Chile supported India's bid for a permanent seat at the U.N. Security Council and expressed that Chile favoured a more transparent Security Council and with a larger participation.

This comes in the wake of the Indian President's trip to Chile and both Presidents of the two countries agreed to work together for increased bilateral ties.

Further India and Chile has signed four agreements on science and technology, air services, sports and Antarctica expeditions.
--MP

Labels: International

New Delhi, Jan.4 (ANI): The construction of China's first third-generation nuclear plant, the Sanmen power plant, is set to begin in March, the State Nuclear Power Technology Company (SNPTC) said on Thursday.

Wang Binghua, SNPTC's chairman of the board, said the plant in east China's Zhejiang Province was expected to generate power by August 2013. It would also become the world's first AP1000 nuclear plant.

The AP1000 technology, designed by the US-based Westinghouse company, is an advanced technology approved by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, but it has never been actually used in any operating power plant.

The construction of the Haiyang nuclear power plant in Shandong province using the same AP1000 technology will also begin later this year.

The SNPTC would buy four third-generation PWRs from the Westinghouse, including its technologies, according to a contract signed last July.

Wang said the preparation work was right on track. The SNPTC had received 2.2 tons of technological documents from Westinghouse.

In addition, the company had agreed to purchase 4,000 tons of steel sheets from the country's largest steel maker, the Baosteel, to produce safety shells.

China currently has 11 nuclear generating units in operation. Three of them used domestic technologies, two were equipped with Russian technologies, four with French technologies and two were Canadian designed. All of them employed the second-generation technologies.

According to the government plan, China will have an installed nuclear power capacity of 40 million kilowatts by 2020, accounting for four percent of the country's total. (ANI)

Labels: International

Singapore, Nov 20 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh arrived in Singapore this afternoon to attend the 6th India-ASEAN Summit and the 3rd East Asia Summit, where he is likely to urge leaders of the member nations to expand their cooperation with India. 

On the eve of his departure to Singapore, Dr. Singh had said that India's 'Look East' policy is now blossoming and showing results on the ground.

In a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office, Dr. Singh had said, "I will discuss with the ASEAN leaders new measures to expand the horizons of our cooperation to include not just greater economic integration, but also people-to-people contacts, science and technology, health, transport, human resource development, and information and communication technology."

The Prime Minister had expressed satisfaction that India's trade with the ASEAN countries has surpassed the expected target and has reached 30 billion dollars.

During the third East Asia Summit, issues like energy, education, finance, avian influenza and national disaster mitigation are likely to dominate.

Dr. Singh will also review the progress made on the capacity building projects, which were decided during the last summit in Cebu. Dr. Singh will also be pushing for Free Trade Agreement on goods with ASEAN members that are presently being negotiated.

Besides attending two Summits, Dr. Singh will also meet his Chinese and Japanese counterparts, Wen Jiabao and Yasuo Fukuda respectively.

Dr. Singh's meetings with Jiabao and Fukuda on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit have gained significance, since both the countries are members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The NSG needs to amend its charter to allow India to take part in the global nuclear trade.

Another issue, which is likely to dominate at the summit, is the ongoing turmoil in Myanmar, where the military junta launched a crackdown on pro-democracy supporters.

As the United States mounts pressure on the ASEAN leaders to take a tough stance on Myanmar's military junta, Singh is expected to follow a cautious approach.

India has so far given a muted response, and has been pressing for dialogue with Myanmar, a member of the ASEAN group, rather than imposing sanctions against it.

This is the first time when top leaders of the ASEAN countries are meeting after the crackdown on pro-democracy supporters in Mynamar that left scores of people and monks dead. (ANI)
--MP

Labels: International

New Delhi, Nov 19 (ANI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be meeting his Myanmarese counterpart Thein Sein on the sidelines of the 6th India-ASEAN Summit and the 3rd East Asia Summit in Singapore.

The meeting will be a crucial one as it is the first high-level interaction between the two countries after Buddhists monks in Yangoon led a huge pro-democracy movement, followed by the brutal repression of the protests by the military junta, leading to a worldwide condemnation.

Singh's meeting with Sein will be closely watched by international diplomats and media, following New Delhi's reluctance to denounce the military regime there.

During a recent bilateral meeting between Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his Myanmarese counterpart U Nyan Win in New York, India had expressed concern at the current situation there, noting that as a close and friendly neighbour, India hoped to see peace, prosperity and stability in Myanmar.

India had also expressed hope that the process of national reconciliation and political reform, initiated by the military junta, would be taken forward expeditiously.

Singh, who is scheduled to leave for Singapore on Monday to attend the ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit, will also be meeting Chinese premier Wen Jiabao, Prime Minister of Japan Yasuo Fukuda and Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Bin Ahmad Badawi. (ANI)
--MP

Labels: International

Chhipadohar (Jharkhand), Nov.18 (ANI): Perhaps not all master craftsmen or artists find their due place in life. Despite having a huge potential to astonish art lovers at national galleries, Jeetu Mistri of Jharkhand's Palamu District is living nobody's life.

Despite being an impressive woodwork artist of animals and idols that have won him countless accolades and a gold medal at the national level exhibition, the sexagenarian is leading a pitiable life at his Chhipadohar Village near Betla National Park.

A wood sculptor of extraordinary excellence, Jeetu has mastered the art of sculpting animals and idols. But for lacking the quintessential patronage for his artworks, the sculptor finding it hard to even survive with the dignity of an artist of his perfection.

Earlier, he used to do the work of patching and decorating the bones of snakes in the Nature's Museum of Betla National Park. This art of sculpting with bones motivated him to try the same on wood.

"I got this inspiration from Betla National Park where I, along with my father, used to join the snake bones for display in the museum. We always thought of making it from wood and we finally started this work," said Jeetu Mistri.

With wood, Jeetu has made several attractive sculptures of animals like snakes, buffaloes, deer and idols of God.

He claims to have been once invited to display his work abroad, but refused while contending that he didn't wish to barter country's art for money with foreigners. But little did this artist thought, that he was refusing a lifetime offer.

Today, Jeetu eagerly awaits support from the State government or District administration to survive his special art in woodwork.

"I make it with so much of labour but we don't earn even half of the amount we spend on its material. So we have slowed down the speed of our work because we have to educate children too. If the Government provides us some support, we can create a better work," he added.

Neighbours and friends are also disappointed to see such an artist of great potential living such a miserable life.

"He crafts the sculptures of wild animals like snakes, elephants but he doesn't get the enough money for his art. He is doing this work for many years just to save his art," said Kamta Prasad, a neighbour. (ANI)
--MP

Labels: Business, International, Jharkhand, Manipur

Chatra (Jharkhand), Nov.18 (ANI): In what is being seen as taking inspiration from "Lok Adalat" (or, the people's court) being run in various parts of the country, Maoist organisations in Jharkhand are adopting the move to promote a positive image among locals.

Tritiya Prastuti Committee, a Maoist organisation that holds People's Court at Chatra, is just one of them. It claims to put a check on crime in the areas under its influence through "Jan Adalat."

The Maoist organisation has conducted a series of people's courts at and around Chatra, Latehar and Ranchi districts of the State.

At one such "Jan Adalat" held recently, three persons were presented for allegedly trying to waylay some vendors of diesel and lubricants.

"We were searching for Communist Party of India (CPI) Maoists in their area. While preparing to get inside their vicinity, I noticed these three guys on motorbikes. On questioning, it was learnt that one of them, Santosh Oraon, was the brother of Roshan Oraon, a CPI Maoist's sub zone commander," said Bheekamjee, Area Commander of Tritiya Prastuti Committee.

"Later, one of them from Gonda village, Puri, started running. That's when I doubted that all of them belong to CPI Maoist group, and asked my cadre to fire them", he added.

It was claimed that the Tritya Prasuti Committee cadre workers recovered arms from the nabbed persons and this included two .315 guns, one mobile phone, and a dagger.

"We have been beaten up by them. They freed us, when we told them the truth. But next time, if we are caught, they will surely shoot us," said Santosh Oraon, one of the three persons tried by "Janata Adalat".

Though these public courts are claimed to be held for various reasons, but the purpose of creating a positive image among the locals cannot be denied.

Culprits found involved in crimes like dowry, theft and others are punished. At times, even police officials also fall prey to them.

Meanwhile, the overall Maoist movement in the region has also suffered due to splits and formation of umpteen factions.

In fact, CPI Maoists have suffered a major setback in Districts like Palmaon, Latehan, Gumla, Lohardaga and Chhtava, which at one time used to be the stronghold of their cadres.

It is said that in these districts, the organisation suffered a vertical split in the name of caste.

Also at same places, cadres revolted for the demand of "levy", which is basically extortion from the mine owners and transporters of minerals and other ores. It is said that the huge amount raised through extortion was usually cornered by the top brass among the Maoists.

Presently, besides Tritya Prasuti Committee, organisations like Jharkhand Prastuti Committee (JPC) and others are also holding Jan Adalats. They generally pick cases related to the rival cadre persons and punishing them on some criminal charge. (ANI)
--MP

Labels: Business, International, Jharkhand, Manipur

New Delhi, Nov 16 (ANI): The Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic, Karel Schwarzenberg, will arrive here on Sunday on a four-day visit during which the leader will hold discussions with his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee.

The visiting dignitary will also hold talks with New and Renewable Energy Minister Vilas Muttemwar. Schwarzenberg will also visit Skoda automobile factory in Aurangabad.

Schwarzenberg's visit follows the visits of Czech President in November 2005 and Prime Minister in January 2006.

India and the Czech Republic have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations dating back to medieval ages, the Kingdom of Bohemia. India's trade and economic links with Czechoslovakia also pre-date our independence. Czechoslovakia established a Consulate in Bombay in 1920 and in Calcutta soon thereafter.

This year, India and the Czech Republic are celebrating 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations commencing from November 13, 2007. A number of Czech companies such as Skoda Auto, Czech Shoe Company, Bata Works, Tatra Joint Venture established an early presence in the country. Indian and NRI investors as Mittal Steel, Infosys Technologies, Ashok Leyland and Tata Tea have established presence in the Czech Republic.

The visit is taking place against the backdrop of significant increase in bilateral trade and investment consequent to the robust economic growth in India. Bilateral trade has shown significant growth during last few years, topping 665 million dollars in 2006. In 2007, up to August 2007, bilateral trade reached 605 million dollars, with Indian exports of 263 million dollars and Indian imports of 342 million dollars.

The Joint Press Statement issued during the visit of Czech Prime Minister in January 2006 envisaged trade turnover of one billion dollars by 2010. It appears that the target may be achieved this year.

Besides, Indian students are increasingly attending professional courses such as medical, dental and engineering in Czech institutions. Cooperation between Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Czech Academy of Sciences is ongoing and both sides are exploring ways to take this further.

A Memorandum of Cooperation between the Foreign Service Institute and the Czech Diplomatic Academy is to be signed during the visit. (ANI)
--MP

Labels: International

New Delhi, Nov.16 (ANI): Afghan stalls are proving a major draw at the ongoing 27th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2007 with visitors flocking to watch such a large variety of fascinating items displayed here.  

About 36 Afghani traders have put up stalls at the Consumer Goods Pavillion at the IITF 2007 being held at the Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

These traders are cheerful on doing a good business with a range of commodities and eating products including textiles, gift items, fruits, dry fruits.

"Afghanistan is on the move and this is the proof of progress. This is perhaps the first time Afghanistan is having such a big stall in India. About 40 companies are participating in the field of handicrafts, dry fruits, fresh fruits, all kinds of Afghanistan products," said Nazir Ahmed, an Afghani seller.

The Afghani participants view IITF 2007 as an opportunity to expose their products in the international market and a formative step showcasing Afghanistan marching towards progress.

Afghani participants said that the people in their country were trying hard to bring back economy on track.

"Of course, we still have some problems with tourism, we have some problem. But we have no problem in all of our country. We have problem with some part of our country but our farmers, our growers are striving to get its place back. We hope solution to our problems with neighbours' and international help," said Ghulam Nabi Rahimi, a vegetable value chain manager.

The fortnight-long trade fair that begins every year November 14 coinciding with first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru's birthday that is marked as Children's Day in the country.

Nearly 40 countries are participating in the fair, showcasing achievements over a broad canvas and the theme for this year's fair is "Processed Food and Agro Industries".

The fair organised by the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation, provides a platform for trade promotion and facilitates interaction between close to 7,500 national and international business persons, organisations.

This year the theme of the fair is "Processed Food and Agro-Industries". (ANI)
--MP

Labels: International

By Smita Prakash

Moscow, Nov 12 (ANI): It snowed in Moscow today, and what better climate for bilateral ties between India and Russia to thaw after a short period of doubt and uncertainty.

The two sides inked four agreements aimed at boosting their relationship further in different spheres.

The first agreement was signed between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Russian Federal Space Agency in the field of joint moon exploration.

This was signed within the framework of the agreement between the two countries on cooperation in the field of exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.

The other agreements included one on cooperation in development and production of multi-role transport aircraft, another on general letters of exchange (on utilisation of rupee debt funds for Russian investments in India), and cooperation to combat illicit trafficking in narcotics, psychotropic substance and their precursors.

There is an ongoing dialogue and exchange of views between the New Delhi and Moscow on various issues of mutual interest in the recent past. Even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said before leaving for Russia that Moscow has a "special and unique" place in India's foreign relations.

In the past, the strategic relations between India and Russia have been comprehensive, embracing political, military, cultural and economic cooperation and exchanges. Ties reached a peak in August 1971 with the signing of the "Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation."

However, the bilateral relationship was good only till China figured in Russia's threat perceptions. This was when China was engaged in a quasi-strategic alliance with the US.

Former Indian Foreign Secretary J. N. Dixit wrote in his book 'Across Borders: Fifty Years of India's Foreign Policy' that "by the middle of 1989, Indo-Soviet relations drifted into a situation, presaging the need for their complete re-casting which had to come about with Gorbachev's removal..."

Such a scenario surfaced as the 1971 treaty, which aimed at securing India against threats from China and Pakistan, was no longer relevant to a situation in which India would be in a confrontation with both Beijing and Islamabad.

Russia apparently saw the paradigm switch towards China under former President Mikhail Gorbachev. This switch was followed up by his successor Boris Yeltsin, and now, President Vladimir Putin also seems inclined to give China overriding priority in his country's foreign policy relationship.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a special issue of 'Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation' in July 2000 that Moscow "intends to strengthen its traditional friendship with India, including in international affairs and to overcome problems persisting in South Asia and strengthen stability in the region."

New Delhi has also expressed optimism on the future of the bilateral strategic partnership between the two nations, with Manmohan Singh saying, "Indo-Russian relations will grow to great heights."

"India and Russia have enjoyed close ties of friendship and partnership over the last sixty years. Russia occupies a special and unique place in India's foreign relations. Our time-tested relationship is based on deep mutual trust and understanding," Singh said a day before embarking on the visit to Russia.

Pointing out that the evolution of the bilateral relations will be based on the solid foundation of the last sixty years, he said, "I see a continuing convergence and similarity of our world views on major international issues," adding that India saw Russia as its "most important partner" in defence cooperation.

"Russia is the only country with which we have a formal mechanism of an Inter-Governmental Commission for military-technical cooperation, which meets annually under the chairmanship of the two defence ministers. Defence cooperation is an integral element of our strategic partnership. Joint research, development and production of defence equipment will continue to play an important role in strengthening India's strategic partnership with Russia," Singh said noting that many defence contracts between the two nations are at various stages of implementation.

Earlier, during the visit of Putin to India in January, the two sides had signed a Protocol on holding 'Year of Russia' in India in 2008 and 'Year of India' in Russia in 2009. The 'Year of Russia' will be inaugurated in early 2008 and the yearlong programme will include exhibitions, trade fairs, seminars, book fair, film festivals, industry interactions, fashion and food events and various cultural performances.

This year, India and Russia are also commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between them (13 April). In this regard, a Plan of Major Events adopted during Putin's visit to India in January is being implemented. (ANI)


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Labels: International

By Smita Prakash

Moscow, Nov 12 (ANI): The much-awaited comprehensive pact with Russia for a civil nuclear cooperation did not materialise during the summit-level talks between visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin, but it did not stop the former from thanking Moscow for its 'steadfast support' in supplementing New Delhi's nuclear energy programme.

"We continued our dialogue on energy," Singh said in his opening remarks at a joint press interaction with Putin, and added, "I thanked the President for Russia's steadfast support in supplementing our nuclear energy programme, and its assistance in lifting international restrictions on nuclear cooperation with India that are still in place."

India was expected to sign a comprehensive nuclear agreement with Russia, which would have expanded the present nuclear collaboration between the two countries. The pact was also expected to have a separate component on the construction of four additional nuclear units in Koodankulam, Tamil Nadu.

In October this year, when Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov visited New Delhi he had said that the pact would be finalised during Manmohan Singh's November visit to Moscow.

However, as the two countries today signed four agreements, the nuclear pact was not one of them.

Stating that Indo-Russian relations are based on a strategic partnership that has stood the test of time, Singh focussed on the economic aspect,  terming it as the 'bedrock of the strategic partnership'. He said that both sides have agreed to redouble their efforts to achieve a bilateral trade target of 10 billion US dollars by 2010.

With both countries resolving the long pending issue of the utilization of rupee debt fund, Singh said that recommendations of the Joint Study Group were also discussed along with the establishment of a Joint Task Force to implement those recommendations.

"Defence cooperation is one of the pillars of our strategic partnership," Singh said, adding that recent agreements between the two countries to co-develop a Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) and Muti-role Transport Aircraft show the major steps taken forward in this direction.

With a bilateral agreement for cooperation in India's first moon mission, Chandrayan II, being the high point in this year's Summit level talks, Singh said, "High technology is an area of great promise."

Singh said that he was 'very satisfied, with the results of his Moscow visit, which is his fourth to the Russian capital as Prime Minister.

"We have consolidated and strengthened our engagement in different areas," he added. (ANI)

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Labels: Indo-US-Nuclear-Deal, International

New Delhi, Nov.12 (ANI): The International Council of Jurists, the All
India Bar Association and the Indian Council of Jurists are jointly
organizing a two-day "International Conference of Jurists on Rule of
Law" on November 24-25 at Vigyan Bhawan here.

President Pratibha D. Patil will inaugurate the conference on
November 24. Chief Justice of India Mr. Justice K.G. Balakrishnan will
preside over the conference, which will see the participation of
judges, law ministers, parliamentarians, bar association leaders,
CEOs, bureaucrats, representatives from banking and financial
corporations, journalists, artists and social activists from India and
abroad.

Among the luminaries attending the conference are former Chief
Justices P.N. Bhagwati and R.C. Lahoti, Fernando Pombo, President of
International Bar Association and Mr. Adish C. Aggarwala, Chairman of
All India Bar Association; Hon'ble Mr. Justice Ruhul Amin, Chief
Justice of Bangladesh; Lord Navnit Dholakia, Member, House of Lords,
U.K.; Mah Weng Kwai, President, LAWASIA; Chris Perrin, Executive
Partner, Clifford Chance, besides others.

India is one of the fastest growing economies and is emerging as a
favourite destination for foreign investment. Economics experts and
various studies conducted across the globe envisage India to grow many
folds in the 21st century.

The International Council of Jurists is a body of jurists working
towards promotion of administration of justice and healthy development
of law, suitable to social and economic needs of the people. (ANI)

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Labels: International

Moscow, Nov.12 (ANI): Raj Kapoor's grandson, Ranbir Kapoor, might have landed with a lemon in India, but in Russia, the latter arouses no curiosity.

This is the land of `Awara', the all time Raj Kapoor favourite. There was a time Muscovites knew the verses by heart. The Chaplinisque figure of the Pathan from India, saying "Sar Pe Laal Topi Roosi, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani" (I wear a red cap that is Russian,and its the Indian heart that beats in me) captured the hearts and minds of Russians.

But there ends the legacy. None of Raj Kapoor's sons or grandchildren have been able to evoke that same kind of magic.

Indeed, there is a striking resemblance between many young girls in Moscow and the two Kapoor bombshells -- Kareena and Karishma. But ask them whether they have heard of the Kapoor girls, and you draw a blank.

Have they heard of Raj Kapoor? "Um not really...Salmaan, Shahrukh yes". Oh no one wants to wail. What seperates these Muscovites from the Lodoners or the New Yorkers who also gape at the diminutive charm of these Indian six packers. Ah! but there is a small ray of hope. Tatiana at the reception says "My grandmother likes Raj Kapoor....some black and white song in the rain." Yes.

And then redemption. The media party is taken to a quaint Uzbek restaurant called Mullah Nasreedin. Nasreedin was a satirical sufi figure who lived in the 13th century and is remembered for his funny stories and anecdotes.

At the restaurant, we meet with Elmar Raj-Sur. His last name is a combination of Raj Kapoor and Suresh Wadkar, his two Indian heroes. Elmar belts out "Mera Joota Hai Japani" with all of Mukesh's melodious lilts. The crowd claps in unison. They expected this...Raj Kapor is still alive here.
And then, there is more "Mai Shayar To Nahi" from the film 'Bobby' in which a cherubic Rishi Kapoor captured India's imagination in the 70's.

Now a portly Kapoor like all of Raj Kapoor's sons, Rishi can take comfort in the fact that he is still remembered here. Not so Ranbir, his son. Even poor Elmar gives a blank stare when I ask him if he has heard of Ranbir. (ANI)
- AY

Labels: International

Moscow, Nov 12 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will have summit-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin here today.

Issues like defence, space, trade, science and technology and energy security are likely to be discussed during the-hour long meeting, informed official sources said. Besides, a number of agreements are likely to be signed.

Earlier, briefing the media onboard Air India One, National Security Advisor M. K. Narayanan said India and Russia would take up around twenty issues during the bilateral talks.

Besides an agreement on supply of multi-role transport aircraft, both sides will review the progress on the joint production of fifth generation fighter aircraft and other defence agreements which are in various stages of implementation, Narayanan said.

The last summit-level talks between Singh and Putin was held in New Delhi during Putin's visit in January this year. Putin was also the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebrations. Since then, a series of high-level visits have taken place between both countries with the objective of strengthening bilateral cooperation in various areas.

Dr. Singh, who arrived here last evening, is accompanied by National Security Advisor M. K. Narayanan, Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon, Finance Secretary Dr. D.Subba Rao, Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission Anil Kakodkar and the Chief of Indian Space Research Organisation G. Madhavan Nair.

The visit, which comes at the invitation of Putin, is in continuation of annual summit meetings between India and Russia, that was institutionalised during Putin's first visit as President to India in October 2000.

Bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy is expected to chart a new course during Dr. Singh's visit amid reports that both countries will sign an agreement for building of four more nuclear reactors in Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu.

As per the existing Memorandum of Understanding, the ongoing nuclear cooperation covered the construction of two 1,000 mw nuclear reactors in Kudankulam.

There is an ongoing dialogue and an exchange of views between the two governments on various issues of mutual interest.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee met his Russian counterpart on October 24 in Harbin (China) on the sidelines of India-Russia-China Trilateral Foreign Ministers Meeting and on August 1 in Manila, on the sidelines of ARF/ EAS meetings.

In January, the two sides had signed a Protocol on holding a 'Year of Russia' in India in 2008 and a 'Year of India' in Russia in 2009. The 'Year of Russia' will be inaugurated in early 2008 and the year-long programme will include exhibitions, trade fairs, seminars, a book fair, film festivals, industry interactions, fashion and food events and various cultural performances.

In 2007, India and Russia are also commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (13 April). In this regard, a Plan of Major Events adopted during Putin's visit to India in January is being implemented.

The Prime Minister is expected to return home in the early hours of Tuesday. (ANI)

- AY

Labels: International

On Board Air India One, Nov.11 (ANI): The Russians have apologised to India over the delay in delivering the aircraft carrier, Admiral Gorshkov.
 
National Security Advisor M K Narayanan, who is accompanying Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his two-day visit to Russia, revealed this today during an interaction with the media onboard Air India One.
 
Narayanan told reporters that Russian had not anticipated the 'problems' and came to know later that more repair work needed to be done on the 44,570-tonne aircraft carrier, which will be re-christened as INS Vikramaditya, once it is inducted into the Indian Navy.
 
The aircraft carrier was initially supposed to join the Indian Navy by August 2008.
 
Admiral Gorshkov's early delivery will be part of New Delhi's agenda when Dr. Singh holds Summit-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.
 
Narayanan said the discussion would focus on reducing the period of delivery to a period of one year to 18 months.
 
The deal was initially signed for 58 billion rupees (1.5 billion dollars) in January 2004, but the cost is expected to rise due to the enhanced Rupee-Rouble escalation rate that India recently agreed to. (ANI) --MP

Labels: International

New Delhi, Nov 11 (ANI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said that India's "multifaceted bilateral cooperation" with Russia is based on long-term interests, and the strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow is an "enduring bond of friendship, which has strong historical roots."

In his departure statement before leaving for Moscow on a two-day visit by a special Air India flight-Tanjore 747, Singh that India's relations with Russia have traditionally been a factor of peace and stability in the region and beyond.

"I am convinced that the strong fundamentals of mutual trust and a shared world view on regional and global issues would continue to bring our two countries closer together in a dynamic international environment," he said.

Pointing out that the year 2007 is the 60th year of the establishment of India-Russia diplomatic relations, Singh said: "As we rejoice in our joint accomplishments during the six decades of unbroken friendship, we also stand committed to further deepen our partnership in the fields of trade and investment, defence, energy security, science and technology, space and other areas of mutual benefit."

"I look forward to continuing my discussions with President Putin to further strengthen India's relations with Russia. I will convey to him the high priority that India attaches to its partnership with Russia, and the benefits that this partnership has brought to our two peoples," he added.

Singh expressed confidence about his visit leading to a reaffirmation of their joint endeavour towards creating greater economic prosperity and a secure, stable and peaceful world order.

Singh embarked on the two-day visit for summit-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

The visit, which is coming at the invitation of Putin, is in continuation of annual Summit meetings between India and Russia institutionalised since the first visit of Putin as President to India in October 2000.

During his visit, ways to improve bilateral trade, expand energy cooperation and fine-tune defence ties are expected to be outlined in several bilateral pacts to be signed by the two sides.

The visit, in particular, is expected to envisage upgrading the predominant buyer-seller relationship between India and Russia in the defence sector to a new level of joint partnership for co-developing state-of-the-art future weaponries.

Both countries decided to co-develop and produce the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) during Indian Defence Minister A K Antony's October visit to Russia, and it is expected that Singh's visit would further strengthen military ties.

It is expected that India would hammer out a deal to acquire nuclear-powered Akula-II submarines from Russia on a lease for 10 years next week.

The deal, which could be worth over Rs 2,000 crore, (508 million dollars) would help the Indian Navy to fill the vacuum till India's indigenously developed nuclear submarines are inducted.

The last Summit-level talks were held in New Delhi during the Russian President's visit on January 25-26 this year, when he also participated as Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebrations. Since then, a series of high-level visits have taken place between the two countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various areas.

Yesterday, Singh said that Russia has a "special and unique" place in India's foreign relations.

In an interview with the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, he expressed the hope that bilateral cooperation in the fields of defence and energy security would continue to grow in the future.

"India and Russia have enjoyed close ties of friendship and partnership over the last sixty years. Russia occupies a special and unique place in India's foreign relations. Our time-tested relationship is based on deep mutual trust and understanding," Singh said.

Expressing optimism on the future of bilateral strategic partnership between the two nations, he said, "Indo-Russian relations will grow to great heights.

However, if media reports are to be believed, bonhomie in bilateral ties has been missing in recent time in the wake of reported protocol breaches.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov comments bilateral cooperation between Russia and India "is normal" had added to this.

"Not everything is smooth in the moods, but I would not give it any serious importance," Losyukov was quoted as saying by ITAR-TASS.

Indo-Russian trade are below expectations and the volume was about 112 billion dollars with the balance of trade being in favour of Russia. Bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy is expected to chart a new course during Singh's visit amid reports that the two countries will sign an agreement for building four more nuclear reactors in Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu.

As per the existing Memorandum of Understanding, the ongoing nuke cooperation covered construction of two 1,000 mw nuclear reactors in Kudankulam.

There is ongoing dialogue and exchange of views between the two governments on various issues of mutual interest. External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee met his Russian counterpart on October 24 in Harbin (China) on the sidelines of India-Russia-China Trilateral Foreign Ministers Meeting and on August 1 in Manila on the sidelines of ARF/ EAS meetings.

The two Foreign Ministers also participated in BRIC (Brazil-Russia-India-China) Foreign Ministers Meeting in New York on 24 September and India-Russia-China Trilateral Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi on February 14, 2007. National Security Advisor M.K. Narayanan paid a visit to Russia on August 27-28 and the Acting Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Valentin Sobolev visited India on October 28.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony also visited Russia on October 17-19 for the 7th Session of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation, which was co-Chaired by Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov. During the visit, the two countries signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement on Cooperation in the Development and Production of Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft.

This year, the Integrated Long Term Programme for Scientific and Technological Cooperation (ILTP) between India and Russia has completed 20 years of fruitful work. A Joint Council of the ILTP, which was co-Chaired by the Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Prof. CNR Rao, was held in Moscow on October 11-12.

During the meeting, the two sides concluded a Memorandum of Understanding on the setting up of three new joint centres of excellence on non-ferrous and rare metals, bio-medical technology and accelerators and lasers. There is ongoing cooperation in the space sector in terms of implementation of various inter-Governmental agreements under an umbrella agreement on cooperation in outer space for peaceful purposes signed in December 2004.

Karan Singh, President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, visited Russia from October 7-10 to discuss preparations for the 'Year of Russia' in India in 2008.

Earlier, during the visit of Putin to India in January, the two sides had signed a Protocol on holding 'Year of Russia' in India in 2008 and 'Year of India' in Russia in 2009. The 'Year of Russia' will be inaugurated in early 2008 and the year-long programme will include exhibitions, trade fairs, seminars, book fair, film festivals, industry interactions, fashion and food events and various cultural performances.

In 2007, India and Russia will also commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (13 April). In this regard, a Plan of Major Events adopted during Putin's visit to India in January is being implemented.

The Prime Minister is expected to return home in the early hours of Tuesday. (ANI)

- AY

Labels: International

New Delhi, Nov 11 (ANI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Moscow will envisage upgrading the predominant buyer-seller relationship between India and Russia in the defence sector to a new level of joint partnership for co-developing state-of-the-art future weaponries.

After reports of a new chill in the bilateral ties, particularly after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov failed to meet his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee during latter's visit to Moscow recently, Indian Defence Minister A K Antony's October visit to Russia just after it, gave a new boost to the bilateral ties.

Both countries decided to co-develop and produce the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) during Antony's visit, and it is expected that Manmohan Singh's weekend visit would further strengthen military ties. It is expected that India would hammer out a deal to acquire nuclear-powered Akula-II submarines from Russia on a lease for 10 years next week.

The deal, which could be worth over Rs 2,000 crore, (508 million dollars) would help the Indian Navy to fill the vacuum till India's indigenously developed nuclear submarines are inducted.

At present, the total cost of different acquisitions of military hardware and equipments from Russia is estimated to be around 390 billion rupees (10 billion dollars), which could rise after India accepted Russian demand of increasing escalation rate to five percent from 2.8 percent as earlier agreed between the two countries.

This is apart from the latest decision by the two countries to co-develop the FGFA by 2015, which would be equally financed by India and Russia, and it is estimated to cost approximately another 10 billion dollars.

The next phase of bilateral defence ties, which many term as a 'time-tested' one, would focus on joint development and manufacture of new defence equipments that would include Multi-Role Transport Aircraft, and a new version of Brahmos cruise missile.

With India's rapid development of indigenous manufacturing industries and a new Defence Procurement Policy already giving emphasis on enhanced offsets, New Delhi wants to get rid of 'one of the largest defence equipment buyer' tag, and wants to indigenously as well as jointly develop technologies with other countries, particularly with Russia since the bilateral defence ties date over three decades.

New Delhi is also persuading Moscow to induct the jointly developed supersonic cruise missile Brahmos.

India has been a long time buyer of military hardware from Moscow. A return gesture from Russia would go a long way in strengthening defence cooperation    between the two countries. 

Presently, Russia is legally bound to induct only those weapon systems that have been indigenously developed by them, and as Brahmos is a joint venture of India and Russia so they have been unable to induct them.

Top officials of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have said that Russia has been willing to induct Brahmos missiles, which are considered technically superior than US' cruise missiles.

Preliminary talks on developing a hypersonic version of the Brahmos cruise missile are also taking place, and efforts are on to make the transition from planning stage to implementation stage of developing such missiles.

The hypersonic missiles would approximately move five times faster than the present cruise missile, sources in the DRDO said.

The present supersonic Brahmos cruise missile, which can be launched from any platform, can attain the speed of Mach 2.8 (2.8 times the speed of sound) and is about three times faster than the subsonic US' Tomahawk cruise missile.

Though the range of Brahmos at present is close to 300 kms, it is quite logical that hypersonic version would have longer range.

However, recent experience on acquisition of defence equipment from Russia has not been very smooth.

Delays, sometimes indefinite, have emerged out as a stumbling block in the growing defence ties.

The classic case being the acquisition of 44,570-tonne aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov.   

The aircraft carrier was initially supposed to join Indian Navy by August 2008, but 'unforeseen problems' has cast a doubt that Russia would be able to stick to its deadline, since reports from Moscow suggest that lots of repairing work still remains to be done.

The recent enhancement in the escalation rate is expected to inflate the cost of the aircraft carrier, which was initially signed as 58 billion rupees (1.5 billion dollars) deal in January 2004.

A December 2000 contract for licence production of 140 SU-30 MKI aircraft also exists, but the long- standing discussion for increasing escalation rate had put a pause on it.

India is also set to acquire T-90S Main-Battle Tanks (MBTs) from Russia to fill the gap in its artillery due to the delay in the induction of indigenously developed MBT Arjun.

The recent announcement by India to acquire 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Fighter Aircraft at an approximate cost of Rs 42,000 crore (11 billion dollars) has enthused Russia, which is also in the race with its Mig-35 fighter jets. (ANI)
- AY

Labels: International

New Delhi, Nov 11 (ANI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will embark on a two-day visit to Russia this afternoon for summit-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

During his visit, ways to improve bilateral trade, expand energy cooperation and fine-tune defence ties are expected to be outlined in several bilateral pacts to be signed by the two sides.

The visit, which is coming at the invitation of Putin, is in continuation of annual Summit meetings between India and Russia institutionalised since the first visit of Putin as President to India in October 2000.

The last Summit was held in New Delhi during the Russian President's visit on January 25-26 this year, when he also participated as Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebrations. Since then, a series of high-level visits have taken place between the two countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various areas.

Speaking a day before his departure for Moscow, Singh said that Russia has a "special and unique" place in India's foreign relations.

In an interview with the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, he expressed the hope that bilateral cooperation in the fields of defence and energy security would continue to grow in the future.

"India and Russia have enjoyed close ties of friendship and partnership over the last sixty years. Russia occupies a special and unique place in India's foreign relations. Our time-tested relationship is based on deep mutual trust and understanding," Singh said.

Expressing optimism on the future of bilateral strategic partnership between the two nations, he said, "Indo-Russian relations will grow to great heights.

"The evolution of our relations will be based on the solid foundation of the last sixty years. I see a continuing convergence and similarity of our world views on major international issues," the Prime Minister said, adding that India saw Russia as its "most important partner" in defence cooperation.

"Russia is the only country with which we have a formal mechanism of an Inter-Governmental Commission for military-technical cooperation, which meets annually under the chairmanship of the two defence ministers. Defence cooperation is an integral element of our strategic partnership. Joint research, development and production of defence equipment will continue to play an important role in strengthening India's strategic partnership with Russia," Singh said noting that many defence contracts between the two nations are at various stages of implementation.

He cited last month's signing of inter-governmental agreement for cooperation in the production and development of fifth generation multi-functional fighter aircraft (FGFA).

"I am sure that bilateral collaboration in the field of military technical cooperation will continue to grow in the future," Singh said.

He also proposed India, with its rapidly increasing energy demands, could become a major guarantor of energy demand for Russia, with its immense proven reserves of oil and gas.

"With India growing at over 8-9 per cent per annum, our energy requirements are increasing rapidly. President Putin has defined energy security as not just security of supply but also security of demand. India can be a major guarantor for energy demand," Dr. Singh said.

He noted that Indian and Russian oil and gas companies are engaged in discussions to expand their cooperation beyond the Sakhalin-1 project. At the same time, Russian oil and gas companies are active in India.

The Prime Minister named enhancement of power generation capacity as an extremely important objective for India. According to him, India needs energy from all sources, including renewable and nuclear energy.

"We have plans to produce 20,000 MW of nuclear power by 2020. International civil nuclear energy cooperation will enable us to augment our nuclear energy production," Singh stated.

However, if media reports are to be believed, bonhomie in bilateral ties has been missing in recent time in the wake of reported protocol breaches.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov comments bilateral cooperation between Russia and India "is normal" had added to this.

"Not everything is smooth in the moods, but I would not give it any serious importance," Losyukov was quoted as saying by ITAR-TASS.

Indo-Russian trade are below expectations and the volume was about 112 billion dollars with the balance of trade being in favour of Russia. Bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy is expected to chart a new course during Dr. Singh's visit amid reports that the two countries will sign an agreement for building four more nuclear reactors in Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu.

As per the existing Memorandum of Understanding, the ongoing nuke cooperation covered construction of two 1,000 mw nuclear reactors in Kudankulam.

There is ongoing dialogue and exchange of views between the two governments on various issues of mutual interest. External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee met his Russian counterpart on October 24 in Harbin (China) on the sidelines of India-Russia-China Trilateral Foreign Ministers Meeting and on August 1 in Manila on the sidelines of ARF/ EAS meetings.

The two Foreign Ministers also participated in BRIC (Brazil-Russia-India-China) Foreign Ministers Meeting in New York on 24 September and India-Russia-China Trilateral Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi on February 14, 2007. National Security Advisor M.K. Narayanan paid a visit to Russia on August 27-28 and the Acting Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Valentin Sobolev visited India on October 28.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony also visited Russia on October 17-19 for the 7th Session of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation, which was co-Chaired by Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov. During the visit, the two countries signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement on Cooperation in the Development and Production of Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft.

This year, the Integrated Long Term Programme for Scientific and Technological Cooperation (ILTP) between India and Russia has completed 20 years of fruitful work. A Joint Council of the ILTP, which was co-Chaired by the Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Prof. CNR Rao, was held in Moscow on October 11-12.

During the meeting, the two sides concluded a Memorandum of Understanding on the setting up of three new joint centres of excellence on non-ferrous and rare metals, bio-medical technology and accelerators and lasers. There is ongoing cooperation in the space sector in terms of implementation of various inter-Governmental agreements under an umbrella agreement on cooperation in outer space for peaceful purposes signed in December 2004.

Karan Singh, President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, visited Russia from October 7-10 to discuss preparations for the 'Year of Russia' in India in 2008.

Earlier, during the visit of Putin to India in January, the two sides had signed a Protocol on holding 'Year of Russia' in India in 2008 and 'Year of India' in Russia in 2009. The 'Year of Russia' will be inaugurated in early 2008 and the year-long programme will include exhibitions, trade fairs, seminars, book fair, film festivals, industry interactions, fashion and food events and various cultural performances.

In 2007, India and Russia will also commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (13 April). In this regard, a Plan of Major Events adopted during Putin's visit to India in January is being implemented.

The Prime Minister is expected to return home in the early hours of Tuesday. (ANI)
- AY

Labels: International

New Delhi, Nov.10 (ANI): Speaking a day before his departure for Moscow for summit-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said Russia has a "special and unique" place in India's foreign relations.
 
In an interview with the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, Dr. Singh said that he hoped bilateral cooperation in the fields of defence and energy security would continue to grow in the future.
 
"India and Russia have enjoyed close ties of friendship and partnership over the last sixty years. Russia occupies a special and unique place in India's foreign relations. Our time-tested relationship is based on deep mutual trust and understanding," Dr. Singh said ahead of hsi two-day visit to Moscow.
 
Expressing optimism on the future of bilateral strategic partnership between the two nations, he said "Indo-Russian relations will grow to great heights.
 
"The evolution of our relations will be based on the solid foundation of the last sixty years. I see a continuing convergence and similarity of our world views on major international issues," the Prime Minister said, adding that India saw Russia as its "most important partner" in defence cooperation.
 
"Russia is the only country with which we have a formal mechanism of an Inter-Governmental Commission for military-technical cooperation, which meets annually under the chairmanship of the two defence ministers. Defence cooperation is an integral element of our strategic partnership. Joint research, development and production of defence equipment will continue to play an important role in strengthening India's strategic partnership with Russia," Dr. Singh said noting that many defence contracts between the two nations are at various stages of implementation.
 
He cited last month's signing of inter-governmental agreement for cooperation in the production and development of fifth generation multi-functional fighter aircraft (FGFA).
 
"I am sure that bilateral collaboration in the field of military technical cooperation will continue to grow in the future," Dr. Singh said.
 
He also proposed India, with its rapidly increasing energy demands, could become a major guarantor of energy demand for Russia, with its immense proven reserves of oil and gas.
 
"With India growing at over 8-9 per cent per annum, our energy requirements are increasing rapidly. President Putin has defined energy security as not just security of supply but also security of demand. India can be a major guarantor for energy demand," Dr. Singh said.
 
He noted that Indian and Russian oil and gas companies are engaged in discussions to expand their cooperation beyond the Sakhalin-1 project. At the same time, Russian oil and gas companies are active in India.
 
The Prime Minister named enhancement of power generation capacity as an extremely important objective for India. According to him, India needs energy from all sources, including renewable and nuclear energy.
 
"We have plans to produce 20,000 MW of nuclear power by 2020. International civil nuclear energy cooperation will enable us to augment our nuclear energy production," Singh stated.
 
Ahead of Dr. Singh's second visit to Moscow in two years, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met in New Delhi on Thursday to approve a number of significant agreements to be concluded in diverse fields at the eighth summit.
 
Ways to improve bilateral trade, expand energy cooperation and finetune defence ties are expected to be outlined in the new pacts.
 
Indo-Russian trade are below expectations and the volume was about 112 billion dollars with the balance of trade being in favour of Russia. Bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy is expected to chart a new course during Dr. Singh's visit amid reports that the two countries will sign an agreement for building four more nuclear reactors in Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu.
 
As per the existing Memorandum of Understanding, the ongoing nuke cooperation covered construction of two 1,000 mw nuclear reactors in Kudankulam.
 
Dr. Singh is expected to return home in the early hours of Tuesday. (ANI) --MP

Labels: International

New Delhi, Nov 8 (ANI): Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today met his Israeli counterpart Meir Sheetrit, and discussed several bilateral issues with him.
 
Sheetrit, who is on a two-day visit to India, will attend the second Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction that began today.
 
Over 50 countries from the Asia and Pacific Regions are participating in the conference.
 
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh while inaugurating the conference on Wednesday had described terrorism as one of the disasters that required a collective effort by the countries to tackle it.
 
Since establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, Indo-Israel bilateral and trade and economic relations have progressed commercial rapidly. From a base of 200 million dollars comprising primarily of diamonds in 1992, merchandise trade has diversified and increased rapidly reaching 1, 594.1 million dollars in 2003.
 
With the exception of 1995 and 2001, trade volumes have grown every year. While diamonds constitute about 65 per cent of India's exports to Israel, other major products are textiles, chemicals, rubber and plastic products, machinery, base metals, prepared foodstuffs and transport equipment.
 
Major items exported by Israel are diamonds, machinery, chemical products and optical, medical and other equipment.
 
The defence ties between the two countries are also at an all time high with Israel emerging as India's one of the biggest defence suppliers. (ANI) --MP

Labels: International

Sydney, Nov.8 (ANI): New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma will lead a delegation to China and India later this month to explore business and IT opportunities.

The delegation leaves for China on November 18 where it will spend three days before heading to Mumbai and New Delhi, The Australian reported.

Recently the NSW Government announced several initiatives boosting the state's technology industry, including investments and partnerships with companies that have a big presence in China and India.

The state also played an integral part in the launch of a software-testing lab owned by Indian company Polaris.

Earlier this year the government invested over two million Australian dollars in a microchip fabrication plant in Sydney with ASX-listed manufacturer Arasor.

While in China, the delegation is expected to visit Arasor's facilities.

The premier's delegation would also include State Development Minister Ian MacDonald.

The last time the NSW government sent a technology trade mission to India and China was in 2004, led by former premier Bob Carr. (ANI)

Labels: International

New Delhi, Nov 8 (ANI): Iranian Interior Minister Mostafa Pour Mohammadi, who is on a two-day visit to India, met External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday.

Mohammadi is in New Delhi to participate in the Second Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction that commenced on Wednesday.

Fifty-two countries from the Asia and Pacific Region are participating in the two-day conference.

Thirty-three country delegations are led by their respective Ministers. The total country delegates are 150. In addition, over 100 experts and 50 NGOs are also participating in the event.

The outcome of the conference will include a "Delhi Declaration" on Disaster Risk Reduction. 

The World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction was held in 2005 at Hyogo, Kobe, Japan in which Hyogo Framework of Action 2005-15 was adopted for building the resilience of nations and communities to natural disasters.

The first Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction was held in September 2005 in Beijing in which Action for Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia was adopted.

Meanwhile, Mukherjee also separately met Israeli Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit. (ANI)
- AY

Labels: International

New Delhi, Nov 7 (ANI): India on Wednesday condemned the suicide attack in Afghanistan's Pul-e-Khumri yesterday, and expressed "deep" grief over the loss of lives in the explosion.

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms such blatant acts of terrorism and the consequential loss of innocent lives. It is particularly reprehensible that Members of Parliament are being specifically targeted," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

"We were specially grieved to hear that many children were amongst the victims of this attack," it added.

"We greatly regret the death in this attack of Mr. Mustafa Kazimi, a distinguished former Minister of the Government of Afghanistan.

"Such acts underline the need for a renewed commitment by the international community to the Government and People of Afghanistan in their task of developing a democratic, stable and prosperous nation," the MEA said.

Over 40 people, including six lawmakers, were reportedly killed in the suicide attack, which was termed as the deadliest attack since the 2001 fall of the Taliban. (ANI) --MP

Labels: International

New Delhi, Nov.7 (ANI): Visiting Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey was given a ceremonial welcome in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning at the start of a four day state visit to India which is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas like energy, climate change, science and technology, besides  trade and investment.

Ms Calmy Rey was received by her Indian counterpart Pratibha Devisingh Patil and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. She was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour and was introduced to members of the Indian Cabinet. The Swiss delegation accompanying her was also introduced to the Indian side before the visitng dignitary left to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, at Rajghat.

Ms Calmy-Rey will have talks with the President Patil and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. She will also hold talks with Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, External Affairs Minister, Pranab Mukherjee and meet UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition, L.K. Advani.

The visit of the Swiss President to India follows a visit to Switzerland by President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in May 2005. The visit is also a part of the high-level dialogue between India and Switzerland in the last few years.

The focus of Monday's bilateral meetings is likely to be on trade and ways to enhance it from the present figure of 2.25 billion dollars in 2006 (excluding bullion --- 2.48 billion in 2004; and software services---100 million in 2004). There is still, however, further potential to grow, said an official release.

Over the ten-year period between 1995 and 2005, the two-way bilateral commodity trade has nearly doubled. During the first six months of 2007, India's exports to Switzerland grew by 28.5 per cent, while Swiss exports to India grew by 32.5 per cent over the same period in 2006.

The total bilateral trade in the first six months of 2007, grew by 31.3 per cent to CHF 1625.5 million. If this trend continues, the bilateral trade could cross USD 3 billion by the end of 2007, which would represent an increase of nearly a billion dollars in just one year.

President Micheline Calmy-Rey is in the Indian capital after undertaking visits to Hyderabad and Agra. The bilateral visit takes place as the two countries would be observing 2008 as the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship (14 August 1948). The bilateral visit would serve to highlight the progress in partnership the two countries have made over the past six decades and highlight the opportunities for the future.

"We are now looking at the whole range of political, economical and technological development," says Ms Calmy-Rey when asked about the future of ties with India. We are committed to reorient our long-standing development activities in India...Exchange of know-how in fields such as energy, climate and environment are promising ways to focus on in the near future," she emphasised prior to her visit.

The Swiss President's visit will look at strengthening current ties, seeking new partnerships and creating a fresh image of Switzerland for the benefit of decisionmakers in India, particularly politicians.

Her visit will mark the beginning of the jubilee celebrations of a communion between the world's oldest democracy and the world's largest democracy. One needn't look any further for proof of this bond than the Swiss currency note. The 10 CHF (Swiss Franc) note carries on one side a portrait of the Swiss architect Le Corbusier and an image of Chandigarh on the reverse side.

An Indo-Swiss joint statement is expected to be released after the leaders meet, Indian officials said.

The two sides are expected to discuss the feasibility of an economic agreement similar to a free trade agreement covering goods, services, investments, intellectual property and trade facilitation during the Swiss president's visit.

India is the fourth-largest trading partner for Switzerland in Asia.

Switzerland is also one of the 10 main foreign investors in India, with more than 140 joint ventures operating in the Asian country. Both countries also have a scientific and technical cooperation agreement as well as joint research programmes for projects in life sciences, information technologies and biotechnology.

Switzerland has had a programme on cooperation and development with India since 1961. This programme is being restructured to orient it towards cooperation primarily in the fields of energy and climate, science and technology by 2010.

A series of events and projects have been planned for 2008 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the treaty. (ANI)
- AY

Labels: International

New Delhi, Nov 7 (ANI): Visiting Switzerland President Micheline Calmy-Rey today said that the two countries have some common points which can help them strengthen the bilateral relationship.

President Calmy-Rey said this after receiving a ceremonial welcome in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan here this morning.

Rey was received by her Indian counterpart Pratibha Devisingh Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

She was also introduced to the members of the Union Cabinet.

Singh said that the President's visit would help to improve and widen the relationship between India and Switzerland.

"Our relations are excellent and there is always a scope for improvement. Her Excellency's visit gives us the opportunity to improve the state of our relations," he said.

Swiss President, who is on a four day visit to India, also visited Rajghat and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.

Prime Minister Singh and President Calmy-Rey are expected to issue a joint statement after their meeting later in the day.

Calmy-Rey will also have talks with the President Patil, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, and meet UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the Leader of Opposition, L.K. Advani.

The visit of the Swiss President to India follows a visit to Switzerland by President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in May 2005. The visit is also a part of the high-level dialogue between India and Switzerland in the last few years.

The focus of Monday's bilateral meetings is likely to be on trade and ways to enhance it from the present figure of 2.25 billion dollars in 2006 (excluding bullion --- 2.48 billion in 2004; and software services---100 million in 2004). There is still, however, further potential to grow, said an official release.

Over the ten-year period between 1995 and 2005, the two-way bilateral commodity trade has nearly doubled. During the first six months of 2007, India's exports to Switzerland grew by 28.5 per cent, while Swiss exports to India grew by 32.5 per cent over the same period in 2006.

The total bilateral trade in the first six months of 2007, grew by 31.3 per cent to CHF 1625.5 million. If this trend continues, the bilateral trade could cross USD 3 billion by the end of 2007, which would represent an increase of nearly a billion dollars in just one year.

President Micheline Calmy-Rey is in the Indian capital after undertaking visits to Hyderabad and Agra. The bilateral visit takes place as the two countries would be observing 2008 as the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship (14 August 1948). The bilateral visit would serve to highlight the progress in partnership the two countries have made over the past six decades and highlight the opportunities for the future.

"We are now looking at the whole range of political, economical and technological development," says Ms Calmy-Rey when asked about the future of ties with India. We are committed to reorient our long-standing development activities in India...Exchange of know-how in fields such as energy, climate and environment are promising ways to focus on in the near future," she emphasised prior to her visit.

The Swiss President's visit will look at strengthening current ties, seeking new partnerships and creating a fresh image of Switzerland for the benefit of decisionmakers in India, particularly politicians.

Her visit will mark the beginning of the jubilee celebrations of a communion between the world's oldest democracy and the world's largest democracy. One needn't look any further for proof of this bond than the Swiss currency note. The 10 CHF (Swiss Franc) note carries on one side a portrait of the Swiss architect Le Corbusier and an image of Chandigarh on the reverse side.

An Indo-Swiss joint statement is expected to be released after the leaders meet, Indian officials said.

The two sides are expected to discuss the feasibility of an economic agreement similar to a free trade agreement covering goods, services, investments, intellectual property and trade facilitation during the Swiss president's visit.

India is the fourth-largest trading partner for Switzerland in Asia.

Switzerland is also one of the 10 main foreign investors in India, with more than 140 joint ventures operating in the Asian country. Both countries also have a scientific and technical cooperation agreement as well as joint research programmes for projects in life sciences, information technologies and biotechnology.

Switzerland has had a programme on cooperation and development with India since 1961. This programme is being restructured to orient it towards cooperation primarily in the fields of energy and climate, science and technology by 2010.

A series of events and projects have been planned for 2008 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the treaty. (ANI)

Labels: International

New Delhi, Nov 7 (ANI): Terming terrorist attacks as "manmade disasters", Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the threat of terrorism looms large over many parts of the region, which could trigger disasters across borders.

Inaugurating the Second Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, Singh said, "Modern societies must also prepare to come together to deal with manmade disasters be they industrial disasters or disasters caused by terrorists' attacks."

Singh further said that disasters know no political boundaries, and "We are all equally vulnerable to them."

"This is one area where nations can - and indeed must - cooperate to find collective, cooperative solutions to the challenges that face them. After all, it is in difficult times that we need the best of
relations," he added.

While handling disasters, he said, what is important is to have coherent national strategies and national capabilities to check these disasters.

"Earthquakes, cyclones, floods and tsunami have contributed to disasters across Asia in the recent past. It is incumbent on each one of us to develop the necessary national capabilities," he added.

However, he said, a national response alone is not adequate as "we need more bilateral and regional cooperation to make effective use of our capabilities."

"Greater cooperation in relief and rehabilitation, cooperation in disaster preparedness, and in setting up and maintaining early warning systems is a useful and a very good way of demonstrating good neighbourliness," Singh said.

Speaking on the adoption of forward-looking approach to disaster management and mitigation, he said, "We have constituted a National Disaster Management Authority and State Level Disaster Management Authorities. The National Authority has come forward with a new approach to disaster management."

Singh urged those who manage the financial systems to be even more pro-active in insuring the risk-prone regions. "Insurance against natural disasters is still very limited," he added.

The biggest disaster is the catastrophic effect of global warming and climate change, he said, adding that "the action of one nation can effect the actions of all other nations."

Besides focusing on natural disasters alone, Singh said that one must learn to deal with new kinds of health disasters such as HIV, and Avian Flu, which have emerged as new challenges all over the world. "They have enormous social and economic consequences."

Fifty-two countries from the Asia and Pacific Region are participating in the two-day conference.

Thirty-three country delegations are led by their Ministers. The total country delegates are 150. In addition, more than 100 experts and 50 NGOs are also participating.

The objectives of the conference are to review the action taken by the various national Governments on the Hyogo Framework of Action, review the implementation of the Beijing Action for Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia, take stock of initiatives taken in various sub-regions of
Asia for promoting cooperation within and outside the Governments, share best practices on Disaster Risk Reduction, discuss new international initiatives such as global platform and global facility for Disaster Risk Reduction and develop a vision and road map for Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia.

The conference will have an inter-governmental segment to deliberate on four themes - mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in national policies and programmes, enhancing public-private partnership in Disaster Risk Reduction, integrating disaster reduction into
rehabilitation and reconstruction activities and promoting regional co-operation in Disaster Risk Reduction.

Two technical groups will deliberate on the theme of application of science and technology in Disaster Risk Reduction and on integrating Disaster Risk Reduction in development.
The outcome of the conference will include a "Delhi Declaration" on Disaster Risk Reduction.

The World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction was held in 2005 at Hyogo, Kobe, Japan in which Hyogo Framework of Action 2005-15 was adopted for building the resilience of nations and communities to natural disasters.

The first Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction was held in September 2005 in Beijing in which Action for Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia was adopted. (ANI)

Labels: International

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