May 2013

The President of Egypt Dr. Mohamed Morsy visited India from 18 March 2013 to 20 March 2013. He was accompanied by his senior ministers as well as business delegation. It is important to note that bilateral trade between India and Egypt increased in past few years and this stands at 5.5 billion US Dollars. India is also the seventh largest trading partner of Egypt as well as the second largest source of the exports. The cumulative investments of India in Egypt are over 2.5 billion US Dollars.

During the visit of the Egypt’s President, certain deals were signed which are as follows:

MoU on Cooperation in Information and Communication Technology

• This MoU was signed between Indian Minister for Communications & Information Technology, Kapil Sibal and Egyptian Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Atef Helmy.

• In the MoU, certain core areas were identified for cooperation. These included e-education, sharing experiences in creation of Technology Parks and IT clusters, e-governance, IT and electronics hardware as well as strengthening cooperation between ICT companies in private sector.

MoU on Cooperation in the area of Cyber Security

• This MoU was signed between Indian Minister for Communications & Information Technology, Kapil Sibal and Egyptian Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Atef Helmy.

• In the MoU, it was decided that expertise for exchanging the information on different aspects of cyber security would be shared. It was also decided that both the countries would support each other in undertaking right measures for preventing cyber security incidents.

MoU for the establishment of a Centre for Excellence in IT (CEIT) in Egypt

• This MoU was signed between External Affairs Minister of India, Salman Khursid and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, Mohamed K. Amr.

• The MoU signed for establishing Centre for Excellence in IT (CEIT) in Al Azhar University is considered as an important step in meeting the goals of technical and development cooperation between India and Egypt.

• Under this MoU, India will facilitate human resources, hardware as well as software for setting up centre for the training of upto 500 students per year.

• Egypt, on the other hand, will facilitate establishment of centre including the provision of space and logistical support.

MoU on Cooperation in the field of Micro and Small Enterprises

• This MoU was signed between Chairman cum Managing DirectorNational Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), India and Managing DirectorSocial Fund for Development (SFD), Egypt.

• The MoU will help in sharing information, meeting between the enterprises, technology transfers as well as provision of consultation services for enhancing abilities of business enterprises of both the countries.

MoU for cooperation in the fields of Protection, Preservation, Promotion and Management of Cultural Heritage

• This MoU was signed between Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage and Ministry of State for Antiquities Affairs, Arab Republic of Egypt.

• This helps in facilitating joint activities, sharing information as well as exchange of expertise through joint projects, workshops and conferences.

• The MoU will also help in cooperation in the field of protection of intellectual property rights and prevention of illicit traffic of antiquities.

Agreement between the Government of Egypt the Government of India for Upgradation of a Vocational Training Centre at Shourba El Kheima, Cairo, Egypt

• An agreement was signed between the Government of Egypt represented by Industrial Development Authority and the Government and Government of India represented by National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), New Delhi.

• As part of the MoU, NSIC will be upgrading the Vocational Training Centre at Shoubra El Kheima, Cairo especially in the technological upgradation required in the area of spinning, weaving, knitting and dyeing technology.

Letter of Intent on India-Egypt Solar Energy Cooperation

• A Letter of Intent was also signed between Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India and Ministry of Electricity and Energy of Egypt.

• The letter envisages providing 8.8 kilowatt of power using solar energy to 40 households in a village in Siwa located in Martrouh Governorate of Egypt.

Letter of Intent on launch services of the Egyptian Nano Satellite EGYCUBESAT-1 on board the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) by Antrix Cooperation Ltd

This Letter of Intent was signed between Antrix Corporation Ltd., the commercial wing of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Egyptian National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences (NARSS).

INDIA AND BRITAIN

India and Britain in the Month of March 2013 signed a multi-million-pound agreement to support industry and businesses by working together on the commercialisation of research in key areas like energy and healthcare.

The deal is supposed to help build and strengthen links between countries and to build the international partnerships between businesses so vital in today’s global economy.

Highlights of the Deal

• As part of the deal, Global Innovation and Technology Alliance (GITA) sponsored by the Indian government’s Department of Science and Technology and UK’s Technology Strategy Board (TSB) will support UK and Indian businesses and academics in joint R&D and innovation projects over a three-year period.

• The deal is meant for strengthening the UK-India research and innovation partnership.

• The latest agreement is the first-ever international partnership the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), Britain’s government-sponsored innovation agency, has signed outside Europe.

About GITA

GITA, a not-for-profit PPP company, is promoted jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Technology Development Board of the Indian government’s Department of Science and Technology.

India-United Kingdom Summit 2013

The India-UK Summit talks took place in New Delhi during the official visit of British Prime Minister, David Cameron to India. The British Prime Minister was accompanied with his Ministerial colleagues as well as delegation which included largest British trade delegation ever to visit India, i.e., the university Vice Chancellors, leaders of the UK-India CEO Forum and members of Parliament. In the official visit, the progress which was made between the two countries since previous Summit in 2010, was reviewed and discussed. The issues which were discussed included:

Economic Growth and Cooperation

It was found that the trade between India and UK grew at a positive pace since last Summit in 2010. The average growth of the trade in 2010 and 2011 was 23 percent. However, in 2012, the economic climate remained tougher. It was decided that trade and investment between the two countries would be increased. Two-way investment between India and UK since 2010 Summit was also reviewed. It was found that UK was 3rd largest investor in India now and India, on the other hand, was 5th largest investor in UK. It was also additionally found that signature of an Amending Protocol of their Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) in October 2012 provided tax stability to residents of the two countries. It also led to flow of investment, services as well as technology. During the visit, the leaders also had a meeting with the members of the UK-India CEO forum. During the meeting, recommendations in context with advance manufacturing and R&D, education and skills, healthcare, and infrastructure and energy were taken.

The EU-India negotiations were discussed as well. It was found that Free Trade Agreement would help in generation of jobs as well as growth of the two countries. UK extended co-operation with India for development of a new Bengaluru-Mumbai Economic Corridor (BMEC). During the visit, it was also found that co-investment made by both countries in supporting joint research activities increased from 1 million pounds in 2009 to more than 100 million pounds in 2013. It was agreed by the leaders of both the nations that energy security challenge would be faced in a co-operative manner. India and UK during the visit of the UK PM agreed to discuss between relevant agencies working in the field of petroleum conservation in the two countries. It was decided that the two countries would promote joint cooperation through activities where exchanging technology and knowledge would lead to fuel conservation. It was agreed to encourage Indian Public Sector Undertakings and UK oil and gas companies for exploring possibilities of upstream oil and gas sector investment in India, the UK and in third countries. The issue of cyber security was also discussed.

The two nations also agreed to work towards security of nuclear weapons. It was agreed that regular consultations on disarmament and non-proliferation issues would be held. UK Prime Minister David Cameron committed to facilitate India with cutting edge British technology, civil and military, in accordance with the international obligations. International security matters such as conflict in Syria and Iran’s nuclear programme were also discussed during the visit. Both the nations agreed to deepen the existing India-UK strategic consultations on developments in West Asia / Middle East. Establishing a new Joint Working Group was also agreed upon. This was done for regular bilateral dialogue on peace, security and development in Afghanistan.

Other Discussions and Dialogues

The two nations considered the results of India-UK Education Forum meeting which took place on 30 January 2013 in London. India welcomed the British Council’s programme for providing digital English language materials for Indian learners. Both India and UK affirmed welcoming legitimate travellers, including students, tourists, visitors, business people or qualified workers.

INDIA AND UK

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and UK to strengthen their cooperation in Earth Sciences and environmental research on 1 March 2013 in New Delhi. The MoU will allow the two countries to share information on meteorology, hydrology and climate variability.

Major points of the MoU signed:

• The MoU inked between India and UK will allow the two to share information on meteorology, hydrology and climate variability.

• The MoU will also help in promoting exchange of scientific and technical capabilities.

• The MoU will facilitate India and UK to identify new opportunities for collaborative activities as well as co-funding new environmental research.

• The MoU was signed between the Earth System Science Organisation of the Ministry of Earth Sciences and Natural Environment Research Council of UK. Science and Technology Minister of India, S Jaipal Reddy was also present.

The Memorandum of Understanding will help India in improving the forecasting capability of various weather and climate-related phenomena by sharing the expertise and knowledge. This advance forecasting will help people associated with the agriculture sector, which is the main sector of the India’s economy.

INDIA AND SRI LANKA

India and Sri Lanka signed two agreements for fighting against international terrorism as well as avoiding double taxation. The agreements were signed after 8th India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission meeting which was held in New Delhi.

Discussions held during 8th India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission meeting

• The agreements were signed after discussions on cooperation on various areas such as civil nuclear energy and many more. External Affairs Minister led the Indian side in the meeting, while the Sri Lankan side was led by G L Peiris.

• Issue of the fishermen as well as rehabilitation process of the Tamils in Sri Lanka was also discussed during the meeting.

• Apart from this, 13th Amendment of the Lankan constitution which provides autonomy to the provinces was also discussed.

It is important to note that India and Sri Lanka are the largest trade partners of each other in South Asia. After the meeting, it was agreed that a dialogue between the Commerce Secretary of India and Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development of Sri Lanka would be initiated to progress the framework for special economic partnership between these two nations.

INDIA AND REPUBLIC OF PORTUGAL

A Social Security Agreement (SSA) was signed between India and Republic of Portugal on 4 March 2013 at New Delhi. The agreement was signed by Vayalar Ravi, the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Paulo Sacadura Cabral Portas, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs of Portugal. The bilateral social security agreement would help in taking advantage of the emerging employment opportunities and strengthening the trade and investments between the two countries. At present about 75000 Indians are living in Portugal and it includes self-employed people as well as working professionals.

Benefits that Indian nationals working in Portugal will get with the Social Security Agreement

• For short term contract of up to 5 year, no social security contribution should be paid under the Portuguese law by the detached workers, in case they are making their contribution of the social security payment in India.

• In case an employee is sent to Republic of Portugal by an Indian Company from a third company then also the benefits of the agreement will be available to the Indian worker.

• Indian workers shall be entitled to the export of the social security benefit if they relocate to India after the completion of their service in Republic of Portugal.

• The self-employed Indians in Republic of Portugal would also be entitled to export of social security benefit on their relocation to India.

• The period of contribution in one contracting state will be added to the period of contribution in the second contracting state for determining the eligibility for social security benefits.

India has signed the Social Security Agreement with 17 countries of the world and they are Belgium, Germany (Social Insurance), Hungary, Switzerland, France, The Czech Republic, Republic of Korea, Germany (Comprehensive SSA), Luxemburg, The Netherlands, Japan, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Canada, Sweden and Austria.

INDIA AND THE UAE

India and the UAE agreed to improve their trade and investment relations during the first meeting of India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investmentin Abu Dhabi. UAE decided to invest 2 billion dollars in Infrastructure sector projects in India and the two countries decided to work for and support Strategic Oil Reserve in India. The meeting was co-chaired by the Union Minister of Commerce, Industry and Textiles, Anand Sharma and Sheikh Hamid Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court. As a part of the bilateral agreement, Five high level sub committees will be set up to promote investment in infrastructure and energy, trade and investment, manufacturing and technology, Information and communications technology and aviation sectors. India and UAE also decided to work together for third country projects, including Africa aimed at collaborating in the infrastructure sector and oil and gas exploration. The two countries also agreed to put in place Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement(BIPA).

INDIA AND BHUTAN

India and Bhutan on 8 March 2013 signed a currency swap agreement for up to 100 million US dollars to strengthen economic co-operation between both the countries. The currency swap arrangement was signed between the Reserve Bank of India and the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMAB).

Effects of the Agreement signed

• It enables RMAB (Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan to make withdrawals of US dollar, euro or Indian rupee in multiple tranches up to a maximum of 100 million dollars or its equivalent.

• The swap agreement is intended to provide a precaution line of funding for SAARC member countries to meet any balance of payments and liquidity crisis till longer term arrangements are made or if there is need for short-term liquidity due to market turbulence.

• The arrangement would be for a three-year period and would help bring financial stability in the region.

Earlier, In May 2012, RBI had announced it would offer swap facilities aggregating 2 billion dollars, both in foreign currency and Indian rupee, to SAARC member countries — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

May 2013

INDIA-US

The India-U.S.Joint Working Group on UN Peacekeeping held its 10th meeting in Washington. At the meeting, India and the United States advanced a number of goals laid out in the Declaration of Principles the Joint Working Group agreed upon in 2011. The Joint Working Group also continued in-depth consultations on UN peacekeeping issues, and explored an agreement on a set of Principles of India-U.S.

Cooperation in the Area of Training UN Peacekeepers and institutional arrangements between their peacekeeping institutions. India and USA welcomed the open and comprehensive nature of the discussions, and agreed the talks helped advance their shared commitment to supporting and strengthening United Nations peacekeeping operations, and their mutual interest in assuring the success of UN peacekeeping missions. Both nations agreed that the 11th meeting of the Working Group will be held in New Delhi in 2014.

First Triangular India-US-Africa Partnership at Hyderabad

India and the United States inaugurated the first triangular India-US-Africa partnership in agricultural training at the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, for 30 trainees from three African countries – Kenya, Liberia and Malawi. The three-year triangular partnership program aims to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen agricultural value chains, and support market institutions in Kenya, Liberia, and Malawi. Supported by the U.S. Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture of India, and implemented by two of India’s leading agricultural training institutes - National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, and the Chaudhary Charan Singh National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM), Jaipur, the program will train 180 mid-level African Government and private sector agriculture professionals from Kenya, Malawi, and Liberia in agricultural extension practices, agri-business, and agricultural marketing. The training will include classroom sessions, group work, field trips, and interaction with industry experts. After their training, these professionals will go home with new knowledge, skills, and potential innovations to address their domestic challenges in food and nutrition security.

INDIA AND BANGLADESH

India and Bangladesh held the second Joint Consultative Commission meeting in Dhaka. At the end of the meeting, both countries exchanged one strip map as part of the process of the implementation of the agreement signed to resolve land boundary issues between them. In addition, two MOUs were also signed for the construction of a rail link to connect Akhaura in Bangladesh to Agartala in India and for setting up a think-tank to be called Bangladesh-India Foundation. The India-Bangladesh border conflict was a brief armed conflict between India and Bangladesh which took place in April 2011 over the poorly marked international border between the countries. The conflict happened around the village of Padua (known as Pyrdiwah in India), which adjoins the Indian state of Meghalaya and the Timbil area of the Bangladesh border in the Sylhet district. In that area, 6.5 kilometres of the border have remained in dispute for the past 30 years. The India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission is an inter-ministerial body of the two countries headed by the Minister of External Affairs of India and Foreign Minister of Bangladesh. The Commission was established under the Framework Agreement on Cooperation for Development signed by the Prime Ministers of the two countries in September 2011. The Joint Consultative Commission will also the review progress in various sectors of the bilateral relationship, identify thrust areas and give directions for further growth of the bilateral partnership.

The President of India Pranab Mukherjee and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina on 5 March 2013 jointly inaugurated the locomotives and tank wagons being supplied to Bangladesh under the 800 million US Dollar line of credit that was provided by India. The freight train was inaugurated at Dhaka cantonment railway station. The freight train comprised of twenty broad gauge tank wagons, two locomotives and one brake van. Inauguration of the railway wagons as well as locomotives in Dhaka was a part of the implementation of 14 projects which were approved under the 800 million US dollar credit line provided by India to Bangladesh. Out of the total of 14 projects, 12 are the railway projects which encompass four infrastructure development projects as well as eight rolling stock projects, which in turn will be implemented at an overall cost of 629 million US dollars approximately. Bangladesh Railway on the other hand, is making use of the funds for revamping the rolling stock with the purchase of broad gauge latest locomotives, broad gauge tank wagons, brake vans as well as AC coaches. It is important to note that the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee was on a three-day visit to Bangladesh and returned back on 5 March 2013.

The Health Ministers of India and Bangladesh signed a MoU on Health in New Delhi.The salient features of the MoU between India and Bangladesh are as following:

The main areas of cooperation between the two Governments will include the following:

• Exchange of medical doctors, other health professionals and experts:

• Development of human resources.

• Exchange of information on health.

• Medical and health research development.

• Regulations of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and cosmetics.

• Health promotion and disease prevention.

• Fostering cooperation for the development of culturally sensitive and effective public and professional awareness campaign including clinical are practices and best practices guidelines for healthcare providers and caretakers to benefit individuals and families touched by Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities

• Any other area of cooperation as may be mutually decided upon.

Moreover, the cooperation between India and Bangladesh in the fields of health and medical sciences will be promoted through the following means:

• Exchange of scientific materials and information.

• Joint collaboration in the area of research in medical science.

• Institution level cooperation in the field of medical treatment, scientific research and training.

• Exchange of health specialists and professionals.

• Participation of specialists / professionals in seminars, workshops, conferences and meetings to be organized by both the parties.

• Training for doctors and health workers by both the parties in the areas where they have relevant expertise and excellence.

• Other areas of cooperation in the fields of health and medical sciences as mutually agreed upon.”

INDIA & KAZAKHSTAN

India in the month of March 2013 proposed the idea of a hydrocarbon pipeline with Kazakhstan that is intended to bring fuel through a five-nation route. The concept of the pipeline, unveiled could be in future extended to Russia. Officials said currently most hydrocarbon pipelines from Central Asia are on an east-west axis. This pipeline will, like TAPI, be on a north-south axis, providing a new route to South Asia for hydrocarbons extracted from Central Asia.

Significance of the Proposed Pipeline

• The proposed pipeline would cover about 1500 kms (no study has yet been done), thus making it longer than the planned Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline which will serve as the role model.

• It will head from the former Silk Road caravanserai city of Shymkent, known today for oil refining, and enter Uzbekistan.

• From there it will go to Afghanistan and then follow the route to be taken by the TAPI pipeline into India via Pakistan.

• It has the potential to be extended to Russia resolving the headache of transportation that has vexed Indian energy security managers when they scout for hydrocarbon collaboration with Moscow.

India and Kazakhstan also plan to cooperate closely in Afghanistan where New Delhi’s aid model has been appreciated by the Central Asian countries all of whom have a vital stake in stabilising the country.

INDIA & JAPAN

The first India-Japan Maritime Affairs Dialogue was held in New Delhi. Issues of mutual interest were discussed, inter alia, maritime security including non-traditional threats, cooperation in shipping, marine sciences and technology, marine biodiversity and cooperation at various multilateral forums.

The Indian delegation was led by DB Venkatesh Varma, Joint Secretary (Disarmament and International Security Affairs), in the Ministry of External Affairs and the Japanese delegation by Mr. Kazuyuki Yamazaki, Deputy Director General (Ambassador), Foreign Policy Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

INDIA & MAURITIUS

Mauritius celebrated its 45th Independence Day on 12 March 2013. The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee was the chief guest at the 45th Independence Day celebrations of Mauritius.

It is important to note that 12 March 2013 is also iconic for India because it is the anniversary of Dandi March as well.

Apart from being the Chief Guest at the 45th Independence Day of Mauritius, Pranab Mukherjee also visited the World Heritage Site, the Aapravasi Ghat, where Indian labourers first landed. India as well as Mauritius share a mutual interest in various sectors such as science and technology, renewable energy, investment, education, culture and trade.

Mauritius Independence Day- The Origin

Mauritius was first settled in 1638 by the Dutch. Later, it was overtaken by the French in 1715. Even later, it was taken over by the British. Mauritius finally achieved its Independence on 12 March 1968.

Celebrations of the Mauritius Independence Day

Mauritius Independence Day is celebrated with flag hoisting at Champ-de-Mars in Port-Louis, which is followed by speeches of the Government leaders. At the 45th Independence Day of Mauritius, the President of India is the Chief Guest.

INDIA AND AUSTRIA

India and Austria on 5 February 2013 inked a social security pact at Vienna, under which the Indian professionals working in Austria would be exempted from paying the social security contribution of the country, if such payments are already made in India. Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and Austrian Minister for Labour and Social Security, Rudoulf Hundstorfer signed the pact. The pact of social security between the two countries would also boost cooperation of the labour market expansion in Austria, the country that is a home for more than 17000 Indian professionals.

Provisions of the Agreement:

• Indians working in the country on short-term contracts of up to five years are exempted from making social security contribution in Austria if they continue making the payments in India.

• If any Indian worker is sent to Austria by an Indian company from a third country then also he can avail the relief.

• Export of the benefits of social security would be offered to the Indian worker, who relocates to India once his/her service term in Austria ends. The self employed Indians can also carry on the same benefits on relocation to India

India already have inked similar types of agreements with countries like Czech Republic, Belgium, Germany, France, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Hungary, Luxembourg, Denmark, South Korea, Finland, Canada, Norway and Japan. As per the Indian Labour Law, every employer and employee who falls under the umbrella of Employees Provident Fund Act 1952 needs to make contribution towards provident fund. Similarly the mandatory contribution fund in Austria is known as Social Security. Before signing of these agreements, the Indian professionals posted in foreign countries paid social security tax in the countries of their stay although they contributed there part in India.

INDIA & SYRIA

India announced an assistance of 2.5 million US dollars to Syria on 30 January 2013 at the High-level International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria held in Kuwait. Syria continues to face acute crisis as the impasse has become explosive and could engulf the region. India has strongly expressed its concern on the steep escalation of violence and has called upon all sides in Syria particularly the Syrian leadership to abjure violence and resolve all issues peacefully through discussions taking into account the aspirations of the people of Syria. India is extremely concerned about the security situation in Syria and the increasing violence. India considers that the only acceptable way to resolve the internal crisis in Syria is through urgent peaceful negotiations with participation of all parties taking into account the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians.

INDIA AND FRANCE

India and France on 14 February 2013 agreed to strengthen counter terrorism and intelligence cooperation between the two countries during the visit of French President Francois Holllande to India. Both nations exchanged views on a number of bi-lateral, regional and multilateral issues. India and France also reviewed progress on the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project and reiterated our commitment to its early implementation as soon as the commercial and technical negotiations, which have made good progress, are completed. Both the nations also concluded negotiations on the short range surface to Air missile to be co-produced in India. They also agreed on the need to reinvigorate economic engagement between the two countries. Moreover, they had in-depth discussion on the defence cooperation issue including submarines and missiles.

Other Important India-France Agreements

• Both the nations agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of the modernisation of the railway, high speed corridors and network upgradation of railway stations.

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and France’s CNES under the space cooperation programme, jointly identified the means to pursue further cooperation.

• A pact was changed to increase exchanges between the sportspersons, artists, architects, researchers, teachers, students to improve people-to-people contacts.

• The cooperation between various Indian and French educational institutions was finalised.

• MoU was signed between Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and France’s CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

• CFA(Credit Facility Agreement) was signed for the Bangalore Metro Rail Project, Phase-1 between Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance and the French Development Agency(AFD).