Prime Minster Modi's next three nation tour China-Mongolia-South Korea begins

Hindustani78 · Sep 5, 2017

Prime Minister's Office
04-September, 2017 16:47 IST
Intervention by Prime Minister at the Dialogue with BRICS Business Council in Xiamen, China (September 04, 2017)

Your Excellencies,

President of the New Development Bank

Members of the BRICS Business Council

I am pleased to participate in this meeting with the BRICS Business Council. The work you do in the Business Council plays a vital role in giving practical shape to the vision of BRICS partnership. The partnerships you have forged and the networks you have created are energizing the economic growth stories in each BRICS country. At this meeting last year in Goa, there was a suggestion on closer cooperation between the NDB and BRICS Business Council. I am happy to note that you are entering into an MOU with the NDB.

Excellencies and Friends,

India is changing fast into one of the most open economies in the world today. Foreign Direct Investment inflows are at an all-time high, rising by 40 per cent. India has moved up in the World Bank Index of Ease of Doing Business. Similarly, we have moved up 32 spots in last two years in the Global Competitiveness Index. The Goods and Services Tax that was introduced in July is India’s biggest economic reform measure ever. In one stroke, a unified market of 1.3 billion people has been created. Programmes like Digital India, Start Up India and Make in India are changing the economic landscape of the country. They are assisting India turn into a knowledge based, skill supported and technology driven society.

Excellencies and Friends,

I am happy to note that the BRICS Business Council also has matching priorities of trade & investment facilitation, promoting skills development, infrastructure development, SME Development, e-commerce and digital economy. Many productive recommendations have come out of your deliberations. Your work towards establishment of a BRICS Rating Agency, energy cooperation, green finance, and digital economy is particularly noteworthy. Let me conclude by saying that as Governments, we will offer full support to your endeavours. And we also count on the BRICS Business Council to take us closer to our common objective of improving business and investment cooperation.

Thank you.

************

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the Plenary Session of the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 04, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the Plenary Session of the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 04, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and other BRICS leaders, at the Plenary Session of the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 04, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi delivering his statement, at the Plenary Session of the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 04, 2017.

Prime Minister's Office
04-September, 2017 18:08 IST
Documents signed in the presence of BRICS Leaders during BRICS Summit - 2017 in Xiamen, China (September 04, 2017)

1- BRICS Action Agenda on Economic and Trade Cooperation

2- BRICS Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation(2017-2020)

3- Strategic Framework of BRICS Customs Cooperation

4- Memorandum of Understanding between the BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank on Strategic Cooperation

***

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 04, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 04, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 04, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of Brazil, Mr. Michel Temer, on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 04, 2017

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the BRICS leaders at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Cultural Festival & Cultural Exhibition, in Xiamen, China on September 04, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and other BRICS leaders dialogue with the BRICS Business Council, in Xiamen, China on September 04, 2017.

Hindustani78 · Sep 5, 2017

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping at the Welcome Banquet, in Xiamen, China on September 04, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi attends the Welcome Banquet with other BRICS members, in Xiamen, China on September 04, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the other leaders at the Dialogue of Emerging Markets and Developing Countries, during the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 05, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being received by the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping, at the Dialogue of Emerging Markets and Developing Countries, during the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 05, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with other leaders in the Group Photograph, at the Dialogue of Emerging Markets and Developing Countries, during the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 05, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the Dialogue of Emerging Markets and Developing Countries, during the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 05, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi delivering his statement at the Dialogue of Emerging Markets and Developing Countries, during the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 05, 2017.

Prime Minister's Office
05-September, 2017 10:59 IST
"Implement 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; Building Broader Partnerships for Development" - Intervention by Prime Minister at the BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue, Xiamen (September 05, 2017)

Your Excellency President Xi Jinping, my esteemed BRICS Colleagues, Distinguished Leaders

I am delighted to be here with you all today. Your countries are close and valued partners of India. And I am pleased to exchange perspectives with you on the shared priority of achieving comprehensive sustainable development. I thank President Xi Jinping for bringing us together for this dialogue.

Excellencies,

Two years since the adoption of UN’s 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the imperative of collaborative action to achieve the goals is even stronger. Recently in July, India completed its first voluntary national review of SDGs. The bedrock of our development agenda lies in the notion of "SabkaSaath,SabkaVikaas” - that is: Collective Effort, Inclusive Growth. We have mapped each of the SDGs to our own development programmes and scheme, both at the federal and state level. Our Parliament too has taken the initiative to organize Parliamentary debates on SDGs. Our programmes are geared to accomplish these priority goals in a time-bound manner. To cite just one example, our three-pronged approach of providing a bank account to the unbanked, providing a biometric identity to all, and using innovative mobile governance solutions, has enabled Direct Benefit Transfers to almost 360 million people for the first time.

Excellencies,

We would like to see such domestic efforts buttressed by strong international partnerships. And, for this, we stand ready to do our part. India has a long tradition of partnerships with fellow developing countries, while pursuing our own aspirations for growth. At every step, we have shared our experience and resources across a range of sectors: from strengthening democratic institutions to deploying high-tech solutions for public good. Earlier this year, we launched the South Asia Satellite to benefit willing regional partners in meeting their developmental goals in education, healthcare, communication, and disaster management. For over half a century, India’s flagship initiative – Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation, ITEC - has offered training and skill development to 161 partner countries from Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Caribbean and Pacific Island states. From Africa alone, over the last decade, over 25,000 students have trained in India on ITEC scholarships. At the Third India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015, with participation of all 54 African countries, we decided to double the number of ITEC scholarships to 50,000 over a period of only 5 years. The "Solar Mamas” of Africa, trained in India, are lighting up thousands of homes across the African continent. Our growing engagement with Africa has led to the African Development Bank holding its Annual Meeting outside Africa for the first time, in India earlier this year. Our development partnerships projects are providing water, electricity, roads, healthcare, tele-medicine, and basic infrastructure to people in dozens of countries across the world. And, in all of this, our "no strings attached” model of cooperation is driven purely by the requirements and priorities of our partner countries.

Excellencies,

The countries present here together represent almost half of the humanity. Whatever we do, will impact the world substantially. So, it is our solemn duty to make a better world – brick by brick, or, through BRICS. Yesterday, I had spoken about the BRICS driving the global transformation in the next ten years for it to be a Golden Decade. I suggest that this can be brought about with our proactive approach, policies, and action, on the following ten Noble Commitments:

1. Creating a Safer World: by organized and coordinated action on at least three issues: Counter Terrorism, Cyber Security and Disaster Management;
2. Creating a Greener World: by taking concerted action on countering Climate Change, through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance;
3. Creating an Enabled World: by sharing and deploying suitable technologies to enhance efficiency, economy and effectiveness;
4. Creating an Inclusive World: by economic mainstreaming of our people including in the banking and financial system;
5. Creating a Digital World: by bridging the digital divide within and outside our economies;
6. Creating a Skilled World: by giving future-ready skills to millions of our youth;
7. Creating a Healthier World: by cooperating in research and development to eradicate diseases, and enabling affordable healthcare for all;
8. Creating an Equitable World: by providing equality of opportunity to all, particularly through gender equality;
9. Creating a Connected World: by enabling free flow of goods, persons and services; and,
10. Creating a Harmonious World: by promoting ideologies, practices, and heritage that are centered on peaceful coexistence and living in harmony with nature.

Through these agenda points, and action on them, we will be contributing directly to the welfare of the Global Community in addition to welfare of our own people. And in this, India stands ready as a willing and committed partner to enhance cooperation and support each other’s national efforts; I look forward to our progress together on this path. I commend President Xi for ably steering the BRICS Chairmanship for the year 2017, and for his warm welcome and hospitality in this beautiful city of Xiamen. I also welcome President Zuma and commit India’s full support for Johannesburg Summit next year.

I thank you.

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Hindustani78 · Sep 5, 2017

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of Egypt, Mr. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 05, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in a bilateral meeting with the President of Egypt, Mr. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 05, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping, on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 05, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in a bilateral meeting with the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping, on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 05, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi leaving for Myanmar for a bilateral visit after attending the BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China on September 05, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi arrives at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport, Myanmar on September 05, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed, on his arrival, at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport, Myanmar on September 05, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed on his arrival, at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport, Myanmar on September 05, 2017.

Hindustani78 · Sep 5, 2017

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inspecting the guard of honour, at the Ceremonial Reception, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on September 05, 2017. The President of Myanmar, Mr. U. Htin Kyaw is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed by the President of Myanmar, Mr. U. Htin Kyaw, at the Ceremonial Reception, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on September 05, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inspecting the guard of honour, at the Ceremonial Reception, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on September 05, 2017. The President of Myanmar, Mr. U. Htin Kyaw is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of Myanmar, Mr. U. Htin Kyaw, at Presidential Palace, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on September 05, 2017.

Prime Minister's Office
05-September, 2017 21:10 IST
PM's gifts to President of Myanmar

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today presented a reproduction of a 1841 map of a stretch of the River Salween to President of Myanmar H.E. Mr. U Htin Kyaw. Prime Minister also presented a sculpture of Bodhi tree to the Myanmar President.

"Presented Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw a reproduction of a 1841 map of a stretch of the River Salween.

Also presented President Htin Kyaw a sculpture of Bodhi tree", the Prime Minister tweeted from his account.

Hindustani78 · Sep 6, 2017

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being received by the State Counsellor of Myanmar, Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, on his arrival, at Presidential Palace, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the State Counsellor of Myanmar, Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, on his arrival, at Presidential Palace, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in delegation level talks with the State Counsellor of Myanmar, Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, at Presidential Palace, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

Prime Minister's Office06-September, 2017 12:20 IST
List of MoUs/Agreements signed during State visit of Prime Minister to Myanmar

S.No.
Name of MoUs/Agreements
Myanmar side
India side

1.
Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Security Cooperation Between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Brigadier General San Win, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defence
Vikram Misri, Ambassador of India to Myanmar

2.
Cultural Exchange Programme between the Government of the Republic of India And the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar for the year 2017-2020
U Htun Ohn, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture
Vikram Misri, Ambassador of India to Myanmar

3.
Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Government of the Republic of India on Enhancing the Cooperation of the Upgradation of the Women's Police Training Centre at Yamethin, Myanmar.
Vikram Misri, Ambassador of India to Myanmar

4.
Memorandum of Understanding for Sharing White Shipping Information between the Indian Navy and Myanmar Navy
Rear Admiral Moe Aung, Chief of Staff (Myanmar Navy)
Vikram Misri, Ambassador of India to Myanmar

5.
Technical Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government Of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar for providing Coastal Surveillance System
Rear Admiral Moe Aung, Chief of Staff (Myanmar Navy)
Vikram Misri, Ambassador of India to Myanmar

6.
Memorandum of Understanding between the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Ministry Of Health and Family Welfare of the Republic of India and Food and Drugs (FDA), Ministry of Health and Sports of Myanmar on Cooperation in Medical Products Regulation.
Dr. Than Htut, Director General, Ministry of Health and Sports, GOM
Vikram Misri, Ambassador of India to Myanmar

7.
Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health and Family welfare of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Health And Sports of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on cooperation in the field of Health and medicine
Dr. Than Htut, Director General, Ministry of Health and Sports, GOM
Vikram Misri, Ambassador of India to Myanmar

8.
Exchange of Letter for Extension of MoU on the establishment of MIIT
Dr. Thein Win, Director General, Department of Higher Education
Vikram Misri, Ambassador of India to Myanmar

9.
Exchange of Letter for Extension of MoU on the establishment of India-Myanmar Center for Enhancement of IT-Skill
U Win Khaing Moe, Director General, Department of Research and Innovation
Vikram Misri, Ambassador of India to Myanmar

10.
Memorandum of understanding in the field of elections between the Election Commission of India and The Union Election Commission of Myanmar.
U Tin Tun, Secretary of Union Election Commission of Myanmar
Vikram Misri, Ambassador of India to Myanmar

11.
Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between Myanmar Press Council and the Press Council of India
U Aung Hla Tun, Vice-Chairman (1)
Mr. Justice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad, Chairman, Press Council of India

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the State Counsellor of Myanmar, Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, at Presidential Palace, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the State Counsellor of Myanmar, Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi witnessing the signing of agreement, at Presidential Palace, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the State Counsellor of Myanmar, Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi witnessing the exchange of agreement, at Presidential Palace, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

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Prime Minister's Office
06-September, 2017 13:00 IST
English rendering of the text of PM’s statement during the joint media briefing with State Councillor of Myanmar in Nay Pyi Taw

Your Excellency, the State Counsellor

Distinguished delegates,

Friends from media,

Minglaba,

I came here in 2014 on the occasion of ASEAN summit, however, this is my first bilateral visit to the golden land of Myanmar. But I’m feeling at home due to the warm welcome accorded to me. I’m grateful to the government of Myanmar for this.

Excellency,

Your courageous leadership of Myanmar peace process is praiseworthy. We thoroughly understand the challenges that you have been facing. We are partners in your concerns over the loss of lives of security forces and innocent people due to the extremist violence in Rakhine State.

Be it a large peace process or be it to resolve a specific problem, we hope that all the stakeholders can work together in the direction to find such a solution that will ensure peace, justice and dignity for all by respecting the unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar.

Friends,

I believe that India’s democratic experience is also relevant for Myanmar. And therefore we are pride of our comprehensive cooperation in the capacity building of the institutions like the executive, the legislature, election commission and press council. Our interests in the area of security are common as neighbors. It’s essential that we work together to ensure the stability of our long territorial and coastal borders. The construction of roads and bridges, links in the field of energy and our efforts to boost connectivity indicate in the direction of a good future. We have completed the work on the Sittwe port and Paletwa Inland Waterways Terminal in Kaladan project. And the work on road component has started. In order to meet the requirement of Upper Myanmar, two way movement of high speed diesel trucks have started from India. Development of high quality health, education and research facilities in Myanamar under our development partnership is a cause of happiness. In this context, Myanmar Institute of Information Technology and Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education are worthy of special mention. Both of these are emerging as the main centers of education. In the future, our projects will only be according to the needs and priorities of Myanmar. The agreements signed by us today between our two countries will further strengthen our multifaceted bilateral cooperation.

Friends,

I am happy to announce that we have decided to give gratis visa to all citizens of Myanmar who are interested in coming to India. I am also happy to state that we have decided to release 40 citizens of Myanmar who are currently lodged in the jails of India. We hope that they will soon be able to meet with their families in Myanmar.

Excellency,

My time in Nay Pyi Taw was very meaningful. I am also very excited about my remaining stay in Myanmar. Today I will go to the Anand Temple in the Bagan. The renovation work of Ananda Temple and other historic and cultural buildings is being carried out with the help of India to repair the damages caused to them due last year’s earthquake. Apart from meeting the community of Indian origin people in Yangon, I will also pay my tributes at the monuments of religious and historical importance. I believe that in the coming time, we will work together to build a strong and close partnership for our mutual benefit.

Thank you

Cheju Tin Ba De.

*****

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi delivering his statement during the joint media briefing with the State Counsellor of Myanmar, Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, at Presidential Palace, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi delivering his statement during the joint media briefing with the State Counsellor of Myanmar, Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, at Presidential Palace, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

Prime Minister's Office
06-September, 2017 14:01 IST
PM's gift to Myanmar State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today presented Myanmar State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi a special reproduction of the original research proposal that she had submitted for fellowship at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study at Shimla in May 1986. The research proposal was titled "The Growth and Development of Burmese and Indian Intellectual Traditions Under Colonialism: A Comparative Study."

Hindustani78 · Sep 6, 2017

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi departing for Bagan from Nay Pyi Taw International airport, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being received on his arrival at Bagan, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

Prime Minister's Office
06-September, 2017 16:34 IST
PM visits Ananda Temple, Bagan

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today visited the Ananda Temple, at Bagan in Myanmar.

This is a Buddhist temple built in the early 12th century. It is the second largest temple in the entire Bagan region. The Archaeological Survey of India has carried out structural conservation and chemical preservation work of this temple. Restoration work is being carried out after damage during the earthquake last year. The Prime Minister was shown a photo exhibit depicting the ongoing restoration work at the temple. He offered prayers and made a Parikrama of the temple, during which ASI representatives explained the restoration process.

The Prime Minister signed the visitors' book at the Temple, and unveiled a plaque signifying the contribution of India, in the restoration of the Ananda Temple.

The ASI has undertaken several major conservation works across various countries of Asia. Besides the Ananda Temple, these include the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan, the Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Ta Prohm Temple in Cambodia, the Vat Phou Temple in Laos, and the My Son Temple in Vietnam.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Ananda Temple, in Bagan, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Ananda Temple, in Bagan, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi signing the visitors’ book at Ananda Temple, in Bagan, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi unveiling a plaque signifying the contribution of India, in the restoration of the Ananda Temple, in Bagan, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being welcomed on his arrival at Yangon, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

Hindustani78 · Sep 6, 2017

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing at the Indian Community event at Yangon, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/intern...-state-modi/article19630495.ece?homepage=true

The Prime Minister said that India has decided to grant gratis (no-cost) visa to Myanmarese citizens who wish to visit the country.

India said on Wednesday that it shares Myanmar’s concerns over “extremist violence” in the Rakhine state from where 125,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging all stakeholders to find a solution that respects the country’s unity.

Mr. Modi, who held wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, asserted that it was important to maintain the security and stability of the land and maritime boundaries of the two countries.

The two leaders also vowed to combat terror and boost security cooperation.

Mr. Modi’s first bilateral visit here comes at a time when the Myanmarese government led by Nobel laureate Suu Kyi is facing international pressure over the 125,000 Rohingya Muslims that have poured into Bangladesh in just two weeks after Myanmar’s military launched a crackdown in the Rakhine state.

Mr. Modi, in his joint press statement with Ms. Suu Kyi after the talks, said India understands the problems being faced by Myanmar.

He said India shares Myanmar’s concerns over “extremist violence” in the Rakhine state, especially the loss of innocent lives of the people and the security personnel.

“When it comes to a big peace process or finding a solution to a special issue, we hope that all stakeholders can work together towards finding a solution which while respecting the unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar ensures peace, justice and dignity for all,” Mr. Modi said.

His remarks came a day after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said Rohingyas are illegal immigrants and will be deported from India.

Mr. Rijiju had asserted that nobody should preach India on the issue as the country has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world.

11 agreements
After Modi-Suu Kyi talks, 11 agreements were signed between the two sides in areas like maritime security, strengthening democratic institutions in Myanmar, health and information technology.

Mr. Modi, in his statement, stressed on scaling up security cooperation, saying that being neighbours, the two countries have similar security concerns.

Taking a strong stance on terror, Ms. Suu Kyi said, “Together we will ensure that terror is not allowed to take root on our soil or on the soil of neighbouring countries.”

Ms. Suu Kyi also thanked India for taking a strong stand on the terror threat that Myanmar faced recently.

Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmar’s Rakhine state last month, killing 12 security personnel.

The meeting between Mr. Modi and Ms. Suu Kyi came on a day she was quoted as telling Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that global outrage over Myanmar’s treatment of its Rohingya Muslims was being fuelled by “a huge iceberg of misinformation”.

Sympathy for the Rohingya was being generated by “a huge iceberg of misinformation calculated to create a lot of problems between different communities and with the aim of promoting the interest of the terrorists”, Ms. Suu Kyi was quoted by an official statement as telling Erdogan in a call.

Ms. Suu Kyi has come under fire in recent days for failing to speak out against violence targeting Rohingyas, particularly given her previous image as a champion of human rights.

Hundreds have died since Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for the Muslims of Rakhine state to be given either nationality or legal status, and voiced concern about violence that has since late August forced nearly 125,000 people to flee and risk destabilising the region.

Mr. Modi also asserted that India stands by Myanmar amid the challenges the country is facing.

No-cost visa
He said that India has decided to grant gratis (no-cost) visa to Myanmarese citizens who wish to visit the country.

“We hope that they will soon be able to meet their families in Myanmar,” the prime minister said.

He also announced that India has decided to release 40 Myanmarese citizens, currently lodged in various jails in India.

Initiatives in Mynamar
Mr. Modi highlighted the development initiatives India was undertaking in Mynamar especially in capacity building, which Ms. Suu Kyi said her country needed the most.

“I believe the democratic experience of India is relevant for Myanmar and that is why we are proud of our massive support in the capacity building of the executive, legislature, election commission and press council and other institutions in Myanmar,” Mr. Modi said.

Talking about India’s assistance to Myanmar, he said the work on the Paletwa Inland Waterways Terminal and Sittwe port under the Kaladan project has been completed.

Mr. Modi also noted that the high-speed diesel from India has started coming through trucks to meet the needs of Upper Myanmar.

Under the development partnership, Mr. Modi highlighted India’s assistance in the development of high quality education and healthcare and research facilities in Myanmar.

He said in future also India would take up projects that will be according to the needs and priorities of Myanmar.

Bilateral cooperation
“Today’s agreements will strengthen our all-round bilateral cooperation,” the prime minister said.

He also lauded Ms. Suu Kyi’s leadership in Myanmar’s peace process.

Earlier, during the delegation-level talks, Mr. Modi said, “We would like to contribute to Myanmar’s development efforts as part of our ‘Sabka saath sabka vikaas’ initiative.”

He said deepening the relationship with Myanmar was a priority for India, as a neighbour and also in the context of the ‘Act East Policy’.

Later in the day, Mr. Modi flew to Bagan and paid respects at the Ananda Temple there.

Mr. Modi arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip after he travelled to the southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS Summit.

Yesterday, Mr. Modi called on Myanmarese President Htin Kyaw, describing it as a “wonderful meeting”.

They had discussed steps to deepen the “historical relationship” between the two neighbours.

This is Mr. Modi’s first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Ms. Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India’s strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

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http://www.thehindu.com/news/intern...tizens-modi/article19630531.ece?homepage=true

He also announced that India has decided to release 40 Myanmarese, currently lodged in various jails in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 6 announced that India will grant gratis visa to Myanmarese citizens wanting to visit the country. Mr. Modi made the announcement during his joint press statement with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi after the two leaders held wideranging talks in Nay Pyi Taw.

“I am pleased to announce that we have decided to grant gratis (no-cost) visa to all the citizens of Myanmar who want to visit India,” Mr. Modi said. He also announced that India has decided to release 40 Myanmar citizens, currently lodged in various jails in India. “We hope that they will soon be able to meet their families in Myanmar,” the Prime Minister said.

Mr. Modi also asserted that India stands by Myanmar amid the challenges the country is facing. “I am confident that in future we will work together to create a strong and close partnership for mutual benefits,” Mr. Modi said.

Earlier, during the delegation-level talks, Mr. Modi said, “We would like to contribute to Myanmar’s development efforts as part of our Sabka saath sabka vikaas initiative.” He said deepening the relationship with Myanmar was a priority for India, as a neighbour and also in the context of the ‘Act East Policy

Hindustani78 · Sep 6, 2017

Prime Minister's Office
06-September, 2017 22:25 IST
India-Myanmar Joint Statement issued on the occasion of the State Visit of Prime Minister of India to Myanmar (September 5-7, 2017)

At the invitation of H.E. U Htin Kyaw, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, is paying his first bilateral State visit to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar from 5th to 7th September 2017. The visit is part of the continuing high level interaction between the leaders of the two countries and follows successive State visits to India last year by H.E. President U Htin Kyaw and H.E. State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
Prime Minister Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw on 5th September 2017. He paid a courtesy call on the President of Myanmar, who hosted a State Banquet in his honour. On 6th September 2017, the Indian delegation led by Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with the Myanmar delegation led by State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The talks were held in a warm, cordial and constructive atmosphere as befits the close and friendly relations between the two countries. Thereafter, the State Counsellor and the Indian Prime Minister witnessed the signing and exchange of various documents between Myanmar and India in the areas of health, culture, capacity building, maritime security and collaboration between key institutions and held a Joint Press Conference.
Apart from his official engagements in Nay Pyi Taw, Prime Minister Modi will visit places of historical and cultural importance at Bagan and Yangon. In Bagan, he will visit the holy and historic Ananda Temple, where restoration work is being carried out by Indian and Myanmar archaeologists under the expert guidance of the Archaeological Survey of India. In Yangon, he will pay his respects to the memory of General Aung San at the Martyrs’ Mausoleum and also visit the Bogyoke Aung San Museum as well as other prominent sites. He will interact with the Indian origin and expatriate Indian community of Myanmar during his stay in Yangon.
During the talks, the two leaders reviewed developments since the very successful State visits of the President and the State Counsellor of Myanmar to India in August and October 2016 respectively. They reviewed ongoing official exchanges, economic, trade and cultural ties, as well as people-to-people exchanges that reflect the harmony between Myanmar’s independent, active and non-aligned foreign policy and India’s pragmatic Act East and Neighbourhood First policies. They pledged to pursue new opportunities to further deepen and broaden bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of the people of both countries. They reaffirmed their common aspirations for peace, collective prosperity and development of the region and beyond.
The Prime Minister of India appreciated the measures taken by the Government of Myanmar towards peace and national reconciliation and commended the on-going peace process of the Government of Myanmar. He noted that peace and stability in Myanmar are of the highest priority to India and reiterated India’s continued support to the Government of Myanmar in consolidating democratic institutions in Myanmar and for the emergence of a democratic Federal Republic.
The two leaders discussed the security situation prevailing along their borders and expressed concern at various incidents of terrorism and extremist-inspired violence that have taken place in their respective territories. Recognizing that terrorism remains one of the most significant threats to peace and stability in the region, both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed that the fight against terrorism should target not only terrorists, terror organisations and networks, but also identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against States and entities that encourage, support or finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, and falsely extol their virtues. Myanmar condemned the recent barbaric terror attacks during the Amarnath Yatra in India as also various acts of terror perpetrated by terrorists from across the borders. India condemned the recent terrorist attacks in northern Rakhine State, wherein several members of the Myanmar security forces lost their lives. Both sides agreed that terrorism violates human rights and there should, therefore, be no glorification of terrorists as martyrs. They called on the international community to end selective and partial approaches to combating terrorism and, in this regard, jointly called for the expeditious finalization and adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism by the United Nations General Assembly.
Recognising that maintenance of security and stability along the common border is essential for the socio-economic development of the peoples of the border areas, Myanmar reaffirmed its respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India and steadfastly upheld the policy of not allowing any insurgent group to utilise Myanmar’s soil to undertake hostile acts against the Indian Government. Myanmar also appreciated Government of India for upholding the same principle.
Both sides reiterated their mutual respect for the already demarcated boundary between the two countries and emphasised the need to resolve outstanding boundary demarcation issues as fast as possible through existing bilateral mechanisms and consultations.
Both sides reviewed the security situation in their immediate neighborhood and agreed upon the special need for enhancing closer bilateral cooperation in maritime security. They also agreed to foster mutually beneficial and deeper defence cooperation between the two countries and, in this context, noted with satisfaction the recent successful visit of the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces of Myanmar to India. Besides institutionalized cooperation through regular coordinated patrolling initiatives, they agreed to focus on bilateral maritime cooperation in non-traditional security domains, such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, which are critical for safeguarding the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean as global commons.
Both sides pledged that Myanmar and India will maintain the already-achieved mutual understanding and growing bilateral relations between the two countries and that they will stand by each other as good and trustworthy neighbours in the years ahead in the interest of both peoples and the region.
The two sides noted with satisfaction the continued exchange of high-level visits that has fostered better mutual understanding of outstanding bilateral issues. They appreciated the regular holding of sector specific institutional mechanisms in the areas of security and defence, trade and commerce, power and energy, border management and connectivity etc. for effective follow-up of decisions taken at the highest political levels. They also noted with pleasure the excellent exchanges between Indian and Myanmar Parliamentarians and encouraged them to further enhance such interaction.
The Myanmar side expressed its heartfelt appreciation to Government of India for all the assistance rendered to Myanmar in support of its endeavour for socio-economic development. Both sides reviewed on-going cooperation projects being executed with technical and financial assistance from the Government of India, noting that these were directly associated with the benefit of the Myanmar people, and agreed that these should be expedited. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s abiding commitment to supporting Myanmar in its efforts to build infrastructure and develop human resources capacity. Alluding to the positive experience of the Industrial Training Centres set up with Indian assistance in Pakokku and Myingyan, the Myanmar side thanked India for the support being extended to develop two more Centres at Monywa and Thaton respectively as well as the assistance for a five year comprehensive maintenance plan for ITC, Myingyan. They also expressed appreciation for the support offered by India to upgrade the Myanmar-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre and the Centre for English Language Training at Yangon. The two sides also agreed to continue discussion towards the establishment of a Planetarium at a suitable location in Myanmar, recognizing that this would be a valuable institution that would nurture a scientific temper amongst the Myanmar youth.
The two sides shared the view that the situation in Rakhine State had a developmental as well as a security dimension. In this context, they agreed to bring about overall socio-economic development in the State by undertaking both infrastructure and socio-economic projects, particularly in the spheres of education, health, agriculture and allied activities, agro-processing, community development, construction of small bridges, upgradation of roads, small power projects, livelihood activity, setting up of training centres, promotion of household crafts, conservation of environment and cultural heritage. Myanmar welcomed India's offer of assistance under the Rakhine State Development Programme and the two sides agreed to finalize the implementation modalities within the next few months
The two sides noted with satisfaction the cooperation in the field of agricultural research and education, especially through the rapid progress in operationalizing the Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education set up at the Yezin Agricultural University and the Rice Bio Park set up at the Department of Agricultural Research. It also appreciated India’s assistance for facilitating post graduation and doctoral education in agricultural sciences for candidates from Myanmar.
The two sides expressed satisfaction at the ongoing capacity building programmes for Myanmar judicial officers, military personnel and police. Myanmar thanked India for the extended period of support to the Myanmar Institute of Information Technology and the India-Myanmar Centre for Enhancement of IT Skills. They agreed that India would extend regular training to Myanmar diplomats at the Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi. Myanmar welcomed India’s offer to enrol two Myanmar diplomats every year for training at the Kendriya Hindi Sansthan while 150 Myanmar civil servants would undergo training in English language at Indian training institutes every year for a period of five years.
Recognizing the need to further upgrade the training infrastructure and capacity building of Myanmar Police, the two leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum on Upgradation of the Women’s Police Training Center at Yamethin in Myanmar with technical and financial assistance of Government of India. Myanmar welcomed India’s offer to help set up a training centre for police officers in Yangon and it was decided that modalities would be jointly worked out.
Myanmar thanked India for supporting various projects in Myanmar that enhance bilateral as well as regional connectivity like the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project and other road and bridge construction projects as fully funded grant-in-aid projects. Myanmar appreciated the substantial progress made on the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project with the completion of works on the Sittwe Port and the Paletwa Inland Water Transport Terminal and the handing over of six cargo barges to the Myanmar Port Authority and Inland Water Transport. The two sides agreed to enter into an MoU on appointing a port operator that may include both sides to be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the port in keeping with the practice that has been adopted at other international ports in Myanmar. This would enable the Port and IWT infrastructure to be used commercially and promote development of the surrounding areas even as the final component of the project, the road from Paletwa to Zorinpui, is under construction. Both sides noted with satisfaction that work on the road was already underway and agreed to facilitate movement of project personnel, construction material and equipment across the border through Zorinpui and Paletwa. They also noted that construction work would shortly begin on reconstruction of bridges on the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa Road and on the Kalewa-Yargyi sector of the Trilateral Highway. The two sides have agreed upon the alignment of the Rih-Tedim road and the DPR for its construction. Further steps on construction of the Putao-Myitkyina and Alethankyaw-Ahungmaw roads under available LOC would be taken after DPRs are made available by Myanmar. In response to Myanmar’s request, India agreed to undertake preparation of DPRs for the Rihkhawdar-Zowkhathar bridge and the Bwaynu bridge.
The two sides also reviewed projects in the field of health and noted with satisfaction that work on the upgradation of Yangon Childrens' Hospital and Sittwe General Hospital and on construction of Monywa General Hospital had been completed. They agreed to start consultations to establish and operate a state-of-the-art hospital in Nay Pyi Taw in association with one of the leading Indian hospital groups, based on modalities to be mutually decided.
Both sides deliberated on the progress made in utilization of US$ 500 million concessional Line of Credit extended by India to Myanmar in 2012. Noting that the projects to be implemented under the Line of Credit would help augment the physical infrastructure in vital areas and enhance capacities in agriculture and transport, they resolved to implement mutually agreed projects expeditiously.
Both sides expressed that, in order to derive full value from these infrastructure projects, the institutional arrangements related to connectivity needed to be put in place on priority. In this regard, they noted the importance of concluding a bilateral agreement that would enable motor vehicle traffic, both passenger and cargo, to cross the border.
Both sides underlined the need for bringing about greater integration of power and energy supply networks between India and Myanmar. Myanmar welcomed India's participation in its energy sector both in exploration and production and invited Indian companies to participate in tenders for petrochemicals and petroleum products, marketing infrastructure and setting up of LPG terminals. India informed that leading Indian oil and gas companies are in the process of opening their offices in Myanmar. The two sides applauded the agreement reached by Numaligarh Refinery of India and Parami Energy Group of Myanmar on supply of diesel to Myanmar across the land border, noting that this will give the people of north Myanmar cheaper and more reliable access to petroleum products, and also encouraged both sides to collaborate in storage and retail marketing of petroleum products in Myanmar. The first consignment of the high speed diesel reached Myanmar on 4th September 2017.
India also expressed its readiness to extend technical as well as project-specific assistance to conventional as well as renewable energy-based power development projects identified by Government of Myanmar. In addition to the earlier offer to conduct a feasibility study for development of solar parks in Myanmar, India offered to conduct a solar radiation resource assessment in Myanmar. The two sides discussed ways to cooperate in the field of energy efficiency between the two countries. Myanmar thanked India for the technology demonstration projects being undertaken through Energy Efficiency Services Ltd. of India to introduce LED-based energy efficient lighting in key townships and buildings identified by Myanmar in Nay Pyi Taw, Bago region and Rakhine State. India shared its experiences in power trade and expressed its interest in examining possible cooperation in this area with Myanmar. It was agreed that these and other relevant issues would be taken up at an early meeting of the Joint Steering Committee on Power and other forums. In view of the immense benefits that would accrue to participating countries, Myanmar promised to give careful consideration to India’s suggestion to join the Framework Agreement for the establishment of the International Solar Alliance.
The two sides noted the current level of bilateral trade and investment and agreed that, while robust, it has potential for growth. In this regard, they emphasized the need to improve market access by removing all trade barriers with a view to facilitate trade between the two countries. They expressed satisfaction with the conclusions reached at the 6th meeting of Myanmar-India Joint Trade Committee held in New Delhi, India in June, 2017 and agreed to continue holding of meetings on Border Trade Committee and Border Haats Committee.
India welcomed Myanmar’s desire to seek cooperation with it to develop Myanmar’s textile sector covering standardization, inspection and quality recommendations, research & development, human resource development and capacity building .
The two sides acknowledged the importance of pulses in the bilateral trade basket, and the implications this trade has for the Myanmar farmers and Indian consumers. In this context, the State Counsellor expressed grave concern at the recent notification issued by India imposing quantitative restrictions on various categories of pulses and requested Prime Minister of India to lift all restrictions on imports from Myanmar in view of the bonds of friendship and long term interests of the two peoples and nations. The Indian Prime Minister responded that it was important to work out long term arrangements whereby the interests of both the peoples could be safeguarded in future.
The two sides welcomed the successful negotiations and finalization of the agreement on border crossing which will help in regulating and harmonizing movement of people across the common land border and thus promote bilateral trade and tourism and directed their senior officials to expeditiously conclude the formalities for its signature. Leaders of both countries agreed to negotiate and swiftly conclude an agreement on commencing a coordinated bus service between the two countries from Imphal in India to Mandalay in Myanmar.
They shared the view that enhanced air connectivity between the two countries will boost people-to-people contacts as well as promote greater tourism, trade and investment flows. The leaders also agreed that a DPR would be prepared by Airports Authority of India through the close cooperation with Department of Civil Aviation(DCA) of Myanmar for development of Pakokku Airport or Kalay Airport with financial and technical assistance from India. They also welcomed Government of India’s offer of customized training and capacity building programmes for Air Traffic Controllers of Myanmar in India. The leaders directed their respective officials to also explore the feasibility of construction of a rail link between Tamu and Mandalay in Myanmar. It was agreed that a team from India would be deputed to study and prepare a DPR for the rail link between Tamu and Mandalay.
Both sides recognized the importance of establishing mutually agreed procedures for the rescue and rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking. In this context, they welcomed the finalization of the MoU on Cooperation for Prevention of Human Trafficking and conveyed their intent to conclude it at the earliest.
The two leaders emphasized the centrality of culture in further deepening the close bonds between the peoples of India and Myanmar and expressed satisfaction with the signature of the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for the period 2017-20. They expressed confidence that the CEP would also promote cultural exchanges between the North Eastern States of India and the bordering areas of Myanmar. India also confirmed that 2 slots would be made available annually for Myanmar archaeologists for advanced studies at the Indian Institute of Archaeology, New Delhi.
The Indian side conveyed that the project being undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India to preserve and conserve stone inscriptions and temples of King Mindon and King Bagyidaw of Myanmar in Bodh Gaya is at an advanced stage and would be completed by December 2017. The Myanmar side welcomed this information noting that these temples constitute an important aspect of India-Myanmar cultural heritage.
Myanmar welcomed India’s assistance in the socio-economic development of Bagan while preserving and conserving its heritage. Prime amongst these is the project to restore and conserve 92 ancient pagodas and structures in Bagan through the Archaeological Survey of India. The two sides welcomed the finalization of an MoU in this regard. Other projects proposed to be undertaken as India-Myanmar cooperation projects are those of setting up of "Bagan Haat" as a hub of Myanmar craft, food and cultural activities, LED-based street lighting, rain water harvesting for sustainable water management, training for alternative income generation for the people of Bagan and upgradation of identified schools.
Myanmar expressed deep appreciation to India for the decision taken by the Government of India to give Myanmar nationals gratis visa in all categories, except e-visa.
The Government of Myanmar thanked India for its decision to grant special pardon to 40 Myanmar nationals who are currently undergoing imprisonment in India for various crimes. This gesture was deeply appreciated by both the Government and the people of Myanmar, especially by the families of those who will be released from Indian jails.
Recognising the importance of the role played by the media in fostering and supporting democracy, both sides welcomed the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Press Council of India and the Myanmar Press Council. Activities under this framework will encourage exchanges between journalists and promote better understanding of political and economic developments in India and Myanmar.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepen regional cooperation to maximize the mutuality of interests and to ensure equitable share of mutual benefits in all areas, including trade, transport and energy. They recognized the importance of various regional/sub-regional collaborative initiatives to improve the lives and livelihoods of all people across the two countries.
India and Myanmar reaffirmed their commitment to work closely in the UN and other multilateral organizations. They underscored the importance of coordinating their positions on multilateral issues of common interest. Both sides reiterated the importance of a strong United Nations and emphasized the need for an early reform of the Security Council. They reaffirmed their commitment to support the Inter-Governmental Negotiations for comprehensive reforms of the Security Council. Myanmar reiterated its support for India’s efforts to become permanent member of an expanded and reformed UN Security Council. The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to work together particularly in the international arena to strengthen the means of implementation as enshrined in the SDGs 2030. The two sides stressed the importance of objectivity and impartiality of the United Nations and its specialized agencies in pursuing their work.
Both sides underscored the need for strengthening and reform of multilateral financial institutions and enhancing the voice and participation of developing countries in international economic decision-making.
India and Myanmar expressed firm commitment to set an example of good neighbourliness in the region. They emphasized that they must continue to progress together. They therefore agreed to promote shared interests of the peoples of the two countries so as to live together harmoniously and in a mutually beneficial inter-dependent environment.
Prime Minister Modi thanked the President of Myanmar for the warm and gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their stay in Myanmar.
Prime Minister Modi also invited State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to visit India at a mutually convenient time. The State Counsellor of Myanmar expressed her deep appreciation for the invitation.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacting with the Indian Community, at the Indian Community event at Yangon, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacting with the Indian Community, at the Indian Community event at Yangon, Myanmar on September 06, 2017.

Hindustani78 · Sep 7, 2017

Prime Minister's Office
06-September, 2017 22:20 IST
PM addresses Indian Community in Yangon

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the Indian community in Yangon, Myanmar.

“You represent thousands of years of the shared culture and civilisation, geography and history, aspiration and achievements of the great sons and daughters of India and Myanmar,” the Prime Minister said, addressing the gathering. The Prime Minister elaborated on the rich spiritual traditions of Myanmar.

The Prime Minister said that the Indian diaspora is like “Rashtra-doot” for India. He said that the global recognition of Yoga is the achievement of the diaspora, who took it to all corners of the world.

“When I meet you, I also feel that communication of our people living in foreign countries with government authorities in India is not a one way traffic any more,” the Prime Minister said.

“We are not merely reforming our country, we are transforming it,” the Prime Minister asserted, adding that an India free from poverty, terrorism, corruption, communalism, and casteism is being created.

The Prime Minister said that the Union Government in India is focusing on infrastructure. He said that good infrastructure is no longer about roads and railways alone - it includes several other aspects that bring about a qualitative change in society. He said that the Government has not shied away from taking decisions that are tough.

The Prime Minister said GST is ushering in a new culture across the nation. He said that the people of India have the confidence that India can be transformed and we can break free from some of the evils that entered our system.

The Prime Minister said that people-to-people ties are the strength of India-Myanmar relations.

Mr. Phyo Min Thein, Chief Minister of Yangon Region, was present at the gathering.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda, in Yangon, Myanmar on September 07, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda, in Yangon, Myanmar on September 07, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the Shwedagon Pagoda, in Yangon, Myanmar on September 07, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda, in Yangon, Myanmar on September 07, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi offering prayers at the Shwedagon Pagoda, in Yangon, Myanmar on September 07, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi planting a sapling at the Shwedagon Pagoda, in Yangon, Myanmar on September 07, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda, in Yangon, Myanmar on September 07, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laying wreath at the Martyrs’ Mausoleum, in Yangon, Myanmar on September 07, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paying homage to the Martyrs, at the Martyrs’ Mausoleum, in Yangon, Myanmar on September 07, 2017.

Hindustani78 · Sep 7, 2017

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda, in Yangon, Myanmar on September 07, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi during his visit to Kalibari Temple, in Yangon, Myanmar on September 07, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the State Counsellor of Myanmar, Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, at Bogyoke Aung San Museum, in Yangon, Myanmar on September 07, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paying floral tributes at the Mazar of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor, in Yangon, Myanmar on September 07, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi emplanes for Delhi from Yangon International Airport after completing his bilateral engagements in Myanmar on September 07, 2017.

Hindustani78 · Sep 25, 2017

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
25-September, 2017 18:38 IST

India and Republic of Korea review progress of CEPA during visit of Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Suresh Prabhu to Seoul

The Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhu visited the Republic of Korea from September 21-23, to participate in the 7th Asia-Europe (ASEM) Economic Ministers meeting and the 3rd Joint Ministerial Review of the India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This was the second overseas visit of the Minister after he assumed his current Ministerial charge.

On 23rd September, the meeting of the Joint Committee at the Ministerial Level to review the India – Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was held in Seoul. The Minister for Trade of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Hyun Chong Kim and the Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Suresh Prabhu, reviewed the progress of the CEPA upgrading negotiations and also had extensive discussions on trade and economic corporation issues between the at two countries.

Both the Ministers struck an instant personal rapport and affirmed that both countries should endeavour to finalize the CEPA upgrading negotiations at the earliest, within 2018 to the extent possible.
The Ministers agreed on the importance of co-operation in the field of standardization and conformity assessment and developing mutual recognition agreements of arrangements of conformity assessment between the two countries.
The Ministers shared the view that the two countries can take the lead in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution if the new, lower–cost technological competitiveness of India is combined with Korea’s mass production capabilities. To that end, the Ministers agreed to establish a join future strategy group with a mission to identify areas of high–end technological co-operation between the two countries, as a way to realize the vision of co-leadership in the era of the Fourth Industries Revolution. The Ministers agreed to continue discussions at the working level, about the detailed mandate of the strategy group, with the aim of launching the group preferably within 2017.
The Ministers commended the two countries’ dedication to the expansion of power generation from renewable resources and agreed to co-operate to mutually support the national goal of renewable and reliable energy expansion.
The Ministers agreed that, to attract foreign investment, it is critical to create pioneering success stories to nudge second movers and increase by a more diverse range of entrepreneurs. In this regard, both sides agreed to consider favourably the requests made in the Joint Committee meeting, with regard to investment cooperation of the two countries. In addition, both sides agreed to the continued support of KOREA PLUS in India, to Korean investors.

*****

Hindustani78 · Feb 27, 2018

Prime Minister's Office
27-February, 2018 12:58 IST
Text of PM’s speech at India-Korea Business Summit- 2018

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea;

Minister for Commerce & Industry, Government of India;

President and CEO of the Chosun-ilbo Group;

Business Leaders of Korea and India;

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very happy to be here with you. Such a large gathering of Korean companies in India is actually a global story. I take this opportunity to welcome all of you to India. The relationship between India and Korea dates back centuries. It is believed that an Indian Princess travelled to Korea and became a queen in Korea. We are also bound by our Buddhist traditions. Our Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore composed a poem – 'Lamp of the East' - in 1929 about Korea's glorious past and its bright future. Bollywood films are also very popular in Korea. And at the Pro-Kabaddi league in India a few months ago, some of the loudest cheers, were reserved for a Korean Kabaddi player. It is also a good co-incidence that India and South Korea both celebrate their Independence Day on the 15th of August. From Princess to poetry and from Buddha to Bollywood; we have so much in common.

As I have mentioned earlier, I have always been fascinated by Korea. I visited Korea when I was Chief Minister of Gujarat. I used to wonder how a country of the size of Gujarat can make such economic progress. I admire the spirit of enterprise of the Korean people. I admire the way in which they have created and sustained their global brands. From IT and Electronics to Automobile and Steel, Korea has given exemplary products to the world. Korean companies are appreciated for their innovation, and strong manufacturing capability.

Friends!

It is heartening to note that our bilateral trade crossed 20 billion dollars last year, for the first time in six years. My visit in 2015 led to a positive focus on India. Your open market policies have found resonance with India's economic liberalization and 'Look East Policy'. Over 500 Korean companies are operating in India too. In fact, many of your products are house-hold names in India. However, South Korea ranks only 16th in FDI Equity inflows to India. India offers a lot of potential for the Korean Investors with its huge market and enabling policy environment.

Since many of you are already present in India, you already know the ground realities. Also, through your interaction with Indian CEOs, you must have already discovered the direction in which India is going. However, let me take a few more minutes. I would like to use this occasion to personally invite to India those who are not yet present here. If you see around the globe, there are very few countries where you have three important factors of economy together.

They are: Democracy, Demography and Demand. In India, we have all the three together.

By Democracy, I mean the system based on liberal values which ensures free and fair play towards one and all;

By Demography, I mean a vast and talented pool of young and energetic workforce;

By Demand, I mean a big and growing market for goods and services.

A rising middle class is creating further growth in the domestic market. We have worked towards creating a stable business environment, ensuring the rule of law, and removing arbitrariness in decision making. We seek positivity in day to day transactions. We are widening the areas of trust; rather than digging into doubts. This represents a complete change of the Government’s mindset. A shift from issuing authority to business partner to achieve ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’. And when this happens, simplification of rules and procedures starts automatically.

After all, this is what Ease of doing business demands through such measures, we are now working towards ‘Ease of Living”. We are on a de-regulation and de-licensing drive.

Validity period of industrial licenses has been increased from three years to fifteen years and more;

The Industrial licensing regime for defence production has been liberalized greatly;

Nearly 65 percent to 70 percent of the items previously under licensing can now be produced without a license;

We have said that factory inspections will only be need-based and only on authorization of the higher authority;

In FDI, we are one of the most open countries now.

Most of the sectors of our economy are open for FDI. More than 90 percent approvals have been put on automatic route;

There is practically no requirement of Government approval for investments in manufacturing sector except for Defence sector;

Incorporating a company along with allotment of statutory numbers is now just a one day affair;

We have carried out thousands of reforms on the business, investment, governance and cross border trading front. Some of them like GST are historic.

Many of you might already be experiencing the ease in operations due to GST;

We have entirely abolished more than1400 old laws and Acts which were only complicating governance;

Such measures have propelled our economy into a high growth trajectory.

FDI inflows have grown the most in the last three years. There is a new energy and vibrancy in the domestic industry.

A new start up eco-system has been un-veiled;

With unique ID and mobile phone penetration, we are fast moving towards becoming a Digital Economy;

Our, strategy is to leverage the strength of hundreds of millions of Indians who have come online in recent years;

Thus, a New India is emerging which will be modern and competitive and yet caring and compassionate;

On the global platform,

India has climbed 42 places in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index in the last three years;

We moved up 19 places on the Logistics Performance Index of 2016 of World Bank;

We have improved 31 places in last two years in the Global Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum;

We have also moved up twenty one places on the Global Innovation Index of WIPO in two years;

We are among the top 10 FDI destinations listed by UNCTAD;

Ours is a globally cost competitive manufacturing eco-system;

We have a vast pool of skilled professionals with knowledge and energy;

Now, we have a world class engineering education base and strong R&D facilities;

In the last two years, we have moved towards a low tax regime on corporate side where we have lowered the tax from 30 percent to 25 percent for new investments and smaller ventures.

We are working with the mission of Transforming India from:

An old civilisation into a modern society;

An informal economy into a formal economy;

You can imagine the range and span of our work. We are already the third-largest economy by purchasing power. Very soon, we will become the world's fifth-largest economy by nominal GDP. We are also the fastest growing major economy of the world today. We are also a country with the one of the largest Start up eco-systems.

Our vision is to create a globally competitive industry and services base equipped with skill, speed and scale. Therefore, we are continuously working to improve our investment climate. We particularly want to promote manufacturing in a big way to create jobs for our youth. For this purpose, we have launched a campaign called “Make in India”. This includes bringing our industrial infrastructure, policies and practices to best global standards and to convert India into a global manufacturing hub. This initiative has been well supplemented by programmes like ‘Digital India’ and ‘Skill India’. Cleaner and greener development and Zero defect Zero effect manufacturing is another commitment.

We have committed to the world and are moving aggressively for adoption of better environmental technologies. I have said earlier that there is huge potential for cooperation between India's software and Korea's IT industry. Your car making and our designing capabilities can be put together. Though we have become the third biggest producer of steel, we need to add lot of value in it. Your steel-making capacity and our resources of iron ore can be put together for better products.

Similarly, your ship-building capacity and our agenda of port led development can become a driver of our partnership. Housing, smart cities, railway stations, water, transportation, railways, sea ports, energy including renewables, IT infrastructure and services, electronics, are all very promising sectors in my country. India and Korea are major economies in the region. Our partnership has immense potential to promote regional growth, development, stability and prosperity in Asia. India is turning to the East for bigger economic engagement. Similarly, South Korea is trying to diversify its overseas markets.

Both stand to gain by deepening their partnership. India a huge and emerging market. It can also be a bridge for Korean business to penetrate the Middle East and African markets. You may recollect that the need for a hand-holding agency was felt during my visit to Korea. It was announced that a dedicated team would be established for Korean Investments in India. Accordingly, “Korea Plus” was formed in June 2016. The mandate of Korea Plus is to promote, facilitate and retain Korean investments in India. It is envisaged as the first reference point for Korean Investors in India. Korea Plus has facilitated more than 100 Korean Investors in a short span of about two years. It acts as a partner throughout the investment cycle of Korean companies. This shows our commitment towards welcoming Korean people and companies; ideas and investments.

Friends!

I would like to conclude by saying that India is now ready for business. India is now a free destination for enterprise. You will not find such a free and growing market anywhere in the world. I further assure you that whatever is required to promote and protect your investments will be done here. Because we value your involvement and contribution in our economy. At a personal level too, I assure you of my full support whenever required.

Thank You!

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in the Roundtable with the Korean CEOs, at the India-Korea Business Summit, in New Delhi on February 27, 2018. The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, the Secretary, DIPP, Shri Ramesh Abhishek and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in the Roundtable with the Korean CEOs, at the India-Korea Business Summit, in New Delhi on February 27, 2018. The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, the Secretary, DIPP, Shri Ramesh Abhishek and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the inaugural session of the India-Korea Business Summit, in New Delhi on February 27, 2018. The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, the Secretary, DIPP, Shri Ramesh Abhishek and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi delivering the inaugural address at the India-Korea Business Summit, in New Delhi on February 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the inaugural session of the India-Korea Business Summit, in New Delhi on February 27, 2018. The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, the Secretary, DIPP, Shri Ramesh Abhishek and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu addressing the India-Korea Business Summit, in New Delhi on February 27, 2018.

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari and the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs (I/C), Shri Hardeep Singh Puri at the Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the Third Annual Meeting of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, in New Delhi on February 27, 2018.

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari delivering the keynote address, at the Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the Third Annual Meeting of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, in New Delhi on February 27, 2018. The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs (I/C), Shri Hardeep Singh Puri and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari delivering the keynote address, at the Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the Third Annual Meeting of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, in New Delhi on February 27, 2018.

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs (I/C), Shri Hardeep Singh Puri addressing at the Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the Third Annual Meeting of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, in New Delhi on February 27, 2018.

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley unveiling the Logo and theme of the 3rd Annual Meeting of AIIB, at the Curtain Raiser Inaugural Session of the Third Annual Meeting of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, in New Delhi on February 27, 2018. The Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Shri S.C. Garg and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley delivering the Inaugural Address at the Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the Third Annual Meeting of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, in New Delhi on February 27, 2018.

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley in a group photograph at the Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the Third Annual Meeting of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, in New Delhi on February 27, 2018. The Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Shri S.C. Garg and other dignitaries are also seen.

Hindustani78 · Feb 27, 2018

http://www.thehindu.com/business/Ec...run-jaitley/article22867600.ece?homepage=true

The economy has become very open in the last few years; it has integrated globally and invited investments in most sectors. The country has also made procedures for investment extremely simple, he points out..

The Indian economy had the potential to achieve a growt
h rate of more than 7-8% in view of policy changes, accompanied by a supportive global environment, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Tuesday.

Over the next 10-20 years, India would continue to remain one of the fastest growing economies in the world, he said at the India-Korea Business Summit in New Delhi.

India had demonstrated in the last few years that it had, even in a global environment of adversity, a potential to self correct itself, to continue to take difficult decisions if necessary and maintain a high growth trajectory, he noted.

'People want nation to grow much faster'
The country was able to blend its economic decisions along with political acceptability to the extent that there was now a huge support, almost bordering on impatience, where people wanted India to reform and grow much faster .

Most people in India believed that a 7-8% growth rate was an absolute normal for the country but the real potential of India was to beat that. Therefore, with policy changes, accompanied by a supportive global environment, India had the potential to achieve a little more than that, he said.

The Indian economy had become very open in the last few years; it had integrated globally and invited investments in most sectors. The country had also made the procedures for investment extremely simple, he pointed out.

The government’s decision-making had made doing business in India much easier and whatever challenges and difficulties did arise, there was an extensive debate in the country as to why procedures must be further simplified and a combined national effort needed to move in that direction.

'Govt. discretions virtually eliminated'
It’s a rule-based decision-making ,where governmental discretions, based on individual cases, have been virtually eliminated. The government was able to unify taxes and bring about a relatively simpler tax structure and for international investors, indirect tax structures had become extremely investor friendly.

In an apparent reference to retrospective taxation, Mr. Jaitley said: ''Whatever misgivings we had about our direct tax structures in the past including some erroneous decisions which governments have taken, we have completely eliminated those fears and added more predictability and stability as far as taxation is concerned.''

The government was consciously encouraging some sectors. “The manufacturing sector is an area where India still has to achieve its best and, therefore, we believe that in the next decade or two, this is a sector which is going to expand very substantially and most policies therefore are now conducive to domestic manufacturing,” he said, adding that there was a lot of potential for companies wanting to invest in infrastructure in India.

Hindustani78 · Feb 27, 2018

http://www.thehindu.com/business/Ec...ness-summit/article22865134.ece?homepage=true

At summit, he promises to do whatever is required to “promote and protect” their investment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday pitched for foreign investments, saying India is one of the most open economies in the world and it is ready to do business with the world.

The government had worked towards creating a stable business environment and removed arbitrariness in decision-making, he said at the India-Korea Business Summit.

“We seek positivity in day-to-day transactions. We are widening areas of trust rather than digging into doubts. This represents a complete change of the government’s mindset,” he said.

India was the third-largest economy in terms of purchasing power. “Very soon, we will become the world’s fifth largest economy by nominal GDP. We are also the fastest-growing major economy of the world today. We are also a country with the one of the largest start-up eco-system,” he said.

De-regulation and de-licensing drive

The government was on a de-regulation and de-licensing drive. The validity period of industrial licences had been increased from three years to fifteen years and more. “If you see around the globe, there are very few countries where you have three important factors of economy together. They are: democracy, demography and demand. In India, we have all the three together,” he said.

To South Korean businessmen, he said India was ready for business, and promised to do whatever was required to “promote and protect” their investment.

Hindustani78 · Feb 28, 2018

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/cornered-by-the-quad/article22870625.ece?homepage=true

The four countries will have to show that their infrastructure development plans are a match to Chinese ambitions

Last November on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Manila, the Quadrilateral arrangement involving South Korea , India, Japan and the U.S. saw a revival as officials exchanged notes on regional and global security. It has been a remarkable turnaround in the prospects of an arrangement which had collapsed a decade ago under the weight of Chinese démarches. In 2017 it was an assertive Beijing that brought the four Indo-Pacific powers together to manage the externalities arising out of the scale and scope of China’s rise.

Challenging China

Despite an initial meeting, there has been a range of questions on the viability of the Quad arrangement, and specifically on its agenda given that the grouping has often been wary of explicitly annoying the Chinese.

But there are signs of emerging priority areas. Last week it was revealed that the four countries are working to establish a joint regional infrastructure scheme as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Though the plan is still in its nascent stage, it is clear that the normative order China is trying to construct in the economic sphere will not go unchallenged.

As Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop said recently in a media interview in London,“We want to work with China to ensure that their infrastructure investment is commercially sustainable, is transparent and adds to the economic growth that is so needed in our part of the world.”

The Quad has expressed reservations on the BRI in its own ways. But the four countries have rightly recognised that merely opposing it will not advance their agenda given the hunger for infrastructure in large parts of the world.

According to some estimates, developing nations in the Indo-Pacific itself need around $26 trillion through 2030 for their infrastructure needs.

As a pet project of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the BRI is aimed at situating Beijing at the core of the global economy by building global transport links across the world. China’s ambitions in this regard have also kept expanding with its first official Arctic policy white paper which talks of a “Polar Silk Road.”

The Quad nations will have to present their own model if only to underscore the normative differences between the Chinese and their approach. China with its BRI is providing a new economic template to the world, and it is important for those powers which view Beijing’s approach as top-down, opaque and self serving to pro-actively provide credible alternatives. The scale and scope of the Chinese economic footprint can only be tackled if the Quad nations combine forces.

Unlike the military option, this is a softer side of the “Quad” engagement and its members are already undertaking connectivity projects around the world. India and Japan, for example, are working on an ambitious Asia-Africa Growth Corridor linking Southeast Asia to Africa. The idea of an Indo-Pacific “quad” has been much talked about but this will be the first concrete manifestation of the idea in operational terms.

Pushing back

The biggest concern about the BRI is that it is a means of cementing Chinese economic hegemony and, in the process, challenges the foundations of the extant liberal economic order. While underlining their support for the need for global and regional connectivity in principle, the Quad members have been pushing back.

India’s opposition has been the strongest partly because the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is a part of the BRI, passes through Azad Kashmir. India was the only major power which did not attend the BRI summit hosted by China last May.

Japan has laid down specific conditions for its participation in the BRI even as it is looking to use its official development assistance to promote a broader “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy” including “high-quality infrastructure”. Australia has accepted the principles which frame the BRI.

U.S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis has suggested that “no one nation should put itself into a position of dictating ‘One Belt, One Road’”. After that U.S. has pulled them out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, raising apprehensions about America’s continued commitment to Asia’s future, infrastructure investment in the region will bring it back in the game.

Beijing has already expressed its unhappiness at the emergence of the “Quad” and will see moves to counter the BRI as an attempt to shift the balance of power in the wider Indo-Pacific. China’s worries will only increase as the combined might of these four powers is quite formidable. The possibility of major power coordination on managing global connectivity still remains a possibility but as more and more countries recognise the limits of Chinese approach, the Quad’s attraction will get even stronger.

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