ISRAEL

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with Prime Minister of Israel, 16 August 2024

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

PM Netanyahu conveyed his warm wishes on the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day. 

The two leaders discussed the prevailing situation in West Asia. 

PM Modi emphasized the need to de-escalate the situation. PM reiterated India’s call for immediate release of all hostages and the need for continued humanitarian assistance for the affected. He called for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

The two leaders also discussed various aspects of the bilateral cooperation and ways to further strengthen the India-Israel Strategic Partnership.

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

17th India-Israel Foreign Office Consultations, 28 August 2024

The 17th India-Israel Foreign Office Consultations were held in New Delhi on August 28, 2024. The Indian side was led by the Foreign Secretary, Shri Vikram Misri, and the Israeli side was led by the Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Yaakov Blitshtein.

2. Reflecting on the strength of the India-Israel Strategic Partnership, both sides discussed various issues of bilateral interest in depth and reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral endeavours. The two sides also shared views on the prevailing situation in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

3. Reiterating India’s strong and unequivocal condemnation of the October 7 terror attacks on Israel, the Foreign Secretary called for the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages, ceasefire, the need for continued humanitarian assistance, and adherence to international humanitarian law. At the same time, he also shared India’s concern at the escalating situation in West Asia and emphasized restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

KUWAIT

Visit of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to Kuwait (August 18, 2024), 18 August 2024

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to the State of Kuwait on 18 August 2024.

?2.? During the visit, EAM called on His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. EAM thanked the leadership of Kuwait for their guidance in strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Kuwait.

?3.? The meeting of EAM with Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait H.E. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, provided an opportunity to discuss avenues to further deepen bilateral relations in all spheres, including through greater exchanges of visits at various levels. There was a strong interest on both sides for giving more content to the economic partnership, both in trade and investments. They also discussed new areas of untapped potential for further enhancing collaboration, particularly in pharma, technology, education, etc. Further stream-lining of labour and manpower issues and their implementation was stressed. Both Ministers also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

?4.? EAM met a cross-section of prominent members of Indian community in Kuwait as well as representatives of various professional and community associations. The large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait continues to be a living bridge between the two countries.

?5.? The visit was instrumental in imparting a fresh momentum to our bilateral relations and preparing a framework for forthcoming exchanges and concrete deliverables. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

LIBYA

Advisory for Indian Nationals traveling to/residing in Libya, 6 August 2024

In partial modification of MEA’s Press Release dated 23 May 2016 imposing ban on Indian nationals traveling to Libya and in response to our assessment of the prevailing security situation in Libya, Indian nationals are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Libya. Indian nationals in Libya are advised to exercise caution, avoid inter-province travel by road and remain in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tripoli at emergency phone number: +218943992046. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India.

QATAR

Statement on a matter related to Sri Guru Granth Sahib in Qatar, 28 August 2024

Qatar authorities have today handed over to our Embassy in Doha Sri Guru Granth Sahib (two Saroops) taken from an Indian national in a case related to running a religious establishment without approvals. We thank the Government of Qatar for the same.

We also appeal to all Indian citizens residing in Qatar or other countries to scrupulously follow local laws and regulations in all matters. Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India

SAUDI ARABIA

Haj applications for aspiring pilgrims intending to proceed for Haj-2025 through  Haj Committee of India opened by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Minority Affairs, 13 August 2024

A quota of 1,75,025 has been allotted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to India for Haj-2025. The Haj applications for the aspiring pilgrims intending to proceed for Haj-2025 through the Haj Committee of India were opened by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs today. For the first time, the applications have been invited on the Haj Suvidha App in addition to the website of Haj Committee of India. A helpline of the Haj Committee of India along with dedicated channels on the social media are being operationalised to help the pilgrims applying for Haj-2025.

The Government of India has been continuously striving to make the Haj pilgrimage easier and convenient for Indian Haj pilgrims and a series of reforms are being progressively introduced in this context. One of the biggest reforms carried out in Haj administration has been to allow Muslim women of the age of 45 years or above to perform Haj without Mehram (male companion) under the Ladies without Mehram (LWM) category. An all-time high number of 4558 ladies have performed Haj under the LWM category in 2024 and efforts will be made to Haj more accessible and easier for LWM during Haj-2025.

Continuing this trajectory of reforms, during Haj-2024, the 'Haj Suvidha App' was launched to leverage information technology for enhancing the pilgrimage experience. The App provides the pilgrims access to training content, accommodation and flight details, baggage information, an emergency helpline (SOS), grievance redressal, feedback, language translation, and miscellaneous information and services related to the pilgrimage and also facilitates better coordination and control of the pilgrims by the Indian administration in KSA.

The Government of India shall strive to ensure further qualitative improvements in Haj pilgrimage experience of Indian pilgrims. For Haj-2025, the process of Haj preparation has been initiated early, with the Haj Review Meeting being conducted on 19th July, 2024 under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Minority Affairs and the Haj Policy-2025 being announced on 05th August, 2024. The Government of India seeks to avail the early mover advantage and secure the best and possible arrangements in terms of accommodation, transport, logistics, etc. for our pilgrims in KSA.

For Haj-2025, it would be mandatory for pilgrims aged 65 or above to be accompanied by a companion with highest priority in allotment being given to the 65 or above age category. This age criteria was earlier 70 years and now it has been reduced due to arduous and strenuous nature of pilgrimage and harsh climatic conditions in KSA. This reflects the Government's commitment towards ensuring well-being of its citizens, even on foreign soil. This will also ensure that all pilgrims of 65 years of age or above, intending to proceed for Haj for the first time, would get assured allotment of seats for Haj-2025.

A significant administrative measure being taken for Haj-2025 to ensure greater ease of processing and documentation, is the doing away with the requirement of depositing of physical passports with the Haj Committee of India for a period of 4-5 months. Passport offices across the country have also been instructed to expedite the issue of passports applied for by citizens for Haj purposes.

The Government of India has been providing efficient healthcare services to the Haj pilgrims, both before their departure from India, as well as during their pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The medical history and present physical condition of all intending Haj pilgrims would be evaluated. The physical copy of Health Card of the pilgrims would also be linked to the Haj Suvidha App in Haj-2025 so as to facilitate easy accessibility of data and an augmented response mechanism in dealing with instances of medical distress and emergencies.

State Haj Inspectors who are officials of the Central and State governments (known as Khadim-ul-hujjaj till Haj-2024) are being deputed at a higher ratio of 1:150 pilgrims, as against the earlier 1:300 pilgrims, in order to better aid, assist and guide the pilgrims during Haj-2025.

Capitalising on the preparations for Haj-2025 being done much in advance, rigorous training of the trainers, government officials to be temporarily deployed for Haj-2025, and the pilgrims would be conducted in order to ensure better sensitisation, coherence and discipline during the pilgrimage in KSA.

To provide more convenient banking facilities to the Haj Pilgrims, all D-SIB (Domestic Systemically Important Banks) will be allowed to provide customised banking services for Haj Pilgrims throughout the country through their branches and also at the Embarkation Points. Source: Press Information Bureau.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

SMP Kolkata Sets Sail for Global Trade: Bengal Middle East Express Connects Haldia Dock Complex to Jebel Ali Port, UAE, 29 August 2024

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) announces the launch of the Bengal Middle East Express (BMEx), a new container vessel service connecting the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) with the Jebel Ali Port in the UAE. This service, initiated by Ocean Salute Line of Singapore in partnership with MBK Logistix Pvt Ltd, this will enhance global connectivity for the port. The inaugural vessel, Yong Yue 11, is set to arrive at HDC on September 6, 2024. The BMEx service will follow a Haldia-Chittagong-Jebel Ali-Haldia route, linking Bengal as well as Eastern-Indian industrial hub with one of the key ports in the Middle East.

Congratulating the team of HDC in this regard, Shri Rathendra Raman, Chairperson of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata said, "In today's rapidly evolving global trade environment, efficiency and flexibility are essential. We are proud to introduce the Bengal Middle East Express service, which not only establishes a direct connection between Haldia and Jebel Ali but also opens new avenues for trade and economic growth in the region.” “To support this initiative, the Port has offered substantial discounts on vessel-related charges for container vessels calling directly from South East Asia, Far East, and Middle East Ports. This service is a testament to our commitment to enhancing our port's competitiveness on the global stage and supporting the region's EXIM trade", Shri Raman further added.

The BMEx service will revolutionize cargo movement by cutting transit times and costs for regional exporters and importers. By bypassing traditional transshipment ports, it reduces delays, lowers operational costs, and avoids congestion. This direct route enhances supply chain efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness, giving businesses better access to global markets. Source: Press Information Bureau.

LOK SABHA QUESTION AND ANSWERS

Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1917, 2 August 2024

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1917

ANSWERED ON- 02/08/2024

DETENTION OF INDIANS IN GULF

1917. SHRI VIJAYAKUMAR ALIAS VIJAY VASANTH 

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :- 

(a) the diplomatic efforts being undertaken to address the detention of Indian nationals in Gulf countries and other countries; 

(b) whether the Government has made any recent agreements or held discussions with Gulf countries/other countries aimed at securing the release of Indian prisoners and if so, the details thereof; 

(c) the measures being taken to ensure that Indian prisoners in Gulf countries/other countries receive fair trials and are treated humanely;

(d) the manner in which the Government of India addressing reports of human rights abuses involving Indian nationals detained in Gulf countries/other countries;

(e) the number of prisoners who have completed their jail terms abroad, country-wise; and 

(f) the steps taken by the Government for their release?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

 (a) Indian Missions/Posts abroad regularly take up the matter with concerned law enforcement agencies through local Foreign Office for expediting the investigation/trial and early release/deportation of detained/arrested Indian nationals. Matters related to Indian nationals including detentions and related issues are also taken up with the host government during the bilateral Joint Committee meetings on consular affairs and such other institutional mechanisms.

 (b) India has signed Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons with 31 countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. The transfer of a sentenced person to his country of nationality under the TSP Agreement is dependent on completion of various formalities such as prisoner’s willingness to be transferred, consent of the transferring and the receiving country, availability of complete documentation necessary for processing the request, clearance from appropriate agencies etc.

 (c to f) The Government attaches high priority to the safety, security and well-being of Indians in foreign countries, including those in foreign jails. Indian Missions/Posts abroad remain vigilant and closely monitor the incidents of Indian nationals being put in jail in foreign countries for violation/ alleged violation of local laws.  

As soon as the information about the detention/arrest of an Indian national is received by an Indian Mission/Post, it immediately gets in touch with the local Foreign Office and other concerned local authorities to get consular access to the detained/arrested Indian national to ascertain the facts of the case, confirm his or her Indian nationality and ensure his or her welfare. Missions/Posts remain vigilant to ensure that rights of the Indian prisoners in foreign jails are protected. 

Apart from extending all possible consular assistance to Indians imprisoned abroad, Indian Missions and Posts also assist in providing legal aid wherever needed. Missions and Posts also maintain a local panel of lawyers in countries where Indian community is in sizeable numbers. No fee is charged from any Indian prisoner for extending such facilities by the Indian Embassy concerned. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is set up in Indian Missions & Posts abroad for assisting overseas Indian nationals in distress situations on a means tested basis in deserving cases. The support extended under ICWF includes financial assistance to Indian prisoners for legal aid as well as for issuing travel documents / air tickets during repatriation. 

The issue of release and repatriation of Indian nationals in foreign prisons is regularly pursued by Indian Missions and Posts abroad with the local authorities concerned. Missions/Posts abroad also approach the law enforcement agencies to complete the investigation and judicial proceedings at the earliest possible. The Government also follows up this issue during consular and other consultations with foreign countries.

In addition, the Government, through its Missions/Posts abroad and during high level visits, also takes up and pursues grant of amnesty/commutation of sentences of Indian prisoners in foreign countries. When these imprisoned Indians get released, they are facilitated in getting travel documents for early repatriation. Source: Lok Sabha, Parliament of India.

Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1959, 2 August 2024

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1959

ANSWERED ON- 02/08/2024

INDIA-MIDDLE EAST-EUROPE ECONOMIC CORRIDOR

†1959. SHRI RAVINDRA SHUKLA ALIAS RAVI KISHAN

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

a) the measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure the progress of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor; and

b) if so, the details and outcome thereof?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a&b) An Intergovernmental Framework Agreement (IGFA) between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) concerning cooperation for operation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) was signed on 13 February 2024. The main elements of the Framework include development and management of a logistics platform, including a digital ecosystem, and provision of supply chain services to handle all types of general cargo, bulk, containers and liquid bulk in order to enable IMEEC. This is the first agreement under the IMEEC initiative.

The implementation of the IMEEC involves multiple stakeholders and is at an initial stage. Government remains engaged with its MoU partners on taking forward this initiative. Source: Lok Sabha, Parliament of India.

Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2994, 9 August 2024

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2994

ANSWERED ON- 09/08/2024

REHABILITATION OF INDIANS RETURNING FROM GCC COUNTRIES

2994. DR. M P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :

(a) whether the Government is aware of the challenges faced in the rehabilitation of expatriates returning from GCC countries and assisting them in their resettlement; 

(b) if so, the details thereof; 

(c) whether the Government have any plan to implement welfare and social security schemes, including pensions, for these expatriates on their return to India; and

 (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a to d) The Government  accords the highest priority to the welfare and safety of Indian nationals abroad including providing necessary assistance to distressed Indians overseas. The responsibility of resettlement of the returnees rests with the State Governments, from where the emigrants have gone overseas. Various State Governments have developed ways and means to rehabilitate workers returned from GCC countries. Source: Lok Sabha, Parliament of India.

Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3203, 9 August 2024

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3203

ANSWERED ON- 09/08/2024

INDO-GULF RELATIONS

3203. DR. ALOK KUMAR SUMAN

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :

(a) whether the Government has observed any remarkable changes in the India and Gulf Countries relations after the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict; 

(b) if so, the details thereof; 

(c) if not, the steps taken to boost the Indo-Gulf relations thereof; and 

(d) the details of the efforts done so far to mitigate any world conflict in recent past? 

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

 (a to c) India has long standing, historic and close relations with all countries of Gulf region, namely, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE. Our multi-faceted ties with these countries have continued to strengthen in all areas of cooperation, including political, economic, energy, security, culture and people-to-people ties. Gulf countries are major trade and investment partners for India, and we also have a strong energy partnership with these countries. A large number of Indians reside in Gulf countries. 

(d) Along with the need for restraint and immediate humanitarian support, India emphasizes peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy. Source: Lok Sabha, Parliament of India.

RAJYA SABHA QUESTION AND ANSWERS

Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1189, 1 August 2024

RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1189

ANSWERED ON- 01/08/2024

INDIA-MIDDLE EAST-EUROPE ECONOMIC CORRIDOR

 #1189. DR. KALPANA SAINI

 Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :

(a) the measures taken by the Ministry to ensure the progress of the India–Middle East Europe Economic Corridor; and

(b) the details of the expected outcome delivered? 

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

 (a & b) On the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Leaders of India, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, UAE and US announced an MoU on 9 September 2023 committing to work together to develop a new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).  The IMEEC will comprise of two separate corridors, the east corridor connecting India to the Gulf and the northern corridor connecting the Gulf to Europe. The corridor intends to enhance connectivity, increase efficiency, reduce costs, secure regional supply chains, increase trade accessibility, generate jobs and lower greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in a transformative integration of Asia, Europe and Middle East.

An Intergovernmental Framework Agreement (IGFA) between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) concerning cooperation for operation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) was signed on 13 February 2024. The main elements of the Framework include development and management of a logistics platform, including a digital ecosystem, and provision of supply chain services to handle all types of general cargo, bulk, containers and liquid bulk in order to enable IMEEC. The implementation of the IMEEC involves multiple stakeholders and is at an initial stage. Source: Rajya Sabha, Parliament of India.

As part of the policy, the MEI@ND standardizes spellings and date formats 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.