EGYPT

6th Session of India-Egypt Joint Trade Committee (JTC) held successfully in New Delhi, 26 September 2024

The sixth Session of India-Egypt Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in New Delhi from 16th to 17th September 2024 under the co-chairpersonship of Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Ms. Priya P. Nair and Deputy Minister of Investment & Foreign Trade and Chairman of the Egyptian Commercial Service, Arab Republic of Egypt, Mr. Yahya Elwathik Bellah. Egyptian Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr. Wael Mohamed Awad Hamed, along with 08 delegates from relevant Ministries accompanied the Egyptian delegation.

Indian side informed that necessary approvals for signing the MoU on cooperation between National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) of India and MSME Development Agency (MSMEDA) of Egypt have been obtained. Both sides expressed their desire for an early signing and operationalization.

Both sides identified several areas of focus for enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade and investment including that in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCEZ), pharmaceuticals and health sector, gems & jewellery, engineering goods, petroleum and mining, MSME Sector, customs matters, services sector, IT services, electronics manufacturing, apparel manufacturing, renewable energy – green hydrogen, food security, international trade settlement and digital payments, transport and trade disputes etc. Both sides also discussed market access issues on agricultural products and agreed to resolve the issues as early as possible.

Both sides also agreed on closer collaboration between their respective Investment Promotion Agencies. The deliberations of the 6th session of India-Egypt JTC were cordial and forward-looking, indicative of the amicable and special relations between the two countries. There was a positive response towards greater cooperation, addressing pending issues, and increasing trade and investment.

Both sides agreed to address all issues impeding bilateral trade expeditiously and facilitate trade promotion between the two countries and to hold the next meeting of the JTC in 2026, in Egypt.

Both sides reviewed the bilateral trade and agreed on exploring new areas of cooperation, diversifying the bilateral trade basket, and resolution of issues hindering trade between the two countries. Source: Press Information Bureau.

IRAN

Statement on Unacceptable Comments made by the Supreme Leader of Iran, 16 September 2024

We strongly deplore the comments made regarding minorities in India by the Supreme Leader of Iran. These are misinformed and unacceptable. Countries commenting on minorities are advised to look at their own record before making any observations about others. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

ISRAEL

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with the Prime Minister of Israel, 30 September 2024

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received a telephone call today from the Prime Minister of Israel, H.E. Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu.

PM Netanyahu briefed PM on the recent developments in West Asia. 

PM Modi mentioned that there is no place for terrorism in any form or manifestation. Prime Minister also emphasized the crucial need to work for preventing regional escalation and the safe release of all hostages. 

PM conveyed that India stands ready to support an early restoration of peace and stability. 

The two leaders discussed a number of bilateral issues to further strengthen India-Israel Strategic Partnership.

PM also conveyed his best wishes to PM Netanyahu and the Jewish people around the world on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah.

The two leaders agreed to remain in touch. Source: Press Information Bureau.

KUWAIT

Prime Minister meets with Crown Prince of Kuwait, 22 September 2024

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UNGA in New York today. This was the first meeting between the Prime Minister and the Crown Prince of Kuwa

Prime Minister conveyed that India attaches utmost importance to its bilateral relations with Kuwait. Both leaders recalled the strong historical ties and people-to-people linkages between the two countries. They noted with satisfaction that the two countries were supporting each other with energy and food security requirements. They expressed their firm commitment to deepen and diversify bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of both countries. Prime Minister thanked the Crown Prince for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait, which is the largest diaspora group in the country.

The meeting between the leadership of the two countries is expected to impart a fresh momentum to bilateral ties between India and Kuwait. Source: Press Information Bureau.

OMAN

IAF Aircraft set course for Exercise Eastern Bridge VII at Oman, 11 September 2024

An IAF contingent comprising MiG-29s, Jaguars and C-17s is ready to set course to participate in Exercise Eastern Bridge in Oman. This is the seventh edition of the Exercise that is scheduled from 11 to 22 September 2024 at Air Force base Masirah, Oman.

The bilateral exercise endeavours to enhance interoperability between Royal Oman Air Force and the Indian Air Force and shall provide a platform for both teams to engage in a series of joint training missions designed to strengthen strategic cooperation and operational readiness.

Exercise Eastern Bridge VII aims to improve tactical and operational skills, foster mutual understanding and bolster the ability of both air forces to collaborate effectively in diverse scenarios. The exercise will include complex aerial manoeuvring, air to air and air to ground operations, and logistical coordination, reflecting the evolving defence needs and strategic interests of both nations.

Underscoring the enduring partnership between the Royal Oman Air Force and the Indian Air Force, this exercise highlights their commitment to regional security and stability. The participating teams are expected to benefit from the shared expertise and operational experience gained during this extensive training period. Source: Press Information Bureau.

Indian Army Contingent Departs for India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL NAJAH V, 12 September 2024

The Indian Army contingent departed today for the 5th edition of India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL NAJAH. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 13th to 26th September 2024 at Rabkoot Training Area in Salalah, Oman. Exercise AL NAJAH has been held biennially since 2015, alternating between India and Oman. Last edition of the same exercise was conducted at Mahajan in Rajasthan.

The Indian Army contingent comprising 60 personnel is being represented by a Battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment along with personnel from other arms and services. The Royal Army of Oman contingent also comprising of 60 personnel will be represented by the troops of Frontier Force.

Aim of the Joint Exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter terrorism operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise will focus on operations in the Desert environment.

Tactical drills to be rehearsed during the exercise include Joint Planning, Cordon and Search Operation, Fighting in Built Up Area, establishment of Mobile Vehicle Check Post, Counter Drone and Room Intervention, among others. Combined field training exercises that simulate real-world counter-terrorism missions have also been planned.

Exercise AL NAJAH V will allow both sides to exchange best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures for joint operations. It will foster interoperability, goodwill and camaraderie between the two armies. Additionally, the joint exercise will strengthen defence cooperation and further enhance the bilateral relations between the two friendly nations. Source: Press Information Bureau.

Indian Air Force successfully completes Exercise Eastern Bridge VII at Rafo Masirah, 21 September 2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully completed Exercise Eastern Bridge VII with the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) at the RAFO airbase in Masirah. The IAF contingent has returned to India after participating in a comprehensive series of training missions, which featured the participation of MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft from IAF, F-16 and Hawk from RAFO. This exercise significantly enhanced strategic relations with OMAN besides operational coordination and tactical skills between the two air forces.

Exercise Eastern Bridge VII was aimed to strengthen military cooperation and enhance the interoperability of both forces. The exercise included complex air operations, air-to-air combat drills, and mission scenarios designed to improve strategic and tactical capabilities. The IAF contingent gained valuable insights into RAFO tactics and operational philosophies, enriching combat strategies.

Beyond the tactical exercises, Eastern Bridge VII fostered camaraderie and mutual respect between the IAF and RAFO personnel. Joint briefings, debriefings, and cultural exchanges helped build professional bonds, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation.

The successful completion of Exercise underscores the commitment of India and Oman towards maintaining regional peace and security. Both forces demonstrated their capability to operate jointly in diverse scenarios, enhancing their preparedness to face emerging security challenges.

The IAF and RAFO look forward to continuing this tradition of joint exercises, aiming for more advanced collaborations in the future. Source: Press Information Bureau.

PALESTINE

Prime Minister meets President of Palestine, 22 September 2024

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met the President of Palestine, H.E. Mahmoud Abbas on 22 September 2024, on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future in New York.

Prime Minister expressed deep concern at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and the deteriorating security situation in the region and reaffirmed India’s unwavering support to the people of Palestine, including continued humanitarian assistance. Prime Minister reiterated India's time-tested principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue, and called for ceasefire, release of hostages and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. He stressed that only a two State solution will deliver enduring peace and stability in the region. Recalling that India was one of the first countries to recognize Palestine, he conveyed India’s continued support to Palestine membership of the UN.

The two leaders held constructive discussion on various facets of India-Palestine bilateral relations, including India’s support to Palestine at the United Nations and ongoing assistance and support to Palestine in the field of education, health, and other capacity building efforts. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen India-Palestine bilateral relations. Source: Press Information Bureau.

SAUDI ARABIA

India and Saudi Arabia hold 6th meeting of Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation, 5 September 2024

India and Saudi Arabia conducted the sixth edition of Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on September 4, 2024. The two countries discussed new avenues to further strengthen the long standing and multi-faceted defence cooperation. Detailed deliberations were held to expand the scope of engagement and cooperation in areas such as military, training, defence industry, R&D etc. 

India and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial and friendly relations founded on the centuries old economic and socio-cultural ties. The MoU on Defence Cooperation provides a framework for defence collaboration between the two countries. Joint Defence Cooperation Committee is an institutional mechanism under the MoU to promote the objectives of defence cooperation. 

The Indian delegation, led by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad, included officials from Ministry of Defence. The meeting was co-chaired by Major General Salman Bin Awadh Al-Harbi from the Saudi Arabia delegation. Source: Press Information Bureau.

Visit of EAM, Dr. S. Jaishankar to Saudi Arabia for the India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue, 9 September 2024

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar (EAM), visited Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 8-9 of September, 2024, to attend the 1st ever India–GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue.

?2. During his visit, EAM co-chaired the India–GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue along with His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, President of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council. This was the first meeting between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at the Foreign Ministers level, and was attended by Foreign Ministers of all the GCC countries and Secretary General of the GCC His Excellency Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.

?3. EAM and the Foreign Ministers, reaffirmed their joint commitment to building on the achievements of this first Ministerial Meeting. EAM highlighted that the Gulf Cooperation Council as a collective entity has vital significance for India and constitutes the "extended” neighbourhood of India and thanked the GCC countries for taking care of the large Indian diaspora in their countries. The leaders undertook detailed review of India-GCC ties and appreciated the upward trajectory in ties witnessed in the last few years. EAM and the Foreign Ministers, emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation across a wide range of areas.

??4. EAM underscored the significance of the strategic and growing partnership between the Gulf Cooperation Council and India. Through collaborative initiatives in trade, investment, infrastructure development, and people to people ties, this partnership not only bolsters economic growth within the region and India but also contributes to a more stable and prosperous global economy.

?5. The meeting also adopted a Joint Action Plan 2024-2028 for undertaking various joint activities in diverse areas including health, trade, security, agriculture and food security, transportation, energy, culture, amongst others. It was also decided that more areas of cooperation can be included in the Joint Action Plan, based on mutual consensus, later on.

?6. The meeting also addressed international and regional issues of common interest.

?7. EAM also had separate bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Foreign Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait His Excellency Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, and the Foreign Minister of Bahrain His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on the sidelines of the India – GCC Ministerial meeting. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

TURKIYE

Shri Muktesh Kumar Pardeshi appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Türkiye, 20 September 2024

Shri Muktesh Kumar Pardeshi (IFS: 1991), presently Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Türkiye.

2. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi calls on the President, 9 September 2024

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan called on the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (September 9, 2024).

The President said that she was pleased to be welcoming the third generation of UAE leadership to Rashtrapati Bhavan, continuing a long tradition of high-level engagement that is in tune with India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with UAE.

The President added that our historic yet forward-looking bilateral relationship has been transformed over the past decade, steered by the visionary leadership of both countries. She expressed satisfaction that during the Crown Prince’s visit, we have further expanded this partnership through several agreements in new areas of cooperation.

The President said that people-to-people ties form the bedrock of this relationship, with more than 35 lakh Indian citizens residing in the UAE. She appreciated the UAE leadership for ensuring their welfare, particularly the special care taken during the difficult times of the COVID pandemic.

Both leaders agreed that India and UAE have societies with a syncretic and multicultural heritage, and that the path of peace, tolerance, and harmony shown by Mahatma Gandhi and H. H. Sheikh Zayed, are deeply imbibed in our national character.  

The President was also happy to note the high rate of participation and contribution of women in all aspects of Emirati society. She said that both our countries have demonstrated that “women-led development” can deliver more effective results for overall socio-economic development. Source: Press Information Bureau.

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi welcomes Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, 9 September 2024

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today welcomed His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in New Delhi. Both leaders held fruitful talks on wide range of issues.

Shri Modi lauded Sheikh Khaled’s passion to enhance the India-UAE friendship.

The Prime Minister posted on X:

“It was a delight to welcome HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. We had fruitful talks on a wide range of issues. His passion towards strong India-UAE friendship is clearly visible.” Source: Press Information Bureau.

List of Outcomes: Official Visit of HH Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to India, 9 September 2024

1. MoU in the field of Barakah Nuclear Power Plant Operations and Maintenance between Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Nuclear Power Cooperation of India Limited (NPCIL)

2. An Agreement for long-term LNG supply between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited

3. MoU between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL)

4. Production Concession Agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 between Urja Bharat and ADNOC

5. MoU between Government of Gujarat and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC (ADQ) on food parks development in India. Source: Press Information Bureau.

Visit of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to India (September 9-10, 2024), 9 September 2024

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi is on an official visit to India from 9-10 September 2024, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This is the Crown Prince’s first official visit to India in this capacity. He was received on his arrival yesterday, in New Delhi by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour. He is accompanied by Ministers, senior officials, and a large business delegation.

The Crown Prince held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister today. Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings and regards to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE. The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the substantial progress achieved in recent years in the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed opportunities to further widen and deepen the partnership in all areas of bilateral cooperation. They acknowledged that the success of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the recent entry into force of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) will provide further impetus to the strong economic and commercial partnership between the two countries. They also underscored the need to explore new areas of untapped potential, particularly in nuclear energy, critical minerals, green hydrogen, artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies.

The following MoUs/Agreements were signed during the visit, which set the stage for enhancing cooperation in traditional as well as new areas of cooperation: 

· MoU on Nuclear Cooperation between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NNPCIL) and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC)

· Agreement for long-term LNG supply between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited

· MoU between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL)

· Production Concession Agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 between Urja Bharat and ADNOC.

· MoU between Government of Gujarat and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC (ADQ) on food parks development in India

The MoU on Nuclear Cooperation is expected to enhance cooperation in the operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants, sourcing of nuclear goods and services from India, exploring mutual investment opportunities and capacity building. 

The Agreement for long-term supply of LNG is for 1 million metric tonne per annum (MMTPA) and is the third such contract signed in just over a year. Both IOCL and GAIL had previously signed long-term Agreements for 1.2 MMTPA and 0.5 MMTPA, respectively, with ADNOC. These contracts have strengthened energy security in India by diversifying LNG sources.

The MoU between ADNOC and ISPRL, inter alia, provides for exploring ADNOC's participation in additional opportunities for crude storage in India and the renewal of their storage and management agreement on mutually acceptable terms and conditions. This MoU builds on ADNOC’s existing involvement in crude storage at the Mangalore Cavern of ISPRL since 2018. 

The Production Concession Agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 between Urja Bharat (a JV of IOCL and Bharat Petro resources Ltd) and ADNOC is the first one for any Indian company operating in the UAE. The concession entitles Urja Bharat to bring crude oil to India, thus contributing towards the country’s energy security. 

The MoU on Food Parks conveys ADQ’s expression of interest in developing Gundanpara, Bavla, Ahmedabad as a highly promising site for this ambitious project, with a view to commencing the Food Park project in Q2 2025. Government of Gujarat shall facilitate ADQ and AD Ports, to obtain detailed information regarding the site and assistin obtain necessary permissions. 

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also called on President Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Discussions covered the warm, historic, and comprehensive ties between the two countries and the several initiatives taken in recent years. President Murmu expressed her gratitude to the leadership of the UAE for hosting more than 3.5 million Indians. 

The Crown Prince also visited Rajghat and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. He became the third-generation leader from the UAE to plant a sapling at Rajghat, following His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, former President of the UAE in 1992; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE in 2016. This was a unique and rare occasion, showcasing the generational continuity of the strong relationship between the two countries. This is the first time in the history of Rajghat that leaders from three generations of a country have planted trees honouring the Mahatma. 

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will visit Mumbai tomorrow and will participate in an India-UAE Business Forum. The forum provides a platform for business leaders and officials from both sides to brainstorm future cooperation between the countries in various areas. A soft launch on the commencement of work on the India-UAE virtual trade corridor (VTC) and MAITRI interface to facilitate VTC, will also take place in Mumbai tomorrow. Source: Press Information Bureau.

India-UAE bond will be the defining friendship, relationship & brotherhood of the decade and beyond: Shri Piyush Goyal, 10 September 2024

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal said that India-UAE bond will be the defining friendship, relationship & brotherhood of the decade and beyond. The Minister made this statement at the UAE-India Business Forum held today in Mumbai. His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the UAE also addressed the forum.

Shri Goyal said that India-UAE partnership stands on the pillars of innovation, investment and sustainable development. Noting the occasion of Ganpati Festival, the Minister said that the visit of the Crown Prince during Ganapati festival marks auspicious start of new chapter in bilateral ties.

Shri Goyal said that the partnership holds an outstanding future going forward. He noted that the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi regards UAE as an important partner in India's growth story. The Minister said that the visit of the Crown Prince is the 6th high-level visit in less than a year and is a testament to this partnership.

The Minister said that the India UAE partnership will witness great transformation under the visionary leadership of both sides. This transformation is in sync with the 50-year vision that UAE has embarked on and the Viksit Bharat@2047 transformational journey envisaged by the Prime Minister, he added.

Shri Goyal also lauded initiatives taken by both sides to promote trade including the local currency settlement, Bharat Mart being set up in JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone), Dubai, and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to expand trade. He also said that technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will drive the engagement forward. Shri Goyal encouraged the stakeholders to explore investment opportunities and trade possibilities.

Shri Goyal lauded the Crown Prince for his leadership of the UAE and appreciated the transformational change witnessed under the Crown Prince. He added that India UAE relationship has matured to become a bond that can never break. Shri Goyal described the visit of the Crown Prince to the Rajghat as historic as the Crown Prince, a 3rd generation leader, planted a sapling there, succeeding his father and grandfather.

The theme of the forum was ‘Beyond CEPA: Innovation and Future-Ready Economies’, with focus on the potential of healthcare, biotechnology, renewable energy, sustainability etc. Source: Press Information Bureau.

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.