international sep 16 to sep 22

8/10/2019 International Sep 16 to Sep 22

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Notes by vineetpunnoose on www.kiwipaper.com

Content

BJP seeks devolution of powers 1

Sri Lanka to sign FTA with China 1

Setback in polls for Rajapaksa-led alliance 2

'G20 wants Putin to face up to outrage over Ukraine' 2

Neither warmongers nor wimps 2

Buffer zone agreed on in Ukrainian peace talks 4

Xi's Visit: Dawn of a New Era? 5

PLA Asserts as Modi-Xi Jinping Talk 8

Transcript of Prime Minister's Interaction with Chinese media organizations 10

English rendering of the Remarks by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at th 13

Shri Javadekar meets Mr Cai Fuchao, Chinese Minister IFFI Goa to showcase 14

Statement by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee to the media on 14

Text of the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh's Address at the Sixth 15

India, China Sign MOU & Action Plan to Enhance Cooperation in Railway Secto 16

Syria condemns U.S. anti-terror coalition 17

Obama's Syrian dilemma 17

US Congress approves Obama's plan to train Syrian rebels 18

Modi confident of India-US strategic alliance 19


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Content

Ebola a threat to peace and security, needs 20 times more assistance: 19

US calls Ebola a looming threat to global security, steps up relief m 20

UNSC to hold emergency meeting on Ebola 20

For an Indian pivot in the Ebola fight 20

A vote to watch in Scotland 22

Scottish regions bursting with 'Yes' enthusiasm 22

Dhaka to push for resolution on pending issues 23

Khaleda Zia goes on trial on corruption charges 23

Bangladesh empowers parliament to impeach judges 23

Xi visit to set a new mark in India-China ties 24

Life after Xi 24

Non-tariff barriers, a thorn in India-China business ties 25

India-China pacts likely to bring in $100 billion 26

Analysts laud Modi's tough talk on incursions 27

More Chinese soldiers intrude into Chumar through different point 27

Combining candour with warmth 28

Modi, Xi hold talks; India conveys concern over incursions 28

Xi visit a success, but border stand-off a dampener: experts 29


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Content

China buoyed by 'important consensus' 29

China, India should take strategic ties to higher plane: Xi 29

Talking trade and peace with China 30

'India's foreign policy will buttress stand-alone ties with China' 32

Xi's visit a defining moment in India-China ties 32

A historic opportunity 33

India, China vow to pursue early solution to border issue 33

India awaits outcome of process initiated by Modi on Chinese incursions 34

China for regional response as blasts rock Xinjiang 35

Afghanistan's presidential rivals sign power deal 35

Afghanistan's presidential rivals sign power-sharing deal 36

Interview with Australia's PM Tony Abbott 37

Modi to meet Netanyahu at UNGA 38

GMR announces finalisation of PDA on Upper Karnali Hydro Power Project 39

GMR to build Nepal's largest hydro power plant 39

South Asia facing new threats of terrorism: Rajnath 40

Post-Ladakh, China to focus on resolving border row 40

Modi talks tough on Ladakh incursions 41


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Content

Xi announces new route to Kailash-Mansarovar 41

Fiji turns the page 41

Fiji goes to polls after 8 years of military rule 42

'Nalanda varsity must put Bihar on international education map' 43

Towards an Asian century of prosperity 43

Leapfrog growth 44

When the Scots have their say 45

Holding out 46

War without end 46

A jihadist by any other name? 48

Foreign ground troops not necessary in fight against Islamic State: Iraq 49

Iran rules out cooperating with US in Iraq 50

Healthcare takes biggest hit as conflict intensifies in Iraq 50

UN reports fall in development assistance from donor countries 51

U.S. House approves Obama's Syria strike plan 51

Kurds head to Syria from Turkey to fight IS 52

Rouhani terms US led anti-ISIS coalition "ridiculous" 52

Modi's Neighbourhood Initiative 53


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Content

African nations sign agreements to conserve water 56

The return of the Eagle in West Asia 56

With agreement on prices, India and Pakistan set to seal gas deal 57

China's fledgling shale gas sector 58

Partners in Washington's 'Pivot' 58

Reason for Bhutan's happy face 59


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Notes by vineetpunnoose on www.kiwipaper.com Page 1

BJP seeks devolution of powers Sun, Sep 21, 201413th amendment, The Hindu, international, Sri Lanka,

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has urged Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa

to resume talks with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA),

"Many in Sri Lanka, including those in the government agree that the Northern Province

Chief Minister [C.V. Wigneswaran] is a reasonable person but in reality, he is not able

to function,

On the fisheries issue, the BJP leaders sought early release of the Indian trawlers seized

and kept in Sri Lankan custody, a statement released by the BJP following the meeting

said.

While Sri Lanka demanded an end to the use of bottom-trawling technique, which is

banned on the island, it would be difficult for the fishermen to switch to a different

method overnight, the BJP leader said adding there were historic reasons for the fishermento have "inherited the technique."

Sri Lanka to sign FTA with China Tue, Sep 16, 2014The Hindu, international, Sri Lanka, China,

Beijing and Colombo are expected to firm up a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Sri Lanka will also join China's efforts in the 21st Silk Road trade cooperation,

During his visit, Mr. Xi will visit the site of a $1.4-billion port city development project,Beijing's latest investment in Sri Lanka, adjoining Colombo's commercial port, which

is also funded by China. Sri Lanka and China set to sign 20 major agreements, including

the FTA. As many as 21 agreements worth $1.6 billion in loans are also to be signed

during Mr. Xi's visit, Export and Import (Exim) Bank of China announced recently.

Since Sri Lanka's civil war ended in 2009, China has been heavily investing in

infrastructure, including ports, expressways, an airport and a power plant amounting

to $4 billion, according to Chinese state media reports.

While Sri Lanka and India have an FTA since 2000, India has been negotiating a

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with its neighbour.

China has been a vocal supporter of Sri Lanka at the Human Rights Council, backing

the island by voting against a U.S.-sponsored resolution calling for an international

probe into Colombo's rights record


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Setback in polls for Rajapaksa-led alliance Sun, Sep 21, 2014The Hindu, international, Sri Lanka,

Sri Lanka's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), led by President MahindaRajpaksa, won Saturday's provincial polls in the Sinhala-majority Uva Province by a

narrow margin, signalling an apparent setback to the ruling alliance despite the victory.

The alliance secured 19 seats, including two bonus seats, six less compared to the 25

it held in its last term. The United National Party (UNP), Sri Lanka's main Opposition,

secured 13 seats while the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) won 2 seats.

the results declared on Sunday pointed to a closer contest between the ruling UPFA

and the UNP, which has secured six more seats from the last poll in 2009.

The province is home to a small percentage of Tamils of Indian origin, who are employed

largely in tea and rubber estates across Badulla and Monaragala.

'G20 wants Putin to face up to outrage over Ukraine' Sun, Sep 21, 2014g20, russia, The Hindu, Ukraine, international,

Australia on Sunday said there was no consensus on locking Russian President Vladimir

Putin out of the upcoming G20 Summit in Brisbane, but there was a shared view that

he ought to attend to face up to the outrage over Ukraine.

"I've taken soundings and countries are determined to ensure that the G20 remains thepremier economic forum for global issues and there is a view that President Putin should

turn up and face the international condemnation for its behaviour in relation to Ukraine,"

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said on ABC Radio .

The G20 Finance Ministers, central bankers, business leaders and civil society groups

gathered in Cairns are discussing ways to achieve the bloc's target of raising gross

domestic product by at least 2 per cent over the next five years. It estimates that doing

so would contribute more than 2 trillion dollars to world GDP and create millions of

jobs.

Neither warmongers nor wimps Fri, Sep 19, 2014The Hindu, Ukraine, international, Russia,

More than two decades after the end of the Cold War, it is clear to everybody that

Europe cannot afford to remain divided and indecisive in a conflict at its own doorstep.

The shooting down in July of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over the Ukraine, widely


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believed to be by Russia-backed rebels, brought back memories of war to a continent

that liked to believe that the age of wars -- in this part of the world -- is over.

ike many other European countries, the Netherlands depends on Russian oil and gas

imports for much of its energy needs and has one of the highest trade deficits with

Russia. For Italy and Germany too, Russia is an important commercial partner and gas

supplier.

That's one part of the problem. The other is that the relationship between the EU and

Russia has not delivered on the promise of a genuine partnership that seemed to be

possible after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Mr. Putin is "obsessed with an imaginary threat from an ageing, pacifist Europe in slow

decline."

The majority of the people in the Ukraine want a European-style democracy, rule of

law and free market economy. The Kremlin has understood very well that this is a threatto Putin's authoritarian and corrupt regime,

Mr. Putin, like his Soviet predecessors, might have decided to avoid necessary economic

reforms because they could destroy his authoritarian system.

The EU has taken the right decision to impose strict economic sanctions on Russia as

a reaction to the Crimean crisis. Under the leadership of Ms. Merkel, Europe stands

united in a major security crisis for the first time and it proves those critics wrong who

prematurely assumed that "a shaken EU makes no real effort to confront Russia over

Ukraine."

Economic sanctions can only be one part of an overall strategy towards Russia. The

role of the military is another element that needs to be reflected on. While the European

public is largely pacifist as a result of two devastating wars in the 20th century,

policymakers must be aware that "European values" become an empty phrase if nothing

follows in case of their violation.

In Germany, things are even more complicated because national interest hardly counts

as a relevant element of foreign policy. Therefore, every action has to be justified on

moral grounds.

As a result, everybody who suggests an element of military deterrence in a Europeanstrategy towards Moscow, risks being labelled as "warmongering."

Apart from Russia's aggression against the Ukraine and Mr. Putin's plan for a

neo-imperialist "Novorossiya" ("New Russia"), there are several "frozen" conflicts in

South Eastern Europe and the Caucasus that remain unresolved and represent a continuing

risk of military conflict: South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Transnistria, to


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name just a few.

Europe sees the invasion of Crimea and Russia's interference in the Ukraine as a breach

of international law and Russia's obligations of the Budapest Memorandum.

For everybody who lived in Germany before and after the fall of the Berlin wall, thisis a mind-boggling return of "the enemy in the East."

Buffer zone agreed on in Ukrainian peace talks Sat, Sep 20, 2014The Hindu, Ukraine, international, Russia,

Negotiators in Ukrainian peace talks agreed on early Saturday to create a buffer zone

between government troops and pro-Russian militants by halting their advances, pulling

back heavy weapons and withdrawing foreign fighters in order to ensure a stable truce

in eastern Ukraine.

The deal reached by representatives of Ukraine, Russia, the Moscow-backed rebels and

the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe marks an effort to add substance

to a cease-fire agreement that was signed on Sept. 5 but has been frequently broken by

clashes.

The memorandum also envisages the withdrawal of "all foreign armed units and weapons,

as well as militants and mercenaries" a diplomatic reference to Russians fighting

alongside the rebels.

Ukraine and the West have accused Russia of fuelling the insurgency in eastern Ukraine

with weapons and soldiers. Moscow has denied that, saying that Russians who joined

the mutiny did so as private citizens.

The agreement reached on Saturday could be a significant step forward if it is adhered

to, but negotiators have not yet addressed the most difficult issue the future status of

the rebel regions.

The insurgency in the mostly Russian-speaking Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern

Ukraine flared up after the ouster of Ukraine's former pro-Russian president in February

and Russia's annexation of Crimea the following month.

In April, the rebels seized government buildings in the two provinces and declared themindependent. They fought government troops to a standstill in five months of fighting

that have killed more than 3,000 people and devastated the regions that formed Ukraine's

industrial heartland.

The Ukrainian crisis has pushed Russia-West relations to their lowest point since the

Cold War. Faced with several rounds of Western sanctions that badly hurt the Russian


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economy, Russia's President Vladimir Putin has pushed for a peace deal that would

ease Western pressure while protecting Moscow's interests in Ukraine.

Xi's Visit: Dawn of a New Era? Tue, Sep 16, 2014IDSA, international, china,

Modi is mindful about China's hefts that outstripped those of India many folds and he

also knows Beijing has carefully positioned itself in Asia. Any revival would be more

rewarding, but a complex relationship he inherits, it will not be simple. The key strategy

therefore is no antagonism, no containment, not even competition but to catch up with

China even if it means to copy from Chinese propensities and strengths.

The Chinese understand strategic gamble well. In the past, China was troubled by the

Indo-Soviet nexus, and later it feared a possible India-US-Japan axis. China took India

seriously in its strategic calculation only after the Pokhran test (1998). Indian diplomatsnoted that Beijing showed keen interests after New Delhi moved closer to Washington

(2005).

Beijing may try to assuage the impact of India's growing ties with Japan. The balancing

act is good because despite friend Shinzo Abe promises, Japan Inc, though they love

the idea of India, will be loath to do business in India, as they know the pitfalls.

Most Chinese remained cagey about Modi's predecessor who remained cordial to

Beijing throughout but hobnobbed closely with Washington. This time, Beijing probably

wants to nip in the bud - a reason why President Xi sent his Foreign Minister Wang Yi

to New Delhi within weeks of Modi assuming office.

he Chinese investors well versed with Modi's reformist traits, his economic model and

urge for laying infrastructure to propel growth - all akin to China's model - are surely

tempted. President Xi is coming with big-ticket investment plans possibly $100 billion

to help rapidly upgrade Indian industry, infrastructure and railways. If Japan offers

better industrial technology, China offers immense market for Indian companies that

should cut India's enormous trade deficit with China now touching about $35 billion.

China sees its long-time friend Pakistan is in deep mess and its misdeeds might even

engulf China in a vortex of terrorism. In comparison, Beijing sees a goldmine of

opportunity in India, economically and strategically.

On a more serious note, Beijing planners seem unable to overlook the post-Afghan

scenario and the new threat of expanding the Islamic Caliphate up to China . Xinjiang

is already a hotbed of terrorism. A full-blown Jihadi suicide-bombings culture has

penetrated from across the Af-Pak region now. Like from India, Chinese citizens are

fighting alongside ISIS in Iraq. Their returning with possible chemical and biological


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weapon knowhow could create havoc in China and India. The irony for China is that

Premier Li Keqiang vowed to build an economic corridor the 'One Belt and One Road',

described by Pakistanis as "a monument of the century" to spur economic boom in

Xinjiang is turning out to be a corridor for opening the floodgate of Jihadis into China.

Islamabad promises to control the flow, but ironically Islamabad is unable to sway holdover a quarter of its own territory - now under the Taliban control.

The geopolitical complexities in which boundary intrigues evolved i.e., from personality

clashes, mutual dislikes, ideological antagonism and external impetus et al no longer

exist.

Both China and India need to realize that notion of a boundary never existed between

two civilizations devoid of any conflict over four thousand years of history and if any,

they were customary at best, which united rather than divided the two.

To be sure, the British frontier strategists created ambiguity. In their boundary-making

exercises (1846 - 1890) they oscillated between a maximalist forward approach pursued

by WH Johnson (1865), John Ardgah (1897), and a moderate policy adopted by Mc

Cartney (1986), Viceroy Elgin (1898) and Calude Mac Donald (1899). In this, the threat

of Russian advance dictated British policies. The forward school pushed up boundary

north of Karakoram and ostensibly tried to seek buffer against Russia in Sinkiang.

A generation of Indians has tried to live down the tragedy, but the humiliation of 1962

defeat still lingers in the national psyche as paranoia. In fact, a shift in thinking was

long overdue. The pragmatists though favoured 'let go of the forever foe' approach,

for they have realized that the real problem may have little do with China but largely

to our own self-caused actions or inactions.

Irrespective of progress on the boundary settlement, challenges for India on China front

will remain numerous and complex. These include:

Peristence of the 'fear factor' that prevents the Indian establishment and its military

move anywhere close to the LAC in all the sectors defined after 1962. By putting

restriction on border patrol, set under the Limit of Patrols (LOP) post-1977, India

consciously vacated areas supposedly inside the Indian LAC thus allowing the PLA to

feely encroach into Ladakh territory. Sadly, Indian troops on the front, manned by

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), are not only limited in their mandate but also lack

expertise. Worse, ITBP troops lack surveillance equipments for monitoring key petrolpoints. The contrast remains stark on the other side. In another contrast, the PLA purely

depends on motor vehicle and horses for their mobility. By contrast, Indian forces march

patrolling areas on foot.

Policy Recommendations

China always casts a shadow over India's international standing and its ability to act


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as a legitimate player even in the South Asian region. Clearly, the boundary issue,

China's suspicion over Tibet, China's use of Pakistan as proxy against India, et al has

become fixated in India-China relations. These should fast become non-issues, because

they only help to sustain the misperception and perpetuate mistrust. India-China hyperbole

needs deflation. Bloated rhetoric hearing from media and strategic commentators fromboth sides are fine occasionally, but the real question is whether they serve the best

interests. India and China has several areas to work together, from international trade

to climate change, over which the interests converge. Possibly additional areas of

convergence need exploration. It should include over-arching common threat of global

Climate Change, tackling natural disasters, fighting terrorism and other emerging global

imperatives. More than any time in the past decades, India and China may confront the

danger of extremism and sectarianism, a prospect with large ramifications across the

region. The stakes are indeed high for the two big civilizations. Of course, both will be

loath to join the West to fight against ISIS. But cooperation with India is needed. It is

here that the prospects for persuading China to alter the patterns in Pakistan, if not

rethink its Pakistan policy, may be seriously undertaken. Of course, Sino-Pak relations

are equally complex. Beijing had gambled with the friend for decades by heavily creating

strategic assets in Pakistan. India's National Security Advisor (NSA) has rightly

highlighted the point to President Xi that the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), where

the Chinese have large presence, is fast becoming a stronghold of terrorist outfits that

would ultimately push Jihadis across the border into India and China. The key issue

still remains Tibet. The Dalai Lama is now willing to settle for living under the Chinese

constitution, if it guarantees space for Tibetan culture. A sensible proposition though.

The onus is upon China to rethink. Time is running out for Beijing; any restitution plan

is possible only during the current Dalai Lama's lifetime. The stakes are high as problem

transcends borders. To be sure, neither China nor India should desire radicalization of

the Himalayas - not an impossible prospect though. Strangely, China and India never

explored the idea of improving connectivity through roads and railway lines that could

potentially alter economic landscape and benefit millions. The easy flow of goods could

boost trade and narrow down the trade deficit. China might propose several concepts

along the "Silk-Route" including the Maritime Silk Road. Here India should quickly

respond by offering "Spice Route" in opposite direction. On the economic front, India

cannot build its economy and infrastructure based on insecurity. From this perspective,

the targeted scrutiny and restrictions against Chinese state-owned enterprises such as

in telecom sectors look entirely logical. This is one of the sticking points. Other countries

have welcomed Chinese state enterprises in core sectors like electricity networks andports building. They are subject only to investment regulatory approval. India needs a

relook on this issue. India should push for a multiple pilgrimage corridors across the

Himalayan ranges to access the Kailash and Manasarovar, supremely sacred for billions

of Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. They could serve as engines of economic growth for

the people living in the region. This is also imperative of promoting a brand of sustainable

cultural tourism. Conversely, India is sitting atop millennia-old tourist mines. The


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Buddha-Industry alone could transform the lives of millions, providing lucrative career

options to its youth. The followers of Shakyamuni (400-500 million already) link their

spiritual destinies to India. Tangible actions are required not just for market import but

also for staging India's soft-power lever. In fact, China is grabbing the leadership role

of Buddhism for its geopolitical end. India cannot afford to lose its ancient wisdomtool. Of course, both India and China require a synergy for a nuanced and adept policy

pursuit in this regard. While talking to President Xi, Modi should seek China's support

for India reaching out to wider Eurasian space the access of which has so far been

blocked by Pakistan. A way out could be to promote a regional market across the border,

woven by a web of spiritual and commercial interests. Once viewed as absurd, the idea

of India-China jointly cooperating in Central Asia could soon become a reality. Opening

the Himalayan door could benefit India but delay could risk serious ramifications against

China's increasing quest for Eurasian strategic minerals and water resources. Finally,

coordinated policies are essential to mitigate the environmental challenges. Both India

and China have little to gain from increased militarizing in the Himalayas where impact

of climate change could cause greater devastation in the medium and long-term. No

longer should the Himalayas be used as a card game. Instead, the time has come to

jointly save the shared ecosystem for common benefits. Gradual glacial attrition means

water scarcity. The case of Brahmaputra's planned diversion by China has raised some

eyebrows in India. Here again the solution lies in culture than in politics. Just as the

Mt. Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva, the Shuomatan Point or Brahmaputra's U-Bend

is the home of Vajra Yogini - a sacred deity, worshipped by millions in both India and

China. Eventually water, environment and culture would become the keystone of policy

planning.

PLA Asserts as Modi-Xi Jinping Talk Mon, Sep 22, 2014IDSA, international, China,

Despite the Chinese President's message to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to

back off, the stand-off continued. The intruders had to be confronted with show of force

by an Indian infantry battalion. So far this year there have been an unprecedented 335

transgressions across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) by the PLA.

PM Modi expressed 'serious concern over repeated incidents along the border'. He

pointed out that 'clarification' - or demarcation - of the LAC would enhance 'efforts

to maintain peace and tranquillity'. In turn, President Xi Jinping said China is determined

to 'work with India through friendly consultations to settle the boundary question at

an early date,' and to 'maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas' till the dispute

is resolved.

Mutual economic dependence is growing rapidly. Bilateral trade is now worth US$ 65

billion and is expected to cross US$ 80 billion by 2017 - even though the balance of


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trade is heavily skewed in China's favour. India and China have been cooperating in

international fora like the WTO and climate change negotiations. Limited cooperation

has taken place in energy security. However, China's political, diplomatic and military

aggressiveness at the tactical level is acting as a dampener for the further normalisation

of the relationship.

Prolonged negotiations have been conducted at the political level to resolve the

long-standing territorial and boundary dispute. The Special Representatives of the two

Prime Ministers have met seventeen times. However, there has been little progress on

this sensitive issue. The fragile security relationship has the potential to act as a spoiler

and will ultimately determine whether the two Asian giants will clash or cooperate for

mutual gains.

China either denies Visas to the residents of Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir

or issues stapled Visas to them on the grounds that these are disputed territories.

China's behaviour is in keeping with its recent military assertiveness in the disputed

island territories of the East China Sea and the South China Sea. Clearly, the current

Chinese leadership has discarded Deng Xiaoping's 24-Character Strategy: "Observe

calmly; secure our position; cope with affairs calmly; hide our capacities and bide our

time; be good at maintaining a low profile; and never claim leadership."

China continues to be in physical occupation of large areas of Indian territory. On the

Aksai Chin plateau in Ladakh, China is in physical possession of approximately 38,000

sq km of Indian territory since the mid-1950s. In addition, Pakistan illegally ceded

5,180 sq km of territory in the Gilgit-Baltistan area of Jammu and Kashmir to China

in 1963 in the Shaksgam Valley, north of the Siachen Glacier, under a bilateral boundaryagreement. China continues to stake its claim to about 96,000 sq km of Indian territory

in Arunachal Pradesh, which it calls Southern Tibet. Chinese interlocutors claim that

the Tawang Tract, in particular, is part of Tibet and that the merger of this area with

Tibet is non-negotiable. China's official position is that the reunification of Chinese

territories is a sacred duty for the PLA.

Major incidents in the recent past include those at Depsang near Daulat Beg Oldie in

April-May 2013; and, Chumar and Demchok in September 2014. There was an armed

clash at Nathu La in 1967 and a prolonged standoff at Wang Dung in 1986. Hence,

though the probability of conflict is low, its possibility cannot be ruled out.

Early demarcation of the LAC without prejudice to each other's position on the territorial

dispute would be an excellent confidence building measure. China's intransigence in

exchanging maps showing the alignment of the LAC in the western and the eastern

sectors is neither understandable nor condonable.

The military gap between Indian and China is growing steadily as the PLA is modernising


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at a rapid pace and India's military modernisation plans remain mired in red tape. China

is also steadily upgrading the military infrastructure in Tibet to enable rapid deployment.

Transcript of Prime Minister's Interaction with Chinese media organizations Tue, Sep 16, 2014PIB, international, China,

Question:

China regards India as a natural co-operative partner. The Chinese government views

China-India relations as one of its diplomatic priorities. Hon'ble Prime Minister, I

would like to hear from you, in the future, what can the two countries do to make the

relationship an even closer one?

I think that the special and unique nature of India-China relations rests in the fact that

India and China are bound by history and connected by culture. India and China both

have rich traditions. India and China today constitute almost 35% of the world's

population. From a purely arithmetic point of view, the betterment of 35% of the world's

population and eradication of poverty; that they decide to work together will open big

gates for progress and development in the world. It will not take long for the rest 65%

to rise as well. Arithmetically, if 35% of the world's population was to work together

and to improve the economic conditions of its people through poverty alleviation

method; then not only will 35% of the world's population grow enormously, but this

will also lift very speedily the rest 65% of the world's population. If you go back 300

years into history, the largest GDP contribution in the world used to come from India

and China, who together contributed more than half of the world's GDP. Not only from

the perspective of arithmetic, India and China also have common chemistry. Whenever

India and China have worked and grown together, this has also led to the development

and economic prosperity of the world. You would have heard that in India, we call

sugar in Hindi as 'cheeni'. It is not known as 'cheeni' for nothing. It is because of the

Chinese technology that we were able to refine the sugar and make it pure and hence

the people of India, started calling sugar as 'cheeni'. There is a history of deep ties

between our people and between our countries. The arithmetic and chemistry of our

relations convinced me that together we can script history and create a better tomorrow

for all of mankind.

Question:

China has launched new Silk Route initiative in recent years. Will the New Silk Route

be an opportunity or threat to India in future?

Prime Minister:

The ancient trade routes in Asia included the Silk Route, the Spice Route and many


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other such routes. These were the channels of vibrant trade in the region and beyond

and anchor of Asia prosperity. As important, these routes promoted the exchange of

ideas, cultures, art, religion and spiritualism. India, which was at the centre of several

of these trade routes, shared its age-old wisdom with societies along these routes. You

are very well aware of the spread of message of peace of Lord Buddha through theancient Silk Route. It left a lasting impression on the Chinese civilisation. India also

benefited from Chinese technology such as sugar refining. It is for this reason that sugar

in India is called Cheeni. Successful revival of the ancient trade routes require not only

physical connectivity and requisite infrastructure, but even more important, a climate

of peace, stability, mutual trust and respect, support for mutual prosperity and free flow

of commerce and ideas. I believe that the re-emergence of the natural trading routes

would make a major contribution to building a prosperous Asia in this century.

Question:

What do you think China and India can do together to promote peace and developmentin Asia and the world as a whole?

Prime Minister:

India and China are two ancient civilisations that have contributed much to this world

through the ages. Today, we are the world's two most populous countries and its two

largest emerging economies. The simultaneous transformation of our two countries, on

a scale and at a speed that probably is unprecedented in history, provides enormous

opportunities for our two countries to reinforce each other's growth and, at the same

time, sustain Asia's economic resurgence and advance prosperity in the region. We can

do this by further strengthening our strategic communication; enhancing mutual trustand confidence; showing sensitivity to each other's concerns and interests; continuing

to maintain a climate of peace, stability and tranquillity in our relations; and, seizing

the opportunities for bilateral cooperation and international partnership.

Question:

Mr. Prime Minister, Now the whole world recognizes you as a strong, practical, and

decisive leader of India. China has high expectations of improvement in relations with

India since you took office in May. Your government also attaches high importance to

dealing with neighbouring countries.

How would you re-define the Indo-China relations in the 21st century, especially in

current world situation? What's your blueprint or road map to develop the bilateral

relations in your 5 years term? In the election campaign, you have blamed the previous

government for lacking the capacity to implement various promises; such as those on

foreign policy. How do you propose to make a difference on upgrading India-China

relations to a higher plane?


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Prime Minister:

You have raised several important questions.

My government also attaches high priority to relations with China. China is our largestneighbour. Relations between neighbours are always of special importance to each

country, because their destinies are inter-linked. That is why I have also placed special

emphasis on India's neighbourhood. But, I don't see our relations with China only as a

neighbour, with which we have had millennia old contacts. China is important for the

future of this region and the world.

There is a consensus that 21st century is Asia's century. If we look back in history,

India and China had accounted for over 50% of global GDP about 300 years ago. We

were the main sources of technology and ideas in the world. Our two civilisations have

shown tremendous resilience and are now once again important centres of economic

growth and innovation. The centre of economic gravity is shifting towards Asia. As Isaid, the transformation of the lives of 2.5 billion people is a phenomenon of great

significance for the region and the world. Besides, in our inter-connected and

inter-dependent world, all countries stand to benefit through enhanced cooperation.

We seek a closer developmental partnership. India can benefit from China's strength

in hardware such as creation of infrastructure and development of our manufacturing

sector. These are the areas where India wants to make rapid progress. On the other

hand, India's strength in software can help Chinese companies to become more efficient

and competitive. It offers opportunity for Indian companies to export services to China.

With joint efforts, we can strengthen our economic partnership. Enhanced tourismbetween us would help to increase people-to-people understanding. We can both benefit

from a stronger regional and international partnership between our two countries.

I am also committed to realising India's full potential as also the promise of our

international partnerships through appropriate policies and timely implementation of

our national and international commitments. I want to create an enabling environment

in India that unleashes the enterprise and energy of our people and fully harnesses the

benefits of international partnerships.

For enhancing and further strengthening bilateral relations, we should show mutual

sensitivity to each other's concerns and aspirations, follow the principle of mutual andequal security, seek closer developmental partnership and enhance people-to-people

exchanges to create better understanding. I am looking forward to deepening our

engagement across the full spectrum of our bilateral relations, but also seeking progress

on issues of concern, because resolution of these issues will transform the atmosphere

in our relations and allow us to realise the full potential of our relations.

Question:


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In the formal invitation presented to Chinese President Xi Jinping by National Security

Adviser Ajit Doval, you invited Mr. Xi to visit Gujarat. The one reason we know is

that Gujarat is your home state. Are there other special reasons or meanings for visiting

there?

Prime Minister:

It is my effort that when foreign leaders visit India, they should also have opportunity

to see places other than New Delhi. It will give them a fuller idea of India and its

diversity. Relations between nations, especially large ones like India and China, should

not be placed in the narrow confines of capital cities and major metropolitan centres.

China's connection with Gujarat is very old. In ancient days, there were vibrant trade

relations between Gujarat and China. Chinese Monk Xuan Zang had spent a long time

in Gujarat. In present day, many Chinese businesses have established manufacturing

units in Gujarat and vice-versa. Chinese leaders have expressed interest in visiting

Gujarat as they wish to understand the "Gujarat Model" of economic and social

development.

I just wanted to say one final thing. I would like to give a new terminology to my

tomorrow's meeting with the Chinese President. I call it "Inch towards Miles". INCH

that is "India-China"; towards MILES that is- "Millennium of Exceptional Synergy".

I believe that tomorrow's meeting will mark a happy beginning towards this goal of

"Inch towards Miles".

English rendering of the Remarks by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at th Thu, Sep 18, 2014PIB, international, China,

China is our largest neighour, and India's neighbourhood occupies a special place in

my national development plans and foreign policy

Therefore, a climate of mutual trust and confidence; respect for each other's sensitivities

and concerns; and, peace and stability in our relations and along our borders are essential

for us to realize the enormous potential in our relations.

I have invited Chinese investments in India's infrastructure and manufacturing sectors

and spoke about our new policies and administrative steps in this area.

am pleased with the agreements on two Chinese industrial parks in India and a commitment

to realize about 20 billion U.S. dollars of Chinese investments in the next five years.

We will begin the process of discussions on civil nuclear energy cooperation that will

bolster our broader cooperation on energy security.


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On behalf of the people of India, I thank President Xi for opening a new route through

Nathu-La to Kailash Mansarovar. This will be in addition to the existing route through

Uttarakhand.

. It makes Kailash Mansarovar accessible by a motorable road, which is especially

beneficial to the older pilgrims. It offers a safer alternative in the rainy season, makes

the pilgrimage shorter in duration, and will enable a much higher number of pilgrims

to go there.

I raised our serious concern over repeated incidents along the border. We agreed that

peace and tranquility in the border region constitutes an essential foundation for mutual

trust and confidence and for realizing the full potential of our relationship. This is an

important understanding, which should be observed diligently. While our border related

agreements and confidence building measures have worked well, I also suggested that

clarification of Line of Actual Control would greatly contribute to our efforts to maintain

peace and tranquility and requested President Xi to resume the stalled process ofclarifying the LAC. We should also seek an early settlement of the boundary question.

. We both understand that India and China have a shared interest in a peaceful and

stable region, including peace, stability and prosperity Afghanistan.

We discussed regional connectivity and the proposal for the Bangladesh, China, India

and Myanmar Economic Corridor. Located at the crossroads of Asia, India believes

that reconnecting Asia is important for its collective prosperity.

Shri Javadekar meets Mr Cai Fuchao, Chinese Minister IFFI Goa to showcase Thu, Sep 18, 2014PIB, international, entertainment, china,

India and China have agreed that the Joint Working Group established to promote

facilitation in the film sector would meet on the sidelines of IFFI 2014 at Goa.

Statement by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee to the media on Thu, Sep 18, 2014PIB, international, Vietnam,

. I visited the Tran Quoc Pagoda where a Bodhi tree planted by our first President

Rajendra Prasad in 1959 is flourishing as a wonderful symbol of the strength anddurability of our friendship with the people of Vietnam.

We concluded seven Agreements/MoUs and released a Joint Communique, which will

provide the institutional framework for mutually beneficial exchanges.

Our Strategic Partnership, established in 2007, is marked by a high degree of trust.

Today our security and defence cooperation is robust and growing. We are helping


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them in training and capacity building. We are providing Line of Credit of 100 million

USD for purchase of some critical equipment.

Vietnam's economic growth and development over the last two decades has been

impressive. There is great scope to expand and diversify our trade exchanges. We have

set a new target of USD 15 billion worth of trade by 2020. The Vietnamese side has

promised that they will provide a favourable environment for further investments from

India.

We expect business partnerships and joint ventures to grow in the area of infrastructure,

agro-processing, textiles, agro-chemicals, manufacturing, hydrocarbons, energy

Jet Airways will commence direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City from Mumbai from 5

November 2014 and Vietnam Airlines will fly to India in early 2015.

Text of the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh's Address at the Sixth Fri, Sep 19, 2014PIB, international, Nepal,

We then agreed to finalise the text of a Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year

and implement "the vision of a phased and planned process, eventually leading to a

South Asian Economic Union" . This was the cherished dream of our then Prime Minister

Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who even spoke of establishing a South Asian Monetary

Union.

A major issue that concerns us all is terrorism , which is driven by internal, regional

and international factors, within and across national boundaries. There was sea changein the strategic environment in our neighbourhood with the emergence of a new

dispensation in Afghanistan following the terrorist strikes in the US of September 11,

2001 We are naturally concerned by new threats of extremism, terrorism and violence

being held out to South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, which

cannot but raise concerns.

Groups with radical and extremist ideologies do pose threats across national boundaries,

in this volatile security environment. These groups even have no compunction in issuing

threats publicly against neighbouring and regional countries. Linked to this issue, is

the increasing circulation of counterfeit currency in our neighbourhood. I must particularly

thank our hosts in Nepal for the cooperation they have extended to us, in dealing withthe movement of counterfeit currency , across our borders.

I would like to stress that our Government is committed to securing justice for the

families of the victims of deadly terrorist strikes , like the killings during the terrorist

attack on the Metropolitan City of Mumbai, in November 2008.

I might add that we are facing serious problems arising from drug smuggling in States


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located on our borders, like Punjab. This menace afflicts both countries where narcotic

substances are produced, and countries beyond their borders. Funds from such smuggling

often finance terrorism. We need to strengthen domestic legislation and cooperate even

more implement the "Regional Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic

Substances," while enhancing multilateral cooperation globally, as drug smugglinginevitably has global dimensions.

This meeting is also providing us opportunities to discuss other issues of common

interest like Cyber Crime, Human Trafficking and illegal movement of arms across

national boundaries. I think we all acknowledge that one evil which we all need to

address individually and collectively is the issue of corruption. We have promised our

people a policy of "Zero Tolerance for Corruption " . India is a signatory to the 2005

"UN Convention on Corruption". We intend to make all our laws to be in conformity

with this Convention. We could discuss and agree on measures on how we can cooperate

regionally in dealing with this issue.

India, China Sign MOU & Action Plan to Enhance Cooperation in Railway Secto Thu, Sep 18, 2014railway, PIB, international, infrastructure,

Following specific areas have been mentioned in Action Plan:

(a) Training in heavy haul transportation :

A training programme has been finalised for 100 persons (20 persons per batch for total

5 batches) in the field of heavy haul transportation.

(b) Speed raising on Existing Lines:

Chennai-Bangalore-Mysore section has been identified for speed raising to 160 kmph

with the cooperation of China.

(c) Redevelopment of Railway Stations:

Chinese side will conduct pre-feasibility of two stations with their financing and prepare

a report indicating further course of cooperation.

(d) Cooperation in High Speed rail:

Chinese side will conduct project feasibility study and prepare a detailed project report

with their financing of a section to be advised by Indian Railways.

(e) Setting up of Railway University :

Chinese experience of Rail Universities will be used for developing a Railway University

in India.


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Syria condemns U.S. anti-terror coalition Mon, Sep 22, 2014The Hindu, international, usa, syria,

Syria has criticised the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) militant group,

accused it of lacking the "true will" necessary to confront terrorism in the region.

Following the rapid advancements of the IS and other Islamist terror groups in Iraq and

Syria, major world powers have rallied the international community to fight against

the militants, saying they pose a threat not just to region but to Western interests.

The U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution recently authorising world powers to

take action against those who support the IS and the al-Qaeda linked Nusra Front.

The resolution was quickly followed by a U.S. appeal to form an international coalition.

Obama's Syrian dilemma Wed, Sep 17, 2014USA, The Hindu, Syria, international,

Drawn into a confrontation with Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's Islamic State (IS) by the

execution of western journalists and aid workers, United States President Barack Obama

asks his bombers to start their engines He tried to downgrade the "War on Terror" to

"Overseas Contingency Operations," but this did not have the necessary ring for public

opinion. Like Mr. Bush, Mr. Obama has sought a Coalition of the Willing, but unlike

Mr. Bush he will not involve U.S. ground troops.

The Iraq campaign is clearer than the Syrian one. Thus far U.S. close air support has

assisted the Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga and the Iraqi military. Political problems in Iraq

have been swept under the carpet with the removal of Mr. Nouri al-Maliki and the

installation of his Dawa Party comrade, Haider al-Abadi.

In Syria, IS faces three adversaries: Kurdish fighters, the Syrian government and an

assortment of the Syrian opposition. Mr. Obama's commitment to the overthrow of

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad means that he has rejected the calls from Damascus

for a coordinated strategy against the Islamic State. With the Syrian Army tied down

with the defence of Syria's heartland, the IS has been able to concentrate its firepoweragainst the other rebels.

The most capable force to tackle the IS has been the Kurdish fighters of the YPG (Syria)

and the PKK (Turkey), the latter considered by the U.S. and Turkey as a terrorist

organisation. First, the anti-IS campaign would strengthen the prestige of the PKK and

the YPG. Inside Turkey, Second, Turkey's government remains committed to the

overthrow of Mr. Assad. Mr. ErdogVan's pan-Islamism is in line with the Syrian Muslim


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Brotherhood, who also rejected the Obama plan unless "the first bullet is directed at

Assad's head."

The United States' preferred Syrian rebels, the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and the Harakat

al-Hazm, do not elicit confidence. The FSA, built mainly of defectors from the Syrian

armed forces, is a shadow of its former self. In Damascus, the FSA's Front (Jabhat

Thuwar Suriyya) has decided not to target the Islamic State, but to concentrate on the

Assad regime.

In January 2012, the Islamic State set up the Jabhat al-Nusra (the Support Front), which

has had a fraught relationship with its mentor. As the IS became more publicly brutal,

al-Nusra distanced itself.

Strangely, Mr. Obama's team has reached out to Saudi Arabia to help create a "moderate"

rebel force. Confidence that Saudi Arabia, which does not have a reputation for

moderation in its support of jihadis would be able to deliver is low.

. They have used YouTube videos of mass executions to cower their enemies into

surrender or flight. This is precisely what happened in Mosul, when Iraqi troops fled

in fear of the consequences of capture. The new killings are a message to the West. this

time, IS knows that the U.S. will not send massive troop deployments into Syria. IS

has signalled that it simply does not care about international norms and western reaction.

It recognises that the West has its hands tied. It will bomb from the air, but this is as

likely as not to bring recruits to the side of the Islamic State.

No easy political agreement can come in Syria. The rebels remain obdurate that Mr.

Assad must go, even if this means delivery of Syria to the Islamic State. Mr. Assad willnot throw his troops at the IS unless he has an assurance that the rebellion against him

is over.

US Congress approves Obama's plan to train Syrian rebels Fri, Sep 19, 2014Syria, international, usa, Businessline,

The US Congress has approved the request of President Barack Obama to train and

arm the moderate Syrian rebels against the Islamic State jihadists, an important step

towards degrading and ultimately destroying the dreaded terrorist group.

Describing the passing of the Bill as an important step forward in the fight against

Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Obama said, "I am pleased that Congress

has now voted to support a key element of our strategy: our plan to train and equip the

opposition in Syria so they can help push back these terrorists."

Obama said tha the Syrian Opposition forces are fighting both the brutality of ISIL

terrorists and the tyranny of the Assad regime.


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"We will provide training and equipment to help them (moderate rebel groups) grow

stronger and take on ISIL terrorists inside Syria," Obama said.

The US will continue to build a broad international coalition to degrade and ultimately

destroy the terrorist group ISIL, he said, and praised France for its decision to join USin air-strikes against the ISIL in Iraq.

France is already providing arms to the Kurdish forces in Northern Iraq and its fighter

jets and surveillance aircraft had began reconnaissance missions in Iraq earlier this

week.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Opposition Coalition has also welcomed the move of the US

Congress.

Modi confident of India-US strategic alliance Sat, Sep 20, 2014USA, The Hindu, international,

Mr. Modi was asked about the remarkable fact that of the 170 million Muslims in India,

there seemed to be very few or no members of al-Qaeda despite the outfit's presence

in neighbouring Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"Firstly, I am not the authority for doing a psychological and religious analysis on this

... But the question is, whether or not humanity should be defended in the world? Whether

or not believers in humanity should unite? This is a crisis against humanity, not a crisis

against one country or race. This is a fight against humanity. So we have to frame this

as a fight between humanity and inhumanity. Nothing else," Mr Modi said.

Ebola a threat to peace and security, needs 20 times more assistance: Fri, Sep 19, 2014Ebola, Down to Earth, international, Africa,

, the United Nations (UN) has called the epidemic a threat to "international peace and

security".

The Secretary-General, however, made it clear that the mission's effectiveness will

depend crucially on support from the international community.

It has been widely reported that the citizens of affected countries distrust health officials

and often refuse to co-operate with them. Ebola is also a social stigma in the region

and many fear that a diagnosis means certain death.


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US calls Ebola a looming threat to global security, steps up relief m Wed, Sep 17, 2014Ebola, Down to Earth, international,

The White House has committed more than US $175 million and 3,000 troops to themost affected areas.

The virus has so far killed nearly 2,500 people, half of those infected. Besides the

countries where virus is widespread, one case has recently been detected in Senegal,

another country in West Africa. In Nigeria, there have been 21 cases and 7 deaths. In

the present outbreak, the survival rate of 47 per cent is believed to be higher than that

in previous outbreaks. The American Ebola survivor and healthcare professional Kent

Brantly, who contracted the virus while working in Liberia, had criticised the slow and

ineffective response to the outbreak. He and a few other experts had even alleged that

the international community only seemed to wake up to Ebola in July, after two American

health workers got infected.

Meanwhile, Cuba which, according to WHO, is known the world over for its ability to

train excellent doctors and nurses who can then go out to help other countries in need,

has decided to send a medical team of 165 people to Ebola-affected Sierra Leone.

UNSC to hold emergency meeting on Ebola Tue, Sep 16, 2014Ebola, The Hindu, international,

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting this week to discuss the

Ebola outbreak that has gripped West Africa and claimed over 2,200 lives, the president

of the 15-member body has said. The outbreak, affecting Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and

Sierra Leone, is unprecedented in scope with more than 4,000 cases having been reported

across the region and over 2,200 deaths.

For an Indian pivot in the Ebola fight Mon, Sep 22, 2014Ebola, The Hindu, international,

Increased human mobility and connectivity have radically changed the way in which

emerging infectious diseases spread across regions and across the world. India is at riskand it is only a matter of time before cases of Ebola appear in the continent (45,000

Indians are estimated to be living in the affected regions of West Africa). The Indian

government has some plans to ward off an Ebola outbreak.

Ebola cases and deaths have increased rapidly and started surging exponentially in

recent weeks, affecting nearly all regions in Sierra Leone and Liberia, including (for

the first time in the history of Ebola outbreaks) the densely populated capital cities of


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Conakry, Freetown and Monrovia. Ebola also reached the megacities of Lagos and Port

Harcourt in Nigeria as well as Dakar, the capital city of Senegal (where it was brought

by two persons travelling by road and by plane). Fortunately, it remains contained in

these two countries. As of September 13, 2014, there were close to 5,000 cases --

confirmed or suspected -- and about 2,500 deaths in the three intensely affected countries.About half of them appeared in the preceding 21 days.

Ebola tends to create panic because it has a high case fatality rate: up to 90 per cent in

past outbreaks and 35 to 64 per cent in the current one. However, early public health

measures can greatly help to prevent the spread of the disease. Ebola can only spread

after a person infected with the disease exhibits symptoms, and a healthy person comes

in direct contact with his or her blood and body fluids (e.g. vomit, secretions, sweat)

through broken skin or mucous membranes. This makes it easier for healthy persons

to protect themselves from infection. The most affected people have been those who

take care of, or come in close contact with the sick people once the symptoms have

appeared (usually within two to 21 days of contracting the virus): family members,health workers, and in the case of West and Central Africa, family and friends touching

the highly infectious body of the deceased during elaborate funerals.

. Both Sierra Leone and Liberia have recently emerged from civil wars and are among

the poorest countries in the world, with abysmal human development indicators. Health

systems in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia have buckled under the strain of the Ebola

outbreak. Prior to the Ebola crisis, health workers went on strike over delayed wage

payments, low salaries and poor working conditions.

Ebola has already brought health systems and entire countries to their knees. The impact

of Ebola goes far beyond its lethality. This is because although Ebola has a low risk of

transmission, the lack of a cure and high fatality rates have created fear, panic and

confusion, inflicting a disproportionate social and economic toll.

Many other countries, rich and poor, are also at risk: the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention in the U.S. is preparing health clinics and health workers on U.S. soil

to control a potential outbreak. India's high population density and crowded slums with

extreme poverty and poor sanitation make it a particularly vulnerable spot. The world

has proved unprepared to deal with a rapidly evolving health emergency in destitute

nations with grave international implications. But the international community is finally

mobilising.

India, too, can contribute to global efforts to quell the Ebola crisis. It has a large cadre

of epidemiologists, laboratory scientists, doctors and nurses who are experienced in

epidemic control and can help support diagnosis, the training of health workers, or

clinical services in Ebola treatment units. It also has a large number of social mobilisers

who have proved their abilities in health campaigns such as the polio eradication

campaign.


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A vote to watch in Scotland Tue, Sep 16, 2014Scotland, The Hindu, international,

More than 300 years after the Act of Union bound Scotland and Wales to Britain in

1707, the Scottish people are going to decide if they want out of the United Kingdom,

or remain within it but under expanded powers of self-rule.

The "Yes" campaign comprises the Scottish National Party (SNP), Labour for

Independence, the Green Party, the Scottish Left's Radical Independence Campaign,

and many independent campaign organisations such as Common Weal, the National

Collective, Women for Independence and Lawyers for Independence.

The "No" campaign includes the official Conservative/Lib-Dem/Labour "Better

Together" coalition, along with Unionist groups, and the United Kingdom Independence

Party (UKIP). It has a large celebrity backing including author J. K. Rowling, and a

majority of newspapers and media.

A "Yes" vote will have profound implications for movements for autonomy and

independence throughout Europe -- and beyond.

The consequences of a "No" vote will be transformative too. The major political parties

backing the Better Together campaign have promised substantial devolution with the

Labour Party, which has lost a big section of its support in Scotland to the pro-Independence

side, offering to devolve income tax, social security and the work programme, not just

for Scotland but for Wales as well.

The "Yes" campaign's salient feature is its transformation from being a movement

solely of Scottish nationalism to one that is characterised by a demand for genuine and

radical social democracy. The debate on self-determination is happening at a time of

deep economic crisis. The erosion of incomes, of jobs, and of health and housing benefits

lie at the heart of popular discontent.

Scottish regions bursting with 'Yes' enthusiasm Thu, Sep 18, 2014scotland , The Hindu, international,

'Staying with the Union will mean more unemployment and more people on benefits'


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Dhaka to push for resolution on pending issues Thu, Sep 18, 2014bangladesh, The Hindu, international,

A wide range of issues such as trade, connectivity, power, water resources, security,border management, introduction of coastal shipping, infrastructure, people-to-people

contacts, culture, environment and education would be discussed. The alleged killing

of Bangladeshi citizens along the border will also be high on the agenda.

It was learnt that the Bangladesh side was likely to seek a "specific timeframe" from

India to resolve the pending Teesta water sharing treaty and Land Boundary Agreement

(LBA).

An MoU would be signed for affiliation of the Nalanda University in Bihar. Both

regional and sub-regional issues particularly BIMSTEC, SAARC and BCIM-EC would

be discussed.

Khaleda Zia goes on trial on corruption charges Mon, Sep 22, 2014bangladesh, The Hindu, international,

A Dhaka court Monday started the trial of former Prime Minister and Bangladesh

Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia on corruption charges in her absence.

Ms. Zia has been charged with embezzlement in two cases that could lead to sentencing

for life if found guilty, the Daily Star reported.

Bangladesh empowers parliament to impeach judges Thu, Sep 18, 2014bangladesh, The Hindu, international,

Bangladesh's parliament now has the authority to impeach Supreme Court judges after

lawmakers late Wednesday voted to approve a much-debated amendment to the

Constitution.

The amendment passed unanimously in a voice vote of 327-0.

Critics of the amendment, including senior jurists, said it was a thinly veiled way forthe ruling party to keep the judiciary under control.

Bangladesh's judiciary, often riddled with corruption, enjoys relative freedom but the

appointment of senior judges is often influenced by authorities.


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Xi visit to set a new mark in India-China ties Tue, Sep 16, 2014international, Businessline, China,

the possibilities of bilateral ties between the two countries in inches and miles -- thatis, "Inch (India and China) towards Miles (Millennium of Exceptional Synergy)."

Xi is bearing for Modi a $100-billion gift pack covering investments in a gamut of

areas, including bullet trains, industrial parks, twin-city projects, and highway construction

-- to outdo the Japanese investment offer of $35 billion.

China agreeing to import buffalo meat, oilmeal, and tobacco has raised India's hopes

of narrowing its trade deficit of $36 billion with China - which is about one-fourth of

its total trade gap. The Government is expecting more market access and increased

investments as Beijing's bid to bridge the deficit gap.

One reason for the trade gap with India is that much of China's exports to India are

manufactured goods while most of India's exports to China are primary goods such as

iron ore and minerals. The Commerce Ministry believes that India can export buffalo

meat worth $1 billion annually to begin with, and this can be increased subsequently.

China was earlier importing oilmeal and tobacco from India but had stopped some years

back citing some quality problems. The matter has been sorted out now.

But more than the basket of goodies, New Delhi will be anxious for clarity on a host

of other issues that have kept relations prickly.

Chiefly, these include the unending border dispute and regular incursions into Indian

territory by the People's Liberation Army, especially in Arunachal Pradesh, the river

water disputes, the stapled visa issue, and China's expanding influence in the Indian

Ocean.

Life after Xi Sun, Sep 21, 2014international, Businessline, china,

The border issue should not be allowed to colour India's ties with China. The Asian

giants will gain more through cooperation and trust

the visit offered China an opportunity to lay the foundation for a closer geopolitical

relationship Beijing has noted, and with some discomfort, the increased intimacy

between Tokyo and Delhi the threat of India-US-Japan strategic cooperation in the

Indo-Pacific. India, on the other hand, wants peaceful ties with China for its own rise

and Chinese investments in infrastructure and manufacturing.


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Modi's decision to air India's security concerns publicly in the joint press conference

with Xi shows how importantly the new government looks at this issue. Also, for the

first time, both sides said an "early settlement" of the boundary question should be

pursued as "a strategic objective", indicating the urgency and importance the issue got

in the overall bilateral engagement. Although India did extract a promise from Chinato address the current imbalance in bilateral trade, it needs to look beyond trade

imbalances to the larger benefits of a greater engagement with China. India's trade

with China is out of balance not only in money terms, but in its composition -- it exports

mainly commodities and imports mainly manufactured goods. Given India's infrastructure

requirements and China's competitiveness in this area, as well as India's competitiveness

in services and China's huge demand for the same, greater stress could have been laid

on addressing ways to enhancing these flows.

For Modi, this is another milestone of his 'Look East' policy. Ever since he came to

power in May, the Prime Minister has tried to build a foreign policy agenda based on

two principles -- peaceful periphery and greater economic cooperation with Asianpowers. During his visit to Japan early this month, Tokyo had promised investments

worth $35 billion in India.

Non-tariff barriers, a thorn in India-China business ties Sun, Sep 21, 2014international, Businessline, China,

"Till you don't allow free movement of human resources and technology no business

agreement will work," "Security has always been an issue, but it needs to be resolved

for business relations between the two countries to really take off."

Non-tariff barriers are a major issue with China, said another industry official. These

are restrictions that arise from measures taken by Government and authorities in the

form of laws, regulations, policies, conditions etc.

One of the issues that workers from both the countries face is work permit restrictions,

which impacts the free movement of manpower.

Chinese companies such as Huawei and domestic companies such as Reliance Industries

have faced problems with the Home Ministry not allowing the influx of Chinese workers.

The Home Ministry has declared that it will not take more than 12 weeks to give securityclearance for any foreign direct investment project in the area of industry and infrastructure,

which are forwarded by other ministers.

This decision is very important especially to woo Chinese investments, as China had

been unhappy with the way projects had been stalled in the past because of dilly-dallying

by the Home Ministry," a Commerce Ministry official told BusinessLine .


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Earlier, Chinese firms were not permitted to invest in terminal development at ports or

any large rail sector projects, though no official word bars Chinese firms from bidding

for such projects.

A few years ago, during the UPA-I regime, Hutchison, a Chinese port developer, hadattempted to invest in a port terminal in India but could not.

More recently, two Chinese firms - CSR and CNR - could not qualify for developing

locomotive factories on a joint venture basis with Indian Railways. This was despite

experts pointing out that their participation could put pricing pressure on the American

and European firms who are in the race.

With China committing $20 billion of investments in India over the next five years,

the ball is now in India's court to ease hurdles which have prevented Chinese businesses

to flourish in India.

India-China pacts likely to bring in $100 billion Thu, Sep 18, 2014The Hindu, international, china,

China and Japan were two countries that received him when other countries wouldn't,

and gave the then Gujarat Chief Minister a welcome reserved for a head of state,

dealing with tourism and student exchanges, cultural MoUs between several institutions,

including the National Museum, railway infrastructure, banks, and technology assistance

on irrigation.

The reported standoff between the armed forces at Demchok and Chumar sectors will

however, cast a shadow on their talks over border resolution along with the unconcluded

agreement on visas The bulk of the expectations from Mr. Xi's visit, however, will

come from business transacted and investments announced for projects that are still

being pegged at a total of $100 billion,

China's decision to build industrial cities in Gujarat and Maharashtra at an initial

investment of $10 billion is a step towards addressing the ballooning trade deficit India

has of about $35 billion, so that Chinese manufacturers can come "make in India," as

Mr. Modi has termed it.

Mr. Xi will also look for Indian support for his vision of a Maritime Silk Road as well

as the BCIM corridor in the region, and his gesture to connect Indians more easily to

one of the country's most revered destinations of Kailash-Mansarovar may bear some

results when he engages Mr. Modi.


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Analysts laud Modi's tough talk on incursions Sat, Sep 20, 2014The Hindu, international, China,

including on the Chinese plan for a BCIM (Bangladesh, China, India Myanmar) economiccorridor and China's support for India's "aspirations of playing a greater role" at the

UN Security Council. peace on the India-China border areas is an "important guarantor"

for the growth of bilateral relations.

Mr. Xi's visit came in for some criticism over the lowering of investment figures

promised, from $100 billion reportedly estimated by a Chinese consular official to the

mere $20 billion announced by the leader, particularly as it compared unflatteringly to

the Japanese commitment of $35 billion earlier this month. "Even so, there is a more

serious shift for the Chinese from seeing India as a market to seeing it as an investment

destination, and $20 billion is a significant figure," former foreign secretary Kanwal

Sibal said.

More Chinese soldiers intrude into Chumar through different point Sat, Sep 20, 2014The Hindu, international, china,

The standoff in Chumar region in Ladakh worsened on Saturday after a second intrusion

by Chinese Army personnel in two days was reported at another point after they had

withdrawn from the same area.

Around 50 personnel of the People's Liberation Army arrived in nine vehicles at Point

30R and they were in addition to the over 35 personnel who were already camping at

a hillock in the Chumar area itself, official sources said.

Chumar is located 300 km northeast of Ladakh.

The Chinese soldiers immediately alighted from the vehicles and positioned themselves

barely 100m away from the Indian Army, which had decided not to withdraw completely

from the region even after the Chinese PLA had returned on their own to their side on

Thursday night, the sources said.

The Army, which had started scaling down operations from the area following the

Chinese withdrawal on Thursday night, put a halt and again started pitching their tentsbracing themselves for a possible standoff, the sources said.


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Combining candour with warmth Sat, Sep 20, 2014The Hindu, international, china,

Overshadowing President Xi's visit was an incident on the Line of Actual control inthe Chumar region of Ladakh, where troops and civilians were in a stand-off over

construction activity on the Indian side. This, combined with Mr. Modi upending

protocol and conventions to accord Mr. Xi a more than effusive welcome in Ahmedabad,

succeeded in giving new optics to New Delhi's China policy. The new signalling seems

to have elicited a quick response, with the Chinese side saying that the two leaders had

committed themselves to resolving the border issue "as soon as possible", and that they

had reached a "consensus" on the way forward. the two sides acknowledged that "peace

and tranquility on the India-China border areas was [ ... ] an important guarantor for the

development and continued growth of bilateral relations," t "pending a final resolution

of the boundary question, the two sides would continue to make joint efforts to maintain

peace and tranquility in the border areas."

Now in power, the BJP knows that the two issues are best compartmentalised -- the

incident in Ladakh during President Xi's visit did not prevent India from welcoming

Chinese investments, though at $20 billion the pledges were lower than expected. China

has also agreed to address the imbalance in bilateral trade.

Modi, Xi hold talks; India conveys concern over incursions Thu, Sep 18, 2014The Hindu, international, China,

e Indian side conveyed its concerns over Chinese incursions as the two sides discussed

all "substantive issues" having bearing on bilateral ties.

The Chinese Army pushed in more troops into Chumar village along the Line of Actual

Control in the wee hours of Thursday.

The Chinese side had pushed in more troops on Wednesday morning as well, the sources

said, adding that the number of People's Liberation Army personnel stood at nearly

500 with an equal matcher from the Indian side as well.

Chumar, located more than 300 km Northeast of Leh and bordering Himachal Pradesh,

has been a flash point between the two sides, with the Chinese side making several

attempts to end India's dominance in the area.

The stand-off in Demchok where Chinese nomads ---- Rebos ---- had pitched their tents

is continuing. The incursion in this area is nearly 500 metres deep into Indian territory.


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Xi visit a success, but border stand-off a dampener: experts Sat, Sep 20, 2014The Hindu, international, China,

On the face of it, President Xi Jinping's India visit should have been pegged a runawaysuccess -- hours of one-on-one exchanges with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both in

Ahmedabad and Delhi, a trade agreement for the next five years, two Chinese-style

industrial cities to be built and the promise of multiplying Chinese investment in India

40-fold.

Not just that, President Xi's gesture of offering to open a new route to Kailash Mansarovar

after Prime Minister Modi's request, to benefit aged and infirm pilgrims, should have

indicated a new reachout between the two countries.

However, according to experts here, the visit was overshadowed by the border stand-off

that escalated even as the two leaders were walking by the Sabarmati riverside inAhmedabad and sitting down for dinner on Wednesday night.

China buoyed by 'important consensus' Mon, Sep 22, 2014The Hindu, international, China,

China has continued to remain upbeat about the future of Sino-Indian ties, pointing out

that the "important consensus" that had been recently reached between visiting President

Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will keep the borders calm, and drive

the relationship forward.

Brushing aside apprehensions that persistence of tensions along the Sino-Indian frontier

in Ladakh could undermine the gains of President Xi's visit, Chinese foreign ministry

spokesperson, Hua Chunying, in response to a question, asserted that "this is (a) totally

unnecessary suspicion".

The summit had also yielded an agreement that "co-operation would remain the main

theme" of Sino-Indian relations. The spokesperson especially pointed to President Xi's

observation that harmony between the Chinese dragon and the Indian elephant "will

bring benefits to (the) whole world".

China, India should take strategic ties to higher plane: Xi Thu, Sep 18, 2014The Hindu, international, China,

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday expressed the hope that China and India will

take their strategic and cooperative partnership to a higher plane.


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. It is important that we translate the friendly contacts and make sure that we will follow

what we promise each other

Xi, who inspected a guard of honour by the three services, said his second goal is to

deepen the cooperation.

The visiting President said that his third goal is to pursue development together as both

the countries had development as their priority.

"Through this visit, I hope to work with Indian leadership to build strong relations

between China and India and to partner with each other to take our strategic and

cooperative partnerhip for peace and prosperity to a higher level."

Talking trade and peace with China Sat, Sep 20, 2014The Hindu, international, china,

In the 1940s, when the hegemon in Asia -- Britain -- was knocked off its perch by a

rising power, India played a pivotal strategic role in stopping Japan in its tracks.

Further, both the visits point to the strategic quadrangle of China, Japan, India and the

United States. In 1942, China sought American assistance in enabling India to hold

Japan at bay. Now it is India and Japan that are working together against any unilateral

Chinese attempt to rewrite the rules of the game in Asia. And the Americans are keenly

backing their moves.

From China's standpoint, India now appears an attractive destination for investment.

Prime Minister Modi has given unprecedented political salience to infrastructure and

industry. So, the Chinese are well placed to play to their strengths. From India's

standpoint, attracting Chinese investment is imperative for reviving growth. Besides,

its deepening ties with Japan, Australia and Vietnam have opened up more room for

manoeuvre in Asia.

Yet, for a range of reasons, it may be prudent to temper expectations. First, China is

not rushing to open its coffers to India. Prior to the visit, Chinese officials had claimed

that Mr. Xi would commit to invest at least $100 billion. But the five-year plan inked

by the two sides envisages $20 billion of Chinese investment.

Nevertheless, China's inclination to test the waters implies that India's trade deficit

may not be adequately offset by capital inflows. To be sure, the Chinese have also

agreed to improve market access for Indian firms.

Second, Mr. Modi appears lukewarm to Mr. Xi's ambitious plans for building multiple

" silk roads. " Although India has finally agreed to consider the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar

(BCIM) Corr

international sep 16 to sep 22

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