BILATERAL ISSUES

EGYPT

Photo exhibition on “Making of Indian Constitution and Life of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar”, Cairo, 15 January 2020.

To mark the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution and 129^th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), Cairo organised a photo exhibition on the “Making of the Indian Constitution and Life of Dr. B R Ambedkar” on 15th January 2020 in its premises.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. Liyaqath Ali, Director MACIC. Among others, the photo exhibition was attended by students from universities in Cairo. Source: Embassy of India, Cairo

IRAN

Dr. Javad Zarif, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran calls on Prime Minister in New Delhi, New Delhi, 15 January 2020.

Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is visiting India for the Raisina Dialogue 2020, called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.

Welcoming Dr. Zarif to India, the Prime Minister recalled his warm and cordial discussions with President Rouhani in September 2019 on the side-lines of United Nations General Assembly in New York. He reiterated India's continued commitment to developing her strong and friendly relations with Iran. He thanked Iranian leadership for the progress in Chabahar project, including through designating it as Special Economic Zone.

The Foreign Minister shared his perspectives on the recent developments in the region. The Prime Minister mentioned India's strong interest in peace, security and stability in the region. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

External Affairs Minister meets Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, New Delhi, 16 January 2020.

Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister and Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran held a bilateral meeting today on the side-lines of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi.

Both leaders recalled positive outcomes of EAM's recent visit to Tehran for the 19th Joint Commission Meeting, especially for strengthening bilateral trade and promoting connectivity initiative through Chabahar port. Both sides have also agreed to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the bilateral Treaty of Friendship in 2020.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the recent developments in the West Asia region and the JCPOA. EAM reiterated Indian interests in the region and support for efforts to maintain peace, security and stability in the region. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

Qs. No. 533, Impact of Killing Iranian General, Rajya Sabha, 06 February 2020.

33. SHRI SURESH PRABHU:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) what is the impact of killing of Iranian General on India’s strategic interests; and

(b) what are the steps taken by Government to tackle this incident with global players?

ANSWER:

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) & (b) India has been closely following developments in the aftermath of killing of a senior Iranian leader. Peace, stability and security in the West Asia region is of utmost importance to India. The Government immediately engaged with the leadership of various countries in the region and the West. India advocated restraint and emphasized on the need to take steps for de-escalation of the situation by all the parties concerned. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

ISRAEL

Telephone Conversation between Prime Minister and Prime Minister of Israel, New Delhi, 25 January 2020.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received a telephone call today from Prime Minister of Israel His Excellency Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, who extended his warmest greetings to the Prime Minister and the people of India on the eve of the 71st Republic Day of India.

The two leaders also exchanged greetings and good wishes for the Year 2020.

The leaders underscored the significance of the strategic partnership between the two countries and expressed happiness at the growth of cooperation in all spheres. Prime Minister Modi stressed the significance of initiatives in the areas of agriculture, water and start-ups. They welcomed efforts to facilitate air connectivity between the two countries.

The leaders also exchanged views on global and regional matters of mutual interest. They agreed to remain in touch, including in the context of the forthcoming initiatives and developments regarding the region. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

KUWAIT

Delegation led by Education Minister Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama holds a roadshow in Kuwait under the maiden ‘Study in Gujarat’ campaign, Kuwait, 15 January

The ‘Study in Gujarat ’is an initiative by the Department of Education, Government of Gujarat to showcase Gujarat as an education hub of India and invite students from abroad and other states of India to pursue higher education in the state. Department of Education led by Minister of   Education Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama and Principal Secretary Smt. Anju Sharma along with  representatives of 19 universities of Gujarat with Ganpat University as the lead partner, in association with Embassy of India in Kuwait organised the maiden roadshow under the ‘Study in Gujarat’ campaign. Educators, principals, teachers, parents, students, and representatives from universities in Kuwait, were present during the roadshow in large numbers. Ambassador of India to Kuwait Mr. K. Jeeva Sagar was also present on the occasion. During his address, the Minister of Education said, “Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi puts a great emphasis on collaboration through Education. With his inspiration and guidance by our Chief Minister Shri Vijay Rupani, we have initiated the Study in Gujarat program to showcase to achievements of Gujarat in education sector before the India and the world.” In his address, the Minister lauded Kuwait’s efforts in giving utmost importance to the education sector. He said, “I have learnt that the country places a great emphasis on education which further strengthens our bond. With Gujarat having some of the finest world class institutes with state-of-the-art infrastructure, Kuwait and Gujarat can show the world the true meaning of a Knowledge based economy.” Talking about Gujarat, Shri Chudasama expressed, “As per the All India Survey on Education 2018-19, Gujarat is one of the top 7 states in India having 28 or more colleges per 1 lakh population. It is also one among the top 7 states with the highest number of colleges in India. One of the prime reasons for Gujarat’s consistent green run is its safe environment coupled with a dedicated system of law and order.”

Principal Secretary Smt. Anju Sharma said “The state accounts for 46% of the emerging start-ups in India. A number of policies have been formulated to promote small, medium and large sized companies, thus, number of students graduating from universities in Gujarat are “Going the start-up way. In addition to the entrepreneurial youth talent, we have a rich heritage coupled with industry growth and the safest environment to learn and grow. There are 493 patents filed under the Student Start-up and Innovation Policy. There are more than 10,000 foreign students studying in various universities and colleges of Gujarat at present”. She also elaborated on the growth model of Gujarat in each and every sector. The development is policy driven, transparent and goal oriented. The aim is to make students as job givers. 6 MoUs were signed during the event. The first MoU was signed between Swarnim Start-up University and Box Hill College in Kuwait in the field of design and innovation. The second MoU was signed between Gujarat Technical University and Box Hill College in the field of design and architecture. The third one was between CEPT and Box Hill College, the fourth being between GNLU and Box Hill College, fifth being between Sankalchand Patel University and Box Hill College, Kuwait, and the sixth one being between PDPU and Box Hill College. The Road show followed an exhibition by the 19 partner universities, which was visited by more than 500 students. On the second day, Hon’ble Minister Shri Chudasama also met Dr. Saud Al-Harbi, Minister of Higher Education, Government of Kuwait. Both the leaders agreed to strengthen the bonds of cooperation between Kuwait and Gujarat in the education sector. Dr. Saud Al-Harbi expressed his sincere desire for collaboration with Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University in the areas of petroleum engineering and research. The minister also held meetings with the Indian diaspora and the Gujarati Samaj. The Chairman of Indian Business and Professional Council Shri Anant Kapadia lauded the efforts of Gujarat Government and showed keen interest in the Study in Gujarat campaign. The delegation also visited the Kuwait University and met their President and visited couple of Indian Schools and interacted with the students. Source: Embassy of India, Kuwait

OMAN

PM condoles the passing away of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. New Delhi, 11 January 2020.

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said.

“I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. He was a visionary leader and statesman who transformed Oman into a modern and prosperous nation. He was a beacon of peace for our region and the world.

Sultan Qaboos was a true friend of India and provided strong leadership for developing a vibrant strategic partnership between India and Oman. I will always cherish the warmth and affection I received from him. May his soul rest in peace”, the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister congratulates His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al Said, Sultan of Oman, New Delhi, 12 January 2020. Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al Said, on taking over as Sultan of Oman.

"I heartily congratulate His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al Said on taking over as Sultan of Oman. I am confident that under his leadership, Oman will continue to progress and prosper and contribute to global peace.

India has millennia old relations with Oman. We look forward to working hand in hand with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al Said to further strengthen our strategic partnership", PM tweeted. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

Minister of Minority Affairs to lead delegation to condole the demise of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, Sultan of the Sultanate of Oman, New Delhi, 13 January 2020.

With profound sorrow, the Government and People of India have received the sad news of the demise of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, Sultan of the Sultanate of Oman. In the passing away of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the world has suffered an irreparable loss of a visionary leader and statesman who not only led his nation towards remarkable progress and prosperity but also was a beacon of peace for our region and the world.

India has maintained close and friendly relations with Oman under the leadership of Sultan Qaboos. He was a true friend and well-wisher of India in guiding and elevating bilateral engagements to the strategic level for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries.

The Government of India is observing a day of State mourning on Monday, 13 January 2020 and flags are being flown at half-mast. Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Hon’ble Minister of Minority Affairs is leading the Government of India delegation to Muscat on 14 January 2020 to pay our sincere and heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and People of India.

The Minister of Minority Affairs is also carrying a message from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al Said, Sultan of Sultanate of Oman. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

TUNISIA

Cabinet approves MoUs among India, Tunisia and Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission for elections for cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration, New Delhi, 22 January 2020.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the proposal of the Legislative Department for allowing the Election Commission to enter into Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with the Independent High Authority for Elections of Tunisia (ISIE) and the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission(PNGEC) for elections for cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration.

Impact:

The MOUs would promote bilateral cooperation, aimed at building technical assistance/ capacity support for the Independent High Authority for Elections of Tunisia (ISIE) and the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission(PNGEC) for elections for cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration, envisaging cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration and providing a leg-up to such bodies in conducting elections in their respective countries. This would also result in bolstering India's international relations.

Background

The Election Commission has been participating in promoting cooperation in the field of election matters and electoral processes across the world with certain foreign countries and agencies by adopting the mode of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the concerned parties. The Election Commission, a constitutional body, conducts the largest electoral exercise in the world. It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to organise free and fair elections in the country of about 85 crore voters with diverse socio-political and economic backgrounds. In recent years, the role being played by the Election Commission ensures greater participation of people in political affairs. India, today, is considered as the world's 'largest' democratic country. The success of democracy in India has attracted the attention of almost every political system around the world.

In its pursuit of excellence, the Election Commission has been receiving various proposals from foreign electoral bodies for developing bilateral relations in the field of election and matters connected therewith. The Election Commission forwarded a proposal to the Ministry of Law and Justice, Legislative Department relating to signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by it with the Election Commission of Maldives on cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration.

These MoUs contain standard articles/clauses which broadly express promotion of cooperation in the field of electoral management and administration including promotion of exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of organizational and technical development of electoral process; support in exchanging information, institutional strengthening and capacity building, training of personnel, holding regular consultations; etc. Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)

Visit by HE Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India to Tunisia 22-23 January 2020, Tunis, 23 January 2020.

Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister (EAM) of the Republic of India paid an official visit to Tunisia from 22 to 23 January, 2020.  The visit by EAM was the first high level visit from India after the successful Presidential and Parliamentary elections in the country.

During his visit, EAM called on the President of the Republic, H.E. Mr. Kais Saied, Speaker of the House of People's Representatives, H.E. Mr. Rached Ghannouchi and had detailed discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Sabri Bachtobji on bilateral, regional and international issues.

The meetings took place in a cordial environment that characterizes the excellent state of bilateral relations between the two democracies. EAM conveyed the greetings of the Indian leadership and the good wishes and felicitations of the people of India to the government and the people of Tunisia. He also conveyed congratulations on Tunisia’s election to the UNSC as non-permanent member and expressed hope that both countries will be able to work together, since they share similar viewpoints on issues of international concern.

During the visit, a MoU was signed between India and Tunisia for setting up of an “India – Tunisia centre for innovation in ICT in Tunis.”

The visit underlined the importance that India attaches to expanding, strengthening and deepening its relations with Tunisia.  The visit offered an opportunity to reinvigorate the dialogue between the two democracies that share liberal ideas such as equality, freedom of expression, a vibrant civil society and a progressive mindset. Source: Embassy of India, Tunis.

Signing of the MoU between the Government of India and the Government of the Republic of Tunisia for setting up of an “India-Tunisia Centre for Innovation in ICT in Tunis”, Tunis, 22 January 2020

During the visit of External Affairs Minister to Tunis, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 22 January 2020 between the Government of India and the Government of the Republic of Tunisia for setting up of an "India-Tunisia Centre for Innovation in ICT in Tunis".

Ambassador of India, Mr. Puneet R. Kundal, on behalf of Government of India and Mr. Mohamed Ali Nerjri, Chief Executive Officer of Smart Tunisian Technoprks, on behalf of the Republic of Tunisia, signed the MoU in the presence of External Affairs Minister of India and Foreign Minister of Tunisia.

The MoU outlines the cooperation between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Tunisia in their efforts to support business acceleration and boost interactions between innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems between both countries, aiming at creating a lasting link between universities, training centres in advanced technologies, start-ups and Small and Medium Enterprises, besides the enhancement of the viability of the start-ups through systematic incubating and supporting. Source: Embassy of India, Tunis.

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