BAHRAIN

Embassy of India, Bahrain celebrated 74th Republic Day of India, 29 January 2023

1. On the occasion of 74th Republic Day of India on 26 January 2023, Embassy of India held Flag Hoisting ceremony in the morning followed by a Reception in the evening, which was graced by H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Bahrain as the Chief Guest.

2. The ceremony was attended by more than 1000 people including representatives of Indian community associations, Indian schools, Indian professionals, workers and students. Following the Flag Hoisting ceremony, Ambassador Piyush Srivastava read the address to the Nation by Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. The students and band from the Indian school in Bahrain rendered the National Anthem during the solemn occasion. A Bulletin of The Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF) highlighting their activities of the past one year was also released.

3. In the evening of 26 January, the Embassy hosted the Reception for 74^th Republic Day of India at Crowne Plaza, Manama. H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bahrain was the Chief Guest at the function. H.E. the Minister highlighted longstanding ties binding the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of India, based on mutual respect and shared interests, stressing keenness on benefiting from India’s economic and technological strides.

4. The event was graced by H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Abdul Nabi Salman, First Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives, H.E Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council, H.E. Mr. Sameer Abdulla Ahmed Nass, Chairman of Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry, H.E. Mr. Ali Abdulhussein Al Asfoor, Governor of the Northern Governorate and H.E. Ambassador Abdulrahman Mohammed Al-Gaoud, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to India, Members of Parliament, Senior Officers & Heads of Authorities of the Government of Bahrain, Heads of Diplomatic Missions & Members of Diplomatic Corps, Indian & Bahraini Businessmen and Media personnel. Over 400 people attended the reception.

5. The event featured Kuchipudi and Kathak dance performances by artists from Indian diaspora members along with the performance by the music band of Ministry of Interior, Bahrain. The Defence corner was also set up to showcase India’s advances in Defence Sector. This was followed by a dinner reception which included a millet corner to mark International Year of Millets and Goa corner showcasing tourist and culinary specialities of the state.

6. Ambassador Piyush Srivastava issued a message on the celebration of 74th Republic Day of India and gave print interviews to various media houses about the significant milestone, strides India has made, and highlights of India-Bahrain bilateral relations. Source: Embassy of India, Manama.

EGYPT

Inaugural Edition of Indo-Egypt Joint Training Exercise Cyclone - I Commences in Rajasthan, 20 January 2023

The first ever joint exercise between the special forces of the Indian Army and the Egyptian Army named “Exercise Cyclone-I” is in progress at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan since 14 January 2023. The exercise aims to bolster defence co-operation between the two nations and focus on sharing professional skills and interoperability of Special Forces in desert terrain while undertaking counter terrorism, reconnaissance, raids and other special operations.

Exercise “Cyclone - I” is the first exercise of its kind bringing the special forces of both the nations on a common platform. The 14 days long exercise which is being carried out in the deserts of Rajasthan engages both the contingents to advance special forces skills such as Sniping, Combat Free Fall, Reconnaissance, Surveillance & Target Designation, sharing of information on weapons, equipment, innovations, tactics, techniques & procedures. The participants would also undertake joint planning and drills for Special Forces operations in a mechanised warfare setting as well as surgical strikes on terrorist camps / hideouts to include sniping of High Value Targets.

The joint exercise would provide an insight into the culture and ethos of both armies thereby fostering military cooperation and interoperability to further strengthen the diplomatic relations between India and Egypt. Source: Press Information Bureau.

State Visit of President of Egypt to India (January 24-26, 2023), 21 January 2023

President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, will pay a State visit to India from 24-26 January 2023 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. President Sisi, who will be on his second State Visit to India, will also be the Chief Guest on India’s 74th Republic Day. President Sisi will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including five Ministers and senior officials. He is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on 24 January 2023.

2. ​President Sisi has previously visited India in October 2015 to participate in the 3rd India Africa Forum Summit and in September 2016 on a State Visit. This is for the first time that President of the Arab Republic of Egypt has been invited as Chief Guest on our Republic Day. A military contingent from Egyptian Army will also participate in the Republic Day parade.

3.​ India and Egypt are celebrating 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year. Egypt has also been invited as a ‘Guest Country’ during India’s Presidency of G-20 in 2022-23.

4. President Sisi will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on 25 January 2023 and President Smt. Droupadi Murmu will host a State Banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary the same evening. President Sisi will have a bilateral meeting and delegation-level talks with the Prime Minister on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will call on President Sisi. The visiting dignitary will also interact with Indian Business community at a business event on the same day.

5. India and Egypt enjoy warm and friendly relations marked by civilizational, cultural and economic linkages and deep-rooted people-to-people ties. The multifaceted relationship is based on shared cultural values, commitment to foster economic growth, collaboration in the fields of defence & security and convergence on regional and global issues. The two countries work closely at multilateral and international platforms.

6. Bilateral trade between India and Egypt achieved a record high of USD 7.26 billion in FY 2021-22. The trade was fairly balanced, with USD 3.74 billion Indian exports to Egypt and USD 3.52 billion imports from Egypt to India. More than 50 Indian companies have invested around USD 3.15 billion in diverse sectors of Egyptian economy, including chemicals, energy, textile, garment, agri-business, retail, etc.

7.​The forthcoming visit of President Sisi is expected to further strengthen and deepen the time-tested partnership between India and Egypt. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.  

PM extends warm welcome to President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, 24 January 2023

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended warm welcome to President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi  is on a State visit to India from 24-26 January 2023 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. President Sisi, who is on his second State Visit to India, will also be the Chief Guest on India’s 74th Republic Day.

The Prime Minister tweeted:

"Warm welcome to India, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Your historic visit to India as Chief Guest for our Republic Day celebrations is a matter of immense happiness for all Indians. Look forward to our discussions tomorrow. @AlsisiOfficial". Source: Press Information Bureau.

English Translation of Press Statement by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi during the visit of the President of Egypt to India, 25 January 2023

Your Excellency, President Sisi,

Ministers and delegates from both countries

Friends of the media,

At the outset, I would like to extend a warm welcome to President Sisi, and his delegation to India. President Sisi is attending our Republic Day celebrations tomorrow as the chief guest. It is a matter of pride and joy for the whole of India. I am also happy that a military contingent from Egypt is also participating in our Republic Day parade and adding glory to it.

Friends,

India and Egypt are among the oldest civilizations in the world. We have had continuing relationship for thousands of years. More than four thousand years ago, trade with Egypt used to take place through the Lothal Port of Gujarat. And despite various changes in the world, our relations have been stable, and our cooperation has been continuously strengthened.

Our cooperation has deepened in the last few years. And for this, I would like to give a huge credit to the able leadership of my friend President Sisi.

This year, India has invited Egypt as a guest country during its G-20 Presidency, which reflects our special friendship.

Friends,

At one side of the Arabian Sea is India and on the other side is Egypt. Strategic cooperation between the two countries will help in promoting peace and prosperity in the entire region. So in today's meeting, President Sisi and I decided to elevate our bilateral partnership to the level of "Strategic Partnership". We have decided that under the India-Egypt Strategic Partnership, we will develop a long-term framework of greater cooperation in political, security, economic and scientific fields.

India and Egypt are worried about the spread of terrorism happening around the world. We are unanimous in the opinion that terrorism is the most serious security threat to humanity. Both countries also agree that concerted action is necessary to end cross-border terrorism. And for this, together we will continue to try to alert the international community.

There is also immense potential for enhancing security and defence cooperation between us. In the last few years, there has been a significant increase in joint exercise training and capacity building between our armies. We have also decided in today's meeting to further strengthen cooperation between our defence industries, and enhance the exchange of information and intelligence related to counter-terrorism.

Misuse of cyber space to spread extremist ideologies and radicalization is a growing menace. We will extend cooperation against this also.

Friends,

We have closely observed the adverse effects on healthcare infrastructure and global supply chains during the Covid pandemic. President Sisi and I have remained in close contact during this challenging period, and both countries have sent each other immediate assistance in times of need.

Today, we have held extensive discussions on strengthening the food and pharma supply chains affected by the COVID and the Ukraine conflict. We also agreed on the need to increase mutual investment and trade in these areas. Together we have decided that in the next five years we will take our bilateral trade to 12 billion dollars.

Friends,

We commend Egypt for successfully hosting COP-27, and for its efforts to ensure the interests of developing countries in the climate sector.

India and Egypt have had long and excellent cooperation in the United Nations and other international forums. We both agree on the need for diplomacy and dialogue to resolve international disputes.

Excellency,

I once again extend a warm welcome to you and your delegation to India. I also wish you and the people of Egypt a very Happy New Year.

Thank you very much!

DISCLAIMER - This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered in Hindi. Source: Press Information Bureau.

Prasar Bharati and National Media Authority (NMA), Egypt, to exchange programmes for TV and Radio, 25 January 2023

India and Egypt today signed an MOU to facilitate content exchange, capacity building, and Co-Productions between Prasar Bharati and National Media Authority of Egypt. The MoU was signed by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Hon’ble Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Youth affairs and Sports and Mr. Sameh Hassan Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of Egypt. The MoUs were exchanged between the two countries in the presence of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and the Hon’ble President of Egypt following the delegation level talks between the two sides at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

The MOU is part of the efforts by Prasar Bharati to expand the reach of DD India Channel to show-case the country’s progress through programs focussed on economy, technology, social development and also the rich cultural heritage.  Under the ambit of this MoU, both the broadcasters will exchange their programs of different genres like Sports, News, Culture, Entertainment and many more areas on bilateral basis and these programs will be telecast on their Radio and Television platforms. The MOU which will be valid for three years will also facilitate co-productions and training of the officials of both the broadcasters in latest technologies. 

Prasar Bharati, Public Service Broadcaster of India currently has 39 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with foreign broadcasters for co-operation and collaboration in the field of broadcasting. These MoUs provide for exchange of programmes with foreign broadcasters in the field of culture, education, science, entertainment, sports, news etc. The MoUs also provide for co-production opportunities related to themes of mutual interest and knowledge sharing through trainings.. Source: Press Information Bureau.

PM thanks President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for gracing Republic Day celebrations, 26 January 2023

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi thanked President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt for gracing this year’s Republic Day celebrations. President Sisi was the Chief Guest on India’s 74th Republic Day.

The Prime Minister tweeted:

"I am grateful to President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for gracing this year’s Republic Day celebrations with his august presence @AlsisiOfficial." Source: Press Information Bureau.

IRAQ

Celebration of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Baghdad, 12 January 2023

The Embassy of India Baghdad celebrated the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Conference on 12th January 2023 in Baghdad as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. This year, the theme was "Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India's progress in Amrit Kaal". PBD is commemorated to mark Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa to Mumbai on 9th January 1915.

2. The PBD Convention epitomizes due recognition of the contributions made by Indian diaspora towards development of India. It also gives an opportunity to facilitate the achievements of Indian community in the host country. The 2023 edition was aimed at involvement of Indian diaspora as reliable partners in India's progress in the 25-year-long leadup to India@100 .

3. On this occasion, an interview with Ambassador was organized by the local media outlet to highlight and publicize contribution made by Indian diaspora. It is estimated that there are 32 million Indian immigrants worldwide. More than 20,000 Indians are estimated to be living in Iraq.

4. Several Indian community members spoke about contribution of Indians in innovative technologies and new and emerging technological advances and what the Government of India can do to tap their potential. On this occasion, an Open House with Ambassador was also organized to deliberate on issues of mutual interest. This was followed by distribution of books by renowned Indian authors on varied subjects amongst Indian diaspora to enrich their literary, social, cultural and historical knowledge. Hon'ble President and Prime Minister's keynote speeches were screened on this occasion. Indian community members spoke about opportunities to engage and connect with overseas Indians and celebrate their contribution to India's growth story. Source: Embassy of India, Baghdad.

Cultural Dance & Music Performance by an Indian Cultural Group at Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Baghdad, 24 January 2023

In collaboration with the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Baghdad, Embassy of India, Baghdad organized a cultural programme at College of Fine Arts, University of Baghdad on 24th January, 2023. The cultural troupe, "Amey Patil Dance Group" was sponsored by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to enhance cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts between India and Iraq. It was also an occasion to commemorate India's 75 years of independence under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav as also to celebrate establishment of 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Iraq.

2. The programme was held in the auditorium of the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Baghdad, the largest university of Iraq. The event was inaugurated by lighting the ceremonial lamp by Indian Ambassador and the Dean. The dance performance by visiting cultural troupe was well received by the audience, which comprised of dignitaries from Iraqi Government and students of the Faculty of Fine Arts. The traditional folk dances and music performed by the troupe are popular in the hinterland of the state of Maharashtra. On this occasion, a fashion show by the students of the Faculty of Fine Arts was organised. A photo exhibition to commemorate the friendship between the peoples of friendly countries - Iraq and India - was launched by the students of the Faculty of Fine Arts. It was the true reflection of cultural interactions of each other. Appreciation letters were given to the participants. The Embassy of India and Faculty of Fine Arts have been working together to promote culture, share civilizational ties and reinforce the bonds of friendship. Source: Embassy of India, Baghdad.

'India Day' celebration at the American University of Iraq in Baghdad, 25 January 2023

In collaboration with the prestigious American University of Iraq, Baghdad (AUIB) 'India Day' was Celebrated on 25th January, 2023, on the eve of India's Republic Day celebrations in Iraq. The event coincided with the week-long celebration in Iraq to commemorate 75 years of India's independence (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav) & to mark 70 years of India-Iraq friendship treaty.

2. On this occasion, a Mahatma Gandhi bust was unveiled by HE Shri Prashant Pise, Ambassador of India to Iraq and Dr. Michael W. Mulnix, President of AUB. The bust was gifted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi. A photo exhibition on the life of Mahatma Gandhi was also organised. The guests showed genuine interest in the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi and the relevance of the principles in contemporary world.

3. An India Corner, where Indian books were donated by the Indian Embassy was also inaugurated. The India Corner would be a useful resource for providing information on various facets of India, including its culture, traditions, history, polity, economy, traditional medicine, etc.

4. An Indian folk dance programme by a visiting folk artists from India was also organised. The artists of the folk dance troupe (Amey Patil Dance Group-Mumbai was sponsored by ICCR to enhance people-to-people cultural exchanges between India and Iraq. An Indian Dance workshop for the students and faculty members was also organised by the Amey Patil dance group. The programme concluded with the serving of traditional Indian food.

5. These activities further strengthened the cultural and academic goals in the pursuit of reinforcement of our people-to-people ties between India and Iraq. Source: Embassy of India, Baghdad.

Celebration of 74th Republic Day of India in Iraq, 26 January 2023

The 74th Republic Day of India was celebrated with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm at the Embassy of India, Baghdad. Ambassador unfurled the National tricolour followed by singing of National Anthem and read excerpts from Hon'ble Rashtrapatiji's address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day.

2. On this occasion, a cultural dance performance was organized by a 7-member cultural troupe from "Amey Patil Dance Academy" sponsored by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under the aegis of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM). The cultural performances depicted India's cultural diversity by showcasing different facets of Indian culture from East to West and from North to South. The event was attended by around 150 guests which included Indian diaspora, ITEC/ICCR alumni and Iraqi friends. All guests enthusiastically participated in the event and enjoyed the cultural performances of the Indian troupe.

3. Ambassador interacted with Indian community and Iraqi friends of India and addressed briefly on bilateral relations between the two countries. Ambassador also highlighted the ongoing celebrations of AKAM to commemorate 75 years of Indian Independence. Ambassador also invited the guests to participate in upcoming events to be organized by the Embassy in Iraq under the aegis of AKAM. The event was also covered by the Iraqi Media and journalists from prominent Iraqi news channels. The event assumed a special significance as both India and Iraq are celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between them. On this occasion, a convocation for yoga students who completed their yoga courses conducted by the yoga instructor at the Indian Embassy was held and certificates of participation were given to all successful participants.

4. A special full-page Arabic supplement on India-Iraq friendship was carried in a widely circulated Arabic daily in Iraq - Azzaman newspaper. On this occasion, the largest digital billboard was hired by the Mission displaying the Indian tricolour in the heart of Baghdad. A national day reception held in the evening, was attended by senior Iraqi dignitaries, government officials, political parties, diplomatic corps, businessmen, journalists, artists, academicians, professionals, civil society, think tanks, cultural personalities and members of Indian diaspora, among others. Source: Embassy of India, Baghdad.

ISRAEL

PM speaks to His Excellency Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, 11 January 2023

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke on telephone today with His Excellency Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel.

Prime Minister conveyed his warm congratulations to H.E. Netanyahu for his election as the Prime Minister of Israel for a sixth time, and wished him a very successful tenure. 

The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the rapid progress in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in recent years, and agreed on the potential for further strengthening strategic cooperation in a variety of areas.

Prime Minister invited H.E. Netanyahu to visit India at an early date. Source: Press Information Bureau.

OMAN

Embassy of India Celebrates its 74th Republic Day with a Flag Unfurling Ceremony and a Grand Reception, 26 January 2023

The Embassy of India celebrated the 74th Republic Day of India with a colourful flag unfurling ceremony and a grand evening reception on 26th January 2023.

Ambassador H.E Amit Narang unfurled the National Flag on the morning of 26th January after paying floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s statue. This was followed by the National Anthem and reading out of the President’s address to the Nation by the Ambassador. More than 500 people from the Indian Community, friends of India in Oman, Embassy officials, and representatives from the Media participated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour in the joyous celebration. Students of Indian School Maabela enlivened the occasion with their soulful rendition of patriotic songs.

To mark the Republic Day, Ambassador Amit Narang hosted a gala reception on the same day in the evening in which Dr Mahad bin Said bin Ali Baowain, Minister of Labour of the Sultanate of Oman graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Isa Al Harthy, Undersecretary for Diplomatic Affairs, Foreign Ministry, His Excellency Pankaj Khimji, Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, His Excellency Faisal bin Abdullah bin Saeed Al-Rawas, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), Members of Majlis Dawla and Majlis Shura, other senior Government officials, Ambassadors resident in Muscat as well as distinguished members of Omani & Indian community attended the reception.

Chief Guest of the day together with Ambassador H.E Amit Narang unveiled the uniquely designed G20 logo titled ‘India-Oman : Together in G20’ signifying the special invite India has extended to Oman as a guest country for G20 meetings and Summit during India's presidency.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador spoke about why India matters to the world, highlighting the size, scale, and diversity of the country, the unprecedented economic growth, and the historic digital revolution India is witnessing. He also extended warm greetings to His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik and noted that India will be a ready partner in the realization of His Majesty’s ‘Oman Vision 2040’.

The reception also featured a range of captivating cultural performances, including elegantly curated Indian classical dance by a talented group of teenagers from Salalah, a mesmerizing musical band by students of Indian School Ghubra. The reception also featured a wide variety of Indian delicacies, which added to the festive atmosphere of the event. Since 2023 is designated as the International Year of Millets by the United Nations, following a proposal by India, a special stall was set up giving a millet culinary experience to the guests.

An added attraction were the three ‘Selfie with India’ corners enabling the guests to photograph themselves with the life-size exhibits of some the iconic architectural wonders of India. Source: Embassy of India, Muscat.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Visit of Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan to UAE (January 19-21, 2023), 18 January 2023

Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan will undertake a visit to the UAE from 19-21 January 2023. During the visit, MoS will meet with the UAE Ministers and a broad cross-section of the Indian community in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other Emirates of the UAE. This will include engagements with Indian businesspersons, professionals, teachers and students. MOS will also interact with Indian blue-collar workers and social leaders in the UAE.

India and UAE have continued to maintain close coordination in the spirit of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This year will be special for both India and UAE as they have taken over their respective presidencies of G20 and COP28. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar paid a visit to UAE in December 2022 while UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited India in November 2022. UAE Foreign Minister also participated in the G20 related session of Voice of Global South Summit hosted by India on 13 January 2023. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

PM lauds utilisation of India-UAE CEPA by Indian Exporters, 31 January 2023

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has lauded the utilisation of India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by Indian Exporters.

Sharing a tweet by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, the Prime Minister tweeted:

“A great sign for Indian enterprise, it will make Indian products popular globally.” Source: Press Information Bureau.

YEMEN

India hosts "Voice of Global South Summit”: Yemen’s Education Minister participates in the Education Ministers’ Session, 13 January 2023

In a new and unique initiative, India hosted a special virtual Summit on 12-13 January 2023. The "Voice of Global South Summit” under the theme "Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose” bought together countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform. The Summit was held in virtual format, with 10 thematic sessions in total. It saw participation of Leaders and Ministers from 125 countries of the Global South. Yemen's Minister of Education H.E. Mr. Tariq Salem Al-Akbari participated in the Education Ministers’ Session of the Summit.

Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi presided over the Inaugural Leaders’ session on 12 January. The Summit wrapped up on 13 January with a Concluding Leaders’ Session also hosted by Prime Minister Modi. The participating Leaders appreciated and congratulated the leadership of Prime Minister Modi in hosting the Summit at a crucial juncture. They expressed hope that the Summit would serve as a catalyst for building a prosperous and inclusive future for the world that takes into account the needs of the Global South. In his inaugural remarks, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the opportunity for uplifting societies and economies of the Global South through a shared vision and agenda for change. Prime Minister Modi offered to share India's experiences through simple, scalable and sustainable solutions. He highlighted India’s achievements in vaccine development, biometric based identification, digital public goods, financial inclusion, satellite technology, digital governance, last mile connectivity, etc. He also spoke about the need for the developing world to have access to technology, knowledge and critical resources. His call for a new human centric development paradigm received widespread support from participating Leaders.

In the Education Ministers’ session, ideas to transform developing countries into knowledge based societies that can create future ready workforces were shared. Ministers spoke about the need to share best practices in vocational training, capacity building and use of technology to provide equity and quality in education. India shared its National Education Policy built on the foundational pillars of access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability. In his intervention, Yemen’s Education Minister H.E. Mr. Tariq Salem Al-Akbari highlighted the problems that his country is faced with due to difficult and complex circumstances in Yemen. Minister Al-Akbari noted that the war in Yemen has brought on an educational crisis that is the worst in the contemporary history of Yemen. He added that the biggest fear that Yemenis have is the complete collapse of the educational process. Education Minister Al-Akbari said that the war has directly affected about 80,000 school education management staff members, while the living conditions of about 200,000 staff members from educational departments and teachers have deteriorated resulting in a lack of expertise in the management of the educational institutions. Education Minister Al-Akbari averred that his Ministry had made efforts to overcome obstacles and challenges and continue to run and develop the educational sector despite difficult circumstances, by improving the quality of education, strengthening and building educational capacities at different levels. With the digital transformation, Yemen’s Education Minister said, they seek to establish distance learning platforms and adopt an integrated vision for the implementation of e-learning at all levels.

During the Concluding Leaders’ session, Prime Minister Modi announced a number of new initiatives by India in connection with the Voice of Global South Summit. These include: (a) Aarogya Maitri (Friendship for Health); (b) Global South Centre of Excellence; (c) Global South Science and Technology Initiative; (d) Global South Young Diplomats Forum and (e) Global South Scholarships. Source: Embassy of India, Sana’a.

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.