IRAN

Prime Minister speaks with the President of Iran, 06 November 2023

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with the President of Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi.

The two leaders exchanged views on the difficult situation in the West Asia region and Israel-Hamas conflict.

Prime Minister expressed deep concern at the terrorist incidents, violence and loss of civilian lives. He reiterated India’s longstanding and consistent position on the Israel-Palestine issue.

President Raisi shared his assessment of the situation. Both the leaders emphasised on the need for preventing escalation, ensuring continued humanitarian aid and early restoration of peace and stability.

The leaders also reviewed and positively assessed progress in multifaceted bilateral cooperation. They welcomed focus and priority accorded to Chabahar port in Iran for improving regional connectivity.

Both sides agreed to remain in touch given shared interest in regional peace, security and stability. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.  

Indian seafarers onboard vessel 'Advantage Sweet' safely brought back from Iran, 10 November 2023

All 23 Indian seafarers onboard vessel ADVANTAGE SWEET (Marshall Island Flag), which was seized in the Gulf of Oman, have been safely repatriated to India from Iran.

This was a result of continuous efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs, Embassy of India in Iran, and Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and the support of Iranian Government.

After the safe return of the crew members Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister, MoPSW said, ‘Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is dedicated towards safeguarding the welfare and rights of our Indian national seafarers, especially when their lives and liberty are at stake, in the upcoming future also, whenever required. This rescue operation has exemplified the dedication and commitment of Government agencies as well’. Source: Press Information Bureau.

India-Iran Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), 26 November 2023

The 18th India-Iran Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) were held in Tehran on 26 November 2023. Shri Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary and Dr. Ali Bagheri Kani, Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran co-chaired the meeting.

2.The two sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relationship, including connectivity projects such as Chabahar port, political engagements, trade & economic matters, cultural exchanges, people-to-people ties, agriculture cooperation, and capacity building initiatives.

3. They also exchanged views on current regional and global issues, including developments in Afghanistan and Gaza. The Indian side appreciated Iran’s participation in the Voice of Global South Summits held this year.

4. During the visit, Foreign Secretary called on the Foreign Minister of Iran H.E. Dr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. They discussed bilateral matters and current challenges in the region. He also met Dr. Mehdi Safari, Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy of Iran and discussed avenues of strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.  

OMAN

Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant wins the prestigious Annapurna Certificate, 26 November 2023

Mr. Rishi Khimji, the owner of Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant wins the prestigious Annapurna Certificate.

Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India has introduced the 'Annapurna Certificate' to recognizes restaurants abroad that have contributed to promoting Indian cuisine and culinary traditions in foreign lands. The competition for top honours was fierce with many reputed restaurants from world over vying to the prestigious recognition.

2. Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant in Muscat, which is nearly 40 years old and one of the iconic landmarks of the city serving authentic Indian cuisine to its delighted patrons has bagged the top honour of being selected for the Annapurna Certificate 2023. Mumtaz Mahal stands among the select group of six Indian restaurants worldwide to be honoured with the Annapurna Certificate this year.

3. In a ceremony conducted in the Embassy of India, H.E Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman presented Mr Rishi Khimji with a Plaque with the citation from Annapurna Certificate.

4. The Trophy of the Annapurna Award, will be presented to Mumtaz Mahal management in an official ceremony scheduled to held in India later this month.

5. H.E Ambassador Amit Narang congratulated Mr. Rishi Khimji for Mumtaz Mahal's dedication to showcasing the essence of Indian cuisine in Oman. Ambassador also commended Mumtaz Mahal's role in creating a culinary bridge between India and Oman. Source: Embassy of India, Muscat.  

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan meets UAE Education Minister H.E. Dr. Ahmad Al Falasi in Abu Dhabi, 01 November 2023

Union Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today met Minister of Education UAE, H.E. Dr. Ahmad Al Falasi in Abu Dhabi. The Ministers signed an MoU to strengthen existing educational cooperation facilitating student and faculty mobility and various other initiatives. The Minister also visited 42 Abu Dhabi, a School for Disruptive Learning. The Minister is on a 3-day visit to UAE. The visit will be fostering collaboration, participation and synergy in critical areas of mutual interest in the education and the skill domain.

During his meeting with his UAE counterpart, Shri Pradhan said that UAE being a Global Economic hotspot and India being a Global Talent hotspot, both sides should work together to build a knowledge bridge to cement our civilizational connect.

The Ministers reviewed the bilateral engagements in education and skill development, particularly the progress on points discussed during our meeting on the sidelines of the 4th EdWG as a part of the G20 India. They expressed satisfaction on the progress made with respect to mutual recognition of academic and skill qualifications, recognition of Indian institutes in the UAE among others and underscored the need for continued work in this area. The Ministers expressed their commitment to strengthen institutional mechanisms and speed up processes for smooth student and workforce mobility.

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan thanked H.E Dr. Ahmed Belhoul for the support to schools that follow India curriculum in the UAE. Also, discussed ways to facilitate student exchange programs between India and the UAE.

During the meeting, a significant MoU was signed by the Ministers. The MoU aims to strengthen the existing cooperation in the field of educational institutions in both countries, by facilitating student and faculty mobility, joint research programmes, designing courses, organising and participation in conferences, lectures, symposia, courses, scientific and educational exhibitions in areas of mutual interest held in both countries.

• It will also facilitate in exchange of information in the following areas:

• Regulations, legal structures and best practices in general and higher education in both countries.
• Framework and policies in general and higher education including national qualifications frameworks in order to facilitate mutual recognition of qualifications between both the countries.
• Frameworks, policies in the areas of gifted and talented skills development and counselling and well-being.
• Facilitation of academic collaboration between Higher Education Institutions in both the countries for offering Twinning, Joint Degree and Dual Degree Programmes.

• Cooperation in the field of Capacity Development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) teaching staff has been envisaged under this MoU.
• MoU will facilitate creation of a Joint Working Group is chaired by a representative of the Ministry of Education from India and UAE. The JWG shall meet at least once a year alternately to review the implementation of this memorandum.

Shri Pradhan also visited 42 Abu Dhabi, a coding school with deep focus on encouraging innovation, creativity and peer-to-peer learning through project-based and gamified curriculum. Shri Pradhan said that a first-of-its-kind school in the GCC, 42 Abu Dhabi’s thrust on removing barriers to education for realising the vision of a tech-enabled future is laudatory. Open 24/7 all throughout the year, it provides perfect flexibility to learners to also learn and earn as per their schedules. He highlighted that flexibility and learning while earning is also a key recommendation of NEP 2020. Incorporating such progressive pathways is a way forward to empower India’s talented youth and workforce, he added.

Shri Pradhan had an insightful interaction with students and faculty at Abu Dhabi Indian School (ADIS). Shri Pradhan said that one of the largest schools in Abu Dhabi catering to the Indian community, ADIS is nurturing Indian students and instilling in them the culture, values and ethos of both India and the UAE. These students are future global citizens and ambassadors of India and its civilisational ethos, he added.

Later in the evening, the Minister interacted with members of Odia Community. He received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora in UAE. Source: Press Information Bureau.  

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan meets Minister of Foreign Affairs, UAE, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, 02 November 2023

Union Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan met Minister of Foreign Affairs, UAE, H.H Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, who extended a warm and gracious welcome to Shri Pradhan, accentuating the deep-rooted and enduring relations between India and the UAE.

During his meeting with UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shri Pradhan held productive discussions on further strengthening and carrying forward the two nations’ multi-faceted partnership. The primary focus of the meeting was the enduring friendship ties that have long connected India and UAE, as well as the robust comprehensive strategic partnership that encompasses various sectors, including exploring opportunities for collaboration, with a particular emphasis on the realm of education.

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan also held discussions with H.E. Ms. Sara Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education and Chairperson (ADEK) and visited Interim Campus of the IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi yesterday. Shri Pradhan said that the 1st Master’s course in Energy Transition and Sustainability will commence in January 2024 in IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi Campus. Shri Pradhan expressed appreciation towards HE Sara Musallam and the Abu Dhabi leadership for their support to IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus. He said that IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus will be an exemplar of India-UAE friendship.

During the tour of the interim campus of IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi housed at Zayed University, Shri Pradhan said it is a testament of the common vision and priorities of the leadership of both our countries. The IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus marks a significant stride in our efforts to internationalise India’s education. It will open up a plethora of opportunities for leveraging the power of knowledge for mutual prosperity and global well-being, he added.

The Minister also visited Hub71, calling it a vibrant community of innovators, entrepreneurs and investors working together to shape a sustainable and prosperous future. Shri Pradhan highlighted industry partners, corporates, investors, mentors as well as government regulators that provide all the necessary support to nurture the spirit of enterprise and help start-ups scale exponentially. Such symbiotic and enabling ecosystems with a whole-of-society approach are a key towards realising the full entrepreneurial and innovative potential of a country, he added. During the visit, the Minister met with startups, investors, and other stakeholders in the tech ecosystem. He also discussed ways to promote collaboration between India and the UAE in the tech sector.

The Minister’s UAE visit will boost collaboration between the two nations, in the field of education and skill development, which has strengthened in the recent years through institutional partnerships from both sides. The visit is expected to provide an impetus to such new initiatives that will benefit both countries. Source: Press Information Bureau.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with the President of the UAE, 03 November 2023

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The two leaders exchanged views on the developments in the West Asian region.

Both leaders expressed deep concern at terrorism, deteriorating security situation and the loss of civilian lives.

The two leaders called for an early resolution of the security and humanitarian situation. They emphasized the importance of durable peace, security and stability in the region.

They also reiterated their commitment to continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation in diverse areas within the framework of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Source: Press Information Bureau.  

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman  & CEO of DP World witness signing of agreement between NSDC International and We One, DP World, 03 November 2023

Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan met H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO of DP World in Dubai, where they witnessed signing of an agreement between NSDC International and We One, a subsidiary of DP World for long term recruitment of skilled manpower. They also discussed opportunities for collaboration.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Pradhan said that the agreement will create more avenues for global talent mobility, skilling and connecting Indian youth to relevant overseas employment opportunities. India is a reservoir of wide-range of talent, he added. Shri Pradhan reaffirmed commitment to fulfil aspirations of India’s youth and prepare them to drive economic prosperity, not only for India but also for global economies. in the presence of Shri Sunjay Sudhir, the Ambassador of India to the UAE and Consul General of India to Dubai, Shri Satish Kumar Sivan, CEO, NSDC, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari along with other senior officials.

NSDC International, is an enabler for global skilling solutions and We One, part of DP World, is a global leader in providing smart end-to-end logistics solutions. They   signed an agreement today which aimed at supporting the skill development and employment opportunities for the front-line workforce.

The signing event comes in continuation of a Memorandum of Understanding inked in May 2022 between NSDC International and Hindustan Ports (a DP World Company) to establish the Skill India International Centre in Varanasi, as a global centre of excellence for skills. In line with this, DP World collaborated with NSDC to set up the Skill India International Centre at Varanasi, which provides front-line workforce with services such as skill training, counselling, mobilisation, pre-departure orientation, foreign language training, placement and immigration and post-placement support.

Shri Pradhan also had a fruitful meeting with teams of VFS Global and Transworld today. He commended the insightful conversations on working together to connect India’s youth with overseas opportunities, strengthening the training infrastructure in India as well as collaborations for building capacities in skill development. Creating more opportunities for skilling, apprenticeship and employment and making our youth future-ready is a priority of PM Shri Narendra Modi’s government, he added. He appreciated both VFS Global and Transworld Group for their keenness to be an active partner of India in securing futures, empowering youth and in making the skill landscape more vibrant.

The Minister, yesterday, held an interaction with Principals of all 105 CBSE-affiliated schools functioning in the UAE. He was happy to learn that all these schools are aligned to the vision of NEP 2020 and are implementing it on ground. Shri Pradhan highlighted great insights on ways in which Indian schools abroad can integrate global best practices to cater to the needs of our students and teachers.

Of the 5-lakh Indian students studying in CBSE-affiliated Indian schools in the GCC, more than 2.50 lakh students are there in the UAE, he added. He shared that in the wake of the long-pending demand of these schools, CBSE India has decided to open a regional office in Dubai for better administration and for the benefit of the Indian diaspora.

Shri Pradhan said that academic community and our diaspora are permanent ambassadors of our culture, values and knowledge systems. He expressed his confidence that ,going forward, education will be a key pillar of friendship and our CBSE-affiliated schools in the UAE will play a stellar role in further cementing our trusted friendship.

The Minister also held a meeting with EFS Facilities Services Group, Group CEO & Co-founder Mr. Tariq Chauhan. The Minister expressed his happiness to know about Shri Tariq Chauhan’s plans to partner India in strengthening the skill ecosystem as well as facilitating international mobility of Indian workforce. The Minister was happy to note that EFS Group remains committed to intensify institutional engagements to make India’s skilling ecosystem more aspirational as well as skill, up-skill and empower India’s talented youth.

Shri Pradhan also witnessed the signing of an MoU between EFS Facilities Services Group and NSDC for facilitating international mobility of India’s workforce with a specific focus on GCC countries.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Pradhan said that the MoU will pave the way for deepening engagements in the areas of curriculum development as well as developing joint skilling programmes and co-branded skilling institutions to up-skill workforce with industry-ready skills and make them future-ready for global opportunities, particularly in GCC countries. Source: Press Information Bureau.  

CCI approves acquisition of shareholding in Delanord Investments by Abu Dhabi Ports Company, 30 November 2023

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved acquisition of shareholding in Delanord Investments by Abu Dhabi Ports Company.

The proposed combination envisages acquisition of shareholding of Delanord Investments Limited (Delanord) by Abu Dhabi Ports Company PJSC (Abu Dhabi Ports Company).

Abu Dhabi Ports Company, directly or indirectly, is engaged in the operation of ports and terminals, provision of short-sea vessel operation services, provision of non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) services, and provision of freight forwarding services.

Delanord, directly or indirectly, is engaged in the provision of short-sea vessel operation services, NVOCC services, and in-land transportation services.

Detailed order of the CCI will follow. Source: Press Information Bureau.  

Prime Minister's departure statement ahead of his visit to UAE for World Climate Action Summit, 30 November 2023

At the invitation of my brother H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, I am travelling to Dubai to attend the World Climate Action Summit of the COP-28 on 1 December 2023. I am happy to see that this significant event is being held under the Presidency of the UAE, who has been an important partner for India in the field of climate action.

In keeping with our civilizational ethos, India has always laid emphasis on climate action even as we pursue social and economic development.

During our G20 Presidency, climate was high on our priority. The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration includes numerous concrete steps on climate action and sustainable development. I look forward to the COP-28 taking forward the consensus on these issues.

COP28 will also provide an opportunity to review progress made under the Paris Agreement, and chart a path for future course on climate action. At the Voice of Global South Summit convened by India, the Global South spoke for the need for climate action based on the principles of equity, climate justice, and common but differentiated responsibilities, as well as a greater focus on adaptation. It is important that efforts of the developing world be supported with adequate climate financing and technology transfer. They must have access to equitable carbon and development space to achieve sustainable development.

India has walked the talk when it comes to climate action. Our achievements in different sectors like renewable energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, energy conservation, Mission LiFE are testament to the commitment of our people towards mother Earth.

I look forward to joining special events including on climate finance, Green Credit initiative and LeadIT.

I also look forward to the opportunity to meet some of the other Leaders present at Dubai, and discuss ways to accelerate global climate action. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.  

Prime Minister's departure statement ahead of his visit to UAE for World Climate Action Summit, 30 November 2023

At the invitation of my brother H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, I am travelling to Dubai to attend the World Climate Action Summit of the COP-28 on 1 December 2023. I am happy to see that this significant event is being held under the Presidency of the UAE, who has been an important partner for India in the field of climate action.

In keeping with our civilizational ethos, India has always laid emphasis on climate action even as we pursue social and economic development.

During our G20 Presidency, climate was high on our priority. The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration includes numerous concrete steps on climate action and sustainable development. I look forward to the COP-28 taking forward the consensus on these issues.

COP28 will also provide an opportunity to review progress made under the Paris Agreement, and chart a path for future course on climate action. At the Voice of Global South Summit convened by India, the Global South spoke for the need for climate action based on the principles of equity, climate justice, and common but differentiated responsibilities, as well as a greater focus on adaptation. It is important that efforts of the developing world be supported with adequate climate financing and technology transfer. They must have access to equitable carbon and development space to achieve sustainable development.

India has walked the talk when it comes to climate action. Our achievements in different sectors like renewable energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, energy conservation, Mission LiFE are testament to the commitment of our people towards mother Earth.

I look forward to joining special events including on climate finance, Green Credit initiative and LeadIT.

I also look forward to the opportunity to meet some of the other Leaders present at Dubai, and discuss ways to accelerate global climate action. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, 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.