ISRAEL

PM praises Embassy of Israel for celebrating Hindi Diwas with dialogues from Hindi films, 14 September 2023

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has lauded Embassy of Israel's celebrations of Hindi Diwas through famous dialogues from Hindi films. The Prime Minister said that the effort of the Embassy is overwhelming.

The Prime Minister posted on X

"परंपरा, प्रतिष्ठा, अनुशासन… ये इस इजराइल एम्बेसी के तीन स्तंभ हैं।

भारतीय फिल्मों के डायलॉग के जरिए हिन्दी को लेकर इजराइली दूतावास का यह प्रयास अभिभूत करने वाला है।" Source: Press Information Bureau.

MOROCCO

Prime Minister condoles loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco, 09 September 2023

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco.

Shri Modi also said that India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time.

In a X post, the Prime Minister said;

“Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time.” Source: Press Information Bureau.

PALESTINE

ITEC Day 2023 Celebrated in Palestine, 25 September 2023

The Representative Office of India in Palestine celebrated "Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation' (ITEC) Day-2023 today in the vicinity of the ancient Umayyad Hesham Palace in Jericho City. Acting Governor of Jericho H.E. Yusra Swaiti, Government officials, ITEC alumni and professionals from diverse sectors attended the function.

Addressing the gathering, Representative of India Renu Yadav underlined the warm and close relations enjoyed by India and Palestine and expressed pride in India's partnership and contribution in Palestine's national capacity building efforts with the aim to further intensify this cooperation in relevant fields.

The event also included screening of a short film in celebration of 57 years since the launching of the ITEC Scheme, followed by glimpses of Palestinian ITEC Alumni on their experiences in India.

By providing vital training in various fields, the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme-ITEC of the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India has benefited more than more 200,000 people from 160 partner countries, including around 1300 Palestinians. Source: Representative Office of India, Ramallah.

OMAN

India-Oman Defence Industrial Seminar, 25 September 2023

The first ever India-Oman Defence Industrial Seminar was held in Muscat on 24 Sep 2023. The Seminar provided an opportunity for government owned, and private defence companies from India to come together with officials from the Ministries of Defence, Fisheries & Agriculture, Transport Communication & IT, from Sultanate of Oman to hold productive discussions on cooperation in defence production and procurement.

The Indian MoD was represented by Shri Sanjay Mehrishi, Deputy Director General (Exports), Ministry of Defence (Department of Defence Production), who also provided an overview of the advances made by India in the field of defence production. Director General (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence Sultanate of Oman was the special guest at the seminar. H.E. Shri Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to Sultanate of Oman addressed the gathering highlighting the traditionally close relations between the two countries and encouraged the participants to engage in constructive collaborations to achieve tangible results beneficial for both the nations.

This was the first such physical Seminar on Defence Industrial Collaboration between India and Sultanate of Oman. The Seminar received an unprecedented response from Indian companies with 23 Indian public and private companies represented, reflecting the enthusiasm amongst them to partner and collaborate with Oman and to support Sultan’s Armed Forces and Civil Defence Agencies in addressing their requirements. A wide range of topics related to defence hardware, security systems, cyber security, communication, and niche technologies were covered during the Seminar, which saw the Indian companies presenting their products to the Omani officials in the event.

With an array of distinguished industry players from both sides, the Seminar resulted in productive sessions of discussions. The Seminar concluded with several B2G and B2B meetings. Source: Embassy of India, Muscat.

SAUDI ARABIA

State visit of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to India, 09 September 2023

At the invitation of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will visit India from September 9-11, 2023. During this visit, he will attend the G20 Summit being hosted in India on September 9-10, 2023 and will continue his stay in India on September 11, 2023 for the State visit. His Royal Highness earlier visited India on a State Visit in February 2019, and this will be his second State Visit to India. He will be accompanied by a high level delegation, including Ministers and senior officials. This visit follows the highly successful visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to Saudi Arabia in October 2019 during which the two countries established the Strategic Partnership Council.

2. On September 11, 2023, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will call on the President. He will hold a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister and both leaders will also co-chair the First Leaders’ Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council. They will review the progress made under the two Ministerial Committees of the Strategic Partnership Council i.e. the Committee on Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation and the Committee on Economy and Investments Cooperation. They will discuss all aspects of bilateral relations including political, security, defence, trade and economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. Both the leaders will also discuss the regional and international issues of mutual interest.

3. India and Saudi Arabia have historically close and friendly relations with extensive people-to-people contacts. The trade between both countries reached all time high of USD 52.75 billion in FY 2022-23. India is Saudi Arabia’s second largest trading partner whereas Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth largest trading partner. Both countries also have a strong partnership in the area of energy. There is a vibrant Indian community of around 2.4 million in Saudi Arabia. Their contribution towards the development of the host country and role as bridges to deepen the multifaceted ties between the two countries is highly appreciated. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also facilitates Hajj pilgrimage of over 175,000 Indians every year. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

President of India hosts Crown Prince and Prime Minister of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 11 September 2023

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu received His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (September 11, 2023). She also hosted a banquet in his honour.

Welcoming the Crown Prince at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President said that Saudi Arabia is one of India’s most important strategic partners. She was happy to note that bilateral ties between India and Saudi Arabia have strengthened considerably over the past few years.

President Murmu said that in the modern world, India-Saudi Arabia’s shared cultural experiences, economic synergies and shared commitment towards a peaceful and sustainable world make us natural partners.

The President said that the economic component of India-Saudi Arabia partnership has also grown in recent years. She added that there are ample opportunities for increasing Saudi investments in India across several different sectors.

The President said that Saudi Arabia has embraced a large number of Indian expatriates, and given them space to flourish and grow. Through their hard work and professionalism, they have made significant contribution to the Saudi Arabia’s growth and prosperity. She thanked Saudi Arabia for looking after them.

The President appreciated the role of Saudi Arabia as a positive force for peace and stability. She expressed confidence that this visit of Crown Prince and his participation in the G20 Summit would further strengthen the multifaceted partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

Prime Minister's opening statement at the first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, 11 September 2023

Your Royal Highness,

दोनों देशों के delegates,

मीडिया के साथियों,

आज भारत-सऊदी अरब स्ट्रेटेजिक पार्टनरशिप काउंसिल की पहली लीडर्स मीटिंग में भाग लेते हुए मुझे बहुत ख़ुशी हो रही है।

दो हज़ार उन्नीस की मेरी सऊदी अरब यात्रा के दौरान हमने इस काउंसिल की घोषणा की थी।

इन चार वर्षों में यह हमारी रणनीतिक साझेदारी को और सुदृढ़ करने के प्रभावी माध्यम के रूप में उभरा है।

मुझे ख़ुशी है कि इस काउंसिल के अंतर्गत दोनों committees की कई बैठकें हुई हैं, जिनसे हर क्षेत्र में हमारा आपसी सहयोग निरंतर बढ़ रहा है।

बदलते समय की ज़रूरतों के अनुसार हम हमारे संबंधों में नए और आधुनिक आयाम जोड़ रहे हैं।

भारत के लिए सऊदी अरब हमारे सबसे महत्वपूर्ण strategic पार्टनर्स में से है।

विश्व की दो बड़ी और तेज़ गति से बढ़ने वाली अर्थव्यवस्थाओं के रूप में हमारा आपसी सहयोग पूरे क्षेत्र की शांति और स्थिरता के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है।

His Royal Highness के साथ बैठक में हमने हमारी करीबी साझेदारी को next level पर ले जाने के लिए कई initiatives की पहचान की।

आज की हमारी बैठक से हमारे संबंधों को एक नयी ऊर्जा, एक नयी दिशा मिलेगी, और हमें मिलकर मानवता की भलाई के लिए काम करते रहने की प्रेरणा मिलेगी।

कल हमने मिलकर भारत- पश्चिम एशिया और यूरोप के बीच Economic कॉरिडोर स्थापित करने के लिए ऐतिहासिक शुरुआत की है।

इस कॉरिडोर से केवल दोनों देशों ही आपस में नहीं जोड़ेगा, बल्कि एशिया, पश्चिम एशिया और यूरोप के बीच आर्थिक सहयोग, उर्जा के विकास और डिजिटल कनेक्टिविटी को बल देगा।

योर Royal हाइनेस, आपके नेतृत्व में और आपके विज़न 2030 के माध्यम से सऊदी अरब जिस तेज़ी से आर्थिक और सामाजिक प्रगति कर रहा है, उसके लिए में ह्रदय से आपका बहुत अभिनंदन करता हूँ ।

सऊदी अरब में रहने वाले भारतीयों के हितों की सुरक्षा और उनके कल्याण के लिए आपकी प्रतिबद्धता के लिए हम आपके बहुत आभारी हैं ।

भारत और सऊदी अरब की मित्रता, क्षेत्रीय और वैश्विक स्थिरता, स्मृद्धि और मानव कल्याण के लिए महत्त्वपूर्ण है।

मैं एक बार फिर His Royal Highness और आप सभी का G-20 समिट की सफलता में योगदान देने के लिए बहुत धन्यवाद करता हूँ।

मैं अब आपको अपने opening remarks के लिए आमंत्रित करता हूँ। Source: Press Information Bureau.

India and Saudi Arabia sign Agreement on Cooperation in Energy Sector, 11 September 2023

India and Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of energy. The MoU between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was signed in New Delhi on 10th September, 2023, by Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power, Government of India, Shri R. K. Singh for the Indian side and Minister of Energy for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud for the Saudi side.

According to the MoU, India and Saudi Arabia will cooperate in the following areas:

1. Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Hydrogen, Electricity and Grid Interconnection between the two countries, Petroleum, Natural Gas, Strategic Petroleum Reserves and Energy Security.
2. Encouraging bilateral investment in the field of Renewable Energy, Electricity, Hydrogen and Storage; and Oil & Gas.
3. Circular Economy and its technologies to reduce the effects of climate change, such as: carbon capture, utilization and storage.
4. Promoting digital transformation, innovation and cyber-security and artificial intelligence in the field of Energy.
5. Working on developing qualitative partnerships between the two countries to localize materials, products and services related to all sectors of energy, supply chains and its technologies.
6. Strengthening the cooperation with companies specialized in the field of energy.
7. Any other fields related to the energy field that the two countries agree upon.

The MoU will develop a stronger partnership between India and Saudi Arabia in the field of energy. The MoU will support India’s efforts for energy transition and transformation of global energy system towards combating climate change. Source: Press Information Bureau.

India, Saudi Arabia Invest Forum meets in New Delhi, decides to set up offices in both countries, 12 September 2023

On the sidelines of the State Visit of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to India, to participate in the Leaders’ Summit of the bilateral Strategic Partnership Council, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India and the Saudi Ministry of Investment organized an India-Saudi Arabia Investment Forum 2023 (“The Forum”) in New Delhi yesterday.

The Forum witnessed the attendance of more than 500 companies from India and Saudi Arabia. This is the first such formal investment symposium between India and Saudi Arabia and it comes as a follow-up to the announcement made, previously, by the Saudi Crown Prince to invest approximately $100 Billion in diverse sectors of the Indian economy.

The Ministerial Session of the India-Saudi Investment Forum 2023 was co-chaired by the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal and the Minister of Investment, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Mr. Khalid A. Al Falih.

Jointly addressing the business gathering, the two Ministers discussed, inter-alia, ways and means of expanding bilateral collaboration in various domains including start-ups, digital infrastructure development, increasing collaboration between the business and investor ecosystems of the two countries including through closer cooperation between the Investment promotion agencies of the two countries and through setting up of investment promotion offices, encouragement of Saudi Sovereign Wealth Funds to consider direct investments into India in addition to the current inflow of investments through funds, and possibility of joint projects.

Some of the other key outcomes during the Ministerial discussion included concurrence on fast-tracked realization of partnership opportunities identified under the Committee on Economy and Investments of the Strategic Partnership Council. The Ministers also outlined potential investment collaborations in the domains of food processing, logistics and infrastructure, healthcare, energy particularly renewable energy, skill development, space, ICT, start-ups particularly in the digital domain.

In welcome remarks at The Forum, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh  highlighted the importance of bilateral relationships between the two countries and emphasized upon mutual growth by furthering economic and cultural relations between the two countries.

The Forum also witnessed detailed Presentations by Invest Saudi, Invest India, Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority of Saudi Arabia, GIFT City, IFSC (International Financial Services Centre), Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Film Commission, and National Centre for Privatization, Saudi Arabia, showcasing the abundant Investment Opportunities, both in India and in Saudi Arabia.

Further, breakout sessions were conducted with the discussion centred on potential bilateral collaboration in the domains of: ICT & Entrepreneurship; Chemicals & Fertilizers; Energy & Sustainability; Advanced manufacturing; and Food security. Concerned businesses from both sides with expertise and interest in these sectors addressed the gathering to share their views on the potential for enhanced collaboration in these respective domains.

Earlier in the day, more than 45 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were concluded between the two sides, in G2B and B2B formats. These MoUs are expected to further deepen the economic engagement between the two sides and are also likely to accelerate investment flows between the two sides. Source: Press Information Bureau.

TUNISIA

Advisory for Travel to Tunisa, 28 September 2023

Visa-on-arrival is not available to Indian nationals for their visit to Tunisia.

In order to ensure smooth travel to Tunisia and to avoid any inconvenience, Indian nationals must obtain appropriate Tunisian visa before starting their journey for Tunisia. Source: Embassy of India, Tunis.

TURKIYE

Prime Minister’s meeting with President of the Republic of Türkiye, 10 September 2023

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye on 10th September 2023, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

2. Discussions took place on bilateral cooperation potential in areas like trade and investment, defence and security, civil aviation, and shipping.

3. President Erdogan congratulated Prime Minister on India’s G20 Presidency. He also thanked India for the prompt relief under Operation Dost after the earthquake in Türkiye in February 2023.

4. President Erdogan also congratulated Prime Minister on the success of Chandrayaan Mission and conveyed best wishes for the Aditya Mission to the Sun. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Successful Conduct of Visit of UAE Navy SME Delegation to Indian Navy (IN) Facilities 27 Aug to 01 Sep 2023, 02 September 2023

A three member UAE Navy Subject Matter Expert (SME) Delegation led by     Colonel Dr Ali Saif Ali Mehrazi successfully completed professional interaction with Indian Navy during their four-day visit to specialized Meteorology, Oceanography, training and Weather Modelling facilities on 01 Sep 23.

The bilateral meeting, held at Integrated Headquarters (IHQ) of MoD (Navy), New Delhi on 01 Sep 23 was a key highlight, during which both navies expressed their satisfaction with the outcomes and agreed to deepen cooperation in the fields of Meteorology and Oceanography. Both sides recognised the mutual benefits that can be achieved through joint research projects, knowledge exchange, and capacity building initiatives.

Colonel Dr Ali Saif Ali Mehrazi, head of delegation expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and outstanding hospitality extended by IN that facilitated the fruitful discussions keeping in view the mutual interests of both navies. UAE Navy highly valued the insights gained from engaging with counterparts and witnessing the cutting-edge technologies, methodologies, and research programs developed by IN. The delegation looks forward to utilizing this new knowledge and exploring possibilities for joint research and cooperation.

As part of the visit to IHQ MoD (Navy), New Delhi, Colonel Dr Ali Saif Ali Mehrazi also called on Rear Admiral Nirbhay Bapna, ACNS (FCI). Discussions emphasising the importance of international cooperation in addressing challenges such as weather patterns, oceanic conditions, and climate change as well as the other related fields that have implication on naval operations were undertaken.

This visit is a testament to the commitment and dedication of both nations to creating a brighter and more sustainable future for all. Source: Press Information Bureau.

G-20 SUMMIT

Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) & India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), 09 September 2023

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the President of USA, H.E. Mr. Joe Biden co-chaired a special event on Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), on 9 September 2023 on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

The event aimed at unlocking greater investment for infrastructure development and strengthening connectivity in its various dimensions between India, Middle East and Europe.

Leaders of the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Mauritius, UAE and Saudi Arabia, as also the World Bank, participated in the event.

PGII is a developmental initiative aimed at narrowing the infrastructure gap in developing countries as well as help towards accelerating progress on SDGs globally.

The IMEC comprises of an Eastern Corridor connecting India to the Gulf region and a Northern Corridor connecting the Gulf region to Europe. It will include a railway and ship-rail transit network and road transport routes.

In his remarks, Prime Minister highlighted the importance of physical, digital and financial connectivity. He said that IMEC would help promote economic integration between India and Europe.

An MOU on IMEC was signed by India, USA, Saudi Arabia, UAE, European Union, Italy, France and Germany. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

English translation of Prime Minister’s remarks at the event on Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) & India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, 09 September 2023

Your Highnesses,

Excellencies,

I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all of you for this special event.

I am delighted to co-chair this event alongside my friend, President Biden.

Today, we all have seen an important and historic agreement being concluded.

In the coming time, it will become an effective medium of economic integration between India, West Asia and Europe.

It will offer a sustainable direction for global connectivity and development.

I congratulate,

His Excellency President Biden,

His Royal Highness, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman,

His Royal Highness, President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed,

His Excellency, President Macron,

His Excellency, Chancellor Scholz,

Her Excellency, Prime Minister Meloni, and

Her Excellency, President von der Leyen,

on this initiative.

Friends,

Robust connectivity and infrastructure serve as the foundational pillars for the advancement of human civilization.

India has accorded utmost priority to these domains in its developmental voyage.

In addition to physical infrastructure, there is an unprecedented scale of investment being directed towards social, digital, and financial infrastructure.

Through these efforts, we are laying the strong foundation of a developed India.

As a reliable partner in many countries of the Global South, we have implemented infrastructure projects in areas such as energy, railways, water, technology parks, and more.

Throughout these endeavours, we have placed a particular emphasis on a demand-driven and transparent approach.

Through PGII, we can make a significant contribution in reducing the infrastructure gap in the countries of the Global South.

Friends,

India does not measure connectivity with regional boundaries.

Increasing connectivity with all regions has been India's main priority.

We believe that connectivity is a source of increasing not only mutual trade but also mutual trust between different countries.

While promoting connectivity initiatives, it is important to ensure certain fundamental principles are followed, such as:

Adherence to international norms, rules and laws.

Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.

Promoting financial viability instead of debt burden.

And to follow all the environmental parameters.

Today, when we are taking such a big initiative of connectivity, we are sowing the seeds of expanding the dreams of the coming generations.

I convey my best wishes to all the leaders on this historic occasion and thank you all very much.

DISCLAIMER - This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister's Press Statement. Original Press Statement were delivered in Hindi. Source: Press Information Bureau.

Launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA), 09 September 2023

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi along with the leaders of Singapore, Bangladesh, Italy, USA, Brazil, Argentina, Mauritius and UAE, launched the Global Biofuel Alliance on 9 September 2023, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

2. The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) is an initiative by India as the G20 Chair. The Alliance intends to expedite the global uptake of biofuels through facilitating technology advancements, intensifying utilization of sustainable biofuels, shaping robust standard setting and certification through the participation of a wide spectrum of stakeholders. The alliance will also act as a central repository of knowledge and an expert hub. GBA aims to serve as a catalytic platform, fostering global collaboration for the advancement and widespread adoption of biofuels. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

As part of the policy, the MEI@ND standardizes spellings and date format to make the text uniformly accessible and stylistically consistent. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views/positions of the MEI@ND. Editor, MEI@ND P R Kumaraswamy.