah greetings to Benjamin Netanyahu and people of Israel, 18 December 2022

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended Hanukkah greetings to Benjamin Netanyahu, the people of Israel and those celebrating this festival of lights around the world. 

The Prime Minister tweeted;

“Hanukkah greetings to my friend Benjamin Netanyahu, friends in Israel, and those celebrating this festival of lights around the world. Chag Sameach.” Source: Press Information Bureau.

PM congratulates Benjamin Netanyahu for forming the government, 29 December 2022

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Benjamin Netanyahu for being sworn-in as Prime Minister of Israel and forming the government.

The Prime Minister tweeted;

"Heartiest congratulations @netanyahu for forming the government. Looking forward to working together to strengthen our strategic partnership." Source: Press Information Bureau.

OMAN

‘Capacity building in support of Oman Vision 2040’: Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day- 2022 celebrated in Muscat, 13 December 2022

Embassy of India, Muscat, celebrated ‘Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation’ (ITEC) Day on Tuesday, 13th December 2022 in the Embassy premises. The function was attended by more than 100 participants, which included ITEC alumni from Oman, comprising officials and professionals from diverse sectors who have participated in various training courses in India under ITEC Program during previous years.

H.E. Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim bin Said Al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Sultanate of Oman was the Chief Guest on this occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, noted that the Indian capacity building program ITEC showcases the traditional Indian concept of sharing knowledge for global good.

Stressing that India is a committed partner in Oman’s journey to achieve objectives of ‘Oman Vision 2040’, Ambassador Narang expressed his happiness that over the years, ITEC program has been enthusiastically subscribed to by hundreds of Omani officials and has not only facilitated specialized training and skill upgradation but also acted as a bridge to connect Indian and Omani people.

He highlighted that under India’s G-20 Presidency, India has invited Oman as its special and valued guest and this will provide yet another platform for strengthening collaboration on training, skilling and capacity building which are key priorities for Oman in His Majesty’s ‘Vision 2040’.

The Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program was launched in September 1964 as a program for capacity building of friendly developing countries. Since its inception, more than 200,000 professionals from more than 160 countries have benefited from ITEC courses. Today, India provides over 14000 scholarships covering a diverse range of subjects from traditional areas like agriculture, SMEs, management, English language to IT, Science & Technology, biotechnology, etc.

During the event select Omani officials spoke about their unique experiences under ITEC. They highlighted that the ITEC program not only provides high standard of education but also gives an opportunity to know the culture and tradition of India, and revel in the scenic beauty of the country.

The celebrations included an enthralling performance of Indian classical dance and a gala dinner. Source: Embassy of India, Muscat.

Eighth Meeting of India-Oman Joint Working Group on Manpower, 29 December 2022

The Eighth Meeting of the India-Oman Joint Working Group on Manpower was held in Muscat on 28th December, 2022. The Indian delegation was led by Ambassador Anurag Bhushan, Joint Secretary (Overseas Indian Affairs-I), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and the Omani delegation was led by H.E. Sayyid Salim Musallam Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Human Resources Development, Ministry of Labour, Sultanate of Oman.

2. The MoU between India and Oman in the field of Manpower was signed on 8th November, 2008. The 1st meeting of the India-Oman Joint working Group (JWG) on Manpower was held on 24-25 June 2010 in New Delhi and since held at regular intervals alternatively in India and Oman and provide an opportunity to highlight various issues that impact the living and working conditions of Indian workers and professionals in Oman.

3. India and Oman enjoy warm and friendly relations. Both sides held fruitful and productive discussions on a wide range of issues related to labour and manpower mobility and shared the progressive and visionary approach of their Governments. The Indian side welcomed the progressive labour reform measures adopted by Oman over the past years and their commitment towards the protection and promotion of labour rights. Both sides agreed to adopt integrated approach to promote the welfare and well-being of workers, including streamlining recruitment and to enhance co-operation for time-bound resolution of issues of mutual concern.

4. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss and review the entire gamut of labour and manpower cooperation related issues. It was agreed to hold the next round of Joint Working Group meeting in New Delhi at mutually convenient dates. Source: Embassy of India, Muscat.

SAUDI ARABIA

Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 22 December 2022

Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan (IFS: 1997), presently Ambassador of India to the Republic of Lebanon has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

2. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Union Minister Dr.Jitendra Singh will lead the official Indian delegation to United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the “Abu Dhabi Space Debate” on 5th December 2022, 4 December 2022

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr.Jitendra Singh will lead the official Indian delegation to United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the “Abu Dhabi Space Debate”, a 2-day international meet beginning tomorrow. Dr.Jitendra Singh will address the Opening Ceremony on India's behalf along with the Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Dr.Jitendra Singh will also attend the Ministerial Plenary on the ‘Role of Foreign Policy in Enabling Space Diplomacy and International Cooperation’ along with the MoS Foreign Affairs of the UAE, Foreign Minister of Bahrain and Minister of Advanced Technologies of Israel.
The Minister is also scheduled to hold delegation level talks with Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairperson of UAE Space Agency to discuss ways and means for further strengthening bilateral space cooperation.

In a statement issued before departure to Abu Dhabi, Dr.Jitendra Singh said, India and UAE joint space cooperation is on the verge of taking a big leap in the Arabian Peninsula, as the two sides have prioritised increased bilateral space cooperation. He said, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and UAE Space Agency (UAESA) signed an MoU regarding cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes in 2016. The Minister also informed that UAE’s first nanosatellite - ‘Nayif-1’ meant for collecting environmental space data was launched by PSLV from Shriharikota.

The UAE is an emerging space power in the region and has made rapid strides in the last 25 years of its space journey. In July 2020, UAE launched its Mars mission named Hope Probe which entered into Mars orbit in Feb 2021. This made the UAE the first Arab country and the sixth in the world to achieve this feat. The UAE is planning to launch Rashid Rover or the Emirates Lunar Mission shortly. In Sep 2019, Hanzala Al Mansoori became the first Emirati to go to Space when he went to the International Space Station (ISS) for eight days through a Russian space vehicle from Kazakhstan. This year, another UAE astronaut was selected to travel to the ISS on NASA’s crew rotation flight, SpaceX Crew-6 for six-months period.

Dr.Jitendra Singh said, Space Reforms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have opened many new vistas and only last month, India made a new beginning in India's Space journey by launching India's first ever private Rocket. He said, the reforms have also unleashed the innovative potentials of start-ups and within a short span of time, from a couple of Space Start-ups three -four years back, today we have 105 start-ups working in cutting-edge areas of space debris management., nano-satellite, launch vehicle, ground systems, research etc.

Dr.Jitendra Singh recalled that while launching Indian Space Association (ISpA), a premier industry association of space and satellite companies on 11^th October, 2021, Modi said, “Our approach to space reforms is based on four pillars- freedom to the private sector in innovation, the role of the government as an enabler, making youth future-ready and seeing the space sector as a resource for the progress of common man”.

Dr.Jitendra Singh is also likely to pitch for joint start-up ventures between India and United Arab Emirates in advanced and emerging space technologies during the delegation level talks with Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairperson of UAE Space Agency. Given the immense potential both countries have in the Space sector, cooperation in this sector would be a new dimension of strengthening bilateral relations.

Dr.Jitendra Singh underlined that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, centuries old close bilateral relationship has gained intense momentum as the relationship was elevated to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2017. Both countries signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement earlier this year and they aspire to take the bilateral trade from the existing US$ 72 billion to US$ 100 billion in the next five years. Source: Press Information Bureau.

Union Minister Dr.Jitendra Singh describes India as a key Global Player in the Space sector and says, India is keen to take its Space cooperation with the UAE to newer heights, 5 December 2022

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr.Jitendra Singh today described India as a key Global Player in the Space sector and reiterated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is keen to take its Space cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to newer heights.

Addressing the Opening Ceremony of the UAE summit, "Abu Dhabi Space Debate”, Dr.Jitendra Singh acknowledged the presence of the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed at the Opening Ceremony and conveyed PM Modi's warm greetings to him and the people of UAE.

Dr.Jitendra Singh is leading the official Indian delegation to United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the “Abu Dhabi Space Debate”, a 2-day international meet. Apart from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, and Diplomats from several countries attended the opening ceremony.

Dr.Jitendra Singh greeted the people of the United Arab Emirates on the occasion of the celebration of 51 years of the formation of this great country on behalf of the people of India. He said, another laudable achievement for the UAE this year is completion of the silver jubilee of its space odyssey with several golden milestones.

Dr.Jitendra Singh said, development of the Space sector is one of the priority areas for the leaders of both India and the UAE and added that India started its space journey seven decades back from a scratch and is today acknowledged to be a leading space power. He said, the highlight of India’s journey has been its thrust on indigenous development through dedication and hard work of its scientists guided by the commitment of the leaders.

Dr.Jitendra Singh said, the indigenously developed Space sector of India and the fast-growing Space sector of the UAE have a lot of complementariness that can be harnessed. He said, if we want to ensure that the Space remains a sector to serve our shared humanity, it is important to bring all the stakeholders together to discuss and deliberate about the Space and in this regard, this platform has the potential to shape the future of the Space sector.

The Minister said, the Indian space industry today is renowned across the globe for two things – reliability and economy. India is proud to have the maximum success ratio in the world for its flagship space launching vehicle – Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle or PSLV. Just a few weeks back, India’s PSLV launched 36 satellites including for countries from both the developed and developing world.

Dr.Jitendra Singh said, the list of achievements of India’s Space industries is quite long and informed that Indian Space Research Organization or ISRO has launched more than 100 satellites so far and has immense in-house satellite building capabilities for GSAT, Earth Observation Satellites and Space based Satellite Navigation Systems. He proudly stated that India has also developed its own GPS, which we call the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System or IRNSS. Besides the successful launch of India’s Mars orbiter mission in 2013, India has twice attempted to send its Mission to the moon known as Chandrayaan 1 and Chandrayaan 2. The third satellite mission to the moon, the Chandrayaan 3 will be launched next year, the Minister informed.

Dr.Jitendra Singh said, India’s other flagship space programmes also include Human Space Flight Centre or what we call in India as Gaganyaan project under which we are planning to send our first crewed flight in space in 2024.

Dr.Jitendra Singh said, in the light of the Indian philosophy of Vasudeva Kutumbakam which means - the World is one family, India wants to share the fruits of space development to reach all countries and bring closer cooperation between governments and private entities in the space sector. He said, with this idea, India has recently brought landmark reforms leading to policy initiatives to tap the best of our research potential as well as participation of the private sector. The Minister said, India is also keenly promoting development of start-ups in the space sector to facilitate entry of foreign government and private sector entities. In this regard, India has established a dedicated organisation called Indian Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre or IN-SPACe which is tasked with the objective of hand-holding our nascent private entities in the Space sector, he added.

Dr.Jitendra Singh recalled that among the several pioneering initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is the Abu Dhabi Space Debate which reflects his commitment and vision for the Space sector. He said that much of this vision has already become a reality with the UAE sending a space mission to Mars orbit, thereby becoming the sixth such country demonstrating its prowess in the space sector and on top of that, the UAE became the only second country, other than India, to successfully launch a Mars orbiter in its very first attempt.

The Minister also congratulated the UAE for planning its second human space mission next year by sending four astronauts in space for six months. The launch of Rashid Rover, UAE’s Moon Mission in the near future, and creation of the Space fund are milestones which reflect the commitments and determination of the UAE to excel in the Space sector. He shared that India’s active space partnership with the UAE dates back to 2017, when our PSLV launched UAE’s first nanosatellite - ‘Nayif-1’ meant for collecting environmental space data.

Dr.Jitendra Singh appreciated the thrust of the Abu Dhabi Space Debate for building the role of Governments in empowering space business and technology. He said, the list of discussions in ADSD on the role of the space sector to solve the climate issues, bringing accountability to environmental commitments, threats to and from space to the political discourse and making the presence of private sector and space innovation people driven that serve humankind; are very relevant to our time and are eye-opening topics, setting apart this initiative from any other such gathering in Space sector in the past.

Dr.Jitendra Singh concluded by saying that he is confident that the Abu Dhabi Space Debate will grow in stature in the coming years and become a pre-eminent platform for discussions in space related matters and take India-UAE space cooperation into an entirely different and much higher spatial orbit. Lastly, as India assumed the chairmanship of G-20 on Dec 1, the Minister once again welcomed the UAE to the G-20 Summit and G-20 meetings in the period of India’s chairmanship. Source: Press Information Bureau.

MoS Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar attends the India Global Forum at Dubai, 13 December 2022

The Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar has attended the Ministerial Roundtable titled Globalisation of Indian Tech & Innovation Talent. He put forth the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on making Trusted corridors of Technologies & Innovation “PM Shri Narendra Modi’s vision is of building Trusted corridors for Technologies & innovation with countries - with India as a skill hub & Young Indians as innovators for the world”, he said while addressing the audience comprising of Government & Industry leaders from India, UAE, UK, Israel and other participant countries, in Dubai, UAE today.

Highlighting the success story of India’s Digital Public Platforms that have been tested for both scale and cost effectiveness, the Minister reiterated that “Our Prime Minister has already made it clear that the world will benefit from the India stack”.

Speaking about future of technology, the Minister who himself has a vast experience in the tech sector, stated that “the future of technology is going to be different from what we have experienced with emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, Extended Reality/ Augmented Reality, High Power compute etc. shall catalyse innovation in various fields.”

The Minister, speaking at the backdrop of India assuming the presidency of G20 and the council chair of GPAI Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, stressed upon collaboration amongst countries. He termed the coming decades to be driven by partnerships.

He also underlined India as a trusted technology partner which is catalysing its digital economy by ensuring Safety & Trust of its Digital Nagriks (citizens). He spoke about the new Digital Personal Data Protection bill 2022 which does a fine job at balancing seemingly contradictory objectives of safeguarding citizens privacy, ensure ease of doing business and providing for Max Governance. He informed that the bill has been drafted keeping in mind India’s vibrant startup and innovation ecosystem.

The Minister also met the senior leadership of organizations such Sequoia, Coinbase and VerSe as a part of his visit to the IGF2022.

Later in the day, the Minister and his counterpart from the UAE government, H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama participated in a moderated session titled Partners in Disruption & Innovation. The dialogue builds upon the two minister’s engagement in last year’s IGF as well as Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s visit to Dubai earlier this year to explore the levers to make technological collaborations between India and UAE a success. Source: Press Information Bureau.

GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL

Bilateral trade between India and the GCC stood at US$ 111.71 billion for the period April-October 2022, an increase of 40.53% from US$ 79.49 billion during same period in FY 2021-22, 21 December 2022

Bilateral Trade between India and the GCC grew from US$ 87.35 billion in FY 2020-21 to US$ 154.66 billion in FY 2021-22, registering an increase of 77.06% on a year-on-year basis. During the current FY 2022-23, for the period April-October 2022, bilateral trade between India and the GCC stood at US$ 111.71 billion, up from US$ 79.49 billion during the same period in FY 2021-22. This is an increase of 40.53% on a year-on-year basis. During the period FY 2017-18 to FY 2021-22, bilateral trade between India and the GCC has grown by 10.57% on a compounded annual growth rate basis.

This information has been provided by Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel said in reply to a parliamentary question today. Source: Press Information Bureau.

PERMANENT MISSION OF INDIA TO THE UN

UNSC meeting on Syria, Statement by Ambassador R. Ravindra, Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the UN, 5 December 2022

I would like to deliver the following brief statement in my national capacity. First, let me thank Under Secretary General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu for the update.

2. We note with regret that the recent communication between the focal points of Syria and OPCW Technical Secretariat regarding a possible meeting has not fructified. We continue to encourage sustained engagement between Syria and the OPCW Technical Secretariat to resolve all outstanding issues.

3. We believe discussions on Syria Chemical Weapons should reflect progress on the ground. However, there has been no forward movement on the issue for several months. As a result, UNSC member states often continue to repeat their well-known positions.

4. India attaches high importance to the Chemical Weapons Convention and stands for its full, effective, and non-discriminatory implementation. India is against the use of chemical weapons by anybody, anywhere, at any time and under any circumstances. India has consistently maintained that any investigation into the use of chemical weapons must be impartial, credible and objective.

5. We continue to caution against the possibility of terrorist entities and individuals gaining access to chemical weapons, including in the region. Therefore, any allegation of use of chemical weapons needs to be dealt with utmost attention.

6. To conclude, India continues to believe that progress on other tracks would also help in facilitating overall political peace process in Syria, as advocated in UNSCR 2254.

I now resume my duties as the President. Source: Permanent Mission of India to the UN.

UNSC Meeting on Iraq, Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, 5 December 2022

Let me now make the statement in my national capacity. I thank Special Adviser Christian Ritscher for his briefing. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of Iraq to the meeting.

2. The world was witness to the heinous and dastardly crimes committed by the Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (ISIL) against innocent Iraqis, including those from its diverse ethnic and religious communities. Victims of ISIL’s horrific crimes in Iraq also include 39 Indian nationals.

3. UNITAD’s work seeks to render justice to these victims, their families, and survivors of these crimes. UNITAD’s relevance is also underscored by the importance of accountability for reconciliation in a post-conflict Iraq. In this regard, we welcome ongoing cooperation between the Iraqi authorities and UNITAD.

4. India recognizes the valuable work of UNITAD in promoting accountability for the crimes committed against the people of Iraq. In addition to the political support for UNITAD’s mandate, India has also extended financial support to the Team to strengthen the pursuit of accountability. India’s financial contribution to the Trust Fund has supported the production of a substantive case assessment report on the development and use of chemical and biological weapons by ISIL. It has also contributed to the expansion of UNITAD’s investigations into the destruction of cultural and religious sites of the different Iraqi communities and minorities.

5. We understand the significance of case-building and information sharing in the work of UNITAD. These are important steps; however, the key to advancing full accountability is the timely sharing of evidence collected by UNITAD with Iraqi authorities that would be used in the trials of ISIL perpetrators in Iraqi courts. This Council has also emphasized the importance of sharing evidence by UNITAD with the relevant Iraqi authorities, in a timely manner. We encourage UNITAD to work towards this objective, in close cooperation with Government of Iraq.

6. Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations remains a global challenge and only a unified and zero-tolerance approach to terrorism can eventually defeat it. As the government and the people of Iraq continue their fight against ISIL, it is also critical to fight the impunity of terror globally.

7. Last week, the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks were remembered in India and several other countries. Be it Mumbai or Mosul, India strongly believes that the credibility of our collective fight against terrorism can be strengthened only when we can ensure accountability for the grave and inhuman acts of terror committed by terrorists and take strong measures against those who encourage, support and finance terrorism.

8. Since this would be the last scheduled meeting on Iraq during our tenure in the Council, I take this opportunity to thank the Permanent Mission of Iraq for their excellent cooperation with the Indian delegation during our tenure. We are also grateful for the cooperation and support extended by the Iraq team of DPPA and the Special Adviser and his team. Source: Permanent Mission of India to the UN.

UNSC Briefing on UNSMIL/Libya, Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, 16 December 2022

I will now deliver a statement in my national capacity. I thank SRSG Bathily for his briefing today.

2. As we near the end of our tenure, we cannot but reflect on the fact that the progress made after the signing of the Ceasefire Agreement in October 2020 is at risk of being undermined. It has been nearly one year since the missed deadline for elections, and yet we do not have any agreement on the way forward. The political impasse continues, and points of friction between various institutions have given rise to tensions.

3. It is important that all actors resume their cooperation, in order to overcome the political deadlock. This is in the interest of the people of Libya, and is also in the interest of the region as a whole. Holding elections at the earliest in a free, fair, inclusive, and credible manner is an urgent imperative.

4. Despite the call of the Libyan parties, the continued presence of foreign forces and mercenaries in Libya, in violation of multiple pronouncements of the Security Council, is a matter of concern. Their frequent mobilizations and clashes brings to focus the dangers they pose to Libya’s security and stability. Violations of Security Council resolutions, especially its provisions on arms embargo, are continuing with complete disregard to peace and stability in Libya and the region.

5. We are also concerned at the resurgence of terrorist activities in Libya, and we reiterate that terrorist groups and affiliated entities must not be allowed to operate unchallenged in Libya. Terrorism emanating from Libya is bound to have cascading effects in the Sahel region. It is therefore important for the international community to address it, at this stage itself, so as to avoid its collateral consequences on the wider African continent.

6. In conclusion, I reiterate that the political process in Libya should be fully Libyan-led and Libyan-owned with no imposition or external interference. As we prepare to exit the Security Council, let me re-assure everyone that India remains committed to supporting Libya and the Libyan people in their endeavour to seek lasting peace and stability.

I now resume my duties as the President. Source: Permanent Mission of India to the UN.

UNSC Meeting on Palestine Question, Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, 19 December 2022

I now make the statement in my national capacity. I thank UN Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland for briefing on the implementation of Resolution 2334. I also thank the Permanent Mission of Israel and the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine for their cooperation during India’s two-year tenure in the Council. I extend my appreciation to the Middle East team of DPPA for their support to our team.

2. Resolution 2334 was adopted by this Council to reaffirm the international community’s firm commitment to prevent the erosion of the two-State solution. It calls upon parties to prevent all acts of violence against civilians, stresses that all settlement activities must cease, and underscores the need to exert collective efforts to launch credible negotiations.

3. We remain deeply concerned by developments in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza. Violent attacks and the killing of civilians have taken many Palestinian and Israeli lives during the reporting period. Acts of destruction and provocation are also continuing. We have consistently advocated against all acts of violence, and we reiterate our call for immediate steps to ensure complete cessation of violence. We also note with concern the recent UNRWA report about a man-made cavity beneath a UNRWA school in Gaza.

4. Other unilateral measures that unduly alter the status-quo on the ground and undercut the viability of the two-State solution must be eschewed. It is extremely important for the international community and this Council to send a strong signal against any step that would prevent the possibility of durable peace between Israel and Palestine.

5. It is only by realizing the vision of two States living side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition, resolving all final status issues permanently through direct negotiations, that the legitimate aspirations of both peoples will be achieved.

6. The absence of a political process to achieve a viable two-State solution continues to be the biggest impediment to the peaceful settlement of the Palestine question. One cannot overlook the consequences of the current status-quo. Terror attacks, violence and incitement continue to create mutual fear and suspicion among the parties. This could lead to perpetuation of the conflict, which will only increase the number of casualties on both sides.

7. Let me conclude by saying that there is no alternative to the two-State solution to guarantee lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. And direct negotiation is the only path that can lead us there. There cannot be any shortcuts on that count.

I thank you. Source: Permanent Mission of India to the UN.

UNSC Briefing on Syria, Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, 21 December 2022

I will now make a statement in my national capacity. I thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and Under Secretary General Martin Griffiths for their briefings.

2.   We note with regret that the conflict in Syria still has no end in sight and the political process is yet to take off.  We continue to stress on a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, in line with UNSC Resolution 2254, with a firm commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. A decisive forward movement on the political track in Syria remains an urgent imperative to alleviate the sufferings of its people.

3. The revival of the constitutional committee process is crucial to move forward on the political track. In this regard, we take note of efforts of the Special Envoy, particularly his visit to Damascus earlier this month. The step-by-step approach advocated by the Special Envoy requires engagement and response from all sides, and cannot be a one-sided process. The progressive normalization of Syria’s relations with its neighbours can contribute positively in this regard, and we continue to support Special Envoy’s active engagement with the region.

4. In the recent weeks, the security situation particularly in northeast Syria has worsened. Moreover, the activities of terrorist outfits are on the rise. We have also seen military operations inside Syria carried out by a neighbour. We express concerns over such unilateral actions violating Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We believe that withdrawal of all foreign forces is essential to achieve nation-wide ceasefire. We note the recent meeting of the Ceasefire Task Force and hope that the parties will take steps towards cessation of hostilities.

5. The humanitarian situation continues to remains dire. Secretary General in his latest report has projected increase in the number of people in need of humanitarian aid, from 14.6 million in 2022 to a 15.3 million in 2023. USG Martin Griffiths has also reiterated the challenges faced by humanitarian agencies. Women, children and elderly continue to be impacted severely, and impediments to the humanitarian assistance persist, both in terms of delivery and augmentation of financial resources. The restrictions on financial services, has also negatively affected the work of humanitarian agencies.

6. We have noted the progress in crossline deliveries and early recovery projects. Our consistent view in this regard has been that distribution of humanitarian assistance to Syrians, whether by crossline or cross-border mechanism, should be guided by needs-based assessments and not political motivations. Humanitarian assistance cannot be a matter of political expediency.

7. The threat of terrorism in Syria and the region cannot be ignored. The sanctioned terror outfits such as ISIL, and Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, continue to remain active in Syria. We reiterate our call for caution and due diligence to be exercised while extending humanitarian assistance to proscribed UN entities and individuals. The global fight against terrorism cannot and should not be compromised for narrow political gains. There is an urgent imperative on the international community to display zero tolerance approach towards terrorism without any double standards.

8. To conclude, India and Syria share historic and friendly relations. India over the years has been extending humanitarian, technical and developmental assistance to Syria through bilateral and multilateral channels. Consignments of food and medicines have been supplied to Syria from time to time, including during the pandemic. India has offered Lines of Credit worth USD 280 million to Syria for building a power plant and a steel plant. A Next-Gen Centre for Information Technology was set up in Damascus in October 2021. About 1500 scholarships have been provided to Syrian students to study in India in diverse streams, including 200 scholarships in the current academic year itself.

9. We stand ready to do more in the coming days and months to help our Syrian brothers and sisters in their hour of need. India will continue to play a constructive and meaningful role in support of Syria and its people in their endeavour for lasting peace and stability.

I now resume my duties as the President. Source: Permanent Mission of India to the UN.

LOK SABHA QUESTION AND ANSWERS

Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 466, 09 December 2022

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 466, TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2022, INDIANS IN GULF JAILS

466. SHRI RAHUL KASWAN:

Will the Minister of External Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) whether most of the inmates of Indian origin incarcerated abroad have been lodged in Gulf countries jails;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether inmates lodged in UAE jails can serve rest of their sentence in Indian jails as per the agreement signed between India and United Arab Emirates in 2011;

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons for which not a single prisoner of Indian origin has had access to such relaxation so far under the said agreement; and

(e) whether the Government is contemplating any measures to ensure compliance of agreement reached by the two countries and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a) & (b) As per the information available with the Ministry, the number of Indian prisoners, including under-trials, in foreign jails at present is 8441, out of which 4,389 are lodged in jails of Gulf countries (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman).

(c) India and UAE have signed an Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons (TSP) under which the Indian nationals lodged in UAE prisons can be transferred to India to serve the remainder of their sentence and vice-versa. The Agreement was signed on 23.11.2011 and is operational.

(d) & (e) The transfer of a sentenced person to his country of nationality under the TSP Agreement is dependent on completion of various formalities such as prisoner’s willingness to be transferred, consent of the transferring and receiving country, availability of complete documentation necessary for processing the request, clearance from appropriate agencies etc. Requests for requisite documents for processing the transfer of sentenced persons have been sent to the UAE side. Source: Lok Sabha, Parliament of India.

Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 483, 09 December 2022

LOK SABHA, UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 483, TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2022, WORKERS DIED ON FIFA WORLD CUP PROJECTS

483. SHRI VENKATESH NETHA BORLAKUNTA:

DR. G. RANJITH REDDY:

SHRIMATI KAVITHA MALOTHU:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has noticed that many workers from India, including Telangana, died working on FIFA World Cup projects in Qatar;

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating number of workers from the State killed therein;

(c) whether the Government of Qatar has refused to pay compensation to those workers who died while working in FIFA World Cup projects and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether any consultations at the diplomatic or political level have taken place for paying compensation to such workers; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, reasons for not taking up this issue with the Government of Qatar?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a - e) As and when our Missions/Posts receive any information related to safety and well-being, they take it up with relevant authorities in their respective countries, for appropriate intervention till its logical conclusion. Qatar’s labour law provides for compensation, depending on the nature and cause of the death. All cases of death compensation are actively followed by Embassy of India, Doha so that legal heirs of the deceased who are entitled for death compensation as per local laws receive their due. Source: Lok Sabha, Parliament of India.

Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 583, 09 December 2022

LOK SABHA, UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 583, TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.12.2022, INDIAN WORKERS IN GULF COUNTRIES

583. SHRI UTTAM KUMAR REDDY NALANDA:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be please to state:

(a) total number of Indian workers working in Gulf countries;

(b) whether the Government has reduced the Minimum Referral Wages applicable to Indian workers in the Gulf;

(c) whether organisations representing Indian workers in the Gulf have requested the Government to rollback this reduction;

(d) if so, whether the Government intends to accede to their request and if not, the reasons therefor,

(e) whether the Government has estimated the impact in terms of loss of earnings for each worker;

(f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a) to (f) As per information available with our Missions in Gulf countries, estimated number of Indians(including workers) is tabulated below:

Name of country	Estimated number of Indians (including workers)
Bahrain	308662
Kuwait	924687
Oman	653500
Qatar	844499
Saudi Arabia	2465464
United Arab Emirates	3554274
Total	8751086

 

The Ministry maintains record of ECR passport category workers who migrate to the Gulf countries after obtaining Emigration Clearance through the eMigrate Portal. As per data from eMigrate portal, country wise number of Emigration Clearances issued to Indian ECR category passport holders for 6 Gulf countries during last four years is given below:

Name of country	2019	2020	2021	2022 (till 31 October)	Total
Bahrain	9997	4175	6382	9706	30260
Kuwait	45712	8107	10158	65689	129666
Oman	28392	7206	19452	29845	84895
Qatar	31810	8907	49579	28556	118852
Saudi Arabia	161103	44316	32845	151072	389336
United Arab Emirates	76112	17891	10844	30164	135011
Total	353126	90602	129260	315032	888020

 

The Minimum Referral Wages (MRW) for employment in 6 Gulf countries is the same now as it was in 2019-20. For a brief period of 10 months, the MRW were adjusted downwards, due to the Covid situation, to protect our employment in the Gulf. As the labour market stabilized, the earlier MRW was made applicable once again. Source: Lok Sabha, Parliament of India.

Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1646, 16 December 2022

LOK SABHA, UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1646, TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.12.2022, ASSISTANCE TO DECEASED MIGRANT WORKERS ABROAD

1646. SHRI PRADYUT BORDOLOI and ADV. DEAN KURIAKOSE:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) Whether the Government has taken note of the exploitation and  labour violation faced by Indian workers working in gulf countries;

(b) If so, the details thereof along with the number of migrant workers from each State who died in Gulf countries during the last three years, country-wise;

(c) The details of process for bringing the dead bodies back to the country in case of accidental death of labourers;

(d) The details of grievances registered by the Indian citizens on Government portal-Madad along with the number of grievances resolved and pending during the last three years;

(e) Whether the Government has put in place any mechanism to provide financial assistance to the families of deceased workers; and

(f) If so, the details thereof along with the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a) & (b) Complaints are received from Indian emigrants in ECR countries, including GCC countries, from time to time, regarding violation of contractual terms, adverse working conditions, wage related issues, exploitation by foreign employers and compensation of death claims etc. On receipt of such complaints, concerned Indian Missions/Posts abroad take up the matter with concerned Foreign Employer (FE) / host Government.

As per the information available with the Ministry, State-wise detailed list of Indians who died in GCC countries (including workers) during last three years is enclosed as Annexure I.

(c)  The Government of India attaches highest priority to address and resolve the issues pertaining to transportation of mortal remains of Indian nationals who die abroad. Our Missions/ Posts liaise with the foreign officials concerned to expedite procedures for repatriation of mortal remains to India and extend all possible assistance to the family of the deceased. Generally, the transportation of mortal remains is quicker in cases of natural deaths in comparison to the cases of unnatural deaths, due to local procedures involved for investigating the cause of death in case of unnatural death.

The process of transportation of mortal remains to India involves various steps, most of which are to be undertaken by the local authorities in the country concerned. The following are the steps involved in transportation of mortal remains from a foreign country:

1. Medical report / death certificate issued from the hospital concerned;
2. Police report (with English translation, if report is in some other language), in case of accidental or unnatural death;
3. Consent letter from next of kin of the deceased for local
4. cremation/burial/transportation of mortal remains;
5. Clearance and arrangements for embalming of mortal remains from the authorities concerned in the foreign country;
6. Clearance from local immigration/ customs department;
7. Clearance from Indian customs authorities.

These procedures differ from country to country and therefore there is no fixed time frame for eventual transportation of mortal remains. 

(d) As per data available on Madad portal, 26102 grievances were registered by Indian citizens on Madad portal during the last three years(till 30 November 2022). During this period 28624 grievances were resolved (this includes some of the grievances registered in previous years) whereas 866 grievances are pending at various stages of redressal. 

 (e) & (f) Missions and Posts abroad provide all necessary assistance including need based assistance through ICWF like transportation of mortal remains, on means-tested basis, facilitating early settlement of death compensation from local authorities/companies and facilitating early settlement of insurance claims.

ANNEXURE I

State-wise number of Indian nationals who died in GCC countries(during last three years)

SI.No.	State/UT	Kuwait	UAE	Bahrain	Saudi Arabia	Oman	Qatar
1	Arunachal Pradesh	-	-	-	-	1	0
2	Andhra Pradesh	787	60	73	137	135	81
3	Assam	5	-	-	23	2	3
4	Bihar	54	68	14	368	69	50
5	Chandigarh	-	-	-	-	2	0
6	Chhattisgarh	0	-	-	3	2	0
7	Daman & Diu	-	-	-	1	-	0
8	Delhi	10	13	8	28	14	1
9	Goa	69	7	12	12	13	9
10	Gujarat	45	20	20	39	71	12
11	Haryana	3	8	1	12	1	0
12	Himachal Pradesh	6	3	2	10	5	5
13	Jammu & Kashmir	16	6	1	26	2	4
14	Jharkhand	10	9	-	34	12	4
15	Karnataka	95	42	40	215	105	46
16	Kerala	503	451	304	1080	629	439
17	Madhya Pradesh	16	2	-	19	11	2
18	Maharashtra	226	78	56	207	179	70
19	Manipur	-	-	-	1	-	0
20	Mizoram	-	1	-	0	-	0
21	Odisha	11	9	5	23	14	4
22	Puducherry	6	3	2	6	-	2
23	Punjab	103	181	68	117	103	66
24	Rajasthan	231	55	11	212	91	40
25	Tamil Nadu	417	185	90	638	225	130
26	Telangana	58	43	45	446	66	45
27	Tripura	11	1	-	4	1	0
28	Uttar Pradesh	242	143	51	1299	157	99
29	Uttarakhand	3	3	2	20	5	0
30	West Bengal	57	36	8	136	39	29

Source: Lok Sabha, Parliament of India.

Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1658, 16 December 2022

LOK SABHA, UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1658, TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.12.2022, MIGRANT WORKERS RETURNED FROM GULF COUNTRIES

1658. ADV. ADOOR PRAKASH:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) Whether the Government has maintained any data of Indian migrant workers returned back to Gulf countries after coming to India during COVID pandemic;

(b) If so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) Whether the Government has received any request from the State of Kerala to provide Central assistance/special package for economic rehabilitation of returning migrants; and

(d) If so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a) to (d)  Based on the data available in the eMigrate portal, country-wise and state-wise numbers of Indian migrant workers holding ECR passports who travelled to the GCC countries during the years 2021 and 2022 is attached as Annexure I. Government has provided appropriate support for economic growth of all Indian states during the Covid-19 pandemic.

ANNEXURE I

State Wise number of Emigration Clearances issued during 2021 for GCC countries

STATE	Bahrain	Saudi Arabia	Kuwait	Oman	Qatar	UAE	Total
UTTAR PRADESH	1251	10047	3066	5401	11509	2538	33812
BIHAR	1212	5070	563	3674	10841	2130	23490
WEST BENGAL	508	3179	421	865	3995	791	9759
RAJASTHAN	239	1493	747	1291	6539	981	11290
TAMIL NADU	219	2372	1072	1877	2367	838	8745
KERALA	384	6452	380	1506	1559	268	10549
PUNJAB	421	630	140	737	3433	570	5931
ANDHRA PRADESH	417	283	2365	646	1406	222	5339
TELANGANA	337	465	146	856	1419	1112	4335
ODISHA	807	172	50	766	1821	381	3997
MAHARASHTRA	123	405	201	294	1435	319	2777
KARNATAKA	75	434	228	365	819	197	2118
GUJARAT	66	103	70	360	887	66	1552
JHARKHAND	204	249	45	405	416	118	1437
JAMMU & KASHMIR	4	439	78	19	441	10	991
UTTARAKHAND	31	415	47	161	144	56	854
ASSAM	6	133	152	37	55	8	391
HARYANA	19	121	19	31	137	105	432
DELHI	13	161	49	67	131	48	469
TRIPURA	4	33	63	12	26	6	144
MADHYA PRADESH	15	67	30	31	61	23	227
GOA	5	9	194	15	20	19	262
HIMACHAL PRADESH	11	48	-	10	58	14	141
PUDUCHERRY	3	42	28	16	24	10	123
CHANDIGARH	3	7	2	6	20	7	45
CHHATTISGARH	4	4	-	4	9	3	24
DAMAN & DIU	-	2	-	-	4	3	9
MANIPUR	1	7	-	-	1	-	9
MEGHALAYA	-	2	-	-	1	-	3
NAGALAND	-	1	2	-	1	-	4
ARUNACHAL PRADESH	-	-	-	-	-	1	1
Total	6382	32845	10158	19452	49579	10844	129260

 

State Wise number of Emigration Clearances issued during 2022 for GCC countries (till 30^th Nov 2022)

STATE	Bahrain	Saudi   Arabia	Kuwait	Oman	Qatar	UAE	Total
UTTAR PRADESH	2100	62304	18388	8453	6069	7196	1,04,510
BIHAR	2141	27797	3986	4701	6415	6341	51,381
WEST BENGAL	694	14884	3885	1614	1384	1741	24,202
RAJASTHAN	416	11379	5495	2561	2778	3048	25,677
TAMIL NADU	427	5827	4667	2794	1585	2103	17,403
KERALA	330	6718	2704	2345	2044	464	14,605
PUNJAB	838	1873	1817	1175	1476	2309	9,488
ANDHRA PRADESH	411	1320	13384	658	1128	450	17,351
TELANGANA	996	2456	1488	1417	1449	2754	10,560
ODISHA	760	1091	813	1024	938	1167	5,793
MAHARASHTRA	164	2082	1354	462	1043	823	5,928
KARNATAKA	72	1906	1252	766	674	399	5,069
GUJARAT	112	775	649	596	434	378	2,944
JHARKHAND	90	1815	319	623	254	295	3,396
JAMMU & KASHMIR	18	2774	1188	28	179	79	4,266
UTTARAKHAND	29	2181	422	202	185	105	3,124
ASSAM	11	1269	1627	79	118	33	3,137
HARYANA	26	563	213	49	76	129	1,056
DELHI	29	787	231	86	121	99	1,353
TRIPURA	6	260	598	23	30	27	944

Source: Lok Sabha, Parliament of India.

RAJYA SABHA QUESTION AND ANSWERS

Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1023, 15 December 2022

RAJYA SABHA, QUESTION No-1023, ANSWERED ON- 15/12/2022, ISSUES OF INDIAN ENGINEERS IN KUWAIT

1023. SHRI ELAMARAM KAREEM:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government is ready to negotiate with the Ministry of Higher Education and Public Authority of Manpower, Kuwait to accept Engineering Graduates from Non-NBA colleges/courses eligible for obtaining designation as Engineers in work permits for residency purposes;

(b) the intervention Government has done so far to accept the Engineering degree from all Indian Engineering colleges established under AICTE; and

(c) whether Government has statistics for the total Indian Engineers working in Kuwait and the total number of Indian Engineers who fulfil or do not fulfil the new regulation of Kuwait Society of Engineers for issuing NOC?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a) Government has been regularly taking up the issue of accreditation of degrees of Indian engineers in Kuwait with Kuwait Society of Engineers (KSE), which is the body for accreditation of engineering degrees in Kuwait. This includes taking up issues related to acceptance of Indian engineering degrees from non-NBA colleges/courses.

(b) & (c) Government has constantly clarified to the Kuwaiti side that universities/technical institutions in India require UGC/AICTE approval, as applicable. Accreditation, including by NBA and NAAC, is not mandatory. With the structured engagement of our Embassy in Kuwait with KSE over the past years, difficulties in accreditation faced by many Indian engineers have been successfully resolved. Exact number of Indian engineers working in Kuwait or those who do not fulfil the condition of NBA accreditation is not available. Source: Rajya Sabha, Parliament of India.

Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1024, 15 December 2022

RAJYA SABHA, UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1024, ANSWERED ON- 15/12/2022, NBA ISSUE FACED BY INDIAN ENGINEERS WORKING IN KUWAIT

1024. SHRI ELAMARAM KAREEM:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government has any agreement with Kuwait authorities to accept the Indian Engineers who graduated before 2012 i.e. before National Board of Accreditation (NBA) became operational, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether Government will withdraw the letter (File No. 13-15/2018/ICC, D.O. No. 13- 15/2018-ICC dated 13.04.2018) submitted to the Minister of Higher Education, Kuwait by the Indian mission in Kuwait, which required that NBA is mandatory for Indian Engineers; and

(c) the status of the decision taken by the Joint Committee (MEA, NBA, UGC, AICTE and MHRD) held on 09th January 2020 for the accelerated implementation of the resolutions?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a) & (b) Government does not see any need for a separate agreement with Kuwait authorities for acceptance of Indian engineers who graduated before 2012, when the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) became functional. Government has been regularly taking up the issue of accreditation of degrees of Indian engineers in Kuwait with Kuwait Society of Engineers (KSE), which is the body for accreditation of engineering degrees in Kuwait. This includes taking up issues related to acceptance of Indian engineering degrees from non-NBA colleges/courses. The letter issued by Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education on April 13, 2018 also clarified that NBA started functioning from 2012 and qualification of engineers who acquired degrees prior to setting up of NBA may not be questioned at a later stage. Government has also constantly clarified to the Kuwaiti side that universities/technical institutions in India require University Grants Commission (UGC)/All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) approval, as applicable. Accreditation, including National Board of Accreditation and National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), is not mandatory. A comprehensive list of non-NBA premier institutes {top National Institutional Ranking Framework(NIRF) ranked technical institutes and NAAC approved technical institutes under the purview of AICTE} and ‘Institutes of National Importance’ in India has also been shared with Kuwaiti authorities. With the structured engagement of our Embassy in Kuwait with KSE over the past years, difficulties in accreditation faced by many Indian engineers have been successfully resolved.

(c) Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Education continue to work with NBA, UGC and AICTE to effectively pursue the issues related to accreditation of Indian engineers in Kuwait. NBA is working with non-accredited Indian Institutes whose Engineers/professionals are working in Kuwait for their faster accreditation. These Institutions are pursued to apply for accreditation of their programs and their applications for accreditation are processed by NBA on priority basis. Source: Rajya Sabha, Parliament of India.

Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1831, 22 December 2022

RAJYA SABHA, UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1831, TO BE ANSWERED ON- 22/12/2022, LABOURERS WORKING IN QATAR

1831. SHRI NARAIN DASS GUPTA:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether India has set up with Qatar a Joint Working Group on Labour and Manpower Development to address the plight and exploitation of migrant labourers working in Qatar;

(b) whether the Group has not met after December 2020;

(c) if so, the reasons therefor;

(d) if not, the details of the working of the Group; and

(e) details of Government actions in addressing the plight and exploitation of migrant labourers working in Qatar as highlighted by news and research reports?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a) to (d) The seventh meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Labour and Manpower Development between India and Qatar was last held on 4-5 May 2022 in New Delhi. Both sides held fruitful and productive discussions on a wide range of issues related to labour and manpower mobility. Both sides discussed ways to adopt integrated approach to promote the welfare and well-being of workers, including streamlining recruitment and to enhance co-operation for time-bound resolution of issues of mutual concern.

(e) The Embassy of India in Qatar has a full-fledged Labour Wing which receives all kinds of grievances, including related to employment contract, unpaid wages, challenges at work place, confiscation of passport, need for exit permits, no objection for change of jobs etc. Whenever any complaint is received, the Embassy takes up the matter immediately with relevant authorities. Embassy also assists the migrant worker to register complaint and follow it up with the local authorities in the Government of Qatar, in particular the Ministry of Labour, the National Human Rights Committee and the Ministry of Interior for resolution. The Embassy also works with the Appellate Body set up in the Ministry of Interior, for redressal of grievances relating to delays in securing exit permits for expatriate workers. Mission also arranges one-way air tickets for repatriation, medical treatment, initial legal assistance, to the needy Indian nationals, using the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), in deserving cases on means tested basis. In addition, all Labour related issues are also regularly discussed at the meetings of the India-Qatar Joint Working Group (JWG) on Labour & Manpower Development and other relevant bilateral fora. In addition to the above, the Embassy also holds Open House where any Indian national can come and meet senior officers, including the Ambassador, to register complaints for redressal of their grievance. The Embassy has also put in place arrangements to swiftly respond to emergency cases of Indian nationals on a 24x7 basis. The coordinates (Tel, Fax and Email) of Ambassador and all other officers and Sections are prominently displayed on Mission’s website. The Mission also works closely with Indian Community organizations to expand its reach to a larger section of the Indian migrant workers in Qatar. Source: Rajya Sabha, Parliament of India.

Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1836, 22 December 2022

RAJYA SABHA, UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1836, TO BE ANSWERED ON- 22/12/2022, VISIT OF FOREIGN MINISTER OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TO INDIA

1836. SMT. SHANTA CHHETRI:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the details of the visit of Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates to India;

(b) whether any bilateral agreements have been signed with them;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the steps taken by Government to keep good relations with United Arab Emirates?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a) UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited India on November 21-22, 2022 and met External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar. The visit was part of regular consultations between the two countries on bilateral as well as global issues of mutual interest.  Both Ministers reviewed the progress in bilateral relations across different domains, since the 14th Joint Commission Meeting held by them in September 2022, including in trade, investment, consular matters, education and food security. Bilateral trade between India and UAE has shown appreciable growth under the CEPA Agreement which was signed on February 18, 2022 and came into force on May 1, 2022. India’s exports to UAE between April-September 2022 were about USD 16 billion which was an increase of 24% compared to same period last year. Both sides also held the meeting of Joint Committee on Consular Affairs and Joint Working Group on Manpower in October and November 2022. India and UAE have also taken forward their discussions on other areas of cooperation including energy, healthcare, defence, space, climate change, skills, fintech and start-ups.

(b) & (c) No bilateral agreement was signed during the recent visit of UAE Foreign Minister to India.

(d) Government has paid special attention to maintaining excellent relations with the UAE, including through exchange of visits at the highest level and enhancing engagement in different sectors. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has paid four visits to the UAE in the past eight years, the last being in June, 2022 during which he met the UAE President H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Prime Minister and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed also held a Virtual Summit on February 18, 2022. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited India in 2016 and 2017. He was the Chief Guest on Republic Day in 2017 and the bilateral relationship was elevated to comprehensive strategic partnership during the visit. Source: Rajya Sabha, Parliament of India.

Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1837, 22 December 2022

RAJYA SABHA, UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1837, TO BE ANSWERED ON- 22/12/2022, EXPLOITATION OF MIGRANT WORKERS IN GULF COUNTRIES

1837. SHRI K.R. SURESH REDDY:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Indian Government plans to initiate a conversation with Governments in the Gulf on improving oversight in contract enforcement and labour welfare;

(b) if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether any schemes exist currently to safeguard the interests of the Indian migrant workers from the exploitation by employers in the Gulf countries; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a) & (b) The Government of India has signed Labour and Manpower Cooperation Agreements with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Jordan, that provide overarching framework for cooperation on labour and manpower issues. In addition, these MoUs and Agreements have provision of implementation through a Joint Working Group where updates in terms of requirements, technology, and skills are factored in during the regular meetings of the Joint Working Groups (JWGs). Further, to safeguard the specific interest of domestic workers of the GCC countries, who are often in the most vulnerable category, the Ministry has signed separate MoUs and Agreements on domestic workers with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait.

(c) & (d) The Government has established a robust institutional framework to promote safe and legal migration while ensuring welfare and safety and preventing exploitation of Indian workers working abroad. Government has been making constant efforts to educate migrant youths about the perils of illegal recruitment channels. Following the implementation of the e-Migrate system in 2015, and with the welfare of aspiring emigrant youths in mind, ECR emigrants are recommended to seek overseas employment through legal channels, through the e-Migrate portal. The Ministry is also working with several state governments and other stakeholders to disseminate information about the Indian diaspora and foreign jobs and to spread awareness about safe and legal migration through State Outreach Programmes. The state governments were requested to launch awareness campaigns for prospective emigrants in vernacular medium and to pro-actively check the growth of illegal agents and to take strict actions against them. A campaign titled 'Surakshit Jaaye Prasikshit Jaaye' (Go Safe, Go Trained) was launched in 2018 to raise awareness and facilitate safe and legal migration.

Pre Departure Orientation Training (PDOT) is another initiative in the same direction. PDOT programmes are aimed at enhancing soft skills of Indian migrant workers largely going to the Gulf region and Malaysia, in terms of culture, language, tradition and local rules and regulations of the destination country, to sensitize migrant workers about pathways to safe and legal migration and various government programmes for their welfare and protection. The initiative has been successful.

MADAD portal, Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana, Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras, Helplines at Indian Missions and Posts, Shelter Homes etc. are some other important mechanisms to expeditiously assist Indian workers abroad. Missions in Gulf Countries also have dedicated labour wings which ensure prompt redressal of labour grievances. As and when Missions / Posts receive any labour grievance, they take it up with relevant authorities in the host government for appropriate intervention to its logical conclusion. Source: Rajya Sabha, Parliament of India.

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.