Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State visits Sweden

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Ministry of Finance
09-March, 2017 17:52 IST
India and Belgium sign Protocol amending the India-Belgium Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and Protocol

Fighting the menace of Black Money stashed in offshore accounts is a key priority area for the Government

India and Belgium have signed a Protocol amending the existing Agreement and Protocol between the two countries for Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income today in New Delhi. The Protocol was signed by Shri Sushil Chandra, Chairman Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on behalf of India and Mr. Jan Luykx, Ambassador of Belgium to India, on behalf of Belgium.

The Protocol will broaden the scope of the existing framework of exchange of tax related information. This in turn will help curb tax evasion and tax avoidance between the two countries and will also enable mutual assistance in collection of taxes.

Fighting the menace of Black Money stashed in offshore accounts has been a key priority area for the Government. To further this goal, India has either signed or amended international agreements, declarations or conventions for the Avoidance of Double Taxation & Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and for the Exchange of Information with Switzerland, Mauritius, Cyprus, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kazakhstan, Singapore and Austria during the financial year 2016-17.

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The Minister of Economy & Sustainable Development of Georgia, Mr. Giorgi Gakharia meeting the Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in New Delhi on April 10, 2017.

The Minister of Economy & Sustainable Development of Georgia, Mr. Giorgi Gakharia meeting the Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in New Delhi on April 10, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shri N.K. Sinha is also seen.

 

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Ministry of Commerce & Industry
11-April, 2017 17:50 IST
Joint Feasibility Study on the Free Trade Agreement between India and Georgia

A high level delegation led by the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Mr.GiorgiGakharia called on the Commerce & Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharamantoday on 11th April 2017.

On this occasion both the ministers recognized the importance to further promote economic, trade and investment relations between the two countries. With the objective to create favourable conditions for more comprehensive economic cooperation, a Joint Statement on the launching of the Joint Feasibility Study on the Free Trade Agreement between the Republic of India, and Georgia was signed today by the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Mr.GiorgiGakharia and Commerce & Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman.

Upon the completion of the Joint Feasibility Study the Republic of India and Georgia may proceed to negotiations on an FTA once the internal procedures are completed and the mandates on negotiations are approved.In this regard, the Joint Feasibility Study Group consisting of the officials of the two countries has been established. Joint Secretary, Foreign Trade (CIS), Department of Commerce, Government of India and Mr. GenadiArveladze Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia would be the leaders, respectivelyof Indian and Georgian side.

The purpose of establishing the Joint Feasibility Study Group is to provide an opportunity for more in-depth and systematic examination of potential FTA. The Joint Feasibility Study Group shall discuss the possible scope of a potential FTA and analyse the sensitiveness of specific sectors, while recommending possible ways to address them. Both the ministers expressed the hope that the Joint Feasibility Study Group shall issue a report with the relevant analysis and recommendations within a period of six months.

India is having positive trade balance with Georgia. In 2015-2016 the total export from India to Georgia was US$ 82.57 million and import from Georgia was US$ 24.47 million.During the period April -February 2016-2017 India’s export to Georgia stood at about US$ 83 million as compared to US$ 73 million April-February 2015-2016 and import from Georgia stood at US$ 28 million as compared to US$ 24 million in April-February, 2015-2016.

Both the countries expressed their confidence that the Joint Feasibility Study will further contribute to the mutually beneficial cooperation of the partners and bring it to a new level.

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The French Minister of State for Transport, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Mr. Alain Vidalies calls on the Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on April 11, 2017.

A delegation led by the French Minister of State for Transport, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Mr. Alain Vidalies calls on the Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on April 11, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Shri Rajiv Gauba is also seen.

The French Minister of State for Transport, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Mr. Alain Vidalies calls on the Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on April 11, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Shri Rajiv Gauba is also seen.

 

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A high level delegation led by the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Mr. Giorgi Gakharia meeting the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry (Independent Charge), Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, in New Delhi on April 11, 2017.

The Minister of State for Commerce & Industry (Independent Charge), Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Mr. Giorgi Gakharia signing a Joint Statement in a meeting, in New Delhi on April 11, 2017.

 

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The Ambassador of Monaco to India, Mr. Patric Medecin meeting the Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Independent Charge), Shri Anil Madhav Dave, in New Delhi on April 13, 2017.

 

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President's Secretariat
15-April, 2017 11:44 IST
President of India Greets Queen of Denmark on her Birthday

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has conveyed his greetings and felicitations to Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II, the Queen of the Kingdom of Denmark on her birthday which falls on April 16.

In his message, the President has said, “On behalf of the Government and the people of India and on my own behalf, I have great pleasure in extending warm greetings and felicitations to Your Majesty on the occasion of Your Majesty’s Birthday.

Your Majesty’s commitment to and contribution in promoting friendly relations between Denmark and India is highly appreciated. I am confident that our two Governments will continue to work for further strengthening these close ties for the mutual benefit of our peoples.

I would also like to convey to Your Majesty my best wishes for your good health and well-being for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Kingdom of Denmark”.

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Vice President's Secretariat

24-April, 2017 20:16 IST
My visit to Armenia & Poland aimed at furthering our friendship and cooperation: Vice President

Addresses onboard Media Air India One Special Aircraft

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that the objective of his visit to Armenia and Poland is to further the friendship and cooperation. He was addressing the Media onboard Air India One Special Aircraft on his way to Armenia, today. The Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that Armenia has old cultural links with India. He further said that it is a friendly country to India and India helped them in capacity building. The Armenian community in Kolkata had strong cultural presence, including the famous Armenian Church, he added. He further said that his visit would build on the excellent political relations and good-will the two countries shared.

The Vice President said that Poland is a strong trading partner for India in Central Europe and many Indian companies have a presence there and have made substantive investments. He further said that Poland has some useful technology, including in areas such s clean coal and India is keen to work with them. Poland is an important member of NATO and they have been politically supportive of India in forums like NSG, he added.

Reacting to a question on bilateral trade with Armenia, the Vice President said that the geographic location and small market size in Armenia limits the size of our bilateral trade. Armenians are known for their trading acumen and are culturally very advanced. India has supported Armenia in the field of Information Technology, he added.

In reply to a question on enhancing economic ties with Poland, the Vice President said that India-Poland trade has been growing and given the potential, it could be expanded further. He further said that some core areas including coal technology and agriculture had been identified. There is much possibility and our business community is showing a lot of interest in Poland, he added.

On a question on Poland's support for India's membership in expanded UN Security Council, the Vice President said that while the rules are being reworked and Poland has been supportive of India, even under the old rules.

On a question about India's defence ties with Poland, the Vice President said that with Poland we have specific areas of defence cooperation and two sides are working to expand the ties.

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The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and Smt. Salma Ansari emplane for a five-day visit to Armenia and Poland, in New Delhi on April 24, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari addressing the media onboard Air India One Special Aircraft, on his way to Armenia, on April 24, 2017. The Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh is also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and Smt. Salma Ansari arrive at the Zvartnots International Airport, in Armenia on April 24, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and Smt. Salma Ansari being received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian and Mrs. Natalia Nalbandian, on their arrival, at the Zvartnots International Airport, in Armenia on April 24, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari being received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian, at the Memorial of the victims of Armenian Genocide, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 25, 2017. The Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh is also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari paying homage at the Memorial of the victims of Armenian Genocide, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 25, 2017. The Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh is also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari visiting the Museum of Armenian Genocide, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 25, 2017. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian and the Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari visiting the Museum of Armenian Genocide, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 25, 2017. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian and the Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari planting a sapling at the premises of the Museum of Armenian Genocide, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 25, 2017. The Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh is also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari being received by the Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr. Karen Karapetyan at the Government House, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 25, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari with the Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr. Karen Karapetyan, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 25, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari at the delegation level talks with the Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr. Karen Karapetyan, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 25, 2017. The Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh is also seen.

 

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The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and the Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr. Karen Karapetyan at the signing of MoUs following delegation level talks, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 25, 2017. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian and the Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and the Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr. Karen Karapetyan witnessing the exchange of MoUs following delegation level talks, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 25, 2017. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian and the Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and the Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr. Karen Karapetyan witnessing the exchange of MoUs following delegation level talks, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 25, 2017. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian and the Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and the Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr. Karen Karapetyan witnessing the exchange of MoUs following delegation level talks, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 25, 2017. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian and the Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari being received by the President of Armenia, Mr. Serzh Sargsyan, at the Presidential Palace, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 25, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari meeting the President of Armenia, Mr. Serzh Sargsyan, at the Presidential Palace, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 25, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari meeting the President of Armenia, Mr. Serzh Sargsyan, at the Presidential Palace, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 25, 2017. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian and the Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh are also seen.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 25, 2017.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 25, 2017. The Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh is also seen.

 

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President's Secretariat
26-April, 2017 12:40 IST
President of India’s message on the eve of King’s Day of Netherlands

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the King, Government and people of the Netherlands on the eve of the King’s Day of the Netherlands (April 27, 2017).

In his message to His Majesty Willem-Alexander, the King of the Netherlands, the President has said, “On behalf of the Government and the people of India, I extend warm felicitations to you, the Government and the people of the Netherlands on the occasion of ‘King’s Day’.

India and the Netherlands enjoy a long history of friendship and fruitful cooperation in a wide range of areas of our common interest. As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, I am confident that our bilateral ties will be further strengthened in the years to come - to the mutual benefit of our two peoples.

Please accept, Your Majesty, my best wishes for your good health and personal well-being - and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Netherlands”.

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Vice President's Secretariat
26-April, 2017 12:43 IST
Countries that invest in education, build strong consumer economies, have democratic institutions to deal with social change will benefit: Vice President

Delivers Lecture at the Yerevan State University

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that the countries that have invested in educating their populations, built strong consumer economies, and have democratic institutions that can deal with social change will benefit. He was delivering the Lecture at the Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia today. The Minister of Education and Science, Armenia, Mr. Levon Mkrtchyan, the Vice-Rector of Yerevan State University, Mr. Gegham Gevorgyan and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that some of the newer technologies that would impact on human progress relate to energy, cyber technology, robotics, artificial intelligence, quantum mechanics, gene-editing and space exploration. All of these have geopolitical implications in the future, he added.

In recognition of his outstanding public and political achievements and his contribution to development of India-Armenia relations, the Vice President was awarded with a degree of Honorary Doctor of the Yerevan State University.

Following is the text of Vice President's Lecture:

" I am happy to be in this enchanting city and grateful to the Rector and the faculty of the Yerevan State University for inviting me today.

I have come to a land some distance from India but not far from the individual and collective memory of Indians. I myself was born in Calcutta (now Kolkata), and spent many years in the city. Amongst its historic features are Armenian churches and other signs of its Armenian inhabitants. Father Michael Chamich’s History of Armenia was translated and published in Calcutta in 1827. More recently, historians like Mesrovb Jacob Seth and George Bournoutian have recorded the Armenian contribution in India to trade and commerce as to various cultural and charitable activities.

Less known but nevertheless a part of spiritual history of my land is the personality of Armenian descent known in medieval chronicles as Sarmad, a mystic of who travelled from somewhere in this region to India, led an unconventional life and was executed for blasphemy in 1660 because he espoused a creed that distinguished between states of ‘negation and affirmation’. One of the leaders of our freedom movement and a close aide of Mahatma Gandhi, Abul Kalam Azad, was deeply influenced by Sarmad’s free thinking and humanitarianism.

It is thus evident that well before modern times; the flow of people, trade and ideas was not an unusual occurrence. My purpose today, however, is to talk about the future, not the past.

The older generation in this audience knows and the younger ones have been told that the 20th century was a period of organized insanity characterized by metamyths and megadeaths. These led an eminent historian to conclude that ‘our world risks both explosion and implosion;’ hence ‘it must change’.

The expectation that the changes in the last decade of the century would bring forth a more harmonious world in which international cooperation in solving international problems would be addressed by peaceful means in conformity with the principles of justice and international law did not materialize. On the contrary, older patterns of thought and practice persisted and, aided by newer technologies, resulted in explosions as well as implosions in different parts of our world. The promise of globalization also showed its limitations; the financial crisis of 2008 demonstrated, in the words of one analyst, a ‘systemic vulnerability to unregulated greed.’ Both, in the final analysis, exhibited failures of governance at national and global levels.

Nor was the crisis limited to matters strategic and financial. Climatic catastrophes and pandemics demonstrated the vulnerability of human existence to forces beyond its control despite the immensity of scientific advances.

The conclusion is unavoidable that individuals, societies, and the global community as a collective, need to re-think the parameters of their future. In this endeavour, the first step necessarily is to identify the likely challenges; the next is to assess the impact that scientific and technological advancement would have in resolving them; and the third would be to assess their impact on our lives and patterns of behavior. Our focus has to be on the possible and the probable; however, the possibility cannot be excluded of delving into the preferable and the undesirable.

I hasten to add that there is nothing unique about such speculative ventures. All through recorded history, the human mind has sought to visualize both utopias and doomsday scenarios. I am nevertheless emboldened to venture down this path today in the presence of a youthful audience eager to dream of a better world.

A general categorization of challenges to our world of today is premised on a normal desire to live, live well, live in peace, live without human or natural threats. The devil, as always, is in details. The right to live, universally conceded as a basic human right, implies the right to breathe, to food and water, to health. These, together, necessitate sustainable development and the need to address the totality of challenges of climate change. Alongside are the problems of population, disease, energy and resources.

Supplementary to these, but inseparable from them, are all the requirements that humankind, by virtue of being both social and political creatures, need for living in society, be it local, national or global and the growing realization that these challenges transcend national boundaries and can only be addressed through global cooperation in which burden sharing is equitable. Consequently, the old doctrines and dogmas of national decision-making, and state sovereignty stand abridged in good measure.

These emerging imperatives have two-fold implications: technological and socio-political.

Today, more than ever before, there is a general realization in all societies that solutions have to be sought through science and technology. The prospects are fascinating in some respects, disturbing in others.

Some of the newer technologies that would impact on human progress relate to energy, cyber technology, robotics, artificial intelligence, quantum mechanics, gene-editing and space exploration. All of these have geopolitical implications in the future.

Allow me to dilate on the implications of some of these.

Human civilization, as it has developed, is energy-centric and newer technologies would increase our demands of energy. The 20th century was the century of hydrocarbons. Towards the end of the century it was realized that hydrocarbon resources were finite and this had political implications in terms of global tussles.

The big shock to the energy industry came with ‘fracking’, a new set of techniques and technologies for extracting more hydrocarbons from the ground. Though there are concerns about environmental damage, these increased the outputs of oil and gas, caused the usurpation of old-line coal-fired power plants, and dramatically reduced dependence of some countries on foreign oil.

Scientists also came forth with other sources, principally nuclear. It has its benefits and challenges.
The demand for clean energy is growing. Solar and wind are now advancing on an exponential curves. Every two years, for example, solar installation rates are doubling, and photovoltaic-module costs are falling by about 20 percent. Even without the subsidies that governments are phasing out, present costs of solar installations will, by 2022, halve, reducing returns on investments, to less than four years. By 2030, solar power will be able to provide 100 percent of today’s energy needs; by 2035, it will seem almost free — just as cell-phone calls are today.
A tantalizing prospect emerged when men of science looked beyond the planet Earth. Many years ago Soviet astronomer Nokolai Kardashev propounded the theory of stages of civilization in terms of sources of energy and categorized the present, based on fossil sources, as sub-zero type, to be followed by Type I that would harness power of an entire planet, Type II from a star and Type III from a galaxy.

As futurist Ray Kurzweil says, when an exponential technology is at one percent, you are halfway to 100 percent, and that is where solar and wind energies are now. Another surge of growth would spell the imminent extinction of the fossil-fuel industry, and with it the geo-strategic significance that hydrocarbon rich states have enjoyed. This will have a cascading impact on the regional security architectures in many parts of the world as well as pan-global ramifications.
Cyber technology has overwhelmed us and its impact on every level of human organization is evident. It is not threatening in itself but most societies are already beginning to cope with threats emanating from it. The very benefits of its use in social, financial, industrial and military sectors have, as one strategic thinker has observed, ‘revolutionized vulnerabilities.’

Robotics and digital manufacturing are no longer on distant horizon and have implications for countries and economies. The outsourced world manufacturing to Asia, which fuelled the economic revival in Asia and created massive demands for energy and other material resources, will likely diminish as robotic factories and other disruptive manufacturing techniques like 3-D printing become cheaper and widely available. Foxconn has already announced that it would replace most of its workers with robots. A newer generation of robots such as ABB’s Yumi and Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer are dexterous enough to thread a needle and cost as much as a car does. Robots are also uniformly productive irrespective of geography. As manufacturing centres will shift closer to consumption centres, the geostrategic significance of trade routes and demand for transportation will also diminish.

These changes can create long term downward wage pressure on the present day manufacturing led economies. It will also drive down commodity and energy prices, and could result in destabilization of some economies. This can have a cascading effect, as strong, global deflationary force will impact all economies. Some governments may attempt to impose reactionary Protectionism. They may increase human wages which in the end may just increase the rate at which cheaper machines permanently replace human workers.

Technological developments will have a deep impact on the socio-economic structure of society. Greater automation can free a larger number of people from the drudgery of repetitive tasks, providing more leisure. Introduction of measures like universal basic income and taxation of machines may demand a very different fiscal mechanism from that what we have today. On a positive note, greater leisure time can open the possibility of a larger number of people taking to creative pursuits, searching for new knowledge and to the deepening of our understanding of the universe. On the other hand, more leisure can also lead to greater hedonism and pursuit of more selfish goals. To ensure that humanity treads the path of positive, we may require a universal set of values and belief system.
The geopolitical implications of these changes are far reaching. The US economy will reinvent itself just as does every 30-40 years; it is, after all, leading the technology boom. Yet, others are not far behind. The Economist magazine indicated last month that in the field of quantum computing and quantum cryptography, the list of patent pending applications is headed by China, not the United Sates. Economic historians have also drawn attention to the fact that in the span of world history, the distinction between industrialized and developing countries, or rich and poor countries, is relatively recent. It is not a constant and has been changing in recent decades.
Technology and its applications is one aspect of the matter; the human response to it is another. This galloping new world has already demonstrated that traditional frontiers of thought and action are no longer sacrosanct. At the same time, it is evident that the impact of new techniques and technologies would not be uniform in all societies since they are at different levels of development and do not have equal capacities of absorption.

How then do these societies and their state structures respond to them?

It is evident that countries that have invested in educating their populations, built strong consumer economies, and have democratic institutions that can deal with social change will benefit — because their people will have had their basic needs met and can figure out how to take advantage of the advances in technology.

At the same time, domestic correctives would be most productive if they are accompanied by a genuinely reformed world that is global, structural and juridical, an order that transcends the perspective and requirements of any one region or nation. Only then would actions of countries be harmonized in the attainment of common ends.

It is a distant horizon towards which we must continue to walk. As young people, you have the will and capacity to do so, for your own good and for humanity at large.

Thank You."


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The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari at the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 26, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari at the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 26, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari at the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 26, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari being congratulated by the Minister of Education and Science, Armenia, Mr. Levon Mkrtchyan on being awarded with a degree of Honorary Doctor of the Yerevan State University, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 26, 2017. The Vice-Rector of Yerevan State University, Mr. Gegham Gevorgyan is also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari being awarded with a degree of Honorary Doctor of the Yerevan State University, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 26, 2017. The Vice-Rector of Yerevan State University, Mr. Gegham Gevorgyan is also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari interacting with the students following his lecture at the Yerevan State University, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 26, 2017. The Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh, the Minister of Education and Science, Armenia, Mr. Levon Mkrtchyan and the Vice-Rector of Yerevan State University, Mr. Gegham Gevorgyan are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari delivering the lecture at the Yerevan State University, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 26, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari delivering the lecture at the Yerevan State University, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 26, 2017. The Minister of Education and Science, Armenia, Mr. Levon Mkrtchyan and the Vice-Rector of Yerevan State University, Mr. Gegham Gevorgyan are also seen.

 

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The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari arriving at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 26, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari meeting the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 26, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari with the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 26, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari with the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 26, 2017. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian and the Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and Smt. Salma Ansari lighting the candles, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 26, 2017. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian and the Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and Smt. Salma Ansari visiting the Museum, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 26, 2017. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian is also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari being bid farewell by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian, at the Zvartnots International Airport, in Yerevan, Armenia on April 26, 2017.

Ministry of Agriculture
27-April, 2017 16:42 IST
Shri Radha Mohan Singh holds bilateral meeting with Shri Nicos Kouyialis, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Cyprus

India & Cyprus sign Work Plan for 2017–18 in the Agriculture Sector

India and Cyprus here today signed Work Plan for 2017–18 to implement an already singed MOU for cooperation in the agriculture sector. It covers areas such as joint research projects, training/exchange programme for scientists/experts working in the specific fields in various institutes of the two countries, exchange of germplasms and technology, promotion of private sector participation and joint workshops and conferences etc.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare welcomed Shri Nicos Kouyialis and said that India’s relations with Cyprus have always been warm and friendly with the two countries supporting each others’ views on various international matters.

Shri Singh said that India has achieved tremendous progress in the Agriculture and Allied Sectors, which remains a principal source of income in the country. The government is working not only to accelerate agricultural production to meet the rising demand for food, but also to increase the income of those dependent on agriculture. Union Agriculture Minister said further said the government has set a target of doubling farmers’ income by 2022 and briefly highlighted the initiatives taken in this regard.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said that the government has laid great focus on furthering relationships with like-minded countries, not only to improve trade and investment prospects but also to share the knowledge earned over the years. Shri Singh thanked the Cyprus minister for his visit to India and said that it has provided an opportunity to further enhance the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

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The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades being received by the Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel, on his arrival, in New Delhi on April 26, 2017.

 

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The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and Smt. Salma Ansari being received by the Director, Diplomatic Protocol, Poland, Ms. Irena Lichnerowicz Augustyn, on their arrival, at the Warsaw Chopin Airport, in Poland on April 26, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari being received by the Prime Minister of Poland, Ms. Beata Szydlo, at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland, in Warsaw, Poland on April 27, 2017. The Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Poland, Mr. Krzysztof Jurgiel are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari with the Prime Minister of Poland, Ms. Beata Szydlo, at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland, in Warsaw, Poland on April 27, 2017. The Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Poland, Mr. Krzysztof Jurgiel are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari with the Prime Minister of Poland, Ms. Beata Szydlo inspecting the guard of honour, at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland, in Warsaw, Poland on April 27, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and the Prime Minister of Poland, Ms. Beata Szydlo, in Warsaw, Poland on April 27, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and the Prime Minister of Poland, Ms. Beata Szydlo, at the delegation level talks, in Warsaw, Poland on April 27, 2017. The Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Poland, Mr. Krzysztof Jurgiel are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and the Prime Minister of Poland, Ms. Beata Szydlo, at the signing of MoUs following delegation level talks, in Warsaw, Poland on April 27, 2017.

The Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Poland, Mr. Krzysztof Jurgiel signing an MoU on Agricultural cooperation, following delegation level talks between the Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and the Prime Minister of Poland, Ms. Beata Szydlo, in Warsaw, Poland on April 27, 2017.

The Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Poland, Mr. Krzysztof Jurgiel exchanging an MoU on Agricultural cooperation, following delegation level talks between the Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and the Prime Minister of Poland, Ms. Beata Szydlo, in Warsaw, Poland on April 27, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and the Prime Minister of Poland, Ms. Beata Szydlo making joint press statement following delegation level talks, in Warsaw, Poland on April 27, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari at the Central Arcade, Saxon Palace, in Warsaw, Poland on April 27, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari laying wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at the Central Arcade, Saxon Palace, in Warsaw, Poland on April 27, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari paying homage at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at the Central Arcade, Saxon Palace, in Warsaw, Poland on April 27, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari signing the visitor’s book at the Central Arcade, Saxon Palace, in Warsaw, Poland on April 27, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari inspecting the guard of honour at the Central Arcade, Saxon Palace, in Warsaw, Poland on April 27, 2017.

Vice President's Secretariat
27-April, 2017 20:38 IST
India is a natural destination for markets and business opportunities for Poland: Vice President

Addresses Business Summit at the Ministry of Economic Development, Poland

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that Polish business looks for markets and business opportunities beyond Europe, India is a natural destination. He was addressing the Business Summit at the Ministry of Economic Development, Poland, today. The Prime Minister of Poland, Ms. Beata Szydło, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Development and Finance, Mr. Jerzy Kwiecinski, the Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.


The Vice President said that India’s 29 states now offer a climate of both cooperative and competitive federalism, with quantum improvements in investment conditions in different Indian states. The new policy initiatives taken by the Union government, such as Make in India, Skill India and Digital India schemes, present new business opportunities for Polish companies in areas such as defence, food processing, coal and mining, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, bio-technology and renewable energy.


Following is the text of Vice President's address:


"I am delighted to have this opportunity to address this business summit, which is aimed at furthering economic cooperation between India and Poland. India sees Poland as an important emerging economic partner, not just in Europe but in the world. Poland’s transformation over the last two decades has been remarkable; the growth of its economy impressive. This change is visible all around us.


Today, Poland is India’s largest economic partner in Central Europe with bilateral trade that has grown to US $ 2.8 billion in 2016. I understand that this marked a growth of nearly 25% over the level of trade in the previous year. Investments are growing rapidly in both directions. This strong economic interaction between India and Poland is an indicator of the growing economic strengths of our countries. As Polish business looks for markets and business opportunities beyond Europe, India is a natural destination.


With a growth rate of over 7%, despite the general global downturn, India today is not just the fastest growing major economy in the world, it is also one of the most open and welcoming destination for investments and technologies. A vibrant democracy of 1.3 billion people with a young, skilled workforce, India offers an aspirational middle class market of over 400 million people. The constant reforms in fiscal and investment facilitation policies are transforming the economic scenario in India. A landmark Goods and Services Tax reform, for instance, is aimed at making India a unified market, with all 29 states offering an identical and predictable tax environment. Increasing transparency and a liberalised investment climate now allows the smooth flow of FDI in sectors like defence, railways, civil aviation and pharmaceuticals. We have seen a strong global confidence in the India story, with a surge in Foreign Direct Investments, which reached over US $ 50 billion in 2016.


India’s 29 states now offer a climate of both cooperative and competitive federalism, with quantum improvements in investment conditions in different Indian states. Some Polish regions are already availing of the business opportunities that Indian states offer. The new policy initiatives taken by the Union government, such as Make in India, Skill India and Digital India schemes, present new business opportunities for Polish companies in areas such as defence, food processing, coal and mining, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, bio-technology and renewable energy.


Cooperation in the education sector can become an important area of cooperation for us. India’s young are eager to seek educational opportunities that Poland offers. We already have some 2500 Indian students in Poland. These students add to the resources of Poland’s distinguished universities and will act as bridgeheads for our future engagements.


I understand that the delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister, His Excellency Prof. Piotr Glinski that visited India in January for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, had useful interactions with our political leadership and our business community. We have identified possible opportunities in sectors like food processing, mining, aerospace and defence. I am sure that the genius of our businessmen, on both sides, with their sense of adventure and innovation, will result in a many more mutually beneficial ventures. I wish this business summit all success.


Thank You."

***

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of Finance, Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Harris Georgiades calling on the Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Defence, Shri Arun Jaitley, in New Delhi on April 27, 2017.

The Minister of Finance, Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Harris Georgiades calling on the Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Defence, Shri Arun Jaitley, in New Delhi on April 27, 2017.

The Minister of State for Commerce & Industry (Independent Charge), Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and the Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Cyprus, Mr. Yiorgos Lakkotrypis in a bilateral meeting, in New Delhi on April 27, 2017.

The Minister of State for Commerce & Industry (Independent Charge), Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and the Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Cyprus, Mr. Yiorgos Lakkotrypis in a bilateral meeting, in New Delhi on April 27, 2017.

Ministry of Agriculture
27-April, 2017 16:42 IST
Shri Radha Mohan Singh holds bilateral meeting with Shri Nicos Kouyialis, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Cyprus

India & Cyprus sign Work Plan for 2017–18 in the Agriculture Sector

India and Cyprus here today signed Work Plan for 2017–18 to implement an already singed MOU for cooperation in the agriculture sector. It covers areas such as joint research projects, training/exchange programme for scientists/experts working in the specific fields in various institutes of the two countries, exchange of germplasms and technology, promotion of private sector participation and joint workshops and conferences etc.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare welcomed Shri Nicos Kouyialis and said that India’s relations with Cyprus have always been warm and friendly with the two countries supporting each others’ views on various international matters.

Shri Singh said that India has achieved tremendous progress in the Agriculture and Allied Sectors, which remains a principal source of income in the country. The government is working not only to accelerate agricultural production to meet the rising demand for food, but also to increase the income of those dependent on agriculture. Union Agriculture Minister said further said the government has set a target of doubling farmers’ income by 2022 and briefly highlighted the initiatives taken in this regard.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said that the government has laid great focus on furthering relationships with like-minded countries, not only to improve trade and investment prospects but also to share the knowledge earned over the years. Shri Singh thanked the Cyprus minister for his visit to India and said that it has provided an opportunity to further enhance the bilateral relationship between the two countries. *****

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh and the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Kouyialis signed the Work Plan for 2017–18 in the Agriculture Sector between India and Cyprus, at a bilateral meeting, in New Delhi on April 27, 2017.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh and the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Kouyialis signed the Work Plan for 2017–18 in the Agriculture Sector between India and Cyprus, at a bilateral meeting, in New Delhi on April 27, 2017.

The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, the Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal and other dignitaries at the India-Cyprus Business Forum, in New Delhi on April 27, 2017.

The Minister of Tourism, Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Yiorgos Lakkotrypis meeting the Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in New Delhi on April 27, 2017.

The Minister of Tourism, Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Yiorgos Lakkotrypis meeting the Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in New Delhi on April 27, 2017.

The Minister of State for Commerce & Industry (Independent Charge), Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and the Italian Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Mr. Ivan Scalfarotto, at a bilateral meeting, in New Delhi on April 27, 2017.