News Analysis India

Tag: Diplomacy

  • MoS Muraleedharan to attend Dakar Forum in Senegal next week

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V Muraleedharan will go on an official visit to the Republic of Senegal from October 24-25 to participate in the 8th edition of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security.

    During the visit, MoS will address the 8th edition of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security. Being held annually since 2014, the Dakar Forum has become a key event for decision-makers involved in Africa. This is the first time that India is participating in the Forum at a Ministerial level, according to the statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs.

    The participation of MoS in the Dakar Forum underscores the importance that India attaches to the peace, security and developmental issues concerning Africa. The visit is also in line with India’s policy to intensify and deepen its engagement with Africa.

    India and Senegal enjoy warm and friendly relations, sharing common values of democracy and secularism, with strong economic engagement and development cooperation. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established at the Ambassadorial level in 1962, with a resident Indian Mission in Dakar.

    As per DGCIS, Government of India, statistics, Indian exports to Senegal in 2018-19 touched $ 639 mn and imports from Senegal USD 658 million.

    As to the bilateral trade basket, major items of export from India include textiles, food items, automobiles and pharmaceuticals. Major items of import from Senegal are phosphoric acid and raw cashew.

    India’s investment is mainly in construction, tourism, retail, trading, phosphates, pharmaceuticals etc. The largest investment from India in Senegal is in the Industries Chimique du Senegal (ICS). ICS is the flagship company in Senegal which is in the business of manufacturing phosphoric acid from the rock phosphate available in plenty in Senegal. Indian companies viz. Tata Group (Tata Motors, Tata Unitech), Ashok Leyland, Kirloskar Bros, Ajanta Pharma, Sun Pharma, ShapoorjiPallonji, Kalpataru Power Transmission, KEC Ltd., Promac, SenegIndia etc are present in Senegal.

    In order to increase awareness about business opportunities between India and Senegal and to inform about the opportunities available under our LoCs, this mission has organized four business events in Senegal (two in Dakar, one in Kaolack and one in Kedougou) since January 2018. The embassy of India also put up a KVIC Stall in the 27th edition of the annual trade event Dakar International Trade Fair (FIDAK) from November 29, 2018, to December 16, 2018.

    Recently, former Vice President of India, Venkaiah Naidu also made his visit to Senegal during his three-nation visit. During his visit to Senegal, Naidu signed three MoUs with the West African country to further deepen bilateral partnership in various areas. 

    NEW DELHI: Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V Muraleedharan will go on an official visit to the Republic of Senegal from October 24-25 to participate in the 8th edition of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security.

    During the visit, MoS will address the 8th edition of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security. Being held annually since 2014, the Dakar Forum has become a key event for decision-makers involved in Africa. This is the first time that India is participating in the Forum at a Ministerial level, according to the statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs.

    The participation of MoS in the Dakar Forum underscores the importance that India attaches to the peace, security and developmental issues concerning Africa. The visit is also in line with India’s policy to intensify and deepen its engagement with Africa.

    India and Senegal enjoy warm and friendly relations, sharing common values of democracy and secularism, with strong economic engagement and development cooperation. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established at the Ambassadorial level in 1962, with a resident Indian Mission in Dakar.

    As per DGCIS, Government of India, statistics, Indian exports to Senegal in 2018-19 touched $ 639 mn and imports from Senegal USD 658 million.

    As to the bilateral trade basket, major items of export from India include textiles, food items, automobiles and pharmaceuticals. Major items of import from Senegal are phosphoric acid and raw cashew.

    India’s investment is mainly in construction, tourism, retail, trading, phosphates, pharmaceuticals etc. The largest investment from India in Senegal is in the Industries Chimique du Senegal (ICS). ICS is the flagship company in Senegal which is in the business of manufacturing phosphoric acid from the rock phosphate available in plenty in Senegal. Indian companies viz. Tata Group (Tata Motors, Tata Unitech), Ashok Leyland, Kirloskar Bros, Ajanta Pharma, Sun Pharma, ShapoorjiPallonji, Kalpataru Power Transmission, KEC Ltd., Promac, SenegIndia etc are present in Senegal.

    In order to increase awareness about business opportunities between India and Senegal and to inform about the opportunities available under our LoCs, this mission has organized four business events in Senegal (two in Dakar, one in Kaolack and one in Kedougou) since January 2018. The embassy of India also put up a KVIC Stall in the 27th edition of the annual trade event Dakar International Trade Fair (FIDAK) from November 29, 2018, to December 16, 2018.

    Recently, former Vice President of India, Venkaiah Naidu also made his visit to Senegal during his three-nation visit. During his visit to Senegal, Naidu signed three MoUs with the West African country to further deepen bilateral partnership in various areas. 

  • Modi, Zelenskyy discuss Ukraine conflict; PM says there can be ‘no military solution’

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday and asserted that there can be no military solution to the Ukraine conflict, while also underlining that endangerment of nuclear facilities could have catastrophic consequences.

    During their telephonic conversation, Modi and Zelenskyy discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the prime minister reiterated his call for an early cessation of hostilities and the need to pursue the path of dialogue and diplomacy, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) here.

    Modi expressed his firm conviction that there can be no military solution to the conflict and conveyed India’s readiness to contribute to any peace efforts, the statement said.

    He also reiterated the importance of respecting the UN Charter, International Law, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.

    During his conversation with the Ukrainian president, Modi emphasised the importance India attaches to the safety and security of nuclear installations, including in Ukraine.

    The prime minister underlined that endangerment of nuclear facilities could have far-reaching and catastrophic consequences for public health and the environment, the statement said.

    The two leaders also touched upon important areas of bilateral cooperation, following up on their last meeting in Glasgow in November 2021, it said.

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday and asserted that there can be no military solution to the Ukraine conflict, while also underlining that endangerment of nuclear facilities could have catastrophic consequences.

    During their telephonic conversation, Modi and Zelenskyy discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the prime minister reiterated his call for an early cessation of hostilities and the need to pursue the path of dialogue and diplomacy, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) here.

    Modi expressed his firm conviction that there can be no military solution to the conflict and conveyed India’s readiness to contribute to any peace efforts, the statement said.

    He also reiterated the importance of respecting the UN Charter, International Law, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.

    During his conversation with the Ukrainian president, Modi emphasised the importance India attaches to the safety and security of nuclear installations, including in Ukraine.

    The prime minister underlined that endangerment of nuclear facilities could have far-reaching and catastrophic consequences for public health and the environment, the statement said.

    The two leaders also touched upon important areas of bilateral cooperation, following up on their last meeting in Glasgow in November 2021, it said.

  • External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mexico on three-day visit 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is paying a three-day visit to Mexico beginning Sunday with an aim to boost bilateral cooperation in trade and investment as well as other areas.

    It is Jaishankar’s first visit to Mexico as the external affairs minister.

    At present, Mexico is India’s second-largest trade partner in Latin America and a member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) alongside India for the 2021-22 period.

    Announcing Jaishankar’s visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said he is scheduled to participate in the commemorative events of the 200th anniversary of the consolidation of Mexican Independence, along with other world leaders.

    “In addition to his meeting with Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, he will also call on the President of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

    The external affairs minister will also interact with the leading CEOs and the business community in Mexico,” it said.

    The two-way trade in 2018 was USD 10.155 billion, comprising of exports worth USD 5.231 billion and imports valued at USD 4.923 billion, according to official data.

    India’s exports comprise mainly of vehicles and auto parts, chemicals, aluminium products, electrical machinery and electronic equipment, steel, gems and ceramic product.

    India imports crude oil, electrical goods and machinery from Mexico.

  • India, Australia hold inaugural ‘2+2’ talks to strengthen defence, strategic cooperation

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India and Australia on Saturday began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China’s increasing military assertiveness in the region.

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the inaugural ‘two-plus-two’ talks here with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton.

    The in-person talks are taking place at a time the global focus has been on the situation in Afghanistan and the issue is likely to figure in the deliberations.

    While Singh held wide-ranging discussions with Australian defence minister Dutton on Friday, Jaishankar met foreign minister Payne ahead of the ‘two-plus-two’ dialogue.

    Had a very fruitful discussion with the Defence Minister of Australia, Mr Peter Dutton on the bilateral defence cooperation as well as regional issues.Both of us are keen to work jointly to realize the full potential of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. pic.twitter.com/IDuYWuPObV
    — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 10, 2021
    In their talks, the two defence ministers discussed the fragile security situation in Afghanistan and their “common concerns” relating to the possible spread of terrorism from the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

    The foreign and defence ministerial talks are taking place amid renewed efforts by the Quad member countries to expand cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

    Besides India and Australia, the Quad comprises the US and Japan.

    In an address at an event organised by the Observer Research Organisation, Payne on Friday said the Quad has evolved “swiftly” and very “effectively” and commended India for taking a strong leadership role in the region.

    Talking about “significant challenges” facing the Indo-Pacific, the Australian foreign minister said Canberra seeks a region where rights of large and small countries are respected and that no “single dominant power” dictates the outcome for others.

    Delighted to welcome my good friend FM @MarisePayne of Australia.We now start our discussions. pic.twitter.com/jhI6mwhybM
    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 11, 2021
    The dialogue between the foreign and defence ministers was instituted as part of an overall goal to expand strategic cooperation between the two countries.

    India has such a framework for talks with a very few countries including the US and Japan. The defence and military cooperation between India and Australia is on an upswing in the last few years.

    In June last year, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.

    The Australian Navy was part of the recent Malabar naval exercise that also featured navies of India, the US and Japan.

  • Talk fruitful on defence pact: Rajnath Singh after talks with Australian counterpart

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  Defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Australian counterpart Peter Dutton discussed developments in Afghanistan and spoke of building a robust relationship in a ‘fruitful’ discussion on Friday. Talks took place a day ahead of the maiden ‘two-plus-two’ dialogue between the foreign and defence ministers of the countries.

    “India is committed to building a robust partnership with Australia for security and growth of the entire region. I look forward to working with you, Excellency, to take the India-Australia defence partnership to greater heights,” said Rajnath. Both ministers called for a free, open, inclusive and rule-based Indo-Pacific region which is witnessing Chinese military assertiveness. 

    “Australia and India have tremendous stakes in peace, development and free flow of trade, rules-based order and economic growth in the region,” Rajnath said. He added that they discussed bilateral defence ties and expanding military engagements across services, enhancing defence information sharing and  cooperation in emerging defence technology.

    Sources said Rajnath and Dutton discussed Afghanistan.  “Taliban’s rise raises questions on terror activities, human rights, women and minority rights,” a source said.

    Ind-Aus trade deal on cardsNew Delhi: Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said the trade ministers of both countries are working on an agreement. “Talks are underway for an interim trade agreement following which it will be converted to a full-fledged agreement,” Payne said at an event organised by the Observer Research Foundation. She said India is a proudly democratic country and a leading force in the Indo-Pacific region.

    Af situation of direct concern: India at UNNew Delhi: India’s permanent representative to the UN, TS Tirumurti said New Delhi finds the Afghanistan situation very fragile. “As its immediate neighbour, the situation is of direct concern to us. It’s  important the Taliban adheres to its commitment to not allow the use of the Afghan soil for terrorism,” he said.

  • As always, India will stand with the people of Afghanistan: S Jaishankar to Afghan counterpart 

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday conveyed to his Afghan counterpart Mohammad Hanif Atmar that India will always stand with the people of Afghanistan.

    Jaishankar said the role of neighbours in the Afghan peace process figured in his conversation with Atmar.

    In the telephonic talk, the two foreign ministers discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan following the announcement by the US to withdraw its forces from the conflict-ridden country by September 11.

    In a tweet, Jaishankar described his conversation with Atmar as “good”.

    “Good conversation with FM @MHaneefAtmar of Afghanistan on recent developments. Discussed the role of neighbours in the Afghan peace process. As always, India will stand with the people of Afghanistan,” he said.

    Good conversation with FM @MHaneefAtmar of Afghanistan on recent developments. Discussed the role of neighbours in the Afghan peace process. As always, India will stand with the people of Afghanistan.
    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 17, 2021

    In an address at the Raisina Dialogue on Friday, Jaishankar described the US decision as a “big step” and said it is going to take Afghanistan in a certain direction and that it would be important for the stakeholders to work together to ensure that the direction is the right one.

    In a significant announcement, US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said American troops will leave Afghanistan by September 11 that would coincide with the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on the US in 2001.

    The US has lost more than 2,000 personnel since 2001 in the war that was triggered by the terror attacks carried out by al-Qaeda.

    There have been renewed global efforts to bring lasting peace to Afghanistan.

    ALSO READ | Political settlement in Afghanistan must be inclusive: India after US announces withdrawal of troops

    Russia recently organised a conference in Moscow where all major stakeholders were invited to brainstorm over ways to move forward in the peace process.

    India has been a major stakeholder in the peace and stability in Afghanistan. It has already invested USD two billion in aid and reconstruction activities in the country. India has been supporting a national peace and reconciliation process that is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled.

    Last month, Afghan Foreign Minister Atmar visited India during which Jaishankar conveyed to him India’s long-term commitment towards a peaceful, sovereign and stable Afghanistan.

  • PM Modi leaves for Bangladesh on two-day visit, first foreign tour after pandemic

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Bangladesh on Friday on a two-day visit during which he will take part in a wide range of programmes aimed at furthering cooperation between the two countries.

    ALSO READ | Matua outreach among PM agenda on first trip abroad post pandemic

    “PM @narendramodi emplanes for Dhaka.During his Bangladesh visit he will take part in a wide range of programmes aimed at furthering cooperation with our friendly neighbour,” the PMO tweeted, sharing a picture of Modi boarding the aircraft.

    PM @narendramodi emplanes for Dhaka.During his Bangladesh visit he will take part in a wide range of programmes aimed at furthering cooperation with our friendly neighbour. pic.twitter.com/X5qzwvjFNF
    — PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 26, 2021

    The prime minister had on Thursday said he will hold substantive discussions with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina during the visit, as he expressed happiness that his first foreign tour after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic will be to a friendly neighbouring country with which India shares deep ties.

  • Matua outreach among PM agenda on first trip abroad post pandemic

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he will hold “substantive discussions” with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina during his two-day visit to Bangladesh, as he expressed happiness that his first foreign tour after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic would be to a friendly neighbouring country with which India shares deep ties.

    Modi said he will be visiting Bangladesh on March 26-27 at the invitation of Hasina, and looks forward to his participation at the Bangladesh National Day celebrations on Friday. Noting that Bangladesh’s National Day celebrations will commemorate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Modi, in his departure statement, said “Bangabandhu” was one of the tallest leaders of the last century, whose life and ideals continue to inspire millions.

    “I look forward to visiting Bangabandhu’s Samadhi to pay my respects to his memory,” he said. The PM also said he was looking forward to his interaction with representatives of the Matua community at Orakandi, from where Sri Sri Harichand Thakur disseminated his pious message.

    During his visit, a host of agreements in the fields of trade and investment, oceanography and other sectors would be signed. A number of announcements for enhanced cooperation in sectors like health, railway connectivity, border development and startups are also expected to be made. It is also being widely expected that Modi and Hasina will jointly launch passenger train service between Tripura and Dhaka.

  • S Jaishankar’s three-day Sri Lanka visit from today, likely to meet President, PM

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will begin his three-day Sri Lanka visit from Tuesday where he will interact with the island nation’s top leadership and review bilateral ties between the two countries.“At the invitation of the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Hon’ble Dinesh Gunawardena, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will pay an official visit to Sri Lanka from 5-7 January 2021. He will hold discussions with his counterpart and Sri Lanka’s leadership on the entire gamut of bilateral relations. This will be the first foreign visit by EAM in 2021, and also, the first by a foreign dignitary to Sri Lanka in the New Year,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, adding that “it signifies the priority both countries attach to strengthening their close and cordial relations in all spheres of mutual interest”.

    Jaishankar’s previous visit to Sri Lanka had come November last year immediately after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa assumed office. The visit was seen as an attempt to reset the bilateral ties. President Rajapaksa had also visited India in his first foreign trip after assuming charge.

    During this trip, Jaishankar is likely to meet the Sri Lankan president, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his Sri Lankan counterpart Dinesh Gunawardena.Sources said the foreign minister may also discuss the fishermen’s issue. The visit is also close on the heels of the December 30 virtual meeting of the joint working group on fisheries where talks were held on the arrest of 36 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seizure of their vessels allegedly on charges of poaching.