sign in sign up
<<
Home , Foreign Minister, Ram Baran Yadav, Sushil Koirala

Annexure ‘A’ Prime ’s visits

The details of The details of discussions held abroad and the results thereof; and The further steps being taken by Government to foreign visits made strengthen the relations with these countries by the Prime Minister and the Minister of External Affairs during the last ten months to till date (a) (b) (c ) PM’s visit to Bhutan At the invitation of His Majesty King of Bhutan, Prime Minister visited Bhutan on a State - Bhutan relations are time tested, close and friendly, based 15-16 June 2014 Visit. The Prime Minister was accompanied by External Affairs Minister, National Security on shared strategic perceptions and mutual trust. Government of Adviser and other senior officials of the Government of India. India is committed to further strengthening our close ties with Bhutan through continuing high-level exchanges, developmental PM met King of Bhutan, Fourth King of Bhutan and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and assistance to Bhutan, closer cooperation in the hydropower sector had wide ranging discussions on bilateral relations, including cooperation in the fields of and enhanced people to people level linkages. defence and security, hydropower, trade, economic cooperation, developmental assistance and people to people contacts.

During the visit, PM unveiled the Foundation Stone of the 600 MW Kholongchhu Hydropower project, a Joint Venture project between the Indian and Bhutanese PSUs, SJVNL and Druk Green Power Corporation. PM inaugurated the new Supreme Court building which was constructed with assistance from the Government of India and announced the doubling of the Nehru- Wangchuck Scholarship to Rs.2 cr/annum. PM also conveyed the decision of GOI to exempt Bhutan from any ban or quantitative restrictions on exports of following items:- milk powder, wheat, edible oil, pulses and non-basmati rice. PM’s visit to Brazil Prime Minister visited Brazil to participate in the BRICS . PM also held Government has taken action for implementation of the (BRICS Summit) bilateral talks with President of Brazil Ms. Dilma Rousseff on 16 July, 2014. bilateral MoUs concluded with Brazil to further strengthen 13-18 July 2014 Following three bilateral MoUs/Agreements were signed during the visit : relations

i) Implementing Arrangement Establishing Cooperation in Augmentation of a Brazilian Earth Station for Receiving and Processing Data from Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) Sattellites ii) MoU on the Establishment of a Consultation Mechanism on Consular and Mobility Issues iii) MoU on Cooperation in the field of Environment.

1

At the 6th BRICS Summit, the Leaders discussed issues relating to intra-BRICS cooperation, reform of global economic governance, reform of UN Security Council, regional developments, as well as global issues including WTO/Doha India is working with others BRICS countries to implement Round, international terrorism, climate change, etc. the BRICS Annual Action Plan (called Fortaleza Action Plan) which includes holding of several BRICS meetings in agreed Major outcomes of the 6th BRICS Summit include signing of an Agreement on areas to further deepen and consolidate cooperation among setting up of a New Development Bank and signing of a Treaty setting up the member countries. Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), which will work as a multilateral currency swap amongst BRICS Central Banks.

An MoU on technical cooperation amongst Export Credit Guarantee Agencies of BRICS countries aimed at improving environment for increasing trade opportunities among BRICS countries and an Inter-Bank Cooperation Agreement on Innovation to support financing of innovation projects of mutual interest were also signed at the BRICS Summit. PM’s visit to Prime Minister paid an official visit to Nepal at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Government of India continues to provide its full moral and 3-4 August 2014 Nepal. PM called on The Rt. Hon’ble Dr. , , held a material support and development assistance to Nepal in meeting with The Rt. Hon’ble Mr. , followed by accordance with the priorities and wishes of the Government and delegation level talks that covered the entire gamut of bilateral relations. PM also met people of Nepal. A democratic, peaceful, stable and prosperous The Rt. Hon’ble Mr. Subash Chandra Nembang, Speaker of the Legislature-Parliament, Nepal is in our mutual interest. Towards this objective, India aims The Hon. 'Prachanda' the Leader of Opposition in the Legislature- to further consolidate and expand our multifaceted and deep- Parliament and leaders of other political parties. PM addressed the Constituent Assembly rooted relationship with Nepal in a forward looking manner. and Legislature Parliament of Nepal. During the visit, both sides signed the MoU on GoI assistance for the Goitre and other Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme in Nepal on 3 August, 2014. An MoU on Cooperation between Doordarshan and the Nepal Television was also signed. The two Prime Ministers witnessed the Exchange of Letters regarding Terms of Reference of the Pancheshwar Development Authority. PM’s visit to Japan Prime Minister visited Japan for the annual summit meeting. The two countries have joint mechanisms at political and 30 August – 03 In Tokyo, the two PMs had a restricted meeting followed by delegation level talks. PM administrative levels to review progress in bilateral relations, September 2014 called on the Emperor of Japan. and Finance Minister Taro Aso, including the status of implementation of various bilateral Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, Itsunori Onodera, Minister of Economy, agreements. All issues of mutual interest are discussed in a Trade and Industry Toshimitsu Motegi and Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport friendly and forward-looking manner, which is consistent with the and Tourism, Akihiro Ota called on PM. Leaders of Democratic Party of Japan, main spirit of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India opposition party, and New Komeito Party, coalition partner of PM Shinzo Abe, also called and Japan. on PM. ‘Tokyo Declaration for India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership’ was signed by . the two Prime Ministers and ‘Factsheet: India and Japan- Partners for Common Development’ was issued. On the economic side, a new India- Japan Investment Promotion Partnership was launched, under which Japan conveyed its intention to invest 2

3.5 trillion yen of public-private investment in India over five year period as well as to double the number of Japanese companies operating in India. Defence equipment and technology was identified as a new major area of cooperation. The two sides agreed to strengthen their cooperation and collaboration in several areas including in energy, LNG, railways, infrastructure, smart cities, science and technology and in promoting people to people exchanges. The following documents were signed: (a) Memorandum on Defence Co-operation and Exchanges between Ministry of Defence of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Defense of Japan; (b) Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan in the Field of Healthcare; (c) Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Women and Child Development between the Ministry of Women and Child Development of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan; (d) Framework of Cooperation between Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Government of India and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism of Japan in the Roads and Road Transportation Sector . (e) Memorandum of Understanding between Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India and Japan Bank of International Cooperation; and (f) Confirmation of the intention regarding the Partner City Affiliation between City of Varanasi (Republic of India) and City of Kyoto (Japan). PM’s visit to USA Prime Minister visited the USA on 26-30 September 2014, combining his bilateral visit to Follow-up action has been initiated by the Government in 26-30 September, Washington D.C. at the invitation of U.S. President Barack Obama with a visit to New York consultation and cooperation with the Government of the US to 2014 for the UN General Assembly. During his visit, Prime Minister held meetings with implement the various decisions taken during Prime Minister's visit President Obama, met with members of the US Congress and political leaders, including and the subsequent visit of President Obama to India in January from various States and cities in US, and interacted with members of President Obama's 2015. . He also met the leaders of US commerce and industry, American civil society and think-tanks, and the Indian-American community. A Vision Statement on the theme of 'Chalein Saath Saath: Forward Together We Go' and a Joint Statement, reflecting concrete ways to realize that vision, were issued during Prime Minister's visit.

Prime Minister met Mr. Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary General and addressed the UNGA on 27 September 2014. Both the PM and EAM also held a number of bilateral th meetings on the sidelines of 69 UNGA.

Prime Minister in his address to the UNGA outlined India’s vision for development and highlighted India’s position on a range of international issues including urgent reform of the United Nations Security Council, Climate Change, Post-2015 Development Agenda, 3

Peacekeeping, and Terrorism. He also called for declaration of an International Day of India received record support at the UN for PM’s initiative to Yoga by the United Nations. declare June 21 as the International Yoga Day.

PM’s visit to Myanmar PM visited Myanmar to attend the ASEAN-India Summit and the East Asia Regular interaction is held at various levels with the 11-13 November, Summit. On the margins, PM held bilateral discussions with the President of Government of Myanmar to strengthen our bilateral relations. 2014 Myanmar, Mr. U Thein Sein. Entire gamut of bilateral relations was discussed between the two leaders. The Government is continuing to build on the existing Strategic During the 12th ASEAN-India Summit, leaders of ASEAN and India deliberated on the Partnership between ASEAN & India in a comprehensive manner. current status of the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership and the way forward. It has intensified our engagement and transformed our 'Look East At the 9th EAS, the leaders deliberated on several issues of regional and global Policy' into an ' Act East Policy'. In January 2015, India's first full- importance and adopted the following four Declarations/ Joint Statements: time to ASEAN assumed office.  Statement on Rapid Disaster Response India hosted the first meeting of 24x7 EAS Points of Contacts for  Joint Statement/Declaration on Regional Response to Outbreak of Ebola Virus Disaster Response on 4-5 December 2014. A Virtual Knowledge Disease Portal for EAS Member countries was also launched during the  Statement on the rise of violence and brutality committed by terrorist/extremist meeting. organisations in Iraq and Syria A number of collaborative projects are being implemented  Declaration on Combating Wildlife Trafficking through the ASEAN-India Cooperation Fund, ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund and ASEAN-India Green Fund. PM’s visit to Australia Prime Minister participated in the G-20 Leaders’ Summit in Brisbane. Prime Minister’s visit to Australia has enhanced cooperation 14-18 November, in diverse areas and strengthened our strategic partnership 2014 During the bilateral visit to Australia, PM held delegation talks with Australian to be implemented through concrete measures for PM, addressed the Australian Parliament, met the Speaker of the House of cooperation in defence-security, trade and investment, Representatives, President of the Senate, Leader of the Opposition, political science and technology, skills, education, culture and other leaders from the States of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, met the areas. Indian Community and visited cultural and scientific institutions. Five Agreements/ MoUs on Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Social Security, Art and Culture, Tourism and Narcotics were signed and a Framework for Security Cooperation was adopted. A Joint Press Statement was issued.

At the G-20 Summit, key issues discussed include global economy, infrastructure, investment, tax evasion, employment generation, greater participation of women in the workforce, energy, trade, climate change etc. At the India is committed to further deepen and consolidate conclusion of the Summit, a Leaders’ Communiqué was issued. cooperation under G20 format.

PM’s visit to Fiji During the bilateral visit to Fiji, Prime Minister met Fiji PM, addressed the PM’s visit, coming after 33 years, has given impetus to India- 19-20 November, Parliament and met the civil society in Fiji. Three bilateral MoUs were concluded Fiji bilateral relations as well as to India’s interests in the 2014 on : Pacific region. In Fiji, to expand our bilateral assistance, India would be providing assistance to their Parliament and (i) Land for chanceries; has established a $ 5 million fund to promote small business (ii) LoC for co-generation power project at Rarawai Sugar Mill; and and village enterprise, increased training slots under ITEC, (iii) Training for were signed. provided visa on arrival and taken initiatives to strengthen 4

engagement with the region with Fiji as the hub. PM also met with the leaders of the Pacific Islands at the Ist Meeting of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). The Summit Meeting with the Pacific leaders has enhanced India’s profile in the region. To further our engagement with the region, India has established an Adaptation Fund of $ 1 million for capacity building, increased annual grants to each Pacific country for community projects to $ 200,000, provided visa on arrival facility, strengthened capacity building and trade and economic engagement and agreed to provide data on space applications. Regular meetings of FIPIC will continue for our close engagement with the Pacific region. PM’ visit to Nepal Prime Minister visited Nepal for bilateral engagements with Nepal, as well as for the Government continues to provide its full moral and material 25-27 November, 18th SAARC Summit in . Prime Minister accompanied by External Affairs support, and development assistance, to Nepal in accordance with 2014 Minister called on President Ram Baran Yadav and held a meeting with Prime Minister the priorities and wishes of the Government people of Nepal. A Sushil Koirala. Prime Minister also met the Leader of Opposition Pushpa Kamal Dahal democratic, peaceful, stable and prosperous Nepal is in our mutual ‘Prachanda’ and leaders of other political parties. During the visit, Prime Minister handed interest. Towards this objective, we aim to further consolidate and over the 200-bed Emergency Trauma Centre and one Dhruv ALH MK-III helicopter to the expand our multifaceted and deep rooted relationship with Nepal Government of Nepal, flagged off the Delhi-Kathmandu bus service and announced the in a forward looking manner. gifting of a Bodhi tree sapling to be planted in Lumbini.

Following bilateral Agreements/MoUs signed : (i) MoU on establishment of National Police Academy at Panauti, (ii) Motor Vehicles Agreement for the “Regulation of Passenger Traffic”, (iii) MoU on Cooperation in Tourism, (iv)Agreement on USD 1 Billion Line of Credit to Government of Nepal, (v) MoU on Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine, (vi)MoU on Cooperation on Youth Affairs, (vii) Project Development Agreement for 900 MW Arun-III Hydropower Project, (viii)Twin City Arrangement between Ayodhya-Janakpur, (ix)Twin City Arrangement between Kathmandu-Varanasi and, (x) Twin City Arrangement between Lumbini-Bodh Gaya.

During SAARC Summit, deliberations were held for intensifying cooperation in trade, investment, finance, energy, security, infrastructure, connectivity and culture. The areas identified for cooperation are South Asian Economic Union, SAFTA and trade facilitation, SAARC Development Fund, energy cooperation, poverty alleviation, agriculture and food security, environment, health, education, harnessing the youth force and their skills, preventing trafficking in women and children, social protection to vulnerable sections of the society, migration management, development of space technology, telecommunications, tourism, culture, media, good governance, combating terrorism and trans-national crimes 5

and strengthening process.

EAM’s visits

The details of foreign The details of discussions held abroad and the results thereof; and The further steps being taken by Government to strengthen the visits made by the relations with these countries Prime Minister and the Minister of External Affairs during the last ten months to till date (a) (b) (c ) EAM’s visit to EAM called on the President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh and held extensive The visit helped further strengthen our close bonds of friendship Bangladesh discussions with the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh. EAM also met the Leader of the and bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh. 25-27 June 2014 Opposition and leaders of various political parties as well as representatives of Chambers of Commerce, socio-cultural organizations and academic and media community. During the visit, the two sides discussed bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest and concern, including cooperation in border management, trade and investment, security, connectivity, power, infrastructure development etc. EAM’s visit to Nepal EAM led an inter-ministerial delegation on an official visit to Nepal at the invitation of the Government of India continues to provide its full moral and 25-27 July 2014 Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Government of Nepal. EAM paid courtesy calls on The Rt. material support, and development assistance, to Nepal in Hon’ble Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, President of Nepal, The Rt. Hon’ble Mr. Sushil Koirala, Prime accordance with the priorities and wishes of the Government Minister and The Rt. Hon’ble Mr. Subash Chandra Nembang, Speaker of the Legislature- people of Nepal. A democratic, peaceful, stable and prosperous Parliament. Nepal is in our mutual interest. Towards this objective, we aim to further consolidate and expand our multifaceted and deep rooted The two Foreign Ministers co-chaired the third meeting of the India-Nepal Joint relationship with Nepal in a forward looking manner. Commission. The Joint Commission reviewed a range of issues including political and security issues, economic cooperation and infrastructure, trade and transit, power and water resources, culture, education and media. EAM also met with the Leader of Opposition in the Legislature-Parliament The Hon. Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and leaders of other political parties.

An MoU on the installation of 2,700 shallow tube-wells in the Terai region was signed by the two countries EAM’s visit to EAM attended the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, EAS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Regular interaction is held at various levels with the Government Myanmar and ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. EAM of Myanmar to strengthen our bilateral relations. 8-11 August 2014 called on Myanmar President and met her counterpart, Myanmar Foreign Minister and Lower House Speaker in Nay Pyi Taw. The Government is continuing to build on the existing Strategic Partnership between ASEAN & India in a comprehensive manner. 6

It has intensified our engagement and transformed our 'Look East Policy' into an ' Act East Policy'. EAM’s visit to EAM held discussions with Foreign Minister and met Prime Minister and Emeritus Senior Both countries agreed on joint collaboration for the year-long Singapore Minister. EAM, along with Singapore Foreign Minister inaugurated the event to Festival of India in Singapore and the Festival of Singapore in India 15-16 August 2014 commemorate the 50th anniversary of establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations. A to commemorate the 50th anniversary of establishment of Joint Statement was released outlining new areas of cooperation. diplomatic relations. The highlight of the celebrations would be exchange high level visits; (President of Singapore visited India in February 2015) and a range of cultural, economic and other events are planned to upgrade relations to a new level. EAM’s visit to Vietnam EAM held delegation talks with her counterpart Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign EAM’s visit consolidated our strategic partnership and opened up 24-26 August 2014 Minister and met the President and Prime Minister. EAM’s discussions with the opportunities for deeper engagement in political, defence- Vietnamese side have enhanced mutual understanding and cooperation. security, economic and cultural fields. Preparatory work for the of to Vietnam in September 2014 and that of the Prime Minister of Vietnam to India in October 2014 was EAM also Co-Chaired the 3rd Round Table of ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks (AINTT) also undertaken; the visit of PM of Vietnam was held as and presided over the Regional HOMs Conference scheduled. EAM’s visit to Bahrain EAM participated in the inaugural Diaspora Engagement meet organized by the Overseas Regular exchanges at various levels help consolidate our relations 6-7 September 2014 Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC) and had bilateral interaction with the top Bahraini with Bahrain. leadership. EAM also participated in the Onam celebrations organized by the Indian expatriate community. During the visit, the OIFC signed two agreements with the Bahrain Economic Development Board and the Bahrain India Society. EAM’s visit to Kabul EAM visited Kabul on Sep 10, 2014 en route to Dushanbe. EAM along with Afghan Government remains committed to maintaining and further 10 September 2014 President Hamid Karzai, presided over a function to dedicate a National Flag Monument to strengthening our bilateral relations with Afghanistan. the people of Afghanistan. EAM also inaugurated the new chancery building of the Indian Embassy in Kabul. During the official interactions, both sides discussed bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. EAM’s visit to EAM led the Indian delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit During the visit, EAM submitted application for India’s regular Dushanbe held in Dushanbe. The Summit approved the Dushanbe Declaration, a Memorandum on membership of SCO. 11-12 September 2014 the obligations of countries applying to join the SCO and a document on procedure for accession to the SCO. On the margins, EAM called on the Presidents of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia and Iran. EAM’s visit to USA EAM took part in the UN General Assembly as a member of Prime Minister's delegation to Regular exchanges at various levels help strengthen the relations 24 September – 2 the US. EAM also attended the IBSA and BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meetings in New York on between the two countries October 25 September 2014 in the margins of the 69th UNGA. IBSA Foreign Ministers discussed steps to further consolidate IBSA cooperation as well as regional and global developments, UN Security Council Reforms and other issues of mutual interest. A Joint Communiqué was issued after the meeting. BRICS Foreign Ministers took stock of the progress made on the Action Plan emanating

7

from the 6th BRICS Summit held in Fortaleza, Brazil in July 2014 as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest. A Joint Press Statement was issued after the meeting.

EAM’s visit to UK EAM had a bilateral meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Mr. Philip Hammond. Discussions Bilateral consultations to further strengthen ties will continue. 16-17 October 2014 were held on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest and concern. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Regional Pravasiya Bhartiya Diwas (RPBD) event in London, which was jointly inaugurated by the two Ministers. EAM’s visit to EAM met President Mr. Rajkeswur Purryag, Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, The Government is undertaking regular bilateral exchanges in Mauritius Deputy Prime Minister Dr. A. R. Beebeejaun, Foreign Minister Dr. Arvin Boolell, and economic, trade and cultural fields with a view to promoting 1-3 November 2014 Minister of Arts and Culture Mr. M. Choonee. EAM also attended the functions at the bilateral relations with Mauritius. Aapravasi Ghat and business conference. She also inaugurated an international conference on indentured labour route. EAM’s visit to UAE EAM held bilateral meetings with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Regular exchanges at various levels help consolidate our relations 11-12 November 2014 Saif bin Zayed al Nahyan and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan. with UAE. Discussions were held on issues of mutual interest. EAM’s visit to South Deliberations were held on bilateral cooperation in areas including Trade and Investment, Ongoing cooperation in areas including defence, IT/ICT, Culture, Korea Shipping, Defence, S&T, Culture etc. Regional and Global issued were also discussed. Trade and Investment etc. being undertaken under the aegis of 28-30 December, 2014 bilateral MoUs/Agreements were discussed. EAM’s visit to Turkey EAM had meeting with her counterpart Mr. Mevlut Cavusogle and discussed bilateral, EAM extended an invitation to the Turkish Foreign Minister to visit 15-16 January 2015 multilateral and regional issues. India at a mutually convenient time to take forward the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. EAM’s visit to China EAM held bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and called on Chinese The discussions with Chinese side were comprehensive and 31 January- 3 February President Xi Jinping. EAM met with Mr. Wang Jiarui, Minister, International Department, substantive. Various issues of significance were discussed in a 2015 Communist Party of China. During the visit, EAM, along with Vice Premier Wang Yang frank and cordial manner. Both sides agreed to maintain the launched the Visit India Year - 2015 in China. EAM, along with Jiang Jianguo, Minister, State momentum of high-level exchanges and deepen cooperation to Council Information Office, inaugurated the 2nd meeting of India-China High Level Media further strengthen the India China Strategic and Cooperative Forum. EAM also participated in the 13th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Russia-India-China Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. Trilateral. ”

During the visit, Note Verbales to finalize the modalities to commence Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nathu La beginning June 2015 were exchanged. EAM’s visit to Oman EAM held extensive talks with Omani counterpart Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah on Regular exchanges at various levels help consolidate our relations 17-18 February 2015 bilateral, regional and other issues of mutual interest. with Oman.

*****

8