This Annual Report can also be accessed at website: www.meaindia.nic.in

Front Cover: Illustration of Central Secretariat buildings from water colour painting by Shri Kashi Nath Das

Designed and produced by: CYBERART INFORMATIONS PVT. LTD. Kanu Chambers, 3rd Floor, C-2, Sanwal Nagar, New Delhi 110 049, INDIA Telefax: 26256148/26250700 E mail:[email protected] Contents

Introduction 1

Highlights of the Year 2

Synopsis 4

1. India’s Neighbours n Thailand 43 n Morocco 59 n Afghanistan 11 PM’s Visit and Agreement for 44 n Palestine 59 n Bangladesh 12 Bilateral FTA n Sudan 60 n Bhutan 14 n Timor L’este 45 n Syria 60 Military Operation in Bhutan 14 n Vietnam 45 n Tunisia 60 by Royal Bhutanese Army China 15 n 3. East Asia 6. Africa (South of Sahara) PM’s visit to China, 15 n Japan 46 n Angola 61 22-27 June 2003 n Republic of Korea (ROK) 47 n Botswana 61 n Hongkong 22 n Democratic People’s Republic 49 n Namibia 61 n Iran 22 of Korea (DPRK) n Zambia 61 President Khatami’s Visit and 22 n Mongolia 49 n Mozambique 62 The New Delhi Declaration n Swaziland 62 n Maldives 24 4. Central Asia n South Africa 62 n Myanmar 24 n Azerbaijan 50 n Lesotho 65 n Nepal 27 n Kazakhstan 50 n Zimbabwe 65 Maoist Insurgency in Nepal 27 n Kyrghyzstan 50 n Ethiopia 65 n Pakistan 28 n Tajikistan 51 n Madagascar 65 PM’s Initiative at 28 n Turkey 51 n Tanzania 65 Srinagar, 18 April 2003 n Turkmenistan 52 n Zanzibar 66 Indian proposals to Pakistan: 28 n Uzbekistan 52 n Uganda 66 22 October 2003 n Rwanda 66 Ceasefire along the 30 5. The Gulf ,West Asia and n Seychelles 66 International Border, LOC North Africa n Mauritius 66 and AGPL in J&K Gulf n Kenya 67 PM’s Visit to Islamabad, 30 n Iraq 54 n Eritrea 67 4-6 January 2004 n Bahrain 55 n Democratic Republic of Congo 67 Joint Secretary and Foreign 30 n Kuwait 55 n Benin 67 Secretary Level Meetings, n Special Kuwait Cell 55 n Cameroon 67 16-18 February 2004 n Oman 55 n Cote D’ Ivoire 67 n Sri Lanka 32 n Qatar 56 n The Gambia 67 n SAARC 36 n Saudi Arabia 56 n Ghana 68 n UAE 56 n Guinea Bissau 68 2. South East Asia and the Pacific n Yemen 56 n Guinea 68 n Second India-ASEAN Summit 38 n Gulf Cooperation Council 56 n Liberia 68 n Australia 38 (GCC) n Mauritania 68 n Brunei 38 n Haj 2003-04 57 n Nigeria 68 n Cambodia 39 West Asia and North Africa n Senegal 70 n Fiji 39 n Algeria 57 n SADC 70 n Indonesia 40 n Djibouti 57 n TEAM-9 Initiative 71 n Lao PDR 40 n Egypt 57 n Malaysia 41 n Arab League 58 7. Europe n New Zealand 41 n Israel 58 Central and Eastern Europe n Papua New Guinea (PNG) 42 n Jordan 59 n Armenia 72 n Pacific Island Forum(PIF) 42 n Lebanon 59 n Belarus 73 n The Philippines 42 n Libya 59 n Bosnia & Herzegovina 73 n Singapore 42 Contents

n Bulgaria 73 n Paraguay 93 13.External Publicity n Croatia 73 n Brazil 93 n Spokesperson’s Office 129 n Czech Republic 74 n Chile 94 n Media Facilitation 129 n Estonia 74 n Colombia 95 n India Perspectives 130 n Georgia 74 n Ecuador 95 n Hungary 74 n Cuba 95 14.Protocol 132 n Latvia 74 n Guyana 96 n Lithuania 75 n Jamaica 97 15.Passport, Visa and 141 n Macedonia 75 n Mexico 97 Consular Services n Moldova 75 n Nicaragua 98 n Poland 75 Central America 16.Administration and 143 n Romania 75 n Panama 98 Organisation n Russia 76 n Costa Rica 99 PM’s Visit ,11-13 76 n Peru 99 17.Coordination 145 November 2003 n Bolivia 100 n Serbia and Montenegro 77 n Suriname 100 18.Non Resident Indians and 146 n Slovenia 77 n Barbados 100 People of Indian Origin n Ukraine 77 n Trinidad & Tobago 100 Overseas West Europe n Venezuela 101 n United Kingdom 78 19.Foreign Service Institute 148 n Germany 80 9. United Nations and n Ireland 81 International Organisations 20.Implementation of 150 n Portugal 81 n 58th Session of the UN 102 Official Language Policy n Cyprus 81 General Assembly and Propogation of Hindi n Greece 81 n Non Aligned Movement 106 Abroad n Switzerland 81 n Social, Human Rights and 108 n Holy See 82 Humanitarian Issues 21.Gender Issues 151 n Austria 82 n Group of 77 111 n Denmark 82 n Disarmament 111 22.Cultural Relations 152 n Finland 82 n ASEAN Regional Forum 111 n Italy 82 n IBSA Dialogue Forum 114 23.Indian Council of World 155 n Norway 82 n International Law and 114 Affairs n Sweden 83 Developments n Belgium 83 24.Research and Information 156 n Grand Duchy of Luxembourg 83 10.Foreign Economic Relations System for the Non-aligned n Netherlands 83 n ASEAN 119 and Other Developing n Spain 83 n BIMST-EC 120 Countries (RIS) n France 84 n COMESA 120 n European Union 85 n G-15 122 n Commonwealth 86 n IOR-ARC 122 Appendices 159 n Mekong Ganga Cooperation 122 8. The Americas n OECD 122 Abbreviations 209 n United States 88 n Technical Cooperation 123 Colin Powell’s Visit to India,91 15-17 March 2004 11.Investment and Trade 126 Canada 91 Promotion Latin America 92 n Argentina 93 12.Policy Planning and 127 Research Introduction

he main thrust of India’s foreign policy economic diplomacy with the objective and sub-regionalism for promoting Thas been to establish its rightful place of promoting foreign trade and economic growth and all-round in the emerging world order. Pragmatism investment, ensuring equitable transfer development with active coordination and the pursuit of national interest without of technology and strengthening India’s and assistance to organisations like compromising on basic principles have been energy security. BIMST-EC and the Mekong Ganga the guiding tenets of India’s foreign policy. Cooperation. n To work closely with P-5 countries and In a rapidly changing world order, foreign to build strategic ties with the other n To continue to work closely with policy must be flexible enough to optimally major powers and leading developing international bodies like the UN, NAM, respond to new challenges and opportunities. countries. the Commonwealth and regional India’s foreign policy cannot be seen in groupings like the EU and G-20 for isolation and must be viewed as an integral n To intensify and strengthen ties with furthering India’s interests in the part of the larger effort of building the neighbors through mutually beneficial international arena. nation’s capabilities through economic cooperation and by building a climate development, strengthening social well-being of confidence and trust along with the n To reform and restructure the UN and protecting India’s sovereignty, territorial acknowledgement of each other’s Security Council and espouse integrity and security not only in its defence legitimate concerns. The realization of multipolarity in a world order that and economic aspects but in the widest sense SAARC as a more vibrant regional respects the principles of sovereignty and of the term. It also visualizes international forum leading to an economic non-intervention. integration of the region is a desired goal. peace, stability and security as being n To promote a more equitable equation essentially in conjunction with its own n To ensure that cross-border terrorism is between the developed and the national interest. brought to an end and the entire developing world in the political, The year witnessed several bilateral and infrastructure of terrorism operating economic and technological domains. from Pakistan is dismantled. multilateral exchanges that took place at the n To work towards the goal of global highest levels between India and the rest of n To strengthen cooperation, friendship nuclear disarmament within a time the world. Given the backdrop of the and trust with countries of India’s bound framework. changing international scenario, India’s extended neighborhood based on n To closely interact with the Indian foreign policy is directed towards the civilisational and historical ties as well Diaspora on a continuing basis in order realization of the following objectives: as strong contemporary relevance. India to strengthen their bonds with India and n To protect India’s core national interests and the countries of this region stand to recognize their pivotal role in India’s and concerns in a rapidly changing together to promote economic international relations. international environment by fostering development and durable peace. The conduct of India’s foreign policy is support and understanding in the n To further the gains from India’s Look based on a holistic assessment that international community. East Policy and aspire for substantive encompasses all the above objectives, and n To preserve the autonomy of the progress in several areas of common also imparts a greater dynamism to its foreign decision making process and to play a interest to India and ASEAN. policy. The increasing pace of bilateral and pioneering role in the establishment of n To constructively engage other members regional engagements at the highest levels a stable, prosperous and secure global of multilateral institutions and are an ample testimony to the pragmatism order. organisations to generate common and pro-active approach it seeks to n To strengthen the international approaches to contemporary challenges epitomize. India’s foreign policy is aimed at campaign against terrorism which is a relating to economic well-being and a vision for the future, a vision that seeks to global threat. development. establish India’s deserved place in the international arena. n To give greater focus and priority to n To leverage trends towards regionalism nn

1 Highlights of the Year

Pro-active Engagement with n The 3rd Mekong-Ganga Cooperation n One of the most active players in Neighbours (MGC) Ministerial Meeting emphasized reconstruction work in Afghanistan, the need to augment India’s physical and India has extended an aid package of n The signing of an agreement on South cultural connectivity with the region. A US$ 400 million along with the Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) at the project for the construction of a 1360 refurbishing of hospitals and providing 12th SAARC Summit in Islamabad. The km long Trilateral Highway from Moreh health care services, as well as a major historic Summit also saw the signing of in India via Bagan in Myanmar to Mae project involving linking of roads. the Social Charter and the conclusion Sot in Thailand is being undertaken. of an Additional Protocol to the SAARC n The 2nd India-ASEAN Summit at Bali witnessed a consolidation of relations Convention on Terrorism. The Diversified Global Diplomatic Islamabad Declaration emphasizes the with Southeast Asia and identification awakening of South Asia to the benefits Interests of cooperation in core areas. of regionalism and coming together with n India was a special invitee at the G-8 n The 4th India-EU Summit at New Delhi a joint economic and social agenda to ‘Enlarged Dialogue’ at Evian, France identified areas for greater cooperation effectively help in the economic where India emphasized that the between India and Europe in several key integration of the seven countries. Dialogue should serve as a useful forum issues. of communication at the highest level n Achieving normalization of relations between the developed and the with Pakistan, with significant CBM’s to Economic Diplomacy developing world. strengthen the process of a composite n India’s vision to promote South Asia as dialogue that would eventually lead to n Initiation of a Strategic Dialogue with an integrated economic region saw the the peaceful settlement of all bilateral the US on ‘Quartet Issues’ with special culmination of the agreement on issues. focus on civilian nuclear activities, high- SAFTA, and the acceptance of a tech trade involving dual use n For the first time in India-China proposed South Asian Economic Union technologies, civilian space programme relations, signing of a Joint Declaration and a Common Currency by 2015. and missile defence. that confirms the commitment of the n The finalization of the Framework two countries to work more closely on n The first ever State Visit by an Israeli Agreement on Economic Cooperation issues of common concern. Both the Head of State, Mr. Ariel Sharon that saw between India and ASEAN that governments have appointed Special the culmination of major agreements recognises South East Asia as India’s Representatives for working out a time between the two countries. Indo-Israeli natural trading frontier. bound settlement of the boundary issue. Defence Cooperation also included the signing of an agreement on the supply n The signing of the New Delhi Plan of n Military action initiated by the Royal of Phalcon airborne early warning Action at the first ever meeting of the Bhutanese Government at India’s systems to India. Trilateral Commission of the India- request, to flush out and destroy all the Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue militant camps operating from n Indian diplomacy’s concrete and unique Forum with a vision to promote South- Bhutanese soil that were engaged in initiative to engage with eight oil and South cooperation as well as trilateral insurgency in our North-East. mineral rich Western African countries cooperation, in accordance with the under an institutionalized mechanism of n Establishment of an Institutional objectives set forth in the Brasilia Techno-Economic Approach for Africa- Dialogue on key issues relating to border Declaration. India (TEAM-9). This saw the unilateral management with Bangladesh at the pledging by India of US$ 500 million n The establishment of a Liberalised Trade security forces level to prevent illegal for bilateral and regional projects in Regime (LTR) with Sri Lanka under immigration at the border. economic and social sectors. which India has also unilaterally n Signing of the BIMST-EC Framework extended a US$ 100 million line of n The first ever visit of an Indian Prime Agreement for Free Trade Area. This credit. Minister to Tajikistan that saw the would be a major step towards greater signing of a Joint Declaration of n The conclusion of a Framework economic linkages in Asia and a bridge Friendship and Cooperation and an Agreement for establishing a Free Trade connecting South Asia with South East economic package of US$ 40 million to Area with Thailand, and the Asia. Tajikistan. commencement of discussions for a Free Trade Area with Bangladesh.

2 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

International Security and East Asia by reservation of a third of the and multifaceted contribution to human Combating Terrorism 15% supernumerary seats in educational rights within the UN system. institutes in India. Further, children of n India’s insistence on bringing stability NRIs in Gulf would not be required to and normalcy in Iraq under the aegis of Modernisation of pay the higher fees normally paid by Administration and the United Nations and an emphasis on NRIs. preserving the territorial integrity of Organisation n The introduction of a Pravasi Bharatiya Iraq. n The computerization of passport Bima Yojana to provide insurance to issuance process ( including issuance of n Signing of the Treaty of Amity and workers in the Gulf. Cooperation (TAC) with ASEAN during Machine-printed Machine readable the Bali Summit demonstrating India’s n The announcement of establishing a passports) in all Passport Offices strong determination to establish peace Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi. throughout the country. and security in the South East Asian n The recognition of twelve outstanding n A proposal to introduce a more secure region. eminent people of Indian origin by and tamper proof ‘global standards n Active participation in eleven out of the conferment of the Pravasi Bharatiya passport’ is under implementation. Samman Awards to them. fifteen ongoing UN Peace Keeping n The opening up of new missions and Operations around the world. posts as a part of our ongoing initiative n A series of successful extraditions in the India and the UN to increase India’s diplomatic presence last one year and the signing of bilateral n An active participation in the open in every capital of the world. This extradition treaties with many other meetings of the Security Council on key included the opening of a Consulate countries. issues such as the situation in West Asia, General of India (CGI) in Birgunj, Afghanistan, Iraq as well as on thematic Nepal, thereby increasing the number of n A pro-active engagement in Central Asia issues such as threats to international Indian Missions/Posts abroad to 162. both in terms of defence cooperation peace and international security. and energy security. n The reorganization of some of the n India welcomed the unanimous adoption Territorial Divisions at the Headquarters n The signing of the Additional Protocol of Resolution 1511 as a positive step for effective implementation of to the SAARC Convention on Terrorism towards the restoration of sovereignty to Government’s foreign policy priorities and similar such Conventions in various the Iraqi people, although we noted that and concerns. multilateral fora to curb the threat of the Resolution lacked specificity terrorism. n The issuance of External Affairs regarding the timing of the transfer. Minister’s Monthly letter to Heads of th Engaging with the Diaspora n At the 58 Session of the First Missions and Posts, along with a Monthly Committee of UNGA, in recognition of Web Newsletter of the Ministry, with a n The successful celebration of the second the widely shared concern of the common link for all Missions and Posts. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas with over 2000 international community about the delegates from more than 61 countries. n The first ever Cadre Review of Indian heightened dangers posed by the risk of Foreign Service Branch-B(IFS(B)) has n The granting of dual citizenship to terrorists getting access to weapons of been completed since the inception of Persons of Indian Origin from 16 mass destruction, India’s resolution on the Service in 1956. This would provide countries including the US, UK, “Measures to Prevent Terrorists from much needed relief to various IFS(B) Australia, Canada, France, which allow Acquiring Weapons of Mass cadres from stagnation in their respective dual citizenship as per their respective Destruction”, was adopted unanimously. grades. laws. n India’s election to the Commission on n The Fourth Cadre Review of the Indian n Educational facilities for the children of Human Rights for the period 2004-06 Foreign Service (IFS) is also in an Indian workers in the Gulf and South was a vindication of its long-standing advanced stage of completion. nn

3 Synopsis

hutan and India share extensive and implementation in the future. Nepal has Chinese People’s Political Consultative Bmutually beneficial bilateral relations. assured India that it will not allow its territory Committee (CPPCC), Jia Qinglin, and There is free movement of people and goods to be used for activities inimical to India’s Politburo Member, He Guoqiang. A between the two countries, and the Indian interests. Nepal has been a victim of Maoist Dialogue on Policy Planning and annual Rupee is legal tender in Bhutan. 90% of insurgency for the last seven years. India has meetings at the Foreign Minister level were Bhutan’s global trade is with India. India has condemned the Maoist violence and added this year to the framework of played a pivotal role in the socio-economic continues to extend assistance for the structured interaction with China. development of Bhutan. Their first two Five strengthening of the Nepalese security Interaction with China in diverse sectors, Year Plans during 1961-66 and 1966-71 forces. India has noted developments, including defence, bilateral trade and were financed entirely by India. India’s including announcement of a ceasefire in economic cooperation progressed during the contribution to Bhutan’s development January 2003, and believes that the conflict year. budget during 1961 to 2002 is close to 30%. should be resolved through a dialogue based India continued with its effort to develop a Indian assistance to Bhutan’s ongoing Ninth on national consensus and should involve all relationship of mutual trust, friendship and Five Year Plan is continuing. India has political parties. cooperation with Pakistan. In keeping with already created over 400MW of generation India has close ties with its eastern and this spirit, in April 2003, once again a hand capacity in Bhutan that is also catering to southern neighbours, Bangladesh, Maldives, of friendship was extended to Pakistan. the needs of India. The Tala mega project Myanmar and Sri Lanka. All these countries Following this, there were several significant of 1020MW capacity will come on stream are of strategic importance to India and developments, including restoration of in early 2006,and will export power to India. share cultural and ethnic legacies with us. relations at the level of High Commissioners, India has signed an agreement with Bhutan India has focused on strengthening its restoration of communication and transport in September 2003 to prepare the Detailed relations with these countries through links, and a virtual explosion in people to Project Report (DPR) of Punatsangchhuk economic cooperation. This includes grant people contacts between the two countries. Hydroelectric Project with a capacity of of unilateral tariff concessions to At the same time it was made clear to 900MW. M/s Water & Power Consultants Bangladesh, collaborative projects including Pakistan that sustainability of the process of India have commenced work on the DPR. implementation of infrastructure required an end to cross border terrorism. Bhutan is making significant strides in the development projects in Myanmar, In the Joint Press Statement issued on 6 devolution and decentralisation of authority cooperation in health, education and tourism to the grass roots level. On 15 December January 2004, President Musharraf sectors in Maldives, and close economic reassured Prime Minister Vajpayee that he 2003, Royal Government of Bhutan integration with Sri Lanka. launched its operations against Indian will not permit any territory under Pakistan’s insurgent groups, which had taken refuge in Interaction with China, which is based on control to be used to support terrorism in Bhutan. Thirty camps of the militants were the principles of Panchsheel, mutual any manner. The two sides agreed to destroyed in this operation. sensitivity to each other’s concerns and commence the process of the Composite equality, has developed due to a mutual Dialogue. Subsequently, during Joint India and Nepal share extensive bilateral agreement to qualitatively enhance bilateral Secretary and Foreign Secretary level talks relations. An open border of 1860kms interaction while simultaneously addressing in February 2004, the two sides agreed to a between the two countries facilitates free differences through dialogue and peaceful schedule of meetings including eight subjects movement of goods and people. Indian means. The commitment to build a broad- under the Composite Dialogue. Rupee is a legal tender in Nepal. Over 62% based and cooperative relationship with A ceasefire along the International Border, of Nepal’s global trade is with India, and China was further emphasised in 2003-04 nearly half of the Foreign Direct Investment Line of Control, and the Actual Ground following the Prime Minister’s visit to China Position Line in Jammu and Kashmir, which in Nepal originates from India. India is from 22-27 June 2003. building an optical fibre cable along the is being observed since November 25, 2003 Nepalese Terai, which will bring significant Apart from Prime Minister, other high level has continued to hold. Though there has improvement in our bilateral visits to China included that of the Speaker been some decline in cross border communications. The National Hydro of Lok Sabha, the Raksha Mantri and infiltration, Pakistan is yet to take credible Power Corporation of India on a Build, External Affairs Minister. Minister for steps to dismantle the infrastructure of Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis, Commerce and Industry also visited China support to terrorism. has taken up the 300MW upper Karnali for the inauguration of the ‘Made in India’ India remains committed to build upon the hydroelectric project. India has also agreed Show organized jointly by the Embassy of confidence that has been generated by recent to prepare the Detailed Project Report on India and CII. High-level visits from China developments in our bilateral relations. the 600 MW Burhi Gandaki for possible included those of the Chairman of the However, in order to take forward and

4 Synopsis

sustain the dialogue process, violence, dynamism to India’s relations with these Republic of Korea (DPRK) continued on an terrorism and hostility must be prevented. countries. Prime Minister visited Thailand even key, including commemorative activities India-Afghanistan ties continued to expand from 8-12 October 2003 following his visit to mark the 30th anniversary of and strengthen during 2003-04. There were to Bali, Indonesia, where he attended the establishment of diplomatic relations regular bilateral exchanges, including the Second India-ASEAN Summit. Prime between India and DPRK. Foreign Office state visit of President Hamid Karzai in Minister of Singapore, General Secretary of Consultations were held and the Cultural March 2003. The government has made the Communist Party of Vietnam, and Exchange Programme (CEP) between the substantial contribution to Afghanistan’s Prime Minister of Laos visited India during two countries for the period 2003-2006 was reconstruction effort, which includes a wide the year. The initiatives taken by India at the renewed. range of humanitarian, financial and project Second India-ASEAN Summit confirmed its Various high-level visits, including that of assistance. India’s present commitment adds commitment to forge closer links at the Minister of State for External Affairs to up to US$ 400 million, including 1 million regional level. As far as the Pacific region is Mongolia, and that of the Mongolian Prime tonnes of wheat as Food Assistance. Of the concerned, following India’s admission as a Minister and Defence Minister to India, US$100 million financial assistance, US$ 85 dialogue partner of the Pacific Islands Forum served to give new impetus to India’s million has already been operationalised. (PIF), India participated for the first time in relationship with Mongolia in 2003-04. the Post Forum Dialogue Meetings with the India also continued to participate in various PIF in Wellington in August 2003. Prime Minister’s visit to Tajikistan in international efforts aimed at addressing November 2003 was the first such high level political and reconstruction issues in This year saw progress in bilateral relations visit to independent Tajikistan. In September Afghanistan. Although the Afghan between India and Japan, in pursuance of 2003, Prime Minister visited Turkey, the government faces many challenges, the India’s continuing efforts to operationalise earlier such visit being in 1988. The foremost being a threat to its internal the “India-Japan Global Partnership in the President of Kyrgyzstan visited India in security, developments in Afghanistan since 21st Century” agreed to between the two November 2003. These visits are witness to the Bonn Agreement of December 2001 can Prime Ministers in August 2000. Apart from India’s commitment and engagement in the be assessed as being positive. various high-level visits, including those of region. A number of other visits at political, the Japanese Foreign Minister and Minister Following the visit of President Seyyed business and cultural levels were exchanged of State for Defence, and India’s National Mohammad Khatami to India in January to accelerate the momentum of India’s Security Advisor and Minister for 2003, India and Iran agreed to impart a relationship. India is now connected by air Disinvestment, Communications & IT, two strategic character to their relationship on links with Turkey, and with each of the rounds of Foreign Office Consultations were the basis of the vision contained in the New Central Asian states. All the Central Asian held as well as the second round of the India- Delhi Declaration. Regular high-level states also have diplomatic missions in New Japan Comprehensive Security Dialogue. exchanges, strategic dialogue and Delhi now. Trade relations as also people- The first Indian IT exhibition was held in institutional linkages between the two to-people contacts have shown a steady Japan in June, and various events were countries have led to enhanced mutual progress during the period. organised to mark the 100th anniversary of understanding between the two countries. the establishment of the Indo-Japanese The Gulf region constitutes an important Fields of energy, transit, trade and economy Association, which has a long history of area in the geo-strategic matrix of India since and science and technology are among the promoting exchanges between India and it meets sixty percent of India’s oil focused areas of bilateral cooperation. Japan. requirements and has a 3.5 million strong The 12th SAARC Summit held at Indian Diaspora contributing to our foreign Islamabad from 4-6 January 2004 was a On 10 December 2003, India and Republic exchange reserve through their remittances. milestone in regional cooperation. Three of Korea (ROK) celebrated the 30th The political dialogue with Gulf important Agreements were signed at the anniversary of the establishment of Cooperation Council, initiated in September Summit: the SAARC Social Charter, the diplomatic relations. Bilateral relations also 2003 at Foreign Ministers’ level, and the Additional Protocol on Terrorism and the progressed during 2003-04, including the 4th GCC-India Industrial Conference held in Framework Agreement on South Asian Free India-ROK Joint Trade Committee Meeting Mumbai in February 2004 with the Trade Area (SAFTA). co-chaired by the Indian Minister for participation of members from all the six Commerce and Industry, the second meeting India continued to pursue closer relations GCC countries go a long way in further of the India-ROK Joint Commission at the with South East Asia in line with the ‘Look strengthening India’s long standing relations Foreign Ministers level, and other high-level East’ policy. Regular exchange of high-level with the region. visits and functional exchanges. visits and interactions at regional and India’s engagement with the West Asia and international fora helped in imparting added Bilateral relations with Democratic People’s North Africa (WANA) region got further

5 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

consolidated by several visits exchanged at In addition, action was initiated to donate Visits by Heads of State/Heads of Summit and other levels. India received anti-HIV/AIDS drugs to African countries Government from Poland, Hungary, President of Djibouti and Prime Minister of severely affected by the scourge of AIDS. Armenia and Romania during the year Israel. Similarly, the Indian President and This is expected to promote Indian exports helped to consolidate our bilateral relations Prime Minister paid State Visits to Sudan of pharmaceuticals to African countries. and embark on new areas of functional and Syria respectively. In addition, India’s engagement with the countries in cooperation. ministerial delegations were received from Western Europe continued to be broad- As committed by their respective leaders Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Israel, Sudan and based and intensive. Bilateral political and since their Summit Meeting of 9 November Palestine. Trade and economic interchanges economic interaction was marked by an 2001, India and the United States remained also continued to grow. unprecedented number of exchanges of deeply engaged in 2003 to qualitatively As part of the renewed ‘Focus Africa’ policy, visits, demonstrating a mutual desire to transform their bilateral relations in Ministry took fresh initiatives to strengthen consolidate a dynamic, multi-faceted recognition of India’s status as an emerging the existing links between India and sub- relationship with the European Union and world power and of the many common Saharan African countries. There was the individual countries in Western Europe. strategic interests that the two countries share special focus on strengthening high-level Regular exchange of views on the challenges in Asia and beyond. The two countries exchanges between the sub-Saharan African facing India and the European Union, and constructively engaged across a full spectrum countries and India. Heads of State/ dialogue with key strategic partners in of issues: combating international terrorism, Government from a large number of African Western Europe, against the backdrop of peacekeeping, defence, strategic issues, countries including Zambia, Mauritius, current regional and international science and technology, health, trade, space, Namibia, Mozambique, Lesotho, South developments, led to a better appreciation energy and environment. The most visible Africa, Senegal and Rwanda paid successful of India’s legitimate concerns and, at the symbol of this bilateral engagement is the visits to India. Joint Commission Meetings same time, provided an opportunity to re- high frequency of bilateral visits at political at Ministerial Level were held with countries focus, strengthen and re-vitalize bilateral ties. and official levels, and the existence of such as Mozambique, Kenya, Nigeria, South India’s strategic partnership and our multi- Bilateral Dialogue Architecture, now Africa, Tanzania and Seychelles. Meetings dimensional cooperation with Russia comprising more than 15 institutional at Permanent Secretary level were also held. continued to be consolidated during the year dialogues. The Prime Minister met President The Vice President of India paid a State visit 2003-04. Prime Minister’s visit to Russia in Bush in New York on 24 September 2003 to Seychelles. These visits helped get a better May and November 2003 gave a fresh and briefly at St. Petersburg on 31 May 2003. understanding of the position of these impetus to friendly bilateral relations. The The Deputy Prime Minister visited the countries on issues such as India’s system of summit- level meetings has United States in June 2003 when he also met candidature to the permanent membership provided us with an annual platform to President Bush. Other high-level exchanges of the expanded UN Security Council, cross discuss international and regional issues and included visits by the National Security border terrorism, and Jammu and Kashmir. to review the state of bilateral relations. Adviser to the United States in May 2003 They also helped to strengthen economic These summit meetings are supported by (which included a brief meeting with and commercial links with African countries. political and official level meetings which President Bush) and by US Deputy Secretary In order to foster links with the fast emerging cover the entire gamut of our bilateral of State Richard Armitage in May 2003. regional organizations in Africa, relationship. India has one of the largest During the year, significant progress in Memoranda of Understanding for cooperation programmes on S&T with bilateral relations between India and the US Cooperation were signed between India and Russia. There is a wide-ranging energy occurred in the realm of our bilateral regional organizations such as Southern cooperation programme. The contract for strategic dialogue on the “Quartet Issues” African Development Community (SADC), the acquisition of the aircraft carrier, comprising cooperation in civilian space Common Market for East and Southern Admiral Gorshkov was signed during the programme, civilian nuclear programme, African and East African Community. As visit of the Russian Defence Minister to India trade in “dual use” high-technology and part of its traditional technical and in January 2004. humanitarian assistance to Africa, the Africa missile defence. During their meeting in New Division made arrangements for donation of Bilateral ties with Central and Eastern York in September 2002, the Prime Minister nearly 100,000 tonnes of food aid to African European countries were strengthened in the and President Bush agreed to explore countries which had been adversely affected past year, especially in the spheres of cooperation opportunities in these areas. In by drought. This is the first time ever that economy, science, technology, culture and this context, the two sides have established a such a large quantity of food aid was shipped defence. The President’s visit to Bulgaria in High Technology Cooperation Group to African countries in a single calendar year. October 2003 reinforced our bilateral ties. (HTCG), the first that the United States has

6 Synopsis

with any country. This Group met in in Asia and beyond, and on multilateral of close engagement with the international Washington DC in July 2003 and in New issues of mutual concern. community. Harmonisation of India’s Delhi in November 2003. During the HTCG national imperatives and security obligations A process of re-engagement supported by meetings when the two sides agreed to take with international concerns on non- both countries marked relations between appropriate regulatory and promotional proliferation and disarmament also India and Canada. Canada identified India, measures to stimulate India-US high- progressed steadily through bilateral, together with China, Mexico and Brazil, as technology commerce, including trade in regional and multilateral dialogues on one of four countries offering new dual-use goods and technologies. An strategic issues. opportunities for productive partnerships, as important milestone was crossed on 12-13 well as one of three countries in Asia, along The First Committee of the UNGA adopted January 2004, when the leaders of the two with China and Japan, for developing close by consensus the Resolution moved by India countries issued, in their respective capitals, ties. The highlight of the year was the visit on the threat posed by the linkage between a joint statement that describes the next steps of then Canadian Prime Minister, Jean weapons of mass destruction and terrorism. in the India - United States strategic Chrètien, from 24-25 October 2003. A Joint India assumed the Presidency of the partnership. These steps include an Statement was released on “Partners for the Conference on Disarmament (CD) from 1 expansion of bilateral cooperation the 21st Century” outlining the vision of the January to 14 February 2003 on the basis of “Quartet Issues”. Prime Ministers of both countries to rotation among the 66 members of the CD. An important element emerging in this strengthen government, commercial and Last year was a particularly difficult one for bilateral engagement with US has been civil society linkages between India and the UN because of the Iraq issue and the cooperation on combating international Canada. This was preceded by the visit of unilateral military action taken by the US. terrorism. On 16 October 2003, the United the Canadian Foreign Minister Bill Graham The very role and relevance of the UN came States declared Dawood Ibrahim as a on 13 October 2003. Visits from Canada under increased scrutiny. The unprecedented Specially Designated Global Terrorist. The sought to establish an expanded interface in attack on the UN office in Iraq highlighted designation recognizes Dawood Ibrahim’s the field of industry, information and the need to focus on the threats and underworld and terrorist connections, his emerging technologies and agriculture and challenges facing the international efforts to destabilise India, his involvement to broaden the scope of cooperation to the community and the role of the UN in this in the 1993 Mumbai bombings and his level of State Governments in India. The regard. To address these issues, the UN support to LeT. This subsequently led to the traditional Throne Speech by the Governor Secretary General set up a High Level Panel inclusion of his name in the United Nations General of Canada, Mrs. Adrienne Clarkson on Global Security, Threats and Reform of listing as well. on 2 February 2004 reiterated greater focus the International System, to recommend, The United States conveyed its appreciation on “Newly Emerging Economic Giants as inter alia, the changes necessary to ensure of India’s peace initiative towards Pakistan. China, India and Brazil”. The Canadian effective collective action and to review the While expressing hope for normalization of Minister of State for New and Emerging functioning of the principal organs of the relations and eventual resumption of the Markets, Mr. Gar Knutson also visited India United Nations. from 25-30 January 2004 in keeping with India-Pakistan dialogue, the United States India continued to play an active role in UN this priority area of focus. maintains that it is for the two countries to debates on major issues. As a major troop resolve all outstanding issues bilaterally. The India urged the international community to contributor, India continued to participate United States recognises that cross-border focus its attention on the threat posed by the in UN Peace Keeping Operations. Prime terrorism continues, and has repeatedly linkages between weapons of mass Minister Vajpayee led the India delegation stated that it continues to press President destruction and terrorism and re-introduced to the 58th session of the UN General Musharraf to end infiltration and take action its resolution, which was first tabled in 2002, Assembly, and inter alia, stressed the to dismantle terrorist camps. on the subject in the UN. The resolution was necessity for reform and restructuring of the India and the United States also continued adopted by consensus, reflecting the UN. While emphasizing the need for their discussions on issues of regional and widespread concern of the global evolving suitable decision-making international interest, including the situation community. India continued to call for mechanisms by the UN Security Council to in Iraq and Afghanistan. United States verifiable, non-discriminatory and universal ensure better representation of the collective expressed its understanding of India’s nuclear disarmament. India’s stand on issues will of the international community, the position while reiterating that India related to disarmament and international Prime Minister strongly supported the UN remained an important strategic partner for security in various multilateral and regional Secretary General’s call for the reform of the United States. The two countries also forums was premised on India’s national the institutions and processes of the United maintained their dialogue on developments security interests and the nation’s tradition Nations and the urgency for such a reform.

7 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

India continued to play a significant and Similarly, in BIMST-EC, the high point of Research Division continued its interaction constructive role in the UN activities in cooperation was the signing of the with several academic and non- economic, social and developmental areas. Framework Agreement for the BIMST-EC governmental organizations, and provided India actively participated in the debates on FTA in Phuket on 8 February 2004 by all financial assistance to academic bodies and environment and sustainable development, member countries except Bangladesh, which organizations for holding seminars and Convention against Corruption, is also expected to join the Agreement in the undertaking research studies on matters of humanitarian issues and human rights issues. near future. foreign policy. It prepared the Annual Report Terrorism, Afghanistan, Middle East Peace HMT (International) has completed delivery of the Ministry; the External Affairs Process, conflicts in Africa, were some of the of all the machines, spare parts and supplies Minister’s monthly letter covering the broad other issues that remained in the forefront. to the project site for revival of Nigeria spectrum of India’s foreign relations to During the year under review, India Machine Tool (NMT) in Nigeria (Osogbo) Heads of Missions/Head of Posts; and also continued its active role in advancing the as a G-15 project. Actual installation and on- the Monthly Summary for the Cabinet. It legitimate interests of developing countries the-job training programmes will be also handled work related to examination of in various international organizations and undertaken as soon as NMT provides local maps depicting India’s external boundaries multilateral, regional and sub-regional inputs. The project is likely to be completed in coordination with Survey of India, work groupings. India also intensified its by December 2004, funded through the related to old records management. It also interaction with the Association of South grant by India of US$5 million from India. revived the MEA-JNU Joint Annual Seminar East Asian Nations (ASEAN); Bangladesh, Another project for setting up a toxicology and organized a Seminar on ‘India and India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand- laboratory at the University of Kingston, Emerging Asia’. To support research, the Economic Cooperation (BIMST-EC), which Jamaica, is currently under implementation. Ministry’s Library has modern information now also includes Bhutan and Nepal as full technology equipment and rich resource Efforts to improve physical connectivity members; Mekong-Ganga Cooperation materials, with over one hundred thousand between India and Southeast Asia are also (MGC) initiative; Indian Ocean Rim- books and a large collection of maps, underway. Under the MGC, the Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR- microfilms and official documents. establishment of a rail link between New ARC); and Community of Eastern and Delhi and Hanoi has been mooted. As a first The External Publicity Division continued Southern Africa (COMESA). step, the Rail India Technical & Economic its task of projecting India and its viewpoint The year was marked by a number of Services (RITES) Ltd. has been assigned to on major issues of foreign policy concern. successes in multilateral economic undertake the pre-feasibility study of laying The Spokesperson held regular press diplomacy, such as, the Framework the missing link of about 315 km between briefings for Indian and foreign media. The Agreement for Comprehensive Economic Jiribam (India) and Kalay (Myanmar) and Ministry’s new website (meaindia.nic.in), Cooperation signed by the leaders of the upgrading the existing railway section in updated daily, was launched. Information ASEAN and India at the Second India- Myanmar from Kalay to Mandalay. India showcasing India was disseminated through ASEAN Summit in Bali on 8 October 2003. has also offered to undertake a feasibility films, documentaries, publications, books The Framework Agreement envisages the study on Dawei Deep Sea Port in Myanmar and the Ministry’s flagship monthly establishment of an India-ASEAN Regional and the road linkage between the Port and magazine “India Perspectives”. Media Trade and Investment Area, which includes Kanchanaburi in Thailand. arrangements were made for incoming and a Free Trade Area in goods, services and outgoing visits at the level of President, Vice investment. Negotiations on the Free Trade Ministry of External Affairs attaches great President, Prime Minister and External Area in goods have commenced and are to importance to economic diplomacy in this Affairs Minister. The Division also organized be completed by June 2005. For trade in age of globalization to protect and promote visits to India for several foreign media services and investments, the negotiations on its economic and commercial interests. It personnel and maintained regular the respective agreements are to commence hence works actively with the Indian business interaction with Delhi-based foreign press in 2005 and be concluded by 2007. and chambers in this context. The Ministry corps. has started organizing a number of events During the India-ASEAN Summit meeting and activities to actively seek foreign The Protocol Division remained fully in Bali, Prime Minister proposed an India- investment into India. The Ministry is occupied with numerous incoming and ASEAN motor car rally, the setting up of projecting among global investors, outgoing VVIP visits, conferences, credential vocational / entrepreneurship development businessmen, leaders, and opinion makers ceremonies and other multifarious functions. centres in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar the image of the new India, which is Activities of Protocol Division contributed and Vietnam (CLMV countries), and becoming an emerging economic power. to India’s enhanced international image and developing an India-ASEAN Vision 2020 profile. Special efforts were made to document. During the year, the Policy Planning and streamline protocol norms and standards.

8 Synopsis

The Ministry continued its efforts to provide contribution in promoting the honour and flights. Observance of Anti-Terrorism Day, user-friendly and efficient services in the 30 prestige of India and in fostering the interests Sadbhavana Diwas and Quami Ekta Week/ passport offices in India, as well as in the of overseas Indians. Diwas and the processing of consular wings of the Missions and Posts The Bill on Dual Citizenship was passed in recommendations for the grant of Padma abroad. Total number of services including the Parliament in December 2003. The Awards were undertaken. fresh passports and miscellaneous services Second Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was held in The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) continued rendered by the passport offices in the New Delhi on 9-11 January 2004. Over 1300 in its endeavour to train foreign diplomats, country during 2003 stood at 3.28 million delegates from 61 countries participated in apart from training of IFS Probationers and from 3.01 million in 2002, an increase of the event, and twelve eminent People of other Ministry of External Affairs officials. 9%. A new passport office was opened at Indian Origin (PIOs) were awarded the Three Professional Courses for Foreign Surat in August 2003, increasing the number Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. Prime Minister Diplomats, an ‘Advanced Course on Asia for of passport offices in the country to thirty. announced setting up of a Pravasi Bharatiya Foreign Diplomats’ and three separate With a view to decentralize issuance of Kendra in New Delhi and reservation of ‘Special Courses’ for Diplomats from passports, District passport Cells (DPCs) have seats for children of NRIs and PIOs in Afghanistan, Lao PDR and Iraq were been opened in a large number of districts Educational Institutions. conducted. FSI has also initiated an inter/ in several states. This scheme, which was Smooth and efficient working conditions at intranet-based virtual campus for a mid- introduced in 2002, accounted for almost the Headquarters and Indian Missions/Posts career training programme. FSI has also 10% of the applications, submitted in 2003. abroad remained the prime objective of the signed MoUs for cooperation with Foreign The figures are expected to increase in the Ministry. As part of e-governance, several Service Institutes of Palestine, Canada and coming years, as there are plans to open measures including development of a Uzbekistan. more DPCs. All the thirty-passport offices personnel information system, have been The signing of an Agreement between India are fully computerised. The project of taken up. The revised Financial Powers of and Mauritius on 21 November 2003, during scanning of passport application files and Government of India’s Representatives the visit of the Mauritian Prime Minister to their retention in electronic form to facilitate Abroad was brought out on a CD-ROM for India, on the establishment of World Hindi easy storage and retrieval of information is easy referencing. The number of Indian Secretariat at Port Louis, was another already over in most of the RPOs. Machine Missions/Posts have increased to 162, milestone in India’s endeavour to promote writing of Passports is taking place in all consequent upon the decision of the and propagate Hindi. Hindi teachers were Passport offices. Training courses were Government to establish a Consulate appointed in 28 Missions/Posts abroad to organised for the officers and staff of Central General of India at Birgunj (Nepal).The first teach Hindi to the children of Embassy and Passport Organisation. All Missions/Posts ever Cadre Review of Indian Foreign Service other officials. Computers in the Ministry continuously endeavoured to meet the Branch-B(IFS(B)) has been completed since and in Missions abroad have been made consular needs of overseas Indians, resolve its inception in 1956. This would provide bilingual to equip them to issue bilingual their consular problems and ameliorate the much-needed relief to various IFS(B) cadre documents, such as bilateral treaties, MoUs, conditions of Indian workers in the Gulf from stagnation in their respective grades. Credentials, Speeches of President and countries. The Fourth Cadre Review of the Indian Prime Minister. The Annual Report of the A major initiative undertaken to engage with Foreign Service (IFS) is also in an advanced Ministry and replies to Parliament Questions the Indian Diaspora was the organization of stage of completion. were also issued bilingually. The Seventh Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in New Delhi from The Coordination Division administers the World Hindi Conference was organised in 9-11 January 2003. Over 1900 overseas self-financing scheme for admission of Paramaribo (Suriname) from 5-9 June 2003 Indians from 61 countries participated in the foreign students in selected professional with Ministry’s active support. celebrations.The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas courses in India. This Division is also the The Ministry actively fosters gender equality. was inaugurated by the Prime Minister. In nodal point of the Ministry for all work Equal opportunities are provided to women his inaugural address, the Prime Minister relating to Parliament, and for the clearance officers to take up challenging positions and announced Government’s decision to permit of foreign tours of ministers and legislators assignments. At present, there are two dual citizenship to the Persons of Indian of the Union and State Government, and women officers at Secretary level, six women Origin living in certain countries. The Government officials. This Division also officers at Additional Secretary level and ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Samman’ Awards were handles clearance for holding international twenty women officers at Joint Secretary conferred for the first time by the Prime conferences and international sports events level. There are also sixteen women officers Minister on 9 January 2003 on ten in India; participation by Indian sports posted abroad as Ambassadors/High prominent persons of the overseas Indian persons in overseas events; as well as Commissioners/Permanent Representatives community in recognition of their valuable diplomatic clearance for all non-scheduled /Consuls General.

9 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, (ICCR), established in the year 1950, has Dr.Dimitrij Rupel. Former Prime Minister been functioning as the cultural wing of the of India, Shri I.K.Gujral delivered the 2nd Ministry of External Affairs for furthering Africa Day Lecture and External Affairs the objectives and mandate of India’s foreign Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha delivered the policy. The ICCR’s role is significant in view 7th Dinesh Singh Memorial Lecture on of the importance of “cultural diplomacy” “12th SAARC Summit and Beyond”. for strengthening the cultural relations RIS, as an autonomous policy think-tank, among the nations. The ICCR has tried to conducted policy research on international create awareness about India and its rich economic issues and provided analytical cultural heritage among the people of other support in preparation for major Summit countries. meetings and other important negotiations The Indian Council of World Affairs such as the ASEAN-India Summit, NAM (Amendment) Act 2003 was passed on 8 Summit, SAARC Summit, BIMST-EC January 2004. In consonance with the Ministerial Meeting, Cancun Ministerial objects of the Indian Council of World Conference of WTO as well as for and the Affairs Act, ICWA carried on its various bilateral joint study groups on activities by organizing special addresses, comprehensive economic dialogue with seminars and meetings on important world Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and China. affairs. It held policy discussions on the relevance Amongst the dignitaries who delivered and the way forward for an Asian Economic special address at Sapru House during the Community, prepared a draft ASEAN-India period of this report included Deputy Vision 2020 document in consultation with Foreign Minister of Iran, Mr. Mohsen its ASEAN counterparts and launched an Aminzadeh; Foreign Minister of Ukraine, annual India-China policy dialogue with the Mr.Anatoliy Zlenko; Deputy Prime Minister Development Research Centre of the and Minister of Justice of Israel, Mr. Joseph China’s State Council. It also produced Lapid; President of Republic of South major reports on the world trading system Africa, Mr.Thabo Mbeki; Prime Minister of and on South Asian development and Republic of Hungary, Mr. Peter Medgyessy; cooperation. President of Romania, Mr.Ion Illiescu and nn

10 1. India’s Neighbours

Afghanistan of Communications Minister Mohammad Out of the total financial assistance of US $ Masoom Stanekzai from 26-31 March 2003 100 million, US $ 31.5 million was India-Afghanistan ties continued to expand on the invitation of Union Minister of operationalised during 2002-03 and about and strengthen during this period. There Communications and IT. Specific projects US$30 million has been operationalised were regular bilateral exchanges and the for reconstruction in the field of IT and during 2003-04. Some of the important government continued with its support to the communication were discussed. The then projects operationalised during 2003-04 are reconstruction effort in Afghanistan. India Minister for Civil Aviation Mirwais Sadiq as follows: also continued to participate in various visited India from 7-10 May 2003 on the international efforts aimed at addressing n The reconstruction of Indira Gandhi invitation of Union Minister for Civil political and reconstruction issues in Institute of Child Health and Habiba Aviation. Maintenance support of three Afghanistan. School commenced in September 2003. Airbus aircrafts, gifted by India to President Hamid Karzai visited India from Afghanistan, and training for Ariana Airlines n Indian Medical Missions were opened in 5-8 March 2003. He met President Shri A.P.J personnel in India were discussed during the Herat, Shebergan and Kandahar. Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Shri Atal visit. Minister Advisor on Tribal Affairs and n In-service training was provided to seven Bihari Vajpayee, Deputy Prime Minister Shri President Afghan Cricketing Federation, Afghan teachers from the Ministry of L.K. Advani and External Affairs Minister, Shehzada Masood visited on 17 June 2003. Education of Afghanistan by Delhi Shri Yashwant Sinha. He was conferred an Public School Society from 4 September honorary doctorate by Himachal Pradesh -15 October 2003. University. In his meetings with the Indian India continued with its humanitarian, leadership, bilateral cooperation and financial and project assistance for n 20 Afghan diplomats were trained at the Afghanistan’s reconstruction. Focus regional issues were discussed. President Foreign Service Institute from July- of India’s assistance has been on Karzai pointed out, at the delegation level September 2003. rebuilding institutional capacity by talks, that India’s assistance to Afghanistan imparting training in various fields n The Broadcast Consultants India Ltd has has been very significant and that he is (teachers, diplomats, journalists, commenced work on: setting up of grateful for all the help that India has judicial officials, women modern offset Printing Machine along provided to Afghanistan. entrepreneurs, government officials with DTP Facility; setting up of a new Prime Minister announced an additional and doctors), and providing multi- 100 Kw SW transmitter; and setting up financial commitment of US$ 70 million for disciplinary project assistance in of TV Satellite Uplinking /Downliking the construction of Zaranj-Delaram road in areas of public transport (274 buses facility. have been provided), information Afghanistan. Both sides also signed a n 19 Afghan journalists were trained at Preferential Trade Agreement. The technology, civil aviation (three Airbus Indian Institute of Mass aircraft have been gifted to Ariana agreement allows import of certain Communication from June-August 2003. categories of Afghan dry fruits at 50% duty Afghan Airlines), education, health, concession and free access to Lapis Lazuli, agriculture, media, etc. n 18 Afghan judges and lawyers were Ruby, Emeralds, Fig dried, Pistachios, trained at the Indian Law Institute, New India had announced food assistance of 1 Mulberries dried, Pine nuts toasted, Melon Delhi from February -May 2003. million tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan. A fresh, and Asafoetida. Afghanistan, in n Nearly 67 tonnes of vegetable seeds have part of this assistance is being converted into return, has allowed duty free access to some been supplied to the Ministry of high protein biscuits for the school-feeding of the Indian export items including black Agriculture of Afghanistan. programme in Afghanistan, which is being tea, pharmaceuticals, sugar, white cement distributed through World Food Programme. n 16 officials from the Ministry of and cement clinkers. The delivery of the second tranche of high Agriculture attended a training course on National Security Adviser and Principal protein biscuits commenced in December Operation and Maintenance of Secretary to Prime Minister, Shri Brajesh 2003. Agriculture machinery and equipment at Mishra visited Kabul on 27 April 2003. CFMTTI, Budni, Bhopal. During his visit, he called on President Computer Training Centres have been Karzai and other Afghan leaders. He also As a result of this assistance 972,000 n had extensive discussions with his Afghan Afghan children are receiving a set up in Kandahar, Herat and Pul-e- counterpart Mr.Zalmay Rasool. package of 100 grams of biscuits from Khumri and Jalalabad. India every day. India has gifted 300 n Six experts form various Indian banks As part of continuing political interaction vehicles to the Afghan National Army. have been deputed to the DA between the two countries, a number of The first lot of 115 vehicles has been Afghanistan Bank for a period of one Afghan leaders visited India during the delivered. period under review. These included the visit year.

11 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

n Construction of a cold storage of 5000 n Officials from the Geodesy and December 2003. Despite this progress, tonnes capacity in Kandahar has been Cartography Department of however, the Afghan Government faces taken up. Afghanistan are being trained at the many challenges ahead and the foremost Survey Training Institute, Hyderabad. being the threat to internal security including n The Government has decided to gift 101 from regrouped Taliban. The increasing utility vehicles/equipments (water India has remained actively associated with terrorist attacks by remnants of Taliban and tankers, rear drop tripper, dump trucks, major international efforts on Afghanistan. Al Qaeda elements are aimed at bull dozer and garbage tippers) to the India was represented at the following undermining the authority of the central Kabul Municipality. Of these 75 vehicles important international meetings: government as well as slowing the pace of have been handed over to the Kabul n A meeting of Afghanistan Development reconstruction, especially in the provinces of Municipality. Forum held in Kabul from 13-14 March south, southeast and east of Afghanistan. n 24 tube wells for irrigation were dug in 2003. There is growing concern at the external Herat province. n A meeting of High Level Strategic support that the Taliban remnants continue n 20 officials from the Ministry of Light Forum on Afghanistan held in Brussels to receive and the threat this poses to stability. Industries & Foodstuff of Afghanistan on 17 March 2003. have commenced training at National Bangladesh n Minister of State for External Affairs, Institute of Small Industries Extension Shri Digvijay Singh, participated in the Ties with Bangladesh were strengthened Training (NISIET), Hyderabad from 13 International Conference on Drug through efforts by both sides to reactivate October 2003 for a period of eight Routes held in Paris from 21-22 May institutional mechanisms existing for weeks. 2003. cooperation in diverse areas of bilateral relations. The Joint Economic Commission n A training programme and workshop on n The External Affairs Minister attended (JEC), headed by the respective Foreign marketing and enterprise development the High Level Ad hoc Meeting on Ministers, met after six years in Dhaka from for twenty women entrepreneurs from Afghanistan, which was held on the 14-15 July 2003. The meeting provided the Afghanistan organized by consortium of margins of UN General Assembly on 24 opportunity for giving a high level thrust to Women Entrepreneurs of India September 2003. economic ties while reviewing in a commenced on 17 November 2003. India has also been in regular touch with the comprehensive manner the entire gamut of n Work has commenced on the setting up international community, including the economic issues. Discussions were earlier of a common facility and tool room United States, Russia, Iran and European held during the visit of the Bangladesh centre at Industrial Park in Kabul in Union member countries, on the evolving Minister of Finance, Mr. Saifur Rahman to February 2004. situation in Afghanistan. There is an India from 19-22 May 2003. Foreign Office n Work has commenced on the appreciation and recognition in the Consultations were held from 29- 30 March Engineering, Procurement and Supply international community of India’s 2003 after a gap of more than three years. of 110/20 kV Substations (3 Nos.), contribution to reconstruction efforts in The Ministerial Level Joint Rivers material for 110KV and 20 KV Afghanistan. Commission (JRC) was also held on 28 -29 September 2003, after a gap of nearly three Andhkvoy to Meymaneh (125km) Foreign Secretary led the Indian delegation transmission line and the equipment line years. to the International Conference on and the equipment for 4 Nos. 20/0.4kV th Afghanistan in Berlin from 31 March -1 During the 6 meeting of the JEC, pole mounted on substations in Faryab April 2004. The objective of the conference, discussions were held on a possible new line Province in January 2004. which was attended by representatives of the of credit that could be denominated in US n Work has been completed on the Afghan government, the UN and major dollars. This would succeed the existing line feasibility study and fieldwork related donors and institutions, was to secure of credit of Rs. 200 crores that is nearly fully with detailed survey and soil substantial long-term aid commitments. utilised. Railways is an emerging sector of investigations for the construction of India made a commitment of US$ 400 bilateral cooperation and proposals in the double circuit transmission line from Pul- million over 2002-2008, which has shown pipeline include the introduction of e-Khumri to Kabul and substations at India as a long-term partner in Afghanistan’s containerised services by rail and the Kabul in Afghanistan. reconstruction effort. Sealdah-Joydevpur passenger rail link. Cooperation in new areas such as Science n Work has commenced on the Emergency The developments in Afghanistan since the and Technology, IT and Agriculture are also Restoration of Basic Telecommunication Bonn Agreement of 5 December 2001 can being discussed between the two sides. India Network in eleven provincial capitals in be assessed positively. As part of this process has offered assistance to Bangladesh for a Afghanistan in February 2004. the Constitutional Loya Jirga was held in project on training of school- teachers in IT

12 The visiting President of Afganistan Mr. Hamid Karzai is received by the President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and the Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the Ceremonial Reception in New Delhi on March 6, 2003.

Foreign Secretary Shri Shashank calling on the King of Bhutan. Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

and a project on disaster warning in the Bay in this sector to areas beyond water sharing King Jigme Singye Wangchuck of the of Bengal. to include areas such as flood forecasting, Kingdom of Bhutan paid a State visit to arsenic mitigation and disaster warning. The India from 14-18 September 2003. During Pursuant to a decision taken at the 6th JEC implementation of the working of the meeting and in a significant step towards the visit, the President and Vice-President Ganges Water Treaty, 1996 was also promoting greater people to people contact held talks with the King. The Prime Minister, reviewed. The Bangladesh side also between the two countries, a bus service was Deputy Prime Minister, External Affairs expressed concern over the proposed river inaugurated between Agartala and Dhaka Minister and Minister of Finance held inter-linking project in India. However, it on 19 September 2003. The Minister of discussions separately. On the eve of the visit, was conveyed that the project was only at a Road Transport and Highways Maj. Gen. Government of India conveyed its conceptual stage. B.C. Khanduri, the Bangladesh Minister of commitment on a number of projects and Communications Mr. Nazmul Huda and the Institutional dialogue on key issues relating programmes under Indian assistance to th Chief Minister of Tripura Shri Manik to border management continued through Bhutan’s 9 Five Year Plan – 2002-2007. An Sarkar jointly inaugurated the bus service in the biannual DG level talks between the MoU for the preparation of a Detailed both Agartala and Dhaka. Border Security Force (BSF) and the Project Report on the 900 MW Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) that were Punatsangchu Hydroelectric Power Project concluded in April 2003. Simultaneous was also signed during the visit. There was The Agartala-Dhaka link follows the coordinated patrolling was discussed an exchange of views on a wide range of hugely successful existing bus service between the two sides in an effort to jointly issues of mutual interest and concern, between Kolkata and Dhaka. The new tackle border crimes. The two forces are also including the presence of Indian Insurgent bus service is expected to become discussing confidence-building measures to Groups (IIGs) in Bhutan, and the various increasingly popular, particularly after improve understanding between the forces measures on the part of the Royal certain problems relating to issue of such as offer of training in Indian institutions Government of Bhutan to persuade them visas and imposition of travel tax are and sports exchanges. to leave Bhutan. Both sides agreed to resolved between the two sides. Cultural and educational exchanges continue working closely with a view to resolving the issue. The two governments Another significant development in bilateral continued to grow between the two countries and an increasing number of students from reiterated that as close friends and allies they ties was the commencement of negotiations would not allow their territories to be used on the signing a bilateral Free Trade Bangladesh are choosing India to pursue their higher studies. by anyone for carrying out activities that are Agreement (FTA). These negotiations were harmful to each other’s national interests. conducted between the Commerce Bhutan Some long pending issues relating to the Ministries of the two countries from 20-22 Indo-Bhutan boundary were resolved at a Bhutan is one of India’s closest neighbours October 2003. Both sides reviewed the bilateral meeting concluded on 24 February with which it shares mutually beneficial successful progress of the Indo-Sri Lanka 2004 in Thimphu. Free Trade Agreement, which stands as a relations in a wide range of fields. Indian symbol of successful cooperation in trade Rupee is legal tender in Bhutan and India Military Operation in Bhutan by liberalisation despite asymmetries in accounts for over 90% of Bhutan’s global Royal Bhutan Army economic size and strength. The terms and trade. People and goods move freely across The Governments of India and Bhutan had conditions of an FTA are expected to be even the open border of 700 kms. The special been concerned about the presence of more liberal given the LDC status of relationship is sustained by the exchange of Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) located in Bangladesh. regular visits including at the highest level between the two countries. the thickly forested border area of South A mechanism for structured dialogue on the Eastern Bhutan and had been in close Crown Prince of Bhutan, Dasho Jigme issue of non-tariff barriers was also created consultation with each other on the issue. Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, visited India and a first meeting was held between the two Cadres of three Indian IIGs: United at the invitation of the Vice President, from Bangladeshi exporters and facilitate Liberation Front in Assam (ULFA), National 28 August-1 September 2003. During the Bangladesh’s exports to India. In turn Democratic Front for Bodoland (NDFB) and visit, a Memorandum of Understanding complaints raised by Indian exporters would the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (MoU) was signed between the Government be also officially raised in this forum. (KLO) had established about 30 camps in of India and the Royal Government of this area from where they would enter India, The Joint Rivers Commission meeting Bhutan for establishing an India-Bhutan carry out attacks on the Indian side and provided an opportunity for both the sides Foundation with a joint corpus of funds. The retreat beyond the reach of the Indian to review bilateral cooperation in the water objective of India-Bhutan Foundation is to security forces into these camps in the sector. A significant development in recent enhance people to people interactions to Bhutanese jungles. years has been the expansion of cooperation further mutual interests.

14 India’s Neighbours

The 1020 MW Tala Hydroelectric Project At India’s request, the Royal China under GOI assistance to Bhutan is Government of Bhutan decided to India’s interaction with China, which is tackle the problem and expel the IIGs progressing apace and is expected to come based on the principles of Panchsheel, from Bhutanese territory. When their on stream in 2005/06. Almost the entire mutual sensitivity to each other’s concerns attempts to peacefully achieve this production of power from this plant will be and equality, has developed due to the objective failed, the Royal Bhutan exported to India. Two bilateral meetings mutual agreement to qualitatively enhance Army launched a military operation of have been held in January and March 2004 the bilateral relationship at different levels precision attacks on all the 30 camps to arrive at a common principle for fixing while simultaneously addressing each others on 15 December 2003. In about three the tariff for power to be imported by India differences through direct dialogue and weeks, the Royal Bhutanese Army from Tala Hydro-Electric Project in Bhutan. peaceful means in a fair, reasonable and was able to destroy all the 30 camps The Cellular Mobile Phone Network in mutually acceptable manner. and observation posts of the IIGs and Bhutan was inaugurated on November 11 India’s commitment to build a broad-based render their communication 2003. The project was executed by M/S and cooperative relationship with China was equipment inoperative. Telecommunication Consultants India Ltd., further emphasised in 2003-04. Prime Government of India Undertaking, on a Minister’s visit to China from 22-27 June The Government of India stood firmly turnkey basis through a contract awarded by 2003, which took place after a gap of ten behind the Royal Government of Bhutan, Bhutan Telecom Unit. Government of India years, was a major step forward in the providing all logistical support requested by financed part of the cost of the project ongoing process of building mutual trust and the latter till the completion of the operation. relating to equipment, installation and understanding between India and China. The military action of the Royal Bhutan training amounting to Rs.11.7 crores. Apart from Prime Minister, both the Speaker Army against the insurgents has not only There is close bilateral cooperation between and Raksha Mantri visited China this year. helped the Indian security forces to tackle the two countries in the fields of education President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao the IIGs effectively on the Indian side, (as and culture. India provides technical accepted invitation to visit India with of now, the KLO has been all but decimated expertise and services of specialists to Bhutan appreciation. In addition to visits at the and the ULFA and NDFB severely in various fields. Government of India’s highest political levels, a Dialogue on Policy weakened), but has also immeasurably (GOI) scholarships are granted to 50 Planning and annual interaction at the strengthened the friendly relations between Bhutanese students every year in Indian Foreign Minister level were added this year. the India and Bhutan. Institutions of higher learning. These GOI 2003-04 has also shown a steady improvement in bilateral trade and economic Government of India and Royal scholarships are in addition to facilities cooperation. Government of Bhutan have held detailed extended under the ITEC/TCS of Colombo discussions in March 2004 to address, in a Plan schemes. A large number of Bhutanese comprehensive manner, mutual security students study in Indian schools and colleges Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari concerns in the wake of the military on self-financing. Bhutan’s Sherubtse College Vajpayee’s Visit operations carried out by Royal Government is affiliated to Delhi University. 13 India- Prime Minister’s visit gave a new of Bhutan against Indian Insurgents Groups based lecturers are working in this college impetus to India’s developing and operating from Bhutan. under the TCS of Colombo Plan. The King diversifying relations with China. of Bhutan has endowed a chair for Buddhist Prime Minister was able to establish As part of the close bilateral cooperation, studies in the Nagarjuna University in a useful rapport with the new India continues to be the major contributor Andhra Pradesh. Cooperation between leadership in China. The first-ever to Bhutan’s five-years’ plans, the first of cultural institutions of both countries, signed Joint Declaration issued by the which commenced in 1961. In consultation especially museums, is growing. To continue two Prime Ministers of India and China with the Royal Government of Bhutan, not only lays down a roadmap to build Government of India arrived at a mutually and sustain the momentum Exhibitions titled, “The Living Religious and Cultural a “qualitatively new relationship” and agreed slate of projects and programmes to develop a “long-term constructive and be financed by India in the 9th Five Year Plan Traditions of Bhutan” were organized by Bhutan in New Delhi and Kolkata in 2001. cooperative partnership” but also of India (2002-2007) in various mutually reflects the political will of the two beneficial sectors including power, A Festival of India was organised in Bhutan from June to November 2003 with the theme Governments to move towards those infrastructure, roads and bridges etc. There objectives. Both India and China “Eternal Friendship and Cooperation”. The is increased emphasis in our assistance on agreed that multi-polarity in today’s Festival was inaugurated in June 2003 by the the social sector in areas such as Education, world should be strengthened. Both Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Health, Communications, IT etc. in keeping sides recognised the threat posed by Vinod Khanna and concluded in November with the larger vision of bilateral relations. terrorism to them and to global peace 2003 by Minister of State for Culture.

15 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

at the international level. It also signals to laying down liberalised procedures for issue and security and resolutely Asia and the world that the two countries of visas to ordinary passport holders; an condemned terrorism in all forms. India is looking forward to greater are committed to working more closely MoU on cooperation in the field of justice; engagement with China in diverse together both in the region and globally. the first bilateral Executive Programme on areas and a further improvement of Educational Cooperation and Exchange for the period 2003 to 2006, replacing the India-China relations on the basis of The Joint Declaration also contains a framework for education-related exchanges, the principles of Panchsheel, mutual reiteration of India’s position on Tibet. including mutual scholarships, which earlier sensitivity to each other’s concerns Regarding Tibet, it must be stressed used to form part of the CEP; the Executive and equality. that contrary to some media reports, Programme of Cultural Exchanges India there is no change in India’s position The Prime Minister visited China at the either on Tibet or on the presence of and China for the years 2003-2005; the invitation of Mr. Wen Jiabao, Premier of the His Holiness the Dalai Lama or other Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements for State Council of the People’s Republic of Tibetan refugees in India, and that Exporting Mangoes from India to China; China. His visit took place almost ten years nothing new has been agreed to or and an MoU for Enhanced Cooperation in after the last Prime Ministerial visit to China said. Another important outcome of the field of Renewable Energy. In addition, in September 1993. This visit has proved to the visit is the decision to appoint three MoUs were signed relating to the field be a crucial link in the chain of high-level Special Representatives to explore of science & technology, envisaging greater visits forged over the past few years in the from the political perspective of the cooperation and collaborative activities in ongoing process of building mutual trust and overall bilateral relationship the identified areas in basic and applied sciences, understanding between India and China. framework of a boundary settlement. and including one MoU relating to the Prime Minister’s visit to China imparted a This step was taken at Prime promotion of development and cooperation fresh momentum to the ongoing Minister’s initiative. The National in ocean science and technology. development and diversification of Security Advisor, Shri Brajesh Mishra was appointed as Prime Minister’s cooperation between India and China. He In addition to the above, Prime Special Representative. China has had the opportunity of personally interacting Minister’s visit also saw the signing of appointed their senior-most Vice with the new Chinese leadership, meeting an MoU on expanding border trade Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo as his with Premier Wen Jiabao, President Hu through Nathu La pass on the India counterpart. Mr. Dai was earlier Jintao, NPC Chairman Wu Bangguo, Vice China boundary. This adds a third Minister in charge of the International President Zeng Qinghong and CMC border crossing point to those Liaison Department of the Communist Chairman Jiang Zemin. He was received currently operational, under the 1991 Party of China and is currently a with great warmth and courtesy and was border trade agreement which allowed member of the Central Committee of clearly given to understand that India’s desire trade through Lipulekh pass in what the Party. The work of the two Special to expand the bilateral relationship and build is today Uttaranchal, and the 1993 Representatives will be in addition to agreement on trade through Shipki La mutual trust and confidence was the ongoing implementation of the pass in Himachal Pradesh. This MoU reciprocated. Another theme emphasised by 1993 and 1996 agreements between has also started the process by which the Chinese side during Prime Minister’s visit India and China on the process of Sikkim will cease to be an issue in was that the current global situation requires clarification of the Line of Actual India-China relations. India and China to work together. Control and on the continued Both these themes were reflected in the Joint maintenance of peace and tranquility The strengthening of economic and trade Declaration on Principles for Relations and in the border areas. Two rounds of relations between India and China was also Comprehensive Cooperation between India cordial, constructive and cooperative an important theme of the Prime Minister’s and China that was signed by both Prime discussions between the Special visit. Apart from External Affairs Minister, Ministers in Beijing. This is a significant Representatives have taken place so the Prime Minister was accompanied by far on 23-24 October 2003 and 12-13 document, which outlines the concepts Commerce and Industry Minister while the January 2004. underpinning the bilateral relationship Minister for Communication, Information between India and China and the lines along Technology and Disinvestment joined him which this relationship will progress in the The framework of a structured interaction in Shanghai. Prime Minister delivered future. It further states that progress in between India and China was also expanded keynote addresses at two very large bilateral relations between India and China during Prime Minister’s visit with the gatherings of Indian and Chinese is conducive also to regional stability and decision to hold annual meetings at the businessmen at both Beijing and Shanghai, prosperity and that cooperation between our Foreign Minister level. The nine agreements while the Economic Ministers had separate two countries will strengthen multipolarity signed during the visit include an MoU interactive sessions with relevant agencies

16 Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (centre) with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (right) during a welcome ceremony in Beijing, China, June 23, 2003.

Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the ASEAN-INDIA Summit on October 8, 2003 in Bali, Indonesia. Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

and with Chinese businessmen. In addition, scholarships, and awards for meritorious by Air Marshal GCS Rajwar, Deputy Chief a 70-member delegation of senior students and gifting of books and equipment of Integrated Defence Staff and Chairman, businessmen from CII, FICCI and to receive Indian satellite channels. It was Joint Training Committee, visited China ASSOCHAM was in attendance, signaling also agreed to jointly celebrate the 50th from 14 - 21 December 2003. Anniversary of the Panchsheel next year. that Indian business and industry is very Speaker of the Lok Sabha Shri Manohar Prime Minister had the opportunity of much aware of the potential of our Joshi led a 12-member Indian Parliamentary visiting the White Horse Temple in Luoyang economic relationship, an awareness, which delegation on an official visit to China from where the first Buddhist monks came from was clearly reciprocated by the Chinese side. 5-10 January 2003. The Speaker met India to China. Luoyang and the Longmen One decision taken during the visit, which President Jiang Zemin, National People’s Grottoes represent the cultural and historical will directly impact on the expansion of Congress Chairman Li Peng, and Premier dimension of our bilateral interaction. He India’s economic cooperation with China, of the State Council Zhu Rongji. He visited also laid the foundation stone of the is the decision to set up a Joint Study Group Beijing and Shanghai. During the Embassy’s new Chancery project in Beijing. (JSG) to report, within the next twelve discussions, both sides recognised the months, on the potential complementarities Apart from his visit to China, the Prime contribution of regular high-level exchanges, in expanded trade and economic Minister met President Hu Jintao during the including Parliamentary exchanges, in cooperation between India and China. The 300th anniversary celebrations of St. developing the relationship and expressed JSG will also identify areas of meaningful Petersburg in May. He also met Premier Wen satisfaction with the steady improvement in economic potential and recommend Jiabao on the margins of the ASEAN bilateral relations. Summit in Bali in October. Messages have concrete measures to be taken over the next The External Affairs Minister accompanied also been exchanged between the Prime five years by both the governments to the Prime Minister on his visit to China in Minister and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, facilitate increase in bilateral trade, promote June 2003. He interacted with his Chinese including a message sent by the Prime investments and encourage greater counterpart on the margins of ARF in Minister after the success of China’s first cooperation between the business Phnom Penh on June 19. He also hosted an manned space mission in October, and a communities of both countries. It was also informal luncheon for the Foreign Ministers message from Premier Wen on the occasion decided that a joint financial dialogue and of China and Russia on the margins of cooperation mechanism would be set up to of the first meeting of the Special Representatives. UNGA in New York on 23 September 2003, strengthen coordination in this sector. The in pursuance of the agreement in 2002 to th 7 meeting of the Joint Economic Group Raksha Mantri, George Fernandes paid an hold such meetings annually. between India and China is to be convened important visit to China from 20 – 27 April at the earliest possible. 2003. He met Defence Minister, Cao Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Committee (CPPCC) Jia In the Joint Declaration, dairy, food Gangchuan, Premier Wen Jiabao and CMC Qinglin paid a goodwill visit to India from processing and health were specifically Chairman, Jiang Zemin. Besides Beijing, 23-27 November 2003 at the invitation of identified as possible sectors for future Raksha Mantri visited Xian and Shanghai. Vice President and Chairman of Rajya cooperation, while both sides agreed that Following Raksha Mantri’s and Prime Sabha. His visit to India was the first leg of they would continue to work towards the Minister’s visit, both countries have agreed a tour of South Asia aimed at familiarizing enhancement of direct air/ shipping links to intensify, and raise to a new level, bilateral the new Chinese leadership with the external and tourism, exchange of hydrological data defence exchanges and cooperation. This aspects of China’s policies. It was also his in flood season on common rivers, and year, three Chinese delegations, one from the first visit to any foreign country since his cooperation in agriculture and other sectors. PLA Air Force Command College (July 2003), one from the Nanjing Army appointment as the CPPCC Chairman in Due attention was also given to the cultural Command College (August 2003) and a March 2003. This visit was a part of the facet of our bilateral relationship during delegation led by General Wu Quanxu, process of high level visits between India and Prime Minister’s visit. Apart from the Deputy Chief of General Staff of the PLA China, which has gained momentum with agreement to establish cultural centres in (December 2003) visited India. Three Indian visits by the Speaker in January 2003, Delhi and Beijing, Prime Minister Navy ships paid a goodwill visit to Shanghai Raksha Mantri in April 2003 and the Prime inaugurated the Centre for Indian Studies from 10-14 November 2003. On 14 Minister in June 2003. In return, India is also in Beijing University, which aims to promote November they conducted, for the first time, expecting visits of Premier Wen Jiabao, further India-related studies and research joint search and rescue exercises with the Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and among Chinese scholars. The Prime PLA Navy. GOC 4 Corps, Lt. Gen. Commerce Minister Lu Fuyuan to India in Minister also announced some important Mohinder Singh visited China, including the coming year. During his stay in Delhi, contributions to facilitate the functioning of Chengdu and Tibet, from 17 -22 November, Chairman Jia also met the Prime Minister, this Centre, including financial grants, 2003, while an Inter Services delegation led Lok Sabha Speaker, and the External Affairs

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Minister. Besides New Delhi, he also visited possibilities for bilateral cooperation in the Emphasizing the importance of trade and Agra and Hyderabad. fight against terrorism. The 14th meeting of economic cooperation in the India-China A five-member delegation led by Mr. Xu the India-China Expert Group on relationship, Minister of Commerce and Guangchun, Minister of State Clarification and Confirmation of the LAC, Industry, Shri Arun Jaitley accompanied the

Administration of Radio, Film and which was held in Beijing on 12March 2004, Prime Minister during his visit to China. He Television of China visited India from 4-8 continued ongoing discussions on the visited China again in October for the February 2004, to strengthen exchanges and exchange of maps in the Western Sector and inauguration of the ‘Made in India’ Show cooperation in the field of broadcasting and on the draft CBMs protocol. The first in Beijing, which was held, from 16-19 television with India. He Guoqiang, meeting of the India-China Joint Study October 2003. This was the first exclusive Politburo Member and Head of the Group, set up in pursuance of the decision exhibition of Indian products and services Organisation Department of the CPC, taken during Prime Minister’s visit to China in China, organised by CII in cooperation visited India from 18 - 21 February 2004 at in June 2003, was held in Beijing on 22-23 with the Indian Embassy in Beijing. the invitation of the Minister for March 2004. The Indian delegation was led According to CII, this was also the largest Parliamentary Affairs. He also met with Vice by Dr. Rakesh Mohan, Deputy Governor of exhibition of Indian industrial goods ever President and Deputy Prime Minister as well RBI and the Chinese delegation by Mr. An organised overseas by them. A number of as with the Party Presidents of the BJP and Min, Vice Minister, Ministry of Commerce. other activities, including sectoral seminars, the CPI(M). Chinese Defence Minister Gen. The focus in the first round of discussions a roundtable on steel and a hugely successful Cao Gangchuan paid a five-day visit to India was to reach agreement on the composition fashion show were also held concurrently. as the head of a 17-member delegation. The and the Terms of Reference of the JSG and Shri Jagmohan, Minister of Tourism, who th visit was reciprocal to the visit of Raksha on the working modalities. The Indian was in Beijing at the same time for the 15 Mantri to China in April last year. General delegation also called on Mr. Bo Xilai, General Assembly of the World Tourism Cao called on Prime Minister, and also met Minister of Commerce. Organisation, also made a separate with the three Service Chiefs in addition to This year also saw exchanges between presentation on India’ tourism potential. his meeting with Raksha Mantri. During the political parties, including delegations from The CII delegation of 45 CEOs was led by discussions between the two Defence CPI (M), CPI and Bharatiya Janata Yuva President Designate, Shri S.K. Munjal. The Ministers, it was agreed to increase contacts Morcha to China. The India-China Eminent ‘Made in India’ show was a direct follow-up and interactions between the defence Persons Group (EPG) met in Beijing from of Prime Minister’s visit to China in June establishments and armed forces of both the 18-19 February 2004, and also visited 2003. countries, and existing defence exchanges Kunming. In Beijing, the Group had Prior to the Beijing event, an ‘India Week – were reviewed and assessed positively. extensive discussions and also had meetings China’ was organised by CII together with Other structured interactions during the year with the Chinese leadership. India’s Consulate General in Shanghai, included the first meeting of the India-China Minister of Tourism and Culture, Shri which included the formal inauguration of Dialogue on Policy Planning on 30 May Jagmohan, who visited Beijing in October CII’s presence in China, the inauguration 2003 in New Delhi. The Indian delegation, to participate in the World Tourism of ICICI Bank’s representative office, and led by Additional Secretary (Policy Planning) Organisation Annual Meeting, announced seminars on the sectors of tourism, and the Chinese delegation, led by the the decision to open an office of manufacturing and health. In July, following Director General, Policy Planning, of the Government of India Tourism Office in the agreement on phyto-sanitary measures Chinese Foreign Ministry, exchanged views Beijing. China-specific tourism promotion for the import of Indian mangoes signed on international trends and incidents, began with India Tourism’s “Incredible during Prime Minister’s visit, the first India covering political, economic and security India” campaign, which was aired on select Mango Festival was held in Beijing and related developments, on major features of Chinese TV channels, to coincide with the Shanghai, when Chinese consumers got the Indian and Chinese bilateral foreign policy inaugural Air India flight to Shanghai on 11 taste of delicious Indian mangoes, which are and the relations of India and China vis-à- December 2003. expected to be available in Chinese markets vis other powers. The second meeting of the from 2004. Investments in both countries are increasing and Chinese companies are India-China Dialogue on Counter Terrorism Trade and economic relations participating in a number of infrastructure was held in Beijing on 13 June 2003. The between India and China increased projects in India. Apart from bilateral Indian delegation led by Joint Secretary (East substantially during this period. cooperation, India and China are also Asia), and the Chinese delegation led by the According to Chinese Customs looking at the possibility of cooperation in Acting DG, International Organisations Statistics, bilateral trade reached the regional and multilateral forums, such as at Department of the Chinese Foreign US$ 7.6 billion mark in 2003, Cancun, based on identified common Ministry, exchanged views on the signifying a 53.6% jump over 2002. international and regional situation and interests and overlapping concerns on issues

19 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

relating to WTO, energy security, Commerce and Industry and FICCI and to attend the second Boao Forum of Asia environmental problems and globalisation in led by Shri Hasmukh Haridas Adhia, Annual Forum. Shri Gujral spoke in one general. Additional Principal Secretary, of the plenary sessions on the morning The Embassy, in collaboration with a local Government of Gujarat visited Shanghai of 3 November 2003. Shri Gujral, in his partner, the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, from 17-19 August 2003 to promote speech, inter alia, referring to the political held a one week long “India Carnival Week” Gujarat as a destination for foreign dimensions of the Asian integration, said in early October 2003 where Indian art investment as well as to promote the that the big three countries of Asia- performances, films, food, exhibitions of “Vibrant Gujarat” event. The Japan, China and India should play an relics, photographs and books and lectures delegation met official of Shanghai active role and also make some sacrifices on India and music and IT were attended Foreign Trade Commission, Shanghai for the greater good of the region and in by over five thousand visitors. Chinese media Council for Promotion of International the first place, the big three have to enhanced its coverage of India during this Trade, etc. clearly forsake aspirations for a period, including very substantial coverage n Member of Parliament Shri Suresh hegemonic role, if any. of Prime Minister’s visit to China. Prabhu led an ITPO delegation from 13- n Professor V. R. Panchamukhi, Consular services, including issue of visas to 17 January 2003. Chairman, Indian Council for Social Chinese nationals and others have been n A delegation from Indian Electrical and Science Research (ICSSR) visited China rising in tandem with the greater Electronics Manufacturers Association from 5-8 November 2003 to discuss engagement between political leadership of (IEEMA) led by Shri R.N. Mukhija, academic collaboration between ICSSR the two countries. Moreover, with the President visited China from 24-30 and Chinese Academy of Social Sciences opening up of the Indian tourism sector for August 2003 with an objective of to hold in-depth and constructive Chinese tourists, the number of tourist visas learning more about China, its business discussions concerning the future issued is also increasing gradually. The MoU practices and its competitiveness in academic exchanges. on visa services signed during Prime international markets. IEEMA signed an n Smt. Kumud Bansal, Additional Minister’s visit was implemented in MoU with his counterpart China Secretary, Department of Secondary & September 2003. This has eased and Electrical Equipment Industries Higher Education led Educational facilitated issue of visas, including multiple Association (CEEIA) to exchange Consultants India Limited delegation to entry visas to businesspersons, tourists, information, promote business and participate in the ‘International students and those attending conferences. facilitate participation in exhibitions and Educational Exhibition’ in Beijing, The SARS epidemic in China adversely trade fairs. China from 28-30 November 2003. The affected travel from April to June 2003. n Shri Ram Niwas Mirdha, former Union aim of the exhibition was to develop the Despite this, a total of 12,330 visas were Minister and President of the Indian international training and education issued by Beijing and Shanghai during the Federation of United Nations industries through international 10-month period from April 2003 to January Associations visited China from 26 communication and cooperation 2004 as against 10,330 visas issued in the August–01 September 2003 at the activities. calendar year 2002. invitation of United Nations Association n An ISRO delegation led by Dr. R.R. The SARS epidemic in China also delayed of China. Besides Beijing, he visited Navalgund, Director, NRSA, visited the start of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Guangzhou and Shanghai. as a result of which the total number of China from 1-4 December 2003 for the n Smt. Rathi Vinay Jha, Secretary for Yatris who made the pilgrimage was reduced first meeting of the joint working group Tourism and Culture, visited China from to 316. The Chinese side has agreed to between ISRO and its Chinese 16-25 October 2003 for the 15th General consider Prime Minister’s request, made counterpart CNSA, resulting in the Assembly of the World Tourism during his visit in June, for opening of signing of agreed minutes in which both Organisation. additional routes for the Kailash Mansarovar sides identified areas of future Yatra. n Smt. Justice Ruma Pal, Judge, Supreme cooperation, especially in the field of Court of India visited China from 18- remote sensing. Functional exchanges between the two sides 24 October 2003 to exchange and include: n A delegation from DAE led by Shri V.P. interact on issues of legal matters Raja, Joint Secretary, visited China from Visits from India to China between the Supreme Courts of India 11-15 December 2003 for finalizing a n A 4-member delegation comprising and China. commercial shipment of heavy water to Gujarat Government officials and n Shri I.K. Gujral, former Prime Minister, China. representatives of Ministry of visited China from 2-7 November 2003 n A four member delegation led by Mr.

20 India’s Neighbours

Gong Zheng, Vice Minister, General of Culture and Director, National Karnataka State Government and the Administration of Customs of the PRC, Museum. Shandong Province in the filed of IT. In visited India from 25-27 March 2004, to Delhi, he called on Commerce Secretary. n Mr. Zhang Xing Sheng, Vice Minister discuss possibilities of cooperation in the of Education, along with three other n A nine-member Chinese delegation led customs administration sector including Chinese officials, visited Mumbai during by Mr. Yao Zhongmin, Vice Governor, the possibility of signing an MoU on 10-11 July 2003 to study the educational China Development Bank visited India cooperation in customs matters with the system in Indian schools and universities. during 26-27 October 2003. He met Central Board of Excise and Customs During their stay, the delegation visited Secretary, Department of Information of India. Sophia College and University of Technology. Mumbai and held discussions on Visits from China to India n Ms. Shou Jiahua, Vice Minister for Land educational systems in Indian municipal n Vice Administrator, China National & Resources visited during 1-3 schools, colleges and Indian universities. th Space Administration Guo Baozhu November 2003 to attend the 19 World visited India from 3-7 January 2003 to n An 8-member delegation led by Zhao Xi Mining Congress. attend the 90th session of Indian Science Zheng, Executive President of State Grid n Mr. Zhou Ji, Minister of Education Congress; a delegation led by Chairman Corporation of China visited Bangalore visited India from 7-15 November 2003 of India-China Friendship Group of the from 12-13 July 2003 at the invitation to attend a Meeting on ‘Education for National People’s Congress Sheng of Power Grid Corporation of India All’. Huaren participated in the International Ltd., Bangalore. The External Affairs n Mr. Li Peiyou, Vice Chairman, Standing Parliamentary Conference to celebrate Minister also visited INFOSYS, Committee of Jiangsu Provincial the Golden Jubilee of the Indian Bangalore where they saw video People’s Congress visited from 13-16 Parliament from 22-24 January 2003; presentation of the company’s projects, November at the invitation of Karnataka and Vice Minister, MOFTEC An Min their achievements and future projects. State Government. visited New Delhi from 5-8 February n A 19-member Chinese business n Mr. Chen Yuan, Governor, China 2003 to attend CII’s International delegation led by Rao Dingguo, Vice- Development Bank attended the seminar Engineering & Technology Fair (IETF). Chairman, Chinese Council for on “A Tale of Two Giants: India’s and China participated in IETF as a partner Promotion of International Trade, China’s Experience with Reform and country. Hunan Sub-Council visited Mumbai Growth” from 14-16 November 2003 in from 13–14 October 2003 and n A 6-member Chinese team led by Ms Li New Delhi organized by IMF and participated in an interactive meeting on Chun Hai, Senior Finance Manager National Council of Applied Economic “Business Opportunities between India from China National Coal Mining Research. Engineering Equipment Group (CME), & Hunan Province, China” which was Beijing visited Dhanbad from 2-4 April organized by the Indian Merchants n South Asia Research Society (SARS), 2003 where they called on Chairman, Chamber, Mumbai. Kolkata invited eminent scholars from China to participate in an international Bharat Coking Coal Ltd. and held An 8-member Chinese delegation led by n workshop on “Facilitation of Trade and discussions over the proposed Longwall Mr. Fan Fangping, Vice Minister for Transport Cooperation between India Project at Munidih. Justice visited India from 14-20 October and China” during 26-28 November n Mr. Zheng Xinmiao, Vice Minister of 2003 to study the working of prisons, 2003 in Kolkata. A senior delegation Culture, led a five-member delegation to judiciary etc. The delegates visited from Yunnan Development Research India, from 16-23 April 2003. The Central Jail, Tihar. The delegation called Centre (YDRC), Kunming, China delegation visited Mumbai, Aurangabad on the Attorney General, Chief Justice participated in the workshop. and New Delhi on a goodwill tour to of Delhi High Court and Union Minister Professor Li Jingjie, Director, Institute of India. At Mumbai, the delegates of Law and Secretary (Law). n East European, Russian and Central participated in the inaugural function of n A 10-member Chinese delegation from Asian Studies, Chinese Academy of a photographic exhibition “World Shandong Province led by Mr. Zhang Social Sciences (CASS) and Member of Heritage in China” organized jointly by Gaoli, Secretary of Shandong Provincial the Chinese People’s Political the Embassy of China and the India- Committee of Communist Party visited Consultative Conference visited India China Society, Maharashtra. At India from 19-24 October 2003 at the from 2-8 December 2003 under Ministry Aurangabad, the delegates visited places invitation of State Government of of External Affairs Distinguished of tourist interest. In Delhi, the Karnataka for mutual cooperation in IT Visitor’s Programme. Besides Delhi, he delegation called on Secretary, Ministry sector. An MoU was signed between visited Agra and Chennai.

21 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

n Ambassador Lu Qiutian, President of Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri 2003, puts forth the vision of strategic the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Arun Jaitley visited Hong Kong during 23- partnership between India and Iran for a Affairs, led a 4-member delegation to 24 September 2003 to address the CLSA more stable, secure and prosperous region India from 16-22 December 2003 under Investors’ Forum 2003. The main event at and for an enhanced regional and global Ministry of External Affairs the Forum was his address to over 300 cooperation. His presence as the Chief Distinguished Visitor’s Programme. international investors at the Forum. His Guest in the Republic Day parade symbolized the strengthening of India-Iran n A nine-member Chinese writers speech focused on the unique features of Indian development, Government of India’s friendship. Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari delegation visited Mumbai and Vajpayee and President Khatami signed the Aurangabad on a goodwill tour to India disinvestment programme, WTO talks, etc. He also interacted with media New Delhi Declaration during the visit. The from 1-6 December 2003. In Mumbai, Declaration puts forth the vision of strategic they visited the office of National Sahitya representatives and leading fund management houses in the region. His partnership between India and Iran for a Academy, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, more stable, secure and prosperous region Govt. of India, Mumbai and exchanged programme also included interviews with the Business Week and CNN. and for enhanced regional and global co- views and literatures with the Regional operation. It touches all aspects of bilateral Secretary, Sahitya Academy and also An MoU was signed between the Federation co-operation: cooperation in the field of with a group of Indian writers. of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and hydrocarbons, science and technology, the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association n A nine-member delegation led by Mr. information technology, education and Dai Shaoquan, Vice Chairman, Chinese (CMA), Hong Kong on 27 July 2003 for training, reconstruction of Afghanistan, Council for Promotion of International closer cooperation on economic and trade international terrorism, and other global Trade of Sichuan Province visited India matters. Major trade delegations that visited issues. Following the vision for strategic and held a meeting with FICCI officials Hong Kong during this period included a partnership embodied in the New Delhi and Indian businessmen in New Delhi delegation from Gujarat to promote Declaration, a Memorandum of on 18 December 2003. “Vibrant Gujarat – Global Investors’ Understanding (MoU) on the road map to Summit 2003" and a 45-member textile and strategic cooperation was also signed which n A Chinese delegation led by Dr. Ma garment industry delegation from Tirupur. sets a five-year target oriented framework for Xiaowei, Chinese Vice Minister of Companies from India participated in milestones towards the strategic partnership. Health visited India from 15-18 various trade fairs in Hong Kong, including Six other documents, viz. Agreement on December 2003. Besides Delhi, he in the Jewellery and Watch Fair, Fashion Science and Technology cooperation, MoUs visited Agra and Mumbai. In Delhi, he Week, Asian Gifts and Premium Household on cooperation in Hydrocarbons sector, had a meeting with his Indian Products Fair, Filmart Exhibition and the Vocational Training and Urban Water counterpart, Secretary (Health). International Toys and Gifts Show. Management, Cultural Exchange Programme 2003-2005 and a Framework n Prof. Fan Gang, Director, National Agreement on operationalisation of US$ Economic Research Institute, China Iran 200 million Indian line of credit to be Reform Foundation visited India under India and Iran have congruent views on a implemented by EXIM Bank through a Distinguished Visitor’s Programme from range of regional and international issues. group of Iranian banks were also signed. 24 January- 04 February 2004. He also Regular high level exchange of visits between Apart from having a meeting with Prime attended the Global Development the two sides have led to enhanced Minister, President Khatami met Indian Conference on 28-29 January 2004 in understanding and appreciation of each President and received Vice President, New Delhi. Besides New Delhi and Agra, other’s concerns. Cooperation in the field of Deputy Prime Minister and External Affairs he also visited Mumbai. energy security, transit routes in the region, Minister. President Khatami was cooperation on Afghanistan and its accompanied by Defence Minister, Oil Hong Kong reconstruction and increasing bilateral trade Minister and Minister of Science, Research According to HKSAR statistics, India-Hong and commercial relations has imparted a and Technology. President Khatami was Kong trade reached US$5.07 billion in 2003, strategic dimension to India-Iran relations. conferred Honorary Doctorate by University an increase of 28.9% million over the same of Delhi. He also released the English period last year. Indian exports reached President Khatami’s Visit and The version of his work “Islam, Dialogue and US$.3.17 billion, an increase of 27.2%. New Delhi Declaration Civil Society” published in India by Hong Kong exported US$ 1.90 billion worth President Seyyed Mohammad Khatami paid Jawaharlal Nehru University. President of goods to India, representing an increase a State Visit to India from 24-28 January Khatami addressed a CII-FICCI sponsored of 31.9%. India achieved a positive trade 2003. The New Delhi Declaration signed business meeting. He also visited information balance of US$1.27 billion with Hong Kong during the State Visit of President Seyyed technology and other scientific in 2003. Mohammad Khatami to India in January establishments in Hyderabad.

22 India’s Neighbours

Head of Judiciary of Iran, Ayatollah Seyed External Affairs Minister. External Affairs discussions reviewed progress in Mohammad al-Hashimi Shahroudi visited Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha visited Iran bilateral cooperation in different areas India from 9-15 March 2004 at the invitation from 13-14 December 2003 to co-chair the and situation in Afghanistan and Iraq. of Chief Justice of India and Union Minister 13th session of the India-Iran Joint The Iranian side also briefed the of Law & Justice. He called on President, Commission Meeting. Besides having wide Indian side on the peaceful Prime Minister and Chief Justice of India. ranging discussions with his Iranian approaches of its nuclear programme. Bilateral relations, especially development of counterpart, Dr Kamal Kharrazi, he also relations in the field of judicial cooperation called on President Seyyed Mohammad The two sides also held regular security and were discussed. Khatami and other Iranian leaders. Shri strategic consultations through the Yashwant Sinha and Foreign Minister established mechanisms of interaction High level political exchanges Kharrazi also met on the sidelines of the G- between their National Security Councils The year saw regular high-level political 15 Summit at Caracas on 27 February 2004. and Strategic Dialogue. National Security exchanges between the two sides during the External Affairs Minister also called on Adviser, Shri Brajesh Mishra visited Iran on year. Shri Manohar Joshi, Speaker, Lok President Khatami at Caracas. 25- 26 April 2003 for regular consultations Sabha visited Iran from 3-6 November 2003. From the Iranian side, Labour and Social with his Iranian counterpart Mr Hassan An India-Iran Parliamentary Friendship Affairs Minister, Mr Seyed Safdar Hosseini Roohani, Secretary, Supreme National Group consisting of Parliamentarians from paid a visit to India from 28-31 August 2003. Security Council. He also called on President both sides was established during the visit Minister of Industry and Mines Mr. Ishaq Khatami and Foreign Minister Dr Kharrazi. further promoting parliamentary Jahangiri visited India from 1-5 November Mr Roohani visited India from 25-27 cooperation between the two countries. Dr. 2003 to participate in the 19th World Mining February 2004 and met Shri Mishra. He also Justice A.S. Anand, Chairperson, National Congress on the invitation of Minister of called on the Prime Minister. India and Iran Human Rights Commission visited Iran State for Mines Shri Ramesh Bais. During held the third round of Dialogue at the level from 21-26 June 2003 on the invitation of his visit, he also called on Minister of State of Foreign Secretary/Deputy Foreign Mr. Mohammad H. Ziaeifar, Secretary for Steel Shri B.K. Tripathi. Minister of Minister, which took place at New Delhi on General, Islamic Human Rights Agricultural Crusade, Mr Mahmoud Hojjati 21 July 2003. Commission of Iran. The two sides stressed visited India from 14-18 December 2003. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral on the importance of regular exchanges Madhvendra Singh visited Iran at the between them in the field of human rights. India and Iran also agreed to explore opportunities of cooperation in agreed areas, invitation of his counterpart Commander of Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri including training and exchange of visits. the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy Rear Digvijay Singh led the Indian delegation to Commander of Iranian Air Force Brig. Gen. Admiral Mohtaj from 17-21 January 2003. the trilateral India-Iran- Afghanistan Reza Pardis visited India from 4-10 May During his visit, Chief of the Naval Staff meeting held in Tehran from 4-5 January 2003. Two Iranian training ships “Lavan” visited the First Naval Region at Bandar 2003. India and Iran have stressed on the and “Bandar Abbas” made a goodwill visit Abbas. He also called on Defence Minister need for a peaceful, stable and prosperous to Mumbai from 5-10 March 2003. Another Ali Shamkhani. Both sides reiterated the Afghanistan free from external interference. Iranian naval ship “Tonb” visited Mumbai strategic importance of the Indian Ocean The two countries have also stressed on the from 8-13 March 2004. Indian Naval Ship region and the need for close co-operation need for joint efforts of reconstruction in “Krishna” visited Bandar Abbas from 14-17 to ensure peace and stability in the region. Afghanistan. In the meeting, the three October 2003. Home Secretary visited Iran from 9-12 countries expressed their support to the February 2003 for Home Secretary/Deputy development of alternative access routes to Interior Minister level talks. Bilateral co- Afghanistan through the Chahbahar port of Security and Strategic operation in prevention of drug trafficking Iran via Melak-Zaranj-Delaram road stretch Consultations and counter-terrorism, proposals for in Afghanistan. Situation in Iraq and Afghanistan was conclusion of Extradition Treaty and the focus of discussions between the Union Labour Minister Shri Sahib Singh Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance and two sides during various bilateral Verma visited Tehran from 8-12 January other issues of mutual interest were exchanges. Iranian Foreign Minister Dr 2003. A Joint Statement was signed during discussed. Kamal Kharrazi and External Affairs the visit to explore co-operation in areas of Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha mutual interest including vocational training. Cooperation in the hydrocarbons remained in regular touch, including sector At the level of Foreign Ministers, Foreign through telephonic discussions over India’s cooperation with Iran in the Minister Dr Kamal Kharrazi paid a brief the evolving situation in Iraq. During hydrocarbons sector is important for visit to India on 24 August 2003. During the Dr Kharrazi’s visit to India, the addressing the energy security needs of visit, he called on the Prime Minister and

23 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

India. Iran’s vast energy reserves and India’s for distribution for earthquake relief in Iran. The usual cooperation in imparting training growing energy needs provide a basis for Parliament of India, in its February 2004 to Maldivian officials in various other areas bilateral cooperation in this sector. India is session expressed its condolences on the such as agriculture, human resource committed to ensure a cost-effective, long tragedy and observed silence in mark of development, police duties and defence term and secure mode of transfer of Iranian respect to the memory of the victims of the continued during this period. gas to India. The India-Iran Joint earthquake. India and Maldives held the Joint Coast Committee on transfer of Iranian gas to Guard exercises codenamed “DOSTI-VII” India is entrusted with examining all aspects Maldives at Male from 23-27 February 2004. The of this issue. The sixth meeting of this India’s relations with Maldives continued to exercises are aimed at strengthening defence Committee was held at New Delhi on 24 be close and friendly with 2003-04 cooperation between the two countries and November 2003 at New Delhi. The witnessing increased political and economic also to promote interaction between Coast Committee reviewed the progress of interactions. Agriculture, environment, Guard Officers of the two countries in areas feasibility studies being undertaken of marine technology, hotel and tourism sectors of search and rescue, pollution control (oil transfer of Iranian gas to India. were added to cooperation in public health slick etc.) and other related activities. care and education sectors. Following the visit of President Khatami and A team of experts from Department of signing of the MoU on cooperation in the Reflecting close bilateral political Space went to Maldives from 7 February hydrocarbon sector, India and Iran have understanding, President Gayoom sent 2004 to work on the aerial survey component taken several steps to broad base their condolence messages to the President of for project relating to updating the digital cooperation in this field. The two sides have India on the loss of lives caused in natural charts of the Maldives islands. Government constituted a Joint Working Group (JWG) on calamities as well as those caused due to of India is undertaking this project under cooperation in hydrocarbons sector. The first terrorist bombings in Mumbai in August the assistance programme. meeting of the JWG was held in New Delhi 2003. The Deputy Prime Minister, Shri L.K from 8-9 May and continued in Tehran on Advani represented India at the inaugural Myanmar 10-11 May 2003. Shri Ram Naik, Union ceremony of assumption of Office by Our policy of engagement with Myanmar Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas President Gayoom as President of Maldives was strengthened during the year as high visited Iran on 12-13 May 2003. As per the for a new term on 11 November 2003. level exchanges intensified. The Vice discussions held by the JWG, India and Iran President Gayoom assumed the Presidency President of India, Shri Bhairon Singh agreed to work towards long-term purchase of Maldives for a record sixth consecutive Shekhawat paid a State visit to Myanmar of LNG by India from Iran. It was also five-year term. His election had been from 2-5 November 2003 marking the first agreed that Indian oil companies would confirmed in a national referendum on 17 VVIP visit from India to Myanmar since the participate in oil exploration fields in Iran October 2003. then Prime Minister of India Shri Rajiv on competitive basis. Technical discussions Earlier, Mr. Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, Minister Gandhi visited Myanmar in 1987. The between the two sides on these aspects of of Planning and National Development of resumption of visits at the highest level from cooperation are continuing. Maldives visited India from 26-27 August India reflects the growing friendship and 2003 as a Special Envoy of President India’s relief assistance to Iran for understanding between the two countries. Gayoom of Maldives, in the context of earthquake at Bam The visit was preceded by earlier visits to India’s support to Maldives in the UN. On the tragic earthquake at Bam, which took Myanmar during the year by Shri Arun place on 26 December 2003, the President, Economic relations were diversified with the Jaitley, Minister of Commerce & Industry Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister visit of Mr. Midhath Hilmy, Minister of from 13-14 July 2003 and by Shri Arun sent messages of condolences. Prime Communication, Science and Technology of Shourie, Minister of Communications and Minister and President Khatami spoke twice Maldives with the signing of an MoU on IT from 25-30 August 2003. Ties between over the telephone on 27 December 2003 cooperation in the field of Information the two countries have got an added and 9 January 2004. President Khatami Technology, specifying cooperation in dimension with Myanmar’s membership of appreciated India’s expression of sympathy development of human resources in the IT ASEAN as well as BIMST-EC. and offer for relief assistance. A 64-member Sector, IT education and formulation of Indian Army medical team set up a 75-bed legal instruments including cyber laws. Free and frank exchanges have field hospital in Bam complete with Cooperation in the area of planning was marked the political dialogue between equipment and medicines, including facility intensified with the visit of Shri K.C. Pant, the two countries. During the visit of for surgery mandated to function till the end Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission to the Vice President, the Myanmar side of March 2004. 10,000 blankets were also Maldives from 14-17 September 2003 that outlined the seven- step roadmap for despatched to Iran for relief. 600 metric tons saw the signing of an MoU to strengthen transition to democracy. India has of high protein biscuits were sent from India the National Planning capacity of Maldives. expressed support for the national

24 The Vice President Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat called on the Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of Myanmar, Vice Senior General Maung Aye at Yangon on November 2, 2003. Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

exchanged views on promotion trade, is also an emerging area of cooperation reconciliation process and progress in between the two countries. the transition to democracy in commerce and tourism. Myanmar. Both the countries have Cooperation in the field of communications, Cooperation in Human Resource also agreed to intensify efforts to IT and services was formalised through an development is another focus area of prevent, counter and suppress the MoU on Cooperation in Communications, cooperation between the two countries. activities of terrorist groups and IT and Services between the Ministry of During the visit of the Vice President, an remain committed to ensure peace, Communications and IT of India and the MoU was signed between the Ministry of stability and tranquillity on the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Education of Myanmar and the Ministry of common borders. An agreement was Telegraph of the Government of the Union Human Resource Development of India. signed between the two governments of Myanmar during the visit of the Indian The MoU is aimed at consolidating and on visa exemption for Official and Minister of Communication and IT to strengthening mutual cooperation in the field Diplomatic Passport Holders. Myanmar. A number of projects where of education, which is an emerging area of Indian expertise can be extended are being cooperation between the two countries. The During the visit of the Minister of discussed in the areas of E-learning, E- exchanges will focus on joint training and Commerce & Industry to Myanmar an MoU governance, Rural Telecom and for the research programmes, conferences and seminars, exchanges of scholars and research on the establishment of a Joint Trade Establishment of an Optical Fibre Cable materials and collaboration in technology. Committee (JTC) between the two countries Link between Moreh and Tamu. was signed. During the first meeting of the Earlier in the year in June, another MoU was The Ninth National Level Meeting between JTC, it was agreed to set a target of US$1 signed between the Ministry of External the two countries was held in Yangon from billion for bilateral trade by the year 2006. Affairs, Educational Consultants India Ltd. 7-10 October 2003. These meetings are It is also likely that in addition to the border- and the Government of Myanmar, which is chaired by the respective Home Secretaries trade taking place through Moreh (India)- a tripartite agreement providing for the and discussions covered security related Tamu (Myanmar), a second border trading deputation of teaching personnel from India point at Zowkhathar (India)-Rhi (Myanmar) issues, drug trafficking, rationalisation of the for short term courses at Universities in will soon be opened. In a gesture of free movement regime, joint inspection of Myanmar. goodwill, the Indian Minister of Commerce boundary pillars, border trade and banking arrangements, problems of Indian prisoners The Foreign Minister of Myanmar, U Win also announced a gift of 10,000 tons of Aung, visited India on 10 July 2003 as wheat to the people of Myanmar. in Myanmar and fishermen, maintenance of the Tamu-Kalemyo-Kale road and review Special Envoy of the Chairman of the State Myanmar Foreign Minister, U Wing Aung of various cross border projects. Peace and Development Council (SPDC) of visited India from 19-24 January 2003. He Myanmar. The Myanmarese Minister of called on Vice- President Shri Bhairon Singh The Foreign Office consultations between Education, U Than Aung and the Shekhawat, Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari the two countries were held from 23-24 Myanmarese Minister of Commerce, Brig. Vajpayee, External Affairs Minister, Shri October 2003 in New Delhi. The Indian Gen. Pyi Sone visited India to attend Yashwant Sinha, Minister of Finance, Shri side was led by Shri Kanwal Sibal, the then conferences/fairs in July and September, Jaswant Singh and Minister of Foreign Secretary and the Myanmarese side respectively. A meeting was held between Disinvestment and Commerce, Shri Arun was led by U Khin Maung Win, Deputy senior officials of the two countries on Shourie. The two foreign Ministers Minister for Foreign Affairs. During the visit outstanding bilateral consular and financial exchanged views and discussed a wide range of the Deputy Foreign Minister an issues in Yangon from 29 September-1 of matters of mutual interest and signed a agreement on Extension of a Credit Line October 2003. The issues discussed related protocol, which establishes regular bilateral of US$25 million by India to the to repatriation of Myanmarese fishermen, ministerial consultations. Myanmar Foreign Government of Myanmar was signed Indian citizens in Myanmar prisons, persons Minister, U Wing Aung visited Hyderabad between him and Shri D.C. Gupta, Finance of Indian origin living in Myanmar and on 22 January 2003 where he called on Secretary. pension cases pertaining to Indian nationals Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. India remains committed to provide who had retired from Government service in Myanmar. Chandrababu Naidu and visited hi-tech City assistance in developing infrastructure within and witnessed first-hand success achieved by Myanmar. A number of projects are under Cooperation and exchanges in the defence India in the field of Information Technology. consideration/implementation between the sector continued through the mechanism of Myanmar Foreign Minister U Wing Aung two sides including the Kaladan multi-modal the biannual border liaison meetings. The visited Kolkata on 23 January 2003. He Transport Connectivity Project, Trilateral highlight in this sector was the visit of called on Governor Shri Viren J Shah and Highway Project, upgradation of Rhi- Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee & Chief Minister Shri Buddhadeb Tiddim and Rhi-Falam Roads and the Chief of Naval Staff of India Admiral Bhattarcharjee of West Bengal State and Tamanthi Hydel Project. The railway sector Madhvendra Singh to Myanmar from 4-7

26 India’s Neighbours

September 2003 and the visit of the Thapa had occasion to meet with Indian Kosi Multipurpose Project to carry out field Myanmar C-in-C Air Force Maj. Gen. Myat leaders in New Delhi during the South East investigations to update data for the Hein to India from 31 August -5 September Asian Regional Conference of WHO from preparation of a DPR for the project. A 2003. 7-9 September 2003 and again in November Master Plan on Flood Forecasting and The Embassy of India, Yangon, in 2003 at the SAARC Health Ministers’ Warning System has been completed and Conference. Foreign Secretary visited Nepal would be taken up for implementation. Rail collaboration with Confederation of Indian during 9-11 July to participate in SAARC Services Agreement to operationalize the Industries (CII), organised an exhibition Standing Committee Meeting. At the Inland Container Depot at Birgunj in Nepal “Made in India Show” from 19-22 February working level, there were regular interactions was initialed. Progress has been made 2004. In addition to the display of goods and between the officials of Ministries of towards conclusion of Motor Vehicles services by Indian companies, the show also External Affairs, Home Affairs, Commerce, Agreement, Extradition Treaty, Mutual included a Food Festival and seminars on Water Resources, Finance etc. with a view Legal Assistance Treaty and Investment ‘Across Borders: India-Myanmar Trade and to review the various aspects of our bilateral Promotion and Protection Agreement Economic Cooperation’ and ‘ICT Linkages: cooperation. between the two countries. A Bilateral Connecting India and Myanmar’. The India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Consultative Group on Security Issues has been set up with a view to strengthen the Nepal Committee Meeting on Trade, Transit and Cooperation to Control Unauthorised ongoing security related cooperation. India and Nepal enjoy close relations Trade, at the level of Commerce Secretaries, reflecting the historical, geographical, Maoist Insurgency in Nepal was held in Kathmandu from 29-31 January cultural and linguistic links between our two The security situation in Nepal continues to 2004. A comprehensive review of various countries and an open border stretching over be a cause of concern. The year 2003 began trade and transit issues was undertaken in 1860 kms across which people and goods on a positive note when a ceasefire was the meeting. move freely. Indian Rupee is a legal tender announced between Maoists and in Nepal. Over 60% of Nepal’s global trade Home Secretary-level talks between India Government of Nepal on 29 January. is India-centric and nearly half of the and Nepal were held in Kathmandu from Subsequently, three rounds of talks were held Foreign Direct Investment in the country 2-3 February 2004. These talks were between the Government and the Maoists originates from India. Inevitably, events in preceded by the Fifth Meeting of the India- on 27 April, 9 May, and 17August 2003 one country influence the other in many Nepal Joint Working Group on Border respectively. The talks ultimately broke down ways and India naturally attaches high Management. A comprehensive review of because of disagreement on the issue of priority to strengthening the ongoing issues relating to security cooperation elections to the Constituent Assembly and bilateral co-operation with Nepal for the between India and Nepal was undertaken Maoists withdrew from the ceasefire on 27 mutual benefit of our peoples. in the meetings. August 2003. Since then, Maoist violence has continued unabated and is now In keeping with India’s close relationship, Foreign Secretary Shri Shashank visited threatening areas in the Terai. Meanwhile, several high-level interactions took place Nepal from 22-25 February 2004. During political parties continue to agitate against between the two countries during the year, the visit, he called on King Gyanendra Bir the “regressive” measures since 4 October which provided opportunities to review the Bikram Shah Dev, Prime Minister Surya 2002 and have refused to join the bilateral relations and contributed to the Bahadur Thapa and Dr. Bhekh Bahadur Government. consolidation of bilateral relations. Nepalese Thapa, Ambassador at Large, and held Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa paid extensive bilateral discussions with the a working visit to India in his capacity as the Nepalese Foreign Secretary. He also had India’s consistent position remains Head of Government of the outgoing interaction with a cross-section of the that a national consensus needs to be SAARC Chairman country, Nepal. Minister Nepalese polity. evolved based on the principles of for Communication and Information Substantial progress was achieved on a multiparty democracy and Technology, Shri Arun Shourie visited Nepal number of bilateral issues. Discussions were constitutional monarchy to effectively from 10-11 September 2003 to inaugurate initiated on the 300 MW Upper Karnali address the challenges posed by the WLL telephone service, a Joint Venture Hydro-electric project to be taken up by Maoist insurgency. Only a between Mahanagar Telecommunications India on Build Own Operate Transfer representative government, with the Nigam Ltd, Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd, (BOOT) basis and for preparation of a participation of all parliamentary Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd Detailed Project Report (DPR) for 600 MW parties, working in close cooperation with the monarchy, could help in and Nepal Ventures Private Ltd (NVPL). Budhi Gandaki Hydro-electric project in evolving a sustainable solution to the Nepalese Minister for Information and Nepal. The two Governments have agreed conflict. India has strongly condemned Communication, and Health Mr. Kamal to set up a Joint Project Office for the Sapt

27 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

over the past few years, the Composite Several significant subsequent steps the recourse to violence by Maoists Dialogue in 1998, Prime Minister’s visit to included- and continues to support all efforts of Lahore in 1999, and the invitation extended Government of Nepal to restore n restoration of relations at the level of to President General Pervez Musharraf for normalcy and order in the country. High Commissioners; summit level talks at Agra in July 2001, were Indian Para military forces have been underpinned by this objective. n resumption of the Delhi-Lahore bus service; deployed at sensitive areas of the India - Government have been making continued Nepal border to keep a close vigil along the efforts to build upon the possibilities that n high level exchanges at the level of border to prevent miscreants from misusing exist and to catalyze the desire of people on Parliamentarians, businessmen, media, the open border between the two countries. both sides to have peaceful and friendly artists, writers, judges, peace activists, Government of India provides a generous relations. At the same time, mindful of the sporting contacts, and others; aid package to Nepal with an average annual fact that careful preparation is necessary so n free medical treatment to 20 Pakistani budget of Rs.60 crores to Rs.75 crores. A that there is a meaningful engagement at the children; number of projects in areas relating to higher levels, government have, since April n release of prisoners and fishermen on infrastructure, health, water resources, rural last year, adopted a step-by-step approach both sides; and community development, education, to normalize relations with Pakistan. etc. are currently underway. During the year, n increase in the strength of the respective work on a major aid-project involving laying Prime Minister’s Initiative: 18 April High Commissions. of optical fibre cable network along the East- 2003 In keeping with this spirit, Prime Minister These generated a positive resonance West Highway was commenced which would amongst the people in the two countries. greatly improve telecommunication facility Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, at a public rally in Srinagar on 18 April 2003, had once again within Nepal and between India and Nepal. Indian proposals to Pakistan: 22 extended the hand of friendship to Pakistan. Another project has been formulated on the October 2003 Following this gesture, he received a development of border infrastructure, which On 22 October 2003, India announced telephone call from Prime Minister Mir will facilitate Nepal’s trade and transit and further steps to promote people to people Zafarullah Khan Jamali of Pakistan on 28 improve the security along the border. contact between the two countries. The April 2003. The two Prime Ministers proposals included- Cultural linkages between India and Nepal discussed ways of moving bilateral relations are supplemented by over 100 scholarships forward. In this context, Prime Minister n resumption of civil aviation links to be to Nepalese students offered annually. Vajpayee suggested the importance of followed by resumption of the rail link; Another 50-60 distance education economic cooperation, cultural exchanges n resumption of bilateral sporting scholarships are provided to Nepalese and people-to-people contacts, as progress encounters including cricket; students at the Indira Gandhi National Open on these issues could help create a climate University. Training programmes are offered conducive to addressing more difficult issues. n permission to senior citizens (65 years to employees of Government of Nepal in During the call, the importance of early and above) to cross at Wagah on foot; various institutions under Indian Technical resumption of civil aviation and n holding of visa camps in different cities and Economic Training Programme (ITEC) implementation of decisions on trade and to benefit the people; and under the Colombo Plan. 50 economic cooperation taken at the SAARC scholarships are awarded to meritorious Kathmandu Summit was also emphasised n increasing the capacity of the Delhi- Nepalese students for undergraduate courses Lahore-Delhi bus service by running in Nepal. During the year, a new scheme, more buses; the Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship Scheme, Prime Minister Vajpayee had, in his n the establishment of links between the was introduced under which 500 suo-moto statement in Parliament on 2 May 2003, stated, “we are Coast Guards authorities of the two scholarships would be awarded to countries; meritorious Nepalese students every year for committed to the improvement of class XI-XII in Nepal. relations with Pakistan, and are willing n the non-arrest by either side of fishermen to grasp every opportunity for doing of the other country within a certain so. However, we have repeatedly band on the sea; Pakistan expressed the need to create a India has always desired peaceful, friendly conducive atmosphere for a sustained n provision of free medical treatment to a and cooperative relations with Pakistan as dialogue, which necessarily requires second lot of 20 Pakistani children; envisaged in the Simla Agreement. All the an end to cross border terrorism and n resumption of passenger shipping policy initiatives taken by India, including, the dismantling of its infrastructure”. services between Mumbai and Karachi;

28 The Nepalese Prime Minister Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa calls on the President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam in New Delhi on November 25, 2003. Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

n commencement of a bus service between countries on 25 November 2003, and it was process of normalisation forward, the two Srinagar and Muzaffarabad; agreed to observe a ceasefire on the leaders agreed to commence the process of International Border, LOC and AGPL with the Composite Dialogue in February 2004. n starting a bus or rail link between effect from the midnight of November 25, Munabao in Rajasthan (India) and 2003. Joint Secretary and Foreign Khokrapar in Sind (Pakistan) ; and Secretary level meetings: 16-18 n further increase in size of the respective Restoration of Communication links February 2004 High Commissions. After the resumption of the Delhi-Lahore Subsequently, the Foreign Secretaries of Pakistan’s initial response on 29 October Bus service, steps were initiated to restore Pakistan and India met in Islamabad on 2003 was inadequate. While welcoming civil aviation and rails links between the two February 18, 2004. They reviewed and some of the proposals, like allowing senior countries. Consequently, during the second endorsed the agreement worked out at the citizens to cross Wagah on foot, establishing round of Civil Aviation talks, held in New Joint Secretary/ Director General level links between Indian Coast Gaurds and Delhi on 1 December 2003, India and meetings on 16-17 February 2004 on the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, and Pakistan agreed to resume simultaneous modalities and timeframe for discussions on resumption of bilateral sporting contacts, point-to-point services and over-flights with all subjects on the agenda of the Composite they opted to politicise the humanitarian effect from 1 January 2004 on a reciprocal Dialogue. gestures and attached impractical, basis. Further, during technical level The following schedule of meetings was extraneous and delaying conditions to discussions between the railway authorities agreed to in the Joint Press Statement issued others. of the two countries held on 18-19 after the Foreign Secretaries level meeting December 2003 in New Delhi, it was decided in Islamabad on 18 February 2004:- However, on 23 November 2003, the Prime to resume Samjahuta Express and freight Minister of Pakistan Mir Zafarullah Khan train services with effect from 15 January n Foreign Secretaries would meet in May/ Jamali responded positively to the 2004. June 2004 for talks on Peace and Security communication links proposed by India on including CBMs; and Jammu and 22nd October. He, inter alia, stated that Prime Minister’s visit to Islamabad: Kashmir. Talks on Siachen; Wullar Pakistan was ready to open discussions on 4-6 January 2004 Barrage/ Tulbul Navigation Project; Sir Indian proposals regarding opening The above process was taken significantly Creek; Terrorism and Drug Trafficking; Khokrapar - Munabao route, ferry service forward through Prime Minister’s visit to Economic and Commercial between Karachi and Mumbai, establishing Islamabad (January 4-6, 2004) for the Cooperation; and Promotion of Friendly bus link between Muzaffarabad and Srinagar SAARC Summit. On the sidelines of the Exchanges in Various Fields would be and communication links between the two Summit, Prime Minister Vajpayee had held at the already agreed levels, in July coast guards. India welcomed the Pakistani meetings with Pakistan Prime Minister 2004. response and proposed immediate technical Jamali and President Musharraf. Besides, n The following technical level meetings level talks for early implementation of these External Affairs Minister and Foreign proposals. would be held earlier-Meeting between Secretary also made courtesy calls on their Director General Pakistan Rangers and counterparts. These meetings had a positive Ceasefire along the International Inspector General Border Security Force Border, LOC and AGPL in J&K impact. in March / April 2004; Expert level talks Prime Minister of Pakistan, on 23 November A Joint Press Statement was also issued after on Nuclear CBMs in the latter half of 2003, also announced that Pakistan armed Prime Minister Vajpayee’s meeting with May 2004; Committee on Drug forces along the LOC had been issued President Musharraf. Both leaders welcomed Trafficking and Smuggling in June 2004. instructions to ceasefire along the LOC with the recent steps towards normalisation of n The External Affairs Minister of India effect from Eid-al-Fitr. India welcomed the relations between the two countries and and the Foreign Minister of Pakistan Pakistani decision, but also made it clear that expressed the hope that the positive trends would meet in August 2004 to review in order to establish a full ceasefire on a set by the CBMs would be consolidated. overall progress. This would be preceded durable basis, there must be an end to Prime Minister Vajpayee said that in order by a one-day meeting of the Foreign infiltration from across the Line of Control to take forward and sustain the dialogue Secretaries. (LOC). To take this process (of ceasefire) process, violence, hostility and terrorism further, India also proposed a ceasefire along must be prevented. President Musharraf The existing links between the Directors the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) in reassured Prime Minister Vajpayee that he General Military Operations of Pakistan and Siachen. The matter was discussed during would not permit any territory under India were also reviewed during the meeting the conversation between the Director Pakistan’s control to be used to support and it was agreed to consider further General Military Operations of the two terrorism in any manner. To carry the strengthening these contacts.

30 The Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee addressing the SAARC Summit at Islamabad

The Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee meets the President of Pakistan Mr. Parvez Musharraf on the sidelines of 12th SAARC Summit in Islamabad on January 5, 2004. Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

Release of Fishermen on both sides Meanwhile, as agreed to during FS level talks Sri Lankan Peace Process During the year 2003, India released 93 in February 2004, a meeting between The end of years of ethnic violence in Sri Pakistani fishermen with 8 boats and Inspector General Border Security Force and Lanka with the signing of the Ceasefire Pakistan released 623 Indian fishermen with Director General Pakistan Rangers took Agreement between the Sri Lankan 97 boats. Consular access to 268 Indian place on 24 -27 March 2004. Inter alia, Government (SLG) and Liberation Tigers of fishermen, who were detained by the issues relating to drug trafficking and Tamil Eelam (LTTE) enabled a Pakistani authorities was secured on 15-17 smuggling of contrabands, illegal crossings, reinvigorating of India-Sri Lanka bilateral March 2004. Government, through maintenance and repair of boundary pillars, relations, especially on the economic front. diplomatic channels, are continuously taking etc were discussed. Progress in the Sri Lankan peace process was up the matter of their early release and far from smooth. Despite six rounds of talks The tour of the Indian cricket team to repatriation with the Pakistani Government. the LTTE showed no inclination to Pakistan, after a gap of about 15 years, in decommission its arms. Thereafter, it Visits of pilgrims March 2004 marked the resumption of suspended participation in the peace talks In pursuance of Prime Minister’s initiative, bilateral sporting encounters in this field. and announced that it would not participate visits of pilgrims to religious shrines The visit of the Indian team generated much in the Tokyo Donors Conference in June regulated by the Bilateral Protocol of 1974, enthusiasm among the people of the two 2003 citing its exclusion from the Aid-to-Sri which were interrupted in the aftermath of countries. Lanka Seminar in Washington in April and the terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament, its dissatisfaction with the slow progress, on were resumed. Accordingly, 100 pilgrims Status of cross border terrorism the ground, in the administration of aid in visited Pakistan on the occasion of Baisakhi A ceasefire along the International Border, the North and East. The LTTE also rejected (in April 2003), 200 pilgrims went on the Line of Control, and the Actual Ground the first two proposals offered by the SLG occasion of the Martyrdom day of Guru Position Line in Jammu and Kashmir, which for Interim Administrative structure in the Arjan Dev (June 2003), 200 pilgrims visited is being observed since November 25, 2003 North-East. In July 2003, the Sri Lankan for the Barsi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (June has continued to hold. Though there has Prime Minister offered a third set of revised 2003), 500 pilgrims went on the occasion of been some decline in cross border proposals for an Interim Administration for the Birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev infiltration, Pakistan is yet to take credible the North and the East consisting of a three- (November 2003), and a group of about 170 steps to dismantle the infrastructure of tier mechanism, the Provisional pilgrims visited Katasraj in Pakistan on the support to terrorism. Administrative Council that would be made occasion of Maha Shivratri (February 2004). up of members nominated by the SLG, Government favour the resolution of all It was also decided to send a jatha of 3000 including nominees of People’s Alliance differences with Pakistan through bilateral pilgrims in April 2004 for Baisakhi which includes Sri Lankan President’s party dialogue in accordance with the Simla celebrations. (Sri Lanka Freedom Party - SLFP), the Sri Agreement. Government would continue to Lankan Muslim Congress and the LTTE, carry forward the present process in India- Other developments with a large degree of devolution of powers A technical level meeting for starting a bus Pakistan relations. However, the to regional administration except in areas of service between Munabao (Rajasthan) and sustainability of the process necessarily police, security, land and revenue. Khokhrapar (Sindh) was held in Islamabad requires Pakistan to fulfill its assurances to on 9-10 March 2004. India proposed to not permit any territory under its control to At the Tokyo Donors’ Conference where Pakistan that the bus service could be started be used to support terrorism in any manner. US$ 4.5 billion was pledged over three years with effect from 1 August 2004. However, for the reconstruction of the Sri Lankan economy, India was represented at the level Pakistan side said that they required more Sri Lanka time to make an assessment of the of Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of infrastructure required on their side in order India-Sri Lanka relations consolidated India in Tokyo and made no pledge since to operationalise bus service. A Joint Press further in 2003-2004. Apart from the large India has a large bilateral assistance Statement was issued on 10 March 2004 in number of high-level political exchanges, programme. LTTE’s absence was strongly which the two sides affirmed their there was much progress on the economic criticised by all. The Tokyo Declaration commitment to commence the bus service front with bilateral trade crossing the US$ 1 called for a simultaneous decommissioning between Khokhrapar and Munabao, and billion mark. Following the signing of a of its arms with the shrinking of High agreed to meet again to continue discussions. Ceasefire Agreement with the LTTE in Security Zones manned by the Sri Lankan The technical level meeting on the February 2002, Sri Lanka, facilitator Norway Army and linked disbursement of aid to commencement of Srinagar- Muzaffarabad and Japan have been keeping India regularly progress in peace talks. bus service was postponed after mutual briefed on developments in the peace The LTTE made “counterproposals” to the consultations. process. SLG’s proposals on 31 October 2003. The

32 India’s Neighbours

counterproposals were of a secessionist consensual approach for smooth governance current impasse in the peace process nature with LTTE arrogating to the Interim and negotiations with the LTTE. and an early resumption of self-Governing Authority (ISGA) for the India expressed surprise at the sudden negotiations. North and the East, many of the attributes political developments of 4 November 2003 of sovereignty by keeping key subjects such in Sri Lanka and stated that the situation as the signing of international treaties, In the Joint Statement issued during the Sri should not provoke a crisis impacting on the external trade, resolution of disputes, control Lankan Prime Minister’s visit to India in political stability and ongoing peace process. of maritime boundaries, under its control. October 2003, it was stated that not only There was no role for institutions of the President Chandrika Bandaranaike will it maintain an abiding interest in the SLG. Within the ISGA, the LTTE arranged Kumaratunga dissolved the Sri Lankan security of Sri Lanka it would welcome a for absolute majority and absolute power for Parliament with effect from mid-night resolution of the current impasse in the governance. It proposed a separate Financial Saturday, 7 February 2004. The 13th peace process and an early resumption of Commission, and full control of finances by Parliamentary election in Sri Lanka will be negotiations. Any interim arrangement the ISGA. held on 2 April 2004. The President should be an integral part of the final The counterproposals put pressure on the indicated that she would seek a four-point settlement and should be in the framework already delicate relationship between the popular mandate for (a) continuation of of the unity and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. An important development during President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. peace negotiations with the LTTE (b) the visit was India’s agreeing to Sri Lankan The President had all along expressed abolition of Executive Presidency (c) revision Prime Minister’s proposal for a defence concern at the continuing consolidation of of the electoral system and (d) introduction cooperation agreement. the LTTE on the ground, arms-smuggling of market-oriented economic development and child recruitment and the manner in and guarantee of social justice. High Level Visits which the negotiations were being conducted Her decision to hold elections came after President Chandrika Bandaranaike by the SLG. She was especially concerned unsuccessful negotiations for power-sharing Kumaratunga made a working visit from 7- that the security threats to Sri Lanka were between the President and the Prime 10 April 2003 to deliver the first Madhao not being addressed sufficiently. Based on a Minister on key issues such as (i) dealing with Rao Scindia Memorial Lecture organised by judgement of the Sri Lankan Supreme the Ceasefire Agreement between the Sri the Hindustan Times Group. In her bilateral Court, that the plenary powers relating the Lankan Government and the LTTE (ii) discussions with the Indian political defence of Sri Lanka including the powers dealing with peace process negotiations and leadership, she shared her assessment of the to make regulations under Army, Navy and (iii) good governance, electoral reforms etc. peace process. Air Force Act were reposed in the President, she took over the portfolios of Defence, Her visit was followed by that of Prof. Government of India’s Position Interior and Mass Communications from the G.L.Peiris, Minister for Enterprise SLG citing reasons of danger to national Government of India has been Development, Industrial Policy & Investment security due to “ineffective steps taken by the consulted by the senior political Promotion and Constitutional Affairs on 13 Sri Lankan Administration”. She assured leadership of Sri Lanka throughout. June 2003 who came directly from the Tokyo the nation that the Ceasefire Agreement with Government of India supports the Donors’ Conference. He called on the the LTTE would not be disrupted and actions of the Government of Sri Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister expressed her willingness to hold discussions Lanka for a peaceful resolution of the and National Security Adviser and External with the LTTE for a balanced solution ethnic conflict within the territorial Affairs Minister and met the Foreign integrity and unity of the country in a Secretary. To better understand the system within the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. manner satisfactory to the aspirations of federalism in India, Prof. Peiris also met The Prime Minister was in USA on an of members of Sri Lankan society. It Additional Secretary, Department of Ladakh official visit at that time. The Sri Lankan believes that for a solution to be Affairs and Principal Secretary, Darjeeling President prorogued Parliament until 19 enduring it must emerge purely Hill Council. November 2003 when it reconvened to through an internal political process. enable the Government to present its budget The Norwegian facilitator Erik Solheim It has reiterated its commitment to the proposals. visited India on 10 January 2003. unity, sovereignty and territorial Representative of the Government of Japan Norway temporarily suspended its integrity of Sri Lanka and to the for Sri Lanka Yasushi Akashi visited India facilitation activities citing the domestic restoration of a lasting peace through in January 2003 and briefed on Japan’s role political developments in Sri Lanka. The a peaceful negotiated settlement that in the Peace Process and economic President and the Prime Minister have met meets the just aspirations of all reconstruction of Sri Lanka several times since, and appointed a elements of Sri Lankan society. India Committee of Officials to work out would welcome resolution of the Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister

33 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

of Sri Lanka delivered the Millennium Petroleum and Natural Gas visited Sri Lanka India-Sri Lanka Foundation towards Lecture 2003 of M.S. Swaminathan from 28-29 May 2003 and inaugurated the fostering relations through culture and Research Foundation at Chennai on 23 first Indian Oil Corporation petrol pump in education, both sides agreed to contribute August 2003. The main theme of his lecture Colombo. He also visited Trincomalee and Rs.1 crore each to alleviate difficulties of the “Making Our People Rich” was the benefits laid the foundation stone for the Foundation to fund its project due to reduced of closer economic integration amongst the modernisation of the oil tank farm at China income from its Corpus fund. An agreement South Asian economies. Bay. The Minister announced that Indian to release the second tranche of US$ 30 The Prime Minister made a working visit Oil Corporation would invest over US$ 100 million out of the Government of India’s from 19-22 October 2003 to continue his million in Sri Lanka and would take over 250 US$ 100 million line of credit was also efforts to seek India’s and the international petrol outlets besides modernising the tank signed during the visit. US$ 45 million has community’s support for his Government’s farms. The Minister had a meeting with the already been utilised by Sri Lanka on action in the peace process. During this visit, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and offered purchase of various goods from India. far-reaching decisions were taken on further India’s assistance for exploration of natural The SLG appreciates the help and assistance cooperation in defence and economic fields. gas in Sri Lankan territorial waters. During given by India the area of healthcare, setting Sri Lankan Prime Minister’s visit in October up of hospitals, education, supply of relief Defence Cooperation 2003, it was agreed that Oil & Natural Gas material etc. India contributed Rs.20 million India’s defence cooperation with Sri Lanka Commission (ONGC) would be the Indian for relief and rehabilitation assistance for the consists of training its military personnel and organisation participating in the joint South of Sri Lanka ravaged by floods in May supply of equipment. A composite defence exploration. 2003. India gifted a CT scanner and a bus team visited Sri Lanka from 1-5 September A “Made-in-India” show, organised by CII to Jaffna Teaching Hospital and the 2003 to assess Sri Lankan requirements. in association with High Commission of University of Jaffna respectively. India has This is expected to intensify once India and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce also offered to contribute US$ 7.5 million negotiations on the Defence Cooperation was held in Colombo from 27-31 May 2003 for the establishment of the state-of-art Agreement are concluded. showcasing India’s prowess in information Cancer Centre in Colombo and a well- In May 2003, in response to Sri Lanka’s technology, light engineering goods and equipped hospital in the North of Sri Lanka request for assistance to its flood affected consumer items. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka accompanied areas, the assistance and despatch of relief To increase physical connectivity between by Mr. Tyronne Fernando, Sri Lankan material by Indian Defence Forces was much India and Sri Lanka, the resumption of ferry Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Milinda appreciated in Sri Lanka for the promptness services between Tuticorin and Colombo Moragoda, Minister of Economic Reforms with which it arrived and the efficiency with was considered but deferred following and Science & Technology visited from 19- which it was delivered. concerns expressed by the Tamil Nadu 21 October 2003. Apart from its political Economic Cooperation Government. The Sri Lankan Prime content, the visit was notable for the Further liberalisation of the India-Sri Lanka Minister later proposed a ferry service from achievements in the economic sector. The FTA and identifying new areas of economic Kochi to Colombo, which is under Joint Study Group (JSG) submitted its cooperation took bilateral trade in 2002 to examination. The India-Sri Lanka Foreign recommendations to the two Prime Ministers an unprecedented US$ 1 billion mark. This Office Consultations led by Foreign who directed the two sides to commence figure is expected to exceed in 2003 as well. Secretaries were held from 23-25 July 2003 negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic The success of the India-Sri Lanka FTA in New Delhi. The Joint Commission Partnership Agreement to be completed by prompted the two countries to consider Meeting (JCM), fishermen’s problems, grant April 2004. The two Prime Ministers negotiations for a CEPA that would facilitate of Sri Lankan citizenship to stateless persons, expressed satisfaction at the increased civil the integration of the two economies. A delineation of continental shelf between the aviation links between India and Sri Lanka Joint Study Group (JSG) was constituted to two countries, civil aviation, cooperation in and agreed to do away with the existing examine a CEPA. It completed its the petroleum sector and other economic requirement of commercial agreements deliberations in September 2003 and issues were discussed. between the designated airlines of the two countries. It was also decided to encourage submitted its recommendation to the two The 5th India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission Prime Ministers who directed that Meeting was held at Colombo on 14-15 private domestic scheduled airlines of India negotiations should commence early. October 2003. The External Affairs to extend their operations to Sri Lanka. Mr. Rohitha Bogollagama, Sri Lankan Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha, led the On fishermen’s problems, the two Minister of Industries visited from 20-27 Indian delegation. During the visit, a Governments agreed that in view of the April 2003 to encourage Indian investment Cultural Exchange Programme for 2003-06 humanitarian aspect of fishermen straying in Sri Lanka. Shri Ram Naik, Minister of was signed. Appreciating the work of the into each other’s waters in search of a

34 Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee with President Chandrika Kumaratunga of Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia called on the Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the sidelines of 12th SAARC Summit in Islamabad on January 5, 2004. Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

livelihood, the matter should be dealt with Economic Reform, Science and Technology further decided to take such measures on the in a practical and compassionate way. India visited India from 23-26 January 2004. basis of human safety and not that of reiterated its proposal for licensed fishing by During the visit Mr. Moragoda called on the convenience or economic benefits. Indian fishermen in Sri Lanka’s North- Minister of External Affairs to brief on the The twenty-first meeting of SAARC Audio Eastern waters. The two Governments latest developments on the domestic political Visual Exchange Committee was held in agreed to enhance surveillance to minimise situation in Sri Lanka. Thimphu on 21-22 January 2003. The incursions, institutionalise assistance for Mr. Lakshman Kadirgamar, Senior Advisor second meeting of Heads of National salvage operations of released vessels (the to the Sri Lankan President and former Television/Radio Organisations was held in two Navies already have an arrangement), Foreign Minister visited India in December Islamabad on 28 & 29 January 2003. pay attention to ecological and conservation 2003 at the invitation of the Hindustan aspects of the problem. 4th Special Session of the SAARC Standing Times Group for its Leadership Initiative Committee and the Meeting of the Mr. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Sri Lankan Conference. He again visited New Delhi Preparatory Committee to the Special Minister of Employment and Labour and from 24-30 January 2004 to attend the Sixth Session were held during 8-10 July 2003 in the Government Whip visited Delhi from 28- Asian Security Conference organised by Kathmandu. Besides other decisions, the 30 October 2003 to participate in the Asian Institute of Defense Studies and Analyses. Committee reached a consensus on the dates Summit on Youth Entrepreneurship and During the visit Mr. Kadirgamar called on for holding of the Twelfth Summit of the Employment. During his visit, he called on the External Affairs Minister, Minister of Association in January 2004 in Pakistan. The Minister of Labour and discussed issues of Defence and National Security Advisor to developments in the work of the Association possible cooperation in the labour and brief them on the latest developments on the since the last Meeting in August 2002 were employment sector between the two domestic political situation in Sri Lanka. also discussed. The Committee also countries. Mr. Rauff Hakeem, Minister of Mr. Rohitha Bogollagama, Minister of reviewed the current status of economic Ports, Shipping, Eastern Rehabilitation and Industries visited India in January 2004 to cooperation, social development, poverty Muslim Religious Affairs of Sri Lanka visited sign an MoU on bilateral cooperation in the alleviation and other areas of common India from 28 November-5 December 2003. area of small-scale industries between India interest in the region. He led a nine-member delegation including and Sri Lanka. The MoU was signed on 27 First tier Meeting of the Secretaries to the Members of Parliament belonging to Sri January 2004. Dr. C.P. Thakur, Minister of Lanka Muslim Congress. During the visit Governments in the Ministries/Departments Small Scale Industries signed the MoU from concerned with Poverty Eradication & Social Mr. Hakeem called on the External Affairs the Indian side. Minister, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha Development took place on 21-23 July 2003 and Attorney General of India. Mr. Yasushi Akashi, Special Representative in Colombo. The Meeting discussed the of the Government of Japan on Sri Lanka present functioning and efficacy of the The Sri Lankan Commander of the Army visited India from 25-29 January 2004. SAARC Three-tier Mechanism on Poverty Staff visited India from 8-13 December During the visit, he called on the National Alleviation as also on measures to improve 2003. It was significant against the Security Advisor and the Foreign Secretary it. It also deliberated on the report of the background of submission of LTTE’s to brief them on the latest developments in Third Meeting of the SAARC Finance and separatist counterproposals, the taking over Sri Lanka. The crucial negotiations between Planning Ministers held in Islamabad in of the defence portfolio by the President of India and Sri Lanka for a Comprehensive April 2002 including the Plan of Action Sri Lanka and our commitment to increase Partnership Agreement are also supposed to adopted by the Ministers for formulating a defence cooperation with Sri Lanka and take place soon. strategy towards achieving the same. negotiate a Defence Cooperation Agreement. During the visit he called on Meeting of Senior Officials assisted by Legal Raksha Mantri and held discussions with the SAARC Experts was held on Colombo from 27-29 three Service Chiefs. Emergency Meeting of SAARC Health August 2003. The Meeting was held as a Ministers on SARS Epidemic was held on follow-up of the decision on the eleventh Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Mr. Cyril 29 April 2003 in Male. The one-day Meeting Summit to strengthen the SAARC Regional Herath accompanied by the Sri Lankan decided to strengthen cooperation among Convention on the Suppression of Army Commander Lt. Gen. L.P. Ballagalle Member States on taking measures to Terrorism, which came into force in 1987. and a legal expert came on an official visit prevent and control the spread of SARS in The meeting agreed on a majority of the to India from 14-16 January 2004 on the region as well as to adopt comprehensive provisions of the draft text of an Additional invitation of our Defence Secretary for preventive measures such as screening it at Protocol to the Convention proposed by Sri negotiations on entering into a Defence entry points, transfer of possible SARS Lanka. Cooperation Agreement. patients to quarantine or isolation facilities, An Expert Group Meeting on Establishment Mr. Milinda Moragoda, Minister of and to ensure effective contact tracing. They of SAARC Information Centre was also

36 India’s Neighbours

held. In pursuance of the decision of the The First SAARC Health Ministers’ qualitative change in the lives of all South Heads of SAARC National TV and Radio Conference was hosted by India from 13-15 Asians. Organisations taken at Islamabad on 28-29 November 2003. The Health Ministers from A one-day emergency meeting of SAARC January 2003, the Expert Group met in SAARC countries, except Bangladesh and Senior officers on bird flu was held on 16 Islamabad on 8-9 September 2003 to discuss Maldives, attended the Conference. The February 2004 in New Delhi. The meeting various aspects such as location, structure, governments of Bangladesh and Maldives recommended enforcement of temporary administrative and financial matters and were represented by high-level delegations. ban on poultry products, poultry medicines work programme of the proposed The Agenda of the Conference included and poultry feed from the affected countries Information Centre. traditional systems of medicines, issues and called for setting up two national focal Informal Meetings of the SAARC Council relating to emerging and re-emerging points for livestock and human health in each of Ministers were held in New York on 25 diseases and disease surveillance (SARS/ country for the implementation of decisions September 2003 on the sidelines of UN HIV/AIDS/TB), population stabilization, taken in the meeting. child health and immunization, etc. General Assembly. The SAARC Council of The meeting of Committee of Experts on Ministers, comprising Foreign Ministers of SAFTA took place from 26-27 February the Member Countries held informal A Meeting of Technical Committee on 2004 in Kathmandu in order to resolve the discussions on various issues, including the Communication and Transport was held on contentious issues like sensitive list, rules of outcome of the Fourth Special Session of from 1-3 December 2003 in Islamabad to origins, technical assistance to the LDC’s, the Standing Committee, progress made in review the past activities and to discuss the and Mechanism for Compensation of the area of poverty alleviation, preparations future plans related to Telecommunications Revenue Loss for the Least Developed for the Twelfth SAARC Summit to be held and Post Services. The Second Meeting of Contracting States. in Islamabad in January 2004. In addition, the SAARC Technical Committee on The Meeting of the Inter-Governmental SAARC- ASEAN dialogues were also on the Energy took place from 7-8 December 2003 Agenda for the Council of Ministers. Expert Group (IGEG) to consider in Dhaka to review the progress in the Agreement on Promotion and Protection of The Fifth Meeting of the Committee of implementation of the recommendations of Investment; Establishment of a SAARC Experts (CoE) on drafting a comprehensive the First Meeting of the Technical Arbitration Council; and Multilateral Tax treaty regime for a South Asian Free Trade Committee and future plans. Treaty with a limited scope with regard to Area (SAFTA) was held from 14-17 October Avoidance of Double Taxation was hosted SAARC Summit and other related 2003 in Kathmandu. A broad agreement by India in New Delhi from 22-23 March meetings in Islamabad: was reached on many of the provisions of 2004. Representatives from all member th The SAARC Summit was held in Islamabad the draft framework treaty. The 5 round of countries attended the meeting. negotiations on SAPTA between India and on 4-6 January 2004. The summit related Pakistan was also held on the sidelines of meetings of the Preparatory Committee was The Meeting discussed a draft agreement on SAFTA negotiations. Another meeting of held from 29-30 December 2003; Standing Promotion and Protection of Investment and the Committee of Experts took place on 30 Committee from 31 December 2003 – 1 the establishment of SAARC Arbitration November-1 December 2003. January 2004 and Council of Ministers from Council. It agreed on a time bound program 2– 3 January 2004. This was a landmark for formalization of a broad based The Third Meeting of the SAARC summit. Three important Agreements were Multilateral Tax Treaty to avoid competitive Information Ministers was held in New signed at the Summit: distortions, ensure certainty of tax Delhi from 11-12 November 2003 and was obligations and avoidance of Double n The SAARC Social Charter, attended by the concerned Ministers from Taxation in the region. It was also agreed SAARC countries except Maldives and Sri n The Additional Protocol on Terrorism that the Member Countries may initiate Lanka, which were represented by high-level and bilateral Double Taxation Avoidance delegations. The ministers discussed various Agreement negotiations immediately issues related to cooperation in the field of n The Framework Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). wherever such agreements do not exist information and media and also the draft already. common position prepared by the SAARC The sincere implementation of the decisions Secretariat for submission to the World of the Summit would bring about a nn Summit on Information Society (WSIS).

37 2. South East Asia and the Pacific

ndia continued to pursue closer relations following India’s admission as a Dialogue Australian naval ship HMS Adelaide visited Iwith South East Asia in keeping with its Partner of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF), Chennai and carried out joint naval exercise. Look East Policy, building on its tremendous India participated for the first time in Post Both countries exchanged officers for historical and cultural linkages with the Forum Dialogue meetings with the PIF, at training courses. The 3rd Round of India- region. India also articulated the expansion Secretary level, in Wellington in August Australia Strategic Dialogue, meetings of the of its Look East Policy to Phase II, beyond 2003. India reiterated its intention to assist two associated Joint Working Groups on South East Asia to the Pacific region. Regular in the development of the Pacific Island Counter-terrorism & Immigration and exchange of high level visits and interactions economies through economic and technical Defence, and the annual Senior Officials’ at regional and multilateral fora have cooperation. level Meeting were held in New Delhi from contributed to a higher degree of comfort 3-4 March 2004. Discussions were held on and familiarity among the leaders, which in Australia wide ranging issues pertaining to security- turn helped in imparting fresh dynamism in related matters and bilateral issues. India-Australia relations continued to India’s relations with these countries. develop and diversify, helped by high level Bilateral trade continued to grow during the visits exchanged during the period. External period, reaching US$1492.90 million from Second India-ASEAN Summit Affairs Minister Shri Yashwant Sinha visited April to August 2003 compared to The high point in India’s contacts with the Australia between 27- 30 August 2003 for US$1006.36 million during the region was the visit of Prime Minister Shri the 3rd India-Australia Ministerial corresponding period in 2002 and US$ Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Bali, Indonesia to Framework Dialogue. Both Ministers 1836.13 for the entire 2002-03. The State attend the second India-ASEAN Summit undertook a review of bilateral and regional Governments of Victoria, New South Wales, from 6-8 October 2003, followed by a issues, covering political, defence, economic, Queensland and Western Australia included bilateral visit to Thailand from 8-12 October trade and strategic areas and agreed to set India as one of their focal areas to promote 2003. From the other end, Prime Minister up an expert group to prepare a road map trade and economic cooperation by holding of Singapore Mr. Goh Chok Tong, General for promoting trade and investment. An special events and dispatching trade missions Secretary of the Communist Party of MoU on Cooperation in Combating to India. Another important development Vietnam, Mr. Nong Duc Manh and Prime International Terrorism and MoU on was the approval granted to State Bank of Minister of Laos, Mr.Bounhang Vorachit Cooperation in the Field of India by Australia to upgrade its visited India during the year. A number of Telecommunications were signed during the representative office in Sydney to a branch. ministerial visits that took place during this visit. In the field of education, Dr. Brendan period also helped in further consolidation Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Nelson, Australian Minister for Education, of our relations with the region. Ram Naik visited Australia from 26 -27 June Science and Training visited India on 23-24 2003 in connection with promoting October 2003 during which an Educational At the regional level, the bold initiatives Australian investment in the hydrocarbon Exchange Programme between India and taken by the Prime Minister at the sector in India. Shri Ramesh Bais, Minister Australia was signed. second India-ASEAN Summit in Bali of State for Mines, visited Australia from 9- in October 2003 sent a strong 19 September 2003. The Minister was Brunei message about India’s seriousness accompanied by a delegation of senior Bilateral relations with Brunei Darussalam and commitment to forge closer links officials from Ministry of Mines, Geological continued to be cordial and friendly. with the region. At the Summit, a Survey of India and the National Bureau of Important areas of interactions were Oil Framework Agreement on Economic Mines. The visit was intended to expand and Natural Gas, Science and Technology, Cooperation between India and cooperation in the field of mining and Sports and Culture. ASEAN was signed, an India-ASEAN exploration between two countries. Joint Declaration of Cooperation to Indian Oil Corporation and the Brunei Shell The Third Meeting of the India-Australia Combat Terrorism adopted, and the Petroleum concluded a contract for supply Joint Working Group on Energy and Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) of 250,000 Metric Tons of Seria Light Minerals was held in Canberra on 29-30 acceded to. All the leaders welcomed Crude oil by Brunei to India during July to January 2003. Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister’s offer of ‘Open December 2003. This contract was renewed Skies’ under which the designated Mines Dr. A.K. Kundra led the Indian in January 2004 for supply of 500,000 airlines of ASEAN countries could delegation. Metric Tons of the oil. operate daily flights to the four metros Cooperation in the field of defence Dato Abdullah, Permanent Secretary in in India and unlimited flights to 18 continued to be active during the period. A Brunei Ministry of Communications led a tourist destinations in India. National Defence College team from India delegation to Bangalore to see Indian IT visited Australia from 26-31 May 2003. An facilities from 2-4 March 2003.

38As far as the pacific region is concerned, South East Asia and the Pacific

Subsequently, a few Indian IT companies Consultations. During the visit, he held Mahendra Chaudhry’s contention for were awarded contracts for software jobs in bilateral discussions with Mr. Sok An, Senior his Fiji Labour Party to be a part of banking, telecom, etc. sectors. Minister and Minister in-charge of the the Cabinet. The matter, however, Office of the Council of Ministers on 3 was referred back to the Supreme Cambodia September 2003. Court for clarification as to the During the year 2003-04, exchange of visits Two Indian Naval Ships, INS Rana and INS proportion of Cabinet positions and continued interaction imparted further Kirch paid a goodwill visit to Sihanoukville entitled to the Fiji Labour Party. momentum to strengthening and diversifying from 21-25 October 2003. The two the bilateral relations between India and Captains of the Naval Ships called on the Former Prime Minister Mahendra Cambodia. External Affairs Minister, Shri Co-Ministers of National Defence of Chaudhry and Minister of Multi Ethnic Yashwant Sinha visited Cambodia from17- Cambodia, the Governor of Sihanoukville, Affairs George Shiu Raj visited India in 20 June 2003 to participate in the 10th the Base Commander of Ream Naval Base, January 2003 for the Pravasi Bharatiya and other senior officials of the Royal ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Post Divas. They called on Prime Minister and rd Cambodian Armed Forces. On departure on Ministerial Consultations (PMC) and 3 Minister of External Affairs separately and 25 October 2003 the Indian Naval Ships Mekong Ganga Co-operation (MGC) briefed them on their perspectives regarding carried out a Passage Exercise (Passex) with meetings. On the sidelines of the regional current political situation in Fiji. meetings, he called on Mr. Sar Kheng, the Cambodian Naval Ships. In pursuance of Government of India’s Deputy Prime Minister and Co-Interior A nine member high level delegation from decision to re-open the Indian Cultural Minister of Cambodia and formally handed Cambodia led by Princess Norodom Buppha Centres in Fiji, the Indian Council for over the consignment of indelible ink gifted Devi, Minister for Culture and Fine Arts Cultural Relations is working out the logistics by Government of India for use in the July visited India from 17-19 February 2004 in 2003 General Elections in Cambodia. He connection with the International Conclave for the re-establishment of the Centres in also had bilateral meetings with Mr. Hor on Buddhism and Spiritual Tourism Suva and Lautoka. In the meantime, ICCR Namhong, Foreign Minister of Cambodia, organised by the Ministry of Tourism and provided assistance to Fiji in putting together and Mr Sok An, Senior Minister and Culture in New Delhi. The delegation also the Indo-Fijian component of the cultural Minister-in-Charge of the Council of comprised Mr. Chea Savoeun, Minister for performance at the opening of the South Ministers to take stock of bilateral Cults and Religions, Governors of three Pacific Games, a major regional sporting cooperation. External Affairs Minister also provinces including the famous Siem Reap, event that was held in Suva in July 2003. had occasions to meet Her Royal Highness two Secretaries of State and the Supreme Fiji Government established its resident High Princess Norodom Boppha Devi, Patriarchs of both the Buddhist Sects of Commission in India, which has become Cambodian Minister of Culture & Fine Arts Cambodia. operational under a Charge d’ affairs from with whom he discussed the holding of a January 2004. Fusion of Cultures festival in Siem Reap. A two-member Parliamentary Delegation led by Secretary of the Commission on Mr. George Shiu Raj, Minister for Multi- Princess Norodom Boppha Devi, Minister Legislation, National Assembly of Ethnic Affairs of Fiji, visited India from 4- of Culture and Fine Arts, led a three- Cambodia Klok Buddhi visited India from member delegation to India to participate 20 January 2004 to participate in the Pravasi 22-27 January 2003 to attend the Bhartiya Diwas (9-11 January). in the New Delhi Conference on “Dialogue International Parliamentary Conference in Among Civilizations: Quest for New New Delhi marking the Golden Jubilee of With a view to assisting Fiji restructure and Perspectives” organised by the Ministry of the Parliament of India. revitalize its sugar industry which forms the Human Resource Development from 9-10 core of its economy, a Sugar Technology July 2003. During the visit, the Cambodian th th Fiji Mission visited Fiji from 26 January to 4 Minister held bilateral discussions with the February 2004. The team studied the four Minister of Culture & Tourism, Shri sugar mills in Fiji, interacted with cane Jagmohan. India continued with its policy of farmers, and also had intensive interaction measured engagement with Fiji even India and Cambodia signed the ‘Bilateral with other stake holders. The team’s Report while keeping a close watch on the Market Access Agreement’ in Geneva on 21 and recommendations for restructuring the outstanding issue of formation of a July 2003, required for Cambodia’s accession industry has received widespread support multi-party Government in accordance from the Fiji government as well as the to WTO. Shri Arun Jaitley, Commerce & with the power-sharing provisions of opposition Fiji Labour Party of Mahendra Industry Minister, visited Cambodia from 2- the Fiji’s Constitution. The Supreme nd 3 September 2003 to participate in the 2 Court of Fiji in its ruling of 18th July, Chaudhry. ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM)-India 2003 upheld former Prime Minister

39 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

Indonesia paid a bilateral visit at the invitation of the November 2002 and return visit by Lao Speaker of the Lok Sabha, during 15-19 Prime Minister in June 2003. With Lao PDR With Indonesia, the largest country in December 2003. During the visit, the becoming Country Coordinator for India in Southeast Asia and a maritme neighbour, delegation called on the Vice-President, ASEAN since July 2003 for three years and our relations continued to broaden and Speaker of Lok Sabha, and Deputy Speaker assuming Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2004, intensify during the year. The tradition of of Lok Sabha and witnessed the proceedings the regional dimension in our bilateral annual summit-level interaction established of the Lok Sabha. relations has assumed significance. in 2000 was maintained, with the third summit-level meeting between Prime Mr. Abdurrahman Wahid, former President Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and President of Indonesia, visited India from 29 January- The Prime Minister of Lao PDR, Mr. Megawati Soekarnoputri in as many years 2 February 2004 to attend the Global Bounnhang Vorachit, accompanied by taking place in Bali on 8 October, 2003 in Convention on Peace and Non-Violence at a high level delegation, paid a State the margins of the Second ASEAN-India the invitation of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Visit to India from 15 –22 June 2003. Summit. Samiti, New Delhi. During his visit, Mr. Vorachit called on Further progress was made during the year the President, had a meeting with the A delegation led by Deputy Speaker, House Prime Minister and participated in the in intensifying bilateral defence cooperation. of Representatives of Indonesia, Soetardjo delegation level talks on 16 June 2004. Soerjogoeritno, visited India during 21-26 Indonesian Air Chief, Chappy Hakim visited January 2003 to attend the International India from 4-7 February 2003 to attend the He also received External Affairs Minister, Parliamentary Conference in New Delhi ‘Aero India’ Show at Bangalore. Lt. Gen Shri Yashwant Sinha, Agriculture Minister, marking the Golden Jubilee of the Indian Shantonu Chaudhry, Vice Chief of Indian Shri Rajnath Singh and the Leader of the Parliament. Army, visited Indonesia from 4-7 March Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Smt. Sonia 2004. Several Indonesian armed forces India unequivocally condemned a terrorist Gandhi. Mr. Vorachit also attended a (TNI) officers attended military training Business Luncheon Meeting jointly attack in Jakarta on 5 August, 2003 and in programmes in India. The Second and the context of a separatist insurgency in organised by FICCI and CII in New Delhi Third Coordinated Joint Naval Patrolling on 16 June 2003. An Agreement on Aceh, reaffirmed its full support for the Exercises between the Indian and territorial integrity of Indonesia. Cooperation in Science & Technology was Indonesian Navies were held in the also signed during the visit. Mr. Vorachit and The First Meeting of the India-Indonesia Andaman Sea/Malacca Straits from 11 his delegation also visited major commercial, Joint Commission, co-chaired by Shri March to 8 April, 2003, and from 5 March- economic, technological and cultural centers Yashwant Sinha, Minister of External 3 April 2004 respectively. Exchanges of in Agra, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Affairs and his Indonesian counterpart, Mr. goodwill visits by Naval ships was also The visit of the Lao Prime Minister was N. Hassan Wirajuda, was held in intensified during the year. preceded by the visit of the Deputy Prime Yogyakarta on 1-2 September, 2003. The Bilateral trade between India and Indonesia Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos, Mr. meeting adopted several important decisions recorded impressive growth during 2003 and Somsavat Lengsavad from 4-8 May 2003. to further enhance bilateral relations was poised to touch the US$ 2.5 billion During his visit, he called on the Prime covering economic and commercial, mark. Indonesia has emerged as a leading Minister and had meetings with the External technical, S&T and defence and security supplier of crude palm oil to India, as well Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha and cooperation. as an important market for India’s the Finance Minister, Shri Jaswant Singh. The 2nd bilateral Joint Consultative Forum agricultural commodities. In order to Discussions covered bilateral relations, Meeting was held in New Delhi on 1 promote North Sumatra and India, the preparations for the visit of the Lao Prime December, 2003 co-chaired by Shri R.M. Deputy Governor of the Province of North Minister in June 2003, and exchange of Abhyankar, Secretary(ANA) on the Indian Sumatra Lundu Panjaitan led a 125-member views on international and regional issues, side and Mr. Makarim Wibisono, Director strong business delegation to India from 17- especially with regard to ASEAN-India General for Asia, Pacific and African Affairs 24 January 2003 to attend the Pune Expo cooperation during the period of three years in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from the 2003 and the Pharma World Expo 2003 in starting July 2003 in which Laos would be Indonesian side. Bilateral relations were Mumbai. the Country Coordinator for India. comprehensively reviewed at the meeting 8-member Lao Parliamentary Delegation and views exchanged on significant regional An Lao PDR led by Mr. Samane Vignaketh, President of and international issues. The historical and traditional ties between the National Assembly of Lao PDR, paid An Indonesian Parliamentary Delegation, the two countries have been put on a an official visit to India from 21-25 July 2003. led by Mr. Muhaimin Iskandar, Deputy contemporary footing with the landmark During the visit, the President, Vice- Speaker of the House of Representatives, visit of our Prime Minister to Laos in President, and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha

40 South East Asia and the Pacific

received the Delegation. The Delegation Construction Industry Development Board at Genting Highlands on 30 November also had a meeting with the Standing (CIDB) of Malaysia. The delegation visited 2003, jointly inaugurated by Shri Ravi Committee on External Affairs and called Jharkhand, where two MOUs were finalised Shankar Prasad, Minister of State on External Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant between Government of Malaysia and the (Independent Charge) for Information and Sinha. State Government in the field of Broadcasting, Dato’ Paduka Abdul Kadir bin The Minister of National Defence of Lao infrastructure, especially relating tot he Haji Sheikh Fadzir, Minister of Culture, Arts PDR Doung Chay Phichit paid an official development of the new capital of the State. and Tourism, Malaysia and Smt. Veena visit to India from 23-26 January 2003. A The delegation also visited Kochi in the State Sikri, High Commissioner. Parliamentary delegation led by Vice- of Kerala and had discussions with the State A number of ICCR sponsored cultural President of National Assembly of Lao PDR Government. Second visit was during 11- programmes by puppet group of Rawan Pany Yathotou visited India from 21-26 12 May 2003 as a Special Envoy of Prime Chhaya Natya Sansad, Odissi dance group January 2003 to attend the International Minister Mahathir to discuss civil aviation led by Mrs. Sharmila Mukherjee, Rajasthani Parliamentary Conference on the occasion matters. During the visit, he called on the Folk dance group led by Ms. Geeta Sapera of Golden Jubilee of the Indian Parliament. Prime Minister and handed over a letter and Kathak dance group led by Mangla from Prime Minister Mahathir. He also Bhatt were organized. To support the efforts of the Government called on External Affairs Minister. His third of Lao PDR in its flood recovery action, the visit was in September 2003 leading a large Minister for Shipping, Shri Shatrughan Government of India gifted a consignment delegation of Malaysian businessmen to the Sinha, visited Malaysia in connection with of medicines and essential drugs during the Second India-ASEAN Business Summit International Maritime Exhibition (INMEX year. These were handed over to Mr. jointly organized by the Ministry and 2004) held at Kuala Lumpur on 24-26 Somphanh Phengkhamy, Minister of Federation of Indian Chambers of February 2004 and delivered an address at Labour and Social Welfare, and Chairman Commerce and Industry (FICCI). the inaugural function of the exhibition. of the National Disaster Management India participated in the Langkawi Committee, on the 28 November 2003. Malaysian Minister of Transport Dato Seri Dr. Ling Liong Sik visited New Delhi on 22- International Maritime and Aerospace An 18 member Lao delegation led by Mr. 23 January 2003 in connection with civil Exhibition 2003 (LIMA 2003) with Indian Somphong Mongkhonvilay, Minister in Lao aviation talks. naval ships INS Delhi and INS Koro in Prime Minister’s Office, visited India for the October 2003. Indian Naval Ships INS International Conclave on Buddhism and President of Malaysian Senate Tan Sri Rana and INS Kirch visited Port Klang on Spiritual Tourism in New Delhi from 16-19 Michael Chen Wing Sum and Deputy goodwill visit from 28 October to 01 February 2004. Dr. Phra Maha Vichit President of the Senate Datuk Gapar Bin November 2003. Gurrohu representated Malaysia at the Singhraj, President of the Lao Buddhist Trade between India and Malaysia, which Fellowship Organization, accompanied by International Parliamentary Conference to mark the Golden Jubilee of Indian is our second largest trading partner in South eight other senior monks, also formed part East Asia, further improved during the of the delegation. Mr. Somphong in his Parliament held in New Delhi from 22-26 January 2003. period under report, recording a total of speech in New Delhi said that Bodh Gaya is US$3083.46 million. the birthplace of Buddhism. Malaysian Minister of Primary Industries Dr. Lim Keng Yaik visited New Delhi from Malaysia 17-20 February 2003 in the context of palm New Zealand The dynamics of India and Malaysia oil exports from Malaysia. Dr. Lim met The relations between India and New relations continued to register positive Minister of Finance, Minister of Food Zealand continued to be characterized by growth and consolidation during the period. Supplies & Consumer Affairs and Minister regular interactions. Minister of Textiles, Several Ministerial visits were exchanged of Commerce, Government of India. Shri Kashiram Rana led a 5-member delegation to New Zealand from 19-24 May during the period under report. A major India Trade Promotion event – 2003. A Memorandum of Understanding Incredible India 2003 – was organized by Malaysian Minister of Works, S. Samy Vellu between the Indian Institute of Carpet the High Commission of India in Kuala visited India three times during 2003. First Technology, Bhadohi and Wool Research Lumpur in association with India Trade one was from 5-18 January 2003 in Organization of New Zealand (WRONZ) Promotion Organisation, Cloth connection with Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, was signed on May 22. where he was also awarded the Pravasi Manufacturers Association of India, Bharatiya Samman Award by the Prime Federation of Indian Chambers of Secretary (ANA) attended Pacific Islands Minister for his outstanding contribution as Commerce and Industry and Confederation Forum Meetings held in Auckland on 18-19 a person of Indian origin in Malaysia. He of Indian Industry. The event was kicked off August 2003. He also delivered a key-note was accompanied by a delegation from with the India Film Festival 2003 (IFF 2003) speech on “India’s Foreign Policy and the

41 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

Pacific Region” at a Round Table organized industries, bio-medical technology and ways and means to promote trade and by the Asia 2000 Foundation on 19 August. banking management. economic cooperation, particularly in the Mr. Jim Sutton, Minister for Trade fields of pharmaceuticals, information and Negotiations led a delegation of government Pacific Island Forum communication technology. officials and businessmen to India from 2-8 India was accepted as dialogue partner of Ms. Delia D. Albert, Under Secretary for February 2004. the Pacific Island Forum(PIF), an International Economic relations attended organization of 16 independent and self- Sir Edmund Hillary visited Delhi between the Conference on “Dialogue among governing countries of the South Pacific, at 19-21 May 2003 at the invitation of the Civilisations-Quest for New Perspectives” the body’s annual Summit in 2002. held from 9-10 July 2003 in New Delhi. The Government of India to mark the 50th anniversary of conquest of Mt. Everest. Following the above, India attended the first Chief of Army Staff, General N. C. Vij Prime Minister presented both Hillary and Post Forum Dialogue Meeting with the PIF visited the Philippines on a goodwill visit Tenzing’s son Jamling Tenzing Norgay with in Auckland (New Zealand) during August from 28 September–1 October 2003. A three member Indian Parliamentary a scroll of honour to mark the 50th 18 – 19, 2003. The delegation was led by anniversary of the historic ascent. A road Shri R.M. Abhyankar, Secretary (ANA). delegation led by Shri Vijay Kumar adjacent to the New Zealand High Areas identified for cooperation in the near Khandelwal attended the Fourth General Commission in New Delhi was named after future included sending of two ITEC experts Assembly of Association of Asian Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. to Pacific Island countries for conducting Parliaments for Peace (AAPP) held at Manila feasibility study on technical and from 30 August- 4 September 2003. India A 5-member Panchvadyam group led by Pt developmental cooperation; enhancing the participated as a non-member country in the Vikas Maharaj from Varanasi and Mr. number of training fellowships under ITEC Assembly for the first time, since the Abhay Gad Kari, a Rangoli maker, visited to these countries (separately 15 training inception of the organisation. New Zealand under sponsorship of ICCR fellowships were offered to the Forum in October 2003 for performances at various The Philippines Under Secretary for Secretariat for the Smaller Islands States places and institutions in New Zealand Agriculture along with a delegation took part such as Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, during Diwali Festival organized by Asia in the Second ASEAN-India Business Marshall Islands and Tuvalu); support in 2000 Foundation of New Zealand. The Summit on 4-5 September 2003. A 15- private sector development in Small Scale Diwali Festival in Auckland was opened by member business delegation from Philippine Industries, Agro-based Industries, Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Prime Minister Helen Clark on 12th October Technology Transfer, Handicrafts, Film and and in Wellington by Governor General the Philippine-India Joint Business Council Entertainment, IT, Pharmaceuticals and Dame Silvia Cartwright on October 18. An visited India from 9-16 November 2003 to Tourism; and support to provide expertise ICCR-sponsored exhibition of Indian dolls see the IITF in Delhi and visited industrial in accession to WTO. The of dance and dresses was held in Hutt Art and IT centers in Bombay and Hyderabad. institutionalization of an annual dialogue Society from September 22 to October 5, The delegation had fruitful meetings with with the PIF is a major achievement for 2003 and at Pataka Museum from October CII and FICCI in Delhi. regional engagement and cooperation. 10 to November 25, 2003. Ms Sharmila Foreign Office Consultations at Secretary Mukherji, an Odissi dancer sponsored by Bilaterally, India maintained friendly and level between the two countries were held ICCR also visited New Zealand in August. cooperative relations with all Island in Manila from 11-12 March 2004 followed countries of the South Pacific though by the First Security Dialogue. Papua New Guinea (PNG) diplomatic contacts and at multi-lateral fora. Since the establishment of the resident India also extended training facilities and Singapore Mission in Port Moresby in 1996, India’s other assistance to these countries under its India–Singapore relations continued to relations with Papua New Guinea have been ITEC Programme. expand and strengthen during the period of steadily growing. PNG continued to support the report. President of Singapore S.R. India’s candidatures to various International The Philippines Nathan, accompanied b a State visit from Organizations during the year. Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee 3-11 January 2003. President Nathan met and the Philippines President Gloria India offered 10 slots under ITEC, 10 slots President Shri A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Prime Macapagal Arroyo had a bilateral meeting under SFTC and 6 slots under Colombo Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and on 7 October 2003 on the sidelines of 2nd Plan to Papua New Guinea. The courses Minister of External Affairs Shri Yashwant ASEAN-India Summit at Bali. The two utilized related to the fields of journalism, Sinha. He also visited Bangalore, leaders discussed matters of mutual concern software, auditing, human resource Hyderabad and Chennai. including the plague of terrorism and the development, teachers training, small-scale Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong paid a state

42 South East Asia and the Pacific

visit to India during 7 - 9 April 2003. This Raksha Mantri Shri George Fernandes Temple. He also visited Goa and Mumbai was his fourth visit to India since he became participated at Second Asian Security as part of his visit. Prime Minister in 1990. He was Conference “Shangri La Dialogue” held at India-Singapore Foreign Office Singapore on 30 May -1 June 2003. At the accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Consultations were held on 21 September conference, he delivered a speech on “The Affairs and Law, Prof. S. Jayakumar; Minister 2003 at New Delhi. The first Meeting of the Changing Strategic Environment: Impact on of Trade and Industry Mr. George Yeo; India-Singapore Joint Working Group on Security Policy and Military Doctrine”. Minister of State for Health and Intelligence Cooperation on Combating Environment, Dr. Balaji Sadasivan; and a Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr. Terrorism and Transnational Organized large delegation of eminent businesspersons Lee Hsien Loong, visited India from 10-18 Crime was held in New Delhi on 9th from Singapore. During the visit, the Report January 2004, and had extensive discussions December 2003. Mr. Tan Chin Tiong, by the India-Singapore Joint Study Group with Deputy Prime Minister Shri L.K. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign on the feasibility of concluding a Advani. Mr. Loong also called on the Prime Affairs attended the Fifth ASEAN- India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Minister and had meetings with Minister of Senior Officials Meeting held in New Delhi Agreement (CECA) between the two External Affairs Shri Yashwant Sinha and on 20 May. countries, was submitted. A Joint Finance Minister Shri Jaswant Singh. Apart Singapore retained its position as India’s Declaration of Intent to initiate the from Delhi, he also visited Mumbai, largest trading partner in South East Asia. negotiations on the CECA and an MOU on Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai to Third Country Cooperation, providing for explore investment opportunities and have The Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal India-Singapore collaboration in extending a look at the technological developments. S. Krishnaswami and the Chief of technical assistance to the new ASEAN - Integrated Staff Committee Admiral Raman Shri I. D. Swami, Minister of State for Home Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam in Puri visited Singapore in connection with the Affairs visited Singapore on 26 - 28 July the framework of the Initiative for ASEAN Asian Aerospace 2004 from 24-29 February. 2003. Dr. Sahib Singh Verma, Labour Integration (IAI), were signed during the The Air Chief called on the Defence Minister paid an official visit to Singapore visit. Since the signing of Declaration of Minister RADM (NS) Teo Chee Hean and during 11 - 14 September 2003. The Chief Intent on Comprehensive Economic the Chief of Singapore Air Foce, Maj. Gen. of Army Staff, Gen NC Vij, visited Cooperation Agreement in April, eight Lim Kim Choon and the Chief of Defence Singapore from 1 - 3 October 2003. Shri N. rounds of discussions led by the Commerce K. Singh, Member, Planning Commission Forces (CDF), Lt. Gen. Ng Yat Chung. India Secretaries of the two countries have been of India and Dr. S. Narayan participated at participated in a major way at the air show held alternately in New Delhi and the World Economic Forum meeting held at with an excellent display by the Indian Air Singapore. Prime Minister Goh also Singapore during 12 - 14 October 2003. Force’s Suryakiran Aerobatics team and the addressed a gathering of Indian business Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Madhvendra Sarang helicopter team. The displays were leaders organized by the Confederation of Singh attended the International Maritime the highlight of the event and received Indian Industry (CII) and the Federation of Defence Exhibition held during 10 - 14 extensive media coverage. The products on Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry November 2003 at Singapore. display at the India Pavilion, which included (FICCI). companies, HAL, DRDO, Brahmos, BEL, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of State Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister TCS, ISRO and KELTRON, attracted a for Trade and Industry, visited India to Shri L.K. Advani, accompanied by senior large crowd and a number of parties showed attend the Second India-ASEAN Business officials, visited Singapore on an invitation interest. Summit from 4 - 6 September 2003. Minister from Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien for National Development Mah Bow Tan Four ships INS Rajput and INS Rana (14 - Loong of Singapore from 2-5 February visited India 7 - 13 September 2003. Defence 16 August) and INS Brahmaputra and INS 2003. Shri Advani called on the President Minister RADM (NS) Teo Chee Hean Kirch (10-14 November) visited Singapore. and Prime Minister of Singapore, met his visited India from 12 - 15 October 2003. counterpart Deputy PM Loong, and Home During the visit, India-Singapore Defence Thailand Minister Wang Kan Sang. He also had a Co-operation Agreement was signed. He There has been excellent progress in India- meeting with Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew. gave a talk on “Emerging Security Trends” Thailand relations with exchange of high Shri Yashwant Sinha, External Affairs at the Institute of Defence and Strategic level visits, increasing economic and Minister, paid an official visit to Singapore Analysis. Dr. Balaji Sadasiwan, Minister of commercial links, and interaction between on 26 August 2003. He delivered a public State for Health and Transport, visited India the two countries in ASEAN, BIMSTEC, lecture titled “Asia : A Period of Change” during January 5-13, 2004 to participate in Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) and under the auspices of Singapore’s Institute the International Conference on Buddhism the recently launched Asian Cooperation of Defence and Strategic Studies. and spiritual Tourism held in New Delhi and Dialogue (ACD) and Asian Bond Fund the dedication ceremony of the Maha Bodhi (ABF).

43 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

Prime Minister’s visit and Prime Minister. During the meetings, various 2003. The meeting was co-chaired by Agreement for Bilateral FTA bilateral issues including security Minister of External Affairs of India and Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee cooperation between the two countries were Foreign Minister of Thailand. Being held accompanied by, External Affairs Minister, discussed. after 6 years, the JCM reviewed in depth Shri Yashwant Sinha, Minister of Minister of IT, Communications and bilateral relations between the two countries Commerce and Industry, Shri Arun Jaitley, Disinvestments, Shri Arun Shourie, led the in diverse fields. National Security Adviser, Shri Brajesh Indian delegation to the 2nd Ministerial The first meeting of the Joint Working Mishra, and other high ranking officials Meeting of Asia Cooperation Dialogue held Group on Security was held from 20-21 May apart from leading representatives of Indian at Chiang Mai, Thailand from 21-22 June 2003 in Bangkok focused on the cooperation business and industry visited Thailand from 2003. Dr Surapong Suebwonglee, Minister on security issues in seven primary areas 8-12 October 2003 on return from Bali of Information and Communication namely, intelligence exchange, military where he participated in the India-ASEAN Technology accompanied by Permanent cooperation, narcotics, terrorism and arms Summit Talks. The Prime Minister called on Secretary Khunying Thiphawadee smuggling, money laundering, illegal King Bhumibol Adulyadej and met Thai Maeksawan and an eight member delegation migratory flows and international economic Prime Minister Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, two visited Bangalore and Hyderabad from 21– and cyber crimes. The second meeting of Deputy Prime Ministers, Foreign Minister 24 January 2003 on a fact finding mission the JWG took place in New Delhi in and Commerce Minister of Thailand, relating to IT. December 2003. followed by delegation level talks. Prime Minister addressed a Joint Session of the A 100- member NDC delegation from The first meeting of the Joint Working Thai National Assembly a well-participated Thailand visited India from 5-8 June 2003. Group on Space Cooperation was held at meeting of Indian and Thai Apex The delegations have had briefings in Bangalore from 7-11 July 2003. As a follow Chambers. Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of up of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Home, and FICCI, and visited the Exploration and Use of Outer Space for Parliament and the Indian Institute of Peaceful Purposes signed during Thai Prime The following five bilateral Technology (IIT), Delhi. A Thai delegation Minister’s visit to India in February 2002, a Agreements were signed during the led by Ms. Uraiwan Thienthong Minister of revised proposal incorporating additional visit: Culture visited India to take part in the requirements projected by Thai side valued n Framework Agreement for Conference on “ Dialogue among at US$55 million was discussed. Following Establishing a Free Trade Area Civilisations- Quest for New Perspectives” Thai Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Korn (2003) held in New Delhi from 9-10 July 2003. The Dabbarnsi’s visit to India in August 2003, n Agreement for Exemption of Visas Conference was organized by Human two rounds of negotiations [from 6-7 August for holders of Diplomatic and Resource Development Ministry. 2003 and 3-5 September 2003], between Air Official Passports (2003) The Supreme Commander of Royal Thai India and Thai Airways resulted in the n MoU on Cooperation in the field of Armed Forces General Surayud Chulanont conclusion of broad terms of the Agricultural Science, Technology paid an official visit to India from 16-18 July commercial agreement. The first meeting of and Economy (2003) 2003 and met the Raksha Mantri. India the Joint IT Task Force was held in February offers every year scholarships under ITEC 2003 at New Delhi to discuss IT education n Agreement on Tourism to Thai defence officers for short courses at and training and cross certification of IT Cooperation (2003) National Defence College and Defence professionals and business products and to n Programme of Cooperation in Services Staff College in India. The 11th set up of a Software Development and Biotechnology (2003) Session of the India-Thailand Joint Trade Training Center to be financed by the Thai Committee (JTC) and the 5th Meeting of the Government. Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, India-Thailand Joint Business Council (JBC) The Second Plenary Meeting of the India- Shri Lal Krishna Advani paid an official visit to review the bilateral trade and to discuss Thailand Joint Working Group on Security to Thailand from 30 January-2 February trade issues including, bilateral payment Cooperation was convened in New Delhi 2003 at the invitation of Deputy Prime arrangement, rice pool arrangement, joint from 15-16 December 2003. Secretary study on feasibility of India-Thailand Free Minister of Thailand Wissanu Krea-Ngam. (ANA) led the Indian delegation and General Trade Area, took place in Bangkok from 26- During his visit, the Deputy Prime Minister Winai Phattiyakul, Secretary-General of the 27 September 2003. called on Prime Minister of Thailand and National Security Council of Thailand, had delegation level talks with Deputy Prime The fourth meeting of the India-Thailand headed the Thai delegation. Both sides Minister Wissanu. Thai Interior Minister Joint Commission for bilateral cooperation briefed each other on the prevailing security and Justice Minister also called on Deputy was held in New Delhi from 13-14 February environment in South and South East Asia

44 South East Asia and the Pacific

and issues of intelligence exchange, military of External Affairs. A Joint Communique announced recycling of the credit repaid by cooperation, narcotics, terrorism, money establishing diplomatic relations between the Vietnam up to US$ 20 million and softening laundering, illegal migration, cyber and two countries at Ambassadorial level was of the repayment terms of the ongoing credit economic crimes, etc. Both sides agreed to signed by Minister of External Affairs and lines on par with concessional terms expedite internal processing to allow for the Timor-L’este’s Foreign Minister on 24 extended to other countries in the region. signing of the Treaty on Mutual Legal January 2003. A 5-member Indian delegation led by Assistance in Criminal Matters on the Special Secretary in the Ministry of Home sidelines of forthcoming BIMST-EC Affairs, Shri S.K Sharma visited Hanoi from Ambassador H.K. Singh presented his Summit Meeting in Phuket in February 2004 14-18 January 2003 for bilateral discussions. credentials to President Xanana and further agreed to take steps to finalize A Parliamentary delegation led by Vice Gusmao of Timor-L’este on 18 April, and conclude Bilateral Extradition Treaty, President of the National Assembly of the Agreement on Transfer of Convicted 2003 as the first Indian Ambassador to this newly independent nation. Vietnam Nguyen Van Yev visited India from Offenders and the MoU on Military 20-27 January 2003 to attend the Intelligence Cooperation. The Treaty on In his statement to the 58th Session of the International Parliamentary Conference in Mutual Assistance on Criminal Matters was UNGA on 29 September, 2003, PM Mari New Delhi on the occasion of Golden signed during the BIMST-EC Ministerial Alkatiri of Timor-L’este extended his Jubilee of the Indian Parliament. A two- Meeting held in Phuket, Thailand in country’s support to India’s permanent member delegation led by Deputy Chief of February 2004. membership of an expanded UN Security General Staff, Vietnam People’s Army Lt Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol of Thailand Council. Gen Le Hai Anh visited Bangalore to attend accompanied by a 39-member delegation the fourth International Aero Space India offered assistance to Timor L’este in visited India from 24-31 January 2004 to Exposition-AERO INDIA 2003 from 5-8 the area of human resource development attend the International Conference on February 2003. and a number of Timorese nominees Biodiversity and Natural Products, organized attended ITEC training programmes in An Indian Coast Guard Ship “CGS by Delhi University in collaboration with Sangram” with paid a goodwill visit to Ho India for the first time during the year. Ministry of Human Resource Development. Chi Minh City Port from 29 September-1 She presented a paper on the subject during October 2003. Senior officials and the Conference. Princess Chulabhorn Vietnam dignitaries in Ho Chi Minh City, the Consul received on behalf of the King of Thailand, The high point of India-Vietnam relation General and the Defence Attaché attended a gift of 40 saplings of Sal Tree from was the visit to India by a high level the welcome and send off ceremonies for the Jharkhand to be planted at a prominent delegation led by the General Secretary of ship. location in Budhamanthan Park on the the Communist Party of Vietnam, Mr. Nong During the year, two other important outskirts of Bangkok. Duc Manh from 29 April –2 May 2003. The bilateral meetings took place. The 1st Foreign visit has elevated the bilateral relationship Office Consultation was held in Hanoi from Timor-L’este to a higher and strategic level. The General 14-15 October 2003, which was co-chaired Secretary was accompanied by a high level Bilateral relations have been developing by Secretary (ANA) on the Indian side. The steadily. Senior Minister and Minister for delegation. He called on the President and second was the first Security Dialogue Foreign Affairs and Cooperation José had a meeting with the Prime Minister and between the Ministries of Defence of the two Ramos-Horta paid an official visit to India participated in the delegation level talks on countries which was held in New Delhi in from 23-28 January 2003. He was 1 May 2003. He also received the External November 2003. Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha, and accompanied by a four-member delegation A nine-member Manipuri Dance Troupe Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, including the Vice-Minister of Agriculture, visited Vietnam from 26 January-15 Smt. Sonia Gandhi. During the visit, the Fisheries & Forestry and the Vice-Minister February 2003. The highlight of their visit two countries signed a Joint Declaration on of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports. was their performance on 27 January in the the Framework of Comprehensive Mr. Ramos-Horta called on the Prime prestigious Hanoi Opera House on the Cooperation. The Prime Minister Minister and had a meeting with Minister occasion of India’s Republic Day. nn

45 3. East Asia

Japan Secretary and many Cabinet Ministers were of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs present to mark the significant anniversary. Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ndia remains committed to friendly, The President of India, on the occasion of of Japan visited India on 27 January Icooperative and mutually beneficial Republic Day 2004, awarded the Padma 2004 for the second round of India- relations with Japan with whom it shares Bhushan to the former Prime Minister of Japan Comprehensive Security cultural links and values of human freedom, Japan, Mr. Yoshiro Mori. Dialogue. He was accompanied by a commitment to peace, stability and seven member delegation from Japan. High level visits from India to economic development of Asia and the n The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Japan: world. The year 2003-04 was a relatively of Japan, Mr. Ichiro Fujisaki visited New n Shri Brajesh Mishra, National Security active year in bilateral relations between the Delhi on 13 February 2004 leading the Advisor visited Japan from 16-18 April two countries, in pursuance of India’s Japanese delegation for the 15th round 2003 on the invitation of the Japanese continuing efforts to concretise the “India- of Trade Talks. The Special Secretary st Foreign Minister. Besides discussions Japan Global Partnership in the 21 Shri S.N. Menon in the Department of with the Foreign Minister, he held talks Century” agreed between the two Prime Commerce led the Indian delegation for with Minister of Defence, Chief Cabinet Ministers in August 2000. the Trade Talks. These talks took place Secretary and the Governor of Tokyo. The year 2003 marked the 100th anniversary after a gap of five years. Both sides He also had satisfactory and detailed of the establishment of the Indo-Japanese exchanged views on the entire range of interaction with influential members of Association, which has a long history of bilateral economic aspects including the strategic and policy planning promoting exchanges between India and ways and means to promote trade and establishment in Japan including Japan. Prime Minister issued a message to investment relations, trade issues, President India-Japan Parliamentary the Indo-Japan Association on this occasion. cooperation at multilateral fora including Friendship League Dr. Taro Nakayama, During the anniversary year, Indian Embassy WTO. Chairman of the Policy Planning Cell in Tokyo has actively endeavoured to project of the LDP Mr. Taro Aso, and Japanese n After the first round of talks between the India’s rich cultural heritage in Japan, to representative on Sri Lanka Peace two Finance Ministries at Secretary level strengthen cultural links and to promote Process Mr. Yasushi Akashi. took place in August 2001, the second greater mutual understanding. As a part of round of talks were held in New Delhi the celebrations, several events of Indian n Shri Arun Shourie, Minister for on 17 February 2004. Vice Minister for performing arts and exhibitions have been Disinvestment, Communications & IT International Cooperation in the organized. visited Japan from 23 – 25 June 2003 to Ministry of Finance of Japan, Mr. launch the first ever Indian IT exhibition As part of the celebrations, the Indian Zembei Mizoguchi, led the Japanese in Japan organized with the help of CII Embassy in Tokyo organized and supported delegation. Finance Secretary Shri D.C. and Japan External Trade Organisation. several performances of Indian classical Gupta led the Indian delegation. The 21 Indian IT companies participated in dances, exhibitions and other events of topics covered in the meeting included the exhibition which concluded on 27 Indian performing arts. These included the the macro economic situation and macro June 2003. During his visit, Minister “100th Anniversary Travelling Photographic economic policies of India and Japan, Shourie also had meetings with his Exhibition” of Rukmani Devi Arundale, intra-regional and inter-regional Japanese counterpart. dance performances and workshops of cooperation and bilateral economic Saraikella Chhau Dance Troupe and n The 10th round of India-Japan Foreign cooperation with particular focus on performances of an 8-member Kalaripyattu Office Consultations were held on 30 Japanese ODA to India. Martial Art Group sponsored by ICCR. As October 2003 in Tokyo. Then Foreign part of the 100th anniversary celebrations, Secretary Shri Kanwal Sibal held High level visits from Japan to Indian fairs and festivals were organized in consultations with Deputy Foreign India: several cities all over Japan, which included Minister Hitoshi Tanaka and called on n Japanese Minister of State for Defence cultural performances, Indian tea promotion the Chief Cabinet Secretary Fukuda. He Mr. Shigeru Ishiba visited India on 4 events, Indian food festivals and tourism also met the Vice Ministers for Defence May 2003 on the invitation of Raksha promotion. and Foreign Affairs. He addressed a Mantri. Both sides reviewed the status In all the events, many distinguished gathering of Japanese intellectuals, of bilateral defence relations and Japanese from all walks of life, including academicians and opinion makers at the exchanged views on various issues members of the Japanese Imperial Family International House of Japan. Foreign including security and defence policies and top political leaders, which included Secretary also called on the Governor of of both the countries and the regional former Prime Minister, Speaker of Japanese Kyoto during his visit to Osaka. security environment. Lower House, and the Chief Cabinet n Mr. Mitoji Yabunaka, Director General n Mr. Takahiko Horimura, Japanese

46 East Asia

Ambassador in charge of International Suresh Mehta visited Japan to witness the Agency and the Heads of the Counter Terrorism Co-operation visited exercises. Intelligence Services of the Three New Delhi from 7-8 July 2003 for Services. n The Speakers of the Assemblies of discussions on co-operation in the field Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, n Mr. Ichiro Fujisaki, Deputy Minister for of counter-terrorism. He is also Japan’s Goa and Orissa visited Tokyo for study Foreign Affairs from 9-12 November Ambassador in charge of Aid to tours in Japan in October 2003. 2003 to attend the UNESCO Third Afghanistan. He was accompanied by a High Level Group Meeting on Rear Admiral K.M. Sushil visited Japan three-member delegation from the n Education for All. He also called on the to participate in the Tokyo Defence Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He Foreign Secretary, Commerce Secretary, Forum in October 2003. held delegation level talks with his Finance Secretary and Secretary (DIPP). counterparts in the Ministry of External n Shri K.K. Jaswal, Secretary (IT) from 27- Affairs. 28 November 2003 to attend a Seminar Republic Of Korea (ROK) on Information Technology. Functional Exchanges During 2003-04, interaction between the n Shri N.K. Singh, Member, Planning Republic of India and the Republic of Korea Visits from India to Japan: Commission visited Tokyo on December gained further momentum. Special n Shri K.C. Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of 2003 to attend a symposium on “India: significance was attached to the year, which Environment and Forests to attend the An Emerging Global Power –Strategy for marked the 30th Anniversary of 11th Environment Congress for Asia and India-Japan Co-operation in the Coming establishment of diplomatic relations the Pacific entitled “Eco Asia 2003” in Age” organised by the Ministry of between the two countries. June 2003. Foreign Affairs of Japan. India will be On the sidelines of Bali ASEAN Summit, n The Chairman of GAIL India Ltd., Shri the theme country of the Sapporo Snow Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Proshanto Banerjee from 1-5 June 2003 Festival in Hokkaido and a snow had a bilateral meeting with President Roh in connection with a Road Show sculpture of the Taj Mahal will be Moo-hyun of the Republic of Korea on 6 mounted by GAIL to solicit business in erected in the city. The Embassy of India October 2003. ROK Minister of Foreign Japan. in Tokyo in co-operation with ICCR, Air Affairs and Trade, Dr. Yoon Young-kwan India and the Tourist Office of the n Brig. Girish Kumar, Deputy Surveyor visited India from 21-23 December 2003, Government of India in Tokyo is during which the second meeting of the General of India visited Japan in July organising a major tourist promotion th India-ROK Joint Commission was held. 2003 to attend the 10 International event on this occasion. Steering committee for Global Mapping On 10 December 2003, both countries and the 16th UN Regions Cartographic Visits from Japan to India celebrated the 30th anniversary of Conference for Asia and the Pacific and n Mr. Tadakatsu Sano, Vice Minister for establishment of diplomatic relations. the 9th Permanent Committee Meeting International Affairs in the Ministry of Felicitation messages were exchanged on GIS Infrastructure for Asia and the Economy, Trade and Industry in August between Presidents, Prime Ministers and Pacific at Okinawa. 2003 for consultations on bilateral and Foreign Ministers of India and ROK on the n Shri Vinay Kohli, Secretary, Department multilateral economic issues. anniversary day. The External Affairs of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, n Mr. Kazumori Tanaka, Parliamentary Minister was the Chief Guest at a special Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in Secretary for Finance in August 2003. commemorative reception hosted by the ROK Ambassador in New Delhi. ROK August 2003 in connection with Japanese n Mr. Mineichi Iwanaga, Parliamentary Foreign Minister was the Chief Guest at the participation in India CHEM 2004. Secretary, Ministry of Public commemorative reception hosted by Indian Management, Home Affairs, Posts and n Shri P. Paleri, the Deputy Director Ambassador in Seoul. Special Telecommunications in August 2003. General of the Indian Coast Guard led commemorative stamps were also issued on a delegation to attend a meeting of the n The President of the National Institute the occasion. To mark this occasion, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on of Defence Studies Mr. Kyoji Indian side is also planning to organize: Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery Yanagisawa visited India in September against Ships in Asia in September 2003. 2003. n a Festival of India in Seoul n The fourth India-Japan Coast Guard n Vice Admiral Fumio Ota, Director of the n an exhibition of Indian Bronzes in ROK Exercises were held in Japan from 16-20 Japanese Defence Intelligence n an IT workshop an India specific Trade September 2003. An Indian Coast Headquarters in October 2003 and held Fair in Seoul Guard ship visited Japan to participate discussions on bilateral defence in the Exercises. Director General of intelligence issues with the Director The 4th India-ROK Joint Trade Committee Indian Coast Guard Vice Admiral General of the Defence Intelligence Meeting took place in Seoul on the 13

47 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

October 2003 after a gap of three years. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Dr. could not be justified wherever, whenever meeting was co-chaired by Shri Arun Jaitley, Yoon Young-kwan visited India from 21-23 and for whatever reason and condemned Minister of Commerce & Industry from the December 2003 during which he co-chaired terrorism in any form. The two sides Indian side and by Mr. Hwang Doo-yun, the second meeting of the India-ROK Joint exchanged views on the situation on the Trade Minister from the Korean side. On Commission with External Affairs Minister. Korean Peninsula and reaffirmed their 14 October 2003, Shri Arun Jaitley Dr. Yoon Young-kwan also called on Prime commitment to a peaceful solution of the inaugurated the “Destination India” event Minister, at which time Prime Minister nuclear issue through dialogue. jointly organized by the Federation of Indian welcomed an early visit by President Roh Chambers of Commerce & Industry Moo-hyun of the ROK to India. Functional Exchanges (FICCI), the Department of Industrial Policy In the Joint Commission, views were Visits from India to ROK: & Promotion (DIPP) and the Korean exchanged on India and ROK strengthening n A four member Indian defence Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI). their relations by adopting a long-term delegation led by Shri Gautam An MoU for “Promotion of Investment” was cooperative partnership. It was noted with Mukhopadhaya, Joint Secretary (PIC), signed on 14 October between Minister of satisfaction that the two countries were Ministry of Defence, visited ROK in Commerce & Industry, Shri Arun Jaitley and currently celebrating the 30th anniversary of October 2003 at the invitation of the Minister of Commerce, and Energy & the establishment of diplomatic relations Korean side. Three Indian naval ships Industry Mr. Yoon Jin-shik of ROK. Shri with a series of activities. Other subjects from Eastern Command viz. INS Ranjit, R.R.Shah, Secretary, DIPP chaired the first discussed included enhancement of high INS Kullish and INS Jyoti arrived at Meeting of the India-ROK Investment level political exchanges, trade and Pusan on 4 November 2003 on a five- Promotion Committee, from the Indian side investment matters, defence exchanges, day goodwill visit to ROK. Rear Admiral and by Mr. Kim Chil-doo, Vice Minister of cooperation against terrorism, exchanges in R.P.Suthan, VSM, Flag Officer Commerce, Industry & Energy from the Science and Technology, Information Commanding Eastern Fleet, was on- Korean side. Both sides agreed to cooperate Technology and communications, cultural board INS Ranjit. Vice Admiral in the mining sector by setting up of a steel matters and cooperation in multilateral O.P.Bansal, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, FOC- mill and a captive power plant in addition organisations. Both sides expressed in-C Eastern Naval Command, also to encouraging cross-investments in sectors satisfaction that over the past three decades visited ROK in connection with the such as telecommunications, chemicals, ships’ visit. During his visit, Vice Admiral information technology and textiles. of diplomatic relations, the two-way trade volume between the two countries had made Bansal called on ROK Navy Chief Minister of Shipping, Shri Shatrughan Sinha a significant increase from US$12 million in Admiral Moon. visited ROK on an invitation from the ROK 1973 to US$2.6 billion in 2002-03. n Confederation of Indian Industry and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy Investment inflows were also picking up. Federation of Korean Industries from 17-20 August 2003. Minister for Road They agreed to work towards to achieve a organized India-Korea Economic Transport & Highways, and Urban two-way trade target of US$10 billion within Summit in New Delhi on 10 December Development & Poverty Alleviation, Maj. the next five years. The two sides agreed to 2003 to coincide with the 30th Gen. B.C.Khanduri, AVSM (Retd.) visited take necessary steps to upgrade their trade anniversary of establishment of ROK on an invitation from the ROK and investment linkages. diplomatic relations between the two Minister of Construction and Transport countries. from 27-29 August 2003. Speaker, Lok India and ROK also agreed in the Joint Commission to establish a Dialogue on Sabha Shri Manohar Joshi, accompanied by Visits from ROK to India: a parliamentary delegation, attended a Security and Foreign Policy Issues, and to n Mr. Chung Sang-ki, Director General of banquet hosted by Speaker of the Korean promote bilateral exchanges and interaction Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of National Assembly during his transit halt at in the defence field. They were also in ROK visited India from 9-12 September Seoul on 4-5 January 2003 en route to agreement on the need to step up 2003 for the India-ROK Foreign Office Beijing. ROK Chief Justice Jong Young Choi cooperation in matters pertaining to safety Consultations. visited India on an invitation from the Chief and security of international maritime Justice of India, Justice V.N. Khare, from 2- traffic. The ROK conveyed its continued n An 8-member delegation led by the 5 November 2003. He called on the support for an early finalization of the Assistant Minister for Information President and the Speaker of Lok Sabha. Comprehensive Convention on Planning, Ministry of Information and ROK Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, International Terrorism at the United Communication visited India from 12- Mr.Kim Young Jin ROK Minister of Nations. Both sides reiterated their 13 January 2004 to participate in the Agriculture and Forestry, Mr.Kim Young Jin commitment to continue their relentless fight Asia IT Ministers’ 2nd Summit in visited India from 29-31 May 2003. ROK against terrorism. They stated that terrorism Hyderabad.

48 East Asia

Education, Culture and Science and Democratic People’s Republic India-Mongolian Joint School was Technology. He held delegation level talks of Korea (DPRK) formally opened in Ulaanbaatar in the with the Deputy Foreign Minister. He also first week of September 2003. Five India and DPRK continued to enjoy cordial th represented Government of India at the 5 Indian teachers have been deputed to relations. Diplomatic relations between the Conference on New and Restored this School under an agreement two countries had been formally established Democracies in Ulaanbaatar. He also visited signed between the two Governments. on 10 December 1973, making 2003 the the institutions that have been set up in This is the third such Indian institution 30th anniversary of this event. Several events Mongolia on assistance from the in Mongolia after the Rajiv Gandhi were organised by both sides to mark the Government of India. Vocational Training Centre and Atal occasion, including exchange of messages Bihari Vajpayee Centre for Excellence Prime Minister of Mongolia Mr. Nambariin between the Prime Ministers and Foreign in Information and Communication Enkhbayar, accompanied by his spouse, paid Ministers, holding of receptions by the Technology. Bilateral relations in the a State visit to India from 14-20 January Foreign Ministers, publishing of special area of Defence also registered new 2004. He was accompanied by a high-level articles on India by prominent local warmth. The Defence Minister of official delegation including the Ministers of Mongolia visited India on 11 newspapers of DPRK, etc. In continuation Education, Science and Culture, November 2003 to discuss the of these celebrations, India will sponsor a Infrastructure, and Food and Agriculture. possibility of intensifying cooperation cultural group to participate in the Prime Minister Enkhbayar held talks with in the area of Defence. On the cultural Pyongyang Spring Festival in April 2004, Prime Minister Vajpayee and called on side, a new Cultural Exchange and will also participate in the Pyongyang President Shri A.P.J Abdul Kalam and Vice Programme for 2003-2005 was signed International Film Festival in September President Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat in September 2003. 2004. Foreign Office Consultations were and also had separate meetings with Leader held in December 2003 in New Delhi during of Opposition, Lok Sabha, External Affairs operation and setting up functional Sub- which the entire gamut of bilateral relations Minister, Raksha Mantri and Minister for Committees; holding expert-level discussions was reviewed. Vice Foreign Minister Mr. Communications and Information to identify specific projects in five focus areas Kim Yong Il led the DPRK delegation for Technology. He also visited Varanasi, (human resource development and IT, these consultations while Secretary (ANA) Sarnath, Bodh Gaya, Calcutta and agriculture and livestock, mineral resources, led the Indian delegation. A new Cultural Hyderabad. The Banaras Hindu University hydro-carbon resources and infrastructure); Exchange Programme (CEP) between the conferred D. Litt. (Honouris Causa) on him, organising an exclusive India Trade two countries for the period 2003-2006 was while in Bodhgaya, he laid the foundation Exhibition in Ulaanbaatar in 2004 to signed in New Delhi on 18 September 2003. stone for a Mongolian monastery to be built promote development of bilateral The new CEP is expected to promote on land gifted by the Government of India. commercial relations; and collaborating in people-to-people interaction between the During the visit, agreements in the field of digitisation of precious Mongolian Buddhist two countries. Five DPRK candidates animal health and dairy, space science, manuscripts to preserve this heritage. underwent training in a 12-week computer technology and applications, and The two Prime Ministers also agreed that software programme under the ITEC biotechnology were signed. Both sides also the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Programme for the year 2003-2004. A 2- formalized the ratification of the Extradition diplomatic relations in December 2005 member Parliamentary delegation led by Treaty and the Treaty on Legal Assistance would be observed in a befitting manner. Vice Chairman of Supreme People’s in Civil and Commercial Matters. Various Mongolia announced its support for India’s Assembly of the DPRK Jang Chol visited Government of India initiatives including candidature for permanent membership of India to participate in the International providing a US$ 10 million export credit line Parliamentary Conference from 22-26 the UN Security Council. Both sides strongly on soft terms, setting up a pilot solar energy condemned the menace of international January 2003 to mark the Golden Jubilee of project, increasing training slots under ICCR the Parliament of India. terrorism and its devastating effect on and ITEC schemes, and enhancing democratic societies, development and on assistance in the IT sector including assisting human civilization itself and affirmed that Mongolia in setting up computer centres in the there could be no justification of terrorism: Traditionally warm and friendly relations Mongolian provinces, were announced political, philosophical, ideological, religious, during the visit. Consensus was also reached between India and Mongolia registered a racial, or any other. They expressed their full on further developing defence cooperation significant improvement during the period support for UNSC Resolution 1373 and within the framework of the Agreement on under review. Minister of State for External strongly condemned States that aid, abet, Cooperation in Defence Matters; holding Affairs, Shri Vinod Khanna paid a bilateral and support cross-border and international regular consultations at the functional level visit to Mongolia from 9-10 September 2003. terrorism or provide safe haven to terrorists. He called on the President, Prime Minister, between the two National Security Councils; Foreign Minister, and the Minister for activating the Joint Committee on Co- nn

49 4. Central Asia

ndia’s relationship with Central Asia, Mineral resources Dr Vladmir Shkolnik. warm and friendly during the period.The ITurkey and Azerbaijan received a further Following the resignation of Kazakh Prime first ever visit by an Indian Raksha Mantri boost during this period. High-level visits Minister, Mr. Imangali Tasmagambetov on to the Kyrgyz Republic and the visit of were exchanged on a regular basis with the 11 June 2003, Kazakh President Mr. President Askar Akaev to India maintained countries of Central Asia and with Turkey. Nursultan Nazarbayev appointed Mr. Daniel the momentum of political exchanges in the These were complemented by industrial and Akhmetov as the new Kazakh Prime Indo-Kyrgyz bilateral ties. consumer goods exhibitions, besides visits of Minister on 13 June 2003. At the invitation of his Kyrgyz counterpart, trade delegations. India’s economic relations General Esen Topoev, Raksha Mantri Shri The Representative Office of India was are therefore showing a continuing positive George Farnandes visited Kyrgyzstan on 6 opened in Astana on 22 October 2003. trend. November 2003. He called on President of Cultural relations and media exchanges have The unveiling ceremony of Mahatma Kyrgyz Republic and Prime Minister Nikolai further broadened the scope of India’s Gandhi’s Statue was held in Almaty on Tanaev. He also held delegation level talks relations with the region. A highlight was 11October 2003. The statue, gifted by the with his Kyrgyz counterpart. the holding of the third India - Central Asia ICCR, has been installed in a park located During his visit to India, to participate in Regional Conference in Tashkent in along a prominent street in Almaty. the UNESCO-sponsored “Education for November 2003. Prime Minister’s visits to Raksha Mantri Shri George Fernandes All” Summit held in New Delhi on 10-11 Turkey (16-19 September 2003) and November 2003, President Akaev met Tajikistan (13-14 November 2003) provided visited Kazakhstan on 7-8 November 2003. He met the Prime Minister, Defence President Shri A.P.J Abdul Kalam and the a major all round impetus to our relations. Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The visit of the President of Kyrgyzstan to Minister, Minster of Industry & Trade and representatives of Defence Industries of This presented an opportunity to review attend the ‘Education for All’ Summit in bilateral relations and to discuss the regional India in November 2003 was an opportunity Kazakhstan. The leadership discussed issues related to bilateral defence cooperation as situation. He extended an invitation to the at the highest level to review the bilateral President to visit Kyrgyzstan. relations and to set further goals. also other issues of mutual interest such as economic assistance, global and regional The third session of Indo-Kyrgyz Joint India has also broadened the scope and security matters and threats of international Commision was held in New Delhi on 4-6 strengthened the content of its aid terrorism. November 2003. Sadriddin Djienbekov, programme to the Central Asian countries. A Confederation of Indian Industries’ (CII) Minister for Foreign Trade and Industry of business delegation, representing the the Kyrgyz Republic and Shri S.B. Azerbaijan construction industry, visited Kazakhstan Mookherjee, Minister of State for The goodwill in bilateral relationship was from 31 August-4 September 2003 to explore Commerce, led their respective delegations. given the boost of frequent exchanges in areas of cooperation in the construction The Kyrgyz Minister was also received by diverse spheres. Cultural, sports and sector in Kazakhstan. A 20-member multi- Minister for Communication and economic linkages were maintained through product Federation of Indian Export Information Technology, Shri Arun Shourie, visits. A Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) delegation visited Minister for Small Scale Industries, Dr. Organisations’ sponsored buyer-seller meet Kazakhstan on 11-13 January 2004 under C.P.Thakur, and Minister of State for Food in Azerbaijan received an enthusiastic the “CIS Focus Programme”. Two Processing Industries, Shri N.T. response. It was also a confirmation of the Parliamentary delegations from Kazakhstan Shanmugham. increasing trend in India’s exports. These visited in January 2003 in connection with External Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant have increased from US$ 14.344 million in the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Indian Sinha visited Kyrgyzstan from 30-31 January 2002-03 to US$ 18.301 million in April- Parliament. 2003 and met Kyrgyz President, Prime October 2003. The training courses under ITEC Minister, Defence Minister and Foreign Minister. Two Parliamentary delegations Kazakhstan programme are popular and highly appreciated in Kazakhstan. Apart from the from Kyrgyzstan visited India in January Relations with Kazakhstan continued to be English learning programme (CIEFL, 2003 in connection with the Golden Jubilee warm and friendly during the year including Hyderabad), training courses related to Celebrations of Indian Parliament. Speaker an exchange of visits at a high political level. information technology and management of Legislative Assembly of Kyrgyz Minister of External Affairs Shri Yashwant are becoming popular. Parliament Erkebaev and Speaker of Sinha visited Kazakhstan from 31 January Assembly of Peoples Representatives of to 1 February 2003. Shri Yashwant Sinha Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyz Parliament Altay Bourbayev led met Kazakh Minister for Energy and Relations with Kyrgyzstan continued to be these respectively.

50 Central Asia

First Ever Visit by the Prime The Prime Minister along with President on Central Asia was organized by the Minister Rahmanov inaugurated CII’s ‘Made in Embassy in Dushanbe. Two experts from India’ Exhibition in Dushanbe. The products India participated in the seminar. During the visit, Prime Minister Vajpayee and President Rahmanov on display (tractors, two wheeler scooters, Tajik Minister of Culture Mr. Karomatullo signed a Joint Declaration of audio-video and medical diagnostic Olimov visited New Delhi to participate in Friendship and Cooperation. equipments and other consumer goods) were the International Conference on Dialogue Agreements on Visa Free regime for gifted to Tajik Government at the conclusion Amongst Civilizations from 9-10 July 2003. Diplomatic Passport Holders, Tourism, of the Exhibition. Tajikh Parliamentary delegation led by Extradition, Cooperation in the Field An agreement between the Ministry of Chairman of the Majlisi Milli of Oli of Information Technology and Establishment of an IT Centre in External Affairs and HMT was signed on Makhmadsaid Ubaidulloev visited India Dushanbe were also signed. The 27 May 2003 for the establishment of a Fruit from 20-26 January 2003 in connection with Instruments of Ratification for Bilateral Processing Plant in Dushanbe under the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Indian Investment Promotion and Protection Government of India’s aid programme. A Parliament. Agreement and Treaty on Mutual two-member delegation from Centre for At the invitation of Minister of Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Development of Advanced Computing (C- were exchanged as well. Prime Communications and IT Shri Arun Shourie, DAC) visited Dushanbe on 6-9 June 2003 in the First Deputy Minister of Minster announced an economic order to conduct a feasibility study for setting package totaling US$ 40 million for Telecommunications of Tajikistan Mr. up of an Information Technology Centre in Tajikistan including a fresh line of Sherali Najmmuddinov, led a two member Dushanbe. credit of US$ 5 million and grants delegation to participate in the 2nd Asian IT worth US$ 15 million. External Affairs Minister Shri Yashwant Ministers’ Summit in Hyderabad on 12-13 Sinha visited Tajikistan from 28-30 January January 2004. Around 50 Indian companies participated 2003. He called on Tajikh President, Prime in the exhibition - ‘Enterprise India-2003’- Minister, Foreign Minister and Defence Tajikistan opened its Embassy in India organized by CII in Bishkek in July 2003, Minister. Shri Yashwant Sinha gifted a in October 2003. which focused on Indian consumer goods. satellite dish antenna, colour television, VCR A nine-member contemporary Indian dance and computer to Tajikh University (Hindi group “Padatik” visited Kyrgyzstan in June department) and inaugurated Indira Gandhi Turkey 2003 for cultural performances. A photo- Cultural Centre in Embassy of India, Bilateral relations between India and Turkey exhibition on ‘Life and Times of Mahatma Dushanbe. have strengthened significantly during the Gandhi’ was organized in Bishkek for one A delegation comprising of Secretary (ANA) year, the highlight being the Prime Minister’s week from 2 October 2003. and Joint Secretary (CA) visited Tajikistan visit after a gap of 15 years. Economic A FIEO delegation visited Bishkek on 14- on 24-26 August 2003. The delegation met relations saw a further deepening with 15 January 2004, when a series of Buyer- Tajik President, Foreign Minister and bilateral trade continuing on the upward Seller Meetings were held in Bishkek. Defence Minister. trend. Additional institutional arrangements and agreements were finalized. The A two-member team from Narcotics Control resumption of direct air link is also likely to Tajikistan Bureau visited Tajikistan from 27-31 have a beneficial long-term impact on trade, October 2003 and organized a three-day Indo-Tajik bilateral relations continued to tourism and cultural relations. deepen during the period under review. The seminar on controlling drugs, psychotropic highlight of this period was Prime Minister substances and precursors for the Tajik Drug Secretary (ANA) visited Turkey in April 2003 Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visit to Tajikistan Control Agency. A two-member Indian for Foreign Office Consultations. Joint on 13-14 November 2003 at the invitation delegation participated in the Dushanbe Secretary (CA) visited Ankara in June 2003 of the Tajik President Mr. Emomali International Fresh Water Forum from 29 to hold consultations on Central Asia. These Rahmanov. This was the first visit by an August-1 September 2003. meetings, held immediately after the war in Iraq, helped bring about closer political Indian Prime Minister after Tajikistan Two Hindi scholars from Tajikistan understanding between India and Turkey. gained independence in 1991. participated in the 7th World Hindi He also unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi Conference in Suriname from 5 to 9 June An ‘India Business Day’ was organised in the at a prominent location in Dushanbe and 2003. One of the scholars was also felicitated Aegean Free Trade Zone on 11th April 2003. announced the gift of 10 commuter buses at the conference. On 15 May 2003, a A delegation of Association of Turkish to the city of Dushanbe. seminar on Amir Khusro and his influence Travel Agents (TURSAB) visited India in

51 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

April and the return visit of Indian Tour Prime Minister attended the Exhibition and Foreign Minister and Defence Minister of Operators took place in October 2003. addressed a business conference hosted by Uzbekistan. An MoU was signed by him and Turkey participated as ‘partner country’ in the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations his Uzbek counterpart on mutual India International Trade Fair in New Delhi Board. cooperation between the Foreign Service in November 2003. Institute of India and the Uzbek University India’s exports during 2002 were US$564 of World Economy and Diplomacy. The External Affairs Minister Shri Yashwant million, which was an increase of 59% over Sinha visited Ankara on 4-5 August 2003 the exports of 2001. These have increased Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz H and met Foreign Minister Mr. Abdullah Gul further to US$584 million during the first Kamilov visited India from 3-4 February besides calling on President Mr. Ahmet 10 months of 2003. Prime Minister 2003. He called on President, Prime Necdet Sezer and Prime Minister Mr. Recep announced, during the visit, a target of US$ Minister, External Affairs Minister and Tayyip Erdogan. 1 billion for bilateral trade by 2005. Raksha Mantri. An agreement between the two countries for setting up a Joint Working The tourist and business traffic from Turkey Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey (16-19 Group on International Terrorism was to India has picked up markedly after the September 2003) was a major event signed during the visit. Minister of Higher resumption of direct Turkish Airlines flights in India- Turkey relations. The visit was and Secondary Specialised Education S S between Istanbul and New Delhi. marked by mutual warmth and a Gulyamov visited India from 7-10 January desire to add further all-round 2003. He met Minister of Human Resource substance to the relationship. The visit Turkmenistan Development, Science and Technology and attracted sustained and positive India’s relations with Turkmenistan continue Department of Ocean Development Dr interest in the print and visual media. to be friendly. Exchanges at the cultural and Murli Manohar Joshi. Erkin Vahidov visited Agreements on Cooperation in the business level took place regularly. A number India from 20-26 January 2003 in field of Science and Technology and of steps were taken to promote awareness connection with the Golden Jubilee on Extradition; A Protocol of intent of about India in Turkmenistan. Celebrations of Indian Parliament. cooperation in the field of Information An 18 member Turkmen Dance and Music The Third India-Central Asia Regional Technology and computer software; Group visited India at the invitation of Conference was organized at Tashkent from and a protocol for setting up of a Joint ICCR and gave performances in Delhi, 6-8 November 2003, jointly by the Institute Working Group on combating Chandigarh, Dehradun and Mussorie. for Defence Studies and Analysis, New Delhi terrorism were signed during the visit. and the Institute for Strategic and Regional The agreement on Cooperation in the Uzbekistan Studies of Uzbekistan. External Affairs field of Tourism, that was signed in Minister and the Uzbek Foreign Minister 1995, became operational with the Indo-Uzbek relations were marked by jointly inaugurated the conference, which exchange of Instrument of Ratification. traditional warmth during the year. A number of new and important initiatives in was attended by delegates from 28 countries. different fields were undertaken. A CII Infrastructure Mission visited A central thoroughfare in Ankara was named Tashkent from 4-8 September 2003. A after Rabindranath Tagore and the poet’s The first session of Indo-Uzbek Joint number of areas of cooperation were bust at the entrance of the road was unveiled Working Group on Combating International identified. by the Prime Minister. He also addressed Terrorism was held in Tashkent on 21-22 intellectuals and decision makers at the April 2003. As a result of the meeting, a A two-member delegation from Centre for Centre for Strategic Research, a prestigious Protocol was signed between the two Development of Advanced Computing (C- think tank in Ankara on current trends in countries. DAC) visited Tashkent on 9-12 June 2003 in India-Turkey relations. The Deputy Defence Minister of Uzbekistan order to conduct a feasibility study for setting up of an Information Technology Centre in In Istanbul, Prime Minister met President for International Relations led a four- Tashkent. Ahmet Necdet Sezer. He also met and member delegation to India from 29 April addressed a gathering of the Indian to 2 May 2003. The visit resulted in signing India continues to render assistance to community in Turkey. While he was in of a Protocol for cooperation in the Area of Uzbekistan under the Indian Technical and Istanbul, the inaugural flight of the THY/ Defence for 2003. Economic Cooperation Programme. 100 AI between Istanbul and New Delhi took off The External Affairs Minister, Shri slots were allotted for Uzbekistan out of on 18 September 2003. Yashwant Sinha visited Uzbekistan on 6-8 which 90 slots have been utilised till November 2003. CII organized a ‘Made in India’ Exhibition November 2003. During the visit, he had in Istanbul during Prime Minister’s visit. meetings with the President, Prime Minister, Under the Indo-Uzbek Cultural Exchange

52 Central Asia

Programme, two exhibitions were organized A five-member Women Parliamentary in Tashkent – (a) An Exhibition of Indian Delegation consisting of Chairpersons of musical instruments and (b) An Exhibition Oliy Majlis committees on Women of Madhubani Paintings. Two Indian Welfare, Social & Employment Issues and musical groups visited Tashkent and Education visited India from 19 January- presented concerts. In return, two cultural 3 February 2004. Groups from Uzbekistan visited India. A two-member delegation from the Special efforts were made for promotion of Communication and Information Agency Hindi in Uzbekistan. A large number of of Uzbekistan participated in the 2nd Asian Hindi books and a computer set were IT Ministers’ Summit held in Hyderabad presented to the Department of South Asian on 12-13 January 2004. Languages of the Tashkent State Institute A 20-member business delegation of Oriental Studies in April 2003. Hindi representing 16 Indian companies and books were also presented to other institutes Federation of Indian Export Organisations of Uzbekistan. Two Hindi scholars from (FIEO) visited Uzbekistan on 19-22 Uzbekistan were sponsored as official January 2004 under the ‘Focus-CIS’ delegates to the VIIth World Hindi programme of the Government of India. Conference held in Paramaribo (Suriname) A Buyer-Seller Meeting (BSM) was from 5-9 June 2003. organised during the visit. A A Work Plan for 2004 under the MoU for Memorandum of Understanding between cooperation in the field of Agriculture FIEO and the Chamber of Commodity Research and Education was signed on 17 Producers and Entrepreneurs of December 2003 in Tashkent by Ambassador Uzbekistan was signed on 20 January of India and Dr. Shermat Nurmatov, Deputy 2004. Minister and Director, Uzbek Scientific nn Production Centre for Agriculture.

53 5. The Gulf, West Asia and North Africa

Iraq recognized, representative government is in February and met senior officials in the established and assumes the responsibilities Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry iven India’s long-standing political, of the Authority. Since then India has noted of Culture, on cooperation in retrieving the Gcultural and economic ties, India is the intention of the Coalition Authorities to artifacts stolen from Iraqi museums. interested in the peace and prosperity of the handover sovereignty to a Transitional Gulf region and has, therefore, been Secretary, Asia and North Africa (ANA), Shri National Assembly by 30 June 2004 and that monitoring the developments in Iraq very R.M.Abhyankar led a delegation to the Iraq the Iraqi Governing Council is working on closely. India’s policies concerning Donors Conference in Abu Dhabi on 28– a roadmap for this purpose. developments in Iraq are based on its 29 February 2004 that was hosted by the principles and national interest. The arrest of Saddam Hussein by the UAE as follow up on the Madrid Government of India’s position has been Coalition Authorities has been noted. Conference. India is one of the 13-member based on the unanimous Resolution adopted Various views have been expressed as to Donor Committee that came formally into by both Houses of Parliament on 8 April where and how his trial should take place. existence at the conference. The conference 2003. The Resolution deplored the military The judicial process will have to address discussed the mechanism to spend the action and stated that this action, with a view issues such as rights of Iraqi nationals, the pledged funds in the reconstruction of Iraq to changing the government in Iraq was obligations of occupying powers under the through the two trust funds to be unacceptable. The action also lacked the Geneva Convention, the need for administered by the World Bank and UN specific sanction of the UN Security transparency and fairness of the judicial respectively. India has pledged a total of US Council. The Resolution called for process, etc. India believes that it is $ 10 million to the two Trust Funds. This is immediate secession of hostilities in Iraq and essentially a question for the Iraqis to decide, in addition to US $ 20 million being spent quick withdrawal of Coalition forces. It also but in conformity with well-known on relief in Iraq bilaterally. The next called upon the UN to protect the international norms and principles. India conference of Donors Committee will take sovereignty of Iraq and to ensure the has taken note of the statements that the place in Doha in May 2004. reconstruction of Iraq under UN auspices. Geneva Conventions will be respected and An amount of US$ 1.2 million has been India welcomed the signing of Iraq’s interim it hopes for early improvement of the provided to World Food Programme (WFP) constitution on March 8 initiating the security situation in Iraq. India is strongly for procuring and distributing Infant process of handing over sovereignty to the committed to assist the people of Iraq in Formula milk i.e. dried whole milk powder Iraqi people and hoped that the scheduled their humanitarian and reconstruction to the Iraqi people. India has also transferred dates of transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqi efforts. In response to UN Secretary US$2.5 million to the Iraq Trust Fund. An people will be adhered to. General’s Flash Appeal, early this year, India 8-week training programme for 15 Iraqi had committed US$20 million for assistance India has consistently emphasized the need diplomats, organized by FSI in February- to the Iraqi people. As the Donors for an early restoration of sovereignty to the March 2004, concluded this month. A six Conference held in Madrid from 23-24 Iraqi people and reaffirmed the right of Iraqi weeks programme on communication and October 2003, India has committed an people to freely determine their political information technology has been organized additional amount of US$10 million future and control their natural resources. by NIIT from 5 April-14 May under the through Trust Funds being coordinated by It has stressed the crucial role of the UN in ITEC programme. There are 20 Iraqi the United Nation and International the process of political and economic participants out of which 9 are female Monetary Fund respectively for reconstruction of Iraq. It had reiterated participants. reconstruction needs of Iraq. Government these concerns to the 58th session of the UN of India is working on proposals for The Federation of Indian Chambers of General Assembly on 25 September. assistance including medical assistance to a Commerce & Industry (FICCI) sent their While UN Security Council (UNSC) hospital in Najaf, provision of computers, business delegation to Iraq, which was Resolution 1483 of 22 May 2003 recognized assistance in the constitution development successful in reviving and renegotiating some the status of the occupying powers and process and human resource development of the contracts that have been signed under provided a legal basis and international and training of Iraqi personnel, including Oil for Food Programme with the concerned mandate for administering Iraq on an diplomats. Ministries in Iraq. Secretary (ANA) also interim basis, the subsequent UNSC visited Iraq and the neighbouring countries As part of the continuous efforts to assist Resolution 1511 of 16 October 2003 from 23-26 June 2003 and held wide-ranging people of Iraq in humanitarian and recognized the Governing Council and its discussions with important leaders of Iraq reconstruction efforts, India provided Ministers as the principal bodies of the Iraqi as well as the Governments of the training to 15 Iraqi diplomats for a period Interim Administration, embodying the neighbouring countries. Indo-Iraq Business of 6 weeks in February-March at the Foreign sovereignty of the State of Iraq during the Council of FICCI organized a conference Service Institute, New Delhi. An transitional period until an internationally ‘Focus Iraq’ on 7 October 2003 in New Archaeological Team from Iraq visited India Delhi. Other important developments,

54 The Gulf, West Asia and North Africa

which took place in the countries of Gulf Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Speaker various reasons continued to be distributed region, are as follows: of the Kuwaiti National Assembly, during this period. In all an amount of US Permanent Under Secretary in the Kuwaiti $ 1,34,25,886.51 was disbursed during the Bahrain Foreign Ministry and Director General of period 1 April 2003 to 30 November 2003. Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic The break up is given below: At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Mr. Shaikh Khalifa Bin Development. Discussions focused on Salman Al-Khalifa, Prime Minister of situation in Iraq, Indo-Kuwaiti Economic interest etc. Minister of State for External Category No. of Claims Amount Kingdom of Bahrain paid a State Visit to (US $) India from 11-14 January 2004. The Affairs, Shri Vinod Khanna visited Kuwait following agreements were signed during the from 23-25 June 2003. During the visit, he A 1230 2299000.00 visit: met First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign C 370 2085618.27 Minister and Speaker of the National n MoU on Cooperation between Assembly of Kuwait. During these meetings D 71 9041268.24 Ministries of Foreign Affairs bilateral relations, regional and international Total 1671 13425886.51 n Agreement on Juridical and issues of mutual interest were discussed. Judicial Cooperation in Civil and Commercial Matters Special Kuwait Cell In category ‘E’, an amount of US $ 7,30,756 was received for corporate claims out of n The Special Kuwait Cell (SKC) was set up Extradition Treaty which US$ 2,17,023 has been disbursed to in 1991 for paying compensation to Indian n Agreement on Mutual Legal the concerned companies till 30 November citizens who suffered losses in life & property Assistance in Criminal Matters 2003. Disbursement of balance amount of during the Gulf War of 1990-91. This n US $5,13,733 is being processed. In Agreement on the Promotion and compensation is being paid by United Protection of Bilateral Investment category ‘F’ (Govt. claim), the Ministry of Nations Compensation Commission External Affairs was paid US$ 1,00,00,000. (UNCC), Geneva and the money comes from The Prime Minister of Bahrain called on the the revenue of sale of Iraqi oil under the Between April 2003 and January 2004 the President and the Vice-President. Deputy “Oil for food programme” set up by the UN Special Kuwait Cell in the Ministry of Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs Security Council Resolution 692 (1991) for External Affairs received an amount of US$ and the External Affairs Minister of India 2.1429 million in individual claims category called on the Prime Minister of Bahrain. giving compensation to victims of Gulf War 1990-91.The disbursement of compensation from the United Nations Compensation Later, Indira Gandhi National Open Commission (UNCC), Geneva, and money received from UNCC is being done University (IGNOU) conferred an Honorary disbursed an amount of US $1.5535 million. through four nationalised banks designated Doctorate on the Bahrain Prime Minister on In the corporate claims category an amount for the purpose, i.e. Central Bank of India, 21 February 2004, which was received by of US $ 7,30,756 was received and an India Overseas Bank, Syndicate Bank, Dr.Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar, Minister of amount of US $ 6,91,230 was disbursed Union Bank of India. State for Foreign Affairs on behalf of the during this period. In the Government claim Prime Minister. The scrutiny of claim applications and category an amount of US $ 10 million was Mr. Abdul Nabi Abdullah Al-Sho’ala, deciding the quantum of payment in each also received. Minister of State in the Office of the Prime case and the timing of the payment (or to Minister of Bahrain, visited New Delhi to reject a claim altogether) lies totally in the Oman domain of UNCC under Article 40(4) of the participate in the Conference on “Dialogue The second meeting of the India-Oman Provisional Rules for Claims Procedure amongst Civilisations” which was held from Strategic Consultative Group was held in adopted by the UNCC Governing Council. 9-10 July 2003 in New Delhi. During his Delhi on 17 October 2003. The Omani The decision of UNCC are final and not visit he also called on the Deputy Prime delegation was led by Mr. Sayyid Badr bin subject to review or appeal on substantive, Minister, and Minister of State for External Hamad bin Hameed Al bu Saidi, Under procedural or any other grounds. Affairs, Shri Vinod Khanna. The Bahraini Secretary in the Omani Ministry of Foreign Minister handed over a letter from the Prime Between 1 April 2003 and 31 March 2004, Affairs and the Indian delegation was led by Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain Special Kuwait Cell received an amount of Secretary (ANA). The 4th meeting of the addressed to the Indian Prime Minister. US$ 26,040,950.24 in individual claims India-Oman Joint Commission was held in categories from UNCC and disbursed an Muscat from 20-22 October 2003. Minister Kuwait amount of US$ 18,764,732.67 to 3068 of State for Commerce & Industry, Shri S.B. Secretary (ANA) visited Kuwait from 12-13 claimants. The money received in the Mookherjee, led the Indian delegation. May 2003 and held meetings with Kuwaiti previous year but remained undisbursed for Their Minister for Commerce & Industry,

55 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

Mr. Maqbool Ali Sultan, led the Omani side. promote Small and Medium Enterprises. A consultations with the External Affairs Minister for Chemical & Fertilizers, Shri S.S. high level Saudi Business delegation led by Minister, Shri. Yashwant Sinha, as part of Dhindsa visited Oman in 2003 for the Mr. Abdul Rahman Al-Jeraisy, Chairman of India – GCC political dialogue initiated at unveiling of the foundation stone of an Indo- the Council of Saudi Chambers of the Ministerial level in New York on 26 Omani Joint Fertilizer Project and handed Commerce, visited India from 12-17 September 2003 on the sidelines of the UN over a letter from Prime Minister to His October 2003 to promote friendly ties and General Assembly. The dialogue, which will Majesty Sultan Qaboos. strengthen bilateral business relations with now be an annual feature, marks a new India. CII and FIEO organized business beginning in GCC-India relations by Qatar conferences for the visiting delegation in providing an institutional mechanism for a structured political interaction. During his Deputy Prime Minister Shri Lal Krishna Mumbai and New Delhi respectively. The stay in New Delhi, the Secretary General of Advani visited Doha, Qatar from 20-22 delegation also visited Hyderabad and held GCC had wide ranging discussions with January 2003. During the visit he called on fruitful interaction with the business leaders. External Affairs Minister, and called on Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Al-Thani and Foreign Minister Sheikh UAE Chairperson of Rajya Sabha. A Joint Press Hamad Bin Jabor Al-Thani and discussed Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Communiqué issued at the end of the visit matters of mutual interest particularly COAS of United Arab Emirates visited India to New Delhi acknowledged the traditionally security-related issues. at the invitation of External Affairs Minister close and historical ties between the from 30 June-1 July 2003. During the visit countries of GCC and India, and described Saudi Arabia he called on Prime Minister, Deputy Prime the institutional mechanism for political Dr. Saleh E. Al-Husseini, Saudi Deputy Minister, External Affairs Minister and dialogue at the Ministerial level as a “new Minister of Industrial Affairs visited India Defence Minister. Delegation level talks era” in GCC-India Cooperation. The from 25-30 April 2003 leading a 28-Member were also held between the two sides. An Secretary General voiced GCC’s delegation including 14 officials and 14 agreement on Defence Cooperation was appreciation for the Indian community in businessmen. He held useful discussions for signed during the visit. the Gulf countries for their constructive role increasing bilateral cooperation in the President of India paid a successful State visit and positive contribution. banking sector. The Saudi delegation also to UAE from 18-20 October 2003. He was GCC-India relations were further visited Mumbai and Bangalore and new accompanied by Minister for Disinvestments, strengthened and broadened when the first areas of cooperation were identified. The Communications and Information ever GCC-India Industrial Conference was Saudi Minister showed great interest in Technology. He held extensive discussions held on 17-18 February 2004, in Mumbai. Indian IT Companies. Dr. Ibrahim bin with UAE leadership on cooperation in the The event was jointly organized by Ministry Abdul Aziz Al-Shiddi, Saudi Assistant fields of knowledge based technologies of External Affairs and Confederation of Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education including biotechnology, use of solar power Indian Industry (CII) and Ministry of (Cultural Affairs and External Relations) for desalination, establishment of a Cyber Commerce under the theme “Opportunity visited New Delhi to participate in the University, possibility of UAE’s investment and Challenges in the 21st Century” focusing International Conference on Dialogue in India, and joint ventures in the fields of on 4 select priority areas – i) trade ii) among Civilizations – Quest for New petrochemicals, chemicals, pharmaceutical investments iii) industrial cooperation Perspectives, held in New Delhi from 9-10 sectors. including small and medium enterprises and July 2003. iv) transfer of technology including The Minister of State for External Affairs, Yemen information technology. This mega event Shri Vinod Khanna, visited the Royal Secretary (ANA) along with Joint Secretary, symbolized the political will to promote Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 21-23 Gulf Division visited Sana’a and Aden from constructive economic engagements September 2003 and signed the Haj 2004 24-26 May 2003 for foreign office between the two sides. The conference was Agreement on 22 September 2003 in Jeddah consultations with Yemen. co-chaired from the Indian side by Shri Arun with the Saudi Haj Minister, Mr. Iyad Bin Jaitley, Minister of Commerce and Industry Amin Madani. Under the Agreement, and from the GCC side by Mr. Abdullah bin 115,000 Indian pilgrims will go to Saudi Gulf Cooperation Council Abdul Rahman Al Taweel, Minister of Arabia for Haj in 2004. During his stay, Shri (GCC) Trade and Industry of Kuwait and was Khanna also presided over the exchange of The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) attended by Mr.Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Agreement between the National Small Secretary General Mr. Abdulrahman bin Al Attiyah, GCC Secretary General, Mr. Industries Corporation Ltd. and the Jeddah Hamad Al-Attiyah paid an official visit to Mohammad Khalfan bin Kharbash, Chamber of Commerce and Industry to New Delhi from 15-16 February 2004, for Minister of State for Finance & Industry,

56 The Gulf, West Asia and North Africa

UAE, Mr. Ali Saleh Al Saleh, Minister of several cultural exchanges took place. Several Educational and Scientific Cooperation, and Commerce, Bahrain, Mr. Hashim bin Agreements and MoUs were signed with the an MOU for setting up of Joint Business Abdullah Al Yamani, Minister of Commerce countries in the WANA Region. India Council between FICCI and the Djibouti & Industry, Saudi Arabia, Mr. Maqbool bin offered concessional lines of credit to various Chamber of Commerce were signed. Prime Ali bin Sultan, Minister of Commerce and countries in the region and these were Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Industry, Oman and Mr. Abdullah Hamad utilized effectively. Humanitarian assistance announced a grant-in-aid for disaster relief Al Attiyah, Second Deputy Prime Minister was given to Djibouti, Sudan, Palestine and of up to US$ 1 million comprising of wheat/ and Minister of Energy & Industry, Qatar. Algeria during the year. rice and medicines, and an increase of ITEC On the margins of the conference, all the fellowships from 2 to 25, five of which would Country-wise details are given below: ministers attending the conference agreed to be reserved for IT training. An ITEC funded explore the possibilities of Free Trade Area delegation of EdCil visited Djibouti for between India and GCC. The conference Algeria identifying the needs of the Djibouti concluded with “Mumbai Declaration” The 8th session of the Indo-Algerian Joint education sector in June 2003. An IRCON which recognized the age-old Indo-Arab Commission took place in Delhi from 8-10 team also visited Djibouti in May to assess trade relationship and the future potential October 2003. The Algerian delegation was business opportunities. The EXIM Bank for industrial cooperation between GCC and led by Minister of Transport Mr. Line of Credit Agreement for US $ 10 India. The conference also endorsed the Abdelmalek Sellal. Issues relating to trade, million, announced during the visit, was proposed GCC-India Framework finance, energy, mining, fertilizers, small and signed and disbursed during January 2004. medium scale enterprises, railways and Agreement for Economic Cooperation, A 7-member Djibouti Defence delegation led shipping, culture and information, and which provides overall commitment for by General Fathi Ahmed Houssein, consular matters were also discussed An increased broad based economic Commander of Armed Forces visited India MoU on cooperation in the field of Small cooperation and a pathway towards GCC- in October 2003. India Free Trade Area. The visit of GCC’s and Medium Enterprises, the Cultural Secretary General and the first India –GCC Exchange Programme (CEP) and an A bust of Mahatma Gandhi, provided by Industrial Conference will go a long way in Agreement between the news agencies of the ICCR, was installed at the head of one of strengthening and cementing the good two countries, viz. PTI and APS, were the main streets in Djibouti on 30 January relations between the two regions and signed. The third Joint Business Council 2004. The Foreign Minister of Djibouti opening new vistas of economic meeting between the two countries’ business unveiled the bust and named the street after cooperation. organisations also took place simultaneously. Mahatma Gandhi. External Affairs Minister’s message was read out by the An Indian Sufiana-Kathak Troupe visited Indian Ambassador on the occasion. Haj 2003-04 Algeria from 24-26 August 2003 under the Haj pilgrimage was concluded satisfactorily CEP. The group gave three performances, Egypt in March 2004 when more than seventy including one at the Algerian Annual Festival thousand pilgrims performed Haj through at Timgad. India announced humanitarian A high level inter-Ministerial delegation led Central Haj Committee. The last flight came aid amounting to US$1 million for the by Dr. Hamdy Al Syed, Chairman of the on 6th March and a total of 252 flights earthquake victims in Algeria. Medicines and Health Committee of for People’s Assembly operated during this time. construction material are being sent to (Parliament) visited India in August 2003 to Algeria. examine and report on the banned meat West Asia & North Africa exports to Egypt. They visited meat exports’ Djibouti facilities throughout the country. Our engagement with the West Asia and A Ministerial delegation led by Dr. Hassan North Africa (WANA) Region was further India’s relations with Djibouti acquired a Ali Khedr, Minister of Supply and Internal consolidated by the exchange of a number new momentum with the historic visit of Trade and including Mr. Fayza Abou El- of visits at Summit and other levels. The President Mr. Ismail Omar Guelleh from 18- Naga, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs President of Djibouti and Prime Minister of 23 May 2003. The Djibouti delegation visited New Delhi in October 2003. Talks Israel visited India and similarly, our included four Ministers (Foreign Affairs, were held with the Ministry of Consumer President and Prime Minister paid State Defence, Transportation and Education) and Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Visits to Sudan and Syria respectively. In a 30-Member business delegation. other concerned Ministries and agencies addition, ministerial delegations were Documents such as the Bilateral Investment with a view to conclude an inter- received from Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria Sudan, Promotion and Protection Agreement governmental agreement to enable supply Israel and Palestine. Economic and trade (BIPPA), Civil Aviation Agreement, of Indian wheat to Egypt and import of interchanges also continued to grow and Executive Programme of Cultural various Egyptian commodities by India,

57 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

through a buyback arrangement. Mr. Khedr Arab League Mumbai. During his Mumbai visit, he handed over a letter from Egyptian President addressed the Indian business community India-Arab League talks were held in Cairo and interacted with the Jewish community Mr. Mubarak to Prime Minster Shri Atal on 10 May 2003 within the framework of living there. Bihari Vajpayee during a call on him. an MoU between India and the Arab League Foreign Office Consultations were held from for regular institutional dialogue. The leader Science and Technology Minister, Eliezer 10-11 May 2003 in Cairo. Secretary (ANA) of the Indian delegation, Secretary (ANA) Sandberg visited India from 22-25 led the Indian delegation. also met Mr. Amr Mossa, Secretary General December. He signed an MoU on 25 of the Arab League. December 2003 in Bangalore on carrying A delegation from the Egyptian Ministry of of an Israeli payload (telescope) on an Indian Foreign Trade, led by First Under Secretary Israel launch vehicle. A Joint Statement for Mr. El-Said Kassem visited India in April, increased cooperation in Science and for the 3rd round of discussions on a Prime Minster Mr. Ariel Sharon paid the Technology was issued during his visit. Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and the first-ever State visit by an Israeli Prime Similarly Major Gen Amos Yaron, Defence Joint Working Group on Bilateral Trade. A Minister to India from 8-10 September Secretary led a 12 member Israeli delegation 2-member delegation from Ministry of 2003. He was accompanied by Deputy for the Joint Working Group on Defence Finance visited Cairo in September to hold Prime Minister & Minister of Justice Mr. Cooperation on 22-24 December 2003. He discussion on updating and revising the Yosef Lapid, Minister for Education, Culture was accompanied by Maj. Gen. Amos Gilad, Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. & Sport Ms. Limor Livnat and Minster of Head of the Politoco-Military Bureau and Agriculture & Rural Development Mr. Secretary, Small Scale Industries, Shri S.K. other senior Defence officials. A Defence Yisrael Katz and a large group of Israeli Production team, led by Defence Production Tuteja visited Cairo in October with 4- businessmen. Mr. Sharon called on Secretary Smt. Usha Pillai comprising the member delegation to review the President Shri A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and held Ordnance Factories Board Chief and other implementation of the Joint Action Plan extensive talks on bilateral, regional and Public Sector Undertakings representatives concluded between the Egyptian Social international issues with Prime Minister Shri visited Israel from 28 December- 2 Jan 2004 Fund for Development and the Indian Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Deputy Prime Minister for exploring cooperation possibilities for Ministry of Small Scale Industries. & Home Minister Shri L.K. Advani, upgrading our Ordnance Factories, etc. The External Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant The Third Round of Talks on the third meeting of the Indo-Israeli Joint Sinha, Finance Minster Shri Jaswant Singh, Preferential Tariff Agreement (PTA) with Working Group on Counter Terrorism took Defence Minister Shri George Fernades and Egypt, under the auspices of the Indo- place in Tel Aviv on 24-25 March 2004. Leader of the Opposition Smt. Sonia Egyptian Joint Committee on Trade, was Secretary (ANA) led the Indian delegation, Gandhi. Mr. Sharon addressed a joint held from 8-10 December 2003 in Cairo. which included experts on counter terrorism meeting of CII and FICCI. Agreements The composite team comprising of the from various GOI agencies. The delegation relating to Environment Protection, Health Commerce, Agriculture and External Affairs also visited border areas to study checking and Medicine, Combating Drugs Trafficking of infiltration and border management. Ministries held discussions with the and Abuse, Visa Waiver for Diplomatic and Egyptians on PTA and other trade matters. Official Passports and Exchange Programme The India-Israel Joint Commission meeting Discussions are likely to continue before the on Education and Culture were signed was held in Tel Aviv on 14-15 January 2004. conclusion of the Preferential Tariff during the visit. It was also agreed to set up Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Agreement. a Joint Committee on Agriculture and to Arun Jaitley headed the Indian delegation. On that occasion, a “Destination India’ Indo-Egyptian trade and economic explore the possibility of setting up a second event was also organized. interchanges continued to expand. Similarly, Agriculture demonstration farm in India. India continued to be one of the major Five months after Mr. Sharon’s visit to India, His Lordship Mr. Aron Barak, Chief Justice investors in Egypt with investments of about Foreign Minister Mr. Silvan Shalom paid an of Israel visited India from 16-21 February US$350 million. In September, the Aditya official visit to India from 9-11 February 2004 at the invitation of the Chief Justice Birla group decided to set up a plant for 2004. He called on President, Prime of India. He called on President and had manufacturing acrylic fibre near Alexandria. Minister, Deputy Prime Minster and plenary talks with the Chief Justice of India. They also decided to expand for capacity in Defence Minister and held plenary meeting He also delivered a lecture at the Indian Law their flagship company, Alexandria Carbon with Minister of External Affairs, Shri Institute. Black. This would entail an increase of Yashwant Sinha. Issues of bilateral and Deputy Commerce Minister, Mr. Michael Indian FDI in Egypt by US$110 million regional interest were discussed during the Ratzon visited India in connection with the within the next few years. More Indian meetings. Mr. Shalom also announced the International Cooperation Alliance investments are in the pipeline. reopening of the Israeli Consulate in Convention in Mumbai from 5-6 February

58 The Gulf, West Asia and North Africa

2004.Israeli Foreign Minister’s Special Envoy Lebanon Mr. Suleiman Sassi Al-Shahoumi, Chairman Mr. David Ivry visited India on 7-10 July of Foreign Relations Committee of the Relations with Lebanon continue to be 2003 and called on Deputy Prime Minister Libyan Parliament and Mr. Salem Ben Amer, cordial and friendly. Deputy Chief of Army Special Envoy of Col. Gaddafi for South & Home Minster, Shri L.K. Advani, Staff, Lt. Gen. J.B.S. Yadava, visited Beirut Asia. External Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant from 10-13 September 2003. A 600-member Sinha and Principal Secretary to Prime Indian Battalion of the 8 Sikh Regiment In the cultural field, a 12-member Bhangra Minister and National Security Advisor, Shri continues to maintain peace in its area of Group visited Libya from 1-11 April 2003 Brajesh Mishra. operations. in connection with Tripoli International Dr. S.A. Rehman, Professor of Arabic Trade Fair. Indo-Israeli Defence Cooperation language and Culture at the Jawharlal Nehru included the signing of an India-Israel- University participated in the workshop Morocco Russia agreement on the supply of organized by the Arab Cultural Academy on Minister of Textiles, Shri Syed Shahnawaz Phalcon airborne early warning “Arab Language and Culture outside the Hussain visited Morocco from 23-24 June systems to India. Arab Countries”. 2003 to inaugurate the Textile Festival in Casablanca. King Mohammed VI paid a Prospects of cooperation in peaceful uses of Libya private visit to India in October. He visited space were identified during the visit of Mumbai, Udaipur and Delhi. ISRO Chairman Dr. Kasturirangan to Israel Secretary (ANA) visited Libya from 20-22 in August 2003. Deputy Minister of Defence March 2004 and held talks with Foreign The Second Indo-Moroccan Foreign Office Mr. Boim Zeev visited India from 3-5 Minister Mr. Abderrahman Mohd. Consultations took place on 8-9 January Shalgam, Energy and Trade Minister Dr. February 2004 to attend “DEFEXPO”. He 2004 in New Delhi. Mr. Mohamed Rachad Fatehi Omar Ben-Shatwan, and a number called on Shri I.D. Swami, Minister of State, Bouhlal, Secretary General, Ministry of of senior government officials in Oil, Energy Ministry of Home Affairs. Israel had a large Foreign Affairs, Morocco led the Moroccan and Foreign Affairs Ministries. Various pavilion at the DEFEXPO. Similarly the delegation while the Indian delegation was areas of cooperation were identified during third meeting of the Indo-Israeli Joint led by Secretary (ANA). Bilateral and the visit. He also called on Mr. Suleiman regional issues were discussed during the Working Group on Counter Terrorism took Sassi Al-Shahoumi, Chairman of Foreign Consultations. An MoU for interaction place in Tel Aviv on 24-25 March 2004. Relations Committee of the Libyan between the two Foreign Service Institutes Secretary(ANA) led the Indian delegation, Parliament and Mr. Salem Ben Amer, was signed during the visit. The Moroccan which included experts on counter terrorism Special Envoy of Col. Gadafi for South Asia. delegation also visited Agra. from various Government of India agencies. Indo-Libyan economic relations registered The high growth rate in India-Israel bilateral progress with BHEL and ONGC Videsh Palestine trade was sustained during 2003-04. Two- Ltd. bagging fresh contracts. BHEL secured Foreign Minister Nabil Shaah visited India way trade between India and Israel increased a contract for the US$ 215 million Western from 29 August-1 September 2003 and by 28.4% during 2003 and reached US $ Mountain Gas Turbine Power Project in handed over to Prime Minister Shri Atal 1.6 billion. Libya. This was followed by ONGC Videsh Bihari Vajpayee a letter from President Ltd. (OVL) securing an oil and gas Yasser Arafat. A grant of Rs. 2 crore was Jordan exploration contract worth US$ 30 million announced by the Prime Minister, which was Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri in Libya in collaboration with the Turkish utilized for supply of Tata vehicles and Vinod Khanna, and Secretary(ANA), Shri Petroleum Oil Co.(TPOC) in August 2003. medicines to the government of Palestine. R.M. Abhyankar visited Jordan from 21-23 Drilling has already commenced. Secretary India continued to extend political, material June 2003 to attend the Extraordinary (ANA) visited Libya from March 20-22, 2004 and technical assistance to Palestine. As a Session of the World Economic Forum and held talks with Foreign Minister Mr. responsible member of the international Meeting in Amman. Similarly interaction Abderrahman Mohd. Shalgam, Energy and community, India has been gravely at the trade, industry level continued with a Trade Minister Dr. Fatehi Omar Ben- concerned by the serious deterioration of the visit to Jordan by a 25-member FICCI Shatwan, and a number of senior security situation in West Asia and has delegation and a subsequent CII delegation government officials in Oil, Energy and Foreign Affairs Ministries.Various areas of repeatedly called for de-escalation. India in June2003. The Secretary General of cooperation specially in Oil and Power remains deeply disturbed by this turn of Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture Prof. sectors were identified during the visit. events, which has brought in its wake, great Awasi Taimeh visited India in connection Similarly, discussions on pending trade suffering on the two peoples, has adversely with meat imports from India. disputes also took place. He also called on affected regional stability and is a matter of

59 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

widespread global concern. Support to the Defence Minister and visited Pune and Prime Minister Shri Vajpayee Palestinian cause remains an unaltered Banglore. He called on the President and inaugurated the Syrian National aspect of India’s foreign policy. handed over a letter from Sudanese Biotechnology Centre, established President General Bashir. An NDC seat was with Indian assistance at the offered to Sudan for the 2004 course. India believes that there is no military Damascus Agricultural University and Towards the end of the month, solution to this problem. Both sides announced a grant of US$ 1 million to Transportation Minster Mohd Elsamani must cease all acts of violence. There assist the Centre. It was decided that Elwasila, accompanied by State Minister of must be immediate, parallel and a Joint Hydrocarbon Committee, Finance Dr Hassan Ahmed Taha, visited accelerated movement towards having three representatives from tangible political progress and a India from 22-29 December 2003. The visits each side, would be set up. Both sides defined series of steps leading to indicated appreciation of our sensitivity and supported strong cooperation for permanent peace involving interest in Sudan. Sudanese Minister of State combating international terrorism and recognition, normalisation and for Defence Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Ali led to revitalise the Non Aligned security between the two sides. India a five-member delegation to the DEFEXPO Movement. India called for the welcomed the unveiling of the Quartet INDIA 2004 from 3-6 February 2004. establishment of a just, Road Map in April 2003 and the The Agreement on the EXIM Bank Line of comprehensive and durable peace in cease-fire ‘Hudna’ declared by the Credit of US$ 50 million, announced during the Middle East. Prime Minister Shri Palestinians. India also stands by the the President’s visit, was signed on 15 Vajpayee announced a Credit Line of basic principles that the choice of January 2004. US$ 25 million. leadership of the Palestinian people is their sole prerogative. During the visit, the Executive Programme Syria for Culture Cooperation, Education, Minister of External Affairs, Shri Yashwant Biotechnology, Science & Technology, and Sudan Sinha paid a three- day official visit to Syria MoUs on Agriculture, Information President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, paid a from 31 July–2 August 2003 and met Technology, Technical cooperation, Small & State Visit to Sudan from 20-22 October President Mr. Bashar al-Assad. He held Medium Enterprises Cooperation, as also a 2003. He held talks with the President Mr. delegation level meetings with Deputy Prime Cooperation Agreement between Sahitya Omar Hassan Ahmed Al Bashir and Minster & Foreign Minister Mr. Farouk al- Akademy and Arab Writers Union were addressed the Sudanese Parliament. He also Shara’. President Dr. Assad appreciated signed. interacted with academicians and students India’s stand on Iraq. During the meeting at the University of Khartoum and held a with Prime Minister Mr. Mero, both sides Tunisia meeting with the Sudanese alumni of Indian agreed to strengthen and expand An Indian textiles exhibition was organized universities. During the visit of the President cooperation in the economic, commercial, in Tunisia in June, which was attended by to Sudan from 20-22 October 2003, the trade, investment, banking, information Textiles Minister, Shri Syed Shahnawaz Bilateral Investment Promotion and technology fields and expressed interest in Hussain. Tunisian Industry Minister, Protection Agreement (BIPPA), the Double the reactivation of existing agreements and Moncef ben Abdallah visited India in April Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), expansion of cooperation in new areas of and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and the MOU on Cooperation in the field mutual interest. Madame Saida Chtioui visited India for of Information Technology were signed. Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee bilateral consultations in October. Minister Following the historic state visit to Sudan by paid a 3-day historic State visit from 14-16 of State for Information Technology and the President in October 2003 there was an November 2003 to Syria, which was the first Internet Mr. Montassar Ouaili visited India upward momentum in bilateral interaction. visit of an Indian Prime Minister after a gap from 8-14 February 2004. He also visited Several Ministers, in different fields, paid of 15 years. He was accompanied by Bangalore and Hyderabad. An MoU on separate visits to India during December External Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwat Cooperation in Communications and IT was 2003. Mr Al Jaz, Energy and Mining Sinha and a large delegation. Prime Minister signed during the visit. Minister visited India from 5-9 December Shri Vajpayee met President Dr. Bashar Al- A new $ 10 million credit provision has been 2003. Similarly, Minister of National Assad and held talks with Prime Minister made by EXIM Bank of India to promote Defence Lt Gen. Bakri Hassan Salih, Eng. Mohammad Naji Al-Otri and other investments. Tunisians have invested in the accompanied by Defence Secretary, DGs for Cabinet Ministers. They expressed Godavari Fertilisers & Chemicals Limited. Training and Military Industry and other satisfaction at the steady and comprehensive Bilateral trade between India and Tunisia is senior officials visited India from 12-15 growth in bilateral relations. now touching US$ 200 million. December 2003. He held talks with the nn

60 6. Africa (South of Sahara)

Angola February 2004. Dignitaries from Botswana side stated that the state of Jammu & who visited India include the First Lady Mrs. Kashmir is an integral part of India and fter the cessation of long civil war in Barbara Mogae, Sir Ketumile Masire, Indo-Pak differences should be resolved AAngola in April 2002, a lot of interest former President, Assistant Minister of through bilateral dialogue on the basis of has been generated in India for enhancing Education, Mr. G.D. Lefhoko, and Simla Agreement of 1972 and Lahore commercial and economic relations with Commander of Botswana Defence Force, Lt. Declaration of 1999. Angola. A number of businessmen from Gen. L.M. Fisher. India visited Angola to assess various India agreed to write off the inter- reconstruction and development in Angola governmental credit outstanding against as well as for enhancing Indian exports to Namibia Zambia and give a fresh credit line of US$ Angola. The bilateral relations between Namibia and 10 million for purchase of machinery and equipment, a grant of Rs.25 million for A two-member Rail India Technical India continued to be warm and friendly and provision of agricultural machinery, a Economic Services (RITES) Limited team marked by the traditional sense of closeness donation of 10,000 tonnes of rice and visited Angola to assess the Angola Railway and understanding. The major developments during the year are: medicines worth US$ 1 lakh, and increase Rehabilitation Project in three provinces of in ITEC. The two countries signed an Angola. The report prepared by RITES has Minister of Regional and Local Government Agreement on Co-operation in Trade and since been forwarded to the Angolan and Housing, Dr. Nickey Iyambo, an MoU on Co-operation in Agriculture. It Government for their consideration. A accompanied by an engineer from the was agreed that Indian expertise would be Telecommunications Consultants India Ministry of Regional and Local made available to Zambia for development Limited (TCIL) team also visited Angola to Government, Mrs. Aily Ndinelego Helao, of its agriculture, irrigation and agro- assess the telecom projects there. Export and Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia industries sector slots from existing 30 to 50. Import Bank of India, Mumbai has extended Housing Enterprise (a public sector It was also agreed that India would assist a credit line of US $5 million to Angola for understanding), Mr. Kavekotora, visited Zambia in setting up a vocational training financing exports from India to Angola. India from 1-8 August 2002. A 4-member school. State Bank of India (SBI), Johannesburg has delegation led by the acting Vice Chancellor formally proposed to the Central Bank of of the University of Namibia visited India Led by India Trade Promotion Organisation Angola to open a Representative Office of to develop academic links between the (ITPO), 15 Indian organisations participated th SBI in Luanda. University of Namibia and institutions of in the 77 Lusaka Agricultural and higher learning in India. Commercial Show held in August 2003. Angola’s Minister of Planning, Ms. Ana Dias These included National Small Industries Lourenco in her capacity as Chairman of Donation of 5000 metric tonnes of rice as Corporation, Ministry of Food Processing the Council of Ministers of SADC, visited well as anti-retroviral drugs worth US $ Industries, and a number of small and India in July 2003 and held talks with 100,000 were formally handed over to medium companies in the fields of food External Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant Namibian authorities in the first week of processing, extraction of edible oils, machine Sinha. INS Trishul, an Indian warship, March 2004. tools, packaging and other fields. The visited Luanda in August 2003. The visit by Zambian President visited the Indian the Indian warship to Angola, the first of its Zambia Pavilion. The participation of Indian kind, generated a lot of interest in Angola. The President of Zambia, Mr. Levy Patrick companies evoked several enquiries for Mwanawasa paid a state visit to India from purchase of Indian technology and Botswana 20-25 April 2003. During his visit, Mr. equipment from Zambian businessmen. External Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant Mwanawasa held discussions with President, An Indian public sector undertaking, M/s Sinha, was the first Indian Minister of Vice-President, Prime Minister, Deputy Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) External Affairs to visit Botswana. His visit Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister secured a second contract worth US$ 6 in April 2003 cemented the already close ties and Ministers for Human Resource million for supply, erection and between India and Botswana and set in pace Development and Agriculture. There was commissioning of ten transformers for number of steps for further collaboration in close similarity of views on all international, Kafue Gorge Power Station in Zambia. various fields. Union Minister of Youth regional and bilateral issues discussed Another Indian Company, M/s Cipla Affairs and Sports, Shri Vikram Verma and between the two countries. The Zambian Pharmaceuticals Limited secured a contract Members of Parliament Shri Pramod President supported India’s candidature for for supply of Anti-HIV/AIDS medicines Mahajan,Shri Mahendra Prasad,as well the permanent membership of the expanded worth US$ 3 million to the Zambian senior civilian and military officers visited UN Security Council. He affirmed that government. Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Botswana during the year. Chief of Army terrorism could not be justified in any form Lt. Gen. J.B.S Yadav visited Zambia from 3- Staff, Gen. N.C. Vij visited Botswana in for any cause or any reason. The Zambian 6 February 2004 on a goodwill visit.

61 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

Dr. Kenneth K. Kaunda, the First President by Government of India for the African South Africa of Zambia was on a private visit to Mumbai Union Summit to the Deputy Minister of The year saw an extraordinary consolidation and Hyderabad to discuss setting up of Health Aida Libombo. Secretary (EAA) of ties between India and South Africa. The HIV/AIDS manufacturing facilities in visited Maputo during 5-10 July 2003 for the highlight of the year was the high-profile Africa with Indian Pharmaceutical African Union Summit. During the visit he companies from 10-14 March 2004. met the Foreign Minister, the Minister for state visit of President Thabo Mbeki to India Higher Education, Science & Technology, from 15-19 October 2003. The President was accompanied by 11 Cabinet Ministers Mozambique the Vice Minister for Finance, the General Secretary of the ruling Frelimo party as well and a 70-member strong business delegation. President Alberto Joaquim Chissano paid a as the Director of the Mozambican Centre The unprecedented size and composition of State Visit to India during 10-15 May 2003. for Investment Promotion (CPI) with whom the accompanying ministerial delegation During the visit President Chissano met and fruitful discussions on bilateral matters were reflected the importance of the visit and the held discussions with the President, the held. Secretary also held discussions with wide scope of cooperation between India Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister Executive Secretaries of various regional and South Africa. During his visit, President and the External Affairs Minister among organisations like COMESA, NEPAD, Mbeki met the President and the Prime others. The Mozambican delegation IGAD, ECOWAS, SADC, etc. Minister and senior Cabinet Ministers. The included the Ministers of Agriculture, two Heads of State signed a Joint Industry & Trade, Higher Education, INS Ranjit and INS Suvarna of the Indian Declaration. Five other documents were Science & Technology and Health. At the Navy visited Mozambique from 23 June–16 signed in their presence: an Extradition bilateral discussions held during the visit, it July 2003 to provide maritime security cover was agreed to write off government to for the African Union Summit. Apart from Treaty, a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in government debts owed by Mozambique to successfully providing maritime security Criminal Matters, Agreements on India, while co-operation under Special cover during the Summit, the two ships Cooperation in the field of Hydrocarbons Commonwealth Assistance for Africa Plan provided onboard training and and in the field of Power/Electricity, and the (SCAAP) and GCSS would be further familiarisation with operations onboard ships Cultural Exchange Programme for 2004- extended along with other projects/ for Mozambican Naval officers and sailors. 2006. The Presidential delegation also assistance in Small and Medium Enterprises, Medical team from the ships also organised visited Hyderabad for an exposure to India’s with focus on coconut and coir processing, free medical camps at various places, which strengths in the field of biotechnology and health and education. An MoU in the field benefited approximately 650 patients. information technology. He concluded his of Agriculture and a bilateral inter- The Minister of Labour, Shri Sahib Singh visit in Mumbai where the Presidential governmental Science & Technology Verma accompanied by a high-powered delegation had an extensive business Agreement were signed during the visit. The delegation visited Mozambique during 22- interaction. Prime Minister of India also announced a 24 August 2003 at the invitation of the External Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant grant amounting to US$ 200,000.00 per Mozambican Minister of Labour. During Sinha, visited Pretoria from 3-4 July 2003 year for the next five years to be used towards the visit, the two Ministers held talks on for the fifth meeting of the bilateral Joint the implementation of specific projects to be bilateral co-operation in the field of labour Commission. Discussions covered the entire jointly identified by both sides. In addition and signed an MoU in this respect. gamut of relations encompassing to this grant, Mozambique will also receive cooperation in political and defense matters; a concessional credit line of US$ 20 million Health Minister of Mozambique visited from the US$ 200 million Special Africa India in February 2004. An MoU regarding trade, economic relations and technical Fund announced by the Government of cooperation in the field of health and cooperation; science & technology; culture India. During his six-day stay in the country, medicine between the two countries was & education; and minerals and energy. The President Chissano also visited the Punjab signed during the visit. The Minister of Joint Commission witnessed the signing of Agricultural University, Ludhiana, the Mineral Resources and Energy visited India an agreement between the EXIM Bank of National Institute for Rural Development, from 11-14 December 2003. India and South Africa’s Absa Bank for a the e-Seva Centre and Hi-tech City in 10-million dollar credit line to facilitate the Andhra Pradesh, coir and cashew processing Swaziland export of capital goods and equipment centres in Kerala and the Tata Showroom Two candidates from Swaziland have been between the two countries. External Affairs in Mumbai. selected to undergo training in India under Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha also addressed the Conference of Heads of On 30 June 2003 Indian High the SCAAP programme. While one is Commissioner formally handed over expected to leave for India in November Missions in Southern Africa in Pretoria on medicines valued at US$ 100,000 donated 2003, the other will leave in January 2004. 3 July 2003.

62 The Visiting President of the Republic of South Africa Mr. T. M. Mbeki and Mrs. Zanele Mbeki being received by the President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at a Ceremonial Reception in New Delhi on October 16, 2003.

Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the NAM’s Business Forum on South South Cooperation at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on February 23, 2003 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

Infrastructure, Job creation and small, participated in the conference and also held Close and active cooperation in medium and micro-enterprises, Science & fruitful bilateral meetings. multilateral fora notably at the Cancun Technology, Information Society, E- Apart from contacts at Cabinet Minister meeting of the World Trading Governance, Capacity Building, Local level, there were frequent visits in both Organization in October 2003 Content Development, E-Health, directions of delegations led by political reflected the exemplary state of Information Society, Health, Energy, leadership at the level of Indian states/and bilateral relations, which had gained Defence and Education. South African provinces. The key area of a trans-continental dimension with the South African Communication Minister, Ms. defence cooperation gained strength from launching of the India, Brazil, South Ivy Matsepe-Cassaburry visited India from th Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum in high level visits from India. The 10 round 21-27 April 2003. She called on her Indian Brasilia on 6 June 2003. The IBSA of Defence Committee meeting was held in counterpart and discussed the possibility of initiative itself is being pursued New Delhi on 2-5 December 2003. Soon an MoU on Information and enthusiastically by the partner thereafter, the Defence Minister of South governments, with a trilateral Joint Communications Technology. Dr. Africa, Mr. M. Lekota, paid a bilateral visit Commission to be hosted by India in B.S.Ngubane South African Minister of to India and signed an agreement on defence early March, and a number of inter- Arts, Culture, Science and Technology cooperation. Raksha Mantri, George Ministerial meetings in different participated in the ‘Dialogue among Fernandes visited South Africa for the sectors planned in the period before Civilizations’ organised in New Delhi from meeting of the IBSA Defence Ministers from this meeting. The initiative has also 9-10 July 2003. Minister in the Presidency, 31 January 2004-2 February 2004.The Vice elicited intense international attention, Mr. Essop Pahad, who is responsible for Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Air Staff as a grouping of three large and planning, visited India to attend the CII visited South Africa from 3-8 July and 17- influential emerging economies in Partnership Summit on 5-6 January 2004. 23 August 2003 respectively. A 15-member three continents, all vibrant During the visit, he met the Deputy delegation from the National Defence democracies, who perhaps are heard Chairman, Planning Commission in which College also visited South Africa from 23- much more credibly by the developed the Brazilian Ambassador also participated 31 May 2003. The Indian Naval Ship world when they speak with one voice. in discussions on cooperation in the field of “Trishul” on her maiden voyage from St. planning under the aegis of the IBSA. Petersburg to India called at the Port of The scope was further enhanced with the Possibilities of bilateral Cooperation were Durban from 8-11 September 2003. The regional context added by India’s closer and also discussed. visit generated enormous interest and there institutionalised engagement with the Dr. (Mrs.) Tshabala-Msimang, Minister of was extensive media coverage of the African Union and the SADC, and the New Health of South Africa visited India from 3- successful visit of the state-of-the-art ship. Partnership for Africa’s Development 6 March 2004 and discussed matters relating Chief of Army Staff, General N.C. Vij (NEPAD), coordinated by its Secretariat in to cooperation between India and South visited South Africa on the invitation of South Africa. Government of India Africa in the field of health & medicine with Chief of South African Army from 18-22 announced a US$ 200 million for Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of Health & February 2004. engagement with NEPAD projects, in a Family Welfare. Mr. M.G.P. Lekota, Minister An India –South Africa Awareness seminar combination of concessional loans and of Defence of South Africa visited India was held in collaboration with the credits, including a grant element for from 3-6 March 2004 and discussed matters Department of Trade & Industry of South training, provision of consultants and on cooperation in the field of defence with Africa at Johannesburg on March 10,2004 feasibility studies. Talks have also been held Shri George Fernandes, Defence and attracted impressive participation and at the senior official level with the NEPAD Minister.South African Deputy Minister for audience.An entitled ‘Enterprise India 2004’ Secretariat in South Africa and followed up Science & Technology visited India from 8- was organized by CII in Cape Town from during the visit of the NEPAD Chairman to 10 March 2004 to attend conference on 16-25 March 2004 with the participation of India in November. “Women in Science”. about 60 Indian companies. Foreign Ministers of South Africa and Brazil A high level Government-cum-Business visited Delhi on 4-5 March 2004 for the 2nd Delegation from India led by Minister of Chief Justice of India, Shri V.N. Khare meeting of the Trilateral Ministerial State for Commercial & Commerce and visited South Africa to attend the Commission of the India-Brazil-South industry, Shri S.B. Mookherjee, visited Cape inauguration of new building of Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum. The Town from 11-17 June 2003.He attended the Constitutional Court (17-18 March 2004). Ministers agreed on a Plan of Action for conference of Commercial Representatives Director General (Agriculture) and Director trilateral cooperation in the fields of from southern sub-Saharan Africa. Apex General (Tourism & Environment), Transportation (Civil Aviation and industry organizations of India like Government of South Africa visited India Shipping), Tourism, Trade & Investment, CAPEXIL, CHEMEXCIL, EEPC, SEPC in March 2004.

64 Africa (South of Sahara)

Bilateral business interaction was both made in strengthening bilateral co- Zimbabwe. A G-15 project in SME sector intensive and extensive. Dr. Alister Ruiters, operation. The visit of Prime Minister worth US$5 million pledged by India to Director General of the Department of Stateisili to India from 31 July –7 August Zimbabwe began to take shape towards end Trade and Industry headed the delegation 2003 gave a strong fillip to bilateral co- of 2003. operation. During the visit, Government of from South African side for the third President Mugabe met India’s Prime India offered US$ 50,000 worth of Meeting of India South Africa Commercial Minister on the sidelines of UNGA on 26 medicines (anti-retroviral drugs) and 5,000 Alliance, held in New Delhi from 25-26 September 2003. Bilateral issues and India’s tons each of wheat flour and rice to Lesotho. August 2003. A large number of business- support for Zimbabwe in the The Indian side also announced a credit line related delegations visited South Africa. Commonwealth figured in the talks. Highlights included the “Enterprise India of US$ 5 million for Lesotho. Both sides The Zimbabwe Minister for Small & 2003” exhibition held at the International agreed to cooperate actively in science & Medium Enterprises participated in the Convention Centre in Durban in association technology, agriculture, health, trade and “Hyderabad Youth and Employment with the Confederation of Indian Industry investment, law & order, and military. It was Summit” (YAES) Regional Forum from 14- (CII) from 20-26 August 2003, which decided to set up a Joint Commission 18 December 2003. showcased a wide range of Indian products between the two countries to monitor this process. from over 60 companies from India. Many business delegations visited South Africa, In a very positive development, the Ethiopia including large delegations coordinated by Government of Lesotho opened a resident Out of 10,000 MT of wheat pledged by the Ministry of Power to study the mission in New Delhi. Government of India to mitigate the sufferings of the drought-sticken of Ethiopia, implementation of pre-paid metering system A Memorandum of Understanding between 9,739.36 MT of wheat has been delivered and two others from the Tamil Nadu National Small Industries Corporation, to the Ethiopian authorities. Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and India and Basotho Enterprises Development from the Federation of Indian Export Corporation (BEDCO), Lesotho concerning In June 2003, Telecommunications Organization. mutual cooperation for the development of Consultants India Ltd. (TCIL), New Delhi Significant progress was made towards small industries in Lesotho was signed on 22 has been awarded two contracts in Ethiopia, enhancing connectivity between India and January 2004. An Agreement establishing a US $ 7. 2 Million for construction of Outside South Africa. A bilateral agreement on Joint Lesotho-India Intergovernmental Plan Network on turnkey basis and US $ Merchant Shipping was finalized in principle Commission for Economic, Cultural, 655, 105 for supply of VSAT Antenna System. during the visit of an Indian delegation from Scientific and Technical Cooperation has been finalised and is expected to be signed the Ministry of Shipping from 27-29 before 31 March 2004. September 2003. Bilateral air services were Madagascar reviewed during the visit of a delegation led Co-operation in cultural field remarkably Recently brought under the purview of the by Secretary (Civil Aviation) from 10-11 intensified with visits of two ICCR ‘Focus Africa’ programme, Madagascar October 2003, resulting in to an agreement sponsored troupes. A delegation from the assumed added importance during the year for increasing both the frequency and points National Defence College, led by Maj. Gen. as new commercial and economic of call. A.J.B. Jaini, visited Lesotho on Study Tour opportunities arose with the removal of from 28-29 May 2003.The Indian Army customs tariffs on a variety of items, The Nelson Mandela Chair at the Jawahar Training team continued its good work. Its including capital goods and increased Lal Nehru Centre was revived with the tenure was extended by 2 years on the investment in infrastructure. selection of Prof. Robert C. Shell from the request of the Government of Lesotho. University of Western Cape for the first The Minister for Secondary & Basic academic term in 2003. Incumbents for the Government of India has donated US$ Education, H.E. Mr. Dieudonne Michel next two terms have also been selected. The 50,000 worth of anti-retroviral drugs to Razafindrandriatsimihary, visited New Delhi Mission and its posts and office (in Cape Lesotho, which have already reached and are at the invitation of Human Resource Town) organised a number of cultural expected to be formally handed over to Development Minister, Shri Murli Manohar Government of Lesotho before 31 March activities throughout the year. The functions Joshi to attend the Conference on ‘Dialogue 2004. celebrated to mark the festivals of Diwali and among Civilisations’ held from 8-12 July Holi attracted large participation of 2003. dignitaries, media and Indian community. Zimbabwe India donated 50,000 tonnes of rice to Tanzania Lesotho Zimbabwe and the gesture was much External Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha paid an official visit to Tanzania from As for Lesotho, unprecedented strides were appreciated by the Government of

65 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

25-28 April 2003, when he, along with sponsored “Dialogue among Civilizations – Raymond Berenger paid an official visit to Tanzania’s Foreign Minister Mr. Jakaya M. Quest for New Perspectives”. Uganda’s India, his first visit abroad after taking over Kikwete, co-chaired the Sixth Bilateral Joint Minister of State for Finance (in charge of as the Head of Government, from 19-24 Commission Meeting. Privatization Unit), Prof. Peter Kasenene, November 2003. The following MoUs/ visited National Dairy Development Board, Agreements were signed during that visit: - Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Anand in August 2003. Shri S.B. Mookherjee visited Tanzania from n Extradition Treaty. 27 June–2 July 2003 for the first meeting of Rwanda n Agreement for Cooperation in the Power the bilateral Joint Trade Committee, which Sector. he co-chaired with Tanzania’s Minister for Rwanda’s Minister of Commerce & Industry Industry and Trade Dr. Juma A. Ngasongwa. led a strong business delegation to India in n Agreement for Cooperation in the April 2003. Hydrocarbon Sector. Zanzibar n Agreement for purchase of a Dornier The President of Zanzibar, Mr. Amani Seychelles aircraft by Mauritius from HAL. Vice-President Shri Bhairon Singh Abeid Karume paid an official visit to India n Cultural Exchange Programme. from 7-12 March 2004. Matters relating to Shekhawat paid an official visit from 8-12 The official visit of External Affairs Minister, Indian assistance in a number of areas September 2003 to Seychelles leading a Shri Yashwant Sinha to Mauritius from 1-3 including health (development of delegation comprising the Minister of State July 2003 took place after a hiatus of seven managerial skills in health institutions and for External Affairs, Shri Digvijay Singh and years. External Affairs Minister held training of medical staff), provision of other senior government officials. During discussions with the then Prime Minister, Sir science and technology subject teachers, the visit, he held talks with Seychelles Vice Anerood Jugnauth, the then Deputy Prime laboratory equipment and relevant President James Michel. The Indian delegation also met the Minister for Foreign Minister, Mr.Paul Berenger, Foreign textbooks, provision of computers and other Affairs Jeremie Bonnelame, Minister for Minister, Mr.Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, accessories, collaboration with Zanzibar Health, Patrick Pillay and Minister for President and Vice President. Delegation State University, etc. were discussed during Environment, Ronnie Jumeau. There the level talks included discussions on a number the visit. Vice President addressed a special session of of issues and review of the progress of ‘Joint During the visit it was announced that India the National Assembly. He also paid a visit Declaration’ signed during Sir Anerood would provide 50 computers and other to the Seychelles Defence Academy. Three Jugnauth’s visit to India in January 2003. A accessories to Zanzibar, deputation of MoUs were signed in the areas of Defence, ‘Joint Statement’ was signed at the teachers in science and technology under Healthcare and Science and Technology. conclusion of the visit along with the ITEC and laboratory equipment and The Indo-Seychelles Cultural Exchange following three MoUs/Agreements: relevant textbooks up to an amount of US$ Programme for the years 2003-05 was also n Agreement on Foreign Office 100,000. Provision of hospital equipment signed. A Joint Statement was issued at the Consultations Mechanism. worth US$ 100,000 was also announced conclusion of the visit. The Vice-President under the ITEC Programme. announced US $ 1 million grant for n MoU in the field of social defence. assistance over a period of 5 years for setting External Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant n MoU on training of SMEs. up mutually agreed projects in the sectors Sinha, during his official visit to Tanzania The then, Prime Minister of Mauritius of agro-industry, small and medium industry, paid one day visit to Zanzibar on 27 April Anerood Jugnauth visited India from 5-11 information technology and 2003 and extended invitation to Mr. Amani January 2003. The visit was mainly for the pharmaceuticals and an additional grant of Abeid Karume, President, Zanzibar to visit purpose of delivering a Special address at US $ 50,000 for supply of HIV-AIDS India which was accepted. The dates for the the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations. medicines. visit are being finalized. Minister of State Both sides issued a joint statement after the for Commerce & Industry, Shri S.B. The Speaker of the National Assembly conclusion of the visit. A major outcome of Mookherjee, visited Zanzibar from 28-29 Francis MacGregor participated in the the visit was the announcement by the Prime June 2003. During the visit, he met President International Parliamentary Conference Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee to of Zanzibar, Mr. Amani Abeid Karume. from 22-26 January 2004 in New Delhi to support the initiative taken by Mauritius to mark the Golden Jubilee of India’s set up a Bioinformatics Institute in Uganda Parliament. collaboration with India. Uganda’s Minister of Education & Sports, Motee Ramdass, the Minister of Arts and Dr. Edward Khiddu Makubuya, visited India Mauritius Culture made an official visit to India from in early July to participate in the UNESCO- The newly appointed Prime Minister Paul 4-9 September 2003. Sangeet Fowdar, the

66 Africa (South of Sahara)

Minister for Training, Skills Development, Mr. Naveen Ram Ghulam, Leader of the consultations. Because of the successful talks Employment and Productivity, also visited Opposition of Mauritius visited India during held covering a wide range of bilateral India from 21-24 September 2003. India has 8-16 February 2004 at the invitation of cooperation, these discussions were termed also extended assistance towards ICCR. as Joint Commission talks by the Cameroon construction of an international convention Foreign Minister. Cameroon’s enthusiasm for center in Mauritius. Of the estimated cost Kenya increased cooperation with India was of US$ 12 million, half would be in the form expressed by their Foreign Minister in their The main highlight in bilateral relations was of grant while the other half would be drawn decision to establish a resident Cameroon the holding of the inaugural session of the from the existing line of credit of USD 100 Embassy in Delhi and expecting India to India-Kenya Intergovernmental Joint million. The project is designed and being reciprocate by establishing a resident Mission Commission for Political, Economic, built by Indian company Larsen & Toubro. in Yaounde. Cultural, Scientific and Technical Shri Praveen Jugnauth, Deputy Prime Cooperation held from 21-22 July 2003. It Minister of Mauritius visited India during was co-chaired by Minister of State for Cote D’ Ivoire 8-10 January 2004 for the 2nd Pravasi External Affairs, Shri Digvijay Singh along Despite the dusk-to-dawn curfew following Bhartiya Divas celebrations. Discussions on with the Kenyan Foreign Minister, Mr. the attempted coup of 19 September 2002, enhancing the already close and friendly Kalonzo Musyoka. which continued in Cote d’ Ivoire until 8 relationship were held. May 2003, the Indian Embassy continued to function. This was while 49 out of 50 Shri Jaya Krishan Cuttaree, Minister of Eritrea other Embassies evacuated their staff. With Foreign Affairs, International Trade & Eritrean Foreign Minister Mr. Ali Said the lifting of the curfew on 8 May 2003, Regional Cooperation of the Government Abdella led a nine-member delegation Secretary (EAA) made an official visit to of Mauritius visited India during 6-10 (which included Cabinet Ministers for Cote d’ Ivoire from 15-17 May 2003. The January 2004 to co-chair the India-Mauritius Education and Agriculture) to India from 7- Minister for Petroleum offered India a choice Joint Commission Meeting. Deliberations 12 May 2003. of eight offshore lots for equity participation were held on political issues, India’s in petroleum exploration. The Government cooperation with SADC and COMESA, Democratic Republic of of India has gifted 5,000 MT of sugar and cooperation in the field of terrorism, science Congo 5,000 MT of rice to the people of Cote d’ and technology including IT, oceanography Ivoire recovering from the civil war. India and non-conventional energy resources, An Indian contingent consisting of also agreed to send two IT experts, one to Environment, Culture, Civil Aviation, ITEC approximately 340 personnel from Air Force handle the computerization of the Training, Consular matters including and Army led by Group Captain K.S. Gill Presidency and the second to assist in setting facilitation of visa to Indian Businessmen, has been deployed for a UN Peace Keeping up of IT Software Park in Grand Bassam. new projects in Mauritius, important issues Operation in Eastern Congo. The For the first time, the Minister of AIDS and pertaining to Indian companies including contingent is expected to stay for about one Minister of Health of Cote d’ Ivoire visited PSUs in Mauritius, review of Bilateral Trade year. India to inspect the facilities of Indian and agreement, cooperation in Mutual Legal pharmaceutical companies with a view to Assistance on Criminal matters including Benin placing order for generic medicines from anti-narcotics, cooperation in defence Secretary (EAA), Ministry of External India. He also participated in the Second including purchase of offshore patrol vessel Affairs visited Benin in August 2003 for the India-Africa Health Summit held in and helicopter by Mauritius and naval first-ever bilateral consultations. Benin Mumbai. A high level Ivorian delegation surveillance of exclusive economic zone of Foreign Minister expressed their desire for visited India to participate in Small-Scale that country and conclusion of a establishing Benin Embassy in Delhi by Engineering Exhibition organised by the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation 2004-2005 in view of increased bilateral Engineering Export Promotion Council Agreement. political, economic, commercial and (EEPC) from 25-27 November 2003. Agreement was reached by both sides to technical assistance between the two countries. increase bilateral trade and two way flow of The Gambia investments, adoption of a liberal visa regime Permanent Secretary, Department of State and non-restrictive labour policy, Cameroon for Education, Mr. Y. Sireh Jallow, enhancement of interaction through the Cameroon, which is an elected Member of represented The Gambia at the Conference Joint Business Council to expand trade and the UN Security Council, received Secretary on “Dialogue among Civilizations – Quest commercial and Partnership Agreement (EAA), Ministry of External Affairs in for New Perspectives” held in New Delhi (CECPA) at the earliest. August 2003 for the first ever-bilateral from 9-10 July 2003. The cultural troupe

67 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

sponsored by ICCR and led by Ms. Penaz US$ 15 million Line of Credit to Ghana in between the Guinean Government and the Masani staged one performance on 13 October 2003. In April 2003, Ghana’s Indian delegation. India proposed the September 2003 in Banjul. This High Minister for Food and Agriculture visited setting up of a Joint Commission with Commission in association with the local India to acquaint himself with Guinea. The Government of Guinea Indian Community organized the event. In advancements in irrigation and fertilizer submitted a draft Joint Commission order to consolidate relations between the applications. The Government of Ghana document, which is under examination by two countries, India has appointed an has placed an order for Tractors from India. the Indian authorities. Guinea has sought an Honorary Consul in The Gambia. The The Precious Minerals Marketing Company increase in the number of ITEC scholarships Gambia has been regularly availing of the Ltd., Ghana is collaborating with Gujarat for the Guinean nationals particularly in the ITEC scholarships. During the period April- Gold Centre for establishing a medium size field of computerisation, agriculture and October 2003, eight Gambians availed of gold refinery in Ghana. defence training. the ITEC scholarships. Secretary (EAA) during his visit to Ghana in August 2003 held detailed discussions with Liberia Ghana Dr. Ibn Chambas, Executive Secretary of The civil war in Liberia deteriorated with Indo-Ghana bilateral relations showed an ECOWAS. It was then agreed that in LURD (Liberians United for Reconciliation upward, positive trend. Ghana and India principle India and ECOWAS should have & Democracy) and MODEL (Movement for have been generally supportive of each other a structured relationship for mutual Democracy in Liberia) attacking the in world fora. Both countries have joined cooperation. India opened dialogue with Liberian capital Monrovia and overrunning the coalition against international terrorism Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping it. Government of India helped a group of and have condemned terrorism whole- Centre in Accra and expressed interest in 54 Indians to be evacuated by ship from heartedly in all its forms. Both countries have cooperating with it. Monrovia to Abidjan. They were received signed the protocol on Foreign Office by the Embassy in Cote d’Ivoire and Consultations (FOC). In August 2003, Guinea Bissau arrangements made for them to proceed to Secretary (EAA) visited Ghana and met the A coup d’etat took place in Guinea Bissau on their different destinations. Simultaneously, Foreign Minister, Mr. Nana Akufo-Addo and 14 September 2003. President Kumba Yala three planeloads of Indian evacuees were Vice President, Mr.Alhaji Aliu Mahama. He was overthrown and General Verissimo moved from Monrovia to the neighbouring announced that Government of India would Correia Seabre took control of the country. capitals of Freetown, Lome, and Cotonou. support the development projects in Ghana On 23 September 2003, the military A peace agreement was signed on 14August. with US$ 42 million EXIM Bank Line of authorities announced the appointment of Peace is still tenuous in Liberia. Credit (LOC) and that Indian government Mr. Henrique Rosa and Mr. Artur Sanha would also if requested provide experts to respectively to the posts of President and Mauritania assist in execution of projects. India has Prime Minister respectively. A new transition Indian Ambassador in September 2003, had continued to give training assistance to Government has also been constituted. an audience with Mr. Maouya Sidi Ould Ghana under the ITEC for human resource Ahmed Taya, President of Mauritania development of Ghana. During the year, 20 During the financial year 2002-03, India’s besides calling on Vice Minister for Foreign trainees from various departments in Ghana imports from Guinea Bissau were valued at Affairs and other senior officials. An Indian have been sent to India to receive training US$47.39 million and the exports to Guinea company, M/s CSL has been awarded a in various fields. Also, five long-term Bissau touched $5.19 million. The main item contract for tripling the capacity of the only scholarships have been awarded to of Indian imports was raw cashew nuts. The cement plant in Mauritania. During the Ghanaian students to pursue higher main items of our exports were financial year 2002-03, our exports to education in India. The India-Ghana Kofi pharmaceuticals and textiles. Guinea Bissau Mauritania were valued at US$20.51 Annan Centre of Excellence for IT training has started making use of the scholarships million, mainly textiles while imports from has been established in Accra, the capital, under the ITEC programme. During April- Mauritania were negligible. with Indian assistance. Building and October 2003, Guinea Bissau Foreign equipment are in place and the Centre has Ministry personnel availed of one ITEC held some training courses. scholarship. Nigeria Bilateral trade between India and Ghana has Nigeria is India’s largest trading partner in increased significantly over the years. India’s Guinea the whole of African continent. During the exports to Ghana increased by 60% US$ Guinea was a non-permanent member of year, the excellent political, economic and 109.3 million in the year 2003 as compared the UN Security Council in May 2003 when commercial relations with Nigeria were to the last year. In order to facilitate bilateral Secretary (EAA) visited Guinea from 18-19 further consolidated by convening of the trade, EXIM Bank of India has extended May 2003. Official level talks were held Joint Commission’s (JCM) Fourth Session in

68 The visiting President of Zambia Mr. Levy P. Mwanawasa paying homage at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in Delhi on April 21, 2003.

The President of the Republic of Senegal Mr. Abdoulaye Wade and Mrs. Viviane Wade paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his Samadhi at Rajghat in Delhi on October 13, 2003. Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

New Delhi on 30 October 2003. This was George Tending, Senegalese Minister for Minister for Private Sector & Investments of co-chaired by the External Affairs Minister Professional Education and Training. Mali. of India and the Nigerian Minister for Mr. Shashank, the then, Secretary (EAA) The Thapar Group has invested around Foreign Affairs. Both the Ministers visited Dakar from 19-21 May 2003 on US$600,000 as part of the US$4 million exchanged views on bilateral as well as Foreign Office consultations. He called on investment into the largest textile-spinning international affairs and the JCM laid the the Prime Minister, Mr Idrissa Seck, Senior mill in West Africa, INDOSEN, to produce ground for further increased cooperation and Minister for Industry and Handicrafts, Mr. fabric and terry towels for export under developments in commerce, science & Landing Savane, Minister for Commerce & AGOA. The Indian company has 60% technology, defence and technical Small Scale Enterprises, M’me Aicha Agne equity in the project. cooperation. Pouye and Minister for Professional In August 2003, Indian Farmers Fertilizer The top leadership of India and Nigeria met Education, Mr. Georges Tending. The regularly during the NAM summit in Kuala Indian naval warship INS Trishul called at Cooperative Ltd. (IFFCO) invested an Lumpur and during the UN General the Dakar port during its maiden voyage additional US$10 million in Industries Assembly in New York. India also attended from St. Petersburg to Mumbai from 10-14 Chimiques du Senegal (ICS). India’s equity share the Commonwealth Heads of Government August 2003. This was the first such visit by has thus gone up to nearly 30% of the total Meeting (CHOGM 2003) in Abuja. During any Indian naval warship to Senegal. The equity of ICS. ICS is involved in mining and the visit Prime Minister inaugurated the new Senegalese Ministry of Defence and, in processing of phosphates and India buys Chancery building project of the High particular Senegalese Navy helped in back the entire output of phosphoric acid. Commission of India. providing necessary logistical support and India imported US$140.2 million worth of organizing the necessary meetings. A phosphoric acid during the fiscal year 2002- Senegal number of Senegalese dignitaries paid visit 03 and expects to import US$155 million during the next fiscal year 2003-04. President Abdoulaye Wade visited India to the Indian warship. There was good during 12-15 October 2003. He was media coverage of the warship’s call. An Indian cultural troupe sponsored by accompanied by Senior Ministers. He called Group General Manager, NRDC, Dr. D.K. ICCR and led by Ms. Penaz Masani visited on the President, and had meeting with the Bhardwaj, was invited by the Government Senegal from 10-12 September 2003 within Prime Minister followed by delegation level of Senegal on a one-month consultancy visit the framework of bilateral Cultural talks. The Vice-President, the Minister for during May-June 2003 regarding Exchange Programme. The troupe had Agriculture and the Minister for Chemicals cooperation in the agriculture sector. performances in Dakar on 11-12 September and Fertilizers called on President Wade and Subsequently, President Wade set up a 2003. The performances were well attended discussed issues of common interest. During National Task Force for cooperation with with reviews in the press. the visit the Government of India India in the agriculture sector. In August The Director General of the largest announced the offer of US$15 million 2003, a member of the NTF on agriculture circulation daily, Le Soleil (The Sun) visited concessional line of credit for small-scale visited India for ten days. This was followed India during 6-13 October 2003 at External industries and agricultural equipment. India by the visit to India of a three-member Publicity Division’s invitation in advance of also offered grant for conducting feasibility Senegalese delegation for procuring maize study and for preparing a detailed project processing equipment at Bangalore, Mysore the State visit of the Senegalese President report for the 882 kilometers Dakar- and Hyderabad. to India. Tambconda-Ziguinchor railway line in Tata Motors won a US$19 million World Senegal. SADC Bank tender for supply of public transport Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. buses to Senegal as part of the scheme to India-SADC Forum was formally launched Digvijay Singh visited Senegal from 16-20 revamp the local transport system. following approval of India’s proposal by September 2003 and participated at the Furthermore, on 17 September 2003, the SADC Ministerial Meeting in Luanda. inauguration of Indo-Senegalese joint Indo-Senegalese joint venture SENBUS SADC delegation comprising Chairperson venture SENBUS Industries for assembly of Industries established for assembly of Tata of SADC Ministerial Council and Executive Tata buses. Besides calling on Senegalese buses was inaugurated at Thiès near Dakar. Secretary of SADC visited India in July 2003 President on 20 September 2003, he met Mr. Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri and held detailed and fruitful discussions Mamadou Seck, Minister for Infrastructure, Digvijay Singh represented Government of with External Affairs Minister. SADC Equipment & Transport. He visited India at the ceremony to which Senegal had nations continued to extend support to India Entrepreneur & Technical Development also invited the Presidents of Burkina Faso, on various issues, and India offered to Centre (ETDC) established by India under Cape Verde, Mauritania and Sudan as well cooperate with SADC on large number of G-15 rubric at Dakar accompanied by Mr. as the Prime Minister of Togo and the fields. SADC is conducting such dialogue

70 Africa (South of Sahara)

level interaction only with USA, European small scale industries and rural development, Union and India. pharmaceuticals and health care, information technology and TEAM-9 Initiative telecommunications, transport, energy etc. The cooperation would derive synergy based To give a boost to India’s relations with West on the diverse capacities, capabilities of the Africa, a new group was formed called member countries. TEAM-9. This concept of TEAM-9 (Techno-Economic Approach for Africa India Movement) is a partnership between An MoU was signed and the India and West Africa (the countries being following decisions were taken: Burkina Faso, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, n Identification, implementation of Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, priority projects and corporate Mali, Senegal). While this is a new approach, schemes in different sectors. it symbolizes, at heart, the essence of South- n Setting up a Business Council for South cooperation in today’s world. India facilitating identification, has invited the eight West African countries entrepreneurship and for becoming member of TEAM-9, which implementation of specific projects. aims at transfer of technology to The West African countries with which India had a n The Government of India would little commercial and economic impact. The provide concessional credit First Ministerial Meeting of TEAM-9 facilities of US$ 500 million for country was held in New Delhi on 1 March financial assistance for the various 2004 at Vigyan Bhawan. projects and schemes identified for It was decided that The TEAM-9 implementation under this regional cooperation mechanism will operate at cooperation mechanism. The credit Government, institutional and private sector line will be administered through levels, sharing various types of expertise, EXIM Bank of India. The intellectual and physical resources as well as Government of India also offered economic opportunities for promoting access to training resources in welfare, growth and prosperity of the people. India and facilitate deputation of It would thus involve providing opportunities Indian scientists, technologists and for education and training in crucial sectors. other experts. It would enable transfer of critical technologies. It would imply undertaking All participants also agreed upon a decision- specific projects in individual TEAM-9 making structure to formulate policies of countries, which would have region-wide cooperation, to review progress as well as for beneficial impact in the sectors critical for overall monitoring and coordination. employment and growth such as agriculture, nn

71 7. Europe

Central and Eastern Europe education. These made it possible to The Prime Minister announced a grant of maintain the continuity and the momentum US$ 5 million to Armenia, which will be ndia has traditionally enjoyed warm, in these ties and to reinvigorate them. There used for joint indo-Armenian projects. Three Ifriendly and close relations, marked by were Parliamentary exchanges with Bulgaria, agreements were signed during the visit: mutual goodwill, with the countries of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Apart Russia and Ukraine. Regular Foreign Office n Double Taxation Avoidance from fostering Parliamentary and cultural Consultations were also given due attention. Agreement, Protocol on Foreign Office Consultations delegations, conscious efforts were made to n Memorandum of Understanding on (FOC) with Albania was signed during the encourage political level exchanges during Cooperation in Information visit of then Secretary (EAA) Shri Shashank the past year. Specifically, India’s excellent Technology Services and time-tested relations with Russia were to Tirana on 4 - 5 February 2003 when the n further bolstered with the Prime Minster’s first round of the FOC was also held. Agreement on Visa Exemption for Diplomatic Passport Holders visit to Moscow in November 2003. Special efforts were devoted to qualitatively The continued efforts to further develop, enhance bilateral trade and investment with diversify and strengthen India’s traditionally CEE countries. Joint Commissions, Joint In addition, an MoU was signed between the warm, friendly and close relations with Committees and Joint Business Councils Centre of Policy Research, Delhi and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe were reinvigorated. FICCI and CII were Institute of Oriental Studies of Yerevan for (CEE) acquired greater significance with the encouraged to organise a number of events academic cooperation and collaboration. signing of Accession Treaties by eight in India and Missions in CEE countries. This The two sides issued a Joint Declaration at countries of the region for jointing the period also saw significant investment activity the conclusion of the visit. President European Union in May 2004, a few others by Non Resident Indians (NRIs) in the CEE Kocharian also visited Chandigarh where he aspiring to join by 2007 and still others in countries. For example, large steel mills in inaugurated the Centre for Caucasian the next 10-12 years. The focus of the effort Bosnia & Herzegovina, Poland and Romania Studies at the Centre for Research in Rural was to gradually put the relationships with were taken over by NRIs. A large business and Industrial Development (CRRID), the these countries on a pedestal form where it delegation accompanying the Prime first of its kind in Asia and it intends to focus would be easier for India to work with them Minister on his recent visit to Russia in on intellectual, business interaction between for mutual benefit in the changed November 2003 had useful interaction with India and the Transcaucasus (Armenia, geopolitical context. their Russian counterparts. Azerbaijan and Georgia) region for building linkages in socio-economic development, The general approach continued to focus on An important dimension of India’s relations cultural cooperation and security generating thrust for overall development of with CEE countries is the increased perspectives. FICCI and CII jointly bilateral relations through sustained interaction and cooperation in combating organized a large business meeting, which interaction at high level and between international terrorism. Agreements and enabled Indian businessmen to have a political leadership of India with CEE treaties on this subject and related areas were detailed briefing on Armenia and prospects countries. In the period under review, signed with some more CEE countries. of business in that country. President of India visited Bulgaria apart Interaction between national security from the two visits of the Prime Minister to agencies (for example, with Poland) was Minister of State for External Affairs Shri the Russian Federation, and incoming visits nurtured. Digvijay Singh visited Armenia from 14 – by the President of Armenia, Prime Minister 16 July 2003. The visit was historic as this of Hungary and Deputy Prime Ministers of Armenia was the first Ministerial (and the highest Latvia and Serbia & Montenegro, besides The high point of Indo-Armenian relations level) visit from India to Armenia after the Foreign Ministers of Bosnia and was the State visit by the President of latter’s independence. During his short visit, Herzegovina, Russia and Ukraine. Armenia Mr. Robert Kocharian to India the Minister of State for External Affairs had Representatives of Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia, from 29 October - 1 November 2003 at the meetings with the President, Foreign Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Russia invitation of the President of India. He was Minister, Ministers of Science and visited India to attend the Inter- accompanied by the Ministers of Foreign Education, Trade and Economic Parliamentary Conference held from 22-27 Affairs, Trade & Economic Development, Development, Transport and January 2003 marking the Golden Jubilee Agriculture and Education & Science. He Communication of Armenia and Deputy of the Indian Parliament. There have been held fruitful discussions with the President, Chairman of the National Assembly. high level bilateral exchanges with 13 CEE the Vice President and the Prime Minister. The third round of Foreign Office countries in areas including science and Armenia reiterated its support to India’s Consultations and the Inter-Governmental technology, IT, defence, culture and candidature to the UN Security Council. Commission Meeting were held in New

72 Europe

Delhi from 21-24 May 2003. The Armenian interest in sharing Indian experience in high On the invitation of Deputy Chairperson of delegation was led by Mr.Tatoul Margarian, technology, including IT and the Bulgarian National Assembly Mrs. Deputy Foreign Minister. The Indian side telecommunications, and offered to host Kameliya Kassabova, a 26-member was led by Shri Shashank, currently Foreign Indian business delegations for exploring Parliamentary Delegation led by Smt. Secretary. The Armenian delegation called such possibilities. It also invited Indian Sushma Swaraj, Minister of Parliamentary on Shri Thirunavukkarasar, Minister of State investment in spheres such as textiles. Both Affairs and Health & Family Welfare, paid a for Communications & IT, Shri Vidyasagar countries agreed to cooperate in the fight four-day (5-8 June) visit to Bulgaria. Rao, Minister of State for Commerce & against organised crime and international On the invitation of Minister of Human Industry. During this visit, Cultural terrorism. In this context, they agreed for Resource Development (HRD) Dr. Murli Exchange Programme for 2003-2006; early conclusion of relevant agreements, Manohar Joshi, the Bulgarian Minister of Bilateral Investment Promotion & Protection including an Extradition Treaty. Bosnia and Education and Science Mr. Vladimir Agreement and MoU between FICCI and Herzegovina came out in favour of Atanasov, accompanied by his wife, visited the Union of Armenian Manufacturers were resolution of the issue of Jammu and India to participate in the “International signed. Kashmir, as also other outstanding issues, between India and Pakistan through Conference on Dialogue Among Belarus discussions in a bilateral framework. Civilizations - Quest for New Perspectives” held in New Delhi (July 9-10). The second round of Foreign Office On the sidelines of the Joint Committee Consultations were held in New Delhi on Meeting, the First session of the Indo-Bosnia A Task Force Team led by Minister of 29 July 2003. The Indian delegation was led and Herzegovina Joint Business Committee Communications and Information by Shri Shashank, then as Secretary (EAA) was held in Sarajevo from 5-6 February Technology, Shri Arun Shourie visited Sofia and the Belarusian delegation was led by Mr. 2004. during 8 – 14 February 2004. The joint Task V. P. Pugachev, the First Deputy Foreign Force deliberated on further cooperation in Minister of Belarus. Minister of Youth Bulgaria the fields of IT, Agriculture, Science and Technology, Power and Sports. Affairs and Sports Shri Vikram Verma visited President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Belarus from 23-26 June 2003. The Days of paid a state visit to Bulgaria from 22-24 The 2nd Meeting of the Indo-Bulgarian Joint Belarusian Science and Technology were October 2003. He was accompanied by Shri Science & Technology Committee was held held at New Delhi in February 2003. Arun Shourie, Minister of Disinvestment, between 20-23 October 2003 in Sofia. Shri communications and IT. Members of A. K. Kalra, Adviser, Ministry of Science & Bosnia & Herzegovina Parliament, Shri Suresh Prabhu and Smt. Technology led the Indian delegation. A Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina Sarala Maheshwari were also part of the team of six specialists from the Institute of Dr. Mladen Ivanic visited India at the delegation. Two agreements including the Electronics of the Bulgarian Academy of invitation of the Minister of External Affairs Extradition Treaty and the Agreement on Sciences in Sofia visited India from 16-27 Shri Yashwant Sinha from 6-8 May 2003. Youth Affairs and Sports were signed. An November 2003 under the bilateral scientific This was the first visit of a Foreign Minister MoU on cooperation between the Bulgarian and technological Agreement between the from Bosnia and Herzegovina and also the Association of Information Technology and Department of Science & Technology and first ever Ministerial visit between the two the Electronics and Computer Software the Ministry of Education & Science of countries. During his visit, the Foreign Export Promotion Council of India was also Bulgaria. Minister called on the President Dr. A.P.J. signed. A Joint Statement was issued during Abdul Kalam and the Prime Minister Shri the visit, which, inter alia, reiterated the Croatia A.B.Vajpayee and had meetings with the Bulgarian support for India’s candidature for Shri Digvijay Singh, Minister of State for Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Arun the permanent seat of the UNSC, External Affairs visited Croatia from 14-16 Jaitley and the Minister of Tourism and condemned the growth of terrorism and September 2003. Assistant Minister of Culture Shri Jagmohan besides holding supported the early adoption and Foreign Affairs, Dr. Darko Bekic visited India detailed discussions with the External Affairs implementation of the Comprehensive to participate in the Conference on Minister. The Foreign Minister of Bosnia Convention on International Terrorism. “Dialogue Among Civilizations” held from and Herzegovina met representatives of During the visit both sides discussed and it 9-10 July 2003 at New Delhi. The sixth Indian industry and trading fraternity in was agreed that Science and Technology, IT, round of Foreign Office Consultations was meetings at ASSOCHAM and CII. Agriculture and Youth Affairs and Sports held in Zagreb [6-7 November 2003]. The would be the core areas for cooperation The first Joint Committee Meeting with Indian delegation was led by Shri Shashank, between Bulgaria and India, which would Bosnia was held in Sarajevo on 5-6 February currently Foreign Secretary. 2004. Bosnia and Herzegovina evinced be further developed in future.

73 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

Shri Shatrughan Sinha, Minister of Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy), and economic role, and states that Hungary Shipping, visited Croatia from 20-24 August accompanied by a two-member delegation regards India as a natural contender for 2003. In September-October 2003, the two visited Georgia in June-July 2003. United Nations Security Council permanent countries had exchanged visits by their membership. Both sides condemned all respective Ministers of State for Tourism. Hungary forms of terrorism, which threatens th The 7 session of the Indo-Croat Joint Prime Minister of Hungary Mr. Peter international peace and security. They Business Committee was held in Zagreb Medgyessy, accompanied by Mrs. reiterated that terrorism cannot be justified from 3-4 February 2004. Medgyessy, paid a State visit to India from on any grounds, whether political, ethnic, 2-8 November 2003. This was the first visit religious, or any other. All states must refrain Czech Republic to India by a Prime Minister of Hungary in from providing any form of support active Raksha Mantri Shri George Fernandes 29 years. Besides holding extensive talks with or passive, to entities or persons involved in visited the Czech Republic from 19-22 the Prime Minister, the Hungarian Prime terrorist acts. In the context of Indo-Pakistan October 2003. During the visit, the Minister called on President and met relations, Hungary reiterated that the Agreement on Defence Cooperation was Speaker, Lok Sabha, Deputy Prime Minister outstanding issues between the parties should signed. and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. be amicably resolved bilaterally in the spirit of the Simla Agreement and Lahore Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri The Indo-Hungarian Joint Business Council Declaration.” Digvijay Singh visited the Czech Republic Meet was held during the visit. The from 22-25 September 2003. During the Hungarian delegation interacted extensively Shri Arun Jaitley, Minister for Commerce visit, he had meetings with the Foreign with the representatives of FICCI, CII, and Industry led an official and business Minister, Mr Cyril Svoboda, Deputy FIEO and the Bombay Chambers of delegation and co-chaired the 11th Indo- Defence Minister, Mr Jan Vana, Deputy Commerce and Industry. Mr. Medgyessy met Hungarian Joint Commission Meeting in Finance Minister, Mr. Bohuslav Sobotka, Governors of Karnataka and Maharashtra. Budapest on 1 October 2003. Shri Digvijay Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Petr Kolar, Seven bilateral documents namely Bilateral Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Investment Promotion and Protection paid an official visit to Budapest during nd Martin Pecina, and Chairman of the Foreign Agreement, Double Taxation Avoidance which he chaired the 2 Heads of Mission Relations, Defence and Security Committee Agreement, Agreement on Defence (HOM)’s Conference of Central and East of the Senate, Mr Josef Jarab. Cooperation, Agreement on Exemption of European countries held in Budapest on June 18-19 July 2003. Shri Shashank, as A Czech Parliamentary delegation led by Visa Requirement for Diplomatic and Secretary (EAA) led the Indian side to the Senator Josef Jarab visited India from 15- Official Passport Holders (Hungarian Prime Foreign Office Consultations at Budapest 21 November 2003. Former President Vaclav Minister also presented an aide-memoire held on 15 July 2003. Havel visited India on 5 January 2004 to which will make it easier for Indians to obtain receive the Gandhi Peace Prize, 2003. business visas), MoU on Cooperation in An Indo-Hungarian workshop on “Surface Information Technology and Services, Chemistry and Catalysis on Nano-Particles” Estonia Cultural Exchange Programme and was held in Budapest from 21-23 May 2003. Educational Exchange Programme were Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Digvijay Singh visited Estonia from 20-22 signed. In addition, EXIM Banks of the two Latvia November 2003. This visit to Estonia took countries signed an Agreement of Deputy Prime Minister of Latvia Mr. Ainars place almost after 8 years. He called on Cooperation and two other documents Slesers, accompanied by his wife Mrs. Inese President Arnold Ruutel, Prime Minister extending a Line of Credit of US$ 10 Slesere (a Member of the Latvian Juhan Parts and held detailed discussions million for exports from each other country. Parliament) and a large business delegation with Foreign Minister Kristina Ojuland. These agreements provide necessary visited India from 24-29 November 2003. Indian drafts of agreements like BIPA, framework for enhancing cooperation in the Besides Delhi, the delegation visited Agra DTAA and Visa free regime for diplomatic/ concerned areas. and Mumbai. Deputy Prime Minister Slesers official passports holders were handed over During the visit, the two sides identified the is also the coordinator of all trade and to the Estonian authorities and it was decided areas of power (including participation in the economic policies of Latvia. He held to expedite all the pending agreements modernisation of power plants), agriculture detailed discussions with the External Affairs between the two countries. and defence industry for cooperation Minister and these discussions focused on between the two countries. A Joint Statement mainly economic and commercial relations. Georgia was issued during the visit. It mentions the The delegation visited the IITF 2003 and Smt. Malati S. Sinha, Secretary (Indian reputation of India and its growing political held discussions with the CMD, ITPO. The

74 Europe

first India-Latvia Joint Business Council was Poland consultations one each in New Delhi (April organized by FICCI on 27 November 2003 At the invitation of the Indian Prime 2003) and Warsaw (October 2003) to discuss coinciding with the Deputy Prime Minister Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime matters pertaining to security. visit. This was attended by a large number Minister of Poland Mr. Leszek Miller paid a Vice Minister of Economy Jacek Piechota of Indian businessmen. In Mumbai, Deputy State Visit to India from 15-18 February visited India from 31 October – 5 November Prime Minister Slesers visited the Mumbai 2003. The visit was the first by a Polish Prime 2003. Port Trust facilities. Senior officials of Riga, Minister to India since 1985. Prime Minister Ventspils and Liepaja Free Ports in Latvia The Deputy Defence Minister of Poland Mr. Miller was accompanied by his wife accompanied the Deputy Prime Minister. Janusz Zemke visited India from 2-6 Mrs.Alexandra Miller, a high-level February 2004 to participate in the Defexpo- delegation, leading representatives of the 2004. Lithuania Polish business and mass media. Apart from Minister of State for External Affairs Shri official meetings, the Polish side attended a Vinod Khanna met with Lithuanian State meeting of leading Indian and Polish Romania Secretary Mr. Evaldas Ignatavicius on 10 business representatives organised jointly by President of Romania, Mr.Ion Iliescu visited September 2003 on the sidelines of the the CII and FICCI in New Delhi. The Prime India during 28 January – 01 February 2004. International Conference of New or Minister and his delegation also visited Agra He visited Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and Restored Democracies held in Mongolia and Bangalore. Prime Minister Miller stated Agra. President Iliescu met the President, from 8-12 September 2003. that Poland saw India as a country in the Prime Minister and the External Affairs The first round of Indo-Lithuanian Foreign frontline of the war against terrorism and Minister. During the visit, Agreements on Office Consultations was held in New Delhi had unequivocally condemned the Plant Protection and Phytosanitary on 8 March 2004. The Lithuanian side was unprecedented attack on the Indian Quarantine Field and Visa Free Regime for headed by Mr. Evaldas Ignatavicius, Under Parliament. Poland felt that no distinction diplomatic passport holders were signed. Secretary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of could be made between good and bad Memoranda between Doordarshan, All Lithuania and the Indian side was led by Shri terrorism. Expressing his interest in India Radio and their Romanian J.C. Sharma, Secretary (PCD). During the establishing bilateral cooperation with the counterparts were also signed. A Joint consultations, the two sides had a states of India, he mentioned that Poland Statement issued at end of the official visit comprehensive review of bilateral relations would like to restart LOT operations on on 31 January 2004 confirmed Romania’s and exchanged views on issues of regional Warsaw-Delhi sector. Agreement on support to India’s candidature to the and international importance. Cooperation in Combating Organised enlarged UNSC. Crime and International Terrorism, Macedonia Agreement on Cooperation in Defence and The 16th Session of the Indian-Romanian an Extradition Treaty were signed. An MoU Joint Commission was held in New Delhi on The Deputy Foreign Minister of the between CII and the Polish Chamber of 20 October 2003. The Romanian side was Republic of Macedonia Mr. Fuad Hasanovic Defence Manufacturers was also signed. led by their Minister of Economy and Trade, visited India from 10-12 February 2004. A Mr Dan Ioan Popescu and the Indian side Marshal of the Polish Senate Mr. Longin Protocol on Foreign Office Consultations by Shri Arun Jaitley, Minister of Commerce Pastusiak and the Chairman and the Vice- was signed and the first round of and Industry. A session of the India- Chairman of the Poland-South Central Asia consultations were held on 11 February Romanian Joint Business Council was held Parliamentary Group visited India and 2004. Foreign Secretary Shri Shashank concurrently with the Joint Commission participated in the Golden Jubilee signed the Protocol and co-chaired the Meeting in New Delhi on 20 October 2003. consultations. Mr. Hasanovic also called on celebrations of the Indian Parliament from Minister of State for External Affairs Shri 21-26 January 2003. Deputy Foreign A high level Indian Parliamentary Digvijay Singh. Minister Mr. Boguslaw Zaleski visited India Delegation, led by Smt. Sushma Swaraj, to participate in the Conference on Minister for Health and Parliamentary Moldova “Dialogue Among Civilizations” held in Affairs, visited Romania from June 2003 and New Delhi on 9-10 July 2003. called on the Prime Minister, leaders of the Joint Secretary (CEE) in the Ministry of two Houses, Ministers for Parliamentary External Affairs led the Indian side to The National Security Council Secretariat Relations and Foreign Affairs of Romania. Foreign Office Consultations with Moldova (NSCS) and the Polish National Security held in Chisinau on 27- 28 January 2003. Bureau (NSB) held two rounds of Romanian Prince Radu of Hohenzollern-

75 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

Veringen visited India from 16-22 n Agreement between the Government of Indo-Russian Centre for Gas Hydrates November 2003 and called on Speaker of the State of Andhra Pradesh of the Studies and another Memorandum of Lok Sabha Shri Manohar Joshi, Chief Republic of India and the Government Understanding between the Department of Minister of Delhi Smt. Shiela Dixit and of the Republic of Tatarstan of the science and Technology of the Government Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Russian Federation on Trade, Economic, of the Republic of India and the Russian Digvijay Singh. Scientific, Technological and Cultural Academy of Science Establishment of Indo- Cooperation. Russian Centre for Earthquake Research Shri J.C.Sharma, Secretary (PCD), led the were also signed at the Russian Academy of Indian side to the Foreign Office n Agreement on Scientific Cooperation Sciences. Consultations at Bucharest held on 19 and Scientific Exchange between the December 2003. Indian National Science Academy The focus of visit of Prime Minster to Russia (INSA) and the Russian Academy of in November 2003 was to provide an impetus Russia Sciences (RAS). to the trade and investment between India India’s strategic partnership with Russia n Memorandum of Understanding and Russia. With this in view, a high power continued to be consolidated during the year between Indian Space Research and representative business delegation 2003-04. There was sustained intense Organisation (ISRO) and Russian comprising more than ninety of India’s top interaction in all spheres of Indo-Russian Aviation and Space Agency industrialists and businesspersons multi-dimensional cooperation. At the (Rosavikosmos) on Cooperation in accompanied Prime Minister. He addressed highest level, this has been epitomized by the Exploration and Use of Outer Space for a large and representative gathering of continuity in contacts between Prime Peaceful Purposes. Indian and Russian business in Moscow on 13 November. This event provided a Minister Shri A.B. Vajpayee and President n Protocol on Scientific Cooperation of the Russian Federation Mr. Vladimir necessary high-level thrust to the round-the- between the Department of science and year efforts such as revival of Joint Business Putin who met thrice during this year. During Technology of the Government of the his visit to St. Petersburg at the special Council, encouraging more frequent Republic of India and the Russian business exchanges, establishing necessary invitation of President Putin to attend the Academy of Sciences. city’s Tercentenary Celebrations on 29 May banking and financial infrastructure to -1 June 2003, Prime Minister had a bilateral n Protocol between the Ministry of facilitate bilateral trade and investment, etc. meeting with President Putin. The two External Affairs of the Republic of India in this context, both sides started discussions leaders later met in New York on the margins and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the on expeditious issuance of business visas. of the 58th Session of the United Nations Russian Federation on Joint Publication Speaker of Lok Sabha Shri Manohar Joshi General Assembly in September 2003. of Bilateral Archive (Diplomatic) led a composite multi-party Indian Documents. Parliamentary delegation to the Russian n Report on the Implementation of Steps Federation from 15-19 September 2003, at The Prime Minister paid a visit to Enunciated in the Joint Declaration on the joint invitation of the Chairman of the Moscow from 11-13 November 2003 Federation Council (Upper House) and the for holding the regular annual summit. Strengthening and Enhancing Speaker of the State Duma (Lower House) Commitment of both countries to Economic, Scientific and Technological of the Federal Assembly (Parliament) of strengthen cooperation for effectively Cooperation signed during the Visit of Russia. He addressed the Duma and dealing with new global challenges President of the Russian Federation Mr. together with his counterpart, presided over and threats, such as those emanating Vladimir Putin to India in December the second Session of the Indo-Russian from international terrorism and 2002. Parliamentary Commission and jointly related phenomena and from n Memorandum of Understanding inaugurated Days of Indian Culture in the developmental efforts and objectives, between Export Credit Guarantee Duma. is reiterated in the Declaration on Corporation (ECGC) of India Ltd. and Global Challenges and Threats to Vneshtorgbank (VTB). Minister of External Affairs co-chaired in World Stability and Security signed by Moscow the 9th Session of the Indo-Russian Prime Minister and the Russian Beside these documents, a Memorandum of Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, President on 12 November. Understanding between the Department of Economic, Scientific, Technological and Science and Technology of the Government Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC) along with Other bilateral documents signed during the of the Republic of India and the Russian his the then counterpart Mr. Ilya Klebanov visit of Prime Minister to Russia are: Academy of Science for Establishment of on 14-15 May 2003. Meetings of some of

76 Europe

the Working Groups of the IRIGC were also Commerce and Industry of the two sides. West Europe held at the same time. The Commission The third round of Foreign Office India’s engagement with the countries in reviewed the progress of bilateral relations Consultations was held in Belgrade from 29 Western Europe continued to be broad- in these spheres and suggested additional January - 2 February 2003 during which based and intensive. Bilateral political and measures for further strengthening trade and Agreements on Bilateral Investment economic interaction was marked by a investment cooperation. External Affairs Promotion and Protection and Civil Aviation number of exchanges of visits, Minister also called on the Russian Deputy were signed. demonstrating a mutual desire to consolidate Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mr. a dynamic, multi-faceted relationship with Alexei Kudrin and met Foreign Minister Mr. the European Union and the individual Igor Ivanov, who later visited India on 15- Slovenia countries in Western Europe. Regular 16 June 2003. Foreign Minister of Slovenia Dr. Dimitrij exchange of views on the challenges facing The visit of the Defence Minister of the Rupel, accompanied by a seven member India and the European Union, and dialogue Russian Federation Sergei Ivanov to India official delegation, visited India from 14-18 with key strategic partners in Western took place from 19-21 January 2004. February 2004. Besides delegation level talks Europe, against the backdrop of current with the External Affairs Minister, meetings regional and international developments, led Other important exchanges at Ministerial were arranged with the Deputy Prime to a better appreciation of India’s legitimate level included the visit of Minister of Minister and the Minister for Commerce & concerns and, at the same time, provided an Shipping Shri Shatrughan Sinha to St. Industry(MOCI). Dr. Rupel also met the rd opportunity to re-focus, strengthen and re- Petersburg for attending the 3 Euro-Asian business representatives at FICCI and vitalize bilateral ties. The institutionalized International Transport Conference in delivered a lecture on “The New European dialogue with the EU continued at the September 2003. Mosaic: The Role of Small Nations in highest levels, including the India-EU India and Russia held the first Joint Naval Europe” at ICWA. Dr. Rupel urged India to Summit held in Delhi on 29 November Exercises in the Arabian Sea in May-June make use of the facilities offered by the Port 2003. 2003. of Koper. An Air Services Agreement was signed during the visit. Days of Russian Culture were held in New Economic considerations continued to Delhi. Mumbai and Kolkata from 1-8 underpin our strong ties with countries in November 2003. Prime Minister and Ukraine Western Europe. The successful conclusion President Putin sent their messages for of the Fourth India-EU Business Summit in The positive momentum generated by the successful organisation of the event. New Delhi, in addition to a number of other state visit of President Leonid Kuchma to initiatives and activities undertaken during India in October 2002 continued during the the year, helped showcase the special areas Serbia and Montenegro year 2003. Rakhsa Mantri Shri George Fernandes visited Ukraine from 17-19 of India’s strength in its interaction with key Foreign Minister of Serbia and Montenegro October 2003, the first such visit in eleven economic partners, including co-operation Dr. Goran Svilanovic visited India at the years. The then Foreign Minister of Ukraine and partnership in niche areas of technology. invitation of External Affairs Minister from Mr. Anatoly Zlenko visited India on 12-13 The Civil Society Dialogue with the major 20-22 October 2003. The visit of Dr. Goran August 2003. Agreements on Cooperation European countries, represented by the Svilanovic to India took place after a gap of in Tourism and on Mutual Protection of different Eminent Persons Group, 10 years at the level Foreign Minister and it Classified Information were signed during contributed to strengthening the multi- was also the first visit after renaming of the visit. An Ukrainian Parliamentary faceted relationship. Former Republic of Yugoslavia as Serbia and delegation led by Speaker Volodymyr Litvin Montenegro in February 2003. During his The new guidelines for acceptance for visited India from 1-5 December 2003, at visit, Dr. Svilanovic called on the Prime Official Development Assistance (ODA) had the invitation of Hon’ble Vice-President and Minister and met Minister of Commerce implications for Western Europe, which the Chairman of Rajya Sabha and the and Industry besides holding detailed included some of the largest erstwhile Speaker of Lok Sabha. Foreign Office discussions with External Affairs Minister. contributors of ODA. Under these Consultations (April 2003) and the meeting He was accompanied by a business guidelines, government-to-government aid of the Joint Commission (July 2003) were delegation and held meetings with Indian held. A business delegation led by the would be accepted only from the UK, business representatives. A Joint Business Confederation of Indian Industry visited Germany and the European Commission, Council was set up by the Chambers of Ukraine in September 2003. in this region. Funding of ongoing

77 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

programmes and projects from other Regular bilateral consultations over the year higher level, the Foreign Policy Advisor to countries would, however, continue until helped advance cooperation in diverse areas. the UK Prime Minister Sir Nigel Sheinwald their completion. Prime Minister met UK Prime Minister visited India in January 2004 for wide- Tony Blair in St. Petersburg (Russia) in May ranging talks with National Security Advisor. India-EU trade during 2002-2003 grew by 2003 and in Abuja (Nigeria) during the Other Ministerial visits from the UK a healthy rate in both directions, despite the Commonwealth Summit in December 2003 included those of Minister of State for Trade limited GDP growth recorded by most EU and discussed bilateral and international and Investment and Foreign Affairs, Mr. countries during this period. The trend has issues of mutual interest. The Prince of Mike O’Brien, Minister of State for Energy, continued for the first six-months of 2003- Wales visited India in November 2003 on e-Commerce and Postal Services Mr. 2004. Switzerland was the sole exception, the invitation of Vice-President. Stephen Timms, Minister of State for with bilateral trade declining during this The bilateral relationship benefited from a Environment Mr. Elliot Morley and Minister period by about 17%. series of Ministerial visits from the UK in of State for Defence Procurement Lord Bach early 2004. Secretary of State for Foreign of Lutterworth. United Kingdom and Commonwealth Affairs Mr. Jack Straw A ten member all-women Labour Friends of India’s excellent bilateral relations with the visited India from 5-8 February 2004. Mr. United Kingdom (UK) witnessed a steady Straw held wide-ranging discussions on India delegation led by Ms. Dary Taylor and intensification and consolidation over the last bilateral relations and international issues of 8-member delegation of the Liberal Friends year, with several high-level exchanges and mutual interest with External Affairs of India led by Mr. Malcolm Bruce visited continued interaction at the institutional Minister. At a joint Press Conference, Mr. India in February and March 2004 level. India and the UK share an assessment Straw pointed out that the substantial respectively. The UK Parliamentary that the bilateral relationship is a key foreign intensification of bilateral relations over the delegations had extensive interactions with policy priority. UK Prime Minister Tony past few years had raised India-UK ties to the state government officials of Delhi, J&K, Blair has described India as a strategic their ‘best ever’. External Affairs Minister, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and partner. In a December 2003 Government Shri Yashwant Sinha and Mr. Straw agreed Maharashtra. They also had wide-ranging White Paper titled “UK International that the necessary steps would be taken to interaction with the representatives of trade Priorities: A Strategy for the FCO”, the UK implement the vision of both Prime and industry including visits to important identified India as one of four key countries Ministers to move the strategic partnership business centers. The delegations were (the other three being Russia, China and between India and the UK to a higher level. extremely appreciative of the dynamism of Japan) with which the UK wishes to build a Cooperation in high-tech areas and trade the Indian economy. These visits have stronger strategic partnership. The paper and investment were identified as being of helped to deepen our engagement with the described India as an important democratic central importance in this endeavour. Mr. UK Members of Parliament. power in Asia, with increasing potential to Straw also met Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, exert global political and economic influence Minister for Commerce and Industry and Shri L.K. Advani visited UK in June 2003 and with particular strength in leading also visited Bangalore. In the context of the and met Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, growth sectors. ongoing debate in the UK on the issue of Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. John Prescott, outsourcing, Mr. Straw underlined that the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Jack Straw and Home UK saw the process as mutually beneficial The UK has issued statements Secretary, Mr. David Blunkett. External and that it was not in favour of protectionist unequivocally condemning terrorist Affairs Minister visited UK in May 2003. measures. attacks in India. A Joint UK-US He also met his UK counterpart on the statement on 27 March 2003 UK Home Secretary Mr. David Blunkett margins of the UN General Assembly in condemned “all terrorism wherever it visited India from 29 January–2 February New York in September 2003. Other occurs and whatever its purported 2004. Mr. Blunkett met Deputy Prime Ministerial visits included those of Union justification”. It also said that “the Line Minister, External Affairs Minister and Minister of Commerce and Industry and of Control should be strictly respected National Security Advisor during the visit. Law and Justice, Shri Arun Jaitley, Minister and Pakistan should fulfill its An MoU on Return of Immigration for Human Resource Development, Shri commitments to stop infiltration across Offenders was signed during the visit, Murli Manohar Joshi, Union Minister of it. UK has continued to publicly underlining the shared intention of both Health and Family Welfare and reiterate its support for India’s countries to tackle illegal immigration. In Parliamentary Affairs, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, candidature for permanent pursuance of the decision by both Prime Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri membership of the UN Security Ministers at their meeting in Abuja to take Ram Naik, Minister for Youth Affairs and Council. the bilateral relationship to a newer and Sports, Shri Vikram Verma, Minister of

78 The visiting Prime Minister of France Mr. Jean-Pierre Raffarin calls on the President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam in New Delhi on February 7, 2003

The Prime MinisterShri Atal Bihari Vajpayee meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair on the sidelines of the XIII CHOGM at Abuja, Nigeria on 6 December 2003 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

State for Information and Broadcasting as compared to the previous year. Latest Other bilateral interactions included visits (Independent-Charge), Shri Ravi Shankar figures for January-September 2003 show by then Minister of State for Non- Prasad, and Minister of State for Civil that total trade in goods has increased by Conventional Energy Sources, Shri M. Aviation (Independent-Charge), Rajiv about 21% (£3.22 billion) as compared to Kannappan in May 2003, Minister for Pratap Rudy. the previous year (£2.65b). A number of Communication, IT & Disinvestment, Shri th Parliamentary linkages received a boost with high-level visits helped promote trade and Arun Shourie (10 Annual Meet of the Indo- the launch up of a cross-party Indo-British investment. German Chamber of Commerce in Bonn) Parliamentary Forum (IBPF) in New Delhi The UK continues to be an important source from 2-5 June 2003. A parliamentary in April 2003. An IBPF delegation visited of FDI in India, with sectors of interest being delegation was led by Chairperson of the the UK in May 2003. A ten-member oil and gas, ports, financial services and Indo-German Parliamentary Friendship delegation of the Conservative information technology. India has also Group, Shri Suresh Prabhu to Germany in Parliamentary Friends of India visited India emerged as a significant investor in the UK. September 2003.The Minister of State for in September – October 2003. A delegation In 2002, India became the eighth largest Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ravi of the Intelligence and Security Committee investor in the UK in terms of number of Shankar Prasad visited Berlin in November of UK Parliament led by its Chairperson, projects, and the second largest from Asia. 2003. Annual Indo-German negotiations on Ms. Ann Taylor, visited India in November India remained the single largest recipient Development Cooperation were held in New 2003. of bilateral development assistance from the Delhi in January 2004. Institutional interaction continued in UK, with £200 million earmarked for Minister-President of the Free State of different areas. Foreign Office Consultations 2003-04. Bavaria, Germany, Dr. Edmund Stoiber, were held in the UK in May 2003. The accompanied by a high level business, official fourth meeting of the India-UK Joint Germany and media delegation visited India from 16- Working Group on International Terrorism Indo-German relations received a fillip with 20 February 2004. The visit was at External and Drug Trafficking in New Delhi in the successful visit of Prime Minister, Shri Affairs Minister’s invitation. Dr. Stoiber October 2003 helped to consolidate Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Germany in May called on Prime Minister and reiterated cooperation in counter-terrorism. The fifth 2003, following German President Johannes Bavaria’s desire for stronger economic and and sixth rounds of the India-UK dialogue Rau’s state visit to India in March. Germany commercial relations with India, especially on Non Proliferation and Disarmament took has referred to India as a “partner of choice” in high-tech areas such as IT & space. Dr. place in Delhi in October 2003 and March and has identified its relationship with India Stoiber also visited Bangalore and Mumbai. 2004. The bilateral Defence Consultative as a foreign policy priority. During his visit, Scheduled meetings of the various bilateral Group and its various sub-groups met in Prime Minister met President Johannes Rau, dialogue mechanisms were held. The 5th London in June 2003. Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Foreign meeting of the Joint Science & Technology Minister Joschka Fischer and also addressed Civil society dialogue deepened during this Committee was held in Berlin on 22-23 German Parliamentarians in Berlin. Prime period. The India-UK Round Table met in September 2003. The third round of the Minister also visited Munich. The visit Broadway, Worcestershire in May 2003 and India-Germany Military Staff Talks was held strengthened the ongoing political dialogue in Kolkatta in January 2004 and provided in New Delhi on 27-29 October 2003. The with Germany and imparted fresh valuable inputs to further strengthen the 12th meeting of the annual Indo-German momentum in areas of ongoing economic bilateral relationship, especially in the areas Consultative Group was held in Goa from cooperation. Both sides agreed that there of trade, educational exchanges and 20-23 November 2003. were opportunities for investment information technology. The Round Table particularly in India’s infrastructure and India was the focus country at the Asia also served as a forum for exchange of views unexplored synergy in new knowledge-based Pacific Weeks (APW) held in Berlin from 15- on global issues like WTO and climate areas such as information technology and 28 September 2003. The APW was set up change. biotechnology. The two sides also discussed in 1997 as a biennial forum to promote Economic and commercial relations possible cooperation in renewable sources of dialogue between Europe and Asia. remained buoyant. The UK is India’s largest energy, especially in wind energy technology. Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Deputy trading partner in Europe, with annual Chancellor Schroeder accepted Prime Chairperson of Rajya Sabha, Dr. Najma bilateral trade in goods and services of Minister’s invitation to visit India in 2004 in Heptullah jointly inaugurated the APW. around £5 billion. Despite a downturn in line with the agreement to institutionalize Minister for Communication, IT & the UK’s global trade in goods last year, annual meetings at Head of Government Disinvestment headed an Indian business Indo-UK trade in goods increased by 20% level between the two countries. delegation to the various business events.

80 Europe

the trend appears to have clearly reversed in Germany is one of India’s largest Portugal 2003-2004, as is evident from the figures trading partners, with bilateral trade at The event of significance during this period available for the first six months. approximately US$ 5 billion. Bilateral was the meeting between the Prime Minister trade declined marginally by 1.67% in Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the Portuguese The Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari the first six months of 2003. Business Prime Minister Mr. Durao Barroso at New Vajpayee, during his visit to Switzerland from delegations from both countries York on September 23, 2003 on the margins 1-3 June 2003 for the G-8 ‘Enlarged participated in the other country’s of the 58th UN General Assembly. Both the Dialogue’, briefly met the Swiss President trade fairs. There is an increasing Prime Ministers agreed to strengthen Mr. Pascal Couchepin. The visit provided a trend of Indian investments in economic cooperation by setting up a joint useful opportunity to exchange views on Germany, while German FDI in India commission. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha, issues of international and regional concern, has declined. Shri Manohar Joshi, led a 12-member including developments in India’s Parliamentary Delegation from 25-28 May neighbourhood. 2003. The delegation called on Prime Exchanges continued in the field of The Swiss President Mr. Pascal Couchepin Minister Durao Barroso on 28 May 2003 education, Science & Technology and led a large official and business delegation and interacted with Portuguese culture. In the year 2003 more than 800 on a state visit to India from 6–12 November Parliamentarians led by Ms. Teresa Gouveia, Indian post-graduate students and about 300 2003 and visited Bangalore, Hyderabad, who was later appointed the Foreign researchers at PhD/Post Doctoral level Chennai, New Delhi and Mumbai. He was Minister of Portugal. joined courses in Germany. There are accompanied by the State Secretary for presently over 3000 Indian students in Science and Research, Mr. Charles Kleiber. Germany. S&T exchanges remained strong, Cyprus The visit primarily focused on promotion of with nearly 400 Indian scientists visiting Relations between India and Cyprus have the bilateral relationship and increasing co- Germany and 150 German scientists visiting been traditionally very close and friendly. operation in the areas of science and India under exchange programmes in Cyprus formally signed the EU Accession technology. It also demonstrated various areas. Major new S&T initiatives Treaty in April 2003 to become a full Switzerland’s interest in continuing included India’s participation at the member of the European Union in May consultations with India at the highest International Accelerator facility for beams 2004. Being a close friend of India, Cyprus political level. President Couchepin of Ions and antiprotons, cooperation in can be considered an important interlocutor underlined the complementarities between machine translation technology and setting within the EU. Bilateral economic relations India and Switzerland in the field of Science up of an Indo-German Centre for Polymer are vibrant, with several Indian companies and Technology and emphasised the Processing & Technology. 2003 also marked actually bidding for contacts in Cyprus. significance of increased scientific the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of cooperation. A letter of intent for co- the German-India Society. Greece operation in science and technology was The traditional warmth and goodwill signed between 8 leading Indian Institutes Ireland characterized the political relations between of Science and Technology and Swiss Technology Institutes. In Hyderabad, he India and Ireland maintained the India and Greece during this period. During inaugurated the Tata Consultancy Services traditionally warm and friendly relations the Greek Presidency of the EU in the first building designed by the well-known Swiss during the period. The economic relations half of 2003, Greece exhibited a keen desire architect Mario Botta. Two agreements – showed a steady growth. The Irish side to see the India-EU relationship one on cooperation in Disaster expressed sympathy and support for India’s strengthened on a constructive basis. Greece Management, and the other on Co- fight against terrorism. In May 2003, a 13- showed sensitivity to our concerns on cross operation in Science and Technology, were member delegation from the National border terrorism. The Indo-Greek Cultural signed. Defence College, New Delhi, visited Ireland. Exchange Programme for the years 2003- The fourth round of Foreign Office 06, was signed in New Delhi on 9 September The Minister for Road Transport & Consultations was held in Dublin on 21st 2003. Highways visited Switzerland from 2 -5 January 2004 at the Foreign Secretary level. October 2003. The visit focused mainly on Mr. Dermot Gallagher, Secretary General Switzerland sharing Swiss perspective on matters relating of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs Indo-Swiss relations were active during the to road infrastructure and its management. led the Irish delegation. Both sides reviewed period, with regular high-level contacts. The Indian delegation led by Shri Arun bilateral relations and exchanged views on Trade between India and Switzerland grew Shouri, Minister for Disinvestments, regional and global issues of mutual negatively in 2002-2003 by about 17%, but Communications and Information concern.

81 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

Technology participated in the annual Consultations, at Secretary level, led by the A delegation of Parliamentarians led by meeting of the World Economic Forum at Foreign Secretary, Shri Shashank and State Speaker of Lok Sabha, Shri Manohar Joshi Davos, Switzerland. Secretary in the Danish Ministry for Foreign visited Finland from 19-21 September 2003. Affairs, Mr. Carsten Staur, was held on 29 He met Speaker of the Finnish Parliament, Holy See August 2003 in Copenhagen. The Mr. Paavo Lipponen (former Finnish Prime The delegation led by Minister of State for discussions covered the whole gamut of Minister). Law & Justice, Shri P. C. Thomas visited bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of Holy See to participate in the beatification mutual concern. Secretary (EAA) also met Italy ceremony of Mother Teresa on the 19 Permanent Secretary, Danish Ministry of India’s relations with Italy received a fresh October 2003. Four Indian cardinals, one Foreign Affairs, Mr. Friis Arne Petersen. The impetus with Italy assuming the rotating Cardinal-designate, numerous Archbishops Minister for Shipping, Shri Shatrughan Presidency of the European Union during and other senior Indian churchmen had Sinha, during his visit to Denmark from 7-8 the second half of 2003. The 4th India-EU been specially invited. While other aspects October 2003, co-inaugurated the first Summit was held under the Italian of Mother Teresa’s work were also covered, India-Denmark Shipping Conference in Presidency of the EU. Copenhagen along with the Danish Deputy the Indian aspect of her work was specifically Italian Minister of State for Productive highlighted. The presence of the Indian Prime Minister and Minister for Economic and Business Affairs, Mr. Bendt Bendtsen. Activities, Mr. Stefano Stefani visited India participants was noticeable and certain parts from 6-8 May 2003. He called on the then of the ceremony included Indian style songs Finland Minister for Agriculture, Shri Ajit Singh in and service in Bengali and Tamil. Delhi. The Minister for Information and Minister of State for Steel, Shri B.K. Broadcasting, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Austria Tripathi, visited Helsinki from 7-8 June 2003. visited Italy from 2-5 September 2003 at the The Deputy Speaker of the Austrian He met Ms. Paula Lehtomaki, Finnish invitation of Italian Minister for Culture Mr. National Council, Dr. Heinz Fischer, visited Minister of Foreign Trade & Development Giuliano Urbani to be special guest at the India from 8-11 October 2003 and met the Cooperation. Wide-ranging discussions were Venice Film festival. A letter of intent for an Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Raksha held on issues relating to import and export Audiovisual Co-Production Agreement was Mantri, Minister for Heavy Industries, of steel and possibilities of increasing signed during the visit. Italian Deputy Minister for Railways, Minister of State for bilateral trade. The Minister also visited Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Margherita Steel and Chief Minister of Andhra Rautaruukki Steel Raahe Works. The Indian Boniver visited India from 27-29 November Pradesh. The second round of Foreign delegation also met President & CEO of 2003 for the Fourth India-EU Summit. An Office Consultations, at Secretary level, led Outokumpu Company. Agreement for Cooperation in the field of by the Foreign Secretary, Shri Shashank and The Fifth Round of Foreign Office Science & Technology between India and Dr. Walter Siegl, Political Director in the Consultations, at Secretary level, led by the Italy was signed on 28 November 2003. Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs were Foreign Secretary and Under Secretary of held on 28 July 2003 in New Delhi. There State for Political Affairs in the Finnish Norway was an in-depth review of bilateral relations, Foreign Office, Ambassador Jaakko Laajava, The Minister for Shipping visited Oslo from including political, economic, consular and were held on 16 June 2003 in New Delhi. 20-23 October 2003 at invitation of cultural relations, and an exchange of views There was an in-depth review of bilateral Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry, on important regional and multilateral relations including exchange of high-level Mr. Ansgar Gabrielsen. Besides bilateral issues. The ninth session of the Indo- visits, discussion on trade and investment discussions at the official level, he also met Austrian Joint Economic Commission (JEC), issues and identification of future areas for representatives from the Norwegian which was held in Delhi from 17-18 co-operation. There was also an exchange Shipping Association, Norwegian Trade November 2003, discussed ways to further of views on important regional and Council and Det Norske Veritas, the co-operation in sectors of steel, railways, multilateral issues. The Second Meeting of Norwegian Classification Association, which agriculture, environment, IT & the Indo-Finnish Joint Working Group on regulates classification of ships. telecommunications, science & technology Environment was held in Helsinki from 1-5 and civil aviation and reviewed the progress September 2003. Deputy Inspector General, The Norwegian State Secretary, Mr. Vidar of bilateral working groups on tourism and Ministry of Environment & Forests, Smt. Helgesen visited India on 15 March 2004 energy. Rekha Pai, led the Indian delegation. Both and met the Foreign Secretary, Shri sides had wide ranging discussions on Shashank. Bilateral issues discussed included Denmark environment related issues, waste the importance of expediting the setting up of the Indo-Norwegian Joint Commission. The Fourth Round of Foreign Office management and pollution control.

82 Europe

Mr. Helgesen, during the discussions 2003 to participate in the 13th Stockholm Grand Duchy of Luxembourg commended the important and inalienable Water Symposium and Water Week. He met The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and role of India in fostering the peace process the Swedish Minister of Environment, Ms. India continued to have warm political, in Sri Lanka. Lena Sommestad and Norwegian Minister economic and cultural relations. The A 13-member delegation from the of Environment Mr. Borge Brende. Minister of Economy and Transport of Norwegian Advisory Council on Luxembourg, Mr. Henri Grethen, visited Disarmament and Security (NACDAS) led Indo-Swedish Bilateral relations India from 17-21 February 2003 by Mr. Eikaas jens, Deputy Director General, received fresh impetus by the working accompanied by an economic delegation. Security Policy Department, Ministry of visit of Prime Minister of Sweden, Mr. The Minister for Power Shri Anant G. Geete Foreign Affairs, visited India During 20-24 Göran Persson to India from 9-11 visited Luxembourg from 12-14 November March 2004. This visit contributed to a January 2004, after a gap of 17 years. 2003 to hold discussions on cooperation in greater mutual understanding of India’s The Swedish Prime Minister had the field of infrastructure. In 2002, the total security and geo-economic environment. delegation level talks with the Prime bilateral trade was US$ 16.9 million, with The third round of Foreign Office Minister. The discussions focussed on the balance of trade being in favour of Consultations, at Secretary level, led by the bilateral relationship, regional and Luxembourg. About 34 proposals for joint Foreign Secretary, Shri Shashank and Mr. multilateral issues. External Affairs ventures between India and Luxembourg Jorg Willy Bronebakk, Deputy Secretary minister separately called on Swedish have been approved since 1991. General, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Prime Minister. Swedish Prime Affairs were held on 26 August 2003 in Oslo. Minister inaugurated a new Ericsson Netherlands There was an in depth review of bilateral facility in Gurgaon on 10 January India-Netherlands relations continued to be relations including exchange of high level 2004. cordial and friendly during the course of the visits, discussion on trade and investment year. The bilateral foreign office issues and identification of future areas for consultations were held successfully on 27 cooperation. There was also an exchange of Belgium October 2003 in New Delhi. Discussions views on important regional and multilateral Relations between India and the Kingdom related to a review of the state of bilateral issues. Secretary (EAA) called on State of Belgium remained upbeat during the year relations, apart from an exchange of views Secretary Mr. Vidar Helgesen and Secretary in political, economic as well as in cultural on key regional, international and General Bjarne Lindstrom in Norwegian fields. Several bilateral visits took place multilateral issues of mutual interest. Trade Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also met Mr. during this period, further cementing and investment cooperation showed Haakon Blankenborg, Member of relations in a number of specific areas. satisfactory growth despite a stagnant Parliament and member of the Standing The Minister for Forests and Environment, scenario in the Dutch economy and the EU Committee on Foreign Affairs of Storting Shri T.R. Baalu, visited Belgium from 8-10 in general. The Netherlands remained (Parliament). April 2003, at the invitation of the then among the top seven partners of India both Belgian Minister for Environment. The in trade and in investment. India continued Sweden Minister of IT and Tourism of Karnataka, to record a modest positive balance of trade The Swedish Minister for Industry and Shri D.B. Inamdar, visited Belgium to take with the Netherlands. Dutch companies in Trade, Mr. Leif Pagrotsky, accompanied by part in a seminar on information technology India, concentrated in the banking, a high-level official and business delegation and invite Belgium companies to participate electronics, infrastructure and petroleum visited India from 1-4 April 2003 for the in Bangalore IT 2003. Belgium is India’s sectors, continued to perform well during the Indo-Swedish Joint Commission meeting. seventh largest trading partner in the world, year, bolstering the image of India as a He met the External Affairs Minister, and the third largest in the EU. The total favourable investment destination. Commerce and Industry Minister and bilateral trade in 2002 stood at € 5.8 billion, Minister for Communications & IT. He also marking an increase of 24.53% over the Spain inaugurated “ Swedish Days” in Bangalore previous year. Like in earlier years, gems and Indo-Spanish relations continued to move and participated in Seminars on IT and jewelry continued to dominate bilateral forward satisfactorily like in previous years. Biotechnology. trade, accounting for 82% of total trade. The High-level contacts between the two sides A delegation led by the Minister for Water Indian community in Antwerp continues to during the year included the meeting Resources (MOWR), Shri Arjun Charan underpin India’s special position in trade in between the External Affairs Minister, Shri. Sethi, visited Sweden from 10-16 August this category. Yashwant Sinha and the Spanish Foreign

83 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

Minister Ms. Ana Palacio Vallelersundi, on candidature for a permanent seat in the UN Villepin visited India on 13 February 2004. the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Security Council, when President Chirac He called on the Prime Minister and also in New York on 25 September 2003. An spoke at a press conference in New York on met the External Affairs Minister. Indian Parliamentary delegation led by the 23 September 2003. It also expressed Discussions related to bilateral issues, Speaker of the Lok Sabha interacted with appreciation for the initiatives taken by India regional and international issues of mutual prominent members of the Spanish to improve and progressively normalise concerns and cooperation in international Parliament from 28 -30 May 2003. The relations with Pakistan. fora. Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, The slowdown in the French economy and Vinod Khanna, visited Madrid on 23-24 attended the G-8 “Enlarged Dialogue” the consequent fall in France’s global imports October 2003 to participate in the Donor’s organised by the French Presidency of the resulted in a marginal decline in Indo-French Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq. G-8 on 1 June 2003, in conjunction with the bilateral trade in the first eight months of India made a commitment of US$ 10 G-8 Summit at Evian to bring together the 2003. Approvals accorded for French million at the Conference, taking its total G-8 leaders with a consultative group of investment in India amounted to Rs. 295.42 commitment for this purpose to US$ 30 leaders from developing countries for the first million during the first half of 2003. The million. The Secretary of State for time. During the Dialogue, the Prime 12th Session of the Indo-French Joint International Cooperation & Ibero-America Minister touched upon developmental, Committee on Economic and Technical in the Spanish Ministry of External Affairs, environmental and multilateral trade issues Cooperation was held in November 2003 in Mr. Miguel Angel Cortés, visited India from of interest to India. Paris, to discuss the recommendations by the

23 -25 December 2003, and held separate Joint Working Groups established in different discussions with Deputy Chairperson of the Indo-French interaction in the field of Defence continued to be active, with the fields, regarding the means to enhance Rajya Sabha, Smt. Najma Heptullah, and bilateral trade and investment relations, with the Foreign Secretary Shri Shashank, French Defence Minister, Ms. Michelle Alliot-Marie, visiting India on 27-28 April including in the area of finance and market on bilateral political, economic and cultural access. An MoU was signed on Co-operation cooperation, and on regional and 2003, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Madhavendra Singh visiting France from 19- in the Fields of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural international issues of mutual interest, apart Development, Forestry and Food Industries. from the ongoing efforts to establish the 24 October 2003. The 6th meeting of the Indo-French High-level Committee on Defence was Minister for Commerce and Industry and his ‘Casa de la India’ at Valladolid. Mr. Miguel French counterpart led their respective Angel Cortes, Spanish Secretary of State for held in New Delhi from 19-21 November 2003. delegations. An ‘Invest India’ Seminar was International Cooperation and Ibero- organised to coincide with the Joint America, visited India from 22-27 December The 10th Round of the Indo-French Strategic Committee Meeting. Other visits from India 2003. He met the Foreign Secretary Shri. Dialogue was held in Paris on 7 July 2003 and to France included that of the Union Shashank and the Deputy Chairperson of the 11th Round of the Indo-French Strategic Minister of Road Transport and Highways. the Rajya Sabha, Smt. Najma Heptullah. Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 19 The year also witnessed increased Discussions related to enhancing Indo- January 2004. Shri Brajesh Mishra, participation of Indian companies in trade Spanish bilateral cooperation, especially in National Security Adviser, led the Indian fairs held in France. the areas of trade, culture, counter-terrorism delegation, and Mr. Maurice Gourdault- th and on WTO matters. Montagne, Diplomatic Adviser to President The 9 Meeting of the Indo-French Committee Chirac, led the French delegation on both on Science and Technology was held in Paris on Indo-Spanish trade, growing at a steady rate, 6-7 November 2003. Two Indian satellites, the occasions. During the 10th Round, the is likely to cross the US$ 1.5 billion mark in INSAT-3A and INSAT-3E satellites were 2003, up from US$1.2 billion in 2002, National Security Advisor met the French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin and successfully launched by the Ariane launcher making Spain one of India’s 10 largest from Kourou (French Guyana) in April 2003 called on President Jacques Chirac. The 5th trading partners. The flow of tourists from and September 2003. Spain to India also grew at an impressive Meeting of the Indo-French Joint Working rate of about 40% in 2003, compared to the Group on International Terrorism was held The civil society dialogue between the two figures of the previous year. in Paris on 19 September 2003. The Minister sides also continued. The 9th Session of the of State for External Affairs, Shri Digvijay Indo-French Forum was held in Paris on 13- France Singh, led the Indian delegation which 14 October 2003. The Forum members participated in the “Conference on Drug called on President Chirac and Prime Indo-French bilateral relations continued to Routes” organised by the French Foreign Minister Raffarin. Prime Minister Raffarin deepen and strengthen during the year, Ministry on 21-22 May 2003. presented the Indo-French Forum Medal to Shri. nourished by a steady exchange of high-level Narayanamurthy, Chairman of Infosys visits. France reiterated its support for India’s The French Foreign Minister Dominique de

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Technologies Limited. A high-level seminar, the External Affairs Minister, Shri. Yashwant government and industry from both sides. A titled ‘India – the Power Centre in Asia’, was Sinha, while the EU delegation included the special plenary session was held on 29 organised by the French Centre for External President of the European Commission Mr. November, where the keynote address was Commerce (CFCE) at the French Senate, on Romano Prodi, the EU High Representative delivered by the EC President Mr. Romano 13 November 2003. for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Prodi and a special address was delivered by In the area of Cultural relations, the Mr. Javier Solana, EC External Relations the Indian Prime Minister. Commissioner Mr. Chris Patten and the highlight was the signing of the Bilateral The first India-EU Brainstorming Session was Italian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for held in New Delhi on 24 October 2003, as a Ms. Margherita Boniver. The Summit, seen the period 2004-2006, following the 14th curtain raiser to the Summit. Such a session, as a timely one on the verge of EU Meeting of the Indo-French Joint in the nature of an informal, “free-wheeling” enlargement in May 2004, had an agenda Commission on Cooperation in Culture, exchange of ideas was being held for the first that spanned the entire spectrum of India- Education and Science held on 6-7 time between the EU and any of its strategic EU relations, including global issues such as November 2003 in Paris. Two Indo-French partners. The discussions resulted in a the fight against international terrorism, the postal stamps were jointly released at a number of pertinent recommendations. function organised in the premises of our role of multilateralism, regional Mission in Paris on 28 November 2003. The developments of mutual concern, and a The External Affairs Minister visited Minister of State for Information and review of cooperation between the two sides Brussels from 28-29 October 2003, and met Broadcasting, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, led on economic and trade matters. The the CSFP High Representative Javier Solana the Indian delegation to Cannes for the Film Summit provided a useful opportunity to and the External Relations Commissioner, Festival from 17-20 May 2003. He met the take stock of the progress made under the Chris Patten. He held extensive talks with French Culture Minister, Mr. Jean-Jacques Agenda for Action, including the political them on a range of bilateral, regional and Aillagon and several other important dialogue at the Ministerial level, the international issues of concern, including personalities related to cinema. economic dialogue as represented by the preparations for the India-EU Summit at Joint Commission, cooperation in combating New Delhi in November 2003. The French overseas territories of terrorism as represented by the India-EU The 4th and the 5th Meetings of the India- Martinique and Guadeloupe are celebrating Joint Working Group on Terrorism and civil th EU Joint Working Group on Terrorism were this year the 150 anniversary of the arrival society dialogue as represented by India-EU held in Brussels on 15 April 2003 and 6 of the first Indians to these Islands in the Round Table. A Joint Press Statement, along October 2003 respectively. Discussions were Caribbean. To mark the occasion, the with an Agenda for Action, was adopted by held related to current trends and Government of India presented a bust of the Summit, in addition to the conclusion Mahatma Gandhi to Martinique and a of an India-EU Customs Cooperation developments in international terrorism and statue depicting Gandhiji’s Dandi March, to Agreement and a Financing Agreement for associated trans-national crimes, ongoing Guadeloupe. A six-member delegation from the EU-India Trade and Investment efforts by the two sides in the fight against the Government of Pondicherry, led by the Development Programme (TIDP). The Joint terrorism, developments in the UN and other Minister for Agriculture, Shri A. Press Statement expressed the desire of both international fora vis-à-vis the war on terror, Namassivayam, visited Guadeloupe from 16- sides to negotiate an agreement to cooperate the menace of narco-terrorism, and means 23 January 2004, to participate in the official in the Galileo satellite navigation project. of enhancing cooperation between India and inauguration of the year-long the EU in combating global terrorism. commemorative events. As in the case of three previous Summits in Lisbon, Delhi and Copenhagen respectively, On the invitation of European The Indian Naval Ship INS Tarangini called it was preceded by a Business Summit on 28 Commissioner for Information Society, Mr. on the French Polynesian ports of Nuku Hiva November 2003, jointly organized by CII Erkki Liikenen, the Minister for from 21-24 December 2003 and Papeete and FICCI, DIPP (Ministry of Commerce Communications and Information from 29 December 2003 - 2 January 2004. and Industry), as well as the Italian Chamber Technology,Shri. Arun Shouri visited of Commerce and Industry (Confindustria) Brussels from 21-23 May 2003, to exchange European Union and the Union of Industrial and Employees views on reform initiatives and possibilities The Fourth India-EU Summit, symbolizing Confederation of Europe (UNICE). In the for bilateral cooperation in the telecom the annual institutionalised political dialogue Business Summit, parallel sectoral sessions sector. On the margins of his visit, the 2nd between India and the EU, was held on 29 were held in the areas of tourism, Meeting of the India-EC Joint Working November 2003 under the Italian Presidency manufacturing, chemicals and Group on Information and Communications of the European Union. The Prime Minister pharmaceuticals, agri-food and Information Technology was held, to discuss regulatory, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was assisted by Technology, with speakers representing legislative and developmental issues.

85 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

Then Minister for Environment and Forests, opportunity of his visit to India to make a an active proponent of its fundamental Shri T.R. Baalu, visited Brussels from 9-10 bilateral call on National Security Advisor political values and principles, India enjoys April 2003 and delivered a keynote address on 16 February 2004. a prominent position in the Commonwealth. at the UNFCC Workshop on Enabling Environment The EU continues to be India’s single largest Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee led for Technology Transfer, organized at Ghent trading partner with a share of over 24% of the Indian delegation to the Commonwealth University under the auspices of the India’s exports and about 25% of its imports. Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), UNFCC. The total bilateral trade during 2002-2003 which was held in Abuja from 4-8 December 2003. The outcomes of the Abuja CHOGM The 13th Meeting of the India-EC Joint was US$ 23.86 billion, out of which India Commission was held in New Delhi on 22 exported US$11.35 billion worth of goods are detailed in the Abuja Communiqué and October 2003, to deliberate on the ongoing to the EU and imported goods worth the Aso Rock Declaration on the special and emerging areas of cooperation in the US$12.51 billion from the EU. Total theme of the CHOGM, ‘Democracy and areas of trade, economic cooperation and bilateral trade grew by 17.71% compared Development: Partnership for Peace and development cooperation, in the run up to to the figures for 2001-2002 Prosperity’. A separate Statement on Multilateral Trade was also adopted, with the India-EU Summit. The Joint The EU also continues to be an important Commission also discussed measures to the objective of a forward-looking and source of FDI for India, with the 15 member development oriented approach to facilitate greater partnership between Indian states taken together being the largest source and EU industry, in order to promote trade international trade issues after the recent of investments. Cumulative FDI approvals breakdown of WTO talks at Cancun. and investment, apart from reviewing the for the EU, for the period 1991-2003, have situation following the Cancun Ministerial been approximately US$16.26 billion, at India participated actively in the meetings Meeting of the WTO. of various Commonwealth committees and about 21% of total approvals accorded1 so The Joint Working Group on Consular far. The most important countries in the EU- organisations. External Affairs Minister, Shri st Affairs, which met in New Delhi on 20 June 15 for FDI are UK, Germany, and Yashwant Sinha represented India at the 21 nd 2003 under the Greek Presidency and under Netherlands, followed by France, Italy and and 22 meetings of the CMAG held at London and New York in May and Irish Presidency on 21st February 2004 has Belgium. Out of these approved figures for shown our mutual desire to remove FDI, only about US$5.33 billion have September 2003, as well as the special impediments in the furtherance of business actually flown in, the realisation rate working meeting of the CMAG held at Abuja on and people-to-people contacts, by way of out to 32%. December 4, 2003, ahead of the CHOGM. At the Abuja CHOGM, India was named greater transparency and predictability in EU development cooperation assistance to procedures. for a renewed two-year term as a member India has generally been focused in the areas of CMAG. India is also a member of the The Sixth Meeting of the India-EU Round of environment, public health and Commonwealth Committee on Terrorism Table was held from 16-17 December 2003 education. As a second phase of its set up in January 2002, as part of the in Rome. Both sides discussed barriers to programme on education, the EC has made Commonwealth’s efforts to build the trade and investment flows between the two a commitment of US$200 million for the capacity of member countries in fulfilling sides, the co-financing and establishment of Sarva Shiksha Abiyaan (SSA) Programme, their obligations under UN Security Council an India-EU Civil Society Internet Forum, envisaged for the development of primary Resolution 1373. External Affairs Minister, and reviewed the implementation of education covering 42 districts. The EC has Shri Yashwant Sinha attended a meeting of recommendations made at earlier meetings drafted a new development cooperation the Commonwealth Committee on of the Round Table. strategy for its relations with India, Terrorism in New York in September 2003. The India-EU Troika Ministerial Meeting articulated in its Country Strategy Paper for India External Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant was held in New Delhi on 16 February 2004. 2002-2006, under which it has committed € Sinha also represented India at the The EU side was represented by the Irish 225 million for this period. Unlike in earlier Ministerial Group on Small States Meeting Foreign Minister Brian Cowen and the years, the sectoral approach has now been in Abuja on 4 December 2003. India was Dutch Foreign Minister Bernard Bot, and the replaced with a ‘state-partnership’ approach. also represented at the Ministerial level in EC External Affairs Commissioner Chris Chattisgarh and Rajasthan have been the Meeting of Commonwealth Law Patten. The delegation held meetings with proposed for selection by the EC, under this Ministers in London in May 2003. Minister the External Affairs Minister, Shri. Yashwant programme. of Law and Justice and Commerce and Sinha. Discussions related to current Industry, Shri Arun Jaitley, attended the regional and international developments, Commonwealth meeting that aimed to draw up principles on apart from means to enhance bilateral As the Commonwealth’s largest member, good practice governing relations between cooperation. Irish Foreign Minister took one of its largest financial contributors, and the executive, legislature and judiciary in the

86 Europe

promotion of good governance, the rule of Commonwealth Youth Programme, law and human rights. Minister for Human Commonwealth Science Council, and the Resources Development, Science and Commonwealth Foundation and Technology and Ocean Development, Shri Commonwealth Media Development Fund. Murli Manohar Joshi, attended the Meeting India’s successful bid to host the 2010 of Commonwealth Education Ministers in Commonwealth Games is a reaffirmation of Edinburgh in October 2003. the important role India plays in the India also participated at the Senior Official Commonwealth. On 13 November 2003, at level at the meeting of Commonwealth a meeting of the General Body of the Finance Ministers in Brunei in September Commonwealth Games Federation at 2003. During 2003, India was also a member Montego Bay, Jamaica, New Delhi won its of the Commonwealth Intergovernmental bid to host the 2010 Games over Hamilton, Committee to Review the Mandates of Canada by a vote of 46-22. The Indian Commonwealth Organizations. India delegation to the meeting was led by Minister continued to contribute actively to the for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Vikram ongoing activities of the Commonwealth Verma. India will be the second Asian nation Fund for Technical Co-operation, after Malaysia to host the Commonwealth Games. nn

87 8. The Americas

United States 2003. Foreign Secretary visited Washington DC in June – July 2003. Defence Secretary statement that describes the next Since January 2001, the Bush Presidency has co-chaired the fifth meeting of the India-US steps in the India - United States repeatedly voiced its commitment to strategic partnership. These steps Defence Policy Group in Washington DC in complete the process of qualitative include an expansion of cooperation August 2003. transformation in India-US relations in in civilian nuclear activities, civilian recognition of India’s status as an emerging During the year, the most significant progress space programmes and high- world power and the many common in bilateral cooperation occurred in the technology trade together with an strategic interests that the two countries share realm of bilateral strategic dialogue between expanded dialogue on missile in Asia and beyond. This view was reiterated India and the United States on the “Quartet defence. Bilateral cooperation by President Bush in his meeting with Prime Issues” comprising cooperation in civilian between India and the United States Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 9 space programme, civilian nuclear in these areas will deepen the ties of November 2001, and formally made a part programme, trade in “dual use” high- commerce between the two nations of President Bush’s National Security technology and missile defence. During their and promote stability. In this context, Strategy Document in September 2002. meeting in New York in September 2002, the two sides have established a High Secretary of State Colin Powell’s foreign the Prime Minister and President Bush Technology Cooperation Group policy speech on 5 September 2003 agreed to explore cooperation opportunities (HTCG), the first that the United described India as a major world power with in these areas. States has with any country. whom the United States must focus to Then Foreign Secretary Shri Kanwal Sibal develop its relationship. visited US from 3-5 February 2003 during This Group met in Washington DC in July As a result, India and the United States which he met US Deputy Secretary of State 2003 and in New Delhi in November 2003. remained intensively engaged in 2003 across Richard Armitage, National Security Significant progress was made during the a full spectrum of issues: combating Advisor Stephen Hadley, Under Secretary HTCG meetings when the two sides agreed international terrorism, peacekeeping, for Commerce Kenneth Juster, Under to take appropriate regulatory and defence, strategic issues, science and Secretary for Defence Douglas Feith, Under promotional measures to stimulate India-US technology, health, trade, space, energy and Secretary for Global Affairs at the State high-technology commerce, including trade environment. The most visible symbol of this Department Paula Dobriansky and Under in dual-use goods and technologies. Secretary for Political Affairs at the State bilateral engagement is the high frequency The area of defence cooperation continued Department Mare Grossman. During the of bilateral visits at political and official to see major progress. In 2003, the two sides visit, India and the United States reached levels, and the existence of Bilateral continued to strengthen their institutional an agreement on principles governing high- Dialogue Architecture, now comprising framework of engagement in the area of technology commerce including trade in more than 15 institutional dialogues. The defence and build on the foundation for dual-use technology between the two Prime Minister met President Bush in New resumption of defence relations that was laid countries, reflecting their new relationship York on 24 September 2003 and briefly at during the resumed Defence Policy Group and common strategic interests. The two St. Petersburg on 31 May 2003. The Deputy meeting in December 2001. In addition to sides agreed to take steps to promote and Prime Minister visited the United States in the high level exchanges, broad based facilitate such trade by addressing systemic June 2003 when he met President Bush. engagement continued through institutional barriers; generating market awareness; Other high-level exchanges in 2003 include mechanisms. A delegation from Ministry of undertaking promotional activities; visits by National Security Adviser to the Defence and Ministry of External Affairs conducting industry outreach programmes; United States in May 2003 (which included participated in an India-US bilateral reviewing policies and processes on export a brief meeting with President Bush) and by workshop on missile defence was held in New of dual-use goods and technologies to India; US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Delhi in January 2003.The apex level and pursuing export control cooperation. Armitage in May 2003. The External Affairs Defence Policy Group met again in August Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha visited Director of Policy Planning in the State 2003. The bilateral Executive Steering Washington DC in January 2004 and had Department Richard Haass visited New Groups of the Army, Navy and Air Force, meetings with President Bush, Secretary Delhi in January 2003 for broad ranging the Security Cooperation Group to Powell and National Security Advisor discussion on Indo-US relations. coordinate defence supply relationship, and Condoleezza Rice. He had earlier met the Joint Technical Group to advance R & Secretary of State Colin Powell in Moscow D collaboration in defence production in May 2003 and in Phnom Penh in June An important milestone was crossed on 12-13 January 2004, when the (including in India’s Light Combat Aircraft 2003. In addition, the Commerce and (LCA) project) meet every six months. Industry Minister visited the United States leaders of the two countries issued, in their respective capitals, a joint During the year, the two sides conducted in May 2003 and the Power Minister in June

88 Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee calls on US President George W. Bush, 16-28 September 2003. Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

mutually beneficial combined exercises in listing as well. On 29 October 2003, a key On 18 March 2004, Secretary of State Mr. India and the United States, expert US State Department official described Colin Powell announced in Islamabad that exchanges and joint training as also India as a victim of terrorism and asserted the US had decided to designate Pakistan as revitalized defence research & development that the US was asking Pakistan to redouble a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA). India cooperation and defence supplies its efforts to stop infiltration and prevent expressed its disappointment at the manner relationship. As part of facilitating the extremist groups operating on its soil from of the announcement. Secretary Powell tried bilateral defence cooperation, the enabling crossing the Line of Control. to reach External Affairs Minister after the bilateral agreements such as the General announcement and spoke to him on 21 India and the United States have a Joint Security of Military Information Agreement March explaining that the intention had not Working Group on Counter-Terrorism that (GSOMIA) and intelligence sharing been to spring a surprise on India. The US was established in January 2000 and has met agreements are now in place and military conveyed its offer of considering a similar five times. The Joint Working Group focuses contacts, exchanges and exercises are status for India; India has not given any on expanding mutually beneficial developing their own internal dynamics. consideration to any such proposal. India is cooperation in counter-terrorism capacity, As part of their continuous dialogue on studying the implications of this US institution building, training programmes, announcement, in relation to Pakistan, that international security issues, India and the intelligence and investigative cooperation United States have ongoing consultations in would become clearer once it is notified by and counter-terrorism technology. Due to the US President to the Congress. the area of missile defence. A workshop was scheduling problems, the sixth meeting of held with US experts in Delhi in January this Working Group could not be held in As part of the exchange of views with our 2003, followed by a visit in June 2003 by 2003. major partners on issues of regional and Indian experts to a missile defence workshop international interest, India and the United The United States has publicly, privately and in Japan. India was also invited as observer States continued their discussions on the repeatedly conveyed strong appreciation of in “Roving Sands” missile defence exercise situations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US Prime Minister’s peace initiative towards in Texas in June 2003, which was cancelled Administration expressed interest in Indian Pakistan, describing it as a far-reaching act due to the war in Iraq. An expanded dialogue involvement in post-war stabilisation with the United States on missile defence is of statesmanship. President Bush himself operations in Iraq in early May 2003. Wide- now a part of the Next Steps on Strategic conveyed these sentiments to the Prime ranging consultations were held by India Partnership. Minister during their conversation in St. with the United States, UN, Iraq’s Petersburg in May 2003 and in New York in An important emerging element of the neighbours, other concerned countries as September 2004. On 6 January 2004, the bilateral engagement between India and US well as the Iraqi people. The Government US Secretary of State Colin Powell has been cooperation on combating also sought to reach a national consensus on described the Vajpayee-Musharraf meeting international terrorism. The terrorist attacks the issue. A decision was taken on the US in Islamabad as a historic meeting that had in the United States on 11 September 2001 request, taking into account India’s longer opened new opportunities for achieving and on the Indian Parliament on 13 term national interests, our concern for the peace. The State Department termed the December 2001 have led to a deepening of people of Iraq, our long-standing ties with India – Pakistan joint statement at Islamabad Indo-US cooperation in this field. The the Gulf region as a whole, as well as our United States acknowledges Pakistan’s links as a historic development that had been growing dialogue and strengthened ties with with, and its Government’s responsibility to taken through a series of acts of the United States. While the US State stop, cross-border terrorism in India. statesmanship. While expressing hope for Department reaction on 14 July 2003, Accordingly, the United States has, under its normalization of relations and eventual expressed US hope “that India would have own law, designated and proscribed a resumption of India-Pakistan dialogue, the made a different choice, that they would be number of Pakistan-based terrorist United States maintains that it is for the two there”, it also reiterated that India remains organisations such as Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), countries to resolve all outstanding issues “an important strategic partner for the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Harkat-ul- bilaterally and that while the United States United States, and that the continuation of Mujahideen. On 16 October 2003, the would be willing to play a facilitating role in the transformation of Indo-US relations is United States declared Dawood Ibrahim as creating an atmosphere for the dialogue something that’s important to us and that a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. The process, it does not seek a mediatory role we expect to see”. In recognition of our designation recognizes Dawood Ibrahim’s between the two countries. During the year, concerns, the US Secretary of State Colin underworld and terrorist connections, his the United States continued to recognize that Powell said in an interview on 22 September efforts to destabilise India, his involvement cross-border terrorism continues and has 2003 that though India had a large standing in the 1993 Mumbai bombings and his repeatedly stated that it continues to press body of troops, it was probably politically support to LeT. This subsequently led to the President Musharraf to end infiltration and too difficult for India to send any troops to inclusion of his name in the United Nations take action on terrorist camps. Iraq. India’s potential for contribution to the

90 The Americas

post-war reconstruction and development The bilateral Agreement between India and Secretary Powell’s visit focused on bilateral efforts in Iraq is recognised by the United the United States regarding non-surrender issues, especially economic relations. The States. of persons to international tribunals that had two sides discussed issues related to the Next India and US have also maintained a regular been signed in December 2002 came into Steps in Strategic Partnership and Business dialogue regarding developments force in December 2003. The Agreement Process Outsourcing (BPO). To give an concerning Afghanistan. The two countries protects the primacy of national judicial impetus to bilateral economic relations, it remain engaged on economic institutions from a potential impingement by was decided to restructure the bilateral reconstruction, security situation and future international tribunals like the International economic dialogue, in partnership with the political evolution in Afghanistan, and held Criminal Court that India and the United private sector, to attain specific trade and discussions on these issues in New Delhi, States do not recognize. Under the investment targets. Secretary Powell clarified Washington and at various multilateral fora. Agreement, nationals of both countries are that the US was not seeking a quid pro quo on protected from being handed over to any outsourcing in terms of market access in An emerging area of close consultations international tribunal by either country India. The two sides also discussed nuclear between India and the United States is without explicit consent of the other country. proliferation from Pakistan. Secretary Powell developments in Asia, including South Asia. was appreciative of India’s effort to take With a growing US engagement in the forward the peace dialogue with Pakistan India-US bilateral trade in goods in region, the two sides decided to hold regular and agreed that the end of cross-border 2002 increased to about US$ 16 billion dialogue on South Asia, in order to activity along the LoC needed to remain and trade in services to about US$ 8- coordinate and harmonize the respective permanent beyond the winter months. Issues 10 billion. US direct investment approaches to the region. A Regional Forum of international concern that included declined to about US $ 250 million and dialogue germinated out of these discussions, developments in Iraq and Afghanistan were the second round of which was held during portfolio investments to less than US $ 1.0 billion. However, against decline also discussed during this visit. US Assistant Secretary of State, Christina in both overall US exports and imports Rocca’s visit to New Delhi in September in 2002, India’s exports to the United 2003. The two governments have also agreed Canada States grew 21.4% to reach US$ 12 to institutionalize dialogue on other areas of Relations with Canada were marked by a billion, and came close behind the mutual interest, including East, Southeast process of re-engagement, which was 22.4 % growth in China’s exports, and Central Asia. supported by both countries. Canada although the growth in India’s case identified India as one of the four countries As part of the process of strengthening the was on a substantially narrower base. in the world (with China, Mexico and Brazil) strategic framework of relations, the two US exports to India, stagnant in recent that present Canada with new opportunities countries are seeking to build closer bilateral years, grew 9.1% in 2002 to about for productive partnerships. It also identified consultations on multilateral issues. In this US$ 4.1 billion. Services trade grew India, along with China and Japan, as one context, the two Governments have by about 20%. In the nine-month of the key countries in Asia for developing launched a bilateral Global Issues Forum to period January – September 2003, close ties. The year witnessed greater enhance consultation on multilateral social while India’s exports rose by 13.08% involvement of the Indian-Canadian and economic issues of mutual interest. over the corresponding period in 2002, community as an emerging factor in relations Foreign Secretary held talks under this US exports to India increased by over between the two countries. Two high-level Forum with the US Under Secretary for 24%. visits took place from Canada to India in Global Affairs, Paula Dobriansky in quick succession in October 2003. Canadian February 2003. There is also an ongoing Secretary of State Colin Powell’s Prime Minister Jean Chrètien visited India dialogue on human rights issues in the visit to India on 24-25 October 2003 with a delegation multilateral context. The United States has The US Secretary of State Colin Powell including the Canadian Minister for Natural also proposed a similar forum to improve made a working visit to New Delhi on 15– Resources, two Members of the Canadian consultation and coordination on political 17 March 2004. During this visit, Secretary Parliament, one Privy Council Member, four issues in the UN General Assembly. The two Powell called on the Prime Minister and had prominent Indian-Canadians besides senior countries already have a Joint Working extensive discussions with the External officials. Group on UN Peacekeeping issues, which Affairs Minister, Finance Minister and has enabled closer India-US coordination on National Security Advisor on 16 March peacekeeping issues in the UN in New York 2004. This was Secretary Powell’s first visit A Joint Statement entitled “Partners st as also in policy discussions in the two to India since July 2002 and followed for the 21 Century” was released after capitals. The Group had its fourth meeting External Affairs Minister’s visit to talks between two Prime Ministers, outlining their vision to strengthen in Washington in October 2003. Washington DC in January 2004.

91 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

The Canadian Minister for Agriculture to promote cooperation amongst themselves government, commercial and civil visited India from 4-10 December 2003 and in diverse fields and to voice jointly the society linkages between India and held talks with his counterpart. demands and concerns of the South. Canada. The Statement, inter alia, committed the two countries to The newly appointed Canadian Minister of From the region, the Presidents of Suriname deepen their engagement to State for New and Emerging Markets, Mr. and Guyana visited India during the year. strengthen international and regional Gar Knutson visited India from 25-30 The Foreign Ministers of Colombia, Chile peace and security; prevent January 2004. He held discussions with the and Brazil also paid highly successful visits proliferation of nuclear weapons; Minister of State (Independent Charge) for that have helped in a better understanding enhance their strategic dialogue; Information and Broadcasting and Secretary, and appreciation of each other’s views on a upgrade Canadian representation in Civil Aviation to identify areas of variety of issues and matters of mutual India; promote cooperation on cooperation and mutual interest in the fields interest and concern to India. A CARICOM counter-terrorism; formalise an annual of information and broadcasting and civil delegation comprising the Foreign Minister dialogue on global issues; and hold aviation. Mr. Gar Knutson has the specific of Jamaica and the Secretary-General of annual high-level trade policy mandate of exploring further cooperation CARICOM also visited India in November consultations. The Canadian Prime with the three countries – India, China and 2003 and paved the way for the Minister inaugurated the Canadian Brazil – identified by the Government of establishment of an institutional linkage for Consulate General in Chandigarh and Canada as new and emerging markets. regular political dialogue between announced upgradation of the CARICOM and India with the signing of In a statement issued on 6 January 2004 Consulate in Mumbai to Consulate an agreement to set up a standing Joint regarding the meeting between Indian Prime General. Commission on consultation, cooperation Minister and Pakistani President Pervez and coordination between the Caribbean Musharraf on 5 January 2004, on the Just preceding this high level visit, Canadian community and the Government of India. margins of the 12th SAARC Summit in Foreign Minister Bill Graham held wide- Islamabad, Canadian Foreign Minister Bill India’s relations with Latin America and the ranging talks with External Affairs Minister Graham said he welcomed the “positive Caribbean countries were further widened during his visit to India on 13 October 2003. development in relations between India and and deepened through certain important He conveyed that the Canadian Export Pakistan as an important step toward finding initiatives taken in recent months including Development Corporation had identified a peaceful solution to their outstanding the signing of a framework agreement with India as a major market for Canadian issues”. the Market of Southern Cone countries exports and that Canada wanted cross (MERCOSUR), the Community of investment in information technology and ANDEAN nations (CAN), the Caribbean other emerging technologies. The two Latin America Community (CARICOM) and finalization Ministers also signed an agreement for This year has seen a far greater level of of agreements with Association of promoting cooperation between the Foreign engagement between India and the countries Caribbean States (ACS), Association of Service Institutes of the two countries, under of the region in pursuance of India’s policy Central American States and the Rio-Group which two Canadian diplomats would attend of strengthening and deepening our relations Troika, with the aim of finally entering into Foreign Service Institute’s programmes in with countries in Latin America. External free trade/preferential trade agreements New Delhi in 2003-2004. Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha had with countries of this region. very fruitful visits to Brazil and Peru in June The year also saw an expanded interface The first meeting of the System of Central 2003. These were the first ever visits by an between different Ministries of the two American Integration (SICA) took place in Indian Foreign Minister to these countries. Governments. The Canadian Minister of New Delhi on 2 February 2004, with the While in Peru he signed an agreement on a Industry, Mr. Allan Rock held talks in India External Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant mechanism for political consultation and with the Minister of State for Commerce and Sinha, meeting a delegation of Foreign Industry and the government of the state of cooperation with the Community of Ministers and other dignitaries from the Maharashtra from 15-19 October 2003 and ANDEAN nations (CAN). During his visit countries that make up the SICA (Belize, a six-member delegation of the Canadian to Brazil, apart from covering a wide range Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Parliament Standing Committee on Foreign of issues pertaining to bilateral, regional and Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Affairs met their counterparts from the international topics of mutual interest, the Dominican Republic). For institutionalizing Parliament Standing Committee on External unique trilateral initiative – the India, Brazil the mechanism for interactions with the Affairs in Delhi from 20-22 October 2003. and South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum SICA Group of countries, an Agreement for The Premiers of British Columbia and was launched. It was for the first time that the Establishment of a Mechanism of Alberta visited India from 8-12 November three major countries of the South Political Consultations and Cooperation was 2003 and 11-16 January 2004 respectively. representing three continents came together signed between India and SICA.

92 The Americas

In keeping with the trade trends of Latin Paraguay on a wide range of issues. The External America, a positive trend emerged in trade Affairs Minister also called on President Lula On 17 June 2003 the Mercosur countries and between India and countries of the region and had discussions on the importance of India signed the India-Mercosur Framework as a consequence of the thrust given to the the bilateral relationship. President Lula had Agreement on Cooperation in Asunción promotion of trade and commerce between since accepted the invitation to be the Chief during the 24th Mercosur Summit. Minister India and the region. The bilateral trade Guest on Republic Day in January 2004. of State for Commerce and Industry Shri increased from US$ 473.66 million in 1991- S.B. Mukherjee signed the agreement on 92 to US$ 2445.44 million in 2001-02 On 6 June 2003, External Affairs leading to an increased awareness on both behalf of Government of India while Minister and the Foreign Ministers of sides, of the potential and possibilities of Foreign Ministers of Argentina, Brazil, Brazil and South Africa held a trilateral trade between India and the Latin American Paraguay and Uruguay signed on behalf of meeting and established a trilateral Countries (LAC). Mercosur. The agreement would contribute to the expansion of the bilateral commerce India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) At the multilateral level, India and the and the development of closer relations Dialogue Forum to promote mutual countries of the region showed a great deal amongst India and Mercosur countries. cooperation and to voice jointly the of commonality of approach on a number demands and concerns of South. A Trilateral Joint Commission was also of multilateral issues pertaining to the reform Brazil of the UN system, the WTO, the set up. It was agreed that all the three environment, etc. This approach was in This year has been an important milestone countries should cooperate in opening much evidence during the Cancun in relations between India and Brazil. In his up their markets to each other and not Ministerial Meeting through the continued inaugural speech on 1 January 2003, depend entirely on the developed joint efforts and coordination by the Group President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made a countries for investment and export of 20. positive reference to India expressing Brazil’s etc. Agriculture, defence, aeronautics, desire for closer relations with China, India, IT, biotechnology, civil aviation, etc. It is a matter of great satisfaction that since Russia and South Africa. The following were identified as areas of the commencement of the “Focus LAC important events during the year highlight cooperation. The three countries also Programme” in 1997, which is continuing, the importance of our growing relations: voiced jointly their demand for India’s relations with countries of this region democratisation of the UN system and have continued to make important strides The Seventh Round of Foreign Office agreed to project unitedly the views and that areas of cooperation in diverse fields Consultations was held on 10 April 2003 in of the developing countries on WTO have grown significantly. In an increasingly New Delhi. Bilateral cooperation in the areas matters, etc. global environment, distance and language of pharmaceuticals, software, information barriers were no longer allowed to come in technology, science and technology, space As an important member of MERCOSUR, the way of closer cooperation between India and ethanol was discussed. Brazil provided valuable assistance to India for signing a Framework Agreement with the and the countries of the LAC region. Given Prime Minister met President Lula on 2 June bloc. It is hoped that the Framework the size and potential of the region, it has 2003 in Evian. The meeting gave an added Agreement, signed on 17June 2003, will remained an important aspect of our overall impetus to the growth of closer relations with policy to consolidate ties with this eventually lead to a Free Trade Agreement Brazil. increasingly important region of the world. with MERCOSUR. India-Brazil relations witnessed a historic Raksha Mantri Shri George Fernandes moment with the first ever visit by an Indian Argentina visited Brazil from 7- 11 July 2003. This was Foreign Minister to Brazil. External Affairs the first ever visit by an Indian Defence India’s relations with Argentina remained Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha accompanied Minister to Brazil. He discussed with cordial and friendly. The Embassy by a 4-member CII business delegation Brazilian Defence Minister bilateral as well collaborated with a local cultural visited Brazil from 4 June-9 June 2003. On organisation Kororu Darshan to host a cultural as trilateral defence cooperation in the areas 5th June, External Affairs Minister held programme called Sacred India in March- of defence production, joint venture, joint intensive discussions with Brazilian Foreign April 2003. In the following months, the marketing etc. involving India, Brazil and Minister Mr. Celso Amorim. India and Embassy held an exhibition of Indian dolls South Africa. Shri Fernandes also called on Brazil stated their natural claim to a and dresses, organised an exhibition of President Lula and discussed co-operation permanent seat in UN Security Council to paintings on India by a local artist, held the between countries like India, Brazil, Russia, make it more representative, effective and performance of Rajasthani Folk dance in China and South Africa. legitimate. He had fruitful discussions with Buenos Aires and in Rosario city in the Santa Brazilian Vice President and with Brazilian India and Brazil adopted a common Fe province, all sponsored by the ICCR. Ministers of Planning, Finance and Health approach during the WTO meeting in

93 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

Cancun, Mexico in September 2003 to In 2002, the two way trade between India legitimate right to establish and sustain a ensure an equitable international trade. On and Brazil had reached US$ 1.226 billion, minimum nuclear deterrence. an all time record. Bilateral trade during 3 September 2003 Defence Secretary Shri Bilateral commercial relations grew steadily January-September 2003 had reached US$ Ajay Prasad announced Government of with exchanges of several business 873.29 million. India’s decision to purchase 5-legacy jets delegations. The signing of a bilateral from Brazil’s Embraer at a cost of US$ 158 cooperation agreement on animal health in million. Chile April 2003 and the exchange of drafts for External Affairs Minister met Foreign The official visit of Chile’s Minister for an Agreement on cooperation between Ministers of Brazil and South Africa on 24 External Relations, Ms. Maria Soledad Indian Council of Agricultural Research September 2003 on the margins of UN Alvear to India, from 24-27 April 2003, (ICAR) and Instituto Nacional de General Assembly. The three Foreign marked a new phase in India’s bilateral Investigacion Agropecuaria (INIA) have set Ministers underlined the need to strengthen relations with Chile. It was the first visit by a the stage for closer bilateral cooperation in multilateralism and agreed to cooperate Chilean Foreign Minister to India in 46 the fields of agriculture and animal among themselves and with the UN years. This visit, as also the visit to India by husbandry. Similarly drafts of agreements on Secretary General to further UN reform. the President of the Senate, Mr. Andres cooperation in science and technology and They agreed to cooperate in international Zaldivar, in January 2003, to participate in space technologies are being finalised. The fora and in discussions on multilateral issues. Indian Parliament’s Golden Jubilee visit of a delegation of Ministry of Trade The three Ministers stressed the importance celebrations, underlined the priority being and Industry to Santiago initiated the process of development agenda in the WTO and attached by Chile to developing closer links towards concluding a Preferential Trade renewed their commitment to work together with India. The joint statement issued on Arrangement with Chile. conclusion of Foreign Minister’s visit to foster reform in trade in agriculture to A Cultural Exchange Programme for the ensure access to markets in developing reaffirmed Chile’s support to India on issues of vital importance such as on Jammu and years 2003-05 was signed during the visit of countries. Prime Minister, Brazilian Chile’s Foreign Minister to India in April President Lula and President Mbeki of Kashmir, combating international terrorism, 2003. A Rajasthani folk, dance and music South Africa also met during a dinner hosted and a formal statement of support to India’s group visited and gave six performances in by Brazil during the course of the UNGA. claim to a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The holding of the second Santiago, Valparaiso and Rancagua under Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim meeting of senior officials in New Delhi in this Cultural Exchange Programme. The paid an official visit to India on 20-21 April carried forward the process of Foreign Embassy also participated in an Asia October 2003. An important official and Office Level Consultation put in place in Cultural Week organised by Santo Tomas business delegation accompanied him. August 2000. The meeting of the two University in Santiago, by presenting Indian During the visit, the First Meeting of the Foreign Ministers on September 25 in New music, dance and cuisine. The Municipality India-Brazil Joint Commission on Political, York on the margins of the UNGA session of Rancagua raised a monument to Economic, and Scientific Technical Co- reinforced bilateral consultations on major Mahatma Gandhi with a bronze bust operation was held in New Delhi on 21 international issues including on Iraq, donated by ICCR. The Monument was October 2003. During the discussions, the international security, reform of UN systems, inaugurated by the Mayor of Rancagua and External Affairs Minister re-iterated India’s etc. India and Chile also maintained close the Deputy Speaker Shri P.M. Sayeed on 10 offer to launch a Brazilian scientific micro- interaction in fora such as the Community April 2003. Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated satellite by an Indian rocket and the sale of of Democracies and the Rio Group. Chile’s in Santiago, at the India Square dedicated India’s supercomputer ‘Param’. He also President, Mr. Ricardo Lagos formally to Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru and underlined the great possibilities for accepted an invitation of India’s President Rabindranath Tagore, at a joint function cooperation in the field of infrastructure and Prime Minister to pay a state visit to organised by the Mayor of Providencia and between the two countries and flagged India. the Indian Mission. India’s interest to be involved in railway projects being envisaged in Brazil. Various A12-member Indian Parliamentary The Mission attended promptly to the sub-commissions like Sub-Commission on delegation led by Deputy Speaker, Shri P.M. consular needs of the Indian community Environment, Science & Technology, Sayeed, participated in the International numbering around 1100, and actively Culture, Education, Space, Health, Energy, Parliamentary Union (IPU) Conference in involved them in the Socio-Cultural activities Agriculture and Sub-Commission on Santiago from 6-12 April 2003. The of the Mission. A bilateral agreement was Multilateral Cooperation met under the delegation expounded the clear stance of also signed in April 2003 waiving visa aegis of the Joint Commission and discussed Indian Parliament on the war and conflict requirements for diplomatic and official matters of bilateral as well as multilateral in Iraq, and stoutly defended India’s passport holders. interest.

94 The Americas

Colombia visited Colombia in June 2003 to promote are expected to receive training in various India’s participation in projects for institutes of India this year under the ITEC Relations with Colombia continued to be fabrication of biofuels in Colombia. With the programme against the slot of 5. warm and trouble free during the year. The passing of law in Colombia for obligatory momentum generated by a sizeable number Trade ties between the two countries mixing of alcohol in petroleum from 2005, of high level visits in 2003-04, including that remained modest. Indian exports during opportunities for Indian companies for of the Colombian Foreign Minister Carolina 2003 were worth US$ 16.37 million while technical consultancy and investment have Barco to India in February 2003, continued Ecuador’s exports were valued at US$ 0.913 opened up. For the first time India has also to positively effect the relations. Colombia million. A sizeable number of Ecuadorian got a pavilion in the annual handicrafts fair has supported the initiation of and the companies participated in exhibitions and of Bogotá. Export Promotion Council for signing of an agreement to establish a trade promotion events in India organised Handicrafts organised the participation of mechanism of political consultation and co- by CII and other export promotion councils six Indian handicrafts companies in the fair operation between India and the Andean under the Focus-LAC programme. Two held from 5-18 December 2003. Community, which was signed during the Ecuadorian nationals attended ITEC visit of the External Affairs Minister to Lima A bust of Mahatma Gandhi donated by training programmes in India during the (Perú) in June 2003. Colombia has shown ICCR was inaugurated on 10 February 2004 year. Quito has been declared as the sensitivity to India’s concern regarding in the grounds of a prominent city library Iberoamerican Culture Capital for 2004 for problems faced by Indian nationals to obtain and recreation complex – El Tunal. which the municipality of Quito has Colombian visa and has taken action to Minister of Bilateral Relations Mr Camilo requested India’s participation with a folk make amendments in the Colombian law for Reyes attended the ceremony. Large dance group and through the organisation removing certain statutory requirements and numbers of activities were organised during of a film festival, details of which are being authorising its Embassy to issue visas without the year under the ambit of the India- worked out. prior approval. Colombia Cultural & Educational Exchange An ICCR donated bust of Mahatma Gandhi ITEC training slots for Colombia were Programme 2002-04. Two Colombian sculpted by Shri Gautam Pal has been increased from 5 to 15 this year on the basis professors of dramatic arts visited the installed in a beautifully renovated city of good response last year when 16 nominees National School of Drama, New Delhi to square of Quito, which has been renamed went to India for training. This year at least conduct theatre workshops in reciprocation as “Plaza República de la India”. 20 are expected to receive training in India. of the visit of two professors from the Ambassador Smt. Nilima Mitra and the Colombia has also been responding National School of Drama to Colombia in Mayor of Quito Mr Paco Moncayo jointly positively to the PCFD courses at FSI and August 2003. In addition to the three ICCR inaugurated the Plaza on 13 October 2003. this year two Colombian diplomats have troupes visited Colombia in 2003, a 12 To celebrate the occasion, an Odissi dance attended the training. member Odissi dance group is participating recital by Smt Ranjana Gauhar and group in the prestigious Iberoamerican theatre was also organized at the venue. Trade and economic relations between India festival of Four ICCR troupes visited and Colombia continued to grow during the Colombia this year. In June 2003, a 10- year. A large number of Colombian Cuba member Kathak group led by Ms Vaswati companies participated in exhibitions and Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Mishra performed in various cities. In August trade promotion events in India organised Digvijay Singh, paid a 2-day official visit to 2003, India was special invitee at the first by CII and other export promotion councils Cuba on 12-13 June 2003. During his stay, International Music and Dance under the Focus-LAC programme. A six- he held official talks with his counterpart performances by Bharatnatyam dancers member business delegation from the Punjab First Deputy Minister for External Affairs Radhika & Shobhana and a sarod/sitar State Small Industries and Export Mr. Fernando Remirez, besides meeting with group led by Ustad Kirit Khan and Sree Corporation visited Colombia to promote Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque, Gangopadhyay enthralled large audiences. exports of engineering products from India. Government Minister Ricardo Cabrisas, A Combined Indian Textiles Exhibition will Information and Communication Minister be organised in Colombia and Ecuador in Ecuador Roberto Ignacio Gonzalez Planas and Vice March 2004. RITES, which owns equity in Relations between India and Ecuador President of the Council of Ministers Jose the Atlantic railway concession of Colombia continued to be friendly and warm. Ecuador Ramon Fernandez (Chairman of the Cuban continued its interest and entered into appointed an Honorary Consul in India and Olympic Committee). He also had a 50- negotiations with the consortium to extend authorised him to provide consular services. minute meeting with President Fidel Castro its involvement for providing advisory & Ecuador was also supportive of the initiation on 14 June before his departure, and technical services for ten years. Member of political dialogue between India and the delivered a letter from the President of India, Planning Commission Shri D. N. Tewari Andean Community. Around ten nominees inviting President Castro to visit India.

95 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

President Castro spoke at length about the on the life and work of Mother Teresa, her in principle, the construction of a cricket current world situation, with special two visits to Cuba and meeting with stadium in Georgetown, Guyana with a reference to Latin America, relations with President Fidel Castro, and the functioning seating capacity of 15,000 (extendable to the EU, and Cuba’s efforts and achievements of the Missionaries of Charity with 36 sisters 25,000) subject to a grant ceiling of US$ 6 in social development. in 9 communities in Cuba. million. The project will be funded with a During the visit, Minister of State for grant element from the Ministry of External External Affairs, Shri Digvijay Singh held a Guyana Affairs. The Government of India has conference of Heads of Missions (HOMs) Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, President of Guyana agreed to extend to Guyana a concessional from the Caribbean and Central American paid a State Visit to India from 24-29 August line of credit of US$ 25.2 million through countries, in Havana on 12 June 2003. The 2003. Mr. Jagdeo held fruitful discussions the EXIM Bank of India for the Conference was attended by Secretary in India with President of the Republic of modernization of three sugar plants (EAA), JS (LAC) and HOMs from Mexico, India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Prime surveyed by a team from the Sugar Jamaica, Cuba, Panama, Suriname, and Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Vice Technology Mission. The Indian side also Trinidad & Tobago. President, Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. agreed to consider extending a similar line of credit through EXIM Bank of India for Mrs Meena Gupta, Additional Secretary in External Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha, Minister of Commerce & Industry, the modernization of the remaining sugar the Ministry of Environment and Forests, plants in Guyana. participated at the Sixth Conference of the Shri Arun Jaitley, Minister of Human Parties to the United Nations Convention to Resource Development, Dr. Murli Manohar As in previous years, ITEC Programme Combat Desertification, held in Havana Joshi, and the Leader of the Opposition in continues to be the main area of cooperation from 25 August -5 September 2003. Shri the Lok Sabha, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, called between India and Guyana. From April Madhusudan Mistry, Member of on President Jagdeo. In India, President 2003 - October 2003, 11 Guyanese and 1 Parliament, participated in the Round Table Jagdeo also visited his ancestral village in St. Lucian national have proceeded to India Conference of Parliamentarians of the Sixth District Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh. to attend various ITEC courses. At present Conference of the Parties to the United The following agreements were signed there are six ITEC experts from India to Nations Convention to Combat during the State Visit: Guyana out of which three joined during the Desertification, held in Havana from 25 period under report. During the Presidential (a) Cultural Exchange Programme August - 5 September 2003. visit, India agreed to enhance the quota of (b) Educational Exchange Programme ITEC scholarships offered to Guyana from The Centre for Molecular Immunology and 25 to 35. its commercial wing CIMAB SA and BIOCON India Ltd. Finalized a joint (c) Agreement for waiving off the A 4-member delegation of Council of venture agreement to establish a new outstanding balance from the first credit Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) company BIOCON Pharmaceuticals Ltd. line extended to Guyana in 1989. visited Guyana from 30 April – 4 May 2003. They identified following projects for The company would manufacture and As an immediate outcome of the visit, technology transfer to Guyana: Solar market a select range of biotechnology Guyana has decided to reopen its Mission Timber Seasoning Kiln; Production of products for human health care primarily in in Delhi in 2004. the Indian market. The products include Bricks and Roof Tiles; Parboiling Facility (for monoclonal antibodies for treatment of Foreign Office Consultations between India rice) and Mini Rice Mill; Dehydration of brain and neck cancers. and Guyana were held in New Delhi on 21 Fruits and Vegetables. An 8-member August 2003. On 25 September 2003, delegation of Sugar Technology Mission of A Cuban-Italian joint venture company President of Guyana declared in the 58th India visited Guyana from 3-10 May 2003. FINAUTO has been selling Tata vehicles in Session of the United Nations General During their stay, they visited various sugar Cuba. From the reports it seems Tata Indica Assembly that he would support the is doing well because of its competitive mills under operation of Guyana Sugar candidature of India, in addition to Brazil prices. FINAUTO has been promoting the Corporation Inc. (GUYSUCO). and an African country, for the permanent car in the International Transport Fair (FIT) On 14 August 2003, India donated, under seat of an expanded Security Council. held in September each year and the Havana ITEC, a demonstration vehicle equipped During the Presidential visit, an MoU International Fair (FIHAV) held in with audio/visual facilities, which could be between Federation of Indian Chamber of November each year. used for imparting training in processing of Commerce and Industry and Georgetown agricultural produce. On 6 November 2003, Indian Ambassador unveiled the statue of Chamber of Commerce establishing a Joint an MoU for supply of Solar Photovoltaic Mother Teresa in a garden named after her Business Council (JBC) was signed. in Old Havana on 6 May 2003. Speaking Water Pumps System to Guyana under The External Affairs Minister has approved, on the occasion, he gave a detailed account ITEC was signed in Georgetown.

96 The Americas

Jamaica people of Indian descent were an inseparable trade issues. The two leaders also discussed part of modern Caribbean society and a range of other issues of bilateral and India’s relations with Jamaica continued to commended them for their contributions to multilateral concern. Prime Minister also be friendly and cordial. Minister of State for Caribbean economy and development for renewed an invitation to President Fox to External Affairs, Shri Digvijay Singh, paid nearly 200 years. He said that the Hindi visit India. an official visit to Jamaica from 6-7 language deserved the attention being September 2003. He had a meeting with Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri accorded to it by the Conference and was Senator Delano Franklyn, Minister of State Arun Jaitley, headed a strong inter- one of the truly dynamic and important for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, ministerial delegation comprising nearly 50 languages of what was the rich and Government of Jamaica. The two leaders members to the 5th ministerial conference fascinating Caribbean linguistic mosaic. discussed bilateral relations and regional and of the World Trade Organization (WTO), global matters of mutual interest. India continued to offer training facilities to held at Cancun (Mexico) from 10-14 Jamaicans under the Indian Technical and September 2003. India, a leading member A large Indian delegation led by Shri Vikram Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme of the so-called “G Plus” group, played a Verma, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, in areas such as human resource key role in mobilizing the developing visited Montego Bay, Jamaica, to participate development, security, forensic science, countries in defending their core interests, in the annual meeting of the General information technology and banking and especially with regard to agriculture and Assembly of the Commonwealth Federation finance. During the year under report, the ‘Singapore issues’. from 10-15 November 2003. The delegation Government of India arranged the included Lt. Governor of Delhi, Shri Vijay A four-member delegation, headed by the deputation for two years of a foundry Kapoor, Mayor of Delhi, Shri Ashok Kumar Reserve Bank of India Governor, Shri Y.V. engineering expert and a dairy engineering Jain, and Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs Reddy, attended Morelia, (Mexico) from 26- expert to Jamaica under the ITEC and Sports, Shri Rajiv Srivastava. The 27 October 2003. On an invitation from the programme. meeting was held to decide the venue of the President of the Mexican Federal Electoral Commonwealth Games 2010, out of the two The possibilities of expanding trade relations Institute, a three-member delegation led by proposed venues, Viz. New Delhi and between India and Jamaica were explored. the Election Commissioner of India, Shri Hamilton in Canada. An ICCR sponsored Shri Dalel Singh, Representative of the India T.S. Krishnamurthy, visited Mexico from 4- 12-member Gujarati Folk Dance Group that Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) in 8 July 2003 to witness the congressional was touring the Caribbean at that time- Brazil, visited Jamaica from 9-13 October elections. A nine-member delegation from visited Montego Bay during the meeting and 2003. the Ministry of Environment & Forests gave performances. He held discussion with Jamaican (E&F), led by Shri K.C. Mishra, Secretary (E&F), visited Mexico from 25-27 June 2003 Jamaica and the other member of the Government officials and business leaders on to exchange views and experiences on Caribbean Community (CARRICOM) have increasing trade and economic cooperation protection of environment and wildlife. welcomed India’s interest in developing between the two countries. closer relations with the CARICOM. This There has been some growth in India’s An 18-member team from the National was expressly stated in the communiqué exports to Jamaica in recent years, Defence College, New Delhi, paid the first- issued at the close of the 24th meeting of particularly in the area of pharmaceuticals. ever visit to Mexico in June 2003. The visit the CARICOM Heads of Government held The value of India’s exports to Jamaica in facilitated establishment of high-level in Montego Bay, Jamaica, from 2-5 July 2002-2003 was Rs. 212.7 million, the chief contacts with the Mexican defence 2003. The communiqué noted the items of export being motor parts, textiles, establishment. As a gesture of goodwill, the importance of strengthening relations readymade garments, plastic and linoleum Mexican Defence Minister has accepted the between the region and India and exploring products and pharmaceutical products. installation of the Indian national flag at opportunities for expanding trade and their National Heroic Military Academy. economic ties and also welcomed the Mexico The flag was installed at an impressive Government of India’s proposal to establish ceremonial parade. The Indian flag is President of Mexico, Vicente Fox Quesada, an institutional linkage for regular political amongst a select group of countries in the met the Prime Minister in Evian (France) in dialogue between the CARICOM and ceremonial flags room of the Military June 2003 on the margins of the expanded India. Academy. G-8 Summit. He underlined Mexico’s Prime Minister P. J. Patterson of Jamaica sent interest in deepening economic cooperation Mexico continued to be a major centre for a message of felicitation on the occasion of with India and in view of the common Indian cultural activities. The Mexican the 7th World Hindi Conference held in perspective and complementarities of the Senate organized a week of Indian Culture Suriname from 4-9 June 2003. In his two countries, agreed for closer bilateral in June 2003. The President of Senate, message, the Prime Minister noted that the coordination on some aspects of multilateral Enrique Jackson, inaugurated the event and

97 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

the weeklong activities covered a variety of “India – Mexico: Similarities and India to undergo various courses in diverse exhibitions, presentation of Indian dances, Encounters Throughout History”, written by areas. a fashion show and seminars by prominent a famous Indologist Dr. Eva Uchmani of the Indologists on subjects of bilateral interest. Mexican National Autonomous University. Panama Later, two separate weeks of Indian Culture Two more books on India were released in Panama remains the only country in Central were organized in Jalapa, the capital of the collaboration with the Embassy: (1) a book America with the significant presence of state of Veracruz and Guadalajara, the of poems on India “Sonetos de la India” PIOs. However, the region is being used as capital of the state of Jalisco in September- written by Mr. Ignacio Orendain in May; transit by some persons trying to illegally October 2003. and (2) “India – Love at First Sight” by Ms. enter North America. This year, 14 persons Gloria Friscione de Perez-Jacome. In July 2003, a bust of Mahatma Gandhi were apprehended and while the majority was unveiled at a prominent location by the has been repatriated to India, some remain mayor of Guadalajara, the second largest Nicaragua to be repatriated. Such cases have prompted city of Mexico. The bust has been gifted by India was the first country to sign a bilateral governments to put in place extremely strict the ICCR. agreement with Nicaragua on 29 March visa regimes for Indian nationals wishing to 2004 for canceling the debt of US$ 5 million A five-member Odissi dance troupe, travel to their countries. owed to it by the Government of Nicaragua sponsored by ICCR, participated in the under the Culmination Point Documents Minister of States for External Affairs, Shri famous Cervantino International Festival of approved for Nicaragua by the IMF and Digvijay Singh paid an official visit to Art in the Mexican city of Guanajuato in World Bank’s Heavily Indebted Poor Panama at the invitation of Vice Minister October 2003, followed by presentations in Countries (HIPC) initiative. Nivia Rosanna Castrellon from 8-12 three different cities of the state of Jalisco as February 2003. He called on First Vice part of the October Festival. President Arturo Vallarino and Second Central America In spite of a severe economic slow down in President Kaisar Bazan. In addition he had Mexico, bilateral economic relations have India and countries in Central America have substantive meeting with Minister of demonstrated a healthy growth trend. In the traditionally enjoyed good relations despite External Relations Harmodo Arias Cerjack first seven months of 2003, the two-way the challenge imposed by the barriers of as well as a separate working session with trade grew by over 34% compared to the geographical distance and language. the Acting Vice Minister Mendes. He was same period last year, reaching a figure of Roughly equivalent in size to a quarter of accorded the honour of Distinguished Mexico, a total population of about 35 US$ 508 million. During January-July 2003, Visitor to the City of Panama by Mayor Juan million, GDP in conventional terms Indian exports to Mexico went up by 10% Carlos Navarro. He also met the Indian amounting to US$ 75 billion (US$ 160 reaching an amount of US$ 280 million with community and visited the Panama Canal billion in PPP terms), Central American a trade surplus of US$ 52 million in favour and Colon Free Zone. countries have seen the gradual of India. The year 2003-04 also witnessed The first ever official Parliamentary strengthening of democracy and put the civil several important trade promotional events. delegation to pay a bilateral visit did so from wars and instability of the past behind them. Several Indian companies participated in 5-9 July 2003 and was led by Shri Manohar They are now inching towards integration three major trade fairs: (1) automobile parts Joshi, Speaker Lok Sabha in the Centenary under the aegis of SICA while fair “PAACE” in July, (2) Latin America’s simultaneously negotiating FTAs amongst Year of Panama’s Independence from largest automobile and auto-parts fair themselves and collectively with countries Colombia. The delegation was received by “Rujac” in August; and (3) Latin American such as the United States. the highest echelons of Government in Coating Show in July. Two well-known Panama, including President Mireya commercial journalists, from the India has received positive signals to its Moscoso and had substantive meetings with publications department of the Foreign expression of interest to develop bilateral Carlos Alvarrado, President of the National Trade Bank of Mexico (Bancomext) and and multilateral strategic linkages. Trade Assembly and Marco Ameglio, President of from the publicity wing of the National figures with the region, though extremely the Foreign Relations Commission in the Association of Exporters and Importers small, in comparative terms with other parts Assembly. The two sides agreed to establish (ANIERM), were invited to India under the of the world have nevertheless registered a an India-Panama Parliamentary Friendship Focus LAC programme of Ministry of modest increase growing from US$ 103.4 Association. Speaker extended an invitation Commerce. As a result, a series of special million in 2001-2002 to US$ 117.54 in 2002- to the President of Legislative Assembly to supplements/articles on India were 2003 – an increase of 14% overall. lead a delegation to India. published. The ITEC Programme continued to remain Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri The President of ICCR formally released extremely popular with all countries in Digvijay Singh, paid an official visit to on 9 September 2003 the book entitled Central America and over 40 trainees visited Panama at the invitation of Vice Minister,

98 The Americas

Nivia Rosanna Castrellon from 8-12 documentation. A major initiative was taken Lady of Peru, Dr. Eliane Karp, visited India February 2003. He called on First Vice by the community with the Department of to participate as a Special Invitee of the President Arturo Vallarino and Second Immigration to regularize such persons Government of India in the New Delhi President Kaisar Bazan, in addition having during the year. Conference on “Dialogue Among to a substantive meeting with Minister of Civilizations: Quest for New Perspectives”, External Relations Harmodo Arias Cerjack Costa Rica held in New Delhi from 9-10 July 2003. as well as a separate working session with External Affairs Minister sent a message of A 10-member delegation from India led by the Acting Vice Minister Mendes. He was felicitations to the new Foreign Minister of Shri K.C. Mishra, Secretary, Environment also accorded the honour of Distinguished Peru, Manuel Rodriguez, after Allan Wagner and Forests, visited Costa Rica from 17-28 Visitor to the City of Panama by Mayor Juan was appointed as the Secretary General of June 2003 on a study tour. Carlos Navarro. He also met the Indian the Andean Community (CAN). community and visited the Panama Canal Peru India and Peru celebrated the 40th and Colon Free Zone. anniversary of the establishment of India participated in the Cotal 2003 The highlight of the year was an official visit diplomatic relations between the two Congress held in Panama City from 5-11 by the External Affairs Minister, countries this year. Foreign Minister Allan May 2003 and the Tourism Fair held during accompanied by a CII business delegation, Wagner hosted a special reception and also the same period. The India Tourism Office to Lima from 3-4 June 2003. He called on attended a reception hosted by the Indian (New York) Stall was adjudged the best President Toledo and held talks with Foreign Ambassador. Various other events, including international stall at the fair. Two major tour Minister Allan Wagner, First Vice President a special supplement on India in Peru’s operators from Panama attended the Fifth and Minister for External Trade and leading daily, were organised throughout the International Tourism Mart in New Delhi Tourism, Raul Diez Canseco, Education year to mark the event. from 5-11 September 2003. The India Minister Gerardo Ayzanoa. During the visit, India and Peru signed a Joint Statement, The 2nd round of bilateral foreign office Handicrafts and Gifts Fair in New Delhi consultations were held in New Delhi on from 13-16 October 2003 generated interest which inter alia, included Peru’s support to India’s candidature for permanent February 20. Under Secretary for Asia and with seven Panamanians, including four the Pacific Basin in the Foreign Ministry, invitees attending the event. membership of an expanded UN Security Council. In addition, an agreement on Luzmila Zanabria, led the Peruvian INS Tarangini, the only sail training ship in abolition of visas for holders of diplomatic delegation to the talks, while Secretary (EAA) the Indian Navy, was in Panama from 10 - and official passports was signed. An led the Indian delegation. Mrs. Zanabria also 15 November 2003, crossing the Panama invitation on behalf of the President of India called upon External Affairs Minister during Canal on 11 November 2003 in time to to President Toledo to visit India was the visit. As a special gesture to India, on 30 celebrate the Centenary of Panama’s accepted with pleasure. April 2003, the Peruvian Congress Independence and as part of the Navy’s reactivated the Indo-Peru Parliamentary efforts to build bridges of friendship across At a multilateral level, since Peru holds the Friendship League. current Chair of the Rio Group, External the oceans. Ranjana Gauhar, noted Odissi Economic and commercial relations dancer and four musicians accompanying Affairs Minister met with Peruvian Foreign Minister Wagner and Representatives of continued to strengthen with increase in her, performed to appreciative audiences in India’s exports. Various Indian delegations Panama in September 2003 as part of India’s Brazil and Costa, the three countries that make up the current Rio Troika, for talks visited Peru in different sectors like jewellery, participation to celebrate the Centenary of small industries, tea, etc, as well a team from Panama’s Independence. between India and the Rio Group. In addition, he also met with the Secretary UNESCO India. Many Peruvian Efforts were also made to reach out to the General of the Andean Community (CAN), businessmen and government officials also wider Panamanian audience, particularly Guillermo de Soto. On behalf of CAN, went to India on sponsored visits. APTECH students, through special screenings of Foreign Minister Wagner also signed an started operations in Peru while another Indian films and a Film Festival titled agreement with the External Affairs Minister pharmaceutical company set up offices in “Introducing Bollywood”, all of which proved to establish regular contacts between India Lima. India’s exports to the armed forces of extremely popular with viewers. and CAN. Peru also continued to rise. Indian Panama has approximately 12,000 people companies participated in the two major fairs The External Affairs Minister met with in Lima. For the first time, Peruvian of Indian origin who remain a vibrant and Foreign Minister Wagner and other dynamic part of Panamanian society. Some Government sent two Indian importers to members of the Rio Group Troika (Costa Lima on a sponsored visit. concern, however, has crept in, over Rica, Brazil) on the margins of the UN significant numbers who have come in recent General Assembly in New York as part of In the cultural sphere, after a gap of more times and over-stay without proper the India - Rio Troika meeting. The First than 5 years, three ICCR-sponsored cultural

99 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

troupes performed in Lima. A special event year were also announced. At the private sponsored Bhojpuri music troupe and a was organised to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya sector level, an agreement to set up a Joint Rajasthani folk dance troupe visited Divas in 2003. Business Council was signed between the Trinidad. An exhibition entitled ‘Temple Art Federation of Chamber of Commerce & from India’ curated by Ms. Jaya Patel and Bolivia Industry, India (FICCI) and the Suriname an exhibition on life and works of Mahatma Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KKF). Gandhi were organized at the National The President, Shri A.P.J Abdul Kalam sent Museum in Port of Spain. Two Mahatma a message of felicitations to the new Bolivian Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Gandhi Memorial Lectures were organsied, President Carlos Mesa on his assumption of Digvijay Singh, visited Suriname from 3-9 one on the Gandhian ideas for social change charge. June 2003 as the leader of the Indian official delegation to the VII World Hindi and another the Mahatma Gandhi and Education Minister of Bolivia, Hugo Conference, which was organized in Globalisation. Carvajal, participated in the New Delhi Paramaribo from 5-9 June 2003. Besides Under the ITEC programme, Government Conference on Dialogue Among presiding over the activities of the of India sponsored a pre-feasibility study for Civilizations “Quest for New Perspectives”, Conference, the Minister of State had Light Rail Transit system in Trinidad, done held in New Delhi from 9-10 July 2003. The bilateral meetings with the Surinamese by a two-member RITES team. The idea conference was organised jointly by Ministry Foreign Affairs and the Minister of was discussed during the visit of Minister of of Human Resource Development and Education. He was also separately received State for External Affairs, Shri Digvijay UNESCO. This was the first visit by a by President Venetiaan, Vice President Singh, earlier this year and the concept paper Bolivian Minister to India. Ajodhia and the Speaker of the Surinamese has already been prepared. Several training In the natural gas sector, Bolivian companies National Assembly Ram Sardjoe. slots in various fields including information expressed their interest in Indian technology, engineering, etc. were offered participation – equity, upstream / Barbados during the year. downstream operations, supply of Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri equipment, etc. GAIL also expressed its Promotion and propagation of Hindi was Digvijay Singh paid a bilateral visit to interest in the Bolivian market. For the first actively pursued and classes at different levels Barbados from 15-18 June 2003. This was time, Indian companies participated in are being organized at different locations in the first official visit by a high-ranking Indian Bolivia’s largest trade fair, Expocruz 2003. Trinidad. Two Hindi Kavi Sammelans were dignitary, since the establishment of organized in May and October 2003. An ICCR sponsored Bharatnatyam dance diplomatic relations between the two Indian Arrival Day was commemorated with group visited Santa Cruz from 10-13 August. countries. Besides detailed talks with Ms. a series of month-long cultural events in This was the first ever visit by a dance troupe Billie Miller, Senior Minister and Minister collaboration with various Indian cultural from India to Bolivia of Foreign Affairs land Foreign Trade, the organizations. This included an Minister of State also met Ms. Mia Motley, International Seminar on Indian Diaspora Suriname Deputy Prime Minister and Attorney in which, apart from local scholars, scholars Cordial relations between India and General and Minister of Home Affairs. An from India, US, Suriname, Guyana and Suriname received a fresh impetus with the MoU on regular Foreign Office Jamaica participated. State Visit of Mr. Ronaldo Ronald Consultations was signed during the visit. Venetiaan, President of Suriname, to India Strong emphasis has been placed on from 15-20 March 2003. President Trinidad & Tobago enhancing commercial cooperation and Venetiaan’s delegation included Ministers of several promotional events have been Bilateral relations between Trinidad and Foreign Affairs, Finance, Agriculture and organized in this direction. These include: Tobago and India continued to be friendly Planning, besides senior officials and and cordial during the year 2003-04. A large n 4-member Trinidadian tourism representatives of business and media. A delegation from Trinidad attended the promotion delegation was sent to South Joint Press Statement was issued at the end Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2003, led by Dr. Asian Travel and Tourism Expo of the visit. Linda Baboolal, President of the Senate. (SATTE) in April 2003. Agreements signed during the visit included Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri n A well-attended seminar on ‘Information US$10 million Government of India Line Digvijay Singh, visited Trinidad from 4-6 Technology in India’ was organized, of Credit to Suriname, an agreement on February 2003. During the visit an which resulted in NIIT launching two- cooperation in the field of agriculture and a Intergovernmental Joint Commission franchise education and training centers cultural exchange programme. A gift of Agreement was signed and invitation was in Trinidad. They had also presented a Indian medicines worth US$100,000 and extended to Prime Minister Manning to visit concept paper on establishing a Centre doubling of ITEC slots from 15 to 30 per India. On the cultural front, the ICCR- of Excellence on Information

100 The Americas

Technology by the Government of and friendly. After postponing G-15 Summit Trinidad. The Government of Trinidad twice in the past, Venezuela finally hosted &Tabago is examining this. the Summit on 26-28 February 2004. The Summit was attended by six Heads of n A tourism seminar was organized to promote India bound tourism in May States/Governments including Iranian 2003. President Khatami, Zimbabwe’s President Mugabe, Argentinean, Brazilian and n An Indian Food Festival was organized Colombian Presidents and the Prime with chefs coming from India. Minister of Jamaica. The Indian delegation n Indian Fashion Shows were organized in was led by the External Affairs Minister, Shri March and September showcasing Yashwant Sinha. During the Summit, he Indian fashion wears, inter alia, featuring announced India’s willingness to contribute a former Miss India. US$100 million for establishing a Fund to assist Africa in collaboration with NEPAD. A Major Festival of India was organized He also suggested that the G-15 Group from 7-15 September 2003, including an should be more pro-active, forward-looking exclusive Indian Consumer Goods Fair, an and take full advantage of the revolution in Indian Food Fair, daily Indian cultural Information and Communication programmes, film shows and two Indian Technology. There were demonstrations led Fashion Shows. A fifty-member business by the Opposition during the Summit in delegation from India visited Trinidad order to attract international attention. &Tabago in connection with the trade fair External Affairs Minister met President leading to a number of new significant Chavez and Foreign Minister Jesus Perez business linkages. An Ayurveda promotional also. workshop was organized in July 2003 to promote and propagate Ayurveda with Venezuelan State Oil Company PDVSA and participation of an Indian Ayuveda expert. Oil India Ltd. signed an agreement on 7 Similarly, India has actively endeavored to October 2003 for carrying out consultancy strengthen and deepen friendship and service/technical cooperation, including cooperation with countries of concurrent detailed geo-scientific and reservoir accreditation, namely, Antigua and Barbuda, engineering studies of Baghewala Oil field Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat in Rajasthan for exploitation of heavy crude and Anguilla. The Minister of Culture of oil for feedstock in power-plants. Under the St. Kitts and Nevis participated in the agreement, Intevep, a subsidiary of PDVSA International Conference on “Dialogue will set up a Pilot Plant for exploitation of Among Civilizations: Quest for New heavy oil and bitumen, and commence Perspectives” in Delhi in July 2003. prospective drillings within a year. Depending on the preliminary results of Venezuela drilling, the two sides plan to set up a Joint Venture in the area. India’s relations with Venezuela were warm nn

101 9. United Nations & International Organisations

he UN system, its role and relevance in International System. The Panel has been continued support for efforts to combat Tthe international order, its efficacy and tasked with examining the major threats international terrorism. Prime Minister had limitations came under scrutiny during the and challenges the world faces in the broad bilateral meetings with the Heads of State / year. Continuing acts of international field of peace and security, including Government of the United States, Brazil, terrorism and developments surrounding economic and social issues in so far as they South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Iraq overshadowed discussions in the UN relate to peace and security, and making Ukraine, Portugal, Afghanistan, Russian and other international organizations. The recommendations for the elements of a Federation, and Zimbabwe. He participated United Nations launched new Peace collective response. Based on the Panel’s in a meeting with the Presidents of Brazil and Keeping Operations in Liberia and Cote report, the Secretary General would make South Africa in the context of the India-Brazil- d’Ivoire and maintained its activities in the recommendations to the 59th session of the South Africa initiative [IBSA]. areas of human rights, socio-economic General Assembly next year. The 58th External Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant development, humanitarian activities etc. session also looked at some practical steps Sinha accompanied the Prime Minister to the India continued to play a prominent role in towards UN reform, including General Assembly session. He had separate discussions at the UN, and often played a revitalisation of the General Assembly and bilateral meetings with a large number of his role in building consensus on important review of the current planning and counterparts. These included Foreign questions, while preserving and promoting budgetary processes. Ministers of Algeria, Arab League, its interests as a developing country, with a The situation in Iraq was a subject of Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Chile, Egypt, France, perspective of its own on key international considerable concern and focus in the 58th Germany, Iraqi Governing Council, Israel, issues. session of the General Assembly. Although Mauritius, Myanmar, Palestinian National there were shades of differences and a Authority, Philippines, Romania, Senegal, th The 58 Session of the UN feeling of uncertainty about the road Spain, Sudan, Sweden, UK and Vietnam. For General Assembly ahead, there appeared to be a growing the first time, the External Affairs Minister met The 58th session in September was held in recognition in the international with Foreign Ministers of the Gulf the aftermath of the Iraq war. The impact community, of the need to empower the Cooperation Council and of the Rio Group. of unilateral action on the future of Iraqis and to move towards a speedy He participated in two trilateral meetings, one multilateralism and the UN was a constant restoration of Iraqi sovereignty, as also an with China and the Russian Federation, and theme that ran through the general debate, enlarged role for the UN in this process. the other with Brazil and South Africa. He in which a large number of world leaders The General Assembly also reiterated the also had a separate meeting with UN participated. The impression that the UN’s importance of combating terrorism. The Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The External role and relevance had been challenged other major issues that engaged the Affairs Minister attended meetings of the following the unilateral war in Iraq, attention of world leaders were the Non-Aligned Movement, the Group of 77, the appeared to have been replaced by a situations in the Middle East and Commonwealth, Asia Cooperation Dialogue, recognition of the limits of unilateralism and Afghanistan. and SAARC. He also had extensive interactions with the international and Indian a renewed commitment to multilateralism. Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee In this context, there was also an awareness media during his stay in New York. led the Indian delegation to the 58th session of the need to revisit issues relating to the and addressed the General Assembly on The General Assembly had a special meeting fundamentals of the international order, to 25 September 2003. In his speech, the on 22 September 2003 to review the progress look at new threats and challenges as also Prime Minister said that the Iraq crisis had achieved in the implementation of the the institutions to deal with them and the emphasized the urgent need for an outcome of the special session on HIV/AIDS. necessity of reforms in the UN system. enlarged and restructured Security It also held a high-level dialogue on the follow- In his speech to the General Assembly, UN Council, with more developing countries up to the Monterrey conference on financing Secretary General Kofi Annan emphasized as permanent and non-permanent for development on 29-30 October 2003. the urgent need to focus on UN reforms and members. Expressing concern for the Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri the adequacy and effectiveness of the UN’s suffering of the people of Iraq, Prime Vinod Khanna participated in the meeting. organs, especially the need for a more Minister stressed the imperative need to Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri representative Security Council. With a view empower the Iraqi people to determine Digvijay Singh spoke in the General Assembly on 10 December 2003, which commemorated to comprehensively addressing the issue of their own future and the immediate priority the 55th anniversary of the adoption of the UN reforms, the Secretary General of ensuring security, restoring basic Universal Declaration of Human rights and established a sixteen member High-Level infrastructure, and outlining a political the 10th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration Panel of Eminent Personalities on Global roadmap for a representative Iraqi and Programme of Action. Security, Threats and Reform of the Government. He also reiterated India’s

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The Security Council On 27 January 2003, an important report welcomed the unanimous adoption of In the year 2003, India participated in 12 by the Arms Inspectors was placed before Resolution 1511 as a positive step towards open meetings of the Security Council on the Security Council. Discussions on the the restoration of sovereignty to the Iraqi issues of importance such as the situation need for Iraq’s compliance, the report of the people although it noted that the Resolution between Iraq and Kuwait, Middle East, Arms Inspectors and further action by the lacked specificity regarding the timing of the Afghanistan, Timor-L’este as well as on Security Council and the International transfer. It took positive note of the thematic issues such as threats to community continued. By February, the reaffirmation of the right of the Iraqi people international peace and security caused by situation pertaining to Iraq had reached crisis to determine their political future as well as terrorist acts, women and peace and security, proportions and the possibility of military the mandate to the Governing Council to role of the Security Council in the pacific operations against Iraq with or without the draw up a time table for the drafting of a settlement of disputes and protection of UN mandate had become a critical issue. new constitution and holding of democratic civilians in armed conflict. India’s position was of commitment to elections. Taking note of the appeal in the resolution of the problem through the UN The Working Group on the question of resolution to UN Member States to assist in and the multilateral process. The situation reform of the Security Council met four reconstruction efforts, the Indian in Iraq dominated the work of the Security times during the year. The Working Group Government reiterated its readiness to Council throughout the year, which adopted achieved a modest degree of success in contribute to the restoration of landmark Resolutions 1483, 1500 and 1511. discussions on the working methods of the infrastructure, medical, health, education, Resolution 1483 of 22 May 2003 granted Security Council. There was expectedly no communication and other civilian needs of agreement on the core issues pertaining to interim governing powers to the United the Iraqi people. States and its coalition partners in Iraq, a expansion of the reformed Security Council. In early 2004, developments in the UN with role for a UN Special Representative India continued to participate actively in the regard to Iraq continued to be a major focus working with this coalition and lifting of discussions of the Working Group. India’s of international attention. In February 2004, sanctions imposed on Iraq. India welcomed candidature for permanent membership in in response to requests from the CPA and Resolution 1483, as in its view, the adoption a reformed Security Council received further the Iraqi Governing Council for UN of the resolution enabled the international expressions of support during the year. involvement in the transitional political community to help the long suffering people process in Iraq, the UN Secretary General Political Issues of Iraq and reaffirmed principles important dispatched a fact-finding team led by India made statements on all issues of to India, such as the sovereignty and UNSG’s Special Advisor, Lakhdar Brahimi, political and strategic importance at the 58th territorial integrity of Iraq; the right of the to mainly establish whether elections for a United Nations General Assembly plenary, Iraqi people to freely determine their transitional national assembly could be held including Afghanistan, the Question of political future and control their natural before the transfer of sovereignty to Iraq on Palestine, the situation in the Middle East resources; the existence, to an extent, of an 30 June 2004, and if not, to explore possible and International Atomic Energy Agency internationally accepted roadmap for alternatives to take the political process (IAEA). rebuilding Iraq and the involvement of the Secretary General’s representative in this forward. The team concluded that while Iraq process. elections were necessary, credible elections could not be held before the end of 2004. India participated in open meetings of Resolution 1500 of 14 August 2003 the Security Council on the situation reaffirmed the sovereignty and territorial On 17 March 2004, in separate letters to between Iraq and Kuwait held on 18 integrity of Iraq, welcomed the the UNSG, the Iraqi Governing Council and February, 11 March and 26 March establishment of the Governing Council of CPA formally invited the UN to play a role 2003. In these statements, India called Iraq and set up for an initial period of 12 in forging a consensus on the setting up of for an early end to the hostilities and months, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq the interim government and providing for ensuring that the sovereignty, (UNAMI) to coordinate the UN’s assistance in ensuring the conduct of direct integrity and secular traditions of Iraq humanitarian and other activities in Iraq. elections by January 2005. Subsequently, in were fully preserved. Underlining the response, UNSG, with the support of the right of the Iraqi people to determine Resolution 1511 of 16 October 2003 called Security Council dispatched a team led by on the Coalition Provisional Authority in their political future and control their LakhdarBrahimi to Iraq in early April. resources, India emphasized the need Iraq to return governing authority to the The UN has been engaged in Iraq in a to secure lasting peace and a stable Iraqi people as soon as practicable and future for the Iraqi people. India also invited the Iraqi Governing Council to tentative way and it remains to be seen announced its willingness to fully provide a timetable for drafting a new whether this would eventually lead to greater participate in the reconstruction and constitution and holding of democratic involvement and a more substantive role for rehabilitation of Iraq. elections by 15 December 2003. India the UN in Iraq. It is as yet unclear what role

103 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

the UN would be able to play in Iraq with resolution 1510 on 13 October 2003, regard to transfer of sovereignty, extending the mandate of the International amounting to around US $ 400 million. endorsement of the interim government and Security Assistance Force for 12 months and India also signed the Berlin constitution, the provision of security in authorizing expansion of its mandate to Declaration, which emphasizes the terms of setting up of a Multinational Force allow it to support the Afghan Transitional commitment of the international and in the situation post 30 June 2004. In Authority and its successors, in the community towards the end March, there was also considerable maintenance of security in the areas of reconstruction, development and speculation about the necessity of a new Afghanistan outside Kabul. maintenance of peace and security in Afghanistan. resolution of the UN Security Council to The Security Council welcomed, as a very address these issues. significant step, the new Constitution agreed Middle East by Afghanistan’s Loya Jirga on 4 January Afghanistan The UN witnessed a contentious debate on 2004. UN Secretary General hailed the An issue of critical importance that a number of issues related to the situation “historic achievement” as evidence of the continued to attract a lively debate pertained in the Middle East. determination of the Afghan people to to strengthening the triangular relationship establish a stable and democratic State. As The Tenth Emergency Special Session of the between the Security Council, the regards the holding of elections in General Assembly on the situation in Secretariat and the Troop Contributing Afghanistan in June 2004 as originally occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Countries (TCCs). India has played a lead envisaged in the Bonn Accords, the UN has Occupied Palestinian Territory was re- role all along in this debate, which saw the expressed doubts about the possibility of convened on three separate occasions, on 19 passing of Resolution 1353, and a Note by adhering to the Bonn schedule, in view of September, 20-21 October and 8 December the President of the Council dated 14 the slow pace of voter registration, mainly 2003. At the meeting of 19 September 2003, January 2003, envisaging a new mechanism due to continuing insecurity. Efforts are being a resolution demanding that Israel desist of cooperation and Joint Meetings between made to impart added momentum to the from any act of deportation and cease any the Working Group of the Security Council voter registration process so that elections threat to the safety of the elected President on PKO’s and TCCs. India participated in can be held as soon as possible. of the Palestinian Authority was adopted. the open debate held in the Security Council India voted in favour of the resolution. on the situation in Afghanistan on 17 June Mr. Jean Arnault of France has been 2003 to take into account the views of the appointed as the Special Representative of At the meeting held on 20 October 2003, a larger membership, especially on the issue the Secretary General for Afghanistan, in resolution was adopted demanding that of drugs and its implications on the political place of Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, who has been Israel stop and reverse construction of the process and reconstruction efforts. While appointed as the Special Adviser to the “Security Wall” in the Occupied Palestinian highlighting the serious challenge posed to Secretary General. Territory, including in and around Jerusalem. the peace process by drugs and the The resolution requested the Secretary deteriorating security situation and the need General to report periodically on Berlin Conference to address them firmly and resolutely, India compliance with the resolution, with the first reiterated its support to international efforts To review the progress made since the report on compliance with the demand to aimed at reconstruction and emergence of Bonn Conference and to assess the cease construction on the wall presented Afghanistan as a peaceful, strong, current situation in Afghanistan, a within one month. India voted in favour of prosperous, united and independent nation. major International Conference was the resolution. The meeting on 8 December convened in Berlin, under the UN on 2003 was held in the backdrop of Secretary In the backdrop of increasing concern over 31 March and 1 April 2004. India General’s report that Israel was not in the challenges being mounted against the participated in this Conference and compliance with the General Assembly’s Government of Afghanistan and the process Foreign Secretary Shri Shashank led demand that Israel stop and reverse of stabilization and reconstruction, India, at the Indian delegation. While construction of the wall in the Occupied the High level ad-hoc meeting on expressing its concern over the recent Palestinian Territory. At this meeting, a Afghanistan held on the margins of the UN surge in incidents of violence and resolution seeking advisory opinion from the General Assembly on 24 September 2003, terrorist attacks threatening peace and International Court of Justice on the legal reiterated its strong support to the Afghan security in Afghanistan, India consequences arising from the construction Government and its people, to re-establish reiterated its support and commitment of the wall was adopted. India voted in a strong, independent, sovereign and united towards the reconstruction and favour of the resolution. Afghanistan, including through bilateral development of Afghanistan. India assistance and contribution. renewed its financial commitments for The Security Council unanimously adopted Afghanistan’s reconstruction, Resolution 1515 on 19 November 2003, The Security Council unanimously approved which for the first time endorsed the Quartet

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Road Map and called on the parties to fulfill continued to emphasize that terrorism was their obligations under the Road Map in a global phenomenon and the fight against Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE)], helicopters with support cooperation with the Quartet, for achieving terrorism had to be comprehensive and crew to the UN Organization Mission the vision of two States living side by side in sustained. There could be no double in the Democratic Republic of Congo peace and security. standards in combating terrorism. It could (MONUC) and a major civilian police not be ad-hoc, selective or component in the UN Interim African Issues compartmentalized in terms of regions, Administration Mission in Kosovo The Security Council remained seized of religions or organizations and there could (UNMIK). India has also committed, several issues relating to the African be no justification for terrorism: religious, in principle, to contribute to the continent including conflicts in the political, ideological or any other. envisaged UN Peacekeeping Mission Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote The Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) in Sudan aimed at facilitating an end d’Ivoire, Liberia, Western Sahara, Sierra established pursuant to Security Council to the long-running civil war in Sudan. Leone, Ethiopia and Eritrea. The Council Resolution 1373 followed an active authorized new peacekeeping missions in programme of implementation, involving The annual session of the Special Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire and approved appropriate legislative framework and Committee on Peacekeeping Operations was extension in the mandates of the other measures to check financial flows to held in March 2003. Apart from a discussion existing missions in the African continent. terrorists. India continued to interact with on the more well-entrenched concepts in It also expressed support for regional and the CTC. India submitted its third report to peacekeeping such as strengthening sub-regional efforts to bring peace to the the Committee detailing legislative and other cooperation between the troop-contributing areas of conflict. counter-measures in place against terrorist countries and the Security Council, rapid deployment, operational planning and Terrorism activities. During the interactions with the CTC India emphasized that while it attached integrated mission task forces, the new issues importance to the work of the Committee, that came to the fore were disarmament, On the important issue of the threats it also felt that the CTC should be clear demobilisation and re-integration [DDR] of to international peace and security about its objective of ensuring stricter armed groups, Rule of Law issues, Conduct caused by terrorist acts, India and Discipline of peacekeepers, the problem participated in three open meetings of compliance, rather than mere collection of information. India stressed that the CTC of HIV/AIDS, Children and Peacekeeping the Security Council, which were held and issues relating to Peacekeeping on 4 April, 29 July and 16 October should become more effective and purposive, and needed to go beyond the process of mere Oversight. The concept of ‘robust 2003. While reiterating that terrorism peacekeeping’ was broached by the was a common foe to all peoples, reporting, to a more serious examination of Secretariat. It was emphasised that while beliefs and religions as also of the actual actions taken by States in their consent was still the basic principle under democracy, pluralistic societies and international counter-terrorism effort. which the UN operated, for a mission to peace, India pointed out that the The Security Council on 17 January 2003 succeed in the changed realities of today, an terrorist goal of disrupting normal adopted Resolution 1455 to improve the understanding was required on the need for peaceful functioning of societies implementation of measures imposed under a robust force, deployed and configured not including by launching attacks upon Security Council Resolutions 1267, 1333 only to be able to use force but to keep the places of worship, parliamentary and 1390 against Osama bin Laden, Al- institutions, candidates and voters initiative and, if challenged, to defend itself Qaeda, the Taliban and associated entities. and the mandate. Such an escalation engaged in democratic electoral India was among the States that submitted processes were tactics employed by capability was essential to project credibility. their reports to the Al-Qaeda/Taliban This debate is expected to be taken forward externally sponsored terrorists to Sanctions Committee within the specified achieve their political objectives. India during the discussions on peacekeeping in time. underscored the point that the fight 2004. against terrorism could be addressed The Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK), effectively only when all nations, Peacekeeping established by the Government of India including those that saw a vested under the aegis of the United Service interest in encouraging such India continued to be a major troop Institution of India (USI), with the aim of tendencies, realized that terrorism contributor. It is presently contributing meeting part of the UN related training was a malaise that could strike at will to 11 of the 15 UN peacekeeping requirements and promoting comprehensive in any part of the world. operations, providing Infantry exchange and research has been actively Battalions to two of them [UN Interim engaged in building a data base on In various Joint Working Groups on Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and UN peacekeeping, organising national and Terrorism with other countries, India

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international Seminars and training capsules India has a bilateral dialogue on presentation underlined these aspects. The for various segments, with participation of peacekeeping issues with the US and UK. Conference adopted the Kuala Lumpur nominees from foreign countries. The Three India-UK Peacekeeping Seminars Declaration, which reflects many of India’s Government of India is funding some of the have been held so far. The third Seminar was ideas, and proposals. nominees from developing countries. Apart held in Shrivenham, UK from 13-16 The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) from the annual calendar of training events October 2003. The objective of these participated actively in the Open Meeting and Seminars this year, a Peacekeeping seminars, in the nature of a Joint Working of the Security Council on Iraq, convened Command Post Exercise (CPX) was hosted Group, is to develop a better understanding on 26-27 March 2003. Condemning the jointly by India and US under the aegis of of each other’s perspectives on different unilateral military action in Iraq as a CUNPK in February. 115 foreign nationals aspects of both conceptual and operational violation of the principles of international from 16 countries and 35 Indian officers dimensions of peacekeeping. It is also a law and the UN Charter, NAM asked for an participated in the exercise. In October this forum to exchange views on new immediate halt to the war. Reiterating its year, India also co-hosted with the UN, a developments and emerging challenges in commitment to multilateralism and the training course for Military Observers and the domain of peacekeeping. fundamental principles of the non-use of Civilian Police from emerging troop- Four meetings of the India-US Joint Working force and respect for the sovereignty, contributing countries at the CUNPK. Group on peacekeeping have so far taken territorial integrity and political place. The fourth meeting was held recently independence of all States, NAM urged for In his keynote address at the inaugural in Washington DC on 1 October 2003. The a speedy and peaceful resolution of the issue session of the National Seminar at the JWG is not only a forum for exchanging through the UN. views on policy aspects and operational CUNPK on 21 August 2003, the The Ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned issues, but also for planning joint activities Foreign Secretary emphasized that Movement was held on the margins of the under CUNPK and identifying institutional while India viewed peacekeeping in General Assembly on 26 September 2003. cooperation on peacekeeping. the traditional sense as a classical UN In his statement, the External Affairs peacekeeping operation to assist in Minister underlined the need for a collective ‘keeping peace’ between two Non-Aligned Movement approach through multilateral institutions in conflicting States on their request, The XIII Conference of the Non-Aligned tackling issues of international peace and India was fully alive to the reality of Movement was held at Kuala Lumpur from security and the UN’s central and critical role the changing nature of peacekeeping 20-25 February 2003. Prime Minister Shri in the same. He also expressed agreement and the growing complexity and scale Atal Bihari Vajpayee led the Indian of these operations. India was delegation to the Summit. The theme of the with UN Secretary General that a sensitive to the fact that the UN was Summit was the ‘continuing revitalization of comprehensive reform and restructuring of increasingly involved in complex intra- NAM’. In the Conference, India stressed that the UN system including the Security State conflicts, and UN operations had the Non-Aligned Movement needs to focus Council was an urgent imperative. He widened from ‘peace keeping’ to on a priority agenda of global themes of reiterated that the menace of terrorism could ‘peace enforcement’, ‘peace building’ contemporary relevance that unites the not be justified on the basis of political, and management of ‘post conflict’ membership rather than divides it. NAM territorial, or ideological arguments. situations leading to an increasingly should adopt a positive and forward looking The NAM Committee on Palestine, of which large spectrum of activities. India has agenda with emphasis on India is a member, also met at Ministerial also noted that there are varying n multilateralism, level on the sidelines of the 58th session of mandates under which these the General Assembly in New York in n reform of the UN system, operations are being undertaken. September. In keeping with its mandate, the India’s policy on involvement in n North-South engagement, Committee continued to explore measures peacekeeping operations continued to n South-South cooperation, to further support the rights of the be shaped by a commitment to the UN Palestinian people in accordance with and its ideals. Within this framework, n democracy international law and the will of the our response for assistance is based n multi-culturalism. Movement. The Committee also continued on an assessment of India’s overall national interest, taking into account India insisted that the approach and tone of to work with all the parties concerned for several considerations such as NAM has to be pragmatic. The objective the achievement of a just, durable and bilateral relations, regional equations, should be to position NAM as a major pole comprehensive peace in the Middle East that public sentiments, operational aspects in the multi-polar world. Prime Minister Shri would enable the Palestinian people to and our international profile. Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s address and External exercise their rights in freedom and Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant Sinha’s sovereignty in their independent homeland.

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2003. The Conference discussed the Organisation, including the provisions on In continuation of the constructive role contemporary challenges posed to the implementation issues and the India played in the XIII NAM Summit concepts and notions of war and peace, operationalisation of provisions relating to in Kuala Lumpur in February 2003, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the the special and differential treatment of the India continued to emphasize in nature of humanitarian activities during developing countries. relevant forums that if NAM is to be conflict, the role of the Red Cross etc., revitalized, it should adopt a The Council also decided that the theme for particularly in the wake of recent attacks on contemporary and forward-looking the substantive session in 2004 would be the ICRC in Iraq and Afghanistan. There approach, focusing on key issues of “Resource Mobilisation and Enabling common concern - issues that unite was an acceptance in the Conference that Environment for Poverty Eradication in the rather than divide the 116 member many of these concepts needed a review. Context of the Implementations of the countries. India continued to stress Programme of Action for the Least Information activities that NAM’s objective should be to Developed Countries for the Decade 2001- The Committee on Information which position itself as a major pole in a 2010”. multipolar world and to emerge as a makes recommendations to the General Assembly on the policy and activities of the collective, pragmatic and serious Environment and Sustainable voice of the South. Department of Public Information (DPI) held its annual session in April-May 2003. Development Issues The Department of Information had been The Eleventh session of the Commission on The International Conference of heavily criticized by the developed countries, Sustainable Development was held in New New or Restored Democracies which in the 1990s had sought to close it York from 20 April- 9 May 2003. This was Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri down as part of the UN reform exercise. the first meeting of the Commission since Vinod Khanna led the Indian delegation to Having failed to do so, they continued to seek the World Summit on Sustainable the 5th International Conference for New or to pare down its activities and reallocate Development (WSSD) was held in Restored Democracies. The Conference resources to other departments. Some of the Johannesburg from 26 August - 4 September adopted Ulaanbaatar Declaration and Plan major issues dealt with in the Committee on 2002. The Indian Delegation led by Minister of Action on Democracy, Good Governance Information included the goal of achieving of Environment and Forests, Shri T.R. Baalu and Civil Society. This was yet another step a new information order, information emphasized the critical significance of the signifying India’s commitment to support to UN peacekeeping, a UN radio means of implementation for the developing strengthening the process of democratisation broadcasting capacity, a more efficient UN countries, the importance of the future work worldwide. In his address, Shri Vinod website, parity in all official languages in the programme of the Commission covering all Khanna, while citing the unique example of work of the UN and the work of the United major issues of Agenda 21 and the India as a successful democracy, spoke of the Nations Information Centres (UNICs). Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, and need for strengthening the process of the necessity to provide inter-governmental democratic governance and institution Economic and Social Issues guidance to partnerships in this area. building; empowerment of women and the weaker sections by consolidating self- The Economic and Social Council India participated actively in the negotiations government at the grass roots level. He also The substantive session of the Economic and related to the organization of the work of urged a concerted approach to tackle the Social Council (ECOSOC) was held in the Commission and its multi-year global menace of terrorism that threatened Geneva from 30 June-25 July 2003. The programme of work. After prolonged the foundations of democratic societies theme of the high-level segment this year was negotiations, a cluster approach for the everywhere. On the Chairman’s invitation, “Promoting an integrated approach to rural multi-year programme of work was adopted. India accepted membership of the fifteen- development in developing countries for It was agreed that issues on which the member group of Friends of the Chairman, poverty eradication and sustainable international community had earlier decided which has been entrusted to ensure an development”. The Ministerial declaration on targets would be given priority. The effective follow-up of the Conference. adopted at the conclusion of the high-level Commission also agreed to a two-year dialogue recognised the need to make rural implementation cycle, the first year being a The International Conference development an integral part of national and review-year that would focus on developing international development policies, a broad understanding on the gaps and of the Red Cross and Red constraints in the implementation process Crescent including response strategies of bilateral donors and activities and programmes of the through dialogue with a broad range of th India participated in the 28 International UN system. It also stressed the importance stakeholders while maintaining the Conference of the Red Cross and Red of ensuring full implementation of the Doha intergovernmental character of the Crescent held in Geneva from 2-6 December Ministerial Declaration of the World Trade Commission. The second year, called the

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policy year, would take decisions on how to The Ad-hoc Committee successfully human rights debates and reiterated its overcome obstacles and constraints in the negotiated the conclusion of this instrument conviction that national capacity building implementation process. in October 2003 in Vienna, which was and dialogue were the most effective means th A major achievement of the Commission on adopted by the UNGA in its 58 session in of promoting human rights. India also Sustainable Development was the inter- October 2003. A three-day conference was monitored closely developments relating to held in Merida, Mexico from 9-11 governmental agreement on a set of criteria standard setting in the field of human rights. and guidelines on partnerships. India worked December 2003 for signing the Convention India’s participation in the 59th session of the with other leading developing countries with against Corruption. The Indian delegation Commission on Human Rights held from the Group of 77 as well as with other to this conference was led by the then 17 March - 25 April 2003 was marked by delegations for the finalization of the Minister of State for Personnel, Public proactive engagement on substantive issues guidelines on partnerships. Grievances and Pensions, Shri Harin Pathak, and facilitation of consensus on contentious Convention against Corruption Social, Human Rights and issues. India refrained from aligning itself with any ‘coalitions’ and its engagement with An Ad-hoc Inter-Governmental Committee Humanitarian Issues has been negotiating an International delegations across the board was issue based. Close coordination and interaction Convention against Corruption in Vienna India made statements under all major continued to retain its high priority within with the intention to adopt a comprehensive agenda items, which were well received and the domain of India’s interactions with the and multi-disciplinary instrument against appreciated. India cosponsored a large various human rights organizations and corruption. The Ad-hoc Committee derived number of resolutions during the session and bodies within the UN system. The its mandate from a decision of the UN participated in negotiations on all major Permanent Missions of India in Geneva and General Assembly. The importance of the resolutions and other initiatives. New York played an active role in the Convention lies in its aim to provide an Foreign Secretary led the Indian delegation deliberations of the Commission for Human international legal framework that is to the 60th Session of the Commission on Rights in Geneva as well as the Third facilitative in its attempt to return wealth Human Rights (CHR) in Geneva (15 March- Committee in the United Nations General illegally acquired through corruption back 23 April 2004). He addressed the High Level Assembly in New York. Proceedings of the to the country of origin, while also providing Segment of the Session on 18 March. In his related UN bodies such as the Sub- a preventive framework as well as address, he highlighted the strength and Commission for the Promotion and enforcement measures to guard and combat achievement of secular and pluralistic Indian Protection of Human Rights, Working against corruption. India actively democracy as guarantor of human rights. Group on Minorities, Working Group on participated in the negotiating process and Foreign Secretary stressed that human rights Contemporary Forms of Slavery, Working chaired the Open Ended Expert Group that cannot be used as instruments of foreign Group on Indigenous People, various treaty laid down the terms of reference for policy and commended the report of the bodies and special procedure entities, were negotiations by the Ad-hoc Committee. Acting High Commissioner for advocating closely followed. An active and balancing in his Report that the struggle against poverty role was adopted in the multilateral fora for should remain at the forefront of the human India provided a moderating voice in discussions on all aspects of human rights. rights agenda. Mentioning that CHR owed the negotiating process to bridge the As a party to various international covenants, a special responsibility to recognize and developing versus developed conventions and declarations on human address the rights of the victims of terrorism, countries divide that surfaced during rights, India continued to claim a major he underlined the need to effectively fight the negotiations wherein the former stakeholder role in this important global terrorism internationally without were requiring obligatory provisions in deliberative process. the convention for the return of assets compromising rule of law and human rights. generated through corruption and In keeping with its stature as the largest He underscored the need for national parked in safe havens abroad and the democracy, India’s approach in these fora capacity building in promoting and latter demanding obligatory provisions was guided by its commitment to the rule of protecting human rights and pointed out the for effective preventive measures and law, the values of freedom, justice, pluralism role of technical cooperation and advisory good governance mechanisms in the and tolerance and respect for human rights services in this regard. concerned country. India also as enshrined in its Constitution and In keeping with its consistent position that focussed on the need for international international human rights instruments. In the human rights agenda cannot be used for co-operation to combat trans-national its statements, India projected the concerns furthering narrow political and foreign policy aspects of corruption including of, and challenges faced by developing objectives, India firmly rejected and exposed transfer of funds and their repatriation countries while reaffirming the principles of Pakistan’s attempts to use the Commission to countries of origin without political universality and indivisibility of human for its anti-India propaganda at the Sessions. pre-conditionalities. rights. It also called for depoliticisation of

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India also strongly refuted Pakistan’s (Member, Committee on Economic, Social position that durable solutions can only be allegations and referred to its own record in and Cultural Rights), Shri Arjun Sengupta based on the consent of concerned member democracy and human rights. (Independent expert on the Right to states, and therefore, where bilateral India’s second periodic report on the Development and former member of processes are underway, these should be Convention on the Rights of the Child was Planning Commission), Shri R.V. Pillai given their full chance to succeed. considered by the UN Committee on the (Member of the Committee on Elimination Rights of the Child at its session in January of Racial Discrimination), Shri Miloon Specialised Bodies Kothari (Special Rapporteur on the Right 2004. The 8th Annual Meeting of Asia Operational activities of the UN Pacific Forum of National Human Rights to Adequate Housing) and Mr. Soli Sorabjee development system Institutions (APF) was held in Kathmandu (Expert member in the Sub-Commission on India continued to play an important role from 16-18 February 2004. National human the Promotion and Protection of Human in the work of the UN funds and rights institutions from twelve countries, Rights). programmes. India resumed its membership which are members of APF, attended the of the executive boards of the UN Meeting including NHRC from India. Health Development Programme [UNDP]/UN Government of India was represented by the A one-day meeting on “Global Polio Fund for Population Activities [UNFPA] in Ministry of External Affairs. eradication Initiative” was organized by the 2003. India was also a member of the WHO in Geneva on 15 January 2004 where executive board of the UN International The Geneva Declaration for the Eradication India’s re-election to the Commission Children’s Fund [UNICEF]. In the of Polio was signed by six countries including on Human Rights for the period 2004- deliberations of these bodies, India’s efforts India and by the donors. The 113th session 2006 was a vindication of its long- were to underscore the primacy of country- of the Executive Board of the WHO was standing and multifaceted contribution driven programming, in accordance with held in Geneva from 19-23 January 2004. to human rights within the UN system. national development plans and priorities. India will discharge its responsibilities Though India is not a member of the in this body during its next term with Executive Board of the WHO, a delegation UNESCO seriousness and sense of purpose. led by DGHC Dr. S. P. Agrawal visited The Government of India in association Geneva to take part in the meeting. with UNESCO organized an International Within the domain of discussions on Ministerial Conference on “Dialogue among alternative approaches for improving the Refugees and Humanitarian Civilisations – Quest for New Perspectives” enjoyment of human rights, a wide number Affairs in New Delhi from 9-10 July 2003. The of issues such as human rights and terrorism, Prime Minister of India inaugurated the human rights and democracy, elimination of India took part in the meetings of the Standing Committee and various informal Conference on 9 July 2003. Dr. Murli all forms of religious intolerance, right to Manohar Joshi, Minister for Human development, human rights education, consultations of the UNHCR. It also participated in the annual 54th Session of the Resource Development and Director human rights and responsibilities were General of UNESCO Dr. Koichiro carefully monitored so as to keep the process Executive Committee of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Matsuura addressed the inaugural session. balanced and rational from the perspective The Conference was attended by around 80 of developing countries. Refugees in September–October 2003. India highlighted its historical commitment to national delegations, 25 special invitees India participated actively in the second humanitarian traditions of refugee hosting, drawn from eminent scientists, social meeting of the Adhoc Committee on a asylum and protection since independence. scientists including Nobel laureates and Comprehensive and Integral International In its interactions with the UNHCR, India leaders from the world of culture and Convention on Promotion and Protection of articulated issues of particular concern to education. The Conference sought to the Rights and Dignity of Persons with developing countries which host the bulk of emphasize the importance of global dialogue Disabilities held in June, 2003 and was refugees today such as the need to address and the impact it can have on the promotion chosen as a member of the Working Group the phenomenon of massive and mixed of tolerance, respect for pluralism and of the Adhoc Committee set up to elaborate refugee flows, international burden sharing diversity as components of development and on a legal instrument. and responsibility in the context of abject human advancement .The Conference ended with the adoption of the “New Delhi A number of eminent Indians continued to poverty and deprivation around the globe, Declaration” by consensus. serve with distinction as members of enhancement of the capacities of developing important Treaty Monitoring Bodies and countries and the link between humanitarian The Declaration recognizes that tolerance human rights mechanisms. These include assistance and long-term development as key is a fundamental value that is common to all Shri P.N. Bhagwati (Member of the Human inputs for preventive strategies for refugee civilizations and this includes respect for Rights Committee), Mrs. Chokila Iyer protection. India also reiterated its consistent others. It underlines the importance of

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crucial role that education can play in Commission on Narcotics Drugs (CND) held played a leading role in the negotiations in promoting understanding between different in Vienna from 8-16 April as well as the High Almaty on the Programme of Action and civilizations. Education, the Declaration Level Ministerial Segment held from 16-17 the Declaration and defended the interests further states is necessary to develop April 2003. of the transit developing countries. communities and societies rooted in Commission on Crime Prevention and Elections principles of democracy, justice and respect Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) for human rights. The New Delhi Former Foreign Secretary Smt Chokila Iyer Declaration urges governments to take full The 12th session of the Commission on was elected to the Committee on Economic and effective measures to ensure that Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice was and Social Cultural Rights for a four-year educational institutions are protected from held in Vienna from 13 – 22 May 2003 with term beginning January 2003. teachings that promote extremism, India being endorsed for the post of the Vice intolerance and violence. A very significant Chairperson of the Bureau and the Indian delegation actively participated in it. India was re-elected to the CHR at the aspect of the Declaration is the reaffirmation elections in the ECOSOC held on 29 that all acts of terrorism represent attack April 2003, with the highest number against humanity, as the killing of innocent Conferences and Seminars of votes, securing 47 out of 53. India civilians in order to spread terror is was also re-elected to the Committee Word Summit on Information despicable to the values of all civilizations. on the Elimination of Racial Society (WSIS) The Delhi Declaration also gives importance Discrimination at elections held in New India participated actively in the to science as a powerful source of social and York on 14 January 2004. Shri R.V. intergovernmental consultations (Paris, 15- economic transformation and the role of Pillai of India polled 146 votes, the 18 July 2003) and Preparatory Committee information and communication highest among the nine victorious technologies in enhancing inter-cultural Meeting-III (Geneva, 15-26 September and candidates out of 16. communication leading to greater 10-14 November 2003) held in the run up understanding between civilizations. The to the World Summit on the Information During the Congress of the World Executive Board of UNESCO later Society (WSIS) held in Geneva from 10-12 Meteorological Organisation (WMO) held endorsed the New Delhi Declaration December 2003. Our delegations to these in May 2003 in Geneva, Dr. S.K. Srivastava, adopted at this Conference. meetings were headed by Secretary Additional Director General of India (Telecom), Government of India and Meteorological Department (IMD), was UNEP included representatives from the elected to the Executive Council with a UNEP is an important UN programme Department of Telecommunications and record number of 127 votes in India’s favour dealing with environmental issues. The 22nd Department of Information Technology out of total of 146 votes polled. respectively. The Minister for session of the Governing Council (GC)/ Shri Vijayendra N. Kaul, Comptroller & Communications & Information Technology Global Ministerial Environmental Forum Auditor General of India was elected as the Shri Arun Shourie headed the delegation for (GMEF) was held in Nairobi from 3-7 External Auditor of the World Health the 10–12 December Summit meeting. India February 2003. This was an important Organisation (WHO) for the term 2004 – played a significant role in the multilateral meeting, as it was the first meeting of the 2007, elections to which were held during endeavour to make Information and UNEP, GC/GMEF after the adoption of the the Executive Assembly of the WHO in May Communication Technologies more Johannesburg Plan of Implementation 2003 in Geneva. In addition, India was accessible to the developing world. (JPOI) at the World Summit for Sustainable elected to the CND, CCPCJ, UN-HABITAT Development. Besides the implementation Conference on Land-Locked and the Executive Board of the WFP, having of JPOI, important issues such as the state earlier been endorsed by the Asian Group. of the environment, sustainable production Developing Countries and consumption, marine environment, The Conference on Land-Locked Shri P.C. Sharma was elected to the post of climate change and issues relating to Developing Countries was held in Almaty, Vice-President, INTERPOL (Asia) at the environmental governance etc. were also Kazakhstan, from 25-29 August 2003. The elections held in the 72nd General Assembly discussed at the meeting. Conference adopted the Almaty Declaration of INTERPOL in Benidorm, Spain in and Programme of Action on Transit September-October 2003 by a comfortable United Nations Office on Drug and Transport Co-operation among land-locked margin winning 84 of the 118 votes cast at Crime (UNODC) countries, transit developing countries, the election. India was also elected India continued its engagement with the donor countries and international unopposed to the United Nations activities of the UNODC in the areas of institutions. The Declaration and Environment Programme, the UN drug control and crime prevention. India Programme of Action were endorsed by the Committee on Conferences and the participated in the 46th session of the General Assembly in its 58th session. India Commission on Human Settlements.

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Group of 77 significance to India, given the importance with international concerns on non- The Annual meeting of the Ministers of India attaches to South-South cooperation proliferation and disarmament also Foreign Affairs of the Group of 77 was held and the proactive role that it plays in this progressed steadily. On the regional level, on 25 September 2003 in New York. This area. The meeting took stock of the progress India’s participation in the confidence and was preceded by a meeting of senior officials on the Havana Programme of Action which security building process and structure under on 24 September 2003. Foreign Ministers issued from the Havana Summit and which the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) acquired of Mauritius, Nepal, Indonesia, Costa Rica, laid down the practical roadmap for South- greater momentum. India also participated Iran, Benin, Malawi, Thailand and China South cooperation. India has been proactive in the meetings of Conference on Interaction attended the meeting. In his statement, the both bilaterally and through regional and Confidence Building Measures in Asia External Affairs Minister outlined the groupings and its record of implementation (CICA) during the year. difficulties faced by the developing countries is notable. Besides this, India is also at this Regular contact was maintained with key in the current global economic situation and moment, on the threshold of a major policy international and non-governmental stressed the importance of achieving greater initiative in terms of its programme of organisation active in the field of equity in international economic relations development aid to other countries in the disarmament with a view to disseminating and ensuring a greater voice for developing South. the Indian perspectives on disarmament countries in the decision-making structures issues. Enquiries from Members of Visit of Deputy Secretary-General to in international trade, monetary and Parliament on all relevant developments India financial institutions. While expressing were also responded to and due information Ms. Louise Frechette, the first person to hold disappointment that the Fifth Ministerial brought to the attention of the Parliament. Meeting at Cancun failed to produce an the office of Deputy Secretary-General of agreement that would have addressed the the United Nations since the post was ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) interests and concerns of developing established in 1997, paid an official visit to India took part in the work of the ASEAN countries, he emphasized the need for India from 25-30 January 2004. On behalf Regional Forum (ARF) through participation developing countries to retain their unity of of the UN, Ms. Frechette delivered the in the various meetings organised under the th purpose and solidarity as demonstrated at keynote address at the 6 Asian Security aegis of the ARF, including the first Inter- Cancun. He also emphasized the need to Conference on the theme ‘International Sessional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism strengthen UNCTAD and enhance its Security, Multilateralism and the United and Transnational Crimes (ISM on CT-TC) capacity to assist developing countries and Nations’ organized by the Institute for held in Sabah, Malaysia on 30-31 March enable it to play an important role in Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA). She 2003, the ARF Senior Officials’ Meeting integrating the development dimension into also had meetings with leaders, senior held in Phnom Penh in April 2003 which the international legal framework and rules officials and the heads of the UN agencies took stock of the developments and prepared on trade. The Ministerial meeting elected in India. for the ARF Ministerial Meeting in June; Qatar as the Chairman of the Group of 77 Workshop on ‘Consequence Management’ for the year 2004 and admitted Timor L’este Disarmament organized by Australia and Singapore from as the 135th member of the G-77. The India’s commitment to non-discriminatory 3-5 May 2003 in Darwin, Australia and the meeting adopted a Ministerial Declaration. and universal nuclear disarmament and the Inter-sessional Support Group Meeting on The meeting of the Heads of State/ global elimination of all Weapons of Mass Confidence Building Measures (ISG on Government of the member countries of the Destruction continued to be reflected in its CBMs) held in Beijing from 20-22 November Group of 77 (G-77), who met in Cuba in policy pronouncements and diplomatic 2003. April 2000 on the occasion of the first-ever initiatives. The country’s stand on issues The 10th ARF Ministerial meeting was held South-South Summit, decided to convene a related to disarmament and international in Phnom Penh on 17-18 June 2003. The conference on South-South Cooperation in security in various multilateral and regional External Affairs Minister led the Indian the year 2003. As the Chair of G-77, forums was premised on India’s national delegation. The issue of terrorism and Morocco hosted this meeting entitled ‘the security interests and its tradition of close terrorist threat to the region as a whole High-Level Conference on South-South engagement with the international continued to dominate the ARF agenda. Cooperation’ in Marrakesh from 16-19 community to promote cooperative efforts The Ministers deliberated on ways and December 2003. India was represented by a at addressing these challenges. means to increase practical cooperation delegation led by Shri Rajiv Sikri, Special Bilateral dialogues with key countries among member states in this respect and Secretary (ER) in the Ministry of External commenced after May 1998 continued to be adopted a ‘Statement on Cooperative Affairs. pursued this year. Harmonisation of India’s Counter-Terrorist Actions on Border The meeting in Marrakesh was of particular national imperatives and security obligations Security’ as well as a Statement on

111 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

‘Cooperation Against Piracy and Other India also actively participated in the India’s Resolution on “Reducing Threats to Maritime Security’. The External deliberations on various proposals to end the Nuclear Danger”, first introduced in Affairs Minister in his intervention impasse in the CD over adoption of a 1998, calls for the review of nuclear emphasized the need for concerted fight Programme of Work. (The CD has been doctrines and immediate and urgent against global terrorism without any double unable to adopt a Programme of Work since steps to reduce the risk of 1999 due to the lack of consensus on the standards or equivocation and underlined unintentional and accidental use of mandates for various Ad-hoc Groups to be the potential risks in its linkages with WMD nuclear weapons. proliferation. set up on various agenda items.)

th India hosted the 7 Annual Meeting of the United Nations Disarmament ARF Heads of National Defence Colleges/ India’s resolution ‘Role of Science and Technology in the Context of International Commission (UNDC) Institutions in New Delhi from 15-17 The Substantive Session of the UNDC in October 2003. India’s offer to host this Security and Disarmament’, highlighted the qualitative aspects of the arms race, and the 2003 was held from 31 March- 17 April 2003 meeting had been endorsed by the ARF need for a genuinely multilateral and non- in New York. The UNDC had commenced Ministers at 10th ARF meeting. More than discriminatory response. India has consideration in 2000, as part of a three year 40 participants from 18 ARF member states maintained that technology denial to cycle, of two subjects: (a) ways and means to attended the meeting, and were highly achieve nuclear disarmament and (b) responsible States does not serve the appreciative of the presentations made and practical confidence building measures in the objectives of non-proliferation but only the organisation as well as the content of field of conventional arms. The 2003 Session signals a punitive intent. All these resolutions the Annual Meeting. was devoted to consideration of these two were adopted by a good majority as in subjects. India participated actively in the previous years. United Nations General Assembly deliberations on both the subjects. The (UNGA) Conference on Disarmament (CD) session however, failed to reach consensus on India continued to play an active role on The Conference on Disarmament, the ‘sole substantive recommendations on either of disarmament issues in the First Committee multilateral disarmament treaty negotiating the two subjects and adopted a procedural of the UN General Assembly. At the 58th body’, held three sessions during 2003 at report containing annexes of documents on Session of the First Committee, in Geneva on 20 January - 28 March, 12 May- nuclear disarmament and confidence recognition of the widely shared concern of 27 June and 28 July-10 September. India building measures. the international community about the held the rotational Presidency of the CD heightened dangers posed by the risk of International Atomic Energy Agency during the first four weeks of the First Session terrorists getting access to weapons of mass (IAEA) this year. India assumed the Presidency of destruction, India’s resolution on “Measures The 47th Session of General Conference of the Conference on Disarmament from 1 to Prevent Terrorists from Acquiring the IAEA was held from 16-20 September January to 14 February 2003 on the basis of Weapons of Mass Destruction”, was adopted 2003. The Indian delegation was led by Dr. rotation among the 66 members of the CD. once again unanimously. India had first Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, Atomic Energy The last time India had held the Presidency tabled this resolution at the 57th Session of Commission. As in the past few years, the of CD was in 1994. On this occasion, the the UNGA. most important issues were the resolutions then Foreign Secretary Shri Kanwal Sibal on strengthening of safeguards and that India reiterated commitment to its principled addressed the plenary meeting of the CD relating to transport safety. Under the stand on global nuclear disarmament based on 23 January 2003. In his statement, he Chairmanship of the Indian Ambassador, on the firm conviction that progressively focussed on the dimension of international the resolution on transport safety obtained lower levels of armaments globally and terrorism as a threat to global security and consensus in record time. India also imaginative control over them will guarantee highlighted the linkages between terrorism endeavored to maintain a balanced approach undiminished security for all. India’s and weapons of mass destruction. He in the General Conference resolution on Resolution on “Convention on the reiterated India’s commitment to ‘safeguards’ for all the Member States of the Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons” negotiations on nuclear disarmament, Agency without discrimination. which was first introduced in 1982, calls including Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty upon the Conference on Disarmament to and for prevention of an arms race in outer An international conference on Innovative Technologies for Nuclear Fuel Cycles and commence negotiations on an international space. India also underlined its support to Nuclear Power was held by IAEA in end- convention prohibiting the use or threat of the cross-group initiative of the five June 2003 in which a high-level delegation use of nuclear weapons under any ambassadors, made in 2002 for removing the from India, including Dr. R. Chidambaram, circumstances, as a first step towards existing deadlock on the programme of Principal Scientific Advisor and several other reducing the salience of nuclear weapons. work.

112 United Nations and International Organisations

scientists participated. India contributed to of Experts. The First Annual Meeting of Convention on CCW on prohibitions or IAEA’s efforts to locate and secure orphaned States Parties to the BWC was held at restrictions on the use of mines, booby traps radioactive sources and towards concluding Geneva on 10-14 November 2003 to discuss and other devises was also held at Geneva an International Code of Conduct on and promote common understanding and on 26 November 2003. India informed the Radioactive Sources. effective action on (i) the adoption of Meeting about the steps taken by it to necessary national measures to implement implement the provisions of Amended Chemical Weapons Convention the prohibitions set forth in the Convention, Protocol II and its commitment to the vision India continued to play an active role at the including the enactment of penal legislation; of a world free of landmines. India also Organization for the Prohibition of and (ii) national mechanisms to establish and contributed to the efforts to review the Chemical Weapons (OPCW) at The Hague maintain the security and oversight of continuing operation and further during the year. India is an original State pathogenic micro organisms and toxins. development of the UN Register of Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention It was prepared by a Meeting of Experts in Conventional Arms. The scope of the (CWC). India played a key role at the Geneva from 18-29 August 2003. India Register was expanded to include Man- successful First Review Conference of the Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS). States Parties to the CWC at The Hague (28 participated in the deliberations at both the Meeting of Experts and the Meeting of the April – 9 May 2003) and made substantial Small Arms and Light Weapons States Parties. India reiterated its firm contributions towards the finalization of India is acutely aware of the problem of commitment to implement the provisions of both the Political Declaration and the Final proliferation of and illicit trafficking in small the BWC and to combat bio-terrorism and Report of the Review of the Operation of arms and remains committed to informed the participants about the national the CWC by the Review Conference. participating actively in international search measures adopted by it to implement the India effectively engaged in the deliberations for effective solutions, including the prohibitions set forth in the Convention, and decision-making during the Eighth implementation of the Programme of including the enactment of penal legislation Conference of States Parties from 20-24 Action (PoA) adopted at the UN Conference and legislative and other mechanisms to October 2003 and highlighted all issues of on Illicit Trafficking in Small Arms and Light establish and maintain the security and concern to us and to other developing Weapons in All Its Aspects, held in July 2001. countries. oversight of pathogenic micro organisms and toxins. The first Biennial Meeting of the States to India continued to fulfil all its commitments consider the implementation of the UN under the Convention. Having declared Convention on Certain Conventional Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat possession of chemical weapons to the Weapons and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms OPCW in 1997, India’s destruction efforts, India is a High Contracting Party to the and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects at the under OPCW inspection, have been Convention on Prohibitions Or Restrictions National, Regional and Global levels was proceeding according to the destruction on the Use of Certain Conventional held in New York from 7-11 July, 2003. The timelines established in the Convention, with Weapons Which may be Deemed to be primary focus of this meeting was on the the OPCW having duly taken note of the Excessively Injurious or to Have implementation of the PoA by States at the destruction plans. During the year, India Indiscriminate Effects (CCW) and has national level. The meeting also provided an received inspections from the Technical ratified all its protocols including the opportunity to take stock of the progress Secretariat of OPCW at different facilities Amended Protocol II on prohibitions or achieved so far. India submitted a Report on and these have been conducted in a smooth restrictions on the use of Mines, booby traps implementation of the UN Programme of manner. and other devises. India chaired the Meeting Action to the Biennial Conference and of the States Parties to the Convention on appraised it of the comprehensive system of Biological and Toxin Weapons Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), regulatory policies and practices established Convention which was held in Geneva from 27-28 in India relating to small arms and light The Resumed Session of the Fifth Review November 2003. The meeting adopted by weapons. India reiterated its commitment to Conference of the States Parties to the consensus a new Protocol on Explosive remain constructively engaged in the Biological (Bacteriological) and Toxin Remnants of War (ERW), which would be international efforts to address the problem Weapons Convention (BWC) in November annexed to the Convention on CCW as of illicit trade in small arms and light 2002 had decided to hold three Annual Protocol V. As Chairman, India played a weapons. Meetings of the States Parties of one week crucial role in developing consensus on a duration each in 2003, 2004 and 2005, India’s Permanent Representative to the draft Protocol and India’s role was leading up to the Sixth Review Conference Conference on Disarmament chaired the appreciated by the States Parties. to be held not later than the end of 2006. It Group of Governmental Experts on Tracing had also decided that each Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting of the States Parties and Marking of Illicit Small Arms and Light was to be prepared by a two week Meeting to the Amended Protocol II to the Weapons, established by the UN Secretary

113 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

General pursuant to the Resolution 56/24 these meetings, where discussions on the The meeting emphasised that trilateral V of the UN General Assembly. The Group future Catalogue of Confidence Building cooperation among the three countries could of Governmental Experts, in their Report Measures, CICA Rules of Procedure and serve as an important tool for achieving the submitted to the UN Secretary General for Statute of the CICA Secretariat tool place. promotion of social and economic presentation to 58th Session of the UN Discussions on these documents would development. With this view, discussions for General Assembly, recommended by continue and they are likely to be finalised promoting trilateral cooperation in various consensus that it was both desirable and by the time of the meeting of Foreign sectors were also held. The sectors covered feasible to develop an international Ministers of CICA scheduled for late 2004. include Health, S&T, IT, Civil Aviation and instrument to enable States to identify and Shipping Links, Tourism, Trade and address in a timely and reliable manner illicit India-Brazil-South Africa Investment, Infrastructure, Defence, small arms and light weapons. Contribution (IBSA) Dialogue Forum Education and Energy. The Plan of Action of India in chairing the Group was adopted by Ministers details the specific appreciated by the UN Secretary General. At the invitation of the External Affairs action points agreed upon for promoting The 58th session of the General Assembly Minister, Foreign Ministers of Brazil, Mr. trilateral cooperation in these sectors in a has endorsed the recommendation of the Celso Amorim, and South Africa Dr. timely and focussed manner. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma participated in Group and the work on this issue is likely to The three countries had earlier agreed to set commence in the next year. the First meeting of the Trilateral Commission of the IBSA Dialogue Forum up an IBSA Funding Facility under UNDP held in New Delhi from 4-5 March 2004. auspices for undertaking projects in other Outer Space Affairs The IBSA Dialogue Forum was established developing countries for alleviation of The 46th Session of the UN Committee on in June 2003, when the three Foreign poverty and hunger. These projects would the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN Ministers met in Brasilia and adopted the be based on the best practices of India, Brazil COPUOS) was held in Vienna from 11-20 Brasilia Declaration. The Brasilia and South Africa. At the Trilateral June 2003. This session apart from a general Declaration covers the entire range of issues Commission meeting, the Guidelines for exchange of views on space matters, the of concern in the bilateral and multilateral Operationalising this Facility were also Committee deliberated on implementation context and, inter alia, provides for regular approved by the Foreign Ministers. External of recommendations of UNISPACE-III, political consultations on international Affairs Minister also announced the decision ways and means of maintaining outer space agenda items, exchange of information on of the Government to make a financial for peaceful purposes, issues of space debris areas of mutual cooperation so as to contribution of US$100,000 for the Facility. and the international system for search and coordinate positions on issues of common The next meeting of the Trilateral rescue. The Committee saw a live interest as well as establishment of a Commission will be held in South Africa in demonstration of satellite-based Trilateral Commission. This First meeting the first quarter of 2005. telemedicine. The Committee also reviewed of the Trilateral Commission marked a and endorsed the reports of the 40th session watershed in the evolution of IBSA Dialogue International Law and of the Scientific and Technical Sub- Forum. Committee and the 42nd Session of the Legal Developments Sub-Committee, which had held their The three Foreign Ministers adopted Elections meetings earlier. India actively participated the New Delhi Agenda for Cooperation India was elected to the Governing Council in the deliberations of the Committee and Plan of Action. The Agenda for of the UNIDROIT, an inter-governmental projecting and promoting its objectives; Cooperation provides for cooperation organization in the field of private highlighting the achievement of its Space and coordination among the three international law. Indian candidate Mr. Programme and innovative Space countries in various multilateral forums Biswanth B. Sen, Senior Advocate, Supreme Applications like Telemedicine and Disaster dealing with trade, economic, political, Court of India was re-elected to the Management. social, environmental and security Governing Council, securing 45 of 55 valid issues with a view to highlight the votes as the Indian representative in the Conference on Interaction and concerns of the developing countries. elections held in Rome on 28 November Confidence Building Measures in The Ministers also reaffirmed the 2003. Asia commitment to work together in Working level meetings of the CICA various forums to ensure that Sixth (Legal) Committee of the UN member states were organised by globalisation benefits developing General Assembly Kazakhstan in Almaty from 1-7 July 2003 countries and becomes a positive During the 55th General Assembly Session, and 26 November – 2 December 2003. force for sustained economic growth. the Sixth Committee considered several Indian delegations participated actively in agenda items including the Establishment of

114 External Affairs Minister Shri Yashwant Sinha with Celso Amorim, Minister of External Relations, Brazil and Nkosazana-Dlamini Zuma, Foreign Minister, South Africa at the India-Brazil-South Africa Trilateral Meeting in Brasilia, June 6,2003 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

the International Criminal Court, Report of - 2 July 2004. A decision was also taken by navigation and the protection of marine the Special Committee on the Charter of the Sixth Committee to continue the work environment. Adopting the resolution the United Nations and the strengthening of the enlargement of the Scope of the relating to sustainable fisheries, by consensus, the role of the Organisation; Measures to Convention on Safety of the United Nations the world body called on all States to become Eliminate International Terrorism; and Associated Personnel, including a parties to the Convention, while reaffirming Convention on Jurisdictional Immunities of Protocol. the importance attached to the long-term conservation, management and sustainable States and their Property and United Nations Having successfully adopted the draft use of the marine living resources of the Programme of Assistance in Teaching. provisions on Jurisdictional Immunities of world oceans and seas. India acceded to this The Rome Statute for the establishment of States and their Property, the Sixth Convention on 19th August 2003. It has been an International Criminal Court entered Committee decided to reconvene an Ad Hoc decided to establish an Assistance Fund into force on 1 July 2002 and the Court Committee to formulate a preamble and under Part VII of the 1995 Fish Stocks started its work on 1 July 2002, at the Hague. final clauses with a view to completing a Agreement to assist developing countries in The election for judges of the Court was held Convention on Jurisdictional Immunities of the implementation of the Agreement. The at the UN Headquarters, New York, from States and their Property. flag and port States have been urged to take 3-7 February 2003. Eighteen Judges were The Sixth Committee decided, after a vote, all measures consistent with international elected. In addition the Prosecutor of the that the item entitled “International law to prevent the operation of sub-standard Court was also elected. A Working Group is Convention Against the Reproductive vessels and illegal, unreported and presently considering the elements of the Cloning of human Beings” should be unregulated fishing activities. crime of aggression. included in the provisional agenda of the 60th In the draft resolution on “Oceans and the The Special Committee on the Charter of session of the General Assembly. The Law of the Sea”, main focus is put on the the United Nations and on the decision was mainly aimed at avoiding a resource management and capacity building Strengthening of the Role of the decision on the Costa Rican proposal matters, which remained a significant Organizations considered several proposals cosponsored by more than 85 countries to impediment to the full implementation of relating to: maintenance of international evolve a mandate for a convention to ban the Convention in many areas. peace and security; peaceful settlement of “all forms of cloning”. India’s statement on this agenda item has disputes between states; the Trusteeship highlighted for assistance to developing states Council; coordination with other committees International Humanitarian Law in acquiring knowledge and skills for the etc. concerning the maintenance of This Division participated in the 28th preparation of claim submissions on the international peace and security, in International Conference of the Red Cross outer limits of continental shelf beyond 200 particular with regard to assistance to third and Red Crescent, which adopted an agenda nautical miles. India has expertise on the States adversely affected by sanctions. India’s for action for protecting human dignity in assessment and mapping of the continental stand over the years has been that the the areas relating to the fate of missing in shelf, and was willing to extend cooperation Security Council should hold the primary situations of armed conflict and armed in training developing countries for that violence, strengthening the protection of responsibility towards the affected third purpose. Further, we have expressed concern civilians from indiscriminate used and effects States, as a part of the sanctions imposing with regard to the increase in incidence of of weapons, minimizing the impact of decisions. The Council should establish a crimes at sea including acts of terrorism disaster through the implementation of ‘Trust Fund’ for that purpose based on the against shipping, while recognizing the disaster risk reducing measures and reducing scale applicable to the peacekeeping importance of regional cooperation to the risk of impact of diseases like HIV/ operations as well as the voluntary combat piracy. contributions. AIDS. Piracy The Ad Hoc Committee and the Working Oceans and Law of the Sea This Division participated in the Group of the Sixth Committee on Terrorism The work under this item in the UN General development of a Regional Cooperation continued their consideration of the Draft Assembly aims to ensure sustainable Comprehensive Convention on Agreement on the Prevention and development of oceans, sustainable fisheries, Suppression of Piracy and Armed Robbery International Terrorism proposed by India. conservation and management of oceans, Discussions were mainly focused on the in Asia. The draft regional agreement has ensuring maritime safety and protection of been finalized. The important function of outstanding issues especially on the exclusion marine ecosystems. clause (Article 18) and on the definition of the Agreement is to encourage cooperation th offences (Article 2). The Committee decided At the 55 Session, the UN General amongst the Contracting Parties in their to continue its efforts to resolve the Assembly considered two draft resolutions, efforts to prevent and suppress piracy and outstanding issues through the Ad hoc which made recommendations that would armed robbery. Cooperation includes Committee during its meeting from 26 June impact beneficially on both the safety of providing mutual legal assistance and

116 Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and President Putin of Russia signing joint declaration on November 12, 2003.

Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee in meeting with President Fidel Castro of Cuba Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

extradition in accordance with the law of Participation of Legal and Treaties submitted for the ongoing negotiations the requested State. An important Division in the Development of within the World Trade Organization, component of the Agreement is the capacity International Law particularly on the Dispute Settlement building of the Contracting Parties in their This Division also participated in the Understanding from the international legal fight against piracy and armed robbery and meeting of the Legal Committee of the angle. During this year negotiations were in this connection, a regional information IMO held in April. An important agenda held with Seychelles, Tunisia, Nepal, centre is proposed to be established. item for consideration of the legal committee Mozambique, Brunei and Slovenia. While is the revision of the Convention on the with Mozambique the draft text of the UNCITRAL Suppression of Unlawful Acts (SUA) and its agreement is finalized, with Seychelles, The Legal & Treaties Division participated protocol, which are part of the international Tunisia, Nepal, Brunei and Slovenia in Working Group Meetings relating to legal framework for fighting terrorism. The negotiations were at different stages. The Arbitration, Electronic Commerce, Division examined the relevant provisions of Legal and Treaties Division has been part Transportation, Insolvency Law and laws of various countries in order to assess of these negotiations. Security Interests. During its 36th Annual whether they are eligible to be included in This Division also participated in the Session in July this year, the Commission the list of countries for grant of dual negotiations on the Framework Agreement adopted the Model Legislative Provisions on citizenship, matters pertaining to refugees, on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Privately Financed Infrastructure Projects. human rights and international with the Association of South East Asian The new model provisions offer concrete humanitarian law. Nations; the Framework Agreement for legislative guidance on essential elements of This Division participated in bilateral Establishing Free Trade Area with the a favourable framework for private negotiations for concluding extradition Kingdom of Thailand; and the Framework investments in public infrastructure. treaties/agreements with number of Agreement with the South Africa Customs countries. Extradition treaties with Union (SACU). This Division participated International Hydrographic Tajikistan, Mauritius, South Africa, and in the comprehensive exercise proposed by Organisation Bulgaria were signed. A treaty with the the CPV Division regarding issues pertaining This Division involved in the restructuring Republic of Korea has been finalized. to ‘minors passport’ in the light of the of International Hydrographic Organization Negotiations were held with Nepal to replace changing legal trend towards the ‘single parent concept’. This Division also examined (IHO). Towards this end, this Division the existing Treaty of 1953, however, the proposal for amendment to the various participated in the Strategic Planning and negotiations are continuing on certain provisions of the Passport Act as suggested Working Group (SPWG) and also in the outstanding issues. The Division examined by the Parliamentary Standing Committee. Legal Experts Meeting to amend the extradition requests and other requests for Convention on International Hydrographic international cooperation received from Various other international legal issues and Organization, 1956. foreign jurisdictions as well as from within cases, in particular before the Indian courts, India and rendered legal advice therein. relating to the application of Vienna Asian African Legal Consultative Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961; Similarly, Agreements on mutual legal Organisation (AALCO) Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, assistance in criminal matters have been 1963; and Passport related matters under the The Annual Conference of the Asian- finalized South Africa, Republic of Korea, provisions of the Passports Act, 1967. African Legal Consultative Organization Thailand and Belarus. However, certain Section 86 of the Indian Civil Procedure (AALCO) for the year 2003 was held at issues remained outstanding with Nepal. Code requiring the consent of the Central Korea from 16-12 June 2003. It re-elected Moreover, this Division is involved in various Government before suing the foreign Ambassador, Dr. Wafik Z. Kamil of Egypt stages of negotiations both on extradition government in Indian Courts was examined. as the Secretary General for a consecutive and mutual legal assistance in criminal The L&T Division also dealt with various second term of three years. During the matters with Brazil, Portugal, Israel and Parliament Questions in the subject of Conference, items considered include several Islamic Republic of Iran. This Division took international law. subjects of international law, viz., Report on part in the 42nd session of the Legal Sub- the work of the International Law Committee of the COPOUS which was held India has signed/ratified many multilateral/ Commission at its 53rd Session; Jurisdictional in Vienna, along with a representative of the bilateral treaties/agreements entered into by Immunities of States and their Property; Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) India with foreign countries during the year. Establishment of International Criminal and provided necessary inputs on the The list is placed at Appendix IX list of Court and Recent Developments; international legal aspects concerning space Instruments of Full Powers issued during the Corruption and a special meeting on the activities. year 2003 is at Appendix X and a list of Instruments of Ratification is at Appendix Relevance of International Humanitarian The Legal and Treaties Division has been XI. Law in Today’s Armed Conflict. providing inputs on various proposals nn

118 10. Foreign Economic Relations

uring the year under review, India The Framework Agreement envisages the India’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Dcontinued its active role in establishment of an India-ASEAN Regional Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia championing the legitimate interests of Trade and Investment Area, which includes signifies India’s commitment to work with developing countries in various international a Free Trade Area in goods, services and the ASEAN countries in maintaining organizations and multilateral, regional and investment. Negotiations on the Free Trade regional peace and stability. sub-regional groupings. India also intensified Area in goods have commenced and are to Prime Minister also floated an “Idea of the its interaction with the Association of South be completed by June 2005. The negotiated Future” for an ‘Asian Economic Community’ East Asian Nations (ASEAN); Bangladesh, FTA would commence from January 2006. by noting that the 14 countries present in India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand Tariff reduction/elimination will be Bali; 10 ASEAN countries plus China, India, Economic Cooperation, which now also completed by December 2011 between Japan and Republic of Korea could combine includes Bhutan and Nepal as full members Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, to promote overall competitiveness and (BIMST-EC); Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Singapore and Thailand on the ASEAN side create a new engine of growth in the entire (MGC) initiative; Indian Ocean Rim- and India. Tariff reduction/elimination region. He also laid emphasis on better Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR- between the Philippines and India will be connectivity to benefit from geographical ARC); and Community of Eastern and completed by December 2016. Tariff proximity and offered daily flights to the Southern Africa (COMESA). reduction/elimination between Cambodia, designated ASEAN Airlines to Delhi, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam (CLMV countries) Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai and ASEAN and India would be completed by the CLMV unlimited flights to 18 other tourist countries by December 2016 and by India Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, destinations in India. Prime Minister also by December 2011. led the Indian delegation to the 2nd India- floated the idea of an India-ASEAN Motor ASEAN Summit in Bali, Indonesia on 8 For trade in services and investments, the Car Rally “to draw dramatic attention to our October 2003. India’s relations with negotiations on the respective agreements geographical contiguity”. The rally will be ASEAN, a direct outcome of our ‘Look East shall commence in 2005 and be concluded held in November-December 2004. For Policy’, have gained momentum and by 2007.The Framework Agreement easier movement of people, India has multifaceted cooperation has deepened. includes an Early Harvest Programme (EHP) proposed procedural facilitation and offered on trade in goods under which progressive reciprocal visa free travel for diplomatic and tariff reduction on 105 agreed items shall official passport holders and fast track issue India-ASEAN trade for the year 2002- commence from November 2004. Tariff of visas to genuine businesspersons. 03 crossed the US$10 billion mark, an elimination/reduction shall be completed by increase of over 360% on 1992-93 Other areas of cooperation include science Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, trade figures. & technology, human resource development, Singapore, Thailand and India by October health and pharmaceuticals, space sciences, Prime Minister, in his address to the Second 2007, and by Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar information and communication technology, India-ASEAN Business Summit in New and Vietnam by October 2010. transport and infrastructure, tourism and Delhi, has set the target for India –ASEAN culture, and small and medium enterprises trade to reach US$15 billion by 2005 and In addition, India has also given etc. Another joint project being taken up is US$30 billion by 2007. unilateral tariff-concessions to the establishment of an India-ASEAN At the Bali Summit, India and ASEAN Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Science and Technology Digital Library. concluded the following three documents: Vietnam on 111 items. An India- India will also hold a training programme ASEAN Trade Negotiating Committee in remote sensing applications for ASEAN n The Framework Agreement for (TNC) has been established to carry countries in India in May 2004 as part of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation out the FTA negotiations, which held cooperation in the space sciences. signed by the leaders of the ASEAN and its first meeting in Jakarta on 6-7 The Track-II consultation process for India- India, March 2004. ASEAN Vision 2020 document has been n The accession document to the ASEAN The Joint Declaration on Cooperation in completed and the resultant document has Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, Combating International Terrorism been circulated to the ASEAN member signed by the Minister of External envisages cooperation in countries. India has also submitted a draft Affairs, and Track-I Vision document at the 6th India- n exchange of information, n Adoption of the Joint Declaration on ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM), n legal and enforcement matters, Cooperation in Combating International held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, from 25-26 institutional capacity augmentation, and Terrorism. n March 2004. The approved Track-I n training. Document will be presented at the 3rd India-

119 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

ASEAN Summit in Vientiane for would join the Agreement in near future. marketing for tourism and combining of consideration and adoption by leaders. External Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant destinations, etc.; it was also decided to As part of its contribution to the IAI Sinha led the Indian delegation to the extend the project to 2005. It was agreed to (Initiative for ASEAN Integration) Ministerial Meeting. BIMST-EC provides a set up a Technical Support Facility for endeavour of ASEAN, India will set up an bridge between South Asia and Southeast BIMST-EC in Bangkok, to serve as a mini- Entrepreneurship Development Institute Asia. An Under-18 BIMST-EC Football secretariat for BIMST-EC for two years, after (EDI) in each CLMV country. For this, an Tournament was also organized which the issue of setting up a permanent expert team visited the CLMV countries in concurrently with the Ministerial Meeting secretariat would be revisited. February 2004. The final project proposals to promote people-to-people participation. and budget projections will be prepared on The meeting reviewed cooperation in the six COMESA the basis of the report of the team. The host priority sectors identified for cooperation in India and COMESA signed an MoU on governments would be expected to provide BIMST-EC, namely: economic cooperation on 10 February 2003 the infrastructure, building, electricity and n Trade and investment; in New Delhi. The MoU was signed by water, as their contribution to the EDI. India n Technology; External Affairs Minister, Shri Yashwant also conducted training programmes in Sinha and the Mauritian Minister for n Energy; English language in Myanmar, Lao PDR Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation, n Transportation and communications; and Vietnam. Forty-eight railways officials Anil Kumarsingh Gayan for COMESA. The of the CLMV countries were trained in India n Tourism MoU focuses on the potential for bilateral during the year under review. Twenty-two n Fisheries. cooperation between India and the professors from ASEAN Universities COMESA States through increased trade Network also visited India in December It was recommended that BIMST-EC works and investment flows. It identifies areas for 2003. towards greater air transport liberalization, short-sea shipping, and trilateral highway increased technical and economical India organised the 2nd India-ASEAN linkages among India, Myanmar and cooperation such as pharmaceuticals, Business Summit on 4-6 September 2003 in Thailand, and among Bangladesh, information technology, agriculture, New Delhi and Mumbai. Prime Minister Myanmar and Thailand, including linkages biotechnology, and human resource Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee inaugurated the with other BIMST-EC countries. development, provision of low cost housing, Business Summit. Ministers, the Secretary tourism, industry, non-conventional energy, The 1st BIMST-EC Summit will now be held General of the ASEAN and official research and regional infrastructure in Bangkok on 30-31 July 2004. The delegations from various ASEAN countries development. The two sides have agreed to immediate priority of the grouping is participated in the Business Summit. An establish “Closer Economic Association.” consolidation of its activities and making it India-ASEAN web portal was also launched They have agreed to take trade attractive for economic cooperation. during the Business Summit. harmonization measures such as exchange India’s offer to undertake a feasibility study of information on policies and procedures BIMST-EC on Dawei Deep Sea Port and the road for investments, dialogue on standards, BIMST-EC, a sub regional economic linkage between the Port and Kanchanaburi quality and customs procedures, exchange cooperation grouping of countries on the in Thailand was noted. The ministers agreed of information on public health issues and rim of Bay of Bengal, is another important that special attention should be paid to trade promotion measures such as facilitating component of India’s ‘Look East Policy’. human resource development, development the exchange of business delegations, of hydrocarbon and hydropower potential, The 6th BIMST-EC Ministerial Meeting, participation in trade fairs and exhibitions trans-BIMST-EC natural gas pipeline, which took place in Phuket, Thailand on 8 and increased contacts between the management and sustainable utilization of February 2004, was preceded by the Senior Chambers of Commerce. The following two fisheries resources in the Bay of Bengal, Officials Meeting on 6 February 2004 and cooperation projects are under active facilitation of business travel and people-to- Trade and Economic Ministers’ Meeting on consideration for implementation: 7 February 2004. Nepal and Bhutan were people contacts. The ministers also formally admitted to BIMST-EC and acknowledged the central role of the private n imparting training to COMESA participated in all the meetings as full sector in BIMST-EC. In human resource personnel on harmonisation of drugs members. BIMST-EC now comprises development, India’s offer of 150 training and pharmaceutical standards and Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, scholarships and Thailand’s offer of 150 registration procedures; and training scholarships was welcomed. In Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The n deputing experts to determine the tourism, the “Visit BIMST-EC 2004” project highlight was the signing of the Framework feasibility of the Great Lakes Irrigation was commended and the ministers Agreement of the BIMST-EC FTA by all Project. member countries except Bangladesh, which encouraged more activities, such as joint

120 External Affairs Minister Shri Yashwant Sinha at the opening ceremony of the 6th BIMST-EC Ministerial Meeting at Phuket in Thailand on February 8, 2004

Foreign Secretary Shri Shashank receiving the first copy of the South Asia Development and Cooperation Report 2004 from Shri K. C. Pant, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission and Chairman, RIS. Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

G-15 Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Mauritius, Malaysia, In order to augment India’s physical As a founder member of the Group of Mozambique, Madagascar, Oman, connectivity, both with MGC member Fifteen (G-15), India is involved in various Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, countries and the ASEAN, India also G-15 projects and activities and is actively Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, agreed to the proposal of Cambodia involved in economic and technical and Yemen. Seychelles withdrew from and Vietnam for a New Delhi-Hanoi cooperation with the member countries. membership of the IOR-ARC earlier in the Rail Link and External affairs Minister India has been an active player in the year. India participated in the 4th Meeting offered to get a pre-feasibility study ongoing discussions among the Permanent of the IOR-ARC Council of Ministers in carried out in this regard. As a first Representative of the G-15 countries in Colombo on 12-13 October 2003. India has step, the Rail India Technical & Geneva for revitalizing the grouping to make been the prime mover in setting up the IOR- Economic Services (RITES) have it more relevant in the present changing Net, an internet web portal which focuses been assigned to undertake the pre- global context. India has been coordinating feasibility study of laying the missing on trade and investment related information a number of projects such as Solar Energy link of about 315 km between Jiribam among the member countries. IOR-Net is applications, training courses in Information (India) and Kalay (Myanmar) and managed by the Federation of Indian Technology etc. HMT (International) has upgrading the existing railway section Chambers of Commerce and Industry completed the project for revival of Nigeria from Kalay to Mandalay. (FICCI). The completion of the IOR-Net Machine Tool (NMT) in Nigeria (Oshogbo) project has been highly appreciated by the with a grant of US$5 million from India. As part of MGC cooperation in culture, other members of the IOR-ARC. India has Another project for setting up a toxicology India is giving US$ 1 million worth of offered to host an E-Business Summit, a laboratory at the University of Kingston, assistance for the establishment of a Museum workshop on tropical cyclones and a Jamaica, is currently under implementation. of Traditional Textiles of MGC countries workshop on trade facilitation in the WTO at Siem Reap, Cambodia. The museum context. India is also a member of the core would showcase textile products from the External Affairs Minister led the Indian group along with Kenya, Oman and Sri MGC countries and enhance the level of delegation to the XIIth G-15 Summit, Lanka to carry out a feasibility study for the regional cooperation and bonding. For this held in Caracas (Venezuela) on the establishment of a Preferential Trading purpose, an expert level meeting was held 27- 28 February 2004, as well as to Agreement (PTA), among the IOR-ARC at Siem Reap on 4th March 2004. the meeting of the G-15 foreign countries. ministers (26 February) that preceded Organisation for Economic the summit. The theme of the summit Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Cooperation and was ‘Energy and Development’. The (MGC) XIIth Summit adopted a joint Development (OECD) communiqué and the ‘Caracas The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC), was launched in Vientiane, Lao PDR in India’s relations with the Paris-based Declaration on Energy and Organisation for Economic Cooperation Development’ reflecting the concerns November 2000 by India, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, and Development (OECD) have intensified of the member countries. The considerably in recent years and continue communiqué makes particular and aims at cooperation in tourism, expanding. The OECD has been involving reference to the need for more intense education, culture, and transport and emerging economies, such as Brazil, China, economic cooperation, particularly communications. The 3rd MGC Ministerial India, and Russia in a dialogue on important exchange of trade preferences among Meeting, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, economic and trade issues. Since 1999, India developing countries, possibly by on 20 June 2003, reiterated their collective has participated in the OECD Special launching the third round of Global resolve to expedite implementation of Dialogue with non-member countries and System of Trade Preferences (GSTP) agreed projects and also explored new among developing countries, which sectors for cooperation. in a number of OECD events, in areas such could be launched at the forthcoming as Small & Medium Enterprises, Taxation, At the 3rd Ministerial Meeting, External Global Biodiversity, Agriculture, Steel, UNCTAD conference in Sao Paulo in Affairs Minister announced additional 100 June 2004. Investment, Information Technology and E- scholarships to MGC countries under ITEC Commerce, Competition Policy, Corporate program. In tourism sector, India offered to Governance and other such issues. IOR-ARC host an early meeting of the MGC Tourism Cooperation with OECD on issues relating India is a founder member of the 18- Ministers. India has also announced the to competition policy, commercialization of member IOR-ARC for the promotion of contribution of US$100,000 towards the space technology, as well as cooperation in trade and investment flows among the MGC Cooperation Fund for financing large-scale projects in astronomy and member countries. Its membership includes mutually agreed MGC projects.

122 Foreign Economic Relations

astrophysics, are also being discussed. In May which all expenses like international air In case of ITEC-I Scheme, the entire cost 2003, India attended the OECD Global travel, tuition fees, living allowance, study of air travel, tuition fees, living allowance, Forum on Competition in Paris, as well as tours, medical assistance in case of sickness medical and study tours are borne by the the first OECD Asia Contact meeting of the and book allowance are borne by the Government of India while in case of OECD’s Centre for Cooperation with Non- Ministry of External Affairs. The civilian training programmes under ITEC-II only Members (CCNM). India also participated training covers Audit, Banking, Finance & cost of international air travel is met by the in the OECD Global Forum on Accounts, Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, beneficiary countries. There is a provision International Investment (GFII) in Education Planning & Administration, for training under Self-Financing and Johannesburg from 17-19 November 2003 English Language, Entrepreneurship, Food Reciprocal Scheme also. and has offered to organize the Global Technology, Manpower Resource Planning, The 44th NDC Course (National Defence Forum on International Investment in 2004. Information Technology, Journalism & Mass College) in New Delhi begins on January Communication, Labour Administration, 2004 and 21 officers from foreign countries Technical Cooperation Management, Parliamentary Studies, would be participating in the course whose Remote Sensing, Rural Development, Small duration is almost one year. Under Self- The Technical Cooperation Division has Scale Industry, Standardisation, Small been responsible for administration of Financing Scheme, foreign participants are Business Development and Textile charged US$30,000 each and the offering technical assistance under the Technology. Indian Technical and Economic government of India pays the equivalent Cooperation (ITEC) programme and the In the current financial year, the TC Division amount in Rupees for trainees under ITEC Special Commonwealth Assistance for intends to provide civil training to 3080 and Special Aid Plan (SAP). 32 foreign Africa Plan (SCAAP) to developing countries persons for whom 2834 applications have defence personnel received training at the in Asia, Africa, Latin America, Eastern been received by 30 November 2003 and 59th DSSC Course (Defence Services Staff Europe, Central Asia, Gulf countries and 1065 persons have been given training. The College) in Wellington, which began in June small Islands in the Pacific and Caribbean list of institutes offering courses under 2003. 13 officers were given scholarship region. While ITEC programme is more Categories ‘B’ and ‘C’ to foreign nominees under ITEC and the rest were under Self- general, SCAAP is for the Commonwealth under ITEC/SCAAP programme of the Financing Scheme. During 2003-04, 387 countries of Africa for the civilian training. Ministry of External Affairs are at slots have been allotted under ITEC. 234 All other programmes are covered under Annexure-XIV. Country-wise position slots have been allotted for the Army courses ITEC. The ITEC and SCAAP together about slots earmarked and utilised under (172 under ITEC and 62 under Self- cover 155 countries and the latest one to be ITEC for the period April-November 2003 Financing Scheme, 49 in the Air Force included is Turkey. is at Annexure-XV. During the period Courses (30 under ITEC, 19 under Self- under report, 224 slots have been utilised Financing Scheme) and 51 in the Naval The Technical Cooperation programme has under SCAAP. The statement showing Courses (46 under ITEC and 5 under Self- earned goodwill for India and has exposed allocation and utilisation of civilian training Financing Scheme). Rs.11 crores have been its human skill and technical and industrial slots under SCAAP programme from April earmarked for Defence training and Rs.7.84 progress. The Budget allocation for the year to November 2003 is at Annexure-XVI. crores have already been spent by the end 2003-04 has been Rs.30.5 crores for ITEC, Annexure-XII is the expenditure statement of November 2003. Rs.5.5 crores for SCAAP and Rs.5 crores for for the financial year 2003-04. Aid for Disaster Relief. The details of Defence training may be seen India offers training in all the three wings at Annexure-XVII. The ITEC has the following contents: - of Defence Services to selected number of n Training (both Civil and Military) countries in some of the prestigious Aid for Disaster Relief institutions like National Defence College, n Projects and Project-related assistance Supplies of pharmaceuticals were the main New Delhi, and National Defence Services such as supply of equipment items of disaster relief to Least Developed Staff College, Wellington in Tamil Nadu. Countries like Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia Consultancy services and feasibility The training covers a number of fields, such and Vietnam. The amounts spent on this studies as, Security and Strategic Studies, Defence account were Rs.8 lakhs for Cambodia, Management, Artillery, Electronics, n Deputation of Indian experts Rs.9.29 lakhs for Lao PDR, Rs.23.94 for Mechanical Engineering, Marine and Mongolia and Rs.7.69 lakhs for Vietnam. n Study visits of senior officials/decision Aeronautical Engineering, Anti-Marine Medicines worth Rs.2.29 lakhs were also makers to India Warfare, Hydrography, Logistics and donated to Bosnia Herzegovina. There was The civilian training is most popular and Management & Qualitative Assurance also an urgent request for supply of indelible most effective means of cooperation for Services. ink for General Elections, which were held

123 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

in Cambodia on 27 July 2003. The Division supplied the vehicle. Two experts were also Laos from 2-6 June 2003 to conduct a supplied 26,000 jars of indelible ink at the deputed for three months for commissioning feasibility study for setting up of an IT cost of Rs.81.12 lakhs. of the project and to provide training. Centre, as discussed at the 4th India-Laos Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Projects Indonesia Scientific and Technological Cooperation India was requested to set up a Vocational held in New Delhi. An amount of around Cambodia Training Centre for Construction Sector at Rs.1,04,471 was incurred for the said A commitment was made by the Vice Jakarta during the State Visit of the former feasibility study. A multi-sectoral delegation President of India to the Prime Minister of President of Indonesia to India in February comprising experts in Agriculture, Animal Cambodia and subsequently, an Agreement 2000. The MoU between the Governments Husbandry, Fisheries and dairying were was signed between the two Governments of India and Indonesia was signed in April deputed to Laos for a period of 8 days from in April 2002 during Indian Prime Minister’s 2002 during the visit of the Indonesian 10-17 December 2003 to conduct a visit to Cambodia for the conservation and President Megawati to India. The National feasibility study in connection with the Work restoration of Ta Prohm Temple Complex Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC), Plan on Agriculture with Lao PDR. at Siem Reap in Cambodia through after its feasibility study, estimated the cost Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). ASI of setting up this centre at Rs.308.70 lakhs. Mozambique had estimated the total cost of the project After obtaining the concurrence of the In pursuance of a request made by the as Rs.19.57 crores to be implemented in 10 Integrated Finance Division and the Foreign Minister of the Government of years. Therefore, the Committee on Non- Ministry of Law to the proposal, the Mozambique, four experts nominated by the Plan Expenditure (CNE), Ministry of Agreement between Ministry of External Ministry of Agriculture were deputed to Finance was approached for obtaining its Affairs and NSIC was signed on 10.7.2003. Mozambique from 5-14 April 2003 for concurrence for the proposal. CNE Sanction order was issued on 14.7.2003. An conducting a feasibility study for setting up approved the first phase (2003-04, 2004-05) amount of Rs.42, 00,000 has already been of a comprehensive agricultural project at amounting to Rs.3.50 crores and also released to NSIC towards first installment Maputo. The expenditure incurred in the accorded its approval in principle for the (advance payment) against Bank Guarantee said deputation was around Rs.4, 21,844. total (estimated) cost of the project i.e., of equal amount. NSIC would despatch all Rs.19.57 crores. Sanction order was issued the machinery and equipment within 6 Namibia on 10.09.2003. months as per the agreement. In pursuance of a commitment made at the level of our Prime Minister, fifteen nos. Ford Djibouti Ivory Coast Tractors (70 HP) along with implements, Two experts from EdCIL were deputed to The President of Ivory Coast had requested accessories and spare parts at a cost of Rs.1, Djibouti for a period of 5 days in May the Government of India for assistance in 70, 09,710 (CIF) were supplied to the 2003 for conducting a feasibility study, to the computerization of his offices and Government of Namibia in August 2003. identify specific areas of human resource residences. Therefore, an IT expert from the development prior to the State Visit of Department of Information Technology, Senegal Djibouti President to India, which involved New Delhi has been deputed to Ivory Coast A maize expert from the Department of an expenditure of around Rs.94,569. for a period of 30 days from 14 November Agricultural Research and Education 2003 for conducting a feasibility study in this (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture was Fiji regard. The cost involved in the said deputed to Senegal in January 2004 for a In pursuance of a request made by the deputation is around Rs.2, 15,806. period of 10 days to advise them on post- Government of Fiji to the Government of harvest operations of maize. India, four sugar experts from Sugar Kenya Technology Mission, Department of Science RITES undertook a feasibility study for Tanzania and Technology were deputed to Fiji in Performance Improvement Work Plan of In pursuance of a request made by the January 2004 for a period of 10 days to Kenya Railways from 1 June 2003 for 30 President of Zanzibar, one sugarcane expert undertake studies of four sugar mills. man-weeks. The study entailed an from the Indian Institute of Sugarcane expenditure of Rs.4, 65,000 plus US$ 7560. Research, Lucknow was deputed to Zanzibar Guyana They have since submitted their feasibility for a period of two weeks in August 2003 to An Agro-Produce Processing/Training/ study report. advise the Zanzibar authorities on the Demonstration equipments mounted on introduction of sugarcane cultivation and Ashok Leyland vehicle was donated to Laos the industrial processing of sugarcane into Guyana costing about Rs.32,70,000. An expert from NIC, Department of sugar/khandsari/ jaggery. It was processed National Agriculture Federation (NAFED) Information Technology was deputed to and finalized in consultation with the

124 Foreign Economic Relations

Ministry of Agriculture and the Chief A 4-member delegation of Federal Police Director (Sugar), Directorate of Sugar, Services from Ethiopia was invited to visit Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and India for studying Police training facilities Public Distribution, New Delhi. The total in India as well management of prisons. expenditure involved in the said deputation Rector of University of Manila came to was approximately Rs.89, 421. India to study the Information Technology industry. He had meetings with the officials Trinidad and Tobago of Ministry of Information Technology in Two experts from RITES undertook a Delhi and later visited Bangalore. feasibility study in Trinidad and Tobago for 10 days for Light Rail Transit Project in A 5-member delegation led by the Vice September 2003. The total cost involved in Chancellor of the University of Namibia, the deputation was around Rs.6 lakh. Windhoek, visited India from 10-23 January 2004 with a view to establishing academic Zimbabwe links with Indian institutions of higher The Government of India made a learning. The delegation called on senior commitment to the Government of officials in Ministry of Human resource Zimbabwe for the development of Small and Development. The delegation also visited Medium Scale Enterprises under G 15 IITs in India and various Indian Universities Cooperation Programme and US $ 5 million in Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore. was earmarked for the same. Therefore, 2 A six member delegation led by the Rector experts from HMT(I) were deputed to of the Thammasat University, Bangkok, Zimbabwe for two weeks in August 2003 to visited India from 26 February - 2 March conduct a fresh feasibility study on the basis 2004 in order to promote better of which the implementing agency would be understanding between the academic decided for the project. The total institutions of the two countries. The expenditure involved in the said deputation delegation visited Jawahar Lal Nehru was Rs.2, 74,860. University, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Tata Institute of Study Visits Fundamental Research, Bombay and IITs in Mr. Vikram Oditt, Chairman, Guyana Delhi and Bombay. Sugar Corporation, along with his wife, vas invited to India to see Sugar industry. They Deputation of Experts visited Daurala Sugar Mills of Sri Ram Demand for services of Indian experts has Group in Uttar Pradesh, Wallchand Nagar increased and the total number of experts Industries in Pune. deputed to various countries has doubled Dr. Lenny Saith, Minister for Information during the period under report. The experts Technology, Government of Trinidad and deputed are in various fields such as Tobago, came to India in November on Architecture, Dairy Farming, Medicine, study visit. He was accompanied with his Security, Town Planning, Remote Sensing, wife and Permanent Secretary of his Agriculture, Television Transmission, WTO Ministry. Dr. Saith had meetings with Matters, etc. Details of experts deputed in Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri the current financial year as also of experts Digvijay Singh, Chairman of Union Public who were sent earlier but whose deputation Service Commission, and Chief Minister of is still under continuation, are at Appendix- Andhra Pradesh. He also visited IT XVIII. companies in Delhi, Bangalore and nn Hyderabad.

125 11. Investment and Trade Promotion

he ITP Division published a booklet of Understanding (MoU) with the T“India 2003-04 Reliable Business Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) As part of the new policy of active Partner-Attractive FDI Destination”. This providing support of the Ministry of Promotion foreign investment into publication contains comprehensive External Affairs for the organization of their India, the Division organized information on the competitive advantages Annual Partnership Summits. Investment Promotion Seminars in Taipei and Tokyo in collaboration with of India for foreign investors and business. The Division supported the efforts of the It has been published in several languages Indian Missions, the investment Ministry of Commerce in organizing promotion agencies of host countries including Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, interactive sessions between Commercial French, German, Italian, Arabic, and and the private sector of India as well Representatives of select west European as the Department of Industrial Russian. The CD ROMs in different countries with Indian business and industry Planning and Promotion. The Division languages containing the same information in Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi is planning to organize a number of were also made. Both the books and CD in January 2004. events in 2004 in other business ROMs were distributed to all the Missions capitals of the world. and also at the Investment Promotion and The Division supported FICCI in the Business Events held in India and abroad. organization of “Made in Pakistan” exhibition held in New Delhi in March 2004. The Division participated actively in the meetings of Foreign Investment Promotion The Division has been highlighting to the Board, Reserve Bank of India and other media and the business community in India policy meetings contributing to reforms and and abroad of the importance being liberalization of the economy and attached by the Ministry of External Affairs investment procedures. It took active part in to economic diplomacy to promote India’s Governmental and non-Governmental economic and commercial interests. As part meetings on Energy issues. The Division has of this, the Missions are being encouraged been advocating that India should acquire to be pro-active in the promotion of India’s petroleum and gas assets abroad for strategic economic and commercial interest. energy security. A new website devoted exclusively for the The Division interacted with Export economic and commercial aspects of India’s Promotion Councils, Trade and Industry diplomacy is being set up. This would give bodies, Commerce Ministry and the comprehensive information for global Missions for promotion of India’s exports. investors and businessmen about the It has been decided to sign a Memorandum opportunities in India. nn

126 12. Policy Planning and Research

Policy Planning The MEA-JNU Joint Seminar was also through Indian missions abroad for revived with the holding of the Joint Seminar necessary corrective measures. The Division he Policy Planning & Research Division on India and Emerging Asia on 23 March was also responsible for scrutinizing the Tserves as a nodal point for interaction 2004 at Sapru House. The Foreign Secretary depiction of India’s external boundaries in with the National Security Council inaugurated the seminar and delivered the the foreign publications imported into the Secretariat (NSCS) formerly known as the inaugural address. This was followed by an country, and offered its advice to the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC), the opening session on Emerging Asia: Security Ministries dealing with the matter. It University Grants Commission (UGC) and and Identity in which presentations on key coordinated the supply of map-sheets to its affiliates and the Area Study Centres issues of security in Asia were made by various Government and semi-Government (ASC) located in various universities and eminent professors from Jawaharlal Nehru agencies for use in their official work with specializing in research on various regions University. the Survey of India and the Ministry of of the world. The Policy Planning Division also undertook Defence. The Research Section dealt with requests from research scholars for access to The Division extended financial assistance the work of preparation and issue of the the records of the Ministry. to various academic institutions/think tanks Monthly letter by External Affairs Minister located in different parts of the country for to Heads of Missions/Posts covering As per the initiative of the Foreign Secretary, holding conferences, seminars, undertaking developments of importance concerning the Research Section also undertook the study/research projects, preparation of India and its foreign relations. revival of the Monthly Summary for the research papers, exchange of scholars and The Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) Cabinet. This covers the broad spectrum of India’s relations with different countries of support for Track-II programmes on issues was declared as an institution of national the world during the month. related to India’s external relations and importance and taken over by the security. A list of seminar/conferences/ Government through an ordinance meetings/study projects organized/ promulgated in September 2000, later Record Management Section undertaken by institutions/NGOs partly replaced by the ICWA Act 2001 (No.29 of There are about five lakh files, both classified funded by the Policy Planning and Research 2001) in September 2001. Government’s and unclassified, lying in the Records decision has been widely acclaimed and Division is at Appendix-XII. The seminars, Management Section of the Ministry. RM appreciated. Supreme Court has also upheld conferences and research projects funded by Section has been sending old files for the ICWA Act, 2001. In order to provide reviewing regularly to the concerned the Division covered themes such as more clarity to, and streamline certain officers/Sections/Divisions for taking a International private law issues, affecting the provisions of, the said Act, the PP&R decision regarding retention or otherwise of NRIs, Military action against Iraq and Division, after taking approval of the these files. 769 files which were no longer opportunities and challenges for India in the Cabinet, moved the ICWA (Amendment)Bill required were destroyed by burning. post-war Iraq, India-ASEAN relations, 2003 which was considered and passed by Central Asia’s Security concerns and its the Parliament in its Winter Session 2003. Library implications for India, Peaceful uses of The said Bill became operational after To support research, the Ministry’s Library atomic energy, Globalization and India, receiving Presidential assent on 7th January has modern information technology Himalayan Studies in the 21st century, India 2004. equipment and rich resource materials, with and New Europe, Broader Economic and over one hundred thousand books and a Political Trends in Asia, Bio-Terrorism and Research Section large collection of maps, microfilms and Bio-Defence, Discourse of Pakistan- The Research Section of the Division official documents. The Library receives and occupied Kashmir, Economic Cooperation continued to edit and publish the Annual maintains 600 periodical titles. It has in- between CIS-East Europe and India, Report of the Ministry. The Report serves house computer systems with fifteen Comprehensive Security, India and the as a compendium of India’s interaction with terminals/computers, including some emerging Asia, India’s Nuclear Diplomacy the rest of the world in the political, supporting data entry and retrieval in Hindi. after Pokhran-II, India-Australia Joint Study economic and cultural fields, including the Library has CD-ROM work station and CD- for drawing up a Road map for strategic views of the government on various facets ROM databases on foreign affairs and partnership and, India’s bilateral relations of international relations. current affairs. The Library is also equipped with countries like China, Australia, Russia, The Research Section also remained seized with a CD-Writer, a Colour Scanner (with Sri Lanka, Yugoslavia, Canada and South of the depiction of India’s international OCR capability as well as facility for storage Korea. Financial support was also extended boundaries in foreign publications. Cases of and retrieval of Images), a microfilm/fiche to an Indian scholar attending a conference incorrect depiction were taken up with the reader printer, plain paper photocopier, as in New Zealand. concerned governments or the publisher well as a VTR and colour monitor and a

127 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

laser printer with Desk Top Publishing (DTP) house computer system to create a database Further, the MEA Library has gone in for software. This has enabled better on foreign affairs. Using this database and an integrated Library management software presentation of publications and documents CD-ROM Databases, the Library provides covering all the features of Library. Built of the Library/Division. Current Awareness Service and around its own centralised bibliographic Documentation/Bibliographic Services as Bibliographical and Reference Services. In database, LIBSYS follows MARC and well as other library operations and services addition, the Library regularly publishes: supports both print and non-print materials. LIBSYS has different formats to describe have been computerized, using an integrated n “Foreign Affairs Documentation adequately each material type using different library software package. Information on all Bulletin” — monthly list of selected fields with variable field lengths. It facilitates books, maps, documents and selected periodical articles mostly with abstracts, periodical articles received in the Library import/export of data in standard exchange n “Recent Additions” — an annotated since 1986 [and pre-1986 publications in format such as MARC as well as in non- monthly list of publications added to the active use] are available on-line through each MARC format. LIBSYS supports word- Library, and terminal/computer in Main Library Patiala based free text searching using Boolean operators. LIBSYS provides online House. Library’s information databases can n “Chronicle of Events”, fortnightly. also be accessed on Internet by our officials validation of input data prior to updating the database. LIBSYS assures security by both at Headquarters and in our Missions CD-ROM Publication(s) abroad on MEA Library’s website: http:// allowing access only through passwords if mealib.nic.in Library in cooperation with NIC has brought so required. out a full text CD-ROM version of Annual The library’s Internet facilities are being Library users including research scholars are Reports of MEA [from 1948 to 1998-99] welcome to access the Library’s website or gradually made available to visiting users and Foreign Affairs Record [from 1955 to who include Research Scholars and former the on-line computer-based information in 1999 (August)]. The information on the CD the Library at Patiala House, New Delhi in Foreign Service Officers. Library now also can be retrieved via combination of searches welcomes users to submit their reference different databases, including CD-ROM including search on any given word or Databases, and the Foreign Affairs queries while surfing Library’s website or combination of words. This CD-ROM through e-mail. Answers to these queries Information Retrieval System (FAIRS). version was prepared based on material Photocopying and Computer Print-out where possible are sent through e-mail for available as on 1 January 2000. This CD can faster response. facilities are also available to all Library users be consulted in the main Library of the including research scholars. All new documents received in the Library Ministry at Patiala House, New Delhi. nn – books, maps, microfilms, selected articles Revised/updated version of this CD is from periodicals – are being fed into the in- planned to be issued next year.

128 13. External Publicity

he External Publicity Division publicity. India’s stand on the Middle East Tcontinued to effectively project and and Iraq issues was appreciated especially reputed organizations. Audio-visual promote India and its viewpoint on various in the Arab press. material is also incorporated. The issues of concern through its active weekly MEA Newswire covering important developments of the week association with the Indian and international Spokesperson’s Office media including dissemination of continued to target intellectuals, The Division took a proactive stance in information and publicity material through opinion-makers, think-tanks and India- expounding India’s foreign policies through Indian missions abroad. The division watchers across the globe. The regular and special media briefings by the Ministry of External Affairs website assiduously worked to promote Spokesperson, press releases, statements and proved to be a vital tool in understanding of the Government’s policies, backgrounders. Arranging media interviews dissemination of information by the the Ministry’s role and India’s positive image with the Prime Minister, External Affairs Office of the Spokesperson and a through regular press briefings, publications, Minister and other dignitaries, planning and source of information related to India audio-visual media and its website which is managing media campaigns and developing and the Ministry. It consistently updated on a daily basis. Prime Minister’s strategies to convey Government of India’s featured among the top 5 GOI peace initiative with Pakistan, his visits to policies to the media and public, were among websites with document access of New York (UNGA), Russia, China, Central the other important functions in this context. over 75000 per day from both inside Asia, South-East Asia, West Asia and the The office also liaised with the press during and outside India. Arab World, India’s stand on international incoming and outgoing high-level visits and and cross-border terrorism, Middle East, managed to achieve good coverage for all Iraq and WTO related issues were among Visits by Foreign Media events in both Indian and international the main topics which found special focus media. External Publicity Division in coordination of our publicity efforts. with Indian missions abroad facilitated the The Spokesperson’s office kept pace with the With intense media interest in developments visits of more than 75 foreign journalists to numerous visits witnessed as a result of in Indo-Pak relations in the wake of Prime India between January 2003 and March India’s intense engagement with the Minister’s offer extending India’s “hand of 2004. These familiarization visits by senior international community. The friendship” to Pakistan in April 2003, journalists and editors from Austria, Spokesperson’s office used the opportunities sustained effort was exerted to keep the Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Cambodia, provided by these visits to state India’s media abreast of latest happenings on this Czech Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, positions on all issues. Around 210 press front. India’s peace initiatives – Prime Hungary, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, releases and statements were issued and Minister’s Srinagar speech in April 2003, the Mauritius, Mexico, Nepal, Russia, Senegal, more than 150 press briefings and media 12-point proposal made in October 2003, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, Hongkong, interactions were held during the period. the announcement of ceasefire along LOC, Seychelles, Trinidad & Tobago etc. were These were circulated among the Indian and international border and Siachen in J&K by aimed at providing them a flair of modern international media and Indian missions. All both sides in November 2003, establishment India through visits to important institutions of them were also posted on the Ministry’s of communication links, the meetings and cities and meetings with senior officials, website in a timely manner. between the leadership of the two countries intellectuals, academicians, businessmen etc. on the sidelines of SAARC Summit in The visits had the desired effect and led to Islamabad in January 2004, the meeting of A new, better structured, increased positive coverage of India and its the Foreign Secretaries in February 2004 etc comprehensive and more secure achievements in reputed foreign journals. – were given wide publicity. This was also website of the Ministry, http:// reflected in the coverage. meaindia.nic.in, came into operation Media Facilitation in August 2003. The website is India’s excellent relations with major An important role of the External Publicity updated on a real time basis countries of the world and the progress Division is to provide logistical and liaison (frequently several times a day) with achieved by India in the domains of support to foreign media accompanying latest press releases, briefings, economy, S&T, IT, biotechnology etc. were Heads of State/Government visiting India statements, documents, reports, and Indian media delegations accompanying also highlighted. The success of this Question-Answers in Parliament, Prime Minister, President and Vice President approach was evident from the prominent interviews and relevant articles and coverage received during PM’s visits abroad op-ed pieces from Indian and on their foreign visits. The division played and India’s interaction with multilateral international press. In addition, its role in providing accreditation facilities, organizations like UN, SAARC, ASEAN, hyperlinks are provided to websites of access to ceremonial areas, transport, ARF and EU. The assistance provided by Indian missions, states, ministries and accommodation etc. and issuing media India to Afghanistan was given wide advisories to foreign and Indian media

129 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

during the visits to India of Heads of State/ heritage. The circulation of the magazine Seven more documentaries were completed Government of Afghanistan, Armenia, through Indian missions and posts remained on a variety of themes consistent with Indian Bahrain, Bhutan, Brazil, Canada, Djibouti, largely steady at about 55000 copies per foreign policy and promotion of Indian France, Germany, Guyana, Iran, Israel, month. The magazine continued to be interests. The documentaries included Lesotho, Laos, Mauritius, Mongolia, published in 10 different international “Kashmir - The Land of Divine Love”, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Poland, languages chosen to give it wide reach. “Kyrgyzstan: The Land of Manas”, “Made Romania, Senegal, Singapore, Slovak Besides Indian culture, conscious efforts were in Bollywood”, “East meets West”, “Fabric Republic, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname made to project modern India to the world of Love” “Vishwa Hindi Ka Rachna and Zambia. Similar facilities were also audience through carefully selected articles Sansar”, and “Hindi Hain Hum”. provided to the Indian media delegations on the impressive achievements of the Indian Proactively, films on Child Labour in India, travelling abroad on VVIP visits. The economy, rapid strides made by India in IT Biotechnology and Muslim Women in India Division contributed effectively by setting up and S&T, global appeal of popular Indian were approved to be commissioned. A 24- media centres with Internet, telephone, fax films, immense potential for tourism in India capsule documentary on Jammu & Kashmir and other facilities as also liaison with local etc. The articles, encompassing all facets of and several other documentaries were also authorities during the VVIP visits to life in India, were illustrated by aesthetic commissioned and are in various stages of Bulgaria, China, France, Germany, photographs and caricatures. India’s foreign completion. Indonesia, Myanmar, Russia, Seychelles, policy orientations in today’s world scenario Special screenings of documentary films Sudan, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, were also sought to be projected in a subtle “Kashmir - The Land of Divine Love” and Thailand, Turkey, UAE and New York manner through the magazine. The current “Sikkim-Treasure of the Snow” (UNGA). External Affairs Minister’s visits to and old issues of India Perspectives were also commissioned by the Ministry were Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Botswana, made available on the website of the organized for the diplomatic community Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Ministry. Judging from the positive feedback based in New Delhi, Indian and foreign Mauritius, Myanmar, Russia, Singapore, received from Indian embassies around the media personnel and eminent persons from South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Syria, world, the magazine has been able to the world of art and cinema. The latter also Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey and establish a niche for itself in several won the “Best Promotional Film” award at USA were also serviced in a similar manner. countries. The January 2003 issue of India 50th National Film Awards 2003. The Elaborate arrangements, including transport Perspectives was solely devoted to the Indian External Publicity Division actively by two chartered aeroplanes, were made for Diaspora to mark the First Pravasi Bharatiya supported the 34th International Film Festival a media contingent of over 300 journalists, Divas. of India and 5th Cinemaya Festival held in which covered the 12th SAARC Summit, New Delhi in October and July 2003 held in Islamabad in January 2004. Audio-Visual Publicity respectively. Indian feature film festivals/film Assistance was also provided to Indian The commissioning and supply of weeks were organized in Chile, Egypt, journalists based in foreign countries and documentaries, presentation/lending of old France, Kenya, Maldives, Mauritius, those going abroad on special missions. documentaries and feature films to Indian Mongolia, Myanmar, Netherlands, Russia, The Division provides assistance in respect missions and foreign governments/ Spain, UK and USA (Washington, New of credential documents, visas, residence organizations, dubbing and subtitling of York, Houston) also with the support of the permits etc. to approximately 300 films in foreign languages, procurement and Division. representatives of foreign news agencies and supply of feature films for participation in Documentaries and feature films were also media organizations based in India. During film festivals and Indian film weeks abroad, acquired and sent to the missions for non- the period under report, visa extension and/ organizing cultural publicity and exhibitions commercial telecast on foreign TV channels. or accreditation facilities were extended to etc. are some of the major audio-visual Besides, audio-visual material in the form of about 195 foreign journalists. More than 70 publicity activities undertaken by the telecast quality Betacam cassettes, CD- journalists from ethnic media from abroad External Publicity Division. ROMs, audio and video CDs and cassettes were serviced during each of the 1st and 2nd A crisp 15-minute film, “Fulfilling the were also supplied to the missions for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held in New Delhi Vision”, showcasing modern India and the libraries and presentation purposes. The in January 2003 and January 2004. rapid strides that the country has taken, material was chosen carefully to represent particularly in infrastructure, space and IT the diverse colours of India. Requests for India Perspectives over the last 5 years was produced in sanction of audio-video equipment and The Ministry’s monthly magazine, “India September 2003. The film was shown during other hardware like TVs, VCRs, dish Perspectives” remained the cornerstone of Prime Minister’s interactions worldwide and antennas etc. received from missions were the Division’s efforts to promote India with many Missions used it during the Republic also processed. The Division also received special emphasis on India’s rich cultural Day 2004 celebrations. about 250 documentary filming proposals

130 External Publicity Division

from different countries. Of these, more than The True Story” (updated version) and 200 were cleared on receipt while the rest “Sammelan Samachar Samagra” have been were sent to respective ministries, states and brought out. For the first time in recent years, other organizations for further processing. Ministry of External Affairs Diary “India 2004” was printed. 5000 copies of the diary, Special Publications and showing various facets of India through Books caricatures by cartoonist Sudhir Dar, were distributed among media personalities The External Publicity Division, under its locally and sent to Indian Missions. A press ongoing scheme of supplying books for kit for the 12th SAARC Summit in Islamabad reference and presentation purposes to and special publications on Prime Minister’s Indian missions, dispatched several books visits to Cambodia, Singapore, Cyprus, depending on the requirements of the Denmark, UK, New York and China were Missions. A committee comprising Ministry’s also published. high-ranking officials takes the decision for purchase of these books. The Division also In addition, the Division also plans to bring brings out special publications on important out French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, issues and visits. Between January 2003 and Russian and Japanese versions of “India: March 2004, special publications: “India: Scripting Future Histories”, as well as an Scripting Future Histories” (in English, update on Indian democracy (entitled Italian and Urdu), “Facets of Indian Foreign “India: A Dynamic Democracy”) and new Policy” (Volume I and II : A collection of publications on Indian Aid to Afghanistan External Affairs Minister’s speeches/ in March 2004 and Indian elections, in April interviews/statements in Hindi and English), 2004. a brochure on Hyderabad House, “Kashmir- nn

131 14. Protocol

The Protocol Division remained fully occupied with numerous incoming and outgoing VVIP visits, conferences, credential ceremonies and other multifarious functions. Activities of Protocol Division contributed to India’s enhanced international image and profile. Special efforts were made to streamline protocol norms and standards.

A. Visits by Heads of State/Government/Vice Presidents and other high dignitaries

Visits for the period January 2003 – March 2004 1. H.E. Mr. S. R. Nathan, President of The Republic of Singapore and Mrs. S. R. Nathan 3-11 January 2003 2. The Rt. Honourable Sir Anerood Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius and Lady Sarojini Jugnauth 5-11 January 2003 3. H.E. Seyed Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Chief Guest of Republic Day) 24-28 January 2003 4. H.E. Mr. Jean- Pierre Raffarin, Prime Minister of France and Mrs. Raffarin 6-8 February 2003 5. H.E. Mr. Leszek Miller, Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland and Mrs Miller 15-18 February 2003 6. H.E. Mr. Sam Nujoma, President of Namibia 26 Feb -1 March 2003 7. H.E. Mr. Hamid Karzai, President of Afghanistan 28 Feb - 4 March 2003 8. H.E. Mr. Johannes Rau, President of the Federal Republic of Germany and Mrs. Rau 1-6 March 2003 9. H.E. President of Suriname 16-20 March 2003 10. HM King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev of Kingdom of Nepal 20-30 March 2003 11. H.E. Mr Goh Chok Tong, Prime Minister of Singapore 7-11 April 2003 12. HH Aga Khan 13-20 April 2003 13. H.E. Levy P. Mwanawasa, SC, President of Zambia 20-27 April 2003 14. H.E. Mr. Nong Duc Manh, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Socialist Republic of Vietnam 29 April - 2 May 2003 15. H.E. Mr. Joaquim Alberto Chissano, President of Mozambique 10-15 May 2003 16. H.E. Mr. Ismail Omar guelleh, President of Djibouti 18-23 May 2003 17. H.E. Mr. Bounnhang Vorachith, Prime Minister of Lao People’s Democratic Republic 15-22 June 2003 18. The Right Honourable Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisilli, Prime Minister of Lesotho 31 July - 7 August 2003 19. H.E. Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, President of The Co-operative Republic of Guyana 24-29 August 2003 20. H.R.H. Dasho Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, Crown Prince of The Kingdom of Bhutan 28 August -1 September 2003 21. H.E. Mr. Ariel Sharon, Prime Minister of Israel 8-13 September 2003 22. HM Jigme Singye Wangchuk, King of Bhutan 14-19 September 2003 23. H.E. Abdoulaye Wade, President of Senegal 12-15 October 2003 24. H.E. MR Thabo M Mbeki, President of South Africa 16-18 October 2003 25. H.E. Mr Robert Kocharin, President of Armenia 27-31 October 2003

132 Protocol

26. HRH Prince of Wales October 28 - 5 November 2003 27. H.E. Mr Peter Medgyessy, Prime Minister of Hungary 2-5 November 2003 28. H.E. Mr Pascal Couchepin, President of Swiss Federation 6-11 November 2003 29. H.E. Mr Paul Raymond Berenger, Prime Minister of Mauritius 20-25 November 2003 30. H.E. Mr Jia Qinglin, Chairman of Chinese CCPPC 23-27 November 2003 31. H.E. Prof. Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission 28-30 November 2003 32. H.E. Mr Nicolae Vacaroiu, President of the Senate of Romania 14-19 December 2003 33. H.E. Mr Bharrat Jagdeo, President of Guyana 6-13 January 2004 34. H.E. Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain 11-19 January 2004 35. H.E. Mr Nambaryn Enkhbayar, Prime Minister of Mongolia 14-19 January 2004 36. HRH Paras Bir Bikram Shah Dev, Crown Prince of Nepal 18 January - 1 February 2004 37. H.E. Mr Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil 25-28 January 2004 (Chief Guest of Republic Day 2004) 38. H.E. Mr Ion Iliescu, President of Romania 28 Jauuary to 1 February 2004 39. H.E. Mr Amani Abeid Karume, President of Zanzibar 7-12 March 2004 40. H.E. Ayatollah Hashemi Shahroudi, Head of Judiciary of Iran 9-15 March 2004

B. Working Visits of Head of State/Government to India in year 2003-2004 1 H.E. Mrs Chandrika Kumaratunga, President of Sri Lanka 7-10 April 2003 2 H.E. Mr. Ranil Wikramasinghe, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka 19-21 October 2003 3 H.E. Jean Chretien, Prime Minister of Canada 24-25 October2003 4 H.E. Mr. Askar Akaev, President of Kyrgyzstan 10-11 November 2003 5 H.E. Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa, Prime Minister of Nepal 23-25 November 2003 6. H.E. Mr Goran Persson, Prime Minister of Sweden 9 January -11 November 2004

C. Transit visit/Halts by Head of State/Government/ Vice President 1 H.E. Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri, President of Indonesia 18 -27 April, 2003 2 German Chancellor Mr Gerhard Schroder 10 May - 16 May 2003 3 President of Eritrea 27 September 2003 4 President of Djibouti 27 September - 3 October 2003 5 President of Uganda 1 October 2003 6 President of Peru 16 October 2003 7 HM The King of Morocco 17-26 October 2003 8. H.E. Mr. Ion Iliescu, President of Romania 5 February 2004 9. H.E. Mr. Aleksander Kwasneiwski, President of Poland (Kolkata) 21 February 2004 10. H.E. Mr. Aleksander Kwasneiwski, President of Poland (Delhi) 27 February 2004

133 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

D. Miscellaneous visits 11st Lady of Peru 7-11 July 2003 2 Former President of USA Mr. Bill Clinton 20-22 November 2003

E. Official Visits by Foreign Ministers or Equivalent level: Year 2003-2004 1. H.E. Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi, Minister of Foreign Minister of Japan 7-8 January 2003 2. H.E. Mr. M. Dan Geana, Foreign Minister of Romania 14-17 January 2003 3. H.E. U Win Aung, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar 19-24 January 2003 4. H.E. Dr. Jose Ramos Horta, Senior Minister for Foreign Affairs of Timor- Leste 23-31 January 2003 5. H.E. Mr. A. H. Kamilov , Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan 3-4 February 2003 6. H.E. Mr. Anil Kumarsingh Gyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mauritius 8-10 February 2003 7. H.E. Mr. M Morshed Khan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh 13-16 February 2003 8. H.E. Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand 13-17 February 2003 9. H.E. Ms. Carolina Barco, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Columbia 26-28 February 2003 10. H.E. Dr. Charles Murigande, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Rwanda 27-30 March 2003 11. H.E. Mr. Nguyen Dy Nien, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam 29 Mar -1 April 2003 12. H.E. Mrs. Maria Soledad Alvear, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Republic of Chile 24-27 April 2003 13. H.E. Mr. Somsavat Lengsavad, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao People’s Democratic Republic 4-8 May 2003 14. H.E. Mr. Ali Said Abdella, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Eritrea 7-12 May 2003 15. H.E. Dr. Mladen Ivanic, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia & Herzegovina 6-8 May 2003 16. HE. Mr. Igor S. Ivanov, Minister of foreign Affairs of The Russian Federation 15-17 June 2003 17. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of Staff of UAE Armed Forces 29 June - 1 July 2003 18. H.E. U Win Aung, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar 10-11 July 2003 19. H.E. Mr. Anatoliy Zlenko, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 11-13 August 2003 20. H.E Dr. Kamal Kharrazi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Islamic Republic of Iran 24 August 2003 21. H.E. Dr. Nabeel Shaath, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Palestinian National Authority 29 August - 1 September 2003 22. H.E. Mr Bill Graham, Foreign Minister of Canada 10-14 October 2003 23. H.E. Mr Celso Amorim, Foreign Minister of Brazil 19-22 October 2003 24. H.E. Mr Goran Svilanovic,Foreign Minister of Serbia & Montenegro 20-22 October 2003 25. H.E. Mr Olu Adeniji, Foreign Minister of Nigeria 29-31 October 2003 26. H.E. Mr Alinars Slesers, Deputy Prime Minister of Latvia 24-29 November 2003 27. H.E. Mr K. D. Knight Foreign Minister of Jamaica 24-30 November 2003 28. H.E. Mr U Win Aung, Foreign Minister of Myanmar 21-23 December 2003 29. H.E. Dr Surakiart Sathirathai, Foreign Minister of Thailand 21-23 December 2003 30. H.E. Dr Yoong Young Kwan, Foreign Minister of Korea 21-23 December 2003 31. Hon J K Cuttaree, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mauritius 6-11 January 2004

134 Protocol

32. Ministers and Representatives of System of Central American Integration (SICA) 1-5 February 2004 33. Rt Hon Jack Straw, Secretary of State of UK 5-8 February 2004 34. H.E. Mr Silvan Shalom, Foreign Minister of Israel 9-12 February 2004 35. H.E. Mr Dominique de Villepin, Foreign Minister of France 12-13 February 2004 36. H.E. Mr Dimitrij Rupel, Foreign Minister of Slovenia 14-18 February 2004 37. India-EU Troika Ministerial Meeting 15-16 February 2004 38. H.E. Dr Edmund Stoiber, Minister President of Free State of Bavaria 16-21 February 2004 39. Visit of TEAM-9 Foreign Minister from Western Africa Feb 29 to Mar 3, 2004 40. Visit of Foreign Ministers of Brazil & South Africa for India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Meetng 4-5 March 2004 41. Working Visit of H.E. Mr Colin L Powell, Secretary of State of United States of America 15-17 March 2004

F. Outgoing visits by Indian dignitaries in 2003-2004

President of India 1. 18-25 October 2003 UAE, Sudan and Bulgaria

Vice President of India 1. 8-12 September 2003 Seychelles 2. 2-5 November 2003 Union of Myanmar

Prime Minister of India 1. 22-25 February 2004 Kuala Lumpur (13th NAM summit) 2. 22-27 June 2003 China 3. May 27 to 3 June 2003 Germany, St. Petersburg and Evian (G-8 Summit) 4. 16-28 September 2003 Turkey and New York (58th UNGA) 5. 5-12 October 2003 Bali (India-ASEAN Summit) and Thailand 6. 11-16 November 2003 Russia, Tajikistan and Syria 7. 4-7 December 2003 Nigeria (CHOGM Summit) 8. 3-6 January 2004 Islamabad (For SAARC Summit)

Deputy Prime Minister of India 1. 10-12 November 2003 Maldives

External Affairs Minister of India 1. EAM’s visit to Greece 15-18 January 2003. 2. EAM’s visit to CA countries (Tajikistan,Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan) January 28 - 1 February 2003 3. EAM’s visit to Moscow & Kuala Lumpur for NAM Summit (joined PM in Kuala Lumpur) 19-25 February 2003 4. EAM’s visit to Tanzania and Botswana 24 April - 1 May 2003 5. EAM’s visit to Russia and UK 13-21 May 2003 6. EAM’s visit to Germany (with PM) 27-31 May 2003 7. EAM’s visit to Peru and Brazil 2-11 June 2003 8. EAM’s visit to Cambodia for ARF,PMC+Mekong Ganga co-operation 16-19 June 2003

135 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

9. EAM’s visit to China (with PM) 22-27 June 2003 10. EAM’s visit to Mauritius & South Africa 30 June - 5 July 2003 11. EAM’s visit to Bangladesh 4-16 July 2003 12. EAM’s visit to Syria and Turkey-separately (not with PM) 1-6 August 2003 13. EAM’s visit to Australia, Indonesia and Singapore 25 August - 2 September 2003 14. EAM’s visit to UNGA(New York)-separately (not with PM) 19-30 September 2003 15. EAM’s visit to Indonesia & Thailand (with PM) 6-12 October 2003 16. EAM’s visit to Sri Lanka 14-16 October 2003 17. EAM’s visit to Brussels(Belgium) 26-30 October 2003 18. EAM’s visit to Uzbekistan 6-9 November 2003 19. EAM’s visit to Russia, Tajikistan and Syria with PM 11-16 November 2003 20. EAM’s visit to Nigeria (CHOGM) 2-10 December 2003 21. EAM’s visit to Iran 12-15 December 2003 22. EAM’s visit to Pakistan (SAARC Summit) 1-6 January 2004 23. EAM’s visit to US 17-23 January 2004 24. EAM’s visit to Phuket, Thailand (BIMST-EC FM’s Meeting) 6-9 February 2004 25. EAM’s visit to Caracas, Venezuela (G-15 Summit and FM’s Meeting) 25-29 February 2004

Visits by Minister of State (MOS) for External Affairs, Shri Vinod Khanna 1. MOS visit to Thimpu, Bhutan (India Festival Inauguration) 5-8 June 2003 2. MOS visit to Amman, Jordan (Multilateral Meeting) 21-23 June 2003 3. MOS visit to Kuwait, (Bilateral Meeting) 23-25 June 2003 4. MOS visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, (Signing of Haj Agreement) 21-23 September 2003 5. MOS visit to Ulaanbataar, Mongolia (5th International Conf. On New and Restored Democracies) 7-15 September 2003 6. MOS visit to Thimpu, Bhutan, (Royal Funeral) 17-19 October 2003 7. MOS visit to Madrid, Spain (International Donors Conference for Iraq Reconstruction) 23-24 October 2003 8. MOS visit to New York, US (High Level Dialogue on Financing for Development (UN)) 26-29 October 2003

Visits by Minister of State (MOS) for External Affairs, Shri Digvijay Singh 1. MOS visit to Iran 4-5 January 2003 2. MOS visit to Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago 1-12 February 2003 3. MOS visit to France 20-22 May 2 003 4. MOS visit to Suriname,Barbados,Cuba 3-17 June 2003 5. MOS visit to Armenia, Austria, Kenya and Ukraine 14-24 July 2003 6. MOS visit to Seychelles 8-12 September 2003 7. MOS visit to Croatia, Senegal and Czech Republic 14-25 September 2003 8. MOS visit to Myanmar 2-5 November 2003 9. MOS visit to Estonia 20-22 November 2003

136 Protocol

List of Foreign Ambassadors/High Commissioners who Presented their Credentials during the period 1.4.2003 to 31.3.2004 Name Presentation of Credentials H.E. Dr (Mrs.) Jutta Stefan Bastl 20 January 2003 Ambassador of Austria H.E. Mr. Jantsan Gulgou 20 January 2003 Ambassador of Mongolia H.E. Mr. Dominique Girard 20 January 2003 Ambassador of France H.E. Mr. Siavash Zargar Yaghoubi 20 January 2003 Ambassador of Iran H.E. Mr. Pierre Passi 20 January 2003 Non-Resident Ambassador of Republic of Congo H.E. Mr. Lefa Joseph Mokotjo 20 January 2003 Non-Resident High Commissioner of Kingdom of Lesotho H.E. Mr. Oteng Jenamo Tebape 20 January 2003 Non-Resident High Commissioner of Botswana H.E. Mr. Jean Christian Obame 20 January 2003 Non-Resident Ambassador of Gabon H.E. Mrs. Haja Alari Cole 20 January 2003 Non-Resident High Commissioner of Sierra Leone H.E. Mr. Chirasak Thanesnant 16 April 2003 Ambassador of Thailand H.E. Mr. Don Rafael Conde de Saro 16 April 2003 Ambassador of Spain H.E. Mr. Osama Musa Al-Ali 16 April 2003 Ambassador of the State of Palestine H.E. Mr. Jonathan Wutanwunashe 16 April 2003 High Commissioner of Republic of Zimbabwe H.E. Mr. Jaime Jose Infante Lacouture 16 April 2003 Ambassador of Colombia H.E. Mr. Saleh M. Al-Ghamdi 16 April 2003 Ambassador of Saudi Arabia H.E. Maj. Gen. Charles Dickson Ndaxu P. Namoloh 16 April 2003 High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia H.E. Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana 16 April 2003 Ambassador of Holy See H.E. Mr. Gabriel Fassil 10 July 2003 Ambassador of Eritrea H.E. Mr. Dino Debeljuh 10 July 2003 Ambassador of Republic of Croatia H.E. Mr. Aziz Ahmad Khan 10 July 2003 High Commissioner of Islamic Republic of Pakistan H.E. Mr. David Danieli 24 September 2003 Ambassador of Israel

137 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

H.E. Mr. Patrick de Beyter 24 September 2003 Ambassador of Belgium H.E. Mr. Donnilo Anwar 24 September 2003 Ambassador of Republic of Indonesia H.E. Mr. Charles Walimbwa 24 September 2003 High Commissioner of Uganda Her Excellency Mrs. Lucie Edwards 24 November 2003 High Commissioner of Canada H.E. Mr. Eric Franciscus Charles Niehe 24 November 2003 Ambassador of Netherlands H.E. Mr. Michael Arthur CMG 24 November 2003 High Commissioner of United Kingdom Her Excellency Mrs. Laura Q. del Rosario 24 November 2003 Ambassador of Philippines H.E. Mr. Juan Carretero Ibanez 24 November 2003 Ambassador of Republic of Cuba H.E. Mr. Dragovest Goranov 24 November 2003 Ambassador of Republic of Bulgaria H.E. Mr. Francisco Da Camara Gomes 24 November 2003 Ambassador and Head of Delegation of European Commission H.E. Mr. Viktor Karafil Kalemi 24 November 2003 Non-Resident Ambassador of Republic of Albania H.E.Mr. Jose Leopoldo Francisco Riestra Elizondo 24 November 2003 Non-Resident Ambassador of Republic of Nicaragua H.E. Mr. Walid Adel Nasr 30 December 2003 Ambassador of Lebanon H.E. Mr. Hemayetuddin 30 December 2003 High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladeh H.E. Mr. U kyi Thein 30 December 2003 Ambassador of Union of Myanmar H.E. Mr. Vasile Sofineti 30 December 2003 Ambassador of Romania H.E. Mr. Jorge Heine 30 December 2003 Ambassador of Republic of Chile H.E. Mr. Fahd Salim 30 December 2003 Ambassador of Syrian Arab Republic H.E. Pundit Manideo Persad 30 December 2003 High Commissioner of Trinidad & Tobago H.E. Mr. Jon Westborg 23 February 2004 Ambassador of Norway H.E. Mr. Yasukuni Enoki 23 February 2004 Ambassador of Japan H.E. Mr. Karna Dhoj Adhikary 23 February 2004 Ambassador of Kingdom of Nepal

138 Protocol

H.E. Dr. David Campbell Mulford 23 February 2004 Ambassador of United States of America H.E. Mr. Eduardo Ernesto Vilanova-Molina 23 February 2004 Non-Resident Ambassador of El Salavador H.E. Mr. Sverrir Haukur Gunnlaugsson 23 February 2004 Non-Resident Ambassador of Republic of Iceland

List of Foreign Ambassadors/High Commissioners who left India during the period 1.1.2003 to 31.3.2004 on completion of Assignment Name Left on H.E. Mr. Don Alberto Escudero 24 January 2003 Ambasador of Spain H.E. Mr. Jose Eloy Valdes 26 February 2003 Ambassador of RepublicCuba H.E. Mr. Salah Al-Mukhtar 12 March 2003 Ambassador of Republic of Iraq H.E. Mr. Ahmed El Mansour Diop 29 June 2003 Ambassador of Senegal H.E. Mr. Kabiru Ahmed, mni 30 June 2003 High Commissioner of Nigeria H.E. Mr. Robert D. Blackwill 31 July 2003 Ambassador of United States of America H.E. Dr. Bhekh B. Thapa 15 August 2003 Ambassador of Nepal H.E. Mr. Guy Trouveroy 23 August 2003 Ambassador of Belgium H.E. U. Kyaw Thu 18 September 2003 Ambassador of Myanmar H.E. Mr. Jose P. del Rosario, Jr. 22 September 2003 Ambassador of Philippines H.E. Dr. Jean Daniel 30 September 2003 Ambassador of Lebanon H.E. Mr. Manuel Cardenas 30 September 2003 Ambassador of Chile H.E. Mr. Peter F. C. Koch, 30 September 2003 Ambassador of Netherlands H.E. Mr. Peter H. Sutherland 30 September 2003 High Commissioner of Canada H.E. Sir Rob Young KCMG, 13 October 2003 High Commissioner of United Kingdom H.E. Mr. Truls Hanevold 25 October 2003 Ambassador of Norway H.E. Mr. Michael Caillouet 26 October 2003 Ambassador and Head of Delegation of European Commission

139 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

H.E. Mr. Tufail K. Haider 27 October 2003 High Commissioner of Bangladesh H.E. Mr. Petru Petra 9 November 2003 Ambassador of Romania H.E. Mr. Uladzimir Sakalouski 15 December 2003 Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus H.E. Mr. Dato Choo Siew Kioh 19 December 2003 High Commissioner of Malaysia H.E. Mr. Jang Kwang Son 20 January 2004 Ambassador of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea H.E. Mr. Abdullah Al-Murad 24 January 2004 Ambassador of the State of Kuwait H.E. Mr. Gerardo Manuel Biritos 2 March 2004 Ambasador of Argentina H.E. Mr. Johan Nordenfelt 2 March 2004 Ambassador of Sweden H.E. Mr. Kwon Soon-Tae 10 March 2004 Ambassador of Republic of Korea H.E. Mr. Benedetto Amari 19 March 2004 Ambassador of Italy H.E. Mr. Walter Marquez 28 March 2004 Ambassador of Venezuela H.E. Mr. Lazarus O. Amayo 30 March 2004 High Commissioner of Kenya

List of Conferences organized during the period January 2003 – March 2004 Conference Passport Officers’ Conference 27-29 January 2003 6th ASEAN-India Working Group Meeting 6-7 February 2003 BIMST-EC Workshop on Cyclone & Tropical Monsoons 25-27 March 2003 5th ASEAN-India Joint Cooperation Committee(JCC) Meeting. 22-23 April 2003 5th ASEAN-India Senior Officials Meeting (SOM). 20-21 May 2003 Second ASEAN -India Business Summit. 4-5 September 2003 Protocol assistance provided in 2nd Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 9-11 January 2004 TEAM-9 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting 29 February - 2 March 2004 SAARC Inter-Governmental Experts Group (IGEG) Meeting on Investment, Arbitration and Avoidance of Double Taxation 22-23 March 2004 nn

140 15. Passport, Visa and Consular Services

he CPV Division of the Ministry of District Passport Cells Building Projects TExternal Affairs through the Central Decentralisation at district level envisages The Government has taken up construction Passport Organisation (CPO) and through acceptance of passport applications at of buildings to house the Passport Offices at the passport, visa and consular wings of district level through a designated office (DM Bangalore, Kolkata, Lucknow, Jaipur, Indian Missions and posts abroad provide a or SP) in each district of the country. The Bhubaneshwar. At present, Passport Office direct interface with the general public in designated offices function as the ‘District buildings at seven places (Mumbai, Cochin, India, with the Indian community resident Passport Cells’ (DPCs). Under the system, Kozhikode, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Panaji abroad and with the foreign nationals. The the DPCs after accepting the applications get and Patna) are owned by the Ministry of Ministry issues passports and renders police verification carried out and send the External Affairs. The building for Passport passport related services through its Passport applications with the Police Verification Office at Chandigarh was completed. Offices in India. Reports to the concerned Passport Office. Passport Office buildings at seven places are Currently there are 30 Passport Offices in As of now, 380 DPCs are functioning in the owned by Central Government/State India. The last one was opened in Surat in country. Opening of DPCs has resulted in Government and are rented in 18 places. August 2003. Government has also decided decongestion in Passport Offices to a large The process for purchase of land at five to open Passport Offices in the remaining extent. Besides speeding up police places i.e. Thiruvananthapuram, two new states i.e. Chhatisgarh and verification process, it has also provided a Tiruchirapalli, Guwahati, Jammu and Uttranchal as well as in the city of Shimla. great relief to the public who do not have to Jallandhar is also in progress. The Division Arrangements for opening of these three travel long distances to reach Passport is also trying to take a property for Passport passport offices are being worked out. Offices. The passport applications are also Office Srinagar on long-term lease. As part of Decentralisation Scheme, District received through the network of Speed Post Passport Cells (DPCs) have been opened at Centres. Currently there are about 150 such Computerisation districts level where the office of the District Speed Post Centres accepting Passport At present, all the 30 Passport Offices have Magistrate or Superintendent of Police Applications. been computerised. Websites have been receives passport applications and after established in almost all Passport Offices. scrutiny and police verification forwards Ongoing Innovations Status check of passport applications them to the concerned Passport Office for The ‘Tatkaal’ Scheme for out-of-turn issue through Internet is operational. issuance of passports. Currently there are of passports has enabled the system to about 380 DPCs covering more than half speedily respond to demand for issuance of Volume of Passport Applications of the districts in India. passports in urgent cases. During the year During the year, a total number of 29,55,529 2003 a total of 1,61,216 Passports were passports were issued and 3,28,935 All Passport Offices, including the issued under Tatkaal Scheme resulting in miscellaneous services were rendered. While recently opened Passport Office in additional revenue of Rs.24.37crore. there was an increase of 10.84% in the issue Surat, are computerized. All Passport of Passports, the miscellaneous service Offices are issuing machine printed Review of Passport Issue System rendered registered a decrease of 5.27% in and machine readable passports. A Committee on ‘Review of the Passport comparison to passports issued/ Issue System’ which was set up in the miscellaneous services rendered during the As part of strengthening of public grievances Cabinet Secretariat in 2001, made various corresponding period in the year 2002. mechanism, all Passport Offices have been recommendations to simplify the passport Detailed figures of receipt of passport instructed to set up Facilitation Counters and issue system. A large number of applications/passports issued/ miscellaneous Help Desk to assist applicants and also to recommendations have already been services rendered including total revenue and attend to any grievances/complaints implemented and the remaining expenditure of passport offices are at promptly. recommendations are being processed in Appendix IV. consultation with the concerned agencies. Passport Services Machine Writing of Passports The main recommendations of the All 30 Passport Offices are issuing machine Decentralisation through Post Committee relate to the decentralisation of printed and machine readable passports Offices and District Offices the passport issue system at the State level which have the scanned photograph and The Division aims at making the passport through the establishment of District signature of the applicant printed on the services easily accessible to the public by Passport Cells and the simplification of passports. enabling them to deposit their passport procedures so as to do away with the police applications through a wide network of verification requirement for applicants from Scanning of Passport Files offices at the District/Sub-divisional level. certain categories. A project to scan all passport files in Passport

141 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

Offices is currently underway and is likely to negotiate Extradition Treaties and MLATs 161 Indian Missions and Posts abroad to be completed by the end of 2004. in Criminal Matters. provided visa services to 7,46,702 foreigners during the period from Training of the CPO Personnel Extradition Cases and Legal January, 2003 to June, 2003. In order to improve working skills of the Assistance officials of passport offices, computer The Ministry actively pursues request for Visa related agreements training was arranged for 328 officials of extradition and legal assistance from foreign In order to strengthen friendly relations and Governments both for criminal and civil/ Passport Offices. facilitate travel between Indian and other commercial offences. The requests for countries, bilateral agreements on visa free extradition emanate from our obligations Passport Officers Conference travel for diplomatic and official passport under the Extradition Treaties or Extradition holders were signed with Thailand, Chile, Passport Officers Conference was Arrangements entered into with various held from 27-29 January 2003. The Armenia, Israel, Hungary, Peru, Tajikistan countries. During the year 2003, five Conference was inaugurated by and Myanmar during the year 2003-04. extradition requests from various Indian External Affairs Minister, who also investigating agencies were forwarded to the Consular Attestation launched the Central Database of foreign governments. During the same During the year 3,75,545 documents were passport holders. The External Affairs period India received five extradition Minister emphasized on accorded consular attestation in CPV requests from the foreign Governments. In modernization, decentralization, Division, of which 1,70,270 were the year 2003, two persons were extradited elimination of pendencies, speedy commercial documents. by the Government of India. One person redressal of public grievances, proper was extradited to India in 2003. In the year Bilateral Agreements maintenance of Passport Office 2003, the Government of India received 105 In order to provide a legal and institutional premises and zero tolerance towards requests for legal assistance from the foreign corruption and negligence. These also framework to combat organised crime, Governments and 24 Indian requests for formed part of the agenda of the international terrorism and drug trafficking, legal assistance in criminal matters were conference. and to respond to the growing international forwarded to the foreign Governments. dimensions of financial and other crime, bilateral agreements are being negotiated Vision with several countries to provide legal under- Consular Services The Consular, Passport and Visa Division is pinning to this international effort. These the public face of the Ministry of External All Missions and Posts abroad render consular agreements include Extradition Affairs. The aim of the Ministry has been to consular services to Indian nationals living Treaties, Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties provide citizen friendly services through the and working in foreign countries. In cases (MLATs) in Criminal Matters and Mutual Passport Offices in India and Missions of deaths of Indians abroad, prompt Legal Assistance Treaties in Civil Matters. abroad. The Ministry also aimed to make assistance was provided by our Missions and Extradition Treaties were signed with the passports as secure and tamper proof as Posts for completing the formalities for early France, Poland, South Africa, Mauritius, possible. In order to achieve this Ministry despatch of the mortal remains, liaison with Bulgaria and Tajikistan. Extradition Treaties has gone in for: the local and Indian authorities and keeping and a MLAT in Criminal Matters were also initialled with Thailand and Belarus. n Modernisation- through massive the relatives of the deceased informed. computerization in order to provide In addition, an Agreement on Combating speedier services to the increasing Visas Organised Crime and International number of applicants; Over the years, the procedure for grant of Terrorism with Poland was signed in Decentralisation- by expanding the visa by our Missions and Posts has been February 2003 and an Agreement on Mutual n network at District level in the Indian liberalised. Many Missions and Posts grant Protection of Classified Information with States. visas either on the same day or within 48 Ukrain was signed in August 2003. hours. During the period, official delegations visited n Construction of our own Passport Office South Africa, Belarus, Thailand and Nepal buildings to replace the rented ones. nn

142 16. Administration and Organisation

In the global arena, the areas of activity of The revised Financial Powers of has been raised from Rs.5 crores to Rs.15 the Ministry of External Affairs have Government of India’s Representatives crores. This is expected to encourage increased over a period of time. This Abroad have been brought out on a CD- acquisition of properties by the Ministry and Ministry is actively engaged in various ROM for easy referencing by users. In its our Missions/Posts have been told to send activities like promoting free trade areas continuing efforts to provide facility to suitable purchase proposals for processing in between India and other parts of the world, serving officers, Amendments to Para 5 of the Ministry. extradition, security related and anti- Annexure XI to IFS (PLCA) Rules were terrorism issues, as well as on pursuing carried out to grant passage to a parent who The Ministry owns seventeen plots of bilateral cooperation in the commercial, becomes single and dependent on the officer land in various countries abroad for economic and scientific fields with US, at the time when the officer is posted abroad. which project proposals have been Russia and other countries. The foreign processed and are in various stages policy pursuits and interests of India in the Establishment Division of planning and implementation. The region and beyond have been growing The Establishment Division of the Ministry Foreign Secretary heads a Monitoring steadily. Given the present pace and intensity of External Affairs is a service Department Committee to review progress of of diplomatic activity in which India is administering expenditure related to Capital project proposals. engaged, the need for additional manpower Outlay for purchase of properties and in the Ministry of External Affairs being felt construction and renovation projects in India The Ministry has a number of plots of land now is more acute than ever. and abroad. abroad, which have been acquired for construction of Chanceries and Residences In addition, the Division is responsible for for our Missions. During the year 2003-04 While delivering the Inaugural renting and maintenance of Ministry of Distinguished Persons Lecture in the substantial progress was made to develop External Affairs premises in India and Foreign Service Institute in January, these plots and commence planning and abroad, fixation of allowances and grants 2003, Shri Yashwant Sinha, External construction activities in a systematic and supply of office and residential Affairs Minister had emphasized that: manner. equipment, furniture, art objects to Missions “As an emerging world power, 600 and as well as Offices at Headquarters. Construction of High Commissioner’s odd officers are not sufficient to Residence in Gaborone has been completed, provide the sinews for Indian interior decoration of the Chancery and diplomacy”. Properties for Chancery and Embassy Residence in Abu Dhabi is in Residences in Prague and Consul progress The rectification of defects in the With the opening of Indian Consulate General’s Residence in Chicago IGCIC, Mauritius has been completed. General at Birgunj, the number of resident bought during the year. Financial approvals for the construction of Indian Diplomatic Missions/Posts and other an Embassy Complex in Beijing, a Cultural offices abroad increased to 162. The total Missions paying the high rentals have been Centre in Port of Spain and re-development strength of the Indian Foreign Service A (IFS asked to locate suitable properties for of PR’s Residence in Geneva have been A), Indian Foreign Service B (IFS B), purchase and send proposals to the Ministry. obtained. Construction of the Muscat Interpreter and Legal & Treaties (L&T) A shortlist of stations have been drawn up Embassy Complex is to commence soon, cadres of the Ministry is 3491 as detailed in in this regard and Missions were advised to but, the Embassy Complex project in Doha, the table at Appendix I. locate appropriate properties, which could which has reached an advanced stage of Recruitments made in the Ministry in 2003- be purchased by the Ministry. Properties in planning, has been delayed in view of 04 through Direct Recruitment (DR), Prague, Chicago and Panama were identified shifting of the venue of the diplomatic Departmental Promotions (DP) and Limited for this purpose. Properties in Prague and enclave. A fresh plot of land has now been Department Examinations (LDE) including Chicago were accordingly purchased. It is allotted. Financial approvals for the reserved vacancies, are given in the table proposed to set up a Cultural Centre in redevelopment project for High at Appendix II. The language proficiency Washington DC and the transaction for a Commissioner’s Residence in Singapore and of the officers in the Ministry is reflected in property which had been identified could not Embassy Complex in Warsaw are awaited. the table given at Appendix III. be completed owing to absence of local Architects for projects in Abuja, Brasilia, The cadre review of Indian Foreign Service, zoning laws. It is now proposed to redevelop Kathmandu, Kyiv and for 8 SAS, London both Branch A and B, is at an advanced stage one of our existing properties to house an property have been selected through design of finalisation to meet the functional auditorium and cultural centre. In competitions. It is proposed to build requirements of the Ministry and also to September 2003 the Delegation of Financial Chanceries, Residences for Heads of improve the legitimate promotional avenues Power Rules have been liberalized and the Missions and other residences in Abuja and of the respective cadres. Ministry’s financial power for such matters Brasilia and Chancery and Residence in

143 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

Kathmandu. Design selection process for project in Dar-es-Salaam is also underway. Regional Passport Office building in Chandigarh has been inaugurated. An architect has been selected for the Moscow project and the preliminaries for getting the financial approval are being completed through Internal Finance Affairs Minister on 17 February 2004 and Division of the Ministry It is proposed to the concept has been approved in principle. build 99 residences and a school in Moscow. In pursuance of the recommendations of Construction projects in Tashkent and Standing Committee of Parliament on Warsaw have been revived and the process External Affairs with regard to close of planning for getting financial approval is monitoring, evaluation and control of on. Design brief for our project in Dhaka construction projects and property has been finalized and architects shortlisted acquisition proposals, a Monitoring for the Project have been asked to submit Committee under the chairmanship of the design concept entries Construction of a Foreign Secretary has been set up in June Cultural Centre in Tokyo and renovation of 2003. A Sub- Committee chaired by other properties of the Mission are at Addtional Secretary (Human Resource) in planning stage. the Ministry meets every week to monitor progress of projects and submits a monthly report to the Chairman. A residential complex in Dwarka with 231 flats has been completed and is being made available for allotment to The Information Technology Task officers and staff of the Ministry. Force monitors implementation of the Minimum Agenda for e-Governance In India construction of a building complex for enhancing the use of information for Foreign Service Institute, Hostel and and communications technology in the Residences and headquarters for Asian-Afro Ministry and all Missions/Posts. Legal Consultative Organisation are at advanced stages. An additional strip of land The reconstituted Objects d’ Art Committee has been acquired for the FSI complex. encouraged the acquisition of works of art ICCR building in Kolkata and Regional as also handicrafts from various regions of Passport Office building in Lucknow are also India. The Information Technology Task being constructed. Construction of RPO Force held meetings to review and Monitor building in Chandigarh has been completed the implementation of the Minimum and the building was inaugurated in Agenda for e-Governance with the objective February 2004. Construction of a housing of enhancing the functional efficiency of the complex for Ministry of External Affairs Ministry and all Missions/Posts in respect officers in Pappankala, Dwarka has also been of Information and Communications completed. Financial sanction for Ministry Technology. A Five Year Action Plan has of External Affairs Officers’ Housing prioritized proposals which include Complex in Chanakyapuri is awaited. standardization of websites and secure e- As the design competition for Videsh Bhavan mail networking communications. One of was terminated by the Ministry, the task of the Mission Mode Projects of the Ministry formulating a fresh design concept was pertains to the utilization of IT in the entrusted to the CPWD. A presentation of processing of consular work of the CPV the design concept was made to the External Division. nn

144 17. Coordination

he Coordination Division consists of holding of the 1st Afro-Asian Games in Students Cell Tthree Wings: Parliament Section, Hyderabad from 24 October to 1 November Students Cell, a part of the Coordination Coordination Section and Students Cell. 2003, put India firmly in the international Division, deals with the selection, sports map. This was followed by our nomination and admission of foreign self Parliament Section successful bid to hold the Commonwealth financing students against reserved seats in Coordination Division is the nodal point of Games in New Delhi in 2010. During the MBBS/BDS, Engineering Degree, B. the Ministry of External Affairs for all work year, Coordination Section also processed a Pharmacy and Engineering Diploma courses relating to Parliament. The Coordination large number of approvals for participation in Medical and Engineering institutions. Division also organizes the meetings of the of various Indian sportsmen and sports It also deals with political clearance in Consultative Committee on External Affairs, teams in international events abroad and respect of foreign students seeking admission and coordinates and looks after work relating foreign sports teams in India. to Parliamentary Standing Committee on to Graduate and Post Graduate courses in During the year, Anti-Terrorism Day (21st External Affairs and other Parliamentary Engineering, Medicine, Management and May), Sadbhavana Diwas (20th August) and Committees in relating to matters handled other technical and professional courses Quami Ekta Week/Diwas (19-25 November) by the Ministry of External Affairs. including Elective training in various medical were observed with due solemnity. Pledges institutions and research courses. were administered, both at Headquarters Coordination Section It liaises with the various government and in our Missions abroad. Coordination Section processes requests for Ministries/Departments and institutions in grant of no objection from political angle to The nominations of foreign nationals for the connection with the issue of political the visits by Governors, Speaker of the Lok Padma Awards were processed and, based clearance and admission of self financing Sabha, Deputy Chairperson of Rajya on the recommendations of our Heads of foreign students to various technical and Sabha, Union Ministers, Ministers in the Missions, seven foreign nationals were professional courses. State Governments, MPs, MLAs, members awarded Padma Awards on the eve of 132 valid applications for admission to of the Judiciary, Government officials etc. Republic Day 2004. MBBS/BDS were received in the academic Political clearance is normally accorded by Requests for grant of no objection for year 2002-2003, and 149 in the year 2003- the Ministry of External Affairs after taking holding international conferences, seminars, 2004. Similarly 120 and 122 applications into consideration several factors. These workshop, acceptance of foreign aid/grants, were received during the years 2002-2003 include guidelines laid down by the approvals under the Foreign Contribution and 2003-2004 respectively for admission to Government of India for this purpose; the Regulation Act, grant of Amateur W/T reserved seats for Degree/Diploma in political and functional justification for the Licence under the Indian Telegraph Act Engineering and Pharmacy. visit; the background and antecedents of the 1885, grant in aid to Indo-foreign cultural organizers; and the recommendation from During the years 2002-2003 and 2003-2004, friendship and cultural societies located in our Mission/Post concerned. The in addition to processing of applications for foreign countries, were also processed during recommendations of this Ministry is an admissions against reserved seats, 893 and the year in an expeditious manner. Similarly, essential input before a Government official 1123 applications respectively were diplomatic clearance for non-scheduled is permitted to proceed abroad. processed for grant of no objection from flights, visits by foreign naval ships and vessels political angle. In the field of Sports, which is also dealt with were processed. by the Coordination Section, the successful nn

145 18. Non Resident Indians and People of Indian Origin Overseas

ontinuing our policy of active French Caribbean island of Martinique in was decided to establish a Pravasi Bharatiya Cengagement of the Indian Diaspora, June 2003. A delegation from the French Kendra, as an autonomous institution, to several steps were taken to address their Caribbean island of Guadeloupe led by the promote multi-dimensional welfare of the concerns and meet their expectations and Deputy Chairman of its General Council Indian Diaspora. The Prime Minister also aspirations. visited India in November 2003 to discuss announced the decision to allot a plot of land th Responding to the long standing demands the programme of the 150 Anniversary and a grant of Rs. 25 crores. of the Indian Diaspora to strengthen celebrations of the first Indian arrival in emotional and cultural bonds with India and Guadeloupe. The delegation met the Chief Minister of Pondicherry from where most in pursuance of the Prime Minister’s Pravasi Bharatiya Samman of the PIOs in the Island originally came assurance at the PBD 2003, the Ministry of Awardees 2004 External Affairs, in coordination with the and invited a delegation to visit Guadeloupe n Justice Mr. Ahmed Moosa Ebrahim Ministry of Home Affairs, secured passage for the occasion. (Zimbabwe), Retired Supreme Court of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2003 A website www.stio.nic.in was launched Judge in December 2003, which has since been jointly with the Department of Science and n enacted to grant Dual Citizenship to the Technology for interactive exchanges with Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo (Guyana), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in 16 Scientists and Technologists of Indian origin, President of the Cooperative specified countries, whose legal systems are with a view to assist them in their endeavour Republic of Guyana compatible with the concepts of the Dual to play a role in national development. n Prof. Dipak C. Jain (US), Dean, Citizenship and which have a large Kellogg School of Management, US An Empowered Committee was constituted concentration of the Indian Diaspora. by the Government to discuss possible role n Mr. Fitz Remedios Santana De Consequential changes in the Citizenship for scientists and technologists of Indian Souza- (Kenya), Freedom Fighter Rules are being finalized by the Ministry of Origin in the USA, in areas of Internal Home Affairs. n Late Ms. Kalpana Chawla (US), Security within the ambit of Indo-American Astronaut In pursuance of the assurance of the Prime bilateral relations. The Committee held n Lord Meghnad Desai (UK), Minister at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2003, three meetings including one in USA. the Ministry of External Affairs pursued Economist and Member of House of A national seminar on Private International with the Ministry of Human Resource Lords Law was organized in December 2003 Development and secured the Government’s n Dr. Mariam Chisti (Kuwait), Senior jointly with Indian Society for International decision to reserve 1/3rd of the 15% Consultant in Obstetrics and supernumerary seats reserved for NRIs/ Law to discuss various matters concerning Gynaecology marriage, divorce, alimony, child custody, PIOs, across different disciplines in n inheritance etc., which have a bearing on Mr. P. Mohamed Ali (Oman), educational institutions, for children of NRIs Entrepreneur and Philanthropist in the Gulf, at the fees applicable to the matrimonial alliance of NRIs and PIOs in n resident Indians. India. Difficulties being faced by NRI/PIO Mr. Mahendra Pal Chaudhry (Fiji), ex-servicemen abroad in receiving pensions MP and Leader of Fiji Labour Party To promote welfare of the overseas Indian from India were discussed with Ministry of n Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany (US), workers, the Ministry of External Affairs Defence and appropriate steps were taken coordinated efforts with the Ministry of Known as the “Father of Fibre to obviate the difficulties. Optics” and a Philanthropist Labour in launching of the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana, applicable to all Indian Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2004 was held n Mr. Shashi Tharoor (US), Writer, emigrant workers in December 2003. on 9-11 January at New Delhi. Over 2000 Scholar & International Civil Servant delegates including 1321 from 61 countries n Ms. Sukhi Turner (New Zealand), The Seventh World Hindi Conference was attended it. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is, Mayor of Dunedin, New Zealand held in Paramaribo, Suriname in June 2003, perhaps, the largest gathering of the Indian with participation of over 500 delegates. It Diaspora on one platform. It contributed nn was inaugurated by the President of to galvanizing a sense of Global Indian Suriname. Shri Digvijay Singh, Minister of community. Issues related to concerns, State for External Affairs led the Indian expectations and aspirations of the Diaspora delegation. were discussed. It was co-organised by the An official delegation from India Ministry of External Affairs and FICCI. participated in the 150th Anniversary Twelve prominent PIOs were honoured with celebrations of the Indian arrival in the the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award. It

146 Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee with Shri Bharrat Jagdeo, President of Guyana) at the inauguaral of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, on January 9, 2004.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees with the Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. 19. Foreign Service Institute

he Foreign Service Institute (FSI) response to the course, FSI intends to Also, to inculcate proper communication Tcontinued in its endeavor to train conduct one such course every six months. skills, a workshop was organized with the foreign diplomats from all over the world Also, in pursuance with the Government of help of our former diplomats and an expert apart from training of IFS Probationers. India’s policy to continuously develop from Indian Institute of Mass The 2002 batch of the Indian Foreign knowledge and skills of government officials, Communications. Service completed the training at the FSI FSI has been entrusted with the During the year 2003, MoUs for cooperation and the 2003 batch commenced their responsibility of the mid-career training of between the FSI and the Foreign Service training at the FSI from January 2004. the Indian Foreign Service. Given the Institutes of Palestine, Canada and Foreign Service Institute organised thirty- constraints of our officers being dispersed Uzbekiztan were signed. Discussion were second Professional Course for Foreign all over the world in different time zones, also held with delegations from the Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) from 13 January to 21 classroom kind of teaching was found Service Institutes of South Africa, Palestine, February 2003 in which 23 diplomats unsuitable for such training. Development in Cuba, Canada as well as the Diplomatic participated. In addition, two diplomats Information Technology now make it Institute, Vienna on matters relating to from Afghanistan and one from Israel possible in delivering online training cooperation in training and research. participated in the above-mentioned PCFD programmes through a virtual campus. in term of special agreement. The thirty- Acceding to the request made by the Dean Accordingly FSI has recently signed a of Iraqi Foreign Ministry’s Training third PCFD was successfully held from 24 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) th Department, Foreign Service Institute (FSI) March to 2 May 2003 .The 34 PCFD was with IGNOU for designing an inter/ conducted from 27 October to 5 December conducted a Special Course for Iraqi intranet-based virtual campus for the mid Diplomats from 19 January -12 March 2004. 2003, in which diplomats from 26 countries career programme. participated. Another Special Course for Afghan Initially, 15 Iraqi Diplomats joined the Diplomats (SCAD) was also conducted during Keeping in view the changing nature of training. However, one Diplomat had to the period from 21 July to 12 September diplomatic work, FSI restructured the leave due to personal exigencies. 2003. Apart from these a special Course for training programme for the 2002 batch Furthermore, 35th Professional Course for Lao Diplomats (SCLD) was conducted from officer trainees of Indian Foreign Service, to Foreign Diplomats for six weeks commenced 15-26 December 2003. include a two month long module on from 8 March 2004 for participants from 24 economic diplomacy consisting of the different countries. Earlier FSI used to conduct an Orientation following: Course for diplomats resident in India. Furthermore, FSI was requested to give a However, in order to also target senior-level n Lecture sessions on contemporary demonstration of its distance training diplomats from the capitals of major players issues in the field of international methodology developed to provide mid- in world affairs, and to expand India’s trade & commerce and Indian & career training to IFS officer via internet, at outreach in keeping with its emerging International economy by a pool of an International Conference of Diplomatic regional and global role, it was decided to experts. Training held in London from 28 January 2004. FSI’s distance training methodology subsume the orientation course in the n One week long attachment in has been acclaimed as one of the technically Advanced Course on Asia for Foreign Diplomats Bankers Training College, Mumbai most advanced methods globally and has (ACAFD), covering Asian affairs with special on functioning of Financial evoked interest from a number of diplomatic references to South Asia and India. Institutions. training institutes in other countries. Dean The first ACAFD was successfully held from n Six week long corporate (FSI) and Shri Ved Goyal of Indira Gandhi 15–26 September 2003 on a self-financing attachment organized by Center for National Open University represented India basis. Participants included diplomats from Public Policy, IIM Bangalore. at this conference which was held in London USA, Russia, China, Canada, Germany, n One-week attachment with the from 28-30 January 2004. Kuwait, UAE etc. Given the enthusiastic Commerce Ministry. nn

148 Probationers of 2002 and 2003 Batch of the IFS call on the President, March 6, 2004.

Probationers of 2002 Batch of the IFS call on the Prime Minister, August 25, 2003. 20. Implementation of Official Language Policy and Propagation of Hindi Abroad

he Ministry of External Affairs is A high level committee under the Tmaking all efforts for the promotion and The Missions/Posts maintain close chairmanship of Shri Digvijay Singh, propagation of Hindi in its offices as well as contact with local organizations and Minister of State for External Affairs, has in Missions/Posts abroad. Besides people of the Indian community,and been set up to look into the matters implementing the official language policy of fulfill their Hindi language concerning recognition of Hindi in the the Government of India, it plays an requirements. Some of our Missions/ United Nations as an official Language. The important role in the promotion and Posts organised Hindi conferences, first meeting of the Committee was held on literary events, Hindi essay propagation of Hindi abroad. Documents 29.7.2003 under the chairmanship of the competitions etc. to promote Hindi. like Bilateral Treaties, Agreements, External Affairs Minister. Further follow up Some Indian Missions such as Memoranda of Understanding, Credentials, meetings under the chairmanship of Shri London, Yerevan and Kathmandu Digvijay Singh, and subsequently under the Speeches of President, PAC paragraphs, publish Hindi magazines. Financial Annual Report of the Ministry and chairmanship of Additional Secretary (HR) assistance is given to organisations were also held. Parliament Questions submitted to both the engaged in teaching and promotion of Houses of Parliament are issued bilingually. Hindi as well as Indian culture abroad. Efforts are being made to create a Hindi The Ministry has a well-formulated scheme E/I Budapest was granted Rs. 1.75 Website on United Nations as a link to UN’s official website. Hindi Website on UN will of propagation of Hindi abroad. The Indian lakh for continuing Hindi classes for provide useful information on UN to people Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) higher learning. in general and also make a step forward deputes visiting Hindi Professors to various towards popularizing Hindi. A Hindi foreign Universities. Indian Missions/Posts The VII World Hindi Conference was Fortnight was organized in the Ministry in abroad promote and assist in the learning organised from 5-9 June 2003 in Suriname. September 2003. Various competitive of Hindi through correspondence courses The official delegation comprised of 58 programmes like Hindi noting/drafting, conducted by Central Hindi Directorate. In members and was led by Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Digvijay Singh. Hindi essay writing, Hindi stenography and 2003-04, one hundred slots were allotted to Other delegations were from many State Hindi typing competitions were held in the students of different countries to learn Govts./Universites/Institutions in India and which a large number of Ministry of Hindi at the Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, there were also several representatives from External Affairs officials participated. Hindi Agra. Hindi teachers were appointed in abroad, including delegations from Guyana, day was observed in several Missions/Posts about 28 Indian Missions /Posts abroad Trinidad & Tobago, Nepal, Russia, Japan, abroad for which substantive grants were under a special scheme to teach Hindi to the France, Poland, UK, Tajikistan, South given by the Ministry from the Hindi Budget. children of Mission personnel and other Africa, Mauritius, Fiji, US, Holland, Hindi forms an integral part of the Foreign officials of organisations like Airlines, Banks Hungary etc. The Conference was Service Institute (FSI) training programmes. etc. inaugurated by the President of Suriname, Intensive training on Government’s Official Hindi teaching material and related children Mr. Runaldo Ronald Venetiaan. A message Language policy and its implementation literature on various subjects, such as, Indian from Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, Prime (Rules and Regulations) is given to the Culture, Art, literature, History and Minister of India, was video telecast on this trainees. Meeting of the Official Language Philosophy were sent to Indian Missions/ occasion, and a special postal first-day-cover Implementation Committee was held on Posts for their libraries and also for donating was released by the Govt. of Suriname on 17.1.2003. The Committee of Parliament on to educational institutions and various this occasion. Official Language inspected the Regional voluntary organisations engaged in An Agreement on the establishment of the Passport Offices at Goa (14.2.2003), promotion of Hindi. Nine prominent Hindi World Hindi Secretariat was signed between Mumbai (8.7.2003), Chennai (30.8.2003), magazines are also sent to Missions/Posts India and Mauritius on 21 November 2003, Jaipur(11.9.2003) and Kolkata (9.10.2003). abroad. Teaching material, including during the visit of the Mauritian Prime Passport offices were also separately textbooks, dictionaries, audio-visual Minister Mr. Paul Berenger to India. The inspected by the Hindi Section of the cassettes, computer software, CD-ROMs etc. Secretariat will liaise with Universities and Ministry for encouraging progressive use of are also sent on a regular basis. organizations promoting Hindi all over the Hindi. world. nn

150 21. Gender Issues

ender equality is actively fostered by Permanent Representatives /Consuls present distribution of women officers Gthe Ministry. Equal opportunities are General. Women officers have also held among the various cadres in the Ministry of provided to women officers to take up important positions representing India in External Affairs is at Appendix XIX. An challenging positions and assignments. At prominent international organizations such Additional Secretary level officer heads a present, there are 2 women officers at as United Nations and its related Women’s Cell created in the Ministry to Secretary level, 6 women officers at organizations such as UNESCO, ESCAP, address any complaint of sexual harassment Additional Secretary level and 20 women etc. The women diplomatic officers are of women officers at the work place and to officers at Joint Secretary level. Presently equally distributed between Headquarters interact with institutions/bodies such as there are 16 women officers posted as and Indian Missions/Posts abroad. The National Commission for Women. Ambassadors/High Commissioners/

nn

External Affairs Minister Shri Yashwant Sinha and Foreign Secretary Shri Shashank with lady officers of the Ministry of External Affairs.

151 22. Cultural Relations

he Indian Council for Cultural focus on neighbours in South Asia. A total Georgetown (Guyana), Jakarta (Indonesia), TRelations (hereinafter referred to as the of 1093 new scholarships were offered this Moscow (Russian Federation), London (UK), Council or ICCR) is an autonomous body year to students from 60 different countries Almaty (Kazakhstan), Tashkent that was set up in 1950, with the primary under various ICCR Scholarship Schemes (Uzbekistan), Durban and Johannesburg objective of establishing, reviving and and also under agency work on behalf of (South Africa), Port of Spain (Trinidad and strengthening cultural relations and mutual Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry Tobago), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Dushanbe understanding between India and other of Finance. Whereas 602 students pursued (Tajikstan) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). countries. The major activities of the various courses under different ICCR All these cultural centres are functioning Council include: Scholarship schemes, 69 students pursued under the administrative control of the (i) administration of scholarship courses under the Agency work on behalf Indian Missions in the respective countries. schemes for overseas students on of Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry The activities of the Cultural Centers reflect behalf of the Government of India; of Finance. the cultural needs of the local population. (ii) exchange of exhibitions; Apart from this, the Council also looks after The Centers organize panel discussions, lectures, exhibitions of visual arts, essay the general welfare of international students (iii) organization of and participation in competition, performance of dance and studying in India under self-finance and on seminars and symposia; music, staging of plays, screening of Indian ICCR scholarship schemes. Under this films, publication of news bulletins, seminars (iv) exchange of performing arts groups; programme, the Council arranged summer on Indian topics etc. Some of the Cultural (v) establishing and maintaining Chairs camp for Simla-Kullu-Manali/ during May- Centers also have regular teaching classes of and Professorships for Indian Studies June 2003. The Council had also organized Indian music, dance, tabla, yoga and Hindi abroad; seven Winter Camps in the States of Tamil language. The Centers also maintains (vi) presentation of books and musical Nadu, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Libraries and Audio-Video material for the instruments; Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Orissa. visitors. To facilitate the above programmes, All the camps were well-received. The (vii) annual organization of the Maulana ICCR periodically sends books in Hindi, Council brought out ICCR Newsletter for Azad Memorial Lectures and English, Sanskrit and Urdu and audio-video foreign students “At Home in India” October Maulana Azad Essay Competition material. – December, 2003. As another measure to and other programmes on behalf of streamline the disbursement of scholarship Apart from organizing their own activities, MEA; these Cultural Centers also provide a dues of the scholars, the Council has supportive role to the respective Indian (viii) providing the secretariat for the introduced ATM cards for foreign students Missions for coordinating various cultural Jawaharlal Nehru Award for through which they can withdraw their dues activities. The Centers develop and International Understanding; payable by the Council from the ATM maintained contacts with the local citizens machines nearer to their institutions. (ix) publications; particularly students, teachers, academicians, (x) maintaining Indian Cultural Centers The Council celebrated the 11th opinion makers and cultural personalities to abroad and supporting special International Students Festival at project holistic picture of India’s rich and bilateral programmes. Hamsdhwani Theatre, Pragati Maidan on diverse cultural heritage. 10 November 2003. Students from 18 Scholarships and Welfare of countries participated enthusiastically in the Visiting Professors and International Students Festival. The Council organized an Chairs of Indian Studies Orientation Programme for IFS Abroad One of the important activities of ICCR was Probationers in May-June, 2003. the continued implementation of its The Council also deputes Visiting Professors at prestigious universities abroad and scholarship programmes. The Council Indian Cultural Centres administered over 2000 scholarships under maintain Chairs of Indian Studies to teach Abroad various scholarship schemes for students in Indian languages and other related subjects. graduate, post-graduate and doctoral In order to promote awareness and The deputation of Professors abroad are appreciation of India’s composite cultural done under the bilateral Cultural Exchange programmes as well as for pursuing heritage abroad, the Council has set up and Programme (CEP). Presently 17 Professors professional courses such as, engineering, maintains 16 Cultural Centres in different are on deputation. These Chairs are in pharmacy, humanities and accountancy. The parts of the world. There Centres are located Moscow (Russia), Paris (France), Warsaw thrust of the scholarship programme is at Cairo (Egypt), Berlin (Germany), Port (Poland), Port of Spain (Trinidad & Tobago), towards developing nations with a special Louis (Mauritius), Paramaribo (Suriname), Osh (Kyrghystan), Bangkok (Thailand),

152 Cultural Relations

Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Bucharest life size statues in bronze of Mahatma Argentina, New Zealand and Fiji and (Romania), Suriname (Paramaribo), Ankara Gandhi were sent to Kazakhstan, Colombia ‘Exhibition of Madhubani Paintings’ to (Turkey), Seoul (South Korea), Sofia and Canada (Quebec City and Ottawa) for Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Syria and Baku. (Bulgaria), Beijing (China), Madrid (Spain) installation at prominent places. An exhibition entitled “Ode to Peace” was and Budapest (Hungary) to teach Hindi, The Council sent books, art-objects, audio- sent to Washington. An exhibition of Indian Sanskrit, Tamil, Modern Indian History and visual material, musical instrument etc. Musical Instruments displayed in Tashkent Indian Civilization. highlighting Indian culture, art, architecture, in collaboration with Sangeet Natak cuisine, dance and music to 48 countries. Academy. Publications The Council organized a photo-exhibition Under its Publication programme the Library on “Mirza Ghalib” (Reflection on various Council regularly brings out six journals in The ICCR Library was established in 1950. moods of his work) at Sapru House, New 5 different languages. These are It started with the personal collections and Delhi from 22 May to 2 May 2003. Besides ‘Gagananchal’ (Hindi), ‘Africa Quarterly’ rare manuscripts of the Council’s founder this, the Council organized two Exhibitions, and ‘Indian Horizons’ (English), ‘Thaqafat- President and the first Education Minister namely a photo and screening exhibition on ul-Hind’ (Arabic), ‘Papeles de la India’ of India, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Over “Plight of the Kashmiri Pandits” at Vigyan (Spanish), and ‘Rencontre Avec L’Inde’ the years it has grown manifold and now has Bhawan, New Delhi during November, 2003 (French). a collection of 50,000 volumes mainly on and a Philatelic Exhibition called “Beyond In the current year the Council brought out Indian history, art and culture. The main the Boundaries” during January, 2004 on the two special volumes to mark the Vishwa attraction of the library is a collection of 195 occasion of the 2nd Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas. Hindi Sammelan in Suriname - ‘Vishwa rare manuscripts in Urdu, Arabic, Persian Hindi Rachna’ and ‘Smarika’. The Council languages. The manuscripts and other rare Incoming & Outgoing published number of books during the year. books along with the microfilm rolls, are Distinguished Visitors These were - “Mexico : Similarities and housed in a special section of the library Programme Encounters Throughout History” by Prof. called ‘Gosha-e-Azad’. The Library is a boon Sharing the ideas and holding free Eva Alexandra Uchmany, a coffee table book for researchers in Indology. The Library is a discussions has been a part of India’s cultural on children’s stories entitled “Once Upon a member of DELNET (Developing Library tradition. In keeping with this tradition and Time in India”, Devnagri transcription of Network). 4152 visitors have used the as part of its effort to foster and strengthen Council’s founder President, Maulana facilities available at Azad Bhavan Library. cultural relations and mutual understanding Azad’s manuscript “Tarjumanul Quran” by During the same period, the Library has between India and other countries, the Prof. Akhtarul Wasey etc. added 1000 (one thoUSnd) books to its collections. The Library has also supplied Council facilitates exchanges of scholars, The Council mounted an exhibition of its Urdu, Bengali, Hindi, Malayalam and Tamil intellectuals, academicians and artistes under publications from 9-11 January, 2004 at publications to the Tagore Cultural Center the Distinguished Visitors Programme. Vigyan Bhavan on the occasion of the in Berlin. The Council has awarded 11 Under this programme, ICCR plays host to Second Bhartiya Pravasi Diwas. The Council (eleven) short-term Library Fellowships to eminent musicians, dancers, writers, also participated in the International Book Indian nationals. The Library has also intellectuals, scholars and other eminent Fair from 14-22 February, 2004 organized submitted the list of manuscripts to the personalities from all over the world. Sharing by the National Book Trust at Pragati National Mission for Manuscripts during Maidan, New Delhi. of ideas and free discussions are arranged May 2003. Retro-conversion and Bar-coding by way of meetings, lectures, seminars, of English and Hindi records are completed Presentations interactions etc. Reciprocally, distinguished during October, 2003. The Council has Indians from diverse fields of culture are sent During the period, the Council presented started digitization of manuscripts. The to other countries to interact with their twelve bronze busts of Mahatma Gandhi, Council has brought out an annotated counterparts and to participate in one bust each of Guru Rabindranath bibliography of manuscripts available in international seminars, conferences, Tagore, Mother Teresa and Swami Gosha-e-Azad this year in Printed Catalogue workshops or to lecture on different subjects. Vivekanananda for installation in South Format. Africa, US, Russia, Turkey, Italy, Germany, During the period, the Council hosted the Syria, Djibouti, Brazil and Trinidad & Exhibitions visit to India of 65 Incoming Visitors from Tobago, Martinique Island, Mauritius, The Council sent two major exhibitions viz. 37 countries and sponsored 78 Indian visitors Colombia, Canada, France and the US. Four ‘Indian Dolls and Dresses” to Venezuela, to 26 countries.

153 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

Creative Dialogue (Award/ Eighth to Eighteenth Century”; “Katha China, Pakistan, Reunion Island, Trinidad Seminar/Symposia) Indo-European Storytelling Festival: Linking & Tobago, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Syria, Diversities; Forging Identities”; “India and Afghanistan, Egypt and Iran under the ambit Jawaharlal Nehru Award for the World — Crossed Glances and of existing cultural exchange programmes/ International Understanding Relations”; “India and Central Asia: outside CEPs. During the above period, the The Jawaharlal Nehru Award for Classical to Contemporary Period”; “Omar- Council organized four major international International Understanding 2003 was Khayyam” and India” and “Indian festivals, i.e. European Union Cultural Week announced. The Awardee for 2003 is Mr. Diaspora”. (22 November – 2 December 2003) Goh Chok Tong, Prime Minister of Kaleidoscope (13-18 December 2003), First Singapore. The Jury for Jawaharlal Nehru Performing Arts Island Festival (21-25 January 2004) and Sufi Festival (10-15 March 2004). Apart from Award also decided the period 1995-2002 During the period April-November 2003, the Delhi, the foreign groups also performed in as a No Award Period. ICCR sponsored the visits of 119 Outgoing other cities in India, i.e. Mumbai, Kolkata, Cultural Delegations to 85 countries, Siliguri, Chennai, Andaman & Nicobar, Maulana Azad Essay Competition covering all continents of the world. Special Jaipur, Haridwar, Kullu, Mussorie, Maulana Azad Essay Competition has been emphasis was given to holding workshops- Dehradun, Jammu, Srinagar, Mysore, an annual feature since 1989. Since cum-lecture demonstrations with local Bangalore, Chandigarh, Bakhra Dam, September, 2003, the Competition has been artistes, in addition to performances. Visit Hyderabad, Goa, Thiruanthapuram, given an international status and made open of groups to neighbouring countries was Bhopal, Indore, Manglore, Lucknow and for citizens of all the countries below the age encouraged. A significant number of Khajuraho. of 30 in three languages namely Arabic, younger artistes and folk groups from various Hindi and Urdu and in English language the parts of the country were also sponsored. The Council hosted the visit of 26-member competition is open for citizens of India and Pakistan Theatre Group (Ajoka), who Some of these groups participated in major SAARC countries. The competition for 2003 performed a play “Bullha” at Kamani festivals/events e.g. ‘7th World Hindi in all four languages has been announced Auditorium, New Delhi. Conference, Suriname, ‘Festival of India’ in and circulated all over the world through Bhutan, ‘Edinburgh International Festival’ The Council under its “Retrospectives” media and our Missions abroad. The in United Kingdom, ‘4th Asia Pacific Week’ Series organized the performances by the Council received a wide response from India in Germany, ‘Annual International Festival eminent empanelled artistes. During 2003- and abroad. of Music and Dance’ in Bogota, 04, the Council organized four theme Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Memorial ‘International Film Festival’ in Cairo, ‘2nd festivals in New Delhi, which were Lecture International Odissi Festival’ in US and “Thumari”, “Andaz-e-Ghalib”, “Malhar” Dr. N. R. Narayana Murthy, Chairman and GOPIO International Convention in and “Krishna”. In addition to these festivals, Chief Mentor Officer, Infosys Technologies Mauritius. the Council also organized two major festivals in Gidhaur and Mandhar, small Limited delivered the annual Maulana Abul During the year 2003-04, the Council hosted towns in Bihar. Kalam Azad Memorial Lecture 2003 – “The the visit of 38 foreign cultural troupes to Travails of Philanthropy in India” on 29th India from 32 countries. These groups were March 2004 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. hosted from Turkmenistan, Myanmar, Accounts Uzbekistan, South Africa, Poland, Armenia, ICCR’s approved Budget Estimates for Seminar and Symposia New Zealand, Portugal, Italy, Finland, general activities were Rupees 5450.00 lakhs During the period, the Council organized/ Belgium, Hungary, Luxembourg, France, for the year 2003-04. The final Estimates assisted in organizing 6 seminars namely, Slovenia, Ireland, Austria, Germany, were Rupees 5650.00 lakhs. The expected “Rethinking a Millennium: India from the Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Fiji, receipt is Rupees 30.00 lakhs. nn

154 23. Indian Council of World Affairs

he Indian Council of World Affairs in the Asia-Pacific (CSCAP) India Secretariat Library books on International Relations T(ICWA) was founded in 1943 with a was relocated to the Sapru House. A seminar and Political Science as recommended by the view to encourage the study of Indian and on the topic: India - ASEAN: Evolving Library Committee. International affairs. It is one of the most Strategic Partnerships” was held on 10 More than 8,000 visitors used the library for prestigious centres for the study of October 2003 at Sapru House under the their research work and reference. These international relations in the country. After Chairmanship of Ambassador A.N. Ram. being declared as an institution of national The distinguished journalists and included research scholars from recognized importance, the ICWA pursued a vigorous academicians attended this seminar. Sapru universities viz. Aligarh Muslim University, programme of activities in pursuance of its House also has the Africa Centre which was Banaras Hindu University(Varanasi), mandate. It aimed to provide through its inaugurated by the then Minister of External Ahilaya Vishvidyalaya(Indore), Guru Nanak seminars, publications, lectures and a Affairs Shri Jaswant Singh. The 3rd Alfred Dev University(Amritsar), G.G.S. specialized library, information for basic Nzo Memorial Lecture on “India and South Indraprastha University(Delhi), Himachal understanding of the complexities of the Africa: Special Partners for all Seasons” was Pradesh University(Shimla), Jamia Millia international system. delivered by Mr. Thabo Mbeki, President of Islamia(New Delhi), Jawahar Lal Nehru the Republic of South Africa on 16 October University(New Delhi), Lucknow University, Sapru House Building 2003. This lecture was chaired by Shri I.K. Punjabi University (Patiala), Delhi Gujral, Former Prime Minister of India, and University, University of Jammu, University Major civil repairs were undertaken and will was well attended by Africanists from all over soon be completed. The auditorium, of Mumbai, University of Pune and Rani India and distinguished personalities. The Conference Room and Conference Hall Durgawati Vishvidyalaya (Jabalpur) etc. Africa Centre also has good collection of were renovated and made operational for The computerisation work of the library is books on Africa which are helpful for the academic and intellectual activities. Sapru in hand. Efforts are afoot to provide internet research scholars. House is being restored to the status facilities to the users. A separate multi-media appropriate for housing an institution of section is being created for this purpose. national importance. There is a proposal for Library the construction of parking zone and The Sapru House Library, after repairs, Seminars/Symposia/ canteen in the Sapru House premises. renovation, extension of space, is air- Conferences conditioned and has been bettered for use The ICWA conducted a number of Grant-in-Aid as reference library for international affairs. It has a special collection of League of seminars, symposia and conferences during ICWA’s grants-in-aid for the year 2003-04 Nations, United Nations and European the period under the report. Special Lectures was projected and approved for Rs.1.60 were delivered by Shri Thabo Mbeki, Community publications supplemented by crores. President of the Republic of South Africa, a collection of press-clippings from Indian Shri Peter Medgyessy, Prime Minister of the and foreign newspapers. It has a large stock Publications Republic of Hungry and Shri Joseph Lapid, of books, some rare books and about 27,000 Besides its periodical publications, India Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of volumes of serials and bound journals. The Justice of Israel, and foreign affairs Minister Quarterly and Foreign Affairs Report, the Library has 389 titles of research journals Council brought out other publications of Ukraine. There was a special Lectures on: and important dailies from India and namely: (1) Second Africa Day Lecture “Integration and Globalisation”, by Mr. Ion abroad. Out of these, 180 titles of eminent delivered by Shri I.K.Gujral, Former Prime Illiescu, President of Romania. journals were indexed as part of its ‘Current Minister of India and “Ethnicity versus A complete list is at Annexure-XX. Awareness Service’ to the scholars. To widen Nationalism: The Devolution in Sri Lanka” the scope of bibliographical support to the nn by Partha S. Ghosh. users, ‘Select List of Articles on Current Affairs’ was published in Foreign Affairs CSCAP India Secretariat and Report of ICWA. The Library collection was Africa Centre increased with new additions of journals and The Council for Security and Cooperation books. There is a proposal to purchase

155 24. Research and Information System for the Non-aligned and Other Developing Countries (RIS)

Policy Dialogue on SAFTA. RIS prepared a South Asia n Joint Negotiating Group for India- Development and Cooperation Report 2004 on International Economic Thailand FTA: RIS has regularly the eve of the Summit which was provided inputs for the meetings of the Issues launched later by Deputy Chairman, JNG. The Research and Information System for RIS in the presence of the Foreign n Joint Study Group on India-China the Non-aligned and Other Developing Secretary on 27 January 2004. Comprehensive Economic Countries (hereafter RIS) is an autonomous n Prime Minister’s Visit to China: Cooperation: RIS is represented on body set-up in 1984 in New Delhi with the RIS provided inputs to Prime Minister’s the India-China JSG set up as a follow- objective of creating a think-tank on global Office for preparations for the visit. up of the Prime minister’s visit and is issues in the field of international economic assisting its work with a number of relations and development cooperation. RIS n BIMST-EC Ministerial Meetings: studies. is mandated to function as an advisory body RIS prepared a report on the Future to the Government of India on matters Directions of BIMSTEC in consultation n India-Korea JCC: RIS provided pertaining to multilateral economic and with think-tanks of Sri Lanka, inputs to Ministry of External Affairs for social issues, including regional and sub- Bangladesh and Thailand and presented preparations for the JCC Meeting held regional cooperation arrangements, as may to the Ministry of External Affairs in in December 2003. be referred to it from time to time. RIS has preparation of the Ministerial Meetings. In addition, major on-going studies on the also been envisioned as a forum for fostering n IOR-ARC Ministerial Meetings: relevance of an Asian Economic effective intellectual dialogue among RIS represented India at the Meeting of Community; strategic approach for developing countries. the IOR Academic Group held in strengthening the international competitiveness in knowledge-based Highlights of RIS’ work during the Colombo in October 2003. industries; international food safety year are presented below: n Cancun Ministerial Conference of regulations and processed food exports of Research and Policy Inputs Provided to the WTO: RIS assisted in preparation for India and Thailand; FDI, trade and Government of India the Cancun Ministerial with detailed development; implications of SAPTA, studies on possible multilateral RIS conducted research studies to assist the Feasibility study on India-Mauritius free framework on investment and on non- policy formulation and preparations for trade agreement; foreign direct investment, agricultural market access (NAMA) in major Summit Meetings and other trade and development; biotechnology and addition to other subjects. One book, one negotiations held in the year. Some of these development, and on short-term forecasting special issue of the South Asia Economic inputs include the following: of Indian exports, among others, progressed. Journal, several discussion papers and XIII NAM Summit: RIS provided n four policy briefs were prepared inputs to Prime Minister’s Office and specifically on the agenda of the Policy Dialogue, Conferences Ministry of External Affairs for and Symposia Ministerial for the benefit of the preparations for the Summit and also negotiators. In addition, RIS prepared RIS has organized a number of policy brought out a report Globalization and the the World Trade and Development Report dialogues, conferences and symposia to fulfill Non-aligned Movement: An Economic Agenda 2003: Cancun and Beyond which was its mandate of fostering intellectual dialogue for Action which was circulated among the presented and discussed in New Delhi among developing countries. The select delegations through the Conference and in Cancun on the sidelines of the major events organized in the period include Secretariat. Ministerial. (others are listed in Annex 1): n Second ASEAN-India Summit: RIS Joint Study Group on India- International Conference on Building provided inputs to Prime Minister’s n Singapore Comprehensive a New Asia: Towards an Asian Office and Ministry of External Affairs Economic Community, 10-11 March for preparations for the Summit. Economic Cooperation Agreement: RIS provided inputs to the 2003: The Conference was organized in n Twelfth SAARC Summit, JSG on the tariffs and trade policy. collaboration with the Malaysian Institute Islamabad: RIS prepared policy notes of Economic Research and the Centre for for Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry n Joint Study Group on India-Sri Strategic and International Studies, Jakarta. of External Affairs on the Road to a Lanka Comprehensive Economic Shri K.C. Pant, Deputy Chairman, Planning Single Currency for South Asia, Partnership Agreement: RIS Commission and Chairman, RIS delivered Economic Cooperation in the SAARC provided a draft chapter on Investment the inaugural address at the Conference. Mr. Region, and on Moving Forward on for the work of JSG. Koichi Kato, former Secretary General of

156 Research and Information System for the Non-aligned and Other Developing Countries (RIS)

the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan Seminar on Economic Cooperation Agricultural Organization (Bangkok), UN- delivered the keynote address. Shri I.K. between India and Central Asia ESCAP, International Centre for Trade and Gujral, the former Prime Minister of India, RIS, jointly with Confederation of Indian Sustainable Development (Geneva), delivered the valedictory address. A Industry (CII), organized a half-day Seminar International Food Policy Research Institute delegation of the distinguished conference on Economic Cooperation between India (Washington), South Asia Centre for Policy participants also called on Shri Yashwant and Central Asia, in New Delhi on 17 Studies (Dhaka), Thammasat University Sinha, External Affairs Minister at his office. October 2003. Shri Digvijay Singh, Minister (Bangkok), Australian National University, The Conference had the participation of the of State for External Affairs, delivered the Institute for Southeast Asian Studies heads of important policy think-tanks and inaugural address. Sessions were chaired by (Singapore), Malaysian Institute for senior experts and policy makers from Dr S.R. Hashim, Member, UPSC and Mr. Economic Research, CSIS (Jakarta), Institute China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Rajiv Sikri, Special Secretary (ER) MEA. for Policy Studies (Colombo), Pakistan the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand besides Institute of Development Research India. At the Conference, there was a Outreach, Global Presence and (Islamabad), among others. consensus on the desirability of a broader Networking Asian Economic Community in a gradual In order to influence the international Visiting Fellowship Programme on and phased manner. development policy agenda and strengthen International Economic Issues and its outreach, an attempt has been made to Development Policy: Capacity ASEAN-India Network of participate in major international events. Building in Other Developing Think-Tanks Meeting on RIS participated in the XIII NAM Summit, Countries Vision 2020 Kuala Lumpur, February 2003 and in the Under this programme, conducted in Fifth Ministerial Conference of WTO, conjunction with ITEC Programme of RIS organized a high-level Meeting of Cancun, September 2003. A number of Ministry of External Affairs, nominees from ASEAN Think-Tanks in New Delhi on 4-5 events were organized on the sidelines of the Nepal, Egypt and Uzbekistan visited RIS March to finalize the draft “ASEAN-India Vision 2020: Working Together for Shared WTO Ministerial. DG-RIS addressed the during February-June 2003 to receive an Prosperity” with ASEAN inputs. This Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) for orientation in contemporary international Meeting was attended by the heads or senior UNCTAD XI in Geneva on 23 February economic policy issues and work on a representatives of the ASEAN Think-tanks 2004. research project jointly with RIS faculty. associated with ASEAN-ISIS network and The networking with other policy think- other policy institutions. RIS had held tanks for collaborative activities was extensive consultations with think-tanks and strengthened with MoUs signed with the RIS Publications other stakeholders within the country in the International Institute for Trade RIS published six books and reports, issued course of preparation of the Draft paper. Mr Development (Bangkok) and the Ethiopian twelve policy briefs and 25 Discussion Papers Rajiv Sikri, Special Secretary (ER), MEA Institute for Development Research. UN- (Appendix XXI) during the period. Two made opening remarks at the Meeting. ESCAP has invited RIS to be a core issues each of the South Asia Economic Journal institution for the Asia-Research Network on India-China Policy Dialogue and the Biotechnology and Development Review Trade (ARTNET). RIS continued to RIS hosted a high level delegation from were brought out. A new journal New Asia participate in the activities of SAARC Development Research Centre (DRC) of Monitor was launched. Four issues of new Network of Researchers as India’s National State Council of China which visited India newsletter RIS Diary were brought out. RIS Focal Point nominated by the Ministry of from 9-15 March led by Dr. Sun Xiaoyu, publications can now be downloaded from External Affairs. RIS has set up a New Asia Vice-President (Vice Minister), DRC. The its website http://www.ris.org.in. Forum, as an institutional network to delegation held detailed discussions with RIS advance the agenda of formation of an on issues of establishing institutional Asian Economic Community with a Budget cooperation between RIS and DRC followed quarterly journal New Asia Monitor and a RIS received a budgetary support of Rupees by “RIS/DRC Policy Dialogue on China dedicated website www.newasiaforum.org. 137 lakhs during 2003-04 from the MEA. and India in the Global Economy”. The session was co-chaired by Dr. Sun Xiaoyu RIS collaborated with the Asian A detailed list of the conferences/seminars/ and Ambassador S.T. Devare, Vice- Development Bank (Manila), UNDP’s Asia workshops and the publications of RIS is at Chairman, RIS. Trade Initiative (Hanoi), Food and Appendix XXI. nn

157 Appendices

Appendix I Cadre strength at Headquarters and Missions/Posts abroad during 2003-2004 (Including 161 posts budgeted by M/o Commerce & those held in abeyance/ex-cadred)

Appendix II Data on recruitment through Direct Recruitment (DR), Departmental Promotions (DP) and 162 Limited Departmental Examination (LDE), made in various groups in the Ministry of External Affairs and reserved vacancies filled by Schedule Caste/Schedule Tribe/Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories from April 2003 to February 2004

Appendix III Language-Wise Statement of Officers and Missions 163 ( Grade - I of IFS to Junior Scale of IFS) (as on 11.11.2003 )

Appendix IV Statement showing the number of applications received and passports issued including 164 under Tatkaal Scheme, miscellaneous applications received and services rendered as well as Revenue (including revenue under Tatkaal Scheme) and Expenditure figures of the Passport Offices from 1 January 2003 to 31 March 2004.

Appendix V Finances of the Ministry of External Affairs in 2003-2004 166

Appendix VI Major sectoral Allocations in the 2003-2004 Budget 167

Appendix VII India’s Aid Programmes 168

Appendix VIII C & AG Report of Ministry of External Affairs 169

Appendix IX Treaties/Conventions/Agreements Concluded or Renewed by India with other Countries 170 during the Period 1 January 2003 to 31 March 2004

Appendix X Instruments of Full Powers Issued during the Period 1 January 2003 to 31 March 2004 183

Appendix XI Instruments of Ratification/Accession Issued during the period 1 January 2003 to 31 March 185 2004

Appendix XII Conferences/Seminars/meetings/study projects organised/undertaken by Institutions/NGOs 187 which were partly funded by Policy Planning & Research Division 189 Appendix XIII Expenditure Statement for the financial year 2003-2004 (ITEC-SCAAP programme)

Appendix XIV List of Institutes Offering ‘B’ and ‘C’ Category Courses to Foreign Nominees under ITEC/ 190 SCAAP Schemes (2003-2004)

Appendix XV Statement showing allocation & utilisation of Civilian Training under ITEC Programme 193 during the year 2003-2004

Appendix XVI Statement showing allocation and utilisation of Civilian Training slots SCAAP programme 197 during the year 2003-2004

Appendix XVII Military Training slots allotted to various countries (and utilised) during the period 198 April-November 2003

Appendix XVIII Deputation of Experts from April to November 2003 200

Appendix XIX Gender Issue Statistics 202

Appendix XX Seminars/Conferences/Round Tables Talks Organised by ICWA from April 2003. 204

Appendix XXI Conference/Workshops/Seminars organised by RIS 207 Appendix 1

Cadre strength at Headquarters and Missions/Posts abroad during 2003-2004 (Including posts budgeted by M/o Commerce & those held in abeyance/ex-cadred)

S. No Cadre/Post Posts at Headquaters Posts at Mission Total 1 Grade I 4 22 26 2 Grade II 5 29 34 3 Grade III 27 118 145 4 Grade IV 32 103 135 5 Jr. Admn. Grade/Senior Scale 47 133 180 6 (I) Junior Scale 1 29 30 (ii) Probationers Reserve 27 .. 27 (iii) Leave Reserve 15 .. 15 (iv) Deputation Reserve 19 .. 19 (v) Training Reserve 7 .. 7 IFS(B) 7 (I) Grade I 43 100 143 (ii) Deputation Reserve 6 .. 6 8 (i) Grade II/III 96 178 274 (ii) Leave Reserve 30 .. 30 (iii) Deputation Reserve 16 .. 16 (iv) Training Reserve 25 .. 25 9 (I) Grade IV 215 407 622 (ii) Leave Reserve 60 .. 60 (iii) Deputation Reserve 55 .. 55 10 (I) Grade V/VI 267 193 460 (ii) Leave Reserve 60 .. 60 (iii) Deputation Reserve 14 .. 14 11 (I) Grade II of Cypher Cadre 51 143 194 (Cypher Assistant) (ii) Leave Reserve 24 .. 24

S. No Cadre/Post Posts at Headquaters Posts at Mission Total *12 (I) Private Secretary 35 199 234 (ii) Leave Reserve 14 .. 14 13 (I) Personal Assistant 133 195 328 (ii) Leave Reserve 33 .. 33 (iii) Training Reserve(Hindi) 10 .. 10 (iv) Deputation Reserve 12 .. 12 14 Stenographer(Gr. III) 17 77 94 15 Interpreters’ Cadre 6 27 33 16 L&T Cadre 14 1 15 Total 1420 1954 3374

(* The figure for Private Secretary include 60 posts which have been upgraded to Principal Private Secretary (PPS). Out of 60 posts of PPS, 22 posts have further been upgraded to Sr PPS.)

161 Appendix II

Data on recruitment through Direct Recruitment (DR), Departmental Promotions (DP) and Limited Departmental Examination (LDE), made in various groups in the Ministry of External Affairs and reserved vacancies filled by Schedule Caste/Schedule Tribe/Other Backward Classes(OBC) categories from April 2003 to February 2004

Group Total No. of Number of vacancies vacancies Reserved Unreserved SC ST OBC Group-A 10 0 0 5 5 Group-A (Ex Cadre) 2 0 0 0 2 Group-B 45 9 2 1 33 Group-C 50 9 5 0 36 Group-D 1 0 0 0 1 Total 108 18 7 6 77

162 Appendix III

Language-wise Statement of Officers and Missions (Grade - I of IFS to Junior Scale of IFS) (as on 11.11.2003 )

S.No Language Total No. of Officers 1 Arabic 91 2 Burmese 1 3 Bhasa Indonesia 14 4 Chinese 56 5 Dutch 1 6 French 74 7 German 32 8 Gorkhali 1 9Hebrew 3 10 Hungarian (Magyar) 1 11 Italian 5 12 Japanese 27 13 Kazakh 1 14 Kiswahili 8 15 Nepalese 3 16 Persian 22 17 Portuguese 18 18 Russian 77 19 Swedish 1 20 Spanish 59 21 Sebo-Crotian 3 22 Sinhalese 2 23 Thai 2 24 Tibetan 2 25 Turkish 6 26 Ukranian 1 27 Vietnames 1 28 Malay 1 29 Mandarin 1

163 Appendix IV

Statement showing the number of applications received and passports issued including under Tatkaal Scheme, miscellaneous applications received and services rendered as well as Revenue (including revenue under Tatkaal Scheme) and Expenditure figures of the Passport Offices from 1 January 2003 to 31 March 2004

S.No. Name of Number Number Number Miscella- Passports Revenue Total Total RPO/PO of of of neous issued under revenue Expen- Applicat- Passports miscellan- services under Tatkaal diture ions issued eous rendered Tatkaal Scheme received applicat- Scheme ions received 1 Ahmedabad 252131 311938 26382 26798 12825 23483700 277535892 27437222 2 Bangalore 189486 191314 31241 31199 11618 15115100 212156854 26894333 3 Bareilly 47400 40970 3328 3312 1464 2225000 50675114 9198172 4 Bhopal 52750 48336 5057 5007 2211 2973000 56199587 6566359 5 Bhubaneswar 25362 22178 2502 2502 970 1469500 26886460 4512287 6 Chandigarh 218096 213561 26881 25208 5915 8914000 243965826 26464471 7 Chennai 273037 260379 31159 30065 20433 30150500 310499041 29490673 8 Cochin 204029 195917 32499 32528 16136 22334800 229297936 24097256 9 Delhi 218049 195705 35106 35681 19678 24865200 258230777 39284238 10 Ghaziabad 51801 43577 6499 6503 2005 2759500 50964558 5891337 11 Guwahati 20354 20571 1697 1402 2116 3123500 24957200 4195279 12 Hyderabad 331614 321899 34932 34546 21623 46870018 372948121 37109166 13 Jaipur 154314 119732 8834 7158 6442 9192000 163718841 17906138 14 Jalandhar 201572 201649 19274 18643 1085 1626600 223193850 21258700 15 Jammu 14582 11147 1001 984 511 702000 16761635 2959699 16 Kolkata 131584 124312 14474 14043 3002 4094200 139783252 14758387 17 Kozhikode 283895 239105 20920 20631 20763 30270000 324895910 26534350 18 Lucknow 183728 151642 11350 10918 1901 2595500 190417841 25962576 19 Mumbai 256969 233542 34681 33379 11811 19058600 2093541990 57556324 20 Nagpur 27237 25356 1984 1921 2294 2970000 30175749 4078013 21 Panaji 34500 33273 10696 10587 2622 3948250 43345097 5270360

164 Appendix IV

S.No. Name of Number Number Number Miscella- Passports Revenue Total Total RPO/PO of of of neous issued under revenue Expen- Applicat- Passports miscellan- services under Tatkaal diture ions issued eous rendered Tatkaal Scheme received applicat- Scheme ions received 22 Patna 69642 41859 2959 2798 760 991400 66387000 10882103 23 Pune 69653 65336 8517 8201 5046 6412000 76205420 8016067 24 Ranchi 20032 13565 2057 1521 989 1325000 21654585 2081249 25 Srinagar 12060 12627 871 817 374 482300 13223495 6594792 26 Surat 38926 16690 2996 2725 1154 1557500 39465850 * 27 Thane 96310 92025 9863 9778 4887 6795000 102469335 ** 28 Trichy 316807 284383 21686 16641 7852 10855000 339120565 27703984 29 Trivandrum 152656 143745 20009 18543 16628 24046500 184102077 16281585 30 Vishakha’nam 73095 66578 7829 7661 1978 2872500 80575190 8001776 Total 4021671 3742911 437284 421700 207093 314078168 6263355048 496986896

* expenditure included in RPO Ahmedabad’s as LOC combined with RPO Ahmedabad. ** expenditure included in RPO Mumbai’s as LOC combined with RPO Mumbai.

165 Appendix V

Finances of the Ministry of External Affairs in 2003-2004

The Budget Allocation of Ministry of External Affairs in the Budget Estimates (BE) 2003-2004 is Rs. 3410.00 crores which is an enhancement over BE 2002-2003 by Rs. 171.66 crores i.e. by 5.30%. There is no increase in Final Estimates (FE) 2003-2004.

Comparative figures of Expenditure and Budget of MEA for the past five years are as follows:

Years Actuals (in crores) %age variation with previous Financial year

1999-2000 2133.16 2.86% 2000-2001 2488.85 16.67% 2001-2002 2624.55 5.45% 2002-2003 3253.79 23.97% 2003-2004 (BE) 3410.00 4.80% 2003-2004 (FE) 3410.00 NIL

166 Appendix VI

The Major Sectoral Allocations in the 2003-2004 Budget are as follows:

(In Rupees Crores) MEA Secretariat Rs. 106.94 crores

Embassies and Missions Rs. 831.82 crores

Passport and Emigration Rs. 111.15 crores

Spl. Diplomatic Expenditure Rs. 767.52 crores

Technical & Economic Cooperation Rs. 1025.64 crores

Contributions to International Organisations Rs. 42.10 crores

Grant to Indian Council for Cultural Relations Rs. 56.50 crores

Others Rs. 468.33 crores

Principal Allocations in the Final Estimates 2003-2004

MEA Sec r etar iat Others 3% 14% Grant to ICCR 2% Mis s ions /Pos ts Contributions to Intl. 24% Orgs. 1%

Pas s por t & Tech. & Eco. Coop. Emigration 30% 3%

Spl. Dip. Expenditure. 23%

167 Appendix VII

India’s Aid Programmes 3.1Aid to Bhutan accounts for 68% of India’s total aid budget. Other important destinations for Indian aid programs include The principal beneficiaries of our Aid Programmes in the Current Financial Year African countries- 8%, Nepal – 6%, are as under : Bangladesh- 2 %, Sri Lanka – 1%, and Other Aid to Countries (In Rupees Crores) countries – 15%. 3.2 The Government of India has extended Bhutan 696.00 loans to the Governments of Bangladesh and Bangladesh 20.00 Bhutan to assist in the implementation of developmental projects. During 2003-2004. Nepal 58.48 The loans extended to Government of Sri Lanka 13.90 Bangladesh and to Government of Bhutan Myanmar 2.10 amount to Rs.20.50 crores and Rs.327.50 Maldives 3.94 crores, respectively. African Countries 80.00 4. The Budget of the Ministry of External Affairs is essentially a Non-Plan Budget. Others ( Including Developing Countries) 151.22 However, from 1996-97, a Plan head has been established with the approval of the Cabinet. This primarily caters to certain large developmental projects undertaken in In absolute terms the principal destinations of India’s Aid Programmes Bhutan, as part of project assistance are as follows: requested by Government of Bhutan in the Government of India’s “Aid to Bhutan” Programme. The Tala Hydroelectric Project currently under implementation in Bhutan is a prestigious and important project. The other projects being funded from the Plan head are the Kurichu Hydroelectric Project Aid to Maldives Aid to African and the Dungsum Cement Plan project, both less than 1% Countries in Bhutan. 8% A id to My anmar 5. The estimated expenditure on the less than 1% Headquarters of the Ministry of External Affairs during the current financial year is Aid to Other estimated to be of the order of Rs. 106.94 Countries crores which forms about 3.5% of the total 15% estimated revenue expenditure of the Aid to Sri Lanka Ministry. Estimated expenditure on Indian 1% Missions and Posts abroad is expected to be of the order of Rs. 831.83 crores which is about 27% of the total revenue expenditure of the Ministry. Aid to Nepal 6. The Ministry of External Affairs’ revenue 6% from Passport and Visa fees and other receipts are likely to be of the order of Rs. Aid to Bhutan 1074.52 crores. It is estimated that Passport 68% fees would account for about Rs. 505.69 Aid to crores, Visa fees for Rs. 544.91 crores and Bangladesh other receipts for Rs. 23.92 crores. 2%

168 Appendix VIII

C & AG Report of Ministry of External Affairs

REVIEW OF GRANT NO. 22 and staff paid form contingencies resulting in unauthorised expenditure aggregating to Rs.5.99 crore. Unspent Provision: The unspent Provision registered a constantly increasing trend from Rs. 116.26 crore in 1999-2000 to Rs. 136.85 Avoidable additional expenditure: Non-adherence by the crore in 2000-2001, which further increased to Rs. 258.84 crore Indian Missions at Bratislave, Bucharest, Minsk, Moscow, Prague during 2001-2002. and Warsaw to the Ministry’s specific instructions in regard to provision of air tickets to trainees nominated under the ITEC Schemes Affected by Unspent Provision: The main areas/ Programme resulted in an estimated additional expenditure of schemes affected by unspent provision during 2001-02 were Embassies Rs.1.70 crore. and Missions (Rs. 36.12 crore); Discretionary Expenditure (Rs. 54.03 crore); aid to Bhutan (Rs. 25.25 crore); Aid to Nepal (Rs. 69.47 crore); Avoidable additional expenditure on property purchase: Construction-External affairs (Rs. 41.77 crore) and loans to Contrary to its own norms and the assurance to the Public Accounts Government of Bangladesh (Rs. 26.84 crore). This trend of large Committee, the Ministry approved the purchase of a residential unspent provision was also persistent during previous years 1999- property in Budapest far in excess of the entitlement of the officer 2001. for whom it was intended and containing inessential and ostentatious facilities involving substantial additional investment and recurring Surrender of Unspent Provision: while the Ministry surrendered expenditure on maintenance. only 33 to 51 per cent of the total unspent provision during the period 1999-2002, even these were not surrendered till the last day of the Avoidable expenditure on premature leasing of a financial year except on 28.03.02 for 2001-2002. temporary residence: Failure, in contravention of the Ministry’s specific instructions, to synchronize the leasing of a temporary Unrealistic Budgeting: Under 17 sub-heads there was excess residence for the Ambassador to Spain with the renovation of the provisioning leading to unspent provision ranging between 23 and Government owned Embassy Residence resulted in avoidable 99 per cent during 2001-02. Under 7 sub-heads under-provisioning expenditure of Rs.36.49 lakh. lead to excess expenditure over the original budget estimates during 2001-2002. Avoidable additional expenditure: Failure of the Indian Mission at Warsaw to entrust the painting of the exterior of the Embassy Injudicious re-Appropriation: In 5 cases re-appropriation of Residence to the lowest bidder resulted in avoidable additional funds to sub-heads remained fully unutilised during 2001-2002. In 2 expenditure of Rs.14.50 lakh. cases sub-heads from which funds were re-appropriated, ultimately ended up with excess expenditure. Similar trend in previous years Irregularities in hiring of Embassy residence and 1999-01 also. avoidable expenditure on rent: Contrary to the specific stipulation prohibiting any private understanding with landlords and Irregular Re-Appropriation: Augmenting funds in excess of Rs. in transgression of the dictates of propriety, the Mission in Algiers 1.00 crore through re-appropriation in a sub-head was made without entered into two separate lease deeds prescribing different rents in approval of Secretary(Expenditure). respect of the Embassy Residence in compliance with the landlord’s Rush of Expenditure: Under six major heads the expenditure wishes. incurred during March 2002 and last quarters of 2001-02 ranged (Para 4.6 of Report No.2 of 2003) between 13 to 65 per cent and 31 to 67 per cent of total expenditure Transaction Audit Observations under the major head respectively. Similar trend existed during 1999- 2001 also. Recurring loss of interest attributable to deficiencies in resource management: Repeated audit observations Deficient Control by PAO: The Pay and Accounts Office of the notwithstanding, cash management by overseas Missions continuing Ministry made excess payment of Rs.50.07 crore over the available to be deficient resulting in retention of cash balances in excess of funds during 2001-02 under three sub-heads. actual requirements and consequential recurring loss of interest. Unauthorised expenditure on engagement of locally (Para 4.7 of Report No.2 of 2003) recruitted and contingency-paid personnel: Notwithstanding Transaction Audit Observations repeated audit observations and instructions issued in pursuance thereof, Missions and Posts abroad continued to violate the rules and regulations governing the employment of locally recruitted personnel

169 Appendix IX

Treaties/Conventions/Agreements Concluded or Renewed by India with other Countries during the period 1 January 2003 to 31 March 2004

S. No. Title of Convention/Treaties Date of Date of Deposit Date of Agreements, etc. Signature Ratification/ entry into Accession/ force Acceptance MULTILATERAL 1 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. 10.09.2003

2 Amendments to Article 74 and Articles 24 and 25 of the Constitution of the World Health Organization 02. 10.2003

3 Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks 19.08.2003 (A) 24.04.2003

4 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants 14.05.2002

5 SAARC Convention on Regional Arrangements for the Promotion of Child Welfare in South Asia 05.01.2002

6 SAARC Convention on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution. 05.01.2002

7 Annex III—Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances Carried by Sea in Packaged Form; Annex IV—Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships; and Annex V— Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships; to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), 1973 as modified by its Protocol of 1978 07.04.2003 (A)

8 The United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, along with the other supplementing Protocols. 12.12.2002

9 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity. 23.01.2001 17.01.2003 ® 11.09.2003

10 Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Inter-Country Adoption. 29.05.1983 21.04.2003

11 The Copenhagen Amendment (1992), the Montreal Amendment (1997) and the Beijing Amendment (1999) to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, 1987. 03.03.2003 (A) 01.06.2003

12 Amendments to the Agreement Establishing the Asia-Pacific Institute of Broadcasting Development (AIBD).

170 Appendix IX

13 Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption 09.01.2003 06.06.2003 01.10.2003

14 International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism 08.09.2000 22.04.2003 22.05.2003

15 Protocol to the Night Work (Women) Convention (Revised), 1948 21.11.2003 21.11.2004

BILATERAL ALBANIA 1 Protocol of Consultations between the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania. 03.02.2003 03.02.2003 ALGERIA 2 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria on cooperation in the Veterinary Field. 25.01.2001 21.11.2003 ARMENIA 3 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Armenia for the Promotion and Protection of Investments. 23.05.2003 AUSTRALIA 4 Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India and the Government of Australia on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism. 28.08.2003 28.09.2003 5 Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India and the Government of Australia concerning Cooperation in the field of Telecommunications. 29.08.2003 29.08.2003 6 Educational Exchange Programme between the Government of India and the Government of Australia. 23.10.2003 23.10.2003 BELARUS 7 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Belarus for the Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investments. 26.11.2002 11.07.2003 BHUTAN 8 MoU between the Government of the Republic of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan for Establishment of the India-Bhutan Foundation. 29.09.2003 29.08.2003 9 MoU between the Government of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan regarding the Preparation of Detailed Project Report for the Punatsangchhu Hydro-Electric Project in the Punatsangchhu Basin, Bhutan. 15.09.2003 15.09.2003

171 Appendix IX

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA 10 Trade Agreement between the Republic of India and Bosnia and Herzegovina. 23.04.2002 10.10.2002 CANADA 11 Memorandum of Understanding on Mutual Cooperation between the Indian Foreign Service Institute and the Canadian Foreign Service Institute 13.10.2003 13.10.2003 CARRIBEAN COMMUNITY 12 Agreement between the Government of India and the Caribbean Community to Establish a Standing Joint Commission on Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination. 25.11.2003 CHILE 13 Agreement of Animal Health between the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of India and Agriculture and Livestock Service, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Chile. 24.04.2003 24.04.2003 CHINA 14 MoU on Simplifying Visa Procedures between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China. 23.06.2003 23.06.2003 15 MoU for Enhanced Cooperation in the field of Renewal Energy between the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources, Government of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Water Resources, the Government of Peoples Republic of China. 23.06.2003 23.06.2003 16 Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements for Exporting Mangoes from India to China between the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of India and General Administration of Quality Supervision Inspection and Quarantine of the Peoples Republic of China. 23.06.2003 23.06.2003 17 Executive Programme on Educational Cooperation and Exchange between the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Education, the Peoples Republic of China. 23.06.2003 23.06.2003 18 Declaration on Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Cooperation between the Republic of India and the Peoples Republic of China. 23.06.2003 19 MoU for Cooperation in the Field of Ocean, Science and Technology between Department of Ocean Development, Government of the Republic of India and State Oceanic Administration, Peoples Republic of China. 23.06.2003 23.06.2003 20 MoU between the Department of Science and Technology, the Republic of India and the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Peoples Republic of China. 23.06.2003 23.06.2003

172 Appendix IX

21 MoU between the Government of the Republic of the Republic of India and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China on the Reciprocal Establishment of Cultural Centres in their Capitals. 23.06.2003 23.06.2003 22 Executive Programme of Cultural Exchanges between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China for the years 2003-2005. 23.06.2003 23.06.2003 23 MoU on Cooperation between the Ministry of Law and Justice of the Government of the Republic of India and the Supreme People’s Prosecution Service of the Peoples Republic of China. 23.06.2003 23.06.2003 24 Memorandum between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China on Expanding Border Trade. 23.06.2003 23.06.2003 CROATIA 25 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Croatia on Agricultural Cooperation. 13.11.2002 03.03.2003 CYPRUS 26 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus for the Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investments. 09.04.2002 27 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus on cooperation in the fields of Public Health and Medical Sciences. 08.10.2002 10.09.2003 28 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus on Cooperation in the field of Posts and Electronic Communications. 08.10.2002 09.052003 10.06.2003 DJIBOUTI 29 Agreement between the Government of India and the Government of Djibouti relating to Air Services. 19.05.2003 19.05.2003 30 Agreement between the Government of India and the Government of Djibouti for the Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investments. 19.05.2003 EL SALVADOR 31 MoU on Consultation between the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India and the Ministry of External Relations of the Republic of El Salvador. 02.02.2004 02.02.2004 ETHIOPIA 32 Agreement on Technical Cooperation in Micro Dams and Small Irrigation Schemes between the Republic of India and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. 03.07.2002 03.07.2002

173 Appendix IX

EUROPEAN UNION 33 Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of India and the European Community. 23.11.2001 12.08.2002 34 Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of India on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance on Customs Matters. 29.11.2003 35 Financing Agreement for Trade and Investment Development Programme (TIDP) between the European Community and the Republic of India. 29.11.2003 29.11.2003 FINLAND 36 Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between India and Finland. 07.11.2002 10.02.2003 09.04.2003 FRANCE 37 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of France on Cooperation in the fields of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Forestry and Food Industries. 04.11.2003 04.11.2003 38 MoU between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., India and SNECMA, France for formation of a Joint Venture. 39 Cooperation Agreement between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., India and Turbomeca, France for TM 333-26b Shakti I Ardiden 40 Framework Agreement between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., India and Institut Aeronautique et Spatial, France. GERMANY 41 Treaty between the Republic of India and the Republic of Germany on Extradition. 27.06.2001 26.06.2002 GHANA 42 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of Ghana for the Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investments. 05.08.2002 GUYANA 43 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of Cooperative Republic of Guyana on non-visa Regime for mutual visits of nationals-holders of diplomatic and Service/Official Passports. 04.02.2003 HUNGARY 44 Agreement between the Republic of India and the Republic of Hungary for the Promotion and Protection of Investments. 03.11.2003

174 Appendix IX

INDONESIA 45 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders. 03.04.2002 04.03.2003 26.04.2003 IRAN 46 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Iran on Cooperation in the fields of Science and Technology. 25.01.2003 02.04.2003 47 MoU between Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Road Map to Strategic Cooperation. 25.01.2003 25.01.2003 48 The New Delhi Declaration between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Iran. 25.01.2003 49 MoU between the Republic of India and the Islamic republic of Iran on Cooperation in Urban Water Management and Hydrological Studies. 25.01.2003 25.01.2003 50 MoU between the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India and Ministry of Petroleum of Islamic Republic of Iran on Cooperation in the field of Hydrocarbons. 27.01.2003 27.01.2003 51 Executive Programme of Cultural Exchange between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the years 2003-2005. 25.01.2003 25.01.2003 ISRAEL 52 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the State of Israel on Cooperation in the field of Protection of the Environment. 09.09.2003 ITALY 53 MoU between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Italian Republic on Cooperation in the field of Telecommunications. 28.10.2002 02.04.2003 09.05.2003 54 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Italian Republic on Cooperation in the Fields of Science and Technology. 28.11.2003 55 Agreement on Defence Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of India and the Italian Republic. 03.12.2003 JAPAN 56 Loan Agreement for Delhi Mass Rapid Transport System Project (IV) between Japan Bank for International Cooperation and the President of India. 31.03.2003 31.03.2003

175 Appendix IX

57 Loan Agreement for Yamuna Action Plan Project (II) between Japan Bank for International Cooperation and the President of India. 31.03.2003 31.03.2003 58 Loan Agreement for Rajasthan Forestry and Biodiversity Project between Japan Bank for International Cooperation and the President of India. 31.03.2003 31.03.2003 59 Loan Agreement for Simhadri Thermal Power Station Project (IV) between Japan Bank for International Cooperation and National Thermal Power Corporation Limited. 31.03.2003 31.03.2003 60 Loan Agreement for Bakreswar Thermal Power Station Units Extension Project Delhi Mass Rapid Transport System Project between Japan Bank for International Cooperation and the President of India. 31.03.2003 31.03.2003 61 Loan Agreement for Ajanta-Ellora Conservation and Tourism Development Project (II) between Japan Bank for International Cooperation and the President of India. 31.03.2003 31.03.2003 62 Loan Agreement for Punjab Afforestation Project (II) Delhi Mass Rapid Transport System Project (IV) between Japan Bank for International Cooperation and the President of India. 31.03.2003 31.03.2003 REPUBLIC OF KOREA 63 Agreement for the Joint Issue of Stamps between the Postal Administration of India and the To be Postal Administration of Republic of Korea. 10.12.2003 confirmed. 64 Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Investment Promotion between the Republic of India To be and Republic of Korea. 14.10.2003 confirmed KUWAIT 65 Agreement between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of India for the Encouragement and Reciprocal Protection of Investment. 27.11.2001 12.03.2003 28.06.2003 LAO PDR 66 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Lao People’s Republic on cooperation in Science & Technology. 16.06.2003 16.06.2003 LITHUANIA 67 Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. 20.02.2001 09.05.2003 MAURITIUS 68 MoU in the Field Social Defence including Welfare of the Elderly, Programme of Demand Reduction with regard to Drug Abuse, Welfare of Street Children, Juvenile Justice System and other areas in the General Field of Social Defence between Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of the Republic of India and Ministry of Social Security, National solidarity and Senior Citizen Welfare and Reform Institution of the Republic of Mauritius. 01.07.2003 01.07.2003

176 Appendix IX

69 Joint Statement signed by Shri Yashwant Sinha, Minister of External Affairs, Government of India and Mr. Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, Minister of Foreign affairs and Regional Cooperation, Government of the Republic of Mauritius. 02.07.2003 70 MoU between the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation of the Republic of Mauritius on the Establishment of a Political Consultative Mechanism. 01.07.2003 01.07.2003 71 MoU between the National Small Industries Corporation Limited of the Republic of India and the National Women Entrepreneur Council of the Republic of Mauritius. 01.07.2003 01.07.2003 MONGOLIA 72 Extradition Treaty between the Republic of India and Mongolia. 03.01.2001 21.06.2002 73 Protocol on Exchange of Instruments of Ratification of the Extradition Treaty between the Republic of India and Mongolia. 15.01.2004 MERCOSUR 74 Framework Agreement between the MERCOSUR and the Republic of India. 07.06.2003 01.08.2003 MOZAMBIQUE 75 MoU between the Ministry of Labour of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Labour of the Republic of Mozambique in the field of Labour 23.08.2003 23.08.2003 MYANMAR 76 Protocol on Consultations between the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Union of Myanmar. 20.01.2003 20.01.2003 PERU 77 Agreement between the Government of Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Peru on Abolition of Visa Requirements for holders of Diplomatic and Official/Service Passports.. 03.06.2003 78 Agreement for the Establishment of a Mechanism of Political Consultation and Cooperation between the Republic of India and the Andean Community. 03.06.2003 03.06.2003 79 India-Peru Joint Statement 03.06.2003 03.06.2003 POLAND 80 Extradition Treaty between the Republic of India and the Republic of Poland. 17.02.2003 10.09.2003 81 Treaty on Cooperation in Combating Organized Crime and International Terrorism between the Government of the Republic of India and Republic of Poland. 17.02.2003

177 Appendix IX

82 Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of India and the Republic of Poland on air services 30.10.2003 30.10.2003 ROMANIA 83 MoU between the Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Romania for collaboration in Information Technology. 16.10.2002 SINGAPORE 84 Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Singapore and the Government of the Republic of India concerning a Third Country Training Programme. 08.04.2003 08.04.2003 85 Joint Declaration on the proposed India—Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). 08.04.2003 SPAIN 86 Extradition Treaty between the Republic of India and the Kingdom of Spain. 20.06.2002 12.07.2002 25.02.2003 SOUTH AFRICA 87 Treaty on Extradition between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of South Africa. 16.10.2003 88 Agreement for Cooperation in Hydrocarbon Sector between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of South Africa. 16.10.2003 89 Treaty between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of South Africa on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. 16.10.2003 90 Executive Programme for Cultural Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of South Africa for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006. 16.10.2003 16.10.2003 91 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of India concerning Cooperation in the field of Power. 16.10.2003 16.10.2003 SUDAN 92 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of the Sudan for Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income. 22.10.2003

178 Appendix IX

93 MoU between Government of the Republic of India and the Government of Sudan on Cooperation on the field of Communications and Information Technology. 22.10.2003 22.10.2003 94 Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India and the Republic of South Africa on civil aviation. 11.11.2003 11.11.2003 95 Agreement between Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Sudan for the Promotion and Protection of Investments. 22.10.2003 SWITZERLAND 96 Agreement between the Republic of India and the Swiss Confederation on Cooperation in the even of Disasters. 10.11.2003 13.02.2004 97 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Swiss Federal Council on Cooperation in Science and Technology. 10.11.2003 TAJIKISTAN 98 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan for Setting up of a Joint Working Group on Combating International Terrorism 30.01.2003 30.01.2003 99 Joint Deceleration on Friendship and Cooperation between the Republic of India and the Republic of Tajikistan 14.11.2003 14.11.2003 100 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan on setting up of Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic Passports. 14.11.2003 101 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan on Cooperation in the field of Tourism. 14.11.2003 14.11.2003 102 Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan for Establishing Indo-Tajik Centre for Information Technology. 14.11.2003 14.11.2003 103 Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology of the Republic of India and The Ministry of Economy and Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan on Cooperation in Information Technology and Services. 14.11.2003 14.11.2003 104 Treaty between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. 10.05.2001 19.10.2001 14.11.2003

179 Appendix IX

105 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan on Encouragement and Protection of Investments. 12.12.1995 14.11.2003 THAILAND 106 Programme of Cooperation between Department of Biotechnology, the Government of the Republic of India and National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, national Science and technology Development Agency, Ministry of Science and Technology, the Government of the Kingdom Thailand. 09.10.2003 09.10.2003 107 Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Kingdom Thailand on cooperation in the field of Agricultural Science, Technology and Economy. 09.10.2003 09.10.2003 108 Agreement on Tourism Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Kingdom Thailand. 09.10.2003 109 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Kingdom Thailand on Exemption of Visa Requirement for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports. 09.10.2003 110 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Kingdom Thailand on Air Services. 12.10.2003 TIMOR L’ESTE 111 Joint Communiqué on the Establishment Relations between the Democratic Republic of Timor L’este and the Republic of India. 24.01.2003 24.01.2003 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 112 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on the Inter-Governmental Commission on Political, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation. 05.02.2003 TURKEY 113 Protocol of Intent on Cooperation in the Fields of Information and Technology and Computer Software between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Turkey. 17.09.2003 114 Protocol between the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey for Setting up of a Joint Working Group on Combating Terrorism. 17.09.2003

180 Appendix IX

115 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Turkey on Cooperation in the fields of Science and Technology. 02.09.2003 UKRAINE 116 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of Ukraine on Merchant Shipping. 03.10.2002 10.02.2003 117 Extradition Treaty between Republic of India and Ukraine. 03.10.2002 118 Treaty between the Republic of India and Ukraine on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. 03.10.2002 12.03.2003 119 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of Ukraine on Mutual Protection and Promotion of Investments. 01.12.2001 12.08.2003 120 Agreement between the Republic of India and Ukraine on the Mutual Protection of Classified Information. 12.08.2003 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 121 Agreement between the Government of India and the Government of the United States of America regarding Surrender of Persons to International Tribunals. 26.12.2002 . 03.12.2003 122 Treaty between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the United States of America on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. 17.10.2001 22.03.2002 122 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the United States of America concerning Security Measures for the Protection of Classified Information. 17.01.2002 17.01.2002 124 Declaration for the Establishment of a Mechanism for Political Cooperation and Dialogue between the Republic of India and the States of the Central American Integration System. 02.02.2004 127 Declaration for the Establishment of a Mechanism for Political Cooperation and Dialogue between the Republic of India and the States of the Central American Integration System. 02.02.2004 02.02.2004 UZBEKISTAN 128 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Setting up of a Joint Working Group on Combating International Terrorism 03.01.2003 03.01.2003 VIETNAM 129 Joint Declaration on the Framework of Comprehensive Cooperation between the Republic of India and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as they enter the 21st Century. 01.05.2003 01.05.2003

181 Appendix IX

130 Agreement on cooperation between All India Radio and Radio Voice of Vietnam 02.04.2003 02.04.2003 YEMEN 131 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Yemen for the Promotion and Protection of Investments 31.10.2002 YUGOSLAVIA 132 Air Services Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Federal Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. 31.01.2003 133 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Federal Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia for the Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investments. 31.01.2003

182 Appendix X

Instruments of Full Powers Issued during the period 1 January 2003 to 31 March 2004

S. No. Convention/Treaty Date of Full Power 1 Full powers in favour of Shri Shri Gingee N. Ramachandran, Minister of State for Finance (Revenue), to sign the Convention between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income. 02.01.2003 2 Full Powers in favour of Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, Minister for Science and Technology and Ocean Development, to sign the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of the Mozambique on Cooperation in the Fields of Science and Technology. 10.05.2003 3 Full Powers in favour of Shri Shashank, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs to sign the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Armenia for the Promotion and Protection of Investments. 23.05.2003 4 Full Powers in favour of Shri S.B. Mookherjee, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, to sign the Framework Trade Agreement between MERCOSUR and the Republic of India. 13.06.2003 5 Full Powers in favour of Shri D. C. Gupta, Finance Secretary, Ministry of Finance to sign the Credit Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Union of Myanmar 20.06.2003 6 Full Powers in favour of Shri Shatrughan Sinha, Minister of Shipping to sign an MoU between the Ministry of Shipping, the Government of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Port Development and Shipping, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in the field of Passenger Transport. 11.07.2003 7 Full Powers in favour of Shri Ashok Kumar, Ambassador of India to Sudan to sign the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Sudan for the Promotion and Protection of Investments. 02.08.2003 8 Full Powers in favour of Shri Vijay K. Nambiar, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, to sign the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). 10.09.2003 9 Full Powers in Favour of Shri Arun Jaitley, Minister of Commerce and Industry to sign the Agreement between the Government of India and the Government of the Hungary on Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investments. 19.09.2003 10 Full Powers in Favour of Shri Vijay K. Nambiar, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, to sign the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. 10.09.2003 11 Full Powers in Favour of Shri Arun Jaitley, Minister for Commerce and Industry, Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of France on Cooperation in the fields of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Forestry and Food Industries. 28.10.2003

183 Appendix X

12 Full Powers in Favour of Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, Minister for Science and Technology, to sign the Agreement on Scientific and Techonological Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of India and the Council of Ministers of Serbia and Montenegro. 17.10.2003 13 Full Powers in Favour of Shri Jaswant Singh, Minister of Finance, to sign the Convention between the Republic of Hungary and the Republic of India for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income. 29.102003 14 Full Powers in Favour of Shri Shashank Secretary (EAA), Ministry of External Affairs, to sign the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Swiss Confederation to cooperate in the event of the Disasters. 06.11.2003 15 Full Powers in Favour of Professor V. Ramamurthy, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, to sign the Agreement between the Republic of India and the Swiss Federal Council for the Cooperation in the fields of Science and Technology. 06.11.2003 16 Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Tourism between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka – 1.1.2004. 01.01.2004 17 Full Powers in favour of Shri B.S. Minhas, Secretary (SSI), Ministry of Small Scale Industries, to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between Ministry of Small Scale Industries, Republic of India and Ministry of Industry, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. 13.01.2004 18 Full Powers in favour of Smt. Rathi Vinay Jha, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Tourism between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. 21.01.2004

184 Appendix XI

Instruments of Ratification/Accession Issued during the Period 1 January 2003 to 31 March 2004

S. No. Instruments of Ratification/Accession Date of Issue of Ratification 1 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Cooperation in the fields of Science and Technology. 02.04.2003 2 Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Italian Republic on Cooperation in the field of Telecommunications 02.04.2003 3 International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, 1999. 07.04.2003 4 Annex III—Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances Carried by Sea in Packaged Form; Annex IV—Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships; and Annex V—Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships; the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), 1973 as modified by its Protocol of 1978. 07.04.2003 5 Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption 21.04.2003 6 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Federal Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia for the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments. 05.05.2003 7 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus on Cooperation in the field of Posts and Electronic Communications. 09.05.2003 8 Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. 09.05.2003 9 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Belarus for the Promotion and Protection of Investments. 11.07.2003 10 Framework Agreement between the Mercosur and the Republic of India. 01.08.2003 11 Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks. 01.08.2003 12 Amendments to Article 74 and Articles 24 and 25 of the Constitution of the World Health Organization. 29.08.2003 13 SAARC Convention on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution. 02.09.2003 14 SAARC Convention on Regional Arrangement for the Promotion of Child Welfare in South Asia. 02.09.2003 15 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus on Cooperation in the fields of Public Health and Medical Science. 10.09.2003 16 Extradition Treaty between the Republic of India and the Republic of Poland. 10.09.2003

185 Appendix XI

17. Memorandum of Understanding on Mutual Cooperation between the Foreign Service Institute under the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India and University of World Economy and Diplomacy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. 06.11.2003 18 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria on cooperation in the Veterinary Field. 21.11.2003 19 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Sudan for the Promotion and Protection of Investments. 23.01.2004 20 Agreement on Mutual Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic on Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and Related Matters. 23.01.2004 21 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). 22.01.2004 22 Agreement between the Republic of India and the Swiss Confederation on Cooperation in the Event of Disasters 13.02.2004 23 Agreement between the Republic of India and the Republic of Hungary for the Promotion and Protection of Investments. 13.02.2004 24 Ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of India and the Republic of Hungary for the Promotion and Protection of Investments. 20.02.2004 25 Ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of India and the Swiss Confederation on Cooperation in the Event of Disasters. 20.02.2004 26 Ratification of the Treaty between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. 18.03.2004 27 Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on the Inter-Governmental Commission on Political, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation – 18.3.2004. 18.03.2004 28 Ratification of the Treaty between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. 18.03.2004

186 Appendix XII

Conferences/Seminars/Meetings/Study projects organized/undertaken by Institutions/NGOs which were partly funded by Policy Planning & Research Division

1. Seminar “US-UK military action against Iraq, its genesis 15,000/- International Institute for Asia- and international implications” (April 2003) Pacific Studies, New Delhi. 2. Research projects on private international law issues affecting 3,00,000/- Indian Society of International the NRIs.(April, 2003) Law, New Delhi. 3. Study projects (a) opportunities & challenges for India in the 75,000/- Group for Economic & Social post-war Iraq and the implications for the UN & int’l order & Issues, New Delhi. (b) Impact on the future US role in South Asia”(April 2003) 4. Research Project “ Central Asia’s Security Concerns : Rs.37,500/- Centre for Russian, Central Implications for India “(additional financial assistance) Asian & East European Studies, (April 2003) JNU, New Delhi. 5. Participation in the annual workshop-38th Otago Foreign Policy Rs.70,145/- Dr. Chintamani Mahapatra, School of Otago University, New Zealand(June 2003). Associate Professor, SIS, JNU, New Delhi. 6. Seminar “India-ASEAN : Post Summit perspectives” (July 2003) 4,00,000/- Centre for Indian Ocean Studies, Hyderabad. 7. Research Project on the Farghana Valley (July 2003) US$1500/- Dr.Jyotsna Bakshi, Visiting (Rs.70,500/- Assistant Professor to India approx) Studies Centre in Osh State University, Bishkek 8. Inaugural function of South Asian Forum, Rs.40,384/- South Asia Forum, New Delhi New Delhi( August 2003) 9. 7th Asian Regional Seminar on Peaceful Uses of 37,500/- United Schools International, . Atomic Energy. (Sep.2003) N.Delhi 10. India-Sri Lanka Round Table in participation with Sri Lankan NGO, SAPNA, (Oct. 2003) Rs.95,000/- Asia Centre, Bangalore 11. Australia-India Security Roundtable 2003 (Oct. 2003) Rs.29,440/- Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development, Chandigarh 12. 4th India-Korea Dialogue in N.Delhi (Oct.2003) Rs.90,000/- Indian Council for Research in International Economic Relations, New Delhi 13. “Birth centenary of Russian writer Fyodor Ivannovich Tyutchev 56,250/- Centre of Russian Studies, JNU, and his contribution to Russian thought” (Nov.2003) New Delhi. 14. Seminar “Significance of Indo-Russian Strategic partnership in Rs.40,000/- International Institute for Asia- the changing world situation” (Nov 2003) Pacific Studies, N.Delhi. 15. India-Yugoslavia dialogue in New Delhi, (Dec.2003) Rs.1,20,000 Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi. 16. Publication of proceedings of V International Conference on Rs.52,500/- Centre for Spanish Studies, “Hispanism & Luso-Brazilian Studies: Flashback from the Present” JNU, New Delhi. organized (Nov 2003.)

187 Appendix XII

17. Participation in a joint seminar on the theme of broader 82,546/- Centre for Strategic & politico-economic trends in Asia, Colombo, (Dec.2003) International Studies, New Delhi 18. Participation in a joint seminar on the theme of broader Rs.1,65,094 Centre for Strategic & political economic trends in Asia in Colombo (Dec.2003) International Studies, New Delhi. 19. Seminar “Himalayan Studies in 21st century” (Dec. 2003) Rs.37,500/- Centre for Himalayan Studies, North Bengal Univ.,Darjeeling. 20. Daily allowance for visit to Australia and Singapore in Rs.15,880/- Dr. Amba Pande, Document connection with research project on “Ethnic conflict in Fiji: Officer, Centre for South, challenges of assimilation before Indian Diaspora”(Dec. 2003) Central, South East & South West Pacific Studies, JNU, New Delhi. 21. Track-II dialogue with Chinese delegation from Development Rs.1,80,000 Research and Information Research Centre of the State Council of China (January 2004.) System for Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries, New Delhi 22. Seminar “India and the New Europe” (Feb. 2004) Rs.46,500/- Association of Indian Diplomats, New Delhi. 23. Second round of Track-II India-Sri Lanka dialogue (January 2004) 1,84,763/- India International Centre, New Delhi 24. Conference “Bio-Terrorism and Bio-Defence” (January 2004) 75,000/- Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, New Delhi 25. Research Project “Reshaping discourse on 3,75,000/- Centre for Strategic & Regional Pakistan-occupied Kashmir” (January 2004) Studies, University of Jammu 26. Participation in a seminar entitled 32,060/- Centre for Policy Research, “Understanding Myanmar” (January 2004) New Delhi. 27. 31st World Marketing Congress on “CIS-East Europe and India: 3,00,000/- Institute of Marketing & Synergies & Economic Cooperation” (February 2004) Management, New Delhi. 28. Seminar “Comprehensive Security: 75,000/- Centre for Advanced Need of the Hour” (February 2004) Strategic Studies, Pune. 29. “Second Canada-India Dialogue” at Vancouver (March 2004) 1,44,600/- Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi. 30. Seminar “Hydroind-2004”. (March 2004) 1,50,000/- National Hydrographic Office, Dehradun. 31. MEA-JNU Joint Seminar “India and the 1,94,250/- JNU, New Delhi. Emerging Asia” (March 2004) 32. Seminar “Domestic turmoil in South Asia : Implications for 77,250/- School of International Studies, India’s security and foreign policy” (March 2004) Pondicherry University. 33. Research Project “India’s nuclear diplomacy after Pokhran II : 2,00,000/- ORF Institute of Security Studies, Its Government and Public Face” (March 2004) New Delhi. 34. Preparation of study report in connection with India-Australia 37,500/- Dr. C.Raja Mohan, New Delhi. Joint Study for drawing up a road map for strategic partnership. (March 2004)

188 Appendix XIII

Expenditure Statement for the Financial Year 2003-2004 (ITEC-SCAAP Programme)

Major/Minor Heads Total No. of Slots No. of Trainees Expenditure Budget Grant Allotted in 2003- as on Feb 2004 Incurred so far @ 2003-2004 2004 Rs. 1.7 lakh (Approx) per trainee Major Head-3605, 17-ITEC Programme, 17.00.32-Contribution 2559 1690 Rs. 39.51 Crore Rs. 28 Crore

Major Head-3605, 19-ITEC Programme, 19.00.32-Contribution 569 508 Rs. 4.10 Crore Rs. 5 Crore

189 Appendix XIV

List of Institutes offering ‘B’ and ‘C’ Category Courses to Foreign Nominees under ITEC/SCAAP Schemes (2003-2004)

Category ‘B’ courses 1 Administrative Staff College of India 11 National Institute of Bank Management General management Programme for Senior Executives International Program in Banking and Finance International Program in Banking For Development-XIX 2 Aptech Limited. International workshop for Top Management in Credit, Basics of Computing Treasury and ALM Client Server Computing 12 National Institute of Educational Planning & 3 Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training Administration International training Programme in Legislative Drafting International Diploma in Educational Planning & Parliamentary Internship Programme for Foreign Administration - XVIII Parliamentary Officials 13 National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & 4 Comptroller and Auditor General of India Research Audit of Public enterprises & Privatisation Modern Analytical Techniques in Quality Control of Audit of Receipt Drugs and Pharmaceutical Auditing Information Technology Auditing Information Technology - Challenges for SAIs 14 National Institute of Rural Development Chamber of Accounts Rural Micro Enterprises Development Audit of Rural Development Programmes Management of micro enterprises for Rural Women Audit of Social Service Sector Information technology for Rural Development IT Invest Audit Micro Planning for poverty reduction and sustainable development. 5 Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India Strategies for sustainable agriculture and rural Faculty Development Programme Entrepreneurship development Industrial Project Preparation & Appraisal Management Development Programme 15 NIIT Limited Training Programme for Capacity Building in the area of Advance Networking Technologies “Micro Enterprise & Micro Finance Development” Office Tools and E-commerce New Enterprise Creation Training Programme for Software Development Techniques Trainers of Developing Countries 16 Research & Information System for the Non- 6 Human Settlement Management Institute aligned and Other Developing Countries Urban Development Management : Perspective and Visiting research fellowships in International Economic Possibilities Issues and Development Policy research Urban Infrastructure Planning and Management 17 RITES Enviormental Management and Urban Infastructure Management Development Programme 7 Indian Institute of Mass Communication Course on Power Electronics Diploma Course in Development Journalism for non- 18 SIBIT aligned and developing countries Certificate Course in Office Productivity(CCOP) 8 Institute of Government Accounts Finance Certificate Course in Network Design Government Accounts and Financial Management Certificate Course in Web Designing 9 Institute of Secretariat Training & Management 19 TATA Infotech International Training of Trainers Mastering Enterprise Networks Office Technologies and Internet Applications 10 International Management Institute Web Centric Technologies 20th post graduate programme in International management

190 Appendix XIV

20 Technical Teachers’ Training Institute 8 Centre For Development of Advanced Computing Advance Certificate Course in curriculum Design & Advanced Course in Computer Aided Designing and Instructional Material Development Drafting Advanced Certificate Course on Educational Television Advanced Course in Computer Networks Engineering & Production management 21 V.V. Giri National Labour Institute Advanced Course on Multimedia & Web Design Information Communications Technology based Labour Repair and Maintenance of Telecom terminal market Information Equipment, PC & Peripherals Labour Administration and Employment Relation in a 9 CMC Ltd. Global Economy Advanced Training Programme in Information Technology Essential Computer Skills for the e-World Category ‘C’ Courses Programme on Development, Implementation and 1 Bureau of Indian Standards Management of Computer Software Applications Information Technology for National Standardization Training Programme in Computer Hardware and Bodies of Developing Countries Networking Standardization and Quality Assurance for Developing Certificate Course on Office Automation Tools & Internet Countries Applications Certificate Course in Computer Hardware & 2 Central Fertilizer Quality Control & Training Troubleshooting Institute Certificate Course in Client Server Technologies Fertilizer Quality Control Certificate Course in Website Desgin & Management 3 Central Food Technological Research Institute 10 Fluid Control Reseach Institiute Flour Milling Technology Flow Measurement & Control Techniques / Software in 4 Central Institute of English and Foreign Industrial Process Industries & Water Distribution System Languages Instrumentation & Control and Data Acquisition system English for Professionals in Fluid in Process & petroleum Engineering 5 Central Institute of Tool Design Oil and Gas Flow measurement and Control Techniques Advanced Techniques in Sheet Metal forming Tools and Standards Application of CAD/CAM Technology in Tool 11 Indian Institute of Production Management Engineering Condition Based Maintenance Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Industrial Electronics & Instrumentation manufacturing ( Auto CAD + Auto CAM ) Maintenance Engineering & Management Computer Integrated manufacturing & Flexible Manufacturing Engineering & Management manufacturing Systems Power Management Design of Cutting Tools Management Development Programe Design of Dies and moulds 12 Institute Of Government Accounts & Finance Design of Jigs & Fixtures Public Expenditure Management Mechanics & its Application Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) for Advanced 13 Indian Institute of Remote Sensing Automation Short Course on Remote Sensing with Specialization in 3-D Modeling using Pro - engineer Software Digital Image Processing 6 Central Poultry Training Institute 14 Institute of Applied Manpower Research Poultry Genetics & Breeding Diploma in Human resource planning and Development Poultry Management and Farm Economics Human Resources Planning & Development Poultry nutrition and feeding International Training Programme in Human Resource Planning & Development 7 Central Scientific Instruments Organisation International Training Programme in Manpower Management Development Programme on Operation, Research Maintenance and Repair of Analytical Equipment Master’s Degree in Human Resource Planning and Management development Programme on Operation, Development Maintenance and Repair of Bio-Medical Equipment

191 Appendix XIV

15 International Statistical Education Centre 20 National Institute of Small Industry Extension Statistical Training Diploma Training 16 JIS College of Engineering Data Base Management Systems Techno-commercial Engineering Empowerment of Women through Enterprises: Identification, Selection and Promotion 17 Narula Instittute of Technology Food Processing Enterprises for Women Materials Management Promotion of Export Oriented Agro Industries 18 National Crime Records Bureau Promotion of Micro Enterprise Advanced Finger Print Science and Computers Small Enterprise Development and Promotion Information Technology in Law Enforcement Small Enterprise Financing-Approaches and Strategies Small Enterprise Management Consultancy Skills 19 National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Total Quality Management and ISO 9000/14000 & QS Business Development 9000 Business Advisor’s Training Programme(BATP) Training Methods and Skills for Managers Entrepreneurship Development and Promotion of Income Generation Activities(ED-PIGA) 21 Postal Training Centre Entrepreneurship for small Business Trainers/Promoters Information Technology in Postal Services Programme(ESB-TP) 22 South India Textile Research Association Small Business Creation and Development for Women Personnel Management Entrepreneurs(SBCD-WE) Textile Extension Small Business Planning and Promotion(SBPP) Textile Mill management Women and Enterprise Development Textile Testing & Quality Control 23 Water Resource Development Training Centre Hydro-Electric System Engineering & Management Irrigation Water Management Water Resources Development(Civil) Water Resources Development (Mechanical)

192 Appendix XV

Statement showing Allocation & Utilisation of Civilian Training under ITEC Programme During the Year 2003-2004

S. No Country Slots Utilised 1 Afghanistan 50 17 2 Albania 4 0 3 Algeria 6+3(G-15) (9) 5 4 Angola 15 4 5 Anguilla 2 0 6 Antigua and Barbuda 2+10(SFTC) (12) 5 7 Argentina 3(G-15) (3) 0 8 Armenia 20+20 (40) 29 9 Azerbaijan 10 0 10 Bahamas 10(SFTC) (10) 0 11 Bahrain 5 0 12 Bangladesh 50+20(BIMST-EC)+20 (90) 13 13 Barbados 2+10(SFTC) (12) 0 14 Belarus 10 0 15 Belize 2+10(SFTC) (12) 2 16 Benin 10 6 17 Bhutan 25+20 (45) 12 18 Bolivia 2 0 19 Bosnia - Herzogovina 2 0 20 Brazil 3(SFTC) (03) 1 21 Brunei Darussalam 10(ASEAN) (10) 0 22 Bulgaria 5 1 23 Burkina Fasso 10 0 24 Burundi 2 0 25 Cambodia 15+10(ASEAN)+20 (45) 32 26 Cape Verde Island 02 0 27 Cayman Island 02 0 28 Central African Republic 2 0 29 Chad 5 0 30 Chile 3(G-15) (3) 0 31 Colombia 5+10 (15) 9 32 Commonwealth of Dominica 2+10(SFTC) (12) 0 33 Comoros 05 0

193 Appendix XV

34 Congo 2 0 35 Costa Rica 02+10(SFTC) (12) 1 36 Croatia 2 1 37 Cuba 30 11 38 Czech Republic 5 0 39 Djibouti 20 0 40 Dominican Republic 02+10(SFTC) (12) 0 41 East Timor 20 0 42 Ecuador 5 1 43 Egypt 10+3(G-15) (13) 7 44 El-Salvador 2+10(SFTC) (12) 9 45 Equatorial Guinea 2 0 46 Eritrea 10 0 47 Estonia 02 13 48 Ethopia 20 7 49 Fiji 25+10(SFTC) (35) 9 50 Georgia 30 7 51 Grenada 2+10(SFTC) (12) 0 52 Guatemala 3 1 53 Guinea 15 0 54 Guinea Bissau 2 1 55 Guyana 15+10(SFTC)+20 (45) 7 56 Haiti 5 0 57 Honduras 2+10(SFTC) (12) 0 58 Hungary 2 0 59 Indonesia 30+3(G-15)+10(ASEAN) (43) 30 60 Iran 10 8 61 Iraq 60+10 (70) 0 62 Ivory Coast 10+20 (30) 17 63 Jamaica 5+3(G-15)+10(SFTC) (18) 2 64 Jordan 5 2 65 Kazakhstan 60 10 66 Kiribati 2 0 67 Korea(DPRK) 5 5 68 Kyrgyzstan 50 49 69 Laos 35+10(ASEAN)+20 (65) 27

194 Appendix XV

70 Latvia 4 0 71 Lebanon 2 0 72 Liberia 05+05 (10) 4 73 Lithuania 10 4 74 Macedonia 2 1 75 Madagascar 10 3 76 Malaysia 10+3(G-15)+10(ASEAN) (23) 1 77 Maldives 10+10 (20) 7 78 Mali 2 1 79 Marshall Islands 02+10(SFTC) (12) 0 80 Mauritania 2 0 81 Mexico 5+3(G-15)+10(SFTC) (18) 1 82 Micronesia 5+10(SFTC) (15) 1 83 Moldova 02 0 84 Mongolia 45 23 85 Montserrat 02 0 86 Morocco 10 1 87 Myanmar 70+20(BIMST-EC)+10(ASEAN) (100) 26 88 Nauru 2 0 89 Nepal 20 4 90 Nicaragua 2+10(SFTC) (12) 0 91 Niger 5 0 92 Oman 45 32 93 Palau 2 0 94 Palestine 10 5 95 Panama 5+10(SFTC) (15) 26 96 Papua New Guinea 10+10(SFTC) (20) 11 97 Paraguay 2 98 Peru 5+3(G-15) (8) 5 99 Philippines 15+10(ASEAN) (25) 5 100 Poland 2 0 101 Qatar 02 0 102 Republic Of Sao Tome 2 5 103 Romania 10 1 104 Russia 70 42 105 Rwanda 10 0 106 Samoa 10(SFTC) (10) 0

195 Appendix XV

107 Senegal 17+3(G-15) (20) 12 108 Singapore 10(ASEAN) (10) 0 109 Slovak Republic 5 0 110 Solomon Island 02+10(SFTC) (12) 0 111 Sri Lanka 50+20(BIMST-EC)+20 (90) 20 112 St. Christopher & Nevis 02+10(SFTC) (12) 0 113 St. Lucia 10 0 114 St. Vincent & Grenadines 2+10(SFTC) (12) 0 115 Sudan 35 25 116 Suriname 15+15 (30) 2 117 Syria 35 22 118 Tajikistan 50+50 (100) 36 119 Thailand 10+20(BIMST-EC)+10(ASEAN)+20 (60) 11 120 Togo 02 0 121 Tonga 10 0 122 Trinidad & Tabago 10 15 123 Tunisia 2+8 (10) 4 124 Turkey 50 0 125 Turkmenistan 20 6 126 Turks & Caicos Island 2 0 127 Tuvalu 2 0 128 Ukraine 10 1 129 Uruguay 5 4 130 Uzbekistan 100 77 131 Vanuatu 10(SFTC) (10) 0 132 Venezuela 2+3(G-15) (5) 0 133 Vietnam 70+10(ASEAN)+30(S&T) (110) 27 134 Yemen 20 10 135 Zaire 3 0 Total 2511 842

196 Appendix XVI

Statement showing Allocation and Utilisation of Civilian Training Slots SCAAP Programme during the Year 2003-2004

S. No Countries Slots Utilised

1 Botswana 20 1 2 Cameron 5 0 3 Gabon 10 0 4 Gambia 5 4 5 Ghana 60 16 6 Kenya 45+3(G-15) (48) 11 7 Lesotho 5 3 8 Malawi 5 1 9 Mauritius 30 9 10 Mozambique 15+15 (30) 8 11 Namibia 15+15 (30) 14 12 Nigeria 40+3(G-15) (43) 31 13 Seychelles 05+10 (15) 6 14 Sierra Leone 5+10 (15) 3 15 South Africa(P) 50 14 16 Swaziland 5 1 17 Tanzania 45+15 (60) 44 18 Uganda 30+5 (35) 8 19 Zambia 30+10+10(SFTC) (50) 19 20 Zimbabwe 20+3(G-15)+25 (48) 30 Total 569 223

197 Appendix XVII

Military Training Slots Allotted to various Countries (and utilised) during the period April-November 2003

S.No Country Army Navy Air Force DSSC NDC Under ITEC/SAP 1 Afghanistan 5 - - - - 2 Bangladesh 4(4) 10(10) 12(11) - 2(2) 3 Bhutan - - - 1(2) - 4 Botswana 3 - - - - 5 Cambodia 7(7) - - - 1(1) 6 Ghana 4 - - - - 7 Egypt - - - 1(1) - 8 Indonesia 6(4) - - - 1(1) 9 Kazakhstan 5(5) - - 1(1) - 10 Kenya 4(4) 3(2) - - - 11 Kyrgyzstan 6(5) - - 1(1) - 12 Lao PDR 4(2) - - 1(1) - 13 Lebanon 1(0) - - - - 14 Lesotho 2(2) - - 1(1) - 15 Malaysia 3(3) 7(7) 5(5) 1(1) - 16 Mongolia 3 - - 1(1) - 17 Mauritius 18(13) 8 9(9) - - 18 Myanmar 20(14) 4(4) 4(4) - 1(1) 19 Nepal - - - 2(2) 1(1) 20 Nigeria 6 2 - - - 21 Philippines - - - 1(1) - 22 Republic of Benin - - 1(1) - 23 Seychelles 10(9) 9(9) - - - 24 Sri Lanka - - - 3(3) 2(2) 25 Sudan - - - - 1(1) 26 Syria - - - 1(1) - 27 Tajikistan 32(32) - - - - 28 Thailand - - - 1(1) - 29 Uganda 3(2) - - - - 30 Uzbekistan 4(1) - - 1(1) - 31 Vietnam 19(18) 3(2) - - 1(1) 32 Zambia 3(2) - - 1(1) - Total 172(123) 49(34)30(28) 19(19)10(10)

198 Appendix XVII

Under SFS 1 Australia - - - 1(1) 1(1) 2 Botswana 22 - 17(4) 1(1) - 3 France 1 - - - - 4 Ghana - - - - 1(1) 5 Germany - - - - 1(1) 6 Malaysia 1 - - - - 7 Nigeria 18 2 2 1(1) 2(2) 8 Oman 9(1) - - - 1(1) 9 Qatar 1 - - 1(1) 10 Singapore - 3 - 1(1) 1(1) 11 S.Africa 5 - - - - 12 S.Korea - - - 1(1) - 13 UAE 5 - 1(1) 14 US 1(1) - Total 62(1) 5(0)19(4) 6(6)9(9)

Reciprocal 1 Bangladesh - - - 3(3) - 2 U.K. - - - 33) 1(1) 3 US. - - - 1(1) 1(1) Total --- 7(7)2(2)

199 Appendix XVIII

Deputation of Experts from April to November 2003

S.No. Country Name of Expert Field From To 1 Seychelles CHM Samson Vijay Kumar VVIP Security April 2003 April 2004 Instructor 2 Jamaica Shri K. Mohan Milk Marketing May 2003 May 2005 3 Laos Shri Anand Kumar To teach use of June 2003 June 2003 Indelible ink (7 days) 4 Mauritius Smt. Rajashre Bothale Remote Sensing June 2003 October, 2003 5 Guyana Dr. RPS Kharb Veg. Seed Expert June 2003 June 2005 6 Guyana Dr. A. Murugan Dairy farming July 2003 July 2004 7 Guyana Shri Mukul Gupta Town Planner August 2003 August 2005 8 Mauritius Shri AK Gupta Architect July 2003 July 2005 9 Lesotho Major Sanja Kr. Maurya Surgical Specialist August 2003 August 2005 10 Lesotho Major AK Gupta Indian Army August, 2003 August 2005 Training Team 11 Lesotho Major Pawan Dhull Indian Army August 2003 August, 2005 Training Team 12 Lesotho Major Neeraj Gossain Indian Army August 2003 August, 2005 Training Team 13 Lesotho Major Prabhat Gidda Indian Army August 2003 August, 2005 Training Team 14 Lesotho Major Vijay Manral Indian Army August 2003 August 2005 Training Team 15 Seychelles Major Rajindra Bana Logistics Officer August 2003 February 2004 16 Lesotho-IInd Batch Major Sanjay Mohla Indian Army September 2003 September 2005 Training Team 17 Lesotho Major JS Minhas Indian Army September 2003 September 2005 Training Team 18 Lesotho Major Harpreet Singh Indian Army September 2003 September 2005 Training Team 19 Lesotho Major NK Ohri Indian Army September 2003 September 2005 Training Team 20 Seychelles Lt. Col. LVR Singh Military Adviser October 2003 October 2005 21 Lesotho Brigadier Padam Budhwar Security Adviser, October 2003 October 2005 IATT 22 Zanziber Shri Agneshwar Sen WTO Expert November 2003 February 2004 23 Seychelles Dr. Jagat Ram Eye Specialist November 2003 November 2005

200 Appendix XVIII

24 Guyana Shri C.H. Ranga Rao TV Transmission November 2003 November 2005 Engineer 25 Zambia Col. U. K. Gurung Indian Army January 2004 January 2006 Training Team

26 Zambia Lt. Col. Raghu Srinivasan Indian Army January 2004 January 2006 Training Team

27 Zambia Wg. Cdr. VR Choudhary Indian Army January 2004 January 2006 Training Team

28 Zambia Lt. Col. Rajat Kumar Mathur Indian Army January 2004 January 2006 Training Team

29 Guyana Shri P. S. Narotra IT Expert January 2004 January 2006

30 Guyana Shri P.K. Malhotra Legal Expert January 2004 January 2006

31 Sychelles Lt. Cdr. A Rawal Technical Adviser February 2004 February 2006

32 Uganda Professor DG Shewade Prof. of Pharmacology February 2004 February 2007

List of ITEC Experts presently stationed

1 Laos Major Alok Jha Teaching English & 19.09.2001 18.09.2004 Army tactics

2 Laos Major Sandeep Nautiyal Teaching English & 19.09.2001 18.09.2004 Army tactics

3 Seychelles Dr. K.M.Agarwal Psychiatric Registrar 05.10.2001 04.10.2004

4 Zambia Col. Anil Malik Indian Military 02.01.2002 01.01.2004 Advisory Team (IMAT)

5 Zambia Lt. Col. Ajoy Pal Indian Military 02.01.2002 01.01.2004 Advisory Team (IMAT)

6 Zambia Lt. Col. D.M.Gupta Indian Military 02.01.2002 01.01.2004 Advisory Team (IMAT)

7 Zambia Wg.Cdr. A. Subramaniam Indian Military 26.12.2001 25.12.2003 Advisory Team (IMAT)

8 Seychelles Sub. Ram Lal Armourer 1.02.2002 1.02.2003

9 Philippines Y.K. Dekate Handloom expert 15/5/2002 14/5/2004

10 Guyana Dr. V.C. Mathur Group Planning 1.1.2004

201 Appendix XVIII

11 Guyana Shri CD Banerjee Digital Technology 01.09.2002 31.8.2005

12 Accra Dr. RPS Bhatia Eye Specialist 15.7.2002 14.7.2004

13 Mauritius Shri RK Maheshwari Tech.Co-operation 15.8.2002 14.8.2004 Officer

14 Mauritius Dr. SP Sharma Seed Expert 1.11.2003 1.10.2004

15 Mauritius Shri Ziley Singh Co-operation Sector 25.11.2002 24.11.2004

16 Afghanistan Maj.V.N. Chaturvedi English Teacher September 2002 September 2003

17 Losotho Col. D.S. Negi Military (I A T T) 17.10.2002 16.10.2005

18 Seychelles Cdr. P Phokariyal Naval Advisor January 2003 January 2005

19 Jamaica Shri KK Tiwari Foundry Expert 11.2.2002 10.6.2005

20 Namibia Shri Rk Dubey Lecturer in 1.3.2003 1.3.2005 Mathematics

21 Laos Lt. Col. Vivek Sharma English Language March 2003 March 2006 Teacher

22 Laos Major SS Maini English Language March 2003 March 2006 Teacher

23 Seychelles Nb. Sub. AC Das Armourer March 2003 March 2004

202 Appendix XIX

Gender Issue Statistics

Cadre Number of lady Cadre Strength As % of the total officers strength

IFS 79 618 13% IFS-B 305 2822 11% L&T Cadre 2 16 13% Interpreter’s Cadre 6 25 24% Library Cadre 3 15 20%

203 Appendix XX

Seminars/Conferences/Round Tables Talks Organised by ICWA from April 2003 (Venue Sapru House unless otherwise specified)

S.No.Date Topic Participants

1 15 January 2003 Lecture on “Expansion of the Shri V.K. Grover, Former Secretary, MEA. European Union and its Dr. Charan D. Wadhva, President & Chief Ramifications” Executive, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi. Prof. Balveer Arora, Rector, JNU. Prof. H.S. Chopra, Former Professor, JNU. Shri Eric Gonsalves, Former Ambassador to the European Union and Former Secretary, MEA. 2 21 January 2003 Lecture on “The Potential of U Win Aung, Minister for Indo-Myanmar Relations” Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar. Shri K.N. Bakshi, IFS(Retd.). U Kyaw Thu, Ambassador, Embassy of the Union of Myanmar. Shri I.P. Khosla, IFS(Retd.) 3 17 February 2003 Seminar on “Indo-Iran Relations – Prof. Mushirul Hasan, Jamia Millia Islamia Retrospect and Prospect” University. Dr. A.K. Pasha, JNU. Prof. Gulshan Dietl, JNU. Ms. Kalyani Shankar, Columnist, the Hindustan Times. Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari. 4 28 February 2003 Seminar on “The War Against Shri B. Raman, Director, Institute for Topical Terrorism—Quo Vadis” Studies, Chennai. Maj. Gen. Afsir Karim, AVSM(Retd.), Editor, AAKROSH. Prof. Kalim Bahadur, JNU. Prof. T. Sreedhar, Visiting Professor, JNU. Amb. A.N. Ram, Former Secretary, MEA and Chairman, CSCAP-India. 5 21 March 2003 Seminar on “ Migration and Prof. Aslam Mahmood, JNU, Shri E.N. Refugee Policy” Rammohan, Former D.G., BSF. Shri B.G. Verghese, Visiting Professor, Centre for Policy Research. Prof. M.K. Premi, Professor, Formerly at JNU. Shri J.N. Dixit, Former Foreign Secretary. 61 April 2003 Book release ceremony Shri Yashwant Sinha, External Affairs Minister “Afghanistan in Transition” 717 April 2003 Role of the UN in the Dr. C.S.R. Murthy, JNU Prof. V.S. Mani, JNU Shri Iraq Crisis B.S. Prakash, JS(UNP), MEA Mr. Feodor Starcevic, Dir., UNIC Amb. C.R. Gharekhan, IFS(Retd), Former PRI to UN & Former Under Secy Gen. to the UN 8. 30 May 2003 Second Africa Day Lecture Shri I.K. Gujral, Former Prime Minister of on “Recent International India, Ambassador J.R. Hiremath, Mohammad, Developments: Implications Ambassador Abdalmahmood Abdalhaleem for India & Africa” of Sudan

204 Appendix XX

927 June 2003 “West Asia - Peace Prospects” Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Former Ambassador. Prof. Gulshan Dietl, JNU. Shri Qamar Agha,Columnist. Shri S.K. Singh, Former Foreign Secy. 10 22 July2003 Lecture on “West Asia Shri Mohsen Aminzadeh, Deputy Foreign after 9/11” Minister of Iran. 11 1 August 2003 “India-Central Asia Air Cmdr. Jasjit Singh(Retd.), Former Director, Energy and Transport IDSA. Prof. Nirmala Joshi, JNU. Prof. Gulshan Links of Future” Sachdeva, JNU. Dr. Meena Singh Roy, R. O., IDSA. Dr. Sanjay Deshpande, Dr. P. L .Dash, University of Mumbai.Dr. S.R. Hashim,Member,UPSC. 12 12 August 2003 Lecture on”Ukraine-india: Mr. Anatoliy Zlenko, Minister for Foreign Renewed Partnership in Affairs of Ukraine. the New Millennium” 13. 10 September 2003 Lecture on “The Global War Mr. Joseph Lapid, Deputy Prime Minister Against Terror – Israel and Minister of Justice of Israel. Amb. and India” S.K. Bhutani. 14 8 October 2003 “West Asia: Is the Road Amb. C. R. Gharekhan, Former Permanent Map Tatterted?” Representative of India to the UN and Former Under Secretary General to the UN. Prof. Gulshan Dietl, JNU. Shri Bibek B. Maitra, BJP. Shri Inder Malhotra, Former Editor, The Times of India. 15 10 October 2003 “India-Asean: Evolving Mrs. S. Tripathi, Additional Secretary, Strategic Partnership MEA.Prof. S.D. Muni, JNU.Vice Adm. P.S. Das (Retd.), Member of USI. Maj. Gen.Afsir Karim,AVSM (Rtd.), Editor, Aakrosh. Dr. G.V.C. Naidu, IDSA.Amb. A.N. Ram, Chairman, CSCAP- INDIA. 16. 16 October 2003 The 3rd Alfred Nzo Memorial Shri Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic Lecture on “India and South of South Africa.Chairperson Shri I.K. Gujral, Africa: Special partners Former Prime Minister of India.Shri Digvijay of All Seasons” Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs. 17. 4 November 2003 Lecture on”Hungary a New Shri Peter Medgyessy, Prime Minister of the Member of the European Republic of Hungary. Amb. S. K. Lambah Union:With an Open Eye (Rtd.). to the World 18 19 November 2003 Lecture on “Boao Forum Prof. Manoranjan Mohanty,Co-Chairperson, for Asia: Promises Institute of Chinese Studies.Shri Jairam and Problems” Ramesh, Economist. 19. 3 December 2003 Lecture on “China- Prof. L. I. Jingjie, Director, Institute of East Russia Relations” European, Russian & Central Asia Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Amb. B.M. Oza.

205 Appendix XX

20. 16 December 2003 Lecture on: “ Impact of Shri B. Raman, Director, Institute for Iraq on the War Tropical Studies. Amb. K.P.Fabian. Maj. Against Terrorism” Gen. H.S. Gill (Retd.). Amb. K.N. Bakshi. 21. 22 December 2003 Lecture on: “Domestic Amb. Liu Qiutian, President, Chinese Affairs and Foreign Peoples’ Institute of Foreign Affairs. Amb. C.V. Policy of China” Ranganathan. 22. 31 December 2003 Lecture on: “SAARC Summit Amb. I.P. Khosla, Mem. Secy. ICSAC. Shri T. Prospects for Regional Ramachandran, Chief of Bureau, The Cooperation”. Tribune. Prof. S.D. Muni, JNU. Amb. A.N. Ram, Chairman, CSCAP-India. 23. 21 January 2004 Indo-China Boundary Prof. C. Raja Mohan, JNU. Amb. C.V. Negotiations Ranganathan 24. 29 January 2004 Lecture on: “Peace Dr. Ramesh Thakur, Sr. Vice Rector, UN Operations and the UN-US University. Amb. M.H. Ansari. Relationship” 25. 31 January 2004 Lecture on: “Integration Mr. Ion Iliescu, President of Romania. and Globalisation” Amb. I.P. Khosla. 26. 3 February 2004 7th Dinesh Singh Memorial Shri Yashwant Sinha,Minister of External Lecture on: “12th SAARC Summit Affairs. Shri I.K. Gujral, former Prime Minister & Beyond” of India and Chairman, ICSAC. Amb. I.P. Khosla, Member Secy., ICSAC. 27. 4 February 2004 Lecture on: “The Presidential Amb. Ranjit Gupta.Dr. Alka Acharya, JNU Election and the Referendum Issue in Taiwan” 28. 17 February 2004 Lecture on: “The New European Dr. Dimitrij Rupel, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mosaic: The Role of the Small of the Republic of Slovenia Nations of Europe” 29 10 March 2004 Seminar on “Evolving Trends in Shri B. Raman, Director, Institute for Topical South East Asia” Studies, Chennai. Prof. S.D. Muni and Prof. C. Raja Mohan, JNU. Amb. A.N. Ram, Chairman, CSCAP-India. 30 31 March 2004 Lecture on “China and Central Prof. Pan Guang, Director & Professor of Asian Countries: Shanghai Shanghai Centre for International Studies & Cooperation Organisation(SCO)” Institute of European & Asian Studies at Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. Amb. C.V. Ranganathan.

206 Appendix XXI

Conference/Workshops/Seminars Organised by RIS

n International Conference on Building a New Asia: Towards an n RIS/SACEPS Workshop on Monetary Cooperation in South Asian Economic Community, 10-11 March 2003 Asia, New Delhi, 23 December 2003 n Workshop on International Food Safety Regulations and n National Consultations on ASEAN-India Vision 2020, New Processed Food Exports of India and Thailand, New Delhi, 27 Delhi, 26 December 2003 March 2003 n Seminar on South Asia Development and Cooperation Report n Seminar on the Doha Agenda, New Delhi, 22 May 2003 2004, 27 January 2004 n RIS/CRRID Workshop on WTO, Agriculture and IPRs, n RIS/SACEPS Brainstorming on Post-SAARC Summit Research Chandigarh, 30 May 2003 Agenda, 27 January 2004 n Development Cooperation: Focus on Nepal, Egypt and n Discussion Meeting on Recent Trends in Chinese Economic Uzbekistan, 28 May 2003 Performance and Future Prospects, 30 January 2004 n India-ASEAN Forum Meet on the ASEAN-India Vision 2020, n National Workshop on the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and New Delhi, 18 July 2003 Phytosanitary Measures, 27 February 2004 n Workshop on A Strategic Approach to Strengthening the n ASEAN-India Network of think-tanks Consultations on Vision International Competitiveness in Knowledge-Based Industries, 2020, 3-4 March 2004 New Delhi, 24 July 2003 n India-China Policy Dialogue, 10 March 2004 n Policy Analysis and Advisory Network for South Asia (PAANSA) n International Seminar on WTO and Implications for South Asia, Meeting, New Delhi, 5 August 2003 Visakhapatanam, 27-28 March 2004 n Seminar on ‘Development’ in the Doha Development Round!, Delhi, 8 August 2003 n Panel Discussion on Implementation-Related Concerns in the RIS Publications WTO Agenda at the National Symposium on Trade and Globalization: Agenda towards Cancun, 18-19 August 2003 Books and Reports n South Asia Development and Cooperation Report 2004, n Seminar on World Trade and Development Report 2003, New Delhi, 1 September 2003 New Delhi: RIS and Manohar Publishers, 2004. n World Trade and Development Report 2003: Cancun and n Seminar on World Trade and Development Report 2003, Cancun, 9 September 2003 Beyond, New Delhi: Academic for RIS, 2003 n Globalization and the Non-aligned Movement: An n Panel Discussion on TRIPs and Development: Priorities for Developing Countries, jointly with FICCI in Cancun on 11 Economic Agenda for Action, New Delhi, RIS 2003. September 2003. n Reforms, Labour Markets, and Social Security in India by Ramgopal Agarwala, Nagesh Kumar and Michelle Riboud, n Co-hosted three sessions at Cancun Trade and Development Symposium, 11-12 September 2003. (eds), Oxford University Press, New Delhi for the World Bank Institue and RIS, 2004. n RIS/CII Seminar on Economic Cooperation between India and Central Asia, 17 October 2003 n Protecting Foreign Investment: Implications of a WTO Regime and Policy Options by Carlos Correa and Nagesh n Seminar on A Free Trade Area in South Asia, New Delhi, 22 Kumar, Zed Books Ltd., London and Academic Foundation, New October 2003 Delhi in association with RIS, 2003. n Discussion Meeting on TRIPS and the Indian Patents Act, 28 n Indian Industrial Tariffs: Towards WTO Development November 2003 Round Negotiations by Rajesh Mehta, New Delhi: RIS, 2003. n Discussion Meeting on Geographical Indications and Traditional Knowledge, 4 December 2003 n RIS/ADB Seminar on Monetary and Financial Cooperation in RIS Policy Briefs Asia, 11 December 2003. 1 Relevance of an Asian Economic Community, May 2003

207 Appendix XXI

2 Initiative for Closer Economic Cooperation with Neighbouring Countries 53 Economic Cooperation between India and Central Asian Republics with Special in South Asia, May 2003 Reference to Uzbekistan by Abdurahim Okhunov Abduraxmonovich, 3 Reserve Bank of Asia: Institutional Framework for Monetary and Financial June 2003. Cooperation in Asia, May 2003 54 Nepal-India Bilateral Trade Relations Problems and Prospects by Gyanu 4 Cancun Agenda: Trade and Investment – The Way Forward for Developing Raja Shrestha, June 2003 Countries, June 2003 55 Economic Cooperation between India and Egypt by Abdel Hamid Saba 5 Cancun Agenda: Environmental Requirements and Developing Countries Elregal, June 2003 Exports – Lessons for National, International and Regional Action, June 56 Investment on the WTO Agenda: A Developing Countries Perspective and the 2003 Way Forward for the Cancun Ministerial Conference by Nagesh Kumar, 6 Cancun Agenda: TRIPs and Development Implications and an Agenda for July 2003 Action, July 2003 57 WTO Negotiations Towards Cancun: Implication on Indian Paper and 7 Cancun Agenda: Geographical Indications and Developing Countries, July Newsprint Industry by Rajesh Mehta and Pooja Agarwal, August 2003 2003. 8 Energy Cooperation in South Asia: Potential and Prospects, December 58 Implementation Issues in SPS: A Developing Country Perspective for 2003 Development Agenda on the Meandering Pathways from Doha to Cancun by Rajesh Mehta and J. George, September 2003. 9 Road to a Single Currency for South Asia, December 2003 59 WTO Non-agriculture Market Access Modalities: A Case Study of Impact 10 International Financial Architecture: An Agenda for Reform, January on A Developing Country by Rajesh Mehta and Pooja Agarwal, 2004 September 2003. 11 Managing Global Macroeconomic Imbalances: The US Current Account 60 Ecosystemic Multifunctionality” – A Proposal for Special and Differentiated Deficit, Exchange Rate Flexibility and Asian Reserves, January 2004 Treatment for Developing Country Agriculture in the Doha Round of 12 Future Directions of BIMST-EC: Towards A Bay of Bengal Economic Negotiations by A. Damodaran. 2003. Community (BoBEC), February 2004 61 Evolving a National System of Biotechnology Innovation. Some Evidence from Singapore by Sachin Chaturvedi, 2003. 62 Short-term Forecasting of India’s Export: Developing a Framework by RIS Discussion Papers Countries and Commodities by Rajesh Mehta and Parul Mathur, 2003. 45 Possibility of Close Economic Cooperation between India and Singapore by S.K. Mohanty, April 2003. 63 Rise of Service Sector Outward Foreign Direct Investment from Indian Economy: Trends, Patterns, and Determinants by Jaya Prakash Pradhan, 46 Towards a Multipolar World of International Financeby Ramgopal 2003 Agarwala and Gauri Modwel, April 2003. 64 India’s Monetary Integration with East Asia: A Feasibility Study by Sweta 47 Towards an Economic Community: Exploring the Past by Vineeta Chaman Saxena, 2003. Shanker, April 2003. 65 Liberalization, Foreign Direct Investment Flows and Economic 48 Regional Trade Liberalisation under SAPTA and India’s Trade Linkages Development:The Indian Experience in the 1990s by Nagesh Kumar, with South Asia: An Empirical Assessment by S.K. Mohanty, May 2003 2003. 66 How Do Infrastructure Facilities Affect Regional Income? An Investigation 49 A Road to Common Prosperity – Examination of An FTA between India with South Asian Countries by Prabir De, 2003. and China by Li Wei, May 2003. 67 Environment Issues in Free Trade Agreements in Asia and the Post-Cancun 50 ASEAN’s Contribution to the Building of an Asian Economic Community Challenges: Issues and Policy Options by Sachin Chaturvedi, 2004 by K. Kesavapany, May 2003. 68 Biotechnology in South Asia: Issues, Concerns and Opportunities by Sachin 51 India and the Asian Economic Community by Mukul G. Asher and Chaturvedi, 2004. Sadhna Srivastava, May 2003. 69 Issues Relating to India’s Energy Trading with Central Asian Countries by 52 Performance Requirements as Tools of Development Policy: Lessons from Barnali Nag, 2004. Experiences of Developed and Developing Countries for the WTO Agenda on Trade and Investment by Nagesh Kumar, June 2003.

208 Abbreviations

AALCO Asian African Legal Consultative EAA Europe Africa America Organisations ECGC Export Credit Guarantee Corporation ACD Asian Cooperation Dialogue EPG Eminent Persons Group ACS Association of Caribbean states ER Economic Relations AGPL Actual Ground Position Line FICCI Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce ANA Asia, North Africa and Industry APSEC Asia Pacific Security Conference FIEO Federation of Indian Export Organisations ARF ASEAN Regional Forum FOC Foreign Office Consultations ASEAN Association of South-East Asian Nations FSI Foreign Service Institute BDR Bangladesh Rifles FTA Free Trade Agreement BIMST-EC Bangladesh India Myanmar Sri Lanka GCC Gulf Cooperation Council Thailand Economic Cooperation GMEF Global Ministerial Environmental Forum BIPPA Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection GOI Government of India Agreement GSOMIA General Security of Military Information BOOT Build-own-operate-transfer Agreement BSF Border Security Force HAL Hindustan Aeronautics Limited CAN Community of ANDEAN Nations HIPC Heavily Indebted Poor Countries CARICOM Caribbean Community HOM Head of Mission CASS Chinese Academy of Social Sciences HOP Head of Post CBM Confidence Building Measures HTCG High Technology Cooperation Group CD Conference on Disarmament IBPF Indo-British Parliamentary Forum CECA Comprehensive Economic Cooperation IBSA India, Brazil and South Africa Agreement ICCR Indian Council of Cultural Relations CEP Cultural Exchange Programme ICRC International Committee of Red Cross CHOGM Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting ICWA Indian Council of World Affairs CHR Commission on Human Rights IFS Indian Foreign Service CICA Conference on Interaction and Confidence IIG Indian Insurgent Groups Building Measures in Asia ITEC Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation CII Confederation of Indian Industry ITPO Indian Trade Promotion Organisation. CLMV Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam JEC Joint Economic Commission COMESA Community of Eastern and Southern Africa JRC Joint Rivers Commission CPPCC Chinese People’s Political Consultative JSG Joint Study Group Committee JTC Joint Trade Committee CSCAP Council for Security and Cooperation in the JWG Joint Working Group Asia-Pacific KLO Kamtapur Liberation Organisation CUNPK Center for UN Peacekeeping LAC Latin American Countries DAE Department of Atomic Energy LAC Line of Actual Control DPC District Passport Cell LCA Light Combat Aircraft DPRK Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

209 Annual Report (1 January 2003 – 31 March 2004)

Abbreviations

LOC Line of Control SAARC South Asian Association for Regional LTTE Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam Cooperation MERCOSUR Market of Southern Cone Countries SADC Southern African Development Community MLAT Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty SAFTA South Asian Free Trade Area MNNA Major Non-NATO Ally SAPTA South Asian Preferential Trade Agreement MONUC UN Organisation Mission in the Democratic SATTA South Asian Travel and Tourism Expo Republic of Congo. SCAAP Special Commonwealth Assistance for Africa MOU Memorandum of Understanding Plan NAM Non Aligned Movement SICA System of Central American Integration NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organisation SPDC State Peace and Development Council NDC National Defence College TCC Troop Contributing Countries NDFB National Democratic Front for Bodoland TCIL Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd NEPAD New Partnership for Africa’s Development TEAM-9 Techno-Economic Approach for Africa India Movement NRI Non Resident Indian ULFA United Liberation Front of Assam NSCS National Security Council Secretariat UNAMI UN Assistance Mission for Iraq ODA Official Development Assistance UNCOPUOS UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer OECD Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Space Development UNDC United Nations Disarmament Commission PCFD Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats UNGA UN General Assembly PCD Policy Planning, Consular and Coordination, Diaspora UNHCR UN High Commissioner for Refugee PIF Pacific Island Forum UNIFIL UN Interim Force in Lebanon PIO People of Indian Origin UNMEE UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea PKO Peace Keeping Operation UNMIK UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo PLA People’s Liberation Army UNODC UN Office on Drug and Crime PTA Preferential Trade Agreement USI United Service Institution of India RITES Rail India Technical Economic Services WSIS World Summit on Information Society ROK Republic of Korea WSSD World Summit on Sustainable Development

210