Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State visits Sweden

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of Housing, Energy and Environment, Finland, Mr. Kimmo Tiilikainen meeting the Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in New Delhi on October 05, 2017.

The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma in a meeting with the Minister of Housing, Energy and Environment, Finland, Mr. Kimmo Tiilikainen, in New Delhi on October 05, 2017.

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs (I/C), Shri Hardeep Singh Puri in a meeting with the Minister of Housing, Energy and Environment, Finland, Mr. Kimmo Tiilikainen, in New Delhi on October 05, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Shri Durga Shanker Mishra is also seen.

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs (I/C), Shri Hardeep Singh Puri in a meeting with the Minister of Housing, Energy and Environment, Finland, Mr. Kimmo Tiilikainen, in New Delhi on October 05, 2017.

The Ambassador of Belgium to India, Mr. Jan Luykx meeting the Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam, in New Delhi on October 05, 2017.

The Ambassador of Belgium to India, Mr. Jan Luykx meeting the Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam, in New Delhi on October 05, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani at the signing ceremony of a Joint Declaration of Intent regarding carrying out of feasibility study on existing Chennai-Kazipet corridor of Indian Railways for increasing the speed trains to 200 kmph between Indian Railways and German Railways, in New Delhi on October 10, 2017.

The Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani witnessing the exchange of a Joint Declaration of Intent regarding carrying out of feasibility study on existing Chennai-Kazipet corridor of Indian Railways for increasing the speed trains to 200 kmph between Indian Railways and German Railways, in New Delhi on October 10, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
12-October, 2017 17:49 IST
Minister of Commerce & Industry Suresh Prabhu kick-starts “Make in India: Sweden 2017” with series of industry and government meetings

Make in India: Sweden 2017, organized by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion in Stockholm, from October 12-13aims to enhance Indo-Swedish cooperation and explore new areas of partnership.

Several run-up events and high level meetings took place a day before the commencement of Make in India: Sweden 2017.The Indian delegation led by the Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhu held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Sweden, Mr. Stefan Löfven. The meeting reiterated the dedication to further strengthening of the Indo-Swedish economic relationship and exploring new avenues of collaboration.Shri Prabhu said, “I am excited that almost all top Swedish companies are present in India. Sweden is an old and trusted friend who came to invest in India when it was a tough time to do business, now it is the time of business oriented structural reforms and time is ripe for these partnerships.” It was acknowledged that companies from both sides have immensely benefitted since the Swedish Prime Minister’s last visit to India during the Make in India Week 2016 in Mumbai. The Prime Minister of Sweden said, “I remember my last trip to India during the Make in India Week 2016, and am proud of the relationship, and how both sides have benefited so much. I look forward to intensely working with you. We are dedicated to making the relationship develop further”.

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri DevendraFadnavis, who was also present at the meeting, invited Swedish companies to visit India and assured them that requisite support will be extended to them. The Chief Minister said, “Maharashtra hosts more than 80 Swedish companies which have added great value to the economy. There are huge business opportunities in Maharashtra in Smart Cities. We look forward to collaborate with technology providers into solid and liquid waste management”. It was agreed that India’s rapid growth provides an immense pool of opportunities for Swedish companies.

Minister of Commerce and Industryalso met theCo-Chair India-Sweden Business Leaders’ Round Table (ISBLRT) and Chairman, SEB,Mr. Marcus Wallenberg and President SAAB,Mr. HakanBuskhe. The Commerce & Industry Minister acknowledged the importance of the partnership with SAAB, a pioneer Swedish company in the Indian market.

SAAB expressed interest in introducing full scope for development of industrial systems, from design and engineering to production. The importance of technological cooperation was highlighted with focus on creation of high-technology zones close to forward going universities. SAAB representatives appreciated the successful GST introduction in India that has resulted in growth of domestic trade. Importance of fostering an EU-India Free Trade Agreement was discussed, given its potential to open borders and enable products to compete. It was agreed that higher economic integration and interdependencies will help resolve global political issues.

The main highlight of the day was the second edition of the India-Sweden Business Leaders’ Roundtable (ISBLRT) which focused on cooperation between the two countries, progress update of four joint working groups (Digitization, Smart Cities, Defence and Security and Skill Development) and the work plan for the year to come. The Prime Minister of Swedeninaugurated the second edition of ISBLRT and said: “I believe that Indo-Swedish cooperation would positively impact the global economy at large”. The Swedish Minister for Enterprise & Innovation,Mr. Mikael Damberg, highlighted Indo-Swedish shared values for growth and cooperation. Shri Prabhusaid “I would like to invite ISBLRT members to share innovative ideas on sunrise sectors, India’s upcoming industrial policy and assure that ideas will be taken to logical conclusions”.

Earlier the run-up events began with a meeting at India House hosted by the Indian Ambassador to Sweden, Smt.Monika KapilMohta, where Indian Government representatives and business delegates met to re-emphasize the objectives of the event and anticipated outcomes.

 

[Hindustani78]

Cabinet
01-November, 2017 13:34 IST
Cabinet approves signing an Agreement between India and Armenia on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing and ratifying an Agreement between India and Armenia on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters.

The Agreement will be signed on behalf of the two countries after it is approved by the respective Governments. This Agreement shall enter into force on the first day of the second month after the Contracting Parties notify each other in through diplomatic channels, that the necessary national legal requirements for entry into force of this Agreement have been fulfilled.

The Agreement will help in the availability of relevant information for the prevention and investigation of Customs offences. It is also expected to facilitate trade and ensure efficient clearance of goods traded between the countries.

Background :

The Agreement would provide a legal framework for sharing of information and intelligence between the Customs authorities of the two countries and help in the proper application of Customs laws, prevention and investigation of Customs offences and the facilitation of legitimate trade. The draft text of the Agreement has been finalized with the concurrence of the two Customs Administrations. The draft Agreement takes care of Indian Customs' concerns and requirements, particularly in the area of exchange of information on the correctness of the Customs value declared and authenticity of certificates of origin of the goods traded between the two countries.



******

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister for Upper Secondary School and Adult Education and Training, Sweden, Ms. Anna Ekstrom meeting the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley, in New Delhi on November 02, 2017.

The Minister for Upper Secondary School and Adult Education and Training, Sweden, Ms. Anna Ekstrom meeting the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley, in New Delhi on November 02, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
03-November, 2017 18:50 IST
Shri Radha Mohan Singh meet the Ministers of Germany, Denmark and Serbia

Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) & German AgriBusiness Alliance (GAA) agree to co-operate the establishment of Centers of Competence/Excellence in Agriculture: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh welcomed the Shri. Peter Bleser, German Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture and said that India’s relations with Germany have always been warm and friendly and that it is based on common values of democracy, respect for fundamental rights, and mutual trust. He said he is particularly happy with the pace at which cooperation in the agriculture and allied sectors are progressing between the two countries.

Talking about the cooperation, the Minister said that six JWG meetings have taken place since 2008; Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) and German AgriBusiness Alliance (GAA) have agreed to cooperate the establishment of Centers of Competence/Excellence in Agriculture, while the cooperation in seeds sector is active as project implementation agreement for the next phase (January 2017 to December 2018) had been signed in May 2017.

The Minister briefly mentioned the various initiatives taken by the Government in the agriculture sector and said that the present level of bilateral trade in agricultural products can be further enhanced. Shri Singh requested the German Minister to use his good office for early resolution of the issue relating to Tricyclazole (TCA) in Indian Rice exported to Germany and other members of EU and issue of acceptance of digital phytosanitary certificates by the EU countries.

After that, the Agriculture Minister met Danish Minister for Environment and Food, Mr. Esben Lunde Larsen. Welcoming the visiting Minister, Shri Singh recalled the historically friendly relations between the two countries. Shri Singh expressed satisfaction at the significantly expanded cooperation in trade, investment, and technology and said that he hopes that full potential would be realized in all areas following normalization of our relations.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh conveyed his appreciation to the Minister for Denmark’s participation at the “World Food India 2017” as a partner country and said that there are many opportunities in the food processing sector which can be successfully tapped by the Danish companies.

It was followed by a meeting with Branislav Nedimovic, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia. Shri. Singh welcomed the visiting Minister and expressed his satisfaction at the warmth of relationship as is indicated by Serbian Government’s decision to abolish visas for Indians. Shri Singh also briefly recalled India’s remarkable journey in the sector since gaining independence in 1947 to become the world’s largest producer of milk and one of the leading producers of fruits, vegetables, and fisheries.

The Minister said that agriculture & food processing and agricultural machinery are crucial industry segments in India-Serbia trade relations. He said that the present level of trade in agricultural products has much potential for further enhancement and suggested that Serbia may consider importing tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, banana, papaya etc. from India.

*****

The Minister of Environment and Food, Denmark, Mr. Esben Lunde meeting the Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, in New Delhi on November 03, 2017.

The Minister of Environment and Food, Denmark, Mr. Esben Lunde meeting the Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, in New Delhi on November 03, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Shipping
06-November, 2017 18:06 IST

Latvian delegation led by Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis visits JNPT

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust at Mumbai hosted a high-level delegation led by the Prime Minister of Latvia Mr Maris Kucinskis, on 4th November, 2017 . The delegation was on a five day visit to India starting 2nd November, 2017, during which the Latvian PM also met Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The delegation was given a detailed tour of the port to observe various port operations and the implementation of various Ease of Doing Business initiatives. Deputy Chairman of JNPT, Shri Neeraj Bansal also briefed the delegation about the Government’s flagship programme Sagarmala and the opportunities that were expected to emerge as the ports developed into engines of growth.

Prime Minister of Latvia Mr Maris Kucinskis said that this visit would be a turning point in the relationship between the two countries. He informed that Latvia has already started food processing units as joint venture with Indian partner. He also said that Latvia is focussing on transport and logistics, and the importance of building direct link and establishing direct contact through ports will establish close relations between two countries.


*****

 

[Hindustani78]

The King of Belgium laying wreath at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat, in Delhi on November 07, 2017. The Queen of Belgium and the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs (I/C), Shri Hardeep Singh Puri are also seen.

The King and Queen of Belgium paying homage at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat, in Delhi on November 07, 2017. The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs (I/C), Shri Hardeep Singh Puri is also seen.

The King of Belgium inspecting the Guard of Honour, at the Ceremonial Reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on November 07, 2017.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind and the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi receiving the King and Queen of Belgium, at the Ceremonial Reception, at Rashtrapati Bhawan, in New Delhi on November 07, 2017.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind and the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the Ceremonial Reception of King and Queen of Belgium, at Rashtrapati Bhawan, in New Delhi on November 07, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with His Majesty The King Philippe of Belgium, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on November 07, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with His Majesty The King Philippe of Belgium, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on November 07, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with His Majesty The King Philippe of Belgium, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on November 07, 2017.

His Majesty The King Philippe of Belgium, signing the visitors’ book, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on November 07, 2017. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi is also seen.

The King Philippe of the Belgium laying wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, in New Delhi on November 07, 2017.

His Majesty The King Philippe of Belgium calling on the President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on November 07, 2017.

The King and Queen of Belgium calling on the President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on November 07, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
14-November, 2017 10:46 IST
Curtain Raiser Event held for the Founding Ceremony of International Solar Alliance in Bonn, Germany

A Curtain Raiser Event for the Founding Ceremony of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was held at Bonn, Germany yesterday.

Speaking at the event, Shri Anand Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India hoped that, in the spirit of affirmative action, developed countries will earmark a percentage of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) towards solar energy projects in developing countries. He suggested that Multilateral Development Banks and other financial institutions provide wholehearted support for solar projects through low cost finance, and research & technology institutions worldwide try their utmost to bring the cost of solar power and storage within the reach of all. Shri Kumar also invited corporates and other institutions to support solar energy development and deployment in every possible manner.

Recalling that the ISA initiative is the vision of Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Kumar reaffirmed Indian Government’s continued support for the ISA. He also spoke about the Government plans to increase the share of renewable energy in India’s energy mix, especially towards achieving cumulative installed renewable power capacity of 175GW by 2022.

Secretary, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, Shri C.K. Mishra, underlined the need for visualising solar energy in the context of sustainable development goals. He emphasised upon the need for arranging technologies, finance and capacity building for solar energy projects, as well as for developing storage technologies. He also suggested that there is a need to work in the areas of renewable power evacuation and application of off-grid solar energy.

Interim Director General of the ISA, Shri Upendra Tripathy, informed that ISA will become a treaty-based international intergovernmental organisation on 6 December 2017. 44 countries have already signed the ISA treaty, and many more are set to join. He spoke on the ISA’s three ongoing programmes: facilitating affordable finance for solar, scaling up solar applications for agriculture, and promoting solar mini-grids in Member Nations. The discussions also covered the ISA’s Common Risk Mitigation Mechanism (CRMM) project, aimed at de-risking investments into solar energy projects in developing countries, and thereby, encouraging flow of funds into the sector.

Speaking at the occasion, H.E. Ségolène Royal, Special Envoy for the implementation of the ISA, Government of France, emphasised upon five key points to accelerate global solar deployment: setting concrete goals, developing and leveraging common tools, enhancing projects, establishing decentralised PV solutions, and forging new partnerships that capitalise on complementary capabilities.

The ISA was jointly launched on 30 November 2015 by Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and then-President of France, H.E. François Hollande, on the side lines of the UNFCCC Conference of Parties 21 (CoP21) at Paris, France. The ISA is a treaty-based alliance of 121 prospective solar-rich Member Nations situated fully or partially between the Tropics, and aims at accelerating development and deployment of solar energy globally.



*****

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Agriculture
06-December, 2017 18:43 IST
Indian and Italy sign a new MoU for cooperation in Agriculture and Phytosanitary issues

India contributed 37 million USD in the 10th replenishment of IFAD for the period 2016-2018: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

Shri Radha Mohan Singh meets Shri Maurizio Martina, Italian Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policies

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh welcomed the visiting delegates led by Shri H.E Maurizio Martina, Italian Minister for Agriculture Food and Forestry Policies , mentioning that India and Italy enjoy traditionally friendly and cordial relations. Shri Radha Mohan Singh also conveyed that India attaches great importance to the development of bilateral ties between the two countries and look forward to further expand and strengthen ties between the two countries in various areas including in the Agriculture sector. Shri Singh thanked the Italian Minister for participating in the AGRIMACH India, 2017 along with a large business delegation.

Shri Singh identified areas such as agriculture machinery, training, investment, institutional linkages, precision farming, cattle breeding and fisheries having much potential for cooperation, and briefly provides the initiatives taken by the Government in the field of agriculture market, soil health, irrigation, crop insurance etc.

Shri Singh also raised the issue of Indian exports of grapes and rice suffering on account of arbitrary Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) set by European Commission. He suggested a mutually acceptable solution can found to this issue, as these limits were set by EU without any scientific assessment being shared to India.

The two Ministers signed a new MoU for cooperation in Agriculture and Phytosanitary issues that will replace the one signed in 2008. The MOU provides a good framework for cooperation in this field. Earlier in the day, the Minister met Mr. Gilbert F Houngbo and congratulated him on being appointed as the President, IFAD.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that India has always had an active association with IFAD ever since it was set up in 1977 as the 13th specialized agency of the United Nations. India is a founder member of IFAD, a key contributor among the member Countries, participates actively in the Fund's governing bodies, and holds a permanent seat in IFAD Executive Board. It currently holds the chairmanship of the Governing Council and of the Evaluation Committee.

Union Agriculture Minister further said that he welcomes the new country strategy for IFAD engagement in India for the period 2018-2024, which proposes to strategically focus on 'smallholder food and agricultural production systems that are remunerative, sustainable and resilient' and achieving India’s goal of doubling farmers' incomes. Shri Singh also appreciated IFAD plans to establish sub-regional hubs in New Delhi to serve as a sub-regional hub, covering Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives besides India. This will significantly enhance opportunities for further investment, technology and knowledge cooperation, including South-South Technical Cooperation (SSTC).

Shri Singh said India has contributed 37 million USD in the 10th replenishment of IFAD for the period 2016-2018. He further added that he looks forward to enhanced cooperation between India and IFAD in the coming years. Together, we can do much more by expanding the collaboration with the private sector, and to engage more systematically in South-South Technical Cooperation involving public and private organizations as well as farmers and their organizations.

*****

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh and the Italian Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policies, Mr. Maurizio Martina signed an MoU between India and Italy on cooperation in Agriculture and Phytosanitary issues, in New Delhi on December 06, 2017.

The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh and the Italian Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policies, Mr. Maurizio Martina in a bilateral meeting, in New Delhi on December 06, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Cabinet
20-December, 2017 19:52 IST
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Italy on cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post-facto approval for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Italy on cooperation in the field of Health and Medical Sciences. The MoU was signed on 29th November, 2017 in New Delhi.

The MoU covers the following areas of cooperation:-

1. Exchange & training of medical doctors, officials, other health professionals and experts;
2. Assistance in development of human resources and setting up of health care facilities;
3. Short term training of human resources in health;
4. Regulation of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and cosmetics and exchange of information thereon;
5. Promotion of business development opportunities in pharmaceuticals;
6. Procurement of generic and essential drugs and assistance in sourcing of drug supplies;
7. Procurement of health equipment and pharmaceutical products;
8. Collaboration in the prevention of NCDs of .mutual interest, such as neurocardiovascular diseases, cancer, COPDs, mental health and dementia, with an emphasis on SDG3 and related factors;
9. Collaboration in the field of climate change impact on communicable diseases and vector borne diseases;
10. Nutritional aspects of food intake, including malnutrition (over nutrition and undernutrition) in the light of the SDG2 and organization of nutritional services;
11. Safety of production, transformation, distribution and food delivery;
12. Research and training of food industry operators;
13. Information and communication to citizens on hygiene and food safety and healthy eating habits; and
14. Any other area of cooperation as may be mutually decided upon.

A Joint Working Group (JWG) will be set up to further elaborate the details of cooperation and to oversee the implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

****

 

[Hindustani78]

Vice President's Secretariat
03-May, 2018 18:04 IST
India and Serbia enjoy a special relationship based on mutual trust and understanding: Vice President

Interacts with the First Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that India and Serbia enjoy a special relationship based on mutual trust and understanding and the pride in historic relationship with Serbia reminding 70 years of diplomatic relations with the country. He was interacting with the Serbian delegation led by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Mr. Ivica Dacic, here today.



The Vice President assured the Serbian Deputy Prime Minister on the Kosovo issue, and said that there is no change in India’s principled stand and does not recognize Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) of Kosovo. India has opposed Kosovo's application for membership of various international entities including UNESCO, World Custom Organization (WCO), Interpol, etc, he added.



The Vice President said that there is an immense scope to improve bilateral trade with Serbia. Happy to note that the bilateral trade between India and Serbia has increased in recent years and has reached about 200 million US Dollars in 2017, he added.



The Vice President said that India is the fastest growing economy in the world and various economic reforms are being undertaken. Serbian companies can take advantage to participate in Indian economy through B-2-B model, he added.



The Vice President appreciated the popularity of Yoga in Serbia and widespread celebration of International Day of Yoga across Serbia.



***

 

[Hindustani78]

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Mr. Ivica Dacic calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on May 03, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu interacting with the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Mr. Ivica Dacic, in New Delhi on May 03, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu interacting with the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Mr. Ivica Dacic, in New Delhi on May 03, 2018.