current affairs from january to june 2013 bilateral

7/27/2019 Current Affairs From January to June 2013 Bilateral

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2013 Current Affairs Special - Bilateral Affairs

January

First India-US-Africa partnership in Agricultural Training

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, on 6th January 2013 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. The programme is implemented by two of Indias leading agricultural

training institutes includeNational Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE),

Hyderabad, and the Chaudhary Charan Singh National Institute of Agricultural Marketing

(NIAM), Jaipur This 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.

11thPravasiBharatiyaDivasheldatKochiThe Indian Diaspora has made the country proud through the significant contributions that

they have made to the development of the nations which they have chosen to make their

homes. Delivering the valedictory address at the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held at Kochiduring January 7-9, President Pranab Mukherjee said that it is a matter of pride that there are

at least 5 Heads of States and over 70 senior political leaders such as Deputy Heads of State,

Speakers and Ministers in various countries who can trace their roots to India. Addressing on

the occasion, the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Mr. Vayalar Ravi said that Pravasi

Bharatiya Divas has over the years, grown not only in size but also in its contents. Meeting

under the overall theme of Engaging Diaspora-the Indian Growth Story, this year wide-

ranging and interesting discussions were held in various sessions such as the Seminar on NRIs

in the Gulf; on Skill Development; on Heritage and Diaspora; on engaging the young Overseas

Indians; on Indias Growing Soft Power; and on Science, Innovation and Technology. On the

occasion of the centenary year of the Ghadar movement, a stamp was released by the Prime

Minister.

10th meeting of IKIGC held in New Delhi

The 10th meeting of the India-Kazakhstan Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) on Trade,

Economic, Scientific, Technological, Industrial and Cultural was held during 8-9 January 2013

in New Delhi. Dr. M. Veerappa Moily, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, led the delegation

from India. The Kazakh side at the IGC meeting was led by Mr. Bulat Akchulakov, Vice Minister


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of Oil and Gas, Republic of Kazakhstan. The two Ministers signed IGC Protocol after conclusion

of the India-Kazakhstan IGC meeting.

The meeting of the Joint Working Group on cooperation in hydrocarbon sector was held

along with the IGC meeting. The next meeting of the Joint Working Group will be held in

Kazakhstan.

Anand Sharma Called on PM of Mauritius

The Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Anand Sharma, who is on a two day visit to

Mauritius, had a meeting with the Hon. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, the Prime Minister of the

Republic of Mauritius on 9th January, at Port Louis. Mr.Sharma informed the Prime Minister of

Mauritius that there was a need for deepening and diversifying trade and investment ties

between the two countries. Towards this end, he stressed upon the need for making theMauritius India Business Council (MIBC) a robust institutional mechanism for giving a boost to

trade and investment ties by identifying the priority sectors and sectors of engagement. It was

agreed that a Joint Working Group on trade and investment would meet before April, 2013 to

work out the modalities for broadening and deepening the economic engagement between the

two countries.

India, Vietnam signed MoU to Strengthen MSMEs

India and Vietnam on 15th January 2013 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which

is directly meant for building capacity and developing institutional framework and identifying

thrust areas and opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises in Vietnam. The MoU

was signed during the 4 day state visit of Vice President Hamid Ansari to Vietnam.

MaitreeExpress between Kolkata-DhakaRailway officials from India and Bangladesh on 16th January decided to fast track some more

rail links between the two countries. They also decided to study the feasibility of increasing the

frequency of Maitree Express between Kolkata-Dhaka. The three-day inter-government

meeting, which concluded on 17th January, discussed ongoing rail projects and feasibility of a

few more rail connectivity points. For some of the projects, survey has already been completed

while feasibility of new links is to be studied. In the meeting it was decided to expedite the

projects for opening rail links between Akhaura (Bangladesh) Agartala (India), Chilahati

(Bangladesh) Haldibari (India), Shahbazpur (Bangladesh) Mahishashan (India) and Birol

(Bangladesh) Radhikapur (India).

India and UK discussed various issues of mutual interest

UKs Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Lord Green called on Dr. Ashwani Kumar,

Union Minister of Law and Justice, in New Delhi on 16th

January, and discussed various issues


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of mutual interest. Lord Green is on a preparatory mission for the forthcoming visit of UKs

Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron. During the hour-long meeting the two leaders discussed

ways and means for enhancing the Indo-UK business relationship, streamlining of the visa

regime for Indians in the UK, greater cooperation in the fields of science, health and education.

India and Sri Lanka signed two separate agreements

India and Sri Lanka on 22nd January signed two separate agreements on combating

international terrorism and avoidance of double taxation, eyeing elevation of robust bilateral

ties to building of a special economic partnership. The two key accords were signed after the

8th India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission meeting held in New Delhi, discussed enhanced

cooperation in a range of areas including civil nuclear energy. At the meeting, the Indian side

was led by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid while the Lankans were led by his

counterpart G.L. Peiris.

Antony called on the President of Myanmar

Defence Minister A.K. Antony called on the President of Myanmar U Thein Sein in NayPyiTaw,

on 22nd January. Antony conveyed the importance placed by India on enhancement of bilateral

ties in all fields, including defence. He noted that the recent exchanges of visits between both

countries at political and other levels had imparted a new momentum to the bilateral

relationship. In the case of defence in particular, the defence minister noted that the two sides

were working to consolidate ties, in mutual interest of both. The President also assured that

Myanmar will not allow its territory to be used by anti-India insurgent groups. He welcomed

the development of cooperation between the Armed Forces of both sides to deal with

challenges along the land and maritime boundaries between both countries.

India will soon send delegates to Niger

Smt. Panabaka Lakshmi, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas on 22nd January, has

said that India will soon send a delegation of experts to Niger for exploring possibilities of

cooperation between two countries in the hydrocarbon sector. Responding to the proposal of

her counterpart Mr. Foumakore Gado, Minister of Energy and Petroleum of Niger, at a meeting

in New Delhi, Smt Lakshmi said Indian companies are interested to choose exploration blocks

and invest in the oil marketing infrastructure of the country. She also offered to provide

training by PSUs like ONGC, GAIL, IOC to the Nigers hydrocarbon sector personnel.

India, Bangladesh agreed to extradite criminals and terrorists

India and Bangladesh on 29th January signed two landmark agreements to extradite criminals

and terrorists and liberalise the visa regime. Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and his

Bangladesh counterpart, Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir, signed the agreements on the first of the

two-day Home Ministers meeting in Dhaka. If extradition of someone poses a threat to


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national security, either country may refuse the deportation request. No political detainee will

be brought within the purview of the treaty. If a controversy arose during an extradition

process, officials explained, the matter would be settled as per the laws of the country

concerned. The other agreement provides for a friendlier visa regime for Bangladeshis.

India - Australia Joint Ministerial Commission held in New Delhi

The 14th Session of the India - Australia Joint Ministerial Commission convened in New Delhi

on 29th January, 2013. The Commission was co-chaired by Anand Sharma, Minister of

Commerce, Industry and Textiles, India and Dr. Craig Emerson MP, Australian Minister for

Trade and Competitiveness and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Asian Century Policy.

Mr. Sharma and Dr. Emerson emphasised the importance of closer trade and investment

relations as a critical component of the strategic partnership.

The Ministers underlined the importance of a solid institutional framework to facilitate

future growth in bilateral trade and investment. In this context, they highlighted the priority

they placed on the conclusion of a mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Cooperation

Agreement (CECA). The two Ministers have welcomed the launch of the Regional

Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations towards a modern, comprehensive,

high quality, and mutually beneficial regional economic partnership agreement.

India, Spain agreed Cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy

Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister for New and Renewable Energy, on 30th January, met Spanish

delegation led by Ms. Carmen Vela Olmo, Minister of State for Research, Development and

Innovation. Both the leaders agreed to enhance research, cooperation and technologies in the

field of Renewable Energy. Besides, research projects in the area of forecasting of wind power

and fabrication of cost effective solar cells will be considered for financing by the Indian and

Spanish governments.

During the meeting, the two ministers agreed to initiate a second call for research proposals so

as to encourage joint research and development activities between research institutions as well

as industry groups of both the countries. India has the fifth largest wind power installed

capacity in the world. Spain is the 4th largest producer of wind power and is top-ranked

worldwide in terms of photovoltaic solar power capacity. The Solar Platform of Almeria (PSA),

run under the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness is considered one of the

largest and best R&D facilitates for Concentrating Solar Power Technologies.

Indo-Spain Tourism Promotion Forum will be set up

Union Minister for Tourism K. Chiranjeevi held bilateral discussions with Spanish Minister for

Industry, Tourism and Trade, Jose Manuel Soria Lopez in Madrid on 31st January. Both the

countries agreed to set up Indo-Spain Tourism Promotion Forum for building a dialogue


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between the stakeholders of tourism, travel and hospitality industry of India and Spain.

Spanish side showed keen interest to invest in Hotel sector in India which has 100% Foreign

Direct Investment. Both sides emphasized on direct air connectivity between India and Spain.

February

India and Austria inked a social security pact

India and Austria on 5th 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 17,000 Indian professionals.

Union Cabinet approved SPV for the TAPI Pipeline Project

The Union Cabinet gave its approval for formation of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the

Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Pipeline Project and to permit GAIL India Ltd.

to join the SPV on 7th February. The four countries involved in the TAPI Gas pipeline project,

signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement along with a Gas Pipeline Framework Agreement

(GPFA). To accelerate the project, parties have formed the Minister Level Steering Committee

and Technical Working Group (TWO).

Suitable provisions for security and safety of the pipeline have been made in the Inter-

Governmental Agreement (IGA) and Gas Pipeline Framework Agreement (GPFA). The SPV

would take up the Feasibility Study and Design work of the TAPl pipeline to meet the agreed

timelines for the project, as well as search for a consortium lead. GAIL, being a Navratna

Company, is empowered to make an investment of this level for India. GAIL has agreed to

make an investment up to USD 5 million in the proposed SPV that is TAPI Ltd. Based on an 'in-

principle' approval of the Cabinet on 18th May, 2006, India joined the TAP Project in April, 2008

and thereafter, the name of the project stood amended to Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-

India (TAPl) Gas Pipeline Project.

PM of Bhutan visited India

Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley was on the home visit to India from 7-9

February 2013. During his visit to India he met with President of India, Pranab Mukherjee at

Rashtrapati Bhavan, Vice-President, Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, Finance

Minister, P Chidambaram and Foreign Secretary-Ranjan Mathai. His visit was aimed at

improving India-Bhutan bilateral relationship. Thinley is the Prime Minister of the Royal


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Government of Bhutan from 2008, after Bhutan became a democratic country. Bhutan became

the youngest democracy of the world on 6th November 2008.

India and Brazil signed for cooperation steel and mining

The Union Minister of Steel, Beni Prasad Verma recently led a delegation to Brazil to

strengthen cooperation between the two nations in steel and mining. During the visit, a Letter

of Intent (LoI) was signed by the Secretary, Ministry of Steel on behalf of Government of India

and by the Executive Secretary (Mines and Energy) on behalf of the Government of Brazil on

7th February. The LoI inter-alia aims to promote and expand bilateral relations between the

two countries in the mineral sector with focus on strengthening the supply chain for the growth

of the steel industry in both the countries. The Letter of Intent aims to encourage investment

opportunities in iron and steel related businesses by the Indian and the Brazilian companies in

India and Brazil, facilitate exchange of technical know-how in developing the iron and steel

production and other steel related raw materials, including pelletisation plants and other

associated industries.

The Health Ministers of India and Bangladesh signed an MoU

The Health Ministers of India and Bangladesh signed an MoU on Health in New Delhi on 12th

February. While Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare signed on

behalf of Government of India, Dr. A. F. M. Ruhal Haque, Health Minister signed on behalf of

Government of Bangladesh. The salient features of the MoU between India and Bangladesh are

as follows:

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.


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India, Japan to strengthen cooperation in tourism

India and Japan have resolved to strengthen cooperation in tourism sector. This was decided at

a meeting between the visiting Japanese Senior Vice-Minister of Tourism, Mr. Hiroshi Kajiyama

and the Union Tourism Minister K. Chiranjeevi in New Delhi on 12 th February. It was also

decided that both the countries will identify areas for working together and explore new

opportunities in tourism sector especially in the field of human resource development,

exchange of tour operators, investment in the tourism sector and exchange of information

related to tourism sector. There is a strong interest of Japanese Tourists in places connected

with Buddhism in India. JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) has extended loan of

7,331 million Japanese Yen (Rs. 299 crore) for Development of Ajanta Ellora Conservation and

Development Programme Phase II.

Agreement between Indian and French Railways

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Railways,

Government of India and the Socit Nationale des Chemins de Fer Franais (SNCF), the

French National Railways, for Technical cooperation in the field of Railways in New Delhi on 14

February. The MoU was signed by Vinay Mittal, Chairman, Railway Board, from Indian side and

Mr G.Pepy, Chairman and CEO SNCF from the French side. Four areas of cooperation have

been identified in the MoU. These are: 1. High speed and semi-high speed rail; 2. Station

renovation and operations; 3. Modernisation of current operations and infrastructure; 4.

Suburban trains. Under the High Speed Cooperation Programme, the Parties have decided to

carry out jointly an operations and development feasibility project on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad

High-Speed Rail. This project will be funded by SNCF with a support from the French Ministry

of Finance. The MoU is valid for a period of 5 years and is extendable by one year with mutual

consent.

India and France agreed to strengthen cooperation

India and France on 14th February 2013 agreed to strengthen counter terrorism and

intelligence cooperation between the two countries during the visit of French President Francois

Hollande 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.

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.


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Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and France's National Centre for Space Studies

(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)

Canada Tourism Minister called on Chiranjeevi

Maxime Bernier, Minister of Tourism, Canada called on Union Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi in

New Delhi on 26th February. Both sides resolved to strengthen cooperation in tourism sector. It

was also decided that both the countries will identify areas for working together and explore

new opportunities in tourism sector especially in the field of human resource development,

exchange of tour operators, investment in the tourism sector and exchange of information

related to tourism sector. The possibility of signing an agreement/MoU between India and

Canada was also discussed.

March

An MoU signed between 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 1st March, 2013 in New Delhi.

The MoU will allow the two countries to share information on meteorology, hydrology and

climate variability. This MoU will allow the two countries to share information on meteorology,

hydrology and climate variability. The MoU will also help in promoting exchange of scientific

and technical capabilities. 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.

India proposed a hydrocarbon pipeline with Kazakhstan

India has proposed the idea of a hydrocarbon pipeline with Kazakhstan that would bring fuel

through a five-nation route. India unveiled the concept of the pipeline, which in future could be

extended to Russia, during a meeting between External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and


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his visiting Kazakh counterpart Erlan Idrissov in New Delhi on 6 March. The proposed pipeline

would cover about 1,500 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.

The Foreign Minister of Portugal, visited India

The Foreign Minister of Portugal, Paulo de Sacadura Cabral Portas visited India. This was his

first official visit. Paulo de Sacadura Cabral Portas was accompanied by Minister of State for

Culture of Portugal and a business delegation. The minister visited Goa and Mumbai with the

delegation. During his visit, the Foreign Minister of Portugal held discussions with the Indias

External Affairs Minister, Salman Khurshid. India and Portugal discussed bilateral, regional and

global issues during the visit.

SSA was signed between India and Portugal

A Social Security Agreement (SSA) was signed between India and Portugal on 4 th March 2013

at New Delhi. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar

Ravi and Minister of State of Foreign Affairs of Portugal Paulo Sacadura Cabral Portas. 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. India has signed the SSAs 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 Bhutan signed a currency swap agreement

India and Bhutan on 8th March 2013 signed a currency swap agreement for up to US $ 100

million to strengthen economic cooperation between two countries. The currency swap

arrangement was signed between the Reserve Bank of India and the Royal Monetary Authority

of Bhutan (RMAB).The Agreement enables RMAB to make withdrawals of US dollar, Euro or

Indian rupee in multiple tranches up to a maximum of US $ 100 million or its equivalent.

Britain and India clinched a multi-million-pound agreement

Britain and India on 14th March have clinched a multi-million-pound agreement to support

industry and businesses by working together on the commercialization of research in key areas

like energy and healthcare. As part of the deal, Global Innovation and Technology Alliance

(GITA) sponsored by the Indian governments Department of Science and Technology and UKs

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 latest agreement is the first-ever

international partnership the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), Britains government-


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sponsored innovation agency, has signed outside Europe. 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 governments Department of Science and Technology.

India, Egypt ink 7 pacts and MoUs to boost talksIn a bid to deepen ties and strengthen economic bonds, India and Egypt on 19th March signed

seven key pacts, including one on cyber security, after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi held bilateral talks in New Delhi. The two leaders also

agreed to enhance cooperation in defence and at international forums like UN. Underlining that

India and Egypt have enormous potential for deepening cooperation across the full spectrum of

ties, Singh said economic partnership has rich possibilities.

22nd Executive Committee Meeting of the PPD held in UgandaThe Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad met Edward Ssekandi,

Vice President of the Republic of Uganda on 25 th March, 2013 during his visit to Kampala,

Uganda to chair the 22nd Executive Committee Meeting of the Partners in Population and

Development (PPD), an alliance of 25 member countries from Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Recalling the close and historical ties between the two countries, both the dignitaries stressed

upon the need to further strengthen and deepen bilateral cooperation during the meeting. The

Vice President recalled his very recent visit to India, stating that he was very well received

then and was able to appreciate the advances made by India in fields such as telecom,

petrochemicals and health and medicine. He stated that not only people from Uganda but also

from developed countries were now traveling to India for health care.

7th annual IndiaJapan Strategic Dialogue held in Japan

External Affairs Minister of India, Salman Khurshid visited Japan on 26-27 March, 2013 to co-

chair the 7th Annual IndiaJapan Strategic Dialogue with the Japanese Foreign Minister. Both

nations reviewed all aspects of the India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership including

bilateral, regional and international issues.

First meeting of South Australia-India Council held in Adelaide

South Australia on 25th March rolled out a 10-year strategy to enhance trade ties with India by

holding its first meeting of South Australia-India Council in Adelaide. State Trade Minister Tom

Kenyon said the strategy identified key sectors of the economy that could take advantage of

India's rapid development and create local jobs. The council is being supported by an India

team within the Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy

(DMITRE).


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India and Liechtenstein signed a TIEA

India and Liechtenstein have signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) on 28 th

March at Bern, Switzerland. The Agreement was signed by Ms Chitra Narayanan, Indian

Ambassador in Switzerland from Indian side and Madame Doris Frick, Ambassador of

Liechtenstein in Switzerland on behalf of Liechtenstein.

Salient features of the agreement (TIEA) with Liechtenstein are

It is based on international standard of transparency and exchange of information.

Information must be foreseeable relevant to the administration and enforcement of the

domestic laws of the Contracting Parties concerning taxes covered by the agreement.

There is a specific provision that the requested party shall use its information gatheringmeasures to obtain the requested information even though that party may not need such

information for its own tax purposes.There is a specific provision for providing banking and

ownership information. The agreement provides for the representatives of the competent

authority of the requesting Party to enter the territory of the requested party to interview

individuals and examine records.

The Agreement has specific provisions for protecting the confidentiality of the information

obtained under the Agreement. Information is to be treated as secret and can be disclosed to

only specified person or authorities, which are tax authorities or its oversight body. However,

the information may be used for other purposes with the express consent of the Competent

Authority of the supplying State.The Agreement shall enter into force one month from the

later of the notification. On entering into force, information can be exchanged if it pertains to

taxable periods beginning on or after 1st April, 2013. The Agreement provides for the

exchange of documents or information created in or derived from a date preceding 1st April,

2013, that are foresee ably relevant to a request relating to tax years beginning on or after

1st April, 2013.

India-Zimbabwe JTC Meeting held in Zimbabwe

The Union Minister for Commerce, Industry and Textiles Anand Sharma on 29th March met the

Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Mr. Morgan Tsvangirai during his visit to Harare for the India-

Zimbabwe Joint Trade Committee (JTC) Meeting. Sharma briefed the Zimbabwean Prime

Minister on the fruitful discussions held at previous day between the two sides in the JTC

meeting. Sharma informed the Prime Minister of Zimbabwe that India has offered various

capacity building programmes, including scholarships and dedicated courses in bamboo craft

development and handicrafts, that Lines of Credit (LOC) proposals worth US $ 400 million from


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the Zimbabwean side will be considered and Zimbabwe could also avail the Buyers Credit

Scheme and the pilot 2 % Interest subvention scheme for projects in Zimbabwe.

April

India and Singapore signed a new MoU

India and Singapore on 2nd April 2013 signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on

bilateral air services arrangement during the visit of Civil Aviation Minister, Ajit Singh to

Singapore. It rationalizes the capacity entitlements of both countries in terms of seats per

week in each direction with a route specific cap for Singapore on each route. The MoU also

enhances, by 10%, the capacity entitlement with India now entitled to operate 29,400 weekly

passenger seats from India to Singapore and the designated airlines of Singapore entitled to

operate 28,700 weekly passenger seats from Singapore to India.

A Treaty was signed between India and Azerbaijan

A Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters was signed between India and

Azerbaijan on 4th April, 2013 in New Delhi. The Treaty was signed by Sushilkumar Shinde,

Home Minister, on behalf of the Republic of India and by Mr.Fikrat Mammadov, Minister of

Justice, on behalf of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

India and Tanzania signed a LoI

Government of India and the Government of Tanzania signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on 6th

April 2013 at De res Salaam during the visit of Union Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma to the

latter. The LoI aims to promote and expand bilateral relations between the two countries in the

mineral sector with focus on strengthening supply chain for growth of the steel industry in both

the countries. LoI aims that both the Governments jointly work for developing the steel

industry and exchange technically qualified manpower for sustainable growth of iron and steel

industry.

India and Russia signed a Regulation

The Government of India and Government of Russian Federation have signed on 10 th April,

2013 in Moscow a Regulation defining the structure, functions and procedure of the Joint

Commission which has been established by an Agreement signed on 21st December, 2010 in

New Delhi in the field of Emergency Management. The agreement will enable both the

countries to help each other in the field of prevention and elimination of the consequences of

emergency situations. It will further strengthen the bond of friendship between the two

countries and enhance the Indo-Russian Cooperation.


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I&B Ministers of India and Bangladesh met on 11 April

Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Manish Tewari on 11th April met the Bangladesh

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr. Hasanul Haq Inu in Nerw Delhi and had

extensive discussions on critical issues related to Information and Broadcasting Sector. During

the discussions, both the Ministers agreed to consider a joint collaboration for production of a

mega film depicting the War of Liberation.

In this context, it was agreed to work towards a roadmap to finalize the proposal shortly. The

Information Minister of Bangladesh also requested that the Government of India could consider

providing the names of the soldiers who had laid down their lives during the War of Liberation.

During the discussions, both the Ministers also agreed to explore the possibility of setting up of

a Joint Working Group on the critical sectors of the Information and Broadcasting domain. The

Working Group would provide a roadmap for future collaborations between the two countries.

The Bangladesh Information Minister also requested the Minister for Information and

Broadcasting to facilitate the down linking of Bangladesh TV Channels through the private

distribution network.

India and Germany inked six key MoUs

India and Germany on 11th April inked six key MoUs including that for putting together US $ 7

million for next four years towards joint research in the field of Higher Education and a pact for

a soft loan of US $ 1 billion for strengthening the green energy corridor. A pact to promote

German as a foreign language was also signed by the two sides following the 2nd round of

inter-governmental consultations in Berlin. A pact regarding the establishment of green energy

corridor was also signed besides one in agriculture and establishment of a working group in

infrastructure, cooperation in standardization, conformity assessment and product safety.

Under the pact for the green energy corridor, the grid system in several states will be used to

transmit energy produced by renewable and non-conventional means. Another pact for India-

German civil security research was also signed.

Two MoUs were signed between India and GermanyA Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of Higher Education and a

Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) regarding Promotion of German as a Foreign Language in

India. The MoUs were signed on 11th April by the Human Resource Development Minister, Dr.

M.M. Pallam Raju at the 2nd Inter Governmantal Consultations held at Berlin. The HRM is

accompanying the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh during his visit to Germany. The MoU

chiefly supports a new jointly funded programme entitled Indo-German Strategic Partnerships

in Higher Education


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(IGSP) to intensify institutional linkages and to open up new and innovative areas of

cooperation.

India and Mauritius signed an MoU

India and Mauritius have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi on 12 th

April, for cooperation in the field of election management and administration. The MoU was

signed by the Chief Election Commissioner of India, V.S. Sampath and the Electoral

Commissioner of Mauritius, Mr. Mohammad Irfan Abdool Rahman. Election Commissioners of

India, H. S. Brahma and Dr. Nasim Zaidi; diplomats and senior officials of the Election

Commission of India and Government of India were present at the signing ceremony. The

major aims of MoU are - promotion of exchanges of knowledge and experience in electoral

processes; exchange of information, materials, expertise and training of personnel; production

and distribution of materials pertaining to electoral systems, voting technology, voters

education and awareness, and participation of women and minorities in electoral

process. Election Commission of India has so far signed seventeen MOUs with Election

Management Bodies and international organizations across the world.

May

India-Seychelles Joint Commission Meeting held in New Delhi

The eighth India-Seychelles Joint Commission Meeting was held on 8th May 2013 in New

Delhi. The Joint Commission exchanged views on bilateral, regional and international matters

of mutual interest during the meet. Review of the ongoing cooperation between the two

nations in different fields was also done and views were exchanged for expanding and

strengthening the perimeter of the cooperation between the two sides.

Salman Khurshid, paid an official visit to the China

External Affairs Minister, Salman Khurshid paid an official visit to the Peoples Republic of China

on 9 -10 May 2013. The two nations discussed bilateral, regional and global issues of concern

to both sides. They also discussed the proposed visit to India of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.India and China also discussed Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor and

regional trading arrangement. They also discussed their recent problem on the Line of

Actual Control during this visit. Both countries signed a new protocol to enhance cooperation

between their foreign ministries, while working on a mechanism to step up coordination for

providing timely information to the media.


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India and Netherlands signed an MoU

India and Netherlands signed an MoU on Technical Cooperation in the field of Spatial Planning,

Water Management, and Mobility Management at The Hague, on 14th May 2013 during the visit

of Kamal Nath, the Minister for Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs. The MoU will

enable greater cooperation in the areas of - spatial planning, urban and regional planning and

development and architecture, water management in terms of water supply and sanitation and

governance structures, transport management and transport systems and infrastructure, and

energy-efficient and sustainable built forms.

India signed the 5th IBSA Womens Forum Resolution

Minister for Women and Child Development Krishna Tirath on 16 May, signed the fifth India

Brazil South Africa (IBSA) Womens Forum resolution in New Delhi. Also signing the resolution

were Lulama Xingwana, Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities Republic of

South Africa, and Maria do Carmo Godinho Delgado, Secretary of Evaluation of Policies and

Economic Autonomy of Women, on behalf of the Minister, Chief of the Secretariat of Policies for

Women, Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil. The joint resolution stated that the

three countries are committed to recognising the key role of government with the support of

civil society.

MoU was signed between India and UK

India and UK have signed an MoU on cooperation in the field of health sector on 19th

May 2013at Geneva. The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Secretary

of State for Health, UK, Jeremy Richard Hunt signed on the agreement.

The main areas identified for cooperation in the MOU include:

1. Promoting exchange on healthcare policy in India and the UK; 2). Human resources for

Health; 3). Regulatory issues; 4). Health technology development: 5). Primary healthcare; 6).

Strengthening of public infrastructure and capacity; 7). Health security, including cooperation

on infectious diseases, emerging infections and drug resistance.

The Department for International Development (DFID) of the UK would work with India for this

project. The priority for DFID and Government of India partnership is improvement of maternal

and child health and reducing the burden of communicable diseases.

India and the US to expand co-operation in knowledge sector

India and the US decided to expand co-operation in knowledge sector on 16th May 2013. This

was announced during a round table discussion on Advances in US-India Academic Partnership

in Washington. It was also stated during the discussion that eight more awards finalized under

the Singh-Obama Knowledge Initiative and jointly announced during the Indo-US strategic


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dialogue in New Delhi. Eight such awards were announced last year. There is a proposal to

place young Indian faculty in best of US institutions to enhance their capabilities. Under this

plan 126 post-doctorals have been selected. India sought US cooperation in promoting skill

building through community colleges. Touching upon the possibilities of a wide ranging co-operation in education sector between the two countries, the co-operation should be

supportive in the field of ICT, digital world, promoting quality research, innovation and

boosting vocational education system. US $ 20 billion of additional resources will be pumped in

the state system to ensure access and excellence in tertiary education through National Higher

Education Mission (RUSA in Hindi). The round table was organised by Washington-based

International Institute of Education to discuss the issues such as collaboration in the field of

Community Colleges and promoting massive online courses and Technology Enabled Education.

It also discussed students mobility, particularly encouraging US students to visit India. India

and USA also discussed issued relating to improvement of school education, teacher educators,

assessment of schools and community participation in school education.

A bilateral meeting between India and Switzerland

A bilateral meeting between Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, India, Ghulam Nabi

Azad and Minister of Health Switzerland, Alain Berset, was concluded on 20 th May 2013 at

Geneva. The meeting was held on the sidelines of World Health Assembly at Geneva. The aim

of the meeting was to give further impetus to cooperation in the field of healthcare. In the

meeting, it was exuded that Switzerland will extend full support to India on global platforms inorder to carry forward the pursuits of providing high quality generic medicines at affordable

prices.

2nd US-India Homeland Security Dialogue held in Washington

The second US-India Homeland Security Dialogue was held in Washington on 21st May

2013. At the end of the dialogue, the two nations reaffirmed the commitment to, and

importance of, bilateral homeland security cooperation between the US and India on common

challenges faced such as terrorism, and countering violent extremism. It was decided to

strengthen the global strategic partnership between the United States and India on issues

ranging from cyber-security and megacity policing, to counterterrorism and countering violent

extremism.

India and USA reaffirmed the commitment of the two nations to work cooperatively on

law enforcement issues, to combat common threats, improve bilateral cooperation through the

development and application of innovative technology, combat the flow of illicit finances and

currency counterfeiting, and to work closely to counter terrorism and promote cyber-security.

In May 2011, the first Homeland security dialogue between India and USA was held in India.


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China's new premier Li Keqiang visited India

China's new premier Li Keqiang visited India on his first foreign trip to the country ever since

taking his office in March 2013. The four day tour lasted from 19 - 22 May, 2013. Both the

countries are looking for speeding up their efforts to settle a decades-old border dispute and

strengthen economic ties. The leaders of both the countries had a thorough exchange of views

on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common interest in a sincere and

cordial atmosphere and reached broad consensus.

Here is the list of documents signed during the visit of Li Keqian

1) Protocol between Indian and China on Indian Official Pilgrimage (the Kailash Mansarovar

Yatra) to the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. With the signing of protocol, both the

countries have agreed to conduct the Yatra every year from May to September.

2) Agreement on Work Programmes of the Three Working Groups under Joint Economic Group

between Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India and China. The three working groups

under the Joint Economic Group are: i) Services Trade Promotion Working Group ii) Economic

and Trade Planning Cooperation iii) Trade Statistical Analysis.

3) MoU on Buffalo Meat, Fishery Products and Agreement on Feed and Feed Ingredients

between Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority of India and

China. It is directly aimed at strengthening mutual cooperation in trade and safety of buffalo

meat, fishery products and feed and feed ingredients, and to meet the regulatory requirements

with respect to safety, hygiene and quarantine, and is also supposed to deal with the growing

trade deficit between the two countries.

4) MoU between the Ministry of Urban Development of India and National Development and

Reform Commission of China on Cooperation in the field of Sewage Treatment, will enhance

cooperation in the field of Sewage Treatment and ideas and knowledge sharing in the areas of

mutual interest in the urban sectors.

5) MoU between the Ministry of Water Resources of India and The National Development and

Reform Commission of China on Cooperation in the field of Water Efficient Irrigation directly

aims at enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of water efficient technology with

applicability in the area of agriculture and exchange of best practices.

6) MoU between the India and the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and

Television of China on Cooperation in Mutual Translation and Publication of classic and

contemporary works enables formation of a Joint Working Group which will coordinate

translation and publication of 25 books of Classic and Contemporary Works of each side over a

period of 5 years in to Chinese and Indian languages respectively.


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7) MoU between the Ministry of Water Resources of the India and the Ministry of Water

Resources of China upon Provision of Hydrological Information of the Yaluzangbu

/Brahmaputra River in Flood Season by China to India supposes china to provide India with

information of water level, discharge and rainfall at 8:00 hrs and 20:00 hrs (Beijing Time),twice a day from 1 June to 15 October each day in respect of three hydrological stations on the

mainstream Brahmaputra river.

8) Agreement between the Ministry of External Affairs, of India and the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs, of China to facilitate cooperation and linkages between Indian and Chinese cities and

states/provinces. With this, both the sides agreed to identify sister cities and sister

states/provinces in India and China with a view to establishingrelationships between them in

areas of mutual interest for enhancing greater people to people contacts.

Manmohan attended 2013 Annual Summit of the Prime Ministers

The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had an Official Working Visit to Japan on 27-30 May 2013

for the Annual Summit of the Prime Ministers at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Japan,

Mr. Shinzo Abe. The two Prime Ministers held extensive talks on bilateral, regional and global

issues on 29th May 2013 in Tokyo. Applauding the commemorative events held to celebrate the

60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in

2012, the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed that India and Japan, as the two largest democracies

in Asia sharing such universal values as freedom, democracy and rule of law, enjoy very close

and wide-ranging relations.

Prime Minister Abe reaffirmed that Japan would continue its Official Development Assistance at

a substantial level to encourage Indias efforts towards social and economic development,

including in the area of infrastructure and human resource development. The two Prime

Ministers welcomed the signing of the Exchange of Notes for yen loan totaling 71 billion yen

for the "Mumbai Metro Line-III Project, as well as the yen loan of the fiscal year 2012 totaling

353.106 billion yen for eight projects.

Prime Minister Singh appreciated the pledge by Prime Minister Abe for the Campus

Development Project of Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (Phase 2) for 17.7 billion

yen and the "Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Programme for 13 billion yen. The two Prime

Ministers welcomed the signing of the Agreement between India and Japan on Social Security

in November 2012 and directed their relevant authorities in the governments to work towards

its early entry into force.

The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress in cooperation of creative

industries and welcomed the successful launch of the Indian Design Mark developed by the

India Design Council and the Japan Institute of Design Promotion. The two Prime Ministers


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noted with satisfaction the progress in implementation of the Western Dedicated Freight

Corridor (DFC).

India and Thailand signed a treaty

India and Thailand have signed a treaty for the extradition of runaways wanted for terrorism,

transnational crimes, economic offences and other serious crimes, which will shortly eliminate

a safe refuge for criminals wanted in India and Thailand, on 30th May 2013. The extradition

treaty between India and Thailand was signed during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's first

bilateral visit to Thailand. The treaty will help both the countries in expedited extradition of

fugitives. This Treaty would further strengthen the relationship between two law enforcement

agencies by providing a firm legal basis for their bilateral cooperation.

7th Regional Pravasi Bhartiya Divas to be held at SydneyThe Union Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Vayalar Ravi on 30th May announced that the 7th

Regional Pravasi Bhartiya Divas to be held at Sydney, Australia from 10-12 November, 2013.

He said that Sydney is the most important commercial city in Australia, and has a large Indian

community. It is the best location on the Eastern sea board of Australia in terms of

connectivity with New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. The theme of this event is Connecting

for a Shared Future The Indian Diaspora, India and The Pacific.

The Regional PBD conventions are organized by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs

with the collaboration of the host Government, the Indian Mission, prominent Overseas Indians

and Organizations catering to the needs of the Indian Diaspora. It is a flagship event of the

Ministry, which provides a platform to Origin (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), in the

process of their engagement with the Government and people of India, for charting mutually

beneficial partnerships.

PM paid an Official Visit to Thailand from 30-31 May

At the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime

Minister Manmohan Singh paid an official visit to Thailand on 30 and 31 May 2013. He was

accompanied by the Minister of External Affairs, a high level official and media delegation.The

Prime Minister of India presented a sapling of the sacred Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya as a special

gift to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej as a symbol of the shared cultural heritage

between India and Thailand.The official talks between Thailand and India were held on 30th

May 2013 in a warm, cordial and friendly atmosphere, reflecting the excellent bilateral

relations and friendship that exist between the two countries.

The following agreements were signed during the visit:

Extradition Treaty.


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MoU on establishment of Hindi Chair at Thammasat University.

MoU on establishment of the Thailand-India Exchange Programme.

MoU between Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency of Thailand andSurvey of India for cooperation in the field of Mapping and Geospatial Technology Applications.

MoU between Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, Thailand and

National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization, India for cooperation in the field of

Mapping and Geospatial Technology Applications.

MoU between Financial Intelligence Unit, India, and Anti Money Laundering Organization,

Thailand, on Cooperation in the exchange of Financial Intelligence related to Money Laundering

and Terrorism Financing.

June

CCI and ACCC signed an MoU

Competition Commission of India (CCI) and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

(ACCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation at Canberra,

Australia. The MOU was signed by Ashok Chawla, Chairperson, CCI and Rod Sims, Chairman,

ACCC on 3rd June, 2013. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of the State Minister

of Corporate Affairs Mr. Sachin Pilot. The MOU provides for sharing information on significantdevelopments in competition policy and enforcement developments in the respective

jurisdictions. It is recognized that it may be in common interest of both the parties to work

together in technical cooperation activities as well as cooperate in appropriate cases,

consistent with the respective enforcement interests, legal constraints, and available

resources.

India and Germany signed an umbrella agreement

India and Germany signed an umbrella agreement on financial and technical cooperation in

fields of energy, environment and management of natural resources on 6th June. This

agreement displays the commitment of both nations towards strengthening the long-standing

partnership between the two in field of development co-operation. Earlier, India and Germany

had negotiated about 723 million Euros worth projects in 2012 as part of a pact on

development cooperation between them.

India offered 150 m Dollars credit to Myanmar

India offered US $ 150 million credit to Myanmar for establishing a Special Economic Zone at

Sittwe in Myanmar on 8th June 2013. The funds will be allocated from the Buyer's Credit

Scheme under National Export Insurance Account. The offer was made at a meeting of the


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Commerce and Industry Minister, Anand Sharma with the Myanmar President U Thein Sein

recently in Nay Pyi Taw. Cooperation in energy sector also came up for discussion during the

meeting. India appreciated the Myanmar Governments decision to allow United Bank of India

to set up a representative office in Myanmar. Bank of India and State Bank of India would alsobe permitted to operate in the country.

Indo-Russian INDRA 2013 is scheduled

Indo-Russian INDRA 2013 military exercise is scheduled to take place in October 2013 at

Mahajan field firing range of Rajasthan in India. The joint Military exercise will involve over 250

servicemen from the Eastern Military District and the same number of troops will be involved

from the Indian armed forces. There will be a practice of joint planning and execution of anti-

terrorist missions and leading intelligence activities by the serviceman. In year 2012, The

Indo-Russian Joint Military Exercise Indra 2012 was held from August 7-16, at Burduny

training range in the Siberian Republic of Buryatia in Russia. The two countries have already

conducted six INDRA-series joint drills since 2003.

India and Britain signed a pact

India and Britain have signed a pact to provide a framework for strategic and technical

cooperation between the two countries on evidence informed healthcare policy and

practice. The MoU was signed by Department of Health Research (DHR) Secretary V.M. Katoch

and UK-based National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Chief Executive Andrew

Dillon in London on 14th June, 2013. The MoU followed the signature of an overarching health

agreement between UK and India at the World Health Assembly, Geneva, by the health

ministers of the two countries. The pact aims at bringing modern health technology to people

by encouraging innovations in diagnostics, treatment methods and disease prevention.

Salman Khurshid, was on a two-day visit to Iraq

Salman Khurshid, the Union External Affairs Minister was on a two-day visit to Iraq during 19-

20 June 2013. This is the first visit of any Minister from Indian to Iraq after 23 years in the

war-raved country. The two nations discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interests including

import of oil for energy security along with the avenues of partnership. During his visit,

Khurshid met with the Prime Minister of Iraq Nouri al-Maliki and his counterpart Hoshyar

Zebari.

John Kerry completed his India visit

The Secretary of State of the United States, John Kerry completed his India visit on 25 th June

2013. He was on three-day visit to India from 23rd June 2013 to 25th June 2013. He reached

New Delhi along with his delegates on 23rd June 2013. This was his first visit to India as a

Secretary of State of the United States.


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k hi d ti

India and Turkey have agreed to enhance their cooperation

India and Turkey have agreed to enhance their cooperation in the field of renewable

energy. This was decided at a meeting held between the Turkish Energy Minister Mr. Taner

Yildiz and Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New and Renewable Energy at Ankara on 27 th June.

Dr. Abdullah is visiting Turkey along with a high level delegation to explore greater

opportunities for cooperation and collaboration between Indian and Turkey. He also dwelt on

the success of the wind programme as well as the significant cost reductions in solar energy

through the Jawahar Lal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). It imports over 90% of its oil,

gas and fossil fuel requirement.

current affairs from january to june 2013 bilateral

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