India

India and the World

INDIA’s foreign policy
Central to our policy objectives is ensuring a peaceful and secure neighborhood, cordial and balanced relations with the major powers and mutually beneficial partnerships with developing countries.
Based on the fundamental principles of equality and mutual respect.
Conducive to achievement of the overriding goal of rapid, sustained and inclusive socio-economic development of the country.
firm commitment to our core national values with dynamic adaptation to change in the international environment.
Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)Bay of Bengal initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)
Mekong Ganga Cooperation, Indian Ocean Rim- Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)
Recent development in relations b/w India and neighboring countries

India and Afghanistan
India will continue to pursue its development partnership with Afghanistan, undeterred by cowardly attacks of terrorism targeting Indians engaged in development work.
India working for building a stable, democratic, and pluralistic society in Afghanistan.
India remains actively engaged in the task of reconstruction and development of Afghanistan
bilateral assistance to Afghanistan has crossed US $ 1.3 billion
India and Bangladesh
Both sides agreed to enhance security cooperation, particularly against insurgent groups
India announced a US$
1 billion Line of Credit for infrastructural development projects in Bangladesh
Railway infrastructure, coaches, locomotives, buses and dredging.India providing road and rail transit to Bangladesh to Nepal and to Bhutan
Bangladesh also gave access to India to use Chittagong and Mongla Port.
India to supply Bangladesh 250 MWs of power. to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, culture, water resources and human resource development.
India and Bhutan
India continued to be the largest trade and assistance partner of Bhutan
mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of hydroelectric energy
Implementation agreements for the 990 MW Punatsangchhu-II and 720 MW Mangdechhu hydroelectric power projects were signed.

India and China
With convergence of interest on issues such as Doha Round of WTO negotiations, climate change, G-20, global financial crisis, etc. both countries have continued to interact constructively on global issues.
Two countries also signed an agreement on establishment of a Direct Secure Telephone Link between the Prime Minister of India and Premier of China.
President inaugurated and dedicated the Indian style Buddhist temple in the precinct of the famous White Horse Temple at Luoyang in Henan Province.
Three MoUs to enhance cooperation in the area of civil services and sports, visa for aircrew were signed.
Convergence of interest on issues such as Doha Round of WTO negotiations, climate change, G-20, global financial crisis etc.
China is now India's largest trading partner, with the total bilateral trade being US$ 51.8 billion in 2008. The trade volume dipped slightly in 2009 to US$ 43.27 billion.India and Iran
bilateral exchanges in a number of areas like energy, trade, commerce and industry, banking, culture, media and broadcasting, etc
Bilateral trade grew by 30.04 per cent in 2008-09 in comparison to the previous year, and touched US $ 13.146 billion.
India and Maldives
cooperation in the security and defence sectors and agreed to enhance cooperation in the area of coastal security and maritime surveillance.
Joint Coast Guard Exercises 'DOSTI X' were held of Male in December 2009 and the 'EKUVERIN' exercises in October 2009.
India and Myanmar
Work on the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar Industrial Trading Centre
to enhance cooperation in the areas of energy, oil and natural gas, power, IT, infrastructure development, telecommunication and agriculture.
India and Nepal
Assistance to Nepal in infrastructure, education, health, rural and community development.
development of integrated check-posts and construction of cross-border road and rail links along the India-Nepal border
India and Sri Lanka
bilateral relations including trade, services and investment, development cooperation, science and technology, culture and education.
India's commitment for ongoing rehabilitation and resettlement of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) and reconstruction of Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka, an amount of Rs 500 crores for relief and rehabilitation.
Indian assistance -> seven de-mining teams, 5360 tones of shelter material, 70,000 agricultural packs, gifting of 4 lakh cement bags and 55 buses and taking up of civil infrastructure projects like railways and power generation through Lines of Credit.
India and SOUTH EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
Provide assistance to Cambodia, Loas, Vietnam and Pacific Island countries in their development efforts.
Grant-in-aid for each at the 14 PIF Countries from US$ 100,000 to US$ 125,000 ( Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) )
Cooperation in disaster relief.
India and Japan
India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership
five pillars of cooperation—political, defence and security cooperation; comprehensive economic partnership; science and technology initiative; people to people exchanges and cooperation in regional and multilateral issues.
Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) and Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)
Foreign Direct investment (FDI) went up ten fold in 2009 as compared to 2006.
Japan stands as the sixth largest investor in India
India is the single largest recipient of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA).
cooperating in the fields of new and renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean coal, power generation etc. and have begun negotiations in June 2010 on civil nuclear cooperation.
India and Republic of Korea (ROK)
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) (August 2009)
India-ROK cooperation in the field of defence and security , science and technology and space cooperation.
India-Republic of Korea relations have been elevated to a "Strategic Partnership"

India and Mongolia
Bilateral cooperation now covers the fields of defence and security, economy, education and culture.
bilateral relations to that of "Comprehensive Partnership"
India and Russia
Prime Minister's visit to Moscow from 6-8 December 2009 , agreements that were signed
Programme for Military and Technical Cooperation (MTC) during the period 2011-2020.
After Sales Support for the Russian Arms and Military Equipment supplied to the Republic of India
Cooperation in Development and Production of Multi-Role Transport Aircraft
Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy.
Programme of Cultural Exchanges for the year 2011 -2012
A Dollar Agreement for extension of a Line of Credit of US$ 100 million by Exim Bank to Vnesheconombank for boosting export of Indian goods and technology products to Russia.Russian Prime Minister Mr. Vladimir Putin paid a brief working visit to India on 12th March, 2010 , Five agreements were signed during the visit
Inter-Governmental Agreement on Peaceful use of Atomic Energy
The Road Map on Serial Construction of Russian-designed nuclear power plants in India.
MOU on Joint Production of GLONASS ground support equipment including receivers and chipsets in India.
MOU on Cooperation in the area of Mineral Fertilizers
Agreement on the annual purchase of di-ammonium phosphate by Indian companies IFFCO and Indian Potash Ltd. from Russian Company PhosAgro
India and TurkmenistanPresident Mr Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov paid a State visit to India on 24-26 May 2010. During the visit, the following five agreements were signed: (i) Cultural Exchange Programme; (ii) Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation; (iii) Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Science and Technology; (iv) Agreement on Exemption of Visa Requirements for holders of Diplomatic Passports; and (v) Education Exchange Programme.
India and THE GULF (GCC countries, Yemen and Iraq)
energy diplomacy and investment partnership is the highlight of the year
India and Qatar signed an investment agreement in November 2009 to the tune of US$5 billion realizing the investment potential of the region and with Oman to the tune of USD 100 million
Gulf region has emerged as our major trading partner after USA, with annual two-way trade nearing US$ 100 billion in 2009
UAE emerged as our largest trading partner.
Nearly 75 per cent of our crude oil requirement is met from this region (crucial role in our energy security)
India and AFRICA
47 out of the 53 African Union countries have joined the Pan-African e-Network Project of the Government of India and started availing the tele-education and tele-medicine facilities.
FICCI organized the 'Namaskar Africa' conference and exhibition in Lagos from 14-15 January, 2010.
An MOU on cooperation between ONGC Videsh Limited and SONANGOL was signed (Angola).
India and Europe
10th India-EU Summit held in New Delhi on 6th November, 2009 under the Swedish Presidency of the EU.
cooperation between India and EU in diverse areas of mutual interest including trade and investment, science and technology, education, civil nuclear energy, renewable energy, space, culture, security etc.India has concluded agreements in other areas including economic, defence, culture, science and technology, education and tourism sectors with Nordic countries.
President of Iceland, Dr. Olafur Ragnar Grimsson - conferred the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International understanding for 2007.
India and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
India-US bilateral trade in goods stood at US$ 31.5 billion.
India exported goods worth US$ 17.6 billion to the US and imported goods worth US$ 13.9 billion from USA during January-October 2009.
Nuclear energy, defence, education and high technology, both countries have expanded their areas of cooperation with new thrust areas added.
India and CANADA
Civil Nuclear Agreement, a Bilateral investment Promotion Agreement, and a joint Study Group to look into the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement.
India and LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN
Bilateral trade touched a record US$ 15.63 billion between India and LAC region during 2008-09, which accounts for 3.25 per cent of India’s total external trade.
Indian investments in the region is around US$ 11 billion.
Our ‘Focus LAC’ initiative the extended Lines of Credit continue to be available to countries in the region to support infrastructure projects in the region
In the wake of massive earthquake which struck Haiti on 12th January, 2010, Government of India expressed its full support and cooperation to Haiti for its reconstruction. India has made a cash contribution of US $5 million to Haiti for emergency relief purposes
Extended humanitarian assistance to the tune of US$ 1.55 million to Ecuador, EI Salvador, St. Lucia and Guatemala to help them to overcome disasters caused by natural calamities.
India with UNITED NATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Reform of the UN to make it more representative and democratic to enhance its credibility and effectiveness.
expansion of the Security Council, reform of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
India continued to maintain its position as the third largest troop contributor to the UN Peacekeeping missions with around 8,760 military personnel deployed with nine missions.
Social and Economic Issues :
India actively participated in a number of major international forums like Human Rights Council, Commission on the status of Women, Global Forum Migration and Development, United Nations Commission on International Trade Law and Inter-parliamentary Union.DISARMAMENT AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
P.M. identified nuclear security as one of the foremost challenges the world community faces today; and said that there should be zero tolerance for individuals and groups which engage in illegal trafficking in nuclear items.
India’s decision to set up a "Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership".
NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT (NAM)
India is founder member.
XV Summit of the Non-aligned Movement (NAM) in Sharm el- Sheikh, Egypt from 15-16 July 2009.
SOUTH ASIAN ASSOCIATION OF REGIONAL CO-OPERATION (SAARC)
The 16th SAARC Summit held in Thimphu on 28 and 29 April 2010.
Thimpu Silver Jubilee Declaration entitled "Towards a Green and Happy South Asia" and a separate Ministerial Statement on Climate Change.
first academic session of the South Asian University from August, 2010.
India would provide 50 ‘SAARC Silver Jubilee Scholarships’ for meritorious students from SAARC LDC countries for the South Asian University.
External Publicity
External Publicity Division continued to articulate the views/positions of the Government of India on various national and international issues through interaction with Indian and international media.
Division’s main activities focused on dissemination of information on India’s relations with its immediate neighbours as also with key countries of the world.
the terrorist attacks on 26/11 at Mumbai, a sustained publicity drive to project India’s concern on terrorists emanating from across the border was undertaken.
Press coverage of both incoming and outgoing VVIP visits
used to highlight India’s position on bilateral, regional and international issues.
Indian Council for cultural Relations (ICCR)
The ICCR was founded in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, independent India’s first Education Minister. The Council helps formulate and implement policies pertaining to India’s external cultural relations, to foster mutual understanding between India and other countries and to promote cultural exchanges with other peoples.
Headquarters in Delhi
ICCR is mandated for establishing, reviving and strengthening cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and the outside world.
Fourteen regional offices in India and a number of cultural centers abroad.
Activities of the Council also include administration of scholarship schemes for oversees students and facilitating their admissions in Indian universities.
It sponsored the visits of foreign performing artists to India & visits of Indian artistes / troupe to various countries abroad.
INDIAN COUNCIL OF WORLD AFFAIRS (ICWA)
The Indian Council of World Affairs was established in 1943 by a group of Indian intellectuals as a think tank.
It was registered as a non-official, non-political and non-profit organisation under the Registration of Societies Act 1860.
By an Act of Parliament in 2001, the Indian Council of World Affairs has been declared an institution of national importance.
The Vice President of India is the ex-officio President of ICWA.
The Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) continued to develop as a think tank, and as an important platform for debate and discussion on foreign affairs.
Research work on India’s relations with countries in its immediate neighborhood was given a pre-eminent emphasis.
THE MINISTRY OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS
Established in May 2004.
focal point for all matters relating to
Overseas Indian (OD) comprising Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), Non-Resident Indian (NRIs) and overseas Citizens of Indian (OCI).
INDIAN COUNCIL OF OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT (ICOE)
A not for profit society under the Societies Act 1860, to serve as a strategic think-tank’ on matters relating to overseas employment markets for Indians and overseas Indian workers.
The Council has signed MoU with European University Institute regarding research on migration of labour between EU and India, also an MoU with Helenic Migration Policy Institute, Athens.
Ministry has proposed to bring in a new legislation namely the emigration Management Bill, 2010
Features of new bill
Transform the emigration process into a simple, efficient, transparent, orderly and humane economic process for all stakeholders.
Modernize the legislative framework governing emigration, facilitate legal emigration, discourage irregular migration, enhance protection and welfare of emigrants, encourage ethical recruitment practices, enable market-friendly regulation of recruiters and provide for more deterrent penalties against crimes such as human smuggling.
INDIAN COMMUNITY WELFARE FUND (ICWF)The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is aimed at providing ‘on site' welfare services on a means tested basis in the most deserving cases including:
(i) Boarding and lodging for distressed overseas Indian workers in Household / domestic sectors and unskilled labourers;
(ii) Extending emergency medical care to the overseas Indians in need;
(iii) Providing air passage to stranded overseas Indians in need;
(iv) Providing initial legal assistance to the overseas Indians in deserving cases,
(v) Expenditure on incidentals and for airlifting the mortal remains to India or local cremation/burial of the deceased overseas Indian in such cases where a sponsor is unable or unwilling to do so as per the contract and the family is unable to meet the cost.SOURCE OF FUNDING• Funds raised by the Indian Missions by levying a service charge on consular services relating to passport, visa, OCI and PIO Cards, attestation of employment and other documents as well as other miscellaneous consular services rendered by Mission.
• Voluntary contributions by Indian community with the Missions.
• Budgetary Support from MOIA.
India has so far signed Labour MoUs with major destination countries in Gulf namely, Jordan, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Malaysia.
protection and welfare of workers,
enhancement of employment opportunities,
streamlining of the procedure of recruitment, terms of employment contracts in conformity with laws of the two countries and establishment of JWGs/Joint Committees.LABOUR MOBILITY PARTNERSHIPSMOIA - is taking steps to build LMPs with key countries of destination in the EU. A LMP has already been signed with Denmark and process has been initiated for negotiating LMPs with Czech Republic, Sweden, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and the European Union.

OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP OF INDIA (OCI)
launched in January, 2006 by amending the Citizenship Act, 1955.
The Scheme provides for the registration as Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) of all Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India on or after 26th January, 1950 or were eligible to become citizens of India on 26th January, 1950 and who are citizens of other countries, except Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Benefits for OCI are
Registered OCI are granted multiple entry, multi purpose, life-long visa for visiting India, and is exempted from registration with Foreigners Regional Registration Office for any length of stay in India.
General conceptual parity with NRIseconomic, financial and educational fields, except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural/plantation properties.
in adoption of Indian children, entry fee for national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, and in domestic airfares.
in entry fee for visiting the national monuments, historical sites and museums in India, practicing as doctors, dentists, nurses and pharmacis advocates, architects, and chartered accountants; and entitlement to appear for the All India Pre-Medical Test or such other tests to make them eligible for admission in accordance with the provisions of the relevant ActsOverseas Citizenship of India is not to be construed as ‘Dual-Citizenship’ as it does not confer political rights.
KNOW INDIA PROGRAMME (KIP)
organized by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs
objective of familiarizing Indian Diaspora youth, in the age group of 18-26 years, with the developments and achievements made by the country in various fields e.g. economic, industrial, education, science and technology, communication and information technology, culture, etc and bringing them closer to the land of their ancestors.
unique forum for students and young professionals of Indian origin to visit India.
is a three-week orientation programmeTheree KIPs are propsed to be organized during the year 2010-2011
Tentative Period Partner States Last date for receipt
of nominations MOIA
15th August-September 2010 Assam, Meghalaya 30th June 2010
16th December 2010-january2011 West Bengal, Bihar 30th September 2010
17th March-April 2011 Punjab, Himachal 31st December 2010
PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS (PBD) – Celebrated from 7th to 9th January every year.
PRAVASI BHARATIYA SAMMAN AWARDS (PBSA) - is conferred on a Non-Resident Indian, Person of Indian origin or an organization or institution established and run by the Non-Resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin, who have excelled in one’s field for outstanding work which has enhanced India’s prestige in the country of residence and who has made
significant contribution towards better understanding abroad of India and support to India causes and concerns in a tangible way;
significant contribution for the welfare of diaspora;
notable contribution in philanthropic and charitable work and for social and humanitarian causes in India and abroad;
significant contribution in building closer links between India and its diaspora in the economic, cultural and scientific fields; and
for eminence in his skills which has enhanced India’s prestige in that country (for non-professional workers).It is conferred by the President of India as a part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) conferences organized annually since 2003. PBSA is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians.

OVERSEAS INDIAN FACILITATION CENTRE (OIFC)
a not-for-profit-trust, in partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The Center will be a ‘one stop shop’ for serving the interests of the Overseas Indian community and has the mandate to cover two broad areas viz: Investment Facilitation and Knowledge Networking.
GLOBAL-INDIAN NETWORK OF KNOWLEDGE (GLOBAL INK)
an electronic platform that will connect people of Indian Origin from a variety of disciplines, recognized as leaders in their respective fields, not just in their country of residence but globally as well, with knowledge users at the national and sub-national levels in India.
Developed by M/s Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on behalf of the Ministry.
The network will serve as a strategic ‘virtual think tank’.

TRENDS IN EMIGRATION
five million overseas Indian workers all over the world.
More than 90 per cent of these workers are in the Gulf countries and Southeast Asia.
Max. Emigrant worker are from UP followed by Kerela.
Max . Emigrant workers go to Saudi Arabia followed by U.A.E.