BAHRAIN

India in Bahrain Festival: A Resounding Celebration of Cultural  Diversity, 14 January 2023

Embassy of India, Bahrain organized "India in Bahrain Festival," an event that brought together the vibrant Indian diaspora in Bahrain to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of India on 12 January 2024 at the Embassy premises in Seef.

The festival was a showcase of India's diverse cultural heritage, attracting more than 500 members of the Indian community in Bahrain. The event held as part of the Promotion of Cultural Ties with Diaspora initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India served as a platform for the community to share and appreciate the cultural wealth of different regions and communities in India. Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees residing in Bahrain were guests of Honour.

The festival featured an array of stalls that highlighted India's culinary heritage and handicrafts put up by more than 30 Indian community associations. Attendees had the chance to indulge in the flavours of India through a diverse range of traditional dishes and explore the intricate craftsmanship of Indian artisans. 12 cultural performances by members of the Indian community showcased classical and folk performances from different traditions of India.

The event also saw the presentation of a collection of poems titled Headstrings by Kaashvi Subin Jagdish, an Indian student studying in Bahrain. ICRF special bulletin for India in Bahrain festival 2024 was also released during the event. Source: Embassy of India, Manama.

EGYPT

Secretary to the President presents ‘Ballam’ – the PBG Lance to the Ambassador of Egypt, 04 January 2023

At a brief function at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (January 4, 2024), the Secretary to the President, Shri Rajesh Verma presented ‘Ballam’- the President’s Bodyguard Lance - to the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Mr Wael Mohamed Award Hamed.

Recently, the Government of Egypt has requested for the lances of PBG which are commonly used in their country too. The Secretary to the President handed over 50 PBG Lances to the Ambassador of Egypt on behalf of the President of India.

The nine feet nine inches long Ballams adorn a red and white pennon which symbolizes blood over surrender – the ethos of PBG. The riders of PBG make Ballam with own hands – as a tradition in the Regiment. Source: Press Information Bureau.

Indian Army Special Forces Contingent Reaches Egypt for Joint Exercise ‘Cyclone’, 22 January 2023

The Indian Army contingent comprising 25 personnel reached Egypt to take part in the 2nd edition of India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise CYCLONE.  The Exercise will be conducted at Anshas, Egypt from 22nd January to 1st February 2024.  The first edition of the exercise was conducted last year in India.

The Indian contingent is being represented by troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and Egyptian contingent comprising 25 personnel is being represented by Egyptian Commando Squadron and Egyptian Airborne Platoon.

Aim of the Exercise is to acquaint both the sides with each other’s operating procedures in the backdrop of Special Operations in desert/ semi desert terrain under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter.  Exercise CYCLONE is designed to develop bilateral military cooperation and strengthen bond between two armies through conduct of discussions and rehearsal of tactical military drills.

The Exercise will involve planning and execution of special operations in sub conventional domain and conducted in three phases. While the first phase will include Military Exhibitions and Tactical Interactions, second phase will focus on training on Improvised Explosive Device (IED), counter IED and Combat First Aid. The third and final phase will encompass Joint Tactical Exercise based on Fighting in Built-up Area and Hostage Rescue Scenarios.

The Exercise will provide an opportunity to both the contingents to strengthen their bond and share best practices. It will also act as a platform to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations. Source: Press Information Bureau.

PM praises rendition of patriotic song by Egyptian girl, 29 January 2023

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, applauded a rendition of patriotic song "Desh Rangeela" during 75th #RepublicDay celebrations by Kariman from Egypt.

He also wished her a bright future.

The Prime Minister posted on X:

"This rendition by Kariman from Egypt is melodious! I congratulate her for this effort and wish her the very best for her future endeavours." Source: Press Information Bureau.

IRAN

Visit of External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar to Iran (January 14-15, 2024), 13 January 2023

External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar will visit Iran on 14-15 January 2024 as part of the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides.

2.​ He will meet Foreign Minister of Iran, H.E. Dr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and hold discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues. Political cooperation, connectivity initiatives and strong people-to-people ties will constitute important aspects of the agenda. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.  

IRAQ

Participation of FIEO business delegation in the 47th Baghdad International Fair, Iraq from 10 to 19 January 2024, 14 January 2023

A 60-member trade and business delegation representing 50 Indian companies, sponsored by FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organization) participated in the 47th Baghdad International Fair (BIF) from 10 to 19 January 2024.

2. The sectors represented by Indian companies are Electricity and Power, Appliances and Tools, Construction and Equipment, Healthcare and Medical Equipment, ICT, Auto Spare Parts, Agriculture, Electrical and Electronic Components, Marble, Granite and Ceramics, Food and Beverages, Home Appliances, Solar Energy and Batteries.

3. FIEO is the apex body of the Indian Government-recognised Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Councils and Export Development Authorities of India, which was jointly set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India and Private Trade and Industry in 1965, to serve the interests of over 200,000 exporters from all sectors. Industry and services in the country.

4. A business meeting was organized by the Embassy on 14 January 2024 for the visiting Indian trade delegation with various Iraqi companies, such as Baghdad Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Iraqi Industries and other stakeholders interested in the Indian products with the aim of promoting exports from India to Iraq.

5. The bilateral trade between India and Iraq in the fiscal year 2022-2023 amounted to US$ 37.08 billion, of which US$ 34.385 billion were imports from Iraq, compared to US$ 2.696 billion in exports from India. Indian exports to Iraq mainly consist of rice, iron and steel, meat and meat products, pharmaceutical products, agrochemicals, cosmetics, manufactured rubber products, paints, precious stones, jewellery, ceramics, metal articles, machine tools, machinery and electrical implements, transport equipment, electronic goods, handicrafts, sugar, tea and clothing: while India imports crude oil from Iraq. Iraq is India's seventh largest trading partner.

6. The Indian Ambassador welcomed the Indian delegation and members of the Iraqi business community present at the business meeting. He provided an overview of business and investment prospects, future trends, India-Iraq partnership in various sectors, and regulatory framework governing trade and business activities in India. He pointed out at the huge potential for tremendous growth in the export of Indian goods and services in the export market, including the Kurdistan region, and called on Indian companies to make concerted efforts to vigorously explore the opportunities available in Iraq. The participants expressed their views on their firm desire to enhance trade relations between the two countries and further enhance and strengthen trade ties. It was emphasized that the Embassy will provide all necessary assistance, including facilitating the granting of work visas to the Iraqi business community.

7. It is worth mentioning that the 18^th session of the India-Iraq Joint Commission Meeting UCM) was held in June 2023 in New Delhi, India stressing the importance of further strengthening bilateral commercial and economic relations between India and Iraq. Source: Embassy of India, Baghdad.

OMAN

PM praises joint India-Oman musical performance, 30 January 2023

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today praised a Republic Day joint India-Oman musical performance performed at the Embassy Reception at Indian embassy in Oman.

The Prime Minister posted on X :

"Very creative. I appreciate all those who were a part of this effort." Source: Press Information Bureau.

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane co-chairs 12th India-Oman Joint Military Cooperation Committee meeting at Muscat, 31 January 2023

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane co-chaired the 12th Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting with Secretary General, Ministry of Defence, Oman Dr. Mohammed Bin Naseer Bin Ali Al Zaabi in Muscat on 31 Jan 2024.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed and appreciated the robust defence cooperation between India and Oman. The JMCC meeting delved into many new areas of cooperation in the fields of training, Joint exercise, Information sharing, Oceanography, Ship Building & MRO, that would build mutual trust and interoperability between militaries of both nations. Further, they also exchanged views on regional and global issues of shared interest. Both sides discussed effective and practical initiatives to further boost bilateral Defence engagements with focus on defence industries collaboration.

Towards implementing India - Oman Joint Vision Document entitled  ‘A Partnership for the Future’,  adopted during the visit of Head of State of the Sultanate of Oman, Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik in Dec 2023, the Defence Secretary and Secretary General signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) pertaining to procurement of Defence Material and Equipment which would provide a framework for a new area of defence collaboration.

During the two day visit to Oman, Defence Secretary also held bilateral talks with the Secretary General. During the talks, Shri Giridhar Aramane highlighted the potential of domestic defence industry with capacity, capability and looked forward to a fruitful partnership with the Armed Forces of Oman. Oman side expressed confidence in the capability of Indian defence industry.

Defence Secretary also invited Secretary general and his delegation to visit India to witness the defence industrial capability, especially in aerospace and maritime sectors.

The Defence Secretary visited Oman from 30-31 Jan 2024 on the invitation of Secretary General, Ministry of Defence, Sultanate of Oman. Dr. Mohammed Bin Naseer Bin Ali Al Zaabi.

Oman is one of India’s closest defence partners in Gulf region and defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between India and Oman. The two countries are committed to work under the vision of strategic partnership. Source: Press Information Bureau.

SAUDI ARABIA

India signs Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), 07 January 2023

Union  Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani accompanied by Shri. V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 with H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)  today  at Jeddah, KSA.

A total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India has been finalised for Haj 2024 with 1,40,020 seats being reserved for pilgrims to proceed through Haj Committee of India which will greatly benefit the common first time pilgrims intending to undertake the Haj pilgrimage in 2024 whereas 35,005 pilgrims would be permitted to proceed through Haj Group Operators.

During the meeting with the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, KSA, the digital initiatives of the Government of India in facilitating and promoting ease and convenience for the Indian Haj pilgrims by providing last mile information to the pilgrims were greatly appreciated by the KSA side and KSA offered to extend all possible help in this regard. The initiative of the Government of India towards encouraging participation under the Ladies without Mehram (LWM) category was discussed, deeply appreciated and lauded.

Subsequent to the signing of the Bilateral Haj Agreement and the meeting with the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, KSA, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani  accompanied by Shri. Muraleedharan   visited the Haj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, to oversee the arrangements for Haj pilgrims and explore ways to facilitate better logistics and monitoring mechanism for the convenience of the Indian Haj pilgrims. Source: Press Information Bureau.

Union Minister for WCD and Minority Affairs, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani  and  MoS for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Muraleedharan  lead a delegation  of senior officials on a historic visit to Madinah, KSA, 08 January 2023

As a part of the ongoing visit to KSA, during which the Bilateral Haj Agreement for Haj 2024 was signed between India and KSA on 7 January ,2024,  Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani accompanied by Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan, led a delegation of senior officials from Ministry of Minority Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs on a historic visit to Madinah, one of the holiest cities in Islam, today.

The delegation visited the perimeter of the Prophet's Mosque (Al Masjid Al Nabwi) in the Markazia area of Madinah. This was followed by a visit to the mountain of Uhud and a visit to the Quba Mosque. Quba Mosque is the first Mosque of Islam while Uhud Mountain is the final resting place of a number early Islamic martyrs.

The delegation interacted with Indian volunteers who provide dedicated and selfless service to Indian Haj pilgrims, including during Haj 2023. The delegation also interacted with Umrah pilgrims from India.

The visit shall help provide a firsthand insight into the arrangements required to be made for ensuring a comfortable Haj 2024 for the Indian pilgrims. The Government of India is deeply committed to assist in providing facilities and services to Indian Muslims who undertake the Haj pilgrimage, thereby providing them with a comfortable and fulfilling experience.

India and KSA share warm and cordial ties and Government of India deeply appreciates the special gesture of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, KSA in facilitating this visit of the Indian delegation to Madinah. It would go a long way in providing better services to the Haj pilgrims. Source: Press Information Bureau.

Union Minister for WCD and Minority Affairs, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani and MoS for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan attend inaugural session of Hajj and Umrah Conference at Jeddah, KSA, 09 January 2023

Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, Union  Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs accompanied by the Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri. V. Muraleedharan led a delegation of senior officials from Ministry of Minority Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs to the Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition organised by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, KSA at Jeddah. The participation was a part of the ongoing visit to KSA, during which the Bilateral Haj Agreement for Haj 2024 was signed between India and KSA on 07.01.2024.

The Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition is an international event organised annually, and the 3rd edition of this international conference and exhibition is being organised from 08-11th January 2024 at Jeddah. This global conference includes sessions, workshops, and training seminars by key decision makers, experts, academics, and researchers. The event is attended by ministers, and officials from diverse locations worldwide, along with the presence of over 200 entities representing both private and public entities engaged in the Hajj and Umrah sector.

The  WCD and Minority Affairs Minister led delegation attended the inaugural session of the conference which provided valuable insights on the best practices globally, and facilitated exchange of ideas and information, which would prove useful in improving the Haj experience for the Indian pilgrims.

On the sidelines of the conference, a meeting was held between Smt. Smriti Zubin  Irani,  MoS, Shri  Muraleedharan  with the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, H.R.H. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, KSA, H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah. There was discussion on scope for further close cooperation and collaboration with KSA seeking to improve the facilities and services provided to the Indian Haj pilgrims during Haj 2024. Source: Press Information Bureau.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

India and UAE aspire to expand bilateral trade to US$ 100 Billion: Sh. Piyush Goyal, 10 January 2023

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal said that India and UAE aspire to expand their bilateral trade to US$ 100 Billion. While addressing at the ‘UAE India Business Summit’ held at the 10th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat today, the Minister underscored the multifaceted nature of the India-UAE partnership, encompassing collaborations in space exploration, security, education, and climate action.

Shri Goyal said that both the countries are looking for newer propositions from industry and business to further enhance their partnership. He said bilateral trade has increased under the India UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). He also highlighted key collaborations such as the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor and initiatives to promote RuPay and facilitate direct trade between rupee and dirham.

Delighted at the prospect of further strengthening bilateral relations, the Minister emphasized the significance of the UAE India Business Summit, emphasizing that it serves as a platform to unlock the vast potential that the UAE-India partnership offers. He praised the exceptional leadership of the President of UAE, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in elevating the relationship between the two countries.

The Minister emphasized the boundless possibilities in exploring new partnerships, identifying opportunities, and expanding cooperation in various sectors. He envisioned the India-UAE partnership as a defining alliance of the 21st century, rooted in shared history and aspirations for mutual progress.

Shri Goyal expressed his gratitude to the Minister of State for Foreign Trade, UAE, H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi; and Chairman and CEO of DP World Group, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem for their invaluable contributions to fostering the enduring friendship between India and the UAE.

Shri Goyal acknowledged their pivotal roles in bolstering the UAE-India business relationship across various sectors, notably mentioning the plan to establish a Bharat Park in the Jebel Ali Free Zone under Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem's guidance. He expressed confidence that this initiative would open myriad opportunities for international trade between the two nations and beyond, significantly elevating India's global visibility.

The Minister also highlighted the efforts of Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, Yousuf Ali Abdulqader, in fortifying bilateral ties, mentioning the significant investments being made in India's growth story, such as the establishment of a shopping mall in Kashmir.

Drawing attention to the burgeoning defence, cultural, and economic relations between the nations, Shri Goyal lauded the UAE's political stability, business-friendly policies, and infrastructural advancements as conducive factors for mutual growth and prosperity.

Shri Piyush Goyal lauded Dr. Thani's leadership in chairing the WTO Ministerial Conference 13 to be held in Abu Dhabi in February and assured full support from India in ensuring its success.

Citing India's demographic advantage and its young, aspirational population, the Minister invited investors to participate in India's growth story, underscoring the nation's potential to offer substantial returns and contribute to the dreams and aspirations of its 1.4 billion people.

Concluding on a note of unwavering optimism and shared vision for the future, the Minister reiterated the commitment of India and the UAE to forge an enduring partnership that will have a lasting impact on both nations. Source: Press Information Bureau.

India-UAE Business Summit held as part of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 to strengthen bilateral ties, 11 January 2023

The India-UAE Business Summit was held on 10th January 2024 to strengthen bilateral ties between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024.

UAE’s President His Highness (H.H.) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the chief guest at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, further emphasising the growing cooperation and strengthening relations between the two nations. The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, extended a warm welcome to H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and remarked that India cherishes his thoughts and efforts to boost India-UAE ties.

The Inaugural Session of the India-UAE Business Summit included keynote addresses from Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles (India) and His Excellency (H.E.) Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Ministry of Economy (UAE) along with special remarks from Shri Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Shri Piyush Goyal, H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and Shri Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel ceremonially launched the UAE – India CEPA Council (UICC) website as part of the inaugural session. The session also highlighted India’s booming startup landscape and included remarks from Shri Kunal Bahl, Chairman - Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) National Startup Council and Co-founder - Snapdeal and Titan Capital.

A report on the CII India-UAE Start-Up Initiative titled “Unlocking Opportunities: India- UAE Start-Up Ecosystem Convergence” was also launched during the summit. The inaugural session was chaired by Shri R Dinesh, President, CII and Chairman, TVS Supply Chain Solutions Limited and included addresses from H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chief Executive Officer - DP World, and M.A. Yusuff Ali, Chairman Lulu Group International, who mentioned their interest in increasing investment in the food processing industry in India.

The India-UAE Business Summit also facilitated a focused discussion session for further cooperation in areas such as trade finance, investment facilitation, and sectoral collaboration. The Indian and the UAE delegations comprised of representatives from both the Government and the industry. The session included a presentation on the Bharat Mart which is a proposed warehousing facility by India in the UAE to support Indian exporters.

India-UAE trade rose to USD 85 billion in 2022, making the UAE India’s third-largest trading partner for the year 2022-23 and India's second-largest export destination. In February 2022, India became the first country with which the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Bilateral trade has increased by approximately 15% since the entry into force of the CEPA on 1 May 2022.

The CEPA was a landmark agreement designed to spark a new era of cooperation between two nations and strengthening the long-standing cultural, political and economic ties. It has helped reduce tariffs on more than 80% of product lines, eliminate barriers to trade and create new pathways for investment and joint ventures. In the first 12 months of the CEPA, bilateral non-oil trade reached US$50.5 billion, representing a growth of 5.8% compared to the corresponding period a year earlier. The two countries are fast moving towards the target of US$100 billion non-oil trade by 2030.

A Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of a framework to promote the use of local currencies (INR-AED) for cross-border transactions was signed by Governors of the respective Central Banks of India and the UAE in July 2023. Developing the Local Currency Settlement System between the two countries to settle bilateral trade reflects mutual confidence and underlines the robustness of the economies in both countries.

The UAE-India Business Summit is another step towards accelerating India-UAE bilateral economic relations for mutual growth and prosperity. Source: Press Information Bureau.

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.