Friday, February 13, 2015
Corruption
Direct Benefit Transfer scheme (PAHAL)::
The finance ministry advised that a direct benefit transfer scheme for all theLPG gas cylinder subscribers will be able to stop the ongoing corruption in providing subsidy to the beneficiaries!
It was proposed that subsidies on cooking gas and kerosene will be transferreddirectly to the bank account of beneficiaries.
Under this scheme,once a person links his bank account with the gas connection,he will be entitled to get the subsidy directly into his bank account(mind you!.99.5% families have a bank account now! ;)
This will mark a full stop to the corruption that was going in distributing subsidies to the gas account holders!
The finance ministry advised that a direct benefit transfer scheme for all theLPG gas cylinder subscribers will be able to stop the ongoing corruption in providing subsidy to the beneficiaries!
It was proposed that subsidies on cooking gas and kerosene will be transferreddirectly to the bank account of beneficiaries.
Under this scheme,once a person links his bank account with the gas connection,he will be entitled to get the subsidy directly into his bank account(mind you!.99.5% families have a bank account now! ;)
This will mark a full stop to the corruption that was going in distributing subsidies to the gas account holders!
Administration / E-Governance: Easy, Efficient and Effective
Benefiting the NRI's: Merger of PIO’s into OCI cards- Modi’s gift to NRI’s - Y-Axis News
Steps to Improve productivity (When did you see this): Page on attendance.gov.in
Coal Auction: Coal auction: Govt upbeat of earning more revenue than CAG's loss estimate of Rs 1.86L cr
Steps to Improve productivity (When did you see this): Page on attendance.gov.in
Coal Auction: Coal auction: Govt upbeat of earning more revenue than CAG's loss estimate of Rs 1.86L cr
Social Security - A Caring Government, Passionate Society
Swachh Bharat
A brilliant event manager,” L K Advani said of former protégé Narendra Modi in April. On October 2, Modi showed how he is arguably the most-skilled mass communicator among Indian leaders.
He chose Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary to pick up a broom and launch the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Few remembered how Swachh Bharat was in fact the repackaged Nirmal Bharat sanitation programmes launched by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government and Manmohan Singh-led UPA governments.
But Modi is the first PM to take up the cause of cleanliness with such conviction and vigour. He has attempted to make a mass movement out of an issue that affects not only people’s health but is also an attack on social ills like untouchability and manual scavenging.
Jan Dhan Yojana
With a substantial section of society still outside the ambit of the formal financial system, the recent initiative which aims to bring the excluded into the banking system over the next few years is a laudable one.
But legitimate concerns remain. For one, access to banking services may not translate to usage as the poor may simply opt against engaging with the system.
Concerns also exist about the financial viability of maintaining such accounts. But if coverage is extended, especially to the rural poor, then in conjunction with the Aadhaar platform, it could facilitate a shift towards cash transfers.
But legitimate concerns remain. For one, access to banking services may not translate to usage as the poor may simply opt against engaging with the system.
Concerns also exist about the financial viability of maintaining such accounts. But if coverage is extended, especially to the rural poor, then in conjunction with the Aadhaar platform, it could facilitate a shift towards cash transfers.
Khap leaders join PM Modi's 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-khap-leaders-join-pm-modi-s-beti-bachao-beti-padhao-campaign-2076208Navy for the future: Govt approves construction of 7 stealth frigates, 6 nuclear-powered submarines
Increased Tourism: Visa on arrival: India sees 421.6% jump in tourist arrivals in December - The Times of India
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: PM Modi launches 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign, says female foeticide is a sign of 'mental illness' - The Times of India
Railway Ticket Home Delivery & Other initiatives: Indian Railways: 5 new initiatives by the authority
Skills - Focusing on Productivity and Employability
1. New Jobs creation
Make in India
While successive governments have acknowledged the need to raise the share of manufacturing in GDP, there has been a mismatch between policies and the rhetoric.
The new government’s innovative Make in India campaign signals its commitment to transforming India into the manufacturing hub of the world.
The importance of manufacturing stems from the fact that the sector can serve as a source of employment for the bulk of unskilled and semi-skilled workers currently engaged in the agricultural sector.
But the success of this initiative depends on the degree to which the government can provide an enabling environment by improving the ease of doing business in India.
Make in India:
AT&T upbeat over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India project - The Economic Times
&
Ikea responds to Modi's Make In India call; to double sourcing by 2020
डिजिटल इंडिया प्रोजेक्ट में मिलेंगी 5 करोड़ सरकारी नौकरियां
http://aajtak.intoday.in/education/story/digital-india-can-create-5-crore-jobs--1-799436.html
Make in India
While successive governments have acknowledged the need to raise the share of manufacturing in GDP, there has been a mismatch between policies and the rhetoric.
The new government’s innovative Make in India campaign signals its commitment to transforming India into the manufacturing hub of the world.
The importance of manufacturing stems from the fact that the sector can serve as a source of employment for the bulk of unskilled and semi-skilled workers currently engaged in the agricultural sector.
But the success of this initiative depends on the degree to which the government can provide an enabling environment by improving the ease of doing business in India.
Make in India:
AT&T upbeat over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India project - The Economic Times
&
Ikea responds to Modi's Make In India call; to double sourcing by 2020
Economic Revival
In Boost for Modi Government, Moody's Upgrades India's Outlook to Positive
NDTV | Updated On: April 09, 2015 10:45 (IST)
http://profit.ndtv.com/news/economy/article-in-boost-for-pm-modi-moodys-upgrades-indias-outlook-to-positive-753429?utm_source=ndtv&utm_medium=top-stories-widget&utm_campaign=story-4-http%3a%2f%2fprofit.ndtv.com%2fnews%2feconomy%2farticle-in-boost-for-pm-modi-moodys-upgrades-indias-outlook-to-positive-753429
World Bank investment: World Bank to invest $1 bn in Swacch Bharat campaign
Billion Dollars Investment by Japan: Japan's SoftBank to Invest $10 Billion in India; Snapdeal to Get $627 Million - NDTV
World powers compliment Modi government, hail India's emergence as a major player
http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/world-powers-compliment-modi-government-hail-indias-emergence-as-a-major-player_1561775.htmlNew Delhi: Envoys of six leading world powers US, Japan, China, Britain, Germany and Canadaon Saturday hailed India's emergence as a major player at the "global high table" and complimented the new government for its efforts to stimulate economic growth.
Manufacturing
Make in India
While successive governments have acknowledged the need to raise the share of manufacturing in GDP, there has been a mismatch between policies and the rhetoric.
The new government’s innovative Make in India campaign signals its commitment to transforming India into the manufacturing hub of the world.
The new government’s innovative Make in India campaign signals its commitment to transforming India into the manufacturing hub of the world.
The importance of manufacturing stems from the fact that the sector can serve as a source of employment for the bulk of unskilled and semi-skilled workers currently engaged in the agricultural sector.
But the success of this initiative depends on the degree to which the government can provide an enabling environment by improving the ease of doing business in India.
But the success of this initiative depends on the degree to which the government can provide an enabling environment by improving the ease of doing business in India.
Next Generation Infrastructure
We will cancel toll at around 125 plazas across India, says Nitin Gadkari
Aiming to spare general public from levy at highways, the government has announced it will scrap 125 toll plazas in the country by the end of February.
"We will cancel toll at around 125 plazas on some highways by the end of this month," Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said.
The minister added that toll collection at some 65 road projects have already stopped.
Nitin Gadkari. AFPNitin Gadkari. AFP
The government has also decided to make road projects toll free where less than Rs 50 crore investment has been made.
The electronic toll (e-toll) collection system introduced in the country will help save Rs 88,000 crore and cut waiting time at toll plazas significantly, Gadkari said quoting a Transport Corporation of India-IIM Kolkata study.
The study said, "Rs 60,000 crore was lost on account of various delays at check posts and electronic toll collection could save Rs 88,000 crore."
http://www.firstpost.com/politics/will-cancel-toll-around-125-plazas-across-india-says-nitin-gadkari-2095193.html
Smart Cities
One of the ideas from the BJP poll manifesto, this saw early action. In its first Budget in July, this government allocated Rs 7,060 crore (Rs 70.60 billion) for smart cities, though the initial estimate for the project was Rs 35,000 crore per annum.
The plan is to build 100 smart cities in India over a period of time. Smart cities are broadly defined as urban spaces that are technologically integrated, well-planned and environment-friendly.
The plan is to build 100 smart cities in India over a period of time. Smart cities are broadly defined as urban spaces that are technologically integrated, well-planned and environment-friendly.
Public Transport including Railway
Defense Projects speed up:
Centre gives nod to defence projects worth Rs 80,000 crore
FDI Improvement: Cabinet clears 100% FDI in Railways infrastructure, 49% in defence
Bullet Trains: Wheels get moving on Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train; interim report submitted | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis
Centre gives nod to defence projects worth Rs 80,000 crore
FDI Improvement: Cabinet clears 100% FDI in Railways infrastructure, 49% in defence
Bullet Trains: Wheels get moving on Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train; interim report submitted | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis
Foreign Relations - Nation First, Universal Brotherhood
In a first, Modi invites SAARC leaders for his swearing-in
Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi has invited the heads of the governments of all South Asian states to attend his swearing-in on Monday, in a gesture, which diplomats and experts said was without precedent. Though foreign envoys stationed in New Delhi have attended past swearings-in, Ministry of External Affairs sources said, no world leader has been invited to attend what has traditionally been seen as a domestic event.
President Pranab Mukherjee, vice-president Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi with heads of Saarc countries after the swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on May 26. (PTI Photo)
========================== Below text is from Wikipedia ================
Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_policy_of_Narendra_Modi
Policy initiative[edit]
Act East policy[edit]
Main article: Act East policy
From the very beginning the Modi led govt made it ample clear that India would focus more and more on improving relation with ASEAN and other East Asian countries as per India's Look East Policy which was formulated during Narasimha Rao's govt in 1992 for better economic engagement with its eastern neighbours but successive govt later successfully turned it into a tool for forging strategic partnership and security cooperation with countries in that region in general and Vietnam and Japan in particular.[27] In her recent visit to Hanoi, Vietnam Sushma Swaraj has stressed on the need for an Act East Policy[28] that she said should replace India's over two decade-old Look East Policy emphasizing a more proactive role for India in this region.[29][30][31]
Neighbourhood first policy[edit]
Main article: Neighbourhood first policy
One of the major policy initiatives taken by Modi govt is to focus back on its immediate neighbours in South Asia. Even before becoming the Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinted that his foreign policy will actively focus on improving ties with India's immediate neighbours which is being termed as neighbourhood first policy in the media[32][33][34] and he started well by inviting all heads of state/heads of government of South Asian countries in his inauguration and on the second day on office he held bilateral talks with all of them individually which was dubbed as a mini SAARC summit by the media.[35] Later during a launch event at ISRO he has asked Indian scientists to take the endeavour to develop a dedicated SAARC satellite[36] to share the fruits of the technology like tele-medicine, e-learning etc. with the people across South Asia to complement the currently operating Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme program in the region.
Project Mausam[edit]
On the back of growing Chinese naval activity in the Indian ocean region,[37] which India considers its area of supremacy, the Modi administration have introduced Project Mausam,[38] which is believed to rival the Chinese Maritime Silk Road (MSR) initiative.[39][40]Masuam (Hindi: मौसम) which means weather or season in many South and Southeast Asian languages is highlighted because of its profound role in cultural exchanges in region as in ancient time maritime trade used to depend on seasonal monsoon winds. The project which is still in the evolving phase, is being with the worked on with the Cultural Ministry, will focus on the ancient trade and cultural linkages and emphasize on future maritime cooperation in the Indian ocean region stretching from Southeast Asia to East Africa with the central location of India, from where the ocean derived its name.[41]
Forum for India-Pacific Islands cooperation[edit]
Modi chose to visit Fiji soon after democracy was re-established in the island country after 8 years. There apart from bilateral meeting, he also met heads of state/government from 14 pacific island states to enhance India's engagement in the region and proposed a 'Forum for India- Pacific Islands Cooperation' (FIPIC) be held on a regular basis.[42] He conveyed there India's keenness to work closely with Pacific Island nations to advance their development priorities in this regard a number of measures to strengthen India’s partnership in the region were proposed which include setting up of a 'special fund of $1 million' for adapting climate change vis-a-vis clean energy, establishing a 'trade office' in India, 'Pan Pacific Islands e-network' to close the physical distance between the islands by improving digital connectivity, extending visa on arrival at Indian airports for all the fourteen Pacific Island countries, 'space cooperation' in space technology applications for improving the quality of life of the islands, 'training to diplomats' from Pacific Island countries to increase mutual understanding.[43] He also expressed his willingness to host the leaders in any of India's coastal town for the next summit in 2015. It was quite significant to see Chinese President Xi following Modi's trail visited Fiji on 21 November (just 2 days after Modi's trip) to meet a similar gathering of leaders indicating a struggle for influence between the two Asian giants in the island countries of south pacific.[44][45]
Fast-track Diplomacy[edit]
On completion of the first 100 days of Modi govt the External Affairs Ministry published a booklet called "Fast Track Diplomacy"[46] show-casing the achievement made in the foreign policy arena. In her first media interaction the minister Sushma Swaraj said the catchphrase for her tenure was "fast-track diplomacy" and said it had three faces - proactive, strong and sensitive.[47] Since taking office the External Affairs Minister held round-table meeting with all Indian heads of missions to the SAARC region, ASEAN region and Middle East separately as a follow up measure to carry forward the leads gained by high profile visits and exchanges.
Para Diplomacy[edit]
One of the innovative idea of Modi govt is the introduction of elements of para diplomacy in India’s foreign policy where each states and cities would be encouraged to forge special relation with countries or federal states of another country or even cities of their interest in order.[48]
During the upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping Town twinning agreement between Mumbai and Shanghai, Ahmedabad and Guangzhou and a similar 'sister states' agreement between Gujarat and Guangdong province of China will likely to be signed. Earlier Varanasi signed partnership agreement with Kyoto, Japan.
East Asia policy[edit]
Main article: Asian foreign policy of Narendra Modi government
From the very beginning the Modi led govt made it ample clear that India would focus more and more on improving relation with ASEAN and other East Asian countries as per India's Look East Policy which was formulated during Narasimha Rao's govt in 1992 for better economic engagement with its eastern neighbours but successive govt later successfully turned it into a tool for forging strategic partnership and security cooperation with countries in that region in general and Vietnam and Japan in particular.[49] In her recent visit to Hanoi, Vietnam Sushma Swaraj has stressed on the need for an Act East policy[50] that she said should replace India's over two decade-old Look East Policy emphasizing a more proactive role for India in this region.[51]
East Asia being the major focus area of his foreign policy, Modi and his foreign minister chose several Asian countries for their initial bilateral visits. He has made state visits to Bhutan and Nepal and Japan within the first 100 days of his government followed by visits of Myanmar and Australia and also hosted Asia leaders like Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyễn Tấn Dũng apart from inviting SAARC leaders in his inauguration ceremony. External Affairs Minister Swaraj has also made official visits to several Asian capitals like Dhaka, Bangladesh, Kathmandu, Nepal, Naypidaw, Myanmar, Singapore, Hanoi, Vietnam, Manama, Bahrain, Kabul, Afghanistan, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Male, Maldives, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Seoul, South Korea and Beijing, China.
South China Sea disputes[edit]
South Asia policy[edit]
Further information: South Asian foreign policy of the Narendra Modi government
Even before becoming the Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinted that his foreign policy will actively focus on improving ties with India's immediate neighbours which is being termed as neighbourhood first policy in the media[52][53][54] and he started well by inviting all heads of state/heads of government of South Asian countries in his inauguration and on the second day on office he held bilateral talks with all of them individually which was dubbed as a mini SAARC summit by the media.[55] Later during a launch event at ISRO he has asked Indian scientists to take the endeavour to develop a dedicated SAARC satellite[56] to share the fruits of the technology like tele-medicine, e-learning etc. with the people across South Asia to complement the currently operating Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme program in the region.
Middle East policy[edit]
Further information: Middle Eastern foreign policy of the Narendra Modi government
2014 Israel-Hamas conflict[edit]
At the height of the tension between Israel and Hamas in July India offered a rhetorical condemnation holding both sides responsible for erupting violence and asked Israel to stop "disproportionate use of force" in Gaza which was read by many as departure from tradition of more vocal supports for the Palestinian cause. External Affairs Minister Swaraj insisted that "there is absolutely no change in India's policy towards Palestine, which is that we fully support the Palestinian cause while maintaining good relations with Israel. " clarifying India's current position on the issue. That might sound like fence-sitting, but it's a policy shared by all Indian governments of the past 20 years following the establishment of formal diplomatic relation in 1992.[57]
Sushma Swaraj, a seasoned parliamentarian, had herself blocked the opposition demand in Rajya Sabha for passing a resolution condemning Israel for 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict by saying that "India has friendly relation with both Israel and Palestine and therefore any such move may impact its friendship negatively".[58] Although later in a symbolic gesture India joined others BRICS nations in voting at the United Nations Human Rights Council for a probe into the alleged human rights violation in Gaza. Which generated mixed response among media and analysts in India.[59]
Overseas Indian crisis in Iraq and Libya[edit]
Further information: Northern Iraq offensive (June 2014), Northern Iraq offensive (August 2014) and 2014 Libyan conflict
With the rise of ISIL in northern Iraq, where hundreds of thousands of Indian migrant workers live, the security of those overseas Indian came under threat. On 16 June, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) set up a 24-hour helpline at the Indian embassy inBaghdad for assistance of Indian nationals stranded in the conflict cities. It has been reported that 46 Indian nurses were abducted from the Iraqi town of Mosul[60] who were later freed and flown back to India.[61] Moreover, 39 Indian workers from mainly fromPunjab were taken hostages and the fate of those workers still not known. There were wide spread speculations about their lives and on 27 November 2014 ABP News reported, citing Bangladeshi migrant co-workers, death of all the 39 men. Although the following day External Affairs Minister (EAM) Swaraj made a statement to the parliament neither rejecting nor confirming such possibility and re-assured the nation about MEA's commitment for continuing search for the Indians in Iraq.[62]
A similar situation occurred in Libya where many Indian nationals are stranded because of the armed conflict that broke in Benghazi and other parts of the country. Swaraj informed parliament that her ministry was evaluating all possibilities to secure the safe evacuation of all Indians stranded in both Iraq and Libya.[63] A chartered flight from Djerba, Tunisia brought over 200 nationals back to India. A further 216 national left on 8 August, with a total of another 1,500 nationals having been evacauted. About 3,000 more nationals registered with the embassy in Tripoli in order to return.[64] On 5 August 44 nurses returned to India on a special Air India flight; they were predominantly from Kerala with some from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.[65] A further three Goans were reported to be safe in Libya with full employment and had not requested repatriation. Goa's Director of NRI Affairs U. D. Kamat said that it was ascertaining whether there were Goan workers in the country.[66]
Relations with America[edit]
United States[edit]
During the run-up to the general election there was wide ranging scepticism regarding future of the strategic bilateral relation under Modi’s premiership as in 2005 he was, while Chief Minister of Gujarat, denied a US visa[67]during the Bush administration for his alleged poor human rights records.[68] However sensing Modi’s inevitable victory well before the election, the US Ambassabor Nancy Powell had reached out to him as part of greater re-approachment from the west. Moreover, following his 2014 election as the Prime Minister of India President Obama congratulated him over telephone and invited him to visit the US.[69][70] US secretary of States John Kerryvisited New Delhi on 1 August to prepare the grounds for Modi's first ever US visit as Prime Minister. In September 2014, days before visiting the US in an interview to CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, Modi said that "India and the United States are bound together, by history and culture" but acknowledged that there have been “ups and downs” in relations.[71] Modi travelled to US from 27–30 September 2014,[72] beginning with his maiden address in theUnited Nations general assembly followed by attending a gala public reception by the Indian American community in New York’s Madison Square Garden before heading Washington, D.C. for the bilateral talk with Obama. While there, Modi also met several American business leaders and invited them to join his ambitious Make in India program in a bid to make India a manufacturing hub.[73][74][75] Later President Obama greeted Modi by calling him a "Man of Action" during their brief interaction at the Gala dinner hosted by Myanmar's President on the eve of ninth East Asia Summit this was there second meeting since Obama hosted a rare dinner for Modi at the White House on 29 September 2014.[76] On 9 December 2014 US Senate confirmed Richard Rahul Verma as the US Ambassador to India, the first Indian American to hold the office, signalling the Obama administration's will to elevate the relation with India to a newer height. He assumed office in the US Embassy in New Delhi on 19 December 2014.[77]
- 2015 Republic Day Guest
Modi invited President Obama to be the first US President to grace the 66th Republic Day celebration as Chief guest,[78] an honour typically reserved for India’s closest ally. President Obama will be first US President to visit India twice in office and the two leaders now scheduled to hold back to back summits within six months which is being referred as Modi's diplomatic coup by the media.[79]
"This Republic Day, we hope to have a friend over… invited President Obama to be the 1st US president to grace the occasion as chief guest."-Modi tweeted.[80] There were speculations in the media about a possible Climate deal between India and US on the line of recent China-US deal ahead of Paris 2015 Climate conference.[81] Besides joint development and production of defence hardwares will likely to dominate the bilateral talks.[82]
Brazil[edit]
Modi met the Brazilian President, Dilma Rousseff on the sidelines of the 6th BRICS summit in Brasilia, Brazil, in July 2014. Describing Brazil as a key global partner for India, Modi noted that as two democracies and major emerging economies, India and Brazil not only had vast potential for bilateral cooperation, but also to strengthen each other in international forums and advance the interest of the developing world at large. President Rousseff emphasized the special place this relationship enjoyed in Brazil's foreign policy, because of the potential for bilateral cooperation and the international significance of their partnership. She congratulated Narendra Modi for his victory in the elections and wished him all success for India's progress and development. The two leaders also agreed to take steps to further expand and diversify trade and investment flows and deepen cooperation in agriculture and dairy science, conventional and renewable energy, space research and applications, defence, cyber security and environment conservation.[83]
Relation with Europe[edit]
France[edit]
Modi met President Francois Hollande in Brisbane, at the sidleines of G-20, where the two sides discussed bilateral issues including strategic space and defence collaboration. They also committed on global cooperation against terrorism.[84] Following the gunman attack in Paris, Modi called Hollande and conveyed condolences on behalf of the people of India and expressed solidarity with the people of France besides condemning the act of terror.[85]French foreign minister Laurent Fabius made several visits to New Delhi hoping to break the deadlock over the stalled US$20 billion deal for 126 Dassault Rafale fighter for Indian Air Force. The two sides also negotiating setting-up of a 9900 MW nuclear power plant in Jaitapur by the French firm Areva which is allegedly halted due to pricing issue and concerns over India's new nuclear liability law.[86] But lately Laurent expressed his hopes of early breakthrough of nuclear liability issues in the lines of US.[87] Now Modi is expected to visit France during his European trip in April 2015 where he is going to actively promote his Make in India campaign before French industries to set up shop in India.[88]
United Kingdom[edit]
UK Prime Minister David Cameron was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Modi soon after his landslide victory in the election. The two leaders met for the first time on 14 November 2014 in the sidelines of G20 leaders summit in Brisbane. Where the British Prime Minister said improving relations with India in the "top priority" of UK foreign policy. He also invited Modi to visit his country at the earliest.[89]
Earlier Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg attributed the growth story of South Asia, which is going to grow fastest in 2014-15 outside the East Asia region, to the election of Prime Minister Modi and his recent efforts to turnaround the economy.[90] UK hailed Modi's Make in India policy and is all set to invest in Rajasthan.[91]
Relations with Euresia[edit]
Russia[edit]
Russia, India's long term strategic ally for more that half a century, enjoys a special privileged strategic cooperation unparalleled in India's foreign relation. But over the years specially after the end of cold war the relation experienced strain as India started diversifying its defence purchases from an totally Soviet dominated one. But with Putin and Modi, both with strongman image at their home country, at the helm of affairs in their respective foreign policy it is expected to get a push.[92][93] During the 20th 'India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation' (IRIGC-TEC) held on 5 November 2014 in New Delhi Modi met the Russian deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin and had reassured the visiting side that the new dispensation in New Delhi will continue to attach very high importance to the time-tested and special strategic partnership with Russia.[94] The annual commission meeting have identified new areas of cooperation including prioritising the International North South Corridor Project (INSTC), start negotiating on a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Euresian customs union, focusing on enhancing economic partnership in areas like energy, civil aviation and diamond trade along with Russian participation in Modi's smart city project.[95] Earlier on his first meeting with Putin, emphasising Russia's indispensable position in India's foreign policy Modi went on to saying that even a child in India considers Russia as it's best friend.[96] This meeting in Brazil at the sidelines of BRICS summit served well as the familiarisation between the two leaders.[97]
President Putin visited New Delhi on 11 December 2014 for the annual summit, first after Modi assumes office.[98][99][100] Trade and energy cooperation dominated the talks as they set a target of US$30 billion of bilateral trade by 2025 with equal amount of investment in each other's economy. On the backdrop of increasing western sanctions Putin earlier signed a gas deals with China worth US$400 billion believed to be heavily tilted in China's favour. India too was keen to strike an energy agreement on line of above.[101] During the summit both sides agreed for a joint feasibility study of building gas pipeline through China.[102] The two sides signed a total of 16 agreements and memorandum of understanding on various fields. Agreements on long term oil and gas cooperation have been signed between ONGC Videsh and Essar Oil of India and Russia's Rosneft, Gasprom[103] Putin also vowed to install 10 more nuclear reactors in next 20 years including adding more units to Kudankulam plant. Another burgeoning aspect in bilateral relations emerged in the form of Diamond trading, While Russia is the largest producer of raw diamond, India is the global hub of cutting and polishing raw diamonds. Russia has agreed to export raw diamonds to India directly bypassing mediators like Dubai and Belgium. On this occasion the two leaders also attended aWorld Diamond Conference held in New Delhi.[104] The Crimean leader Sergey Aksyonov, who accompanied Putin in New Delhi, met several business delegation to discuss opportunity in the Black sea region although it was termed as unofficial. This has once again raised concerns in Washington, D.C. regarding India's stand on Crimea.[105]
- Defence ties
In the summit Modi mentioned about his experience with the Russian built carrier INS Vikramaditya as an example of burgeoning military cooperation and remarked that "even as India's options have increased Russia will continue to remain it's top most defence partner" signalling a long term defence relation. The two sides agreed on joint production of Mil Mi-17 and Kamov Ka-226[106] helicopters with Russian technology in India in compliance with Modi's Make in India program and also fast forwarding the long pending major projects like the joint development and production of light transport aircraft.[107] The final design contract of fifth generation joint fighter platform Sukhoi-HAL FGFA is expected to be signed soon as it already lagging by more than 2 years.[108] India to lease a second nuclear powered Akula-class submarine from Russia after INS Chakra which is already in service.[109] Weeks before Putin's visit news of Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's Pakistan visit on November 20, 2014, first such visit in more than 40 years, when the two sides inked a defence cooperation pact. Media reports suggested that Russia was mulling a possible sale of Mi 35 attack copter, the first ever combat platform, to India's arch rival Pakistan.[110] These developments have raised concerned in the Indian strategic community as some see this as a counter move of growing Indo-US defence collaboration. Although the official response was much restrained as they termed it 'significant'.[111]Such apprehensions in India about Russia's strategic goals in the region was by the Russian Ambassador Kaladin as he said that it will not do anything detrimental to India's security.[112] Later Putin himself in an interview with India's PTI news agency said that 'Russia-Pakistan ties in India's long-term interest'.[113]
Relation with Africa[edit]
India-Africa Forum Summit[edit]
Main article: India-Africa Forum Summit
The third summit in a rotation basis was scheduled to be held in New Delhi, India in December 2014. But lately Syed Akbaruddin, the official spokesperson of Indian Foreign Ministry told the media that the scheduled summit is now postponed to 2015 and will include more no. of African leaders unlike previous two occasion where the event was restricted to only 10-15 African countries. Although media reports claimed that Ebola outbreak in Western African nations played key role behind the postponement of the summit.[114]
Mauritius[edit]
Mauritius was the only country outside South Asia whose head of government attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony in Delhi. With people of Indian origin constituting a large share of its population Mauritias has a very good bilateral relations with New Delhi. Swaraj made her maiden trip as Foreign Minister to the island country on 2 November 2014 to attend the celebration of Apravasi Divas, marking 180 years since the first Indian indentured labourers arrived in Mauritius. There she had called on President Rajkeswur Purryag and Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam to discuss bilateral and regional issues of common interest.[115]
On top of her agenda was talk on cooperation between Indian Navy and Mauritian Coast Guard to ensure the safety and security of the strategically vital Indian Ocean region. In support to her stress on the importance of maritime cooperation three major Indian war ships were docked in Mauritian waters including a destroyer INS Mumbai, a frigate INS Talwar and the fleet tanker INS Deepak.[116] On 20 December 2014 India handed over the first offshore patrol vessels (OPV) ordered by the Mauritian coast guard, the ship named MCGS Barracuda marked India's first warship export.[117][118]
Multilateral Engagements[edit]
India, as one of leading developing countries, plays an active role in important multilateral forums for global governance such as United Nations, World Trade Organization, G20 leaders summit, East Asia Summit, BRICS summit of emerging economies,Commonwealth of Nations and often seen as a 'third world voice'. Apart from these big platforms India also engaged in many regional groupings like the BASIC, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Indian Ocean Rim Association, IBSA Dialogue Forum, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, Mekong–Ganga Cooperation, BIMSTEC among others.
BRICS summit[edit]
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Main article: BRICS
Modi in his maiden speech at the BRICS, a group of emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, called for brotherhood among the member states citing Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, an ancient Indian concept meaning the entire world is one family, to unitedly face the global challenges.
India together with its BRICS partner working toward launching of a financial institute rivalling the western dominated World Bank and IMF which was first proposed during the New Delhi summit in 2012 by the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. In the 6th BRICS summit held on 14–26 July in Fortaleza, Brazil the group have agreed to establish the bank with a corpus of US$100 billion. The bank would be named the New Development Bank as suggested by the Indian side but Modi govt has failed to bag the bank's headquarter for New Delhi which would be located in Shanghai, China.[119]
- Later at an event in Brasilia BRICS leaders met the UNASUR heads of state/heads of government. At the same time, the Ministry of External Affairs added Spanish to its list of available languages, which the Hindustan Times read as "indicative of the government's intent to go beyond Europe, Asia and the US to forge diplomatic and trade ties with Latin American nations."[120] He travelled there via Germany.[121]
Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit[edit]
Main article: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
India is not a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which is known to be a China backed bloc for military and energy cooperation, holds observer status from 2005 and publicly expressed its wish for a full membership. Although Russia has all along backed India's entry it was Beijing's reservation which held it so long. But recently Chinese president Xi Jinping has informed Modi during BRICS summit in Brazil that it is ready to welcome India together with Pakistan in order to project a united front against Islamic extremism in Central Asia including Afghanistan specially after NATO withdrawal. On 11–12 September EAM Sushma Swaraj attended the Dushanbe summit in Tajikistan where India formally put its paper for a full membership and now it is likely to be granted soon according to Chinese officials.[122] And if everything goes well Modi could participate at the heads of government summit in Astana, Kazakhstan in December.[123]
United Nations general assembly[edit]
Main article: India and the United Nations
Modi delivered his maiden speech in the sixty-ninth session of the United Nations General Assembly on 27 September 2014, where he called for reform and expansion of United Nations Security Council including India's long standing demand of a permanent membership. He expressed his concerns over the relevance of a 20th-century setup in 21st century and the need to evaluate UN's performance in the past 70 years. He had also argued why UN should serve as G-All for global governance instead of several parallel sub-groupings like G7, G20 etc. In the wake of ISIS threat in West Asia and similar in other parts of the globe he urged for immediate implementation of 'Comprehensive on International Terrorism' by the UN and offered India's pro-active role in it citing India as a victim of terrorism for decades. Prior to his speech he along with External Affairs Minister Swaraj met UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and discussed UN governance relating issues.[124] Ridiculing the possibility of any multilateral intervention, a demandSharif has made in his address at the UNGA on 26 September, on Kashmir related matter he stated that his govt is ready for 'bilateral talk' to Pakistan provided Pakistan should cultivate suitable environment for talks by giving up terrorism policy against India.[125]Modi commented briefly on climate change and use of clean energy, in this regards he also asked world leaders and UN officials for observing International Yoga Day, emphasizing the importance of incorporating Yoga in modern day life style.[126]
At the sidelines he held bilateral meetings with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Nepali Prime Minister Sushil Koirala taking his 'neighbourhood first' policy forward even in New York. But there was no meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif following the recent low in the relation. Later he also met where Benjamin Netanyahu, in a first meeting in 11 years between the two heads of government, the Israeli Prime Minister who had highlighted the potential of the bilateral relation saying "sky is the limit".[127]
ASEAN-India summit[edit]
Association of South East Asian Nations or ASEAN is the 10 member block, it is one of the most successful regional block in the world. India started looking toward the group seriously from 1992 with the launch of 'Look East policy' and now it occupies the central position in India's policy Southeast Asia. From 2002 onward India and ASEAN started holding annual summit at the sidelined of ASEAN summit showing the growing level of engagement between the two sides.[128][129]
At the 12th India-ASEAN summit, which was Modi's first appearance in an ASEAN meet, he called for greater connectivity with the Southeast Asian countries and mentioned that "India and ASEAN can be 'great partners'".[130]Stressing on the importance ASEAN commands in India's foreign policy Modi has repeatedly remarked that his govt has in the last 6 months made relation with ASEAN a top priority and turned India's two decade old 'Look East policy' into 'Act East policy' which reflects a renewed momentum in India's approach toward ASEAN nations. The two sides also discussed the scope of extending the existing free trade agreement on service sector as well and ways to increase India-ASEAN trade which is expected to reach US$100 billion in 2015. Modi also stressed on three 'C's to strengthen the relation and those are commerce, connectivity and cultural links.[131]
In the sidelines of ASEAN summit Modi also held several bilateral meetings with his counterparts including Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and South Korean President Park Geun-hye.[132]
- ASEAN Regional Forum
Earlier Swaraj had attended the 2014 ASEAN Regional Forum followed by the related EAS Foreign Ministers meeting, held from 8–11 August in Naypidaw, Myanmar, which was her first ever appearance in multilateral forums after becoming India's foreign affairs head. At the sidelines of the multilateral meetings she had also held bilateral meetings with her counterparts from seven countries including China, Australia, Canada, Vietnam, Philippines, Brunei and Indonesia.[133][134]
In regards to controversy of territorial ownership in the South China Sea, a contentious issue impacting most ASEAN member states, where ONGC Videsh has investment in oil blocks, MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said: "India is not a party to the dispute in the South China Sea. We feel that the dispute should be resolved between those who are party to it in a peaceful manner and it should be in accordance with international law".[135]
East Asia summit[edit]
Main article: East Asia Summit
East Asia Summit (EAS) which is an ASEAN led dialogue forum comprises 18 countries, 10 core ASEAN nations along with Japan, China, South Korea, India, Australia,New Zeeland, Russia and United States. Over the years EAS has become the most important multilateral body in the Asia pacific region for discussing security, trade and commerce, environment and others unlike APEC which is purely economic in nature. Modi participated in theninth East Asia Summit in Nay Pyi Daw, Myanmar in November which was his second major multilateral even after BRICS in July. Describing the importance of the EAS in managing regional security, Modi mentioned "No other forum brings together such a large collective weight of global population, youth, economy and military strength. Nor is any other forum so critical for peace, stability and prosperity in Asia-Pacific and the world".[136]
With a veiled reference of the issue of South China Sea Modi has asked the global community for respecting maritime norms and regulations and stressed on the importance of maintaining free and secured sea-lines of communication for regular trade and commerce.[137] He made a remark that "In a world of interdependence and globalisation, there is no option but to follow international laws and norms. This also applies to maritime security. For this reason, following international law and norms is important for peace and stability in South China Sea as well".[138] Modi also focused on the role of EAS member countries to tackle the menace of terrorism in the region.[139] Modi also highlighted the re-opening of Nalanda University and the role of all EAS member states into it to showcase the joint effort of the block. Among others the issue of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was discussed in details during the summit.
In the sidelines of EAS Modi also held several bilateral meetings with his counterparts including Russia Premier Dmitry Medvedev, The Philippines President Benigno Aquino, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.[140]
G-20 leaders summit[edit]
Main article: G20
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G20 or the Group of 20 leading economies (advanced and emerging markets) of the world formed after the 2008 financial crisis for international financial governance. India which ranks 9 in terms of nominal GDP and the second fastest growing major economy plays an important role in the group since it began in 2008. For the first time in 2014 India was represented by Prime Minister Modi unlike all the previous summits when Dr. Manmohan Singh, a renowned economist, used to be the Prime Minister. The host and President of 2014 summit Australia's Tony Abbott intended the summit to focus exclusively on revamping the crisis prone fragile economy and to add US$2 trillion in the global economy by additional 2% global GDP growth rate for the next five years but countries like US was more keen to discuss issues of Climate change and reduction of Carbon emission as it sealed a similar pact with China. India's interest was also aligned with Abbott as it wants to reboot its economy and return to the high growth trajectory soon. In [141]
Modi, a chaiwallah (roadside tea vendor) turned politician eventually became the Prime Minister of world's largest democracy winning the highest number of votes in the history, was the most sought after world leader at the G20 in Brisbane and The Guardian called Modi the G20's political rock star commenting on Modi's popularity in Brisbane.[142] His personal rapport with host Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott was something to watch out for. Abbott who was meeting Modi for the third time, after his New Delhi trip in September and in Nay Pyi Daw just 2 days back, extended a warm hug toward Modi while welcoming world leaders in the summit venue in Brisbane. This also generated in the Australian media circle as there was 'no hug' even for Abbott's long-time friend Cameron. Modi, on his longest trip of 10 days to three different countries, met leaders from 40 different countries and even his Australia trip didn't end at Brisbane thereafter he visited Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra what is being referred as his 'diplomatic juggernaut'.[143]
The issue of black or unaccounted money kept in tax heavens (countries that allow foreigners to dump huge unaccounted money) abroad was also raised by Modi which is also a burning issue in India’s domestic polity. He also stressed on the need of changing laws in certain countries to allow better information sharing of black money kept abroad as it is also linked to the terror funding.[144] India the world's largest recipient of remittances with $71 billion sent last year, pushed hard for the reduction in the remittance costs of non-residents at the G20 summit, asking it to work on steps to reduce costs in sending money home from abroad which is as high as 10 per cent in some countries. Earlier India has been able to convince Saudi Arabia to reduce it to 3.5 per cent. G20 agreed to bring down the global average cost of transferring remittances to 5%.[145]
In the sidelines of G20 Modi also held several bilateral meetings with his counterparts including British Prime MinisterDavid Cameron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President François Hollande, European Union President Herman Van Rompuy, Saudi crowned prince Abdul Aziz, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and also attended a special dinner hosted by his friend Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan.[146] Even before the G20 summit formally begins all five leaders of the BRICS grouping gathered in Brisbane for an informal meeting at the invitation of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to discuss issues concerning the group like the New Development Bank.[147]
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation[edit]
Main article: SAARC
Relations with the immediate neighbours in South Asia, which have allegedly long been neglected by the previous governments, became a priority feature in Modi’s foreign policy. He started well by inviting all the heads of sates/governments of the neighbouring countries at his inauguration and then pushed for of an early summit to encourage cooperation in many regional issues like trade, connectivity, infrastructure, transit facility among the member states. In his maiden SAARC summit in Nepalese capital Kathmandu he had focused on greater people to people contacts, better connectivity, commercial linkages within the region.[148]
China, which holds an observer status in the group, was represented by Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin seen actively promoting a more active role for itself in the region including infrastructure funding through its proposed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank(AIIB) and extending its ambitious Maritime Silk Road project to South Asian nations. Pakistan, China's all weather friend, also vouched for a more participatory role for the observer nations in the summit process, indirectly advocating for a more Chinese involvement.[149] Although no such proposal was accepted because of India's reservation.[150]
India had earlier advanced three proposal to boost connectivity in the region and those were the 'Regulation of Passenger and Cargo Vehicular Traffic amongst SAARC Member States' for seamless vehicular movement beyond the national borders the 'SAARC Regional Agreement on Railways' for international rail service and the 'SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity)' for energy trade in the subcontinent which is often regarded as world’s most energy starved region. Pakistan which is the second largest economy in the block threatened to jeopardise the entire summit by not agreeing any of the three proposed agreements.[151] Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj had a brief interaction with Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan’s foreign affairs advisor which was seen as possible ice-breaker but later the Indian side termed it as ‘courtesy call’.[152] The Nepalese delegation including Prime Minister Koirala, the summit host, tried hard to mediate between India and Pakistan to rescue the summit from total failure which led to a hand-shake between Modi and Sharif at the end.[153][154] Finally all the sides agreed to sign the 'SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity)' only as a face saving measure for the Kathmandu summit.[155]
In the sidelines of the main summit Modi also held bilateral meetings with leaders of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka with a notable exception of Pakistan due to ongoing stand-off between the two countries.[156]
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation[edit]
Although India is not a member of APEC, Chinese president Xi Jinping, the host of the 2014 APEC summit, invited Modi to attend the event in Beijing as a guest and also showed willingness to support India's bid to join APEC. India already enjoys such support from other member states such as Russia and Vietnam.[157] However, Mosi did not participate in the meeting as a host partner country on the line of Pakistan and Bangladesh on the account of busy diplomatic schedule and a likely state visit to China next year.[158]
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