ISRAEL

Prime Minister of Israel congratulates Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his re-election, 6 June 2024

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received a congratulatory call from the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, H.E. Benjamin Netanyahu, today on his re-election.

While thanking him for his warm wishes and deep affection for the people of India, Prime Minister noted his contribution towards strengthening of India-Israel ties over the years.

The two leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthen India–Israel strategic partnership in all areas.

They agreed to remain in touch. Source: Press Information Bureau.

KUWAIT

Death of Indian nationals in fire tragedy in Kuwait, 12 June 2024

In an unfortunate and tragic fire-incident earlier today in a Labour housing facility in Mangaf area of Kuwait, around 40 Indians are understood to have died and over 50 injured. The Embassy is ascertaining the full details from the concerned Kuwaiti authorities and the company. We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved families.

Those injured are presently admitted in 5 government hospitals (Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer and Jahra hospitals) in Kuwait and receiving proper medical care and attention. According to hospital authorities, most of the admitted patients are stable.

Following the incident, Ambassador of India in Kuwait, Shri Adarsh Swaika, immediately visited the location of the incident and also the hospitals to ascertain the welfare of the Indian nationals. The Embassy continues to coordinate with local authorities to assist Indian nationals who have been injured in this unfortunate incident and extend all possible support. The Embassy is receiving full cooperation from the Kuwaiti authorities.

On the directions of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Minister of State Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh is immediately travelling to Kuwait to work towards early repatriation of mortal remains as well as for medical assistance to those injured.

Our Embassy in Kuwait continues to remain in touch with local authorities to provide relief to those affected. The Embassy has established a helpline +965-65505246 (WhatsApp and regular call) for family members to get in touch. Regular updates are being provided through the helpline. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

Prime Minister reviews fire tragedy in Kuwait, 12 June 2024

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired a review meeting on the fire tragedy in Kuwait in which a number of Indian nationals died and many were injured, at his residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi earlier today.

Prime Minister expressed his deep sorrow at the unfortunate incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He wished speedy recovery of those injured.

Prime Minister directed that Government of India should extend all possible assistance. MOS External Affairs should immediately travel to Kuwait to oversee the relief measures and facilitate expeditious repatriation of the mortal remains.

Prime Minister announced ex- gratia relief of Rupees 2 lakh to the families of the deceased India nationals from Prime Minister Relief Fund.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, the Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Kirtivardhan Singh, Principal Secretary to PM Shri Pramod Kumar Mishra, National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Shri Vinay Kwatra and other senior officials were also present in the meeting. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

PM condoles loss of lives due to fire mishap in Kuwait City, 12 June 2024

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kuwait City. The Prime Minister assured that the Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working with the authorities to assist the affected.

Sharing a post on X by Indian Embassy in Kuwait, the Prime Minister wrote;

“The fire mishap in Kuwait City is saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working with the authorities there to assist the affected.” Source: Press Information Bureau.

OMAN

Conduct of 6^th Edition of Indian Navy-Royal Navy of Oman Staff Talks, 6 June 2024

Towards further strengthening the existing Defence relations between India and Oman in the maritime domain, 6th edition of Staff Talks between Indian Navy (IN) and Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) were conducted from 04 – 05 Jun 24 at New Delhi.

The delegation from RNO was led by Cmdre Jasim Mohammed Ali Al Balushi, DG Ops & Plans. Cmdre Manmeet Singh Khurana, Commodore (FC) led the delegation from IN. The series of Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks is testimony of the strong bilateral relations between two historical maritime neighbours.

During the Staff Talks, both sides deliberated on common maritime security challenges, which necessitate enhanced interoperability at sea, and also discussed issues pertaining to operational collaboration, information sharing, Maritime Domain Awareness, training, meteorology, hydrography and technical assistance.

The delegation also visited IFC-IOR, Gurugram and called on Vice-Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy.

Oman is one of the India's closest partners in the Gulf region and regular conduct of Staff Talks plays a key role in consolidating gains in naval cooperation and deepening the existing partnership between both Navies. Source: Press Information Bureau.

PM receives a congratulatory telephone call from the Sultan of Oman, 11 June 2024

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received a phone call today from His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik the Sultan of Oman.

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik extended his heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister on his reappointment as PM for a third term following the recently concluded general elections.

His Majesty emphasized the centuries-old ties of friendship between Oman and India and conveyed his best wishes for the progress and prosperity of the people of India.

Prime Minister thanked His Majesty for his warm wishes and highlighted his historic visit to India in December 2023 which led to deepening of bilateral cooperation in all areas.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen and strengthen India-Oman partnership for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Prime Minister also extended warm greetings to His Majesty and the people of Oman on the upcoming Eid Al Adha festival. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

India-Oman Business Meet in the Agriculture, Processed Food, Spices, Engineering, and Construction Sectors, 26 June 2024

India-Oman Business Meet in the Agriculture, Processed Food, Spices, Engineering, and Construction Sectors Embassy of India, Muscat organized a successful India-Oman Business-to-Business (B2B) Meet on 26 June 2024. The event witnessed the participation of 23 visiting Indian companies from the Agriculture, Processed Food, Spices, Engineering, and Construction sectors, led by the Chairperson of IGTD Exim Chamber of Commerce, along with 40 Omani companies. This meeting facilitated direct interactions between Indian exporters and Omani importers, focusing on the aforementioned sectors. The Indian and Omani companies engaged in fruitful discussions, exploring opportunities for enhanced bilateral trade and mutual growth.

2. His Excellency Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, addressed the gathering, highlighting the robust commercial relations between India and Oman. He reiterated the Embassy's commitment to facilitating business activities between Indian and Omani companies, aiming to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

3. To further promote trade and economic cooperation between India and Oman, the IGTD Exim Chamber of Commerce is leading a business delegation from the Agriculture, Processed Foods, Spices, Engineering, and Construction sectors from 25th to 27th June 2024. This delegation aims to explore significant opportunities for strengthening trade relations between the two countries.

4. India and Oman share a long history of robust bilateral trade relations, underpinned by mutual trust and shared interests. Both nations have consistently strived to enhance economic partnership, leading to substantial growth in trade volumes and diversification across various sectors. As a result, bilateral trade more than doubled from USD 5.4 billion in 2020-21 to USD 12.3 billion in 2022-23, showcasing the strength of economic ties. Source: Embassy of India, Muscat.

QATAR

PM receives a congratulatory telephone call from the Amir of Qatar, 10 June 2024

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received a congratulatory telephone call from the Amir of the State of Qatar, H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani today. 

Prime Minister thanked His Highness for his warm wishes and positive sentiments towards the people of India.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the friendly and multifaceted ties between India and Qatar.

Prime Minister recalled his productive visit to Qatar in February 2024 and reiterated the invitation for Qatar’s Amir to visit India at an early date. 

Prime Minister also extended birthday wishes to the Amir and conveyed greetings on the upcoming Eid Al Adha festival. Source: Press Information Bureau.

Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians in Doha, 29 June 2024

An Indian parliamentary delegation, comprising Hon'ble Members of (Upper House) Rajya Sabha Mrs. Darshana Singh and Mrs Dharmshila Gupta, visited the State of Qatar from June 25 to 28 for participating in the Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians. The Conference was organized in Doha by UN Office of Counter Terrorism Program Office on Parliamentary Engagement in Preventing and Countering Terrorism in Doha and the Shura Council of the State of Qatar.

The visiting parliamentarians shared India's experience and perspectives on dealing with the menace of terrorism and violent extremism from a gender perspective in the two days Conference that saw participation of women parliamentarians from various countries across the globe. The delegation also joined other Parliamentarians for a Luncheon Reception hosted by the Shura Council on June 27, 2024. Source: Embassy of India, Doha.

Visit of External Affairs Minister to Qatar (June 30, 2024), 29 June 2024

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar will pay an official visit to the State of Qatar on 30 June 2024. During the visit, he will meet the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

2.​ India and Qatar share historic and friendly relations which are marked by regular exchange of high-level visits. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had visited Qatar on 14-15 February 2024 and held discussions with Qatar’s Amir H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

3.​ EAM’s visit will enable both sides to review various aspects of bilateral relations including political, trade, investment, energy, security, cultural and people-to-people as well as the regional and international issues of mutual interest. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

APEDA facilitates first Consignment of MD 2 Pineapples from India to UAE, 13 June 2024

In a significant stride for India's fresh fruit export sector, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the successful export of the first consignment of MD 2 variety pineapples to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The consignment, comprising 8.7 metric tons (650 boxes) of the prized MD 2 pineapples, was ceremoniously flagged off by Chairman, APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev, in the presence of senior officials from APEDA and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR CCARI).

"This marks a pivotal moment in India's agricultural export history, showcasing our ability to produce and supply premium quality pineapples to global markets," said Shri Abhishek Dev. "The MD 2 variety is renowned for its exceptional sweetness and quality, and we are thrilled to introduce it to the UAE market”, he said.

The MD 2 pineapple, also known as "Golden Ripe" or "Super Sweet," has become the gold standard in the pineapple industry, with significant cultivation in countries like Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Thailand.

ICAR CCARI provided essential technical support for post-harvest management and development of sea protocol for the MD 2 pineapple produced in the Sindhudurg district of the Konkan region in Maharashtra. A private firm successfully grew this variety on 200 acres in partnership with local farmers, ensuring optimal quality and yield.

The harvested pineapples were meticulously graded, sorted, packed, and stored in Panvel, Navi Mumbai. From there, the consignment was transported to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) for its onward journey to the UAE.

APEDA continues its dedicated efforts to promote the export of fresh fruits and vegetables from India. This first trial shipment of MD 2 pineapples signifies a substantial addition to APEDA’s export basket, enhancing India's presence in the global market. Source: Press Information Bureau.

Visit of External Affairs Minister to the UAE (June 23, 2024), 23 June 2024

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar will pay an official visit to the UAE, today, on 23 June 2024.

2. During the visit, EAM will have meeting with his UAE counterpart on wide-ranging issues of the partnership.

3. This visit will provide an opportunity to review the entire spectrum of comprehensive strategic partnership between India and UAE and regional and global developments. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

Visit of External Affairs Minister to the United Arab Emirates (June 23, 2024), 24 June 2024

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to the UAE on 23 June 2024. The visit follows the recent meeting between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the margins of the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy. During the visit, EAM met with his counterpart Foreign Minister of UAE HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Both Ministers reviewed the multi-faceted India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and expressed happiness at the substantive progress in diverse areas of bilateral cooperation including commercial and economic collaboration, fintech, education, culture, and people-to-people connect. They also discussed new areas with untapped potential for further enhancing collaboration. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues.

During the visit, EAM participated in the celebrations of the 10th International Day of Yoga in Abu Dhabi at Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi. The event, which was organised by the Embassy in partnership with Louvre Abu Dhabi, witnessed the presence of multiple nationalities.

EAM also visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, which was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on 14 February 2024. EAM expressed appreciation that the Mandir has become an iconic cultural destination in the UAE with a large number of daily visitors. In less than 4 months, the Mandir has received one million visitors.

EAM's visit to the UAE, within two weeks of his re-appointment, signifies the importance India attaches to its relations with the country. The visit marks the continuation of high-level contact between the two countries. Since July 2023, PM Narendra Modi has visited the UAE thrice and UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has visited India twice. Last year, we have also witnessed important milestones in our bilateral relations like the implementation of a local currency trade settlement agreement, the launch of UAE's domestic credit/debit card based on India's RuPay card stack, the setting up of a campus of IIT Delhi in Abu Dhabi, fintech collaboration, and commencement of work on IMEEC, among others. 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.