Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697750479534.pdf (India)
Ministry of External Affairs Annual Report | 2019-20 Ministry of External Affairs New Delhi Annual Report | 2019-20 The Annual Report of the Ministry of External Affairs is brought out by the Policy Planning and Research Division.

A digital copy of the Annual Report can be accessed at the Ministry’s website : www.mea.gov.in.
This Annual Report has also been published as an audio book (in Hindi) in collaboration with the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) Dehradun.

Designed and Produced bywww.creativedge.in Dr. S Jaishankar Dr. S Jaishankar External Affairs Minister.

External Affairs Minister.


Earlier Dr S Jaishankar was President – Global Corporate Affairs at Tata Sons Private Earlier Dr S Jaishankar was President – Global Corporate Affairs at Tata Sons Private Limited from May 2018.

Limited from May 2018.


He was Foreign Secretary from 2015-18, Ambassador to United States from 2013-15, He was Foreign Secretary from 2015-18, Ambassador to United States from 2013-15, Ambassador to China from 2009-2013, High Commissioner to Singapore from 2007- Ambassador to China from 2009-2013, High Commissioner to Singapore from 2007- 2009 and Ambassador to the Czech Republic from 2000-2004.

2009 and Ambassador to the Czech Republic from 2000-2004.
He has also served in other diplomatic assignments in Embassies in Moscow, He has also served in other diplomatic assignments in Embassies in Moscow, Colombo, Budapest and Tokyo, as well in the Ministry of External Affairs and the Colombo, Budapest and Tokyo, as well in the Ministry of External Affairs and the President’s Secretariat.

President’s Secretariat.

Dr S. Jaishankar is a graduate of St. Stephen’s College at the University of Delhi.
He Dr S. Jaishankar is a graduate of St. Stephen’s College at the University of Delhi.

He has an MA in Political Science and an M. Phil and Ph.D in International Relations from has an MA in Political Science and an M. Phil and Ph.D in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi.

Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi.

He is a recipient of the Padma Shri award in 2019.

He is a recipient of the Padma Shri award in 2019.

He is married to Kyoko Jaishankar and has two sons & and a daughter.


Shri V. Muraleedharan Shri V. Muraleedharan Minister of State for External Affairs Minister of State for External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan, born on 12 December 1958 in Kanuur District of Kerala to Shri Shri V. Muraleedharan, born on 12 December 1958 in Kanuur District of Kerala to Shri Gopalan Vannathan Veettil and Smt.

Devaki Namballi Vellam Velli, was sworn in as a Gopalan Vannathan Veettil and Smt.
Devaki Namballi Vellam Velli, was sworn in as a Union Minister of State on 30 May 2019 by the President of India.

Union Minister of State on 30 May 2019 by the President of India.

Shri V. Muraleedharan officially took charge as Minister of State for External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan officially took charge as Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs on 31 May 2019. and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs on 31 May 2019.
Early Career Early Career After graduating in English Language and Literature from Government Brennen After graduating in English Language and Literature from Government Brennen College, Thalassery, Kerala.

Shri Muraleedharan started his journey as an activist in College, Thalassery, Kerala.

Shri Muraleedharan started his journey as an activist in socio-political affairs which vastly enriched his experience.

He held various positions socio-political affairs which vastly enriched his experience.
He held various positions such as Vice Chairman of Nehru Yuva Kendra (under Ministry of Youth Affairs and such as Vice Chairman of Nehru Yuva Kendra (under Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India) from 1999-2002 and later Director General, Nehru Yuva Sports, Government of India) from 1999-2002 and later Director General, Nehru Yuva Kendra from 2002-2004.

Kendra from 2002-2004.

Political Career Political Career In April 2018, Shri Muraleedharan was elected to Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra.
In In April 2018, Shri Muraleedharan was elected to Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra.

In June 2018, he was nominated as Member to the Standing Committee on External June 2018, he was nominated as Member to the Standing Committee on External Affairs.

In June 2018, he was also appointed as a Member to the Consultative Affairs.

In June 2018, he was also appointed as a Member to the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Railways.
Later in December 2018, he was appointed Committee for the Ministry of Railways.

Later in December 2018, he was appointed as a Member of the Committee on Rules.

as a Member of the Committee on Rules.

Shri Muraleedharan is married to Dr. K.S.

Jayasree.

Shri Muraleedharan is married to Dr. K.S.

Jayasree.
contents Introduction and SynopsIs India' s Neighbours South-East Asia and Asia-Pacific East Asia Eurasia Gulf and West Asia Africa Europe and European Union The Americas Saarc, Bimstec & Nalanda Indo-Pacific United Nations and International Organisations Multi-Lateral Economic Relations Development Cooperation Economic Diplomacy & States Disarmament and International Security Affairs Legal and Treaties Division Policy Planning and Research Division Counter Terrorism Global Cyber Issues, E-Governance & Information technology Consular, Passport and Visa Services 21 Overseas Indian Affairs 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 Protocol External Publicity & Public Diplomacy Division Adminstration, Establishment and Right To Information Implementation of Official Language Policy and Propagation of Hindi Abroad Finance and Budget Parliament and Coordination Division Conference Division Archives Foreign Service Institute Indian Council for Cultural Relations Indian Council for World Affairs Research & Information System for Developing Countries Introduction and SynopsIs 2019 was a year of continuity and change for the peace in our region and in the world, the protection Ministry of External Affairs.
Traditional partnerships of Indian interests and Indians abroad and projection and the diplomatic initiatives of the recent past were of Indian influence and views were fundamental to the given a newer dimension by the installation of a new operation of Indian foreign policy during this period.

government following general elections in May 2019.
Working with multiple partners on different agendas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in for his this Ministry built on its Neigbourhood First and Act second term as Prime Minister.

Dr. S Jaishankar was East policies.

A focus on intensifying contacts and appointed as External Affairs Minister and Shri V. on concrete manifestations of goodwill and intent in Muraleedharan as Minister of State for External Affairs.
these areas were supplemented by a focus on major Indian diplomacy during the year under review continued its purposeful pursuit of national interest during a time of rapid global change.

Greater economic well-being, bilateral relationships and multilateral and plurilateral activities.

The adjustment of foreign policy to domestic priorities to ensure their constant alignment received close attention.
External challenges during this 8 Oath Ceremony of Prime Minister at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi (May 30, 2019) period included substantial changes in geo-political S. Jaishankar also made his first visit abroad to Bhutan equations including major shifts in great power policy on 07-08 June 2019, reflecting the importance that on regional issues and countries, potentially disruptive India attaches to its bilateral relationship with Bhutan, technologies and global technology regimes and a close friend and neighbour.
the response to major international issues such as migration, climate change and global economic and development governance.
The Ministry continued with the accelerated momentum of international engagements with Prime Minister attending the Council of Heads of States at Congruent with India’s emphasis on engaging the SCO in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (13-14 June), G20 like-minded friendly countries in the immediate meetings at Osaka, Japan (27-29 June), Japan-America- neighbourhood, leaders of BIMSTEC countries, India and Russia-India-China Trilateral meetings, and Kyrgyzstan and Mauritius attended the swearing- informal BRICS Summit (28 June) on the margins of in ceremony of the newly elected government on 30 May 2019.
The first overseas visit of Prime Minister immediately after assuming office for the second time was to Maldives on 08-09 June 2019.

This enabled us to further our partnership with Maldives by opening up new areas of cooperation in health, connectivity, capacity building and maritime operations.

This was followed by a visit to Sri Lanka on 09 June.

EAM Dr. the G20 Summit.


EAM Dr. Jaishankar participated in the 5th Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) at Dushanbe on 14-15 June 2019; the 19th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (09-11 July, UK).

EAM also participated in this year’s editions of the Ministerial Meetings in the Mekong Ganga Cooperation, ASEAN- India, and East Asian Summit formats.

9 Introduction and SynopsIs Engagement with great powers continued apace.
a programme of bilateral visits to important countries United States Secretary of State Michael Pompeo visited in this region to further our engagement with them.

India in June 2019.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Significant initiatives were undertaken to cement Yury Borisov visited New Delhi in July.

Reciprocal defence and maritime relationships with neighbours in visits provided an opportunity for enhancing India’s this region.
Development initiatives and connectivity/ bilateral and multilateral commitments.

EAM visited infrastructure projects were given high importance.

Washington in December 2019 and Moscow in August Prime Minister’s vision of SAGAR, which underpins 2019.
Prime Minister concluded a highly successful Indian activity in this region, was described by EAM visit to the United States in September 2019 which in his keynote address on “Securing the Indian Ocean cemented India’s strong connections with the US and Region: Traditional and Non-Traditional Challenges” included an appearance with President Donald Trump at the 4th Indian Ocean Conference in Maldives in at the Howdy Modi event in Houston.
India also further extended the range of its cooperation with Russia with Prime Minister’s successful visit to Russia in September 2019, where India expressed its commitment to work together with Russia for the development of Russia’s Far East Region.

The President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping visited India in October for the 2nd Informal Summit with Prime Minister at Chennai while EAM visited China for the 2nd India-China high- level mechanism on cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Prime Minister visited France in August 2019 to attend 2019 G-7 Summit (where India was designated as ‘Biarritz partner’), wherein he addressed sessions on Environment, Climate, Oceans and Digital Transformation.

The Ministry continued its efforts to maintain and augment its position as a pre-eminent player in the Indian Ocean Region.

Given the increasing salience September 2019.

Prime Minister attended the 74th UN General Assembly in New York in September 2019.
He addressed the General Assembly on 27 September.

His remarks highlighted India’s civilisational contributions and its current efforts towards combating terrorism, achieving universal health care and mitigating climate change.

The 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was suitably commemorated at the United Nations.

Prime Minister also announced the launch of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure during UNGA.
CDRI is designed to be an international platform where knowledge is generated and exchanged on different aspects of disaster and climate resilience of infrastructure and will bring together technical expertise from a multitude of stakeholders.

In doing so, it will create a mechanism to assist countries to upgrade their capacities and practices, with regard to infrastructure of the Indo-Pacific concept in global discourse, the development.
Institutions such as International Solar Ministry of External Affairs established a new Division Alliance and CDRI are major initiatives by India to for the Indo-Pacific in April 2019.

This was followed by harnessing India’s domestic strengths and capacities an intensification of India’s engagement with various and mobilize international efforts to answer global Indo-Pacific frameworks like the Association of South problems and challenges.
East Asian Nations (ASEAN), East Asia Summit (EAS), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC).

India also joined the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) as a Development Partner.

The Ministry also undertook A major activity of the Ministry of External Affairs in 2019 was the management of the international and diplomatic aspects of changes in the Indian polity.
The modification of certain provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution of India and the passage of legislation by Parliament were used by Pakistan as a pretext 10 Annual Report 2019-20 for increasing tension in the bilateral relationship.

enabled application.


The Ministry also developed a Pakistan also undertook a number of hostile actions dedicated e-Audit Portal for the management and in the bilateral context such as the downgradation of monitoring of audit reports which would be accessible diplomatic relations.

It encouraged in the international globally through its own website.
Audit enforces context the organizing of protests and hostile actions accountability and this is expected to strengthen against Indian interests and diplomatic establishments administrative oversight and prudential controls.

The overseas.
The overseas.

This was overcome by a sustained diplomatic Ministry achieved and exceeded the targets set for it effort by the Ministry and its missions and posts to reach for the first 100 days of the new Government, with out to interlocutors and key constituencies to explain 12 new Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (against the rationale behind the forward looking legislations of a target of 10) beuing opened as part of Ministry’s Parliament and decisions of Government.
efforts to open at least one PSK or POP SK in every Terrorist assaults in Jammu and Kashmir in February 2019 which led to deaths of 40 policemen in Pulwama and other efforts directed at destabilizing and Lok Sabha constituency in the country.

Appropriately the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in the international commemorating negatively impacting the security situation in that part arena was a major focus of this Ministry’s activities in of India were resolutely countered by the Government 2019.
An event was organized at the United Nations of India through the year.

In the absence of action by on 24 September 2019 to mark this event.

It was Pakistan against internationally proscribed terrorist attended by Prime Minister, several other Heads of organizations such as Jaish-e-Mohammad, inspite State and government and UN Secretary General.
of irrefutable evidence of their being trained and External Publicity Division of this Ministry published armed inside Pakistan, India undertook non-military an anthology on ‘What Gandhi Means to Me’ with pre-emptive action specifically targeted at the Jaish- contributions from major personalities from across e-Mohammad Camp in Balakot on 26 February 2019. the world.
An Indian Council of Cultural Relations The diplomatic dimensions of this firm display of Indian resolve to combat terrorism and subsequent measures was managed by this Ministry.

The message that India program led to installation of Mahatma Gandhi busts in 40 countries.
Indian Council of World Affairs, in partnership with the Ministry, will organize an reserved the right to take firm and decisive action to international seminar on the theme ‘Gandhi and the protect its national security, sovereignty and territorial World’ in February 2020.

Missions and posts across the integrity against any act of aggression or cross-border world have and continue to suitably commemorate this terrorism was conveyed to our interlocutors.

in their jurisdictions.


The Ministry continued its efforts to become more user-friendly, accountable and transparent in its The year 2019 also marked the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji.

This Ministry and its missions administrative and public-facing operations.

Reflective and posts organised events highlighting the teachings of the Government’s commitments in this direction, of Guru Nanak Dev and celebrating his life and MEA launched its own dedicated Performance teachings.
Special events like the planting of trees, Dashboard which is a visual display of important “Gurbain Kirtan/Ardas:, blood donation and medical objectives of the Ministry.
Data on passports and camps, demonstrations of Sikh martial arts / Hola citizen-centric services like visas/OCI card and up-to- Mohalla, institution of an academic Chair in the date economic data on trade and commerce is now name of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji were undertaken in available in the public domain by means of an internet- multiple locations globally.
UNESCO’s involvement in 11 Introduction and SynopsIs translating Nanak’s teachings in multiple international inaugural session of the 46th session of the Council languages is a notable decision in this context that will of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic catalyze greater outreach and impact.

Cooperation in Abu Dhabi on 01 March, 2019.

Smt.


In a coordinated effort with other Ministries and our missions and posts abroad, we were able to roll out the e-Aarogya and e-Vidya Bharti projects in 15 African countries within this period.

This set the ground for the launching of more of these innovative, technology- enabled education platforms to cover all 54 African countries, thereby providing a new format for engaging with them and for sharing India’s expertise in creation of human capital.
Former EAM, Smt Sushma Swaraj, who passed away suddenly in August in New Delhi, had addressed the Sushma Swaraj, led this Ministry from May 2014 to May 2019 and added new dimensions to the activities of this Ministry in India and abroad.
In recognition of her invaluable contribution to Indian diplomacy, the cause of the Indian diaspora and the ethos of public service, the Ministry decided to rename the Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra in New Delhi as Sushma Swaraj Bhawan and Foreign Service Institute also in New Delhi, as Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service.

The following pages provide further details on the key developments in India’s foreign relations during the year.
INDIA’S NEIGHBOURS Afghanistan Pakistan India-Afghanistan strategic partnership continued India desires normal neighbourly relations with to witness all round development and was further Pakistan.

India’s consistent position is that issues, if strengthened in the last one year.
This was reflected any, between India and Pakistan should be resolved in high level bilateral engagements, including in the bilaterally and peacefully, in an atmosphere free of areas of political, defence engagement, security, terror and violence.

The onus is on Pakistan to create trade and investment, connectivity, development such a conducive environment.

It has been made clear partnership, social & cultural issues, education and that India will not compromise on issues relating to capacity building.
The bilateral trade between India national security and will take firm and decisive steps and Afghanistan reached US$ 1.5 billion.

Afghanistan to deal with all attempts to undermine our security and started its exports to India through Chabahar Port territorial integrity.

the operations of which were taken over by an Indian company in December 2018.

India actively engaged with international partners and participated in international fora on Afghanistan.
India voiced its support for national peace and reconciliation efforts that were Afghan led, Afghan owned and Afghan controlled; establishing early peace, security, stability; protecting independence, sovereignty and democracy; promoting the rights of the minority, the youth and women in an inclusive Afghanistan.
Following the dastardly suicide terror attack (14 February) by Pakistan based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pulwama, in which 40 Indian security personnel were killed, India carried out successful anti-terror pre-emptive air strike (26 February) against JeM training camp in Balakot, Pakistan.

Indian forces have also given robust response to over 3000 unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan forces during 2019 meant to support cross- border terrorist infiltration.
12 Annual Report 2019-20 During the year, India, as a result of its proactive Development Partnership projects in Bangladesh and outreach with the international community, Myanmar recorded consistent progress, as these two successfully thwarted Pakistan’s repeated attempts, countries continue to rank amongst India’s largest including at the UN to present an alarmist situation recipients of grant and concessional credit.
Trade and of the region, interfere in internal affairs of India, and economic relations also grew, as did people-to-people internationalise bilateral issues.

In implementation of the decision of the Cabinet taken on 22 November 2018 to fulfill the long pending contact, with the expansion of air services with both countries and simplification of travel permits, as well as creation of new travel infrastructure.
demand of the Indian pilgrims, the Kartarpur Sahib The re-election of the Awami League Government in Corridor was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Bangladesh at the beginning of the year and the NDA Minister on 9 November 2019 on the occasion of the Government in India in the middle of the year helped 550th birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

ensure continuity in the relationship with Bangladesh.
Efforts in the case of innocent Indian national Shri Kulbhushan Jadhav were successful with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its verdict (17 July 2019) unanimously upholding India’s claim that Pakistan was in egregious violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, on several counts and ordered immediate consular access and effective review and reconsideration of the sentence awarded to him by Pakistan military court through a farcical trial.
Separately, India also won the case against Pakistan in the 70-year-old issue of ‘Hyderabad Fund’ in a verdict the UK High Court ruled (02 October 2019) in favour of the Indian party.

Bangladesh & Myanmar Bangladesh and Myanmar remained central elements With Myanmar, continued close ties with the NLD Government and other key entities ensured that the bilateral relationship maintained a positive focus and tenor.
Bhutan India and Bhutan share special and privileged relations based on mutual trust, shared history and civilisational ties.
The traditionally close bilateral relations between India and Bhutan continued to be consolidated over the course of the year, with sustained progress witnessed in all areas of co-operation, including hydropower, communication, security, infrastructure, health, education, Information Technology, culture, agriculture and into several new areas such as space and digital and financial connectivity.
in the implementation of India’s ‘Act East’ and The tradition of regular high level visits and dialogue ‘Neighbourhood First’ policies as exemplified by priority between the two countries continued with the visit of attention accorded to these relationships by most line the Prime Minister, Lyonchhen Dr. Lotay Tshering, on 30 Ministries of the Government of India, including the & 31 May 2019, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Ministry of Defence and our Defence Services, as well the newly elected Indian Government.
Prime Minister as our infrastructure Ministries.

India’s relations with Bangladesh and Myanmar continue to progress in the year 2019.

In both cases, contact at the highest political levels continued through the year, under review, with several Ministerial and other visits also being exchanged in 2019.
India’s Shri Narendra Modi paid a State Visit to Bhutan on 17 & 18 August 2019 which led to further deepening and diversification of our bilateral cooperation with focus on new areas of space and youth exchanges.

During the visit, 720 MW Mangdechhu hydropower project as well as Ground Earth Station for utilization of South 13 Introduction and SynopsIs Asia Satellite were inaugurated.
Both sides have also ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, high-level political agreed for joint development of a small satellite for exchanges have intensified.

Prime Minister of Nepal Bhutan.

India has extensive development partnership with Bhutan, based on Bhutan’s priorities.

For the current 12th Five Year Plan (2018-23), GOI has committed economic assistance of Rs 4500 crores, apart from transitional Trade Support Facility of Rs.

400 crores.
400 crores.

Over 400 big and small projects in areas of infrastructure development, roads and bridges, construction of Mr. K P Sharma Oli attended the swearing-in ceremony of the new Government of India on 30 May 2019.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar paid a visit to Nepal on 21&22 August 2019 to co-chair the Joint Commission Meeting with his Nepali counterpart.

The year also witnessed intensive engagements with over 30 exchanges at the ministerial, official, and technical levels.
regional hospitals, schools, cultural heritage buildings Government has laid particular emphasis on expeditious and covering sectors like ICT, capacity building, implementation of ongoing bilateral connectivity, industries, agriculture, e-governance, community physical and social infrastructure development development projects like irrigation channels, farm projects.
The Prime Ministers of India and Nepal roads, block connectivity roads, basic health units, remotely inaugurated the Motihari (India) - Amlekhgunj etc.

have been identified by the two sides and are at (Nepal) cross-border petroleum products pipeline on various stages of implementation.

Both sides continue 10 September 2019.

The preliminary survey report of to monitor these projects closely to ensure their timely the new broad gauge electrified rail line connecting implementation.
Timely GoI assistance has been helpful Raxaul in India to Kathmandu in Nepal was completed in successful implementation of several developmental in May 2019 and work is underway for conducting projects that are contributing to the socio-economic final location survey of the rail line.

Integrated Check development of Bhutan.


In the flagship area of bilateral cooperation in hydropower sector, with the inauguration of 720 MW Mangdechhu hydropower project, jointly developed hydro power capacity has crossed the 2000 MW mark.

Both the governments maintained close coordination to expedite implementation of two ongoing major projects – the 1200MW Punatsangchu-I and the 1020MW Punatsangchu-II.
Two rounds of bilateral discussions were held to finalize implementation modalities of 2585 MW Sankosh Reservoir hydropower project.

Nepal The close and multi-faceted relations between India and Nepal, based on age-old cultural and people- to-people ties, continued to deepen across diverse sectors during the year 2019.

In keeping with the Post at Biratnagar, being constructed with GoI grant assistance, is nearing completion.
Under GoI assistance for post-earthquake reconstruction in the housing sector, about 40,000 houses (i.e.

80% of work) in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts have been completed.

Under the four Lines of Credit of over US$ 1.65 billion extended by Government of India to Nepal, a number of infrastructure projects, including post-earthquake reconstruction work, are being implemented in Nepal.
India offers about 3000 scholarships (including 250 ITEC slots) to Nepali candidates every year, providing opportunities to study in Nepal and at premier institutes in India.

India is Nepal’s largest trade partner and the leading source of foreign investments, besides providing transit for almost the entire third country trade of Nepal.
Total bilateral trade increased by over 17% from US$ 7.05 billion in FY 2017-18 to reach US$ 8.27 billion in FY 2018-19.Both governments continue to engage 14 Annual Report 2019-20 and take measures to facilitate trade and mutual informal summit, PM Modi and President Xi held three investments.

The two sides have laid a forward-looking trajectory to advance wide ranging bilateral ties in all areas of cooperation.
China more meetings on the sidelines of the SCO Leaders’ summit, G-20 Summit and the 11th BRICS Summit.

Other important events in 2019 include the visit of EAM to Beijing for High Level Mechanism on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges and the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India for the 22nd meeting of Special Representatives of India and China The bilateral relationship between India and China on the Boundary Question.
Overall, the year witnessed under the overall framework of Closer Developmental Partnership continued to strengthen and deepen in the year 2019 with the Second Informal Summit between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of a sustained positive momentum in India-China bilateral relations.
2020 will mark the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and both sides have agreed to celebrate it by the People’s Republic of China Mr. Xi Jinping held in organizing 70 activities in India and China.

Chennai on 11-12 October 2019.


In addition to the INDIAN OCEAN REGION India’s relationships with IOR countries (Sri Lanka, Ambulance Project and commencement of flights Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles) have been between Chennai and Jaffna brought the two countries strengthened further in all fields, including in commerce even closer.
During this period, India continued to & trade, security & defence, culture, science & accord high priority to relations with Sri Lanka in technology and education during the period, guided by accordance with its Neighbourhood First policy and Prime Minister’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth SAGAR Doctrine.

After the Presidential elections on 16 for All in the Region).
Marked by high level exchange November, EAM visited Sri Lanka on 18-19 November of visits between India and the IOR countries, the 2019 as a Special Envoy of Prime Minister, immediately year saw substantial engagements and outcomes.

after the swearing-in of President of Sri Lanka, to India’s development partnership with countries of IOR convey the greetings of Prime Minister and to invite Division has been an integral and substantive part of the President to visit India.
President of Sri Lanka, Mr. her engagement with the region during the period.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, paid a State Visit to India from Sri Lanka 28-30 November 2019, his first overseas visit after taking over as the President.

India’s relations with Sri Lanka gained further momentum in 2019-20.
Frequent visits at the Maldives highest political level from both sides enhanced the India-Maldives bilateral relationship during the period cooperation and understanding between India and saw rapid expansion in various new domains.

President Sri Lanka in various areas such as commerce, trade, Solih’s visit to India in December 2018 had set the defence, developmental cooperation and education.
agenda, which got further direction and ambition during Further, successful implementation of people oriented the visit of PM Modi to Maldives in June 2019.

The and demand driven projects such as Emergency period saw the implementation of various LoC projects, 15 Introduction and SynopsIs grant projects and a series of new capacity building Council of Ministers on 30 May 2019.
Mauritius was initiatives being taken up in hitherto unexplored areas the only country that was invited to the event outside like good governance, Aviaton Security, Firefighting, the BIMSTEC countries.

After Mr Pravind Jugnauth National Security Guards, Special Protection Group, was elected as the Prime Minister of Mauritius for a etc.

Mauritius second term in November 2019, Prime Minister Modi congratulated him over the phone and invited him to visit India on an official visit.
India sees Mauritius as a close maritime neighbour.

The cultural, historical and ancestral linkages between Seychelles India and Mauritius have over the decades cemented India-Seychelles relations have been characterised this shared feeling of proximity.

The relationship is by close friendship, understanding and cooperation.
further buttressed by strong development cooperation, defence, trade & commercial ties, high-level visits, This is evident from the strong defence and security cooperation, including on counter terrorism and other capacity building through scholarships and ITEC transnational crimes; development partnership; cultural programmes etc.

This year was marked by a number cooperation; capacity building through scholarships of high level visits, completion of development and ITEC programmes.
India has expanded the scope cooperation projects like e-tablet project, ENT Hospital, 1st phase of the Metro Express project, intensive defence and cultural engagement etc.

On the official and spread of its development assistance in Seychelles by committing support in helping Seychelles in its national developmental priorities.
India continued its invitation of PM Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister close engagement with the Government and people of Mauritius Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth attended the of Seychelles this year, which further strengthened our swearing-in ceremony of PM Narendra Modi and his close bilateral relations.
INDO-PACIFIC & ASEAN Given the increasing salience of the Indo-Pacific integrity of all nations in the region, equality of all concept in global discourse, the Ministry of External nations, peaceful resolution of disputes, avoidance Affairs established a new Division for the Indo-Pacific of use or threat of use of force and adherence to in April 2019.

The purpose of doing so was two-fold: to international laws, rules and regulations.
India’s help consolidate India’s vision of the Indo-Pacific across objective is a multi-faceted engagement with all Government of India, in line with the elements set out countries in the region and those with interests in it, by the Prime Minister of India in June 2018, and to encompassing political, security, economic, and socio- provide substantive policy elements and programmes cultural spheres, aimed at Security And Growth for All to that vision.

in the Region (SAGAR).


India’s Vision for the Indo-Pacific focuses on a free, The year 2019 witnessed intensification of India’s open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
India engagement with various Indo-Pacific frameworks emphasizes respect for sovereignty and territorial including, inter alia, Association of South East Asian 16 Annual Report 2019-20 Nations (ASEAN), East Asia Summit (EAS), Indian Ocean Minister (EAM) Dr. S Jaishankar and Minister of State Rim Association (IORA), Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), (MOS) for External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan had Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC); we also agreed to met all ASEAN Foreign Ministers, except Cambodia join the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic and Laos.
Structured mechanism meetings like Foreign Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) as a Development Office Consultations (FOC) and Joint Commission Partner in July 2019.

India’s engagement with South East Asian region of which Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) was its primary component, is governed by Act East Policy (AEP), announced by PM Shri Narendra Modi in November 2014 in Myanmar.
Key elements of AEP are to promote economic cooperation, cultural ties and develop strategic relationship with countries in Indo-Pacific region through continuous engagement at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.

Towards this end, in 2019, PM had met Prime Ministers of Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and President of Indonesia.

Our President had State visit to Philippines in November 2019, while Vice- President visited Vietnam in May 2019.
External Affairs EAST ASIA Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Diplomatic relations between India and Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea (DPRK) continued to be cordial.

DPRK supported India’s candidatures in various multilateral fora.

Japan India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership continued to be propelled by growing convergence in political, economic and strategic interests of the two countries with numerous high-level engagements throughout the year.
The visit of the Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in October 2019 to Japan for attending the Enthronement Ceremony of Meeting (JCM) were held this year with Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand.

India’s relations with Pacific Island Countries (PIC) received a shot in the arm with the historic India- Pacific Islands Developing States (PSIDS) Leaders’ Meeting, held on 24th September 2019 in New York on the sidelines of 74th UNGA.
2019 marked the year when ASEAN formulated its Outlook towards Indo-Pacific on 23 June 2019, as a response to Indo-Pacific concept.

The end of the year marked the 35th ASEAN/14th East Asia Summit (EAS)/16th India-ASEAN Summit from 2-4 November 2019 in Bangkok where PM interacted with ASEAN Leaders and announced the India Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) during EAS.
the Emperor of Japan reflected the close relationship between the two countries.The three Summit-level bilateral meetings that were held between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Japan Mr. Abe Shinzo during 2019 gave direction and impetus to the partnership.

Japan became the only country with which India has an Annual Summit as well as 2+2 Ministerial mechanism when the inaugural India- Japan 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting was held in November 2019.
Japan’s Presidency of G20 in 2019 also presented numerous opportunities throughout the year for having high-level bilateral engagements with Japan on the margins of the G20 events.

17 Introduction and SynopsIs Republic of Korea India-Republic of Korea bilateral relationship, elevated to the level of “Special Strategic Partnership” during the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Republic of Korea in 2015, received a further boost by three VVIP visits from both sides within a period of one year.
President Moon Jae-in (MJI) and First Lady Kim Jung- sook paid State Visits to India in July and November 2018 respectively.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a State Visit to Seoul in February 2019 to receive the Seoul Peace Prize.

Other important events in 2019 included the visit of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to Seoul in September 2019.

Mongolia Historically, India and Mongolia have shared a warm and cordial relationship.
However, the historic visit of our Prime Minister to Mongolia in 2015 brought in a paradigm shift in our approach towards Mongolia.

The traditional friendship received a huge boost EURASIA and our relationship with Mongolia was elevated to “Strategic Partnership”.

Most Mongolians consider India as their “third” and “spiritual neighbour” and are acutely aware of the special relationship with us.
The upsurge and momentum in our relationship has since been sustained through regular high-level visits from both sides.

In 2019, President Khaltmaagiin Battulga paid a state visit to India from September 19-23.

This was the first Presidential visit from the Mongolian side in almost a decade.

Other important events in 2019 included the visit of Mongolian Foreign Minister Mr. D. Tsogtbaatar and that of Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry from the Mongolian side.
From the Indian side, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Steel visited Mongolia in October 2019 to inaugurate the infrastructure works related to India’s largest Line of Credit (LoC) Project-the ‘Oil Refinery Project (ORP)’.

Overall the year witnessed a sustained positive momentum in the India-Mongolia bilateral relations.

Relations between India and countries in the Eurasian to the Kyrgyz Republic.
Bilateral relations with the Region continued to register positive growth during Kyrgyz Republic were raised to the level of Strategic the year.

Apart from advancing bilateral relations, Partnership during the visit.
Visit of Raksha Mantri to relations with several countries in the Eurasian region Uzbekistan for the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting also received multi-dimensional focus through the and bilateral visit on 1-3 November 2019 led to the activities pertaining to the India-Central Asia Dialogue, holding of the first joint military exercise between the India-Eurasian Economic Union negotiations on a Indian and Uzbek armed forces in Uzbekistan.
Visit possible trading arrangement, the International North of Shri Vijay Rupani, Chief Minister of Gujarat to South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Shanghai Uzbekistan on 19-23 October 2019 led to significant Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Sooronbai Jeenbekov, was invited as a special guest as the SCO Chairman to grace the swearing-in ceremony of the new Government on 30 May 2019.
Prime Minister visited Bishkek on 13-14 June 2019 to attend the SCO Summit in Bishkek followed by a bilateral visit results, conclusion of several MoUs and further boost in cooperation between the Andijon region of Uzbekistan and Gujarat.

Mr. Abdulaziz Kamilov, Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan visited New Delhi on 14-15 January 2020 during which he called on Prime Minister, had a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister and addressed the Raisina Dialogue 2020.
Shri V. Muraleedharan, 18 Annual Report 2019-20 Minister of State for External Affairs visited Kazakhstan Vladivostok.

For exploring business opportunities in on 11-12 November 2019 to address the Astana the Russian Far East, a 150-strong business delegation Club Meeting.

During his visit, he also called on Mr. accompanied Shri Piyush Goyal, Commerce and Nigmatulli, Speaker of the Kazakh Parliament and Mr. Industry Minister and Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Uttar Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Foreign Minister.
Pradesh, Haryana and Goa to visit Vladivostok from Under the initiatives announced by India during the First India-Central Asia Dialogue held in Samarkand in January 2019, a familiarization visit for Central Asian journalists to India was organized from 22-29 April 2019, a Special Training Course was conducted by Foreign Service Institute of India for diplomats from Central Asian Countries in June-July 2019 and the 6th Edition of the International Folk Dance & Music Festival 11-13 August 2019 and met Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev and 11 Governors of the Russian Far East region.
The business delegation strengthened bilateral cooperation between regions of Russia and states of India.

Raksha Mantri visited Russia on 26- 29 November 2019 for co-chairing the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission Meeting on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation.

with a Central Asia-focus was organised by ICCR Russian Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Yury Borisov visited from 2-4 December 2019 in New Delhi.
Delegations India on 22 July 2019 for the conduct of the inter- from all the Central Asian countries enthusiastically session meeting of the India-Russia Intergovernmental participated in these initiatives.

Indian Missions in Eurasian countries organized a series of events to commemorate 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi.

Painting exhibitions, cycling events, tree- planting drives and vegetarian food festivals were held to mark the occasion.
Missions also celebrated the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji with great fervour.

Russia Prime Minister visited Vladivostok on 4-5 September 2019 to hold the 20th India-Russia Annual Bilateral Summit and participate in the 5th Eastern Economic Forum as the Chief Guest at the invitation of Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

Earlier on 12 April 2019, Russia announced the award of the Order of St Andrew, the Apostle, Russia’s highest state decoration, for Prime Minister.
Visit of EAM (27-28 August 2019), of Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser (21 August 2019) and of Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas (29-30 August 2019) led to significant groundwork for Prime Minister’s bilateral visit to Commission - Technical and Economic Cooperation co-chaired by him along with External Affairs Minister.
Mr. Sergei Lavrov, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation paid a bilateral visit to New Delhi on 15 January 2020 during which he met External Affairs Minister and called on Prime Minister.

Foreign Minister Lavrov gave a keynote address at the Raisina Dialogue 2020.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation During the period from April-November 2019, the momentum of India-SCO cooperation continued to grow based on India’s longstanding cultural linkages as well as its vibrant modern day relations with the SCO Members.

India actively took part in various SCO dialogue mechanisms held under the SCO chairmanship of Kyrgyzstan as well as under the chairmanship of Uzbekistan in the format of Council of SCO Heads of Government.

The then External Affairs Minister Smt.


Sushma Swaraj represented India in the meeting of Council of SCO Foreign Ministers held on 22 May 2019 in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan).

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi represented India in the meeting of Council of SCO Heads of State held under the chairmanship of 19 Introduction and SynopsIs the President of Kyrgyz Republic H.E.

Mr. Sooronbay Jeenbekov on 14 June 2019 in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan).
18th meeting of Council of SCO Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) held under the chairmanship of Prime The Leaders signed the Bishkek Declaration and Minister of Republic of Uzbekistan H.E.

Mr. Abdulla approved important documents including the Aripov on 2 November 2019 in Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

Regulations of the Forum of Heads of Regions and Concept of cooperation in the field of Digitization and Information-Communication Technologies.
Defence Minister of Home Affairs Shri Amit Shah chaired the 10th meeting of SCO Ministers dealing with the Prevention and Liquidation of Emergency Situations Minister Shri Rajnath Singh represented India in the on 8 November 2019 in New Delhi.

GULF AND WEST ASIA The Gulf India has close and strong relationship with Gulf region which has remained a region of prime importance in our extended neighborhood.
Our bilateral friendly ties with each of the Gulf countries are deep-rooted in shared history and have been constantly nourished through growing multidimensional cooperation and vibrant people-to-people engagement.

Salman to India in February 2019 further consolidated the bilateral partnership and opened avenues for enhanced cooperation and prospects of increased Saudi investments in India’s infrastructure.
PM Shri Narendra Modi visited Bahrain (first ever Indian PM visit to the nation) and UAE in August 2019, where he was conferred their respective nations’ highest civilian awards.

He also attended the third session of the Future Investment Initiative Forum in Riyadh on 28-29 There has been an unprecedented boost in political October, 2019 at the invitation of Saudi King Salman, and economic engagement with the Gulf region as a ‘Guest of Honour’ where the two leaders signed an over the past few years.
With sustained efforts and Agreement for establishment of a Strategic Partnership focused engagement, the traditional buyer-seller Council between the two countries relationship (basically focused on energy supplies) has been transformed into a strategic engagement.

The Gulf region is one of the largest trading partners of India with a bilateral trade of over US$ 150 billion in 2018-19.

It is the source of more than 50 percent of our oil and gas needs.
The region hosts a 9 million strong Indian community and contributed an annual remittance of over US$ 48 billion in 2018 (out of total remittances to India of 78.6 Billion dollars).

In the Year 2019-20, the close political engagement with the countries in the region continued to grow.

The visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Iran The year 2019 witnessed momentum being maintained in bilateral political and commercial exchanges at all levels.
The 19th session of the Joint Commission at the level of External Affairs was held in December 2019 after a gap of four years.

Both sides agreed on building upon the success achieved in operationalising Chabahar port for promoting regional connectivity.

The India-Iran bilateral trade during the fiscal year 2018- 19 witnessed a 23.8 % increase vis-à-vis 2017-18 and reached USD 17.03 billion.
20 Annual Report 2019-20 WANA REGION The West Asia & North Africa (WANA) region remains important for India’s energy and food security, as also for its salience in maintenance of global peace and security.
During the year, relations with all the countries Day of Yoga, 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji, ICCR Foundation Day, 55th ITEC Day were celebrated by our Missions in all WANA countries in partnership of WANA region were taken forward in a calibrated with the government authorities, local communities manner, through regular holding of institutional and Indian diaspora organisations.

dialogue mechanisms and high-level exchange of visits.
This region is a primary source of rock phosphates AFRICA and its derivatives, and potash used in fertilizers.

India sources over 80% of its rock phosphate requirement from countries in this region.

This region is also rich in minerals.

We continue to intensify our efforts to further secure our energy interests in the region.
We forged greater defence and security cooperation with most of the countries in the region through formal and informal mechanisms in the areas of intelligence sharing; counter-terrorism; cyber security etc.

We have enhanced our maritime security and anti-piracy cooperation with Djibouti, Somalia and other countries in the region.
Government of India conferred its second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan on the During the year 2019-20, India’s relations with countries in Africa continued to expand and diversify.

In the context of India’s Africa Outreach Policy, this year the first incoming and the first outgoing visits by Heads of State after the formation of the new government were to and from Africa.

The year witnessed the first- ever visit of President Edgar Lungu of Zambia to India in September 2019.
The President of India visited Benin, the Gambia and Guinea in July-August 2019.

The first- ever visit by an Indian Vice President to Comoros took place in October 2019 and Vice President also visited Sierra Leone.

President of the Republic of Djibouti Ismail Omar Parliamentary exchanges during the year included Guelleh in March 2019.
In the backdrop of continued financial crisis being faced by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), India has enhanced its annual contribution to the organization from US $ 1.25 million to US $ 5 million.

India also continued to contribute towards United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

A sizable contingent of Indian security personnel is engaged in peacekeeping operations as part of the United Nations Mission In South Sudan (UNMISS).
Leaders of WANA countries congratulated Prime Minister on his party’s electoral victory, and conveyed condolences over the demise of former External Affairs Minister Smt.

Sushma Swaraj.
Sushma Swaraj.

In addition, International the visit of Shri Om Birla, Speaker of Lok Sabha leading 84-member delegation comprising Members of Parliament from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Speakers/Deputy Speakers and Members of Legislative Assemblies from 25 States to attend the 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held in Kampala in September 2019.

A delegation from Parliamentary Commission of Uganda visited India in July 2019.
For the first time, India deployed Election Observers for Zimbabwe General Elections.

Observers from Zimbabwe also witnessed Indian Elections.

Indian EVMs were used in Namibian Elections this year.

Interaction and engagements between leaders continued on the sidelines of multilateral meetings.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met Presidents of Namibia and Niger on the sidelines of the United 21 Introduction and SynopsIs Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Prime Minister Shri We have enhanced our maritime security and anti- Modi interacted with President Cyril Ramaphosa of piracy cooperation with Djibouti, Somalia and other South Africa and President of Senegal on the margins countries in the region.

Government of India conferred of G-20 and BRICS Summit.
External Affairs Minister its second highest civilian honour, the Padma met Prime Minister of Uganda Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda Vibhushan on the President of the Republic of Djibouti and Foreign Ministers of Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone Ismail Omar Guelleh in March 2019. and Equatorial Guinea on the sidelines of UNGA.

EAM also met Deputy Foreign Minister of Cameroon on the margins of NAM meeting.
India has been contributing troops including military observers and police personnel for MONUSCO (UN Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo).

At present, The high-level political engagements were supported by 2,614 Indian personnel are deployed with MONUSCO.

regular meetings of institutional mechanisms, including On the HADR front, Operation Sahayata was conducted at the Ministerial level.
India hosted the second Joint in Mozambique in March-April 2019 rescuing over 204 Commission Meeting (JCM) with Kenya (March 2019).

people and providing medical assistance to over 3500.

Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan led a delegation for the CII-EXIM Bank Regional Conclave on India-Southern Africa Project Partnership Conclave in Lusaka in October 2019.
The official level engagements included the first Foreign Office Consultations (FOCs) with Botswana in May 2019 in New Delhi and FOCs with Lesotho and South Africa in October 2019.

The 9th meeting of India-Kenya Joint Trade Committee was held in August 2019.

The period witnessed enhanced defence and security engagement with the region and a focus on maritime cooperation.
During the first ever visit of Raksha Mantri (RM) to Mozambique in July 2019, MoU on Hydrography and MoU on Sharing of White Shipping Information were signed.

RM gifted two Fast Interceptor Boats for the use of Mozambican Navy.

During the visit of Defence Minister of Mozambique to India in November 2019, MoU on promoting maritime security in Mozambique Exclusive Economic Zone was signed.

The First India Africa Field Training Exercise IAFTX was held in March 2019.
India concluded a bilateral MoU on Defence Cooperation with Zambia in August 2019 and Comoros in October 2019.

We now have institutionalized Framework of Cooperation in the Defence Sector with all Indian Ocean littoral countries in East & Southern Africa.

On the economic front, our trade with Africa increased and diversified.

The current bilateral trade figures are US$ 69.7 billion which is an increase of nearly 12% over the previous year.
Our Missions in the region facilitated visits of several Indian business delegations and organised trade fairs, Buyer-Seller Meets and exhibitions.

India-Africa Regional Economic Conclaves were held in Zambia (Southern Africa) and Egypt (Northern Africa).

A delegation from African Union visited India in September 2019 for the review meeting of the Strategic Cooperation Framework of India-Africa-Forum Summit III.
The delegation along with IAFS Committee of Resident Africa HOMs evaluated the progress made in achieving various targets set out by the leaders during IAFS-III.

The meeting welcomed the tremendous enhancement of overall engagement between India and Africa.

The AU Delegation acknowledged the progress made by the Indian side on the status of implementation of various commitments made under IAFS-III through Lines of Credit, Grants and capacity building initiatives.
The Meeting welcomed the status of implementation provided by Indian side, particularly the fact that more than US$ 6.3 billion under the Indian Lines of Credit have been committed /ongoing out of the overall IAFS-III commitment of US$ 10 billion, that 22 Annual Report 2019-20 an amount of more than US$ 700 million has already The focus on cooperation in the health and been committed/ongoing as grant assistance thereby pharmaceutical sector was maintained with gifting exceeding the target of US$ 600 million set out in IAFS- of medicines and medical equipment, including III for grant assistance, and the completion of more Bhabhatron and ambulances, etc.
India continued than 40,000 slots for training, scholarship and capacity to assist African countries by grant-assistance building out of the total commitment of 50,000 slots (medicines, books, vehicles etc.

), Lines of Credit, in IAFS-III.


During his visit in January 2020 to Niamey, Republic of Niger, EAM along with President of Niger, H. E. Mahamadou Issoufou jointly inaugurated the Mahatma technical consultancy, disaster relief, humanitarian aid, scholarship for higher education and a range of capacity building programmes including short term civilian and military training courses.
Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC), a To make the movement of Indian and African people spacious, modern and eco-friendly facility, including a easier, e-Visa facility was expanded to cover 33 2000 capacity Plenary Hall, to witness high-level and countries from Africa.

In 2019-20, Air connectivity with wide-ranging participation from AU Member States the region increased with resumption of Air India flight and other high level Conventions.
This is the first in Nairobi-Mumbai sector in November 2019 as well as centre to be established in Africa by India to honour direct flights from Dar es Salaam by Air Tanzania and the memory of Mahatma Gandhi whose 150th birth new connectivity between Addis Ababa and Bengaluru anniversary was observed in 2019.

EAM also visited by Ethiopian Airlines.

Tunisia in January 2020.


During the period, several scholarship/fellowship With the opening of a new resident Mission in schemes/training programmmes were offered to the Mbabane, Eswatini in August 2019, India has expanded students and officials from the region under Indian its presence in East and Southern Africa.

Dignitaries Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships, ITEC from Africa participated in the second Assembly of initiatives and under IAFS.
We continued with trilateral International Solar Alliance (October 2019).

training programmes for African candidates with USA During 2019-20, India signed 7 MoUs with Zambia; 6 with Comoros and 4 with Mozambique.

Malawi and Uganda joined e-VidyaBharti and e-ArogyaBharti Project.

EUROPE AND EUROPEAN UNION in the area of Agriculture and UN Peacekeeping under India for Humanity Programme for Ethiopia.
The year saw a further deepening of bilateral relations Joseph Borrell, EU High Representative/Vice President- between India and the European Union (EU).

The designate for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on 23 trend of high-level exchanges continued with several November 2019 on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign important visits from India, including the visit of External Ministers’ meeting in Nagoya and deliberated on future Affairs Minister.

The India-EU Strategic Partnership India-EU ties.


Review Meeting was also held on 8 November 2019 in New Delhi in preparation for the 15th India-EU Summit.
Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Brussels on 30 August 2019 and met the President of Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, met Mr. the European Parliament Mr. David Maria Sassoli, EU 23 Introduction and SynopsIs High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security European Commission co-chaired the 5th High Level Policy Ms. Federica Mogherini and EU Commissioner Dialogue on Migration and Mobility (HLDMM) between for Humanitarian Aid & Crisis Management Mr. Christos India and the European Union in New Delhi on 11 July Stylianides and exchanged views on bilateral, regional, 2019.
The discussions at the meeting encompassed a global and multilateral issues.

Dr. S. Jaishankar and Ms. Federica Mogherini also wide range of issues of mutual interest in the context of migration and mobility along the India-EU corridor.
met on 1 August 2019 on the sidelines of the East The annual meeting of the India-EU Sub Commission on Asia Summit in Bangkok, and again on 27 September Trade was held in Brussels on 4 July 2019 co-Chaired 2019 on the sidelines of the United Nations General by Ms Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Joint Secretary, DoC and Assembly.
Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey participated in the Global Vaccination Summit 2019 organised by the European Commission, in cooperation with the World Health Organisation, on 12 September 2019.

During his intervention, Shri Choubey described the ways in which the Government of India was strengthening primary healthcare and rolling out one of the largest vaccination programmes in history consisting of seven vaccines.
The India-EU Strategic Partnership Review Meeting was held on 8 November 2019 in New Delhi.

The Indian side was led by Smt.

Vijay Thakur Singh, Secretary (East), and the EU side by Mr. Christian Leffler, Deputy Secretary General, European External Action Service.

The meeting covered the entire spectrum of the India-EU relationship with a view to identify areas to strengthen cooperation as well as possible deliverables at the 15th India-EU Summit likely to take place in early 2020.
Both sides recognized the need to fully realize the untapped potential of the Strategic Partnership.

They also expressed commitment to increase the engagement including in the areas of Digital Economy, Mr. Peter Berz, Acting Director, Directorate General of Trade, European Commission.

The Sub Commission reviewed the reports of the Joint Working Groups under its purview such as Pharmaceuticals, SPS/ TBT (Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary/Technical Barriers to Trade), Agriculture & Marine Products, etc.
It also discussed trade related issues such as GSP (Generalised System of Preference), Market access issues, data protection, IPR (Intellectual Property Rights), steel, regulatory measures affecting trade on both sides, etc.
The 12th annual meeting of the India-EU Joint Working Group on ICT (Information and Communication Technology) took place in Brussels on 12-13 September 2019 which was co-Chaired by Shri Rajiv Kumar, Joint Secretary, MeitY, and Mr Gerard De Graaf, Director, Directorate General of Communications Networks, Content and Technology, European Commission.
The discussions focused on Telecommunications, including market issues, 5G, Cyber security, Research & Innovation, Personal data protection, AI (Artificial Intelligence), Supercomputing Quantum, Standardisation, etc.

An EU-India Business Dialogue was also organized by Digital Europe and NASSCOM on 12 September 2019.

Climate Change and cooperation at multilateral Ministry of Railways and the European Commission forums.
Shri Sanjiv Arora, Secretary (Consular, Passport & Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs) and Ms. Paraskevi Michou, Director General (Migration and Home Affairs), (Directorate General of Mobility and Transport) signed an Administrative Arrangement on Cooperation in the field of Railways on 3 September 2019.
In pursuance to this, both sides held a Technical Seminar on 19 November 2019 in New Delhi with the participation 24 Annual Report 2019-20 of European Commission officials and industry and constitute groupings like the Visegrád Group representatives.

(Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia) which The EU is India’s largest regional trading partner while is a robust force within the EU.

India is the EU’s 9th largest trading partner.


India’s During the year 2019, close to 20 high level exchanges bilateral trade in goods with the EU in 2018 stood took place giving relations a further boost.

EAM at €91.5 billion ($107.97 billion) comprising India’s visited Poland and Hungary in August 2019, Finland exports to the EU at €45.8 billon ($54.0 billion) and in September 2019 and Serbia in November 2019. imports at €45.7 billion ($53.9 billion).
India’s bilateral The presence of three HOS/HOGs at the recently trade for the period January-September 2019 with the concluded Vibrant Gujarat Summit from CE countries EU stood at €68.6 billion ($75.46 billion).

was testament to our growing economic cooperation.

India’s bilateral trade in services with the EU in 2018 was €36 billion ($42.5 billion) comprising India’s India – CE economic engagement is multi-faceted, broad based and complementary.
The CE countries exports at €19.3 billion ($22.7 billion) and imports at have great potential in several fields such as IT &ITES, €16.7 billion ($19.7 billion).

EU is India’s largest source of FDI.

During the period April 2000 to June 2019, FDI equity inflows from the EU to India totalled $100.35 billion, which is about 23% of the total FDI.

Central Europe The Central Europe Division of MEA looks after bilateral relations with 30 countries from the region.
Bilateral relations with some of the CE countries are rooted in cultural ties.

Prominent Indian figures such as Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi are highly revered in the CE countries.

During a recent visit of our President to Switzerland, he unveiled the bust of Mahatma Gandhi.

Politically, India’s relations with all the countries are free from any major bilateral irritants.
Most of them support India at international and multilateral fora including India’s permanent membership to the UNSC and NSG.

Over the past decade or so, particularly after the countries in the region stabilized, joined the EU, and found their own niche capabilities, relations have deepened.

Their expanding global presence has in recent years attracted the attention of many countries.
Within the EU, the CE countries have a strong voice Pharmaceuticals, Artificial Intelligence, e-governance, renewable energy that resonate with India’s growing demand in these areas.

The 5th edition of IE29BF concluded in 2019 saw good participation from CE countries.

These countries look to India as a desirable destination for future cooperation and investments.
Western Europe India’s engagement with countries in Europe West including European Union, France, Germany, UK,Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Netherlands, Andorra and Monaco witnessed an upswing during the fiscal 2019- 2020.

This year was marked with a series of high level political visits which deepened the existing bilateral relationship between India and West European countries including the European Union (EU).
The trend of high-level exchanges continued with several important visits from India, including the visit of Prime Minister for the G7 Summit in France and visits by External Affairs Minister to these countries.

Raksha Mantri received the first Rafale fighter aircraft at the handing over ceremony in Paris on 08 Oct 2019.

This year also witnessed India hosting German Chancellor Angela Merkel along with her cabinet and business delegation on 1 Nov. 2019 for the 5th Inter-Governmental Consultations.
During which 22 25 Introduction and SynopsIs Agreements/MoUs were signed in multi-faceted areas a Special Session on India, which highlighted India’s of cooperation.

EAM visited United Kingdom in 11 July 2019 to participate in the 19th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting and held bilateral meetings with his interests in the Mediterranean and the Gulf region, as well as India’s role in the changing global environment.
From Netherlands it was the first State Visit by King and Queen in Oct 2019, which was was followed by a counterparts from UK and some other Commonwealth visit By EAM.

Monaco Prince Albert II of Monaco paid member countries.

The India-EU Strategic Partnership Review Meeting was held on 8 November 2019 in New Delhi in preparation for the 15th India-EU Summit.

EU continues to be India’s largest regional trading partner while India is the EU’s 9th largest trading partner.
India’s bilateral trade an official visit on February 5, 2019 which provided an opportunity to review progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss ways to further expand the multi-faceted partnership in areas of mutual interest.
Prime Minister of Portugal Mr Antonio Costa was on a working visit from 19-20 Dec on an invitation extended in goods with the EU in 2018 stood at €91.5 billion by Prime Minister Modi to attend the second meeting ($107.97 billion) comprising India’s exports to the EU of the Organising Committee on the celebrations for at €45.8 billon ($54.0 billion) and imports at €45.7 the 150th Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on billion ($53.9 billion).
With Italy, the momentum generated by the visits of Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni in 2017 and Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in 2018 continued during 19 Dec 2019.

The Organising Committee meeting was presided over by President of India.

This was followed by the visit by the Portugal President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousain Feb 2020.
2019, with regular exchange of high-level visits and Overall, India’s engagement with the countries in various initiatives in the political, economic, scientific and cultural fields.
EAM attended the 5th edition of the Mediterranean Dialogues (December 2019) organized Europe West has been further deepened with enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, science and technology, civil nuclear cooperation, by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International space, defence, urban management including Smart Cooperation, in collaboration with the Italian Institute Cities, student exchanges and tourism flows.

for International Political Studies (ISPI).


EAM addressed THE AMERICAS North America India and the United States (U.S.) continued to expand and develop the multifaceted ties between the two nations.

There was significant progress in bilateral cooperation in areas such as defence, security, counter- terrorism, energy, science & technology, and people-to- people ties.
Regular interaction at the leadership level continued to provide guidance and vision for taking forward the India-U.S. Strategic Partnership.

Meetings at the Ministerial levels and high-level dialogue mechanisms such as EAM’s vist to the US and Canada ( in December 2019) and the India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue played an instrumental role in developing the framework for future cooperation as well as expansion of ties in various areas of mutual interest.
Aided by the growing convergence on strategic perspectives between the two sides, the India-U.S. Strategic Partnership is playing an increasingly important role 26 Annual Report 2019-20 in enhancing regional and global peace, security, and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, accompanied by stability.

Latin America Relations with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, comprising 33 countries from South & Central America and the Caribbean, gained momentum in 2019-20.
The momentum is an acknowledgment of the fact that India increasingly views LAC countries as a significant partner in its own economic growth trajectory.

India’s trade with the region reached US$40 billion in 2019.

The historic-cultural linkages binding us with a vibrant and dynamic Indian diaspora of nearly 1 million in the Caribbean were buttressed further.

The first ever India-CARICOM Leaders’ meeting at PM level was held in September 2019 on the sidelines of UNGA.
The meeting underscored India’s firm commitment to strengthen its political, economic and cultural engagement with CARICOM.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent & the Grenadines Mr. Ralph E. Gonsalves became the first Head of the Government from St. Vincent & the Grenadines to visit India on an official visit when he visited India in September 2019.

Earlier Rashtrapatiji visited Chile in April 2019.

PM visited Brazil to attend the BRICS Summit in November 2019 in Brasilia.
India’s engagement with LAC countries at the regional and multilateral levels gained impetus.

Many LAC countries supported India’s candidatures to various international bodies and vice versa.

UNITED NATIONS, INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND LEGAL AND TREATIES DIVISION External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of State for External Affairs Shri V Muraleedharan and other senior officials, led the Indian delegation to the High-Level Segment of the UNGA in September 2019.
PM attended high level meetings viz.

Climate Action Summit, High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage, and the Leaders’ Dialogue on Strategic Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narratives.

PM also announced the launch of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the initiative of the “Leadership Group”, an outcome of the Industry- Transition Track that India co-led with Sweden as part of the Climate Action Summit.
PM also met with leaders of Pacific Islands Developing States and the CARICOM leaders on the sidelines.

India also hosted an event to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

India hosted the 14th Conference of Parties (CoP14) of the United Nation Convention to Combat Desertification in Delhi in September, 2019 at which Deputy Secretary General Ms. Amina Mohammad participated.
High level engagement continued with the High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Michelle Bachelet on various human rights issues.

Shri Narender Singh Tomar led the Indian delegation to the Governing Body meeting of International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, in November 2019 at FAO Rome.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, led the delegation to the 108th Centenary Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), held in Geneva from 10-21 June, 2019.

The 72nd World Health Assembly (WHA) session took place in Geneva from 20-28 May 2019 at which WHA appointed the Comptroller & Auditor General of India as the external auditor of WHO for the four- India continued its high-level engagement with the year period 2020-23.
India was re-elected to the United Nations in line with the central role that the Councils of International Civil Aviation Organization, institution plays in the world order.

of International Maritime Organization and of Food 27 Introduction and SynopsIs & Agriculture Organization during the year.

India was international security and has developed a strong also elected to the Executive Board of UN-Habitat.
and credible narrative based on its experiences and India actively participated in various meetings of the engagements in various regional and multilateral UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

India forums.

India’s stand on disarmament issues was also remained actively engaged with the Global Forum guided by its national security interests and tradition on Migration and Development (GFMD) as a member of close engagement with the international community of its Steering Group.
The 43rd session of the World to promote cooperative efforts in dealing with global Heritage Committee was held in Baku Convention challenges in an evolving geostrategic environment.

Centre from 30 June to10 July 2019.

The Walled City of Jaipur got inscribed in the representative list of the World Heritage site during the Session taking the total number of Indian sites inscribed to 38.
Other international organisations Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu led the Indian delegation to the 18th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held in Baku, Azerbaijan on 25-26 October, 2019.
EAM participated in the NAM Ministerial Meeting In 2019, India continued to play an active role in various multilateral forums on disarmament and international security affairs in pursuance of its commitment to the goal of universal and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament as well as general and complete disarmament.

MULTILATERAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS held in Baku, Azerbaijan on 23 -24 October 2019.
EAM also participated in the Commonwealth Foreign BRICS Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) held in London during 9-11 July 2019.

Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, President for the 74th session of UNGA visited New Delhi from 1-4 September 2019.

Hon.

Lok Sabha Speaker led Indian delegation to the 141st Session of the IPU held in Belgrade from 13-17 October 2019.

India proposed an emergency item on the theme ‘Addressing Climate Change’ which was unanimously adopted by all member states of IPU.
DISARMAMENT AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS Global peace and security hinges upon a robust disarmament, non-proliferation and international security architecture.

India has been actively engaged in the field of disarmament, non-proliferation and Prime Minister led the India’s delegation to the Eleventh BRICS Summit that was held on 13&14 November 2019 in Brasilia under the theme “BRICS: Economic Growth for an Innovative Future”.
At the Summit, the Leaders discussed global financial and security situation, countering terrorism, climate change, sustainable development, reform of the multilateral system, reform of World Trade Organisation (WTO) and institutions of international governance, ways to promote Intra-BRICS cooperation including in science & technology, trade, health, information and communication technology, people-to-people exchanges.
BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank also presented their reports to the Leaders at the Summit.

The outcomes of the Summit included the Brasilia Declaration in which strong sentiments were expressed by BRICS Leaders on Terrorism.

BRICS Leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

They recalled the responsibility of all States to prevent the menace of 28 Annual Report 2019-20 terrorist networks and actions from their countries.
BRICS Leaders also held their customary informal Meeting on the margins of the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan on 28 June 2019.

The Leaders held discussions on agenda of G20 meeting and also exchanged views on a wide range of global political, security, economic and global governance issues of importance and mutual concern.

G 20 Prime Minister led the Indian delegation to the Fourteenth G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan on 28 & 29 June 2019.
The themes of G20 Summit were “Global Economy”, “Trade and Investment”, “Innovation”, “Environment and Energy”, “Employment”, “Women’s empowerment”, “Development” and “Health”, to BIMSTEC, SAARC AND NALANDA Activities under BIMSTEC served as a visible input into India’s ‘Nieghbourhood First Policy’ and ‘Act East’ policies.

Presence of BIMSTEC leaders at the government’s swearing-in ceremony in May 2019 reinforced the growing stature of BIMSTEC in the region.
Nalanda University made steady progress in developing its infrastructure and academic programmes.

DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION Ensure Global Sustainable Development.

The G20 Development partnerships hold an important place Leaders issued a Communiqué (the G20Osaka Leaders’ in India’s external engagement, particularly with Declaration) at the Summit.
IBSA A meeting of the IBSA Foreign Ministers was held on the margins of 74th United Nations General Assembly in New York on 26 September 2019.. EAM Shri S. Jaishankar Chaired the Meeting.

The IBSA Joint Statement on the Reform of the Multilateral System, calling for promoting the reform of the multilateral system through cooperation and coordination in all relevant multilateral fora and international organizations was issued on the occasion.
G7 Summit, Biarritz, France reference to our immediate neighbourhood under the Government’s ‘Neighborhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies.

While India’s development cooperation initiatives have a long and enduring history, the nature and spread of such development assistance has, in recent years, expanded both geographically and sectorally.

India’s development cooperation aligns with the development priorities of its partner countries.
Eight years after the creation of the Development Partnership Administration (DPA) wing of the Ministry of External Affairs, greater institutional coherence and focus has been brought to the Government’s development initiatives with foreign countries including in project delivery and implementation.
India’s Prime Minister participated in the G7 Summit held development assistance model that gives primacy in Biarritz, France on 26 August 2019, as ‘Partners to the needs and priorities of the host country has of Goodwill - Biarritz Partner’.

At the Summit, Prime made India a valuable partner in their developmental Minister was the lead speaker in the session on digital growth journeys.
The focus of India’s developmental transformation, where he highlighted India’s success in assistance is on sharing the Indian experience, building the field of digital and financial inclusion.

capacities, investing in people, creating critical infrastructure and enhancing connectivity with our 29 Introduction and SynopsIs extended neighbourhood.
Government of India’s Humanitarian assistance was rendered by India to grant assistance includes infrastructure creation that DPRK by supplying food and anti-TB medicine kits.

span various sectors such as railway links, roads & Medical assistance was also provided to other countries bridges, waterways, border-related infrastructure, including Namibia, El-Salvador and Zimbabwe.

transmission lines, power generation, hydropower etc.
Capacity building, education, healthcare, agriculture and community development are some other sectors where India is partnering with neighbouring countries.

In an effort to broaden our development cooperation to include culture and heritage conservation projects, the Ministry set up a dedicated division within the DPA in January 2020.
This Division would undertake During 2019-20, around 12000 civilian training slots development partnerships abroad for culture and were offered to 160 partner countries under the heritage conservation projects; collaborate with Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) international and national institutions for the purpose Programme.
These capacity building courses also of museology, temple restoration, manuscript included especially designed courses and training preservation and intangible cultural heritage programmes in a variety of disciplines, based on specific preservation; and develop and disseminate a repository requests from partner countries.

of information in this area.


A comprehensive review of ITEC programme has led to various new initiatives including introduction of new modalities like e-ITEC, ITEC-Onsite and ITEC Executive, enhanced facilities to participants, inclusion of new premier institutes like IITs & IIMs, partnership with private institutions, increased social media outreach, launch of new logo for ITEC, etc.
ITEC also includes capacity building cooperation with friendly foreign countries in defence areas by offering more than 2000 slots for officers and men from their defence forces.

In addition, the ITEC programme also covered deputation of Indian experts abroad to share India’s expertise and development experience in the areas chosen and requested by partner contries.
Various projects to establish infrastructural facilities with technology and skill meeting the requirement of partner countries were undertaken, especially in the areas of capacity building such as Centres of Excellence in Information Technology (IT), Vocational Training Centres and Business Incubation Centres for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and Archaeological and Heritage Conservation Project.
ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY AND STATES The ED & States Division as part of its efforts to give a focused direction to the economic diplomacy dimension of the country’s foreign policy undertook a number of initiatives during 2019-20.
The Division’s efforts were to ensure greater coordination between the MEA, GOI line ministries / departments, State governments, business and industry chambers and Missions / Posts abroad with the objective of enhancing India’s exports, open new business opportunities for Indian enterprises overseas, enhance India’s economic engagement in the immediate neighborhood and beyond, attract greater investments, promote tourism, and promote FDI into India.
To enable the Indian Missions / Posts to intensify their economic engagement with the countries of their accreditation, ED & States Division under its “Market Expansion Activities” budget has extended funding to the tune of Rs.

10 crores.
10 crores.

The funding has been utilized 30 Annual Report 2019-20 to help promote Indian exports through catalogue shows and buyer-seller meets, engage consultants to prepare market studies, organize business seminars to attract foreign investments, and undertake advocacy work to promote interests of Indian enterprises seeking business opportunities overseas.
GLOBAL CYBER ISSUES, E-GOVERNANCE AND IT The Ministry has consistently pursued a focused approach to optimize Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) initiatives for harnessing the The Division facilitated external economic engagement dividends of Digital India.
This has also resulted in of states through the network of Missions and Posts proportionate growth of IT assets in the Ministry abroad and Branch Secretariats and Regional Passport and ever increasing dependency and reliance on IT Offices in India.

Missions and posts conducted state applications, thereby necessitating the management facilitation activities through State Facilitation Abroad of cyber threats.

The EG&IT Division has been taking fund.


Liaising with the state and UT governments steps to implement different components of Digital through regular interactions with their Resident India Programme in the Ministry and all Missions/ Commissioners continued and progress was made Posts abroad.

Four Mission Mode Projects of e-Kranti on the initiative of allotment of states to IFS officers, (fourth pillar of Digital India Programme) namely in collaboration with state government authorities.
e-office, e-procurement, Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Facilitation of MoUs between state governments registration and Tracking System (IVFRT) and Passport and cities with their foreign counterparts to establish Seva Projects (PSP) are presently operational in the sister-state and city partnerships was also done by the Ministry and Missions/Posts abroad.

A number of division.


COUNTER TERRORISM The issue of terrorism found prominent mention in various bilateral and multilateral meetings at all levels in the wake of various incidents of terrorism that occurred in different parts of the world during the year.

During all such interactions, India reiterated its commitment to combating the menace at global level and strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
India continued to hold structured consultations through the Joint Working Groups on Counter Terrorism with various partner countries.

During the year 2019, India held CT dialogues with China, France, Canada, USA, Australia, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Russia, UK, Germany and participated in the BRICS Counter Terrorism Working Group meeting.
e-governance and automation projects have been also undertaken by the MEA in consonance with aim and objectives of Digital India such as e-political clearance system, Integrated Missions Accounting System (IMAS), portal for scholarship programme for Diaspora children, Admission to Alumini (A2A) ICCR scholarships programme, Know India Programme, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, .

The MEA Performance Monitoring Dashboard has been launched on 14 August 2019.
The dashboard is created on three target areas capturing all major schemes programmes and initiatives of Ministry with many major indicators sliced and diced across five clusters (Diaspora Engagement, Development partnership, International engagement, Trade & Commerce & Citizen services).

In addition to steering of e-governance projects, Ministry has also consistently pursued a focused approach to manage and mitigate over growing challenges of cyber security.
Cyber Diplomacy Division was established as an independent division in MEA In June 2017 to deal 31 Introduction and SynopsIs intensively and exclusively on cyber related issues.

endorsement by major countries like the US, the UK, The Division deals with international cyber-issues Germany and Japan.

The PPR division was also able to both at bilateral and multilateral levels.
The main establish itself as the key division, leading the Ministry’s objective of such engagements is to safeguard India’s policy-oriented efforts in emerging issues like the Cyber interests, while following a multi-stakeholder Arctic, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

approach.
approach.

Cyber Diplomacy division initiated actions as the nodal point for discussions on cyber security issues, data protection laws and internet governance in consultation with other agencies like NSCS, MHA, Meity, CERT-In, National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), DRDO, DoT etc during the period of 2014 till date.
During this period, PPR Division also provided substantial administrative guidance to the functioning of autonomous bodies (i.e., the RIS and the ICWA) constituted under the mandate of the Division.

Significant improvements in the procurement of books and journals and subscriptions to international newspapers and databases were also achieved during this period.
POLICY PLANNING AND RESEARCH (INCLUDING BOUNDARY CELL AND LIBRARY) PROTOCOL In 2019, Protocol Division handled 100 incoming/ outgoing visits at the level of Head of State, Vice President, Head of Government and Foreign Minister The Policy Planning And Research Division of the (as on 18 December 2019).
Ministry continued its mandate of providing the Ministry’s strategic interface with the global and domestic strategic community, by means of organizing flagship conferences, smaller conferences all over India and support to various think tanks and academic institutions for the conduct of policy-oriented research of interest to the Ministry.
The Division also carried out analyses of global geopolitical developments, more detailed studies of specific issues as well as assessments of the likely trend of international relations in the near future; it conducted policy planning dialogues with partner countries.
The Division played a significant role in spear-heading Government of India’s global efforts in setting up the Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, not only by by providing diplomatic outreach support, but also substantial policy inputs towards its final legal form and structure.
Within a short span of a year, PPR Division was able to take the idea of the CDRI from the drawing board stage to launch at the UN and formal Protocol also coordinated participation of 6 Foreign Ministers in RAISINA Dialogue in January 2019, 11 Foreign Ministers and 07 former HoS/HoG for RAISINA 2020, 8 HOSs/HOGs in Swearing-in-Ceremony of the Prime Minister in May 2019 and Foreign Minister of Indonesia and other dignitaries in XI Delhi Dialogue in December 2019.
CONSULAR PASSPORT AND VISA SERVICES The issuance of passports has emerged as one of the most noticeable statutory and citizen-centric services rendered by the Ministry.

The Ministry has been making quantitative and qualitative changes so that passports can be delivered to the citizens in a timely, transparent, more accessible, reliable manner and in a comfortable environment through streamlined processes and by a committed, trained and motivated workforce.
32 Annual Report 2019-20 Indian passports (together with other travel documents countries of destination in the Gulf region and also on such as Certificate of Identity to Stateless persons, migration and mobility related issues with countries, Emergency Certificates for returnees to India, Police including France, Germany, Denmark and the EU.
Clearance Certificates, Surrender Certificates, Line of Control Travel Permits in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir) are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs through the Central Passport Organization (CPO) and its all-India network of 36 Passport Offices, the CPV Division (only Diplomatic and Official passports) and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration.
This network has been vastly expanded by adding 93 Passport Seva Kendras (PSK) in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode and 424 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK) (in association with the Department of Posts) as extended arms of these 36 Passport Offices.

The total number of Passport Seva Kendras functioning in the country was 517 as on 31 December, 2019 including PSK and POPSK.

For Indians living abroad, passports and Emergency Certificates are being rendered by 192 Indian Missions/ Posts abroad.
OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS The welfare and protection of Indian workers abroad is among the highest priorities of the Ministry.

Significant efforts have been madetowards ensuring a safe, orderly, legal and humane migration process.

Ministry has further strengthened the eco-system that supports migrant workers in all stages of migration cycle including pre-departure, in countries of destination as well as on return.
This includes setting up of a broad-based institutional framework for welfare and protection of migrant workers and awareness generation through Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) programmes.

It is important that migrant workers should migrate safely with an enhanced skills set.
The message being: “Surakshit Jaaye, Prasikshit Jaaye, Vishwas ke Saath Jaaaye.” Steps have been taken to strengthen cooperation on man power and labour issues with COORDINATION AND PARLIAMENT The Parliament Division is the Ministry’s interface with Parliament and the nodal point for all Parliament related work of this Ministry.
The Division organized meetings of the Consultative Committee on External Affairs and coordinated the work relating to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs and Ministry’s interaction with other Parliamentary Committees.

The Coordination Division coordinated the interaction between the Ministry and other Government of India ministries, State Governments/Union Territories, and also autonomous bodies and private institutions, including NGOs.
The Division handled political clearances for official/private visits abroad of ministers, elected representatives, judiciary, and government officials.
It also processed clearances for organising conferences/seminars/workshops in India involving foreign participation, sports tournaments in India in which foreign participants were invited and sports tournaments abroad in which Indian participants were invited, landing/overflight clearances of foreign military flights, visit of foreign naval ships, conversion of Student visa into Research visa with respect to foreign students studying in India and foreign scholars coming to India for field visits/ training/inspection etc.
in various institutions.

The Education Section of the Ministry dealt with the selection, nomination and admission of foreign students from 57 friendly neighbouring and developing countries for MBBS, BDS, MD/MS, B.

Arch., BE, B. Pharmacy, and Diploma courses in Engineering in various institutions in India under the Self Financing 33 Introduction and SynopsIs Scheme against seats allocated to this Ministry by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Ministry of Human Resource Development.
Persecuted religious minority migrants from Bangladesh and Pakistan based in India are also offered seats under this scheme.

Monitoring Cell has been tasked with coordinating the review of MOUs/Agreements signed with foreign countries with Ministries/Departments concerned from the angle of their continued relevance and status.
ADMINISTRATION, ESTABLISHMENT AND FINANCE Adminstration Division is implementing the Ministry’s plans to open 25 new Indian diplomatic missions in Latin America, Indo-Pacific region, Europe and Africa, as part of an effort to expand diplomatic presence, promote economic opportunities, support Indian citizens, and outreach in respective regions.
The Global Estate Management Division continued to vigorously pursue its mandate to create capital assets for the Government through acquisition/construction of office and residential buildings for Indian Missions & Posts abroad and for the Ministry in India.
Establishment of Videsh Bhawans in the State Capitals was pursued with the aim of consolidating all the services provided by the Ministry and its subordinate offices, under one roof, for better delivery of service to the people of respective States/Union Territories and to enhance coordination between the State Administration and the Ministry.
Several acquisition projects were initiated, on–going construction/renovation projects were completed and work on several new construction/renovation projects commenced.

EXTERNAL PUBLICITY External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division has swiftly adapted to India’s rising global profile and rapidly evolving communications environment through responsive and focused outreach to the domestic and global audience.
This has been achieved through our extensive engagement with the media and expanding India’s public diplomacy footprint both at home and abroad and leveraging social media and other modern tools to maximise the outcome.
In 2019, the Division promoted three special initiatives of public diplomacy – School and MEA Engagement Programme (SAMEEP) – outreach to students by the alumni of that school belonging to the Indian Foreign Service, Videsh Aaya Pradesh ke Dwaar – a focused engagement with the regional media in different cities across India and ‘Bharat Ek Parichay – a corner for books on India in libraries of educational institutions abroad.
On the Press relations front, the Division launched a new initiative called ‘India Beyond Headlines’ – a familiarization programme for foreign journalists based in India with a view to providing them an understanding of India on a range of topics.

XPD Division was the nodal point for the celebrations of the 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Division supported several activities organised by our Missions and Posts abroad to celebrate the occasion.
An Anthology on ‘What Gandhi Means to Me’ was brought out on the occasion with contributions from high-profile personalities across the world.

The Division played an important role in the celebration of the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

In a novel initiative, a LED film on Guru Nanak’s teachings was commissioned and projected in different cities across the world.
These efforts played a critical role in projecting India’s foreign 34 Annual Report 2019-20 policy as proactive, effective and people-centric, while complementing efforts to raise India’s stature in the world.

INDIAN COUNCIL OF CULTURAL RELATIONS OFFICIAL LANGUAGE AND PROPAGATION OF HINDI ABROAD Implementation of official language policy of Government of India is a priority for the Ministry.

Towards this, Ministry has a comprehensive scheme for promotion and propagation of Hindi abroad.
World Hindi Conference and Regional Hindi Conferences are organized regularly.

Hindi Diwas on 14 September and World Hindi Day on 10 January are celebrated every year.

Hindi Pakhwada, during which various Hindi competitions are held to mark Hindi Diwas.

The Ministry has instituted Atal Bhashantar Yojana (ABY) for training language experts towards creating a pool of Specialized Interpreters.
FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE The scope and number of training programmes at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) continued to expand in 2019.

New training courses such as for officials of Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) were introduced.

Indian journalists underwent an orientation programme to give them exposure to foreign policy issues.

Comprehensive promotion-related training programmes and Stenography Test were started for MEA officials of the level of Section Officer and below.
On the training vertical for foreign diplomats, a record number of approx.

750 foreign diplomats were trained this year.

New initiatives of FSI included a quarterly newsletter Videsh Sewa.

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations, an autonomous body under Ministry of External Affairs runs 19 Regional Centres in India and 37 Cultural centres (including 2 centres in PPP model) in various countries abroad.
The year 2019-2020 had been a significant year for the Council, during which nearly 3940 scholarship slots were offered to foreign nationals from 131 countries under various schemes.
A total of 69 cultural troupes were sponsored to various countries, 30 performances by incoming cultural delegations were organised, 29 bronze busts of Mahatma Gandhi were installed in 40 countries, besides many other activities including the celebration of Indian Council for Cultural Relations Foundation Day for the first time and celebration of 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
INDIAN COUNCIL OF WORLD AFFAIRS The ICWA continued to accord high priority to research and study of political, economic and security developments in Asia, Africa, Europe, United States, Latin America and Caribbean, and the wider global geo-strategic environment.

The conclusions were disseminated in the form of Sapru House Papers, Issue Briefs, Policy Briefs and Viewpoints, Discussion Papers, Shodh Lekh which were published on the ICWA website.
Further, ICWA continued the process of translating its academic outputs in Hindi which are regularly posted on its website.

Efforts are under way to revamp the Council’s website to make it more user friendly.

It is now available both in Hindi and English.

ICWA has also opened its library for general public and membership rules have been eased.
In lines with its 35 Introduction and SynopsIs mandate ICWA conducted a large number of lectures, The focus of the work programme is on South-South discussions, conferences, think tank dialogues and Cooperation and the Institute collaborates with outreach activities.

RESEARCH AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES developing countries in multilateral negotiations in various forums.
RIS continues to be engaged across intergovernmental processes of several regional economic cooperation initiatives.

RIS seeks to strengthen policy coherence on international economic issues and the development partnership canvas through its intensive network of think tanks.
Research and Information System for Developing As part of this mandate, some of the major events Countries (RIS), a New Delhi–based autonomous and conferences organized by RIS in 2019 were : Think-Tank specialises in issues related to international investment and economic development, trade, Delhi Process Fifth Conference on South-South and Triangular Cooperation; the Sixth India, Brazil, South technology.
RIS is envisioned as a forum for fostering Africa (IBSA) Academic Forum in Kochi; a special De- effective policy dialogue and capacity-building among Briefing Session on G20 Osaka Summit by G 20 Sherpa developing countries on global and regional economic Shri Suresh Prabhu; and a multi-session High-Level issues.

Political Forum 2019.

36 Annual Report 2019-20 1 India' s Neighbours AFGHANISTAN As a contiguous neighbour to Afghanistan, India has 2019 in Bishkek on the sidelines of the SCO Summit.
an abiding interest in the peace, security and stability Earlier, Afghan President made a telephone call to of Afghanistan.

India and Afghanistan enjoy a deep Prime Minister to congratulate him on his re-election rooted, historic, cultural and wide spectrum strategic in May 2019.

Both sides expressed determination relationship, which witnessed all round development, to strengthen bilateral strategic partnership.

On strengthening and deepening in the last one year.
December 24, Prime Minister congratulated President This was reflected in continued high level bilateral Ghani on the successful conduct of Presidential engagements including in the areas of political, polls and announcement of the preliminary results.

defence engagement, security, trade and investment, Prime Minister conveyed that India values the strong connectivity, development partnership, social & friendship with Afghanistan.

India will always support cultural issues, education and capacity building.
Afghanistan in their development needs and to fulfil High Level Exchanges The momentum of high level visits and engagements was maintained during the course of the year.

Prime Minister met President Ashraf Ghani on 13 June the aspirations of the Afghanistan’s people.
Among other exchanges, Vice President of India met President Dr. Ghani on the sidelines of NAM Summit, in Baku in October 2019; Speaker, Lok Sabha met Speaker of Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Afghan Parliament) Al- 38 Haj Mir Rahman RAHMANI during the Fourth South projects were completed in various provinces of Asian Speakers’ Summit in Male in September 2019; Afghanistan under the High Impact Community and Raksha Mantri met Chief Executive Dr Abdullah at Development Project (HICDP) scheme of Government SCO Council of Heads of Governments in Tashkent in of India.
November 2019.

As part of capacity building and human resource Visits of senior leaders from Afghanistan to India during training programme, 500 slots under the ITEC scheme the year include that of the former President Hamid Karzai in August 2019 and NSA Dr. Hamdullah Mohib in December 2019.

NSA Mohib and former President and 25 slots TCS Colombo Plan have been extended to Afghanistan in 2019-20.
A 1000 scholarships under the ICCR Special Scholarship scheme for Afghan Nationals Mr Karzai participated in the Raisina Dialogue in have been offered for undergraduates, Postgraduates January 2020.

Economic Cooperation and Connectivity The total bilateral trade between India and Afghanistan stood at US$ 1.5 billion.

Over 500 flights, have successfully ferried over 5000 tonnes of cargo through the dedicated Air Freight Corridor which was launched in 2017.
This has proven to be a big boost to Afghan exports to India and has directly benefited Afghan farmers, and small traders and exporters.

India and Afghanistan now aim to expand the Corridor to many other cities in both countries.

In September 2019, the Third Edition of India-Afghanistan Trade and Investment Show, ‘Passage to Prosperity’ was held in New Delhi with participation of 173 Afghan businessmen.

Trade deals worth US$ 33.6 millions were finalised.
Six MoUs were signed between India women and Afghan women-owned companies and organisations as a result of business to business meetings.

Afghanistan started its exports to India through Shahid Behesti Port, Chabahar.

The first consignment was shipped in February 2019.

Thereafter, five more consignments have been exported through Chabahar.

Developmental Cooperation Development cooperation remains one of the cornerstones of bilateral cooperation.
During the period between April - December 2019, 37 developmental and PhD courses.

Under the scholarship scheme for Children/Dependents of Martyrs of Afghan National Defence & Security Forces, 500 slots have been offered from the academic session 2018-19.

79 of thse slots have been utilised in Year 2018-19.

India carried out training programmes for Afghan officials in various fields for good governance.
This included training courses for the officials from Afghanistan National Statistics and Information Authority and Afghanistan Central Civil registration Authority that were organised in November and December 2019 by FRRO, Delhi, Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India and Unique Identification Authority of India.

These included study of system of registration of deaths and births, ADHAAR, census enumeration, immigration procedures, etc.
As a part of capacity building programme, training of the Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan Air Force (AAF) personnel in India continued across various training establishments of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

Third batch of 20 Afghan lady officers have undergone special training course at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai.
As part of cooperation with third countries for capacity building efforts in Afghanistan, second India- China joint training programme for Afghan diplomats was organised in November 2019.

39 India's Neighbours India has provided home ground for Afghan National Afghanistan in Samarkand in January 2019.

MoS Gen Cricket team in Lucknow.


A bilateral test cricket series (Retd) V. K. Singh represented India at the Eighth between Afghanistan and West Indies was played in Ministerial meeting of the Heart of Asia – Istanbul India, from 06 November - 01 December 2019.

The Process in Istanbul and called on President Dr. Ghani in series comprised of 3 One day Matches, 3 T-20s and December 2019; India participated at the SCO Contact One test match.
Other Bilateral Developments Extradition Treaty between the Republic of India and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan came into force on November 24, 2019.

A group of leading Afghan journalists from print and electronic media visited India in June 2019.

Group Meeting on Afghanistan held in Bishkek in April 2019; Deputy NSA Rajinder Khanna participated in the Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan held in Tehran in December 2019.
Special Envoys of the US, Germany, UK, EU, Uzbekistan and China on Afghanistan visited India during the year.

At various fora, India has voiced its support for a united, sovereign, democratic, peaceful, stable, prosperous and inclusive Afghanistan.

India unequivocally expressed Afghanistan opened its new Consulate in Hyderabad its support for all peace and reconciliations that are in January 2020.
This is in addition to their existing Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled; Embassy in New Delhi and Consulate in Mumbai.

protection and promotion of a constitutional order and inclusive democracy; preserving the gains of the last International Conferences on Afghanistan 18 years, including the rights of the minorities, women India has actively engaged the international community and participated in various international conferences and fora on Afghanistan.
India and Uzbekistan co- hosted the first Foreign Ministers level dialogue between India, the five central Asian Countries and and children.

India welcomed the successful conduct of Presidential election in Afghanistan in September 2019 amidst challenging circumstances and commended the people for reposing their faith in democratic governance.

BANGLADESH India was one of the first countries to recognize relations Bangladesh and establish diplomatic immediately after its independence in December 1971.
India- Bangladesh relationship is anchored in history, culture, language and shared values of secularism, democracy, and countless other commonalities between the two countries.

Both countries share an all-encompassing win-win partnership based on sovereignty, equality, trust and understanding that goes far beyond a strategic partnership.

Political and Visits India-Bangladesh bilateral relations were reinforced in 2019 with intense high level engagements at political and official level.
President of Bangladesh Md.

Abdul Hamid attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet members on 30 May 2019.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited New Delhi on an official visit from 03-06 October 2019.

Both the Prime Ministers also met in a high level event on celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on the sidelines of 74th session of 40 Annual Report 2019-20 the UN General Assembly in September 2019.
Prime In addition to the above high level visits and exchanges Minister Hasina and the Chief Minister of West Bengal between the two countries, there have also been Mamata Banerjee jointly inaugurated the historic pink various visits at senior official level for participating in ball test cricket match between India and Bangladesh various bilateral mechanisms.

The multi-dimensional in Kolkata on 22 November 2019.
These high level cooperation between the two countries ranges from visits charted the pathway for strengthening the traditional sectors of tourism, health and education multifaceted partnership between the two countries.

to frontier technologies of nuclear science, space and The two Prime Ministers jointly inaugurated four bilateral developmental projects in March 2019 in Bangladesh through video-conferencing including (i) information technology.
Ten MOUs/agreements for cooperation in various sectors were signed by the two countries on various occasions in 2019. supply of 500 trucks, 300 double decker buses and 200 The visit of Prime Minister to Bangladesh is anticipated AC buses under the second Line of Credit, (ii) extension in March 2020, on inauguration of the celebrations of National Knowledge Network to Bangladesh, (iii) in Bangladesh on the occasion of Birth Centenary establishment of 36 community clinics in five districts of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Other of Bangladesh and (iv) establishment of 11 water anticipated events until March 2020 include the visit of treatment plants in Bangladesh and another three Bangladesh Information Minister to India (January 14- projects in October 2019 including (i) inauguration 16, 2020), Commerce Secretary-level talks, meetings of Vivekananda Bhaban at Rama Krishna Mission in of the Joint Working Groups on Trade and on the Dhaka, (ii) import of bulk LPG from Bangladesh and Conservation of Sunderbans, and 1st meeting of India- (iii) inauguration of Bangladesh-India Professional Skill Bangladesh Textile Industry Forum (IBTIF).
Development Institute (BIPSDI) at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB), Khulna.

Security and Border Management The External Affairs Minister of India Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Dhaka in August 2019 and met the Prime Minister and Foreign Ministers of Bangladesh.
The Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Information and Broadcasting and Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Minister Prakash Javadekar visited Dhaka in November 2019 to attend the 15th Meeting of Governing Council of South Asia Cooperative Director General (DG) Level Talks between Border Security Force (BSF) and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were held in 2019.
In addition, border coordination conferences between regional commanders of BGB and frontier Inspectors General of BSF were also held to discuss management and security of 4096.7 Km of the India-Bangladesh land border.

Environment Program (SACEP) and met Md.

Hasan Defense Cooperation Mahmud, Information Minister of Bangladesh.
From the Bangladesh side, important Ministerial level visits included that of Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. A K Abdul Momen in February 2019 to attend the Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) meeting, Home Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Khan for the Home Minister Level Talks in August 2019 and Railways Minister Md.

Nurul Islam Sujan in August 2019 to discuss various issues related to cooperation in railway sector.

The year 2019 witnessed significant strides in defense cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
High level exchanges at the level of services chief of Indian Navy, Bangladesh Navy and Indian Air Force, conduct of second annual defense dialogue and inaugural tri- services staff talks, service specific talks of Navy and Air Force and the DG level talks between the Coast Guards have contributed to significant improvement in bilateral defense cooperation.
The Indian army band 41 India's Neighbours also for the first time performed at the national parade border haats, shipping, LCS/ICP infrastructure and on of Bangladesh during Victory Day celebration.

In the establishment of Indian Economic Zone etc were held training domain both the countries have continued and in 2019.

In order to promote cooperation on bilateral enhanced mutual engagements.
Muktijoddha related engagements, annual reciprocal visit of Muktijoddhas and war veterans on the occasion of Victory Day were undertaken in 2019 and scholarships were distributed to the heirs of Muktijoddhas.

Connectivity Both the governments are undertaking various measures to restore the pre-1965 rail links and other connectivity links that existed between India and Bangladesh.
To enhance people to people contacts, trade, both the Prime Ministers agreed to create an India-Bangladesh CEO’s Forum to provide policy level inputs in various areas of trade and investment and also to facilitate exchanges among the business communities of both the countries.

Cooperation in power sector has become one of the hallmarks of India- Bangladesh relations.

Bangladesh is currently importing 1160 MW of power from India.
The meetings of Joint Working Group (JWG)/Joint Steering Committee (JSC) on power were also held in 2019.

Development Partnership it has been decided to increase the frequency of two Bangladesh is the biggest development partner of India passenger trains, i.e., Maitree Express and Bandhan today.

India has extended 3 Lines of Credits (LOC) Express from 4 days a week to 5 days a week and from to Bangladesh in the last 8 years amounting to US$ one day a week to two days a week respectively.
During 8 billion for development of infrastructure in various the visit of PM Sheikh Hasina to New Delhi in October sectors including roads, railways, shipping and ports.
2019, both the governments decided to commence In addition to LOCs, the Government of India has also Dhaka-Siliguri-Gangtok-Dhaka and Dhaka-Siliguri- been providing grant assistance to Bangladesh for Darjeeling-Dhaka bus service to enhance people to various infrastructure projects including construction people contacts between both the countries and the of Akhaura-Agartala rail link, dredging of inland trail run of Dhaka-Siliguri-Gangtok-Dhaka was also waterways in Bangladesh and construction of India- held in December 2019.
Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline.

Two new India-Bangladesh Protocol Routes (Sonamura- Small Development Projects (SDPs) constitute an Daudkandi on river Gomti and extension of Dhulia to active pillar of India’s development assistance.

The Godagiri up to Aricha on river Padma) have also been Government of India has funded 55 SDPs including agreed upon for inclusion in the second addendum to construction of student hostels, academic buildings, the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT).
cultural centers and orphanages etc in Bangladesh and another 26 SDPs are being implemented.

Economic and Commercial Bangladesh is India’s biggest trade partner in South Capacity Building and Human Resource Asia.

Bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh has Development grown steadily over the last decade.

India’s exports to Bangladesh in FY 2018-19 stood at US$ 9.21 billion and imports from Bangladesh during the same period were US$1.04 bn.
Meetings of various institutional mechanisms to promote bilateral trade including that of Human resource development is a key component of India’s development cooperation efforts in Bangladesh through its several ongoing training programs and scholarships.

The Government of India has been training 1800 Bangladesh Civil Service officials from 42 Annual Report 2019-20 2019 at National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), Visas Mussoorie.
Bangladeshi police officials are also being trained at various premier training institutes in India on various modern policing and new investigative techniques of this information age.

Similarly, the Government of India has been extending training for 1500 Bangladeshi judicial officials since 2017 at National Judicial Academy, Bhopal and also at various State Judicial Academies in India.
Bangladesh is also an important ITEC partner countries and annually around 800 participants from Bangladesh avail ITEC training courses.

In addition, 200 scholarships are awarded by ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) every year to students from Bangladesh for pursuing under- graduation, post-graduation and MPhil/PhD courses in educational institutes of India including the IITs and NIITs.
The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) in Dhaka plays an important role in celebration of common cultural links between the two countries.

Its training programs including Yoga, Kathak, Manipuri dance, Hindi language, Hindustani classical music and the cultural programs of renowned artists of India and Bangladesh contribute in promotion of people to people contacts.
BHUTAN In pursuance of the policy of the Government of India to further liberalize Indian visa application process and to strengthen people to people contacts between India and Bangladesh, six new Indian Visa Application Centers (IVACs) were opened in Cumilla, Noakhali, Brahmanbaria, Sathkira, Thakurgaon and Bogura of Bangladesh in 2019 raising the total number of IVACs to 15.

In 2019, the number of visas issued to Bangladeshi citizens crossed the mark of 15 lakh.
Opening of two new Assistant High Commissions in Khulna and Sylhet in 2019 has also helped in facilitating an efficient and quick visa processing for Bangladeshi nationals.

The visit of Prime Minister to Bangladesh is anticipated in March 2020, on inauguration of the celebrations in Bangladesh on the occasion of Birth Centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Other anticipated events uptil March 2020 include the visit of Bangladesh Information Minister to India (January 14- 16, 2020), Commerce Secretary-level talks, meetings of the Joint Working Groups on Trade and on the Conservation of Sunderbans, and 1st meeting of India- Bangladesh Textile Industry Forum (IBTIF).

India and Bhutan enjoy unique and special bilateral ties based on mutual trust and understanding, and reinforced by shared history and cultural heritage and strong people-to-people links.
This exemplary bilateral ties between India and Bhutan, characterized by mutual trust and understanding, continued to be consolidated over the course of the year.

High level Exchanges The tradition of regular high level visits and dialogues between the two countries continued with the visit of the Prime Minister, Lyonchhen Dr. Lotay Tshering, on 30 & 31 May 2019, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Indian Government.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi undertook a State Visit to Bhutan on 17 & 18 August 2019.

During his visit, Prime Minister received audience with H. M. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, and held talks with Prime Minister Lyonchhen Dr. Lotay Tshering.
Both Prime Ministers formally inaugurated the 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project, the Ground Earth Station for the utilization of South Asian Satellite in Thimphu, the inter-connection between India’s National Knowledge Network and 43 India's Neighbours Bhutan’s Research and Education Network, and visit, EAM received audience with H.M. Jigme Khesar launched the facility of use of Indian-issued RuPay Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, called- cards in Bhutan.
Ten MoU’s/Agreements were on Lyonchhen Dr. Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of exchanged in different sectors including four on Bhutan, and met his counterpart Lyonpo Dr. Tandi enhancement of Academic Exchanges and STEM Dorji, Foreign Minister of Bhutan.

cooperation between the Royal University of Bhutan, and IITs at Kanpur, Delhi and Mumbai and NIT Silchar.
Space cooperation emerged as an increasingly important part of bilateral ties, with India agreeing to give increased bandwidth on an additional transponder of South Asia Satellite for expanded requirements of Bhutan, and a decision on joint development of a small satellite for Bhutan and development of a geoportal system for Bhutan.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bhutan Lyonpo Dr. Tandi Dorji paid an official visit to India from 17-23 November 2019.
During the visit, he held bilateral discussions with EAM and reviewed the entire gamut of India-Bhutan relations, including economic cooperation, development partnership and hydropower cooperation.

He also met with the Minister of Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah.

He also paid a visit to Bodhgaya, Rajgir and Kolkata.

In Kolkata, he met with Governor of Prime Minister also addressed the Bhutanese youth West Bengal, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar.
in a special event organized at the Royal University of Bhutan, where he highlighted the people-centric nature of bilateral ties and the deep spiritual and Buddhism connect between the two countries.

Foreign Secretary paid official visits to Bhutan on 04- 05 July 2019 and 03-04 December 2019.
He held discussions with the Bhutanese leadership on a range of bilateral matters, including high-level exchanges, Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affair Minister (EAM) of economic and development co-operation, hydropower India paid his maiden (abroad) visit to Bhutan from 7-8 co-operation, and people-to-people ties.

Secretary June, 2019 after assuming charge of EAM.


During the (Power) visited Bhutan on 23-26 April 2019 to review 44 Annual Report 2019-20 visit, EAM received audience with H.M. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, called- on Lyonchhen Dr. Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of Bhutan, and met his counterpart Lyonpo Dr. Tandi Dorji, Foreign Minister of Bhutan.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bhutan Lyonpo Dr. Tandi Dorji paid an official visit to India from 17-23 November 2019.
During the visit, he held bilateral discussions with EAM and reviewed the entire gamut of India-Bhutan relations, including economic cooperation, development partnership and hydropower cooperation.

He also met with the Minister of Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah.

He also paid a visit to Bodhgaya, Rajgir and Kolkata.

In Kolkata, he met with Governor of West Bengal, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Foreign Secretary paid official visits to Bhutan on 04- 05 July 2019 and 03-04 December 2019.
He held discussions with the Bhutanese leadership on a range of bilateral matters, including high-level exchanges, economic and development co-operation, hydropower co-operation, and people-to-people ties.

Secretary (Power) visited Bhutan on 23-26 April 2019 to review ongoing and future Hydropower projects in Bhutan.
development projects like irrigation channels, farm Secretary (West) visited Bhutan on 25-27 April 2019 to hold the first Plan Talks of the 12th Five Year Plan of the Royal Government of Bhutan (2018-23).

Foreign secretary of Bhutan visited India on 28 November to 02 December 2019 for the 2nd Plan Talks of the 12th FYP.
Development cooperation India-Bhutan continued discussion through two rounds of Plan Talks in April 2019 and November 2019 for smooth disbursal of the GoI committed financial support of Rs.

4500 crores for the 12th Five Year Plan of Bhutan (2018-23).

72 big and intermediate projects worth roads, block connectivity roads, basic health units, etc.

have been identified for implementation during the 12th FYP of Bhutan.
India is also assisting Bhutan in setting up of a Multi Disciplinary Super Specialty Hospital in Bhutan.

An expert team led by AIIMS visited Bhutan on 7-9 August 2019 and submitted report to the Royal Government of Bhutan through Government of India.

GoI is in the process of appointing a consultant for preparation of DPR of the project.

Hydropower Cooperation Mutually beneficial hydropower cooperation reached Rs.
2556 crores approx in sectors including roads and another milestone with the inauguration of 720 MW bridges, construction of regional hospitals, schools, and Mangdechhu hydropower project during the visit of covering sectors like ICT, capacity building, industries, Prime Minister to Bhutan in August 2019.

With this, agriculture, e-governance have been identified during the Plan Talks for implementation during the 12th FYP.
Two rounds of Small Development Project Committee the jointly developed hydropower capacity has crossed 2000 MW mark.

Both Governments maintained close coordination to expedite implementation of two meetings were also held in April 2019 and October ongoing major projects – the 1200MW Punatsangchu-1 2019 during which 359 High Impact Community and the 1020MW Punatsangchu-2.

Discussions Development Projects (HICDPs) worth Rs.

573 crores continued for early signing of Concession Agreement approx.
in various sectors including community and commencement of construction works for the 600 45 India's Neighbours MW Kholongchhu joint venture hydropower project, Culture and people to people ties and for finalizing implementation modalities of 2585 MW Sankosh reservoir based hydropower project.

Trade and Economic Cooperation Vibrant people-to-people contacts continued to characterise the warm and friendly bilateral relations.
As in past years, a large number of Bhutanese students benefited from GOI scholarships for study in Indian India continued to be Bhutan’s largest trading partner.

universities.

A number of short-term technical courses In 2018, the bilateral trade reached around USD 1.5 were also organised for capacity-building of Bhutan billion.

Both governments continued to engage and take Government officials.

The Bhutanese public appreciated measures to facilitate trade and mutual investments.
the gesture made during Prime Minister Modi’s visit of Government of India released the first tranche of the extending the period of loan of a statue of Dharma transitional Trade Support Facility of Rs.

80 crore to Raja or Zhabdrung (the founder of the modern state promote trade and economic linkages between the two countries.

of Bhutan) by the Asiatic Society, Kolkata, by another five years.
Bhutan has availed the facility of additional USD 100 During the year, 10 students from the Royal University million of currency swap under the Standby Swap of Bhutan visited India to witness the moon landing of Arrangement.

During the visit of Prime Minister to Bhutan in August 2019, Phase-I of the introduction of RuPay Cards i.e.

use of Indian-issued RuPay cards in Bhutan, was formally launched by the two Prime Chandrayaan-II.
These students also visited Industrial Facility (Hero Motors) and institutes of Science and Technology (Atal Tinkering Lab, TERI) apart from several famous cultural sites including Nalanda, Gaya and Rajgir.

Ministers.
Ministers.

This would greatly facilitate Indian During 2019-20, eight students under the Nehru- travellers to Bhutan by reducing the need to carry Wangchuck Scholarship Scheme (for undergraduate, cash, while at the same time boosting the Bhutanese postgraduate and Ph.D. courses), and 75 students economy and further integrating the economies of under Undergraduate Scholarships were benefitted.

20 both countries.
20 both countries.

GoI has also increased the quantum of subsidized LPG to Bhutan from 700 MT to 1000 MT per month, to enable RGoB to meet the increasing domestic requirements and facilitate increased penetration of LPG in rural areas.

training slots are offered by GoI under ITEC Programme.

GoI also increased Nalanda University scholarships to 5 from current academic year onwards.
In FY 2019- 20, a number of government officers from Bhutan are being trained in premier government training institutes including LBSNAA, FSI, NACEN and SVP-NPA.

In addition, India has been deputing lecturers to various colleges affiliated to the Royal University of Bhutan.
CHINA Leaders Level Engagement The bilateral relationship between India and China under the overall framework of Closer Developmental Partnership continued to strengthen and deepen in the year 2019 with the Second Informal Summit between 46 Annual Report 2019-20 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of High Level Exchanges the People’s Republic of China Mr. Xi Jinping held in Chennai on 11-12 October 2019.
The Second Informal Summit evaluated the direction of bilateral relationship in a positive light and discussed ways to further deepen India-China bilateral interaction to reflect the growing role of both countries on the global stage.

The Summit recognized that India and China were factors for stability in the current international landscape and that both sides should properly manage their differences and not allow them to become disputes.
President Xi Jinping extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit China for the Third Informal Summit in 2020.
In addition to their Second Informal Summit in Chennai, Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping also met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Leaders’ Summit in Bishkek on 13 June 2019, which was their first meeting after the re-election of Prime Minister Modi, and also on the sidelines of the 14th G-20 Summit in Osaka on 30 June 2019 and at the 11th BRICS Summit in Brasilia on 13 November 2019.
As part of the regular high-level engagements between India and China, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to China from 11 to 13 August 2019, during which he held a bilateral meeting and co-chaired the 2nd meeting of the India- China High-level Mechanism (HLM) on Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges with State Councilor & Foreign Minister of China Mr. Wang Yi in Beijing.
After the meeting, both Foreign Ministers witnessed the signing of cooperation documents between the two sides on sports, cultural exchanges, traditional medicine and museum cooperation.

In addition, both Foreign Ministers signed a Plan of Action to implement the Protocol on cooperation in bilateral relations for the year 2020 between Ministry of External Affairs and Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the visit, EAM also met with the Vice President of China Mr. Wang Qishan.
Talks on Boundary Question During the Second Informal Summit, the two leaders positively appraised the work of the Special Prime Minister meets Xi Jinping, President of China at hotel Taj at Mamallapuram 47 India's Neighbours Representatives and urged them to continue their efforts to arrive at a mutually-agreed framework for took place during the course of the year.
The 6th India- China Dialogue on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement was held on 03 June 2019 in New Delhi.

The first based on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles Joint Working Group meeting on Education between that were agreed by the two sides in 2005.

The two India and China was held on 16 October 2019 in leaders reiterated their understanding that efforts will Beijing.
A delegation of Senior Indian Diplomats paid a continue to be made to ensure peace and tranquility in familiarization visit to China from 06 to 10 May 2019. the border areas.
The 14th round of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held in Beijing on 29 July 2019, Another significant event was the second India-China Joint Training Programme for Afghan diplomats, which was conducted from 11 to 23 November 2019 in New Delhi and from 04 to 13 December 2019 in Beijing.
during which both sides reviewed the situation along As part of the bilateral exchanges envisaged under the the India-China border areas and the progress made in MoU between the Ministry of External Affairs and the effective implementation of various confidence building International Liaison Department of the Communist measures (CBMs) to further enhance mutual trust and Party of China (CPC), Member of the Political Bureau of understanding.
The two sides also took note of regular the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the CPC exchanges at the troop level and at diplomatic level, Guangdong Provincial Committee Mr. Li Xi visited New including under the WMCC framework, for maintaining Delhi and Gujarat from 05-08 June 2019.

During his peace and tranquility in the border areas.
visit, he met with EAM in New Delhi and Chief Minister ‘The Special Representatives of India and China on the Boundary Question – National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval and State Councillor & Foreign Minister of China Mr. Wang Yi – met in New Delhi on 21 December 2019 for the 22nd round of Special Representatives’ Talks.
Recalling the strategic guidance and support to their work provided by the leaders at the 2nd Informal Summit in Chennai in October 2019, the Special Representatives resolved to of Gujarat in Ahmedabad.

Ministers and senior officials from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Goa also paid visits to China for investment and tourism promotion activities.
From China, Mr. Zhang Zhinan, Executive Vice Governor of Fujian and Mr. Qin Rupei, Member of the Standing Committee and Executive Vice Governor of Guangxi also paid visits to India in June and November 2019 respectively.

intensify their efforts to achieve a fair, reasonable and Next year will mark the 70th anniversary of the mutually acceptable solution to the India-China boundary establishment of diplomatic relations between India question in accordance with the directives provided by and China.
In order to commemorate the occasion, PM and President Xi Jinping.

The Special Representatives Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping agreed agreed that pending the final resolution of the boundary during their Second Informal Summit in Chennai question, it is important to maintain peace and tranquility to organise 70 celebratory activities in both India in the border areas and to ensure that the boundary and China.
A list of 70 activities, which have been question does not affect the overall development of the jointly identified by both sides, was published on bilateral relationship.

Other High Level Exchanges Within the framework of regular bilateral exchanges, meetings of a variety of bilateral dialogue mechanisms 22 November 2019.
These activities, which will be organized during 2020-21 will demonstrate the historic connect between the two civilizations as well as their growing bilateral relationship over the years.
They will further deepen people-to-people exchanges between 48 Annual Report 2019-20 the two countries at all levels, including between their from the Indian side and Deputy Chief of the Office respective legislatures, businesses, academics, cultural of International Military Cooperation Major General and youth organisations as well as the defence forces.

Song Yanchao from the Chinese side.


Two Indian Naval Furthering interaction between scholars, academicians, experts and strategic thinkers on both sides, the 4th India-China Think Tank Forum was held from 28- 29 November 2019.

A 15-member delegation led by Director General of the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) Ambassador T.C.A.

Raghavan visited China to participate in the forum, which was co-organized by ICWA and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).
The 6th ICWA - Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) Dialogue was also held from 06 ships, INS Kolkata and INS Shakti, participated in the International Fleet Review held at Qingdao, Shandong in April 2019, which marked the 70th Province Anniversary of the PLA Navy.
The 8th addition of India- China Joint Training Exercise (Hand-in-Hand 2019) was held from 06 to 20 December 2019 at Umroi, India wherein 130 soldiers from both sides jointly conducted Counter-Terrorism and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief exercise.

Other exchanges during the year included visit by a to 07 November 2019 in New Delhi.
middle-level officers delegation to China in March Cooperation in Water Resources Both India and China have maintained regular exchanges on cooperation in water resources.

From 12-13 June 2019, the 12th meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) on Trans-border Rivers took place in Ahmedabad.
During the meeting, in pursuance to the MoU for provision of hydrological information of the Brahmaputra River, both sides signed the “Implementation plan on the provision of hydrological information of Yaluzangbu/Brahmmaputra River in flood season”.

A similar MoU for provision of hydrological information of the Sutlej River is also in force.

In accordance to the extant MoUs, China provided hydrological information for Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers to India during flood season in 2019.
Defence Exchanges Bilateral defence and military to military engagements between India and China continued throughout the year.

An India-China Joint Working Group Meeting between the two Defense Ministries was held in China on 13-14 August 2019, wherein both sides agreed on specific defence exchanges for 2019.
The meeting was attended by 5-member delegation led by Mr. Anand Rajan, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) 2019 and by a 15-member National Defense College (NDC) study tour delegation’s visit to China in May 2019.
Defense Engagements between India and China at multilateral forum during the year included participation of Indian delegation in International Army Games held at Korla, Xinjiang Province from 03 to 17 August 2019, the 9th Xiangshan Forum held at Beijing from 20 to 22 October 2019, the 7th International Military Sports Council (CISM) World Military Games held at Wuhan from 18 to 27 October 2019, the 7th International Army Cadets Week held at Nanjing from 28 October to 03 November 2019, ASEAN Defence Minister Meeting Plus Field Training Exercise held at Guilin from 13 to 22 November 2019, and SCO Review meeting of the leaders of International Military Cooperation Division held in Beijing and Guangzhou from 09 to 12 December 2019.
Trade and Economic Relations Commerce Secretary Dr. Anup Wadhawan, led a delegation to China in August 2019 for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Ministerial meeting, and also had a meeting with Mr. Wang Shouwen, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Commerce of China to discuss RCEP related issues as well as bilateral commercial issues.
Commerce 49 India's Neighbours Secretary led another delegation to China from 04 to 08 November 2018 to participate in the 2nd China International Import Expo (CIIE) at Shanghai, in which China, Protocol on export of Indian Chili spent/meal to China was signed on 07 May 2019.
Efforts were made throughout the year to promote export of Indian grapes, India participated as Guest Country of Honour, with sugar, marine products, pharmaceuticals, and Indian IT more than 80 Indian businesses showcasing their & ITeS services.

A day-long training on drug regulations products and services.

During this visit, he also held in China was organized for Indian pharmaceutical a meeting with Mr. Li Chenggang, Assistant Minister, companies in Shanghai on 21 June 2019.
Indian Ministry of Commerce of China to undertake further fisheries exporters participated in Qingdao Marine discussion on RCEP as well as bilateral issues.

During Expo and a buyer-seller meet in Qingdao in October these meetings, India reiterated its concern on 2019.
A NASSCOM led Indian industry delegation growing trade imbalance, and underlined that areas participated in an investment seminar on 31 May 2019 like agriculture products, pharmaceuticals, information technology services and tourism in which India has in Beijing.

Roundtables for promotion of Indian IT and Pharma were organised on 27 November 2019 in proven strengths and significant global presence but Wuhan.
A startup investment roadshow was organised minuscule presence in China, need to be encouraged in Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing in which 15 Indian in bilateral trade.

startups participated and showcased their products to The 9th Financial Dialogue between India and China was held on 25 September 2019 in New Delhi, wherein Dr. Chinese venture capital investors.
Export of grapes was increased by more than 150%, Atanu Chakraborty, Secretary, Department of Economic reaching US$ 13 million from January-October 2019, Affairs and Ms. Zou Jiaiyi, Vice Minister of Ministry as per Chinese Customs data.

Export of marine of Finance of China held wide-ranging interaction on issues of mutual interest.
The 6th Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) Meeting was held on 07-09 September products also witnessed a robust increase of more than 250%, and may soon cross US$ 1 billion mark.

Export of other agriculture commodities such as sugar and tea 2019 in New Delhi.

A 50-member Chinese official were also increased.

delegation led by Mr He Lifeng, Chairman of National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China, had a dialogue with Indian delegation led by Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman NITI Aayog.
Meetings of SED working groups on Policy Coordination, Infrastructure, Resource Conservation & Environmental Protection, Energy, and Hi-Tech were also held on 07 September 2019.

At working level, meetings of various Joint Working Groups/Working Groups, including on Pharma under SED (07 May 2019, Beijing) and Trade in Services (18 November 2019, New Delhi) were held.

Negotiations on Social Security Agreement were held from 13-15 November 2019 in New Delhi.
Following removal of technical market access barriers last year for export of Indian rice, rapeseed meal, fish meal & fish oil and tobacco leaves from India to Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges India and China continued to make joint efforts to enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
During the 2nd meeting of HLM on Cultural and People to People Exchanges held in Beijing on 12 August 2019, EAM and Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed wide-ranging issues including cooperation in the areas of cultural exchanges, film and media cooperation, museums, sports, youth, tourism, state and city level exchanges, traditional medicine, yoga and education.

Two sides also signed four cooperation documents to promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
These included: MoU on sports cooperation, Programme of cultural exchange, MoU concerning cooperation in traditional medicine, 50 Annual Report 2019-20 and MoU between Hubei Provincial Museum of China anniversary, which included cycling, school-outreach and the National Museum, New Delhi.

Several people- activities, tree plantation and radio series.

to-people and cultural activities, including a film festival and a cultural performances were organized on the sidelines of the HLM meeting.
The 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak was celebrated by the Embassy in collaboration with the local Sikh community which included keertan The 4th India-China High-level Media Forum, co- organized by External Publicity Division of the Ministry programme, recitation of Shabad by children and a langar.
Consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou and of External Affairs and China Public Diplomacy Hong Kong also held various activities such as tree Association of China, was also held on the sidelines of the 2nd HLM on 12 August 2019 in Beijing.

The forum saw participation of journalists from prominent news agencies of the two countries.

plantation, Shabad Kirtan Sabha and distribution of stamps commemorating the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak.
Continuing the tradition of youth exchanges between The 5th International Day of Yoga was observed in June 2019 in various cities of China at iconic locations such India and China since 2006, a 200-member Indian youth delegation led by Ms. Kiran Soni Gupta, as the Tianhe Tan Park in Guiyang, Yellow Crane Tower Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser, Ministry of in Wuhan, Shaolin Temple in Henan and Jade Buddha Youth Affairs and Sports visited Beijing, Lanzhou and Temple in Shanghai.
It was also observed in Qingdao, Dunhuang in China from 02 to 09 July 2019.

A Chinese Wuxi, Guangzhou among other places.

All the events youth delegation led by the All China Youth Federation saw large participation by Chinese yoga enthusiasts.

also visited India from 20 to 27 November 2019.

The week-long celebration culminated with a Yoga event at India House in Beijing which was attended by over 1000 people.
A number of activities were organized in China to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

On 02 October 2019 during the celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti, twelve paintings of Mahatma Gandhi by distinguished painters of China were unveiled.
The Embassy continued with organization of Gandhi- themed events at Chinese school and universities, distribution of Gandhian literature in Chinese language, including his autobiography and the Chinese version of a comic book on Mahatma Gandhi from Amar Chitra Katha.
Consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong also held several events commemorating the In pursuance of the MoU between the National Museum, New Delhi and Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan, signed during the 2nd HLM meeting, the Hubei Provincial Museum put up an exhibition on cultural relics from ancient China at National Museum, New Delhi in November 2019.
The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, in co-operation with state governments and other agencies, during June to September, every year.

In 2019, a total of 18 batches comprising of 1005 Yatris through Lipulekh Pass and 10 batches comprising of 341Yatris through Nathu-La Pass undertook the Yatra.
51 India's Neighbours MALDIVES India-Maldives bilateral relationship during the period two training sessions for coaches and umpires in the saw rapid expansion in various new domains.

President Maldives in November 2019.

Solih’s visit in December 2018 had set the agenda, which got further direction and ambition during the visit of PM Modi to Maldives in June 2019.
The period saw the implementation of various LoC projects, grant projects and a series of new capacity building initiatives were taken up in hitherto unexplored areas like good governance, Aviation Security, Firefighting, National Security Guards, Special Protection Group, etc.

India further deepened its close engagement with the Government and the people of Maldives with a common desire for mutual progress and prosperity.
The ties were also inspired by our mutual desire for a peaceful, free and secure Indian Ocean region.

There were several high level visits and engagements, and bilateral cooperation in several areas intensified in the period under review.

PM, on his first overseas visit after taking oath of the office for his second term, visited Maldives on a State Visit on 8-9 June 2019.
PM Modi addressed a session of the newly constituted People’s Majlis, and interacted with a wide spectrum of dignitaries from the Government and the political leadership.
Both sides signed (i) MoU on cooperation in the field of Hydrography, (ii) MoU on cooperation in the field of Health, (iii) MoU on establishment of Passenger cum Cargo service by sea, (iv) MoU for cooperation in Customs’ capacity building, (v) MoU between Maldives Civil Service Commission and NCGG, Mussourie and (vi) Technical Agreement on exchange of White Shipping Information between IN & MNDF.
Both the leaders jointly inaugurated CTC facility of MNDF in Maafilafushi and Coastal Surveillance Radar System by President Solih paid an unofficial visit to Bengaluru on remote links.

PM’s State Visit infused fresh momentum 21-22 April 2019.

A strong focus was laid on capacity into India-Maldives relations.

The Government of building and infrastructure development for cricket in Maldives reiterated its India-First policy.

the Maldives.
the Maldives.

As a result, BCCI has already conducted Prime Minister conferred Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen by Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of Maldives in Male (8 June, 2019) 52 Annual Report 2019-20 EAM visited Maldives on September 3-4, 2019 to Chief of Army Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat visited Maldives attend the Indian Ocean Conference.

EAM met in September 2019.


The first meeting of the Joint President Solih, Speaker Mohamed Nasheed and Hydrography Commission was held in Maldives in Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid during the Visit.

The September 2019, co-chaired by Chief Hydrographer Foundation Stone for the new Chancery Project was to GoI and MNDF Coast Guard Commander.

Chief jointly laid by EAM and Foreign Minister Shahid.
of Defence Forces, MNDF, Major General Abdulla Speaker, Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla and Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh led the India delegation to the South Asia Speaker’s Summit held in Male.

On the joint invite of Speaker Lok Sabha and Chairman Rajya Sabha, Speaker Mohamed Nasheed led a team of 10 MPs to visit India from December 8-13, 2019.

Shamaal visited India in July 2019.

The Fourth Edition of the Annual Joint Mil-to-Mil Staff Talks were held in July 2019.
Construction of the Institute for Security and Law Enforcement Studies (ISLES), Coastal Surveillance Radar System (CSRS) and the MoD headquarters continue apace along with joint EEZ surveillance programmes.

The delegation met PM, EAM and Lok Sabha Speaker Under the USD 1.4 billion economic package and also visited Ahmedabad.
An MoU on Parliamentary announced for the Maldives, budgetary support of Cooperation between the People’s Majlis and the Lok USD 50 million, T-Bill purchase for USD 150 million, Sabha was signed during the visit.

and the signing of the currency swap agreement for The 6th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) between India and Maldives was held on Dec 13, 2019 and co- chaired by EAM and Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.
The JCM reviewed the considerable progress achieved in implementing the bilateral agenda and also identified new areas of cooperation.

MoUs/Agreements between the Financial Intelligence Units of both countries, between the Election Commission of both countries, USD 400 million have been completed.

Consultants for two large projects dealing with water and sanitation on 34 islands, and road and reclamation in Addu Atoll have been identified and contracts have been signed.
Three proposals under the INR 40 Cr grant for HICDPs have been approved.

16 projects under the INR 50 Cr cash grant are at different stages of completion.

All efforts are being made to compress the execution timelines.

and Instruments of Ratification for Mutual Legal Capacity building initiatives have been underway in Assistance were signed/exchanged during the JCM.

the areas of civil services, police and MNDF.


ITEC slots A Digital Video Conference was held on December 4, 2019 chaired by PM and President Solih.

It saw the for Maldives have been increased to 250 per annum.

Nearly 40 ICCR scholarships have also been offered.

launch/gifting of 4 projects to Government/People India and Maldives share strong cultural ties steeped of Mladives including the gifting of CGS Kaamiyaab, in history.
Work on the restoration of Hukuru Miskiy/ installation of streetlights in Male, launch of RuPay card Friday Mosque in Male by the Archaeological Survey of in the Maldives and the signing of 3 HICDP MoUs on India (ASI) has commenced.

setting up fish processing plants in Addu Atoll.

53 India's Neighbours MAURITIUS India sees Mauritius as a maritime neighbour.

The for the 185th Anniversary of the Arrival of Indentured cultural, historical and ancestral linkages between Labourers in Mauritius.
The day is commemorated in India and Mauritius have over the decades cemented Mauritius every year as the ‘Aapravasi Diwas’.

this shared feeling of proximity.

The relationship is further buttressed by strong development cooperation, defence, trade & commercial ties, high-level visits, capacity building through scholarships and ITEC programmes etc.
This year was marked by a number of high level visits, completion of development cooperation projects like e-tablet project, ENT Hospital, 1st phase of the Metro Express project, intensive defence and cultural engagement etc.

PM Mr Pravind Jugnauth, accompanied by his spouse, travelled to India on a private visit from 03-10 December 2019, after being sworn in as the PM of Mauritius for a second term in November 2019.
During the visit, he held bilateral meetings with PM Shri Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar.

This was the third visit of PM Shri Jugnauth to India this year.

Apart from his visits in May and December, he had travelled to India from 20-28 January 2019 to attend The election in Mauritius in November 2019 saw the the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in Varanasi as return of Mr Pravind Jugnauth as the Prime Minister the Chief Guest.

of Mauritius for a second term.


Prime Minister Modi congratulated him over the phone and invited him to visit India on an Official visit.

The High Commission of India in Mauritius celebrated the ICCR Foundation Day on 9 April 2019.

Hon.

Minister for Education, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun India’s fraternal relations with Mauritius were further was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

The ITEC Day strengthened this year.


High level visits between the two countries have been a regular feature of the bilateral relationship, which is a testimony to the 2019 was celebrated on 17 September 2019.

On the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi ji, the Mission organized an event at the Mahatma Gandhi level of trust and mutual understanding between Institute, which was attended by the Hon.

Minister for the leadership of the two countries.


On the official Education, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun, the Hon.

Minister invitation of PM Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of Mauritius Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth attended the swearing-in ceremony of PM Narendra Modi and his of Arts and Culture, Mr. Prithvirajsing Roopun, among other dignitaries.

The 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji was also celebrated by the High Commission of Council of Ministers on 30 May 2019.
Mauritius was India on 12 November 2019. the only country that was invited to the event outside the BIMSTEC countries.

The 12th meeting of the Joint Committee on Hydrography between India and Mauritius was held Two projects implemented by India in Mauritius, the at New Delhi from 19-23 August 2019.
The following ENT Hospital Project and the 1st phase of the Metro Ships paid friendly visits to Mauritius this year: INS Express Project was jointly inaugurated by the Prime Shardul from 26-28 October 2019, INS Darshak from Ministers of the two countries though DVC on 03 25-28 November 2019; 09-12 December 2019; and October 2019.

The Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Smt Anandiben Patel 23-26 December 2019 to undertake joint hydrographic survey on the request of Government of Mauritius.
visited Mauritius on 02 November 2019 as Chief Guest A number of India assisted projects being implemented 54 Annual Report 2019-20 in Mauritius under the Special Economic Package bonds of friendship between the two countries.

of USD 353 million and the USD 500 million Line of Assistance on two new projects was announced by Credit are progressing satisfactorily.
The ENT Hospital Project and the 1st phase of the Metro Express Project was jointly inaugurated by the Prime Ministers of the PM Modi during the Joint DVC launch; construction of Renal Transplant Unit at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and Construction of 4 Medi-clinics and 2 area health two countries through DVC on 03 October 2019.

In centres.
In centres.

The Agreement for Participation in the e- recent years, significant progress has been made in Vidhya Bharti Arogya Bharti (e-VBAB) Network Project the implementation of people oriented development was signed between India and Mauritius in October projects which has helped in further enhancing the 2019.

MYANMAR Myanmar and India have shared a historical and Consultations were also held at the level of Foreign cultural past and share friendly relations.
Myanmar Secretary on 6 December 2019 in New Delhi.

is the only ASEAN country with which India shares a land border, of over 1600 kms, making it a gateway to ASEAN countries.

Myanmar is at the confluence of India’s two key foreign policy objectives; ‘Act East’ and ‘Neighbourhood First’.
This relationship has been further strengthened by high-level visits, signing of MoUs, ongoing development cooperation, regular ITEC and capacity building programmes, enhanced trade & commercial ties, and growing defence and security collaboration.

A visit of President of Myanmar U WIN MYINT to India is anticipated in the first half of 2020.

Other anticipated events include a visit by Chairman of Union Election Commission of Myanmar to India and a visit by Dy NSA to Myanmar in the first half of 2020.
Political High level Visits: At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, President of Myanmar U Win Myint visited India on 29-30 May 2019 to attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new government.

This was followed by a visit of Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Defence Forces, Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing to India in July 2019.
PM met State Counsellor on 3 Nov 2019 on the sidelines of the India-ASEAN Summit in Bangkok Foreign Office Opening of India Liaison Office in Nay Pyi Taw: On 1 October 2019, India opened a new Liasion Office in Nay Pyi Taw in the capital city of Myanmar.

With the opening of this new office, India now has representation in 4 major cities of Myanmar viz.

Embassy in Yangon, two Consulates in Mandalay and Sittwe and a liaison office in Nay Pyi Taw.
A visit of President of Myanmar U WIN MYINT to India is anticipated in the first half of 2020.

Other anticipated events include a visit by Chairman of Union Election Commission of Myanmar to India and a visit by Dy NSA to Myanmar in the first half of 2020.

Development Cooperation Development cooperation is a prominent feature in India’s overall bilateral cooperation with Myanmar.
Our involvement and assistance in this field extends from the setting up of major connectivity infrastructure to significant initiatives in establishing long-term, sustainable and relevant institutions for capacity building and human resource development in areas such as agricultural research and education, IT and skill development.
An important aspect of these initiatives is that they are, for the most part, completely grant- funded, though India also extends a considerable 55 India's Neighbours amount of assistance by way of concessional finance for Sanjay Mitra, visited Myanmar in May 2019, adding projects ranging from transport and communications to the list of engagements and regular exchanges to agriculture and farm mechanization and highway on the defence side.

In July 2019, Commander-in- development.


The total portfolio of projects involving Chief of Myanmar Defence Forces, Sr. Gen. Min Aung Indian assistance is valued at approximately US$ 1.75 Hlaing visited India during which the MoU on Defence Billion, of which projects worth nearly US$ 1 Billion are Cooperation and MoU on Exchange of White Shipping completely grant-funded.
Port Operator for Sittwe Port: The Port Operator for Sittwe Port under the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Project was appointed in November 2019.

Work on the waterway component is complete, however, that on the road component from Paletwa to Zorinpui is ongoing.

Border Area Development Programme (BADP): The third year of the Border Area Development Programme has been completed.

28 projects for the fourth year BADP have begun in 2019.
(RSDP): Rakhine State Development Programme Under the Rakhine State Development Programme, India has committed over US$ 25 Million for the development programmes in the state.

In July 2019, 250 prefabricated houses were handed over to Myanmar in Rakhine state.

20,000 Relief material kits were provided to internally displaced persons in Rakhine State in December 2019.

Defence Cooperation India-Myanmar defence engagement was further strengthened with the signing of MoU on Defence Cooperation in 2019.
There were substantial high- level visits, military training programmes, capacity building and the established interaction mechanisms functioned vibrantly.

High-level Visits level goodwill visits continued While functional regularly, following important visits were undertaken from 1 April 2019.

The then Defence Secretary, Shri Information were signed.
Pursuant to the second MoU, near real time exchange has commenced between Information Fusion Centre Indian Ocean Region, New Delhi and Maritime Regional Coordination Centre, Yangon, bringing in the much-needed transparency in the regional maritime neighbourhood.

Visits/symposia such as the Goa Maritime Conclave, National Defence College reciprocal visit and Higher Command Courses have aided in strengthening understanding between officers of both armed forces at mid and senior level.
Naval Cooperation The first maritime security dialogue under the MoU on Maritime Security Cooperation took place in September 2019.

Substantial headway was made in the field of cooperation in maritime safety, maritime domain awareness, hydrography etc.

Initiatives such as the addition of maritime patrol aircraft and increase in the frequency of coordinated patrols to twice a year has increased the efficacy of these patrols.
Two Myanmar Navy ships were deployed at Visakhapatnam for the 2nd edition of INMEX from 18-22 October 2019.

These initiatives were aimed at ensuring regional security and smooth flow of maritime trade.

Military Training: In the last one year, 126 trainees were deputed to various Defence establishments across India under ITEC-1 scheme.
In addition to the structured courses, Indian Armed Forces Mobile Training Teams (MTT) undertook the UN Peacekeeping training courses and two courses were conducted in February and September-October 2019.

5 other courses were 56 Annual Report 2019-20 also conducted by MTTs from Indian Navy.

Subject Moreh-Tamu in Manipur and Zowkhathar-Rhikhawdar Matter Expert Exchange for fighter Aircrew of MiG-29 in Mizoram.
12 Indian Public Sector Undertakings have with Observer Sortie was held for pilots of Myanmar their representative offices in Myanmar Air Force in April 2019.

A Myanmar combat team was trained in October 2019.

Further, training on English language, hydrography, medical has been undertaken along with cooperation on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
Capacity Building: An Indian Air Force Met Squadron team established two Met Squadrons of Myanmar Air High level Visits: Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Shri Parshottam Rupala, led a delegation for the BIMSTEC Ministers of Agriculture meeting in July 2019.
Further, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Government of Assam, Shri Chandra Mohan Patowary, led a delegation of MLAs and senior officials to speak about enhancing bilateral commercial Force and imparted training from August – November relations between India and Myanmar.

2019.Installation of a Coastal Surveillance System in Myanmar is in progress.
Interaction under Established Mechanisms: The 4th Army and 4th Air Force Staff Talks took place between 13-15 March 2019 at Nay Pyi Taw and 18- 20 September 2019 at Yangon respectively.

The 15th Regional Boundary Committee Meeting took place between 9-12 December 2019.

Commerce India-Myanmar bilateral trade stood at US$ 1.7 Billion in 2018-19, an increase of 7.53% from 2017-18.

India is the fifth largest trading partner of Myanmar.
India’s export to Myanmar during 2018-19 was US$ 1205.60 Million and import from Myanmar was US$ 521.49 million.
In terms of investment, India stands at the 11th position with an approved investment of US$ 768.567 million by 31 Indian enterprises (out of the total estimated investments of US$ 81.598 billion from Joint Working Groups: Important meetings such as the 1st Joint Working Group (JWG) in Health & Medicine Cooperation and the 1st JWG under the new Programme of Cooperation (2018-2021) in the field of Science and Technology, took place in April 2019 and September 2019 respectively.
Visit of Business Delegations: 27 Indian companies participated in COMPLAST Exhibition in June 2019; 40 Indian healthcare companies participated at MEDEX 2019 in Yangon, in October 2019, and about 74 Indian participants exhibited their products at the MYANFOOD in November 2019, under the patronage of Trade Promotion Council of India, ASSOCHAM and Dept.

of Commerce, India.

Donation of Anti-Rabies Vaccines to Ministry of Health: India donated 10,000 vials of anti-rabies vaccine to Myanmar in September 2019.
50 countries by 1846 enterprises) as of October 2019.

Training & Capacity Building Myanmar’s investment in India is US$ 8.97 million.

The major import items from Myanmar are beans and pulses, wood, metal etc.

India’s exports to Myanmar are agro-commodities, chemicals, fuel, pharmaceutical items, machinery etc.
Border trade with Myanmar during 2018-19, estimated at US$ 154.04 million, took place through two land borders crossing points – 240 slots on civilian side were utilized under the ITEC programme in the year 2019-20.A new Hindi Language Course was started at the Yangon University in October 2019.
EAM remotely inaugurated the e-ITEC programme on Big Data Analytics at Myanmar Institute of Information Technology (MIIT) in Mandalay on 7 October 2019 57 India's Neighbours India continued to provide training to Myanmar officials such as Administrators; Town Planners; Training of Myanmar Sports Personnel in India: A team of sports persons in hockey, badminton and shooting Election officers; Police officers; Parliamentarians; were trained in India for the 30th South East Asian Judiciary officers; and others in English, IT, Accounting & Finance, etc.
Some of these were: Games from 29 September to 28 October 2019.

An MoU on Cooperation in Sports in under discussion to Election Officers: Seven courses for Union Election Commission of Myanmar (UECM) were conducted by formalize the framework of such training in the future.

India is also offering 1000 Integrated PhD Fellowships the Election Commission of India in New Delhi and Nay for ASEAN students including Myanmar at 23 IITs.

Pyi Taw for UECM officials in 2019.


Two courses were IIT-Madras delegation visited Yangon and interacted earlier completed in 2018.

1st batch of 40 judges/Judicial officers attended training at National Judicial Academy of India (NJAI), Bhopal from August 23-29, 2019.

In all 400 officers would be trained.


Administrators: Two Mid-Career Training Program for 34 Township Administrators (July 15-27, 2019) and 28 Township Administrators (Nov. 18-30, 2019) in Governance and Leadership Training were conducted at National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie.
A Special Training Programme for Myanmar Educational Administrators was conducted by the National Institute of Educational Planning & Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi from 1-23 November, 2019.

Police Training: More than 250 Myanmar Police officers received training in India in the year 2019. with Rectors of leading universities and prospective students in October 2019.
Another delegation from IIT Delhi visited Myanmar on 15-18 December 2019, for interacting with officials of the Ministry of Education and Rectors for sharing their experiences in the frontier areas in the Science and Technology.

Cultural This year, several events such as the 150th Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, and International Yoga Day were celebrated in Myanmar.

A full-fledged Indian Cultural Centre will become functional in Yangon by mid-2020.
The level of engagement in this field has also increased due to the deployment of a full time Director, in addition to a Teacher of Indian Culture, Hindi and Dance and the current centre conducts regular classes for Hindi, Yoga and Indian classical dance.

NEPAL India and Nepal share close ties of friendship and integration, enhanced connectivity, strong development cooperation based on age-old civilizational linkages.
partnership and close people-to-people contacts with This people-centric partnership has been reinforced by Nepal are the key bilateral objectives.

A continuously intensified high-level political exchanges and multi- expanding partnership with Nepal is in line with the faceted economic and development cooperation ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy of the Government of between the two countries.

Closer economic India.


58 Bilateral meeting between Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Nepal Mr. K P Sharma Oli on 31 May 2019 at New Delhi [Source: XPD Division, MEA] Annual Report 2019-20 High Level Exchanges At Government of India’s invitation, Prime Minister of Nepal Mr. K P Sharma Oli attended the swearing- in ceremony of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of India Shri Vijay Gokhale on 17 July 2019 in New Delhi to discuss issues of mutual interest.
Defence and Security Cooperation and the Union Council of Ministers on 30 May 2019.

India and Nepal have long standing and extensive External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar paid a visit to mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of defence Nepal on 21&22 August 2019 to co-chair the 5th India- and security.

The battalion-level joint military exercise Nepal Joint Commission Meeting with the Foreign ‘Surya Kiran’ is conducted regularly by the Indian Army Minister of Nepal Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali.
The meeting reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations and explored ways to further strengthen the traditionally warm and close relations between the two countries.

An MoU to facilitate technical cooperation between the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, Nepal was signed on the sidelines of the Joint Commission Meeting, on 21 August 2019. and the Nepal Army, alternatively in India and in Nepal.
The 14th edition of joint military exercise ‘Surya Kiran’ was held from 03-16 December 2019 at Saljhandi, Nepal.

A Nepal Army delegation visited premier disaster management institutes in New Delhi from 22-25 September 2019 and another Nepal Army delegation visited defence production industries from 13-20 October 2019 in India.
As part of the 59th course The year witnessed intensive engagements with over organized by the National Defence College (NDC), New 30 exchanges at the ministerial, official, and technical Delhi, Vice Admiral Srikant, AVSM, Commandant, NDC levels.
Around 20 bilateral mechanisms at a functional/ led a 16-member multi-national delegation, including technical level met over the year covering issues such officers from the Indian armed forces, on a study tour as economic and development cooperation, water to Nepal from 26-28 August 2019.

The first Indian resources and power cooperation, culture, defence Army Mountaineering Expedition to Mount Makalu in and security, and connectivity projects.
Similarly, over Nepal was conducted from 29 March to 30 May 2019. a dozen exchanges took place at the ministerial / In addition, senior officers of the Indian Army visited senior official level to further strengthen ties between Nepal in September and November 2019 to review the the two countries.

The Attorney General of Nepal Mr. welfare activities of the Nepal domiciled Gorkha ex- Agni Prasad Kharel led a 14-member delegation on servicemen.
The General Officers also called on Chief an observation visit to India from 25-30 August 2019 of the Army Staff of Nepal to discuss issues of mutual and met the Attorney General of India and also called interest.

on the Minister of Law and Justice of India.

Minister of State (IC) for Power, New & Renewable Energy and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri R.K. Singh delivered the key note address at the “3rd Nepal Infrastructure Summit” held on 11-12 September 2019 in Kathmandu.
Minister of State (IC) for Tourism Shri Prahalad Singh Patel participated in the Ministerial Conclave and the Inaugural Ceremony of ‘Visit Nepal Year 2020’ on 01 January 2020.

Foreign Secretary of Nepal Mr. Shankar Das Bairagi met Foreign Secretary Security agencies of both sides also share close cooperation including exchange of information.

Law enforcement agencies hold regular bilateral meetings at various levels to discuss border-management issues.
The 4th coordination meeting between Director General, Sashastra Seema Bal and Inspector General, Armed Police Force was held in Nepal from 20-22 November 2019.

Seven (07) training and study tours were conducted for personnel of Nepal Police and 59 India's Neighbours Armed Police Force in India from April to November was completed by Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. in 2019.

Connectivity and Development Partnership Development cooperation is a key area of bilateral partnership.
Completion of already committed projects, under grant and loan assistance, has been in focus.

Recognizing the critical importance of connectivity in stimulating economic growth, the focus is on infrastructure development and increased connectivity.

A series of cross-border connectivity and other infrastructure projects such as rail links, roads, integrated check posts, polytechnic, police academy, link canal, and 900 MW Arun-3 hydro-electric project are under implementation.
Under the four Lines of Credit of over US$ 1.65 billion extended by Government of India to Nepal, a number of hydropower, irrigation and infrastructure projects, including post-earthquake reconstruction work, are being implemented in Nepal.

Government has laid particular emphasis on expeditious implementation of ongoing projects.

The progress of projects is closely monitored at the level of two Foreign Secretaries, who held their fifth video-conference on 11 July 2019.
The ‘Oversight Mechanism’, co-chaired by Ambassador of India to Nepal and Foreign Secretary of Nepal, met for the seventh time on 08 July 2019 to review progress in project implementation and address bottlenecks, if any.

The regular review has resulted in good progress in project implementation.
South Asia’s first cross-border petroleum products pipeline, constructed and funded by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., connecting Motihari in India to Amlekhgunj in Nepal was remotely inaugurated by the two Prime Ministers on 10 September 2019.

Integrated Check Post at Biratnagar was remotely inaugurated by the Prime Ministers of India and Nepal on 21 January 2020.
The preliminary engineering-cum-traffic survey report of the new broad gauge electrified rail line connecting Raxaul in India to Kathmandu in Nepal May 2019 and work is underway for conducting final location survey of the rail line as the next step, with financial assistance by Government of India.

Work was initiated in 2019 on the link canal project connecting Tanakpur Barrage in Uttarakhand to the India-Nepal border.
The ground-breaking ceremony of the GoI-assisted flagship project, Nepal-Bharat Maitri Polytechnic Institute at Hetauda in Nepal was held on 05 November 2019.

Considerable progress was achieved on the Terai Roads Project during the year; out of 14 road packages, seven (07) are nearing completion.

In 2019, about 20 High Impact Community Development Projects (formerly Small Development Projects) were completed in the sectors of education, health, sanitation, connectivity, and micro-hydro power projects.
GoI also gifted 60 ambulances and 12 school buses to various government and non-governmental institutions working in the health and education sectors in Nepal.

GoI-assisted post-earthquake reconstruction work in the housing sector in Nepal is being implemented expeditiously.

Out of the 50,000 earthquake-affected beneficiaries in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts of Nepal allocated to the Government of India, over 45,000 GoI-supported houses (i.e.

90% of work) have been completed till date.


The Prime Ministers of India and Nepal remotely witnessed the progress made in housing reconstruction on 21 January 2020.

After the appointment of CSIR-Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee in March 2019 as project management consultant for post-earthquake reconstruction work in the education sector, construction of eight (08) schools was initiated and is underway in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts of Nepal.
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was appointed for reconstruction work in the cultural heritage sector in December 2019 and appointment of a project management consultant is underway in respect of health sector.
60 Annual Report 2019-20 Under the ‘New Partnership in Agriculture’ launched by India offers about 3000 scholarships to Nepalese the Prime Ministers of India and Nepal in April 2018, students every year, providing opportunities to study in a training course for Nepali scientists and technicians Nepal and India.
Under the ITEC programme, more than was organized at the Central Fertilizer Quality Control 250 scholarships are offered annually to Government & Training Institute in Faridabad from 25 November to and non-Government employees of Nepal for training 24 December 2019.

A regular bus service between Kathmandu and Siliguri was jointly flagged off by Ambassador of India Shri M.S.

Puri and Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transportation of Nepal Mr. Raghubir Mahaseth from Kathmandu on 26 August 2019.
Trade and economic cooperation India is Nepal’s largest trade partner and the leading source of foreign investments, besides providing transit for almost the entire third country trade of Nepal.

Total bilateral trade increased by over 17% from US$ 7.05 billion in FY 2017-18 to reach US$ 8.27 billion in FY 2018-19.

Both governments continue to engage and take measures to facilitate trade and mutual investments.
The two sides initiated bilateral discussions to review the India-Nepal Treaty of Trade and Treaty of Transit with a view to further facilitating Nepal’s access to the Indian market, enhancing overall bilateral trade, and facilitating Nepal’s transit trade.

Two bilateral meetings were held in September and November 2019 in this regard.
As agreed by the Prime Ministers of India and Nepal in April 2018, significant progress was achieved with regard to development of inland waterways connectivity for movement of Nepal-bound bilateral and transit cargo.

Discussions are underway for operationalisation of multi-modal routes using national waterways of India.

Cultural and People-to-People Ties India and Nepal have robust cooperation in the area of capacity building and human resource development.

in technical institutes in India.


About 60 Government of Nepal officers dealing with anti-money laundering and countering terror financing matters were trained at National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics in Faridabad and Bengaluru in 2019.

Further, 42 officials from the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority of Nepal underwent training at Gujarat Forensic Science University, Gandhinagar in 2019-20.
On the occasion of the 5th International Day of Yoga, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu organized several events including ‘Yoga at Mount Everest Base Camp’ and ‘Yoga at Gateway of Mount Everest, Syangboche’.

To mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the Nepal Rastra Bank launched silver commemorative coins in the denominations of NPR 100/-, NPR 1000/- , and NPR 2500/- on 23 September 2019.

A book titled ‘Sikh Heritage of Nepal’ was also released by the Indian Embassy.
In commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu organized various events, including distribution of about 200 solar lamp kits to students from eight schools in Nepal.

Regional Cooperation India and Nepal cooperate closely on sub-regional, regional and international issues of mutual interests.

In 2019, cooperation continued in multilateral and regional fora, including the UN and BIMSTEC.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health & Population of Nepal, Mr. Upendra Yadav, visited India from 02-06 September 2019 for the “72nd Session of WHO Regional Committee for South East Asia”, and from 19-21 November 2019 for the “2019 World 61 India's Neighbours Conference on Access to Medical Products: Achieving Committee of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem the SDGs 2030” in New Delhi, organized by the Protection” and from 08-11 September 2019 to attend Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of India.
“UN Convention to Combat Desertification COP-14”, Minister for Finance of Nepal, Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada, visited India on 03&04 October 2019 to participate in the “33rd India Economic Summit” organized by the World Economic Forum and the Confederation of Indian Industry.

Minister for Forest and Environment of Nepal, Mr. Shakti Bahadur Basnet, visited India from 23-25 October 2019 to attend the “Fourth Meeting of the Steering organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change of India.
A delegation from Nepal Army (in Nepal’s capacity as Dialogue Partner of SCO) attended the “First Conference of Military Medicine for Shanghai Co- operation Organisation (SCO) Member States” held on 12&13 September 2019 in New Delhi, conducted by the Indian Armed Forces.

PAKISTAN India desires normal neighbourly relations with Indian security forces were killed in a cross-border Pakistan.
India’s consistent position is that issues, if suicide terror attack in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir by any, between India and Pakistan should be resolved Pakistan-based and supported terrorist organization bilaterally and peacefully, in an atmosphere free of Jaish-e-Mohammed.

India has been repeatedly urging terror and violence.

Bilateral exchange Prime Minister Modi received a telephone call from Pakistan Prime Minister on 26 May 2019 congratulating him on election victory.
Prime Minister Modi thanked him and recalled his earlier suggestion to Pakistan Prime Minister to fight poverty jointly.

Prime Minister Modi also stressed that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism were essential for fostering cooperation for peace, progress and prosperity in the region.

Prime Minister Modi also reiterated India’s commitment to the early operationalising of Kartarpur Corridor.
Cross border terrorism Pakistan to take action against JeM to prevent terrorists from being trained and armed inside Pakistan.

On 26 February 2019, India carried out an intelligence led anti-terror pre-emptive air strike against JeM training camp in Balakot, Pakistan.

After the Pulwama cross- border terror attack, India withdrew the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status accorded to Pakistan and imposed a Customs Duty of 200% on all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan.
India also suspended cross- LoC trade from 19 April 2019 on receiving reports that cross-LoC trader routes are being misused by Pakistan based elements for funneling illegal weapons, narcotics and fake currency.
During the year, Pakistan forces carried out unprovoked to violate ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and the International Boundary, including to provide India’s attempts to build normal neighbourly relations cover-fire for cross border terrorist infiltration into with Pakistan continued to be undermined by India.

In over 3000 incidents of unprovoked firing Pakistan’s continued support to cross-border terrorism by Pakistan forces resulted in death of 31 Indians so and violence against India.
On 14 February 2019, 40 far.

India registered strong protests with Pakistan, 62 Annual Report 2019-20 including through diplomatic channels and that of the International focus on terrorism emanating Director Military Operations.

Pakistan was called upon to adhere to the 2003 ceasefire understanding in order to maintain peace and tranquility along the border.
It was also made clear that till Pakistan forces ended all kind of support to cross-border terrorism, Indian forces would continue to provide a determined and robust response to all attempts at cross-border terrorist infiltration.

Hostile propaganda and unilateral actions by Pakistan from Pakistan Government efforts were successful in greater international recognition of the dangers of terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
On 1 May 2019, United Nations 1267 Sanctions Committee designated Masood Azhar, the leader of JeM, as a UN proscribed terrorist.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in its October 2019 Plenary notified continuation of Pakistan in the Grey List due to continuing terror financing related concerns.
FATF expressed serious concerns with the overall lack of progress by Pakistan Following the decision of the Indian Parliament to address its Terror Financing risks and strongly regarding Article 370 of the Constitution, Pakistan urged Pakistan to swiftly complete its full Action Plan went into a battery of hostile propaganda against by February 2020.

India and attempts to present an alarming picture of bilateral ties to the world.
On 7 August 2019, Pakistan Kulbushan Jadhav case at ICJ announced unilateral measures, including downgrading of diplomatic relations, suspension of bilateral trade and review of bilateral agreements with India.

Subsequently, Pakistan suspended all bus, train, and postal services between India and Pakistan, thereby curtailing normal trade and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
There have been highly irresponsible statements, including the calls for ‘jihad’ against India made by the Pakistani leadership on matters entirely internal to India.

India completely and unequivocally rejected in entirety all such actions and Pakistan’s blatant misrepresentation of facts and fabricated narratives.
As a result of India’s The International Court of Justice (ICJ), in its unanimous judgment on 17 July 2019, found that it had jurisdiction on the Jadhav case and by a vote of 15-1, pronounced that Pakistan had breached relevant obligations under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

The sole dissenting Judge was from Pakistan.

The Court order Pakistan to provide immediate consular access to Mr Jadhav and undertake effective review and reconsideration of the conviction and sentence.
External Affairs Minister made a suo-motto statement in the Parliament on the matter in July 2019.
Hyderabad Funds Case efforts and proactive outreach to the international On 2 October 2019, the UK High Court ruled in community, Pakistan’s attempts to interfere in internal favour of India in the 70 years old Hyderabad Funds affairs of India, to present an alarmist situation of case rejecting Pakistan’s claims to the £35 million the region and its abuse of international fora have Fund being held by the National Westminster Bank been successfully and effectively thwarted.

Countries in London.


The Fund has been lying frozen with have shown understanding that matters pertaining to the National Westminster Bank in London due to Jammu & Kashmir, which is an integral part of India, are contesting claims.

While giving the verdict in favour internal to India.

Countries have also called on Pakistan of India, the Court rejected Pakistan’s claims that the to not allow its territory to be used for terrorism in any Fund had been intended as payment for arms shipment manner.
or as outright gift by the then Nizam to Pakistan.

The 63 India's Neighbours Court also ordered Pakistan to pay India £2.8 million on from Pakistan visited India in 2019.

These include - account of costs incurred by India.
1898 Indian pilgrims visited Pakistan during Baisakhi Exchange of list of Nuclear installations and facilities On 01 January 2020, India and Pakistan exchanged through diplomatic channels, the list of nuclear installations and facilities covered under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack Against Nuclear Installations between India and Pakistan.

This was the 29th consecutive exchange of such list between the two countries, the first one having taken place on 01 January 1992.
Religious Pilgrimage Kartarpur Corridor: In keeping with Government’s commitment to fulfill the long-pending demand of Indian pilgrims to have an easy and smooth access to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib and to commemorate the 550th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor was formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 9 November 2019.
Earlier, an Agreement was signed between India and Pakistan for facilitating Pilgrims to visit Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Narowal, Pakistan on 24 October 2019.

The Agreement, inter alia, provides for visa-free travel of Indian pilgrims as well as Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, from India to the holy Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan on a daily basis, throughout the year.

Up to 5000 pilgrims can visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur through the Corridor on any given day.
Till 31 December 2019, over 30,000 Indian pilgrims have successfully undertaken pilgrimage through the corridor.

Pilgrimages under 1974 Bilateral Protocol: A regular exchange of pilgrims visits was facilitated under the 1974 India-Pakistan bilateral Protocol on visits to religious shrines.
Seven groups/ jathas of Indian pilgrims visited Pakistan and five groups of pilgrims (April 2019); 416 pilgrims visited during the Martyrdom of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji (June – July 2019); 476 pilgrims visited for Nagar Kirtan (on the occasion of 550th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev in the month of July – August 2019); and 3529 Indian pilgrims visited Pakistan in the month of November 2019 to celebrate Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th Birth Anniversary.
Humanitarian issues of prisoners and fishermen Government attaches high importance to the issue of prisoners held in Pakistan custody and consistently takes up the matter of their early release and repatriation to India.

In keeping with the understanding reached under the 2008 bilateral Agreement on Consular Access, lists of prisoners and fishermen in each others custody were exchanged on 1 July 2019 and 1 January 2020.
As per the lists exchanged on 01 January 2020, there are 267 Pakistan civilian prisoners and 99 fishermen in India’s custody.

Pakistan acknowledged custody of 55 civilian prisoners and 227 Indian fishermen.

As a result of persistent efforts, India has been successful in securing the release and repatriation of 2132 Indians, including fishermen, from Pakistan’s custody since 2014.
This includes 364 Indians who returned in 2019 and 20 Indian fishermen whose release and repatriation was secured on 6 January 2020.

Government has sought release of 4 Indian civilian prisoners and 106 remaining Indian fishermen who have completed their sentences but continue to languish in Pakistan jails.

India has sought early consular access and release and repatriation of the remaining Indian nationals in Pakistan’s custody.
In addition, India has raised the issue of 83 missing Indian defence personnel, including Prisoners of Wars, whose are believed to be in Pakistan’s custody.

64 Annual Report 2019-20 However, Pakistan has not acknowledged their custody unsound prisoners in each other’s custody.

Pakistan has so far.


India also continue to take up the issue of visit of also been asked to organise an early visit of the revived a medical team in order to address the issue of mentally Joint Judicial Committee for prisoners to Pakistan.

SEYCHELLES India-Seychelles relations have been characterised Apart from small projects, other projects like the Solar by close friendship, understanding and cooperation.

PV project is also ongoing at a satisfactory pace.


Solar This is evident from the strong defence and security PV Installation & Commissioning was completed in the cooperation, including on counter terrorism and other National Assembly of Seychelles in June 2019, in 46 transnational crimes; development partnership; cultural Barbarons Social Housing Units in October 2019 and cooperation; capacity building through scholarships in Victoria Hospital & 6 Other Hospitals across the 3 and ITEC programmes.
India has expanded the scope Inner Islands in November 2019. and spread of its development assistance in Seychelles by committing support in helping Seychelles in its national developmental priorities.
India and Seychelles have an elaborate architecture of defence and security cooperation that has deepened over the years with the growing piracy menace and India continued its close engagement with the other economic offences in the strategic Indian Ocean Government and people of Seychelles this year, which region.

This is in line with the government’s policy for further strengthened the close bilateral relations.
better cooperation among Indian Ocean nations as part The year was marked by the following high level visits from the Seychelles side: The Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change of Seychelles, Mr. Wallace Cosgrow, attended the 14th Session of the Conference of Parties (CoP14) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) from 30 August to 03 September 2019.
The Minister of Health, Mr. Jean Paul Adam visited India from 23-28 September 2019 of its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.
The following ships paid visits to Seychelles: INS Shardul, Sujata, Magar, Tarangini/Sudarshini and Indian Coast Guard Ship Ship Sarathi from 06-10 April 2019, INS Kochi from 23-30 June 2019, INS Shardul from 21-22 October 2019, Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram from 12-15 December 2019 and INS Darshak from 30 December 2019 to 18 January 2020. and visited various hospitals at Chennai and Bangalore.
Among other events, the High Commission of India He also held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of in Seychelles held cultural events on the occasion Health of India during the visit where avenues of of ICCR Foundation Day on 9 April 2019, ITEC Day cooperation in the health sector were discussed.

on 6 September 2019, which was attended by ITEC Development Cooperation is one of the strongest pillars of the bilateral relations with Seychelles.
In order to broad base the cooperation in the area, a number of small, people friendly projects under the MoU on Small Development Projects was signed in June 2018 are ongoing.

Many of these projects were tendered this year and are moving towards implementation phase.

Alumni, officials from local Government and other dignitaries.

To commemorate Gandhi@150, a ‘Bicycle Race and Rally’ was organised by the Mission on 2 June 2019.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, the Mission participated in the planting of 150 saplings on World Environment Day on 5 June 2019.

The Mission organized the 5th International Day 65 India's Neighbours Gotabaya Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka during Ceremonial Welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi (November 29, 2019) of Yoga (IDY) on 15 June 2019 which was attended by Maharashtra) visited Seychelles from 24-28 October more than 1% of the total population of Seychelles.
On the 150th birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 2 October 2019, the Mission commemorated the day with a Garlanding Ceremony and release of a postage stamp of Mahatma Gandhi jointly by the High Commission of India and the Seychelles Postal Department.

2019 to participate in the “Kreol Festival” and Diwali celebrations in Seychelles.

The 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was celebrated by the High Commission on 12 November 2019.
The event was marked by a “Book Exhibition on Guru Nanak Dev Ji”, a short digital video on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji followed by a A 9-member Lavani group (folk dance from documentary.

SRI LANKA India’s relation with Sri Lanka gained further momentum 2019 to hold discussions on trade related issues.

in 2019-20.
in 2019-20.

Frequent visits at the highest political level from both sides enhanced the cooperation and understanding between India and Sri Lanka in various areas such as commerce, trade, defence, developmental cooperation and education.

Further, successful implementation of people oriented and demand driven projects such as Emergency Ambulance Project and commencement of flights between Chennai and Jaffna brought the two countries even closer.
During this period, India continued to accord high priority to relations with Sri Lanka in accordance with its Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR Doctrine.

From India, Prime Minister visited Sri Lanka on 09 June 2019 after the Easter Day terror attacks of April 2019 to express India’s solidarity with Sri Lanka in the fight against terrorism.
External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, visited Sri Lanka on 18-19 November 2019 as a Special Envoy of Prime Minister, immediately after the swearing-in of President of Sri Lanka, to convey the greetings of Prime Minister and to invite the President to visit India.
Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of Communications, Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice visited Sri Lanka from 05-07 November 2019 to attend the Commonwealth India’s bilateral ties with Sri Lanka were further Law Ministers meeting in Colombo.

strengthened in 2019-20 by frequent high level visits, implementation of people oriented projects, close cooperation in culture, education.
In the developmental cooperation front, Sri Lanka continued to be one of the major recipients of development assistance from India in 2019-20.

Out Former Sri Lankan President Mr. Maithripala Sirisena of the 4,000 remaining houses, part of 50,000 houses visited India from 30-31 May 2019 to attend the under the flagship Indian Housing Project, more swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and the than 2,200 houses were completed.

The work for Cabinet of Ministers.


After the Presidential elections implementation of 10,000 houses, announced during on 16 November, President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Gotabaya the visit of Prime Minister in May 2017, is expected to Rajapaksa, paid a State Visit to India from 28-30 be commenced soon.

With this India’s total commitment November 2019.

This was his first overseas visit after to build houses in Sri Lanka stands at 60,000 and out taking over as the President.
Minister of Development of these houses, as on date, more than 48,200 houses Strategies and International Trade of Sri Lanka, Mr. have been completed.

Malik Samarawickrama, visited India from 06-08 August 66 Annual Report 2019-20 SRI LANKA Gotabaya Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka during Ceremonial Welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi (November 29, 2019) The final phase of the island-wide expansion of in 2018.
India was also the largest source market of Emergency Ambulance Service under an Indian grant tourists (18 % of tourist inflow) coming to Sri Lanka.

of USD 15.02 million was launched in the Eastern Further strengthening the cooperation in the port Province of Sri Lanka on 23 June 2019.

Based on the sector, a trilateral Memorandum of Cooperation on success of the Pilot phase, Sri Lankan Government the Development of the East Container Terminal of requested India to expand the service country wide.
Colombo South Port in Sri Lanka was signed between Other than the above projects, India continues to India, Japan and Sri Lanka on 28 May 2019. implement a large number of High Impact Community Defence engagement with Sri Lanka continued to Development Projects (HICDPs) in various areas receive strong impetus by high level visits from both including education and health.
The Upgradation of sides including the visits of Director General of Indian Saraswathy Central College in Pussellawa, Renovation Coast Guard, Director General Ordnance Service, of schools in the Northern Province, Construction of Director General of National Cadet Corps, Chief of Warehouse at Dambulla, and Jaffna Cultural Centre Naval Staff and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff to Sri were completed.
Projects such as Construction of Lanka and Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy and Surgical Unit and Supply of Medical Equipment to Teaching Hospital at Batticaloa, Construction of 600 houses under Gram Shakti project in Northern Province Director General of Sri Lankan Coast Guard to India.

The 6th Annual Defence Dialogue between India and Sri Lanka, at the Defence Secretary level, was and construction of 600 houses under Gram Shakti conducted in Colombo from 08-09 April 2019.
Further, project-II in Southern Province were commenced in to enhance coordination and cooperation between the this year.

During the visit of President of Sri Lanka in November 2019, India announced new Lines of Credit worth USD 450 million for undertaking infrastructure projects (USD 400 million) and for Security and Counter Terrorism (USD 50 million).
Under a USD 318 million Indian Line of Credit, a contract agreement for around USD 91.30 million for up-gradation of the Northern Railway line from Maho to Omanthai in Sri Lanka was signed on 18 July 2019 in Colombo.

The economic & commercial relations between India and Sri Lanka remained strong in 2019-20.

Sri Lanka is one of the largest trading partners of India in South Asia.

India in turn is one of Sri Lanka’s largest trade partners globally.

Bilateral trade in 2018 amounted to USD 4.93 billion.
Exports from India to Sri Lanka in 2018 were USD 4.16 billion, while exports from Sri Lanka to India were USD 0.77 billion.

India was the armed forces bilateral exercises such as SLINEX (07- 12 September 2019), Mitra Shakti (01-14 December 2019), MILAN (18-28 March 2020) were conducted.
As part of efforts to increase interaction and bonhomie between armed forces personnel of both countries, the second edition of special pilgrimage trip to Bodh Gaya for 160 personnel of Sri Lanka armed forces and their families was organised from 15 - 18 June 2019.

Further, a reciprocal visit of 160 Indian defence personnel to Sri Lanka was also organised.
As the cultural relations and people to people contact between the countries are one of the important aspects of bilateral ties, various activities including celebration of 5th International Day of Yoga, celebration of 150th Birth Anniversary Of Mahatma Gandhi, 550th Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev and commencement of flights between Chennai and Jaffna were undertaken during this period.
third largest contributor to Sri Lankan FDI, with total Minister of Foreign Relations, Skills Development, investment amounting to around US$ 173 million Employment and Labour Relations of Sri Lanka, Mr. 67 India's Neighbours Dinesh Gunawardena made an official visit to India External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar hosted from 08-10 January 2020.
This was the first overseas the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka for delegation level visit of the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister after assuming talks on 09 January 2020.

During the visit, the Sri charge in November 2019.

The visit of Foreign Minister Mr. Dinesh Gunawardena is in continuation of and as a follow up to the recent visit of President of Sri Lanka, H.E.

Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, to India in November 2019.


Lankan Foreign Minister also met our Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Mahendra Nath Pandey, and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour and Employment, Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar.
68 Annual Report 2019-20 2 South-East Asia and Asia-Pacific AUSTRALIA The year 2019 witnessed frequent interactions at the times for bilateral meetings during the period- on 10 highest level as Prime Ministers (PM) of both countries July 2019 on the sidelines of Commonwealth Foreign held bilateral meetings twice during the year on 29 Ministerial Meeting in London; on 2 August 2019 on June 2019 on the margins of the G20 Summit in Osaka the sidelines of ASEAN related meetings in Bangkok; on and on 4 November 2019 on the margins of East Asia 26 September 2019 on the sidelines of UNGA in New Summit (EAS) in Bangkok.
Australia joined India-led York and 23 November 2019 on the sidelines of G20 initiative Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructures Foreign Ministers meeting in Nagoya, Japan.

Australia’s (CDRI) as a founding member.

It also supported India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans initiative (IPOI).
Australia also co- sponsored UNSC resolution in April 2019 to list Azhar Foreign Secretary Ms. Frances Adamson and Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty visited New Delhi for the 3rd 2+2 Foreign and Defence Secretaries (2+2) Dialogue Masood as a terrorist.

on 9 December 2019.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S Jaishankar met MOS(Home) Shri G. Kishan Reddy visited Melbourne his Australian counterpart Senator Marise Payne four on 7-8 November 2019 for attending ‘No Money for 70 Terror Ministerial Conference’.
MOS also held bilateral major biennial bilateral Naval exercise between meeting with Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs both countries was conducted in the Bay of Bengal Peter Dutton.

Australia’s Minister for Resources and near Visakhapatnam in April 2019.

Bilateral Special Northern Australia Matt Canavan visited India on 26- Forces Exercise AUSTRAHIND was held in Australia 29 August 2019 where he met with his Ministerial in September 2019.
Indian Army, Navy and Air Force counterparts and resource industry leaders.

Australia’s conducted regular annual bilateral services to services Education Minister Den Tehan led a delegation from staff talk with their Australian counterparts.

Indian education sector to India from 19 - 21 November, 2019 Coast Guard Ship Shaurya visited Darwin in November and held a meeting with Minister for Human Resource 2019.

Development Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’.


He co- chaired 5th Australia-India Education Council meeting along with his Indian counterpart in New Delhi.

Indian community in Australia continues to grow in size and importance, with the population of nearly seven lakh (2.8 % of the population).

India emerged The other important bilateral meetings during 2019 as the top source of skilled immigrants to Australia.
include India-Australia Bilateral Maritime Dialogue in The number of Indian students continue to grow with New Delhi on 19 November 2019; India - Australia- approximately 90,000 students presently studying in Indonesia Trilateral Dialogue in New Delhi on 19 Australian universities.
November 2019; Bilateral Cyber Policy Dialogue in New Delhi on 4 September 2019, India-Australia Dialogue on Indo-Pacific in New Delhi on 13 August 2019, Joint Working Group(JWG) Meeting on Counter Terrorism in Canberra on 2 May 2019; India - Australia Joint Committee Meeting on Civil Nuclear Cooperation in Mumbai on 30 April 2019; and JWG on Tourism in Sydney on 15 April 2019.

Trade and investment continued to grow.


The first Treasury-NITI Aayog Economic Policy Dialogue was held in Australia in April 2019.

In response to Australia’s India Economic Strategy, Government of India (GOI) has tasked CII to prepare a mirror strategy to take advantage of complementarities between both the economies which would be finalized soon.

Defence engagement between both the countries grew in intensity.
Admiral Karamvir Singh, Chief of Naval Staff visited Australia from 2-4 September 2019 for bilateral talks.

The 3rd iteration of AUSINDEX, Foreign Minister Senator Marise Payne visited india on 15-16 January 2020, during which she participated in the Raisina Dialogue -2020 and HAD bilateral meetings with Hon’ble EAM and Hon’ble NSA.
other anticipated vists are : (ii) Visit of Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Mr. Simon Birmingham in February 2020 (24-28 February) for attending Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC).

Minister Birmingham is also expected to lead a business delegation to India during his visit in February, as the part of Australia-India Business Exchange, which Austrade is coordinating.

(iii) Senator Matt Canavan, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia is expected to visit India in March 2020.
This visit would be a follow up visit to Senator Canavan’s earlier visit to India on 26-29 August 2019 where he met with his Ministerial counterparts and resource industry leaders.

71 South-East Asia and Asia-Pacific BRUNEI India has been engaging closely with countries in the space and defence.

India agreed to share its expertise South East Asia region.

Brunei is a key partner of India in agricultural research with Brunei.

under its ‘Act East Policy’ and ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific.
India’s relations with Brunei Darussalam remained warm and were strengthened through high level exchanges.

EAM met Dato Erywan, Brunei Minister of Foreign Affairs II on the sidelines of 74th UNGA Session in New York in September 2019 and discussed issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Consent of Government of Brunei was conveyed in October 2019 to ISRO’s proposal for relocation of its Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand Centre (TTC) to a bigger site in Brunei, and for commencement of construction work for the Centre.
The whole gamut of bilateral relations was discussed during Secretary level Foreign Office Consultations (7th) between India and Brunei at New Delhi on 24 June 2019 led by Secretary (East) Ms. Vijay Thakur Singh and Brunei’s Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Mrs. Hajah Dayang Siti Norishan.
Both sides agreed to cooperate more closely in sectors of agriculture, health, education, energy, CAMBODIA Commander, Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) visited India on 4-8 August 2019 and held wide ranging discussions with Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force.

It was agreed to establish JWG on Defence Cooperation to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.
Participation of two Indian Naval officers in Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) from April 30 to 2 May 2019 further boosted bilateral defence cooperation.
A delegation led by Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Kailash Choudhary which included a rice expert visited Brunei to participate in 5th ASEAN- India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry on 14-17 October 2019 The Minister met his Brunei counterpart on the sidelines of the meeting and offered Indian assistance to Brunei to promote rice cultivation.

A 2-member delegation led by H.E.


Emaleen Abd Rahman Teo, Permanent Secretary (ASEAN), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei visited India to participate in Delhi Dialogue XI on 13-14 December 2019.

India and Cambodia have close civilization and cultural Office Consultations (FOC) were held in New Delhi on links from ancient times, which continue even today.

3 July 2019, which was co-chaired by Smt.


Vijay Thakur While Prime Minister Hun Sen’s visit to India in January Singh, Secretary (East) and Mrs. Eat Sophea, Secretary 2018 and follow up visits at high level provided the of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International necessary impetus, during 2019, both countries Cooperation, Cambodia and reviewed the entire gamut demonstrated keenness to further expand and deepen of our bilateral relations.
their bilateral relationship through exchange of official and business delegations.

Development cooperation, Human resource development and capacity building activities continued to be the focus of bilateral cooperation.

Development cooperation with Cambodia constitutes a growing dimension of the close and multi-faceted ties between the two countries.
India continued its assistance to Cambodia in the fields of water resource development, restoration and conservation of temples After a gap of 8 years, the 2nd India-Cambodia Foreign and capacity building.

For providing safe drinking 72 Annual Report 2019-20 water to Cambodian people living in rural areas, under ITEC programmes since its launch in Cambodia in GOI’s Grant-in-Aid programme, WAPCOS had already 1981.
Tailor-made courses as per the requirements of installed 1,190 Afridev Hand Pumps in Kampong the Cambodian Government led to GOI, sending ITEC Cham Province and ground-breaking ceremony for experts to train Cambodian nationals.

installation of the remaining 310 Hand Pumps in Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia was held on 4th December 2019.
Since its inception in 2015, 15 Quick Impact Projects (QIP) have been implemented in the areas of health, education, agriculture, women empowerment, sanitation, environment & skill development, etc.

Given the overwhelming interest shown by the line Ministries, the number of QIP projects has since been increased to 10 from the earlier limit of 5 projects per year.

During 2019-20, 10 QIP projects are currently under implementation.
Defence cooperation continued with conduct of annual training capsules for Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.

A grant of US$ 1.5 million for procurement of demining equipment announced during RM’s visit in June 2018 is under active consideration of the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Members of Cambodian Defence forces also continued to receive training in Indian Defence establishments under ITEC scholarships.
As part of India Navy’s goodwill visits to the Southeast Asia region, two Indian Naval Ships, INS Sahyadri and INS Kiltan visited Sihanoukville Port, Cambodia on a After completing the first two phases of restoration 5-day goodwill visit from 5-9 September 2019, which project of Ta Prohm Temple successfully, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is currently undertaking the 3rd phase at a cost of US$ 4.5 million.
India, as Co-Chair of prestigious International Coordination Committee of Preah Vihear (ICC), conveyed its willingness to carry out restoration and conservation work at Preah Vihar, the oldest Shiva Temple and the work is expected to start in 2019-20. included joint maritime exercises and sports related activities with Royal Cambodian Navy.
Cultural relations flourished during this period with the MoU on establishment of ICCR’s Chair in Buddhist and Sanskrit Studies at PSRB University, Phnom Penh extended for another three years period till 2021-22.

Bilateral trade continued to grow.

Trade delegations from both countries visited India and Cambodia.

Under Provision of training programmes for Cambodian officers under ITEC progressed smoothly.
Till date, more than 1750 Cambodian nationals benefited from FIEO banner, 27 Indian companies participated in CAMBUILD on 18th September 2019 for first time in Phnom Penh.

INDONESIA PM and President of Indonesia Mr. Joko Widodo met twice during the year – on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Osaka in July 2019 and ASEAN Summit in Bangkok in November 2019, building on the Comprehensive The 6th JCM co-chaired by Foreign Ministers of both countries was held on 13 December 2019 in New Delhi.
The Joint Task Force (JTF) set up for strengthening physical, economic and people to people connectivity Strategic Partnership (CSP) between the two countries.

between Andaman Nicobar and Aceh province of EAM paid an official visit to Indonesia on 5 September Indonesia, and to develop port related infrastructure in 2019.

During the visit, EAM held meetings with Sabang, held its first meeting on 7 December 2019 in senior leadership of Indonesian Government including Banda Aceh.
delegation level talks with Foreign Minister Ms. Retno Marsudi.

Under defence cooperation, there were regular 73 South-East Asia and Asia-Pacific engagements at the operational level between the three services.

The 2nd Joint Naval Exercise (November 2019), 3rd Air Force to Air Force Talks (October 2019), 8th Army to Army Staff Talks (August 2019) and the 10th Navy to Navy Staff Talks (August 2019) were held during the year.
The 3rd India-Australia-Indonesia (IAI) Senior Officials’ Strategic Dialogue (DG level) was held on 19 November 2019 in New Delhi.

12th Bali Democracy Forum held on 5-6th December 2019 in Bali.

India and Indonesia have robust cooperation in the area of capacity building and human resource development.
A delegation of Village Heads from all across Indonesia attended a 2-week International training cum exposure visit on Rural Development initiatives at National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Indonesia remains one of India’s largest trading Hyderabad.

partners in the ASEAN region in 2018-19 with total trade of US$ 21.21 billion.
In order to meet the trade target of USD 50 billion by 2025, several efforts were made for expanding the trade basket between India and Indonesia, with special focus on market access for Indian agricultural commodities in India.

As announced during the PM visit in 2018, Representative office of CII in Jakarta was inaugurated by External Affairs Minister on 5 September 2019 to facilitate bilateral investments.

Exchanges under various bilateral dialogue mechanisms took place during the course of the year.
1st India- Indonesia Consular Dialogue was held in Indonesia in July 2019, which was co-chaired by Secretary (CPV & OIA) Shri Sanjay Arora.

Discussions covered wide ranging issues pertaining to consular, immigration, visas and related issues of mutual interest.

The 2nd Policy Planning Dialogue took place in Jakarta on 11 July 2019.

Both sides explored convergences on global issues, with special focus on Indo-Pacific region.
India and Indonesia commemorated the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations with year-long celebrations in both countries.

As agreed during the PM’s visit in May 2018, Department of Posts of Government of Indonesia released a special commemorative stamp on the theme of ‘Ramayana’ to mark the event.
Indian Embassy, Jakarta in association with PT POS Indonesia issued a special commemorative cover on Mahatma Gandhi which was released by EAM on 5 September 2019, during his visit to Jakarta.

Bust of Mahatma Gandhi was inaugurated at Sari Mutiara Indonesia University, Medan.

“The 6th bilateral Joint Commission Meeting co-chaired by Dr. S. Jaishankar, EAM and Ms Retno Marsudi, Foreign Minister of Indonesia was held on 13 December 2019 in New Delhi.
During the meeting, both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthen ties in the areas of defence, security, connectivity, trade and investment and people-to-people exchanges and emphasised the need to hold regular meetings of existing bilateral institutional Parliamentary relations with Indonesia were mechanisms, including in areas of trade, energy, defence, further strengthened with the visit of a 10-member security and counter-terrorism.
Parliamentary Delegation of Commission-I (Law, Politics and Government) of the House of Representatives of Aceh Province, Indonesia visited India from 14-20 July 2019.

Dr. Agus Hermanto, Deputy Speaker of National House of Representative for Industry and Development also visited India on 19-23 August 2019.

Shri Ashok Malik, Policy Advisor, MEA represented India at the During her visit, Foreign Minister of Indonesia also delivered the keynote address at the Delhi Dialogue XI on 13 December 2019.
In her keynote address she called for greater synergy between India & Indonesia in the Indo- Pacific for peace, prosperity & stability of this region.” 74 Annual Report 2019-20 LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC Relations with Lao PDR, a key partner of India in India’s students for undergraduate and postgraduate courses ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ Policies were continued.

An expert from Centre for Development of further strengthened.
Under an MoU signed with Lao Advanced Computing (C-DAC) has been deputed for Ministry of Information and Culture in 2007, a Team 6 months for training Lao youth in IT skills at the India from ASI is assisting in the restoration of UNESCO funded Laos-India Centre of Excellence in Software World Heritage Site at Vat Phou, an ancient Khmer Development and Training (CESDT) of the Institute of Shiva Temple in two phases (2009-17) and (2018-28).

Information and Communication Technology in Laos.


Phase-I of the project was completed in 2017.

Phase-II An MoU was signed between Foreign Service of India has commenced in 2018.

India continued to assist in the development of Lao PDR’s infrastructure through grants and Lines of Credit (FSI) and Institute of Foreign Affairs (FAI) of Laos for organizing courses for capacity building for Lao officials in the field of foreign affairs.
and its human resources through capacity building Dr. Bounkong Syhavong, Minister of Public Health programmes under ITEC, ICCR and MGC Programmes led a delegation from Lao PDR for participation in the as well as under ASEAN-India Framework.

A LOC GAVI Board Meeting in India from 02-05 December Project for conversion of diesel pumps and upgradation 2019.

Mr. Somchith Inthamith, Dy.


Minister, Ministry of electric pumps for irrigation was completed and of Industry and Commerce led a delegation from Lao handed over to the Lao Government in August 2019.
PDR for participation in Delhi Dialogue from 13-14 Training programmes to Lao officials under ITEC December 2019. programme, and fully funded scholarships to Lao MALAYSIA India shares strong ties of friendship, based on shared met Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah on history and vibrant cultural and people to people the side-lines of Non-Aligned Movement Ministerial linkages with Malaysia, which is India’s third largest Meeting in Azerbaijan on 23 October 2019.

Other trading partner in ASEAN.


Malaysia has emerged as the 13th largest trading partner for India globally while India now figures among the ten largest trading partners for important visits included that of Malaysian Human Resource Minister Mr. M. Kulasegaran who visited India thrice including to Tamil Nadu (on 16-22 May Malaysia.
This robust bilateral relationship covers a 2019); Bengaluru (21- 24 September 2019) and Delhi, wide gamut of mutually beneficial areas, maintained by Bengaluru and Chennai (22-27 November 2019).

regular exchanges and engagements at political/official Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (National levels.
The political engagement at the highest levels continued during this period with PM meeting his Malaysian counterpart Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad on the side-lines of Eastern Economic Summit Forum in Vladivostok, Russia on 5 September 2019.

EAM Unity and Social Well-being), Mr. P. Waytha Moorthy visited India in August 2019 during which he called on EAM and conveyed greetings from the Malaysian PM to our PM on the latter’s victory in the May General elections in India.
Minister of Primary Industries Ms. Teresa Kok during her visit to India in August 2019 75 South-East Asia and Asia-Pacific to promote Malaysian palm oil and rubber, met the Higher Defence Management Course (HDMC-15) Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal.

visited Malaysia from 21-25 October 2019 as part She also visited Mumbai from 25-27 September 2019 of their Foreign Study Tour.

Two rounds of planning to attend Globoil 2019 Conference.
conference for the ADMM plus Experts’ Working Sultan Sallehuddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, Sultan of Kedah visited India from 13-19 November 2019.

Besides travelling to Mumbai, he also visited his Group on Humanitarian & Disaster Relief were held in April and July 2019.

Indian delegation, led by JS (Army), attended final conference in October 2019 at Kuching.

alma mater-Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun Malaysia India Business Council (MIBC) and ASEAN on 18-19 November 2019.
The Sultan had undergone India Business Council (AIBC) led a 30-member strong training at IMA from July 1962 to June 1963 before business delegation, from wide range of industries, assuming his appointment as Lieutenant in the Royal to North-Eastern states of Assam and Manipur from Malay Regiment.

Defence Cooperation included 6-10 November 2019 to explore trade and investment regular exchanges and visits of Indian Naval ships.

opportunities.
opportunities.

55 Malaysian-Indian students were Indian Coast Guard Ship VIJIT and INS SAGARDHWANI awarded scholarships worth RM 3,00,000 for 2019-20 made port calls at Port Klang from 9-13 April 2019 in December 2019 under the Indian Scholarship and and 9-13 August 2019 respectively.

INS Savitri did Trust Fund (ISTF).

an Operational Turn Around at Port Klang from 19- 21 August 2019.
Indian Naval Ships, INS SAHYADRI and INS KILTAN participated in the 2nd edition of joint naval exercise SAMUDRA LAKSAMANA 2019, at Kota Kinabalu from 12-16 September 2019.

Indian delegation led by Maj Gen Ravin Khosla, SM, VSM attended the 7th Army-to-Army Staff Talks in Kuala Lumpur from 18-20 September 2019.

Vice Admiral Datuk Khairul Anuar Bin Yahya, Deputy Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy attended the Goa Maritime Conclave from 3-5 October 2019.
22 officers from Visit of Shri Vishnu Dayal Ram, Hon’ble MP(Lok Sabha) and Smt.

Sampatiya Uike, Hon’ble MP(Rajya Sabha) to Malaysia for Inter-Parliamentary Union workshop from 30 September-3 October 2019.

Visit of Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department of Malaysia.

Mr. Mohamed Hanipa Maidin, to India from 20 to 24 December 2019.

Visit of Malaysian Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Muhammad Bakhtiar bin Wan Chik to India from 07 to 10 January 2020.
NEW ZEALAND The friendly and warm relations between India and New approach towards its relationship with India over Zealand were reaffirmed during the year through regular coming years.

On 24 September 2019, at the invitation high-level dialogue and contacts.
On 25 September of PM Modi, PM Ardern became one of the six world 2019, PM had a bilateral meeting with PM Ms. Jacinda Ardern on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA), during which PM Ardern informed PM Modi that New Zealand has commissioned an India strategy paper titled “India 2022 – Investing in the Relationship” to chart out the course of New Zealand’s leaders to participate in special event held in New York to commemorate 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
New Zealand Leader of Opposition Simon Bridges visited India from 30 August to 5 September 2019 and met EAM, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, 76 Annual Report 2019-20 Minister for Jal Shakti and MOS for Commerce & on the sidelines of ADMM-Plus and discussed the Industry.

On 1 August 2019, EAM met Deputy Prime full spectrum of bilateral defence ties.
Indian Council Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister Mr. Winston for World Affairs (ICWA) led a delegation to New Peters in Bangkok on the sidelines of ASEAN-related Zealand from 9-11 April 2019 for Track-II dialogue meetings.

DPM Winston Peters, accompanied by with Asia New Zealand Foundation.

Four groups of Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker, senior civil servants visited New Zealand for short has accepted to visit India on 26-28 February 2020.
NZ term training programmes conducted by Victoria Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth and Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor visited India from 5-7 November 2019 and met Minister of Commerce & Industry, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, MOS Health and Family Welfare and MOS for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
A 4-member delegation from South and SouthEast Asia Parliamentary Friendship Group visited New Delhi and Mumbai on 20-26 November 2019 and met MOS for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on External Affairs and the Chief Election Commissioner.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh visited New Zealand on 5-7 September.
Later, on 17 November 2019, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh and NZ Defence Minister Ron Mark met in Bangkok University of Wellington on leadership, e-governance and organizational behavior.

Bilateral trade continued to see double digit growth and amounted to NZ$ 2.31 bn (January-September 2019) as compared to NZ$ 2.68 billion during 2018 as per data of Statistics New Zealand.

Indian IT giant HCL opened its delivery centre in Hamilton in August 2019.
India New Zealand Business Council, in association with FICCI held the 6th edition of Annual Business Summit with the theme ‘India Unplugged: Trade, Collaborate, Grow’ on 14 October in Auckland.

The 7th round of India-New Zealand Economic Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 28 November 2019.

People to people linkages with a large Indian diaspora in NZ, continued to underpin strong relations between the two countries.
As per the recently declared census Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand, New York, 25 September 2019 77 South-East Asia and Asia-Pacific result, Indians now number more than 2,31,000, has included New Zealand for holding a Festival of contributing to 4.7% of the NZ population.

Hindi is the India during the year 2020.

A 4-member Parliamentary fifth most commonly spoken language in New Zealand.
delegation led by Mr. Greg O’Connor visited India All major Indian festivals and events were widely from 20-26 November 2019 and interacted with celebrated in which Cabinet Ministers, MPs Mayors MOS (External Affairs) Shri V Muraleedharan and and other senior leaders participated enthusiastically.

Chairperson of Parliamentary Standing Committee on The Auckland Diwali Festival was inaugurated by PM External Affairs Shri PP Chaudhary and Chief Election Ardern on 12 October 2019.
MP Mr. Kanwaljit Singh Commissioner Shri Sunil Arora on 25 November 2019.

Bakshi, MP Dr. Parmjeet Parmar and Mr. Bhav Dhillon, MoS for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Hon Consul of India in Auckland were among 381 V. Muraleedharan is scheduled to visit Auckland and people honoured by the Government of Punjab to commemorate the 550th Parkash Purb Celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev ji on 10 November 2019.
With a view to enhance cultural exchanges, the Ministry of Culture Wellington from 26-28 Jan 2019 during which he is likely to meet DPM & FM Mr. Winston Peters, Trade Minister David Parker, Minister for Ethnic Communities Ms. Jenny Salesa among others.

PHILIPPINES The year 2019 was an important landmark in India- 2.32 billion in 2018-19.

India’s exports increased by Philippines bilateral relations as it marked 70 years 3%.
Trade balance continues to be in India’s favour with of diplomatic relations between both countries.

The major exports being in Vehicles, Machinery, Pharma, major highlight of our bilateral engagement was the frozen buffalo meat.
State visit of Rashtrapati Shri Ram Nath Kovind to the Philippines from 17-21 October 2019 and delegation level talks with President Duterte on issues such as defence and maritime cooperation, counter terrorism, joint exploration of historical and pre-colonial linkages, cooperation in pharma sector and air connectivity.
Four agreements: MoU on sharing of White Shipping Information, MoU on Tourism Cooperation, Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP), Programme of Cooperation in Science & Technology (S&T) were concluded during President’s visit.

The largest ever business event by India in the Philippines was organized during the State visit of President of India.
Philippines-India Business Conclave and 4th ASEAN-India Business Summit on 19 October 2019 attracted 34 Indian companies from FICCI, CII and ASOCHAM and over 300 representatives of local companies.

It covered Fintech, Start-ups and Innovation, Pharma and Agro.

Four Business MoUs were signed during the event.

The 2nd ASEAN India Innotech Summit and Grassroots Innovation Forum was held from 20-22 November, 2019 at Davao City.
All ASEAN The mainstay of bilateral defence cooperation continues countries and a large contingent of Indian grass-root to be capacity building and training, exchange of visits innovators and young innovators participated in the of delegations and naval and coast guard ship visits.

In event.
In event.

President of India unveiled the bust of Mahatma this regard, two Indian Naval Ships INS Sahyadri and Gandhi at the Centre for Peace Education in Miriam INS Kiltan visited Philippines from 23-26 October College during the State Visit.

2019.
Bilateral trade continued to be steady at US$ 78 Annual Report 2019-20 PACIFIC ISLAND COUNTRIES (PIC) (FIJI, COOK ISLAND, KIRIBATI, NAURU, TONGA, VANUATU, TUVALU, SOLOMON ISLAND, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, MARSHALL ISLAND, SAMOA, NIUE, PALAU, MICRONESIA) Guided by the spirit of solidarity and South- South- Cooperation, India has for long partnered in development efforts of PICs by sharing its experience established in 2017. International Solar Alliance (ISA) also compliments our relationship with PICs which are extremely vulnerable to climate change effects.
and expertise.

This special relationship has deepened Delegations led by Hon.

Jone Usamate, Minister of in recent years as we see the evolution of ‘Act East Infrastructure, Transport, Disaster Management & Policy’, resulting in setting up of action-oriented Forum Meteorological Services (Fiji), Hon.

Ruateki Tekaiara, for Indi-Pacific Island Cooperation (FIPIC).
The two Minister for Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy ( summits of FIPIC were held in November 2014 in Fiji and August 2015 in Jaipur, during which PM clearly Kiribati), Hon.

Rennier Gadabu M.P., Minister of Climate Change, Infrastructure Development and Commerce, articulated commonalities of challenges faced by PICs Industry and Environment (Nauru), Hon.
Poasi Mataele and India and articulated for India’s wish to engage Tei, Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, with PICs to address these through Annual Grant-in- Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change Aid, capacity, human resource building under ITEC and Communication (Tonga) and Mr. Avafoa Irata, Program.
Annual grant in aid provided by India to all Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Energy PICs has been increased from US$ 125000 to US$ and Tourism (Tuvalu) attended the 2nd General 200000 since 2015.

At multilateral level, India is partnering with international agencies to deliver projects in the region through India-UN Development Partnership Fund Assembly of ISA held on 31 October 2019 in New Delhi.
Delegation from Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu attended the 2nd General Assembly of ISA held on 31 October 2019 in New Delhi.
During the first Group Photo of Foreign Ministers of ASEAN member Nations at ASEAN-India Ministerial meeting in Thailand (August 01, 2019) 79 South-East Asia and Asia-Pacific ever historic meeting of PM with the leaders of PSIDS on the sidelines of UNGA on 25th September 2019 at New York, our PM announced grant of US$ 1 million Samoa became the 85th member of ISA by signing and ratifying ISA protocol in December 2019.
The project of setting up of Centre for Excellence in Information to each member of PSIDS for high impact projects of Technology at the National University of Samoa, Apia their choice; concessional Line of Credit (LOC) of US is operational with effect from 25 November 2019.

$150 million to PICs for projects in Solar, Renewable energy and climate change; and that the 3rd Summit of FIPIC will be held in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the first half of 2020.
For relief and restoration work in PNG affected In Niue, work is progressing on Setting Centre of Excellence in IT in coordination with CDAC, Pune.

The proposal for the second phase of installing 4G network aimed to cover the remaining population is under consideration of the Government.

by earthquake in February 2018, India donated H.E.

Rear Admiral (Retd.)


Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, US$ 1 million to PNG Government towards India’s Prime Minister of Fiji received Sustainable Development humanitarian assistance in July 2019.

Another US$ Leadership Award-2019 from ‘The Energy and 1 million was donated to PNG in September 2019 Resources Institute (TERI)’ in February 2019.

EAM met towards relief and restoration efforts in areas affected with Mr. Inia Batikoto Seruiratu, Minister for Foreign by Ulawun Volcano in June 2019.
The Mahatma Gandhi Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (MG- CEIT), has been established with GOI’s financial and Affairs, Defence and National Security of Fiji on 24 September 2019 on the sidelines of the 74th session of the UNGA in New York and discussed bilateral technical assistance in University of PNG.

cooperation.

42 participants have been selected in 54- A 4-member Indian delegation, led by Cdr.

P.K.
P.K.

Srivastava, Director, Ministry of Earth Sciences, visited PNG from 25-27 July 2019 on a scoping mission to set up Institute for Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Research in Pacific region and network of marine biology research.

Electoral Commissioner of PNG Mr. Patilas Gamato and 5 other senior Officers 59 schedules of Know India Programme (KIP) during 2019-20.

In Palau, India is upgrading the community health centres and is installing solar energy to power the President’s Office in Palau.
Recently Palau has signed the Framework Agreement on International Solar Alliance (ISA) on 15th July 2019 becoming the 76th member of ISA.
from Electoral Commission of PNG visited India from Fijian Minister of Agriculture, Rural and Maritime 2-5 September 2019 to attend Association of World Development, Waterways and Environment, Dr. Election Bodies General Assembly in Bangalore and Mahendra Reddy visited India to attend UN Convention meet Election Commission of India Officials in New to Combat Desertification held on 9-10 September Delhi.
A team of officials from PNG Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) visited India from 3-9 November for fact-finding trip to National Small Industries Corporation of India (NSIC).

Vice Foreign Minister Mr. 2019.

During his visit he also had fruitful bilateral discussions with Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister, Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation on 11 September 2019.
Agisa Sekie along with Mr. Tommy Angau, Assistant Mrs. Veena Bhatnagar, Assistant Minister for Women, Director, Asia Branch, Dept of Foreign Affairs and Children and Poverty Alleviation and Deputy Speaker of International Trade attended Indian Ocean Conference Parliament of Fiji visited India (Ayodhya) for Deepotsav held in Maldives from 1-5 September, 2019 at India’s 2019 on 26 October 2019.

Mrs. Bhatnagar was invited invitation.


as the Chief Guest on the occasion by the Government 80 Annual Report 2019-20 of State of Utter Pradesh.

Mrs. Bhatnagar also visited Conference which is also due to be held in Fiji in 2020.

Delhi and met with Shri V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs and also visited Parliament of India.
Mahatma Gandhi-Centre of Excellence in IT: Shri V. Muraleedharan, MOS External Affairs is scheduled to inaugurate Mahatma Gandhi-Centre of Excellence in IT The first Regional Hindi Conference is scheduled in Fiji National University in early 2020. to be held on 25 January 2020 in Suva.

Shri, V. Muraleedharan, Hon.

Minister of State for External Affairs, is due to visit Fiji on 25-26 January 2020 to attend this Conference.
Hindi scholars from India, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand A visit of ISRO team to visit Papua New Guinea in January 2020 is proposed.

Government of Solomon Islands confirmed its support to India’s candidature to UNSC Non-Permanent Seat are expected to participate in the Conference which for the 2021-2022 term.
will be a Curtain Raiser event for the World Hindi THAILAND Thailand is the Chair of the Association of SouthEast “Sawasdee PM Modi” on 2 November 2019 at which Asian Nations (ASEAN) during 2019 and India’s Country Coordinator for India-ASEAN Dialogue Partnership for three years from 2018-21.
Bilateral relations were over 5,000 persons participated and also released a special commemorative coin to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji and Thai translation intensive engagements characterized by including several high-level exchanges in 2019, including 8th Joint Commission Meeting(JCM) between India and Thailand co-chaired by Foreign Ministers of the two countries on 10 October 2019 at New Delhi; 12th JWG on Security Cooperation held on 2 December 2019 at New Delhi; 3rd India-Thailand Army-to-Army Staff Talks held from 23-25 July 2019 at New Delhi; and 10th Indian Air Force- Royal Thai Air Force Staff Talks held from 23-25 July 2019 in Thailand.
PM, accompanied by EAM and Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister for Railways & Commerce and Industries, visited Thailand from 2-4 November 2019 to participate in 16th India-ASEAN Summit, 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) and 3rd Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit.

PM held bilateral meetings with Prime Ministers of Thailand, General (Rtd.)

Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Australia, President of Indonesia and pull aside meetings with PM of Singapore.
PM addressed a community event of Tamil work “Thirukkural”.

EAM visited Thailand from 1-3 August 2019 to attend the India-ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting, 10th MGC Ministerial Meeting, 9th EAS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and 26th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

On the margins of these meetings, EAM held bilateral meetings with Foreign Minister of Thailand Mr. Don Pramudwinai and Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Timor Leste, Vietnam and Secretary General of ASEAN.
Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister for Commerce and Industry and Railways attended 16th ASEAN Economic India Consultations, 7th EAS Ministers’(AEM) – Economic Ministers’ Meeting and 7th RCEP Ministerial Meeting from 7-10 September 2019 in Bangkok.

On the sidelines of these meetings, he held bilateral meetings with Economic Ministers of Thailand, Japan, China, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and the United States of America.
He also visited Thailand 81 South-East Asia and Asia-Pacific from 11-12 October 2019 to participate in the 9th RCEP Intersessional Ministerial Meeting.

Kolkata during the BIMSTEC Ports Conclave held from 7-9 November 2019 in Visakhapatnam, India.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited Thailand from Embassy in association with North Eastern States of 16-18 November 2019 to attend ASEAN Defence India will organize the 2nd edition of North East India Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) and opening Festival from 21-23 February 2020 in Bangkok.

The ceremony of Defence & Security 2019 Exhibition.
festival is expected to promote connectivity, tourism, On the sidelines, he held bilateral meetings with the trade and people-to-people exchanges between the Defence Ministers of Thailand, Australia and New North East region of India and Thailand and South-East Zealand.

Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Asia region.

Chief Ministers of some North Eastern States of India are expected to attend the festival.

Navy, visited Thailand from 16– 29 April 2019.


Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa Chairman COSC & Chief of Cobra Gold Exercise 2020, co-hosted by US and Thailand is scheduled in Thailand from 03 February the Air Staff, visited Thailand from 26-29 August 2019 - 06 March 2020.

India will be participating in the to attend Chief of Defence Conference.
Indian Navy Exercise as Observer Plus Category.The 29th cycle of and Royal Thai Navy conducted CORPAT-28 Exercise Indo-Thai CORPAT exercise is scheduled during 12-20 off Port Blair coast from 5-15 September 2019.

The February 2020. maiden India-Thailand-Singapore Trilateral Maritime exercise was successfully conducted at Port Blair from 16-20 September 2019.

The Indian Army- Royal Thai Army Joint Exercise Maitree 2019 was held from 16– 29 September 2019 in Meghalaya, India.
The 7th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) will be held from March 25- 27, 2020 at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok.
The APFSD is an inclusive intergovernmetnal forum and a regional platform for An MoU between Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi supporting countries, in particular those with special and Devawongse Vorapakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs needs, in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for of Thailand was signed during the JCM in October Sustainable Development.
The theme of 7th APFSD is 2019 and three MoUs were signed between Ranong “Accelerating action and delivery of the 2030 Agenda Port and Indian ports of Visakhapatnam, Chennai and in Asia and the Pacific”.

TIMOR-LESTE India’s relationship with Timor-Leste deepened further.
in Aaturo Island in Timor-Leste is funded by IBSA Fund Two projects were implemented by India in 2019. would enhance productivity in agricultural, horticultural First one was Information Technology Innovation Lab and fisheries sector through the Permaculture Centre Project in Oẻ-Cusse region of Timor-Leste, funded by serving as a learning centre for sustainable agriculture India-UN Development Partnership Fund, which aims and natural resources conservation.
at enhancing IT literacy in schools, with coverage of 12 schools, both through IT innovation labs and mobile IT innovation vans.

The second project, Sustainable Agriculture & Permaculture Learning Centre established EAM met with Timor-Leste Foreign Minister H.E.

Mr. Dionisio da Costa Babo Soares in Bangkok on the sidelines of EAS Summit on 2 August 2019 and reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations.
A high- 82 Annual Report 2019-20 level delegation led by Mr Joaquim Jose Gusmao dos Leste, led a delegation to New Delhi on 12-13 Reis Martins, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries of Timor-Leste took part in 4th Our Ocean Conference held by India Foundation in Maldives on 3-4 September 2019.
Mr Xanana Gusmao, Chief Negotiator of Maritime Boundaries and Special Representative of Timor- November, 2019 and had detailed discussions with Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources, seeking investments in oil and gas sector of Timor-Leste, with particular reference to the Greater Sunrise Project.

SINGAPORE There was broad-based progress in the India-Singapore the World Economic Forum (WEF) India Economic strategic partnership in 2019-20.

Our PM and Prime Summit (IES).


In addition, other high-level visits Minister Lee Hsien Loong met on the sidelines of G-20 included Minister for Communications and Information Summit in Osaka (June 2019) and on the sidelines of & Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations, S. Iswaran ASEAN/ EAS meetings in Bangkok (November 2019).
who visited in June and October; Minister of Home PM Lee was one of the six world leaders invited to Affairs and Law Mr. K Shanmugam and Education speak at a special event at the United Nations, New Minister Mr. Ong Ye Kung visited India in August and York on 24 September 2019 to celebrate 150th birth September 2019. anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The India-Singapore Track 1.5 Strategic Dialogue took EAM, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh; and, MoS place in Delhi in July 2019.
Defence engagement (Independent Charge) for Housing and Urban Affairs, was marked by annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue; Civil Aviation and MoS, Commerce & Industry Shri Secretary-level Defence Policy Dialogue; Air Force, Hardeep Singh Puri visited Singapore in 2019.
EAM co-chaired the 6th meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) with Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Army and Navy staff talks; Defence Technology Steering Committee and Defence Industry Working Group meetings; and, annual meeting of Heads of Military Balakrishnan on 9 September 2019.

Raksha Mantri co- Intelligence Agencies.

Both sides maintained their chaired the annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue with Defence Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen on 20 November 2019.
Shri Shaktikanta Das, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, visited Singapore in August 2019.
Senior officials visiting Singapore included Dy National annual schedule of exercises-Singapore annual Army’s Armour and Artillery exercises in India; the 26th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX), held in Singapore this year; 10th edition of the Air Force Joint Military Training, which enables Security Advisor Rajendra Khanna for the Security Singapore Air Force to exercise and conduct live firing Dialogue and Defence Secretary Shri Ajay Kumar for the Defence Policy Dialogue.
From Singapore, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Finance Minister Mr. Heng Swee Keat paid his first visit as DPM in October 2019.

During the visit, DPM Heng met PM Modi, several cabinet ministers and co-chaired in India.

This year’s edition included for the first time a naval component as well.

India participated in the 12th International Maritime Defence Exhibition Asia 2019 (IMDEX Asia-2019) in May 2019 in Singapore.
Indian Naval Ship Sagardhwani visited Singapore in August 2019 to promote scientific collaboration between Indian agencies including DRDO and Singaporean 83 South-East Asia and Asia-Pacific agencies.

Inaugural Trilateral Maritime Exercise Plenaries featured EAM, MoS (I/C) Shri Puri, Senior between India, Singapore and Thailand (SITMEX) was held from 16-19 September 2019 in Andaman sea.
During Defence Ministers Dialogue, India conveyed Minister Teo Chee Hean and Foreign Minister of Singapore Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan.

The 3rd edition of our Mission’s startup engagement platform, “India- its readiness to allow Singapore to conduct missile test Singapore Entrepreneurship Bridge (InSpreneur)” firing at Chandipur Integrated Test Range.
was held along with Business & Innovation Summit Bilateral trade in FY 2019-20 (till October 2019) was US$14.8 billion with exports to Singapore constituting US$ 6 billion, recording a growth of 0.4 % while imports stood at US$8.7 billion, a decline of 6.4%.

In 2018-19, FDI inflows from Singapore amounted to USD 16.23 billion out of total FDI receipts in India of USD 44.37 billion.

The outward Indian FDI to Singapore was US$ on innovation themes and exhibition of 85 startups from India and Singapore.
120 university students from India and Singapore participated in the second Joint Hackathon held in Chennai in September 2019.

Singapore’s Education Minister Mr. Ong Ye Kung visited India to participate in the awards ceremony presided over by PM Modi.
66.93 billion (April 2000 - October 2019) out of which Central and State Governments as well as Government about US$ 2 billion in FY 2019-20 till October 2019, organisations are working with Singapore to establish making Singapore one of the top destinations for skill development centres in various sectors.

North Indian investments.
East Skill Centre was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Vistara- a Joint Venture between Singapore Airlines Assam in Guwahati in March 2019. and Tata Group - launched their first ever international In Jan 2020, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Senior flights from Singapore to Delhi and Mumbai in Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies August 2019, while GoAir started their services from visited India where he called on PM, met senior Bengaluru and Kolkata to Singapore in October 2019. ministers and delivered a lecture in Mumbai at the Cooperation in the areas of technology, innovation, invitation of RBI.
fintech and startups have grown.

In 2019.

A Pilot demo of BHIM UPI QR based payments was launched in Singapore on 13 November during 2019 Fintech Festival.

Commercial and technical arrangements have also been worked out for acceptance of RuPay domestic card in Singapore, in addition to the RuPay International Card, launched in June 2018.
Under the JWG on Fintech, two sides are making progress on a Global Stack, based on India Stack, and developing an international MSME digital platform, Business Sans Border.

Mission in Singapore organized region’s first international business & innovation summit on India in Government’s second term on 9-10 September 2019, “India- Singapore: The Next Phase.” The event drew over 4500 registered participants.
The Ministerial An IAF Delegation Headed by Chief of Air Staff visited & Sarang Helicopter Display Team participated in the Singapore Air Show in February 2020.

A high level delegation from Singapore Armed Forces participated in the DefExpo 2020 at Lucknow in February 2020.

Bilateral trade in FY 2019-20 ( till November 2019) was USD16.3 billion with exports to Singapore constituting USD 6.6 billion while imports stood at USD9.7 billion.
In the fiscal 2019-20, total inflow until September 2019 was USD 8.01 billion while Cumulative FDI from Singapore into India (April 2000- September 2019) is USD 91.02 billion, accounting for 20% of total inflows into India.
The outward Indian FDI to Singapore was US$ 67.14 billion (January 2008 - December 2019) out of which about US$ 1.72 billion in FY 2019-20 till November 2019, 84 Annual Report 2019-20 VIETNAM Following its ‘Act East Policy’, India has enhanced its Cooperation in Defence and maritime security is the engagement with Vietnam to boost close and friendly relation with Vietnam.

The bilateral relationship strengthened through exchange of high-level cornerstone of India’s relations with Vietnam.
Defence Secretary of India, Dr. Ajay Kumar held the 12th round of India-Vietnam Annual Security Dialogue with the visits, extensive defence and security cooperation, Deputy Defence Minister of Vietnam, Sr. Lt. Gen. implementation of development partnership Nguyen Chi Vinh in Ho Chi Minh City on 3 October.

programme, and extending support to Vietnam in its High level exchanges between the two-armed forces capacity building initiatives under GOI’s scholarships.

continued during the year.


These included visits by Vice President Shri Venkaiah Naidu visited Vietnam from 9-12 May 2019 as Guest of Honour at the 16th United Nations Day of Vesak celebration held at Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam Province of Vietnam by Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and International Council of UNDV and delivered his keynote address.

Vice President again met his Vietnamese counterpart Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh on 25 October on the sidelines of the 18th NAM summit in Baku.
PM met Prime Minister Chief of General Staff of Vietnam People’s Army, Senior Lt. Gen Phan Van Giang and, Dy.

Chief of General Staff of Vietnam People’s Army Ngo Minh Tien in November and December 2019 respectively.

Army to Army Staff Talks, Navy to Navy Staff Talks and Air Force Staff Talks were held in Vietnam in 2019.

Indian ships made friendly port calls to Vietnam.

Three Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri, Kolkata, Shakti undertook goodwill visits to Vietnam in 2019.
Phuc twice; first in Osaka, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on 28 June 2019; and during 16th India- ASEAN Summit held in Bangkok on 4 November.

EAM On connectivity front, an important milestone was achieved with the launch of direct flight operations by private airlines- Indigo and Vietjet connecting New met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Minh Delhi and Kolkata with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
on sidelines of AMM meeting on 01 August 2019 and ASI’s ongoing 5-year project of conservation and reviewed the bilateral relations.

Member of Party Central Committee and Secretary of Phu Yen province’s Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council Mr. Huynh Tan Viet visited India from 15-19 October 2019 under Ministry’s Distinguished Visitors Programme.

He had meetings with MOS for Commerce and Industry and senior officials of the Ministry.
restoration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at My Son in central Vietnam continued this year also.

The Jaipur Foot artificial limb fitment camp was organized in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayta Samiti (BMVSS) in May 2019 in Hanoi and Phu Tho and Vinh Phuc provinces benefitting 500 Vietnamese citizens.
85 South-East Asia and Asia-Pacific 3 East Asia JAPAN India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, bilateral engagements with Japan on the margins of the forged during the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra G20 events.

Modi to Japan in 2014, has witnessed unprecedented transformation in recent years and evolved into one of great substance and purpose and is the cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy.
Today the bilateral relationship is multifaceted and propelled by growing convergence in political, economic and strategic interests of the two countries.

India’s close relationship with Japan was reflected by the visit of Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind to Japan from 21-23 October 2019 to attend the Enthronement Ceremony of the Emperor of Japan, His Majesty Naruhito.
Apart from attending the ceremonies related to the Emperor’s enthronement and a banquet hosted by Prime Minister Abe, Hon’ble The bilateral relationship in 2019 continued to be President also visited a Tsukiji Hongwanji Buddhist steered by engagements at engagements between temple and planted a sapling from the sacred Bodhi Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Tree in Gaya to highlight India and Japan’s historical of Japan, Mr. Abe Shinzo, and witnessed progress and cultural linkages based on Buddhism.
across wide-ranging sectors of cooperation.

Japan’s Presidency of G20 in 2019 also presented numerous opportunities throughout the year for having high-level Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Japan from 27-29 June 2019 to participate in G20 Summit held in Osaka where he held a bilateral meeting with Prime 86 Minister Abe on 27 June 2019.
The two leaders also also held in November 2019 during the visit of Japanese held bilateral meetings on the margins of Eastern Foreign Minister to New Delhi for the ‘2+2’ Dialogue.

Economic Forum in Vladivostok (5 September 2019) EAM met former Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono and East Asia Summit (4 November 2019) in Bangkok.
on sidelines of ASEAN-Foreign Ministers’ Meeting They also had the opportunity to meet at the G7 in Bangkok in August 2019 and incumbent Japanese Summit in Biarritz (August 2019).
The year also witnessed significant strengthening of bilateral security and defence cooperation with the visit of Foreign Affairs Minister of Japan, Mr. Motegi Foreign Minister Motegi in New York and Nagoya on margins of United Nations General Assembly (September 2019) and G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (November 2019) respectively.
Toshimitsu, and Minister of Defense of Japan Mr. Kono There were also numerous high-level exchanges Taro for the inaugural India-Japan 2+2 Foreign and throughout the year that sustained the momentum Defence Ministerial Meeting in November 2019.

Prior in the bilateral relations.

Some notable visits from to the 2+2 Dialogue, Raksha Mantri (RM) Shri Rajnath Singh visited Japan for the Defence Ministerial meeting on 3 September 2019.
RM also held bilateral meetings India to Japan included visit of: Dr. Rajiv Mishra, Vice- Chairman, NITI Aayog, for the 9th Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) of Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail with Japanese Defence Minister in November 2019 on (MAHSR) in March 2019, Union Minister of Commerce margins of “ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting+” and and Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal for the G20 Ministerial ‘2+2’ Dialogue in Bangkok and New Delhi respectively.
Meeting on Trade and Digital Economy in June 2019 Regular interactions took place between the three where he held a bilateral meeting with former METI components of the defence forces with staff talks Minister Hiroshige Seko; visit of Union Minister of between the three services held at various points in Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman 2019-2020.
Former Indian Chief of Army Staff, Shri for the G20 Meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bipin Rawat, visited Japan in December 2019 and Bank Governors in June 2019; visit of Minister of State Mr. Yamazaki Koji, Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, Japan for Power and New & Renewable Energy (IC) and Skill Self-Defense Forces, visited India in January 2020 Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Raj Kumar to participate in the Raisina Dialogue.
Operational Singh in June 2019; visit of MOS (IC) for Labour and engagements between the defence forces continued in 2019 with the conduct of 2nd editions of air and ground exercises, Shinyuu Maitri (October 2019) and Employment Shri Santosh Gangwar for G20 Labour and Employment Ministers Meeting in September 2019; visit of Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Health Dharma Guardian, were held in October and October- and Family Welfare and Science, Technology and Earth November 2019 respectively.
Trilateral naval exercise Science in October 2019 for G20 Health Ministers Malabar 2019 was conducted off Western Kyushu in the Sea of Japan in September 2019.

The 19th Indian Coast Guard-Japanese Coast Guard Joint-Exercise was held in January 2020 in Chennai.” As part of the high-level engagements, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar held the 11th India- Japan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in June 2019 on the margins of G20 Osaka Summit.
The 12th India-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue was Meeting; and visit of Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla for the 6th Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit of G20.
Notable visits from Japan to India in the year 2019 included visit of: Dr. Hiroto Izumi, Special Advisor to Prime Minister, for the 10th JCM on MAHSR in July 2019, Mr. Shigeru Kitamura, Secretary General of National Security Secretariat (NSS) of Japan in November 2019; visit of Japan’s Minister for Economy Trade and Industry Mr. Kajiyama Hiroshi where he also 87 East Asia participated in the 10th India-Japan Energy Dialogue.
accelerated economic development particularly in Some of the other important high-level interactions between the two countries in 2019 were: India-Japan Cyber Dialogue held in Tokyo in February 2019; inaugural India-Japan Space Dialogue held in New Delhi in March 2019; India-Japan Act-East Forum held in New Delhi on 15 May 2019 and 06 December 2019; 11th Joint Working Group Meeting on Urban Development priority areas like power, transportation, environment, and projects related to basic human needs.
In 2018-19, Japan committed Japanese Yen 416.458 billion under its Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme in India.
Both India and Japan continued their focus on expanding people-to-people exchanges through held in Tokyo in October 2019; 3rd Indo-Japan cultural, educational, parliamentary, academic, and Policy Dialogue on Next Generation / Zero Emission Track 1.5 engagements in 2019.In March 2019, Rajya Vehicles held in New Delhi in October 2019; and 5th Sabha delegation led by Hon’ble Deputy Chairman Shri round of Maritime Affairs Dialogue and 8th round of Harivansh Narayan Singh visited.
A delegation from Consultations on Disarmament, Non-Proliferation, and the House of Representatives, National Diet of Japan, Export Control held in Tokyo in December 2019. led by Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan continued to be an important partner for India’s economic transformation in 2019.
Japanese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for Fiscal Year 2018-19 was US$ 2.96 billion and currently, Japan ranks third among the major investors in terms of cumulative investments since 2000 with presence of 1,441 Japanese companies (as of October 2018) registered in India.

Japan is one of the largest bilateral partners in India’s efforts for MONGOLIA Mr. Hiroshi Moriyama, visited India in August 2019 and called on MoS Housing & Urban Affairs (IC) and EAM.
High-level delegations from states of Meghalaya, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu visited Japan during the year.

Currently, seven Indian states and three cities/regions in India have partnered with the prefectures and cities of Japan to cooperate in diverse sectors.

India enjoys warm and cordial ties with Mongolia based an agreement between Mongol Refinery and Engineers on pillars of Dharma, Democracy and Development India Ltd for providing consultancy services for USD Partnership.
The visit of our Prime Minister marked 1.236 billion Oil Refinery being constructed under a watershed moment after which there has been a EXIM bank LoC.

Mr. L. Bold, Member of Parliament consistent and steady improvement in our relationship.

and a prominent politician of Mongolia attended Mongolian Foreign Minister Mr. D. Tsogtbaatar attended ‘Mahakumbh’ at Prayagraj in February 2019.
‘Raisina Dialogue’ in New Delhi in January, 2019 and exchanged views on bilateral relations with the then External Affairs Minister Smt.

Sushma Swaraj.

This was followed by the visit of Mr. D. Sumiyabazar, Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry to attend ‘Petrotech 2019’.

He also held bilateral discussions with our Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in February 2019.
This visit also witnessed the signing of President of Mongolia Mr. Khaltmaagiin Battulga accompanied by Foreign Minister D Tsogtbaatar & Minister of Road & Transport Development Byambasuren Enkhamgalan paid a State Visit to India from 19-23 September 2019.

Besides meeting Rashtrapatiji, Vice President and Prime Minister, he also received a courtesy call by our MOS (EA).
Four Agreements - Cultural Exchange Protocol (2019- 88 Annual Report 2019-20 23), Disaster Management and Risk Reduction, of Mongolia for joint inauguration of the completed Cooperation and usage of Outer Space for peaceful infrastructure works for the Oil Refinery in Shainshand.
and civilian purposes and Comprehensive Work Plan Besides inspecting the facilities & announcing ITEC for cooperation in the field of Animal Health and Dairy scholarship for 10 Mongolian students of Dornogovi – were also signed during the visit.

province, he also witnessed signing of the additional In October 2019, Minister of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Minister of Steel, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan visited Mongolia at the invitation of Prime Minister LoC of US $ 236 Million for construction of Oil Refinery.
The US$1.236 billion is now the single largest LoC project outside India’s immediate neighbourhood.

REPUBLIC OF KOREA The momentum of good relationship between India Bodhi sapling to Gimhae city and received the Seoul and Republic of Korea (RoK) continued from last year Peace Prize 2019.
Six MoUs on areas such as media, with the State visit of Prime Minister Modi to RoK from start-ups, combating trans-border and international 21-22 February 2019, at the invitation of President crime, trade facilitation etc.

were also signed.

Moon Jae-in(MJI), barely seven months after the visit of MJI to India.

During the visit both sides held wide ranging discussions on defence, economic, culture and science cooperation.
In addition to the official programme, PM Modi along with MJI unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, addressed an India-Korea Business symposium, gifted the sacred PM Modi met MJI again on the side-lines of G20 summit in Osaka, Japan and discussed ways for expanding cooperation between the countries and improving regional security conditions.
In September 2019 MJI gave his remarks in a special event on commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi held during the UNGA in New York.

Prime Minister receives Seoul Peace Prize at 14th Seoul Peace Prize Award Ceremony (February 22, 2019) 89 East Asia Raksha Mantri visited RoK from 03-05 September 2019.
Chief Minister of Kerala visited RoK where a Kerala He met ROK PM Mr. Lee Nak-yon, and had bilateral investment roadshow was organised for the Korean talks with Defence Minister Mr Jeong Kyeong-doo, and businessperson to invest in Kerala, especially in food discussed ways to improve the bilateral relations.

Two processing, IT, tourism, fisheries and automobile MoUs were signed on mutual logistic support of the sectors.

He also visited Busan port and discussed two Navies and on educational exchanges.
RM also collaboration in Kerala’s vibrant port sector and presided over the India- RoK Defence CEOs Forum.

capacity building.

A Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed Governor of Odisha visited RoK and had a bilateral meeting with the Governor of Chungcheongnam between Kerala Tourism and India Yoga Centre, Busan to promote wellness tourism from Kerala.

province and discussed cooperation in agriculture, RoK Chairman of Presidential Committee on New aquaculture, food processing, and smart cities.
He was Southern Policy visited India in October 2019 and met also conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public with CEO, NITI Aayog and also interacted with Indian Administration by Hanseo University.

companies.
companies.

90 Annual Report 2019-20 4 Eurasia RUSSIA Continuing with the tradition of annual bilateral 2019), Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser (21 summits between India and Russia, Prime Minister August 2019) and Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister visited Vladivostok on 4-5 September 2019 for the of Petroleum and Natural Gas (29-30 August 2019) 20th India-Russia Annual Bilateral Summit.
He was led to significant groundwork for Prime Minister’s also the Chief Guest at the 5th Eastern Economic bilateral visit to Vladivostok.

For exploring business Forum.

A joint statement titled “Reaching New Heights opportunities in the Russian Far East, a 150-strong of Cooperation through Trust and Partnership” was business delegation accompanied Shri Piyush Goyal, issued which outlined the entire gamut of India- Commerce and Industry Minister and Chief Ministers Russia relations.
14 MoUs in the fields of Trade and of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Goa to visit Investments, defence cooperation, Road Transport Vladivostok from 11-13 August 2019 and met Russian and cooperation in oil and gas sectors were signed Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev and 11 Governors during the visit.

Prime Minister announced a USD 1 of the Russian Far East region.
The business delegation billion Line of Credit for the Russian Far-East Region strengthened bilateral cooperation between regions of to promote participation of Indian companies in the Russia and states of India.

Raksha Mantri visited Russia economic opportunities in the region.

on 26-29 November 2019 for co-chairing the India- Visit of External Affairs Minister to Russia (27-28 August Russia Intergovernmental Commission Meeting on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation.
92 Russian Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Yury Borisov visited Trutnev visited India from 17-20 June 2019 to prepare India on 22 July 2019 for the conduct of the inter- ground for Prime Minister’s visit to Vladivostok in session meeting of the India-Russia Intergovernmental early September for the Eastern Economic Forum and Commission - Technical and Economic Cooperation co- to explore bilateral cooperation in Far East in priority chaired by him along with External Affairs Minister.

Mr. areas.
Mr. areas.

He met National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval, Sergei Lavrov, Foreign Minister of the Russian Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister Federation paid a bilateral visit to New Delhi on 15 of Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan January 2020 during which he met External Affairs and Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog Dr. Rajiv Kumar.

Minister and called on Prime Minister.

Foreign Minister Lavrov gave a keynote address at the Raisina Dialogue 2020.
On 11 July 2019, Mr. Dmitry Rogozin, Director General, State Space Cooperation (ROSCOSMOS) visited India and met National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval and On 12 April 2019, Russian President Mr. Vladimir Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization Dr. K. Putin signed the Executive Order on awarding Prime Sivan to discuss bilateral space cooperation including Minister Shri Narendra Modi Russia’s highest state the ongoing cooperation on the Gaganyaan program, decoration - Order of St Andrew, the Apostle.
The order India’s indigenous Human Space Flight Programme.

was announced for Prime Minister’s distinguished contribution to the development of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between Russia and India and friendly ties between the Russian and Indian people.

The ceremony of presentation of award will be held later at a mutually convenient date.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Yury Borisov visited New Delhi on 22 July 2019, and met Minister of External Affairs to co-chair an inter-sessional meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission – Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC).

This was their first meeting Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Envoy to as co-chairs of the IRIGC-TEC.
the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia, Mr. Yury Prime Minister and Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, visit the Zvezda Shipbuilding Plant during his visit to Vladivostok (September 04, 2019) 93 Eurasia Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Kiran the state and prospects of the India-Russia Special and Rijiju led a 32-member youth delegation to Russia from Privileged Strategic Partnership.

Minister of External 28 July to 2 August 2019.


Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal led a high-power delegation of Chief Ministers of Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Goa with a 140-strong Affairs also met the IRIGC Co-chair and Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Yury Borisov.

He also addressed a session on India’s Perspectives on the Indo-Pacific at the Valdai Discussion Club.
business delegation of Indian companies to Vladivostok Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum and from 11-13 August 2019.

This visit prepared the Natural Gas and Steel visited Moscow on 29 & 30 ground for Prime Minister’s visit to Vladivostok and August 2019.

During the visit, he met Deputy Prime helped map the priority sectors of interest for the Minister Mr. Yury Trutnev and discussed ways to Indian companies in the Russian Far East region.
Five enhance cooperation in the energy and metal sectors.

MoUs were concluded during the visit between the He also met the Minister of Energy, Mr. Alexander Indian states and the Russian regions.

Novak and discussed energy cooperation between National Security Adviser visited Moscow on 21 August 2019 and met the Secretary of the Russian National Security Council Mr. Nikolai Patrushev.

He India and Russia.


He visited Vladivostok and Sakhalin from 22-25 October 2019 to review opportunities in the oil, gas and steel sectors in the Russian Far East.

also met Director General of State Space Cooperation Shri Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister visited Moscow (Roscosmos) Mr. Rogozin to review the ongoing from 5-7 November 2019, for the 19th meeting of cooperation in the field of space.
Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs visited Moscow on 27-28 August 2019 and met Foreign Minister Mr. Sergey Lavrov.

They exchanged views on the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission – Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC).
During the meeting, issues related to defence equipment, industry and technological engagement, after sales support/up-gradation and joint manufacturing of Prime Minister and Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, visit the Zvezda Shipbuilding Plant during his visit to Vladivostok (September 04, 2019) 94 Annual Report 2019-20 projects were discussed.

Shri Rajnath Singh also met visited New Delhi on 21 August 2019.
A Joint Action Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Yury Borisov in their first Strategy Document for the Enhancement of India- meeting as co-chairs of the India-Russia High Level Russia Trade, Economic, and Investment Cooperation Committee on Science and Technology.

was signed between the Russian Ministry of Economic Intensifying the trade and economic relations has been identified as a priority area by the leaders on both sides.
In 2018, trade increased by 17.25% over Development and Department of Commerce from the Indian side during the 20th Annual Bilateral Summit in Vladivostok in September 2019. the previous year and stood at USD 10.97 billion.

In Events marking the 150th anniversary of Mahatma 2019, total bilateral trade between the two countries Gandhi were celebrated by Embassy of India, Moscow from January-September 2019 stood at USD 7.55 throughout the year.

The Embassy in collaboration billion.
As part of various initiatives to reach the with the Leo Tolstoy Museum and Estate and the bilateral trade target of USD 30 billion by 2025 set by Institute of Oriental Studies organized a day-long both sides, the Second India-Russia Strategic Dialogue Exhibition and Academic Conference dedicated to the was held in New Delhi on 10 July 2019 co-chaired by historic exchanges between Mahatma Gandhi and Leo Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog and Mr Tolstoy, at the Tolstoy Estate in Yasna Polyana on 28 Mr. Timur Maksimov, Deputy Minister of Economy.
September 2019.

A Gandhi-Tolstoy exhibition was also Russian Minister of Economy Mr. Maxim Oreshkin later held at the State Duma on 2 October, 2019.

BELARUS External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar and Foreign A 15-member Indian delegation led by CII participated Minister of Belarus Mr Vladimir Makei met on the in the Belarusian Industrial and Investment Forum held sideline of the 74th UNGA in New York on 25 September in Minsk from 17 to 20 September 2019.

CII inked 2019.
CII inked 2019.

Both discussed prospects of enhancing bilateral an MoU with National Agency of Investment and cooperation including in the fields of Smart Cities and Privatization.

A 16-member CAPEXIL delegation visited Make in India.

Minsk from 25-27 September 2019 for B2B meetings.

A 3-member delegation headed by Mr. Mahesh Dixit, Belarusian-Indian Center for demonstrating various Joint Director in Ministry of Home Affairs participated technologies is planned to be opened in Hyderabad.
in the International Conference on Counter Terrorism The documents to open the Center were signed during held in Minsk on 3-4 September 2019. the visit of an 8-member delegation from Department Ambassador (Retd.)

Sujan Chinoy represented India in his capacity as Director General, Institute of Defence of Science & Technology to Belarus from 24-28 September 2019.
Studies and Analysis, at the Minsk Dialogue Forum On 12 November 2019, Guru Nanak Jayanti held in Minsk on 7-8 October 2019. celebrations were held by the Indian Embassy in Minsk.
UKRAINE Following the assumption of office by Mr Volodymyr Zelensky after the Ukrainian Presidential elections and his party’s victory in the Ukrainian parliamentary elections, a congratulatory telephone call took place 95 Eurasia between Prime Minister and Mr Zelensky on 1 August scientific collaboration under the aegis of Department 2019.

The two leaders briefly discussed various spheres of Science and Technology (DST).
of the ongoing bilateral cooperation including in trade and economy, people-to-people contacts, education and tourism.

The two leaders also reaffirmed their readiness to work together for further strengthening mutually beneficial bilateral relations.

The 4th Meeting of India-Ukraine Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation was held on 2 April 2019 in New Delhi.

A delegation from CII set up the ‘India Pavilion’ and participated in the 17th edition of the World Build Kyiv Expo from 14-17 May 2019.
A External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar met Ukrainian delegation from FICCI participated in the Pharma Tech Foreign Minister Mr Vadym Prystaiko on the sidelines Expo held in Kyiv from 17-19 September 2019. of the UNGA Session on 25 September, 2019 and discussed different aspects of bilateral relations, especially prospects in energy and agricultural cooperation.
On 1 May 2019, Embassy of India, Kyiv participated in the annual Kyiv cycling marathon, in which Ambassador of India Shri Partha Satpathy and Mayor of Kyiv Mr Vitalii Klitschko addressed the audience present on the From 8-13 July, 2019, an ISRO delegation visited occasion to spread the message of Mahatma Gandhi.
Ukraine at the invitation of the State Space Agency The 19th edition of the ‘All Ukrainian Dance Festival of of Ukraine, to explore avenues of mutually beneficial Indian Dances- Rythms of Joy’ was held in Odessa on cooperation in technology and data sharing.

The 16-17 November 2019, which saw the participation of delegation also met Mr Volodymyr Prisiazhnyi, Chief of over 250 Ukrainian dancers performing Indian dance the National Space Facilities Control and Test Center forms.
The First International Congress on Ayurveda (NSFCTC).

A delegation from Bhabha Atomic Research Cooperation (BARC) visited Ukraine from 9-18 September, 2019 for exploring cooperation in bilateral and Yoga in Ukraine was organized by the newly formed Ukrainian Association of Ayurveda and Yoga (UAAY) on 23-24 November 2019 in Kyiv.

ARMENIA Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Armenian Prime the international GAVI Alliance Board Meeting.
On the Minister Mr. Nikol Pashinyan met on 25 September sidelines, he met Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Health 2019 on the sidelines of the 74th UNGA in New York and Family Welfare and discussed bilateral cooperation to review the India-Armenia bilateral relations.

Mr. in the health sector.

Pashinyan invited the Prime Minister to visit Armenia.

This was the first meeting between the two leaders.
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Hay Post (Armenia Post) issued a stamp on Mr. Arsen Torosyan, Minister of Health of Armenia Mahatma Gandhi on 23 May 2019. visited India from 2-6 December 2019 to participate in 96 Annual Report 2019-20 AZERBAIJAN Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu visited Baku (PHDCCI) visited Baku on 1-2 July 2019.

A business to attend the 18th NAM Summit from 24-26 October delegation from Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) 2019.
This was the first ever VVIP visit from India since visited Baku on 21-22 November 2019.

Two exclusive the independence of Azerbaijan.

Besides addressing Indian product exhibitions were held in Baku in March the NAM Summit, the Vice President attended an and September 2019.

Indian community reception organized to welcome him.

The Department of Agricultural Research and Education deputed Dr. V.N.
Waghmare, Director of the Central External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar met Azerbaijani Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur, to Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Mr Elmar Mammadyarov on the sidelines of the 74th session of the UNGA in New from 27 October - 02 November 2019 to explore collaboration with Azerbaijan in cotton cultivation.

York on 28 September 2019.

They discussed the possibilities of further developing bilateral cooperation in the spheres of connectivity, culture, energy and other sectors.
On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, ‘Azermarka’, under the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of the Republic of Azerbaijan, commissioned a 70 Gepik Business delegations from India continued their active commemorative postal stamp on Mahatma Gandhi.

engagements with their Azerbaijani counterparts.


A Besides, a painting exhibition, cycling and tree-planting 28-member joint Multi-Product Business Delegation of events marked the celebrations of the 150th birth the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in Azerbaijan.

and the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry GEORGIA India and Georgia have warm and friendly relations.
Ambassador of India to Armenia, Shri K. D. Deval, who Following the Presidential elections in Georgia, is concurrently accredited to Georgia, presented his President of India congratulated Ms. Salome credentials to President Ms Salome Zurabishvili on 6 Zourabichvili, expressing hope to enhance bilateral December 2019. relations in all spheres.
The 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji In order to make concerted efforts to increase the was celebrated by the Embassy of India with the Sikh quantum of bilateral trade between the two sides, India community at the Gurdwara Dhan Guru Nanak Darbar and Georgia agreed in June 2019 to constitute a Joint Sahib in Tsnori, Georgia on 17 November 2019.

Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation.


KAZAKHSTAN Cooperation between India and Kazakhstan in all included visits from both sides, cooperation in defence, areas continued to strengthen during the year, which participation in trade fairs and cultural exchanges.
97 Eurasia Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh visited joint military exercise between the two countries, Kazakhstan to attend the 4th meeting of Speakers ‘KAZIND 2019’ was held in India from 01-16 Oct 2019 of Eurasian Countries’ Parliaments held on 23-24 in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.

Kazakh Army Contingent September in Nur-Sultan.

During his intervention, comprising of 60 personnel participated in the exercise.
Shri Harivansh focused on terrorism, climate change, sustainable development, energy security, gender equality and connectivity, and called upon the parliamentarians attending the Meeting to make concerted efforts in this direction for the benefit of the people of their respective countries.
Efforts to increase exports from India included participation of Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC), with a delegation of 30 Indian companies, in Kazbuild and Aquatherm 2019 Expo held in Almaty from 4-6 September 2019; and a CAPEXIL delegation comprising 18 Indian companies at the Kazcomak On the sidelines of the 74th UNGA in New York, External Expo held in Almaty from 18-20 September 2019.
Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar met Mr. Mukhtar With a view to improve connectivity between the two Tleuberdi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.

The countries, the 1st meeting of the India-Kazakhstan two reviewed various aspects of bilateral cooperation Joint Working Group on Connectivity, Transport and including co-deployment of Kazakh troops’ with Indian Logistics was held on 26 November 2019 in New Delhi.
troops in United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), improving connectivity and potential of trade in hydrocarbons.

Technical and Economic Cooperation with Kazakhstan continued with special courses for school teachers in English pedagogy and in Cyber Security organized Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary at the English and Foreign Languages University in Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan visited Kazakhstan Hyderabad and IIT Kanpur respectively.
35 participants on 11-12 November 2019 to participate in the 5th from Kazakhstan completed a course in ‘Big data’ anniversary of ‘Astana Club’, a regional discussion conducted by IIT Chennai through video-conferencing forum.

He also called on Chairman of Mazhilis of the at the India-Kazakhstan Centre for Excellence on Kazakh Parliament Mr. Nurlan Nigmatulin, and Foreign Information and Communication Technology.

Minister of Kazakhstan Mr. Mukhtar Tleuberdi.


Several events on the occasion of 150th Birth Anniversary Shri Sushil Chandra, Election Commissioner of India of Mahatma Gandhi were organized throughout the visited Kazakhstan to observe the Presidential elections year, including the release of a commemorative stamp held on 9 June 2019.
Under India-Kazakhstan defence cooperation, Kazakhstan peacekeeping companies joined the Indian battalion at the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for 2nd and 3rd round of rotation in May and November 2019 respectively.

The upgraded on Mahatma Gandhi by Kazakhstan Post in the presence of Shri V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs.
The 550th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Devji was celebrated in Almaty with recitation of Kirtan and Katha, followed by Langar on 17 November 2019.

THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Bilateral relations between India and the Kyrgyz of Prime Minister to the Kyrgyz Republic on 14 June Republic received a new impetus with the bilateral visit 2019.
During the visit, India and the Kyrgyz Republic 98 Annual Report 2019-20 agreed to announce the raising of their bilateral Kazakh Parliament and Mr. Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Foreign relations to the level of Strategic Partnership.

President Minister.

Jeenbekov and Prime Minister jointly inaugurated the India-Kyrgyz Business Forum.
15 MoUs/Agreements including Joint Statement on Strategic Partnership, 5-year Road Map for Trade and Economic Cooperation, Bilateral Investment Treaty were signed/adopted during the visit.

Prime Minister announced a Line of Credit of US $ 200 million for financing development projects in the Kyrgyz Republic.

An India-Kyrgyz Joint Textile Exhibition was also held in Bishkek from 13-26 June 2019 to coincide with the visit of Prime Minister to the Kyrgyz Republic.
Visit of Raksha Mantri to Uzbekistan for the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting and bilateral visit on 1-3 November 2019 led to the holding of the first joint military exercise between Indian and Uzbek armed forces in Uzbekistan.

Visit of Shri Vijay Rupani, Chief Minister of Gujarat to Uzbekistan on 19-23 October 2019 led to significant results, conclusion of several MoUs and further boost in cooperation between the Andijon region of Uzbekistan and Gujarat.
Mr. Abdulaziz Kamilov, Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan visited New Former EAM Late Smt.

Sushma Swaraj visited the Kyrgyz Republic on 21-22 May 2019 to attend the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of SCO member states.

She called on President Jeenbekov and had a bilateral meeting with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Mr Chingiz Aidarbekov.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar met Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Mr Aidarbekov on 27 September, 2019 on the sidelines of the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly.
Former Raksha Mantri Smt.

Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the Meeting of Council of Defence Ministers of SCO Member States in Bishkek on 29 April, 2019.

She also met her Kyrgyz counterpart Maj. General Raimberdi Duishenbiyev during the visit.

The 10th India-Kyrgyzstan Foreign Office Consultations took place in Bishkek on 20th April 2019.

The Kyrgyz delegation was led by Mr. Nurlan Abdrahmanov, Deputy Foreign Minister and the Indian side was led by Mr. A. Gitesh Sarma, the then Secretary (West).
Secretary (West) called on Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Delhi on 14-15 January 2020 during which he called during the visit.

on Prime Minister, had a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister and addressed the Raisina Dialogue 2020.

Shri V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs visited Kazakhstan on 11-12 November 2019 to address the Astana Club Meeting.
During his visit, he also called on Mr. Nigmatulli, Speaker of the An India Trade Expo called ‘Namaskar Eurasia’ coordinated by FICCI was held in Bishkek from 9-11 November 2019.

The Expo also had a special focus on defence industry and was inaugurated by Kyrgyz Defence Minister, Maj. General Duishenbiyev.

TAJIKISTAN India-Tajikistan Strategic Partnership continued to grow (CICA).

On the sidelines of the Summit, EAM also had a and strengthen during the current year.
External Affairs bilateral meeting with Mr. Sirojiddin Mohriddin, Foreign Minister Dr S. Jaishankar visited Dushanbe on 14-15 Minister of Tajikistan.

The two also held a meeting on June 2019 to attend the 5th Summit of Conference on the sidelines of the 74th UNGA in New York on 23 Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia September 2019.

99 Eurasia The first India-Tajik Consular Consultations were held Delhi while Somon Air, a private Tajik Airline started its in Dushanbe on 6-8 June 2019.
The delegations were direct Dushanbe-Delhi-Dushanbe flights from 1 Dec led by Mr. Sanjiv Arora, Secretary (CPV&OIA), Ministry 2019. of External Affairs and Mr. Zohir Ozod Saidzoda, Tajik Deputy Foreign Minister.

Under the MoU on Cooperation in Youth Affairs signed in 2018, the two sides exchanged 10-member youth delegations in September and October 2019.

Tajikistan issued a set of four Commemorative Stamps to mark 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
In November 2019, two differently-abled Tajik artists performed at SAMBHAV 2019 Music Fest organized by ALPANA, an NGO in Delhi.

In 2019, the Indo-Tajik Air connectivity between the two countries received Friendship Society published 9 books in Tajik language a great boost when on 26 November 2019, Tajik Air including translations of some great Indian works.
resumed its direct weekly flight between Dushanbe and TURKMENISTAN India and Turkmenistan enjoy warm and friendly UN for declaration of 2021 as ‘International Year of relations strengthened by the shared historical and Peace and Trust’ at the 73rd Session of UNGA on 22 cultural links.

August 2019.

Turkmenistan hosted the first Caspian Economic Turkmenistan hosts the first Yoga and Traditional Forum in the coastal city of Avaza on 11&12 August Medicine Centre in the region which has been 2019.
A 2-member delegation from GAIL (India) functioning successfully.

Embassy of India, Ashgabat Limited participated in the forum.

At the official level, organised the 4th Ayurveda Day event on 25 October Ambassador of India Shri Azar A.H. Khan represented 2019 at the State Medical University in Ashgabat.

India at the Forum.
India at the Forum.

A 3-member Turkmen delegation led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Mr. Allanur Altyyev participated in the 14th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification held in New Delhi on 9 September 2019.

The Turkmen delegates presented a report on the achievements Ambassador addressed the gathering on the relevance of Ayurveda in today’s world followed by a presentation on Ayurveda and its benefits by Dr. Dinesh Baruah, an Ayurveda Expert.
The event was attended by Mr. Geldimyrat Jumagulyyev, Head of Education Department, Ms. Nargozel Myratniyazova, Rector of the State Medical University and other dignitaries.

of the country on combating desertification and land Embassy of India in Ashgabat celebrated the 150th degradation during the conference.
birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 2 October The 31st plenary meeting of the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism (EAG) was held in Ashgabat from 25-29 November 2019.

A 2-member delegation from Ministry of Finance, New Delhi represented India in the plenary.
India co-sponsored Turkmenistan’s resolution in the 2019 at Bagtyarlyk Sports Complex, Ashgabat by laying flowers at the Gandhi bust followed by the display of paintings made by Turkmen artists on the theme of Gandhian ideals.

They were felicitated during the event.

As part of the celebrations, a ‘Vegetarian Food Festival’ was held at hotel ‘Yyldyz’ on 4 October 2019.
Mr. Sapardurdy Toyliyev, President of Academy 100 Annual Report 2019-20 of Sciences of Turkmenistan was the Chief Guest from were invited to the event.

During the event, children the Turkmen side at the inauguration.

of Embassy officials delivered speeches on Shri Guru The 550th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was celebrated in Chancery premises on 12 November 2019.

Indian Community and local Turkmen public Nanak Dev Ji, followed by screening of a documentary film.
UZBEKISTAN The upward trajectory of India-Uzbekistan relations Minister of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan Mr Pulat was maintained this year with regular exchange of Bobojonov visited India from 20-22 November, 2019 high-level visits.

Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh visited Tashkent to participate in the SCO Heads of on the invitation of Home Minister Shri Amit Shah.
They held bilateral discussions and signed an Agreement on Government Meeting from 1-3 November, 2019 and Security Cooperation between the two countries.

Mr. also paid a bilateral visit in which he met his Uzbek Bobojonov also paid homage at the National Police counterpart Maj. Gen. Bakhodir Kurbanov.

The two Memorial in New Delhi.

jointly inaugurated the first-ever joint military exercise between India and Uzbekistan which took place from 4-14 November 2019.
The 8th meeting of the bilateral Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism was held in New Delhi in July 2019.

Deputy NSA Shri Pankaj Saran visited Tashkent Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani visited from 23-25 September, 2019 for the first-ever bilateral Uzbekistan from 19-23 October 2019.

He attended consultations between the National Security Council the International Investment Forum “Open Andijon” Secretariat and the Uzbek National Security Council.
and called on President Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Deputy Prime Minister Mr Elyor Ganiev.

During the visit, Shri Rupani inaugurated the “Sardar Patel Street” in Andijon and unveiled the bust of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

His visit was followed by a return visit of a 50-member Uzbek delegation to India in end- November 2019.
An MoU on cooperation in the field of agriculture between the Ministry of Agriculture, Uzbekistan and the Government of Gujarat was signed India and Uzbekistan have signed a Joint Statement in September 2019 to carry out a joint feasibility study for entering into negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).

The Samarkand State University set up an ‘Indian Study Centre’ in October 2019.
On the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Uzbek Government released a postage stamp on Mahatma on 29 November, 2019.

Gandhi.

SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION During the period from April-November 2019, the momentum of India-SCO cooperation continued to grow based on India’s longstanding cultural linkages as well as its vibrant modern day relations with the SCO Members.
India actively took part in various SCO dialogue mechanisms held under the SCO chairmanship of Kyrgyzstan as well as under the chairmanship of Uzbekistan in the format of Council of SCO Heads of 101 Eurasia Government.

The then External Affairs Minister Smt.

of SCO Member States held on 15 May 2019 in Sushma Swaraj represented India in the meeting of Bishkek.
Secretary, Ministry of Culture Shri Arun Goel Council of SCO Foreign Ministers held on 22 May 2019 represented India in the 16th meeting of SCO Ministers in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan).

Prime Minister Shri Narendra of Culture held on 15 May 2019 in Bishkek.

Modi represented India in the meeting of Council of SCO Heads of State held under the chairmanship of the President of Kyrgyz Republic H.E.

Mr. Sooronbay Jeenbekov on 14 June 2019 in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan).
The Leaders signed the Bishkek Declaration and approved important documents including the Regulations of the Forum of Heads of Regions and Concept of cooperation in the field of Digitilization and Information-Communication Technologies.

Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh represented India in the 18th meeting of Council of SCO Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister of Republic of Uzbekistan H.E.

Mr. Abdulla Aripov on 2 November 2019 in Tashkent (Uzbekistan).
Minister of Home Affairs Shri Amit Shah chaired the 10th meeting of SCO Ministers dealing with the Prevention and Liquidation of Emergency Situations on 8 November 2019 in New Delhi.

During the period from April-November 2019, India actively took part in various SCO dialogue mechanisms held under the SCO chairmanship of Kyrgyzstan as well as under the chairmanship of Uzbekistan in the format of Council of SCO Heads of Government.

The then External Affairs Minister Smt.


Sushma Swaraj represented India in the meeting of Council of SCO Foreign Ministers held on 22 May 2019 in Bishkek.

The meeting reviewed the progress on implementation of the decisions of the June 2018 SCO Summit as well as the October 2018 meeting of Council of SCO Heads of Government.

It also discussed the preparations for the June 2019 SCO Summit and approved the Roadmap for development of interaction of SCO Secretariat with Observers and Dialogue Partners.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi represented India in the meeting of Council of SCO Heads of State held under the chairmanship of the President of Kyrgyz Republic H.E.

Mr. Sooronbay Jeenbekov on 14 June 2019 in Bishkek.

The Leaders signed the Bishkek Declaration which outlined the agreed positions of SCO Member States on the prospects of development of SCO as well as topical issues of international and regional importance.
The Leaders also approved several SCO documents including the Work Plan for realization of SCO Anti-Narcotics Strategy for 2019- 2020, Regulations of the Forum of Heads of Regions, Concept of cooperation in the field of digitilization and The then Secretary (West), MEA Shri A. Gitesh Sarma information-communication technologies, Program represented India in the meeting of SCO-Afghanistan of development of SCO Inter-Regional Cooperation, Contact Group held on 19 April 2019 in Bishkek etc.
SCO Member States concluded Agreements for (Kyrgyzstan).

Director General of Narcotic Control cooperation in the fields of Mass Media and Physical Bureau (MHA) Shri Abhay represented India in the Education/Sports as well as a Basic Action Plan for 9th meeting of SCO Heads of Agencies responsible cooperation in the field of Healthcare for 2019-2021. for combating illegal drug trafficking, held on 25 April A Roadmap of further actions of the SCO-Afghanistan 2019 in Cholpon-Ata (Kyrgyzstan).
The then Minister Contact Group as well as MoUs for cooperation of SCO of Defence, Smt.

Nirmala Sitharaman represented India Secretariat with UN World Tourism Organisation, UN in the meeting of SCO Ministers of Defence held on Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and 29 April 2019 in Bishkek.

Deputy National Security Astana International Financial Centre were signed on Adviser Shri Pankaj Saran represented India in the the sidelines of the SCO Summit.
14th meeting of Secretaries of the Security Councils The then Chief Justice of India Shri Ranjan Gogoi 102 Annual Report 2019-20 represented India in the 14th meeting of Chairmen of of Government (Prime Ministers) held under the the Supreme Courts of SCO Member States held on chairmanship of Prime Minister of Republic of 17-19 June 2019 in Sochi (Russia).

The first two-day Uzbekistan H.E.

Mr. Abdulla Aripov on 2 November 2019 Military Medicine Conference inaugurated by Raksha in Tashkent.
The meeting discussed issues of trade- Mantri was hosted in India on 12-13 September 2019 economic and humanitarian cooperation within SCO as part of the SCO Defence Cooperation Plan 2019- and exchanged views on global and regional economic 20.

The Indian Armed Forces demonstrated the Rapid development.
Important documents approved at the Action medical Team and organized a guided tour meeting include the Program of Multilateral Trade- for delegations of military medicine experts to Army Economic Cooperation, Concept of interaction of the Research and Referral Hospital in New Delhi.
Chairman Railway Administrations of SCO Members, Regulations of Railway Board Shri Vinod Kumar represented India of the Consortium of SCO Economic Analytical Centres in the 2nd meeting of Heads of Railway Administration of SCO Members held on 19 September 2019 in Nur- and Program of Development of Ecological well-being of SCO Cities.

MoU on Mutual Integration of National Sultan (Kazakhstan).
Minister of State for Commerce Transit Systems among the Customs Services of the and Industry Shri Som Parkash represented India SCO Member States as well as MoU between SCO in the 18th meeting of SCO Ministers responsible Secretariat and UN Food and Agriculture Organisation for External Economy and Foreign Trade held on 26 were signed on the sidelines of the meeting.

September 2019 in Tashkent (Uzbekistan).


Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Parkash Javadekar represented India in the meeting of SCO Ministers of Environmental Protection held on 27 September 2019 in Moscow (Russia).

Additional Solicitor General Ms. Pinky Anand represented India in the 17th meeting of SCO Prosecutors General held on 1 October 2019 in Bishkek.
Minister of Home Affairs Shri Amit Shah chaired the 10th meeting of SCO Heads of Departments dealing with the Prevention and Liquidation of Emergency Situations on 8 November 2019 in New Delhi.

Prior to this meeting, India also hosted the SCO Joint Urban Earthquake Rescue Exercise and SCO Meeting of the experts dealing with the Prevention and Liquidation of Emergency Situations from 4-7 November 2019 in Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh represented New Delhi.
India in the 18th meeting of Council of SCO Heads 103 Eurasia 5 Gulf and West Asia BAHRAIN India continues to enjoy excellent, deep rooted and the PM, in recognition of his efforts to strengthen historic ties with Bahrain.

Presence of a sizeable Indian bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain.

PM community in Bahrain remains the cornerstone of the also held bilateral talks with Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman bilateral ties.

Bilateral trade increased to US$ 1281.77 Al Khalifa Prime Minister of Bahrain.
He also met the million in 2018-19 from US$ 987.94 million in 2017- Crown Prince of Bahrain.

During the visit he launched 18, registering a growth of over 30%, with exports of the redevelopment of 200 year old Sreenath Ji temple US$ 742.14 million and imports reaching US$ 539.63 (oldest Hindu temple) in the region.

million.
million.

Signing of agreements including the Cultural Exchange At the invitation of Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Programme; a Statement of Intent on the collaboration Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, PM Shri in the area of Space Technology; a Statement of Intent Narendra Modi paid the first ever visit by an Indian on Bahrain joining International Solar Alliance and Prime Minister to the Kingdom of Bahrain on 24 -25 MoU for Launch of “RuPay Card’ in Bahrain during August 2019.
During the visit, he called on Shaikh the year has opened up new opportunities for further Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain.

King advancing bilateral relations.


of Bahrain bestowed ‘Bahrain Order – First Class’ on 104 Prime Minister is conferred The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance by the King of Bahrain at Al Gudaibiya Palace in Manama (August 24, 2019) KUWAIT During the year 2019-20, bilateral relationship Jarallah and Minister of State for Economic Affairs Mrs. continued to expand and deepen with Kuwait.

Bilateral Mariam Al-Aqeel.


trade registered a 2.7 percent growth in 2018-19 and stood at US$ 8.76 billion, with Indian exports totalling US$ 1.33 billion and imports at US$ 7.43 billion.

The size of the Indian community continued to grow, estimated to be around one million; and remained the largest expatriate community in the country, which is a clear sign of the enormous trust, goodwill and acceptance enjoyed by the Indian community in Kuwait.
A two member delegation from the Kuwait Engineers Society led by its Chairman, Engineer Faisal Dweeh Al Attal, took part in the annual ranking event of India’s National Institutional Ranking Framework and the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievement held in April 2019 in New Delhi.
A two-member delegation from the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), led by the Director General Dr. Samira A.S. Minister of State for External Affairs of India, Shri V. Omar, visited India in October 2019 and had official Muraleedharan paid an official visit to Kuwait on 14-15 engagements with premiere scientific institutions in September 2019.

During the visit, he met the Deputy India including ISRO, CSIR, IISc.
Foreign Minister of Kuwait Mr. Khalid Suleiman Al- 105 The Gulf and West Asia IRAQ Iraq shares historic and civilization ties with India 03-06 September 2019 to attend Asian Parliamentary and has been an important partner for India’s energy Assembly Meeting in Baghdad.

EAM Dr S Jaishankar security.

Iraq emerged as the largest supplier of crude met Iraqi Foreign Minister in Baku on 24 October 2019 oil for India during the past three years.

Our bilateral on the sidelines of 18th NAM Summit.


A delegation of trade of US$ 24.161 billion during the last 2018-19 IOCL visited Baghdad on 17-18 April, 2019 and had a registered a growth of 27.06% over the bilateral trade of meeting with State Organization for Marketing of Oil US$ 19.07 billion during the previous year.

Oil imports (SOMO) for exploring ties in the oil sector.

constitute a large part of the bilateral trade.


Oil imports at US$ 22.26 billion during 2018-19 comprised over 92% of the bilateral trade.

India continued to assist Iraq in capacity building.

For the year 2019-20, a total of 200 slots were allotted under the ITEC programme.

A batch of 29 An unstable governmental structure and continued Iraqi Diplomats underwent training at FSI in Aug- challenges of internal security in Iraq prevented both Sept, 2019.
Another group of 18 Iraqi officials from sides from being able to revive political engagement to different Ministries/Departments underwent a training its optimal.

Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri programme for English proficiency at the English and V. Muraleedharan visited Iraq on 16-17 September, Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad in 2019 and held discussions with the Iraqi President, March-April, 2019.

Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Iraq.


He also visited Erbil in the Kurdistan Region where he met the President and Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at a prominent place in the city.

Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Member Parliament visited Iraq on India remained a preferred destination for Iraqis to undergo medical treatment and higher education for the people of Iraq.
About 30,000-40,000 Indians visit Baghdad, Karbala, Najaf and Samarrah in Iraq for pilgrimage annually.

Air India began its direct flights on Lucknow-Najaf route in March 2019.

OMAN India and Oman share millennia old relations Oman participated in the Indian Ocean Conference comprising trade, cultural and people to people links.
(IOC) 2019, which was organized by India Foundation The bilateral relations received a significant boost in Maldives in September 2019 and was represented during the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud al Busaidi, to Oman in February 2018.Trade, Security and Defence Secretary General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
cooperation remained strong pillars of bilateral He also met EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar on the sidelines cooperation, with positive movement in cooperation of the conference.

EAM also met Yusuf bin Alawi, in new areas like Mining, Higher Education, Space and Oman’s Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs on Science & Technology.

the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly in September 2019 at New York.
106 Annual Report 2019-20 Defence cooperation continued to expand further as Bilateral trade and economic relations maintained the delegations from Indian Air Force (IAF) & Indian Navy growth trajectory as several business delegation visits visited Oman during the year.

Air Chief Marshal RKS were exchanged between both the countries.

The total Bhadauria, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), IAF choose Oman bilateral trade between both the countries was US$ for his first foreign visit after taking over as CAS.
CAS 5 billion in financial year 2018-19 and bilateral trade called on Sayyid Badr bin Saud al Busaidi, Oman’s during April-October 2019 was US$ 3.32 billion.

In a Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs and Gen sign of renewed focus of Indian businesses on Oman, Sultan bin Mohammed al Numani, Oman’s Minister of Secretary General of FICCI visited Oman during Oman the Royal Office.
CAS also met Air Vice Marshall Matar Health Exhibition & Conference in September 2019, bin Ali al Obaidani, Commander of the Royal Air Force which saw the largest country pavilion from India, with of Oman (RAFO).

IAF delegation visited Oman form 13-16 April 2019 for participation in the IAF-RAFO Air Staff Talks.

Indian Navy delegation visited Oman on 02-03 September more than 48 health care institutions from India.
A 50 member delegation from Oman visited India from 17-19 October 2019 and participated in Vibrant Goa Global Expo and Summit 2019.

2019 for Navy Staff Talks.

Bilateral air force exercise, 1st meeting of the Joint Committee on Science & Eastern Bridge V was held between Indian Air Force Technology was held in New Delhi on 24-25 September (IAF) and Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) at Masirah 2019.
A delegation from ISRO visited Oman from 10- from 15-26 October 2019 and was witnessed by 11 September 2019 and held discussion on space CAS.

Oman continued to provide valuable operational cooperation.

India continued to provide capacity turnaround support to visiting India Navy ships and building training under ITEC and as a testimony to the Indian Air Force aircrafts during the year.

strong capacity development cooperation.


QATAR India and Qatar share deep historical, cultural and (IPU) Assembly meeting in Doha from 06-10 April people-to-people contacts.

The Indian community in 2019.

The Minister of State for External Affairs Gen. Qatar, estimated at 7,50,000, forms the single largest (Dr.) V. K. Singh (Retd) visited Doha to participate in expatriate population in the country.
the 16th Ministerial Meeting of the Asia Cooperation The growing ties are evident in the growth in bilateral trade.

India’s bilateral trade with Qatar in 2018-19 was US$ 12.33 billion, registering a growth of 25% over the previous year.

India’s exports to Qatar during 2018-19 was US$ 1.61 billion and India’s import from Qatar was US$ 10.72 billion.

Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) announced a US$ 150 million investment in BYJU’S, Dialogue (ACD) from 30 April-02 May 2019.
On the sidelines of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, PM Shri Narendra Modi met the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on 23 September 2019, and discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them, especially in political and economic fields.

the Indian edu-tech company in October 2019.


The Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Steel An Indian delegation led by the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Shri Hari Bansh Narayan Singh, participated in the 140th Inter-Parliamentary Union Shri Dharmendra Pradhan visited Qatar from 11-12 September 2019 and met the Minister of State for Energy Affairs of Qatar Mr. Saad Sherida Al Kaabi in 107 The Gulf and West Asia Doha and reviewed bilateral energy ties.

He also called Culture.


The decision in this regard was taken during the on the Qatari Prime Minister and Interior Minister H.E.

visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani.

to Doha in June 2016.

Nearly 40 cultural programmes/ The year 2019 was celebrated as India-Qatar Year of events were organized under this framework.
SAUDI ARABIA As the host of 2.7 million Indian expatriates and as At the invitation of Saudi King, PM paid an official the second-largest supplier of crude oil to India, Saudi visit to Saudi Arabia on 28-29 October, 2019 to Arabia is an important strategic partner in India’s attend the third session of the Future Investment extended neighbourhood.

The cordial and friendly relations between India and Saudi Arabia have been Initiative Forum in Riyadh, as a ‘Guest of Honour’.
During the visit, an Agreement for the establishment nurtured by regular exchange of visits at the highest- of a Strategic Partnership Council was signed between level.

After the State Visit of Crown Prince Mohammed the two countries.

Further, Saudi Arabia identified bin Salman to India during February 2019, PM Narendra India as one of the Kingdom’s Strategic eight partner Modi met him on the margins of the G20 Summit in countries under ‘Vision 2030’.

Twelve MoUs and Osaka, Japan on 28 June, 2019.


Agreements were signed during the visit in the fields of energy, security, combating trafficking of narcotic Prime Minister delivers his address at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh during his visit to Saudi Arabia October 29, 2019 108 Annual Report 2019-20 drugs, defence production, civil aviation, medical Saudi Arabia.
Pharmexcil and ASSOCHAM participated products, strategic petroleum reserves, SMEs, launch in the Annual SFDA Exhibition (September) and Foodex of RuPay card, cooperation in the training of diplomats, (November) respectively.

The Saudi India Business cooperation between stock exchanges, etc.

Council delegation visited India in September at the Saudi Arabia remained poised to retain its position as India’s fourth-largest trade partner (after China, USA and Japan) and a major source of energy needs.
India invitation of CII and a delegation from the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Water visited New Delhi and Mundra in November 2019. imports around 18% of its crude oil requirement from Given the size of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is also a major source of engagement on community welfare issues remains a LPG imports for India.

Bilateral trade during 2018-19 top priority.


The second meeting of the Joint Working had registered a growth of 23.83 % over the previous Group on Consular and Labour Issues took place in year to reach US $ 34.04 billion of which India’s imports Riyadh on October 14.

200,000 Indian pilgrims, the were at US$ 28.47 billion.

highest-ever from India, performed the Hajj during Saudi Minister for Energy, Industry and Mineral 2019 season.
Resources Khalid Al Falih visited India on 25 July for On defence cooperation, following the fourth meeting bilateral meetings with Minister of Petroleum & Natural of the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, who in turn visited (JCDC) held in Riyadh in January 2019, a defence Jeddah on 8 September 2019 and met the Saudi Energy industry delegation from India visited the Kingdom and Minister Prince Abdualziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and interacted with General Authority of Military Industry discussed aspects of energy cooperation.
(GAMI), Saudi Arabian Military Industry (SAMI), A number of business delegations visited Saudi Arabia during the period.

These include Invest India (April & July); TPCI (September & November); FIEO (November) presenting the investment and business opportunities available in India and also to explore business potential in Military Industry Corporation (MIC) and members of Royal Saudi Armed Forces, to progress defence industry partnership initiatives under the Make in India Programme.
UAE The traditionally close and friendly relations that were launched the RuPay card in the UAE and met key NRI elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership business leaders.

between India and UAE in 2017 were further cemented through high-level visits during 2019-20 including that of PM Shri Narendra Modi to UAE on 23-24 August, 2019.

During the visit, “Order of Zayed” medal was conferred upon PM by Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
Both leaders also released postage stamps on Mahatma Gandhi to commemorate his 150th birth anniversary.
PM also Other ministerial visits from India to UAE during the year included the following: (i) Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister for Railways, Shri Piyush Goyal from 21-23 September, 2019 for the 7th meeting of the UAE-India High Level Joint Task Force on Investments (HLTFI) in Abu Dhabi; (ii) Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, & Steel from 9-12 September 2019 for the 8th Asian Ministerial 109 The Gulf and West Asia Energy Round-table & 24th World Energy Congress; and again from 10-12 November 2019 to attend the 35th edition of Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC); (iii) Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation from 7-9 July 2019, immediately after the formation of the new Government in India.
Suhail Bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and State for External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan visited Industry, led a high-level delegation from the UAE to three times; on 14 June 2019, on 14-17 October 2019 when he attended the 6th Abu Dhabi Dialogue(ADD) and on 6-8 November, 2019 to participate in the IORA Council of Ministers Meeting; (iv) EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar participated in the Sir Bani Yas Forum in UAE from 15- 17 November, 2019. the Second Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in India during 30-31 October 2019.
With effect from November 16, 2019 GoI announced the extension of the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility to UAE nationals, becoming only the 3rd country after Japan and South Korea to get this special facility.

UAE High level visits from UAE to India included the visit has also announced visa on arrival facility to Indian of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of citizens.
YEMEN India and Yemen enjoy a long history of close and India welcomed the UN brokered ‘Stockholm historical people-to-people contacts.

Due to the Agreement’ of 13 December 2018, and the ‘Riyadh deterioration of political and security situation in Agreement’, a peace deal signed in Riyadh on 05 Yemen, the Embassy of India to Yemen has been November 2019 with a hope that peace will return to temporarily relocated to Djibouti since 14 April 2015.

Yemen.
Yemen.

The Embassy has been continuing its assistance to Indian nationals in Yemen.

JORDAN India-Jordan relations experienced an intensive A 62-member businesswomen delegation mounted by engagement.
Following up on last year’s historic visit the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) visited Jordan on of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Jordan and 12 September 2019 to participate in the India-Jordan subsequent State Visit of His Majesty King Abdullah II Business meeting organised by Jordan Chamber of of Jordan to India, the two leaders again met during the 74th UNGA in New York on 24 September 2019.

EAM also met his Jordanian counterpart in New York on 27 September 2019.
In October 2019, PM met King Abdullah II in Riyadh during the ‘Future Investment Initiative’ Summit and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties in different sectors, especially in trade and investment.

Commerce and Business and Professional Women’s Association.

International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2019 was celebrated at the historically significant Citadel in capital Amman.
A 6-member odissi dance troupe led by Ms. Sasmita Panda from ICCR visited Jordan from 26 April to 3 May 2019 to perform in the festivities related to the 15th International City Festival in Amman.
110 Annual Report 2019-20 Hon’ble EAM, held a telephonic discussions over chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister of State (Commerce regional issues on 6 Jan 2020 with his Jordanian & Industry) is expected to be held in Feb/March 2020. counterpart, Mr. Ayman Al Safadi Joint Steering Committee meeting on proposed Mining Maj Gen. Mohammed Farghal, Director General of and Beneficiation of Rock Phosphate, as per the MOU King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau has signed between India and Jordan, is expected to be been nominated by the Jordanian side for attending the held in Jordan in Feb/March 2020.
DefExpo-2020 to be held from 5-8 Feb 2020.

India-Jordan Center of Excellence for IT is expected The 11th session of India-Jordan Joint Trade and to be established in Al Hussein Technical University, Economic Joint Committee(IJTEJC) under the co- Amman in Feb 2020.

ISRAEL The year saw further consolidation of the India- Defence relationship is a key pillar of India-Israel Israel strategic partnership.
Minister of Jal Shakti Shri strategic partnership and the tradition of regular Gajendra Singh Shekhawat visited Israel during 17- exchanges between the armed forces of the two 19 November 2019 to participate in the conference countries continued.

Israeli Air Force Chief Maj Gen on ‘India-Israel Strategic Partnership on Water’ and Amikam Norkin made an official visit to India on 18- WATEC 2019 - the biennial conference on latest water 19 August 2019, during which he met his Indian technologies.
Delegations from state governments of counterpart Air Chief Marshal B. S. Dhanoa, along with Andhra Pradesh (Minister-level), Karnataka, Punjab, other senior officials of the Air Force.

Five Defence Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Delhi, as well PSUs (Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Earth business delegations, also participated in the events.
Movers Limited, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Minister of Jal Shakti co-chaired the conference along Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd and Goa with his Israeli counterpart Dr. Yuval Steinitz, Minister Shipyard Limited) set up the India Pavilion during the of Energy and Water.

National Cyber Security Coordinator Lt Gen (Retd.)

Rajesh Pant visited Israel during 23-27 June 2019 to participate in Cyber Week 2019, the biggest annual cyber security conference in Israel.
The Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI) held their annual international conference, NATCON 2019, in Tel Aviv during 5-7 August 2019 in which more than 1,200 delegates took part, making it the largest-ever Indian business gathering in Israel.

Minister for Construction and Housing of Israel Dr. Yifat Shasha Biton attended the inaugural session of the event while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the gathering through a video message.
ISDEF-2019, the largest International Defence and Homeland Security Exhibition in Israel, in June 2019.

The event was attended by an official delegation from the Department of Defence Production, which included 16 defence manufacturers from the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers.

The 5th International Day for Yoga (20 June 2019) was celebrated in a public event at HaTachana in collaboration with the Tel Aviv Municipality and the Ministry of Culture and Sports with participation of about 500 people.
Celebrations for the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi included planting trees at Kibbutz Naan on World Environment Day on 5 June 2019, the inauguration of Gandhi Circle in Kiryat Gat town on 16 September 2019, a discussion 111 The Gulf and West Asia with writer Shimon Lev on 2 October 2019 and an the Raga Mela in August.
An India Culinary Festival exhibition titled “Experiments with Truth”, curated by showcasing master chef India Ms. Shipra Khanna was Gargi Seth and based on famous Indian artists inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, at the 4th Jerusalem Biennale at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center on 11 October 2019.

Israel’s Arkia flights launched direct flights to Kochi and organized with Sheraton Hotel in July.
Hindustani classical singer Parveen Sultana and sitar player Shahid Parvvez Khan performed at the International Oud Festival in Jerusalem to an audience of over 700 on 28 November 2019.

Panaji from September and October respectively.
In President of Israel Reuven Rivlin, Speaker of the Knesset May 2019, Indian historian Shri Sanjay Subrahmanyam Yuli Yoel Edelstein, and Mayor of Tel Aviv Ron Huldai was awarded the prestigious Dan David Prize for issued video messages, while Prime Minister Benjamin outstanding contribution in the category “Past Time Dimension”, along with Professor Kennet Pomeranz of the University of Chicago at a ceremony at the Tel Aviv Netanyahu tweeted his greetings to the people of India on the 70th anniversary of the Constitution Day on 26 November 2019.
University.

Celebrations of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Jayanti saw large participation from Indian communities and Israelis.

The 3rd Joint Steering Committee between India and Israel on cooperation in Homeland and internal Security took place from 14-16 January 2020 in Israel where the JWGs on Capacity Building and Police Modernization ICCR kathak dance troupe led by Rachana Yadav were convened.
performed at the Karmiel Dance Festival in July and sarod player Debasmita Bhattacharya performed at JWG on Defence headed by Defence Secretary is expected to take place in February 2020.

LEBANON A Chennai-based company Operational Energy Affairs and Emigrants of Lebanon and Mr. Nadim Mulla, Group (OEG) was awarded the contract for operation Adviser to Prime Minister of Lebanon on 22 May 2019. and maintenance of two power plants in Zouk (198 MW) and Jieyh (78 MW) in Lebanon.
Advanced Construction Technology Services (ACTS), a geo- technical engineering, materials testing and consulting firm from Lebanon has acquired a 51% stake in Pune- based CQRA and Durocrete Engineering Servicing.

The Lebanese company will be investing about $ 10 million over the next three years besides transfer of the know- how.

Shri T.S.
Shri T.S.

Tirumurti, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs visited Lebanon on 21-22 May 2019 and had separate meetings with Mr. Hani Chemaitelly, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign On the occasion of the celebration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and International Day of Non-Violence, a commemorative stamp on Mahatma Gandhi was issued by the Postal Department of Lebanon.
A delegation led by Mr. Mohammad Kalash, Adviser to the Minister of Public Health visited India to attend the 5th International Summit on Medical Value Travel India”.

Another Lebanese “Advantage Healthcare India to in education sector visited delegation participate in the 15th FICCI Higher Education Summit 2019.

112 Annual Report 2019-20 India continued to contribute towards United Nations Embassy of India in Lebanon and INDBATT- XXI under Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
the Quick Impact Project of MEA on 19 December A generator set of 35 KVA was donated to Burghuz village in Hasbaya area of South Lebanon through 2019.

PALESTINE Work on development projects in Palestine progressed Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and attend the at a steady pace under the Government of India Advisory Committee meetings of UNRWA.

assistance package worth US$ 42.1 million, announced during Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Palestine on 10 February 2018.
India provided US$ 3.9 million for construction of developmental projects including Palestine-India Techno Park and schools.

Government of India contributed USD 5 million in 2019 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine a On 2 October 2019, Palestine commemorative postage stamp on Mahatma Gandhi, honoring his “legacy and values” to mark his 150th birth anniversary.

released About 180 Palestinian benefited under the ITEC and ICCR Scholarship programmes.
SYRIA Several bilateral exchanges and meetings on the International Cooperation Commission, Ministers of sidelines of international/ multilateral fora took place Electricity, Industry, Petroleum & Natural Resources, during the period.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. and Vice Minister for Foreign Affair and Expatriates.

Jaishankar met Syrian Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Expatriates Mr. Walid Al-Mouallem on 27 September 2019 on the sidelines of 74th Session of UNGA in New York.
Minister of Labour and Employment Shri S. A. Gangwar met with the Syrian Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Ms. Rima Kadiri in June 2019 on the sidelines of International Labour Conference in Geneva.

Under the Distinguished Visitors’ Programme (DVP) of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), senior leader of the ruling Ba’ath Party and Head of the Higher Education Bureau Dr. Mohsen Bilal visited India from 13 to 18 November 2019.
During the visit, Dr. Bilal called on Hon’ble Vice President, External Affairs Minister, and President of ICCR.

He also had fruitful interaction with the think-tanks, academics, journalists Shri T. S. Tirumurti, Secretary (ER), accompanied by and senior officials at Indian Council for World Affairs, Dr. B. Balabhaskar, Joint Secretary (WANA), visited India Islamic Cultural Centre, and Jamia Millia Islamia in Damascus on 19-21 May 2019 and had fruitful New Delhi.
discussion on further enhancing bilateral relations in diverse fields with the Syrian leadership including Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Head of Planning and In the capacity building domain, 90 training slots have been offered to Syria under ITEC; another 600 scholarships have been allotted to Syrian students 113 The Gulf and West Asia for pursuing graduate, postgraduate and doctoral Under the theme of ‘India for Humanity’ launched by MEA degree studies under Ministry of Human Resource as a part of the Gandhi@150 celebrations, an Artificial Development’s ‘Study in India’ programme; and Limb Fitment Camp was organized in Damascus ( 18 scholarships have been offered under the ICCR December 2019 – January 2020) in association with scholarship programme during the academic year Bhagwan Mahavir Sahayta Samiti (BMVSS), Jaipur.
2019-20.

India-Syria Centre for Excellence in IT, which was set up at Damascus in December 2010 but could not be operationalized due to security concerns, has now been upgraded to a NextGen Center for Excellence in IT by concluding an MoU between the two countries on 1 October 2019.
The 2x200 MW Tishreen Thermal Power Plant Extension project, for which an LOC of US$ 240 million was extended to Syria in 2010 for part-financing (52%), was halted by the BHEL due to the crisis in Syrian Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Ms. Rima Kadari inaugurated the camp in presence of her Deputy Minister, 6 Members of Syrian People’s Assembly, senior officials of Ministries of Health, Foreign Affairs & Expatriates, Defence, Ambassador of India to Syria and founder and Executive President of BMVSS.
The camp aimed at fitment of 500 artificial limbs to the Syrian beneficiaries during their 6-week stay of BMVSS team in Syria.

This humanitarian gesture by the Government of India has been widely appreciated by the Syrian authorities, prominently covered by local media and left a great impact on generating goodwill among the Syria.

With improvement in the security situation, the Syrians.

work on the project has resumed since October 2019.
IRAN High Level Exchanges India-Iran bilateral relations saw positive momentum during 2019-20.

The year was marked by the meeting of Prime Minister Shri.

Narendra Modi with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of the United National General Assembly in New York on 26 September 2019.

During the meeting, the leaders discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.
They discussed operationalisation of Chabahar Port and noted its importance as a gateway to and for the landlocked Afghanistan and the Central Asian region.

The two leaders agreed to hold events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of bilateral Treaty of Friendship in 2020.

EAM paid a visit to Iran on 22-23 December 2019 for the 19th session of India-Iran Joint Commission.
The Joint Commission, co-chaired by External Affairs Minister of India Dr. S. Jaishankar and the Foreign Minister of Iran Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif, was held in Tehran after a gap of 4 years.

he Ministers reviewed and positively assessed progress in bilateral cooperation including connectivity, trade & commerce, cultural and people- to-people contacts.
With a view to support trade and economic cooperation, both sides to hold early meeting of the Joint Working Group on Trade, to finalise Preferential Trade Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaty, and promote cooperation in customs matters.
During the visit, EAM called on the President of Iran H.E Dr. Hassan Rouhani on 23 December 2019 and also met Secretary Supreme National Security Council 114 Annual Report 2019-20 Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani and Minister for Roads and operations in December 2018, including the fact that Urban Development of Iran.

Foreign Minister of Iran, Dr Javad Zarif visited India on 14 May 2019 and met the then External Affairs Minister, Late Smt.
Sushma Swaraj and held discussions on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.

Foreign Minister Zarif was scheduled to visit India in January 2020 for participating in the Raisina Dialogue.

Foreign Office Consultations The 16th round of Foreign Office Consultations were held in Tehran on 16 September 2019, co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Shri Vijay Gokhale and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs.
Views were exchanged on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including the efforts being made by various parties to address issues that have arisen over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Both over 5 lakh tonnes of cargo has been successfully handled at the Port, and Afghanistan has started using the port for its exports to India.
It was decided to include New Mangalore and Mormugoa Ports as part of the designated route under the Chabahar Agreement; undertake a study to streamline cargo transit through the Port, hold more business promotion events in Afghanistan and India.

A delegation from the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) led by Shri T C A Raghavan, Director General of ICWA participated in a round table organized by the Institute of Political and International Studies in Tehran on 13 October 2019.
The round table deliberated possible collaboration between India and Iran and also with other stakeholders for sustainable development of the Indo-Pacific region.

Bilateral trade sides agreed to take forward joint cooperation in line The India-Iran bilateral trade during the fiscal year with commitments made during President Dr. Hassan 2018-19 reached USD 17.03 billion as against USD Rouhani’s visit to India from 14-18 February 2018.

13.76 billion in 2017-18, an increase of 23.8%.


During Working Group meetings The 8th Joint Committee Meeting on Ports and Maritime Cooperation between India and Iran was held on 29-30 July 2019 at Tehran.

Both sides reviewed their progress in cooperation in the port and maritime 2018-19, Indian exports increased by 32.3% and accounted for USD 3.5 billion, whereas imports from Iran increased by 21.8% and amounted to USD 13.5 billion.
Consular relations sector, and agreed on measures to take forward The 11th Joint Consular Committee Meeting between cooperation on Chabahar port.

The 2nd Follow-up Committee meeting of the trilateral Chabahar Agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan, at the level of Joint Secretary / Director General, was held on 20 December 2019 in New Delhi.
The meeting welcomed steady progress in Shahid Behesti Port, Chabahar operations by India Ports Global Ltd company since taking over the port India and Iran was held on 14 May 2019 at New Delhi.

Both sides reviewed status of ongoing cooperation in consular and visa related issues and discussed issues of mutual interest including further expanding people to people contacts and promoting friendly exchanges between Indian and Iran.
They welcomed the successful implementation of the e-visa facility for visitors from other countries.

115 The Gulf and West Asia Culture The Embassy of India, along with its cultural centre (Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre) organized year- long activities/events/seminars to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, including a tree plantation at the world famous iconic Tehran Milad Tower.

Iran Post released a commemorative stamp to mark the occasion.
The Embassy, along with the local Indian community organized 10 day long activities, including sports and cultural activities to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji.

116 Annual Report 2019-20 6 AFRICA ALGERIA Algerian Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development of high voltage transformers, on 10 November 2019 and Fisheries H. E. Mr. Cherif Omari visited India in the premises of M/s Electro-Industries, Azazga, Tizi on 7 September 2019 to participate in the UNCCD Ouzou.
Conference of Parties (COP-14) held in New Delhi.

Mr. Moussa Laaraba, Permanent Secretary General of the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of Africa (CCJA) and former Judge of the Constitutional Court of Algeria attended the 20th International Conference of Chief Justices of the World, held in Lucknow from 6to 12November 2019.
The period saw the visit of an Indian delegation of Vijai Electricals Ltd., on the occasion of the ‘The Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony’ of M/s SPA Vijai Electricals, a Joint Venture Project with M/s Sonelgaz and M/s Electro Industries, specializing in the manufacturing 35 Indian companies took part in various trade fairs and exhibitions.
These included Maghreb Pharma in Algiers from 1 to 3 October 2019, International Agriculture and Agro Equipment Fair SIPSA-FILAHA in Algiers from 7 to 10 October 2019, and the 8th International Fishing and Aquaculture Fair in Oran from 6 to 9 November 2019.

Around 20 Indian companies from the Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC) are participating in the TEXSTYLE EXPO to be organized in Algiers from 25-27 February 2020.
118 DJIBOUTI India opened its Embassy in Djibouti on 21 April 2019, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Djibouti which currently also functions as the camp office of Mr. Yonis Ali Guedi attended the second Assembly of Indian Mission in Yemen.

Government of India conferred its second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan on the President of the Republic of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in New Delhi on 31 October 2019.
India deputed two experts to Djibouti for 10 days in October 2019 to assist the government in its plantation drive.

March 2019.

EGYPT High-level engagements continued to impart the sidelines of Democracy Day in Abuja on 11 June momentum to the bilateral relations.

External Affairs 2019.


Dr. Ezz el-Din Abu-Steit, Minister of Agriculture Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met with his Egyptian and Land Reclamation of Egypt visited India to attend counterpart Mr. Sameh Hassan Shoukry on the margins the 14th Conference of Parties (COP) to the UN of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) from New York on 28 September 2019.

Hon’ble Justice 2 to 13 September 2019.


Vineet Saran of Supreme Court of India attended the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt on 19 October 2019.

Minister of State (IC) for Civil Aviation, Housing and Urban Affairs and Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Shri Hardeep Singh Puri visited Egypt from 5 to 7 November 2019 to attend a “Regional Conclave on India - West Asia and North Africa (WANA)” in Cairo, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
On the sidelines of the Conclave, he held talks with Eng.

Amr Adel Nassar, Minister of Trade & Industry of Egypt on 6 November 2019.

A commemorative stamp on Mahatma Gandhi was released by Egypt Post and a bronze bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at Al-Horreya Park as part of the celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Indian Naval Ship Tarkash made a port call at the Egyptian Naval Base Ras Al Tin from 28 June to 1 July 2019, conducted PASSEX with Egyptian Naval Forces.
The 9th Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting was held in Cairo from 5 to 7 November 2019.

CII organized a “Regional Conclave on India - West Asia and North Africa (WANA)” in Cairo on 6-7 November 2019. Business delegations from Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council of India, Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council, Engineering Export Promotion Council of India, and Pharmaexcil participated in trade shows/exhibitions in Egypt.
‘Jaipur Foot Artificial Fitment Camp’ under ‘India for Humanity’ initiative was organised at Assiut from 2 May to 9 June 2019, in coordination with the Ministry of Social Solidarity of Egypt.

Minister of State for External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan met Special Adviser to President and former Prime Minister of Egypt Eng.

Sherif Ismail on Thirteen Egyptian diplomats attended the 1st Special Course for Egyptian Diplomats at Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi from 10 to 22 June 2019.
During 119 Africa April to November 2019, 112 Egyptians underwent organized by the Egyptian Embassy in New Delhi and training conducted under a number of programmes Mumbai in collaboration with ICCR.

including ITEC, India-Africa Forum Summit, ICCR and CV Raman Fellowship.
Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria visited Egypt from 24 – 27 December 2019 and held talks with Air Marshal International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2019 was celebrated Mohamed Abbas Helmy, Commander-in-Chief, Egypt with enthusiasm in Cairo, Ismailia and Al-Minya in Air Force.

June 2019.

The 25th edition of the “Glimpses of India” painting competition was conducted in twelve governorates during October – November 2019.

About 16000 children from over 1600 schools participated in the competition.
A number of ICCR sponsored troupes visited Egypt.

‘Egypt by the Ganga’ festival was Smt.

Upma Chawdhry, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, represented India at the World Youth Forum 2019, which was held in Sharm-el-Sheikh from 14-17 December 2019.

ERITREA India opened its Embassy in Asmara on 26 August India’s e-VidyaBharati and e-Aarogya Bharati (e-VBAB) 2019.

Relations with Eritrea received a boost with Network Project.
An MOU in this respect was signed in the country becoming the 15th partner country of New Delhi on 7 November 2019.

LIBYA India continued to address the needs of the Indian community in Libya and in this regard, engaged with the Libyan authorities concerned.

MOROCCO Relations with the Kingdom of Morocco continued to Energy in September 2019 and JWG on Cooperation deepen and diversify during the year, building on the in Railways in November 2019.
Defence ties, which successful visit of External Affairs Minister Smt.

Sushma commenced with the visit of the Moroccan Minister- Swaraj in February 2019.

Mr. Mohamed Rherras, delegate in October 2018, were strengthened with a Secretary of State (MoS) for Vocational Training of port call by INS Tarkash at Tangier and first ever Passage Morocco visited India in May 2019 to study Indian Exercise with the Royal Moroccan Navy in July 2019, experience in the field of training and skill development.
visit of a Moroccan delegation on military medicine The expanded inter-governmental dialogue, based on over 30 MoUs and agreements signed over the past in May 2019 and commencement of training of Royal Moroccan Navy personnel in Indian Navy institutions.
three years, continued with the meetings of the JWG A delegation from the Chamber of Commerce, Industry on Water Resources in June 2019, JWG on Renewable and Services of Fez-Meknes visited Delhi to explore 120 Annual Report 2019-20 opportunities in textile and food processing industries.

study Hindi at Kendriya Hindi Sansthan (KHS), Agra.

The Mission organised two successful Business Conferences and B2B meetings between Indian and Moroccan companies in Marrakech and Agadir in September 2019.
Indian companies continued to strengthen their investments in Morocco, with new ventures in hospitality and automobile component sectors being established this year.

Cultural ties remained vibrant.

Leading painters from India participated in the International Contemporary Art Symposium 2019, in which India was the Guest of Honour.

A 9-member Moroccan culture troupe ‘Abidat Rma’ visited New Delhi to participate in International Folk Music and Dance Competition.
Shri Dikr Arrahmane, University Professor and Director of Training and capacity building has emerged as a key facet the Islamic Cultural Centre in New Delhi was invited of bilateral ties, with the announcement by External to deliver the second religious lecture of Ramadan at Affairs Minister Smt.

Sushma Swaraj of a doubling of the Royal Palace in Rabat on 14 May 2019.

13 editors ITEC slots to 75 annually.


The first ever Special training and senior Moroccan journalists visited India on a programme for 16 Moroccan diplomats was organized familiarization tour hosted by XP Division in October at Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi in April 2019.

2019.

So far, 36 Moroccan government representatives have attended programmes under ITEC.
An e-ITEC course on Big Data Analytics was launched at the India-Morocco Center For Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) in Casablanca.

CEIT has trained over 600 Moroccan IT professionals in the two years since its inception.
In addition to regular ICCR scholarships, 4 Moroccan students from University Mohammed V in Rabat, which hosts an ICCR Hindi Chair, received scholarships to SOMALIA Two Parliamentarians, including the Chairperson of the India- Morocco Friendship Group in the House of Councilors of the Parliament of Morocco, Mr. Abdelkarim El Mehdi, participated in Raisina Dialogue 2020.

They also called on the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on External Affairs in Lok Sabha, Shri P. P. Choudhary.
India has decided to participate in IMF debt relief Chief Justice of Somalia visited India to participate in package for Somalia.

The process for donation of 27 the 20th International Conference of Chief Justices mini buses to Somalia has commenced.

of the World held in Lucknow during 6-12 November 2019.
SUDAN A two-member delegation led by Under Secretary met Shri R. K. Singh, MOS (IC) for Power and New & (Secretary-rank) of Ministry of Energy and Mining Dr. Renewable Energy and MOS for Skill Development and Hamid Suliman Hamid attended the Second General Entrepreneurship for bilateral discussions.
A delegation Assembly of the International Solar Alliance held in led by Under Secretary of Ministry of Industry & Trade, New Delhi on 31 October 2019, and on the sidelines, Mohamed Ali Abdalla Mohamed Ali, attended the CII- 121 Africa organized 1st India-WANA Regional Conclave held in On an Invitation from Hon’ble Chief Justice of Cairo, Egypt on 6-7 November 2019 and held bilateral India to Hon’ble Chief Justice of Sudan Ms.. Nemat discussion with Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, MOS for Abdullah Khair, will be attending the International Commerce & Industry on the sidelines.
Judicial Conference on the theme of “Judiciary and the Three cultural performances were held during 4-6 October 2019 at different venues in Omdurman and Changing World” to be held in New Delhi on 21-23 February 2020.

Khartoum cities by a 9-member visiting Rajasthani folk Setting up of a Vocational Training Centre (VTC), group led by Gulabi Sapera, sponsored by ICCR.

proposed under IAFS-II, is likely to be set up in Sudan For celebrating Constitution Day of India on 26 in March 2020.
November 2019, a ‘Talk on Indian Constitution’ was Sudan has signed the MOU on e-VBAB Network Project on September 13, 2019.

A 10-Member Sudanese cultural troupe will be participating in 34th Surajkund International Crafts Mela to be held in Faridabad from February 1-16, 2020. organised by the Indian Embassy in Khartoum in coordination with Sudan Judiciary, where the Chief Justice of Sudan Ms. Nemat Abdullah Mohamed Khair was the Chief Guest.
On the sidelines, a ‘Photo Exhibition on the Life of Dr. BR Ambedkar, Architect of the Indian Constitution and work of the Constituent Assembly’ was also organized.

SOUTH SUDAN A sizable contingent of Indian defence personnel continues to serve in the United Nations Mission in Ministry has supplied life-saving medicine worth South Sudan (UNMISS).

The battalions are deployed approx INR 1 Crore to South-Sudan as humanitarian in Juba, Jonglei and Upper Nile Regions.

Additionally, assistance.

M/s.


HLL Lifecare Ltd has been selected for there is a police component (UNPOL) of around 23 procurement and depatching the Medicines to South Indian Police Officers attached with UNMISS.

Apart Sudan.

The shipment has already left for South Sudan from peacekeeping operations, the Indian soldiers in the second week of January 2020. have been performing community welfare activities.

TUNISIA India and Tunisia continued cordial bilateral relations.
e-governance and cyber-security at Indian Institute of A Tunisian Film Festival was held in Manipur on 25- Public Administration, New Delhi from 15 to 26 April 26 May 2019 with participation of six Tunisian art and 2019. commercial films.

In May 2019, a Gandhi Udyan was inaugurated in Riadh A group of 22 senior Tunisian administrators Ennasr (Ariana Governorate) as part of the celebrations underwent a specially-tailored training programme on of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
122 Annual Report 2019-20 EAM will be undertaking a bilateral visit to Tunisia from visit India from 23-25 January 2020 to participate in 22-23 January, 2020. the first Sukumar Sen Lecture, International Conference Mr. Nabil Baffoun, Chairperson for Independent High Authority for Election of Tunisia (ISIE) is scheduled to and NVD celebrations.

BOTSWANA President Shri Ram Nath Kovind sent a letter of 2019 in Gaborone.
Botswana Textile and Clothing congratulations to President of Botswana Dr. Association signed an MoU with India International Mokgweetsi Masisi on his re-election in October 2019.

Textile Machinery Exhibition Society on 6 August 2019 Foreign Office Consultations between India and Botswana were held on 15 May 2019 in New Delhi.

in a bid to promote trade and investments in textile and engineering sectors.
Botswana signed the International Solar Alliance (ISA) President of Botswana Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi attended Framework Agreement in October 2019.

Foreign the India Day organized by Mission on 28 April 2018.
Service Institute, New Delhi organised a special training ICCR - sponsored Jhankaar Bollywood Dance Troupe course for 18 diplomats from Botswana in May 2019. led by Ms. Neha Sharma performed in Gaborone 20 Indian companies participated at the Botswana’s 14th Global Business Expo held from 6-9 August on 23&24 November 2019.

In year 2019-2020, 86 scholarship slots have been utilized by Botswana under ITEC/ IAFS/ ICCR and other schemes.
BURUNDI LoC Agreement between the Government of Burundi Government of India to the Ministry of Health of and EXIM Bank was signed on 2 July 2019 in New Government of Burundi.

Delhi for construction of the new Parliament Building in Gitega [US$ 102.27 million] and two Ministerial buildings in Bujumbura [US$ 59.09 million].
Mr. Come Manirakiza, Minister of Energy and Mines of Burundi attached the 2nd General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) held on 30&31 Medicines worth US$ 2 million were gifted by October 2019 in New Delhi.

COMOROS Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu paid a State Visit Diplomatic and Official/Service Passport Holders and to Comoros from 10-12 October 2019.

The first-ever participation in the e-VBAB network project were visit from India to Comoros provided a new momentum signed.
to bilateral relations.

Six MoUs on cooperation in the fields of Defence; Art & Culture; Health & Medicine; Foreign Office Consultations; Exemption of Visa for During the visit, a Line of Credit for US$ 20 million for procurement of High Speed Interceptor Boats; grants 123 Africa of US$ 1 million for medicines and medical equipment, for interceptor boats and supply of 1000 MT of rice US$ 1 million for transport vehicles and US$ 2 million were announced.
Vice President delivers his Press Statement during his visit to Comoros (October 11, 2019) ESWATINI In follow up of India’s Africa outreach policy, a new of Agriculture of Eswatini officially launched Lubuyane resident Mission of India was opened in Mbabane, the Irrigation Scheme initiated with the grant assistance of capital of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) on 13 August US $400,000 from the Government of India.

2019 with the assumption of charge by Ms. Radha Venkataraman as High Commissioner.
A delegation led by Mr. Peter Bhembe, Minister for Natural Resources of Eswatini visited India on a study On 21 October 2019, Mr. Jabulani Mabuza, Minister tour from 10-16 November 2019.

ETHIOPIA A high level delegation from African Union visited India Dr. Mulatu Teshome, former President of Ethiopia for a mid-term review meeting of the Africa-India visited India on 5 November 2019 as Special Envoy of Forum Summit III in New Delhi on 11 & 12 September the Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
Dr. Teshome called on 2019.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.

124 Annual Report 2019-20 The India - Ethiopia Innovation Programme, conceived Humanity’ project was inaugurated on 29 November as part of India’s commitment under the India Africa 2019 in Addis Ababa.

Forum Summit-III was launched on 23 May 2019 in the presence of Dr. Getahun Mekuria, Minister of Innovation & Technology of Ethiopia.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Gedu Andargachew visited the newly constructed premises of the Embassy of India in Addis Ababa to plant trees on 4 December India gifted medicines worth US$ 2 million to the 2019.

Ministry of Health of Ethiopia on 13 November 2019 in fulfillment of the announcement made by President Shri Ram Nath Kovind during his State Visit.
An Artificial Limb Fitment Camp under Ministry’s ‘India for Ethiopian Airlines began operations of weekly non-stop flights between capital Addis Ababa and Bengaluru in October 2019.

KENYA External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar met Chief Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kenya met Shri T. S. Administrative Secretary (MoS) for Foreign Affairs of Tirumurti, Secretary, MEA in New Delhi on 3 December Kenya Mr. Ababu Namwamba on the sidelines of NAM 2019.
A Special Course for 10 diplomats from Kenya Summit in Baku on 25 October 2019. was organised at the Foreign Service Institute, New Cabinet Secretary (Minister) of Trade, Industry and Delhi from 25 November to 7 December 2019.
Cooperatives Mr. Peter Munya visited India on 19-20 Modernization of Rivatex East Africa Ltd, a US$ 29.95 August 2019 to co-chair the 9th session of India-Kenya million project funded by Indian Line of Credit signed Joint Trade Committee with Minister of Commerce and during PM Modi’s visit in July 2016, was inaugurated Industry Shri Piyush Goyal.

The 2nd meeting of India- by President Uhuru Kenyatta on 21 June 2019.

Kenya Joint Technical Committee on Housing was held on 30 May 2019 in Nairobi.
Four ships of 1st Training Squadron (1TS) INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi visited Mombasa Minister of State for Women and Child Development port on a goodwill visit from 7-10 October 2019.

Kenya Ms. Debasree Chaudhuri visited Nairobi to participate Army Commander Lieutenant General Raria Koipaton in International Conference on Population and paid an official visit to India on 27 November 2019.

Development (ICPD25) held in Nairobi from 12-14 November 2019.
Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs (I/C) Shri Hardeep Singh Puri met his Kenyan counterpart Mr. James Wainaina Macharia in Montreal on 26 September 2019.

Amb.

Macharia Kamau, Principal Secretary of the Air India restarted its operations on Mumbai-Nairobi sector on 27 November 2019.

Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) with the support of Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India organised Enterprise India show from 2-4 December 2019 in Nairobi.
LESOTHO The 4th round of Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation between India and Lesotho was held in Maseru on 30 September & 1 October 2019.

125 Africa MADAGASCAR The first-ever visit of President Shri Ram Nath Kovind INS Shardul, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi visited to Madagascar in 2018 has further strengthened India- Antsiranana port on a goodwill visit from 1-3 October Madagascar relations.

MoS for External Affairs Shri 2019.


A team from BEL visited Madagascar to conduct V. Muraleedharan met Prime Minister of Madagascar a survey to study the feasibility of setting up Coastal Mr. Christian Nstay on the sidelines of the ‘Choose La Surveillance System in Madagascar.

Reunion’ business meet in St. Denis, Reunion Island on 23 October 2019.
India gifted the cancer treatment radiotherapy machine Bhabhatron-II and 100,000 NCERT books donated to Four ships of 1st Training Squadron (1TS) INS Tir, the Government of Madagascar as grant.
MALAWI On 18 October 2019, Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, An MoU between the Government of Malawi and President of Malawi inaugurated the Mulanje to M/S Telecommunications Consultants India Limited Blantyre Water Project with GOI supported Lines of (TCIL) was signed on 23 August 2019 in New Delhi Credit of US$ 23.5 million.

to implement the e-VidyaBharti (Tele-education) and e-ArogyaBharti (Tele-medicine) Project (e-VBAB) .

MOZAMBIQUE Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi sent a letter of 2019.
He held talks with Defence Minister Shri Singh congratulations to President of Mozambique Mr. Filipe and signed supplementary agreement on Maritime Nyusi on his re-election in October 2019.

Security of Mozambican Exclusive Economic Zone.

Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh accompanied by a high-level delegation visited Maputo from 28-30 July 2019.
During the visit, he called on Prime Minister of Defence Minister of Mozambique called on External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Dhoval.

Mozambique, held bilateral talks with Mozambican In the aftermath of cyclone IDAI in central part Defence Minister, Foreign Minister and Interior of Mozambique, Government of India, as the first Minister.
RM signed two bilateral MoUs - Cooperation responder, sent 3 Indian Naval Ships to Beira for in field of Hydrography and MoU on sharing the White Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Shipping information.

Defence Minister Shri Singh from 18-30 March 2019 under Operation Sahayata.

gifted two Fast Interceptor Boats (FIB) for the use They saved 204 persons and provided medical of Mozambican Navy and 44 SUVs to Mozambican assistance to more than 3500 affected people.
INS Criminal Investigation Agency.

Defence Minister of Mozambique Mr. Atanasio Salvador M’tumuke visited India from 27-30 November Magar arrived to Beira from 13-15 April 2019 to provide support with 250 tonnes of rice and essential medicines (500 kg) to affected people.
126 Annual Report 2019-20 India deployed a 4-member Indian Coast Guard team An MoU between the Government of Mozambique and for providing training and maintenance support to M/S Telecommunications Consultants India Limited Mozambican Navy officials on two FIBs gifted by GOI.
(TCIL) was signed on 3 October 2019 in New Delhi Indian Naval Ship INS Tarkash paid a goodwill visit to to implement the e-VidyaBharti (Tele-education) and Maputo from 26-28 September 2019. e-ArogyaBharti (Tele-medicine) Project (e-VBAB).
NAMIBIA Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President was organised in Rundu, Namibia from 17 September of Namibia Dr. Hage Geingob held a meeting on the – 22 October 2019. sidelines of the 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York on 23 September 2019.

Prime Minister congratulated President Dr. Geingob on his re-election in November 2019.

Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi conducted a special training course for 20 Namibian diplomats from 1-13 December 2019.
Prof. Kenneth Matengu, Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia visited India India delivered 1000 metric tonnes of rice to Namibia under ICCR’s Academic Visitors Programme from 29 in September 2019 as drought relief assistance.
Under September – 5 October 5 2019. the Ministry’s ‘India for Humanity’ initiative, as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi, an artificial limb fitment “Jaipur Foot” camp Indian Naval Ship INS Tarkash paid a port call to Walvis Bay Port in Namibia from 15-18 September 2019.
RWANDA The first ever State visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra (TEPC) of India in partnership with the Government Modi to Rwanda in July 2018 had set a vast template of Rwanda under the theme “Accelerating Africa’s for bilateral cooperation.

On 16 April 2019, India handed over medicines worth US$ 2 million as a gift to the Ministry of Health of Rwanda to fight against HIV AIDS, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. India gifted 100,000 NCERT books to Digital Transformation Agenda”.
During the Transform Africa Summit in Kigali on 16 May 2019, a session on supporting capacity building in Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Skills in Africa was co-organized by India and Japan.

Rwanda Education Board on 7 November 2019.

A 39-member delegation from the Rwanda Defence Prime Minister of Rwanda Dr. Edouard Ngirente inaugurated the India-Africa ICT Expo in Kigali on 5 August 2019.
The event was organised by Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council Force Command and Staff College visited India for a study tour from 30 March – 06 April 2019.

Two Rwandan nationals participated in the India Commonwealth Youth Cricket Coaching Camp at the National Cricket Academy, Bangalore from 01-30 October 2019.
127 Africa SOUTH AFRICA Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a meeting with The 10th Foreign Office Consultations between India President of South Africa Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa at the and South Africa were held on 3 & 4 October 2019 in BRICS Leaders Informal Meeting on the margins of Pretoria.

the G20 Summit in Osaka on 29 July 2019.

PM Shri Narendra Modi met President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 11th BRICS Summit in Brasilia on 14 & 15 November 2019.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Foreign Minister Dr. Naledi Pandor during the BRICS and IBSA Inter-Ministerial Meeting on the sidelines of the 74th UNGA in New York on 26 September 2019.

As part of a study tour of Higher Defence Management Course conducted by india, a 24 member delegation led by Brigadier Ratan Kumar visited Pretoria and Capetown from 22-26 October 2019.
As part of the Festival of India in South Africa, a series of cultural performances were organized in different parts of South Africa during September 2019.
TANZANIA Tanzania assumed the rotating chairmanship of the 2 young budding Tanzanian cricketers attended the Southern African Development Community (SADC) first ever Cricket Coaching for Under-16 cricketers at the 39th Summit Meeting of the Heads of State/ from Commonwealth countries organised by BCCI at Government of SADC in August 2019. the National Cricket Academy Bangalore from 1-31 Minister of Industry and Trade Mr. Innocent Basungwa October 2019. met MoS for External Affairs Shri V Muraleedharan 223 Tanzanians were extended ITEC scholarships in Lusaka during the CII-EXIM India-Southern Africa and 32 Tanzanians under IAFS-III for various training Regional Conclave on 14-15 October 2019. courses in India during the period from April – Nov Air Tanzania started operation of its direct flights from 2019.
Dar es Salaam to Mumbai (3 times a week) in July 2019.

The tenure of the 6-member Indian Military Training A 4-member delegation led by Permanent Secretary, Team (IMTT) in Arusha, deputed for a period of 2 Ministry of Minerals of Tanzania visited India in June years from December 2017 to December 2019, has 2019. been extended till June 2020 at the request of the A meeting of India-Tanzania Joint Working Group on Government of Tanzania.

Water was held in Dar es Salaam on 15-17 May 2019.


Four ships of the 1st Training Squadron (1TS) INS Tir, INS An Artificial Limbs (Jaipur Foot) Fitment Camp was organized under “India for Humanity” programme from 6 June - 13 July 2019 in Dar es Salaam.

Shardul, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi visited Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar on a goodwill visit from 14-17 October 2019.

13 ITEC Defence Slots have been provided to Govt.

of Tanzania from April-November, 2019.
128 Annual Report 2019-20 UGANDA Shri Om Birla, Speaker of Lok Sabha led 84-member India delivered the consignment of 100,000 NCERT delegation comprising Member of Parliaments from Text Books to the Government of Uganda in fulfillment Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Speakers/Deputy Speakers of announcement of a gift made by PM Modi during his and Member of Legislative Assemblies from 25 States state visit to Uganda in July 2018. to attend the 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held in Kampala from 22-29 September 2019.
Mr. Simon D’Ujanga, Minister of State for Energy of Uganda led a delegation to attend the Second General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) held A 6-member delegation of Parliamentary Commission in New Delhi on 30-31 October 2019. of Uganda led by Ms. Cecilia Atim Ogwal Barbara, in July Parliamentary Commissioner visited India 2019.

The delegation met Rajya Sabha Parliamentary Committee on Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS).
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Prime Minister of Uganda Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda on the sidelines of UNGA in New York on 26 September 2019.

President of Uganda Gen Yoweri Museveni hosted Diwali celebrations at State House, Entebbe on 7 November 2019.

An MoU between the Government of Uganda and M/S Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) was signed on 3 October 2019 in New Delhi to implement the e-VidyaBharti (Tele-education) and e-ArogyaBharti (Tele-medicine) Project (e-VBAB) .
ZAMBIA President of Zambia Mr. Edgar Lungu paid a state visit to October 2019.

The Conclave was inaugurated by India from 20-22 August 2019.

Seven bilateral MoUs in President Edgar Lungu.

During the visit, MoS Shri V. the fields of Defence; Geology and Mineral Resources; Muraleedharan called on President Lungu; former Health and Medicine; Art & Culture; Foreign Service President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and Foreign Minister Training; Elections Management and Tele-education & Mr. Joseph Malanji.
Tele-medicine were signed.

India announced support to set up an SME Incubation Centre; donation of 1,000 metric tonnes of rice and 100 tonnes of milk as well as 100 solar irrigation pumps and five fire tenders to Zambia.
Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan led a delegation for the CII-EXIM Bank Regional Conclave on India-Southern Africa Project Partnership Conclave in Lusaka on 14&15 A bronze bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled by Minister of General Education Mr. David Mabumba on 2 October 2019 at the Mahatma Gandhi Primary School.
A 16-member delegation from National Defence College (NDC) of India, led by Major General Suresh Kumar Mohanty, visited Zambia from 19-24 May 2019 on a study tour.

129 Africa ZIMBABWE India handed over the first tranche of the gift of External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan held a meeting medicines worth US$ 250,000 to Government of with Minister of Industry and Commerce of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe in June 2019.
HMT machines under Phase-2 Mr. Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu on the sidelines of the US$ 2.91 million project of Indo-Zim Technology of the CII-EXIM Bank India-Southern Africa Regional Centre were delivered to Zimbabwe on 9 September Conclave on 14 October 2019 in Lusaka.

2019.

ITEC/ICCR scholarship programmes continue to be a regular feature of India’s assistance to Zimbabwe for capacity building.
During the period, 101 ITEC slots, 5 defence ITEC slots and 18 ICCR scholarships have been utilized by Zimbabwe.

Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services of Zimbabwe, Dr. Jenfan Muswere visited India to attend India Mobile Congress held from 14-16 October 2019 in New Delhi.
Minister of Energy and Power Development of Zimbabwe Mr. Pursuant to the MoU on cooperation between Prasar Fortune Chasi visited India to attend the 2nd ISA Bharati and the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation General Assembly meeting on 30 & 31 October 2019.

(ZBC), a two-member delegation from ZBC visited India in May 2019 to cover the last phase of general elections.
Minister of Mines of Zimbabwe Mr. Winston Chitando visited India from 18-22 November 2019 to attend the meeting of the Kimberly Process in Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small & New Delhi.

He called on Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister Medium Enterprises Development of Zimbabwe Ms. of Commerce and Industry and Shri Prahlad Joshi, Sithembiso G. Nyoni visited India from 22-25 August Minister of Mines.

2019 to the MSME Expo.

and Summit.


MoS for ANGOLA Relations with Angola remained on an even keel A high-level defence delegation, led by the Angolan during the year.
Angolan Finance Minister, Mr. Archer Secretary of State for Material Resources and Mangueira, visited India on 02 September 2019 Infrastructure, General Afonson Carlos Neto, will be on a working visit and held discussions with the participating in the “DefExpo 2020” in Lucknow from EXIM Bank for various projects under LOCs/Buyers 05-08 February 2020. credit programme.

Efforts are underway to expand multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.
BENIN India-Benin bilateral engagement gained in substance with the State visit to Benin of Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji from 28-30 July 2019, heading a high-level delegation.

This was a historic visit, the very first to Benin at the level of Head of State/Government.

In addition to holding talks with his counterpart President Patrice Talon, in a 130 Annual Report 2019-20 special honour extended to India by Benin, President India emerged as the largest trading partner of Benin.
addressed the National Assembly (Parliament) in Porto Bilateral trade turnover reached US$ 802.71 million in Novo.

He also met members of the Indian community 2018-19, a growth of 14.23 %.

at a reception hosted in his honour.


Four Agreements/ MoUs were signed during the visit: (i) Agreement on Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirement for Holders of Diplomatic, Official/Service Passports; (ii) Cultural Exchange Programme for the years 2019-2023; (iii) Country Agreement for Benin to avail India’s tele- education and tele-medicine programme - e-VBAB and (iv) MoU to help Benin set up an Export Credit Agency.
President announced GoI’s decision to extend e-visa facility to Benin to give a boost to business and people- to-people ties (operationalised in October 2019).

India The Model Ginning Unit that has been set-up in Benin to demonstrate the viability of double roller ginning technology and provide training on the same, has been operationalized in September 2019 under Phase-I of the Cotton TAP.
Mr. Todeman Assan, Director (New and Renewable Energy) represented the Beninese Minister of Energy at the Second General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in New Delhi on 31 October 2019 (Benin has signed and ratified the Framework Agreement of also announced a Line of Credit of USD 100 million to ISA).

Benin for its national priority projects.


Seven Beninese diplomats attended the 1st Special Course for Diplomats from Francophone Central & West African Countries at Foreign Service Institute, Hyderabad, from 25 November-7 December 2019.

20 Beninese officials from various Ministries have undergone a Special ITEC Course on English Proficiency During 2019-20, under ITEC Programme, India offered 25 civilian and 61 defence slots to Benin.
In addition, so far (till November 2019), 3 Beninese have utilized the training programmes offered by India under IAFS-III and 2 have availed the ICCR scholarships for pursuing Undergraduate and Post-Graduate courses in India.

The International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2019 was celebrated in at the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), a big way in Cotonou on 21 & 23 June 2019.

Hyderabad, from 04 November-13 December 2019.


BURKINA FASO Bilateral relations with Burkina Faso was further strengthened with the re-opening of our Embassy in (IDY) was celebrated in Ouagadougou on 22 June 2019 in the presence of Burkinabé Minister of Sports.

The Ouagadougou in March 2019.


The Bukinabé Minister Indian Embassy participated in the Diwali celebrations of Environment, Mr. Batio Basserie visited New Delhi on 19 October 2019 organized by the 500-strong in connection with the 14th meeting of the Conference Indian community.

With the hiring of the new Embassy of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat premises on 15 September 2019, consular services are Desertification (UNCCD COP 14) held from 2-13 expected to start soon.

September 2019.
September 2019.

The 5th International Day of Yoga 131 Africa CAMEROON As a part of our diplomatic outreach in West Africa, Emilia Monjowa, visited New Delhi to attend the MOS for External Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan visited Commonwealth Youth Parliament Meeting from 24-29 Cameroon from 3-5 September 2019.
He held wide November 2019. ranging discussions with the Cameroonian Foreign Minister, Mr. Mbella Mbella Lejeune, MOS in-charge of OIC, Mr. Adoum Gargoum and MOS for Commonwealth Affairs, Mr. Felix Mbayu.

He also called on PM, Mr. Joseph Dion Ngute and Senior Vice President of the National Assembly, Mr. Etong Hilarion.

Over 100 members of the Indian community in Yaoundé attended the community reception in honour of MOS (VM).
A 4-member Parliamentary delegation led by Mr. Njaingum Musa Mbutoh, Member of Parliament, visited India from 2-5 December 2019.

Bilateral trade between India and Cameroon during 2018-19 increased by about 28% as compared to 2017-18 and stood at US$523 million.
Under GoI Line of Credit of US$93.50 million, the project for the construction of the 225KV Nkongsamba Bafoussam and Abong Mbang Bilateral relations were further strengthened with the - Yaoundé transmission line started in November 2019. opening of our resident High Commission in Yaoundé Ten Cameroonian diplomats visited India to attend the on 12 September 2019.
From the Cameroonian side, 1st FSI Course for Francophone countries of Africa in Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mrs. Lifaka November 2019.

CAPE VERDE Relations with Cape Verde remained cordial.

Cape Our Mission in Dakar celebrated the 5th International Verde extended support to India’s candidates in the Day of Yoga 2019 in Praia, Cape Verde on 15 June elections at the UN and related international bodies.

2019.
2019.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC Due to an uncertain political situation and the A four-member CAR delegation, led by the DG of prevalent insecurity in the Central African Republic Industry, Mr. Cyprien Ouilibona, visited Delhi on 18 (CAR), interaction with the Government CAR during November 2019 to request for reviving of the cement the year was limited.
CAR Minister of Trade & Industry, plant project (being constructed through a GoI LoC) Mr. Mahamat Taib Yacoub, visited Delhi, on 13-14 on which work had been halted due to fighting and May 2019 for the informal WTO Ministerial Meeting.

insecurity in Bangui.


CHAD Chad is in the process of opening an Embassy in New Chad has been offered 5 civilian short term training Delhi and the first Resident Ambassador, Mr. Soungui programmes under the Indian Technical and Economic Ahmed, is expected to take up his assignment shortly.

Cooperation (ITEC) for the year 2019-20.


In addition, 132 Annual Report 2019-20 so far (till November 2019), 7 Chadians have availed Honorary Consulate in N’Djamena celebrated the other short term training programmes offered under International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2019 on 23 June 2019 IAFS and 8 scholarships to pursue undergraduate with full enthusiasm.

and PG studies in various Indian Universities.


India’s CÔTE D’IVOIRE India-Côte d’Ivoire bilateral relations continued to enjoy a notable share of the market.

Indian automobile expand during the period.

During his visit to West companies are also expanding presence in Cote d’Ivoire.

Africa, MOS (VM) visited Côte d’Ivoire on 6 September Mission organized several events to promote bilateral 2019 and had detailed discussions with Vice President, trade.
The Mahatma Gandhi IT & Bio-Tech Park’s Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan.

Bilateral trade crossed Administrative Building in Grand Bassam constructed US$1 billion mark for the first time and is set to grow under GoI’s line of credit (LoC) was inaugurated during in the coming years.

Indian pharmaceutical companies the year and is functional.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC) With a new government in power since August 2019, slots (90) and the 10 ICCR scholarships offered to DRC political stability has returned to the Democratic has been satisfactory.

Eleven Congolese diplomats Republic of Congo (DRC).

Bilateral relations with attended the special course conducted by FSI, MEA for DRC remained cordial with DRC extending support to Francophone African countries.
DRC signed an MOU India’s candidates at the elections to UN and related to participate in the e-VBAB Network Project.

On the international bodies.

GoI approved three new solar occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma power projects totalling 40MW, under fresh lines of Gandhi, a bust of Father of the Nation was unveiled credit (LoC), worth US$ 140.328 million in July 2019. by the Minister of Culture of the DRC at the Embassy India continues to provide capacity building support premises.
A three-member Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd to the DRC, notably under India-Africa Forum Summit (MIDHANI) delegation led by its CMD visited Kinshasa (IAFS), ITEC capacity building programmes and ICCR from 5-8 November 2019 to explore the possibility of scholarships.

During the year, utilization of the ITEC sourcing cobalt from the DRC.
EQUATORIAL GUINEA (EG) In accordance with the India’s on-going efforts to met EAM on 24 September 2019 in New York on the strengthen its relations with the hydrocarbon-rich sidelines of the 74th UNGA Session and discussed Equatorial Guinea, the Indian Embassy was opened in the road-map for further strengthening of bilateral April 2019 and the first resident Indian Ambassador relations.

presented his credentials in September 2019.

EG has been supportive of India in various multilateral fora.
EG Foreign Minister, Mr. Simeon Oyono Esono Angue EG’s Minister of Transport & Telecommunication, Mr Rufino Ovono Ondo, would participate in the Raisina 133 Africa Dialogue 2020.

The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, for Commerce and Industry are expected to attend the Forestry and Environment, Mr.Nicolas Houtondji 15th CII-Exim Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Acapo will be attending the India-Africa Agriculture Partnership in March 2020.

Meet on 14 March 2020 in New Delhi.


EG Ministers GABON India’s bilateral relations with Gabon have sustained km.

OIL is in Phase II of exploration which is projected momentum during the year.

Our Ambassador in to continue till 2020/2023.

13 Gabonese diplomats Kinshasa, DRC who is concurrently accredited to attended the special course conducted by FSI, MEA for Gabon, presented credentials in early October 2019.

Francophone African countries.


Gabonese Minister of During the year, Gabon supported India’s candidatures Higher Education, Mr. Iwangou Moukagni, led a four- to various international bodies.

Oil India Ltd. (OIL) in member delegation to India from 27-30 November partnership with Indian Oil Ltd. (IOL) is conducting oil 2019 for the 15th FICCI Higher Education Summit.
exploration in the Shakti Block over an area of 3761 sq THE GAMBIA Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji paid a State Visit to The Gambia cottage industry projects.

It was also agreed to offer from 30 July-1 August 2019.

This was the first ever training in the fields of judiciary, police, administration visit of HOS/HOG of India to The Gambia.

In addition and technical expertise, as per the request and in to talks with his Gambian counterpart, Rashtrapatiji, line with the priorities of the Gambian side.
A special as a special gesture, addressed the National Assembly capacity building programme under the ITEC+ rubric (Parliament) which was in recess.

The National was organized for the 25 senior Gambian Civil Servants Assembly Building Complex in Banjul is one of the at the National Centre for Good Governance, Mussoorie prominent projects in West Africa built under a GoI from 10-21 June 2019.

Another high-level delegation Line of Credit.


During the visit, a MoU on Cooperation led by Vice Chairman of Civil Services Commission of in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and The Gambia visited India in December 2019.

A Special Homeopathy was signed.

The Gambian side handed Training Programme for 25 Gambian Permanent over the instrument of ratification of the International Secretaries/Deputy Permanent Secretaries will be Solar Alliance Framework Agreement.
President also held at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of announced GoI’s decision to extend an assistance Administration, Mussoorie from 25-31 March 2020. of US$ 500,000 in support of skill development and GHANA The traditionally warm and cordial bilateral relations by high level visits during the year.
These included visit between India and Ghana were further strengthened of Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Charles 134 Annual Report 2019-20 Owiredu to New Delhi for the first Foreign Office 2019, Ghana utilised 42 ITEC slots, 32 slots under Consultations held on 28 August 2019; visit of Mr. India-Africa Forum Summit decisions and 8 out of 16 Isaac Adjei-Mensah, Deputy Minister of Road and slots offered under ICCR scholarships.
Defence training Highways of Ghana to participate at the India-Africa slots were fully utilised.

Higher Education and Skill Development Summit held at New Delhi on 26-27 August, 2019. and visit of Mr. Joe Ghartey, Minister for Railway Development to attend the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE 2019) held in New Delhi from 21-23 October 2019.

ICCR Day was celebrated on 9 April 2019 at which Hon.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts was Guest of Honour.
The 5th International Day of Yoga was celebrated on 22 June 2019.
As part of the two-year long celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian High Bilateral trade between the two countries showed Commission organised a ‘cycling march’ on 2 June an upward trend and increased from US$3345.83 2019 in association with Chain Ghana; planted 150 million in 2017-18 to US$4480.74 million in 2018-19. saplings in association with Green Republic at various A Digital Video Conference was organised on 6 May locations on 5 June 2019; organized a ‘peace walk’ on 2019 during which Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & 29 September 2019, gifted pharmaceutical products Industry of India interacted with the Indian business and OTC supplies to the Mahatma Gandhi Ward of community in Ghana.
India has been a reliable and steady partner of Ghana in her journey towards socio-economic growth and its developmental partnership is based on the priorities set by the Government of Ghana.
Line of Credit Agreements of US$ 150 million for Agriculture Mechanization and US$ 30 million to upgrade Potable Water Supply System in Yendi Town were signed the 37 Military Hospital; and Special Commemorative Postage Stamps on Mahatma Gandhi were released by the Ghana Posts at a function organized at AITI-KACE (India-Ghana Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT) on 2 October 2019.
The 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev was celebrated on 9 November 2019 and Constitution Day was celebrated on 26 November 2019. on 5 April 2019 in Accra.

An India Education Fair The Ghanaian Deputy Minister of Power, Hon.

William was organized in Accra on 12 April 2019 and at the Owuraku Aidoo, participated in the 2nd Global Sigma University of Cape Coast on 13 April 2019.
A MoU Summit 2020 from 9-11 January 2020 at ICAR-IARI was signed between the between Telecommunications Pusa Campus, New Delhi.

The Minister of Defence, Mr. Consultants India Limited (TCIL) and Government of Dominic Nitiwul will participate in the 11th Edition of the Republic of Ghana for participation in the e-VBAB DefExpo India-2020 at Lucknow from 5-8 February Network Project of the Ministry of External Affairs on 2020.

The Assistant Director of Africa and Regional 26 August 2019.
India-Ghana Kofi Annan Centre of Integration Bureau of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Excellence in ICT (AITI-KACE) is participating in the and Regional Integration of Ghana attended the 2nd implementation of the pilot phase of the e-VBAB.

AITI- Annual Disarmament and International Security Affairs KACE in association with Indian Institute of Technology, Fellowship programme at FSI, New Delhi from 13-31 Madras also conducted first e-ITEC programme on Big January 2020.
Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was celebrated Data Analytics.

During the period April-November on 9 January 2020.

135 Africa GUINEA Bilateral relations with the Republic of Guinea received Homeopathy; (ii) MoU between the Government of a boost with the opening of our Embassy in Conakry in the Republic of Guinea and the Telecommunications January 2019.

Our first resident Ambassador assumed Consultants India Limited [TCIL] for Participation in charge in August 2019.
Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji paid the e-VBAB Network Project [Technology Upgradation the first ever State Visit to the Republic of Guinea of Pan Africa e-Network Project] and (iii) MoU on from 1-3 August 2019.

In addition to holding detailed Cooperation in the Field of Renewable Energy.

Foreign discussions on bilateral relations, international and Minister of Guinea Mr. Mamadi Toure visited India from regional issues of mutual interest with Guinean 2-5 December 2019.
The visiting minister held bilateral President Alpha Condé, the President also addressed discussions with EAM on 5 December.

Following lines the Indian community in Conakry.


The President announced a new Line of Credit of US$ 170 million for of credit agreements were signed during the visit: (i) US$170 million for strengthening of drinking water Water Supply Project of Metropolitan city of Conakry supply of Grand Conakry and (ii) US$ 20.22 million for (which has since been approved and being signed in two solar projects: (a) Supply of electricity and drinking December 2019 in New Delhi).
During the visit, the water for seven public universities and (b) Solar project following 3 MoUs were signed: (i) MoU on Cooperation for electrification and refrigeration in 200 health in the Field of Traditional System of Medicine and centres.

GUINEA BISSAU Relations with Guinea-Bissau continued on an even successfully in November 2019.

A special ITEC English keel during the year.


5MW power plant at Buba Language Proficiency Course for 25 Guinea Bissauans constructed with Indian Line of Credit, was tested was organized from 17 September-31 October 2019.

LIBERIA Relations with Liberia were further strengthened during in Monrovia city and boosting the capacity of the the year.

India extended grant assistance of US$ 2 government fire department.

The Liberian Government Million for the construction of a Hospital in Monrovia.
continued to support India’s candidatures at all India also provided 50 vehicles (45 Buses and 5-Fire international/UN bodies’ elections.

Trucks) for strengthening the public transport system MALI India-Mali Foreign Office Consultations The 1st were held in New Delhi on 4 November 2019.

The consultations provided an opportunity to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and to explore new areas for cooperation.
A MoU on Mali’s Participation in the e-VBAB Network Project (Technology upgradation Pan African e-network Project (PAeNP) Phase-I) was also signed.

GoI has extended Lines of Credit 136 Annual Report 2019-20 of a total value of US$ 353.6 million for various Affairs of Mali was organized at the English and Foreign developmental projects including in the power sector Language University Hyderabad from 18 September-30 in Mali.

The Malian Minister for Water and Energy, October 2019.
This was the third such special course Dr. Sambou Wague, visited India to participate in the during the last three years organized under ITEC.

Eight second General Assembly of the International Solar scholarships under the ICCR Africa Scholarship Scheme Alliance(ISA) held in New Delhi on 31 October 2019. have been offered to Mali for Academic Session 2019- Training slots under ITEC have been increased from 20.

Mali Postal Department released commemorative 60 to 70 during 2019-20.
A special English language postage stamps on the occasion of the 150th Birth training course for officials of Ministry of Foreign Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

MAURITANIA Mauritanian Minister of Environment and Sustainable Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP Development, Ms. Marieme Elizabeth Bekaye, visited 14) held in New Delhi from 2-13 September 2019.
India to participate in the high-level segment of the Five ITEC slots and three ICCR scholarships have been 14th Conference of Parties to the United Nations offered to Mauritania during 2019-20.

NIGER The inauguration of the Mahatma Gandhi International 2020 in Lucknow.
The Minister of Agriculture and Convention Centre, which has been established in Animal Husbandry of Niger, Mr. Albade Abouba, is Niamey under the GoI’s grant assistance of US$ 35.484 likely to participate in the India-Africa Agriculture Meet million, is likely to take place in January/February 2020.
2020 on 14 March 2020 in New Delhi along with the Nigerien Minister of Defence, Prof. Issoufou Katambe, 15th CII-Exim Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project will take part in the India-Africa Defence Ministers’ Partnership from 15-17 March 2020.

Meet, along with DefExpo, to be held on 6 February NIGERIA Our relations with Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy oil and second largest supplier of Liquefied Natural and economy, and our largest trading partner in Africa, Gas (LNG) to India so far in 2019-20.
Around 10% of saw heightened bilateral engagement and interactions.

India’s annual crude requirements are imported from India remained Nigeria’s largest trading partner globally.

Nigeria.

During the year, Indian companies continued Bilateral trade turnover reached US$13.89 billion to participate in all major Trade Fairs/Exhibitions held in 2018-19, a growth of 18.15%, with our exports in Nigeria.

growing by 33.27% to reach US$ 3.01 billion, and our imports growing by 14.56%, to reach US$ 10.89 billion.
Nigeria continued to play an important role in India’s energy security being the third largest supplier of crude Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan visited Nigeria to attend the Democracy Day celebrations of Nigeria on 12 June 2019, 137 Africa representing GoI.

In September 2019, a 9-member implementation.

Nigerian delegation led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb.
Mustapha L.Sulaiman, visited India from 09-10 September 2019 for the first round of Consular Dialogue.

A Nigerian delegation participated in the 2nd Assembly of the International Solar Alliance, New Delhi on 31 October 2019.

Nigeria ratified the Framework Agreement of ISA and deposited the Instrument of ratification in November 2019.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications, Mr Istifanus Fuktar, visited India for the 3rd edition of the India Mobile Congress 2019 which took place from 14-16 October at Aerocity, New Delhi.

A Nigerian delegation led by senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment visited India to participate in the India International Cooperative Trade Fair, which was held from 11-13 October 2019, in New Delhi.
Under ITEC Programme, Nigerian nationals are attending training programmes in civilian as well as defence training institutions in India.

A 9-member ICCR sponsored Manipuri Dance troupe, Narmada Cultural Organization, led by Ms. Narmada Devi Khumanthem visited Nigeria from 21-26 November 2019 and performed at the 12th edition of International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo in Abuja.
In addition, a 14-member ICCR’s Bastar band folk dance group from Chattisgarh, led by Shri Anup Ranjan Ranjan, visited Nigeria from 12-14 April 2019.

Prof. Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah, Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, visited India under ICCR’s Academic Visitors Programme (AVP) from 2-11 October 2019.
The 5th International Day of Yoga was celebrated for the first time in association with the Federal Ministry of Youth & Sports Development, Nigeria at Abuja National The deployment of an Indian Navy Mobile Training Stadium on 15 June 2019.
To commemorate the 150th Team in May 2019 and visit of INS Trakash to Lagos in birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Mission in September 2019 to commemorate India-Nigeria @ 60, partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria further strengthened our defence cooperation as also released a Commemorative Stamp on 02 October engagement between both the navies.

2019.
2019.

The Indian Mission also organized a ‘Cycle Yatra’ India is also emerging as a development partner of Nigeria by offering concessional loans in the areas of interest to Nigeria.

During the year, India has offered a LoC of US$100 million for the Rural BroadBand Network Project.
This is in addition to the concessional loan of US$ 75 million for two solar projects which was announced during the Founding Conference of ISA in March 2018 and the US$100 million LoC already offered to Nigeria, of which projects in Kaduna and Cross Rivers amounting to US$60 million are under REPUBLIC OF CONGO (ROC) (Cycle rally) on the occasion of World Bicycle Day and the Office of the High Commission of India (OHCI), Lagos celebrated the World Environment Day by planting new saplings, trees & grass cover.
Our Mission organized various events including “Swachata Hi Seva” campaign, 55th anniversary of ITEC Day, the Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Constitution Day with the active participation of the Indian Community.

Relations with ROC received a boost with the opening of our Embassy in Brazzaville in November 2019.
ROC Minister of Health, Dr. Jacqueline Lydia Milogo, visited New Delhi to attend the GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation) Board Meeting during 2-5 December 2019.

138 Annual Report 2019-20 SAO TOME & PRINCIPE India and Sao Tome & Principe enjoy warm and cordial for peaceful purposes.

India continues to assist Sao relations.

Sao Tome supported India’s candidatures in Tome in training and capacity development.

India has various multilateral fora.


India and Sao Tome are actively donated 150 computers in November 2019 towards IT collaborating in the areas of economic cooperation, upgradation of government offices and schools in Sao traditional medicine, medicinal plants, International Tome.

Solar Alliance and exploration and uses of outer space SENEGAL Relations with Senegal continued to deepen and Entrepreneurial Training & Development Centre (CEDT) strengthen during the year under review.
President in Dakar in November 2019.

Ten diplomats from the Macky Sall and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended the First Special August 2019 on the sidelines of G7 Summit in Biarritz, Course for Senegalese Diplomats from 14-27 April 2019.

France.

In July 2019, Tata supplied the last lot of the 562 Our Mission in Dakar will be organising, on 26 January Tata buses under a Line of Credit.

In May 2019, Ashok 2020, Tiranga 4.0, the 4th edition of its cultural festival.
Leyland signed a contract with Senbus to supply 400 An 8 member Bollywood cultural troupe from Dance mini-buses out which 60 have already been supplied Smith and under ICCR sponsorship will be visiting till now.

During May-June 2019, a limb fitment camp Senegal and countries of the region from 25 January-3 was organized at Thies and 556 Prosthetic limbs were February 2020.
A seminar on India-Senegal bilateral provided by the Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayatha relations is being organised on 31 January 2020 inter Samiti (BMVSS) funded by MEA.

HMT completed alia to build mutually beneficial linkages between and handed over to the Senegalese side Phase I Indian States and Senegalese Regions.
of the modernization grant project pertaining to SIERRA LEONE Warm and cordial bilateral relations between India Protocol for Consultations between the Ministry of and Sierra Leone were further reinforced by the visit External Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & of Hon’ble Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, International Cooperation of Sierra Leone; (ii) MoU to Sierra Leone from 12-14 October 2019, a historic between the Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of first-ever high level visit from India to Sierra Leone.
External Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Vice President conveyed our decision to allocate a LoC International Cooperation of Sierra Leone; (iii) MoU for construction of a new State House in Freetown; between Telecommunications Consultants India re-allocate US$15 million for potable water project; Limited (TCIL) and the Republic of Sierra Leone for provide 1000 MT of rice to Sierra Leone under our participation in the e-VBAB Network Project of grant-in-aid assistance.
Six MoUs were signed during the visit including- (i) Ministry of External Affairs; (iv) Cultural Exchange Programme between the Government of India and 139 Africa the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone for the 4th General Assembly of the Association of World the years 2019-2023; (v) Agreement between the Election Bodies and an international conference held Government of India and the Government of Sierra at Bengaluru from 3-4 September 2019.
During the Leone on the Establishment of a Joint Commission and period April-November 2019, Sierra Leone utilised 10 (vi) US$30 million LoC Agreement between EXIM Bank slots under ITEC, 4 slots were utilized by the Sierra of India and the Government of Sierra Leone for Land Leonean armed personnel, 3 slots under India-Africa and Infrastructure Development including Hydraulics, Forum Summit decisions and 5 out of 8 slots offered to Water Management System (Irrigation) and provision it under ICCR scholarships.
The 5th International Day of Tractors.

of Yoga was celebrated in Free Town on 22 June 2019.
In line with GoI’s decision of opening 18 Missions Higher Executive Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Africa, Vice President announced the opening of and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone will Mission in Sierra Leone in 2019-20. attend the 2nd Annual Disarmament and International Election Commissioners Mr. Mohamed Nfah-Alie Conteh (CEC) and Mr. Edmound S. Alpha attended Security Affairs Fellowship programme at FSI, New Delhi from 13-31 January 2020.
TOGO India and Togo continued to share warm and cordial November 2019 at New Delhi.
A UNESCO project to bilateral relations which were further cemented by promote biodiversity-friendly livelihoods in the Fazao- the visit of Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Malfakassa National Park (North Togo), funded by V. Muraleedharan, to Togo on 5-6 September 2019. the GoI through the India-UN Fund for Development During the visit, MOS (VM) called on President Faure Partnership for US$ 1 million, was launched in Lomé on Gnassingbe, held bilateral meetings with Foreign 15 July 2019.
During the period April-November 2019, Minister, Minister of Digital Economy, Ministers of Togo utilised 5 slots under ITEC and 3 Defence slots, 3 Planning and Minister of Mines and Energy.

MOS (VM) slots under India-Africa Forum Summit decisions and 3 also interacted with the Indian diaspora and delivered out of 8 slots offered to it under ICCR scholarships.

The a lecture on the theme ‘India-Africa Relations’ at the 5th International Day of Yoga was celebrated in Lomé Diplomatic Club of Lomé.
In line with GoI’s decision of on 22 June 2019.

An officer from the Department of opening 18 Missions in Africa, MOS (VM) announced Defence and Security Affairs of Togo will attend the the opening of an Indian Mission in Togo in 2020- 2nd Annual Disarmament and International Security 21.
Togolese Minister of Mines and Energy, Mr. Marc Affairs Fellowship programme at FSI, New Delhi from Dèdèriwè Ably-Bidamon, led a delegation to participate 13-31 January 2020. in the Second Assembly of the ISA from 28 October-1 140 Annual Report 2019-20 7 Europe and European Union BELGIUM India-Belgium bilateral relations were further the Port of Antwerp’s Petrochemical Cluster.
The strengthened with focus on enhanced multilateral delegation also met members of the European Chemical engagement as Belgium holds the non-permanent Industry Council (CEFIC), and exchanged views membership of the UN Security Council for 2019- regarding investment opportunities in India in chemical 2020.

The period was marked by high-level exchanges between India and Belgium.

Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, visited Brussels on 29-30 August 2019.
During the visit, he met his Belgian and petrochemical sectors in Petroleum, Chemicals, Petrochemical Investment Regions (PISSOIRS).

They also visited Gemini Corporation in Antwerp, a Belgian company which is one of the world’s largest circular economy market makers.
counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of The India-Belgium Luxembourg Economic Union Joint Foreign Affairs and Defence, Mr. Didier Reynders, and Commission (India-BLEU JCM) established in 1997 is held comprehensive discussions on a range of bilateral, the main forum for deliberating on bilateral economic regional, global and multilateral issues.

and commercial issues.
The 16th India-BLEU JCM was A delegation led by Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Sadananda Gowda, visited Belgium on 14-15 October 2019 and paid a working visit to held in New Delhi on 17 September 2019 during which a range of subjects including trade diversification, investment, economic cooperation, renewable energy, 142 clean-tech, water treatment, ICT, services, traditional of 41% as compared to 2017-18.Trade in services medicines, ayurveda, yoga, tourism, market access between India and Belgium during 2018 was USD issues, multilateral cooperation, etc.
were discussed.

1110.38 million (€941 million); India’s exports were The central pillar of India-Belgium bilateral relations has traditionally been trade and investment.

India is Belgium’s second largest export destination in terms of trade in goods.

Trade in diamonds dominates the bilateral trade which in the year 2018-19 amounted to USD 17.2 billion (€15.6 billion), registering a growth LUXEMBOURG USD 696.2 million (€590 million) and imports from Belgium were USD 414.18 million (€351 million).
Total investment by Belgium in India stood at USD 1.87 billion (€1.70 billion) from April 2000 to June 2019, making it the 22nd largest investor in India.

India enjoys warm and friendly relations with the Grand The bilateral trade between India and Luxembourg Duchy of Luxembourg.

The India-Belgium Luxembourg Economic Union Joint Commission (India-BLEU JCM) established in 1997 is the main forum for deliberating on bilateral economic and commercial issues.
The 16th India-BLEU JCM was held in New Delhi on 17 September 2019 during which a range of subjects including trade diversification, investment, economic cooperation, renewable energy, clean-tech, water treatment, ICT, services, traditional medicines, Ayurveda, Yoga, tourism, market access issues, multilateral cooperation, etc.

were discussed.

NETHERLANDS during 2018-19 was USD 161.98 million (€147.18 million), registering a growth of 150% as compared to 2017-18.
Trade in services between India and Luxembourg during 2018 was USD 260.78 million (€221 million); India’s exports were USD 76.7 million (€65 million) and imports from Luxembourg were USD 184.08 million (€156 million).

FDI flows from Luxembourg to India between April 2000 and June 2019 were about USD 2.84 billion (€2.58 billion), making it the 16th largest investor in India.
The year 2019 marked a high point for India- an exchange of a number of business and other sector Netherlands relations with the first State Visit to India specific delegations between the two sides.

The 5th by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the International Day of Yoga was celebrated on a grand Netherlands.

The State Visit was followed by a visit to scale.

A number of cultural activities were organized by the Netherlands by External Affairs Minister of India.

Gandhi Centre, The Hague.


Foreign Office Consultations took place at New Delhi and a training course for Indian diplomats was held in The Hague.

The engagement between the States from India and relevant entities from the Dutch side got impetus with visits of Chief Ministers from Kerala and Himachal Pradesh to the Netherlands.

There was King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands had a highly successful State Visit to India from 13-18 October 2019.
Their Majesties led a high-powered ministerial delegation that included Ms. Sigrid Kaag, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation; Mr. Bruno Bruins, Minister 143 Europe and European Union for Medical Care and Sport; Ms. Mona Keijzer, State Affairs Minister called on the King and the Queen.
Secretary for Economic Affairs & Climate Policy; and Their Majesties also attended the Inaugural Session of a trade delegation of over 250 persons representing 25th Technology Summit in New Delhi on 15 October more than 140 companies and organizations from 2019.

The Netherlands was the partner country for the various sectors including technology and innovation, Summit.

The King and the Queen also visited Mumbai agriculture, water, health-care and climate.

This was and State of Kerala.


The 3rd edition of the Indo-Dutch the largest ever Dutch trade delegation to India.

During Forum on Smart and Sustainable Port led development the visit, Their Majesties met President Ram Nath took place in Mumbai on 16 October 2019.

Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.


External President and Prime Minister of India meets King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands at Rashtripati Bhawan in New Delhi Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister Policy spokesperson of D66 (Democrats 66); and Mr. (EAM) visited the Netherlands from 9-11 November Achraf Bouali, Member of Parliament from D66 joined 2019.

EAM met Mr. Stef Blok, Minister of Foreign the interaction.
Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and various multilateral and bilateral issues of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting.

EAM also interacted with Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Dutch House of Representatives.

The Dutch side was led by Ms Pia Dijkstra, Chair of the Committee.
Mr. Sven Koopmans, Foreign Policy spokesperson of VVD (People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy); Ms Lilianne Ploumen, Foreign Policy spokesperson of PvdA (Labour Party); Mr. Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, Foreign Foreign Office Consultations between India and the Netherlands were held on 11 April 2019 in New Delhi.

The Indian Side was led by Mr. A. Gitesh Sarma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs and the Dutch side was led by Ms. Yoka Brandt, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Both sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including political, economic, commercial, scientific and cultural cooperation.

The two sides also exchanged views on 144 Annual Report 2019-20 regional and multilateral issues, including cooperation from 22-23 September 2019.

He met Mr Jaap Smit, at the United Nations and other international fora.
King`s Commissioner of the Province of South Holland A training course for the Indian Diplomats was held at Clingendael (Netherlands Institute of International and Ms. Pia Dijkstra, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Dutch House of Representatives.

Relations) Academy, The Hague from 28 October to 1 Trade and commercial relations continue to be the November 2019.

Six diplomats from Indian Missions in bedrock of bilateral ties.
The Netherlands was the third Europe including Berne, Rome, Geneva, Lisbon, Berlin, largest investor in India, after Mauritius and Singapore Paris and three officers from Ministry of External for Financial Year (FY) 2018-19 with FDI inflows of USD Affairs, New Delhi participated in the Course.

3.87 billion across a variety of sectors.

For FY 2019- Kerala Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan led a delegation to the Netherlands from 8-12 May 2019.
He met with the Dutch Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management, Ms Cora van Nieuwenhuizen and Secretary General, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Jan Kees Goet.

He interacted with representatives from the agriculture and water sectors in a meeting organized by Mr. Hans de Boer, Chairman VNO- NCW (Dutch Employers Federation).

He visited Wageningen University and Port of Rotterdam.
He 2020 (April-June) FDI equity inflows stood at USD 1.35 billion.The Netherlands was India’s 5th largest trading partner in Europe, after Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and the United Kingdom in FY 2018-2019.Total two- way trade stood at USD 12.87 billion with exports from India amounting to USD 8.81 billion and imports from the Netherlands at US$ 4.06 billion.

For FY 2019-2020 (April-October), the bilateral trade was USD 7.6 billion.
India exported USD 5.3 billion to the Netherlands and imported USD 2.3 billion from the Netherlands.

also visited the National Archives of the Netherlands Embassy of India, The Hague organized a briefing and had discussions on digitizing Dutch records session on 4 October 2019 “Striding into the Future present in the Kerala State Archives.
He attended a with Confidence” for delegates of the trade mission business interaction event and meeting with the Kerala accompanying Their Majesties on the State Visit.

community in the Netherlands.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Jai Ram Thakur led a delegation to the Netherlands from 12-15 June 2019 to promote “Rising Himachal”, Global Investors’ Meet taking place from 7-8 November 2019 at Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
The delegation comprised of State Industries Minister Bikram Singh and senior government officials and representatives of companies from Himachal Pradesh.

A road show was held in The Hague on 14 June 2019 showcasing the investment opportunities in Himachal Pradesh.

Chief Minister met Mr. Jan Kees Goet, Secretary General of Ministry of Agriculture and King’s Commissioners of Provinces of North and South Holland.
Mr. Hirday Narayan Dikshit, Speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly visited the Netherlands Leading officials from Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Invest India participated in the session to address queries and interact with potential investors.
On 4 November 2019, a feedback session was organized for the delegates and potential Dutch investors with speakers from NWO (Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research), Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and Royal Dutch Shell.

ASSOCHAM led a delegation with Dutch companies to the Invest Himachal event 6-8 November 2019 at Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
The Dutch Greenhouse Delta also led a delegation during the Investor Meet and signed an MoU with the Government of Himachal Pradesh to develop a high- tech greenhouse project.

Geospatial World Forum took place from 2-4 April 2019 at Amsterdam.
Senior officials from the Ministry 145 Europe and European Union of Statistics and Program Implementation, Airport Mr. Maarten Camps, Secretary General, Ministry of Authority of India, and Ministry of Road Transport and Economic Affairs visited India from 23-26 July 2019.

Highways took part in the Forum.

An India Geospatial He participated in the launch of the Global Innovation Business Summit also took place on 3 April 2019.

Index at New Delhi and delivered a keynote address.
A delegation led by Shri Tarun Shridhar, Secretary (Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries) visited the Netherlands from 8-10 April 2019.

The meetings at Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and site visits to understand the Dutch Dairy sector took place during the visit.

A delegation from India comprising Tech Startup companies and Invest India visited the Netherlands from 7-10 May 2019 to attend the Next Web Summit at Amsterdam.
The delegation interacted with leading incubators and organizations to understand the Dutch Startup Ecosystem.

An innovation mission on Digital Health comprising leading Dutch health companies visited New Delhi, Mr. Piyush Goyal, Minister for Commerce and Industry and Prof Vijay Raghavan, Principal Science Advisor to the Government of India were in attendance.

He also met with Dr Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Science and Technology.
The 5th International Day of Yoga was celebrated on 16 June 2019 at prestigious Dam Square in Amsterdam.

This is the first time the Dam Square was host to a public event related to India.

The Square is the historical centre of Amsterdam with the Royal Palace and the National Monumenterected in 1956 for the victims of World War II on its flanks.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Jai Ram Thakur, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
Representatives of the Royal Dutch army joined the celebrations for the first time and also Mumbai and Bengaluru from 23-29 June 2019 to conducted a workshop.

understand India’s health sector and interact with leading hospitals and organizations.
Dr. Ashok Dalwai, CEO, National Rainfed Area Authority & Chairman Committee on Doubling Farmers Income visited the Netherlands from 25-29 August 2019 and had meetings at the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality along with visits to the University of Wageningen and Dutch companies.
A delegation led by Shri Singireddy Niranjan Reddy, Minister of Agriculture, Cooperation and Marketing, Government of Telangana visited the Netherlands from 2-5 November 2019 for a study visit on the Seeds sector.

A delegation comprising of officials of the City of The Hague led by the Deputy Mayor, Ms Saskia Bruins visited Karnataka and Telangana from 17-20 November 2019.

The MoUs between city of The Hague and the States were renewed.

The delegation also attended the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2019.
A number of activities for celebrating 150th Birth Anniversary year of Mahatma Gandhi were held which among others included: a march involving school children and adults from the Gandhi statue at Hobbemaplein to the Peace Palace in The Hague; an outreach programme across the schools in the Netherlands to spread the ideas and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi; seminars with eminent personalities in the Netherlands speaking on Mahatma Gandhi; Showcasing films on Gandhi at the Gandhi Centre, The Hague; organizing a quiz on Gandhi at the Gandhi Centre; organizing a Khadi exhibition; an event on ‘Khadi as an idea and not merely a Garment’ and a cycling event in The Hague.
It is also planned to plant 150 trees to celebrate 150th Birth Anniversary year.

A seminar titled “India and the Netherlands-Past, Present and Future”, organized jointly by the Embassy of India and the Royal Asian Art Society in the Netherlands, was held at the prestigious Rijksmuseum (National Museum) on 30 September 2019 as a curtain 146 Annual Report 2019-20 raiser to the State Visit of the Dutch Royals to India Archives of the Netherlands; Mr. Taco Dibbits, Director, in October 2019.
The King and the Queen of the Rjiksmuseum; Mr. Menno Fitski, Head of the Asian Netherlands attended the seminar along with Minister Art Department and Ms. Martine Gosselink, Head of of Education, Culture and Science; King`s Commissioner Department of History, both of the Rijksmuseum; and of North Holland; Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam; and Mr. Pieter Ariens Kappers, Chairman Royal Asian Art Ambassadors of 26 countries.

The Seminar featured Society of the Netherlands.


A book authored by India’s talks on various aspects of ties between India and the Ambassador to the Netherlands, Venu Rajamony, on the Netherlands by Mr. Hans de Boer, Chairman, VNO- subject was released by H.M. King Willem- Alexander NCW; Mr. Marens Engelhard, Director of the National on this occasion.

IRELAND Bilateral political and economic relations between Asia-Pacific Conference was held on (13 June 2019), India and Ireland continued to remain upbeat.
Ireland organised by Irish Government, in which more than opened a new full Consulate in Mumbai (April 2019) 15 Indian industrialists representing major companies to promote greater economic and commercial relations.
like Lawcubator, PayU, Hero Housing Finance, Hero Local Council elections were held in (May 2019) and Fincorp, ICICI Bank, Vodafone Idea, Yes Bank, Tata for the first time two Indian origin Councillor from Communications, Netsweeper, Tech Mahindra and Test the ruling Fine Gael Party were elected reflecting the Triangle participated.

The participants brainstormed growing influence of Indian diaspora in the politics various aspects of bilateral cooperation, especially of Ireland.
Irish Minister of State for Health Mr. Jim in the context of new opportunities due to Brexit Daly visited India in (March 2019).

He met with former especially in Fintech, Health, Bio-Pharma, Agritech Minister of Health and Family Welfare Sh.

J.P.Nadda and ICT sectors.

and discussed bilateral issues in matters of health and possibility of signing of an MoU in health issues.
The 5th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was held on (21- 24 June 2019) in 20 counties across Ireland, with the The Embassy was shifted to a new Chancery premises active partnership of City Councils, Yoga institutions (19 October 2019).

The shift will add to the prestige and Indian communities.

In Dublin itself, the event of India and help in its outreach programmes in Ireland.
was organized at the heart of the business district, and India-Ireland trade turnover for the year 2018-19 reached US$ 1.06 billion.

Irish investments into India during this period exceeded US$ 427 million.

The Embassy, in collaboration with CII, organised a networking event on (10 April 2019) titled “Indian Start-Up Research Mission to Ireland” for 30 CII members who had useful interactive sessions with Irish Industry counterparts.
The decision of the UK to leave the European Union has forced Ireland to focus its export and business attended by around 500 people, including politicians, MPs, diplomats, business leaders, sporting starts, Indian community and cross section of Irish people.

Mme Sabina Higgins, wife of Irish President made a powerful speech advocating for yoga to be introduced in the core school curriculum.

Other dignitaries were Lord Mayor of Dublin, Paul McAuliffe and former PM Bertie Ahern.
Across Ireland, an estimated 1500 people participated.

strategies towards Asia-Pacific countries like India, Annual Dublin Rathayatra Festival (Festival of Chariots) which present an enormous potential.

An Ambition was organised by the International Society for Krishna 147 Europe and European Union Consciousness (ISKCON) on (27 July 2019).

More Ireland.
More Ireland.

Celebration were kick-started by unveiling of than 500 people including representatives of Dublin a plaque (11 September 2019) to respect Max Arthur City Council participated in the function.

The Rath MacAuliffe fromLimerick who translated the holy Yatra was greeted by thousands of people on the way.

Sikh texts including Guru Granth Sahibinto English in The 5th India Day celebration at Phoenix Park in Dublin early 20th C. A lecture was organised by The Center took place (01 September 2019).
It was attended by for Inter-religious Dialogue & The School of Theology, over 300 people and showcased the cultural diversity Philosophy and Music and Dublin City University, on of India.

The 10th Ireland India film festival (IFFI) was the “Relevance of the life and teachings of Guru Nanak, held (15-17 November 2019).

Noted film personalities in the Present Age” (14 October 2019).
A Shabad Prakash Jha, Parvati Nair, and Foukiya Akhter were Kirtan was organized (11 November 2019) in the special invitees this year in connection with the Irish Christ Church in Dublin, which was decorated like a premier of their film ‘Pareeksha’.

A repertoire of select Bengali films were also shown as part of the festival.

Gurudwara.

The celebrations will continue throughout the year.
A Tourism Road Show titled “Dekho Apna Desh” The Embassy celebrated Hindi Divas (22 November was held in Dublin (19 September 2019).

Minister 2019).

The program included a talk on the origins of of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Govt of Punjab, Mr Hindi, a play in Hindi, discussion on the relevance of Charanjit Singh Channi was the Chief Guest.

More than Hindi in today’s world and classical dance performance.

20 Tour Operators from India, participated.


Members of the community enthusiastically The Mission actively organised Mahatma Gandhi’s participated in large numbers.

birth anniversary celebrations across several cities in The Embassy kick-started the year-long celebrations Ireland.

The main events took place in Dublin, Cork of Constitution Day (26 November 2019).

A special and Mayo.
A special and Mayo.

The Embassy collaborated with University programme was held in the Embassy with collective College Dublin (UCD) to organize an interactive reading of the Preamble of the Constitution of discussion on Gandhi (2 October 2019).

An illustrated India.


Later, an interactive discussion was organised book ‘Walk with Gandhi’ was launched (6 October on relevance of the Indian Constitution in the 21st 2019) at the Liberty Hall Theatre, Dublin, containing Century, which was attended by Indian students from snapshots on the life and beliefs of Gandhi.

A book Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, “Gandhi in Gujarat” was launched (2 October 2019) at Dublin Business School and Dublin City University.

A Central Library in Cork.


It has a significant collection screening of “India: The Spirit of Freedom” was also of images commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s life.

A held.

This was followed by the screening of a short Peace Tree was planted (3 October 2019) at Mayo in movie titled ‘Mooknayak: Leader of the Silent’ based collaboration with Michael Davitt Museum of Cork.

Dr. Ambedkar’s life.

University College Cork (UCC) held a tree plantation ceremony on (31 October 2019) followed by a talk on Gandhi.
There was a special screening of “Lage Raho Munnabhai”.

Gandhi@150 functions will continue to be celebrated throughout the year.

Smt.

K.K.

Shailaja, Minister of State for Health, Social Justice and Woman & Child Development, Government of Kerala visited Dublin (27-29 November 2019).

She met with Mr. Jim Daly, Minister of State at the Deptt.

of Health with special responsibility for Mental Health The Embassy has drawn up an elaborate programme and Older People of Ireland.
Minister Daly had visited to celebrate 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak in India in March 2019 and met with our former Health 148 Annual Report 2019-20 Minister Sh.

J.P. Nadda.

She also had meetings with and are well-integrated into Irish society.

The Embassy prominent medical consultants from Kerala in Ireland.

regularly organises Diaspora outreach programs in She also had interaction with CEO of St. Vincent Dublin and in other counties of Ireland.
The Irish Hospital, Ms. Kay Connolly and and faculty members Government made a historic decision on (4 April 2019) and Nurses of the Hospital.

She also met with Prof. allowing members of Sikh community to wear turbans Mary Horgan, President and Head of International while serving in the Police Force.

Requirement of Affairs of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland re-entry visa for foreigners who have resident cards (RCPI).

Members of the Kerala community in Ireland was waived off w.e.f.
12 April 2019.

In another organised a get-together in her honour.

positive development the requirement for obtaining The Diaspora population in Ireland is about 45,000 (approx), of whom about 25000are OCI card holders and about 20000are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

The bulk of the community is in healthcare (doctors and nurses), IT, engineering, senior management positions an Employment Permit for the spouses of the Indian nationals working in Ireland on critical skills visas was waived (22 April 2019).
This issue had been raised by the Embassy on the basis of the complaints received from the Indian nationals.

FRANCE India and France have completed twenty-one years to support India’s bid for accession to the NSG.

of their Strategic Partnership which was established in 1998.

The relationship is marked by a close and growing bilateral relationship, frequent high-level exchanges and increasing convergence of views on a range of international issues.
In the economic domain, where there exists vast potential, French businesses and enterprises have forged strong linkages with the Indian economy and industry.

There exist vibrant bilateral cultural and educational linkages as also growing people-to-people The areas of defence & security cooperation, space contacts.
Indian diaspora also has a sizable presence cooperation and civil nuclear cooperation constitute in metropolitan France and its overseas departments/ the principal pillars of our Strategic Partnership.

Apart territories.
Apart territories.

from these traditional fields of cooperation, India and France are increasingly engaged in new areas of cooperation like security in the Indian Ocean region, fight against terrorism, climate change including the International Solar Alliance, and sustainable growth and development among others.

India and France share a wide degree of convergence on a range of regional and global issues.
France has continued to support India’s claim for permanent membership of the Security Council and the reforms of the United Nations.

France’s support was vital in India’s accession to MTCR, WA and AG while France continues Recent high level political exchanges Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi (PM) visited France in August 2019 at the special invitation of H.E.

President Emmanuel Macron of France for the 2019 G-7 Summit, where India was one of the ‘Goodwill’ partners.
The visit comprised two segments: the bilateral component (August 22-23 in Chantilly/Paris) and the G-7 related visit in Biarritz (August 25-26).

On August 22, the two leaders met for a bilateral meeting in the historic chateau in Chantilly (north of Paris) which was followed by a joint press conference.
The outcomes of the visit included a visit Joint Statement, 149 Europe and European Union the India-France Roadmap on Cybersecurity and Governmental contract signed in September 2016, Digital Technologies and 4 agreements/MoUs.

On and undertook a sortie.

He also visited select defence August 23, PM met the French Prime Minister H.E.

industry sites in France.

Mr. Edouard Philippe and later addressed the Indian community in Paris.
PM subsequently visited Biarritz (south-west France) on August 25-26 to participate in the G-7 Summit.

He participated in the sessions on environment and on digital democracy.

MoS External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan visited Reunion Island from 24-24 October 2019, along with a business delegation to participate in a summit meeting on “Regional Economic Integration in the Indo-Pacific” organized by France.
He held conversations with PM and President Emmanuel Macron of France were several French Ministers and also called-on French co-participants at a session titled ‘Leaders’ Dialogue on President Mr. Emmanuel Macron.

Strategic Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narratives’ on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on September 24, 2019.
They also held a pull aside meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 2019 in Osaka in June 2019, and a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 2018 in December 2018 in Buenos Aires.
From the French side, recent Ministerial visits to India have been those of the Secretary of State to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne (10 June 2019); and Secretary of State to the Minister for Ecological and Inclusive Transition, Ms. Brune Poirson (30 October - 1 November 2019) to External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar visited Paris co-preside over the 2nd Assembly of the International on November 11-12, 2019 and held talks with Mr. Jean- Solar Alliance.
Yves Le Drian, France’s Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs.

The two ministers discussed issues of bilateral partnership and international importance.

EAM also attended the 2nd edition of the Paris Peace Forum where he participated in a high-level panel-discussion on multilateral governance of cyberspace.

He also called on the French President on the sidelines of the Forum.
EAM later addressed a gathering of prominent business-representatives and think-tank members at Institut Montaigne (a French think-tank) and gave an interview to French daily newspaper Le Monde.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited Paris on October 07-10, 2019, for the second bilateral Ministerial-level Annual Defence Dialogue with his counterpart Ms. Florence Parly, France’s Minister for the Armed Forces.
During the visit, RM also called on the French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron and interacted with heads of key French defence industry enterprises.

RM also visited Bordeaux to attend the handing over ceremony of the first Rafale fighter aircraft to be acquired from France under the Inter- India and France share a range of regular institutional dialogue mechanisms.

India-France Strategic Dialogue takes place between NSAs from both sides.
The last Strategic Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 29 August 2019 between Shri Ajit Doval, NSA and Mr. Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Adviser to the French President.

Foreign Secretary Shri Vijay Gokhale also held discussions with Secretary General of the French Foreign Office, Mr. Maurice Gourdault-Montagne on 11 January 2019 in New Delhi.
The fourth bilateral dialogue on Maritime Cooperation was held in New Delhi on 9 December 2019 led by Deputy NSA, Shri Pankaj Saran and Ms. Alice Guitton, DG for International Relations and Strategy at French Ministry for the Armed Forces.

The annual India-France Bilateral Dialogue on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation was held in Paris on 14 February 2019.

India-France Joint Working Group on Counter- Terrorism met in Paris on 15 February 2019.
150 Annual Report 2019-20 Defence Cooperation Economic Cooperation During the visit of the French President H.E.

Emmanuel Both India and France have important bilateral Macron to India (March 2018), the two countries decided investments and trade and commercial cooperation.

to create an annual defence dialogue at the Ministerial Almost 1000 French companies are present in India level, the second of which was held in October 2019 as with a total turnover of US$ 20 billion and employing mentioned above.
Regular working level meetings as around 300,000 persons.

France is the ninth largest well as exchange of visits at the level of Services Chiefs foreign investor in India with cumulative investment also take place.

The three services also have regular of USD 6.59 billion from April 2000 to December defence exercises.

The regular bilateral naval Exercise 2018.


In France, about 150 Indian companies are Varuna took place in May 2019 in two phases in Goa present (including sub-subsidiaries) with an estimated and Djibouti.

The bilateral exercise between the two investment stock of Euro one billion and employing air forces, Garuda, took place in July 2019 in France.

The major on-going defence-related projects include the purchase of Rafale aircraft and the P-75 Scorpene Project.
Space Cooperation Building on the historical linkages in the arena of civilian space, both India and France issued a “Joint Vision for Space Cooperation” during the visit of the French President to India (March 2018).

Implementation is ongoing as regards the identified projects.

The jointly developed Megha-Tropiques satellite which observes clouds and water vapours over the tropical region continues to be in good health and providing valuable scientific data.
A joint Ka-band propagation experiment is also under implementation.

As part of ongoing bilateral cooperation between ISRO and Arianespace, GSAT-11 was launched from Kourou (French Guiana) in December 2018.

France continues to be a major supplier of components and equipment for the Indian space programme.

Civil Nuclear Cooperation 7000 people.


In the period April 208 to March 2019, India-France bilateral trade stood at USD 11.89 billion (+4.15%) as compared to the corresponding period the previous financial year.

India’s exports to France were valued at USD 5.23 billion, up 6.78%.

Meanwhile, French exports to India increased by 2.17% during the same period to USD 6.66 billion.
However, the overall volume of bilateral trade remains low; trade with France constituting only 1.41% of India’s total international trade.

Cultural & People to people Cooperation Indian culture enjoys wide following amongst the people of France.

An Indian Cultural Centre, named Vivekananda Cultural Centre, currently under renovation, is to be opened in Paris.
The International Day of Yoga has been organized by the Embassy of India, Paris in Paris and in other cities of France since 2016 and which have received wide acclaim and press coverage.

Events have also been organized under the Mahatma Gandhi @ 150 During the visit of the French President to India (March 2018), NPCIL and EDF concluded an Industrial celebrations.

Way Forward Agreement.


Discussions between EDF Cooperation in the fields of S&T and and NPCIL have been ongoing with the objective of Education expeditious realization of the project.
In the field of S&T, the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) based in 151 Europe and European Union New Delhi established in 1987 is playing a major role higher education, especially in the field of business by funding joint proposals for research in the sciences management, about 3,000 new Indian students come and evaluation existing research projects.

Several to France every year.


The two sides aim to reach the other bilateral cooperation programmes exist including number of 25,000 students by 2025.

An Agreement an Indo-French Ministerial-level Joint Committee on on the mutual recognition of degrees, signed in March Science and Technology, established in 2016, whose 2018, has already entered into force.
In August 2019, first meeting was held in New Delhi in June 2018. an Administrative Arrangement was also signed It is estimated that there are about 10000 Indian students in France.

Encouraged by the offer of courses in English medium in the French institutes of between the two countries for Cooperation in Skill Development and Vocational Training.

ANDORRA Relations between India and the Principality of Andorra Diversitat cultural festival in Andorra on 14 May 2019. remain cordial and friendly.
The first ever Indian International Day of Yoga was celebrated in Andorra la classical music concert by Dr Rajnandini and group Vella on 23 June 2019 with yoga session and mantra was organized as part of the annual Setmana de la chanting.

SPAIN Following the impetus provided by Prime Minister ́s Economy in Japan.
A 4 member Spanish delegation led official visit to Spain in May 2017 and EAM’s official by Mrs Antonia Alomar, Chief of Cabinet of Secretary visit to Spain in February 2019, bilateral relations of State for Tourism, Government of Spain attended remain strong with a planned visit of MoS for External the 2nd meeting of the India-Spain Expert Panel on Affairs Mr. V. Muraleedharan in December.

At the Tourism in New Delhi on 3 July 2019.


A workshop multilateral level, a high level delegation to United on synergy between India’s Iconic Destinations and Nations Framework for Climate Change Conference Spain’s Smart Destinations was also organised.

Ms of the Parties (COP25) led by Minister of Environment, Reyes Maroto, Acting Minister of Industry, Trade and Forest and Climate Change Mr. Prakash Javadekar is Tourism, Government of Spain, spoke at the Horasis expected in December 2019.
Reaffirming India-Spain India-Spain Conference in Segovia, which was attended relations and defence cooperation, INS Tarkash made a by many C-level Indian executives.

Indian delegations port call at Cadiz as a part of Western Fleet Overseas participated in the International Machinery Trade Fair, Deployment.
On the commercial front, Mr Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Railways, met Ms Reyes Maroto, Acting Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Government of Spain on 9 June 2019 in Tsukuba, Japan on the Barcelona, InterGift Madrid and Smart Cities World Expo Congress.

Apparel Exports Promotion Council organised a buyer-seller meet in Madrid and India Tourism conducted roadshows in Barcelona, Madrid and Sevilla in October.
sidelines of G20 Ministerial Meeting on Trade & Digital The 5th International Yoga Day was celebrated in 152 Annual Report 2019-20 Madrid at the iconic Templo de Debod on 21 June celebrations included lectures by Padma Shri Dr. Rafael followed by IDY events in 15 major cities such as Iruzubieta and the Translator of Indian Constitution Barcelona, Tenerife, Granada, Valladolid etc.

totaling into Spanish Prof. Santiago Sanchez.

The first ever about 3000 participants.


The celebrations of 150th Indian-Spanish play was performed at the Almagro Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with President Theatre Festival in July 2019.

The second edition of the ICCR Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe as the Chief Guest film festival of independent films India-Indie was held included an audio-visual exhibition- ¨My Life is my in Madrid and Valladolid in November.
Message¨ in various Spanish cities, International Conference on Gandhi, the release of a Commemorative Stamp by the Spain Philatelic Commission, musical performances and lectures, and floral offerings at the five Mahatma Gandhi statues.

A ´Walk for Unity´, photo exhibition and quiz were organized for Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.

550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji was celebrated with Guru Langars in Gurdwaras of Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia in which more than 12000 devotees participated.
Constitution Day 2019 GERMANY Interaction with Indian diaspora remains strong with several interactions being organised cutting across regions and demographics, including students, professionals, GenNext entrepreneurs and sportspersons.

Monthly consular camps were held across Spain and consular service delivery time was reduced thanks to on-site passport printing, faster document verification and process optimisation.
Regular meetings at the highest level between India Intergovernmental Consultations were co-chaired by and Germany ensured the continued strengthening Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merkel in Delhi of the strategic partnership.

In continuation of a on 01 November 2019, which was followed by the special tradition that links the two countries, the 5th signing of 22 agreements.
Climate change mitigation, Prime Minister meets Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi November 01, 2019 153 Europe and European Union digitalisation and education were some of the major implement the India-EU free trade agreement.

areas in which the two countries announced closer cooperation.
The two leaders had also met during the year on the side-lines of the G-20 summit in Japan, G7 in Biarritz and the Climate Action Summit on the side- lines of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York.

The partnership was further intensified through several bilateral visits and interactions, both at the central and state level of both the countries on a regular basis.

The areas of cooperation between the two countries were further extended which reflected the wide spectrum of the bilateral relationship.
In a telephonic conversation on 25 May 2019, Chancellor Merkel congratulated PM Modi on his party’s victory in the Indian general elections.

She noted the growing relationship between the two countries while expressing her desire to further enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interests.
PM Modi thanked Chancellor Merkel and noted the exemplary role played by her in furthering bilateral ties between the two countries as Prime Minister Modi also met Chancellor Merkel on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan on 28 June 2019.

The two leaders discussed multiple issues during their meeting such as enhancing cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, e-mobility, cyber security, railway modernization and skill development.
Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and State Secretary in the German Foreign Office, Andreas Michaelis held Foreign Office Consultations in Berlin on 24 April 2019.

During his visit, Foreign Secretary Gokhale also met Minister of State Niels Annen at the German Foreign Office to discuss wide ranging issues of bilateral cooperation.

During the Hannover Messe, an ‘India Investors Meet’ was organized in collaboration with the Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC) in April 2019.
Mr. A.R Sihag, Secretary (Department of Heavy Industries) visited Hannover Messe for the Investors well as for global peace and prosperity.

Meet.

Chancellor Merkel was on a State Visit to India from 31 October – 02 November 2019 to co-chair the fifth Indo-German Intergovernmental Consultations.

She was accompanied by a delegation with German cabinet ministers including Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, Agriculture Minister Julia Klöckner and Education Minister Anja Karliczek.
They held meetings with their Indian counterparts to explore possible areas of mutual cooperation.

During her visit, Chancellor Merkel held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior officials.

The agreements signed between India and Germany included cooperation in the fields of agriculture, maritime technology, Ayurveda, Yoga, occupational diseases, rehabilitation and vocational The 4th Indo-German Business Dialogue was held on 11 September 2019 at the Embassy of India, Berlin.
The Dialogue was inaugurated with welcome remarks by Mr Mark Hauptmann, Member of the German Parliament and Mr Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.

It included keynote speeches by Mr. Rajiv Pratap Rudy, MP and former Union Minister of State and Mr. Ralph Brinkhaus, MP and head of the CDU/ CSU Parliamentary Group in the German Parliament.

The dialogue was attended by business representatives from India and Germany.
The event intends to build bridges between German and Indian know-how and promotes closer economic cooperation between training of insured persons and workers with Germany and India.

disabilities and collaboration in agricultural, technical and professional training.
Chancellor Merkel pledged an investment of €1 billion into new green mobility projects in India and also called for a fresh attempt to The total trade between the two countries reached 24 billion euros in 2018 making Germany the 8th largest trading partner for India.

The total investments from 154 Annual Report 2019-20 Germany in the year 2018-19 were to the tune of programmes build on India’s own efforts and reform USD 886 million, making Germany a major investment programmes.
They demonstrate model solutions and partner for India.

qualify the participating partners to continue and Germany has been an important partner for India expand the projects independently.

since 1958.

Total bilateral Technical and Financial The German-Indian Business Forum 2019 (GIBF) was Cooperation since 1958, amounts to 16.98 billion organized in collaboration with the German-Indian euros.
Energy, sustainable economic development, Association (GDIZ) in September 2019 which focused environment and management of natural resources on ‘Manufacturing Excellence & Sustainability’.

The are priority areas under development cooperation.

The Forum provided a platform for high-ranking decision unique feature of German development cooperation makers from the areas of business, politics and with India is that it focuses less on local projects and administration to confer on matters of mutual interest.
more on programmes with a structural impact.
These ITALY The momentum generated by the visits of Prime cycle rally, tree plantation, lectures at schools and Minister Paolo Gentiloni in 2017 and Prime Minister Universities, dedication of a bridge to Mahatma Gandhi Giuseppe Conte in 2018 continued during 2019, in Florence, and Rome half-Marathon where the medal with regular exchange of high-level visits and various was dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi with his image and initiatives in the political, economic, scientific and message.
This year, a local high school has adopted the cultural fields.

Piazza Gandhi and the Gandhi monument in Rome for PM Narendra Modi met PM Conte on the sidelines care and maintenance.

of the G-20 meeting in Japan in June 2019 and the Italy has extended support to India in crucial 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly elections including in UNESCO Executive Board in September 2019.

External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. and International Maritime Organization.
Italy also Jaishankar met his counterpart Foreign Minister Mr. supported India’s initiative on Coalition of Disaster Luigi Di Maio on the sidelines of UNGA in September Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

In October 2019, Italy 2019. has joined the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as The Italian Parliament in 2019 constituted an India a Dialogue Partner.

Parliamentary Friendship Group, chaired by former The year saw a steady growth in trade & investment Defence Minister, Senator Roberta Pinotti.
The Group cooperation between the two countries.

Bilateral trade is a cross-party grouping of 15 Senators and Deputies.

for the current year is estimated to reach an all time On October 2nd, 2019, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was celebrated in the Senate, with the participation of Speaker Elisabetta Casellati, Senator Pinotti and other MPs and guests.

Floral tributes were paid at Gandhiji’s statue in Rome and high of US€10 Billion, with surplus in favour of India.
On 16thJuly 2019, the governments of both countries signed an agreement to set up a Fast Track Mechanism in order to facilitate Italian companies and investors in India and vice versa.

other cities of Italy.


Embassy organized Gandhi bike In order to promote the Make in India Programme 155 Europe and European Union and to attract more Italian SMEs to India, the Mission The second meeting of the JWG on Counter Terrorism in association with DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Cooperation was held in India on 13 June 2019.
Both Industry launched Access India Initiative (AII) program sides exchanged views on current counter-terrorism in October 2019.Under the AII, 30 Italian SME’s will be challenges including countering radicalization, terror identified for hand holding services to invest in India.

financing and misuse of internet for terrorist purposes.
To explore business opportunities in food processing sector, Italian food processing companies visited India in September 2019 and Indian companies came They also discussed threats arising from transnational crimes and money laundering.

The next meeting of the JWG will be held in Italy on mutually convenient dates.

to Italy.
to Italy.

A 4-member delegation on Start-ups led by India continues to participate in Food and Agriculture CII visited Italy from 2-6 September, 2019 to explore Organization (FAO) as a member of the FAO Council.

opportunities for Start-ups and create collaboration in India has been elected to the FAO Council for another the field of entrepreneurship.

Under the framework of the Agreement on Scientific and Technological cooperation, an India-Italy collaborative R&D program is under implementation.
The Global Innovation & Technology Alliance (GITA) program has created a funding mechanism through which Indian & term from 01 July 2020 to 30 June 2023.

It also continues to serve as a member of various committees such as the Committee on Fisheries, Committee on Forestry, FAO Council, Committee on Food Security, Committee on Commodity Problems and Committee on Agriculture.
Italian companies can seek support for joint India-Italy India’s proposal for International Year of Millets in research and development (R&D) projects and other 2023 was approved by the 41st Conference of FAO activities intended to generate new technologies.

held in Rome from 22-29 June 2019.

India has also The period witnessed a number of bilateral defence activities.

After a gap of more than 10 years, a 16 member National Defence College delegation from India visited Italy from 25 to 31 May 2019.
A sombre ceremony for presentation of urns carrying the remains of two soldiers of the Indian Army who had sacrificed their lives been elected as a member of the International Steering Committee of the International Year of Plant Health to be celebrated in 2020.

India continues to be an active member of the Executive Board of International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) and the Evaluation Committee of IFAD.
in Italy during WW-II was organized in Florence on 29 Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri May 2019.

The 10th India-Italy Military Cooperation Narender Singh Tomarvisited Rome on 11 November Group (MCG) met in New Delhi on 5-6 Nov 2019.
The 2019 to participate in the 8th Governing Body meeting period also saw numerous visits from DRDO and other of International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for scientific establishments to procure CNC machines, Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) as the Chief Guest.

spectrometers, lathe machines and such equipment He met his Italian counterpart Minister of Agriculture, from Italy.

Indian Army Marksmen Team participated in Ms. Teresa Bellanova and Director General, FAO.
An Italian Open Shotgun Shooting Championship.

Indian announcement for hosting the 9thGoverning Body Navy kept up cooperation through their delegation’s meeting of ITPGRFA in New Delhi in 2021 was made visit to Fincantieri, participation of the sailing team at by the Minister.

the Italian Sailing Regatta and through other delegation visits to Italian Hydrographic Institute and others.

This year, Embassy organized various events in the field of culture, performing arts and yoga.
On the cultural 156 Annual Report 2019-20 side, the 550th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji of the most prestigious art fairs in the world after a long is being celebrated across Italy through multiple events gap of 8 years.

The Ministry of Culture, in association organized with the support of Gurudwara Prabandhak with the NGMA and CII, showcased art works of 8 Committees of Italy and enthusiastic participation of the prominent and renowned Indian artists.

The theme Sikh diaspora.


A special Shabad Kirtan was organized of India’s pavilion, inaugurated on 8th May 2019, at India House by ICCR sponsored Hazuri Ragi group was celebrating Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth of Bhai Sukhjinder Singh ji on October 27, 2019.

The anniversary and his message of peace.

group also performed kirtan at 3 Gurudwaras in and around Rome from 25-27 October.
In order to reach out to Indian community members residing in central and southern parts of Italy, a series In 2019, the 5th International Day of Yoga was of consular camps were organized throughout the year celebrated at a large scale with ten events spread in various provinces of Italy including Arezzo, Catania, over a two-week period.
The festival of Deepavali was Cagliari, Reggio Calabria, Latina and Bari wherein celebrated officially this year at the Italian Senate in a large number of Indian citizens and OCIs holders collaboration with the Italian Hindu Association.

This participated to avail of consular services.

This was an along with few other events such as Summer Mela effective way of reaching out to the Indian community with the FIND foundation, film festivals in Florence and was greatly appreciated by them.
Mission is issuing and Rome are now an annual feature where Embassy all categories of visas in a very prompt manner, taking provides active support.

into account the recent changes in visa rules which is In 2019, India participated at the Venice Biennale, one more liberalized.

SAN MARINO Relations with San Marino remained cordial and million while imports from San Marino decreased friendly.
Both the countries have established a fruitful 66.82% reaching US$ 0.21 million (Values in US $ cooperation, particularly within international fora, but millions).

also at a bilateral level on issues of common interest.
Embassy of India in Rome has been celebrating the San Marino has extended support to India’s candidature International Day of Yoga every year in the Republic of in UNESCO Executive Board, International Maritime San Marino in collaboration with the Government of Organization and also supported India’s initiative on San Marino.

The IYD was celebrated in San Marinoat Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

a large scale on 15 June 2019.


Minister of Culture of Bilateral trade between the two countries stood at US$0.36 million, reflecting a decline by 53.38% in 2018-19 over 2017-18.

India’s exports to San Marino however increased by 9.03% and stood at US$ 0.15 San Marino, Mr. Marco Podeschi along with other local authorities participated at the event that was followed by Kathak dance performance.

A food festival was also organized on this occasion to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.
157 Europe and European Union BULGARIA Bulgaria continued to be a strong partner, both India Bulgaria Business Chamber, senior Government bilaterally and in multilateral fora, including support officials and businessmen.

President of Balkan Indian to India’s candidature for WHO, ICAO, IMO, etc.

Business Association led a delegation to the 5th edition Bilateral trade and investment relations are on an of Global Exhibition on Services held in Bengaluru on upward trajectory.
Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister 26-28 November 2019.

Several Defence delegations H.E.

Mariyana Nikolova led the most high-powered visited Bulgaria in connection with procurement of business delegation to India Europe 29 Business arms and ammunition.

Forum held in New Delhi on 20 and 21 November 2019, which also included President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chairman of The then EAM, Smt.

Sushma Swaraj paid an official visit to Bulgaria on 16 and 17 February 2019.
External Affairs Minister meets Ekaterina Zaharieva, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Bulgaria in Sofia (February 16, 2019) NORTH MACEDONIA North Macedonia is a long-standing friend of India from April to September 2019.

India’s exports in this and remains a reliable partner.

It extended support period amounted to USD 11.62 million and imports to India’s candidatures for ICAO and WCO, and to USD 14.36 million, with exports registering a 23.90 permanent membership to the UNSC.
Trade and percent year on year increase during the period.

H.E.

investment ties between India and North Macedonia Ms. Renata Deskoska, Minister of Justice visited India is growing.

Bilateral trade stood at USD 25.98 million from 6-12 November 2019.

158 Annual Report 2019-20 CROATIA A significant development during the year was the supports India’s membership to the UNSC and NSG.

installation of Mahatma Gandhi Bust in Zagreb on 02 October 2019, the first such bust in Croatia.
The bust was unveiled by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic (first such instance of Croatian PM unveiling a bust) and Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandic.

An important milestone in India-Croatia sports cooperation was the appointment of Croatia’s Igor Stimac as the head coach of Indian football team on 15 May 2019.

Croatia A live-streaming event was organized on the occasion of counting of ballots of the General Elections of India on 23 May 2019.
Members of Parliament, officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the Diplomatic Corps and media persons attended the event.

Gandhi@150 was celebrated throughout the year.

CYPRUS Cyprus has been a staunch supporter of India on New York on 26 September 2019. issues of critical and crucial interest to it.

Bilateral trade between India and Cyprus has increased over the recent years after the visits of both Presidents.

India-Cyprus trade balance upto June 2019 was 32 million Euros.
Cyprus is 8th top investor in India with cumulative investments of USD 9.927 billion during April 2000 – June 2019.

Cyprus has supported India for its permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, and India’s candidate at the World Customs Organization, India’s candidature to council of ICAO & council of IMO.

Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO) supported ISRO’s bid to host 73rd IAC in 2022 in New Delhi.
On the occasion of 150th Birth Anniversary Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi met with President of Gandhiji, Government of Cyprus released a Nicos Anastasiades on the sidelines of the UNGA in commemorative stamp on 10 September 2019.

CZECH REPUBLIC India- Czech Republic witnessed the exchange of high September 2019 helped reinforce the strategic aspects level visits during the year – Czech Prime Minister, of the relationship.
Czech Republic supported India’s Hon’ble Andrej Babis visit to India for Vibrant Gujarat bid for the non-permanent membership of UNSC for Summit in 2019; and Czech Defence Minister, Mr. 2021-22, reiterated support for UN Reforms and for Lubomir Metnar in February 2019 – and 20 business India’s credentials as a permanent member of UNSC.

missions.
missions.

Following the up-gradation of relations During the year, economic relations remained stable with these exchanges, India received full support with bilateral trade remaining at par with the previous and understanding of Czech Republic on all issues year.

People to people contacts witnessed a surge in of critical importance.

Meeting between EAM and tourist flows and an increase in the number of Indians Czech Foreign Minister on the sidelines of UNGA in in the country.
159 Europe and European Union Under the bilateral dialogue mechanisms, the 6th Dialogue 2020; On the sidelines of the Dialogue, he meeting of the Joint Working Group on Heavy held a bilateral meeting with EAM.

He also met Hon‘ble Engineering was held in Brno, Czech Republic on 8 Defence Minister, Minister of Commerce & Industries/ October 2019.

Regular exchange of our economic Railways and Minister of Civil Aviation during the visit.
relationship provided an exchange of ideas, interactions and exploration of future areas of cooperation.

In the defence sector, visit of Czech Deputy Minister for the Defexpo at Lucknow in February, 2020 will The Foreign Minister of Czech Republic, Tomas Petricek enable close interactions between the Defence visited India from 13-15 Jan, 2020 along with an official Industry on both sides and sustain the growth in our and business delegation to participate in the Raisina defence relations.
DENMARK During the year, India – Denmark relations had several 2019 in New Delhi where further cooperation in the exchanges of dignitaries to identify areas of possible field of labour mobility between India and Denmark cooperation, including cooperation in the Fisheries and was discussed.

Denmark also supports India’s bid for a Aquaculture sector.

The Danish Prime Minister Lars permanent seat in the UNSC and NSG.
Lokke Rasmussen, visited India for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2019, as one of the four HOS/ HOGs.

He also met Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the Summit.

Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod visited India during 14-16 Jan 2020 to participate in the Raisina Dialogue.

He held bilateral meetings with EAM on the sidelines of the Dialogue.

He also met Minister of Commercial relations saw significant exchange of Jalshakti during the visit.

visits.
visits.

Ms. Saloni Jhaveri, Head, Investor Relations & Partnerships, National Investment Infrastructure Commercial delegations/events Fund (NIIF) visited Denmark; a 15-member Indian delegation visited Denmark during 15-21 June 2019 as part of the ‘Nordic Master Class in Sustainable Urban Development’.

A delegation from Danish Export Association and DI Food is participating in Indus Food 2020 in Noida organised by Trade Promotion Council of India during 8-9 Jan 2020.
During the year, the following Joint Working Groups (JWGs) were held: The 2nd JWG on Food Processing Joint Working Groups (JWGs) was held from 19-21 June 2019 in Copenhagen where The 2nd JWG on Animal Husbandry will be held on 17 it was agreed to finalize a common JWG Plan for 2020- Jan 2020 in Copenhagen during the visit of delegation 2023 including joint initiatives, seminars, etc; and the led by Secretary (Animal Husbandry & Dairying) from 3rd JWG on Labour Mobility was held during 4-5 Nov 14-17 Jan 2020.
FINLAND During the year, bilateral high-level dialogue received a boost with the visit of Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar to Helsinki on 19-20 September 2019 to mark the 70 years of India-Finland diplomatic 160 Annual Report 2019-20 relations.

EAM met President, Mr. Sauli Niinistö, Prime Ministry of Economic Affairs & Employment and Minister, Mr. Antti Rinne, and Foreign Minister Mr. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Pekka Haavisto.
To mark the 150th birth anniversary GoI for Cooperation in the field of Digitization; of Mahatma Gandhi, EAM and Foreign Minister of and MOU was signed between the National Skills Finland, Mr. Pekka Haavisto jointly unveiled a life-size Development Cooperation, India and EDUFI, Finland statue of Mahatma Gandhi gifted by Indian Council for Cooperation in Vocational Education Training.
25 of Cultural Relations, Government of India to the Indian start-ups participated at the annual event for Government of Finland.

Finland extends support to start-ups in Helsinki, SLUSH with support from the Indian’s bid for permanent membership of the UNSC, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

and NSG membership.
and NSG membership.

Permanent Secretary of Defence Mr. Jakku Juusti To continue the high-level dialogue, Foreign Minister would be participating in Raisina Dialogue 2020 as a of Finland, Mr. Pekka Haavisto visited India from 4 to Speaker.

The MOU for Cooperation in Production, 6 November 2019 and exchanged views with EAM and Procurement, Research and Development of Defence Minister of Finance.
He also inaugurated the state-of- Related Equipment and Industrial Cooperation is likely art manufacturing facility of Finnish company, KONE to be signed during the visit.

elevators in Chennai.


In 2019-20 an MOU was signed between our Ministry Anticipated: 10 Members of Parliament from the Finance Committee in Finland’s Parliament led by of Tourism and the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Johannes Koskinen, and Employment for Cooperation in Tourism; a Joint would be visiting India from 23-29 February for Declaration of Intent was signed between Finnish familiarisation.
ESTONIA During the year, Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Foreign Minister of Estonia, H.E.Mr.

Urmas Reinsalu M. Venkaiah Naidu visited Estonia from 20-21 August would be visited India to participate in the Raisina accompanied by three Members of Parliament, media Dialogue 2020 as one of the key note speakers.

and a business delegation of 18 companies.

Vice He interacted with EAM and had other official President and Prime Minister, Mr Jüri Ratas jointly engagements.
addressed the India Estonia Business Forum in which a business delegation from India led by CII and an Estonian business delegation participated.

Three MOUs were signed during the visit for - Waiver of visas for diplomatic passport holders; Cooperation in Cyber Security; and for Cooperation in e-Governance and emerging Digital Technologies respectively.

Estonia extends support to Indian’s bid for permanent membership of the UNSC, and NSG membership.
Anticipated: Four Members of Parliament led by Mr. Sven Sester, Chairperson of India Estonia Parliamentary Group in Estonia’s Parliament would be visiting India from 31 January to 6 February, 2020 for familiarisation on their own initiative.
161 Europe and European Union GREECE During the year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met was the ‘Honoured Country’ at the 84th Thessaloniki the newly elected Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos International Fair 2019 (TIF 2019), the largest annual Mitsotakis, on the sidelines of the High Level Segment commercial exposition of Greece and also the largest in of the UNGA in New York on 27 September 2019.
Shri Southeast Europe and the Balkans, held at Thessaloniki Hardeep Singh Puri, MOS(C&I) visited Thessaloniki, from September 7-15, 2019.

Greece extends support Greece on 7 September 2019, to jointly inaugurate to Indian’s bid for permanent membership of the UNSC, the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF 2019) with and NSG membership.

the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.


India HUNGARY India’s relations with Hungary continued to strengthen External Economic Relations, Mr. Istvan Joo visited during the year.

A series of activities were held to India to participate in IE29BF on 20-22 November celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of 2019 and met with MoS (VM) on the sidelines of the diplomatic relations and the visits of External Affairs meetings.
Hungary reconstituted the India Hungary Minister and Minister of Jal Shakti to Hungary set the Friendship Group in their Parliament for the period stage for deepening of bilateral engagement.

EAM 2018-22.

Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited Hungary on 25- 27 August 2019 and held discussions with Hungary’s Foreign Minister Mr. Peter Szijjarto on a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues.

The two Ministers signed a Cultural Exchange Programme for the period 2019-22.
The Hungarian side also announced their decision to join the International Solar Alliance.

Hungary extends support to Indian’s bid for permanent membership of the UNSC, and NSG membership.

In the first seven months of 2019, the bilateral trade saw an increase of around 10% year-on-year, with exports rising by 12% and imports by 3%.
During the two ministerial visits, the areas of film production, digitization, water management, solar energy and pharmaceuticals for strengthening cooperation inter alia were identified, apart from enhancing educational, tourism and scientific exchanges.
On 22nd May, 2019 Samvardhana Motherson Automotive Technologies Other visits during the year included Shri Gajendra & Engineering (MATE), an Indian company in the Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Jal Shakti to Budapest automotive sector announced a EUR 15.3 million on October 14-17 2019; a visit by Union Minister of expansion at its base in Túrkeve.
Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari to Budapest to attend the 5th ASEM Transport Ministers’ meeting with a high-powered delegation is also expected on December 9-12, 2019; Chairman TRAI and the Chairman TDSAT participated in the International Telecommunication Union Conference 2019 held in Budapest.
From Hungary, Deputy State Secretary for Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Mr. Peter Szijjarto visited India from January 15-17, 2020 to participate in the 5th edition of Raisina Dialogue.

He held bilateral meetings with EAM on the sidelines of the Dialogue.

He also met CIM and Minister of Small & Medium Enterprises during the visit.

162 Annual Report 2019-20 BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA India’s relations with Bosnia & Herzegovina (BiH) and Herzegovina on 18 September 2019.
He also steadily progressed during the year.

Ambassador called on Mr. Milorad Dodik, Serbian member of the Kumar Tuhin presented his credentials to H.E.

Mr. tripartite Presidency on 20 September 2019.

Zeljko Komsic, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia ICELAND The relationship between India and Iceland progressed The bilateral relations received a boost as the Hon‘ble significantly during the year.

The business relations between the two countries also grew.
The two nations Rashtrapatiji Shri Ram Nath Kovind paid a State Visit to Iceland from 9 - 11 September 2019.

He continued to cooperate in the United Nations and was accompanied by MoS for Women and Child other international fora.

Ms. Rajni Sekhri Sibal, Secretary (Fisheries) from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, GOI, along with a two member delegation visited Development Smt.
Debasree Chaudhuri, Members of Parliament Dr. Ramapati Ram Tripathi and Shri Basanta Kumar Panda, a high level official delegation, and a 35- member business delegation.

Iceland from 20-22 August 2019.

During the visit, Rashtrapatiji held delegation level talks with President Secretary (Fisheries) met with Iceland’s Permanent of Iceland, who also hosted a State dinner.
Following Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries & Innovation and three Agreement/MoUs were signed in the presence held extensive discussions.

Secretary also visited the of both Presidents: Iceland Ocean cluster house.
(i) Agreement on Exemption from Visa Requirement for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports; Ceremonial Welcome of President at Presidential Residence during his visit to Reykjavik, Iceland (September 10, 2019) 163 Europe and European Union (ii) Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for the year University of Iceland on the topic “India-Iceland for 2019-2022; (iii) MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Sustainable a Green Planet”, and addressed the India-Iceland Business Forum which saw over 75 leading CEOs from Fisheries Development.
Iceland participating.

Rashtrapatiji also delivered a public address at the MALTA Relations with Malta continued to grow during the year.

2019.

He also met with Prime Minister Modi on the Dr. Jose Herrera, Minister for Environment, Sustainable sidelines of the Summit.

Development and Climate Change of Malta visited India to participate in the UNCCD COP14 meeting hosted by India from 2-13 September 2019.
The Prime Minister of Malta, Joseph Muscat, visited India as one of the four HOS/HOG for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit Prime Minister meets Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister of Malta on sidelines of Vibrant Gujarat Summit in Ahmedabad (January 18, 2019) NORWAY This year the Prime Minister of Norway, Ms. Erna Secretary (Deputy Minister) of Norwegian Ministry Solberg, visited India on a State Visit from 7 and 8 of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Marianne Hagen, visited India January 2019 and had bilateral talks on issues of mutual from 8 -12 February 2019 and a Letter of Intent on interest.
She also delivered the inaugural address at India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative was signed the Raisina Dialogue.

An MoU on India-Norway Ocean between Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dialogue was exchanged during the visit.

The State the Ministry of Earth Sciences, GOI under the India- Norway Ocean Dialogue.

She also attended the World Sustainable Development Summit organized by TERI.

Norway extends support to Indian’s bid for permanent membership of the UNSC, and NSG.
Mrs. Rajni Sekhri Sibal, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying attended the 6th Meeting of JWG on Marine Resources and Aqua Nor 2019 held in Trondheim, Norway from 22-25 August 2019.

A delegation from the Ministry of Shipping visited Oslo from 18-21 November 2019 to attend the 7th Joint Working Group on Maritime.
Anticipated events: (i) First meeting of the Dialogue on Trade and Investment (DTI) is scheduled for January 15- Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway delivers her inaugural address at the fourth Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi (January 08, 2019) 164 Annual Report 2019-20 16, 2020 in New Delhi and (ii) Ms Iselin Nybø, Minister Ministry of Higher Education.
Talks/Lectures on of Research and Higher Education will be visiting India “Constitution Day and Campaign of Citizens’ Duties” (Delhi and Chennai) from February 2-6, 2020.

During will be organized in January, February and March, 2020 the visit, an MoU on Higher Education is expected to as part of the celebrations of the Constitution Day.

be signed between Ministry of HRD and Norwegian POLAND India and Poland share a long-standing friendly Minister Jacek Czaputowicz.
During his visit EAM relationship, marked by strong political partnership, met Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Deputy vibrant economic engagement and traditional cultural Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and National links.This positive trend in the relationship, particularly Integration Piotr Glinski.

economic and commercial ties, is reflected in the increase in the bilateral trade as per Indian statistics, to USD 2.37 billion in 2018-19 from USD 1.59 billion in 2015-16.
Indian investment in Poland is estimated at USD 3 billion providing employment to over 25,000 Poles and Polish investment in India, which has also risen significantly, is estimated at over USD 673.62 million.

Poland extends support to Indian’s bid for permanent membership of the UNSC, and NSG membership.
Other visits during the year included- a) A Government of Haryana delegation led by Shri Om Prakash Dhankar, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare visited Poland from 20-22 May to study the wholesale fruit, vegetables, and flowers markets; b) A delegation from PHD Chamber of Commerce, led by Mr. Naveen Seth, principal director, visited Warsaw from 24-26 May 2019 to participate in the Warsaw Gift and Deco Show; c) 60 Companies from India and Nepal participated in External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S. Jaishankar visited the second edition of Made in Asia exhibition that was Poland from 28-29 August 2019.
EAM held delegation held in Lodz from April 5-15 2019. level talks with his Polish counterpart Foreign External Affairs Minister calls on Mateusz Morawiecki, Prime Minister of Poland in Warsaw (August 29, 2019) 165 Europe and European Union 6th Roundtable between the Indian Council of World WAPCOS (Water & Power Consultancy Services Affairs (ICWA) and the Polish Institute of International (India) Ltd. to Polish companies with the objective to Affairs (PISM) would be held on 14th January, 2020 in exploreareas of mutual cooperation in the fields of New Delhi.
water resources, power and infrastructure.

The following commercial events are scheduled to be Participation by a trade delegation from CLE (Council held during the period January-March 2020: for Leather Exports) in thePoznan Fashion Fair during Workshop in Warsaw in February 2020 to introduce February 19-20, 2020.

LITHUANIA India and Lithuania enjoy cordial relations that are Lithuania stands at USD 339.51 million in 2018-19. marked by close cultural linkages.
In a significant Indian investment (Indorama group) is estimated to be development in the bilateral relations Vice President over USD 200 million.

A dedicated Indian Chamber of Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu visited Lithuania from 17-19 Commerce was established in September 2018.

August 2019, along with a delegation.

This was the first high level visit from India since the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries in 1992.
Three MOU’s, namely, Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP), Agricultural Work Plan and Exchange of Protocol for implementing the Extradition Treaty were signed during the visit.

Lithuania extends support to Indian’s bid for permanent membership to the UNSC, and NSG membership.
On the Commercial side the following were the important visits include - CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) business delegation led by Mr. Mohsin Khan, Deputy Director, on 17-19 August 2019; FICCI jointly with Wool and Woollens Export Promotion Council (W&WEPC) organised “India Pavilion” at Baltic Fashion & Textile at Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Centre LITEXPO, Vilnius from 17-19 October 2019.
For the first time, FICCI participated and organised “India The economic and commercial ties have grown in Pavilion” at the 28th Baltic Fashion & Textile Trade Fair, recent years and the bilateral trade between India and the biggest fashion and textile trade fair in the Baltics.

ALBANIA Bilateral relations are friendly and remain one of mutual Albania extends support to Indian’s bid for permanent trust and understanding.

India and Albania cooperate membership of the UNSC.
on an issue-based approach in the multilateral fora.

MOLDOVA Bilateral relations are friendly and remain one of mutual postal stamps and postal cards on the occasion of the trust and understanding.

India and Moldova cooperate 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Mahatma on an issue-based approach in the multilateral fora.

The Gandhi in October 2019.


Postal Department of Moldova issued commemorative 166 Annual Report 2019-20 ROMANIA Bilateral relations are friendly and remain one of mutual TCS and HCL in Romania.

There has also been a trust and understanding.

India and Romania cooperate steady increase in the import of human resources on an issue-based approach in the multilateral fora.

from India to help the construction sector in Romania.
India’s presence in Romania has increased with the Romania extends support to Indian’s bid for permanent opening of offices by major IT companies like Infosys, membership to the UNSC, and NSG membership.

SERBIA A series of high level visits during this year added Cooperation in international forums, regular exchange further momentum to the bilateral relations between of high level visits between India and Serbia, and India and Serbia.
The External Affairs Minister (EAM), further development of relations in economic and trade Dr. S. Jaishankar paid an official visit to Serbia on 7-9 areas such as IT, Agriculture, Tourism, film production, September 2019.

During the visit, he met President of Pharmaceuticals and Defence industry were identified Serbia Mr. Aleksandar Vucic, Speaker of the National as areas of cooperation.
Agreement on Defence Assembly of Serbia Ms. Maja Gojkovic, First Deputy Cooperation between India and Serbia was also signed Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Ivica Dacic, during the visit.

and Defence Minister of Serbia Mr. Aleksandar Vulin and held detailed discussions on a range of bilateral and multilateral issues.

Serbiaextends support to Indian’s bid for permanent membership of the UNSC, and NSG membership.
Other exchanges includes, Speaker of Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla led parliamentary delegation to participate in 141st Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Belgrade on 12-18 October 2019; State Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and External Affairs Minister meets Maja Gojkovic, Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia in Belgrade,(November 07, 2019) 167 Europe and European Union Water Management of Serbia Mr. Bogdan Igic led a in Belgrade in the first week of March 2020 for 12-member delegation of officials of his Ministry and Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council’s delegation private businesses to India on 24-28 September 2019. of Indian pharmaceutical companies.
A Buyer Seller Meet (BSM) is likely to be organized SLOVAKIA India - Slovakia relations are friendly and free from Slovak Republic and Minister of State for Commerce any major bilateral issues.

Both cooperate well in and Industry, GoI took place on 14 February 2019. the international fora and have been, by and large, Commercial Representative and Marketing Executive supportive of each other’s candidatures.
India’s total will be participating in the International Fair of Travel exports to Slovakia during the period January - August, and Tourism ‘ITF SLOVAKIATOUR’ to be held during 2019 were worth Euro 191.3 million and total imports January 23 - 26, 2020 at Incheba Expo Center in were Euro 61.4 million.

Slovakia is the biggest producer Bratislava of cars; one of the fastest growing economies in the region with the labour force of high quality.
Commercial Section will be organizing a Business Forum/Seminar in Kosice in the month of February On 13 February 2019, 10th Session of Joint Economic 2020 in cooperation with Regional Chamber of Committee (JEC) between India and Slovakia took place Commerce and Industry, Kosice and the Indian in New Delhi; followed by bilateral meeting between Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bratislava.
the State Secretary in the Ministry of Economy, SLOVENIA Bilateral relations between India and Slovenia received During his visit, he also addressed the Indian community impetus by the first-ever State visit at the level of and Slovenia-India Business Forum.

The following Head of State by Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji to Slovenia agreements were signed during the visit: from 15-17 September 2019.
He, accompanied by a large delegation including MOS for Women and Child Development and two Members of Parliament from Lok Sabha, visited Slovenia at the invitation of Slovenian President Borut Pahor.

A business delegation also accompanied him during the visit.

Rashtrapatiji was granted State Honour by the Slovenian President.

His engagements including tête-à-tête with the Slovenian President, delegation-level talks, calls by Slovenian President of National Assembly and the Prime Minister.
Slovenia extends support to Indian’s bid for permanent membership of the UNSC, and NSG membership.
• Programme of Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the Ministry of Science and Technology of India and the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of Slovenia for the period 2020- 2022 • MoU on Cooperation in the field of Sport between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of India and the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of Slovenia • Programme of Cooperation in the fields of Culture, Arts, Education, Sports and Mass Media • Programme of Cooperation between the Bureau of 168 Annual Report 2019-20 Indian Standards (BIS) and the Slovenian Institute Of India (ASSOCHAM) for Standardization (SIST) on Technical Cooperation in the field of Standardization • MoU between Invest India and SPIRIT Slovenia • Memorandum of Understanding between IIT Kanpur (for cGanga / India) and VGB (Slovenia) There was continued cooperation and support between the two countries in multilateral fora.
Total bilateral trade increased by 33.79% from EUR 270.01 million to EUR 361.25 million during the year.

Indian exports to Slovenia increased by 36.57% from EUR 183.52 million • Memorandum of Understanding between IIT to EUR 250.61 million and Indian import from Slovenia Kanpur (for cGanga / India) and Space-SI (Slovenia) increased by 29.15% from EUR 86.49 million to EUR • Cooperation Agreement between Chamber Of Commerce And Industry Of Slovenia (CCIS) and the 110.64 million.
This is the highest commodity trade between the two countries during the period 2014- Associated Chambers Of Commerce And Industry 2018.

SWEDEN This year Sweden’s Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra and Queen Silvia of Sweden paid a State Visit to India Modi and called on by the External Affairs Minister S. from 1-6 December 2019, at the invitation of President Jaishankar on bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual Ram Nath Kovind.
This was His Majesty’s third visit to interest.

His Majesty was accompanied by Foreign King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden inaugurates of Sarai Sewage Treatment Plant at Haridwar during his visit of India (December 05, 2019) India, the earlier visits being in the years 1993 and Minister, Ms. Ann Linde, Minister for Business, Industry 2005.
During the visit, His Majesty held meetings with and Innovation, Mr.Ibrahim Baylan and State Secretary 169 Europe and European Union at the Ministry of Health, Ms.Maja Fjaestad and a Swedish State secretary Malin Cederfeldt Östberg, 50-member business delegation.

Sweden extends Ministry of Education and Research, and State secretary support to Indian’s bid for permanent membership of Stina Billinger, Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation.

the UNSC, and NSG.
Some of the other visits include Hon’ble Minister for Commerce, Industry and Railways Shri Piyush Goyal visit to Sweden on 22&23 October 2019 to co-Chair Hon’ble Minister for Jal Shakti Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat led a high-level delegation to Sweden from 28-29 August 2019 to participate in the SIWI’s World Water Week 2019. the 19th Session of the Indo-Swedish Joint Commission A study Visit of a 8-member Government of for Economic, Industrial and Scientific Cooperation in Maharashtra delegation led by Minister for Urban Stockholm.
Hon’ble Minister for Commerce, Industry Administration Development to Sweden from 15-17 and Railways, Shri Piyush Goyal signed the minutes of January 2020 with focus on e-governance and citizen the 19th Session of Indo-Swedish JCM for Economic, service is under consideration.

Industrial and Scientific Co-operation in Stockholm on 23 October 2019.
A Ministry of Ayush delegation visited Gothenburg, Sweden from 13-17 April, 2019 to promote/propagate AYUSH medicines and to attend ISOTC-215 Health Informatics meeting.
A 4-member high-level delegation led by Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, visited Sweden from 1-4 May 2019 to co-chair the 6th Joint Working Group Meeting of India-Sweden Joint Visit by Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to attend the 3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Stockholm from 19-20 February 2020 is under consideration.
A visit of a 2-member delegation led by Deputy CAG of India Andrew Wan Kupur Langstieh to Sweden from 26-27 March 2020 to attend the Annual Goal Chair Cooperation Representatives Meeting 2020 is under Committee Meeting on Science & Technology with consideration.

LATVIA This year high level visit took place in the context of During the visit a Cultural Exchange Agreement was increasing political engagement, as well as intensified signed between India and Latvia.
Vice President also trade and commercial engagement.

Hon’ble Vice unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in the prestigious President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu visited Latvia National Library of Latvia.

from 19 & 20 August 2019.

External Affairs Minister, Shri S.Jaishankar met the He was accompanied by a high-level delegation Foreign Minister of Latvia on the sidelines of 74th including Shri Sanjay Shamrao Dhotre, Minister of UNGA in New York on 26 September 2019.
Latvia State for HRD, Communications and Electronics & extends support to Indian’s bid for permanent Information Technology, Smt.

Ranee Narah, Member membership of the UNSC, and NSG.Foreign Minister of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Shri Manas Ranjan Bhunia, of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs visited India from January Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Shri Ramesh 13-16, 2020 to participate in the 5th edition of Raisina Bidhuri, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha and a 25 Dialogue.
He held bilateral meetings with EAM on the member business delegation led by ASSOCHAM, CII sidelines of the Dialogue.

He also met Chairman of Lok and IMC (with ASSOCHAM as the lead chamber).

Sabha External Affairs Committee during the visit.

170 Annual Report 2019-20 TURKEY During the year, PM Modi and President Erdogan Turkey Foreign Office Consultations held in New Delhi discussed bilateral cooperation during their interaction on 8 May 2019.
A delegation from the 43rd Higher on the margins of G-20 in Osaka in July 2019.

EAM Dr. Command Course led by Air Vice Marshal Dilip Kumar S. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu Patnaik, VM visited Turkey from 14-18 October 2019. discussed bilateral relations on the margins of UNGA in September 2019.

Dr. Ibrahim Kalin, Senior Advisor and Spokesperson of the President of Turkey and Deputy Chairman of the Foreign and Security Council of Turkey visited India on 25 April 2019.
The 10th round of India- Bilateral trade between India and Turkey during April- September 2019 was USD 3.75 billion.

An 18-member Turkish media delegation visited India in August 2019.

This was the first ever visit by Turkish media to India.

SWITZERLAND Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind visited Consular Dialogue was held in Berne on 11 November.

Switzerland on a State Visit from 11-15 September Switzerland’s State Secretary for International Finance 2019.
During the delegation-level talks, the complete Ms. Daniela Stoffel visited India on 13 November spectrum of the bilateral relationship was discussed 2019 and had meetings in Department of Revenue for and reviewed.

The bilateral agreements signed during further assistance in tax matters.
the visit included: (i) Letter of Intent on Establishment of India-Switzerland Science & Innovation Alliance; (ii) MOU on Technical Cooperation in the Field of Climate Change; and (iii) MOU on Renewal of Establishment of ICCR Chair of Indian Studies at the University of Lausanne.

Hon’ble President of India and Swiss President H.E.

Mr. Ueli Maurer made remarks at the India-Switzerland Business Round table which was held on 13 September 2019 in Berne.
Hon’ble President also inaugurated a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Villeneuve on 14 September.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan accompanied by a delegation visited Switzerland from 12-15 May 2019.

During April-October 2019, India’s exports to Switzerland saw an increase of 14% compared to April-October 2018.
Switzerland continues to be one the major trade partners with India with total bilateral trade at USD 19.7 billion in 2018-19.The 50th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will take place in Davos from 21-24 January 2020 and will witness participation from Union Government as well as State Governments from India.

India is the Country Guest of Honour at the Geneva Health Forum taking place from 24-26 March 2020 in Geneva.
While the dates are yet to be finalised, there is the possibility of India- Switzerland Joint Economic Commission and India- The 5th meeting of the Indo-Swiss Joint Committee Switzerland Financial Dialogue taking place in March on Science and Technology was held on 30 April 2020.

2019 in Berne.
2019 in Berne.

The 5th round of India-Switzerland 171 Europe and European Union THE PRINCIPALITY OF LIECHTENSTEIN Bilateral relations between India and Liechtenstein for holders of diplomatic passports was held on 12 continued smoothly.

In order to mark the 150th birth November 2019 in Vaduz.
The Indian delegation was led anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Liechtensteinische by Dr. Adarsh Swaika, Joint Secretary (CPV), Ministry of Post AG, launched Commemorative Postal Stamp on External Affairs and the Liechtenstein delegation was Mahatma Gandhi on 22 October 2019 in Vaduz.

led by Mr. Domenik Wanger, Dy.

Director of Foreign A meeting to discuss exemption of visa requirement Affairs of Liechtenstein.
THE HOLY SEE Bilateral relations between India and The Holy See Soil Conservations and Mahud and Town Planning, continued smoothly.

Indian delegation led by Shri V. Government of Manipur.

MOS (EA) had an audience Muraleedharan, Hon’ble Minister of State for External with Pope Francis and meeting with Archbishop Affairs visited the Vatican City on 12&13 October Paul Gallagher, Secretary of State Relations [Foreign 2019 to attend the Canonization Ceremony of Blessed Minister], Holy See.
On the eve of Mahatma Gandhi’s Sister Mariam Thresia Chiramel Mankidiyan of India.

150th Birth Anniversary (01 October 2019), the The delegation also included Shri Shyam Kumar, Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Inter religious Dialogue Minister of Forest and Environment, Horticulture, and organized a day-long Inter-religious Congress.

AUSTRIA India and Austria share warm and cordial relations.
The of trade and investment, education, migration, culture bilateral relations were strengthened during the year and tourism and enhancement of people-to-people through exchange of visits, business delegations, ties.

FM Kneissl also had a detailed interaction with cultural programmes and people-to-people interaction.
various Think Tanks in New Delhi on the shared interest Austrian Federal Minister for Europe, Integration & between India and Austria in a rule-based international Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karin Kneissl visited India on her order.

first official visit from February 25&26 2019.

The visit took place in the context of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Austria.

2nd India-Austria Consular Consultations were held in New Delhi on 23 October 2019.
Both sides discussed various consular issues and ideas to further liberalise External Affairs Minister Smt.

Sushma Swaraj and the visa regime to make it easier for more tourists, Minister Karin Kneissl held delegation level talks on business-people, professionals, officials to travel to 25 February 2019, and set priorities for the further each other’s countries.
enhancement of bilateral relations, particularly in areas 172 Annual Report 2019-20 MONTENEGRO India’s relations with Montenegro have traditionally The 2nd round of Foreign Office Consultations was been close and friendly since the days of the Socialist held in New Delhi on 13 March 2019.

A delegation led Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) of which it was by Minister of Agriculture of Haryana Sh.

Om Prakash a constituent republic.


There is considerable goodwill Dhankar visited Montenegro on 18&19 May 2019. and feeling of friendship for India in Montenegro.

EUROPEAN UNION The year saw a further deepening of bilateral Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri relationship between India and the European Union Ashwini Kumar Choubey participated in the Global (EU).
The trend of high-level exchanges continued with Vaccination Summit 2019 organised by the European several important visits from India, including the visit Commission, in cooperation with the World Health of External Affairs Minister.

The India-EU Strategic Organisation, on 12 September 2019.
During his Partnership Review Meeting was also held on 8 intervention, Shri Choubey described the ways in November 2019 in New Delhi in preparation for the which the Government of India is strengthening 15th India-EU Summit.

Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, met Mr. Joseph Borrell, EU High Representative/Vice President- primary healthcare and rolling out one of the largest vaccination programmes in history consisting of seven vaccines.
designate for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on 23 The India-EU Strategic Partnership Review Meeting November 2019 on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign was held on 8 November 2019 in New Delhi.

The Indian Ministers’ meeting in Nagoya and deliberated on the side was led by Smt.

Vijay Thakur Singh, Secretary future India-EU ties.
Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Brussels on 30 August 2019 and met the President of the European Parliament Mr. David Maria Sassoli, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Ms. Federica Mogherini and EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid & Crisis Management Mr. Christos Stylianides and exchanged views on bilateral, regional, global and multilateral issues.
Dr. S. Jaishankar and Ms. Federica Mogherini also (East), and the EU side by Mr. Christian Leffler, Deputy Secretary General, European External Action Service.

The meeting covered the entire spectrum of the India-EU relationship with a view to identify areas to strengthen cooperation as well as possible deliverables at the 15th India-EU Summit likely to take place in early 2020.

Both sides recognized the need to fully realize the untapped potential of the Strategic Partnership.
They also expressed commitment to increase the engagement including in the areas of Digital Economy, Climate Change and cooperation at the multilateral met on 1 August 2019 on the sidelines of the East forums.

Asia Summit in Bangkok, and again on 27 September 2019 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Shri Sanjiv Arora, Secretary (Consular, Passport & Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs) and Ms. Paraskevi Michou, Director General (Migration and Home Affairs), European Commission co-Chaired the 5th High Level 173 Europe and European Union Dialogue on Migration and Mobility (HLDMM) between Standardisation, etc.

An EU-India Business Dialogue India and the European Union in New Delhi on 11 July was also organized by Digital Europe and NASSCOM 2019.
The discussions at the meeting encompassed a on 12 September 2019. wide range of issues of mutual interest in the context of migration and mobility along the India-EU corridor.

Ministry of Railways and the European Commission (Directorate General of Mobility and Transport) signed The annual meeting of the India-EU Sub Commission on an Administrative Arrangement on Cooperation in the Trade was held in Brussels on 4 July 2019 co-Chaired field of Railways on 3 September 2019.
In pursuance by Ms Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Joint Secretary, DoC and to this, both sides held a Technical Seminar on 19 Mr. Peter Berz, Acting Director, Directorate General November 2019 in New Delhi with participation of Trade, European Commission.

The Sub Commission of the European Commission officials and industry reviewed the reports of the Joint Working Groups representatives.
under its purview such as Pharmaceuticals, SPS/ TBT (Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary/Technical Barriers to Trade), Agriculture & Marine Products, etc.

It also discussed trade related issues such as GSP (Generalised System of Preference), Market access issues, data protection, IPR (Intellectual Property Rights), steel, regulatory measures affecting trade on both sides, etc.

The EU is India’s largest regional trading partner while India is the EU’s 9th largest trading partner.
India’s bilateral trade in goods with the EU in 2018 stood at €91.5 billion ($107.97 billion) comprising India’s exports to the EU at €45.8 billion ($54.0 billion) and imports at €45.7 billion ($53.9 billion).

India’s bilateral trade for the period January-September 2019 with the The 12th annual meeting of the India-EU Joint Working EU stood at €68.6 billion ($75.46 billion).
Group on ICT (Information and Communication Technology) took place in Brussels on 12-13 September 2019 which was co-Chaired by Shri Rajiv Kumar, Joint Secretary, MeitY, and Mr Gerard De Graaf, Director, Directorate General of Communications Networks, Content and Technology, European Commission.
The discussions focused on Telecommunications, including market issues, 5G, Cyber security, India’s bilateral trade in services with the EU in 2018 was €36 billion ($42.5 billion) comprising India’s exports at €19.3 billion ($22.7 billion) and imports at €16.7 billion ($19.7 billion).

EU is India’s largest source of FDI.


During the period April 2000 to June 2019, FDI equity inflows from the EU to India totalled $100.35 billion, which is about Research & Innovation, Personal data protection, AI 23% of the total FDI.
(Artificial Intelligence), Supercomputing Quantum, 174 Annual Report 2019-20 8 The Americas UNITED STATES India’s Relations with the United States Relations between India and the United States (U.S.) continued to witness comprehensive growth and development over the past year.
Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi’s (PM) visit to the U.S. and his other bilateral meetings with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump (President Trump) in 2019 regional as well as global challenges, including through their partnership in multilateral fora.
High-level/Leader-level Interaction PM visited the U.S. on 21-27 September 2019 to participate in the High-Level Segment of the 74th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations served to provide high-level attention and guidance to (UNGA) and for bilateral engagement with the U.S. the relationship.

Institutionalized dialogue mechanisms side.


Apart from participation in UN-related events, such as India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue and other PM had a bilateral meeting with President Trump on high-level/Ministerial engagements led to significant the margins of the UNGA on 24 September 2019. outcomes in areas such as defence and security, Earlier, PM and President Trump had participated in counter-terrorism, energy, trade and commerce, a community summit titled ‘Howdy, Modi!
Shared science & technology, and people-to-people ties.

Dreams, Bright Futures’ in Houston on 22 September The India-U.S. partnership continued to develop and 2019.

Both leaders addressed the gathering at the assume greater salience in the Indo-Pacific as well as event.

globally.
Both sides are working together to address 176 PM also had other engagements during this visit such India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue as, interaction with Chief Executive Officers of leading energy companies in Houston, a roundtable discussion in New York with U.S. business leaders from across 20 sectors, interaction with different Indian community groups, hosting an event to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the United Nations’ Headquarters, receiving the ‘Global Goalkeeper Award’ of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and delivering the Keynote Address at the Bloomberg Global Business Forum.
PM’s visit played an important role in promotion of India’s relations with the U.S. in areas such as trade, economy, energy, people-to-people ties, counter-terrorism, defence etc.

Prior to his visit to the U.S. in September 2019, PM had two bilateral meetings with President Trump – on the margins of the G20 Summit in Osaka on 28 June 2019 and on the margins of the G7 Summit in Biarritz on 26 August 2019.
Both leaders also met for the India- U.S.-Japan trilateral leader-level meeting held on the margins of the G20 Summit in Osaka in June 2019.

PM and President Trump had two telephone conversations in the recent past (on 24 May 2019 and 19 August 2019).

The Second India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue (2+2 Dialogue) took place in Washington, D.C. on 18 December 2019.
The Indian delegation was led by Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh (RM) and External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr. S. Jaishankar who met their U.S. counterparts - Secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo (Secretary Pompeo) and the Secretary of Defense, Dr. Mark Esper (Secretary Esper) for a comprehensive discussion on crosscutting bilateral issues of mutual interest in strategic and security domains.

Both sides also exchanged views on salient regional and global issues.
Prominent outcomes emerging from 2+2 Dialogue include: conclusion of the Industrial Security Annex (ISA) to the India-U.S. General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) that will provide a framework for exchange and protection of classified military information between the U.S. and Indian defence industries, finalization of the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which will harmonise processes for identification, development and execution of projects under the Prime Minister and Donald Trump, President of USA at the Indian Community Event in Houston, Texas (September 22, 2019) 177 The Americas DTTI, and establishment of an industry-to-industry Secretary Pompeo visited India in June 2019.
During framework under the DTTI.

Both sides also decided to this visit, he called on PM, and met EAM and National work together for, the establishment of an India-U.S. Security Advisor (NSA), Shri Ajit Doval.

He also Young Innovators Initiative, strengthen Parliamentary delivered a speech on India-U.S. relations at the India exchanges, enhance judicial cooperation, expand International Centre in Delhi.
cooperation in Peacekeeping, explore collaboration for establishment of Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facilities in India, enhance cooperation between the Indian Navy and the U.S. Navy Fleets under U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; Central Command; and Africa Command, and expand similar cooperation between respective Armies and Air Forces.

Both sides decided liaison relationships, to explore further military including placement of an Indian officer to liaison with U.S.
Naval Forces Central Command and placement of a U.S. liaison officer at the Information Fusion Centre- Indian Ocean Region established by India.

They also decided to develop cooperation in Space Situational Awareness.

EAM held a bilateral meeting with Secretary Pompeo on the margins of the 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Bangkok in August 2019.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, John J. Sullivan visited India in August 2019 and participated in the India-U.S. Forum.
He also had a separate bilateral meeting with EAM.

Minister of Railways and Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal (CIM, Shri Piyush Goyal), visited the U.S. in September 2019 and had a bilateral meeting with the United States Trade Representative, Robert E. Lighthizer (USTR Lighthizer).

He also attended a special interactive session with business leaders in The U.S. also decided to join the Coalition for Disaster New York.

Resilient Infrastructure as a founding member.


During the visit to the U.S. in December 2019 for the 2+2 Dialogue, EAM and RM had a joint call on President Trump on 18 December 2019.

Ministerial-level Engagements Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley visited the U.S. in April 2019 to attend meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

He also participated in roundtable discussions with investors during the visit.
The U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur L. Ross visited India in May 2019 for participation in a business forum titled ‘Trade Winds Indo-Pacific Forum and Mission’.

During this visit, he called on PM and had a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhu.

EAM visited the U.S. on 21 September-02 October 2019.

During the initial segment of the visit, EAM was a part of PM’s delegation for various engagements in Houston and New York.
Besides, he took part in various events at UNGA and met with his counterparts and interlocutors from a number of countries.

Subsequently, EAM visited Washington, D.C. on 28 September-02 October 2019.

He had bilateral meetings with Secretary Pompeo; Secretary Esper; Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, Robert C. O’Brien (NSA O’ Brien); and Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, Kevin McAleenan.
During the visit, EAM interacted with various think-tanks in Washington, D.C. including the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, the Heritage Foundation, Atlantic Council, and the Brookings Institution.

EAM also participated in two separate interactions organized by the U.S.-India Strategic 178 Annual Report 2019-20 Partnership Forum and the U.S.-India Business Indian community in New York, visited a naval station Council.
On 2 October 2019, EAM met Nancy Pelosi, in Norfolk, and had a bilateral meeting with Secretary Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and also Esper.

participated in an event organized by the Embassy of India, Washington, D.C., to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

EAM visited the U.S. for the 2+2 Dialogue in December 2019 and had separate bilateral meetings with Secretary Pompeo and NSA O’Brien.

EAM also met the Minister of Finance (FM), Smt.


Nirmala Sitharaman led leadership of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

the Indian delegation to the International Monetary Fund/ World Bank Annual Meetings 2019 held in Washington, D.C. in October 2019.

On the margins of the Annual Meetings, she attended the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meetings of the G20 and BRICS.
During this visit she also interacted The Foreign Ministers of India, Australia, Japan and the United States met in New York on 26 September 2019 for consultations in the Quadrilateral format.

Visits by Chief Ministers of Indian States to with industrial and institutional investors, spoke at the the U.S. Columbia University, and interacted with members of Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Jagan Mohan the Indian Diaspora in Chicago.
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Steven T. Mnuchin (Secretary Mnuchin) visited India in November 2019 for Reddy led a three-member delegation on a visit to the U.S. in August 2019 for meetings with potential investors.

the 7th India-U.S. Economic and Financial Partnership Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K. Sangma meeting held in Delhi on 01 November 2019.

FM, Smt.
FM, Smt.

visited the U.S. in September 2019 to attend the Nirmala Sitharaman led the Indian delegation for this Berkeley Innovation Forum at the University of meeting.

California, Berkeley.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur L. Ross visited India Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri Edappadi K. in October 2019 for participation in World Economic Palaniswami visited the U.S. in September 2019 for Forum’s India Economic Summit.
He also had bilateral interaction with potential investors in San Francisco, meetings with FM, Smt.

Nirmala Sitharaman, and CIM, Los Angeles, Buffalo, and New York.

Shri Piyush Goyal, during this visit.

CIM, Shri Piyush Goyal visited the U.S. in November 2019.

He had a bilateral meeting with USTR Lighthizer, and also participated in a business roundtable in New York.

RM held a bilateral meeting with Secretary Esper on the sidelines of ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting- Plus in Bangkok in November 2019.
RM visited the U.S. in December 2019 for the 2+2 Dialogue as well as other bilateral engagements.

Apart from participation in the 2+2 Dialogue, he met the Visits by Governors of U.S. States to India Governor of the State of New Jersey, Phil Murphy led a 40-member delegation on a visit to India in September 2019.

His engagements in India included a call on PM and a meeting with EAM.

He visited Delhi, Agra, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
Governor of the State of Arkansas, Asa Hutchinson visited India in September-October 2019 to promote bilateral economic ties.

Apart from various other engagements, he met the Governor of Maharashtra.

179 The Americas Governor of the State of Indiana, Eric Holcomb led a Secretary of Department for Promotion of Industry and business delegation to India in September-October Internal Trade, Shri Ramesh Abhishek visited the U.S. 2019.
During the visit, Governor Holcomb also called in May 2019, along with an Invest India delegation for on PM and met CIM, Shri Piyush Goyal.

interaction with potential investors.

Governor of the State of Colorado, Jared Polis visited U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan India along with a trade delegation in November 2019.

Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad visited India in May He participated in the Global RE-Invest Expo, organized and August 2019, and met EAM.
by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Visits by Parliamentarians Visits by Indian and U.S. Parliamentarians play an important role in developing greater understanding between the two countries on various issues of mutual interest.

Some prominent visits by the members of the U.S. Congress to India in the recent past include: Senator Robert Menendez (September–October 2019), Senator Chris Van Hollen (October 2019), Senator Margaret Hassan (October 2019), and Senator Rafael Edward Cruz (October 2019).
A five-member bipartisan delegation comprising of the members of the U.S. Congress visited India in August 2019 for participation in the India-U.S. Forum.

Apart Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Durga Shanker Mishra visited Washington, D.C. in May 2019 for interaction with the World Bank.

Controller General of Accounts, Shri Anthony Lianzuala, visited the U.S. in May 2019 for participation in the International Conference on Governmental Financial Management.
Director, Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), Department of Atomic Energy, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty led a delegation on a visit to the U.S. in June 2019 to review ongoing cooperation with Fermilab, Illinois.

President, Indian Council of Cultural Relations, Shri Vinay Sahasrabuddhe visited Atlanta in August 2019. from other engagements the delegation also met EAM.
Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry Other Major Exchanges Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer, and Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Upendra Prasad Singh visited the U.S. in April 2019 for participation in the World Water Week Conference organized by the World Bank.

Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Shri Subhash Garg visited Washington in April 2019 to attend meetings of the World Bank/IMF.
Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Shri Gopla Krishna visited the U.S. in April 2019 for participation in the Seatrade Global Cruise Conference.

of Finance, Shri Atanu Chakraborty held a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, the U.S.

Under Secretary of Treasury for International Affairs, Brent McIntosh in Washington D.C. in October 2019 on the margins of the 2019 Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

Chairman, Railway Board, Shri V.K.


Yadav visited the U.S. in October 2019 for deliberations with prominent universities on the U.S West Coast to explore academic collaboration with the newly established National Rail & Transportation University.

Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer visited the U.S. in November 2019 for participation in an Annual Conference at the Columbia University, New York.
180 Annual Report 2019-20 Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, River The second India-U.S. 2+2 Intersessional meeting at Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Upendra Joint Secretary/Assistant Secretary level took place in Prasad Singh, visited Washington, D.C. in November August 2019 in Monterey, California.

The two sides 2019 for discussions with World Bank Officials on the reviewed the progress and development of bilateral Indus Water Treaty.
Secretary, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management, Shri T.K.

Pandey visited the U.S. in relations in cross-cutting defence, security, and foreign policy areas, and explored further possibilities of cooperation in these fields based on common interest.

December 2019 for meetings with energy companies The fourth round of the India-U.S. Maritime Security regarding disinvestment of Bharat Petroleum Dialogue was held in August 2019 in Monterey, Corporation Limited.
CEO, National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), Shri Amitabh Kant visited the U.S. in December 2019 and participated in various events/interactions California.

During the Dialogue, the two sides discussed regional maritime security issues and exchanged views on ways to further strengthen bilateral maritime security cooperation.

and round table discussions.


The India-U.S. Cyber Security Dialogue took place in Consultations/Dialogue Mechanisms There are a number of dialogue mechanisms between India and the U.S. at various levels that cover a wide range of areas.

Some major bilateral exchanges under these dialogue mechanisms during the year included the following: Security/Strategic: The 22nd Indian Air Force - U.S. Air Force Executive Steering Group meeting was held in Hawaii in April-May 2019.
The Defence Procurement and Production Group meeting took place in July - August 2019 in Washington, D.C..

It was co-chaired by Director General (Acquisition), Ministry of Defence, Shri Apurva Chandra and the Director, U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Lt. Gen. Charles Hooper.

The 15th meeting of the India-U.S. Defence Policy Group was held in August 2019 in Washington, D.C.. Defence Secretary, Shri Sanjay Mitra and U.S.
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Mr. John Rood, co- chaired the meeting which reviewed the progress in India – U.S. defence cooperation.

September 2019 in Delhi.

The India-U.S. Information Communications Technology Working Group met in October 2019 in Delhi.

Senior officials from India, Australia, Japan and the U.S. met in Bangkok in May and November 2019 on the margins of multilateral events for consultations on regional and global issues of common interest.
The first counter - terrorism table top exercise involving India, U.S., Japan, and Australia took place in Delhi in November 2019.

The 7th meeting of India-U.S. Civil Space Joint Working Group was held in India in November 2019.

Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation, Dr. K. Sivan inaugurated the meeting.

Defence and Mil-to-Mil Cooperation Defence cooperation is an important component of the India-U.S. Strategic Partnership.
Both sides continued to work towards expanding military ties as well defence trade: 181 The Americas Military Exercises Defence Technology The 15th edition of the joint military training exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ between India and the U.S. was held at The 21st meeting of the India-U.S. Joint Technical Group (JTG) was held at San Diego in August 2019.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord in the U.S. in September 2019.
The 23rd edition of the trilateral naval exercise ‘MALABAR’ involving Indian, U.S. and Japanese Navies U.S.

Under Secretary for Defense (Acquisition and Sustainment), Ms. Ellen Lord, led the U.S. delegation for the 9th Indo-U.S. Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) held in India in October 2019.

The was held off the Coast of Japan in September-October Indian delegation was headed by Secretary (Defence 2019.

Production), Ministry of Defence, Shri Subash Chandra.
The 10th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Vajra Prahar’ between Indian and the U.S. special forces The 11th India-U.S. Senior Technology Security Group (STSG) meeting was held in Washington, D.C. in was held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in the U.S. in November 2019.

October 2019.

The first-ever India-U.S. joint tri-services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief amphibious exercise ‘Tiger Triumph’ was held off the coast of Visakhapatnam, India in November 2019.
During the Second 2+2 Dialogue, it was decided to hold this exercise annually in formats to be decided mutually.

Other Exchanges Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, General Mark A. Milley visited India in April 2019.

Chief of the Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat visited the U.S. in April 2019.

His engagements included meetings with U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph F. Dunford, and the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, General Mark A. Milley.
U.S. Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral John Richardson visited India in May 2019.

Trade and Commerce The U.S. is India’s largest trading partner (goods and services combined).

According to U.S. official statistics, bilateral trade increased by more than 12% to reach US$ 142 billion in 2018.

Both sides remain engaged to resolve issues of mutual interest and expand economic ties.

Science & Technology Cooperation Cooperation in Science and Technology continued to move forward along an upward trajectory.
The conclusion of an agreement on cooperation in science and technology in September 2019 provided further impetus to these efforts.

Apart from interaction between several stakeholders on both sides, the Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF), jointly established and funded by both governments, continues to play a key role in sustaining and enhancing cooperation in this field.
There was intensive Commander U.S. Pacific Fleet, Admiral John C. engagement between the two sides in this field with Acquilino visited India in October 2019.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S.

Bhadauria visited the U.S. in December 2019 and participated in numerous jointly funded projects, exchanges between experts, meetings, conferences etc.

taking place over the past year.


the Pacific Air Chiefs’ Symposium 2019 at Joint Base ISRO and NASA are working together to intensify Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

cooperation in areas such as earth science, lunar 182 Annual Report 2019-20 exploration, and human spaceflight and exploration.
People-to-People Ties Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research, Professor Balram Bhargava, visited the U.S. in June 2019 for attending the Heads of International Research Organizations meeting and participating in a few other events.
It is estimated that there are about 4 million Indians and Indian-Americans in the U.S. who play a very constructive role in the development of friendly ties between India and the U.S.. Strong people-to-people ties and the goodwill between the peoples of India and the U.S. continue to provide an enduring foundation for the growth and development of the India-U.S. Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Shri M. Rajeevan, strategic partnership.
led a delegation on a visit to the U.S. in September 2019 for discussion on collaborative programmes and new scientific initiatives in Earth System Sciences.

Think-Tank Exchanges The India-U.S. Forum organized by Ananta Centre and The U.S. continues to remain the top destination for Indian students with over 200,000 Indian students currently enrolled in various courses in U.S. institutions.

This is the highest number of Indian students abroad in any single country.
the Ministry of External Affairs was held in Delhi in During the 2+2 Dialogue, both sides expressed August 2019.

Participants from the U.S. included the their intent to establish a bilateral Young Innovators Deputy Secretary of State, John J. Sullivan and a five- Internship Programme, which will support internship member bipartisan delegation from the U.S. Congress.

opportunities for emerging young leaders in key areas A delegation from the Centre for Contemporary of scientific and economic endeavour.
China Studies visited the U.S. in November 2019, and Embassy of India, Washington, D.C. and Indian interacted with various think-tanks in Washington, Consulates in the U.S. organized various events to D.C. and California.
A delegation from the RAND Corporation which included members of the Advisory Board of the RAND Center for Asia Pacific Policy, visited India in December 2019 and met EAM, NSA, Minister of State showcase the diversity and richness of Indian culture, which included the celebration of the 5th International Day of Yoga, commemoration of the 550th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and the celebration of Baisakhi and the Constitution Day.
(Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Housing and The Embassy of India, Washington, D.C. and the Urban Affairs; Ministry of Civil Aviation; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Secretary (Electronics and Information Technology).

The U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) organized the India Leadership Summit in Delhi in October 2019.

A USISPF delegation led by USISPF Chairman, John Chambers called on PM on 21 October 2019.
Indian Consulates in the U.S., held a a number of events commemorating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi during the year.

The Embassy of India, Washington, D.C. organized a reception commemorating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 2 October 2019 at the U.S. Library of Congress.

EAM and the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives participated in the event along with several other dignitaries and members of the U.S. Congress.
183 The Americas Major Agreements/MoUs Signed Since 01 An Agreement on cooperation in science and April 2019 The Industrial Security Annex (ISA) to the India-U.S. General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) was signed between the two sides in December 2019.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti and the U.S. Geological Survey in December 2019 to promote technical cooperation in areas such as water quality and technology was concluded between India and the U.S. in September 2019 to further strengthen collaboration on science and technology, particle research, and innovation.
The Implementing Arrangement between Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) on the Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar Airborne Campaign was signed in October 2019. management.
CANADA India-Canada bilateral relations have grown in recent the margins of the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan (June years, drawing strength from shared democratic values, similar global outlook, mutually complementary trade and investment relations and robust and growing 2019); Commonwealth Foreign Ministers’ meeting in London, UK (July 2019); and 9th East Asia Summit in Bangkok, Thailand Foreign Ministers’ meeting people-to-people relations.

The bilateral relationship (August 2019).


received a momentum with the visit of Prime Minister to Canada in April 2015.

Canadian Prime Minister Visits from India Justin Trudeau’s State visit to India in February 2018 expanded cooperation in the fields of Electronics & Information Technology, Energy, Sports, Commerce, Higher Education and Science & Technology sectors.

Canada has over 1.6 million Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), comprising more than 3% of Canada’s population.
There are 172,000 Indian students in various colleges and universities in Canada, making Canada the second largest overseas destination for Indian students.

There has been an increase in bilateral trade and investment in the past few years between India and Canada.

High Level engagements Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had an informal interaction on the margins of G-7 Summit at Biarritz, France on 26 August 2019.
External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar and the then Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland met on z Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Civil Aviation visited Montreal from 24 September to 4 October 2019 to attend 40th Session of International Civil Aviation Organisation.

z Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister visited Ottawa on 19-20 December 2019.
During his visit, he met Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; Minister of Foreign Affairs, François-Philippe Champagne; and Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, Mary Ng.

Visits from Canada z Former Prime Minister of Canada Mr. Stephen Harper visited India from 18-20 November 2019. z Mr. John Baird, former Foreign Minister of Canada visited India from 11-13 November 2019.
184 Annual Report 2019-20 z Mr. Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Trade and Export Development, Minister of Immigration and Career Training of Saskatchewan visited India with a trade Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism.

The 16th JWG on Counter-Terrorism was held in Ottawa from 26-27 March 2019.
Both sides briefed on their delegation from 18-22 November 2019. respective counter-terrorism priorities, strategies and z Mr. Victor Fedeli, Ontario Minister for Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade visited India from November 16-23, 2019.

Parliamentary exchange z Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Mid- Year Executive Committee Meeting was held in Ottawa from 11-15 April 2019.
A 5-member Indian delegation comprising members Lok Sabha Secretariat and Legislatives Assemblies of Assam and Uttrakhand attended the meeting.

z Speaker of the Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla and Vice Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh are slated to visit Ottawa in the first week of January 2020 for Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth.

z Speaker of the Senate of Canada, George J Furey is proposed to visit India in the 3rd week of January 2020.
India-Canada Consular Dialogue Recognizing the dynamic role of people-to-people ties in the India-Canada partnership, both sides agreed to address consular issues of mutual concern through discussion during Prime Minister Trudeau’s visit to India.

The First India-Canada Consular Dialogue was held in Ottawa on 30 September & 01 October 2019.

Both sides discussed consular matters including issues related to Indian students in Canada, marital disputes, asylum, visa, etc.
Cooperation in Security and Defence There is substantial engagement on counter terrorism issues particularly through the framework of the Joint legislative frameworks and reviewed threats posed by terrorist groups worldwide and in their respective countries and regions, including cross-border terrorism and discussed actions undertaken to counter terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization to violence.
Finance, Trade and Industry Bilateral trade between India and Canada was worth US$6.36 billion in 2018-19.

India’s exports to Canada during this period were US$2.85 billion and imports from Canada were US$ 3.51 billion.

In the first six months of 2019-20, the bilateral trade has already shown an increase of almost 13% over the corresponding period of the previous year.

Canadian Pension Funds have invested approx.


CAD 42.5 billion in India till now and are increasingly viewing India as an attractive destination for investments.

More than 400 Canadian companies have a presence in India and more than 1000 companies are actively pursuing business in the Indian market.

Energy India-Canada cooperation in the field of energy is one of the focus areas.
The long-term uranium procurement contract signed by DAE and Canadian uranium Company CAMECO during the visit of Prime Minister to Canada in 2015 is a tangible example of the closeness of our cooperation.

Sixth India-Canada Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Civil Nuclear Cooperation was held in Ottawa from 6-7 June 2019.

Both sides discussed proposed collaboration in Research & Development and industry, nuclear cooperation agreement between the two countries.
As per the MOU signed between DAE and the Department of Natural Resources of Canada in the field of Science and Technology and Innovation, a Joint 185 The Americas working Group on R&D has been established and had Chancellors from around 145 institutions from India its first meeting in June 2019 in Ottawa.

During this and Canada on 25-26 November 2019. meeting a number of areas for cooperation have been identified.
Cultural Exchange Indian participation in Canadian Arctic research As discussed during the Prime Minister Trudeau’s visit to India on Arctic research cooperation, a visit was undertaken by scientists from National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research of India to the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) campus located in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut from 22-26 September 2019.

Given that people-to-people ties form the bedrock of the India-Canada relationship, cultural exchanges remain vital.
Fifth International Day of Yoga was celebrated in Ottawa.

The event was attended by over 600 people.

There was immense enthusiasm amongst the participants.

A number of events to mark the celebration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi are being held since October 2018 and will continue till October 2020.

Mayor of Ottawa has proclaimed 02 October India-Canada Science and Technology as Gandhi Day.
Innovation Dialogue IC-IMPACTS (a Canadian Network of Centers of Excellence) in coordination with Ministry of Science and Technology organised the second India-Canada A number of activities to mark the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji were also held in November 2019.
Science and Technology Innovation Dialogue on 9 Diwali has been celebrated on Parliament Hill for the December 2019 in New Delhi Dialogue to strengthen Canada-India scientific research collaborations leading to community deployments and commercialization, last 18 years.

This was started by Indian origin MP, Deepak Obhrai.
This year the 19th Diwali on the Hill was organised by Overseas Friends of India-Canada particularly in cleaning polluted water bodies and in collaboration with Deepak Obhrai Foundation and generating wealth from waste in India.

Education Canada India Foundation.

Mr. Andrew Scheer, Leader of Conservative Party of Canada was the Chief Guest.. Education is a key area of collaboration between the two countries.
With over 176,000 Indian students India-Canada Track 1.5 Dialogue With the support of Ministry of External Affairs of India currently studying in Canada, it has become one of the and Global Affairs of Canada, the second edition of most favoured destinations for higher education for India-Canada Track 1.5 Dialogue on Innovation, Growth Indian students.
(SICI) has The Shastri been engaged in supporting Canadian and Indian Indo-Canadian Institute Governments’ objectives to extend cooperation in higher education is celebrating its golden jubilee year.

On this occasion, SICI organised a Vice-Chancellors Summit in Delhi with University Presidents and Vice- 186 and Prosperity between Gateway House, Mumbai and Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), Canada was held in Mumbai on 22 November 2019.
Experts, government officials and business leaders from both sides discussed enhancing cooperation between India and Canada in a wide range of areas including security, economic partnership, sustainable technologies and the digital domain.

Annual Report 2019-20 LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC During the visit of MoS(VM)’s visit to Dominican signed during his visit.
The Minister interacted with a Republic in August 2019, it was decided to send a cross section of dignitaries and Indian community in business delegation to DR in February, 2020.

The the Dominican Republic.

Ambassador Jose Blanco Vice Mission is in touch with LAC/ED Divisions of the Minister, Bilateral Foreign Policy Dominican Republic Ministry on the proposed visit from CII.

visited India from 10-16 November 2019 under ICCRs Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri V. Distinguished Visitors Program.
Muraleedharan visited Santo Domingo, Dominican A group of 8 diplomats from the Dominican Republic, Republic, from 25-27 August 2019.

During the visit, he called on Foreign Minister Miguel O. Vargas and held participated in the first Special course for diplomats from Dominican Republic held at FSI New Delhi from discussions with Minister of Energy Antonio Isa Conde, 27 October- 10 November 2019.
The Government of Minister of Economy, Planning and Development Juan A. Jimenez Nunez and Minister of Industry Nelson Toca Simo.
Agreement on Exemption of Visa Requirements Dominican Republic launched a commemorative stamp on the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in the presence of the Foreign Minister Miguel O Vargas at for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports the Ministry of External Relations, Santo Domingo on between the Government of the Republic of India 27 August 2019. and the Government of the Dominican Republic was HAITI Haiti signed the ISA Framework Agreement (FA) on from Haiti participated in the 2nd Special Course for 2 August 2019.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met CARICOM diplomats held at FSI New Delhi from 12-23 with 14 leaders of the CARICOM group of countries, August 2019.

India successfully secured the release of including Foreign Minister of Haiti Bocchit Edmond on two Indian nationals who were abducted in Haiti with the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly cooperation from Haitian authorities in August 2019. on 25 September 2019 in New York .
Three diplomats ARGENTINA The momentum created by the State Visit of President Gustavo Zlauvinen, Vice Foreign Minister of Argentina Macri to India in February 2019 during which India- and comprehensively discussed progress achieved Argentina relationship was elevated to a Strategic in various aspects of the bilateral relations since the Partnership, continued to strengthen in 2019-20. state visit of February 2019.
MoS also interacted with Minister of State for External Affairs(MoS), Shri V. members of think-tanks and academic community Muraleedharan visited Argentina from 28-29 August at an India focused round-table at Argentina Council 2019.

He met Mr. Jorge Faurie, Foreign Minister and Mr. for International Relations.

He interacted with the 187 The Americas Indian diaspora in Argentina as well as with the India- and diversifying agricultural trade between the two Argentina business community.
A delegation led by Dr. V.K.

Saraswat, Member NITI countries and strengthening cooperation in food processing, bio vaccines and agro-technology sectors.

Aayog which included CMDs of PSUs in mining and A 17 companies-strong Confederation of Indian mineral sectors visited Argentina from 15-19 October Industry (CII) delegation participated in an ‘India- 2019 to explore partnerships in the mining sector.
Argentina Business Forum’ organized on 1 October They visited mineral-rich provinces of Salta and 2019 in Buenos Aires jointly by the Embassy of India, Jujuy besides holding meetings with authorities and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Argentina companies engaged in the mining sector.

and CII.
and CII.

A delegation of Indian tour operators A 4-member delegation from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of India, led by Minister from Dr.Thaawarchand Gehlot visited Argentina 6-8 June 2019 at the invitation of Vice President of Argentina, Ms Gabriela Michetti.

Dr. Gehlot addressed the II Global Disability Summit.

He also held meetings with Ms Michetti and representatives of the Argentine National Agency for Disability.
Discussions in the participated in ‘India Evening’, to promote tourism to India on 9 October jointly by the Embassy and India Tourism Office, New York.

The delegation participated in the International Tourism Fair of Latin America in Buenos Aires from 5-8 October.

India participated at the XI Plenary Meeting of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) held on 6-7 June 2019 in Buenos Aires.

meetings focused on cooperation in the sector of H.E.
Ms. Gabriela Michetti, Vice President of the Social Justice and Empowerment, especially in the Republic of Argentina was the Chief Guest at the 150th field of methodology of census and classification of birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi at disability as well as training of government agencies the Embassy.

A special publication of CARI on ‘Gandhi and organizations.
A delegation led by Mr. Luis Miguel Etchevehere, State Secretary of Agroindustry visited India in July 2019 and met Ministers of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Commerce & Industry, Food Processing Industries and Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

The discussions focused on enhancing – Latin American Perspectives’ was released by her on this occasion.

Earlier, Argentina Post released a stamp on Mahatma Gandhi.
The 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was celebrated at the Gurdwara Ram Das ji on 12 November and a traditional NagarKirtan procession of Sikh Sangat organized on 24 November through prominent locations of the city.

BOLIVIA Relations with India and Bolivia went on the upswing discussions to explore possibilities of cooperation in after the first-ever State visit between the two countries Lithium sector.
Two experts from the Bolivian Space by Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind Agency attended the UNNATI (UNIspace Nanosatellite from 28-30 March.

In 2019, Bolivia signed International Assembly & Training), a capacity building programme Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement.

A 5-member conducted by ISRO at Bengaluru from 15 October -15 delegation led by Dr. V.K.

Saraswat, Member NITI December 2019.


Aayog visited Bolivia from 9-12 October and held 188 Annual Report 2019-20 India emerged as the third largest export destination and 16th largest source of imports for Bolivia.

A PHARMEXCIL delegation comprising 28 member companies visited Lima in August 2019.

Ten Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC )slots have been offered by India to Bolivia.
The 5th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations were held in La Paz, Sucre, troupe gave performances at the International Festival of Music in Sucre and at Santa Cruz in September 2019.

A musical troupe from Bolivia performed at the ICCR- organized Latin America Festival on 4-5 November in India.

To commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the solar lighting of children’s park undertaken with Government of India’s assistance was Cochabamba and Santa Cruz.
The Indian Council for inaugurated.

Cultural Research (ICCR) sponsored 3-member Sarod BRAZIL India’s bilateral relationship with Brazil continued June 2019.

Both Leaders discussed issues to improve to intensify in 2019.

Prime Minister visited Brazil business linkages and overcome climate change.

The to attend the BRICS XI Summit in Brasilia on 13-14 Leaders identified trade & investment, agriculture and November 2019.
PM attended the BRICS Business biofuels in the context of climate change as areas of Forum Meeting, Plenary Session of the BRICS Summit, cooperation.

Leaders Dialogue with BRICS Business Council and New Development Bank on November 14, 2019.

PM Visit of President of Brazil met President Jair Bolsonaro at a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Summit on 13 November 2019.

PM had earlier met with President Bolsonaro on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka on 29 President of Brazil H.E.
Mr. Jair Bolsonaro paid a State Visit to India from 24-27 January 2020 as the Chief Guest at India’s 71st Republic Day Parade on 26 January 2020.

He was accompanied by eight Ministers, Prime Minister delivers his Press Statement during State Visit of President of Brazil to India (January 2020) 189 The Americas 4 members of Parliament, senior officials and a large business delegation.
This was the first ever visit of Energy (IC) visited Brasilia for the 4th BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting (11 November 2019); Shri.

Ajit President Bolsonaro to India.

During the visit, an Action Doval, National Security Advisor visited Brasilia for Plan to Strengthen the Strategic Partnership between the BRICS Security Advisors’ Meeting (17-18 October India and Brazil was adopted which provides a roadmap aimed at revitalizing ongoing engagements in a focused manner.
Fifteen MOUs/ Agreements in diverse sectors that include Investment, Assistance in Criminal Matters, Cyber Security, Oil & Gas, Bio-energy, S&T, Culture, Animal Husbandry, Health and Traditional Medicines 2019);Shri.
Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State for Culture (IC) and Tourism (IC) visited Curitiba for the 4th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting (11 October 2019); Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Science and Technology visitedCampinas for 7th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting(20 September 2019); were signed.

Both sides also discussed other areas of Shri.


Prakash Javadekar, Minister of Environment, cooperation including Trade and Investments, Defence, Space, Nuclear Issues and areas of Cooperation on global issues of mutual interest.
The leaders agreed on Forest and Climate Change and Information and Broadcasting visitedSao Paulofor the 5th BRICS Ministers of Environment Meeting (15 August 2019); the need to work together more closely in BRICS, IBSA, and Gen. (Dr.) V. K. Singh, Minister of State for Road UN and other international fora, including fight against Transport and Highways visitedRio de Janeiro for the Terrorism.

President Bolsonaro was accompanied by BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (26 July 2019).
a large business delegation.

He participated in a CEO Round Table and at the India-Brazil Business Forum, attended by about 500 business representatives.

There were several sectoral business events.

Brazilian ministers of Agriculture and Energy also met their Indian counterparts on the sideline of the State visit.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar met The 5th IDY was celebrated in various cities of Brazil including Brasilia, Sao Paulo, Porto Alegre, Florianopolis and Curitiba.
As part of celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi various activities were organised in Brasilia, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte.

The 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji was celebrated in Sao Paulo and Brasilia on 17- with the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. 22 November 2019 respectively.
The Constitution Day Ernesto Henrique Fraga Araújo and also with other G4 and Campaign on Citizens’ Duties was celebrated in Foreign Ministers in New York on 25 September 2019 in New York on the sidelines of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The G4 Foreign Ministers issued a joint statement and reiterated their commitment for an early and comprehensively reform of the Security Council.
He also separately met with Brazilian Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Ernesto Araújo along with Ms. Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Republic of Brasilia and Sao Paulo on 26 November 2019.

As a befitting end to the year-long celebrations of Bapu@150, the Embassy, in association with the Government of the Federal District, installed a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the prestigious City Park in Brasilia on 9 January 2020.
A statue of Mahatma Gandhi is proposed to be installed in the city of Salvador in the first quarter of 2020.

South Africa (IBSA meet) to discuss the Reform of the President of Brazil, H. E. Mr. Jair Bolsonaro was the Multilateral System.

Shri.

Piyush Goyal, Minister for Commerce & Industry visited Brasilia for the 9th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting (11 November 2019); Shri.

Raj Kumar Singh, Minister of Power (IC) and New and Renewable Chief Guest of 71st Republic Day Celebration of India.
He visited India from 24-26 January 2020.

He was accompanied by his spouse, a number of Cabinet rank Ministers including the Foreign Minister and a contingent of business delegation.

190 Annual Report 2019-20 CHILE The year began on a high note with the visit of Hon’ble in December2019.

Rashtrapatiji Shri Ram Nath Kovind to Chile.

The visit took place in a year when we celebrate 70th year of establishment of India-Chile diplomatic relations.
Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji had significant discussions with President Sebastián Piñera Echenique, members of his ministerial team and selected businessmen on 1 April 2019, during which focus areas for the development of the India-Chile relationship were identified.

The visit reinvigorated bilateral ties and provided new direction to the multi-faceted development of our bilateral relations.

On this occasion, Chile announced visa- free entry for all Indian citizens holding US visas with 6-month validity.
Agreements signed during the visit included; an MoU on Cultural Exchange Programme, a Joint Letter of Intent for cooperation in Disability Sector and a joint letter for renewing the MoU in the field of Geology and Mineral Resources.

Bilateral trade for the period Apr-Oct 2019 was worth US$ 1204.11 millions (Imports: 696.32 mn & Exports: 507.79 mn), which is approximately similar to trade figures of US$ 2,227.35 mn for the year 2018-19.
Consequent to the 2nd round of discussions between the Joint Administrative Committee of the India-Chile PTA held on 30th April, 2019 in Delhi, both sides agreed on the need for further deepening of the India– Chile expanded PTA.
Subsequently, the first round of negotiations for expansion of the PTA was held in Delhi COLOMBIA A business delegation led by Mr. Eduardo Frei, former President of Chile and Special Envoy to the Asia Pacific visited India and met with officials of the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Agriculture.

He was accompanied by the Vice Minister of Trade and head of ProChile.
In August 2019 an MoU between State Trading Corporation (STC) India and National Health Service System (CENABAST) Chile was signed for establishing a G2G mechanism for supply of low-cost generic drugs from India to Chile.

A delegation from the Ministry of Finance visited Chile from 17-19 June 2019 during which both sides finalized the India – Chile Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.
A multi stakeholder delegation led by Niti Aayog visited Chile and had productive discussions on cooperation in the lithium sector.

The celebration of IDY in the Parliament of Chile continued for the 3rd year in a row.

On 2nd October, Mission inaugurated the plantation of trees near the Mahatma Gandhi bust located at Plaza de la India in Santiago.
Various activities to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th Birth Anniversary including Essay Competition on Mahatma Gandhi for 7th & 8th grades school-children, food festival were also organized.

The year marked the 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Minister of State (External Affairs) transited through Relations between India and Colombia during which Bogota and interacted with the Indian community relations continued to be strengthened.

Prime Minister on 25 August 2019.


A two-member delegation from interacted with the President of Colombia Mr. Ivan Competition Commission of India visited Colombia to Duque Marquez in September 2019 on the sidelines participate in the International Competition Network of the UN General Assembly.

Shri V. Muraleedharan, annual conference held in Cartagena in May 2019.
Shri 191 The Americas Satyendar Kumar Jain, Urban Development Minister, Honour country in EMBDATA IV (Big Data and Artificial Government of National Capital Territory Delhi Intelligence) World Meet held in Bogota in June 2019, participated in a conference on ‘Liveable Sustainable which was attended by over 1700 international experts Cities’ in Medellin in July 2019.

A delegation from the including ten Indian experts.
A delegation of Synthetic Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India attended and Rayon Textile Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC) a conference on ‘Recognition of Collective Land visited Medellin in June 2019 to promote ‘Source India’ and Forest Rights’ in October 2019.

Two Colombian 2019- a reverse buyer seller meet.


A delegation from scientists participated in the UNispace Nanosatellite the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) visited Assembly and Training organised by the Indian Space Bogota and Medellin to promote Indian apparel exports Research Organisation (ISRO) from October-December to Colombia in October 2019.

A delegation from the 2019.


A delegation comprising Member, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Secretary General, NHRC participated in the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions meeting held in November 2019 at Medellin.
A two-member delegation from the Directorate General of Lighthouse and Lightships attended a training seminar on the use of Marine Aids Risk Management Tools in Cartagena in November Government of Uttarakhand led by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development visited Medellin to study mobility network and mass transit system in November 2019.

The India Tourism Office, New York in collaboration with the Mission organized a networking session of Colombian tour operators in July 2019.
Two journalists from Ecuador and Colombia visited India to gain first-hand knowledge of the tourism potential of India in April 2019.

2019.

The Superintendent of Police, Central Bureau SRTEPC and Texprocil participated in Colombia Tex- of Investigation (CBI), Mumbai participated in the 2020, an International textile trade promotion fair, INTERPOL Anti-Corruption and Asset Recovery Global held from 21-23 January 2020 in Medellin.
Indian tour Conference in Medellin in November 2019. operators participated in Vitrina Turística ANATO, a Following the signing of the MOU on Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine of India in October 2018, a video conference between experts of the Ministry of AYUSH, India and the Ministry of Health of Colombia was held in May 2019.
The first video conference to finalize the Terms of tourism promotion fair organized from 26-28 February 2020, in Bogota, under the aegis of Indian Tourism office, New York.

FICCI organized business conferences, exhibitions etc., under the theme “ Namaskar Pacific” at Bogota.

EPCH organized a BSM from 19-20 March 2020 at Bogota.
A CII business delegation also visited Bogota from 23-25 March 2020 and organized business Reference and detail out further work plan for the Joint sessions, B2B and B2G meetings.

Feasibility Study Report for a Partial Scope Agreement between India and Colombia was held on 9 August 2019.
The Mission organized a mega trade and investment promotion event entitled “Commercial and Economic Alliance for the Future” in Bogota on 14 May 2019, where the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Colombia was the keynote speaker.
In recognition of the advances in the cutting-edge technology of Artificial Intelligence, India was invited as the Guest of As part of the Festival of India celebrations, two dance groups from India sponsored by the Ministry of Culture performed across eight cities in Ecuador and Colombia in April and May 2019.

On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a commemorative stamp was issued at the University of Piloto in Bogota in May 2019.
Several seminars, lectures, photographic exhibitions, gastronomy festival and screening of documentaries were also organised.

192 Annual Report 2019-20 The fifth International Day of Yoga was celebrated on November 2019.

A talk on Nutrition and Yoga was a grand scale with wide participation in various cities of Colombia and Ecuador.
A course on Philosophy and Practice of Yoga by the Teacher of Indian Culture was organised at the University of Piloto from September- organised at the Senate of Colombia in November 2019.

The Mission organized an event to mark the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak and the 70th anniversary of the adoption of our Constitution.

ECUADOR India and Ecuador celebrated 50 years of the prone areas of Ecuadorian Coast on 16-18 September establishment of their diplomatic relations in 2019.

A 2019.
A 2019.

A delegation from ONGC visited Ecuador to Protocol for Completion of the Joint Feasibility Study explore opportunities in the Oil Sector in November for a Preferential Trade Agreement between India 2019.

India participated at the meeting on ‘Illicit Trade and Ecuador was signed in New Delhi in October in Tobacco Products’ in Ecuador in December 2019.

2019.
2019.

In order to facilitate the export of Ecuadorian agricultural products to India, a team of the National Plant Protection Organisation visited Ecuador in June 2019 and certified Ecuadorian fumigation agencies for exports to India.
Under the MOU for cooperation in the field of Agricultural Research and Education, Director, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow attended a technical meeting on ‘Implementation of New Crops as an Alternative for Production in Flood The 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhiji was celebrated by organizing six academic and cultural events in Ecuador during May-July 2019.
A bust of Rabindra Nath Tagore was unveiled at the University of Cuenca in July 2019.

Three expert artisans from India were deputed to Ecuador by the Ministry of Textiles where experiences in design, innovation and production of textile, jewelry and wood items were shared with four hundred local artisans.

MEXICO During the period, Mexico emerged as the biggest trade and imports US$ 2.96billion).

partner of India in Latin America and the Caribbean region.
The bilateral trade between India and Mexico grew by 22% to US$ 9.42 billion from US$ 7.71 billion.

The two-way trade during April-September 2019 was US$ 3.97 billion (Exports US$ 1.91 billion and imports US$ 2.06 billion).

Amongst Mexico’s global trade partners, India’s rank rose from 10 to 9 in a year.

The total export from India in 2018-19 was US$ 3.84 billion while the import was worth US$ 5.57 billion.

The balance of trade worth US$ 1.73 billion was in favour of Mexico.
The two-way trade during April-November 2019 was US$ 5.44 billion (Exports US$ 2.48 billion External Affairs Minister met his Mexican counterpart, Mr. Marcelo Ebrard on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Osaka on 28 June 2019.

The 5th round of Foreign Office consultations between India and Mexico were held on 07 October 2019 in New Delhi.

The Chamber of Deputies of the Mexican Parliament inaugurated the India-Mexico Parliamentary Friendship Group on 07 November 2019.

Amb.
Amb.

Julian Ventura, Deputy Foreign Minister of Mexico visited India to participate in the Raisina Dialogue 2020 from 14-16 January 2020 in New Delhi.

A Consular Dialogue between India and Mexico will be held on 26 February-04 March 2020.
193 The Americas During the year, the Mission facilitated business with (i) performances in 8 cultural events by 5 cultural delegations from Trade Promotion Council of India groups from Ministry of Culture; (ii) performance by one (31 companies in the construction sector), Federation theatrical group sent by ICCR; (iii) presentation of 3 of Indian Exporter’s Organization (30 companies in exhibitions namely by Lalit Kala Akademi and National textiles sector), Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Institute of Design, Ahmedabad; (iv) a film festival by Council (37 companies in the Pharmaceutical sector), the Embassy of India; and (v) an Indian gastronomy Plastics Export Promotion Council (15 companies), festival by Ministry of Tourism.
Performances were and Synthetic and Rayon Textiles Export Promotion also held in 6 other cities of Mexico, namely, Oaxaca, Council.

Oyo Rooms also entered Mexico.

Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, San Luis Potosi, India participated as the first Asian ́Guest of Honour ́ Country at the 33rd edition of the biggest and most prestigious Book Fair in the Spanish-speaking region, Queretaro and Cancun.

To mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, year-long celebrations were held.
A bust of Mahatma the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL 2019) Gandhi was donated by ICCR to the Municipality of from 30 November-8 December 2019.

The Fair was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Shri Sanjay Dhotre.

National Guanajuato, a World Heritage City and was installed on 26 April 2019.

The 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji was celebrated.

Baisakhi was also Book Trust led a literary and academic delegation of celebrated in April, 2019.
The Gurudev Tagore Indian over 50 authors and speakers in the fields of literature, science, environment, design & architecture, art, culture, philosophy and history from India.

Eminent Cultural Centre (GTICC) in Mexico actively conducted the 5th IYD 2019 across many cities in Mexico.
An India Week was also organised at the Azcapotzalco authors, poets and writers from India participated in Municipality of Mexico City which included a month- over 60 literary and academic programmes including long Indian film festival in collaboration with Zee panel discussions and book launches.

Mundo.

Mission Celebrated World Hindi Day on 22 A Festival of India, supported by the Ministry of Culture, coincided with India’s participation at the FIL 2019 January 2020.
PARAGUAY India-Paraguay bilateral partnership saw progress on Paraguayan Minister of Tourism, Ms Sofía Montiel de several fronts following the visit of Vice President Afara, visited India to attend the World Tourism Day of India, Shri.

M. Venkaiah Naidu to Paraguay in celebrations on 27 September 2019.

She called on Vice March 2019.


Paraguay joined the International Solar President of India and met Minister of Tourism and Alliance by signing the ISA Framework Agreement on 4 discussed avenues of bilateral cooperation in tourism, September 2019.

External Affairs Minister met Foreign including new modalities for visa facilitation.
An MOU Minister Antonio Rivas Palacios on the sidelines on cooperation in the field of tourism to promote of the 74th UNGA on 26 September 2019 in New cooperation and direct communication between York and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation stakeholders in the tourism, commerce and hospitality in various fields, including trade and investments; industry was signed.

infrastructure, renewable energy and visa facilitation.
194 Annual Report 2019-20 PERU The long standing friendly political, economic and the India-Peru Trade Agreement is scheduled to be held cultural ties between India and Peru received further in Lima in January 2020.

Indian business delegation led momentum during the year.

The bilateral visit by by FICCI took part in the Sun World 2019 from 12-14 Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs Shri V November 2019.
In its capacity as the convener of the Muraleedharan to Lima from 22-24 August 2019 and Global Leadership Task Force of the ISA, FICCI’s Deputy his comprehensive meeting with the Peruvian Foreign Secretary General met the Vice Minister of Electricity Minister enabled both sides to review the progress in and held talks with Peruvian authorities, including at key bilateral areas and collaboration in international the National Institute of Telecommunications Research and multilateral fora.
Also a meeting at the Peruvian and Training (INICTEL-UNI).

Congress and interactions with prominent Peruvian personalities, including business leaders as well as the Indian community helped to highlight the importance India attaches to its relations with Peru and the Latin American region.

A 29-member PHARMEXCIL delegation visited Lima on 22 August.

Besides buyer-seller meetings (BSM), the delegation met the Ministry of Health officials and its agencies.
A 9-member delegation from the Engineering Export Promotion Council visited Lima on 7 October India attended a 3-day ISA-Peru-LAC Sun World 2019 and held BSM.

A delegation from the Council for on solar energy under the framework of International Leather Exports (CLE), comprising representatives of Solar Alliance (ISA) from 12-14 November in Lima.

Two 13 leather companies visited Lima on 17-18 October experts from the Peruvian Space Agency (CONIDA) 2019.
A 3-member delegation from Apparel Export attended the UNNATI (UNIspace Nanosatellite Promotion Council led by its Chairman visited Lima on Assembly & Training), a capacity building programme 21-22 October 2019. conducted by ISRO at Bengaluru from 15 October -15 December 2019.

A series of business delegation are scheduled to visit Lima during January to March 2020.
An eight-member In pursuance of the Agreement on Cooperation and delegation from TEXPROCIL (Cotton Textiles Export New and Renewable Energy between India and Peru, Promotion Council) is scheduled to visit Lima from 24 – the first Joint Meeting of the Ministry of New and 28 January 2020.

The annual India Fair by Indian Trade Renewable Energy of India and Ministry of Energy and Promotion Organization is scheduled to take place Mines is scheduled to be held online on 20 December in Lima from 11-15 March 2020.
The Confederation 2019.

An Indian expert from the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping, New Delhi attended the 25th Annual Conference of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centre held in Lima from 7-10 October 2019. of Indian Industry (CII) will be leading a multi-sector delegation of over 40 members to Peru on 25-26 March 2020.
ITEC Day 2019 was celebrated on 17 September with participation of Peruvian dignitaries, ITEC alumni The on-going trade negotiations between India and wherein ITEC alumni admired India’s capacity-building Peru made significant progress following the fourth support and other forms of development cooperation.
round of talks held from 11-15 March 2019 in Lima Peruvian diplomats have also joined the Professional and the fifth round of negotiations from 22-22 August Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) conducted by the 2019 in New Delhi.

The sixth round of negotiations on Foreign Service Institute.

195 The Americas Several events were organized to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

These included special talks and screening of documentaries civil associations of Peru.
Activities to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji were organized.

ICCR sponsored 3-member Sarod group led on Mahatma Gandhi’s life and message at leading by Shri Apratim Majumdar visited Peru in September universities and bodies in Peru, painting and quiz and gave performances at various prestigious locations competitions, a cycling event, Planting of 150 trees, and conducted workshops in Lima.
On 9th April, the a vegetarian food festival in Lima, a ‘peace march’ in ICCR Foundation Day was celebrated in Lima.

San Juan de Miraflores.

A three-day cultural event with a special focus on Mahatma Gandhi was held at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru on 14-16 May 2019.

A three-day workshop on “Healthy Aging through Traditional Systems of Medicine and Ayurveda” was held in Lima from 23-25 October in association with the Peruvian Ministry of Health.
An expert on The International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2019 celebrated Ayurveda was deputed for the workshop by the in Lima, Qoricancha, the Sun Temple of Inca Empire, Ministry of AYUSH.

An International Day of Ayurveda in Cusco and in Trujillo.

In addition to this, a number was celebrated in the Embassy on 6 October with the of yoga workshops, seminars and meditation sessions participation of an Ayurveda expert from India.
were held in association with health, sports, police, URUGUAY An Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance and CII in collaboration with ALADI and the Uruguayan in Customs Matters was signed between India and Chamber of Commerce and Services.

The Government Uruguay in July 2019 in Brussels on the sidelines of of Uruguay released postal stamps on Mahatma Gandhi the World Customs Organization Council Meeting.

to commemorate his 150th birth anniversary.


Embassy ‘India-Latin America Business Summit’ was organized organized a special event to celebrate Constitution at the ALADI (Latin American Integration Association) Day on 26 November.

Secretariat on 3 October jointly by the Embassy of India VENEZUELA Venezuela hosted the 19th NAM Ministerial meeting Foreign Minister, H.E.
Mr. Jorge Alberto Arreaza in Caracas from 18-21 July 2019 which was attended Montserrat and India’s External Affairs Minister were by India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York.

On the sidelines of the 18th NAM Summit in Baku from 25-26 October 2019, bilateral meetings of Venezuelan President, H.E.

Mr. Nicolás Maduro held.

Venezuela’s Executive Vice President H.E.


Ms. Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez visited India from 30 October to 2 November 2019 to attend the 2nd Assembly of the International Solar Alliance in New Moros and India’s Vice President as well as Venezuela’s Delhi.

The Venezuelan Minister of Economy & Finance, 196 Annual Report 2019-20 H.E.

Mr. Simon Zerpa Delgado accompanied her.

They met India’s External Affairs Minister during this visit.
Venezuela ranks 9th as supplier of crude oil to India this year, the total imports touching 3,190.10 million till October 2019.

The trade between the two countries from 1st April 2019 to 30 October 2019 has been to the tune of US$ 3,258.92 million.

Indian exports were mainly pharmaceuticals.

An exhibition on Indian tea with tea tasting is being organized at Caracas from 5-7 December 2019.

ITEC Day was celebrated by the Mission on 20 September 2019.
This year, 10 candidates from Venezuela together attended a special basic English course under ITEC.

A Venezuelan diplomat attended the 68th Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) in October 2019 at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI).

Venezuelan students are also benefiting from ICCR Scholarship Programme.

A number of events including a cycling event and a vegetarian food festival were organized to celebrate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
For the first time in Venezuela, a Mahatma Gandhi statue sent by ICCR is to be installed at Universidad Metropolitana.

The 5th IDY was celebrated on 21 -22 June 2019 and 4th Ayurveda Day on 25 October 2019.

Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was also observed on 31 October 2019.

A special event to mark for 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji was held on 17 November 2019 and commemorative Stamps were released on 26 November 2019 at Universidad Católica Andrés Bello (UCAB), Caracas.
Indian books were presented to the UCAB on 21 October 2019 and to the Universidad de Carabobo on 27 November 2019.

Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas, together with Hindi Day was celebrated on 9 January 2020.

A statue of Mahatma Gandhi was inaugurated in Metropolitcan University of Venezuela was held in March 2020.
CENTRAL AMERICA BELIZE India’s relations with Belize continued to gain goods worth USD 16.98 million and imported goods significance.This year, a Belizean diplomat attended the 68th PCFD and two Belizean diplomats attended the 2nd Special Training Programme for CARICOM Diplomats.

worth USD 0.65 million.

Total trade stood at USD 17.64 million in 2018-19 growing at 18.86% from USD 14.84 million in one year.
The two-way trade during Mahatma Gandhi Resource Centre in Orange Walk, April-November 2019 was US$ 10.71 million (Exports Belize was inaugurated this year, where 50 computers have been donated by the Government of India.

An India Belize Centre of Engineering at the University of Belize is being established.

In 2018-19, India exported US$ 9.97 million and imports US$ 0.74 million).As part of 5th IYD 2019, Yoga events were organized in 8 cities in Belize.
COSTA RICA Vice Foreign Minister of Costa Rica Ms. Lorena Aguilar the 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) of UNCCD.

Revelo, visited India 7-9 September 2019 and attended From India, Shri C.K.

Mishra, Secretary, Environment, 197 The Americas Forest and Climate Change led a delegation to for Costa Rica to 40 in 2019-20.

The bilateral trade Costa Rica 8-11 October, 2019 to attend PreCop25 turnover during the period April-September 2019 meeting.
Subsequent to the visit of the Hon’ble Vice was US$140.56 million (India’s exports was US$97.29 President’s to Costa Rica, MEA doubled the ITEC slots million and imports US$ 43.27 million) EL SALVADOR The year 2019-20 saw further enhancement of India’s 13.95 mn.

relations with El Salvador.

El Salvador signed the ISA Framework Agreement in June 2018 and ratified the Framework Agreement on the Establishment of ISA in November 2019.
Fifth IDY was organized on 23 June 2019 at the Plaza Salvador Del Mundo and was attended by Minister of Culture of El Salvador.

An ICCR-sponsored 4-member Jugalbandi Instrumental Group gave performances On the commercial front, trade relations improved with the members of the National Folkloric Ballet between the two countries.

Bilateral trade volume of El Salvador at the National Theater of Santa Ana stood at US$ 82.86 mn.

During 2018-19 and at US$ and National Theater of San Salvador in May 2019.
39.19 mn.

during April-September 2019, with balance A Vegetarian Food Festival was organized at hotel of trade in India’s favour.

Indian exports of automobiles (two and three wheelers) during 2018-2019 stood at US$ 17.93 mn., while textile and allied products was Crowne Plaza in San Salvador, as part of the year long celebrations of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

US$ 13.32 mn.
US$ 13.32 mn.

and pharmaceutical products were US$ GUATEMALA In the year 2019-20 India’s relations with Guatemala Kerala and Ayurveda.

VESTEX (Association of Apparel strengthened further.

On the commercial front, trade and Textile Industry, Guatemala) organized an Apparel relations between the two countries improved.

Bilateral Sourcing Show in Guatemala City from 14-16 May, trade stood at US$ 321.64 million during 2018-2019 2019 where Texprocil participated.
The Indian pavilion and at US$ 148.44 million, during April-September witnessed more than 400 visitors.

Major Indian 2019, with balance of trade in India’s favour.

Indian companies like Raymonds and Welspun participated in exports of automobiles during 2018-2019 stood at the show.

US$ 90.01 million, while cotton exports was US$ 52.68 million and pharmaceutical products export were US$ 42.96 million.
In June 2019, two business delegations; one from CERAMIX -the largest ceramics expo in India and SRTEPC t-o promote Source India 2019, visited Embassy of India celebrated States Day 2019 with Guatemala.

A 20-member delegation of textile focus on Kerala.

The event was held in collaboration companies led by Minister of Economy Designate with Galileo University, Guatemala at the University Mr. Tony Malouf participated at the Source India campus.
The main theme of the event was to promote 2019 show in Mumbai from 21-23 August 2019.

An 198 Annual Report 2019-20 8-member delegation of pharmaceutical companies in Guatemala and held workshops at prominent from Guatemala visited Gujarat on 10-12 June 2019 to universities and the National Conservatory.
The Fifth attend the Pharmaceutical expo IPHEX 2019. International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated on 21 The Embassy of India organized an event ‘Namaste India: Door to Opportunities’ at Cayala, Guatemala City on 2-3 November 2019.

This was the first Indian festival organized in a grand scale in Guatemala and focused on Indian business, culture and food.
The Minister of Economy-designate, Mr. Tony Malouf inaugurated the June, in Antigua City at the Santa Catalina Arch, the most prominent spot and iconic landmark in Antigua.

On 23 June IDY was celebrated in Guatemala City at El Campo Marte, the most prominent sports facility managed by the Ministry of Culture and Sports.

The celebrations was attended by around 400 people.

two day event visited by an estimated 6000 visitors.
On the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, A 26–member delegation led by Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) comprising 18 companies visited Guatemala and Honduras from 7-12 November 2019 for the Ferret Expo 2019.

A dedicated India Pavilion included participation from the Power Sector, equipment for Sugar Industries, tools, equipment related to hardware and construction, auto components and building material.
This was the first time a large delegation of Engineering companies visited Central America.

Besides participating in the Expo, the President-elect of Guatemala, Dr. Alejandro Giammattei accompanied by the Foreign Minister designate Mr. Pedro Borlo visited the Embassy of India in Guatemala City on 2 October 2019 and inaugurated the Bust of Mahatma Gandhi.

Several other events including cycling, sculpture, tree planting, visit to universities were organized during the year.
A special event was organized in partnership with Nobel Peace Laureate Ms. Rigoberta Menchu, to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

companies had B2B interactions with companies in An India corner was established in the Ministry of Guatemala and trade organizations and associations.

Foreign Affairs of Guatemala and also at the Library of Guatemala has been offered 40 ITEC slots for 2019- 2020.
A 4-member Jugalbandi Instrumental group sponsored by ICCR visited Guatemala to perform in the events organized in partnership with Ministry of Culture from 2-9 May 2019.

The ICCR troupe performed San Carlos University and the Rafael Landivar University with books presented by India.

The Embassy organized an Indian Film Festival from 19-25 September 2019 where 7 Bollywood movies with Spanish subtitles were screened.

HONDURAS During 2019-20 relations with Honduras strengthened trade in India’s favour.
Indian exports of textile and steadily.

On the commercial front, trade relations have allied products during 2018-2019 stood at US$ 62.19 seen considerable growth.

Bilateral trade volume stood mn., while automobiles (two and three wheelers) was at US$ 184.97 mn during 2018-2019 and US$ 102.60 US$ 28.61 mn.

and pharmaceutical products were US$ mn.

during April-September 2019, with balance of 23.16 mn.
199 The Americas A 26–member delegation led by Engineering Export International Day of Yoga (IDY) at the UNESCO’s World Promotion Council (EEPC) comprising 18 companies Heritage Site, the famous Ruins of Copán located in visited San Pedro Sula, Honduras from 11-12 Honduras.

The event was attended by H.E.

the Minister November 2019 for Buyer Seller Meet.


Vice Minister of Economic Development of Honduras, Mr. Arnaldo of Economy of Honduras Mr. Mario Kafati was the Castillo; and the Vice Minister of Economic Integration Guest of Honour.

More than 100 business meetings and Foreign Trade, Ms. Alejandra Chang, and other were organized during the event.

On the cultural front, senior Government officials including Director of the Embassy, in association with the Government Tourism.
India has offered 35 ITEC slots to Honduras of Honduras organized the celebration of the Fifth for 2019-2020.

NICARAGUA Foreign Minister of Nicaragua Mr. Denis Moncada Nicaragua visited New Delhi and met Hon’ble Health & Colindres visited New Delhi on 28 October 2019 and Family Welfare Minister on 30 July 2019 and discussed met with External Affairs Minister.

They discussed ways cooperation in health sector.


to strengthen relations between the two countries Government of India welcomed Nicaragua’s decision to open it’s resident Mission in New Delhi and to appoint a Resident Ambassador.

With optimal utilization of allocated ITEC slots, Nicaragua’s slots have been increased to 10 in 2019- 20.
The bilateral trade turnover during the period April- September 2019 was US$34.52 million (India’s exports Ms. Sonia Castro Gonzalez, Minister of Health of was US$32.01 million and imports US$2.51 million).

PANAMA India has been included in the list of major 7 countries Panama visited India in October 2019.

In addition with whom Government of Panama led by President to holding a Business Conference in New Delhi, the Laurentino Cortizo aims to strengthen its ties.
Bilateral delegation also visited Mumbai and Pune where trade ties was boosted when a trade delegation from meetings were held with the business community Panama led by Mr. Richard Kilborn, Director of National in collaboration with the All India Association of Investment, Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Industries.

CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES ANTIGUA & BARBUDA India and Antigua & Barbuda enjoy warm and friendly countries signed an Agreement on Exemption of Visa bilateral relations.
On 17 September, the two Requirement for Holders of Diplomatic and Official 200 Annual Report 2019-20 Passports.

Pharmaceutical regulatory authorities from Programme.

Two diplomats from the Antiguan Ministry Antigua and Barbuda participated in the International of Foreign Affairs participated in the 2nd Special Regulators’ Meet organized by PHARMEXCIL on Training Programme for CARICOM Diplomats at the 19&20 Sept 2019 in Hyderabad.
India continued to provide capacity building assistance to Antigua & Barbuda with 5 slots under the ITEC Foreign Service Institute in New Delhi from 12-23 August 2019.

India celebrated International Day of Yoga in Antigua & Barbuda on 23 June 2019.

BAHAMAS The Government of India extended US$ 1 million as tragedy’ by the Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis, was an emergency financial assistance to the Government of The Bahamas as relief in the aftermath of Hurricane the largest hurricane to hit the Bahamas.
PM Minnis met with PM on the sidelines of India-CARICOM Dorian.

The disaster, which was referred to as a ‘historic Leaders’ Meeting in September 2019.

BARBADOS Barbados and India enjoy close and cordial relations and countries whose nationals do not require a visa to visit interact actively in the UN, Commonwealth and NAM.

Barbados effective from June, 2019.


In Development The first ever India-CariCom meet at Head of State/ Partnership, “Local Content Development” Project Government level at New York on 25 September 2019 was to be implemented under India-UNDP Fund.

has given a further boost to the bilateral relations.

International Day of Yoga and Gurunanak Dev Jayanti Barbados has unilaterally placed India in the list of were organised in Barbados in 2019.
CUBA Cuban Vice Minister of Public Health, Alfredo Gonzalez visited India to discuss the application of the different modalities of traditional medicine and held meetings with Secretary Ministry of AYUSH in June 2019.

An Ayurveda center in Havana was inaugurated on 7November 2019 in the presence of Vice President Roberto Morales Ojeda.

Cuba is the first country in the world after India to adopt Ayurveda as part of its Public health care system.
The largest fertilizer factory in Cuba, NPK Nitrogenized Fertilizer Factory in Cienfuegos funded by an Indian Line of Credit (LOC) of USD 4 Million, started production in July 2019.

The factory has the capacity to produce 300,000 tons per year with which it is expected to meet 70 percent of the national demand.

On 4 September 2019 the postal agency of Cuba Correos de Cuba launched commemorative postal stamps to mark the celebration of the 150th birth anniversary .
One Cuban diplomat participated in the 68th Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD), 2019 held at Foreign Service Institute (FSI) New Delhi.

Head of International relations CECMED, the Pharmaceutical Regulatory Body of Cuba participated in Pharmexcil’s International Regulators Meet held from 19- 20 September 2019 at Hyderabad, India.

201 The Americas The year 2020 marks the completion of 60 years of celebrations in connection with the 60th Anniversary India-Cuba diplomatic relations.
The Mission is planning of India-Cuba relations.

DOMINICA Bilateral relations between India and Commonwealth Programme, 10 ITEC scholars were sent to India from of Dominica remained friendly during the year.

Under Dominica under the capacity building programme.

the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation GRENADA Minister of Foreign Affairs and Labour of Grenada Mr. Peter David visited India in September 2019 and met with EAM.
He also held a meeting with the Chief Cooperation Programme, 4 ITEC scholars were sent to India from Grenada.

Under the 2nd Special Training Programme for CARICOM Diplomats, one participant Minister of Gujarat, Mr. Vijay Rupani on 12 September participated in the training programme from Grenada 2019.

Under the Indian Technical and Economic from 12-23 August, 2019.

GUYANA EAM met Guyanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Hyderabad in September 2019.
Dr. Mahender Sharma, Karen Cummings on 23 September on the sidelines CEO of Guyana Energy Agency attended the 2nd of the 74th session of the UNGA in New York and ISA General Assembly in New Delhi on 31 Oct 2019. discussed ways to further enhance bilateral relations in Guyana ratified the revised Framework Agreement of all sectors.

On 25 September, PM Shri Narendra Modi the ISA on Sept 2019. met Dr. Cummings along with 13 other leaders from the CARICOM countries in New York on the sidelines of the UNGA.
An Indian business delegation from Guyana-India Business Chamber comprising companies from mining, power generation, sugar industry, agriculture, Guyanese Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and construction etc.

visited Guyana from Sept 3-Oct 4 to Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobin Ganga, explore business opportunities.
ONGC Videsh Limited visited India from 25-29 Nov 2019 and held meetings participated in the 2nd Annual Guyana International with senior functionaries of the Reserve Bank of India, Petroleum Business Summit & Exhibition (GIPEX-2019) EXIM Bank of India and Bank of Baroda.

Mr. Marlon in Georgetown from Nov 20-22, 2019.


Cole, Director of the Government Analyst Food & Drug Department (GA-FDD) and Mr. O’neil Atkins, Director of Pharmacy attended the 4th International Conference on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices in Bengaluru from 18-19 Feb 2019.

Mr. Marlon Cole also attended the International Regulators’ Meet at President David Granger commissioned the Indian Arrival Monument which was gifted by Government of India, in Palmyra, East Berbice on 5 May 2019.
Guyanese Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence, launched the Project on “Reducing Adolescent Pregnancy in Guyana” implemented under India-UN Development 202 Annual Report 2019-20 Partnership Fund on 7 June 2019.

President Granger FSI in New Delhi from 16 Sept-11 Oct 2019.
IDY was inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Information celebrated in Guyana on 16 June in Georgetown and Technology (CEIT) on 20 June, which is set up at a cost 23 June 2019 at the iconic Indian Arrival Monument of US$ 1 million.

in Berbice.

17 Guyanese nationals received training in India Coconut Development Board of India and the Indian under ITEC till Nov 2019.
35 Guyanese visited India Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) organised an under the Know India Programme (KIP) and Pravasi event in Guyana to provide exposure to the Guyanese Teerth Darshan Yojna (PTDY) and 2 under the Hindi about various uses/byproducts of coconut and the Scholarship Scheme.

9 slots have been allotted to latest technology and techniques available in India in Guyana under the Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme the coconut industry.
An India-focused trade promotion and 2 slots under the Cultural/Education Exchange event on ‘Solar Energy and e-Vehicles’ in Georgetown Programme.
One senior Foreign Service Officer from was held in March 2020 with participation from India Guyanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs participated in by relevant Commercial Associations/Organizations, the 2nd Special Training Programme for CARICOM EPCs, Indian exporters and manufacturers, Public Diplomats conducted by the Foreign Service Institute Service Undertakings, National & Regional Regulatory (FSI) in New Delhi from 12-23 Aug 2019.
One diplomat Bodies, State & Central Government agencies in the from Guyana participated in the 68th Professional related field.

Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) conducted by the JAMAICA During the period, India and Jamaica continued to enjoy cordial and friendly relations built over the years.

India also welcomed the decision of Jamaica to Jamaica joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and participated at the 2nd Assembly of ISA in New Delhi on 30-31 October 2019.
The bilateral trade open its High Commission in New Delhi.

Jamaican PM and other commercial activities continued to witness Andrew Holness was one of the five global leaders to growth during the period 2018-19, reaching over pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi during the High-Level event commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at UN Hqrs in September 2019.

PM US$60 million.

5th IDY in Kingston was organized on 20 June 2019.


Mission also celebrated Gandhi Jayanti and birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

ITEC Holness also met with PM Modi at the first ever India- Day was celebrated on 4 November 2019.

CARICOM leaders’ Summit in New York.


SAINT KITTS & NEVIS St. Kitts and Nevis joined the International Solar the 14 CARICOM Member States, including St. Kitts Alliance by signing the ISA Framework Agreement in and Nevis’ Prime Minister, Dr. Timothy Harris during New Delhi on 31 October 2019.

PM met Leaders of the first India- Caricom Leaders Meeting in New York 203 The Americas on the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly.
Diplomats conducted by the Foreign Service Institute IDY was celebrated in St. Kitts & Nevis on 23 June 2019.

St. Kitts and Nevis has been allotted 5 ITEC slots.

Two diplomats from St. Kitts and Nevis participated in the 2nd Special Training Programme for CARICOM (FSI) in New Delhi from Aug 12-23, 2019.

A diplomat from St. Kitts and Nevis participated in the 68th PCFD conducted by the Foreign Service Institute in New Delhi from September 2019.
SAINT LUCIA India shares close, warm and friendly relations with UN CCD Conference held in New Delhi in September Saint Lucia.

Government of India has taken new 2019.

Saint Lucia signed and ratified the International initiatives to augment interactions at the highest level to consolidate bilateral relations with St. Lucia further.

Solar Alliance Framework Agreement in 2019.


Under India-UNDP Fund, the Skills Training for Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met his counterpart Marginalized Youth Project which aims to identify Prime Minister Allen Chastanet on the margins of and train marginalized young people in carpentry and UNGA in New York on 25 September 2019 at the first joinery and assist them with job training amounting to ever meeting between India and CariCom leaders.

US$ 992,724 is in progress.


Agriculture Minister of St. Lucia participated in the SAINT VINCENT & THE GRENADINES Dr.

The Honourable Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister Ambassador and Prime Minister of SVG.

of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) paid an official visit to India on 8-12 September 2019.

This is the first official level visit from SVG to India.
PM- SVG met his Indian counterpart and held discussions on various issues of bilateral interest between the two countries and signed MoUs on i) exemption of visa for Diplomatic and official passports, ii) ISA Framework Agreement, and iii) Traditional Systems of Medicine.

The two leaders met again during India-CariCom Meet of Heads of State/Government held on the margins of UNGA in New York.
A framework MoU on Implementation of Quick Impact Projects (QIP) was signed in Kingstown, SVG on 13 November 2019 by SURINAME India has provided 5 ITEC slots to SVG for 2019-20.

One SVG Foreign Service Officer participated in PCFD and three Foreign Service Officers in the special training programme for CariCom diplomats held in June 2019.
Two senior-level customs officials from SVG participated in the India-Caricom special training programme in customs and taxes held in India on 10- 14 June 2019 under ITEC.

PM Dr.

The Honorable Ralph E.Gonsalves was the Chief Guest at a cultural event was organized to commemorate the Indian arrival day on 1 June 2019.

Vice President of Suriname, Mr. Ashwin Adhin attended the India-CariCom Leaders’ Meeting on the margins of UNGA on 25 September 2019 at New York.

He met with Hon’ble Prime Minister.
External Affairs Minister’s 204 Annual Report 2019-20 meeting with his Surinamese counterpart in New York Under Development Cooperation Partnership, the on 26 September 2019 and visit of Vice President of contract for a Line of Credit (LoC) amounting to US$ Suriname to India in September 2019 at the invitation 11.13 million for upgradation and rehabilitation of De of University of Delhi and Lovely Professional Melkcentrale, NV Milk processing plant was signed on University contributed to further consolidation of 25 May 2019.
One of the two small grants projects bilateral relations.

A two-member delegation from Election Commission of Suriname visited India under Visitor Election Programme of Election Commission of India on 10- 13 May 2019; two officers participated in the Special Training programme for CariCom’s Senior-level customs officers conducted in June 2019 under ITEC; and five diplomats participated in the India-CariCom Special Training Programme conducted by FSI in June 2019.
A three member delegation participated in PharmExcil Meet held on 10-12 June 2019 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

for women entrepreneurship announced during the historic visit of the President of India in June 2018 namely Craft Market at Garden of Palms, Paramaribo was completed and inaugurated on 7 August 2019.

Two students from Suriname joined Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, Agra in 2019 to learn Hindi.

Under ICCR scholarship 2019-20, two students are studying in India and one student is under AYUSH scholarship.
Ms Priseclla Bispham, a Surinamese national participated in the Kumbh Mela 2019 under foreigners category sponsored by ICCR.

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, 33 ITEC scholars were availed by Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary was celebrated on 2 October 2019 at Gandhi Peace Park Trinidad &Tobago( T&T).
Participants from T&T went to with Mayor of Port of Spain Mr. Joel Martinez as chief India to learn its culture, history under the Know India guest.

Online quiz, cycle rally and sapling plantation Programme (KIP).

7 participants from Port of Spain visited India under the 3rd Pravasi Teerath Darshan Yojana from 22 November – 8 December 2019, while also formed part of the year long celebrations of Gandhi’s birth anniversary.

Mahatma Gandhi bust was inaugurated on 12 October 2019 at Chaguanas.
A one person availed the ICCR Scholarship for 2019-20. ceremony was organized on 5 June 2019 in Chaguanas 5th International Day of Yoga was held on 16th June, 2019 at Chaguaramas BoardWalk where about 300 people participated in the yoga drive.

108 Surya Namaskar programme was organized on 23rd June, 2019.

Yoga Awareness Programme was organized on 29th June, 2019.
A Vegetarian Food Fair was held in tandem with the International Yoga Day celebrations in collaboration with Carbon Zero Initiative (CZITT) on World Environment Day.

Under India-Commonwealth Youth Cricket Coaching Camp (1- 30 October, 2019), three T&T (under-16) youth were sent to National Cricket Academy Bangalore for cricket coaching.

The High Commission of India hosted a ‘Know India Seminar’ in San Fernando on June 16 at the Chaguaramas Boardwalk.

5 students on November 15 2019.


An 8-member Mayurbhanj from Trinidad are studying Hindi at the Kendriya Chhau troupe sponsored by ICCR visited T&T from 28 Hindi Sansthan in academic year August 2019-May November - 5 December 2019 and gave performances 2020.

Hindi Day was celebrated where a programme across Trinidad.

‘Kala Sandhya’ was organized by the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation.

205 The Americas REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS CARICOM India’s relations with the Caribbean Community centres.
He also announced capacity building support (CARICOM) continued to be warm and friendly.

On through training and deputation of experts and visit of 25 September 2019, PM Shri Narendra Modi met 14 a Parliamentary delegation to India.

leaders from the CARICOM countries in New York on the sidelines of the UNGA, along with senior officials of the CARICOM Secretariat.

This is the first PM level interaction with the region.
During the meeting PM reiterated India’s firm commitment to strengthen its political, economic and cultural engagement with CARICOM and emphasized partnering with CARICOM countries in capacity building, development assistance and cooperation in disaster management and resilience.
While inviting CARICOM countries to join International Solar Alliance (ISA), PM announced US$ 14 million grant for the 14 CARICOM countries for quick impact community development projects and also a Line of Credit for US$ 150 million for solar energy and climate change-related projects.
PM also announced the setting up of a Regional Centre of Excellence in In 2019, India assisted CARICOM to upgrade the ICT infrastructure and associated software at CARICOM Secretariat in Guyana, and offices in Barbados and Jamaica by providing a grant assistance of US$ 2.4 million.

India also contributed US$ 1 million to Caribbean Development Fund to foster regional integration of CARICOM countries.

Five ITEC seats go to CARICOM Secretariat annually, independent of the slots provided to member States.
The second Special Training Programme for CARICOM Diplomats was conducted by FSI in New Delhi in August 2019.

Pharmaceutical regulatory authorities from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) participated in the International Regulators’ Meet organized by PHARMEXCIL from 19-20 Sept 2019 in IT in Georgetown, and Regional Vocational Training Hyderabad.
Centre in Belize by upgrading the existing India-funded MERCOSUR India and Mercosur (customs Union of Brazil, Argentina, discussions for expansion of India-MERCOSUR Paraguay and Uruguay) agreed to take forward Preferential Trade Agreement in September 2019.

206 Annual Report 2019-20 PACIFIC ALLIANCE India participated in the Observer States segment at the 14th Summit of the Pacific Alliance (PA) held in Lima on 5 July 2019.
India supported the ‘Declaration S&T Cooperation on Climate Change, Fisheries and Aquaculture from Ministry of Earth Sciences, Technical Cooperation on Use of Digital tools for development on the Sustainable Management of Plastics’ adopted of publishing sector from C-DAC under ITEC and by the Pacific Alliance.
India presented five offers of Scholarships for Masters Programme in Cultural cooperation in Innovation and Development, Access Management (from National Museum Institute) under to International Trade, Investment and SMEs from ITEC to PA member States.

Invest India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry; President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind during the Tete-a-Tete with the President of the Republic of Chile, H.E.
Mr. Sebastian Pinera at la Moneda Presidential Palace, Santiago in the Republic of Chile on April 1, 2019.

207 The Americas The India-CARICOM Leaders’ Meeting held in New York was an important occasion for us.

Hon’ble PM thanked the esteemed world leaders who joined the meeting.

India is eager to work with our friends in the Caribbean to build a better planet.
The Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Everard Gonsalves meeting the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on September 10, 2019.

Minister of States for External Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan had a productive meeting with H. E. Mr. Miguel Vargas, External Relations Minister of Dominican Republic during his visit to Dominican Republic in August 2019.

208 Annual Report 2019-20 9 SAARC, BIMSTEC & Nalanda SAARC External Affairs Minister (EAM) participated in the Meetings.
India was represented by Additional Secretary informal meeting of SAARC Council of Ministers held on the side-lines of 74th UNGA session in New York on 26 September 2019.

EAM conveyed that India attached from Ministry of Finance.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that India remains committed to promoting regional cooperation, connectivity and contacts but the great value to the prosperity of the neighbourhood way forward is possible only in an atmosphere that was under its ‘Neighbourhood First Policy”.

India stressed conducive to do so.


It was also highlighted that India on how the problems that beset SAARC were not just has already undertaken a number of positive steps a story of missed opportunities but also of deliberate and reduced the custom duties to zero percent under obstacles, terrorism being one of them and that SAFTA for all the LDCs for 99.7% tariff lines.
The 13th elimination of terrorism in all its forms is a precondition Informal Meeting of SAARC Finance Ministers took not only for fruitful cooperation, but also for the very survival of our region itself.

Fourteenth Informal Meeting of the SAARC Finance Ministers was held on 17 October 2019, Washington DC, USA.
This was the first time the informal meeting took place on the side-lines of World Bank Annual place in Nadi, Fiji on 2 May 2019 on the side-lines of the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank.

4th meeting of SAARC-ADB on the Regional Economic Integration took place at Kathmandu in June 2019.

Ministry of Commerce represented India during this meeting wherein it was reiterated that prioritized recommendations from the 1st Meeting of 210 SAARC-ADB have to be implemented.
Fourth Meeting South Asian University.

India is the largest contributor of the SAARC Agriculture Ministers meeting was held to the university and has underwritten its entire capital in Thimphu, Bhutan on 24-27 June 2019, and it was cost.

Construction of its permanent campus in New attended by our Ambassador in Thimphu.

Delhi is underway.
Delhi is underway.

The degrees conferred at the Award India has been steadfast in its commitment of sharing the fruits of technological advances with like-minded Ceremony of the South Asian University held on 3 June 2019 included Masters (151), MPhil (9) and PhD (17).

countries in its neighbourhood.


India’s unilateral SAARC Disaster Management Centre (Interim Unit), initiative of extending its National Knowledge Network Gandhinagar continues to operate, fully funded by to the countries of South Asia has been extended to India, and conducted workshops/training programmes Sri lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan.

PM inaugurated the involving SAARC member States in the areas of extension to Bhutan on 17 August 2019.
Extension to Regional Severe Weather and Flash Flood Hazard Early other participating SAARC countries is under progress.

India launched on 5th May 2017 from Sriharikota.

Demonstration terminals of the South Asia Satellite that Warning Mechanisms, Development of National and Local DRR Strategies, Utilization of Space based and Geo spatial Information in Disaster Risk Reduction, was launched by India in 2017 have been installed in and Post Disaster Needs Assessment.
94 participants handed over to Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan, Nepal, from SAARC countries have been trained in the above Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

During Prime Minister’s visit specified areas.

to Bhutan in 2019, he announced additional bandwidth on an extra transponder requested by Bhutan.

This too also been implemented.

As in the previous years, India continued its support to The 57th Session of the SAARC Programming Committee is scheduled to be held on 19-20 December 2019 in Kathmandu.
BIMSTEC The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectorial Chiefs was held in Bangkok on 20-22 March 2019.

Technical and Economic Cooperation fulfils India’s key India’s National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval led the foreign policy priorities of ‘Neighborhood First’ and delegation.

He highlighted the need for joint efforts to ‘Act East’.
The visit of BIMSTEC leaders to attend the deal with the menace of terrorism and added that the swearing-in ceremony of the government in May 2019 States that provide safe havens to terrorists and their symbolized the growing role and relevance of BIMSTEC organisations undermine the international community’s in the region.

The MoU for establishment of BIMSTEC fight against terrorism.
The following action points Grid Interconnectivity signed during the last BIMSTEC arising out of the Meeting of National Security Chiefs Summit has been adopted by all the Member States in were implemented: April 2019.

Action is underway for the implementation of various initiatives announced by PM in diverse sectors of security, disaster management, economy and trade, blue economy, agriculture, health, digital connectivity, promoting cultural and youth linkages.
Third Meeting of the BIMSTEC National Security Sardar Vallabhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad, trained 36 National Security Officers of BIMSTEC Countries on Cyber terrorism, Counter Terrorism, Cyber Security and Counter -transnational crimes.

211 BIMSTEC, SAARC AND Nalanda First Sub Group meeting on Countering Radicalization organised at NASC Complex, New Delhi from 11- and terrorism was held in 11 June 2019 in New Delhi.

13 December 2019.
13 December 2019.

Second Meeting of the track 1.5 BIMSTEC Security Dialogue Forum was held on 30-31 July 2019 in Dhaka (Bangladesh).

Indian delegation was headed by JS(NSCS).

The Maiden BIMSTEC Conclave of Ports was held in Visakhapatnam (India) on 7-8 November 2019.

The inaugural session was attended by the Minister of State for Shipping (Independent Charge) Chemicals and Fertilisers Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya.
Three MoUs have been signed between Rangong Port (Port Authority of Thailand) and the Port Trust of Chennai, Vishakhapatnam and Kolkata.

The Coastal Security Workshop for BIMSTEC Countries was held on 20-22 November 2019 by Indian Fusion Centre- Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) Gurugram, India.

The Second BIMSTEC Think Tanks Dialogue on Regional Security was held at VIF, New Delhi on 27-28, November 2019.
The Secretary General of BIMSTEC Ambassador M. Shahidul Islam attended the inaugural Session First workshop of Himalayan Science Council was held at National Centre for Polar and Oceanic Research, Goa from 5-6 December 2019 The following GoI Initiatives announced by the PM at the 4th BIMSTEC Summit held in Nepal in August 2018 have been implemented/planned: z The Preparatory Meeting for the 2nd BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise 2019 was held at Puri, Odisha on 14-15 November 2019 as precursor to the 2nd Disaster Management Exercise which is planned to be held in Puri in February 2020. z An International Seminar on Climate Smart Farming Systems for BIMSTEC Member States has been z A four-day capacity building workshop on Risk Informed Urban Planning has been scheduled to be held at Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (GIDM) from 17-20 December 2019. z 24 PG scholarships were approved for BIMSTEC Countries in the Nalanda University.
7 Students have been admitted in the first phase.

The following GoI initiatives are being planned for implementation in the early part of 2020: z A two week short term course at NESAC (North Eastern Space Application Centre), Shillong is being planned for 24 researchers/students/professionals in each course in the area of space and remote sensing support programme.
z Training for BIMSTEC Diplomats at Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi is being planned to be held from 3-15 February 2020. z Hackathon for Youth from BIMSTEC countries on Blue Economy is planned to be held at Pune in May 2020.

First BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture (1st BAMM) preceded by the First BIMSTEC Senior Officials’ Meeting on Agriculture (1st SOM-A) was held on 11-12 July 2019 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar which was attended by the Minister of State Shri Purshottam Rupala.
India announced 6 Post Graduate and 6 PhD scholarships, for BIMSTEC students in Agriculture Sector.

Eleventh Meeting of the BIMSTEC Sub- Group on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (SGAML-CFT) was held in Bangkok, Thailand on 2-5 September 2019.

Second Meeting of the BIMSTEC Working Group on Trade Facilitation was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 29-30 September 2019.
The Fourth Meeting of the BIMSTEC Network of National Centres on Coordination in 212 Annual Report 2019-20 Traditional Medicine (BNNCCTM) was held on 16-17 with the framing institutional procedures/mechanisms June 2019 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

and coordinating joint activities, including financial BIMSTEC Master Plan on Transport Connectivity is likely to be finalized and signed in 2020 subsequent to the third BIMSTEC Working Group Meeting on Transport Connectivity which will be held during early 2020.
BIMSTEC was given further momentum by the convening of the 1st and 2nd BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee (BPWC) that was created on the directions of the BIMSTEC Leaders at the 4th BIMSTEC Summit to serve as the coordinating body and tasked and administrative matters under BIMSTEC.

BPWC Meetings that took place in Colombo in January and October 2019 carried forward the process of providing a future road-map for intensifying regional cooperation in diverse sectors in a result-oriented manner.
Detailed deliberations on important subjects crucial for the institutional strengthening of BIMSTEC framework took place, such as on BIMSTEC Charter, Rationalization of Sectors, Template MoA for establishment of BIMSTEC centres/entities, MoU between BIMSTEC and Asian Development Bank etc.

NALANDA UNIVERSITY The Nalanda University Act 2010 established the academic audit by international experts.

The university university and the teaching began in 2014.
As per the is in the process of setting up three Global Centres viz.

Act, it is an international institution, which has also (i) on the Bay of Bengal Studies, (ii) Common Archival been declared as an institution of national importance.

Resource Centre and (iii) Centre for Conflict-Resolution Nalanda has made steady progress both in terms of and Peace Studies.

the physical structure of the campus as well as the academic programmes.
The pace of construction project has accelerated from 0.3% in May 2017 to nearly 60% today.

Starting out with 2 schools of study with 12 Masters and PhD level students, the university today has grown to 5 schools of study and 96 students, including 56 students from 12 countries.

20% of faculty is now from abroad.

Short courses that started in September 2018 continued through 2019, in languages such as Sanskrit, English and Korean.

A total of 488 such students have been trained.


The academic architecture being developed includes innovative programmes, such those focusing on sustainable As part of India’s Act East Policy, the Ministry working to build the university as a world class institution, including by facilitating its international links.

Nalanda has also been nominated as nodal university to anchor the India-ASEAN Network of Universities to work out a roadmap for linkages aimed at collaborative activities.
As regards the Net-Zero & Green Campus Development, a Net-Zero Campus Steering Committee comprising of various Regulatory Bodies of Government of India to advise and assist in building the campus has been instituted.

The key sustainability features include net zero energy, net zero water, net zero waste and net development, aimed at making the courses relevant to zero emission the present times.
Systems have been put in place for 213 BIMSTEC, SAARC AND Nalanda 10 INDO-PACIFIC Given the increasing salience of the Indo-Pacific In this light, the year 2019 witnessed intensification of concept in global discourse, the Ministry of External India’s engagement with various Indo-Pacific frameworks Affairs established a new Division for the Indo-Pacific including, inter alia, Association of South East Asian in April 2019.
The purpose for doing so was two-fold: Nations (ASEAN), East Asia Summit (EAS), Indian Ocean to help consolidate India’s vision of the Indo-Pacific Rim Association (IORA), Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), across Government of India, in line with the elements Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC); we also agreed to set out by the Prime Minister of India in June 2018, join the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic and to provide substantive policy elements and Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) as a Development programmes to that vision.
Partner in July 2019.

India’s Vision focuses on a free, open, inclusive and India’s engagement with South East Asian region rules-based Indo-Pacific.
India emphasizes respect for of which Association of South East Asian Nations sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations in the (ASEAN) was its primary component, is governed by region, equality of all nations, peaceful resolution of Act East Policy (AEP), announced by PM Shri Narendra disputes, avoidance of use or threat of use of force and Modi in November 2014 in Myanmar.

Key elements adherence to international laws, rules and regulations.
of AEP are to promote economic cooperation, cultural India’s objective is a multi-faceted engagement with all ties and develop strategic relationship with countries in countries in the region and those with interests in it, Indo-Pacific region through continuous engagement at encompassing political, security, economic, and socio- bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.
Towards this cultural spheres, aimed at Security And Growth for All end, in 2019, PM had met Prime Ministers of Australia, in the Region (SAGAR).

Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam 214 and President of Indonesia.

Our President had State visit India Maritime Dialogue and ASEAN-India Maritime to Philippines in November 2019, while Vice-President Cooperation Network were circulated.

visited Vietnam in May 2019.


External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S Jaishankar and Minister of State (MOS) for External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan had met all ASEAN Foreign Ministers, except Cambodia and Laos.

Structured mechanisms meetings like Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) and Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) were held this year with Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand.
India’s relations with Pacific Island Countries (PIC) received a shot in the arm with the historic India-Pacific Islands Developing States (PSIDS) Leaders’ Meeting, held on 24th September 2019 in New York on the sidelines of 74th UNGA.

2019 marked the year when ASEAN formulated its Outlook towards Indo-Pacific on 23 June 2019, as a response to Indo-Pacific concept.
The end of the year marked the 35th ASEAN/14th East Asia Summit (EAS)/16th India-ASEAN Summit from 2-4 November 2019 in Bangkok where PM interacted with ASEAN Leaders and announced the India Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) during EAS.
External Affairs Minister participated in the ASEAN- India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Bangkok on 1 August 2019 wherein he announced an increase in the number of scholarships available from 6 to 20 to students from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam for graduate programmes at Nalanda University and also opened it to all ASEAN Member States.
Pursuant to the announcement by the Prime Minister at the 25th Anniversary ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit in New Delhi on 25 January 2018 of offering upto 1000 integrated PhD fellowships for ASEAN students at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), External Affairs Minister and Minister of Human Resource Development formally launched the fellowship programme at a ceremony at the Ministry of External Affairs on 16 September 2019.

The first batch of ASEAN students will be admitted in January 2020.
With a total budget outlay of INR 300 crore, the fellowship programme is the single-largest capacity development initiative of India in its partnership with Association of South East Asian Nations ASEAN.

(ASEAN) Engagement with ASEAN has been, and will remain, a critical element of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and strategy; Acting East is now a central element in India’s Indo- Pacific Outlook.
The 21st ASEAN-India Senior Officials’ Meeting was held on 12 April 2019 in New Delhi where Senior Officials from all ten ASEAN countries and India reviewed progress on various activities under the ASEAN-India Cooperation Framework.
Concept Papers of 3rd ASEAN-India Workshop on Blue Economy, 3rd International Conference on ASEAN- India Cultural and Civilizational Linkages, ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting and Conference on Renewable Energy, ASEAN-India Financial Dialogue, ASEAN- The 3rd ASEAN-India Workshop on Blue Economy was organized in Bangkok on 12 September 2019; experts from India and ASEAN Member States discussed developments in blue economy, sustainable harnessing of marine resources, maritime connectivity and maritime safety.
The first ASEAN-India Track 1.5 Dialogue on Cyber Issues was organized in New Delhi on 14 October 2019 by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with Observer Research Foundation (ORF) with participation of government representatives and cyber experts from ASEAN Member States and India.
The dialogue, organized pursuant to fulfil India’s commitment at the 25th ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit in Delhi in January 2018, facilitated discussions on data protection 215 THE INDO-PACIFIC and privacy, human rights & emerging technologies, regulations & digital economy, the Industrial Revolution 4.0, the geopolitics of 5G and global norms for premier ASEAN-related Track 1.5 policy event, was organized consecutively with the 6th edition of the Indian Ocean Dialogue on 13 and 14 December 2019. cyberspace and cyber-security.
Prime Minister led the Indian delegation to attend the 16th ASEAN-India Summit in Bangkok on 3 November 2019.

During the Summit, Prime Minister announced Rs 50 million annual endowment for ASEAN-India University Network projects and 50 scholarships for ASEAN agricultural scientists and technicians at Indian Agricultural Universities.

He also proposed to hold an ASEAN-India Hackathon and Start-up Festival in 2020.
In partnership with Telecom Regulatory Authority of For the first time, these two Track 1.5 dialogues—which are key elements of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the India-ASEAN calendars respectively— were held consecutively, and on similar, Indo-Pacific themes.
The 6th Indian Ocean Dialogue, organized with the assistance of the Indian Council for World Affairs, focussed on the theme “Indo-Pacific: Re-imagining the Indian Ocean through an Expanded Geography” while Delhi Dialogue XI organized with the assistance of the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) focussed on the theme “Advancing India (TRAI), a five-day Conference on ‘Capacity Building Partnership in Indo-Pacific”.
and Sharing of Best Practices in Policy, Regulation and Development’ was organized for telecom regulators East Asia Summit (EAS) from ASEAN Member States from 18-22November, 2019 in New Delhi The 11th edition of Delhi Dialogue (DD XI) – India’s External Affairs Minister led the Indian delegation at the East Asia Summit Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok on 2 August 2019 wherein he welcomed ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
Ministerial Keynote Session Delhi Dialogue (13 December, 2019) 216 Annual Report 2019-20 The 14th East Asia Summit was held in Bangkok on 4 November 2019; the Indian delegation was led by Prime workplan for activities to be undertaken by IORA in the field of Maritime Safety and Security was finalized at Minister.

Apart from putting forward India’s position on this Working Group Meeting.
global issues such as South China Sea, Korean Peninsula, Rakhine State and terrorism and violent extremism, Prime Minister announced an Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative aimed at forging partnerships to create a safe, secure, stable, prosperous and sustainable maritime domain.

He further announced that India would be holding the fourth EAS Conference on Maritime Security and Cooperation on 6 & 7 February 2020 in Chennai.
Prime Minister also announced holding a seminar on Conservation of Migratory Wildlife Species and an event on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in 2020.

Minister of State for External Affairs led a delegation to Abu Dhabi, UAE to participate in the 19th Meeting of IORA Council of Ministers on 7 November, 2019.

India launched the first edition of IORA HADR Guidelines Booklet at the meeting.

A contribution of USD 1 million was made by India to the IORA Special Fund.
As part of its IORA commitments, India hosted 17 foreign delegates for a two-day capacity building exercise on 28 & 29 November 2019 in Kochi.

The exercise called Somalia Yemen Development Programme was targeted at the fisheries experts and policy makers from Somalia and Yemen, to assist them to enhance skills in artisanal Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) fisheries.
The IORA Strategic Planning Workshop took place in Mauritius on 9-11 April 2019, where aspects of IORA reforms and institutional strengthening of the organization were discussed by Senior Officials from the IORA countries.

India participated in the 19th IORA Bi-Annual meeting of Committee of Senior Officials on 19 & 20 June 2019 in Durban, South Africa.
This mid-year stock taking of IORA activities was preceded by the hosting of Indian India hosted the 6th Indian Ocean Dialogue on 13 December 2019 in New Delhi.

The event was attended by delegates from all the IORA countries, its Dialogue Partners and other stakeholders.

The event was preceded by the 25th Meeting of Indian Ocean Rim Academic Group and the First Expert Group Meeting on Academic Science and Technology Cooperation of IORA on 12 December 2019.
Ocean Rim Business Forum on 17 & 18 June 2019 and Asia – Europe Meeting (ASEM) the Working Group meeting on Trade and Investment on 18 June 2019.

As part of IORA Disaster Risk Management Cooperation, India hosted delegates from IORA member countries at India’s 4th Annual HADR Exercise on 2-4 August 2019 in Chennai.

Delegates from Bangladesh, Kenya, Somalia, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Australia, Singapore and ASEAN Secretariat participated in the exercise.
India participated in the First Meeting of IORA Working Group on Maritime Security and Safety, hosted by Sri Lanka in Colombo on 8 & 9 August 2019.

The two-year Minister of State for External Affairs led a delegation to Madrid, Spain on 15 & 16 December 2019 to attend the 14th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM).

The meeting prepared ground for the 2020 ASEM Summit in Cambodia.
The Foreign Minister came out with a wide-ranging statement covering political, economical and people-to-people relations of Asia and Europe.

India hosted for the fifth time a one-week training course for ASEM diplomats on 14-21 October 2019 in New Delhi.

Diplomats from 20 ASEM countries participated in this course.
217 THE INDO-PACIFIC Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) 11th MGC Senior Officials’ Meeting (11th MGC SOM) was held in New Delhi on 9 July 2019 where Senior Officials from India, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam reviewed the progress made in various initiatives under MGC cooperation.

External Affairs Minister led the Indian delegation at the 10th MGC Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok on 1 August 2019.
The Ministers adopted the MGC Plan of Action (2019-2022) and decided to celebrate the year 2020 as the 20th anniversary of MGC in a befitting manner by organizing a host of activities including an MGC Conference on Heritage Conservation Techniques at the MGC Asian Traditional Textile Museum at Siem commitment made under MGC plan of action 2019- 22.

Twenty-fourTCM practitioners and regulators from Mekong countries participated in the Workshop.
Both sides exchanged information on regulatory and best practices and discussed a host of possibilities for bilateral cooperation and strengthening of traditional medicine system.

During the 16th ASEAN-India Summit in Bangkok on 3 November 2019, Prime Minister proposed a first MGC Commemorative Summit on the margins of ASEAN Summits in Hanoi to mark the 20th anniversary of MGC in the year 2020.
Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Reap, Cambodia; an MGC cultural event showcasing Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) music, visual and performing arts in 2020 and joint inauguration of a Quick Impact Project (QIP) in Vietnam during the MGC Ministerial Meeting in 2020.
A Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Workshop on Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) was held on 22-25 October 2019 in New Delhi in collaboration with Ministry of AYUSH as a part of India’s India joined ACMECS as a Development Partner along with Australia, China, Japan, Republic of Korea and USA.
India looks forward to identifying suitable projects from ACMECS Priority Projects drawing on the USD 1 billion Line of Credit announced by the Prime Minister at the ASEAN-India Summit in Kuala Lumpur in November 2015 for connectivity and digital infrastructure in the ASEAN region.
218 Annual Report 2019-20 11 UNITED NATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS 74TH SESSION OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY The 74th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and youth, enhanced multi-stakeholder partnerships kicked off on 17 September 2019.

The theme of the in promoting international peace and security, in 74th session was “Galvanizing multilateral efforts for particular, conflict prevention continue to receive poverty eradication, quality education, climate action special attention.
and inclusion”.Since the beginning of the new session, efforts in the various committees of the UN have been targeted at promoting partnerships for advancing the achievement of the SDGs, in particular Goals 1, 2 and 4 on poverty eradication, zero hunger and quality education, respectively.

Accentuating inclusion, promotion of human rights, empowerment of women Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led the Indian delegation to the High-Level Segment of the UNGA from 22-27 September 2019.
He was accompanied by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of State for External Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan and other senior officials.
On 23 September 2019, Prime 220 Minister Modi started his UNGA engagements by and Fitness and setting up of more than 125,000 participating in three high-level meetings – Climate wellness centers have helped to promote preventive Action Summit, High-Level Meeting on Universal Health healthcare, helping in controlling lifestyle diseases such Coverage, and the Leaders’ Dialogue on Strategic as diabetes, blood pressure, depression etc.

Banning Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narratives.
of e-cigarettes, greater awareness through Clean UN Secretary-General António Guterres convened the UN Climate Action Summit under the theme “A Race We Can Win.

A Race We Must Win,” to mobilize political and business capital at the highest levels to advance climate action that will enable implementation of many of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Prime Minister Modi in his keynote address at the Summit called for a comprehensive approach to tackle climate change.
He talked about the need for a new development philosophy and called for a global people’s movement to bring about behavioral change.

He highlighted India’s pragmatic approach to address Climate Change through enhanced use of cleaner sources of energy including deployment of 450 GW of solar energy, increased blending of biofuels with petrol and diesel.
He spoke about India’s initiative of providing clean cooking gas to 150 million poor households, launching of a $50 billion water conservation initiative and decision to eliminate single-use plastic.

Prime Minister Modi also announced the launch of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the initiative of the “Leadership Group”, an outcome of the Industry- Transition Track that India co-led with Sweden as part of the Climate Action Summit.
The Leadership Group would facilitate greater cooperation between government and industry in the area of innovation and development of low carbon systems.

At the high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage, Prime Minister said that India has taken a holistic approach towards this subject and is working on the four main pillars of healthcare: preventive healthcare, affordable Healthcare, improvements on the supply side and implementation in mission mode.
Prime Minister said that special emphasis on Yoga, Ayurveda India campaign and immunization campaigns have also contributed to health promotion.

Prime Minister said that to ensure affordable healthcare, India rolled out the world’s largest health insurance scheme – Aayushman Bharat, under which 500 million poor have been given the facility of free treatment worth up to 500,000 rupees annually (more than USD$7000).
He also mentioned a number of historic steps taken by India to ensure quality medical education and medical infrastructure development.

Prime Minister also spoke about the role of National Nutrition Mission in improving nutritional status of mother and child.

He highlighted India’s commitment to eliminate Tuberculosis by 2025, five years ahead of the global goal of 2030.
India-PSIDS The India-Pacific Islands Developing States (PSIDS) Leaders’ Meeting was held on 24th September 2019 in New York on the sidelines of the 74th UNGA.

The meeting was attended by the Heads of delegation of Fiji, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Nauru, Republic of Palau, Independent State of Papua New Guinea, The Independent State of Samoa, Solomon Islands, Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu and Republic of Vanuatu.
This is the first time that Prime Minister Modi met the leaders of the PSIDS on the margins of UNGA in plurilateral format.

PM Modi announced allocation of US$ 12 million grant (US$ 1 million to each PSIDS) towards implementation of high impact developmental project in the area of their choice.

In addition, a concessional Line of Credit of US$150 Million which can be availed by the PSIDS for undertaking solar, renewable energy and climate related projects based on each country’s requirement was announced.
221 UNITED NATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS India-CARICOM The first-ever meeting of Prime Minister of India with CARICOM leaders in a regional format, took place on 25 September 2019 in New York.

The meeting was attended by heads of delegation of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Haiti and Guyana.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized on partnering with CARICOM countries in the areas of capacity-building, development assistance and cooperation in disaster management and resilience.

He invited the CARICOM countries to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Ms.JacindaArdern.

Participating dignitaries paid rich tributes to Gandhian thought and ideals and the influence it had on their lives.
The event was attended by over 550 dignitaries, diplomats, UN officials and the diaspora community.

On the occasion, the leaders jointly inaugurated the Gandhi Solar Park that was commissioned on the roof of the UN Headquarters.

The project consisting of 193 solar panels, symbolic of the 193-member states of the United Nations, was executed by the UN at a cost of US$1 million.

A special postage stamp on Mahatma Gandhiwas also released on the occasion.

Economic and Social Issues (CDRI) initiatives.


He also announced a US$14 million The 52nd Commission on Population and Development grant for community development projects in the was held on 1 to 5 April, 2019.

A political declaration CARICOM and another US$150 million Line of Credit was adopted reaffirming the commitment undertaken for solar, renewable energy and climate- change 25 years ago, at the International Conference on related projects.
He also announced the setting up of a Population and Development held in 1994 in Cairo.

Regional Center for Excellence in Information Technology Mission co-sponsored and participated in the High- in Georgetown, Guyana and a Regional Vocational Level World Autism Awareness Day Event on “Autism: Training Center in Belize by upgrading the existing India- Nurturing Care Framework and Family-centered funded centers in these countries.

It was decided to set Care”on April 3, 2019.


The ECOSOC Youth Forum was up a Joint Task Force between India and CARICOM to held on 8-9 April 2019 which provided a platform for expeditiously look into possible areas of cooperation young people from around the world to share ideas and identify the way forward.

on how to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th Birth Anniversary at the UN A special event titled, “Enabling Women’s Economic Empowerment: Role of Laws & Policies”, was organized On 24th September 2019, on the sidelines of the 74th by the Mission to commemorate the 128th Birth UNGA in New York, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Anniversary of Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkarat the UN on hosted a high-level event titled, “Leadership Matters: April 12, 2019.
The 10th Session of the UN General Relevance of Mahatma Gandhi in the Contemporary Assembly’s Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing World” to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma was held from 15 to 18 April 2019.

A delegation from Gandhi.

The event was attended by the Secretary National Human Rights Commission of India, headed by General of the UN Mr. Antonio Guterres, President of Justice Shri H.L.

Dattu, Chairperson participated in the the Republic of Korea Mr.
Moon Jae-in, Prime Minister meeting in its independent capacity as national human of Singapore Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of rights institution (NHRI).
The discussions focused on Bangladesh Ms. Sheikh Hasina, PM of Jamaica Mr. exchange of best practices from different Member Andrew Holness and Prime Minister of New Zealand States regarding ways to provide social protection, 222 Annual Report 2019-20 investment in human capital through education and (UN-GGIM) was held at the UN Headquarters from training for older persons, and to facilitate healthy 7-9 August 2019.

Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Chair, UN-GGIM ageing.


On 17 April 2019, in the sidelines of ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development (FfD Forum), Mission co- sponsored and participated in the event, “Sustainable Private Sector Network and President, Association of Geospatial Industries and Dr. Kumar Navulur, President, Digital Global Foundation were among the keynote speakers at the GGIM.

Financing for Universal Health Coverage”.


The 12th UN Deputy Secretary General Ms. Amina Mohammad Conference of State Parties to the Convention on visited India in September, 2019 to participate in the the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on the 14th Conference of Parties (CoP14) of the United theme “Ensuring inclusion of persons with disabilities Nation Convention to Combat Desertification which was in a changing world through the implementation of the held in Delhi, from 2-13 September, 2019.
On 25th CRPD” was held on June 10 to 13, 2019.

Ms. Shakuntala September 2019, the National Disaster Management Gamlin, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Authority (NDMA) in association with the UN Office Persons with Disabilities headed the Indian delegation.
for Disaster Risk Reduction organized a side event In her national statement, Ms. Gamlin highlighted titled, “Resilient Infrastructure: Key to the Success of the India’s progress in the implementation of the Convention through the landmark Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act which came into effect in 2017, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” at the UN Headquarters.

Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Ms.Mami and other policies and programmes.
Mizutori, Special Representative of the UN Secretary On the margins of the 12th CRPD, two side-events were organized by the Mission.

One was on ‘Ensuring General for Disaster Risk Reduction were the keynote speakers at the event.
Access to Community Based Mental Health Services for On 24 and 25 September 2019, Heads of State and People with Psychosocial Disabilities’ in collaboration Government gathered at the UN Headquarters in with Permanent Mission of Israel and ENOSH (Israeli New York to follow up and comprehensively review Metal Health Association) and ‘A Critical Friend: progress in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda The Importance of Civil Society Engagement with for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Government on Disability’ with the Permanent Mission Development Goals (SDGs).
The event was the first UN of Ireland.

In July 2019, a delegation form NITI Aayog led by Vice Chairman Dr. Rajiv Kumar participated in the High- Level Political Forum (HLPF) on SDGs.

On the sidelines of the HLPF, a side event entitled “From Commitment to Achievement: India’s Experience in Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals” was organized on 16 July, 2019.
UNDP Administrator Mr. Achim Steiner was the Chief Guest and a report on “Localizing SDGs: Early Lessons from India, 2019” was also released at the summit on the SDGs since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda in September 2015.

The SDG Summit resulted in the adoption of the Political Declaration, “Gearing up for a decade of action and delivery for sustainable development”.

World leaders called for a decade of action to deliver the SDGs by 2030 and announced actions they are taking to advance the agenda.
The General Assembly endorsed the Political Declaration on 15 October 2019.

More than 100 acceleration actions have been announced.

occasion.
occasion.

The 9th session of the UN Committee of On 27 September 2019, the Permanent Mission of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management India along with Mission of Netherlands co-hosted a 223 UNITED NATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS side event titled, ‘Good Servant, Poor Master: Capturing delegations took note of the work undertaken by the the Promise and Managing the Risk of Financial technology institutions established under the Convention, namely, for a Sustainable World’.
India made a voluntary the Commission on the Limits of the Continental contribution of US$1 million to the UN Special Shelf, the International Seabed Authority, and The Purpose Trust Fund for the new Resident Coordinator International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.

System which came into effect from 1 January 2019.

On 19 November 2019, India joined Singapore and Nigeria in organizing a side event to mark the World Toilet Day.
The Comprehensive High-level Midterm Review of the Implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing States (LLDCs) took place from 5-6 December 2019 in New York.

India actively participated in the deliberations which resulted in a political declaration.
India had earlier this year contributed US$250,000 to the Office of the High Representative for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDs (OHRLLS) India participated in the 25th session of the International Seabed Authority in Kingston which considered models for a financial payment system; draft regulations on deep-seabed mining; contractors’ non-compliance issues; the possible operationalization of the Enterprise; strategic plan for 2019-2023; annual report of the SG; and the proposed budget for 2019- 2020.
Other meetings relating to the Oceans and for hosting of the mid-term review.
the Law of the Sea included Law of the Sea India participated in the first and second sessions of the Intergovernmental Conference (BBNJ) convened under resolution 72/249, from 25 March to 5 April 2019 and 19 to 30 August 2019, and the substantive discussions which addressed issues such as the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, in particular, together and as a whole, marine genetic resources, including questions on the sharing of benefits, measures such as area-based management tools, marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and capacity- building and the transfer of marine technology.
The President of the Conference will produce, as part of the preparations for the fourth session of the Conference, a document with the aim of facilitating focused z 20th Meeting of the UN Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea on “Ocean Science and the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development”, from 10 to 14 June 2019; z 12th meeting of the Ad Hoc Working Group of the Whole on the Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, including Socioeconomic Aspects convened pursuant to paragraph 330 of General Assembly resolution 72/73 from 29 and 30 August 2019; z 51st Session of the CLCS from 14 to 18 October 2019 - India made an updated presentation relating to the partial submission for consideration pursuant to Article 76 (8) of the UNCLOS before discussions and text-based negotiations, containing the Sub-commission; treaty language and reflecting options concerning the four elements of the package.
z The Indian delegation contributed actively to the deliberations at the informal consultations India also participated in the 29th Meeting of the States on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (Omnibus) Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law resolution during 1-4 October 2019; of the Sea (1982) held from 17 to 19 June 2019.
The 224 Annual Report 2019-20 India actively participated in the informal consultations Taxes and Customs (CBIC), was elected to the post on Implementation of Sustainable Fisheries Resolutions of Director (Compliance & Facilitation) at the World on impact of bottom fishing on vulnerable marine Customs Organization, for the term 2020-25.

The ecosystems and the long-term sustainability of deep- elections were held in Brussels in June 2019. sea fish stocks from 14-19 November 2019.
United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) The Indian delegation in New York actively participated in UNCITRAL Working Group III (Investor-State Dispute Settlement Reform) from 1-5 April 2019, Working UN-Habitat First UN-Habitat Assembly was held in May 2019, in Nairobi, Kenya, during which India was elected to the 36-member Executive Board.

First meeting of the Executive Board was also held during the Assembly.
Group IV (Electronic Commerce) from 8-12 April 2019, South Centre Working Group V (Insolvency Law) from 28-31 May 2019 and Working Group VI (Judicial Sale of Ships) from 13 to 17 May 2019.

In the 20th Meeting of Council of Representatives of the South Centre that took place in Geneva in April 2019, Ambassador (Retd.)

Ajit Kumar was elected by consensus amongst all member states as the Convenor International Civil Aviation Organization of the Governing Council for a term of 3 years.
India was re-elected to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the term 2019- 2022, at the elections held during the 40thGeneral in Montreal, Canada, on 28 Assembly of ICAO September 2019. International Maritime Organization India was re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under Category ‘B’ for the biennium 2020-21 at the 31st Session of the Assembly of the IMO in London on 29 November, 2019. International Narcotics Control Board Ambassador Kumar had been serving as the Vice- Convener of the Council until his election.
UN Human Rights Council (HRC) India started first year of its three-year term to the Human Rights Council in 2019.

It continued its engagement and participation in, inter-alia, sessions of the Human Rights Council (HRC), annual forum meetings, intergovernmental working group proceedings, and human rights Treaty Bodies reporting process.

High level engagement continued with the High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Michelle Bachelet on various human rights issues.
Ms. Jagjit Pavadia of India was re-elected to the India co-sponsored one side event on Leprosy International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for highlighting stigma and discrimination during the June the term 2020-2025.

At the election held in the UN 2019 Session of the HRC.
India as one of the main Headquarters, New York, on 7 May 2019, Ms. Pavadia sponsors, tabled the resolution on ‘Access to medicines secured the highest number of votes (44/54) among and vaccines’ in the context of the right of everyone the 15 candidates running for the 5 seats.

to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard World Customs Organization Shri P.K.

Das, Chairman, Central Board of Indirect of physical and mental health.
India also co-sponsored 10 resolutions namely the resolutions on ‘Elimination of discrimination against women and girls in sport’, 225 UNITED NATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS ‘Thirtieth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights The Permanent Mission organized an event in the UN of the Child’, ‘the right of everyone to the enjoyment General Assembly Hall in Geneva ‘Dr.
Francis Gurry, of the highest attainable standard of physical and Director General WIPO and Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, mental health’, ‘Marking the 25th anniversary of the Chief Scientist, WHO in conversation with Sadhguru’ Beijing Declaration and programme of action (Beijing on 27 June 2019 to mark the International Day of Yoga.
+25)’, ‘Promoting international cooperation to support National Mechanisms for Implementation’, ‘Reporting and Follow-up of Recommendations’, ‘Human rights and climate change’ and ‘New and Emerging Digital Technologies and Human Rights’.

On behalf of Non- Aligned Movement (NAM), India was the main sponsor international for resolutions on cooperation in the field of human rights’ and the ‘Right ‘Enhancement of to Development’.
India also joined Joint Statements on various human rights issues particularly on ‘emerging technologies’ and ‘death penalty’ among others as well as those delivered by NAM.

India continued its participation in the ongoing Third Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review Process where interventions on 39 Member States out of 42 that were reviewed in 2019 were made.
The initial report of India on its implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was reviewed by the Committee on CRPD in September 2019.

Secretary (West) Shri A. Gitesh Sarma visited Geneva on 1-2 April 2019 and met the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Michelle Bachelet and Executive Director of South Centre Dr. Carlos Correa.

Secretary (East) Smt.

Vijay Thakur Singh led the Indian delegation to the 42nd HRC session in September 2019.
She met the High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Michelle Bachelet.

The Permanent Mission of India in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Germany organized an event titled ‘Children in the digital age- championing children’s issues in international fora’ on 18 November 2019 to mark 30 years of the Convention on Child Rights.
International Labour Organization (ILO) The Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, led the delegation to the 108th Centenary Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), held in Geneva from 10-21 June, 2019.

Prominent Employer and Worker Groups representatives from India also attended the ILC.
On the sidelines, the Minister participated as a keynote speaker in the ILO high-level centenary event ‘Together for a brighter future without child labour’ held to commemorate the world day against child labour.
Throughout the year, India participated in the deliberations of various ILO technical committees and expert level meetings including the 5th meeting of the Standards Review Mechanism Tripartite Working Group (SRM-TWG), the Meeting of Experts to Adopt Guidelines on the Promotion of Decent Work and Road Safety in the Transport Sector and the Global Dialogue Forum on Decent Work in the World of Sport.
India actively participated in the 335th, 336th and 337th Sessions of the Governing Body (GB) of ILO held in March, June and October-November 2019 respectively.
India remained engaged in the ongoing reform process in the ILO including those related to its Governance structures, the review of ILO Supervisory Mechanisms and the Standard Review Mechanism as part of ILO’s centenary (year 2019) initiatives and the final outcome documents, namely the Centenary Declaration and the Convention and Recommendation concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work.
226 Annual Report 2019-20 Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/ sessions of its Council held in June and November AIDS (UNAIDS) India played an active role in Programme Coordination Board (PCB) selection of a new Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and in its meetings focusing on the issue of governance reforms which was also included in the 2019 respectively.
This year was critical for the operationalization of the two global compacts for Refugees and Migrants that were adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2018 and India remained actively involved in the process through its engagement in the UNHCR and IOM.

biennial ECOSOC resolution on UNAIDS.


India, being India continued to take part in the Colombo Process and the endorsed candidate from the Asia-Pacific Group, other Regional Consultative Processes on Migration to got elected to the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating shape the regional agendas.

Board (PCB) for the term 2020-2022 by acclamation.


World Health Organisation (WHO) The 72nd World Health Assembly (WHA) session took place in Geneva from 20-28 May 2019 in which India participated actively and shaped key resolutions and decisions.

The 72nd WHA appointed the Comptroller & Auditor General of India as the external auditor of WHO for the four-year period 2020-23.
On the eve of the 72nd WHA, the health delegation participated in the 31st Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting with the theme of “Universal Health Coverage: Reaching the unreached, ensuring no one is left behind” in Geneva on 19 May 2019.
The 3rd World Conference on Access to Medical Products - Achieving the SDGs 2030’ was held at New India also remained actively engaged with the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) as a member of its Steering Group and participated in the Steering Committee and Friends of the forum meetings held during the year.
World Intellectual Property Organisation India’s relations with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) continued to progress further in 2019.In June 2019, India acceded to three more WIPO governed treaties namely, (i) The Nice Agreement concerning the International classification of Goods and Services for the purposes of registration of marks, (ii) The Vienna Agreement establishing an International Classification of the figurative elements of marks, and (iii) The Locarno Agreement establishing an International Delhi on 19-21 November 2019.
The Conference was classification for industrial designs.

The 2019 launch of organized by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare the Report of the Global Innovation Index, a flagship (MoHFW), Government of India with the support of the event of WIPO took place in New Delhi in July 2019.

World Health Organization.

India has taken leadership This was the first time that the report was being on this issue and hosted the previous two versions of launched in a developing country since its inception.
this annual conference.

Migrants and Refugees India’s global ranking further improved in the GII to 52 this year, a jump of 29 places since 2015.

India actively participated in various meetings of the UNCTAD UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as a India continued to engage actively and constructively member of its Executive and Standing Committees as in all UNCTAD meetings in 2019.
Permanent well as of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), most notably the 2nd Special and 110th Annual Representative of India to the UN in Geneva gave a presentation on the India-UN Development Fund 227 UNITED NATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS during the meeting on Financing for Development United Nations System for Disaster Risk which was well received and appreciated by member states and other stakeholders.
India was among the top 10 FDI inflow destinations in both 2017 and 2018, as per the UNCTAD Investment Report 2019.

Inter-Parliamentary Union The delegation of India was led by Hon.

Lok Sabha Speaker during the 141st Session of the IPU held in Belgrade from 13-17 October 2019.

During IPU- 141, for the first time in the IPU General Assembly, an emergency item proposed by India on the theme ‘Addressing Climate Change’ was unanimously adopted by all member states of IPU.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) The World Summit on the Information Society Reduction (UNDRR) The fourth World Reconstruction Conference (WRC4) themed as “Inclusion for Resilient Recovery” was held in Geneva, from 13-14, May, 2019.

The Conference sought to promote inclusion in disaster recovery and reconstruction processes.
Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2019 The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2019) organised by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction took place in Geneva, from 13-17 May 2019.

The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction is a biennial multi-stakeholder forum to review progress in reducing disaster risk.

(WSIS) Forum was held in Geneva, from 8-12 April An Indian delegation led by Dr. P.K.

Mishra, Additional 2019.


The theme of the event was “Information Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister participated in and Communication Technologies for achieving the the event.

A meeting was organized along with UNDRR Sustainable Development Goals”.

on “Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure An Indian delegation led by Hon’ble Shri.

Justice (CDRI)”.

Shiva Kirti Singh, Chairperson, Telecom Disputes Dr. P.K.
Mishra was also given the prestigious “United Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), Ministry Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction of Communications, Govt.

of India participated in 2019”, in recognition of his initiatives to improve the the event.
The Forum provided an opportunity for resilience of communities most exposed to floods and information exchange, sharing of best practices drought and for his personal commitment to social and identified evolving trends in Information and inclusion.

Knowledge Societies.

Food and Agriculture Organization World Meteorological Organization (WMO) India continues to participate in Food and Agriculture The 18th session of the World Organization (FAO) as a member of the FAO Council.
Meteorological Organization (WMO) Congress was India has been elected to the FAO Council for another held in Geneva, from 3-14 June 2019.

During the term from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2023.

India also meeting, Dr. Mrityunjay Mohapatra was elected as continues to serve as a member of various committees the Indian representative to the Executive Council of such as the Committee on Fisheries, Committee on WMO.

Forestry, Committee on Food Security, Committee on Commodity Problems and Committee on Agriculture.
228 Annual Report 2019-20 India’s proposal for International Year of Millets in 2023 was approved by the 41st Conference of FAO held in Rome from 22–29 June 2019.

46th Session of the Committee on World Food Security was held in FAO from 14-18 October 2019.

India has been elected as a member of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) Bureau from Asia.

India won the bid for External Auditors of FAO and will start the audit from November 2020.
India has also been elected as a member of the World Food Programme At the World Food Programme, India will take over as the Executive Board member from 01 January 2020 to 31 December 2021.

India was an active observer member of WFP in different meetings.

International Fund for Agricultural Development India continues to be an active member of the Executive Board of IFAD.

India’s strong commitment and involvement in IFAD was reflected in IFAD 11th Replenishment with a total pledge of US $ 60 million.
International Steering Committee of the International India is a member of the Evaluation Committee of Year of Plant Health to be celebrated in 2020.

IFAD.

India was also a member of the Executive Board’s India chaired the Commission II of 41st FAO Conference held from 22-29 June 2019 at Rome after a gap of 30 years.

This Commission II deals mainly with the approval of Budget of FAO and the policy related to finances.
Shri Narender Singh Tomar, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, participated as Chief guest for 8th Governing Body meeting of International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) on 11 November 2019 at FAO Rome.

He also interacted with the Agriculture Minister of Italy and Director General, FAO.

India announced holding of 9th Governing Body meeting of ITPGRFA in New Delhi in 2021. country visit to Cameroon in July 2019.
Executive board 206th session.

The 206th session of the Executive board was held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris from 03rd to 17th April, 2019.

Prof J S Rajput, India’s representative to the Executive board attended the session and delivered his speech in the plenary session on 9th April, 2019.
The focus of the speech was the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, commending the efforts of the Director General in the strategic transformation of UNESCO and India’s pledge to constructively engage in the effort and the importance of UNESCO work in its core mandate of Education, science and Culture and India’s positive contribution in the area.

WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE The 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee was held in Baku Convention Centre from 30 June to10 July 2019.
The Walled City of Jaipur got inscribed in the representative list of the World Heritage site during the Session taking the total number of Indian sites inscribed to 38.

UNESCAP Ambassador and Permanent Representative (PR) of India to UNESCAP, Ms Suchitra Durai led the Indian delegation at the 75th Commission Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) held from 27-31 May 229 UNITED NATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS 2019.
India organized a side event on ‘India: Assuming The Embassy jointly with UN-ESCAP organized the a leadership role in SDGs and developing a unique International Day of Non Violence in United Nations monitoring framework’.
Elections of Governing Council Conference Centre (UNCC) on 4October 2019. of the Statistical Institute of Asia and Pacific (UN-SIAP) and Asian and Pacific Centre for the Development of UNODC Disaster Information Management (APDIM) were held in May 2019 and India was re-elected to both these bodies.

Ambassador led the Indian delegation at the Asia- Pacific Ministerial Conference on Beijing +25 Review held at UNESCAP from 27-29 November 2019.
“Asia Pacific Declaration on Advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: Beijing+25 Review” was adopted as an Outcome document by the Conference.

Indian delegation from Ministry of Finance participated in the second session of the Committee India continued active participation in all the important conferences of Commissions and Conventions which are organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC).
Indian delegations participated in the 62nd Session of the Commission on Narcotics Drugs (CND) held in Vienna from 18 –22 March, 2019, and in the 28thSession of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) held from 20- 24 May, 2019.

Indian experts also attended meetings of the Working Groups of United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and United Nations Convention against Corruption on Macroeconomic Policy, Poverty Reduction and (UNCAC).
Financing for Development of UNESCAP held from 6-8 November 2019.

INPUTS FROM UNP DIVISION FOR ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20 (FROM 1 APRIL 2019) 74th Session of the UN General Assembly Bhutan, Bangladesh, Colombia) as well as the Executive In his address in the General Debate of UNGA on 27th September 2019, PM made development agenda as the central focus of his speech presenting India’s actions on Swachh Bharat, Jan Dhan Yojana, Har Ghar Jal Abhiyaan and Jan Bhagidari.
He underlined Mahatma Gandhi’s message of truth and non-violence for global peace, development and progress.

PM also spoke about initiatives to establish International Solar Alliance (ISA) and setting up of Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and invited countries to join the coalitions.
On the margins of the visit, PM held bilateral meetings with 17 Heads of Delegations (Qatar, Niger, Italy, Namibia, Maldives, US, Belgium, Armenia, New Zealand, Estonia, Iran, Cyprus, Mauritius, Mexico, Director of UNICEF.

On the sidelines of the UNGA, PM participated in several High-Level Meetings, including the UN Climate Action Summit, High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage and the Leader’s Dialogue on Strategic responses to terrorist and violent extremist narratives.
A commemorative event to mark the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was organized at the UN on 24th September 2019 in which besides PM, President of the Republic of Korea, Prime Ministers of Bangladesh, Jamaica, New Zealand, Singapore and Bhutan and, UN Secretary General participated and delivered speeches.

PM also inaugurated the India funded Gandhi Solar Farm installed at the rooftop of the 230 Annual Report 2019-20 UN building.
PM was conferred the Global Goalkeeper UN and regional organizations like SCO, CIS & CSTO in Award by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for his combating terrorism leadership in realizing sanitation goals in India through the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

In a first, PM hosted two major plurilateral engagements, namely meeting with the leaders of the Pacific Small Islands Developing States (PSIDS) on 24th September 2019 and meeting with the leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on 25th September 2019.
External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar represented India at several Ministerial level multilateral meetings held on the sidelines of the UNGA Session, namely, India-GCC Troika Ministerial Meeting, G-4 Foreign Ministers Meeting, Quad Ministerial Meeting, BRICS Ministerial Meeting, SAARC Council of Ministers Informal Luncheon Meeting and Ministerial Meeting of the ‘Alliance for Multilateralism’.
On the sidelines, EAM held bilateral meetings and pull-asides with his counterparts from 44 countries (Albania, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Côte d’ivoire, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Grenada, Guyana, Iran, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Maldives, Nepal, Netherlands, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine, Uganda, Uzbekistan, as well as US Special Envoy for Afghanistan and European Union High Representative).
Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan represented India at several Ministerial meetings on the sidelines of UNGA, namely, Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia Ministerial Meeting, NAM Ministerial Meeting, Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting, G-77 Ministerial Meeting and SAMOA Pathway meeting.
He also participated in the UN Security Council Debate on Cooperation between the Visit of President of the UN General Assembly Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, President of the 74th session of UNGA, visited New Delhi from 1-4 September 2019.

During the visit, he called on the Prime Minister and held delegation level talks with EAM.

He also met Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog and interacted with students at IIT Delhi.
He visited TERI School of Advanced Studies and participated in a speech-cum-interactive event at Indian Council of World Affairs.

India and Peacekeeping 8.

As the largest cumulative contributor of UN Peacekeeping troops, India continued its multifaceted contribution to the UN Peacekeeping.

As on 31 October 2019, India has deployed 6,183 personnel in 9 peacekeeping missions including women officers.
As part of India’s commitment to increasing the number of women peacekeepers, we have deployed a Female Engagement Team (FET) in the Rapid Deployable Battalion (RDB) in MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo).

9.

India also continued its support for capacity building of other countries for UN peacekeeping.
The Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi conducted several international courses, including the United Nations Staff and Logistic Officers Course (UNSLOC), United Nations Military Observers Course (UNMOC) and United Nations Military Contingent Officers Course (UNMCOC).

The CUNPK also held the 4th UN Peacekeeping Course for African Partners (UNPCAP) (10-28 June 2019) in association with the United States.
India also co-hosted an event at the UN on Improving Peacekeeping performance along with 231 UNITED NATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS USA, Portugal, Senegal, Uruguay and Vietnam on 6th Soundcloud as well as launched Hindi extension of UN December 2019.

News mobile app.

UN Counter-Terrorism action Non-Aligned Movement 10.

During the period, India continued to highlight the 14.
Vice President (VP) Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu led the need for International community to strengthen the Indian delegation at the 18th Summit of Heads of State global counter-terrorism efforts; especially by finalizing and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) the Comprehensive Convention on International held in Baku, Azerbaijan on 25-26 October, 2019.

In Terrorism.
In Terrorism.

India also called for greater transparency his address, VP pointed out that NAM must keep pace and effectiveness of existing UN counter terrorism with the changing times and refocus itself to remain a structures including the various Sanctions Committees useful and influential grouping that can promote the set up by the Security Council, and to work towards greater institutional coherence within the United interests of its member countries on emerging global challenges.
On the sidelines of the Summit, VP held Nations.

11.

PM Modi, in his speech at the ‘Leaders’ Dialogue on Strategic Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narratives’ during the 74th UNGA on September 23, 2019, mentioned that ‘our efforts and narrative against bilateral meetings with the Heads of Delegation of Vietnam, Afghanistan, Cuba and Venezuela and had pull-aside meetings with President of Iran, and Prime Ministers of Bangladesh and Nepal.

15.
15.

EAM participated in the NAM Ministerial Meeting terrorism and extremism can be successful only if it gets held in Baku, Azerbaijan on 23-24 October 2019.

In public support and recognition.

Rejection of terrorism his statement, EAM said that a democratic, effective, by ordinary citizens is the biggest failure of terrorism’.

flexible, credible, transparent and representative He highlighted that terrorism is the biggest violator of the basic fundamental right like right to life.

12.
12.

India worked closely with the UNSC’s Sanctions Committee including the 1267 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee and also with the Al-Qaida and Taliban Monitoring Team in order to ensure strict compliance by multilateral order - ‘reformed multilateralism’ is a 21st century imperative.

On the sidelines, EAM held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Bahrain, Cameroon, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Kuwait, Malaysia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Yemen as well as with NSA of Afghanistan.
member states of the sanctions regime.

After sustained 16.The Permanent Representative of India to the efforts for several years, on 1 May 2019, Masood Azhar United Nations, Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin led the was finally listed under the UN Sanctions regime.

Indian Delegation to NAM Ministerial Meeting held in Caracas, Venezuela during 21 July 2019.

Hindi at United Nations 13.

During the year, the volume and frequency of Hindi The Commonwealth content produced by the UN Secretariat increased.

17.
17.

EAM participated in the Commonwealth Foreign Hindi website of the UN was started.

The UN also Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) held in London launched social media sites in Hindi, including Facebook page, Twitter account, Instagram and Blog in Hindi.

The UN broadcasted Weekly Hindi news bulletin on on 10 July 2019.

Minister of State for External Affairs participated in CFAMM held on the sidelines of 74th UNGA in New York on 26 September 2019.
India 232 Annual Report 2019-20 also played an active role in the High Level Group announcement made by the Hon’ble Prime Minister at (HLG) that was constituted to review the governance the CHOGM in April 2018 in London.

As per enhanced arrangements of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

support for the Commonwealth countries announced 18.

A cricket coaching camp for boys and girls under 16 years of age from Commonwealth countries was held in the National Cricket Academy, Bengaluru from 1-30 October 2019.
35 participants, including 18 boys & 17 girls from 16 Commonwealth countries attended the camp.

The camp was organised pursuant to the by PM, India paid additional contribution to the Fund for Technical Cooperation (CFTC), Commonwealth Small States Offices in New York and Geneva as well as funded projects in partner countries through the ‘Commonwealth sub window’ of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.
233 UNITED NATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS 12 MULTI-LATERAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa] ELEVENTH BRICS SUMMIT Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led the Indian At the Summit, the Leaders discussed global financial delegation to the Eleventh BRICS Summit that was and security situations, countering terrorism, climate held on 13-14 November 2019 in Brasilia under the change, sustainable development, reform of the theme “BRICS: Economic Growth for an Innovative multilateral system, reform of World Trade Organisation Future”.
The Summit proceedings were presided over (WTO) and institutions of international governance, by President of Brazil Mr. Jair M. Bolsonaro.

President ways to promote Intra-BRICS cooperation including of China, Mr. Xi Jinping, President of Russia Mr. in science & technology, trade, health, information Vladimir Putin and President of South Africa Mr. Cyril and communication technology, people-to-people Ramaphosa led their respective delegations to the exchanges.

BRICS Business Council and the New Summit.


Development Bank also presented their reports to the Leaders at the Summit.

234 A large business delegation from India attended the sustainable development, BRICS Leaders reiterated BRICS Business Forum on 13 November 2019 along their commitment to implementation of: the 2030 with the business community from other BRICS Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris countries.
Prime Minister attended the closing Agreement, outcomes of Conference of Parties ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum along with (COP) 14 United Nations Convention to Combat other BRICS leaders.
The broad outcomes of Brazil’s BRICS Chairship in 2019 have been the establishment of innovation BRICS Network (iBRICS) and BRICS Women Desertification (UNCCD) with an aim to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15.3 by 2030 to combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
Business Alliance (WBA), the adoption of the New BRICS Leaders expressed serious concern over Architecture on Science, Technology and Innovation persistent threats to international peace and security (STI), finalisation of Terms of Reference of the BRICS and committed to work for lasting peace for all in Energy Research Cooperation Platform.

In addition, a accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and all seminar on BRICS Strategies for Countering Terrorism, applicable international obligations.
They underscored a Workshop on Human Milk Banks, and BRICS Meeting the importance of and support for Convention on on Asset Recovery was also organised.
Memorandum the Prohibition of the Development, Production and of Understanding (MoU) among BRICS Trade and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Investment Promotion Agencies (TIPAs), and a MoU Weapons and on their Destruction (BTWC), the on Private Investment mobilisation were also signed in Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons 2019.

The outcomes of the Summit included the Brasilia (OPCW) and to the preservation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
Declaration in which BRICS Leaders reaffirmed Other elements in the Brasilia Declaration include their fundamental commitment to the principle of (i) exploration and peaceful use of outer space in sovereignty, mutual respect and equality and to accordance with international law, (ii) open, secure, the shared goal of building a peaceful, stable and peaceful, stable, accessible and non-discriminatory prosperous world.
BRICS Leaders condemned terrorism environment for information and communications in all its forms and manifestations.
Recognizing the technologies (ICTs), (iii) cooperation with the Financial primary role of States and their competent authorities Action Task Force (FATF), (iv) greater participation in preventing and countering terrorism, the Leaders of developing countries in global value chains, (v) urged for concerted efforts to fight against terrorism a strong, quota-based and adequately resourced under United Nations (UN) auspices in accordance IMF (vi) WTO reform (vii) investments in productive with international law.
Recognizing significant challenges currently facing sectors, e-commerce, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs), infrastructure and connectivity.
multilateralism, BRICS Leaders reiterated the urgent BRICS Leaders welcomed the opening of New need to strengthen and reform the multilateral Development Bank (NDB) Regional Office in Brazil system, including the UN, the WTO, the International and appreciated the role of the NDB in infrastructure Monetary Fund (IMF) and other international and sustainable development financing.

Leaders also organizations.


Highlighting the importance of welcomed approval of 46 projects worth USD 12.8 235 MULTI-LATERAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS billion by NDB in BRICS countries.

They also noted Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA).
The efforts the progress achieved in establishing a BRICS Local of the BRICS Business Council (BBC) in promoting Currency Bond Fund and expressed satisfaction on the trade and investment among its members were also steps undertaken to ensure the preparedness of the acknowledged in the Declaration.
BRICS LEADERS’ INFORMAL MEETING ON THE MARGINS OF OSAKA G20 SUMMIT A customary informal Meeting of BRICS Leaders, Summit Agenda and agreed to pursue issues of global chaired by the Brazilian President Mr. Jair M. Bolsonaro, was held on 28 June 2019 on the margins of the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra and mutual interest to the BRICS countries at the G20.
Besides, the agenda of the meeting comprised exchange of views on a wide range of global political, Modi, Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin, Chinese security, economic and global governance issues President Mr. Xi Jinping and South African President of importance and mutual concern.

A Joint Media Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa participated in the meeting.

The Statement was released at the Meeting.
Leaders held wide-ranging discussions on the G20 BRICS FOREIGN MINISTERS’ MEETING, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL The meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs with satisfaction the progress of BRICS cooperation / International Relations under the leadership of Brazil featuring mutual respect and understanding, equality, was held on 25&26 July 2019, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness and mutually with the representation of the Federative Republic of beneficial cooperation.
The Ministers agreed to further Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, deepen BRICS three-pillar-driven cooperation in the the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of areas of economy, peace and security and people-to- South Africa.

The Ministers exchanged views on key people exchanges.

issues on the international agenda.

They also reviewed BRICS FOREIGN MINISTERS ON UNGA MARGINS External Affairs Minister Shri S. Jaishankar attended for 2020, Chaired the meeting.
BRICS Cooperation the customary meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs on the margins of 74th UNGA on 26 September 2019 in New York.

Russia, as incoming BRICS Chair and preparations for upcoming BRICS Summit were discussed.

Russian side also briefed delegations on the plans for Russia chairing BRICS 2020.
236 Annual Report 2019-20 G20 THE FOURTEENTH G20 SUMMIT Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led India’s delegation make a contribution to the achievement of SDGs at the to the Fourteenth G-20 Summit in Osaka, Japan on 28- global level.

29 June 2019.

The themes of G20 Summit were “Global Economy”, “Trade and Investment”, “Innovation”, “Environment and Energy”, “Employment”, “Women’s empowerment”, “Development” and “Health”, to Ensure Global Sustainable Development.
During the Summit, Prime Minister Shri Narendra During his interventions in other sessions, Prime Minister emphasized on the need for quality infrastructure, digital economy, the Society 5.0, open and resilient financial system, anti-corruption measures at global level to fight against corruption, Women Empowerment, Tourism, Agriculture, Inclusive and Modi made intervention in the session on ‘Addressing sustainable growth, inclusive quality education, Global inequalities, realizing an inclusive and sustainable health, and Global environmental challenges.
world’.

Prime Minister highlighted ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas’ and how this spirit underlies all our policies.

He underscored some of the initiatives of Government of India including – Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, construction of toilets in India, Mudra Scheme under which 78% of the beneficiaries are women.
He emphasized that India’s huge demographic base will G20 Osaka leaders’ declaration focused on united efforts to address major global economic challenges and to foster global economic growth, while harnessing the power of technological innovation, in particular digitalization, and its application for the benefit of all.
The declaration included references to: (i) strong, Group Photo of Heads of G20 Summit 2019 Member States in Osaka, Japan (June 28, 2019) 237 MULTI-LATERAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth (ii) Global strong IMF at its centre (ix) fair, sustainable, and modern current account imbalances (iii) Demographic changes international tax system (x) fight against corruption (iv) a free, fair, non-discriminatory, transparent, (xi) promoting an healthy and active ageing society predictable and stable trade and investment (xii) Gender equality and women’s empowerment (xiii) environment (v) reform of the World Trade Tourism (xiv) Agriculture (xv) Sustainable Development Organization (WTO) (vi) Digitalization, Data Free Flow implementation of the SDGs (xvi) Global Health (xvii) with Trust (vii) Quality Infrastructure Investment (viii) Global Environmental Issues and Climate Change (xviii) strengthening the global financial safety net with a Energy security (xix)Migration and Displacement.
G-20 FOREIGN MINISTERS’ MEETING, NAGOYA, JAPAN External Affairs Minister Mr. S. Jaishankar participated sustainable development, and Africa.

External Affairs in the G-20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Nagoya Minister made remarks on India’s efforts towards on 22-23 November 2019.

At the meeting, the G20 achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and Foreign Ministers deliberated on issues of international India’s engagement with Africa.

importance viz.
importance viz.

Multilateralism, global governance, Group of Seven (G7) G7 SUMMIT, BIARRITZ, FRANCE Prime Minister Narendra Modi led India’s participation on 25-26 August 2019, as ‘Partners of Goodwill - at the G7 Summit Outreach Sessions in Biarritz, France Biarritz Partner’.
The Summit was held under the Prime Minister attends the dedicated session of G-7 Summit on ‘Biodiversity, Oceans, Climate’ in Biarritz, France (August 26, 2019) 238 Annual Report 2019-20 overarching theme of “Fighting Inequality” with innovation and how India is using technology to Women’s Empowerment & Gender Equality, Climate promote digital payments.

change, Digital Transformation, Security & Terrorism as priority areas.

Prime Minister participated in the two outreach sessions viz.
on Climate, Biodiversity and Oceans, and Digital Transformation.

In the session on Climate, Biodiversity and Oceans, Prime Minister announced the call for a mass movement against single use plastic.

He also referred to the increase in numbers of tigers and lions in India As lead speaker in session on Digital Transformation, as concrete evidences of a successful approach to the PM referred to India’s efforts in putting digital conservation of biodiversity.
PM also reiterated the technology to use to fight social inequalities through need for reformed multilateralism to ensure that global empowerment and inclusion.

He also highlighted challenges are meaningfully addressed.
the power of transformative technology, furthering IBSA (India, Brazil & South Africa) IBSA FOREIGN MINISTERS’ MEETING External Affairs Minister Shri S. Jaishankar presided of International Relations and Cooperation of South over the IBSA Foreign Ministers meeting on the Africa Ms. Naledi Pandor attended.

At the meeting margins of UNGA on 26 September, 2019.

Foreign the Ministers issued the IBSA Joint Statement on the Minister of Brazil Mr. Ernesto Araujo, and Minister Reform of the Multilateral System.
ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD) India continued to engage with OECD under its stated visits of senior functionaries of OECD twice during the policy of “Limited Sectoral Engagement”.

India received year.

UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCTAD) India continued its engagement in various UNCTAD meetings.

239 MULTI-LATERAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS 13 Development cooperation The scope and reach of India’s development assistance priorities.
The DPA is progressively developing the has seen considerable expansion in the past few expertise required to handle projects in varied sectors years.

India’s abiding geo-political, strategic and and regions through the stages of project appraisal, economic interests and the need to effectively deliver implementation, monitoring and evaluation India’s assistance programme has prompted greater engagement with developing countries, particularly on the development assistance front.
In recognition of this, the Development Partnership Administration (DPA) was created in January 2012 to effectively handle India’s development aid projects through the stages of conception, launch, execution and completion.
The DPA functions in close coordination with the Territorial Divisions in the Ministry, which continues to be the principal interlocutors with partner countries in identifying their developmental needs and India’s development partnership is based on the needs of the partner countries and is geared towards responding to as many requests received from these countries as technically and financially feasible.
The main instruments of India’s development assistance include Lines of Credit (LoC), Grant assistance, Small Development Projects (SDP), Technical Consultancy, Disaster Relief and Humanitarian aid, as well as capacity-building programmes for civilian and military training under Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC).
The focus 240 of development assistance has been the countries in East Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Mongolia, India’s neighbourhood and Africa, though India is also Pacific Island Countries, etc.

expanding its development assistance reach to South LINES OF CREDIT Aimed primarily at promoting bilateral cooperation, 7 December 2015.
Several areas of improvement the LoCs enable borrowing countries to import goods have been introduced in the LoC implementation and services from India and undertake projects for process including mandatory Detailed Project Reports infrastructure development and capacity building as (DPRs), Pre-qualification (PQ) process for selection of per their developmental priorities.
Consultants and Contractors, institutionalization of a LoCs are governed by the IDEAS Guidelines which were revised and issued by Government of India on detailed monitoring mechanism, and empanelment of Indian Consulting firms and EPC contractors.

NEW LINES OF CREDIT Following new LoCs have been extended by the 7.

LoC of US$ 20.22 million extended to the Government of India in the current year (April- Government of the Republic of Guinea for Solar December 2019): Projects 1.
LoC of US$ 56.82 million extended to the 8.

LoC of US$ 170 million extended to the Government of D. R. Congo for Installation of 15 Government of the Republic of Guinea for the MW Solar Photovoltaic Power Project at Tshilenge Project for strengthening the drinking water supply (Mbuji-Mayi) of Grand Conarky-Horizon 2040 2.

LoC of US$ 26.64 million extended to the 9.


LoC of US$ 80.72 million extended to the Government of D. R. Congo for Installation of 10 Government of Madagascar for the Irrigation, MW Solar Photovoltaic Power Project at Manono Farm Mechanization and food processing plant in 3.

LoC of US$ 56.82 million extended to the Bongolava, Menabe and Analamanga region Government of D. R. Congo for Installation of 15 10.
LoC of US$ 22 million extended to the Government MW Solar Photovoltaic Power Project at Gemena of Mali for Setting up of sustainable Village and use 4.

LoC of US$ 2.01 million extended to the Government of Ghana for the Completion of of solar Photo-Voltaic Technology for irrigation of 2500 hectares of agricultural land in Mali Foreign Policy Training Institute 11.

LoC of US$ 60.65 million extended to the 5.


LoC of US$ 150 million offered to the Government of Ghana for Strengthening of Agricultural Mechanization Service Centres 6.

LoC of US$ 30 million extended to Ghana for Rehabilitation and Upgradation of Potable Water System in Yendi, Ghana.

Government of Mali for the 50 MW Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant at Fana, Mali 12.

LoC of US$ 100 million extended to the Government of Nigeria for the Establishment of a National Rural Broadband Network (NRBN) 13.
LoC of US$ 50.48 million extended to the 241 Development Partnership Administration (DPA) Government of Nigeria for the acquisition of 19.

LoC of US$ 1000 million extended to the Training ship from Goa Shipyard Limited Government of the Russian Federation for 14.

LoC of US$ 70 million extended to the Government Infrastructure and other Development Projects of Nigeria for the procurement of one Landing Ship 20.
LoC of US$ 40 million extended to the Government Tank from Goa Shipyard Limited of Uzbekistan for financing procurement of defence 15.

LoC of US$ 122 million extended to the equipment Government of Rwanda for the two Solar Projects 21.

LoC of US$ 100 million extended to the 16.

LoC of US$ 310 million extended to the Government of Bolivia for Development Projects Government of Zimbabwe for the Re-powering of 22.

LoC of US$ 35.80 million extended to the Hwange Thermal Power Station 17.
LoC of US$ 236 million extended to the Government of Mongolia for the Petrochemical Government of Suriname for the Rural Electrification through solar DG hybrid PV systems in 50 remote villages of Suriname Refinery Project of Mongolia 23.

LoC of US$ 150 million to Mozambique for 18.

LoC of US$ 400 million extended to the improved quality of power supply.

Government of Sri Lanka for Development and 24.

24.

LoC of US$ 100 million to Seychelles for Infrastructure Projects Defence Supplies Project.
COMPLETED LOC PROJECTS 1.

Electricity Interconnection Project between Cote 6.

Commission of diesel driven pumps (converting d’Ivoire and Mali under LoC of US$ 94 million.

to electric) and upgradation of electric pumps at 2.

Construction of a new water supply system from Likhubula river in Mulanje to Blantyre under LoC of US$ 23.50 million to Malawi(inaugurated on 18 October 2019).

3.
3.

Supply of 500 buses by M/s Tata Motors Ltd. Savannakhet and Vientianein Lao PDRworth US $ 7.35 million financed under LoC of US$ 30.94 million to the Government of Lao PDR.

7.

Supply of equipment from India for building two electric substations to Nicaragua under LoC of US$ under LoC of US$ 26 million to the Government 10 million of Senegal 4.

Supply of 500 trucks to Bangladesh under LoC of US$ 8.79 million.

8.
8.

Mahatma Gandhi IT and Biotechnology Park (inaugurated in June 2019), Cote d’Ivoire under LoC of US$ 25.50 million 5.

Supply of 600 buses to Bangladesh under LoC of 9.

Rural Electrification in Guinea Bissau under LoC of US$ 46.61 million.

US$ 20 million.

OTHER LOC PROJECTS LIKELY TO BE COMPLETED IN 2019-20 1.

Up-gradation of Rift Valley Textiles (RIVATEX) factory under LoC of US$ 29.95 million to the Government of Kenya.

It is likely to be completed by March 2020.

2.


Rural Electrification Project under LoC of US$ 27.50 million to the Government of Senegal.

242 Annual Report 2019-20 3.

Extension of Lake Victoria Pipeline to Tabora, US$ 0.78 million.

Igunga and Nzega under LoC of US$ 256.87 million to the Government of Tanzania.

6.

10 Spot Mixing Asphalt Plants in Completely built- up condition with 10% Spare parts and related 4.
Supply and Installation of Secondary and Tertiary services in Bangladesh for US$ 0.30 million.

Irrigation Distribution Network from Tegeta to Bagamoyo and Mbezi to Mlandizi being financed under LoC of US$ 178.13 million under LoC of US$ 32.51 million to the Government of Tanzania.

7.

Supply of buses to Burkina Faso for US$ 10 million.

8.

Upgradation of Dornier DO-228 aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd for US$ 7.75 million under LoC of US$ 46 million to the Government 5.
Procurement of Laboratory equipment for Circle of Mauritius.

laboratories of RHD in completely built up condition and related services in Bangladesh for OTHER LOC INITIATIVES • 16th India-Bangladesh Bilateral Review Meeting bilateral reviews were conducted with several for GoI LoCs extended to the Government of countries on rotation basis.

Status Reports on Bangladesh was held on 25-26 November 2019 the progress of ongoing projects in Asia, Africa in New Delhi.
GoI has extended LoCs worth and Latin America were also received from Indian US$ 7.862 billion to Bangladesh for 46 projects Missions and Exim Bank of India.

spanning across various sectors such as railways, ports, roads, power & transmission lines, shipping, hospitals etc.

The meeting helped both sides to monitor the progress of critical projects, identify potential bottlenecks in project implementation and resolve outstanding issues.
• 8th India-Nepal Bilateral Review Meeting for GoI LoCs extended to the Government of Nepal was held on 02 December 2019 in Kathmandu.

GoI has extended LoCs worth US$ 1.650 billion to the Government of Nepal for projects sectors such as Roads, Power & Transmission lines, Heritage buildings, post-earthquake reconstruction etc.

Critical issues regarding the progress of all projects under the four LoCs were discussed during the meeting.
Site visit to key project sites were also undertaken to monitor their progress and to address the bottlenecks being faced by these projects.. • As part of the monitoring of on-going LoC projects, 243 • Defence Lines of Credit: Seven new Defence Lines of Credit were also announced this year such as the LoCs to Nigeria (US$ 70 million), Vietnam (US$ 500 million), Sri Lanka (US$ 50 million), Bangladesh (US$ 500 million), Mauritius (US$ 100 million), Seychelles (US$ 100 million).
• Russia: An LoC of US$ 1 billion to Russia and Other for undertaking ‘Infrastructure Development Projects’ in the Russian Far East Region was announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister during his visit to Russia to take part in the 20th India-Russia Annual Summit in Vladivostok and the 5th Eastern Economic Forum on 04-05 September 2019.
Sectors like coal, mining, power, petroleum, manpower, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, health-care, IT, artificial intelligence, ship building and technical education have been identified as the leading areas of potential interest for India in Russian Far East region.

Development Partnership Administration (DPA) PROJECT PREPARATION FACILITY (PPF) A mechanism called Project Preparation Facility (PPF) of agriculture land in Mali.
This project is to be taken has been set up by India to assist its development up under LoC of US$ 22 million to Government of partner countries towards preparation of Project Mali.

Formulation Reports (PFR) for viable projects that can be considered for concessional financing under Lines of Credit in 2018.

The PPF fills the capacity gap in identifying a need, conceiving a project and preparing a proper proposal.
The PPF would provide consultancy support on grant basis to requesting Governments for project formulation.

It is a demand-responsive mechanism • 50 MW Solar Power Plant at Fana, Mali.

This project is to be taken up under the LoC of USUS $ 60.65 million to Government of Mali.

• Rural Electrification through Hybrid Solar PV systems (solar and diesel based) in 50 remote villages of Suriname.

This project is to be taken up under LoC of US$ 35.80 million by the Government of Suriname.
and a quick access facility to address priority needs of • A Road Project under Bali Infrastructure Project for requesting governments.

US$ 382.78 million in Liberia.

The Project Formulation Reports submitted under PPF during the current financial year 2019-20 are as follows: • Setting up a sustainable village and use of Solar Photovoltaic Technology for irrigation of 2,500 HA • State-of-the-Art General Hospital at Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
• Rehabilitation of Project on Limestone and completed under LoCs of US$ 20 million to Central African Republic.

SOLAR PROJECTS The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a major These include 6 Solar Projects amounting to US$ 500 initiative of Prime Minister in contribution towards million under EBID (ECOWAS Bank for Investment and the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement Development) and rest 21 Solar projects amounting to through rapid and massive deployment of solar energy.

US$ 790 million.
US$ 790 million.

Under this, LoCs amounting to US$ The Founding Conference of the ISA jointly hosted by 200.92 million have been extended to Bangladesh Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel and US$ 100 million have been extended to Sri Lanka Macron in New Delhi on 11 March 2018 represents a for various Solar Projects.
In this year, new LoCs of high water mark in the journey that aims to bring all US$ 140.33 million (3 Separate LoCs) to Democratic countries together for cooperation on solar energy.

It Republic of Congo, US$ 35.80 million to Suriname, may be recalled that during this Founding Conference, US$ 122 million to Rwanda, US$ 20.22 million to Hon’ble Prime Minister had announced India’s Guinea, US$ 22 million and US$ 60.65 million to Mali commitment to extend nearly US$ 1.4 billion worth of were extended.
These Solar projects are under various lines of credit (LoCs) to cover 27 projects amounting stages of implementation to US$ 1.29 billion in 15 countries, especially in Africa.
244 Annual Report 2019-20 DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WITH GRANT ASSISTANCE NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES IN The development projects being undertaken with and transmission lines as well as power generation, GoI grant assistance in neighbouring countries cover agriculture, capacity building, education, health, rural a range of sectors from infrastructure development, development etc.
including construction, roads & bridges, waterways SRI LANKA HOUSING PROJECT UNDER GRANT ASSISTANCE India’s development partnership with Sri Lanka is based on a consultative approach, factoring in the priorities the first lot of 1134 houses was taken up first and began in October 2016.

Construction of houses in of the Government of Sri Lanka.

The ongoing housing the second lot of 2866 houses was also started in project involving construction of 50,000 houses for phases.
As on 30 November 2019, 2243 houses resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in out of 4000 have been completed and 1550 Sri Lanka has progressed well: houses are under construction.

• The construction and repair of 46,000 houses • An announcement was made by Prime Minister under an owner-driven process in the Northern of India during his visit to Sri Lanka in May 2017 and Eastern provinces has been completed.
for construction of additional 10,000 houses for • The construction of 4,000 houses in the Central and Uva provinces for the Indian Origin Tamils (IOTs) employed in the plantation sector has commenced following the completion of the process of identification of land for 1134 houses by the Sri Lankan Government.

The construction of the Indian Origin Tamils in the Central and Uva provinces of Sri Lanka.
The new government, after the Presidential Elections held in November 2019, is prioritizing the locations of the new lot of 10,000 houses and likely to submit the same to the Indian Mission in Colombo soon.
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN AFRICA India’s partnership with Africa is based on a consultative A total of 204 LoCs amounting to US$ 12.50 billion model of cooperation, sharing of development has been extended to African countries in varied experiences and is focused on addressing the priorities sectors such as power plants, hydroelectricity, power and needs of the African countries.
The engagement transmission & distribution networks, dams, roads, with African countries through various development railways, ports, agriculture & irrigation, industrial units, partnership initiatives has witnessed a marked increase skills development, civil construction etc.

New sectors in the last decade.

The three India-Africa Forum such as Telecommunication have also been included Summits [IAFS I, II & III] in 2008, 2011 and 2015 have under the GoI LoCs to Africa this year.
further reinforced the development partnership with the continent.

A few important LoC/ grant projects in Africa are following 245 Development Partnership Administration (DPA) • Upgradation of Entrepreneur and technical International Convention Centre (MGICC) in development centre (ETDC) in Senegal under grant Niamey, Niger under grant assistance of US$ 38.15 assistance by the Government of India has been million.

Construction of MGICC Niger has been inaugurated on 25 June 2019.
• Setting up of Gandhi Mandela Centre of Specialisation for Artisan Skills in South Africa under grant assistance by the Government of India completed by an Indian company in December 2019 within a record time of 14 months.

It is proposed to be inaugurated by External Affairs Minister on 21 January 2020. is under advanced stages of completion.
Shipment • Government of India is also supplying 27 Midi of all machines was completed by M/s HMT (I) Ltd Buses (30+1) Seater to Somalia, 10+5 Ambulances in September 2019.

M/s HMT (I) Ltd has pledged to Tanzania and Ambulances to Mali and medical to complete Erection and commissioning activities equipment & CT scan Machine to Liberia, under by December 2019. grants.

• Government of India hasset up Mahatma Gandhi IAFS-IV India-Africa Forum Summit IV is scheduled to take place satisfactorily.
Beyond the neighborhood, bilateral in 2020.

The IAFS-IV announcements could reflect projects in sectors like energy, power plants, electricity enhanced commitment for development partnership transmission & distribution, roads, railways, ports, in Africa commensurate to our increasing presence, agriculture & irrigation, industrial units, information goodwill and influence there.

Development Cooperation is an integral part of India’s foreign policy.
In recent years, India’s development and computer technology (ICT) and Small & Medium enterprises have been undertaken in South East Asia, Central Asia, Africa and Latin America.

programmes in various countries have expanded A key aspect of India’s development assistance in substantially, both in geographical reach and sectoral the past few years has been the extension of Lines coverage.
This inter-alia includes Grant assistance, of Credits (LoCs) or loans on concessional terms to Lines of Credit, technical consultancy, disaster relief, other developing countries.

Over the years, 298 LoCs humanitarian aid, educational scholarships and a aggregating more than US$ 30.6 billion have been range of capacity-building programmes including extended to different countries in various sectors, short-term civilian and military training courses.
of which US$ 12.54 billion has been extended for Major developmental projects identified by the African countries and US$ 18.06 billion for countries host governments as priority areas are under in Asia, Latin America, Oceania and Commonwealth of implementation in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Independent States (CIS).
During the year under review Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and the Maldives in areas (till December 2019), 24 LoCs of about US$ 3.49 billion of infrastructure, hydroelectricity, power transmission, were extended to various countries.

17 LoC Projects agriculture, industry, education, health, archaeological are complete or targeted to be completed during the conservation etc.
In addition, various projects initiated Financial Year 2019-20. for development and strengthening of cross-border connectivity with India’s neighbors are progressing During 2019-20, around 12000 civilian training slots were offered to 160 partner countries under the Indian 246 Annual Report 2019-20 Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme.
of Indian experts abroad to share India’s expertise These capacity building courses also included specially and development experience in the areas chosen and designed courses and training programmes in a variety requested by the partner countries.

of disciplines, based on specific requests from partner countries.
Various projects to establish infrastructural facilities with technology and skills meeting the requirement of A comprehensive review of ITEC programme has led partner countries were undertaken, especially in the to various new initiatives including introduction of new areas of capacity building such as Centres of Excellence modalities like e-ITEC, ITEC-Onsite and ITEC Executive, in Information Technology (IT), Vocational Training enhanced facilities to participants, inclusion of new Centres and Business Incubation Centres for Small and premier institutes like IITs & IIMs, partnership with Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and Archaeological and private institutions, increased social media outreach, Heritage Conservation Project.
launch of new logo for ITEC, etc.

ITEC also includes capacity building cooperation with friendly foreign countries in defence areas by offering more than 2000 slots for officers and men from their defence forces.

In addition, the ITEC programme also covered deputation Humanitarian assistance was rendered by India to DPRK by supplying food and anti-TB medicine kit.

Medical assistance has also been provided to other countries including Namibia, El-Salvador and Zimbabwe.
CAPACITY BUILDING THROUGH ECONOMIC COOPERATION (ITEC) INDIAN TECHNICAL AND Civilian Training The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme is a visible symbol of India’s role and contribution to South-South Cooperation, which constitutes capacity building partnership with a footprint in 160 partner countries from Asia, Africa, East Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean as well as Pacific and Small Island countries.

ITEC is one of the major pillars of India’s soft power Diplomacy.
It has continued to strengthen in scope and outreach, with the inclusion of new partner institutions and advance courses in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, cyber security and forensics.

ITEC now includes as its partners, institutions of technical excellence like the Indian Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Management, Indian Institute of Science, etc.
Following a high-level comprehensive review, on the whole, significant systemic and policy level modifications have been made in the ITEC scheme in the last two years.

The offerings under ITEC have been expanded and advanced to truly reflect an economically emergent and technologically advanced India, while also propagating our world renowned ancient knowledge such as Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda.

Courses are also further attuned to the demand and requirements of partner countries.
The comprehensive review has led to inclusion of about 27 new partner institutions of technical excellence.

Another 7 new private sector institutes/universities were selected for providing ITEC training through an open tender process.

ITEC norms and guidelines have been revised to provide better facilities to participants, improved feedback mechanism, enhance outreach and alumni engagement.
Accordingly, a number of changes have 247 Development Partnership Administration (DPA) also been introduced in the online ITEC portal which etc.

The updated list of the courses, institutions and is the interactive digital interface to MEA, Missions, partner ITEC countries is available on the ITEC Portal ITEC Institutes and applicants/beneficiaries of the (www.itecgoi.in).

programme.
programme.

As in previous years, the programme drew large numbers As South-South cooperation is demand driven, greater of participants to the training courses conducted focus has been given to special courses, which are by institutions in India, both in the Government and customized for the specific areas of training on the private sectors, under the civilian and defence training request of Governments of partner countries.

In the programmes.
In the programmes.

The online processes of ITEC portal year 2019 itself, 38 special courses have already been facilitated the needs of ITEC participants, Missions/ conducted while another 18 special courses are to be Posts and the participating institutions, in terms of conducted during December 2019 to March 2020. making it easier for them to access details relating to These courses include programmes ranging from mid- institutions and approved courses, etc.
Engagement career training programme in the field of administration with alumni networks has continued to strengthen for civil servants and special training programmes for through the ITEC portal and other social networking judicial officers, customs officers, to areas like Cyber tools, and through the annual ‘ITEC Day’ functions Security, Yoga and Museology.
During 2019-20, 11400 civilian training slots were offered under the ITEC Programme to 160 partner countries for various short-term and medium-term courses in institutions spread all over India.

The civilian training programme, fully sponsored by the Government of India in 89 premier institutions conducting over 334 courses for working professionals organized at Missions abroad and institutions running ITEC courses in India.
ITEC has created a large network of alumni across the continents, who have become ITEC torch-bearers in their respective countries and, in the process, developed a powerful cultural bridge between India and the country concerned.

ITEC has acquired a strong brand name in the field of development partnership.
in a wide and diverse range of skills and disciplines such In order to expand the outreach of ITEC, on the occasion as Agriculture, Food and Fertilizer ,Banking, Insurance, of 55th ITEC Day, celebrated 7th October 2019, Finance,Accounts and Audit, Cyber Technologies, AI External Affairs Minister launched new derivatives of and Emergent Technology, Education, Engineering ITEC, namely, e-ITEC, ITEC Executive and ITEC Onsite.
and Technology, English Language, Environment A new logo reflective of the evolving nature of the ITEC and Climate Change, Government Function, Health programme was also launched.
and Yoga, Human Resource Development and Planning, Irrigation and Water Resources, IT and e-ITEC Telecommunication, Management and Leadership, Media and Journalism, Oceanography, Petroleum and Hydrocarbons, Power, Renewable and Alternative Energy, Project Management, Quality Management, Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation, SME and Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development and South- South Cooperation, Textile, Trade and International Market, Urban Planning, Women Empowerment, e-ITEC is a modality of ITEC programme wherein training is imparted in partner countries by Indian Institutes online in real time.
The first e-ITEC course on ‘Big Data analytics with Apache Spark in Python was conducted for trainees of four partner countries (Myanmar, Laos PDR, Morocco and Vietnam).

The course was conducted by IIT Madras under the e-ITEC initiative.

248 Annual Report 2019-20 ITEC Onsite Under ITEC On-site customized capacity building programmes are provided to our partner countries by shifting training to the country itself by deputing our trainers for a short duration.
Several strength areas that have been identified to provide trainings include Fertilizer technology; Fisheries Technology; Agriculture and local governance has been organized for senior functionaries from Cambodia, Tunisia, Mongolia, apan- Africa conference of policy makers on e-Governance with the theme “Digital Africa: Empowered Citizens” is being planned.
Defence Training and allied sectors; Teachers’ Training and Research; During2019-20, 2342defence training slots were Open Education Resources; Securities Markets; Wind allocated to partner countries.

The courses were Energy; Rural Electrification; South-South Cooperation both of general and specialized nature, which etc.

In addition, Indian Mission have been advised to included security and strategic studies, defence continue seeking the capacity building requirements of partner countries.
management, electronics, mechanical engineering, marine hydrography, counterinsurgency and jungle ITEC Executive ITEC Executive is an exclusive programme for policy makers, senior level functionaries and professionals of partner countries which covers conferences, workshops, study/ exposure visits with an aim to provide an understanding of best practices/systems in India etc.

This programme also aims at a higher level of learning in cutting-edge areas of technology and policy areas.
During 2018-19, visit of a six member delegation from Uganda was organized to have an interaction with Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) and to get an exposure on Pradhan Mantri Karishal Vikas Yojana, Mahila Gram Udyog and other similar projects.
On the similar lines, three delegations from Uganda Ministry of East African Community Affairs warfare, Maritime Law and Ops course by Coast Guard Headquarters, and also foundation courses for young officers in three services .

Courses at premier institutions like National Defence College, New Delhi and Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, continued to be immensely popular and also attracted officers from developed countries on self-financing basis.
Deputation of ITEC experts Deputation of experts to partner countries based on their requirements has served a very important role in sharing Indian expertise with the developing world.

For creation of a readily available pool of domain experts, various Ministries of Government of India have been consulted to prepare an SOP and map their expertise with various countries/regions and share it with MEA, so that our Mission could be appropriately informed.
(MEACA) are scheduled to visit tea, coffee and cotton Up to November 2019, 47 experts in various fields are farms in India to share our experience, expertise and on deputation to partner countries in areas of health, best practices in farming, processing and marketing Agriculture, Disaster response, Archaeology, Ayurveda, of tea, coffee and cotton farms.

Several other visits Legal experts, English teachers and Ayurveda.
Several from Lao PDR, South Sudan are scheduled to be held Defence training teams have also been deputed to in coming months for exposure to our best financial Uganda, Tanzania, Vietnam, Myanmar, Seychelles, practices and our established institutions as RBI.

Namibia, Lao PDR.
Namibia, Lao PDR.

While special workshops for leadership, e-Governance 249 Development Partnership Administration (DPA) Grant Projects in other developing countries at Belize and a Vocational Training Centre (VTC) at In other Development Projects, India is extending its expertise and experience through Archaeological Survey of India for restoration and conservation of Zanzibar are being established.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Ancient Cultural Heritage Monuments and temples [Cooperation on the humanitarian front is being in the South-East Asian region at Ta Prohm and Preah extended by India to the countries affected by Vihear in Cambodia, My Son in Vietnam and Wat Phou disaster or on humanitarian grounds.

US$1 million in Lao PDR.


Efforts have been made to streamline the aid each of anti-TB medicine kit through World Health procedure for expansion of temple restoration projects Organization (WHO) and supply of wheat assistance by engaging experts from a wider pool for assisting the through World Food Programme (WFP) is being restoration work.

Similarly, India’s strength in the field provided to DPR Korea.
In an effort to streamline the of Information Technology is being shared with partner countries through establishment of various centres of procedures on provisioning of medical assistance to countries Ministry has prepared a Standard Operating excellence in Information Technology and imparting Process in assistance with the Ministry of Health and training to partner countries including Morocco, Family Welfare which has helped in smoother supply of Guyana, Namibia, Jordan, Tunisia, Syria, Argentina and medicines and medical equipment to various countries Pacific Island countries viz.
Fiji, Papua New Guinea, including Namibia, El-Salvador and Zimbabwe through Samoa, Nauru, Cook Islands, Niue and Vanuatu.

respective territorial divisions of MEA.
A Business Incubator Centre at Malawi has been established and an Indo-Belize Centre of Engineering INDIA’S DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS Development partnerships hold an important place development assistance model that gives primacy to in India’s external engagement, particularly with the needs and priorities of the host country has made reference to our immediate neighbourhood under India a valuable partner in their developmental growth the Government’s ‘Neighborhood First’ and ‘Act East’ journeys.
The focus of India’s developmental assistance policies.

While India’s development cooperation is on sharing the Indian experience, building capacities, initiatives have a long and enduring history, the nature investing in people, creating critical infrastructure and spread of such development assistance has, and enhancing connectivity with our extended in recent years, expanded both geographically and neighbourhood.

Indian grant assistance includes sectorally.


India’s development cooperation aligns with infrastructure creation that span various sectors the development priorities of the partner countries.
such as railway links, roads & bridges, waterways, Eight years after the creation of the Development Partnership Administration (DPA) wing of the Ministry of External Affairs, greater institutional coherence and focus has been brought to the Government’s development initiatives with foreign countries including in project delivery and implementation.

India’s border-related infrastructure, transmission lines, power generation, hydropower etc.
Capacity building, education, healthcare, agriculture and community development are some other sectors where India is partnering with neighbouring countries.

250 Annual Report 2019-20 Afghanistan India’s developmental assistance to Afghanistan is a key pillar of the close strategic partnership with that country.

India has endured security challenges to continue providing development assistance focused on reconstruction and development of Afghanistan.
The new Parliament Building in Kabul inaugurated on 25 December 2015, and the Afghan India Friendship Dam (earlier known as Salma Dam) inaugurated in June 2016, are key symbols of India’s commitment to the rebuilding of a united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan.
Under the ‘New Development Partnership’ heralded by both countries in September 2017, India is committed addition, another 500 scholarship slots are extended for children/dependents of Martyrs of Afghan National Defence and Security Forces and 614 scholarship slots for Agricultural studies, administered through the Department of Agricultural Research and Education/ Indian Council of Agricultural Research, are being utilised by Afghan citizens.
India is also supporting Afghanistan in the establishment of the first of its kind Afghanistan National Agriculture Sciences and Technology University (ANASTU) in Kandahar.

Myanmar Key connectivity Projects in Myanmar such as the to taking forward its wide-ranging development Trilateral Highway between India, Myanmar and assistance to Afghanistan.

India has been quick to respond to calamities faced by Afghanistan by providing humanitarian assistance.
Following the assistance given in 2018 to supply 1.7 lakh tonnes of wheat and 2000 tonnes of pulses, India is preparing to supply more wheat as humanitarian assistance in 2020.
Over 140 High Impact Community Development Programs (HICDPs) under three phases with an outlay of USD 120 million are under active implementation in Afghanistan covering areas like agriculture, education, labour, rural development and Thailand and the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project aim to enhance regional connectivity.
The Kaladan project, once operationalised, will provide connectivity between ports on India’s eastern seaboard and Sittwe Port in Myanmar, and thereafter to the India-Myanmar border in Mizoram.

As part of the Trilateral Highway initiative, India is implementing two projects in Myanmar for construction of sixty nine bridges in the Tamu - Kyigone - Kalewa road section and for upgradation of 120 km road in the Kalewa-Yargi section.

public health.
public health.

These community-based small projects Apart from connectivity projects, India provides on- are being funded by India with local participation going institutional and capacity building support to and help to bring quick impact development to the Myanmar through projects such as the establishment grassroots.
Both countries are also preparing to of the Myanmar Institute of Information Technology transition to the fourth phase of this programme for (MIIT) in Mandalay and the Advanced Centre for USD 80 million (HICDPs Phase IV) in line with Prime Agricultural Research and Education (ACARE) near Minister’s commitment of December 2015 during his Naypyidaw.

These projects are helping the local people visit to Afghanistan.
to improve capabilities in key sectors and expand their Investing in the people of Afghanistan through livelihood opportunities.

education and capacity building assistance programmes are important on-going areas of India’s development Nepal partnership with Afghanistan.

An Afghanistan-focused Special Scholarship Scheme offers university-level education to 1000 Afghan beneficiaries every year.

In in taking forward and India has made progress completing key infrastructure projects in Nepal in 2019.
After completion and inauguration of the Integrated Check Post in Birgunj in April 2018, the 251 Development Partnership Administration (DPA) second ICP under Indian assistance at Biratnagar has assistance.

At present, India is, inter alia, providing also been completed in end-2019.

These ICPs will help grant assistance for construction of additional facilities ease the movement of people and goods between India at the Composite Training Centre at Mafillaafushi and Nepal.
Following the success of the ICPs under Island in the Maldives.

The main Training Centre was Phase I, work in Phase II will begin next year (2020).

completed in August 2015 and construction of some Implementation of the ICP at Nepalganj will begin in additional facilities, on Maldives Government request, 2020.

The cross border rail links with Nepal linking commenced in July 2019 with Indian grant assistance.
Jayanagar in Bihar to Bardibas in Nepal and Jogbani in India will also be assisting in the construction of a Bihar to Biratnagar in Nepal are under construction.

The new Ministry of Defence building for Maldives that is construction of the Nepal-Bharat Maitri Polytechnic scheduled to commence next year.

The construction of Project has also commenced this year.
India will also be the Institute for Security and Law Enforcement Studies assisting Nepal to construct its Nepal Police Academy, for which project development is currently underway.

(ISLES) is proceeding at a good pace and is expected to be completed in 2020.

Sri Lanka Mauritius The construction of a modern state-of-art Cultural India has joined hands in the infrastructure building Centre at Jaffna, which includes 2-storied museum, of Mauritius under development assistance.
Projects 12-storied learning tower, an auditorium block, a public such as Metro Rail transit infrastructure, New Supreme square and a floating stage for cultural performances Court Building, education-Tablets for primary school is set for completion by January 2020.

Following the students up to grade 3, Special Housing for Poor and success of the phase I of the Emergency Ambulance New ENT Hospital are being implemented under Indian Services, the Island wide Emergency Ambulance assistance.
Construction of the Supreme Court Building Services with a total of 209 ambulances were launched has been completed.
The phase I of the Metro Express in the remaining seven provinces of Sri Lanka in phases project linking up the capital, Port Louis, to Rose Hill starting from July 2018 to July 2019, which has attended and the state of the art paperless ENT hospital were more than 1.5 million calls till end of November 2019. completed and video-inaugurated by the two Prime Maldives Development projects in Maldives have picked up pace since late last year and substantial new commitments are also in the pipeline under both grant and LoC Ministers jointly in October this year.
Under the ‘Early Digital Learning Program’ completed earlier this year, customized smart tablets were provided to primary students up to grade 3 and their educators in two phases in all the 278 primary schools in Mauritius.
252 Annual Report 2019-20 14 Economic Diplomacy & States The ED & States Division as part of its efforts to give a shows and buyer-seller meets, engage consultants to focused direction to the economic diplomacy dimension prepare market studies, organize business seminars to of the country’s foreign policy undertook a number of attract foreign investments, and undertake advocacy initiatives during 2019-20.
The Division’s efforts were work to promote interests of Indian enterprises seeking to ensure greater coordination between the MEA, business opportunities overseas.
GOI line ministries / departments, State governments, business and industry chambers and Missions / Posts abroad with the objective of enhancing India’s exports, open new business opportunities for Indian enterprises overseas, enhance India’s economic engagement in the immediate neighbourhood and beyond, attract greater investments, promote tourism, and promote FDI into India.
The Division facilitated external economic engagement of states through the network of Missions and Posts abroad and Branch Secretariats and Regional Passport Offices in India.

Missions and posts conducted state facilitation activities through State Facilitation Abroad fund.
Liaising with the state and UT governments through regular interactions with their Resident Commissioners continued and progress was made To enable the Indian Missions / Posts to intensify their on the initiative of allotment of states to IFS officers, economic engagement with the countries of their accreditation, ED & States Division under its “Market Expansion Activities” budget has extended funding to the tune of Rs.

10 crores.
10 crores.

The funding has been utilized in collaboration with state government authorities.

Facilitation of MoUs between state governments and cities with their foreign counterparts to establish sister-state and city partnerships was also done by the to help promote Indian exports through catalogue division.
254 1. INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE (ISA) The International Solar Alliance was launched the First General Assembly of the ISA, held on 3 jointly by the Indian Prime Minister and the French October 2018, the Assembly of the ISA considered and President during COP21.

It aims to contribute to adopted the proposal made by India for an amendment the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement to the Framework Agreement for opening up of ISA through rapid and massive deployment of solar energy.
membership to all Member countries of the UN.

The ISA also contributes to the 12 commitments of the amended Framework Agreement will come into force One Planet Summit.

The ISA aims to bring together upon ratification by two-thirds (30) of its member countries to provide a collective response to the main countries.

As on date, 20 countries have accepted/ common obstacles to the massive deployment of solar ratified the amended Framework Agreement of the energy in terms of technology, finance and capacity.
The aim is to raise the trillion dollars needed to develop 1 TW of solar energy capacity by 2030.

As an action oriented organisation, to date, the ISA has established five key programmes of action: • scaling up solar applications for agricultural use • affordable finance at scale • • • scaling up solar mini-grids scaling up solar rooftop scaling up solar e-mobility and storage.
As on date, 85 countries have signed the Framework Agreement of the ISA, while 64 of these countries have also ratified the Framework Agreement.

During International Solar Alliance.

The Division in coordination with the nodal Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), helped organise the Second General Assembly of the ISA which was held on 31 October 2019 in New Delhi.

Around 23 Ministers from ISA countries participated in the Second General Assembly.
The Second General Assembly discussed the work and progress of the Alliance, and the methods to strengthen the implementation of the five programmes.

The Assembly also adopted a sixth programme of the ISA which will focus on large scale solar power projects to be developed under the solar park concept in clusters of ISA Member countries.

2.
2.

SOCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT (SSA) Social Security Agreements, broadly defined, are making double social security contributions;Easy bilateral agreements between India and other countries remittance of benefits (Exportability); and Aggregating which are designed to protect the interests of cross the contribution periods (in two countries) to prevent border workers, that is, Indians working abroad, as well loss of benefits (Totalization).
The Ministry of as nationals of those contracting countries working External Affairs, GoI, is the “competent authority” for in India.

The main aim of the SSA is to provide for negotiating the SSAs.

EPFO has been designated as the avoidance of ‘no coverage’ or ‘double coverage’ and Liaison Agency to operate the provisions of the SSAs equality of treatment of the workers of both countries.
and for issuing Certificates of Coverage (COC) to the Bilateral social security agreements protect the interests of Indian professionals, skilled workers working abroad by providing three benefits- Avoiding employees of establishments covered under the Act.

Till date, India has signed and ratified social security agreements with a total number of eighteen countries.

255 Economic Diplomacy & States Ongoing negotiations Brazil, which is due to be signed in January 2020. i.
Taking forward the spirit of the Goa Declaration ii.

The first technical meeting on India-China SSA was at the 8th BRICS Summit, and outcomes of the meetings of BRICS Labour & Employment Ministers held on 9 June 2016 in Geneva and on 27-28 September 2016 in New Delhi, India and Brazil held the negotiations on SSA from 13-16 March 2017 in Brasilia and initiated the finalized text of the Social Security Agreement.
The 2nd round of negotiations on Administrative Arrangement was held from 13- 16 November 2017, New Delhi and the draft text of Administrative Arrangement was finalized.

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing the Agreement on Social Security between India and held on 28-29 May 2018 in Beijing, China, while the first round of text based negotiations between the two sides were held from 13-15 November 2019, in New Delhi.
The Ministry of External Affairs is also involved in the formal negotiations on the Agreement on Social Security between India and the Philippines, and is planning to enter into SSAs with several other countries like South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Cyprus etc.

Informal consultations on SSA/Totalization are also ongoing with the United States of America.

3.
3.

CIVIL AVIATION ED & States Division worked closely with the Ministry of member countries seeking their support for India’s Civil Aviation on bilateral air services negotiations.

MEA Candidacy for the Council Seat during the ICAO also extends inputs on these issues and on requirement elections held in October, 2019.
The Division, with of flight operations or code share to promote tourism, the help of our Missions, had followed up with all economic engagement and to strengthen bilateral / ICAO members seeking their support.

The Division multilateral relations.

The Minister of Civil Aviation also participated in negotiations held with UK, Israel, had written letters to counterpart ministers of ICAO Bangladesh, Japan, UAE, Saudi Arabia.

4.
4.

BILATERAL INVESTMENT TREATIES (BITS) ED & States Division is working closely with the Department of Economic Affairs on the Bilateral Investment Treaties (BIT).

The Division participated made by this Division in terms of inputs and facilitating the talks and follow-up action.

The ED & States Division is also a part of the UNCITRAL Working Group-III on in various rounds of negotiations on the Bilateral reforms to Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS).
Investment Treaty based on India’s new Model Text The Division along with L & T Division represents the approved by the Cabinet in December 2015.

In the Ministry and provides substantial inputs in all the current year, the ED & States Division has taken part Inter-Ministerial Meetings on arbitration cases related in these negotiations with Mexico, Saudi Arabia, to BITs.

Cambodia, and Russia.

Substantial contributions were 256 Annual Report 2019-20 INVESTMENT PROMOTION & PUBLICITY AND INDUSTRY 5.
OUTREACH i.

The Division provided financial assistance and on 13th August 2019.

The division was also a logo support for the second edition of Indusfood part of the Organising Committee meetings and 2019, organised between 14-15 January 2019, by extended required assistance from the MEA for the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI).

The success of the event.


TPCI successfully organised B2B dialogues on the side-lines of second edition of Indusfood on 14- 15 January, 2019 with 20 countries namely the US, Russia, Belarus, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Canada, Qatar, UAE, Malaysia, Israel, Vietnam, New Zealand, Egypt, Armenia, Colombia, Ghana, Kenya and Singapore, with the main objective to increase India’s exports to these countries in F&B Sector.
The conclave aimed at informal interaction with a view to iron out the matters of concern to the foreign buyers and Indian exporters and to discuss the issues such as regulatory mechanisms, NTBs(non-traffic barriers) and TBT (Trade Barrier Tariffs) etc.

ii.

The Division facilitated the organisation of the IETF 2019 – 23rd edition of International Engineering & Technology Fair from 3rd to 5th February, 2019 at PragatiMaidan, by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi.

vi.
vi.

The Division supported the “Passage to Prosperity- India-Afghanistan Trade and Investment Show” conference organised by USAID between 24-26 September 2019 in New Delhi.

It also assisted the All India Association of Industries for organising the 8th edition of ‘Global Economic Summit’ from 06-08 March, 2019 in Mumbai.

The division also provided support for the India International Security Expo 2019, held from 3-5 October 2019 in New Delhi.

vii.
vii.

The Division coordinated and supported the organisation of the India International Cooperatives Trade Fair (IICTF), held in New Delhi between 11- 13 October 2019.

The event was organised by National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).

It was India’s first international cooperatives fair organised with an objective to promote co-operative-to-cooperative trade within India and abroad leading to enhanced rural and iii.

The Division provided financial assistance to farm prosperity.
Embassy of India, Guatemala City for participating in Apparel Sourcing Show being organised in Guatemala City from 14-16 May, 2019. viii.

The Division provided financial assistance to our Missions for the India-Southern Africa Regional Conclave held in Lusaka from 14-15 October, 2019. iv.
Coinciding with the State visit of Similarly, the Division also provided hospitality to Hon’bleRashtrapatiji, Embassy of India, Manila was dignitaries from five countries for the Regional also provided with financial support and assistance Conclave on West Asia North Africa (WANA) from for the 4thASEAN-India Business Summit held in 6-7 November, 2019 at Cairo, Egypt.

Manila on 19thOctober, 2019. ix.


The Division organised a briefing for Resident v. The Division coordinated with the Ministry of Civil Missions in New Delhi on 23 September 2019, for Aviation, the Airports Authority of India and the CII the “Summit on Global Chemicals & Petrochemicals in organising a Roundtable Discussion on Regional Manufacturing Hubs in India”, held in Mumbai from Cooperation “Neighbourhood” first, in New Delhi 11-12 November 2019.
The Summit was organised 257 Economic Diplomacy & States by the D/o Chemicals and Petrochemicals with the symposium was to create awareness among support of the FICCI.

The division also coordinated the audience regarding the potentials & efficacy of with the Indian Missions abroad for overseas Ayurveda and other systems of AYUSH.

The event publicity for the event, as well as, visa facilitation.

was also meant to help familiarize the audience x.


The Division organised the World Food India, 2019 in New Delhi between 1-4 November 2019.

In this regard, the division organised a briefing for the foreign resident missions of 35 countries, under the chairmanship of Minister of Food Processing and Industries, and sought participation from the respective countries at the event.

xi.
xi.

The Division provided financial assistance to Indo- Canadian Business Chamber for ICBC Annual Convention held in Delhi on 19th November, 2019. with the robust infrastructure and regulatory provisions governing Ayurveda in India, as well as, make aware of the opportunities in education & skill development in the field.

The event was attended by Diplomats from the Resident Missions of countries in New Delhi.

EAM and MoS for AYUSH chaired the event.

xiv.


The Division provided financial assistance to Madras Development Society (MDS) for organizing the Chennai Global Economic Summit 2019 from 28th -30th December, 2019. xii.

The Division in association with the CII and the xv.

The Division is involved in the process of organising Central Europe Division of MEA organised the 5th India Europe 29 Business Forum from 20- 21 November 2019 in New Delhi.
The event was inaugurated byShri.PiyushGoyal, Minister for Commerce & Industry and Railways.

It saw the participation of some 400 delegates from 29 European countries.

The focus sectors for this edition of forum were Smart Cities, IT & ITES, Renewable Energy, Pharma and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

xiii.

The Division in association with the Ministry of AYUSH, organized a Symposium on “Scope of Science of Ayurveda in Global Health”, on 11 December, 2019, in New Delhi.
The objective of the “International Geological Congress 2020” scheduled to be held from 2-8 March 2020, in New Delhi.

The event will be held under the aegis of International Union of Geological Congress, the scientific sponsor of the IGC.

The division, in coordination with the Ministry of Mines, is facilitating visa/permission/approval etc.
related to the participation of the foreign delegates for the various meetings, field tours and the main event in India, and is the nodal agency for providing information/clarification on the same.

The division is also reaching out to the resident foreign missions and Indian Missions abroad for robust publicity and visa facilitation.

7. BUSINESS DELEGATIONS DURING VVIP VISITS The ED & States Division, in association with the i.
In March 2019, the Division organised business business chambers, constitutes business delegations delegations to Chile & Bolivia in connection with and organizes business forums for the incoming and the visit of Hon’ble President of India.

The Division outgoing VVIP visits.

In 2019, the division organized also organised delegations and business forums in business delegations and forums for the following Costa Rica and Paraguay during the visit of Hon’ble visits: Vice President of India in March 2019.
258 Annual Report 2019-20 ii.

The Division organised Business Delegations to incoming VVIP visits; some of them are as below: Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia, accompanying the Hon’ble Vice President in August 2019. Business Forums were organised in these countries in connection with the VVIP visit.

• India-Zambia Business Forum held during the state visit of Hon’ble President of the Republic of Zambia in August, 2019.

• India-Mongolia Business Forum held during iii.


The Division also helped organise the Business the State visit of President of Mongolia in delegations and Forums during the visit of September, 2019.

Hon’blePresident of India to Iceland, Slovenia and • Indo-Bangladesh Business Forum during the Switzerland in September 2019. visit of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on 4 iv.

The Division in coordination with apex business chambers organises Business Forums during October 2019 8.
CONDUCTING STUDIES/MARKET SURVEYS AND ASSESSMENTS i.

The division provided financial assistance to CII for and the DPIIT.

leading the Australian Economy Strategy Report.

The Draft report was taken up by the Division for an inter ministerial discussion with the concerned Line Ministries.

Another meeting on the report was conducted by the DPIIT on 17 December 2019, in which the ED Division had participated.

The recommendations proposed to the draft report were communicated to the CII.
The Report is currently under further examination by the MEA ii.

The division provided financial assistance to the Centre for Studies in International Relations and Development (CSIRD), Kolkata for conducting a study to assess the market prospects and industrial landscape of Myanmar and its investment potential for Indian businesses.

The draft report has been taken up by the division for discussion through an Inter-Ministerial meeting scheduled to be held in January 2020.

9.
9.

WEBSITE AND GLOBAL MAPPING OF RESOURCES Economic Diplomacy & States Division has been in the Investment updates, and the rankings of India and the process of renovation of its website “indbiz.gov.in”.

The States in Ease of Doing Business.

website of ED & STATES Division aims to be a one- stop source of all information on Indian economy and business environment in India for foreign enterprises, as well as Indian businesses going abroad and for Indian Missions and Posts.
It will also provide an overview on advantages of India, a general, economic, political and demographic profile of India, information on Indian States and Union Territories, Sectoral opportunities A section of the website is dedicated to the Resources Platform which would provide detailed information on World Resource Endowments and Opportunities in three areas: i.

Mineral resources: The platform will serve as a global atlas for locating global reserves of minerals strategic to India.
and Success stories, Key State Advantages, State Investment Promotion Agencies, Foreign Direct ii.

Opportunities for agri-exports: The platform will map the Indian agricultural products with the 259 Economic Diplomacy & States centers of their demand in countries across the demographic dividend, the platform will help world, thus, helping exporters to identify potential identify employment opportunities available for opportunities for agri-exports.

skilled/semi-skilled labor in countries abroad.

iii.
iii.

overseas employment opportunities for our The website will be ready for launch in the first quarter citizens: Keeping in view India’s growing of 2020 10.

INPUTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS/COMMITTEES The Head of ED & States Division is a part of several WAPCOS.
Other officers of ED & States Division Boards/Committees as a Member such as Export also represent MEA on Committees such as Fisheries Promotion Council for EOUs & SEZs (EPCES) (Ministry of Commerce & Industry), Project Exports Promotion subsidies, Coal Preparation Society of India (CPSI), Group constituted on Cartelisation/hoarding of pulses, Council (PEPC), India Trade Promotion Organisation Market Access Initiative (MAI).
As part of these (ITPO), Invest India, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade Boards/Committees, ED & States, necessary inputs (IIFT), Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC), and guidance of MEA is provided.

11.

ENERGY ED & States Division coordinates India’s engagement the Government of India.

ED & States Division is also with the International Energy Agency (IEA).
ED & States the primary coordinating agency facilitating Indian line Division has contributed to the biennial work programs ministries engagement with the IEA.
Besides facilitating developed between India and the IEA, including the India’s energy engagements at the multilateral forum, Joint Statement and the Schedule of Joint Action ED & States Division is also a part of the group of line (JS& SJA) for 2015-17, the statement of Intent (SOI) ministries, involved in pursuing the bilateral energy between NITI Aayog and the IEA, as well as the Joint dialogues with various countries.

Program of Work 2018-2021 between the IEA and 12.


MARKET EXPANSION ACTIVITIES To enable our Missions/Posts abroad to effectively manner to the expectations of Indian private sector respond to the growing demands of Indian industry in not only handling of routine trade and investment and business, the Ministry has a budget Head entitled enquiries, providing information on economic and “Market Expansion Activities” initially started in business climate in the countries of their accreditation 2010.
Funds are allocated under the Budget Head but more importantly in identifying new business to our Missions/Posts abroad based on the volume opportunities by undertaking promotional activities of bilateral trade handled by them (discounting such as market surveys, seminars, workshops, outreach oil imports).

The budget enables our Commercial activities targeting Chambers of Commerce, Industry wings to respond effectively and in a time bound Associations etc.
The Expenditure by Missions/Posts 260 Annual Report 2019-20 under the head is governed by “Expenditure Guidelines This year ED & States Division has allocated Rs.

10Cr for Market Expansion Budget” to various Indian Missions/Posts abroad.

STATES OUTREACH The Division facilitated external economic engagement of states through the network of Missions and Posts abroad and Branch Secretariats and Regional Passport Offices in India.
Missions and posts conducted state facilitation activities through State Facilitation Abroad fund, such as The Next Phase- Singapore organized by High Commission of India, Singapore from 09- 10 September 2019 in which state delegations from Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Odisha participated.
The division held events like Diplomatic Outreach Event focused on Economic and investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh (held on 09 August, 2019 at Vijayawada) and the second edition of Deccan Dialogue (held on 31 August, 2019 at Hyderabad) to facilitate diplomatic outreach of states and promote economic diplomacy dialogue at the state level, using State Facilitation and Knowledge Support Fund.
The division partnered with Government of Himachal Pradesh in organization of Rising Himachal-Global Investors’ Meet at Dharamshala from 06-08 November, 2019.

Also, a curtain raiser to the Rising Himachal Global Investors’ Meet was organized by the division in New Delhi on 10 July, 2019.
Liaising with state and UT governments through regular interactions with their Resident Commissioners continued and progress was made on the initiative of allotment of states to IFS officers, in collaboration with state government authorities.

Facilitation of MoUs between state governments and cities with their foreign counterparts to establish sister-state and city partnerships was done by the division.
I) Facilitating Diplomatic Outreach by States i. ED & States Division through Branch Secretariat, Hyderabad organized Diplomatic Outreach Event in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh on 9 August, 2019.

More than 40 diplomatic representatives from Delhi and other Indian cities, including many Heads of Missions participated in the event, where they were addressed by Hon’ble Chief Minister ShriJagan Mohan Reddy on Economic and Investment Opportunities in the State of Andhra Pradesh.
Ministers and senior officials from the Government of Andhra Pradesh as well as Ministry of External Affairs made presentations and interacted with the diplomatic community present and the participating business leaders.

Hon’ble Chief Minister also held separate meetings with about 20 Ambassadors who participated in the event.

ii.
ii.

Deccan Dialogue-II “Economic Diplomacy in the Age of Disruptions”: ED & States Division through Branch Secretariat, Hyderabad organized Deccan Dialogue-II “Economic Diplomacy in the Age of Disruptions” in collaboration with Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh on 31 August, 2019.

The Hon’ble Vice-President, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu addressed the inaugural session of Deccan Dialogue-II.
Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri V Muraleedharan, State Ministers from AP and Telangana, Diplomatic Community, business leaders and other dignitaries were also present in the event.

The event in Hyderabad received a very encouraging response with more than 600 participants attending it.

261 Economic Diplomacy & States iii.


ED & States Division facilitated Rising Himachal Global Investors’ Meet 2019, a flagship business event of the State Government of Himachal Pradesh at Dharamshala on November 7-8, 2019.

The event showcased the policy and regulatory environment, investment opportunities in eight focus sectors to boost manufacturing and employment generation in the State and was inaugurated by the Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi.
Over 1700 Business delegates including 200 International delegates from UAE, Netherlands, PIOCCI, Russia, Vietnam, Germany etc.

participated in the event.

Ambassadors from 10 countries attended the event.

As a run up to the investors meet, a Curtain Raiser was also organized by ED & States Division which was attended by Resident Ambassadors and chaired by Shri V. Muraleedharan, MoS.
III) Liaising with State and UT Governments Acting as a bridge connecting MEA with state and UT governments, the division coordinated incoming and outgoing visits of high-level trade delegations, participated on behalf of MEA in inter-ministerial consultations on issues of North-Eastern States and facilitated signing of MoUs by state and city authorities with their foreign counterparts on various areas of governance.
ED & States Division conducted a meeting of Resident Commissioners of States and UTs with Senior Officials of Indian Foreign Service at Foreign Service Institute under Mid Career Training Program on 01 November 2019.

The division participated and contributed for a meeting of Resident Commissioners of States organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on 13 November, 2019 for promoting FDI in states.
II) State Facilitation activities by Missions/ Posts IV) Facilitation of MoUs with foreign city/states During the year 2019-20, Economic Diplomacy and Missions and Posts abroad conducted state facilitation States Division facilitated the signing of following activities abroad to promote investments and tourism MoUs with various foreign entities, cities and state from their country of accreditation to states and UTs, Governments: enhance economic, cultural and people to people engagement.
Funds made available by the division under the budget head ‘State Facilitation Abroad’ were used for these activities.

i) Sister-State Partnerships i.

Agreement on Cooperation and Development of friendly relations between Jeollanam-do-Province, Republic of Korea and the State of West Bengal, The division facilitated participation of the Chief Republic of India.

Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat and Goa ii.
Agreement on Cooperation and Development and their accompanying delegations to Vladivostok, Russia for India-Russia Cooperation in the Russian Far of friendly relations between Gyeongnam-do- Province, Republic of Korea and the State of West East from 11-13 August, 2019 organised in the run-up Bengal, Republic of India.

to Eastern Economic Forum.

Commerce and Industry Minister ShriPiyushGoyal led the delegation and about 140 Indian companies participated.
MoUs were signed between the five states of India and regions of the Russian Far East to expand and strengthen cooperation in the areas of trade, economy, investment, scientific and technical cooperation.

iii.

MoU between the Government of Sakhalin Oblast of the Russian Federation and the Government of Haryana State of the Republic of India on Business Cooperation.

iv.
iv.

MoU between the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) of the Russian Federation and the Gujarat State of the Republic of India on Business Cooperation.

262 Annual Report 2019-20 v. MoU between the Republic of Buryatia of the ii) Sister-City Partnerships Russian Federation and the Maharashtra State of the Republic of India on Business Cooperation.

i.

Sister City Agreement between Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh & Nottingham City vi.

MoU between Zabaikalsky Krai of the Russian Council.
Federation and Uttar Pradesh State of the Republic of India on Business Cooperation.

iii) Other Agreements vii.

Extension of Twinning Agreement between the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi and Fukuoka Prefectural Government(FPG), Japan.

viii.

Sister-State partnership agreement between the State of Gujarat, Republic of India and the State of New Jersey, USA.

ix.
ix.

Establishment of a Sister State partnership agreement between The State of Telangana, Republic of India and The State of New Jersey, United State of America.

x. MoU between Kamchatka Kray of the Russian Federation and the Goa State of the Republic of India on Business Cooperation.

i. MoU between Swiss e-Bus manufacturing firm HESS and Transport, Fisheries and Revenue Department, Govt.

of Kerala for assembly and manufacture of e-Bus in Kerala.

ii.
ii.

Memorandum of Cooperation between Municipal Administration & Water Supply Department, Govt.

of Tamil Nadu and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

iii.

Memorandum of Understanding between Govt.

of Meghalaya and University of California, Berkeley, USA for an award for implementing Smart villages in the State of Meghalaya.
263 Economic Diplomacy & States 15 Disarmament and International Security Affairs Global peace and security is hinged upon a robust of close engagement with the international community disarmament, non-proliferation and international to promote cooperative efforts in dealing with global security architecture.

India has been actively engaged challenges in an evolving geostrategic environment.
in the field of disarmament, non-proliferation and international security and has developed a strong and credible narrative based on its experiences and engagements in various regional and multilateral forums.
India’s stand on disarmament issues was guided by its national security interests and tradition In 2019, India continued to play an active role in various multilateral forums on disarmament and international security affairs in pursuance of its commitment to the goal of universal and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament as well as general and complete disarmament.
FIRST COMMITTEE OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY India reiterated its commitment to the goal of global, non- discriminatory and verifiable nuclear disarmament at the 74th session of the First Committee of the UN General Assembly, which was held in New York during 7 October–8 November 2019.
India’s resolution entitled “Measures to prevent 264 terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction”, Report, mandated by Resolution last year, highlighted which was first introduced in 2002, was again adopted current developments in science and technology and by consensus this year.

The resolution calls upon UN their potential impact on international security and Member States to take measures aimed at preventing disarmament efforts.
The Resolution encourages terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction Member States to organize events such as conferences, and to support international efforts in this regard.
seminars, workshops and exhibitions, at the national, India’s resolution on the “Convention on the prohibition of use of nuclear weapons” reiterated the call to the Conference on Disarmament to commence negotiations on an International Convention for prohibiting the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances.
India’s resolution on “Reducing nuclear danger” highlighted the need for a review of nuclear doctrines and immediate steps to reduce the risk of intentional or accidental use of nuclear weapons, including through their de-alerting and de-targeting.

India’s resolution on the “Role of science and technology in the context of international security and regional and international levels.
In order to facilitate multilateral dialogue as well as dialogue among relevant stakeholders on current developments in science and technology and their potential impact on international security and disarmament efforts.

India together with Germany, Switzerland and Qatar supported the organisation of the first annual “Innovations Dialogue” by UNIDIR, on 19 August 2019.
The Seminar was organised in accordance with the decision taken in the General Assembly Resolution 73/32, tabled by India, to hold a seminar on the role of science and technology in the context of international security and disarmament.

The theme of Innovations Dialogue was “Digital Technologies & International disarmament” was adopted by consensus.
The UNSG’s Security.” UNITED NATIONS DISARMAMENT COMMISSION (UNDC) The UNDC was held only in informal settings in actively participated in the informal discussions on the 2019 from 16 April to 29 April 2019 due to lack of two agenda items (nuclear weapons and outer space) consensus on convening the formal session.

India adopted for the current three-year cycle.


CONFERENCE ON DISARMAMENT (CD) The CD was in session from 21 January to 29 March, Treaty (FMCT), Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer 13 May to 28 June and 29 July to 13 September 2019.

Space (PAROS) and Negative Security Assurances Throughout the 2019 Session, successive Presidents of (NSA).

India called for adoption of a Programme of Work the Conference conducted intensive consultations with by the CD in order to resume substantive negotiations.
a view to reaching consensus on the CD’s programme India also expressed its support for the commencement of work, which remained elusive.

India shared its of negotiations in the CD of a non-discriminatory and perspective on the four core issues on the CDs Agenda, internationally verifiable FMCT in line with India’s including nuclear disarmament, Fissile Material Cut-off commitment to achieve nuclear disarmament.
265 Disarmament and International Security Affairs UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL (UNSC) India has been coordinating with the UN Security India has been submitting National Reports on the Council Committee established pursuant to UNSC implementation of UNSCR 1540 since 2004.
India resolution 1540 (2004) which obliges States, inter alia, submitted its National Report update to the United to refrain from supporting by any means non-State Nations in August 2019, highlighting the activities actors from developing, acquiring, manufacturing, undertaken in the area of export controls and possessing, transporting, transferring or using nuclear, implementation of UNSCR 1540, since the last National chemical or biological weapons and their delivery Report of June 2017. systems.
BIOLOGICAL & TOXIN WEAPONS CONVENTION (BTWC) India actively participated in the five Meetings of of the Meeting of Experts.

Experts (MXPs) held in Geneva from 29 July - 8 August 2019 as well as the Annual Meeting of States Parties (MSP) from December 03-06, 2019.
India also organized a side event on ‘Emerging Landscapes of Science and Technology: New Frontiers and Challenges in Bio-threat Detection and Mitigation’, on the sidelines India has presented two Working Papers – (i) with the USA on “Strengthening implementation of Article- III of the BWC” and (ii) with France on “Proposal for establishment of a database for assistance in the framework of Article-VII of the BWC”.
CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION (CWC) As a member of the Executive Council (EC) of the annual Session of the Conference of State Parties (CSP) Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons held during 25-29 November 2019.

(OPCW), India contributed to the issues of chemical weapons destruction, industry inspections, national implementation and international cooperation and assistance.
As in previous years, India continued to play an active role by engaging with States Parties during various sessions of EC throughout the year and the Under the OPCW National Authority Mentorship/ Partnership Programme, India invited Afghan authorities to share its knowledge, skills and experience relevant to the Convention.

The first round of the Programme was held in New Delhi from April 29 to May 03, 2019.
CONVENTION ON CERTAIN CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS (CCW) India participated in the Meetings of Experts of participated actively during the Annual Meeting of the Amended Protocol-II, a Group of Experts (22 August High Contracting Parties to the CCW from November 2019); Protocol V, Meeting of Experts (23 August 2019) 13-15, 2019 as well as the Annual Conferences of and the Group of Governmental Experts on LAWS Amended Protocol-II and Protocol-V on November 12 (25-29 March and 20-21 August 2019).
India also and November 11, 2019 respectively.

266 Annual Report 2019-20 ANTI-PERSONNEL MINE BAN CONVENTION (APMBC) India participated as an Observer at the 4th Review convention, India complies with the provisions of Conference of the APMBC held in Oslo from November International Humanitarian Law, in accordance with 25-29, 2019.

Even though India is not a party to the the CCW Additional Protocol II.

SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS The United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, its goal.
India continued to make progress towards Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small implementation of the UNPoA and the International Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA) adopted in July 2001 provides a comprehensive set Tracing Instrument.

India actively participated in the third Review Conference on SALW in New York from of national, regional and global measures to achieve 18-29 June 2018.
PARTICIPATION IN GROUPS OF GOVERNMENTAL EXPERTS (GGE) India participated actively in the Group of Governmental 2019.

India also participated in the three sessions of Experts on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer GGE on United Nations Register of Conventional Arms Space (PAROS) which concluded its session in March (UNROCA) in March, April and June 2019.
EUROPEAN ORGANISATION FOR NUCLEAR RESEARCH (CERN) India became an Associate Member of CERN in 2017. the Finance Committee and Scientific Policy Committee India participated in the sessions of the CERN Council, during 2019-20. INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA) India participated in the 63rd session of the IAEA (TMC), which has 183 participating stakeholders from General Conference held in Vienna during 16-20 India, has been made open to the cancer hospitals September 2019.
India launched NCG Vishwam and other relevant institutes from foreign countries.

Cancer Care Connection 17th September 2019 in As in previous years, India continued to play an active Vienna on the sidelines of 63rd General conference of role by engaging with States Parties during Board of the IAEA.

By virtue of this, National Cancer Grid (NCG), Governors meetings held in March, June, September, established and managed by Tata Memorial Centre and November, 2019.
267 Disarmament and International Security Affairs MARITIME AFFAIRS India, in 2019, held annual Maritime Security Dialogues India has signed White Shipping Agreements with a with Vietnam, United States, Myanmar, France, number of countries taking the tally to 17 in order to Japan, European Union and Australia.

The dialogues enhance cooperation in Maritime Domain Awareness.
covered issues of mutual interest, including exchange In addition, India also signed an Ascension Agreement of assessments of the developments in the maritime to the Trans Regional Maritime Network (T-RMN), a security situation in the Indo-Pacific Region as well as multilateral construct comprising 30 countries.

the prospects for strengthening bilateral and regional maritime cooperation.
STRAITS OF MALACCA AND SINGAPORE (SOMS) India has been an active member of Co-operative to Navigation Fund (ANF) Committee held in Malaysia Mechanism set up in 2007 on the Straits of Malacca and in April and September 2019.

India also contributed a Singapore (SOMS) under the International Maritime sum of Rs 30 lakh for the ANF, which acts as a treasurer Organization’s (IMO’s) “Protection of Vital Shipping for Cooperative Mechanisms and provides a budget for Lanes” initiative.
Building on the earlier contributions, planned maintenance of identified aids to navigation.

India participated in the 22nd and 23rd meetings of Aids CONTACT GROUP ON PIRACY OFF THE COAST OF SOMALIA (CGPCS) India participated in the 22nd Plenary Session of Contact and Seychelles, co-chaired the Working Group on Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) held “Operations at Sea”.

in Mauritius on 20 June 2019.


India, along with UAE CONFERENCE ON INTERACTION AND CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES IN ASIA (CICA) India actively participated in CICA events throughout June 2019.

The theme of the summit was “Shared the year.

External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, Vision for a Secure and More Prosperous CICA Region”.
led the Indian delegation to the 5th Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, from 14-15 Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan participated in an informal ministerial conference of CICA at the sidelines of the 74th UNGA.
268 Annual Report 2019-20 ASEAN REGIONAL FORUM (ARF) AND ADMM PLUS Keeping in line with India’s ‘Act East’ policy, India delegation to the annual ADMM Plus dialogue held actively participated in the Inter-Sessional Meetings in Bangkok on 18 November 2019.

India along with (ISMs) and the Senior Officials Meetings (SOMs) held Myanmar is co-chair of the ADMM Plus Experts’ under the aegis of ARF.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Working Group on Military Medicine and undertook Jaishankar attended the 26th ARF Ministerial Meet in its responsibilities at the Inter Sessional Meeting (ISM) Singapore on 02 August 2019. while simultaneously participating in various workshops Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, led the Indian and events organized under the aegis of ADMM Plus.
NUCLEAR SECURITY CONTACT GROUP (NSCG) The NSCG is an outcome of the Nuclear Security the NSCG Plenary meeting in Budapest, Hungary on Summit process and India actively participated in the 23 May 2019. meetings of the Group in 2019.
India participated in EXPORT CONTROLS Multilateral export control regimes, which brings (effective from 24 July 2019), to harmonise it with the together, on a voluntary basis, like-minded countries, 2018 guidelines and control lists of the four multilateral have contributed to the goals of non-proliferation export control regimes.

by issuing guidelines for export controls and lists of specific goods and technologies whose exports should be regulated.
India became a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in June 2016, Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) in December 2017 and the Australia Group (AG) in January 2018.

India’s application for membership of NSG is under consideration.

Multi-agency delegations from India participated in the various meetings of the three multilateral export control regimes viz.

WA, AG, MTCR, including the Plenary meetings of the WA in December 2019, the AG in June 2019 and MTCR in October 2019.
Ministry of External Affairs worked in close cooperation with Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence to streamline export control licensing procedures, such as Global Authorisation for Intra Company Transfers (GAICT) and Open General Export License (OGEL).

The MEA, together with its Governmental partners, including DGFT and industry partners, remained engaged in outreach activities as an integral part of implementation of export control system.
These included a programme on India’s Export Control Framework in the context of Aerospace and Defence During the year, India’s export control list of Special Industry on 23 February 2019 in Bangalore, an industry Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and interaction to discuss Intangible Technology Transfer Technologies (SCOMET) was updated on 24 April 2019 (ITT) on 5 March 2019 in Bangalore, an awareness 269 Disarmament and International Security Affairs programme for the chemical industry held on Chemical 2019 at New Delhi.
The 2nd International Workshop Weapons Convention (CWC) and SCOMET on 25 on ‘Product Security and Safeguarding the International March 2019 in Surat.

Further, the third National Supply Chain for Commercial Grade Explosives (CGEs)’ Conference on Export Controls was held on 17 July was held at Nagpur on August 19, 2019.

THE HAGUE CODE OF CONDUCT India joined/subscribed to the Hague Code of India participated in the 18th Regular Meeting of Conduct (HCoC) in June 2016.
In compliance with the HCoC, which was held in Vienna from 3-4 June 2019. commitments on transparency and confidence building India also submitted its annual declaration for the year measures, India regularly notified the HCoC of pre- ending 31 March, 2019. launch notifications of India’s ballistic missile and space launches.
OUTER SPACE India continued to actively participate in the meetings prevention of an arms race in outer space, inter alia, on of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer Uses of Outer Space and its subcommittees in Vienna.

space.
India participated actively in two Sessions of Consequent to the adoption of UNGA Resolution the GGE, which were held in August 2018 and March 72/250 entitled “Further practical measures for the 2019. prevention of an arms race in outer space” on 24 December 2017 a Group of Government Experts (GGE), with a membership up to 25 member states was formed and tasked with considering and making recommendations on substantial elements of an international legally binding instrument on the The inaugural India- Japan Space Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 07 March 2019.
The third round of the India-U.S. Space Dialogue was held on 12 March 2019 in Washington.
FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS PROGRAMME ON DISARMAMENT AND As part of India’s commitment to disarmament, non- Fellowship for foreign diplomats from 13-31 January proliferation and arms control, and in order to equip 2020. the young diplomats with the necessary knowledge and skills, Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with Disarmament and International Security Affairs (D&ISA) Division of Ministry of External Affairs, is organising the Second Disarmament and International Security Affairs India’s initiative fulfils the mandate of UNGA Resolution 71/57 “United Nations study on disarmament and non- proliferation education” and is in line with the focus on ‘Disarmament Education’ in UNSG’s Disarmament Agenda ‘to Secure our World and our Future’.
270 Annual Report 2019-20 16 Legal and Treaties Division UNITED NATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL LAW Sixth Committee (Legal) of the United Nations • Responsibility of States for internationally wrongful General Assembly The Sixth Committee of the United Nations is an important body of the General Assembly, provides an opportunity for the UN member States for the consideration of legal questions.
Like the previous years, the Legal and Treaties Division followed the acts • Criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission • Report of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law on the work of its fifty- second session work of the Sixth Committee and actively participated • United Nations Programme of Assistance in in its deliberations.

The Sixth Committee met during the Seventy-fourth Session of the General Assembly, from 07 October-14 & 20 November 2019.
During the Session, following Resolutions and decisions were adopted by the General the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law • Report of the International Law Commission on the work of its seventy-first session • Diplomatic protection Assembly on items allocated to the Sixth Committee of • Consideration of prevention of transboundary the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA):- harm from hazardous activities and allocation of 272 loss in the case of such harm in the General Assembly • Report of the Special Committee on the Charter • Observer status for the Community of Democracies of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of in the General Assembly the Role of the Organization • Observer status for the Ramsar Convention on • The rule of law at the national and international Wetlands Secretariat in the General Assembly levels • Observer status for the Global Environment Facility • The scope and application of the principle of in the General Assembly universal jurisdiction • Observer status for the Group of Seven Plus in the • The law of transboundary aquifers General Assembly • Measures to eliminate international terrorism • Observer status for the International Organization • Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly of Employers in the General Assembly • Programme planning • Administration of justice at the United Nations • Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country • Observer status for the Cooperation Council of Turkic-speaking States in the General Assembly • Observer status for the Eurasian Economic Union INTERNATIONAL LAW WEEK • Observer status for the International Trade Union Confederation in the General Assembly • Observer status for the Boao Forum for Asia in the General Assembly India actively participated in the discussions and made statement on few of the topics.
International Law Week is scheduled every year Committee deliberated upon the Report of the on the sidelines of the UNGA Session.

During this International Law Commission on the work of its 71st period, the Sixth Committee (Legal Committee) of Session submitted by Mr. Pavel Sturma, in his capacity the United Nations General Assembly reviews the as the Chair of the 71st Session of the ILC.
During the work of International Law Commission and discussion period under review (71st Session), the Commission takes place on the report/s of the International considered several important topics in its programme Court of Justice on its work during the past year/s.
of work which include codification of fundamental The International Law Week was observed from 28 norms of international law (jus cogens), crimes against October- 1 November 2019 at the humanity, immunity of State officials from foreign UN Headquarters during the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Ms. Uma Sekhar, Additional criminal jurisdiction, protection of environment and rise of sea-level, etc.
Secretary and Legal Advisor of the MEA participated India, in its interventions, offered critical analysis on the in the events during the International Law week and draft Articles prepared by the Commission (ILC) including discussed international law issues of contemporary the Commission’s recommendations to the General relevance.
During the International Law Week, the Sixth Assembly for elaboration of possible Convention/s by the General Assembly on these issues, in particular, the 273 Legal and Treaties Division Commission’s attempt to codify/define crimes against together the Heads of the Legal Departments of the humanity (murder, torture, enforced disappearance of Ministries of Foreign Affairs to discuss international persons, extermination, forced pregnancy, etc.)
in its law issues of contemporary relevance/interest to the draft Articles for a possible Convention, which are not Members.

During the current UNGA Session, Mexico based on empirical analysis of international practice, coordinated the informal discussions.
Members but are largely made by analogy or deduction from the reflected upon issues such as prohibition of use of force provisions of other international conventions and have against non-State actors, the challenges, limitations as not acquired universal character.

well as the role of UNSC and, use of Veto in cases of During this period, the Sixth Committee debated on war crimes and crimes against humanity, etc.

the report of the International Law Commission.


India During the International Law Week, the Legal Advisers participated in the debate, examined the International of the BRICS Member countries also informally meet to Law topics considered by the ILC and commented deliberate upon international law issues in general and thereupon in statements on the topics such as: India’s of particular interest to BRICS Member States.
Brazil position on jus cogens, immunity of State officials, ‘Sea being the Chair of this year’s informal BRICS Legal Level Rise and its Implications etc.

Advisers’ meeting, took the initiative.

The delegates On the sidelines of the Sixth Committee deliberations, the Informal Meeting of the Legal Advisers was also held.
This is an initiative which was undertaken in 1989 by the Legal Advisers of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Canada, India, Mexico, Poland and Sweden to bring informally exchanged views on topics before the International Law Commission such as cyber security, rule of law, multilateralism as well as the projects undertaken by UNCITRAL such as possible reforms to the Investor State Dispute Settlement Mechanism OCEANS AND THE LAW OF THE SEA Representative of Legal & Treaties Division was a submitted by India in respect of the western offshore member of Indian Delegation which attended the region of India in the Arabian Sea.
The sub-commission meeting with the sub-commission of the Commission examined the Indian claim submission submitted under on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) held Article 76 of the United Nations Convention on the in New York from 14-18 October, 2019.

The Sub Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).


commission is established to examine the information UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW (UNCITRAL) The United Nations Commission on International Trade UNCITRAL is mandated to promote the progressive Law (UNCITRAL) is the core legal body of the United harmonization and unification of the law of international Nations system in the field of international trade law.
trade, in particular, to codify and harmonize the current A legal body with universal membership specializing in and evolving issues of international trade law at the commercial law reform worldwide for over 50 years, global level.

India as a Member of UNCITRAL since its 274 Annual Report 2019-20 inception has been participating in its Sessions and Working Group VI on Security Interests contributing towards growth of international trade law.
India has participated in the select Working Groups meetings during the year 2019-20.

Various working groups under UNCITRAL are: • The Working Group I on Micro, Small and Medium- sized Enterprises.

• The Working Group II on Arbitration and Conciliation / Dispute Settlement • The Working Group III on Investor-State Dispute Settlement Reform.

• The Working Group IV on Electronic Commerce.


• The Working Group V on Insolvency Law The India has joined the drafting committee for working Group III (Investor-State Dispute Settlement Reform mandated to reform the investor state dispute settlement mechanism).

India also nominated its national correspondents for UNCITRAL CLOUT.

52nd annual session of UNCITRAL (held from 8-19 July 2019, in Vienna) accounted for providing an update on the progress made so far in the UNCITRAL through its working groups.
India participated and exchanged views on various working groups mentioned above.

ASIAN-AFRICAN LEGAL CONSULTATIVE ORGANIZATION (AALCO) Legal & Treaties Division represented India in the 58th Legislations; and Violations of International Law in Annual Session of Asian-African Legal Consultative Palestine.

Additionally, the organizational and financial Organization (AALCO) held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania matters of the Organization were also discussed.

from 21-25 October 2019.


Twenty-five Member States of AALCO participated in the Session.

The Indian delegation was led by Ms. Uma Sekhar, Additional Secretary and Legal Adviser, Legal and Treaties Division of the Ministry of External Affairs.

Vice-President of Tanzania, H.E.

Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was the chief guest, inaugurated the Session.
The session discussed the following topics: Topics on the Agenda of the International Law Commission; Law of the Sea; International Trade and Investment Laws; International Law in Cyberspace; Peaceful Settlement of Disputes; Extra Territorial Application of National Apart from the General Statement, Indian Delegation delivered statements on Topics on the Agenda of the International Law Commission; Law of the Sea; International Law in Cyberspace; Peaceful Settlement of Disputes; and International Trade and Investment Law.
The Legal & Treaties Division also participated in the 63rd Constitution Day celebration held in Delhi on 15 November 2019.

Ms. Uma Sekhar, Additional Secretary and Legal Adviser, Ministry of External Affairs also delivered a special address on this occasion.
INTERNATIONAL DISPUTE ADJUDICATION INVOLVING INDIA a. Enrica Lexie case (Italy and India): Italy had hearing was held from 8 – 20 July, 2019 before the instituted arbitration proceedings by serving Arbitral Tribunal facilitated by the Permanent of on India a “Notification under Article 287 and Court of Arbitration, The Hague, The Netherlands.

Annex VII, UNCLOS, in June 2015.


The final oral During the hearing, India and Italy presented 275 Legal and Treaties Division their arguments addressing the jurisdiction of the Arbitration proceedings initiated against Republic Arbitral Tribunal as well as the merits of Italy’s of India under various investment treaties claims and India’s counter-claims.
b. Kulbhushan Jadhav Case (India v. Pakistan): In Jadhav’s case, before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), final oral hearing on the merits was held from 18 to 21 February, 2019 at The Hague, The Netherlands.

The Court pronounced its judgment on 17 July, 2019.

In its Order, the Court concluded that it had jurisdiction to entertain India’s claims based on alleged violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (VCCR).
Further, on the merits, the Court inter alia, upheld India’s claim that Pakistan had acted in violation of its obligations under Article 36 of VCCR, by failing to inform India, without delay, of Mr Jadhav’s detention.

c. Hyderabad Nizam Funds case (Pakistan v. India and Others): The main trial before the High Court of Justice in London, United Kingdom was held from 10-19 June, 2019 to determine a partition era dispute between India, Pakistan and successors in title to 7th Nizam of Hyderabad.
Having found that the 7th Nizam was beneficially entitled to the Nizam Fund, the UK High Court, in its judgment dated 2nd October, 2019, while dismissing Pakistan claims, concluded that those claiming in right of the 7th Nizam – India, Prince Muffakham Jah and Prince Mukarram Jah – were entitled to have the Fund.

administered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), following developments took place during the current year (2019-20).
• Tenoch Holdings Limited (Cyprus), Mr. Maxim Naumchenko (Russian Federation) and Mr. Andrey Poluektov (Russian Federation) [Claimants] and the Republic of India [Respondent], under the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of India for the promotion and mutual protection of investments, and the Agreement between the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus for the mutual promotion and protection of investments in the favour of the Respondent, Republic of India, the Tribunal ruled in favour of India, dismissing all the claims of the investors.
• Nissan Motor Co. Ltd under the India-Japan CEPA; the tribunal ruled on the preliminary objections to jurisdiction in favour of the Claimant (i.e.

Nissan Motor), dismissing the Republic of India’s jurisdictional objections on all counts except on the question of tax matters being covered under the ambit of the CEPA.

This question is subject to the next round of hearing in February, 2020.
• Vedanta Resources, the final hearing in the case by Vedanta under the India-UK BIPA concluded in May, 2019 and the arbitral award is expected in d. Investment related Arbitration Cases: In the 2020.

EXTRADITION During the year 2019, the Legal & Treaties Division India and abroad including some of the very sensitive examined as many as 60 extradition requests from cases involving fugitives.
276 Annual Report 2019-20 HAGUE CONFERENCE ON PRIVATE INTERNATIONAL LAW (HCCH) Sixth Meeting of the Experts Group on Parentage/ possible to reach agreement on uniform applicable law Surrogacy Project of Hague Conference on Private rules on legal parentage, including how any such rules International Law (HCCH) took place from 29th might operate together with public documents; refined October to 1st November, 2019 in Hague, Netherlands provisions regarding the cross-border recognition, to discuss on the possibility of accepting foreign by operation of law, of foreign judicial decisions public documents on legal parentage; possibility of concerning legal parentage.
India actively participated recognizing legal parentage established abroad where in the session and contributed to the Project.
there is no judicial decision; discussing on whether it is INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW The 9th South Asian Regional Conference on of the 33rd International Conference such as, Bringing International Humanitarian Law, held in Colombo, Sri IHL Home; Climate- smart disaster laws and policies; Lanka from 11-13 November, 2019, was organized by Restoring family links; and Addressing mental health International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The and psychological needs.


Indian delegation delivered theme of the conference was, “Bringing IHL Home: A intervention speech on 70 years of the Geneva Narrative of Prevention and Protection”.

The delegates Convention.


exchanged views on the proposed thematic resolutions TREATY NEGOTIATIONS Legal & Treaties Division actively participated in UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer bilateral and multilateral negotiations pertaining Space in Vienna, held from 1 - 12 April, 2019. to various subject matters of national and global importance.
Most notable multilateral negotiations among them are, • 3rd Substantive Session of the Ad Hoc Open Ended Working Group Towards a “Global Pact for the Environment law”, held in Nairobi; • United Nations Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Advancing responsible State behaviour in cyberspace in the context of international security.

The first session of the OEWG was held in September and the First session of the GGE was held in December.
• 58th session of the Legal Sub-Committee on the • 5th UNODC Intergovernmental Expert Group Meeting to conduct comprehensive study on cybercrime, held in Vienna from 27-29 March, 2019.

In accordance with the work plan, the Expert Group discussed the topics of Law and Enforcement and Investigation and also Electronic Evidence and Criminal Justice.

• Bilateral investment treaty negotiations between India and ten other countries (viz., Israel, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, Mexico, UAE etc.).
• Preparatory Meeting for Legal Scrubbing of (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) RCEP, held in Jakarta from 28-31 October 2019.

The Meeting set up guidelines and 277 Legal and Treaties Division procedures on legal scrubbing of various chapters actively participated in various areas such as trade, of the RCEP Agreement (India opted out of the civil and criminal laws, environment, information same, later on).

technology matters etc.


• Besides above, the Legal & Treaties Division ONLINE TREATY DATABASE Agreements/Treaties concluded on behalf of (web link: https://www.mea.gov.in/TreatyList.htm?1) Government of India with its foreign counterparts are indexed and uploaded into the Indian Treaties Database which is maintained and constantly updated by the Legal & Treaties Division.

The Treaty database comprises of the treaties covering the period from 1950 till 2019.
Currently there are more than 3,200 such treaties in the database which can be accessed by general public.

EXAMINATION/VETTING OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS Legal & Treaties Division has examined a number of to international terrorism, transnational organized international law instruments including MoUs, treaties/ crime and drug trafficking/narcotics; also agreements agreements as well as Cabinet notes and rendered on confidentiality; sharing of hydrological data; gas and legal opinion.
The Division, inter alia examined and energy; bilateral agreements on cultural cooperation, provided its views on treaties, agreements, MoUs in audio visual cooperation, road transport, trade and the areas including defence co-operation, agriculture, investment, projects to be implemented in foreign railways, SAARC, Health, bio-technology, outer space, countries, education, tourism, climate change, science and technology, BRICS (conglomeration of protection of natural resources; water resources; bio- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and diversity; solar alliance; Ozone depleting substances; Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical hydrography, twinning/sister city agreements and and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Shanghai customs cooperation agreements, etc.
Cooperation Organization (SCO), agreements relating LEGAL OPINIONS AND LEGAL RESEARCH Legal & Treaties Division rendered legal opinion on cases, human rights issues, humanitarian law matters, various subject matters involving international law international criminal law and legal assistance matters, and domestic legal matters such as, UN matters, ICJ space and air law issues, court cases, tender documents Cases, Immunity and Privilege issues, local employees etc.
278 Annual Report 2019-20 LIST OF TREATIES India has signed/ratified a number of multilateral/ bilateral treaties/agreements with foreign countries and International Organizations during the year 2019.

A comprehensive list of such Agreements/ Treaties is placed at Annex-I.

The list of Instruments of Ratification/Accession issued during the year 2019 is at Annex-II; and the list of Instrument of Full Powers issued during the year 2019 is at Annex-III.
It can be seen that India has signed/concluded more than 200 bilateral and multilateral Treaties during 2019.
279 Legal and Treaties Division President unveils the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Villeneuve, Switzerland (September 14, 2019) Prime Minister delivers his remarks on the occasion of Gandhi@150 Event in UN (September 24, 2019) Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa delivers The First IBSA Gandhi-Mandela Memorial Freedom Lecture in New Delhi (January 25, 2019) Minister of State for External Affairs at the unveiling of statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Canary Islands during his visit to Spain (December 17,2019) Prime Minister and Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea unveil the Bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Seoul (February 21, 2019) António Costa, Prime Minister of Portugal attends the 2nd Meeting of National Committee for commemoration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi (December 19, 2019) External Affairs Minister offers floral tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi Statue in Sofia (February 17, 2019) 17 Policy Planning and Research Division (including Boundary Cell and Library) The Policy Planning and Research Division is the and academic institutions.
These conferences focus nodal division for the Ministry for the organising on the themes of geo-politics, geo-economics and of flagship conference initiatives, interactions with public policy pertaining to emerging technologies, and international and India-based strategic community, are structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral and for conducting in-house policy analysis for the conclaves which engage decision-makers at the level Ministry on a regular basis.
The division also leads the of Ministers and high-level government officials as Ministry’s efforts in cross-cutting initiatives especially well as policy practitioners; leading personalities from those which involve coordination with other ministries business and industry; and members of the strategic in the Government of India.

The division is also the community, media and academia.
The full list of themes administrative division for matters pertaining to ICWA on which flagship conferences have been organized by and RIS - two autonomous bodies which function under PPR Division is annexed for reference.

the Ministry.

The PP&R Division is also administratively in-charge of the MEA Library and the Boundary Cell.
The Fifth Edition of the Raisina Dialogue was organized on the theme of “21@20 Navigating the Alpha Century” As part of its mandate, the PP&R Division continued on 14-16 January 2020.
It was extremely successful, to organise flagship conferences both in India and with the 2020 iteration attracting more than 700 abroad in partnership with prominent think tanks delegates from 103 countries, compared with the 282 Prime Minister attends the inaugural ceremony of Raisina Dialogue 2020 in New Delhi (January 14, 2020) 2019 iteration of the Dialogue which attracted nearly India-US Forum (16-17 August 2019) in New Delhi; 600 speakers and delegates from over 93 countries.
the fourth edition of the Indian Ocean Conference Other flagship conferences organized by the Division in 2019 included the highly successful third edition of the External Affairs Minister in conversation at Raisina Dialogue 2020 (January 15, 2020) 283 (3-4 September 2019) in Maldives on the theme of ‘Securing the Indian Ocean Region: Traditional and Non-Traditional Challenges’; and the third edition of the Global Technology Summit on the theme of “the Future of Data”(05-06 December, 2019) held at Bengaluru.
The final flagship conference of the year, a geo-economic conference on the theme of Asia and the Emerging Trading System”- is due to be held in the month of February/March 2020 at Pune.

Apart from these flagship conference initiatives, the Division also organized several special thematic conferences, Track 1.5 Dialogues and academic seminars on international relations and foreign policy issues in partnership with universities.

A full list of these events is annexed.


The Division also provided financial support towards specific projects undertaken by think tanks on India’s neighbourhood.

Policy Planning and Research Division POLICY PLANNING DIALOGUES The Division has a system of engaging with the addition to participating in a multilateral Policy Planners’ counterpart policy planning units in the foreign Forum organised by the French Foreign Ministry on the ministries of other countries.
In 2019, PP&R Division sidelines of the Paris Peace Forum.

In the first quarter conducted extensive PP Dialogues with Russia (New of 2020, a PP Dialogue was held with the US in New Delhi), Germany (Berlin) and Indonesia (Jakarta), in Delhi and one will be held with China in Beijing.

EMERGING INTER-MINISTERIAL INITIATIVES: THE CDRI The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure is March 2020.
PP&R Division is also assisting NDMA in a novel initiative of the Government of India to set organising the third International Workshop on DRI in up a global partnership of national governments and New Delhi (March 2020), and outreach conferences of other stakeholders like multilateral banks, regional the CDRI in Fiji (May 2020) and in Barbados (July 2020).
organizations and the private sector in order to PP&R Division provides policy guidance to NDMA/ develop a global platform for sharing of knowledge and CDRI in terms of engaging with other countries on capacity in the field of disaster resilient infrastructure.

infrastructure-related initiatives as well as projecting In the short time since its official announcement by PM India’s policy agenda in important International Modi at the United Nations’ Climate Action Summit, platforms like BRICS and G 20.
New York city in September 2019, the Coalition has garnered a significant number of positive responses to our request for endorsement of its Charter.

In 2020, the Coalition will formally come into existence by means of the first meeting of its Governing Council.
In the meantime, the National The PP&R Division has been designated the nodal Disaster Management Authority, Government of division in MEA for matters pertaining to the Coalition India (NDMA) has already moved ahead to establish for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
In 2019, PP&R interim administrative arrangements which will Division was instrumental in preparation of the Charter oversee the commencement of substantive work of the CDRI and circulating it to various countries for under the CDRI by means of organizing the third endorsement, eventually leading to the establishment international workshop on DRI and region-specific of the Coalition.
In 2020, the CDRI will be formally technical workshops focused on Pacific Island States brought into existence by means of the meeting of its and Caribbean Small Island States.

first Governing Council, tentatively scheduled for 18 OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE DIVISION ICWA: The Division is the administrative division for processing the grant in aid for ICWA as well as for administrative matters pertaining to the governance of ICWA.

For FY 2019-20, the grant for ICWA was Rs.15 crore.
The Division is also responsible for tabling the annual report of ICWA in the Parliament.

RIS: The Division is the nodal division for processing the grant in aid for RIS as well as for administrative matters pertaining to the governance of RIS.

One of 284 Annual Report 2019-20 the matters pending implementation is strengthening The Boundary Cell is administratively handled by the working of the ASEAN India Centre, which is PP&R Division.
Boundary Cell deals with the vetting administratively located within the RIS.
Chairman, of International Boundary (IB) on the maps received by RIS has been directed to amend the bye laws of RIS to Survey of India and other agencies; sending the same ensure that AIC has an independent DG with equivalent to territorial division for their no objection/comments powers to the existing DG, and to establish separate after duly checking the alignment of IB; interaction funding mechanism for the AIC distinct from the RIS with territorial divisions on boundary-related matters; budget.
For FY 2019-20, the grant for RIS was Rs.12 compiling and processing the requests related to funds crore.

The Division is also responsible for tabling the for Boundary related tasks along India-Pakistan border annual report of RIS in the Parliament.

and issuing the sanction for the same; and handling Library and Boundary Cell: MEA Library administratively handled by AS (PP&R).
The MEA is Library, apart from maintaining a holding of rare books, current books and journals, is also in charge of providing the subscriptions to international newspapers, journals and data bases.

the complaints and grievances related to incorrect depiction of International Boundary of India on maps.

In 2019, Boundary Cell participated in numerous bilateral meetings on boundary matters relating to the India-Nepal, India-Bhutan, India-Myanmar and India- Bangladesh borders.
285 Policy Planning and Research Division 18 Counter Terrorism In view of the increasing terrorist activities worldwide, currently engages with senior interlocutors of 24 the issue of terrorism found prominent mention in nations and 3 plurilateral groupings through the various bilateral and multilateral meetings at all levels mechanism of JWG-CT. During the year 2019-20, India during the year.
During all such interactions, India held bilateral counter terrorism consultations through reiterated its commitment to combating the menace of the mechanism of JWG-CT with Australia, Canada, global terrorism and strongly condemned terrorism in China, France, Germany, Italy, Israel, Russia, Turkey, all its forms and manifestations.

India’s call for rejection the United Kingdom, the United States of America and of any justification for any act of terror, de-linking Uzbekistan.
India also participated in the Meeting of terror from religion, zero tolerance to terrorism and BRICS Counter Terrorism Working Group held in Brasilia the need for all countries to unite in the fight against in August 2019.
The JWG-CT meetings provide a useful terrorism found greater acceptance in the international forum for counter-terrorism cooperation enabling community and is reflected in a number of outcome sharing of information, experience and assessments documents issued after bilateral summits and other regarding global terrorism including cross border meetings with various countries and at regional and terrorism, training and capacity building, inter alia in multilateral fora.
India continued to hold structured consultations through Joint Working Groups on Counter Terrorism (JWG-CT) with various partner countries.
India relevant technologies and equipment, strengthening of multilateral efforts in the fight against terrorism and terrorist financing, expediting mutual legal assistance requests, facilitating agency-to agency cooperation and emphasizing the importance of early adoption of a 286 Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism Terrorism Through Innovative Approaches and The Use (CCIT) under the auspices of the UN.
of New and Emerging Technologies’ organised by the India has been in the forefront of global counter- terrorism efforts and has taken part in all major global initiatives against international terrorism.

Hon’ble Prime Minister attended the Leader’s dialogue to discuss strategic responses to terrorists and extremist narratives on the sidelines of the UNGA in September 2019.
A delegation led by Minister of State for Home Affairs participated in the 2nd ‘No money for Terror’ Ministerial Conference held on 7-8 November 2019 United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in Minsk on 3-4 September 2019 and in the Second International Conference on Countering Illicit Arms Trafficking held in Moscow on 5-6 September 2019.
Indian representative also participated in the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT)’s experts meeting on promoting South South Cooperation in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism on 20-21 November 2019 in New York.

in Melbourne, Australia.


India supported the Christ India hosted the first meeting of BIMSTEC Sub-Group Church Call to Action for sanitizing cyberspace from on Counter Radicalisation on 11 June 2019 in New contents which promote and eulogize terrorism, hate Delhi and a Counter Terrorism Table Top Exercise with and violence.

As a founding member of Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF), India regularly participates in its meetings.
India participated at a senior official level in the 16th meeting of GCTF Coordination Committee and the 10th meeting of GCTF Ministerial Plenary held participation of the the US, Australia and Japan on 21- 22 November 2019.

A round table meeting with the UK on preventing terrorist use of internet was held in New Delhi on 9 January 2019 An India-EU counter terrorism workshop on “Investigating ISIS networks” was organized from December 3-4 in New Delhi.

in New York from 23-25 September 2019.


India is a During the year, India’s premier Counter Terrorism Force, member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) since National Security Guard (NSG) held Counter Terrorism 2010.

During 2019-20, India participated in the FATF exchanges including Joint Training and exercises with Plenary meetings held in Orlando and Paris.
Indian special forces of several countries including the USA, delegation also participated in the Plenary meetings the UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Uzbekistan of Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) held etc.

NSG also conducted counter terrorism capacity in Canberra and the Eurasian Group (EAG) on Money building courses for officials of neighbouring countries.

laundering and Terror Financing held in Moscow.


Capacity building courses on Counter Terrorism were Indian representatives also regularly attended also organized for Indian agencies at Central Academy meetings of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation for Police Training (CAPT)-Bhopal, NSG Manesar and Regional Anti-Terrorist structure (SCO-RATS).

India Central Detective Training School (CDTS), Hyderabad, participated in the Conference on ‘Countering in collaboration with USA’s anti–terrorism agencies.
287 Counter Terrorism 19 GLOBAL CYBER ISSUES, E-Governance & Information technology E-GOVERNANCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIVISION EG&IT Division consistently pursues a focused Technology.

EG&IT Division took steps to implement approach to optimize Information, Communication different components of Digital India Programme in the and Technology (ICT) initiatives for harnessing the Ministry and all Missions/Posts abroad.

Four Mission dividends of Digital India.


During the period the Mode Projects of e-Kranti (fourth pillar of Digital Division worked towards proportionate growth of IT India Programme) namely e-office, e-procurement, assets in the Ministry.

EG&IT Division carried out system studies, development, testing and maintenance of e-governance applications in coordination with National Informatics Centre, Govt.
Immigration, Visa, Foreigners registration and Tracking System (IVFRT) and Passport Seva Projects (PSP) were made operational in the Ministry and Missions/Posts abroad.
of India and Ministry of Electronics and Information The Division initiated a number of e-governance 288 upgradation projects in consonance with aim and for Bureau of Security, Annual Performance Appraisal objectives of Digital India which includes, inter alia, System, Digitalization of Vigilance documents, property e-Political clearance system, Integrated Missions Management Website or ParvasiBhartiya Kendra, Accounting System (IMAS), portal for scholarship Global Estate Management Portal etc.
programme for Diaspora children, Admission to Alumini (A2A) ICCR scholarships programme, Know India Programme, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Alumni Portal, Performance Evaluation Monitoring System, Diplomatic Identity Card Registration and Issuance System, e-Sanad.

ASEAN-India commemorative summit website, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) website, Videsh App (Stationary, Conference room booking, File Management System).
In addition to development of these e-governance projects, EG&IT Division has consistently pursued a focused approach to monitor, manage and periodically revamp the applications based on the latest technologies and mitigate over growing challenges of Cyber Security.

External Affairs Minister launched “MEA Performance Monitoring Dashboard” on 14 August 2019 which was developed under the supervision of EG&IT Division.
This dashboard is created on three target areas capturing all major schemes programmes and initiatives of Ministry with many major indicators sliced and diced across five clusters (Diaspora Engagement, Development partnership, International engagement, Trade & Commerce & Citizen services).
The security architecture has been reviewed in the Ministry and existing IT infrastructure has been upgraded with new generation networking and threat management devices to meet the ever growing challenges of cyber security.

Screenshots of MEA dashboard Further, EG&IT Division has developed numerous projects that help in improving the internal working of the Ministry.
These projects are of the nature of infrastructure management software, personnel Since 2016, the Division Has organized Four (4) OnlineCourses annually on the fundamentals of Cyber Security for the Ministry officials to increase awareness about the cyber security and enable them to manage management software etc.

Some of these projects and mitigate cyber threats.
are Online Inventory Management System for Establishment Division, Personnel Management System Apart from implementing e-governance services 289 GLOBAL CYBER ISSUES, E-Governance &IT projects, EG&IT Division has also given several lectures ● Engaging students studying abroad: A portal is and trainings on Cyber Security, Safe & Secure Computing being developed which will have information and other related topics at Foreign Service Institute (FSI) regarding various courses and schemes offered by to the Foreign Diplomats and Officer Trainees.
the Foreign Universities.

The following development work is in progress handled ● A website is being developed by EG&IT Division by EG&IT Division: ● Engaging Indian Diaspora abroad:A portal and App is being developed which envisages to connect with the Overseas Indian Community (NRIs, OCI & PIO) by facilitating and connecting them to various new and existing Govt.

schemes benefiting them in various areas of interest.
This portal and App will also assist during any crises management and lend a helping hand to the Indian Diaspora.

based on India’s initiative to facilitate MGC member countries which will provide an overview of Mekong Ganga Cooperation and contain useful information on the various collaborative programmes and activities undertaken by the MGC member countries.
This website also envisages to contain information on important events under the priority areas of cooperation, and also provide links to the MGC points of contact from the member countries.

GLOBAL CYBER ISSUES Work of the Division of the Tunis Agenda for the information Society.
(i) Analytical note and India’s overall relations (ii) Bilateral relations with Individual countries India has been actively participating in and contributing to Cyber Dialogues/Conferences and Conventions to voice its views, shape global Cyber polices and strengthen its Cyber security.

In Keeping with its commitment to a multi-stakeholder model of governance, India has been engaged in activities with the private sector, civil society and academia to shape and strategize cyber policy.
Further in recognition of the claim staked by India for a bigger role in Internet Governance, Hyderabad was chosen as a venue for hosting the historic post-IANA Transition Session of ICANN 57 in Hyderabad in November 2016.
India act as one of the 25 members of the Working Group on Enhanced Cooperation under Commission The Cyber Diplomacy Division is instrumental in proposing and initiating cyber dialogues with more than fifteen countries so far including United States(US), European Union(EU), Russia, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom(UK), Republic of Korea, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and Egypt.
In 2016, India signed the Framework for India-US Cyber Relationship for enhanced cooperation in the field of ICT and Cyber Security and the signing of an Intergovernmental Agreement on cooperation in the field of security in the use of ICT with Russia.

In the year 2019, India held cyber dialogues with USA, France, Russia, Japan and Australia.
(iii) Regional and Multilateral cooperation in the area on Science and Technology for Development(CSTD) in of cyber issues UN from 2014-18 where deliberations are underway on the ways and means to enhance cooperation among nations to implement the mandate under Clause 69-71 In 2015, India made contribution in the review of the progress made in implementation of the outcome of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

290 Annual Report 2019-20 This contribution was reflected in the UNGA Report.
GCCS and actively participates in the meeting of In 2015, in its efforts to have a wider interaction with the global community on cyber issues, Deputy NSA led an Indian delegation to the Global Conference on GFCE.

The last meeting of GFCE was attended by MEA representative in October, 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Cyber Space (GCCS) 2015 held at The Hague from Cyber Diplomacy Division keeping its objective of 16-17 April 2015.
Further, India participated in the dealing with international cyber issues, engaged with consultations on the Second Tallinn Manual 2.0 at The countries at bilateral levels, regional as well as at Hague in February 2016.
India also acted as a co-chair of Global Conference on Cyberspace and hosting of the Global Conference on Cyberspace in November 2017 and as a member for the next Working Group for Enhanced Cooperation under United Nation Committee on Science and Technology under World Summit for Information Society (WSIS).

India delegation led by MEA participated as one of the select twenty-five countries in the 5th United Nations Group of Governmental Experts(UNGGE) discussion held in 2016-17.
The UNGGE is mandated to discuss norms of responsible behaviour of states in cyberspace, capacity building, Confidence Building Measures, International law, Existing and Emerging threats etc.

India is one of the select twenty-five countries in the current 6th UNGGE which will deliberate on contentious issues of cyberspace during the period multilateral levels in 2019-20.
India has been actively participating in and contributing to Cyber Dialogues/ Conferences and Conventions to voice its views, shape global Cyber polices and strengthen its Cyber security.

In keeping with its commitment to a multi-stakeholder model of governance, India has engaged in activities with the private sector, civil society and academia to shape and strategize cyber policy.

2.

In the year 2019, India held Cyber Dialogues with USA, France, Russia, Japan and Australia.
Joint Secretary (eG&IT and CD), MEA Shri Upender Singh Rawat led the third Indo-French Cyber Dialogue in Paris on 20 June 2019 and the third India-Australia Cyber Policy Dialogue in New Delhi on 04 September 2019.

A delegation led by the Deputy NSA Shri Rajinder Khanna participated in the India-USA Cyber Dialogue in New Delhi on 30 September 2019.

2019-2021.

The first session of the 6th UNGGE was 3.

Indian expert on cyber issues led by MEA participated, held on 9-13 December, 2019 in New York.
as one of the select twenty-five countries in the on- India also actively participates in ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings on cyber issues.

The last such meeting was held in June, 2019 in Singapore.

India also actively participates in meeting of BRICS, SCO etc.

India is also participating in Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) meetings which will deliberate on cyber related issues during the period 2019-20.

The going 6th United Nations Group of Governmental Experts (UNGGE) during the period 2019-2021.
The first session of the 6th UNGGE was held on 09-13 December 2019 in New York.

Indian expert is also participating in Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) meetings which will deliberate on cyber related issues during the period 2019-20.

The last substantive meeting of OEWG was held on 09-13 September 2019 last substantive meeting of OEWG was held on 09-13 in New York.

September, 2019 in New York.

India became a Founder Member of Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) which was launched during 4.
India participated in ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meetings on cyber issues.

The last such meeting was held on 25-26 June 2019 in Singapore.

The fifth meeting 291 GLOBAL CYBER ISSUES, E-Governance &IT of the BRICS Working Group on Security in the Use 6.

The following two Memorandum of Understandings of ICTs took place on 21-22 August 2019 in Brasilia, (MoUs) on cooperation in the area of Cyber Security Brazil.
SCO Experts Group Meeting on International were signed by the Indian Computer Emergency Information Security was held on 12 November 2019 Response Team (CERT-In), Ministry of Electronics and in Moscow.

MEA supported and participated in the Information Technology (MeitY) of the Republic of India International Conference on Cyberlaw, Cybercrime & in 2019: Cybersecurity held in New Delhi on 20-22 November 2019.
MoU between CERT-In and The Information System Authority of The Republic of Estonia was signed on 5.

India became a Founder Member of Global Forum 21st August 2019 in Estonia.

on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) which was launched during The Global Conference on Cyberspace (GCCS) and actively participates in the meeting of GFCE.

The last Annual Meeting of GFCE was held on 08-10 October 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
It focused to further strengthen the structure for international cooperation on cyber capacity building.

MoU between CERT-In and The Korean Computer Emergency Response Team and Coordination Center (KRCERT/CC) of Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) of the Republic of South Korea was signed on 28th November 2019 in New Delhi.
292 Annual Report 2019-20 20 Consular, PASSPORT and Visa SERVICES The Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Division of the Emergency Certificates for returnees to India, Police Ministry provides passport services in India and abroad.
Clearance Certificates, Surrender Certificates, Line of The issuance of passports has emerged as one of the Control Travel Permits in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir) most noticeable statutory and citizen-centric services are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs through the rendered by the Ministry.
The Ministry has been making Central Passport Organization (CPO) and its all-India quantitative and qualitative changes so that passports network of 36 Passport Offices, the CPV Division (only can be delivered to the citizens in a timely, transparent, Diplomatic and Official passports) and the Andaman more accessible, reliable manner and in a comfortable and Nicobar Islands Administration.
This network has environment through streamlined processes and by a been vastly expanded by adding 93 Passport Seva committed, trained and motivated workforce.

Kendras (PSK) in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode Indian passports (together with other travel documents such as Certificate of Identity to Stateless persons, and 424 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK) (in association with the Department of Posts) as extended arms of these 36 Passport Offices.
The total 294 number of Passport Seva Kendras functioning in the and Emergency Certificates are being rendered by 192 country was 517 as on 31 December, 2019 including Indian Missions/ Posts abroad.

PSK and POPSK.
PSK and POPSK.

For Indians living abroad, passports PASSPORT SEVA PROGRAMME (PSP) The Passport Seva Programme (PSP), a Mission Mode Services (TCS) as the Service Provider, has completed Project, being implemented in the Public-Private seven and half-years of its successful operations since Partnership (PPP) mode with M/s Tata Consultancy it went “Live” on 12 June, 2012.
PASSPORT SERVICES IN INDIA AND MISSIONS/POSTS ABROAD During January to December 2019, the Ministry 1,11,15,315 passports and 5,89,326 passports-related processed nearly 1.18 crore passport and passport- documents such as PCCs etc were issued.

related applications in India, as compared to 1.12 crore in the corresponding period during 2018.
The 36 Passport Offices, Headquarters and the Office of the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Islands received 1,18,54,498 passport and passport-related applications, including for issuance of Police Clearance Certificates (PCC), against which 1,17,04,641 passports and related documents were issued.
In the year 2019, The Indian Missions/Posts abroad received 12,00,706 passport and passport-related applications and issued 11,38,363 lakh passports, Emergency Certificates (ECs) and other passport-related miscellaneous documents.

Thus, the Government of India, issued more than 1.28 crore passport and passport-related documents during 2019.

REVENUE EARNED The revenue of the Government on account of till December 2019 is Rs.

1885.59 crore as compared passport fees was Rs.


1030.58 crore in 2011-2012. to Rs.

1957.64 crore during corresponding period in The total revenue generated from all passport services 2018.
IMPROVEMENTS IN PASSPORT SERVICE DELIVERY There has been noticeable improvement in passport the applicants are required to apply for their passports service delivery in the country with the implementation online, upload relevant documents, make the payment of the PSP and continuous efforts being made by the online through debit/credit card or State Bank of India Ministry.
Quality service being provided to the people (SBI) net banking/ SBI Challan, schedule an appointment from the Passport Seva Kendras (PSK) established and then visit the designated PSK/ POPSK.

A user with good amenities across the country in Public friendly portal has been made available.

When an Private Partnership (PPP) mode.


Under this system, applicant visits the PSK/ POPSK, an Electronic Queue 295 PASSPORT SERVICES Management System (EQMS) working on the principle passport issuance, there is no manual intervention at of First-in First-out is available at all PSK/ POPSK to any stage, and the complete process is digitally flown monitor the flow of applicants.
The applicants can track with re-engineered process through a single visit the status of their applications themselves through clearance.

portal and also SMS services.

In the current system of MPASSPORT SEVA MOBILE APP The mPassport Seva Mobile App with additional i.

New User Registration facilities to apply, pay and schedule appointments for ii.

Sign In to Registered User Account passport services is available both in Android and iOS iii.

Application form filing to apply for Passport and platforms.
In the year 2019, 3.94 lakh applications Police Clearance Certificate were filed using the mPassport Seva Mobile App.

iv.

Pay for Passport Services v. Appointment Citizens would not require access to a computer and Scheduling printer to apply for passport services.

The mPassport v. Application Availability Status vii.

Document Seva App will now support enhanced set of passport Advisor services such as: vi.
Fee Calculator APPLYING FROM ANYWHERE IN INDIA An applicant can now apply for passport from anywhere Police verification would be conducted by the Police in India.
This initiative enables applicants to choose the Station in whose jurisdiction the address mentioned in Passport Office (PO) and thus the desired Passport the form falls and the passport will also be printed and Seva Kendra (PSK)/ Post Office Passport Seva Kendra dispatched at the same address by the PO selected for (POPSK) under the PO where they wish to submit application submission by the applicant.
Nearly 9 lakh their application irrespective of whether the present applications were submitted under this scheme during residential address specified in the application form the calendar year 2019. lies within the jurisdiction of the selected PO or not.

APPOINTMENTS The Ministry releases nearly 78,000 appointments per appointment for passport related services.

It has made day, including nearly 19,500 appointments at the 424 the process of issuing passport easy and quick.

POPSK.
POPSK.

Securing online appointments for submission of passport applications at PSK has been simplified.

The current provision is allowing applicants to choose any appointment date from the earliest five available dates (working days) for scheduling/ rescheduling an As on 31.12.2019, appointments were available the next working day at 355 Passport Kendras, between 2 and 7 working days at 104 Passport Kendras, and beyond 7 working days at 58 Passport Kendras.
296 Annual Report 2019-20 VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS Top five states in terms of number of passport Top five Passport Offices in terms of number of applications received were Maharashtra (13,56,903), applications received in the year 2019 were Mumbai Kerala (12,89,709), Tamil Nadu (11,15,725), Uttar (8,37,846), Bengaluru (7,95,980), Chandigarh Pradesh (10,65,996) and Punjab (10,35,439), (7,15,153), Ahmedabad (6,91,794) and Delhi (6,64,215) accounting for nearly half of the total applications till 31 December, 2019. received (1,18,54,498) country-wide till 31 December 2019.
PASSPORT SEVA CAMPS AND MELAS Passport Seva camps are organized at locations to cater The Passport Offices also organized Weekend Passport to the demand for passports and to reach out to people Melas to address difficulties faced by citizens in located far away from the PSK/ POPSK.

Seven camps obtaining appointments and to meet increased demand were organized in the year 2019, including to facilitate for passport services.
Up to December 2019, 159 submission of passport applications by pilgrims visiting Passport Melas were organized during which a total of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, Narowal, Pakistan.

61,123 passport applications were processed.

1655 passport applications were processed during such camps.

STUDENT CONNECT INITIATIVE “Student Connect” initiative is aimed at getting more with students of various educational institutions across students to apply for their passports in time, and at India.
The initiative has been welcomed and praised the same time, make them aware of e-Governance by several educational institutions for providing a initiatives.

As part of this initiative, joint MEA and platform to young generation for getting their passport teams from the Service Provider continue to spread in an easy and convenient manner.
awareness through presentations and Q&A sessions AWARDS & RECOGNITION The Passport Seva Project has received recognition Standardization Testing & Quality Certification, at the highest levels in the Government, has been the STQC Directorate, Ministry of Electronics & subject of case studies, and has won several awards, Information Technology (MeitY): including the following conferred in the year 2019: (i) On 21 June 2019, Passport Seva Project was certified with triple ISO certification by • ISO 9001-2015 - PSK Operations for Delivery of Passport Services to the Citizens • ISO/IEC - 20000-1:2011 - Information Technology Service Management System 297 PASSPORT SERVICES • ISO/IEC - 27001: 2013 - Information Security Passport Seva Project in the category “Special Management System Achievement - G2C Services Award” from (ii) On 6 November 2019, the Ministry received the “Digital Transformation Award, 2019” for the GovernanceNow.
OUTREACH OF PASSPORT SERVICES A. Passport Seva Kendras (PSK) The Ministry has taken steps to simplify the procedure for getting passports by the general public.

These involve simplification of the passport rules and outreach to the people in the delivery of passport related services.

The objective of the Government has been to cater to the demand for passports and to reach out to the people located far away from the Passport Offices.
Towards this end, the Ministry has opened 16 PSK since May 2014 which includes all the States in the North East of India.

There are 93 PSK functioning in the country as on 31 December, 2019.

The list of the 36 Passport Offices is at Annexure-I and these 93 PSK is at Annexure-II.

Posts (DOP), announced an innovative initiative on 24 January, 2017 to open Passport Seva Kendras at the Head Post Offices (HPO)/ Post Offices (PO) in the country called ‘Post Office Passport Seva Kendra’ (POPSK).
The Ministry has functionalized 424 POPSK till 31 December 2019 as per list at Annexure-III.

The POPSK are functioning like the other existing PSK.

The process of issuing passports has not changed after the opening of the POPSK.

Applicants, who apply for their passports online through the passport portal, can schedule an appointment and then visit the designated POPSK to complete the formalities similar to those at the PSK necessary prior to the issue of the passport.
The photographs, biometrics and the supporting documents would be electronically captured at the B.

Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK) POPSK and the applicant will not have to revisit them The Ministry, in association with the Department of prior to the issue of the Passport.

298 Annual Report 2019-20 More than 21.82 lakh passport applications have been Posts in 25 countries, viz., Australia, Bahrain, Brunei processed at these POPSKs during 2019.
Darussalam, Canada, China, France, Indonesia, Italy, C. Integration of Indian Missions/ Posts abroad into the PSP The process of integrating the Indian Missions/ Posts abroad into the PSP commenced in October 2018 and is continuing today.

The aim is to provide a centralized passport issuance platform and application for the Indian citizens living abroad and seeking Passport-related services.
The Ministry has successfully integrated the passport issuance systems in 50 Missions and POLICE VERIFICATION Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Uganda, UAE, UK, USA, Vietnam into the PSP.

The list of the integrated Missions/ Posts is at Annexure-IV.

These Missions/ Post issue more than 90% of the total passports abroad.
The Ministry is working to complete the integration of all Indian Missions/ Posts abroad at the earliest.

Police Verification plays an important role in the timely same electronically to concerned stakeholders.

The app issuance of passports.

The Ministry engaged closely would also capture the location co-ordinates of the with the Police Departments across States/Union applicant’s place of residence ensuring the authenticity Territories (UT) to speed up police verification.
The all- India average for the number of days taken to complete the police verification is now 16 days and about 87% of the field verification by police.

196 DPHQs are using mPassport Police application.

Till 31 December 2019, a total of 63,37,649 applications have been submitted of the PVs get completed within the desired time limit through mobile app since inception of the police app.

of 21 days.

Some States/UT have consistently maintained low Police Verification processing times.
For example, Functional Enhancements/Simplification of Procedures for realizing Minimum Andhra Pradesh completes police verification in just Government Maximum Governance three days and Telangana & Haryana in four days on an average, followed by Kerala & Tamil Nadu (five days each), Gujarat (ten days) and Chandigarh & Himachal Pradesh (eleven days).
Constant and concerted efforts by the Ministry have resulted in increasing number of Districts switching over to the preferred District Police Headquarters (DPHq) Verification Model.

So far, 741, out of the 764 Police Districts, have adopted the new system and are working on the District model.

The Ministry has launched Android-based mPassport Police app for end-to-end paperless digital flow.
The app has the capability to capture passport applicant’s personal particulars and photograph and transmit the (a) Signing of passports with ‘Ink Signature’ has been replaced with ‘Stamped Signature’ at Indian Missions/Posts abroad working on Global Passport Seva Project (GPSP).

This will reduce the manpower engaged in manually signing the passports.
(b) Passport Issuing Authorities will accept educational certificates of recognized International Education Organizations such as International Baccalaureate Certificate or Middle Year Programme, International Baccalaureate Diploma, IGCSE/GCSE Certificate, Cambridge International Systems (O & A Level); for issue of Non-ECR (Emigration Check Not Required) passport.

299 PASSPORT SERVICES (c) Comprehensive review has been done of provisions the optional documents.
relating to issue of passport to applicants facing criminal proceedings and issue of guidelines on how such applications need to be processed.

(d) The application form of Police Clearance Certificate has been revised to provide specific purpose and name of country for which Police Clearance Certificate is required by the applicants.
(e) For issue of passport under the Tatkaal scheme, the rules/ requirements have been amended as under: (i) Aadhaar Card, which was earlier an essential document for obtaining passport under Tatkaal scheme, stands listed now as one of (ii) Aadhaar letter will not be acceptable as documentary proof for issue of passport.

(iii) Last passport (for re-issue only) and PAN Card have also been prescribed for applicants below the age of 18 years, for the purpose of obtaining passport under Tatkaal scheme.
(iv)Submission of Annexure ‘E’ for obtaining passport under Tatkaal scheme has been done away with.

(v) The scheme “Out of Turn Issue of Fresh Scheme Passport under Normal without paying any additional Tatkaal fee” has been discontinued.
PASSPORT SEVA DIVAS AND PASSPORT OFFICERS’ CONFERENCE 2019 The 7th Passport Seva Divas and the Annual Passport Minister of Communications and the Department of Officers Conference was organized by the Ministry on Posts for enabling MEA in opening of several Post 24-25 June 2019 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Bhavan, New Office Passport Seva Kendras since 2017, EAM said Delhi.
This is celebrated annually in commemoration of that the partnership with the Department of Posts was the enactment of the Passports Act, 1967 on 24th June indeed a wonderful example of the best practices in 1967.

External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr. S. Jaishankar, citizen-centric governance.

presided over the high-level segment of these events on 24 June, 2019.
Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan, interacted with the Passport Officers on the eve of the Passport Officers Conference.

EAM felicitated all the Passport Issuing Authorities in India and abroad for striving to ensure transparent and efficient passport delivery systems for the benefit of our citizens.
In recognition of the outstanding services rendered to citizens, EAM gave away Passport Seva In his Keynote Address, EAM said that the last five Puraskars to the best performing Passport Offices, the years of passport services delivered by the Ministry officials of the Department of Posts and the personnel constituted a “Passport Revolution”, adding that of the Service Provider.
Awards were also given to the the mandate of the Ministry was to ensure good Police Departments of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and governance and a transparent, efficient, timely, Telangana in recognition of their efforts in providing effective, reliable, assured, and an accountable public speedy police clearances.

service delivery system.


While thanking the Hon’ble 300 Annual Report 2019-20 PUBLIC GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM Under the Passport Seva Project, MEA has put in place Offices (POs) handle public grievances through the a strengthened Grievance Redressal system whereby a CPGRAMS website of the Ministry of Personnel, Public multilingual National Call Centre with a toll free number Grievances and Pensions (https://pgportal.gov.in) and (1800-258-1800), operating in 17 languages and on Passport grievances i.e.
Service Request Number (SRN) 24X7 basis, has been set up to cater to dissemination received through Passport portal.
Information and of information about various passport-related services, Facilitation Counters, Public Grievance Cell, complaint/ including handling of grievances and citizen feedback, suggestion boxes and Help Desks have been set up at which at present works on a central system platform It strategic locations in PO and PSK to assist applicants handled approximately 15,000 calls per day in the year and to attend to grievances/ complaints expeditiously.
2019 (out of which 55% were in Hindi, 25% in English and 24% in regional languages).

The Passport portal has The name, address and phone number of the Public Grievance Officer are also displayed in the PO/PSK and also an email-based helpdesk, where suggestions and on the website of the PO.

There is a Public Grievance grievances can be logged.
Citizens can also monitor the redressal mechanism in all POs to enquire into and status of their passport application/grievance online redress any complaints from citizens in a timeframe.

through this portal.


Under CPGRAMS, 13,034 grievances were received A Public Grievance Redressal Cell (PGRC) has been during the period 1 January to 31 December 2019 established in the PSP Division under the supervision (inclusive of pending 633 of 2018) out of which 12,617 of Joint Secretary (PSP) & CPO, who is also designated grievances have been disposed off.
During this period, as the Director of Public Grievances of the Ministry for 58,580 public grievance petitions (inclusive of 44,479 Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring received by email, post, fax, related to grievances/ System (CPGRAMS).

It deals with grievances received inquiries and CPGRAMS as mentioned above) were through telephone, e-mail and post directly from received out of which 58,101 grievances have been general public and also references from various disposed off.
The latest position on their application, Government offices such as President’s Secretariat, along with directions for further action, is posted on Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Secretariat and Central the website, which can be accessed by the public.

Vigilance Commission, etc.

In addition, all Passport PASSPORT ADALATS Passport Offices hold Passport Adalats regularly to 7000 old and complex cases through direct interaction redress the grievances of passport applicants.
These with the applicants in 2017.

Adalats have been very useful in disposing of some HAJ PILGRIMS As decided by the Haj Committee of India (constituted passport holders can apply for Haj.

Like previous years, under Act of Parliament, No.
35 of 2002), only valid instructions have been issued to all Passport Issuing 301 PASSPORT SERVICES Authorities to accord high priority to process passport opening of facilitation counter, reserving appointment applications of prospective Haj pilgrims and ensure timely slots for such applicants and attending to requests/ issuance of passports in such cases upon completion of grievances petitions received from such citizens in a requisite documentation, police verification and other very prompt manner.
formalities by means of nominating a nodal officer, INSPECTION OF PASSPORT OFFICES Passport Offices as well as PSK and POPSK in various been inspected.

Passport Seva Kendras, in operation States are inspected regularly with a view to improving all over India, were also inspected under the Non- their procedural and operational efficiency and ability technical Serviced Level Agreements (SLA) on regular to render citizen-centric services in satisfactory basis.

manner.
manner.

During the year, five passport offices have RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT (RTI) Central Public Information Officer and First Appellate Authority for the matters related to the PSP Division Authority have been appointed in every Passport Office in the Ministry only.

From 17 June 2014, a CPIO portal to provide information to applicants under the RTI Act.

has been created online in all Passport Offices.


During Central Public Information Officers have also been the year 2019, a total number of 8,000 online RTI appointed in the PSP Division.

Joint Secretary (PSP) applications were received, out of which 7,542 were & Chief Passport Officer (CPO) is the First Appellate disposed off.
APPEALS (U/S 11 OF THE PASSPORTS ACT) The appeal against the decisions of PIAs is a statutory & Chief Passport Officer is the Appellate Authority for right conferred upon the affected persons under these cases.

Up to December 2019, 14 appeal sessions Section 11 of the Passports Act.

Joint Secretary (PSP) took place at which 98 appellants/counsels were heard.
MANUFACTURING AND DOCUMENTS PERSONALIZATION OF TRAVEL All Indian travel documents are manufactured by the in new design and layout have been introduced in India Security Press, Nashik, which a unit under the Passport Offices in a phased manner.

All Passport Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Offices, Headquarters and select Missions/ Posts Limited (SPMCIL).
In order to improve the overall abroad have been provided with machine readable quality, functionality and security of Indian passports, passport printers.

All Passport Offices issue machine- various measures have been taken.

Passport booklets readable passports as per the guidelines laid-down by 302 Annual Report 2019-20 the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Division, New Delhi.


CIPPS printed 1,50,094 passports For 163 Embassies/Consulates abroad and Office of Assistant Secretary (Passport) Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Port Blair, Machine Readable Passports (MRP) with ghost image security feature are printed at Central Indian Passport Printing System (CIPPS) of the PSP up to December 2019 (inclusive of 587 diplomatic passports and 423 official passports).

3,29,369 OCI cards were also personalized during the year at CIPPS/ OCI Cell and Missions abroad.
E-PASSPORT In accordance with ICAO recommendations to of e-passport with advanced security features and incorporate biometric data in the Machine Readable Travel Documents, India has also decided to upgrade its better printing and paper quality will commence on the successful completion of the tendering and existing passports and issue chip enabled e-passports procurement process by ISP, Nashik.

to citizens with advanced security features and better printing and paper quality.
The Government has given its approval for procurement of electronic contactless inlays for manufacturing of e-passports to India Security Press (ISP), Nashik.

In this regard, ISP, Nashik, has been authorized to float a Global three-stage tender for procurement of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)-compliant electronic contactless inlays along with its operating system which is required for manufacture of e-passports.
Manufacture The personal particulars of the applicants would be digitally signed and stored in the chip.

In case, anyone tampers with the chip, the system shall be able to identify it resulting in the failure of the passport authentication.

Access of information is protected in a way that the chip cannot be read without physical possession of the passport.

Thus e-passport provides greater protection against fraudulent practices and tampering.
INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION (ICAO) India served as a member of the Technical Advisory strategic objectives to improve civil aviation security.

Group (TAG) on Machine Readable Travel Documents The PKD Board members are nominated by PKD (MRTD) of the International Civil Aviation Organization participating countries and appointed by the ICAO (ICAO) and has been implementing the ICAO guidelines Council.

India was admitted to ICAO PKD in February on MRTD.
The ICAO, in terms of Document 9303 as 2009. the central reference, has established ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD), on cost sharing basis, to promote a globally inter-operable e-passport validation scheme for electronic travel documents to support ICAO’s India participated in the 26th Meeting of the ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD) Board held in Reykjavik, Iceland, on 29-30 October, 2019.
303 PASSPORT SERVICES CENTRAL PASSPORT ORGANIZATION The Central Passport Organization (CPO) was created rendered by CPO employees and thus, contributing to in 1959 as a Subordinate Office of the Ministry and improving governance in the country, Passport Seva is headed by Joint Secretary and Chief Passport Puraskars have been instituted.
The Puraskars are given Officer, who also acts as Appellate Authority under away annually to the selected employees of Passport the Passports Act 1967 and the Head of Department Offices during the Passport Officers Conference every under the Delegation of Financial Powers Rules 1978. year.

As on 1 January 2020, the sanctioned strength of Regular meetings of the Departmental Promotion CPO was 2741 and the working strength was 1838.
In Committee (DPC) have been held in the CPO addition, 15 Technical and 6 supporting staff man the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Passport Seva during the year.

As on 1 January 2020, 17 Deputy Passport Officers from Assistant Passport Officers, Project.
There are presently 53 vacancies at Group 32 Senior Superintendent from Superintendent, 1 ‘A’ level, 273 at Group ’B’ Gazetted level and 577 at Superintendent from Assistant Superintendent, and Group ‘B’ non-Gazetted & Group ‘C’ level, totalling to 7 Assistant Superintendent from Senior Passport 903.The vacancies at Group ‘A’ level are filled up by Assistants have been promoted.
DPCs for the posts taking officers on deputation from other Government of Senior Superintendent from Superintendent, and Departments.

Ministry has also deployed 370 Data Junior Passport Assistant from Office Assistants are Entry Operators and 60 Office Assistants (MTS) against going to be held.
DPC proposals for promotion of the vacant non-Gazetted posts for smooth functioning Passport Officer from Deputy Passport Officer, and of the Passport Offices through an Outsourced Agency Assistant Passport Officer from Senior Superintendent to bridge the gap between the sanctioned strength have been submitted to the Union Public Service and the working strength of the non-Gazetted posts.

Commission.
Commission.

Thirty one officials of CPO were The Staff Selection Commission has been indented to considered for MACP in different grades.

Out of 31, fill the vacancies for the posts of 31 Junior Translators, 1 Assistant Superintendent, 1 Stenographer, 5 Senior 6 Stenographers (Grade ‘D’) and 24 Office Assistant Passport Assistant, 4 Junior Passport Assistant and 4 (MTS) grade.

Office Assistants have been given MACP.
The Ministry has taken several steps to improve In view of the 100% increase in the Passport applications the service conditions of the CPO personnel by re- processed by the Central Passport Organisation (CPO) structuring and expanding of the CPO cadre, to ensure from 2010 to 2019 through a network of 36 Passport that vacant posts available are filled by faster promotion Offices, 93 Passport Seva Kendras, and 424 POPSKs, with necessary amendments/ downgrading of posts/ need has been felt for Cadre restructuring and relaxation in eligibility service in the Recruitment reviewing the cadre strength of the CPO.
A proposal Rules.

The Productivity Linked Incentive Scheme for the physical inspection and staffing study of CPO (PLIS) financially incentivizes individual performance by the Staff Inspection Unit (SIU) of the Department of measured against pre-set and mutually agreed upon Expenditure has been sent to the Ministry of Finance norms.

This is a unique scheme for the GOI employees.

in November 2019.
in November 2019.

With a view to recognizing meritorious services 304 Annual Report 2019-20 PUBLIC OUTREACH As part of expanding its outreach, the PSP Division is Interaction with local Media was also organized by bringing out a half-yearly bulletin “Passport Patrika”, many Passport Offices, whereby media was briefed on containing information on various passport-related improvements in delivery of passport services.

issues, in association with the Service Provider.
EAM lighting the lamp at the Celebration of 7th Passport Seva Divas at JNB, New Delhi, June 24, 2019 External Affairs Ministers, Dr. S. Jaishankar, inaugurates the Post Office Passport Seva Kendra at Rajpipla Head Post Office in Narmada District, Gujarat on 14.09.2019 305 PASSPORT SERVICES Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan, inaugurating the POPOSK at Nenmara, Palakkad District, Kerala on 05.10.2019 VISAS Visa Issuance by Missions/Posts abroad The Indian Mission/Posts abroad issued 20,91,282 airports.
In November 2019, VoA facility was extended to nationals of United Arab Emirates (UAE) who have regular visas during April 1, 2019 to November 30, earlier obtained e-Visa/regular visa for travelling to 2019.

Apart from regular visas, 18,36,910 electronic India at-least once.

Visas (e-Visas) were issued during the aforementioned period.
Visa Issuance by CPV Division- The CPV division is tasked, inter-alia, with issuance/ extension of visas to e-Tourist Visa (e-TV) The Government of India had launched the e-Visa scheme on November 27, 2014.

Initially the scheme was open for e-Tourist visas for 43 countries and entry diplomats and official of foreign Missions.

CPV division was allowed through five designated airports.
During has issued/extended 4018 visas to foreign diplomatic the last five years, the scheme has been gradually and official passport holders during April-November liberalized and extended to other countries.

Presently, 2019.

During the same period, 6120 Visa Notes have been issued by CPV Division to India Government officials going abroad on transfer and official engagements.
Visa –on-Arrival Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) was introduced for Japanese nationals in March 2016 and for nationals of South Korea in October 2018.

The VoA facility offers double entry visa to above nationals for a period not exceeding 60 days for business, tourism, conference and medical purposes for entry through 6 designated international the scheme is applicable to 169 Countries/Territories.

Entry/exit is allowed through 28 Indian airports and 5 Indian sea ports.
The scheme is being implemented in completely online mode.

In March 2019, e-Visa was extended to other visa categories including Business, Medical, Conference and Medical Attendant.

In August 2019, further liberalization in e-Visa regime has been made.

Duration of e-Tourist visa has been extended to 5 years and new categories of e-Tourist visa of three month duration (with stay of 30 days) at a reduced fee has been introduced.
The fee of 3-month e-Tourist visa has been further reduced in off season month (April- 306 Annual Report 2019-20 June).

The share of e-visas with respect to normal foreign countries to India and three fugitive criminals paper visas is growing over the last few years and is were extradited by India to various foreign countries.

around 46 % for 2019.


Visa- Exemption Agreements India has signed visa waiver agreements in respect of CONSULAR DIALOGUES As part of the established mechanism for comprehensive review of consular matters with various countries, diplomatic and/or official passport holders with 114 Consular dialogues were held with Iran, Indonesia, countries, out of which 101 are presently operational Tajikistan, Nigeria and Russia, Canada, Saudi Arabia and while the remaining are at various stages of ratification.
Switzerland in 2019.

Out of these, Consular dialogues During this period, visa exemption agreements were with Indonesia, Tajikistan, Nigeria and Canada were signed with 7 countries Benin, Dominican Republic, held for the first time.

At present, India has Consular Estonia, Iceland, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Antigua dialogue mechanism with 24 countries.

Consular and Barbuda and Comoros.


Visa Waiver Agreement is Dialogue was held with the US on January 9, 2020 in also proposed to be signed with Liechtenstein, Grenada, Washington DC.

Conslar Dialogues is also proposed to be Sierra Leone and Angola in the next 3 months.

held with France and Italy in February 2020.
EXTRADITION The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been CONSULAR ISSUES Indian Missions/Posts abroad render various consular actively pursuing negotiations with various countries services to Indian nationals viz attestation of various for concluding bilateral extradition treaties to provide a documents, registration of birth and death of Indian legal and institutional framework to prosecute people nationals, sending of mortal remains of Indian nationals involved in terrorism, financial frauds, drug trafficking back to India, registration/solemnisation of marriage of and other transnational organized crimes.
It is the Indian nationals, consular access for Indian nationals policy of the Government to conclude Extradition lodged in foreign jails, serving summons of Indian treaties with as many countries as possible so that courts to Indian nationals residing abroad, etc.

Open fugitive criminals do not escape justice.


Houses to attend to grievances and Consular Camps at The Ministry of External Affairs also facilitates negotiations for agreements on Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters, Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Civil and Commercial Matters and Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons.

To different locations to provide consular services are also organized by many Missions/Posts.
In Gulf countries where there are large numbers of Indian workers, our Missions and Posts have specialized Community Welfare Wings and Labour Wings.

facilitate extradition of fugitive offenders, Government of India has signed extradition treaties with 50 APOSTILLE/ATTESTATION The Attestation Cell in the CPV Division of the Ministry countries as on date.

Besides, Extradition arrangements provides attestation services for authentication of has been entered into with 11 countries.
India made an educational, commercial and personal documents extradition arrangement with Armenia with effect from of individuals for personal and commercial use in 28 August, 2019.

During April to November 2019, countries abroad.

Apart from this, Indian business India received 15 extradition requests, and has sent 24 establishments also need commercial documents extradition requests to concerned foreign countries.
In attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the year 2019, six fugitive criminals were extradited by export as well as for other business ventures abroad.

307 PASSPORT SERVICES Authentication is of two types: Normal Attestation and have also appointed MADAD nodal officers and are Apostille Certification.

Apostille Certification is done sensitizing people in their state about the availability of when documents are to be used in countries which such a grievance redressal platform.
are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Over 2,75,000 documents have been successfully processed on e-Sanad since its launch in 2017- the online paperless and contactless services for apostille/ attestation provided by MEA.

The details of documents apostilled/attested from April to November 2019 are: (i) Apostille – 480552 (ii) Attestation – 410483 (iii) Documents Apostilled/Attested through e-Sanad – 156162.
The MADAD online portal has led to qualitative improvement in handling and resolution of consular grievances, through online registration, forwarding, tracking and escalation until their eventual resolution.

It allows direct registration of the grievances by the members of the public and effective tracking of the entire grievance handling process thereafter.
As of November 2019, more than 55,000 grievances have been registered on the MADAD Portal, out of which MADAD-CONSULAR SERVICES MANAGEMENT 48000 grievances have been resolved.

OVERSEAS CITIZENS OF INDIA (OCI) CARD SCHEME the Overseas Government of launched India Citizenship of India card scheme in August 2005 for persons of Indian Origin.

OCI card is a lifelong visa for visiting India.


The erstwhile Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card scheme which was started in the year 1999 was merged with OCI scheme in 2015.

Till date, more than 34 lakh OCI cards have been issued.

The total number of OCI Cards issued during the period April to November, 2019 is 225522.
SYSTEM In pursuance of ‘Good Governance’ and ‘Digital India’ initiative of the Government, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had launched a web portal (online Consular Services Management System) named MADAD in February 2015, to extend a helping hand to Indians abroad requiring consular assistance.

All Indian Missions and Posts abroad as well as the MEA’ Branch Secretariats in Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad and Kolkata are associated with this portal for consular grievance registration and resolution.
Many States 308 Annual Report 2019-20 21 Overseas Indian Affairs WELFARE AND PROTECTION OF INDIAN WORKERS The steps taken by the Division towards creating various government programmes for their welfare and necessary awareness and sensitizing migrant workers protection.
on their rights and responsibilities include: Pre-Departure Orientation Programme – Pre (i) Departure Orientation Training (PDOT) programme, During the course of the year, sustained efforts have been made to increase PDO training coverage of migrant workers going abroad.

Presently, over 79,500 started since January 2018, is aimed at enhancing emigrant workers have been imparted PDO training soft skills of our migrant workers in terms of culture, across 21 centers as on 13.1.2020.
Out of these 21 language, tradition and local rules and regulations of centers, 15 new PDO centers have been opened the destination country, to sensitize migrant workers across various states in India in 2019.

The list of PDOT about pathways to safe and legal migration and Centers is as follows:- 310 S.N.

PDOT Center Agency 1.

Mumbai (Videsh Bhawan) 2.

Mumbai (Andheri) 3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Delhi (Mandir Marg) Delhi (Okhla) Kochi Lucknow Gorakhpur Chandigarh Chennai 10.

11.

Jaipur Sikar 12.


Nagpur 13.

Hyderabad 14.

Karimnagar 15.

Nizamabad 16.

17.

Darbhanga Gaya 18.

Muzaffarpur 19.

20.

21.
20.

21.

Patna Vijayawada Kadapa NSDC Empanelled Training Partners RSLDC (Rajasthan) TOMCOM (Telangana) Labour Resource Dept, Government of Bihar OMCAP (Andhra Pradesh) Year of Opening 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 (ii) Development of e-Manuals and e-Handbooks for PDO: During the course of the year e-books of PDO Manuals for Master Trainers and Handbooks for was given in expanding Ministry’s collaboration with States.
In this context, the Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshops are being organized by the Ministry in emigrants workers with a standardized content have collaboration with India Centre for Migration (ICM) been developed in Hindi, English, Bangla, Malayalam, and state governments.

These are aimed at generating Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu languages under the aegis of awareness as well as to sensitize participants about India Centre for Migration (ICM).
These E-books have the benefits of safe, orderly and regular migration and been uploaded on e-Migrate website for wider public welfare and protection measures of the Ministry for dissemination.

(iii) Expanding collaboration with States on PDOT and Safe and Legal Migration: Comprehensive emphasis the migrant workers.

TOT programmes are aimed at capacity building of States to enable them to take the PDO programmes at the grass-root level in their major labour sending districts.
311 Overseas Indian Affairs Since March 2017, twenty such workshops have been Pradesh and West Bengal in coordination with the organized in nine states i.e.

Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, concerned Departments of the State Government.

Kerala, Rajasthan, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar During year 2019-20, a total of 5 such workshops have been held so far: S. No.
State Tamil Nadu City Chennai Partners Partner 21-22 February 2019 ICM, NRT Commissionerate Kerala Thiruvananthapuram 29-30 August 2019 NORKA Dept Tamil Nadu Uttar Pradesh Chennai Lucknow 25 September 2019 NRT Commissionerate 4 October 2019 NRI Dept, UP Govt Delhi New Delhi 24-25 October 2019 ICM, NSDC 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
2.

3.

4.

5.

MIGRATION AND MOBILITY PARTNERSHIPS Migration and Mobility Partnerships has been an Indo-German Migration and Mobility Partnership important pillar of cooperation aimed at harnessing Agreement has been finalized.

Reference to this was our demographic dividend and fostering mobility for also made in para 57 of the joint statement of 5th our students, academicians, researchers, professionals, India-Germany Inter Governmental Consultation (IGC) businesses etc.
A Migration and Mobility Partnership held on 1 November 2019 at New Delhi, wherein it has Agreement was signed between the Government been stated that “The leaders agreed that the two sides of the Republic of India and the Government of the take forward the ongoing negotiations on a Migration French Republic on 10th March 2018 during the State and Mobility Partnership Agreement between the two visit of the French President to India.
governments with a view to finalize the agreement and This year, Statement of Intent on Key Elements of conclude them at the earliest, based on the Statement of Intent.” INDIA-EU JOINT DECLARATION ON COMMON AGENDA ON MIGRATION AND MOBILITY (CAMM) AND HIGH LEVEL DIALOGUE ON MIGRATION AND MOBILITY (HLDMM) The Joint Declaration on a Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility (HLDMM) provides an overall Migration and Mobility (CAMM) between India and the steering mechanism for implementation of the CAMM.
European Union and its Member States was signed on After signing of the Joint Declaration on CAMM, the March 29, 2016.

CAMM is largely a broad and flexible meeting of HLDMM was held in Brussels in April 2017, vision document on the issue of migration and mobility which paved the way for moving forward through for both sides.

India-EU High Level Dialogue on technical collaboration and undertaking projects in 312 Annual Report 2019-20 the areas of mutual interest.
Accordingly, a Technical ongoing support project.

Support Project was initiated for undertaking mutually agreed activities on the issue of migration and mobility.

CAMM and HLDMM constitute important feature of India-EU bilateral partnership on migration and mobility related matters.
The main activities which have been carried out under the project this year include India-EU Seminar on Talent Mobility (June 14-15, 2019 at Pune, Maharashtra), which focused on three sectors (IT industry; automotive industry and start-ups) vis-à-vis mobility In the fifth meeting of India-EU High Level Dialogue on of professionals, businesses and entrepreneurs along Migration and Mobility (HLDMM) held on 11 July 2019 the India-EU corridor; Seminar on Sharing of Good in New Delhi, both sides reaffirmed the importance of Practices on Migration Governance (July 10, 2019) at HLDMM and Joint Declaration on Common Agenda New Delhi; Integration handbook for Indians in Italy on Migration and Mobility (CAMM), which shall serve (English, Hindi and Punjabi) and Student Check List (for as a joint framework for cooperation on migration and Indian students wishing to undertake higher studies in mobility for both sides and need to operationalise each the universities of the EU Member States) were also pillar of CAMM with concrete measures under the released during this period.
COOPERATION ON LABOUR AND MANPOWER RELATED ISSUES A Labour Mobility Partnership Agreement was signed The Labour and Manpower Cooperation MoUs/ between India and Denmark on 2009 and the first Agreements are in place with the Gulf Cooperation JWG was held in 2010.

The third Joint Working Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Group meeting was held on 4-5 November 2019 Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates) and Jordan.
at New Delhi, wherein it was agreed by both sides Further, to safeguard the specific interest of domestic to explore possibilities for implementation of MOU workers in GCC Countries, Ministry has in place through mutual recognition of skill qualifications and Agreement on recruitment of domestic workers with certifications; B2B collaboration between Danish Saudi Arabia, a Protocol on Domestic Workers annexed employers and GOI recognised Recruitment Agencies to the MoU with the UAE in the field of Manpower and Training Partners; collaboration between Indian and MoU on cooperation in recruitment of domestic business chambers, National Skill Development workers with Kuwait.
India also actively participated in Corporation (NSDC) and Danish Industry and labour regional consultative processes notably the Abu Dhabi market actors and associations etc.

Dialogue and Colombo Process.


ABU DHABI DIALOGUE (ADD) ADD was established in 2008 as a forum for dialogue and Sh V Muraleedharan, Minister of State led Indian cooperation between Asian countries of labour origin delegation in the Fifth Ministerial Consultation of and destination to facilitate regional cooperation on ADD, which was held on 16-17 October 2019 in contractual labour mobility, sharing of best experiences Dubai.
During this Ministerial Consultation, Sh V and learning from one another’s experience.

India has Muraleedharan, Minister of State along with Hon’ble been member of ADD since 2008.

Minister of Human Resource and Emiratisation 313 Overseas Indian Affairs (MOHRE), UAE jointly felicitated the foreign employer Sh V Muraleedharan, Minister of State also apprised from UAE (NBTC Group) and 5 Indian workers, who have ADD Member States about ongoing integration travelled to UAE for employment.
Their skill-set was between India’s e-Migrate system with online labour certified by the concerned agencies in both countries, recruitement system of MOHRE, UAE which would namely NSDC in India and ADQCC in UAE under the facilitate information sharing on real-time basis and ongoing India-UAE collaboration on benchmarking of enhance opportunities to strengthen joint government skill qualifications, assessment and certification, a pilot oversight over recruitment processes.
This is also a project under one of the thematic areas of ADD.

pilot project under one of the thematic areas of ADD.

During the Fifth Ministerial Consultation of ADD, INDIAN COMMUNITY WELFARE FUND (ICWF) ICWF, set up in 2009, is aimed at assisting Overseas used in rendering assistance to Indian nationals in Indian nationals in times of distress and emergency distress situations abroad including provision for in the most deserving cases on a means tested basis.
emergency medical assistance, air passage to stranded ICWF stands extended to all Indian Missions and Indians, legal assistance, boarding & lodging, assistance Posts abroad.

The revision of ICWF guidelines w.e.f.

to Indian women facing marital issues and transfer September 1,2017 have provided Indian Missions and of mortal remains to India.

Since its inception, there Posts abroad greater flexibility in swiftly addressing to are over 145,000 beneficiaries of the Fund.
Around requests for assistance by Indian nationals abroad.

100,000 Indian nationals have benefited from the Fund During the course of the year, ICWF was effectively since 2014.

PRAVASI BHARTIYA BIMA YOJANA The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY), a mandatory revamped w.e.f.
August 1, 2017 in consultation with insurance scheme for Indian workers falling under concerned stakeholders, had been made simple and Emigration Check Required (ECR) category going more beneficial for emigrant workers and is aimed at for overseas employment to ECR countries, provide expeditious settlement of claims.

insurance cover of Rs.

10 lakhs in case of accidental death/permanent disability at an insurance premium of Rs.

275 and Rs.

375 for a period of two and three years respectively.
The scheme comprehensively Over 3,68,000 PBBY policies were issued to ECR category workers during January to December, 2019.

INDIA CENTRE FOR MIGRATION (ICM) The India Centre for Migration (ICM) is a research think-tank of the Ministry on all matters related to international migration.

As a part of its commitment on issues concerning international migration, the ICM organized various capacity building workshops on safe and legal migration in collaboration with State 314 Annual Report 2019-20 Governments.
ICM has positioned itself as a resource Handbook on Pre-Departure Orientation.

The e-books hub on all PDO programmes and has developed have been uploaded on e Migrate website.

Comprehensive Manual on Pre-Departure Orientation for Migrant Workers and Handbook on Pre-Departure Orientation in different regional languages.

Every year, a large number of people from India go abroad for overseas employment purposes.
Major outflow of emigrant workers from India in the last few This year, under India-EU CAMM project, ICM in years has been to the Gulf countries.
A vast majority of collaboration with ILO organised India-EU Seminar migrants to the Middle East, including Gulf countries, on Talent Mobility (June 14-15, 2019 at Pune, are semi-skilled and unskilled workers and most of them Maharashtra), with focus on three sectors (IT industry; are temporary migrants who return to India after expiry automotive industry and start-ups) vis-à-vis mobility of their contractual employment.
Emigration Check of professionals, businesses and entrepreneurs along Required (ECR) passport holders require emigration the India-EU corridor and Seminar on Sharing of Good clearance when going abroad for employment to the Practices on Migration Governance (July 10, 2019) at 18 designated ECR countries.

New Delhi with discussions on all pillars of CAMM.


ICM also organised Listening Session of European Higher Education Virtual Fair (EHEVF-2019) at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra, New Delhi in coordination with ILO and ICMPD on 14-15 November 2019.
ICM also developed e-books of the Comprehensive Manual on Pre-Departure Orientation for Migrant Workers and Opening of Three New PoE Office:- Under the Hundred Days/ one-year Programme of the Ministry, three Protector of Emigrant (PoE) offices were planned to be opened at Bengaluru, Guwahati and Patna.

Two officers selected for the post of PoEs in Patna and Bengaluru and have joined the offices.
TRENDS IN MIGRATION During the year 2019 (30.11.2019), 3.34 lakh workers emigrated from India after obtaining emigration clearance.

Country-wise numbers of emigration clearances given for emigration to major ECR countries during the current year are given in the table below.

Workers e-Migrated (In lakhs) SL.

No.

1 2 3 4 5 Name of Countries Saudi Arabia UAE Kuwait Qatar Oman Year-2019 (30.11.2019) 1.43 0.72 0.42 0.28 0.26 SL.

No.
No.

6 7 8 Name of Countries Bahrain Malaysia Others Total Year-2019 (30.11.2019) 0.09 0.10 0.04 3.34 States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Telangana, were the leading States in order of the numbers who emigrated.

The number of persons emigrated from these States during the year 2019 (30.11.2019) are depicted in the Pie Chart below.
315 Overseas Indian Affairs PRAVASI BHARATIYA DIVAS 2020 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2020 was celebrated at New interacted with Indian diaspora in Perth, Singapore, Delhi on 9 January 2020.

External Affairs Minister Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Port Louis, London, Paramaribo Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Minister of State and New York through the medium of video for External Affairs Shri V.Muraleedharan attended conferencing.

the celebrations.
the celebrations.

Following his keynote address, EAM 12TH KNOW GOA PROGRAMME The 12th Know Goa Programme as held from 4-18 programme jointly organized by Government of Goa January 2020.

Seven Goan Diaspora Youth from and MEA.


Australia, Canada, Portugal and UK participated in the Telangana; 4% Telangana; 4% Punjab; 5% Uttar Pradesh; 31% Andhra Pradesh; 5% Kerala; 5% Tamil Nadu; 8% West Bengal; 8% Bihar; 15% Rajasthan; 8% 316 Annual Report 2019-20 22 Protocol Protocol Division comprises of seven sections issuance of diplomatic/official identity cards in respect viz.
Protocol-I, Protocol-II, Protocol-III, Protocol of foreign representatives in Delhi and in different (Hyderabad House), Protocol Special, Protocol states of the country; finalizing agreement for gainful (Hospitality & Accounts) and Government Hospitality employment and subsequently, processing requests of Organization (GHO).
Protocol-I section, under the charge of Deputy is mandated to Chiefs of Protocol (Ceremonial) handle incoming visits of Head of States/Head of Governments/Vice-Presidents and Foreign Minister, outgoing visits of President, Vice President and Prime Minister, entertainment (official lunches, dinners and receptions on behalf of the Ministry of External Affairs) and ceremonial functions, airport passes, access to ceremonial and reserve lounge etc.
Protocol-II and Protocol Special sections, both under the charge of Deputy Chief of Protocol (Privileges) deal with various issues related to privileges and immunity of the diplomatic missions based out of India like permission of gainful employment for family members of members of diplomatic missions and consular posts in India; permission to foreign diplomats for enrolment in Indian Universities; security arrangement for foreign representations and their residences in India; privileges and immunities to international organizations recognized under Article 3 of the United Nations (Privileges & Immunities) Act, 1947, issues related to tax exemptions on the principle of reciprocity; forwarding of court summons issued by various courts in respect of diplomats/officials and diplomatic missions in India and processing requests of purchase/registration/sale of motor vehicles & custom duty free imports.
Protocol-III section’s work domain includes providing protocol facilities to Heads of Missions on their first 318 arrival and final departure; arranging Credential Ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhawan, where incoming Protocol Housing section maintenance of upkeep of the Hyderabad House in is responsible for the Heads of Missions handover their Credential papers cooperation with the horticulture, civil and electrical to the Rashtrapatiji; facilitating Heads of Missions wings of CPWD.
This includes repair and maintenance and diplomats (wherever applicable) during Republic works of electrical/civil/horticulture.

In addition, this Day, Independence Day, Joint Session of Parliament, section also handles processing of payment to ITDC Swearing-in Ceremony of Hon’ble Prime Minister on account of their administrative, management and of India, Yoga Day etc.
; processing permanent operational expenditure; matters relating to purchase/ Airport Entry passes every year with respect to sale/allotment of land, built up property, lease etc.
in foreign diplomatic missions/posts in India subject to respect of all diplomatic missions and international reciprocity, which is determined after obtaining and organizations in Delhi which involves communication scrutinizing inputs from all our missions/posts abroad; approval for establishing new Consulates General, with State Governments for land allotment, signing of perpetual lease deed etc; disputes/court cases Deputy High Commissions, Trade Offices, Cultural between landlords and diplomatic missions in Delhi Centers; appointment of Honorary Consuls, Consuls and other states; running and operation of the VVIP General, Deputy High Commissions (Head of Posts Receptorium at Air Force Station, Palam with the help for Commonwealth countries) of foreign countries of Military Engineering Services (MES) and CPWD and and preparing Exequaturs/Gazette Notification assisting the diplomatic missions regarding services thereafter; processing approval of installation Satellite like NDMC, MCD, DDA, MTNL etc.
Further, for last Earth Stations in foreign mission premises; processing few years, this section has also been coordinating with approval regarding awards given by foreign countries various stakeholders on upcoming second Diplomatic to Indian Officials; appointment of Defense Attaches Enclave Project in Dwarka, New Delhi.
and defense personnel in foreign diplomatic missions; processing for approval of creation of new diplomatic or official posts in foreign diplomatic missions; arranging Chief Guest for National Days of foreign countries celebrated by foreign missions in India and ensuring protocol guidelines are maintained in the venue; forwarding messages from VVIP (President, Vice President, Prime Minister, EAM) to Heads of States and Heads of Government of foreign countries.
Onward transmission of Messages from Heads of States and In 2019, Protocol-I Section handled 102 incoming/ outgoing visits at the level of Head of State, Vice President, Head of Government and Foreign Minister (as on 31 December 2019).
Protocol-I Section coordinated participation of 6 Foreign Ministers in RAISINA Dialogue in January 2019, 8 HOSs/HOGs in Swearing-in-Ceremony of the Prime Minister in May 2019 and Foreign Minister of Indonesia and other dignitaries in XI Delhi Dialogue in Heads of Government of foreign countries to President, December 2019.
Vice President, Prime Minister, EAM and Government of India Officials; handling court cases pertaining to payment related disputes between foreign diplomatic missions and Indian local staff and courtesy requests by HOM/HOPs.

In addition, Protocol-I Section handled 320 entertainment functions (as on 31 December 2019) and facilitated an average of 180 requests per week for airport passes, lounges (ceremonial and reserved) and exemption from frisking.
319 Protocol PROTOCOL-I SECTION CLASSIFICATION AND NUMBER OF VISITS Visits Head State Visits by Head of State/Head of Government Official Working Visits by Head of State/Head of Government/Vice President and equivalent Private/Transit visits by Head of State/Head of Government/Vice President and equivalent Official visits by Foreign Minister and equivalent Outgoing visits of President, Vice President and Prime Minister Outgoing visits of Minister of External Affairs Number 10 16 4 26 20 26 CALENDAR OF VISITS State Visits by Head of State/Head of Government S.N.
Country State Visit of Prime Minister of Norway State Visit of President of the Republic of South Africa State Visit of President of Argentina Total 102 Dates January 07-09, 2019 January 25-26, 2019 February 17-19, 2019 State Visit of The Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia February 19-20, 2019 State Visit of President of Zambia State Visit of President of Mongolia State Visit of His Majesty King William-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Maxima of the Kingdom of the Netherlands State Visit of German Chancellor State Visit of President of Sri Lanka 10.
State Visit of King and Queen of Sweden August 20-22, 2019 September 19-23, 2019 October 13-18, 2019 October 31 - November 02, 2019 November 28-30, 2019 December 01-06, 2019 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Official Visits by Head of State/Head of Government /Vice President and Equivalent S.N.

1.

2.

3.

4.
1.

2.

3.

4.

Country Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius HSH of Monaco VP of Ghana (CII - EXIM Bank Conclave) PM of Guinea (CII - EXIM Bank Conclave) Dates January 20-28,2019 February 04-10, 2019 March 16-20, 2019 March 16-27, 2019 320 Annual Report 2019-20 S.N.

Country Swearing-in-Ceremony of the Prime Minister Dates 5-12.
President of Bangladesh President of Kyrgyz Republic President of Sri Lanka President of Myanmar Prime Minister of Mauritius Prime Minister of Bhutan Prime Minister of Nepal Special Envoy of Thailand 29 May - 1 June, 2019 13.

Visit of Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines September 08-11, 2019 14.

Visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh 15.

Visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh to Kolkata 16.
Visit of Prime Minister of Portugal October 03-06, 2019 November 22, 2019 December 19-20, 2019 Private Visits by Head of State/Head of Government /Vice President and Equivalent S.N.

1.

2.

3.

4.
1.

2.

3.

4.

Private Visit of Vice President of Zimbabwe May 19 - June 09, 2019 Country Dates Transit Visit of President of Uganda Private Visit of Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Transit Visit of Former Prime Minister of Bhutan June 23-24, 2019 July 26-27, 2019 July 26-28, 2019 Official Visits by Foreign Minister and Equivalent S.N.

Country Dates RAISINA DIALOGUE Foreign Minister of Islamic Republic of Iran Foreign Minister of Mongolia 1-6.
Foreign Minister of Australia Foreign Minister of Japan Foreign Minister of Spain Foreign Minister of Nepal January 07-09, 2019 7.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic January 27-31, 2019 Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria Foreign Minister of Austria 8.

9.

10.

Foreign Minister of Kenya 11.

Foreign Minister of Gambia 30 January - 01 February, 2019 February 25-27, 2019 March 04-06, 2019 March 07-12, 2019 321 Protocol S.N.

Country 12.
Country 12.

Foreign Minister of Iran 13.

Secretary of State of the United States of America 14.

Visit of FM of UAE 15.

Visit of UN PRs Dates May 13-15, 2019 June 25-27, 2019 July 08-09, 2019 August 18-24, 2019 16.

Visit of President-elect of the 74th Session of the UNGA September 01-05, 2019 17.

Visit of Foreign Minister of Thailand 18.

Visit of Foreign Minister of Nicaragua 19.

Visit of Foreign Minister of Finland 20.

Visit of Foreign Minister of Bhutan 21.


Visit of Deputy PM of Bulgaria for Economic and Demographic Policy 22.

Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan 23.

Visit of Foreign Minister of Republic of Guinea 24.

Foreign Minister of Maldives 25.

XI Delhi Dialogue and IORA VI Foreign Minister of Indonesia October 09-11, 2019 October 27-29, 2019 November 04-07, 2019 November 17-23, 2019 November 19-22, 2019 November 30, 2019 December 02-05, 2019 December 10-14, 2019 December 12-13, 2019 26.
Visit of Spl.

Representative of China December 20-22, 2019 Outgoing Visits of President, Vice President and Prime Minister S.N.

President 1.

2.

3.

4.

Croatia, Bolivia and Chile Benin, The Gambia, Guinea Iceland, Switzerland, Slovenia Philippines and Japan Vice President 5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Paraguay and Costa Rica Vietnam Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia Comoros and Sierra Leone Azerbaijan Prime Minister 10.

Republic of Korea 11.

Maldives and Sri Lanka 12.

Bishkek (Kyrgyz Republic) 13.


Osaka (Japan) 14.

Bhutan Country Dates March 25-04 April, 2019 July 28 – August 03, 2019 September 09-18, 2019 October 17-23, 2019 March 04-11, 2019 May 09-12, 2019 August 17-22, 2019 October 10-14, 2019 October 24-26, 2019 February 21-22, 2019 June 08-09, 2019 June 13-14, 2019 June 27-29, 2019 August 17-18, 2019 322 Annual Report 2019-20 S.N.

15.

16.

France, Bahrain and UAE Vladivostok, Russia Country 17.

USA 18.

19.

20.
USA 18.

19.

20.

Saudi Arabia Thailand Brazil Outgoing Visits of External Affairs Minister S.N.

1.

2.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain Country 3.

Wuznen, China 4.

Abu Dhabi, UAE 5.

Maldives 6.

7.

Kyrgyzstan Thimphu, Bhutan 8.

Dushanbe, Tajikistan 9.

Osaka, Japan 10.

London, England 11.

Bangkok, Thailand 12.

Beijing, China 13.

Dhaka, Bangladesh 14.

Kathmandu, Nepal 15.
Budapest (Hungary), Moscow (Russia), Warsaw (Poland), Brussels (Belgium) Dates August 22-27, 2019 September 04-05, 2019 September 21-28, 2019 October 28-29, 2019 November 02-04, 2019 November 12-15, 2019 Dates January 12-13, 2019 February 16-19, 2019 February 27, 2019 February 28-March 01, 2019 March 17-18, 2019 May 21-22, 2019 June 07-08, 2019 June 14-16, 2019 June 27-29, 2019 July 09-11, 2019 July 31 - August 03, 2019 August 11-13, 2019 August 20, 2019 August 21-22, 2019 August 25-31, 2019 16.
Male (Maldives), Jakarta (Indonesia), Singapore September 03-10, 2019 17.

Helsinki (Finland), Houston, New York & Washington (USA) September 19-Oct 04, 2019 18.

Baku, Azerbaijan 19.

Bangkok, Thailand October 23-26, 2019 November 02-04, 2019 20.

Belgrade (Serbia), Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Paris (France) November 07-12, 2019 21.

Abu Dhabi, UAE 22.

Colombo, Sri Lanka 23.

Nagoya, Japan 24.

Rome, Italy 25.


USA, Canada, Iran, Oman 26 Tokyo, Japan November 15-17, 2019 November 19-20, 2019 November 22-24, 2019 December 06-08, 2019 December 17-25, 2019 December 28, 2019 – January 04, 2020 323 Protocol PROTOCOL HOUSING SECTION Dwarka Diplomatic Enclave- The case going on for few land pockets in the proposed 2nd Diplomatic Enclave, Dwarka is disposed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and judgment will be issued on 9 December 2019.
A total of 85 acre land is available for allotment in the proposed 2nd Diplomatic Enclave.

A Note Verbale is issued to the Foreign Missions which require land in New Delhi to send their realistic requirement and possible land use.

Air Force Station, Palam- Both the new and renovated VVIP Receptorium are fully functional.

Air Force is looking after the maintenance and housekeeping services for both the Receptoriums and the expenses are borne by MEA.
Also the work of laying OFC cables for internet services in the VVIP Receptorium is PROTOCOL II SECTION undertaken by MTNL.

Hyderabad House- The works to be carried during closure period-2019 of Hyderabad House is also completed with repair and maintenance works carried out by civil, electrical and horticulture wings of CPWD.

Issues of Embassies- Civic issues of the Missions were taken up on priority with local agencies like NDMC, DDA, MCD, Jal Board, MTNL, Electricity Board etc.
and most of the issues are resolved.

The issues of Zimbabwe, Gabon, Spain, Cote d’Ivoire and other Missions with the owners of their rented premises are settled amicably.

impact of diplomatic Introduction of GST and community - India is one of the biggest hosts of foreign embassies, consulates, UN and International Introduction of online ID card application system- The new online application module for printing diplomatic/ official ID cards with enhanced security features was organizations.
Introduction of Goods and Service Tax recently introduced w.e.f.

01 April 2019.

The salient (GST) by subsuming all the indirect taxes such as VAT, featurs of new application are detailed below: Central Sales Tax, Service Tax, Luxury tax, excise duty and Customs duty in gigantic country like India was a herculean task.

Protocol Division ensured that the diplomatic missions based in India are least affected from the change in indirect tax system.
Unlike other vendors, a single UIN for transaction done throughout India was issued to each individual Mission and multiple workshops for spreading awareness about the new tax system were also organised for diplomatic missions.

(i) The diplomatic missions based in New Delhi shall be able to apply of the diplomatic/official ID card through online portal.

(ii) They will get real time information about the status of their application.
(iii) The plastic ID cards shall be printed on high-end printers with enhanced security elements.

324 Annual Report 2019-20 PROTOCOL-III SECTION Credential presentation by foreign Heads of Mission from 1st January 2019 S. No.

Country Name of Ambassador/High Commissioner Date of Credential Presentation Israel Mali Belarus Lao-PDR Niger Namibia Maldives H.E.

Dr. Ron Malka H.E.

Mr. Sekou Kasse H.E.

Mr. Andrei Rzheussky H.E.

Bounneme Chouanghom H.E.

Mr.

Ado Leko H.E.


Mr Gabriel Pandureni Sinimbo H.E.

Ms Aisath Mohamed Didi Turkmenistan H.E.

Mr Shalar Geldynazarov Chile Bulgaria H.E.

Mr Juan Rolando Angulo Monsalve H.E.

Mrs. Eleonora Dimitrova Kyrgyz Republic H.E.

Mr. Asein Isaev Nepal Seychelles H.E.

Mr. Nilamber Acharya H.E.

Mr. Thomas Selby Pillay 14 Montenegro H.E.

Mr. Zoran Jankovic 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 Venezuela H.E.

Mrs. Coromoto Godoy Calderon Papua New Guinea H.E.


Mr. Paulias Korni, OBE Germany Colombia Peru Ethiopia Tajikistan Philippines Nicaragua H.E.

Mr. Walter Johannes Lindner H.E.

Mr. Alvaro Sandoval Bernal H.E.

Mr. Carlos Rafael Polo Castaneda H.E.

Dr.(Mrs) Tizita Mulugeta Yimam H.E.

Mr. Rahimzoda Sulton H.E.

Mr. Ramon S. Bagatsing, Jr. Philippine H.E.

Mr Ronaldo Coronel Kinloch South Africa H.E.

Mr Joel Sibusiso Ndebele China Somalia Greece Estonia Costa Rica Zimbabwe Ireland Norway H.E.
Mr Sun Weidong H.E.

Mrs Faduma Abdullahi Mohmud H.E.

Mr Dionyssios Kyvetos H.E.

Ms Katrin Kivi H.E.

Mr Claudio Ansorena Montero H.E.

Mr Godfrey Chipare H.E.

Mr Brendar Ward H.E.


Mr Hans Jacob Frydenlund Protocol S. No.
Country Name of Ambassador/High Commissioner Date of Credential Presentation 33 34 35 Denmark France EU H.E.

Mr Freddy Svane H.E.

Mr Emannuel Lenain H.E.

Mr Ugo Astuto 36 Mexico H.E.

Mr Federico Salas Lotfe 37 38 39 Kazakhstan H.E.

Mr Yerlan Alimbayev Japan Slovenia H.E.

Mr Satoshi Suzuki H.E.

Dr Marjan encen First Arrival Status of Foreign Heads of Missions from 1st January 2019 Sl.

No.
No.

1 Name of HoM Country High Commissioner Mr. Gabriel Pandureni Republic of Namibia Sinimbo Ambassador Ms. Aishath Mohamed Didi Republic of Maldives Ambassador Mr. Shalar Geldinazarov Turkmenistan Ambassador Mr. Juan Angulo Chile Ambassador Mr. Ahmed Yousif Mohamed Republic of Sudan Elsiddig Ambassador H.E.

Mrs Eleonora Dimitrova Republic of Bulgaria Ambassador H.E.

Mr. Asein Isaev Kyrgyz Republic Ambassador H.E.

Mr. Nilamber Acharya Nepal High Commissioner H.E.


Mr. Thomas Selby Republic of Seychelles Pillay 03.10.2019 03.10.2019 03.10.2019 03.10.2019 03.10.2019 27.11.2019 27.11.2019 Arrival Date 17.01.2019 18.01.2019 27.01.2019 31.01.2019 29.01.2019 13.02.2019 18.02.2019 18.02.2019 28.02.2019 10 Ambassador H.E.

Mrs. Coromoto Godoy Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela 05.03.2019 Calderon 11 12 Ambassador H.E.

Mr. Zoran Jankovic Montenegro High Commissioner H.E.
Mr. Paulias Korni, Papua New Guinea 11.03.2019 14.03.2019 OBE 13 Ambassador H.E.

Mr. Muhamad Talha Hajee Republic of Panama 20.03.2019 Hajee Ambassador H.E.

Mr. Walter Johannes Lindner Federal Republic of Germany Ambassador H.E.

Mr. Choe Hui Chol Democratic Republic of Korea Ambassador H.E.

Mr. Alvaro Sandoval Bernal Colombia Ambassador H.E.

Mr. Carlos Rafael Polo Peru Castaneda Ambassador H.E.
Dr. (Mrs.) Tizita Mulugeta Yimam Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia 31.03.2019 30.03.2019 29.04.2019 01.05.2019 15.05.2019 326 Annual Report 2019-20 Sl.

No.

19 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Name of HoM Country Ambassador H.E.

Ramon S. Bagatsing, Jr. Republic of Philippines Philippine Ambassador H.E.

Rahimzoda Sulton Republic of Tajikistan Ambassador H.E.

Rodrigo Coronel Kinloch Republic of Nicaragua High Commissioner H.E.
Mr. Joel Sibusiso Republic of South Africa Ndebele Ambassador H.E.

Mr Sun Weidong the People's Republic of China Ambassador H.E.

Ms. Katrin Kivi Ambassador H.E.

Mrs. Faduma Abdullahi Mohamud Estonia Somalia Ambassador H.E.

Mr. Dionyssios Kyvetos Greece Ambassador H.E.

Mr. Claudio Ansorena Republic of Costa Rica Montero Ambassador H.E.

Dr. Godfrey Chipare Republic of Zimbabwe Ambassador H.E.

Mr. Hans Jacob Frydenlund Norway Ambassador H.E.

Mr. Freddy Svane Ambassador H.E.


Mr. Brendan Ward Ambassador H.E.

Mr. Emmanuel Lenain Denmark Ireland France Ambassador H.E.

Mr. Ugo Astuto the European Union Ambassador H.E.

Mr. Federico Salas Lotfe Mexico Ambassador H.E.

Mr. Yerlan Alimbayev the Republic of Kazakhstan Ambassador H.E.

Mr. Satoshi Suzuki Japan Ambassador H.E.

Dr. Marjan Cencen Republic of Slovenia Ambassador H.E.

Ms. Ritva Koukku-Ronde Finland Ambassador H.E.


Mr. Vincenzo De Luca Italy Final Departure Status of Foreign Heads of Missions from 1st January 2019 Sl.

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Name of HoM Country Ambassador Mr. Parakhat H. Durdyev Turkmenistan Ambassador Mr. Asfaw Dingamo Ethiopia Ambassador Dr. Martin Ney Federal Republic of Germany High Commissioner Mr. Sohail Mahmood Islamic Republic of Pakistan Ambassador Ma Teresita C. Daza the Republic of Philippines Ambassador Mr. Luo Zhaohui the People's Republic of China Ambassador Ms Melba Pria Ambassador Ms Nina Vaskunlahti Mexico Finland 327 Arrival Date 01.06.2019 28.05.2019 23.06.2019 11.07.2019 21.07.2019 01.08.2019 15.08.2019 15.08.2019 18.08.2019 22.08.2019 01.09.2019 01.09.2019 28.08.2019 14.09.2019 16.09.2019 17.09.2019 23.09.2019 01.11.2019 18.11.2019 02.12.2019 04.12.2019 Arrival Date 09.01.2019 10.03.2019 30.03.2019 14.04.2019 25.04.2019 28.05.2019 04.06.2019 18.06.2019 Protocol Sl.
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Name of HoM Country Ambassador Ms Ebyan Mahamed Salah Federal Republic of Somalia Ambassador Mr Maxwell Ranga Republic of Zimbabwe Ambassador Mr Panos Kalogeropoulos Ambassador Mr Peter Taksøe-Jensen Ambassador Mr Nils Ragnar Kamsvåg Ambassador Mr Alexandre Ziegler Greece Denmark Norway France Ambassador Mr Ariel Jared Andrade Galindo the Republic of El Salvador Ambassador Mr Bulat Sarsenbayev the Republic of Kazakhstan Ambassador Mr Jožef Drofenik the Republic of Slovenia Ambassador Mr Kenji Hiramatsu Japan Ambassador Mr Ahmed Yousif Mohamed the Republic of Sudan Elsiddig Ambassador Mr Enzo Angeloni Italy High Commissioner Mr Bothata Tsikoane the kingdom of Lesotho Arrival Date 31.07.2019 29.07.2019 10.08.2019 29.08.2019 31.08.2019 30.08.2019 06.09.2019 21.09.2019 25.09.2019 22.10.2019 30.11.2019 01.12.2019 11.12.2019 List of Resident Missions/Trade Offices/Consulate Generals/Deputy High Commissions/Honorary Consuls approved from 1st January, 2019 Sl.
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Particulars Resident Missions Country Jamaica Nauru Nicaragua Particulars Country Location Consulate Generals/Deputy High Commissions Saudi Arabia Bangladesh Bengaluru Chennai 328 Annual Report 2019-20 Sl.

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Particulars Consulate Generals/Deputy High Commissions Country Belgium Malta Mali Location Hyderabad Mumbai Bengaluru Korea - Republic Ahmedabad Maldives Palau Tunisia Seychelles Finland Kazakhstan Netherlands Zimbabwe Kazakhstan Bengaluru New Delhi Bengaluru Bengaluru Kolkata Mumbai Chennai Mumbai Chennai Month-wise list of newly created posts in Foreign Diplomatic Missions in India from 1 January 2019 to 30 November 2019 Annual Report for creation of New Posts from 1 January 2019 - 30 November 2019 January February March April May June July August September October November Total 01 05 04 16 12 06 20 11 15 11 10 111 329 Protocol 23 EXTERNAL PUBLICITY & PUBLIC DIPLOMACY DIVISION External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division has engagement with the regional media in different cities swiftly adapted to India’s rising global profile and across India and ‘Bharat EkParichay – a corner for books rapidly evolving communications environment through on India in libraries of educational institutions abroad.
responsive and focused outreach to the domestic and On the Press relations front, the Division launched global audience.

This has been achieved through our a new initiative called ‘India Beyond Headlines’ – a extensive engagement with the media and expanding familiarization programme for foreign journalists based India’s public diplomacy footprint both at home and in India with a view to providing them an understanding abroad and leveraging social media and other modern of India on a range of topics.
tools to maximise the outcome.

XPD Division was the nodal point for the celebrations of The Division promoted three special initiatives of the 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Mahatma public diplomacy – School and MEA Engagement Gandhi.

The Division supported several activities Programme (SAMEEP) – outreach to students by the organised by our Missions and Posts abroad to alumni of that school belonging to the Indian Foreign celebrate the occasion.
An Anthology on ‘What Gandhi Service, VideshAaya Pradesh keDwaar – a focused Means to Me’ was brought out on the occasion with 330 contributions from high-profile personalities across These efforts played a critical role inprojecting India’s the world.

The Division played an important role in foreign policy as proactive, effective and people- the celebration of the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru centric, while complementing efforts to raise India’s Nanak DevJi.
In a novel initiative, a LED film on Guru stature in the world.

Nanak’s teachings was commissioned and projected in different cities across the world.

ENGAGEMENT WITH THE MEDIA Press Coverage XPD Division made logistics arrangements, including setting up and operating fully equipped media centres, and organizing media briefings for incoming and outgoing visits of important dignitaries.
These arrangements ensured quick dissemination of information to the people within the country as well as to the outside world.

Summits/Conferences and Outreach Activities The Division ensures media coverage of incoming high- level visits.
The Division facilitated media arrangements forhigh level visits of the State Visit of President of Republic of Zambia in August, President of Mongolia in September, King and Queen of the Netherlands in October, Prime Minister of Bangladesh in September, President of China for the Second Informal Summit in Chennai in October, Chancellor of Germany in October, Prince of Wales in November and President of Sri Lanka in November.
The Division also made logistical arrangements and facilitation of the media delegation accompanying the foreign dignitaries for The Division successfully made media related coverage of Swearing-in Ceremony of the newly formed arrangements for six bilateral visits of the Prime Government in May 2019 attended by HoS/HoGs of six Minister to Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, UAE, Bahrain BIMSTEC nations, the Kyrgyz Republic and Republic of and Saudi Arabia, besidesarrangements at 7multilateral Mauritius.Media arrangements were also made for the Summits - SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan from incoming visits of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and other 13-14 June, G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan from 27-29 dignitaries during the period.
June, G7 Summit in Biarritz,France from 26-27 August, Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok,Russia from 04-06 September, UN General Assembly Sessionin New York, USA from 22-27 September, ASEAN and related Summits in Bangkok, Thailandfrom 02-04 November and BRICS Summit in Brasilia, Brazil from A delegation of Indian media also visited Beijing and Shanghai to participate in the 3rd India China High level media forum from 12to 16 August 2019.

EAM’s Press Conference on Completion of 13-14 November.
XPD Division also made media 100 days of Government arrangements for thebilateral visits by the President of India to eleven countries, bilateral visits by Vice President to six countries and one multilateral visit to Azerbaijan for the NAM summit and by theExternal Affairs Minister for bilateral and multilateral meetings.

The Division organized EAM’s Press Conference on the occasion of completion of 100 Days of Government on 17th September, 2019.
331 EXTERNAL PUBLICITY & PUBLIC DIPLOMACY DIVISION Special Course for Indian Media (Diplomatic 2019.
Thirty seven Indian Journalists covering the Correspondents) at FSI A Special Course on Foreign Policy for Indian media was jointly organised by the XPD Division together with the Foreign Service Institute on 16-22 October MEA beat from electronic and print media participated in the said course.The programmewas useful in offering an overview of India’s foreign policy and functioning of the Ministry for the diplomatic correspondents.
ENGAGEMENT WITH FOREIGN MEDIA India Beyond Headlines XPD Division launched a new initiative called ‘India Beyond Headlines’ – a familiarization programme for foreign journalists based in India with a view to provide them an understanding of India on a range of topics.

First visit under the initiative was organized for a group Czech Republic, Romania and Russia] have visited India so far under the programme.
Journalists from the UK, IOR countries and African countries are scheduled to visit this Financial Year.

Professional Training Courses for Foreign of foreign journalists on 26-28 July 2019 to Kashmir.
Diplomats Familiarization Visits for foreign journalists Media and Public Diplomacy for around 194 Foreign XPD Division organised a day long training module on In order to enhance awareness about India amongst friendly countries and to encourage media exchanges, XPD Division organizes familiarization visits by foreign journalists to India.
A total of 169 journalists from 21 countries [Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Maldives, Turkey, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Morocco, Bhutan, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Croatia, Diplomats from almost 90 countries in total 9 batches during the period April-November 2019.

As part of the module, visit to two reputed media organisations (print and electronic media) was also arranged for each batch.
The same was also organised for 39 IFS Officer Trainees of 2018 batch on 23-24 April 2019, including holding a Mock Press Conference.

DIGITAL OUTREACH MEA Website MEA’s website is embodiment of India’s foreign policy articulation and a repository of all information related to India’s bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral relations.

The website is bilingual, user friendly, scalable flexible, consistent and compliant to standard specifications.
Knowing the impact it has on information dissemination, the website has been designed uniformly for headquarters and Missions/Posts abroad.

MEA website is also accessible to visually and hearing impaired.

Since its formal launch in September 2012, the web portal has registered more than 5 crore hits with more than 1 crore hits since January 2019 alone and has completely transformed the digital image of the Ministry.
332 Annual Report 2019-20 SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS MEA has been the pioneering ministry in the country video during out going visits and a video recap to embrace a robust social media personality and after the conclusion of an outgoing visit of the digital identity with consistently growing numbers of Prime Minister have garnered most engagements followers.

and impressions on Twitter.


a) MEA has a total of 3.4 million followers on Twitter with @MEAIndia having 2.02 million followers and @IndianDiplomacy having 1.4 million followers.

Mission and Posts have also continued to increase engagement with the diaspora and the population of the host country through actively using social media platforms.

Today, around 179 Indian Missions/Posts have a presence on Twitter and Facebook and around 51 Missions have a presence on Instagram.
As the social media taste around the world changes, newer platforms have come into sharper focus.

Standardization across social media platforms of Mission/Posts have been adhered to, with all accounts being verified on the platforms c) MEA’s YouTube channel has a total of 7,093 subscribers as of November 2019, an increase of 72% over last year with a total of 5.7 million views.
Indian Diplomacy’s YouTube channel has 83,861 subscribers as on November 2019, an increase of 42% over last year, with a total of 15.2 million views.

d) MEA has made a phenomenal increase in its followership on Instagram which is aimages- rich platform.

With a growth of 158% over last year MEA now has a followership of 399,000 followers.

Instagram appeals more to the younger generation and the content is especially curated for the young.

on priority by the Ministry.


This all-round digital e) MEA Flickr account (MEAphotogallery) continues outreach by the Ministry has enabled faster, to serve as a repository of photos for all of MEA’s direct and concise conveying of information on major events, in India and abroad, with a photo Ministry’s and Mission/Posts’ activities to people bank of 41,142 HD photos as of November 2019. not just in India but all across the world.
f) MEA’s Soundcloud account (MEAIndia) is a useful b) Twitter is a critical medium for immediate database for accessing audio clips of all media dissemination of significant information for the briefings.

Video Clips of all media briefings are Ministry.

The Official Spokesperson’s handle (@ also uploaded on YouTube.

MEAIndia) and the Public Diploamcy handle (@ IndianDiplomacy) saw an increase of around 150,000 and 100,000 followers over the last year.
@MEAIndia is now the third most followed handle among all Foreign Ministries across the world.

The platform is used to tweet updates on India’s foreign relations.

During bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral engagements Twitter is updated on a real-time basis.

Both twitter handles have actively used video formats of Twitter especially short g) MEA has also registered a significant growth in the number of followers on LinkedIn with a total of 11,850 followers over last year an increase of 620%.
h) The Ministry has also been proactive in marking important occasions across social media platforms such as 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi, InternationalDay of Yoga, 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji, Constitution Day etc.

The popularity and success of MEA’s efforts in 333 EXTERNAL PUBLICITY & PUBLIC DIPLOMACY DIVISION expanding digital outreach and branding itself as a continuous growth of its followers across social ‘digitally forward’ Ministry is demonstrated by the media platforms.
VISUAL OUTREACH – FILMS AND DOCUMENTARIES To project the positive image of India abroad, MEA Four documentaries on the subjects of Dr. B.R.

has been commissioning documentary films on various Ambedkar(Mooknayak), Rescue operations by subjects, including on Indian culture, politics, economy Government of India, KailashMansarovarYatra and and other social issues since 1981.
In addition, suitable Development Cooperative Initiatives were completed Indian feature films are purchased with non-commercial and released on various platforms.

Three special short screening rights to leverage the goodwill Indian films films on Indian elections (India Ink), Mahatma Gandhi enjoy abroad.

and Guru Nanak Devji were also commissioned for specific use.
PUBLIC OUTREACH Distinguished Lecture Series Under this public outreach initiative, senior serving and retired diplomats deliver lectures on foreign policy at India’s premier academic institutes.

The initiative has been well received by the academic community and hasexpanded steadily since its inception in 2010.
The lecture series has now brought under its ambit 253 education institutions including 45 Central Universities, IITs and IIMs, NITs, IIITs, National Law Universities and as well tri-services as training institutions such as Indian Military Academy, National Defence Academy and Defence Staff Service Commission.

The lectures covering diverse foreign policy related topics span the length and breadth of the country.

44 lectures have been held in 2019 and 297 lectures since the launch of this initiative.
SAMEEP – STUDENTS AND MEA ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMME SAMEEP is an outreach initiative of the Division to to schools and colleges in their hometown/state engage to the student community in different cities during their leave to interact with the students and and towns across India, with an aim to familiarise to share with them their experiences of working with school and college students with the role and functions the Ministry of External Affairs.
So far forty foursuch of MEA, key elements of India’s foreign policy, success programs have been organised since its inception in stories and achievements on the foreign policy front.

2018.
2018.

This programme involves visits of Ministry’s officers 334 Annual Report 2019-20 WHAT GANDHI MEANS TO ME: AN ANTHOLOGY As part of celebrations to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, an anthology of articles on ‘What Gandhi means to Me’ contributed by globally renowned personalities has been published.

The anthology brings out how people the world over have been influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings and philosophy.
BOOKS AND PERIODICALS Book Committee India Perspectives The Book Committee was established in 2003 as a The flagship magazine of the Ministry in now available public diplomacy tool to select books for the Missions’ in a digital format in 16 languages.

The web version library as well as for presentation purposes.
The 41st of the magazine allows customisation of the content meeting of the Book Committee selected 343 titles and option to download and electronically disseminate from categories such as Indian Classics, Foreign through social media by the Missions and Posts.

It can Policy & Affairs, Technology & Popular Science, Hindi be read online at www.indiaperspectives.gov.in and & Sanskrit, Art& Culture.

An online portal has been www.mea.gov.in.


created this year for seamless processing of requests from Missions.

335 EXTERNAL PUBLICITY & PUBLIC DIPLOMACY DIVISION 24 Adminstration, Establishment and Right To Information ADMINISTRATION DIVISION Administration Division’s endeavour is to optimize by the Ministry and its offices.

manpower utilization by managing and deploying efficiently the human capital of the Ministry both at Headquarters and 193 Indian Missions/Posts abroad.
Towards this, the Division oversees cadre management which involves recruitment, training, postings/transfers, deputations and career progression policies and processes among others.

The Division also calibrated its personnel policies through formulation, revision and implementation of relevant GOI rules and regulations including for Indian personnel posted and local employees serving in Indian Missions and Posts.
The organization structure and procedures are evolved to meet the changing demands and expected delivery The current sanctioned strength of the Ministry is 4261 (Annexure IX) with around 53% of these posts being in Missions and Posts abroad.

The total strength is distributed across different cadres of the Ministry such as the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), IFS General Cadre Branch B, Stenographers Cadre, Interpreters Cadre, Legal & Treaties Cadre, among others.
As part of cadre management, the Ministry augmented its manpower by recruiting personnel at various levels through Direct Recruitment (DR) and Departmental Promotions (DP) in the Recruitment Year 2018-19.
The Ministry also reorganized its divisions and their responsibilities to 336 Annual Report 2019-20 account for new developments and functional priorities diplomacy, international law, cyber security, gender such as creation of Indo-Pacific Division, rearranging budgeting, accounting, consular and passport services, territorial allocations in India Ocean region etc.

effective use of social media, etc.


Special attention was In pursuance of the Cabinet approval in March 2018 for the opening of 18 new Missions in Africa during 2018-21, the opening of six Missions in the first phase – Rwanda, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso and Guinea and three Missions paid to the development of foreign linguistic skills of officers, including at interpretation level.
Over time, this has resulted in the creation of a reasonably large pool of officers with quality foreign language skills within the Service (Annexure X).

in the second phase - Eswatini, Eritrea and Cameroon The Division actively utilized technological tools such - was completed.
Preparatory administrative and as the e-Samiksha portal, an online interface between establishment related measures were initiated towards Headquarters and the Missions/Posts as an effective setting up new Missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone and platform for idea-exchange, digitized procedures, Sao Tome and Principe.

information gathering and effective monitoring of The Ministry focused due attention to training of all its cadres along with specialized modules on economic functional areas of Missions/Posts.
GLOBAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT DIVISION Significant progress was achieved on all fronts including Residences) and Nicosia (Residences).

Substantial acquisition/construction/redevelopment/renovation progress was made in respect of construction projects at of properties abroad and in India.

Acquisition of a plot Islamabad (Residences), Kathmandu (Chancery–cum – of land in Nairobi and two residential apartments in Residential complex), Port of Spain (Cultural Centre) and Tokyo was concluded.
Allotment of much larger plots Wellington (Chancery & Residences).

New construction of land in Tashkent and Maldives was successfully projects commenced in Bangkok (Residences), Kabul negotiated for construction of Chancery–cum– (Residences & Barracks) and Phuentsholing (Chancery residential complexes for respective Missions.

A plot of & Residences).

Major renovation projects including land in New Delhi, measuring approx.
2.5 acres, was VVIP Receptorium at Palam, Ambassador’s Residence allotted for construction of another office of MEA.

at Seoul and Chancery at Dublin were completed.


Acquisition of properties at Vladivostok (Chancery), Tel Ongoing renovation projects at Paris (Cultural Centre), Aviv (Chancery), Munich (Chancery), Berne (Chancery), Helsinki (Residences), Dar-es-salaam (Ambassador’s Rome (Chancery), Milan (Chancery & CG Residence), Residence) and Yangon (Cultural Centre) progressed Manila (Chancery) and Bishkek (Chancery) was actively satisfactorily.

Renovation of the Videsh Bhawan pursued.


Allotment of suitable plots of land in the Capital Complex at Bhubaneswar and Lucknow also made cities of Indian States, for setting up VideshBhawans, progress.

was pursued with the State Governments.

The designs for redevelopment of a new ICCR Among the noteworthy achievements was the Headquarters, MEA Residential Complexes at R. K. completion of construction projects in Port Louis Ashram Marg, New Delhi and K.G.
Marg, New Delhi, (Chancery & Residences), Addis Ababa (Chancery & Residences & Embassy Residence at Amman, Chancery 337 Adminstration, Establishment and RTI matters & Residences at Jeddah, Cultural Wing & Residences at & Residences at Shanghai and Videsh Bhawan at Rabat, Chancery & Residences at Singapore, Chancery Chennai Annexe at Canberra, Residences at Moscow, Chancery VIGILANCE UNIT CNV DIVISION Brief snapshot of the work pertaining to the Vigilance death, VRS, other reasons : 19 Unit of the CNV Division is as follows: ¾ No.
of cases pending as on 31.03.2019 : 88 ¾ No.

of cases received for examination during the period 01.04.2019 to 13.12.2019 : 32 ¾ Number of cases closed with imposition of formal penalty during the period : 9 ¾ from 01.04.2019 to 13.12.2019 ¾ No.

of cases closed without penalty, on account of RIGHT TO INFORMATION (RTI) ¾ during the period from 01.04.2019 to 13.12.2019 ¾ Total No.

of cases as on 13.12.2019 : 92 ¾ Vigilance awareness week was observed from 28.10.2019 to 02.11.2019.
The integrity pledge was administered to all the officials in the Ministry, its attached officers in India and all Indian Mission/ Posts abroad.

During the year, the Ministry continued efforts towards period and have been disposed off satisfactorily.

full implementation of the Right to Information Act Applications, in general, covered subjects such as 2005.
In keeping with instructions of Department of foreign relations, administrative issues, bilateral visits Personnel & Training (DOP&T) on suo-motu disclosure, and expenditure incurred on the same.

uploading of RTI applications/appeals/responses & monthly RTI figures on public domain has been implemented.

The system of online acceptance & disposal of RTI applications has been implemented in 192 Missions/Posts abroad by aligning them with the RTI web portal.
A total of 2008 RTI applications and 140 First Appeals seeking information under the RTI Act 2005 have been received in the Ministry during the above-mentioned All CIC hearings have been attended to by the concerned CPIOs and a representative of the RTI Cell.

Quarterly return have been filed with CIC as required, on schedule.
In collaboration with Foreign Service Institute, implementation of online suo moto disclosure (transparency audit) by all the CPIOs in the Ministry in a time bound manner, as per the instructions of CIC, has been commenced.

338 Annual Report 2019-20 25 Implementation of Official Language Policy and Propagation of Hindi Abroad Implementation of the Official language Policy of World Hindi Conference is organised every three years the Government of India continues to be a priority by the Ministry.
In addition, Regional Hindi Conferences for the Ministry.

A comprehensive scheme has been are organised by our Missions abroad in association put in place for promotion and propagation of Hindi with local institutions involved in the propagation of Language through Indian Missions & Posts abroad.

Hindi and Indian culture abroad.


During the year 2019- Financial assistance is provided through Missions & 20, a Regional World Hindi Conference was held at Posts abroad to foreign universities and educational Lisbon.

Besides, World Hindi day is celebrated in all our institutions for organizing Hindi promotional activities.

Missions & Posts abroad as well as Headquarters on Hindi teaching material is supplied to Missions & Posts 10 January every year.
The Ministry coordinates work abroad for presentation to educational institutions and relating to grant of scholarships to foreign students to organizations involved in the teaching and promotion study Hindi at Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, Agra.

This year of Hindi.

In addition to Hindi, Ministry is undertaking 98 scholarships have been awarded.

To promote Hindi promotion of Sanskrit and other Indian languages.
as an International language, a World Hindi Secretariat 340 has been set up in Mauritius under a bilateral under sub rule 10 (4) of Official Language Rule 1976 agreement between India and Mauritius.

Functioning this year.

Thus total 18 RPOs have been notified under of the Secretariat is coordinated by the Ministry of this rule.

External Affairs and its Mauritian counterpart in the Government of Mauritius.
The Ministry has instituted Atal Bhashantar Yojana (ABY) for training language experts, with the objective Hindi Pakhwara was organised to mark Hindi Diwas of creating a pool of Specialised Interpreters for 2019.

Regional Passport Offices as well as our Missions interpretation in Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, abroad organised various Hindi competitions on the Russian and Spanish languages.

The First batch of 3 occasion.


Special grants were sanctioned to Missions candidates, one each in Arabic, Chinese and Russian & Posts abroad for organising these activities.

In the languages, is pursuing Post Graduation program in Ministry, Hindi Essay writing, Hindi Noting & Drafting, Interpretation and Translation in universities in USA.

Hindi Typing and Official Language General Knowledge writing competitions were held during the fortnight.

The response from the officials was overwhelming.


Prize distribution ceremony of Hindi Pakhwara competitions was organized on 08th November2019 at Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan, New Delhi.

Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan was the Chief Guest and gave away prizes to the winners.

Regional Passport Offices (RPO) of Ranchi, Kolkata, Bhopal & Jalandhar under the Ministry were notified An International Regional Hindi Conference is scheduled to be held in Suva, Fiji on 25 January 2020.
Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri V. Muralidharan will take part in the conference which will serve as a curtain raiser for the 12th World Hindi Conference proposed to be held in Suva, Fiji in the year 2021.

The reconstitution of Hindi Advisory Committee to MEA is likely to be completed by the end of March.

341 Implementation of Official Language Policy and Propagation of Hindi Abroad 26 Finance and Budget The total budget allocated to the Ministry of External 2.
The budget’s sectoral distribution for major Affairs for Financial Year (FY) 2018-19 is Rs.

17,884.75 allocations, is given below: crores in the Budget Estimates (BE) stage.
Sector Allocation (In ₹ Crores) Grants Loans Total TEC Technical and Economic Cooperation (TEC) with foreign countries Indian Missions and Posts abroad Special Diplomatic Expenditure Passport and Emigration International Cooperation Capital Outlay on Public Works and Housing MEA Secretariat Grants-in-Aid to Institutions Others Total BE for FY 2019-20 7333.79 842.00 8175.79 2748.05 2663.01 1620.95 986.19 531.55 459.93 281.22 418.06 17,884.75 342 3.
The largest allocation in the Ministry’s budget is for 8175.79 crores, of which Rs.

7333.79 crores (41%) Technical and Economic Cooperation (TEC) with is for grant programmes and Rs.

842 crores (4.7 %) foreign countries through assistance as grants and is for loans.

The head-wise distribution of the TEC loans.

In FY 2019-20, of the total budget of Rs.

outlay in FY 2019-20 is given below: 17,884.75 crores, the TEC outlay is 45.71% or Rs.
Other Developing Countries 2% Afghanistan 5% Africa 6% Seychelles 1% Sri Lanka 3% Myanmar 5% Other 9% Bangladesh 2% Bhutan 34% Nepal 13% Maldives 7% Mauritius 13% Technical and Economic Cooperation (TEC) Heads Allocation (In ₹ Crore) % of Total TEC Allocation Aid to Bangladesh Bhutan Aid to Nepal Aid to Mauritius Aid to Afghanistan Aid to Seychelles Aid to Myanmar ITEC Programme Aid to African Countries Aid to Sri Lanka Chahbahar Port, Iran 2.14% 34.26% 12.84% 13.45% 4.89% 1.22% 4.89% 2.69% 5.50% 3.05% 0.55% 175 2135.79 666.00 2801.79 1050.00 1100.00 400.00 100.00 400.00 220.00 450.00 250.00 45.00 Grant Loan Total Bhutan 343 Finance and Budget Technical and Economic Cooperation (TEC) Heads Allocation (In ₹ Crore) % of Total TEC Allocation Aid to Maldives Aid to Other Developing Countries Investment Publicity & Promotion Programme Indo-Pacific Cooperation Aid to Eurasian Countries Multilateral Economic Relations Programme Aid to Latin American Countries Aid for Disaster Relief SAARC Programmes Aid to Mongolia Grant Loan Total Maldives 400.00 176 576 150.00 300.00 45.00 45.00 20.00 15.00 20.00 8.00 5.00 7.04% 1.83% 3.66% 0.55% 0.55% 0.24% 0.18% 0.24% 0.09% 0.06% 4.
The second largest allocation in the Ministry’s 5.

Of the total budget for FY 2019-20 of Rs.

17884.75 budget is for maintenance of the more than 190 crores, the bifurcation of allocations between Indian diplomatic Missions and Posts abroad.

In FY establishment heads and non-establishments 2019-20, the allocation for all Missions and Posts heads is 27% (Rs.

4852 crores) and 73% (Rs.


13,032 Salaries 56% Rents and Taxes 14% Others Overtime 1% Allowance 1% Travel Expenses 7% Medical 3% IT 1% Office Expenses 13% Wages 1% Minor Works 2% Publicity 1% together is 15.63% or Rs.

2748.05 of the total crores) respectively.

Ministry has consistently budget of the Ministry, the head-wise distribution maintained its expenditure on Establishment heads (percentage wise) of which is given below: within 30% of its total budget.

344 Annual Report 2019-20 6.
The Ministry has been optimally utilising the funds of a financial year, as given below for the past ten allocated to it in the Revised Estimates (RE) stage FYs: BE RE Actual FY Allocation Allocation Expenditure In Rupees Crores; Rounded Off Utilization Utilization as % of BE as % of RE 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018- % 112 % 111 % 105 % 101 % 82 % 97 % 87 % 93 % 103% 99 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 96 % 97 % 95 % 100 % 99% 7.
The Ministry has revenue receipts of Rs.

3039.72 1078.51 cr) and other receipts (Rs.

473.75 cr).

The crores till 31 October 2019 in FY 2019-20, from revenue receipts for the last five financials years passport services (Rs.

1487.46 cr), visa fees (Rs.
from FY 2015-16 to FY 2019-20 is given below: Year 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 Percentage 47% 39% 14% 45% 40% 14% 47% 41% 12% 44% 44% 11% Amount 2240.42 1890.82 684.34 4815.58 2285.85 2018.04 717.07 5020.96 2479.08 2152.15 668.38 5299.61 2679.75 2688.9 680.06 6048.71 Heads Passport Visa Others Total Passport Visa Others Total Passport Visa Others Total Passport Visa Others Total 345 Finance and Budget Year 2019-20 (* figures upto 31 Oct 2019) Heads Passport Visa Others Total Amount 1487.46 1078.51 473.75 3039.72* Percentage 49% 35% 16% 8.
In January 2018, the Ministry had only one paras were included in C&AG’s Report No.4 of Para pending from Report No.12 of 2017 of the 2018.

The status of submission of Action Taken Comptroller & Auditor General (C&AG).

5 more Notes (ATNs) for these five Paras is given below: Year 2017 2018 C&AG Report Total No.

of Paras Final ATNs Submitted ATNs Under Process Report No.12 of 2017 Report No.4 of 2018 Total 4 5 9 3 5 8 1 Nil 1 The details and status of these C&AG Para is as below: C&AG Report No.

Para No.
Para No.

Subject Status 12 of 2017 9.3 outside Government account in Receipts and Expenditure EoI Tokyo 7.1 7.2 Construction of Campus for South Asian University Loss of revenue in consular services in Missions and Posts Cost escalation and avoidable The PAC process for this para started even before the C&AG process could be complete.

In its hearing on 13 Oct 2017, the Hon’ble members of the PAC instructed the Ministry to carry out their recommendations on various aspects of this Para.
The same were carried out and thereafter, to fulfil the requirements of the C&AG process, the First ATN was submitted to C&AG on 03 Dec 2019.

Audit’s vetted comments on the ATN is awaited.
Final ATN submitted accepted by Audit – Para settled Final ATN submitted accepted by Audit – Para settled 7.3 expenses in property Final ATN submitted accepted by Audit – Para settled 4 of 2018 management Courier fees overcharging by 7.4 outsourced Service Provider in Final ATN submitted accepted by Audit – Para settled USA Contingency staff hiring in 7.5 CGIs Vancouver, Houston, San Final ATN submitted accepted by Audit – Para settled Francisco 346 Annual Report 2019-20 PAC Paras Year PAC Report No Total No of Paras ATNs Submitted ATNs Due Remarks 2018 PAC Report No.
112 7 7 - Audit’s vetted comments awaited on 3 Paras Details and status of Outstanding PAC paras are as under Lok Sabha No.

Report No.

Para No.
Subject Status 16 112 1 (“Incorrect Adoption of Exchange Rate in Ottawa and Committee’s observations on certain shortcomings in the functioning of the Ministry with regard to Paras 7.1 its Consulates”) and 7.2 (“Undue benefit to the Service Provider in HCI London”) of C&AG Report No.11 of 2016 2 Laxity in following laid down procedures/rules 3 Internal Audit Draft ATN submitted in Dec 2019 Draft ATN submitted in Nov 2019 Audit’s vetted comments awaited Draft ATN submitted in Nov 2019 Audit’s vetted comments awaited Final ATN submitted accepted by Audit – Para settled Final ATN submitted accepted by Audit – Para Settled Final ATN submitted Visas on Urgent Basis/Short Notice Administrative control over Missions 4 5 6 Due Diligence/Detailed Study before finalising Contracts accepted by Audit – Para Settled Draft ATN submitted in Nov 2019-12- 12 Audit’s vetted comments awaited 7 Computerisation 347 Finance and Budget 27 Parliament and Coordination Division Parliament and Coordination Division consists of the following divisions: (a) Parliament Division (b) Coordination Division (c) Education Section (d) Monitoring Cell PARLIAMENT DIVISION The Parliament Division is the Ministry’s interface with Committee on External Affairs – (i) Examination of Parliament and the nodal point for all Parliament related Demands for Grants of the Ministry of External Affairs work of this Ministry.
The Division organized meetings for the FY 2019-20, (ii) Examination of the Registration of the Consultative Committee on External Affairs and of Marriage of Non-Resident Indian Bill, 2019 and (iii) coordinated the work relating to the Parliamentary India’s Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy: Prospects Standing Committee on External Affairs and Ministry’s and Limitations.

interaction with other Parliamentary Committees.


Anticipated during January-March 2020 are Consultative During April-December 2019, three meetings of the Committee meeting and Parliamentary Standing Ministry were held with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs meetings.

348 COORDINATION DIVISION The Coordination Division coordinated the interaction of programmes and projects.
The Division also between the Ministry and other Government of India coordinated work relating to various awards including ministries, State Governments/Union Territories, and Padma Awards, Gandhi Peace Prize, Tagore Award, also autonomous bodies and private institutions, Presidential Award of Certificate of Honour to Scholars including NGOs.

The Division handled political of Indian Classical Languages, etc.
Nominations for clearances for official/private visits abroad of ministers, these awards are obtained by the Divisions from Indian elected representatives, judiciary, and government Missions/Posts abroad and the recommendations officials.

It also processed clearances for organising of the Ministry conveyed to nodal Ministries.
The conferences/seminars/workshops in India involving Division also coordinated observance by Missions/ foreign participation, sports tournaments in India in which foreign participants were invited and sports Posts of important events including Anti-Terrorism Day, Sadhbhavana Diwas and Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.

tournaments abroad in which Indian participants The administrative control of the ICCR rests with the were invited, landing/overflight clearances of foreign Coordination Division.
military flights, visit of foreign naval ships, conversion of Student visa into Research visa with respect to foreign students studying in India and foreign scholars coming to India for field visits/ training/inspection etc.

in various institutions.
During April-December 2019, the Coordination Division issued 2403 political clearances for visits abroad, 1718 political clearances for conferences & conferences in India, 423 clearances for foreign non- scheduled military flights, 47 clearances for visits of The Division coordinated Ministry’s responses for foreign naval ships, 176 clearances for participation the Cabinet Secretariat’s e-Samiksha Portal and of Indian sports persons/teams in international events Ministry’s participation in Prime Minister’s PRAGATI abroad and visits of foreign sports persons/teams to videoconference on grievance redressal and review India.
EDUCATION SECTION The Education Section of the Ministry dealt with During the Academic Year 2019-2020, 59 seats were the selection, nomination and admission of foreign allotted for engineering courses and 49 seats were students from 57 friendly neighbouring and developing allotted for medical courses.

During April-December countries for MBBS, BDS, MD/MS, B.

Arch., BE, B.
2019, the Education Section processed 360 cases Pharmacy, and Diploma courses in Engineering in of political clearances in respect of foreign students various institutions in India under the Self Financing for elective-training, observerships, short/long term Scheme against seats allocated to this Ministry by the training and research projects, 1037 cases of political Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Ministry of clearances for foreign students appearing in various Human Resource Development.
Persecuted religious PG entrance examinations and 102 cases for foreign minority migrants from Bangladesh and Pakistan based students for admission at Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, in India are also offered seats under this scheme.

Agra.

349 Parliament and Coordination Division MONITORING CELL Monitoring Cell has been tasked with coordinating 3126 MOUs/Agreements have been uploaded on the the review of MOUs/Agreements signed with foreign E-Samiksha portal.
So far, 2995 MOUs/Agreements countries with Ministries/Departments concerned have been reviewed and 477 MOUs/Agreements have from the angle of their continued relevance and status.

been identified as inactive.

350 Annual Report 2019-20 28 Conference Division Conference Division provides all logistical arrangements Event Management Companies (EMCs).
Selection of to various Divisions of the Ministry of External Affairs EMC for the event is done as per requirements of the in organizing meetings/event/seminar/conferences including international & multilateral involvement of foreign Ministers/delegates in India and abroad.

In concerned division of the Ministry.


During the period 01stApril 2019 to 15th December, 2019, Conference Division has provided all logistical support for the view of specific nature of organizing events involving following 12 conferences/events/meetings of the protocol, security of delegates and highest degree of Ministry of External Affairs: precision, Conference Division has empanelled 08 S. No.
Conference/Summit/meeting 21st ASEAN India Senior Official Meeting (AISOM) India Brazil South Africa (IBSA) Sherpa's Meeting Draw of lots for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2019 Training Session of Yoga Day Celebration of 05th International Day of Yoga Venue City Delhi Kochi Delhi Delhi Delhi Date Level of Event 11-12 April 2019 Secretary 3-5 May 2019 Secretary 15th May 2019 Foreign Secretary 15-20 June 2019 Resident HOMs 21 June 2019 EAM 11th Mekong Ganga Cooperation Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) Delhi 09 July 2019 Secretary Launch of MEA Performance Smart Board Delhi 14 August 2019 EAM 352 S. No.
Conference/Summit/meeting Launch of portal for opening of fellowship for various IIT Students to ASEAN Countries Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day Celebration Run for Unity Celebration of Constitution Day Indian Ocean Rim Associan (IORA) Academic Group Meeting, IORA Expert Group Meeting on Sceince and Technolody (EGMAST), Indian Ocean Dialogue-06 and Delhi Dialogue-XI Venue City Date Level of Event Delhi 16 September 2019 EAM Delhi 07 October 2019 Delhi 31 October 2019 Delhi 26 November 2019 Delhi 12-14 December, 2019 EAM HM EAM EAM 2.
In addition, Conference Division also acts as other government organizations.

Since inauguration of nodal agency for Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra(PBK) which PBK, President has attended 3 events, Vice President was inaugurated by Prime Minister of India on 02nd has attended 09 events and PM has attended 15 events October, 2016.

PBK has now emerged a premier as Guest of Honour.

reputed convention centre and a venue for official events, seminars, conferences, conventions, workshops etc.
organized by various Ministries/Departments and The year wise number of events held at PBK is given below: - S.No.

1 2 3 4 Period Number of Events Oct, 2016 to March, 2017 April, 2017 to March, 2018 April, 2018 to March, 2019 April, 2019 to 15th December, 2019 45 144 210 50 449 TOTAL The organization wise total number of events held at PBK is as follows: S.No.
Event organized by Oct, 2016 to March, 2017 April, 2017 to March, 2018 April, 2018 to March, 2019 April, 2019 to 15th December, 2019 TOTAL 1 2 3 4 Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Other Ministries/Department Other Government Organization Others organization 23 16 0 6 69 59 10 6 TOTAL 45 144 89 95 3 23 210 15 27 6 2 50 196 197 19 37 449 Total number of events reflects only the events, and not the number of days the facilities were used, which is much higher since many events were spread out for two or more days.
353 Conference Division 29 Archives Archives & Record Management Division of the classified files have also been sent to different HODs Ministry of External Affairs deals with all the matters for declassification approval.

1000 non-current public related to archives and record management.
Up- records/files more than 25 years old were segregated gradation of Record Management Software (REM), and handed over to the appraises form National replacement of existing software and replacement of Archives of India for their appraisal.
On receipt of their existing server with new server as well as old desktops approval, the appraised records (1000) of permanent which are being used for accessing data through the nature were transferred to National Archives of India Record Management Software is being undertaken for preservation and permanent custody.

As and when regularly.


During the report period, 2315 old records/files pertaining to various Divisions/Sections were destroyed on receipt of due approval from concerned retired Ambassadors, research scholars and visiting academics from abroad approached A&RM Div.

For accessing the old files, access was given to them with due approval from the concerned Head of Divisions.

HODs in the Ministry.


Lists of 703 old files have ‘Swachhta Hi Sewa 2019’ was observed from 11 been sent to various HODs for their approval prior to September 2019 to 2 October 2019.

Six compactors destruction.

On receipt of approval from the HODs with 282 racks with total (Approx 1,50,000) files were these files will also be destroyed.

The lists of 685 old cleaned by record sorters.


In addition to this awareness 354 Archives was created among the staff members regarding This Division will be shifted shortly to a new modern phasing out of single use plastic by promoting location at CGO Complex from current location as sustainable alternatives and proper disposal of plastic soon as renovation work is completed there.

All stored waste.

/archived files (Approx.

1,50,0000 in number) will also be shifted to this new location.
355 30 Foreign Service Institute The scope and number of training programmes at the programmes and Stenography Test were started for Foreign Service Institute (FSI) continued to expand MEA officials of the level of Section Officer and below.

in 2019.

New training courses such as for officials On the training vertical for foreign diplomats, a record of Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) were number of approx.

750 foreign diplomats were trained introduced.


Indian journalists underwent an orientation this year.

New initiatives of FSI included a quarterly programme to give them exposure to foreign policy newsletter Videsh Sewa.

issues.

Comprehensive promotion-related training TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR GOI OFFICERS/OFFICIALS I CADRE TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR INDIAN FOREIGN SERVICE (IFS) six-month long induction training programme, which ended on 31 May 2019.

OFFICERS Induction Training Programme i.


After completing their Civil Services Foundation Course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, the IFS Officer Trainees (OTs) of the 2018 batch joined FSI on 10 December 2018 for a The Induction Training Programme of OTs at FSI consisted of Orientation module, Phase-I and Phase- II.
The Orientation module comprised of modules on International Relations and India’s Foreign Policy, Administration, Finance, Accounts, and Establishment.

Phase-I covered Bilateral and Multilateral Relations, 356 Defence and Security, Consular, Passport & Visa The 2018 batch of OTs were deployed on special matters.

Phase-II focused on Trade and Economic protocol attachment with Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas Diplomacy, International Law, Official Language Policy, Convention and Kumbh Mela (1 week).
They also Protocol & Hospitality, Reporting and Communication attended the Raisina Dialogue (2 days) as delegates.

Skills, Cultural diplomacy, Media Management and Public Diplomacy.

Training was delivered through interactive lectures, panel discussions, simulation exercises, role play, case The OTs had one weeklong Mission Orientation studies, success stories, workshops, and hands-on attachment in neighbouring Indian Missions to sessions.

familiarize themselves with the work of Indian Missions abroad.
A one weeklong Bharat Darshan tour was organized for OTs to acquaint them better with the rich cultural diversity, heritage, and tourism potential of the country.

The training programme also included State Attachment in various States across the country where the OTs got an opportunity to learn about the State and an understanding about facilitating the linkages of the State with outside world.
The OTs had one-week attachment with the Indian Army to build a better perspective about border management and interaction with army officers in the field.

A Valedictory function was organized on 16 May 2019, presided over by former External Affairs Minister.

EAM’s Gold Medal for the Best OT of the 2018 Batch, MoS Silver Medal for esprit de corps, Ambassador Bimal Sanyal Memorial Medal for the Best Dissertation, trophy for best committee and trophies for best sportspersons were awarded on the occasion.
The 2019 batch of IFS Officer Trainees are currently attending the Foundation Course at LBSNAA, Mussoorie.

30 IFS Officer Trainees will begin their training at FSI on 09 December 2019. ii.

Mid-Career Training Programme-I Mid-Career Training Programme-I for 32 Deputy Secretary (DS)/Under Secretary (US) level officers was conducted from 16 September-4 October 2019 as per the following schedule: S.No.
Period Module Name of Institute 1 2 3 4 16-20 Sept 2019 23-24 Sept 2019 26-27 Sept 2019 Foreign Policy Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi Domestic Policy Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi State visit In the allotted State 30 Sept – 04 Oct 2019 Management Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad iii.

Mid-Career Training Programme-II Mid-Career Training Programme-II was conducted for 22 IFS officers of 2004 & 2005 batches from 9 September-4 October 2019 as per the following schedule: S.No Period 1.

2.
2.

3.

9-13 Sept 2019 16-20 Sept 2019 23-24 Sept 2019 Module Diplomacy Name of Institute Fletcher School, Tuffs University, USA Management Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad Cyber Security Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar 357 Foreign Service Institute (FSI) S.No Period 26-28 Sept 2019 4.

5.

Module State visit Name of Institute In the allotted State 30 Sept-4 Oct 2019 Foreign Policy Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi iv.
Mid-Career Training Programme-III Mid-Career Training Programme-III for 22 IFS officers of 1992-1995 batches was conducted from 29 October - 12 November 2019 as per the following schedule: S.No Period Module Name of Institute 1.

2.

3.

29 Oct-01 Nov 2019 Foreign Policy Foreign Service Institute 4-8 Nov 2019 11-12 Nov 2019 Management State Visit Indian School of Business, Hyderabad In the allotted State II FUNCTIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES October 2019.
The training programme was attended by 36 persons from the media.

v. Training Programmes for Commercial x.

Special Course for Performing Arts Teachers of Representatives Indian Cultural Centres abroad A one week training programme for Commercial A one week training programme was conducted for Representatives (CRs) from Africa and Americas 29 Performing Arts Teachers of ICCR from 18-22 region was conducted from 08-12 April 2019.

19 CRs November 2019 at FSI.

participated in the programme at FSI.

vi.


Workshop on online RTI Two Special Workshops on online RTI were organised IV NON-REPRESENTATIONAL GRADE (NRG) TRAINING PROGRAMME for the officials of the Ministry on 09 July 2019 and 21 The following training courses were organised as part August 2019 at Jawaharlal Nehru Bhavan and Foreign of the training for NRG officials.

Service Institute respectively.


• Promotion Related Training Programme for SSAs, JSAs and Stenos from 8-12 April 2019 attended by III Specialized Training Programmes 20 participants.

vii.

Training Programme for Defence Attaches A one week training programme was conducted for 15 • Promotion Related Training Programme for PSs from 27-31 May 2019 attended by 12 participants.

Defence Attaches from 10-14 June 2019. viii.


Training Programme for Directors of Indian Cultural Centres abroad • Promotion Related Training Programme for SOs from 27 May - 10 June attended by 45 participants.

• GEM Workshop on 4 June 2019 attended by 38 A two-day training programme was conducted for 34 participants.

Directors of Indian Cultural Centres abroad from 1-2 • Accounts Training Programme from 14-17 June May 2019 at FSI.

2019 attended by 95 participants.

ix.


Special Course on Foreign Policy for Indian Media A special familiarization programme on Foreign Policy for Indian Media was organized at FSI from 16-22 • Promotion Related Training Programme for MTSs and Staff Car Drivers from 17-21 June 2019 attended by 28 participants.

358 Annual Report 2019-20 • 73rd IMAS Training Programme from 18 June-15 2019 attended by 64 participants.

July 2019 attended by 99 participants.


• 74th IMAS Training Programme from 21-27 August • 73rd IMAS Re- Test on 23 July 2019 attended by 14 2019 attended by 59 participants.

participants.

• 74th IMAS Re-Test on 23 September 2019 attended • IVFRT Training Programme from 29 July-2 August by 10 participants.

2019 attended by 106 participants.

• IVFRT Training Programme from 5-8 November • Quarterly Typing Test for ASOs on 16 August 2019 2019 attended by 78 participants.

attended by 12 participants.


• English Stenography Test for the PAs and Stenos on • Accounts Training Programme from 19-20 August 21 November 2019 attended by 10 participants.

TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR FOREIGN DIPLOMATS FSI conducted following training programmes for • 1st Special Course for Egyptian Diplomats from Foreign Diplomats in 2019:- 10 -22 June 2019 which was attended by 13 • 67th Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats from 13 March-12 April 2019 which was attended by 48 diplomats.
• 1st Special Course for Moroccan Diplomats from 15-27 April 2019 which was attended by 16 diplomats.

• 1st Special Course for Senegalese Diplomats from 15-27 April 2019 which was attended by 10 diplomats.

• 1st Special Course for Angolan Diplomats from 6-18 May 2019 which was attended by 6 diplomats.

• 1st Special Course for Diplomats from Botswana from 6-18 May 2019 which was attended by 18 diplomats.
• 1st Special Course for Diplomats from Equatorial Guinea from 6-18 May 2019 which was attended by 4 diplomats.

• 1st Special Course for Liberian Diplomats from 6-18 May 2019 which was attended by 20 diplomats.

• 1st Special Course for Sao Tome & Principe Diplomats from 6-18 May 2019 which was attended by 4 diplomats.

diplomats.

• 1st Special Course for Diplomats from Central Asian Countries from 24 June-6 July 2019 which was attended by 29 diplomats.
• 2nd Special Course for Maldivian Diplomats from 24 June-6 July 2019 which was attended by 8 diplomats.

• 1st Special Course for League of Arab States from 22-29 July 2019 which was attended by 16 diplomats.

• 2nd Special Training Programme for CARICOM from 12-23 August 2019 which was attended by 23 diplomats.

• 3rd Familiarisation programme for Resident Heads of Missions (HoMs) from 19-23 August 2019 which was attended by 17 HoMs.
• 3rd Special Course for Iraqi Diplomats from 26 August-7 September 2019 which was attended by 29 diplomats.

• 2nd Special Course for Palestinian Diplomats from 2-14 September 2019 which was attended by 15 diplomats.

• 1st Special Course for Libyan Diplomats from 359 Foreign Service Institute (FSI) 6-21 September 2019 which was attended by 15 November-7 December 2019 which was attended diplomats.

by 7 diplomats.
by 7 diplomats.

• 68th Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats • 1st Special Course for Gabonese Diplomats from 25 from 16 September-11 October 2019 which was November-7 December 2019 which was attended attended by 55 diplomats.

by 13 diplomats.

• 5th Special Course for ASEM Diplomats from 14- • 1st Special Course for Diplomats from Democratic 21 October 2019 which was attended by 20 Republic of Congo from 25 November-7 December diplomats.

2019 which was attended by 11 diplomats.


• 13th Special Course for ASEAN Diplomats from • 1st Special Course for Diplomats from Côte d’Ivoire 14-26 October 2019 which was attended by 12 from 25 November-7 December 2019 which was diplomats.

attended by 10 diplomats.

• 1st Special Course for Diplomats from Mongolia • 1st Special Course for Cameroonian Diplomats from 28 October-9 November 2019 which was from 25 November-7 December 2019 which was attended by 25 diplomats.

attended by 10 diplomats.


• 3rd Special Course for Maldivian Diplomats from 28 • 1st Special Course for Kenyan Diplomats from 25 October-9 November 2019 which was attended by November-7 December 2019 which was attended 5 diplomats.

by 10 diplomats.

• 1st Special Course for Diplomats from Dominican • 1st Special Course for Namibian Diplomats from Republic from 28 October-9 November 2019 30 November-13 December 2019 which was which was attended by 8 diplomats.

attended by 20 diplomats.


• 2nd India-China Joint Capacity-Building Programme • 4th Special Course for Bangladeshi Diplomats from for Afghan Diplomats from 11-23 November 2019 9-22 December 2019 which was attended by 24 which was attended by 10 diplomats.

diplomats.
diplomats.

• 1st Special Course for Beninese Diplomats from 25 MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING (MOUS) FSI signed MoUs with the following counterpart • The Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign institutions abroad: Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of • Zambia Institute of Diplomacy and International Thailand on 10 October 2019.
Studies, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of • Prince Al Faisal Institute for Diplomatic studies of Zambia on 21 August 2019. the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Kingdom of • The Institute of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Saudi Arabia on 29 October 2019.

Affairs, The Lao People’s Democratic Republic on 6 • Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International September 2019.

Cooperation, Republic of Sierra Leone on 13 October 2019.
360 Annual Report 2019-20 KNOW INDIA PROGRAMME (KIP) AND OTHER PROGRAMMES/ VISITS In addition to the training programmes for Indian Foreign Relations (IDFR) of Malaysia visited FSI on officers/officials and foreign diplomats, FSI also 29 July 2019. conducted orientation programme for the participants of KIP: • Director of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic visited FSI on • 54th KIP on 2 August 2019 attended by 40 01 August 2019. participants; 55th KIP on 24 September 2019 attended by 35 participants.
; 56th KIP on 17 October 2019 attended by 30 participants; 57th KIP on 6 November 2019 attended by 40 participants; 58th KIP on 2 December 2019 attended by 40 participants.

• 20 Journalists/Editors from five Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan) visited FSI on 24 April 2019 for an orientation programme.

• 20 Journalists/Editors from Afghanistan visited FSI on 21 June 2019 for an orientation programme.
• A 7-member delegation from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Malawi visited FSI on 20 August 2019.

• Executive Director of South Centre, Geneva visited FSI on 22 August 2019.

• President of the China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU) visited FSI on 11 November 2019.

He was accompanied by Director, Foreign Affairs Office of CFAU and diplomats from the Embassy of China in New Delhi.
President of CFAU addressed the Afghan diplomats at the inaugural session of the 2nd India-China Joint Capacity Building Programme • 7 Malaysian diplomats, pursuing Diploma in for Diplomats from Afghanistan.

Diplomacy from the Institute of Diplomacy and TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR GOI OFFICERS/OFFICIALS Training Programmes for IFS Officers and other GOI Officers The Induction Training Programme (ITP) of IFS OTs commenced on 9 December 2019 at FSI.
The Orientation module of the ITP has been completed and Phase-I covering Bilateral and Multilateral Relations, Defence and Security, Consular, Passport & Visa envisaged and are likely to be conducted in the months of February - March 2020.

A Trade Workshop on Disarmament for DGFT and Customs Officers is also proposed to be held during 5-8 February 2020.

Non-Representational Grade (NRG) Training Programme matters is scheduled during the last quarter of 2019- • Accounts Training Programme from 28-29 20.
During the last quarter of the CFY, training programmes for Interpreter’s cadre, Defence Attaches and Commercial Representatives abroad have been November 2019 attended by 88 participants.

• 75th IMAS Training Programme from 2 December - 1 January 2020 attended by 86 participants.

• 75th IMAS retest will be held on 8 January 2020.

361 Foreign Service Institute (FSI) • Typing Test for ASOs will be held on 16 January Know India Programme (KIP) and other 2020.
Programmes/Visits • IVFRT Training Programme will be held from 10-14 • 59th KIP on 6 January 2020 attended by 40 February 2020. participants.

• Induction Training Programme for ASOs will be held from 17-28 February 2020.

• Promotion-related Training Programme for SOs and PSs will be held from 16-27 March 2020.

• Director, Foreign Service Academy, Government of Kenya visited FSI on 29 November 2019.
• Principal Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kenya led a 6-member delegation to FSI on 03 Training Programmes for Foreign Diplomats December 2019.

• 2nd Annual Disarmament & International Security Affairs Fellowship Programme will be held from 13-31 January 2020.

• 1st Special Course for Diplomats from BIMSTEC • A delegation from the Civil Services College of UK visited FSI on 20 December 2019.

• 59 students and faculty members of 9 Australian universities will visit FSI on 10 January 2020.
Countries will be held from 3-15 February 2020.

• Rector of Diplomatic Academy of the Kyrgyz • 3rd Special Course for Syrian Diplomats will be held from 24 February-7 March 2020.

Memorandam of Understanding (MoUs) • MoU between FSI and Foreign Service Academy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Kenya signed on 3 December 2019.

Republic Kyrgyz will visit FSI on 25-26 February 2020.

• Scholars from Giessen University of Germany will visit FSI on 3 March 2020.
362 Annual Report 2019-20 ffi O 31 INDIAN COUNCIL FOR CULTURAL RELATIONS ADMINISTRATION The Council organised ICCR Foundation Day for the launched on 24 Dec’2019.
first time on 69th year of its existence on 9 April, 2019 at ICCR Headquarters, Regional Offices and by some of the Missions/Posts including an event to commemorate 131st Birth Anniversary of its founder President, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on 11thNovember, 2019.

ICCR’s new Website has been The Council will observe the 62nd Death Anniversary of its founder President, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on 22 February 2020 at the Mazar of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (adjacent to Jama Masjid, Delhi).
SCHOLARSHIP During the academic year 2019-20, ICCR offered 3940 scholarship slots to foreign nationals to pursue UG / PG / MPhil / PhD level course in Indian Universities / Institutes.

ICCR introduced Admission to Alumni (A2A) portal to receive and process application for grant of scholarship to foreign nationals who aspire to study in Indian Universities / Institutes.

Against 3861 scholarship slots, 2632 provisional admission 364 Annual Report 2019-20 confirmations have been forwarded to Indian Missions.
ICCR Foundation Day focusing on ICCR Alumni was Digitization of the scholarship module brought organized at HQ in Delhi and 84 missions overseas expediency, wide ranging choices to the officials while on 09 April 2019.

ICCR is collaborating with Laddakh maintaining transparency.
As part of its welfare activity, Orientation Programme for newly admitted foreign students in different universities of India was organized by ICCR New Delhi Students Welfare Society in Delhi on 18th January, 2020 to organize LOSAR Festival at Shah Auditorium, Delhi to introduce ICCR’s foreign students studying in Delhi NCR region to the unique Laddakhi culture.

on 13 November 2019 at New Delhi.


Orientation Annual Conference on Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Programmes in Bangalore,Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, is scheduled to be held from 28-30 January, 2020 at Ahmedabad have been also organized in the month of Pune.

October, November, 2019.

CHAIRS ICCR administered sixty-five Chairs across the globe based on mutually agreed MoUs (between the Council and foreign universities).

04 renewal of MoUs& 01 new MoU was signed for establishment of Chairs.
ICCR is administering 65 Chairs across the globe based on mutually agreed MoUs (between the Council and foreign universities).

One new MoU and 03 MoUs (renewal) pertaining to ICCR Chairs in various foreign universities / institutes are anticipated to be signed during the period December, 2019 to March 2020.
CONFERENCE & SEMINARS Conference & Seminar 03 scholars were supported with Travel Grant to visit Stockholm, Tokyo and Ankara in the month of May and June respectively to participate in different events.

03 scholars visited Mauritius to participate in commemoration of 150th Death Anniversary of Mirza Galib organized by Urdu Speaking Union in November 2019.

ICCR organized (i) Second Pt.


DeenDayal Upadhyay Wellbeing” organized in Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra on International Memorial Oration by former Chief Justice 6 November 2019 followed by visits to 03 Takhats of India Sh.

R.C.
R.C.

Lahoti in New Delhi on 21 May 2019, to Patna, Amritsar and Nanded from 7-10 November (ii) Second International Yoga Conference in London, 2019, (v) “Destination India Conference” on making UK on 22 June 2019 in collaboration with Ministry of India an Education Hub in 16-17 January, 2020 and 4th Ayush and Knowledge Partner – SVYASA, (iii) Unveiling Indology Conference in March, 2020. of Portrait of former Prime Minister late Sh.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji by Hon’ble Vice President of India, Sh.
Venkaiah Naidu in presence of Governor of West Bengal Sh.
Jagdeep Dhankhar on 16 August 2019, (iv) International Youth Seminar “Teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji and Sikhism Contribution in Universal (i) “GAASHTARUKH VII – THE KP IDOL (Finals)” was organised by Jammu Kashmir VicharManch in New Delhi in June 2019, (ii) President, ICCR visited Mongolia in September 2019 to participate in “SAMVAD III: GLOBAL 365 Foreign Service Institute (FSI) HINDI-BUDDHIST INITIATIVE ON CONFLICT grants to foreign participants (10-11 January, 2020).
AVOIDANCE AND ENVIRONMENT CONSCIOUSNESS”, (iii) 03 scholars were sent to Spain, Thailand and Supporting one day conference on 21 January, 2020 in Ayodhya on “Sri Ram: Global Governance Model” to be organized by India Think Council by providing two Germany to give lectures in the events organized travel grants to foreign participants.
to celebrate 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in October 2019, (iv) 02 scholars sent to Malaysia and Thailand to give lectures in the events to celebrate 550th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji in November 2019.

In compliance to Parliamentary assurance – a MoU was signed between AntarRashtriyaSahayog Parishad (ARSP) and ICCR in July 2019 for establishment of Roma Centre.
ICCR is organizing “Destination India – Making India the Preferred Hub of Education” on 28-29 January 2020 in Pune in collaboration with Symbiosis International University (Venue partner) and Savitribai Phule Pune University (Knowledge partner).

Indology Conference “Re-Examining Indology 4th Retrospect and Prospect” to be organized by ICCR on 13-15 March, 2020 in IIAS, Shimla in collaboration with Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla.
Sponsoring the visit of one scholar to Djibouti to take participate in the event to celebrate 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi from 18-21 January 2020.

Supported 5th Film Preservation & Restoration Workshop India 2019 from 8-15 December 2019 in Hyderabad by approving Rs.2.00 lakh with regard to expenditure incurred on foreign participants.

Supported International Conference on Vedic- Mathematic 2019 by providing one travel grant to foreign participant.

(22-24 December 2019).


Supporting International Hindi Sammelan to be organized by Hans Raj College by providing three travel Supporting 2nd Ramayana Conference in Jabalpur by providing six travel grants to foreign participants (26- 28 January 2020) Award The Gisela Bonn Awards for the year 2018 and 2019 respectively were conferred upon Ms. Antje Stiebitz and Prof. Dr. Heike Oberlin on 9 December, 2019 by President, ICCR for their unparallel contribution towards the deepening of Indo-German friendship.
The ICCR Distinguished Alumni Award 2019 is to be held on 28 January 2020 at Symbiosis International (Deemed University) Campus, Lavale, Pune, Maharashtra.

ICCR World Sanskrit Award 2019 and the Distinguished Indologists Award 2018 and 2019 award ceremony is to be organized.

The dates have not been finalized for the holding of both award ceremonies.
Hindi Hindi Pakhwada (16-30 September 2019) was organized at ICCR Headquarters comprising of various competitions - Essay, Hindi typing, General Hindi, Hindi commentary, letter writing, speech, quiz and dictation competitions for MTS employees.

On 26 September 2019, under the scholarship program a Hindi poets Conference was held at Azad Bhavan.

Poems in Hindi were presented by foreign students studying in Delhi and officials and staff members of the Council.
The Hindi Pakhwada closing ceremony and award distribution ceremony was organized by the Council on 30 September 2019.

366 Annual Report 2019-20 Air travel for 07 poets was sponsored by the Council etc.

to its ICCs.

In addition, Council has also deployed for Poetry at the Virat Hindi Poets Conference held Resources Personnels as Teachers of Yoga and Indian in London (UK) from 19 September 2019 to 05 Dance where ICCR does not have Cultural Centre.

The October 2019 by High Commission of India, London.
Council facilitated the Celebration of International Day The Council organized a meeting of the Hindi Official of Yoga (IDY) 2019 in 172 countries abroad.

Financial Language Implementation Committee of the Council and a Hindi workshop on the topic “Hindi Noting and Letter Writing” at Azad Bhavan in December 2019.

The Council has sponsored of three expatriate scholars to attend the International Hindi Conference held at Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi from 9-11 January 2020.
Assistance amounting to Rs.

7.78 Crores was provided in 172 Indian Missions to arrange events for IDY 2019 Celebration.

Visitors Programme The Council invited: • 04 well-Known personalities in the field of politics, Hindi bi-monthly magazine ‘Gagananchal’ year 42 issue 5-6 (September-December) 2019 and 43 issue art & culture, economics from Oman, Azerbaijan, Dominican Republic and Syria under Distinguished 01 (Janaury-February) 2020 to be printed during Visitors Programme.

February-March, 2020.


A Hindi workshop and the meeting of the Official Language Implementation Committee of the Council are to be organized in March 2020 Indian Cultural Centre The primary objective of the Council is to establish, revive and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries in order to promote awareness and appreciation of India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy.
The Council has been running 37 full-fledged Indian Cultural Centres (ICCs) in different parts of the world.

Additionally, ICCR extends support to the Indian Cultural Centres in two countries established with local support on ‘PPP’ Model (Public-Private Partnership) in Valladolid, Spain and Busan, South Korea.
To promote Yoga, Veda and Sanskrit globally, the Council deployed Teachers of Indian Culture (TIC) to various Missions/ Posts/ICCs and two Assistant Professors in Yoga at YunanMinzu University, Kunming, China.

The • 07 eminent academicians from South Africa, Afghanistan, Namibia, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, Spain and Portugal under Academic Visitors Programme.

• 09 Students of Hindi Learning from DPR Korea under this Visitors Programme.
• Dasho Kunzang Wangdi, Member, Royal Research & Advisory Council, His Majesty’s Secretariat, Bhutan is to visit India under the Distinguished Visitors Programme from 24 December 2019 - 2 January 2020.

The Following well-known personalities have been invited to India under the Distinguished Visitors Programme from January - March 2020:- • Senator Peter Boehm, Senator, Ontario, Canada to India from 20 – 29 February 2020 or 28 February - 08 March 2020.
• Mr. N. Enkhbayar, former President of Mongolia from 07- 16 March 2020.

• Ms. Kay Coles James, President of Heritage Foundation, USA in March, 2020.

Council has also deployed India based teachers in the • Ms. Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New disciplines of Bharatanatyan, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Zealand during March 2020.
Hindustani/Carnatic Vocal, Tabla and Hindi language Prof. Qiu Yong Hui, Scholar of contemporary religion 367 Foreign Service Institute (FSI) specialized in Indian religion, Sichuan University, genres of art forms with 02 folk music & dance groups; Chengdu is to visit India under the Academic Visitors 01 Instrumental group; 01 Percussion group; 01 Raagi Programme from 16 – 25 December 2019.

(Devotional) group.
(Devotional) group.

Theire were sent from 04 states The following eminent academicians have been invited to India under the Academic Visitors Programme during January - March 2020:- • Ms. Marisol Schulz Manaut, Director General, Book Fair of Guadalajara, Mexico from 21 – 30 January, 2020.

• Prof. Klaus Larres, Richard M Krasno, Distinguished Professor, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA from 03 – 12 February, 2020. of India to 08 countries to give cultural performances during December 2019.
16 groups from 09 states are scheduled to give cultural performances in 23 countries encompassing different genres of art forms with 04 folk music & dance groups; 04 Instrumental groups; 02 Qawwali groups; 01 Puppetry group; 01 Kathak group; 01 Bhangra group; 01 Bollywood group; 01 Bhojpuri group; and 01 Devotional group from January - March 2020.” • Prof. Alejandro Garay, Guatemalan academician to Incoming Cultural Delegations speak about Mayan goddess to promote Mayan culture and beliefs, Guatemala from 10 – 18 February, 2020.
• Prof. Pham Quang Minh, Rector, University of Social Sicence and Humanities, Vietnam from 17- 25 February, 2020.

• Prof. O. Nyamdavva, Director, Centre for Indian The Council organized 30 performances by 15 foreign groups and 8 performances by Indian artistes.

In addition to its regular Ramayana and Latin America Festivals, ICCR also hosted “Egypt by the Ganga” Festival from 13-21 November 2019.
The Council organized the 6th International Folk Dance & Music Festival from 2-4 December, 2019 at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi.

Studies(CIS) and former Ambassador of Mongolia In addition to Delhi the participating groups from 11 from 06 – 16 March, 2020.

• Dr. Justin Valentin, Vice Chancellor, University of Seychelles from 20 – 30 March, 2020.

• Prof. Selwyn Cudjoe, Academic, Scholar, Professor, Africana Studies, Wellesley College during March/ April 2020.
Outgoing Cultural Delegations A total of 69 groups was sponsored encompassing countries also performed in 11 other Indian cities.

The Council also organized a concert by Symphony Orchestra of Leon, Spain eith Dr. L. Subramaniam in Delhi, Hyderabad and Pune in January, 2020.

The Council has approved.

The collaborative venture in organizing of World Peace Music Festival “Sur Jahan” to be held at Kolkata, Goa and Jaipur in February, 2020.
ICCR has also approved to collaborate with the Embassy of Portugal to organize a flute concert on 11 different genres of art forms with 17 folk music & February, 2020. dance; 19 classical dance; 2 contemporary dance; 3 Qawwali music; 09 instrumental music; 04 Bollywood; Exhibition 04 Fusion; 01 Jazz; 02 each of Carnatic & Hindustani Vocal music; 06 Devotional vocal music.

Coming from 20 different states of India, these artistes visited 62 countries to showcase India’s culture abroad.
A total of 05 groups were sponsored encompassing different The Council organized 7 exhibitions abroad on different formats such as paintings, photographs and textiles.

The Council provided travel grants to 19 artists to participate in exhibitions organized abroad.
In addition, Council extended support to Ms. Gunjan Gupta for 368 Annual Report 2019-20 transportation of art works for the sector Delhi-Paris- bronze busts and 17 statues of Mahatma Gandhi Delhi to participate in the Revelations- International for installation in 40 countries.
The Council also Fine Craft and Creation Biennale held at Grand Palais in commissioned one Stylized bust of Gurudev Paris during 22-26 May, 2019 A proposal received from Rabindranath Tagore in Ecuador, Colombia and a bust Colombo, Sri Lanka for an Exhibition of Buddhist sites/ of Swami Vivekananda to the USA for installation in Heritage by Shri Benoy K. Behl in January, 2020.

Gloucester, Boston, USA.

The Council sent a bronze A proposal received from Minsk, Belarus for two exhibitions i.e.
“Vastram-Splendid World of Indian Textiles” and “Temples, Forts and palaces: 2000 years of Indian Architecture” by INTACH in February, 2020.

An Actors workshop is to be organized in Male, Maldives during February-March, 2020.

Three experts will be participating in the workshop from NSD.

bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Amherst, New York in December, 2019.
Other proposals in the pipeline are: • Proposal for Commissioning of Statue of Mahatma Gandhi for Astana, Kazakhstan, (confirmation awaited) in January, 2020.

• Proposal for Commissioning of Statue of Mahatma Gandhi for Georgia (EOI,Yerevan, Armenia) confirmation awaited in February, 2020.

An exhibition “Jaisalmer Yellow” is to be dispatched from Suva to Willington during January-February, • Proposal for Commissioning of bust of Mahatma Gandhi for Munduk (Bali, Indonesia), confirmation 2020.
Installation of Gandhi Bust & statue Commemorating Gandhi@150, ICCR provided 29 awaited in February, 2020.

• Proposal received for Commissioning of Statue of Mahatma Gandhi for New York in March, 2020.

REGIONAL OFFICES SECTION An Orientation/Workshop programme for the members Council and the State Government of Kerala for joint of ICCR Regional Advisory Committees of 14 Regional cooperation is being executed.
Offices was held on 4 April, 2019 at ICCR, Azad Bhavan under the Chairmanship of President, ICCR with the aim to advice/guide its ROs for improving and strengthening RO’s functioning.

The Annual meeting of the Regional Directors is scheduled to be held in Pune during the period 28–30 January 2020.

A meeting of Resident Commissioners of States/Union Territories was held under the Chairmanship of DG, ICCR on 11 October 2019 at ICCR, Azad Bhavan.
The purpose of this meeting was to find out ways in which the State Governments/UTs can cooperate/collaborate in the Council’s activities and signing of MoU in this In addition to the above, a MoU between the regard.
369 Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Prof. Dr. Heike Oberlin was conferred ICCR Gisela Bonn Awards for the year 2019 by Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe (President, ICCR) Inauguration of the Concert by Shri Akhilesh Mishra (Director General, ICCR), Dr. L. Subramaniam, Ms. Kavita Krishnamurti& Director of Castile and Leon Symphony Orchestra 370 Annual Report 2019-20 32 Indian Council for World Affairs The ICWA continued to accord high priority to 2019 has published books and Sapru House Papers.
research and study of political, economic and security Efforts are under way to revamp the Council’s website developments in Asia, Africa, Europe, United States, to make it more user friendly.

It is now available both in Latin America and Caribbean, and the wider global Hindi and English.

ICWA has also opened its library for geo-strategic environment.

The conclusions were general public and membership rules have been eased.
disseminated in the form of Sapru House Papers, Issue Briefs, Policy Briefs and Viewpoints, Discussion Papers, ShodhLekh (शोधलेख) which were published on the ICWA website.

Further, ICWA continued the process In lines with its mandate ICWA conducted a large number of lectures, discussions, conferences, think tank dialogues and outreach activities.

of translating its academic outputs in Hindi which are Detailed inputs are as follows: regularly posted on its website.
In addition, since April RESEARCH The current strength of the Research Faculty is as During the period under review, the Research Faculty follows: a) b) c) Director (Research) Research Fellows Research Interns (RI) 1 23 3 of the Council produced 4 Books, 03 Policy Briefs, 30 Issue Briefs, 26 Viewpoints, and various articles in the media and other academic journals.
Country specific policy studies were undertaken at the Council 372 on China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Egypt, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, ICWA Research Faculty was encouraged to write articles in Hindi and 4 such ShodhLekh (शोधलेख), including 1 policy brief and 1 special report in Hindi and have been Argentina, Brazil , Canada, Mexico, USA, and Russia.

uploaded on the Council’s website.


In order to reach Region specific studies on Africa, Latin America, Indo- out to a wider audience, ICWA continued to publish Pacific and Arctic were carried out.

In addition, studies translated versions of its academic articles in Hindi.

on multilateral and regional groupings such as NATO, In pursuit of this objective, 02 Books, 03 Issue Briefs, G-20, and BRICS were undertaken.
The Council tried to 13 Viewpoints been translated in Hindi and uploaded broaden its area of Book Projects to include areas such on the Council’s website.
ICWA instituted the Foreign as Science and Diplomacy, Gilgit 1947-48, Geopolitical Policy Awareness Programme (in Hindi) and sponsored and Environmental factors in Indian Subcontinent seminars in collaboration with universities/academic History, India’s Foreign Aid, Development Assistance to Africa, Central Asia and Influence of India’s Buddhist institutions, where it was represented by one or more Rfs.

Sculpture on Myanmar and Central Asia.


As part of its outreach activities and to create awareness During the period under review, 11 new book proposals about foreign policy issues among the youth, ICWA have been approved under the Council’s Book Project undertook two National Level Essay writing contests Grant scheme.

14 book projects are in various stages of (in English and Hindi) among school going students progress.
The Council has also tried to diversify its area (10-12 standard), and undergraduate & postgraduate of research and book projects.

students.

INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL MoUs ICWA has undertaken a conscious effort to revive the such MoUs with the institutes namely Central University MoUs with our international and National partners.
of Jammu (CUJ), Chennai Centre for China Studies The Council has signed three new MOUs with foreign (C3S); Asia Centre, Bangalore; Centre for Southeast policy institutes, namely Center for International Asian and Pacific Studies; Vivekananda College of Relations under the Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Arts and Science for Women, Tamil Nadu; Kamaraj Uzbekistan (CIRS), Uzbekistan; Institute for Strategic University, Madurai; UGC Centre for Maritime Studies and Regional Studies under the President of the Pondicherry University.
Currently the Council has 71 Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS), Tashkent, Uzbekistan; such arrangements.

(Total MoUs:International-53, The Asia New Zealand Foundation (the Foundation), National-18).

Wellington.

On National level the Council has signed 373 Indian Council for World Affairs PUBLICATION ICWA’s flagship Journal ‘India Quarterly’ was brought out regularly during the period 2019-20.

In addition, the ICWA has brought out the following publications S. No.
Title Editor/Author I Books/Booklets India’s Relations with the International Monetary Fund (25 Years in Perspective 1991-2016) Authored by V. Srinivas Forw.

By Y V Reddy 1.

2.

3.

4.

भारत और यूरोपीय संघ: एक अंतरंग दृष्टिकोण शष्त की मानयता: सयु्त रा्ट्र सुरक्ा पररषद Pakistan The BalochistanConudrum India Quarterly 1.

2.

3.
2.

3.

A Journal of International Affairs Special Issue- Eurasia A Journal of International Affairs Special Issue- China A Journal of International Affairs List of Book Projects under process भास्वती मुखर्जी ददलीप ससन्ा Tilak Devasher Vol-75 No.-1 Vol-75 No.-2 Vol-75 No.-3 Year of Publication 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 1.

Sapru House Paper (Changing Transatlantic to Independence - Authored Achal Malhotra.

Partnership: A Case of NATO”- Co-Author by.

Dr. Stuti Banerjee and Dr. Ankita Dutta).

2.


Re-Print (Kashmir a Study in India-Pakistan Relations authored by Sisir Gupta.

(First Editions -1966; Reprint-1998).

3.

The South Caucasus Transition from Subjugation 4.

द्नदी “भारत-चीन सीमा मुददे: व्व्वाद ननपटिान की तलाश- लेखक रंर्ीत ससं् काल्ा”। 5.

द्नदी “अंतरारा्ट्रीय मुद्ाकोष (आईएमएफ) के साथ भारत के संबंध के पररप्ेक्य में 25 ्वषरा 1991-2016- लेखक ्वी.
श्ीनन्वास”। ICWA CONFERENCES/SEMINARS/& OTHER ACTIVITIES ICWA’s outreach programmes included joint partners across the country.

Likewise, international conferences and seminars with several Indian engagements included participation in conferences, universities and think tanks including Council’s MoU seminars and lectures in several countries.
374 Annual Report 2019-20 From 1 April 2019 to 30 November 2019, the ICWA organized the following events - Lectures Seminars/Conferences Bilateral strategic dialogue Panel Discussions/Background briefings/ Interactions Book Launch/Release/Discussion function Total Lectures - - - - - - 09 18 09 16 06 58 9 April 2019 Lecture by Ambassador P.S.
Raghavan, Chairman, National Security Advisory Board on ”National Security Institutions: Tackling Emerging Challenges” Venue: Sapru House 7 May 2019 14 May 2019 17 May 2019 10 July 2019 30 July 2019 Talk by Prof. David Newman on “Israel Elections and the future of the Israel-Palestine Peace Process” Chaired by: Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad Venue: Sapru House Lecture by Shri V. Srinivas, IAS, Additional Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, on “Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank – Changing Contours of Infrastructure Financing in Asia” followed by a Panel Discussion Chaired by: Lt Gen S L Narasimhan, PVSM, AVSM*, VSM, PhD (Retd), DG, Centre for Contemporary China Studies, New Delhi Venue: Sapru House Talk by Mr. Mohammad UmerDaudzai, Chief Executive of the Afghan High Peace Council on ‘Current Developments in the Afghan Peace Process’ Chaired by: Ambassador Vivek Katju, Former Ambassador of India to Afghanistan Venue: Sapru House Lecture by Prof. V. Kamakoti, Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Chennai; Associate Dean, IIT Chennai, and Member, National Security Advisory Board on “5G Technology from an Indian Perspective” Chaired by: Dr. T.C.A.
Raghavan, Director General, ICWA Venue: Sapru House Lecture on ”Second World War and the Growth of Science and Technology in India” byProf.

Arun Kumar Grover, Former Vice Chancellor, Panjab University and Emeritus Professor (Honorary), Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh Chaired by: Dr. T.C.A.
Raghavan, Director General, ICWA Venue: Sapru House 375 Indian Council for World Affairs 23 August 2019 27 August 2019 2 September 2019 Lecture on ”Communal Affairs Over International Affairs: IR’s Arrival in Late Colonial India” by Dr. Vineet Thakur, University Lecturer, Institute for History, Leiden University, Netherlands Chaired by: Dr. ZorawarDaulet Singh, Fellow, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi Venue: Sapru House Talk on “Oman, the Gulf Region and India: Perspectives on Maritime-Related Activity from the Museographical Context of the National Museum – Sultanate of Oman” by Dr. Jamal al- Moosawi, Director General, The National Museum, Sultanate of Oman Chaired by Prof. Himanshu Prabha Ray, Research Fellow, Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich Venue: Sapru House Talk on ‘Priorities for the 74th UN General Assembly’ by H.E.
Prof. Tijjani Muhammad- Bande, President-elect of the 74th Session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Chaired by Ambassador Asoke Mukerji, Former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations Venue: Sapru House Seminars/Conferences 10 & 11 April 2019 National Seminar on “India’s Security Chanllenges In South Asian Nations” Outreach programme financially supported by ICWA: Venue: VPO : Bahal-127028, Haryana 17 & 18 April 2019 14th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Forum Meeting Venue: Beijing, China 18 & 19 April 2019 3 May 2019 15 May 2019 26 June 2019 12 & 13 July 2019 National Conference on ”Diplomatic History of Asia: Changing Contours” Outreach programme financially supported by ICWA: Venue: Varanasi.
One day National Seminar on “Chinese Economy: Current Status and Prospects” Outreach programme financially supported by ICWA Venue: Chennai.
National Seminar on “Enhancing India-Myanmar Ties: The Road Ahead” Venue: Sapru House Conference on ‘European Union in a Changing World Order: Prospects for India-Europe Partnership’ Venue: Sapru House International Conference on “India and the Indian Ocean Region: Dynamics of Geopolitics, Security and Global Commons” Outreach programme financially supported by ICWA: Venue: Chennai 376 Annual Report 2019-20 12 & 13 July 2019 International Conference on “Startup India: The Wings of Foreign Trade” Outreach programme financially supported by ICWA Venue: Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu 8 & 9 August 2019 19 August 2019 29 & 30 August 2019 3 & 4 September 2019 National Seminar on “Taking Stock of India-Latin America and Caribbean Relations” Special Address by the Chief Guest: Shri V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India Venue: Sapru House Joint ICS-ICWA event ‘From Sapru House Lawns to Sri Ram Raod: Commemorating 50 Years of The Institute of Chinese Studies’ Venue: Sapru House National Seminar on “India-Sri Lanka Relations in Present Context?
Is it the Time for Reorientation of Policy?” Venue: Sapru House National Conference on ‘India -Africa Partnership in a Changing Global Order: Priorities, Prospects and Challenges’ Valedictory Address by (on 4 Sept. 2019 at 1600 hrs.)
Hon’ble Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India and President, ICWA Venue: Sapru House 19 & 20 September 2019 International Conference on “The Changing Politico-Strategic Dynamics of the Asian Region and How it Affects India, Area Studies (United State Studies)” Outreach programme financially supported by ICWA: Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University Venue: New Delhi 20 & 21 September 2019 Conference on “Engaging Asia: India’s Foreign Policy in the 21st Century” Outreach programme financially supported by ICWA: Venue: Kolkata 23 & 24 September 2019 International Conference on “India-Nepal Relations: Rejuvenation of Bilateral Ties in the 21st Century” Outreach programme financially supported by ICWA: Venue: ICCR, Kolkata(West Bengal) 10 & 11 October 2019 ICWA-ASCON National Conference on ‘External Dimensions of Security of the Northeast Region’ Venue: Sapru House 29-31 October 2019 International Conference on “Navigating the idea of the Indo-Pacific: Indian and Southeast Asian Perspectives” Outreach programme financially supported by ICWA: Venue: Madurai 15 & 16 November 2019 National Seminar on “Reorganization of Kashmir“ Outreach programme financially supported by ICWA Venue: Mathura 377 Indian Council for World Affairs Bilateral and Strategic Dialogue 3 & 4 April 2019 10 & 11 April 2019 15 April 2019 10 & 11 September 2019 13 October 2019 01 November 2019 7 November 2019 19 & 20 November 2019 26 November 2019- 02 December 2019 Second Dialogue with Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) Visit of VASS delegation to ICWA and to NIAS, Bangalore (ICWA’s MoU partner) Venue: Sapru House Fourth Track II Dialogue between India and New Zealand [The Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), Asia New Zealand Foundation (ANZF) and New Zealand India Research Institute (NZIRI)] Visit of ICWA delegation to New Zealand Venue: Wellington, New Zealand First Dialogue between ICWA and the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) Two-session Dialogue Venue: Sapru House 4th ICWA- Egyptian Council for Foreign
 Affairs (ECFA) Dialogue (ICWA’s MoU partner) Venue: Cairo, Egypt ICWA- Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS) Dialogue Visit of ICWA’s delegation to IPIS, Tehran (ICWA’s MoU partner) Venue: Tehran First India-Germany Strategic Dialogue Venue: Sapru House Sixth ICWA Dialogue with Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) (ICWA’s MoU partner) Venue: Sapru House Third Russia-India International Conference with Russia International Affairs Council (RIAC) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia “Strategic Visions of Russia – India Relations and Changes in the World Order” Venue: Russia Fourth India-China Think Tanks Forum (4th ICTTF) and related Meetings (MoU on Establishing India-China Think-Tanks Forum was signed by MEA and Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Beijing) Venue: Beijing, Hang Zhou and Shanghai, China 378 Annual Report 2019-20 Panel Discussions/Background briefings/ Interactions 4 April 2019 23 April 2019 24 April 2019 30 April 2019 9 May 2019 28 June 2019 16 July 2019 Interaction with Dr. Marina Kaneti, Assistant Professor, NUS, Singapore Chaired by: Ms. Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, Joint Secretary, ICWA Venue: Sapru House Interaction on’Science and Diplomcy’ with National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bangalore Chaired by: Dr. T.C.A.
Raghavan, Director General, ICWA Venue: Sapru House Meeting with the delegation from Asia and the Pacific Division, United Nations Chaired by: Ms. Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, Joint Secretary, ICWA Venue: Sapru House Roundtable Discussion on ‘‘Random Reflections on the History of the ICWA” Chaired by: Prof. Manoranjan Mohanty, ICS Venue: Sapru House Closed Door Brainstorming for a Midterm Review on “India-Russia Strategic Partnership in a Shifting WorldOrder” based on 2018 Annual India-Russia Joint Statement Chaired by: Shri P. S. Raghavan, former Ambassador to Russia and Chairman, National Security Advisory Board Venue: Sapru House Ideashala (Panel Discussion) followed by Brainstorming Sessions on “5G, Huawei & Geopolitics – An Indian Roadmap” & “The Kra Canal (a BRI Project in Thailand): What does it mean for India?” [in collaboration with the Takshashila Institution, Bangalore] Venue: Sapru House Panel Discussion on ”The US-Iran Standoff: Assessing the Implications” Chaired by: Ambassador Anil K. Trigunayat, Former Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta, Distinguished Fellow at Vivekananda International Foundation Venue: Sapru House 14 August 2019 Round Table Discussion on “The ICJ Judgement on Kulbhushan Jadhav Case: Looking Ahead” Chaired by: Ambassador Vivek Katju, Former Ambassador of India to Afghanistan Venue: Sapru House 26 August 2019 Interaction between visiting Media delegation from Turkey and Research Faculty of ICWA Venue: Sapru House 379 Indian Council for World Affairs 13 September 2019 24 September 2019 द्ंदी पख्वाड़े के अ्वसर पर परर्द द्वारा ‘‘द्ंदी में व्वदेश नीनत व्वमशरा को प्ोतसा्न” व्वषय पर पररचचारा का आयोर्न अधयक् रार्दूत श्ी अननल त्रिगुणायत व्वसश्टि अधयेता, व्व्वेकानंद इंटिरनेशनल फाउं डेशन Venue: Sapru House Presentations on “Can India Make Her Own Next Generation Network” Chaired by Prof. V. Kamakoti, Senior Professor, IIT Madras and Member, National Security Advisory Board Venue: Sapru House 30 September 2019 Interaction with Mr. Ernesto Antonio Davis, Sub Director General, Directorate General of Policy Planning (DGPP), of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba (equivalent rank of senior JS) Venue: Sapru House 21 October 2019 14 November 2019 15 November 2019 28 November 2019 Closed door lecture cum discussion by Prof. Arogyaswami J. Paulraj, an Emeritus Professor at Stanford University and the inventor and a pioneer of MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) wireless technology, on “Chinese Advances in Technology” Chaired by Ambassador Bhaskar Balakrishnan, former Ambassador of India to Greece and Cuba Venue: Sapru House Interaction with a three member Vietnam Delegation led by Col.
Le Viet Cuong, Director, Strategic Studies Division, Institute of Military Strategy, Ministry of National Defence, Socialist Republic of Vietnam Venue: Sapru House Interactive Session on “The Dynamics of Bilateral Engagements between India and Syria” with Dr. Mohsen Bilal, Head of Higher Education Bureau of the ruling BAATH party, Syria Chaired by: Ambassador Gautam Mukhopadhyay, Former Diplomat Venue: Sapru House Interaction with Ambassador Galma M. Boru, Director, Foreign Science Academy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya Chaired by: Ms. Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, Joint Secretary, ICWA Venue: Sapru House 380 Annual Report 2019-20 Book Launch/Release/Discussion event 2 April 2019 29 April 2019 26 July 2019 Book Launch and Discussion on “Indian Cultural Diplomacy: Celebrating Pluralism in a Globalized World” by Ambassador Paramjit Sahai [An ICWA’s Publication] Chaired by: Ambassador Lalit Mansingh, Former Foreign Secretary of India Chairman, Kalinga International Foundation Venue: Sapru House Book Launch and Discussion on “India’s Eastward Engagement: from Antiquity to Act East Policy” by Professor S.D.
Muni and Dr. Rahul Mishra Chaired by: Ambassador Preeti Saran, Former Secretary (East), MEA Venue: Sapru House Book Launch and Discussion on “India’s Relations with the International Monetary Fund: 25 Years in Perspective 1991-2016” [An ICWA publication] by Shri V. Srinivas, Additional Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Government of India and former Advisor to Executive Director (India) IMF (Author of the book) Chief Guest Shri Shaktikanta Das, Governor, Reserve Bank of India Venue: Sapru House Auditorium 22 August 2019 26 September 2019 Book Launch and Discussion on “Pakistan: The Balochistan Conundrum” [An ICWA and Harper Collins India publication] by Shri Tilak Devasher, (Author of the book) Moderator: Shri Maroof Raza, Consulting Editor, Times Now Venue: Sapru House Book Discussion on ‘INDIA’S Lost Frontier: The Story of the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan’ Authored by Shri Raghvendra Singh, Former Secretary, Government of India Chaired by: Dr. T.C.A.
Raghavan, Director General, ICWA Venue: Sapru House 17 October 2019 To Commemorate the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji Presentation and Book Release on ‘Sikh Heritage of Nepal’ [in collaboration with the B.P.

Koirala India-Nepal Foundation] Venue: Sapru House COUNCIL FOR SECURITY COOPERATION IN THE ASIA PACIFIC ICWA has been hosting the Secretariat of the Council following activities: for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific (CSCAP)- India Committee since 2001.

1.
1.

CSCAP Study Group Meeting on Non-proliferation and Disarmament held in Bali, Indonesia on 6&7 During the period from 1st April 2019 to 30th April 2019.

November 2019, the Council participated in the 2.

33rd Asia Pacific Round Table Meeting held in 381 Indian Council for World Affairs Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 24-26 June 2019. held in Beijing, China from 02-10 September 2019.

3.

51st Steering Committee Meeting held in Kuala 5.


Second Global Korea Workshop for the future Asia Lumpur, Malaysia on 27 June 2019.

Pacific Leaders held in Seoul, South Korea on 4-13 4.

5th Workshop for the Asia Pacific Young Scholars November 2019 ICWA LIBRARY The Sapru House Library, since its inception in 1955, Quarterly.

Endowed with a state-of-the-art Cyber has emerged as a premier resource centre for Indian Library, the Sapru House Library has linkages with and foreign scholars.
It houses 1,52,407 books, other prestigious institutions that provide access to journals, maps, and UN & EU documents at present.

It ICWA scholars.

is expected that approximately 600 more books would be added to the library collection by 31 March 2020.

The entire collection is accessible through a digitised index and can be searched via On-Line Public Access Catalogue.
A large part of the Sapru House Library is accessible to research scholars in digital format, as is the entire collection of the ICWA journal- India DISSEMINATION The Library aims to be a comprehensive repository of research materials and documents in the core areas of Indian foreign policy, with focus on South Asia.

It strives to meet the demands of ever-expanding horizons of our research projects and to upgrade its facilities.

ICWA initiated a policy of wide dissemination of its arena.
A system of circulating publication alerts as well output and activities to reach the largest possible as revamping of the website: www.icwa.in and global global audience and raise awareness about Indian webcasting of important events has been helpful in concerns and aspirations in the national and global achieving the ICWA mandate.
382 Annual Report 2019-20 33 Research & Information System for Developing Countries NEW OPPORTUNITIES & NEW PARTNERSHIPS POST-BAPA+40 Delhi Process Fifth Conference on South- Action (BAPA)+40”.
South and Triangular Cooperation Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Railways and In partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of Government of India, United Nations Office for South- India, gave the keynote address for the challenges and South Cooperation (UNOSSC), Network of Southern opportunities faced by the South in respect to financial Think-Tanks (NeST) and Forum for Indian Development governance, underscoring India’s vision of ‘reformed Cooperation (FIDC), RIS organised the Delhi Process multilateralism’.
fifth Conference on South-South and Triangular Cooperation towards “Exploring New Opportunities and New Partnerships Post-Buenos Aires Plan of H.E.

Dr Nomvuyo Nokwe, Secretary General, Indian Ocean Rim Association, Mauritius, delivered the 384 inaugural address, Ambassador Mohan Kumar, assessing SSC against the non-negotiable principles, Chairman, RIS, made the welcome remarks.
Mr Jorge on one hand, and the modalities with its variations Chediek, Director, UNOSSC; Professor Anuradha in operation, on the other.

The idea of ‘Development Chenoy, Chairperson, FIDC; and Professor Li Xiaoyun, Compact’ as a complementary set of interdependent Chairman, NeST made key observations on behalf of modalities received considerable appreciation from partner Institutions and Shri T. S. Tirumurti, Secretary the participants.
Furthermore, the conference opened (ER), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India avenues for a continued dialogue as we march towards honored the conference with special remarks.

Professor strengthening Southern engagement and initiating Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, RIS, extended the triangular partnerships for the achievement of Agenda vote of thanks and welcomed participants from over 2030.

53 countries that included 16 international institutions and major SSC stakeholders.
Delhi Process Fifth Conference further took the much-needed steps to strengthen knowledge linkages Experts deliberated on issues related to scaling up of initiating a Think Tanks-University Connect and a SSC in the face of Industry 4.0; evolving an impact Young Scholars Forum.

The Think Tanks-University assessment framework that captures the unique Connect created a collective platform for knowledge features of SSC; the diversity of actors and role of creators inaugurated by the Professor V.K.
Malhotra, institutions in actualising the aspirations of the South; Member Secretary, Indian Council of Social Science the role of SSC for global financial governance and Research (ICSSR) and Dr Bhushan Patwardhan, Vice- simultaneously engaged in exploring the potential of Chairman, University Grants Commission.

This new Triangular Cooperation (TrC).
The discussion explored initiative aimed to further feed in teaching and research the need for sharing and co-creation of technology for at various institutes of higher learning, bringing in the strengthened cooperation and presented a space for disciplines of international relations, international emerging agencies of the Global South to come together economics, development studies, and their interface to share experiences, knowledge and mechanisms for with public policy formulation process into a collective the institutionalisation of SSC.
platform.

The conference also evolved a broad consensus on RIS CO-HOSTS SIXTH INDIA, BRAZIL, SOUTH AFRICA (IBSA) ACADEMIC FORUM IN KOCHI RIS was entrusted with the task to convene the Sixth The first day of Sixth IBSA Academic Forum began with IBSA Academic Forum alongside the IBSA Sherpas’ welcome remarks and Context- Setting by Professor Meeting on 3-4 May 2019 at Kochi, Kerala.

The Forum Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, RIS.
Ambassador provided the desired momentum to the IBSA process, Sunil Lal, Former Indian Ambassador to Brazil, Chaired and hence reinforced the continued relevance of this the inaugural session.

Shri T.S.

Tirumurti, Secretary unique trilateral partnership for global governance (ER), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and development cooperation.

RIS is privileged to be delivered the inaugural address, which was followed associated with the IBSA since its inception.
by a Panel Discussion on Contemporary Global 385 Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) Governance and the Role of IBSA, which was chaired democratisation of the UN, role in promoting world by Ambassador Rajiv Kumar Bhatia, former Director peace and security, and mainstreaming sustainable General, Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), India.

development.
development.

The forum reiterated that the edifice The Plenary Session I on Strengthening South-South Cooperation (SSC) through IBSA was Chaired by Mr José Romero Pereira Júnior, Coordinator, International Relations Program, Catholic University of Brasilia (UCB) and Researcher, Brazilian Institute for Applied Economic Research (IPEA), Brazil.
After this, a Special Session on ‘Towards a Collaborative Academic Network among Institutions of Higher Learning in IBSA Countries – Opportunities and Potential Gains’ was held.
The final declaration emanating from IBSA Academic Forum called for early convening of the impending IBSA Summit and outlined the role of IBSA with regard of the IBSA partnership stands on strong pillars of South-South Cooperation with plurality of approaches and convergence of modalities and highlighted the importance of IBSA declaration on South-South Cooperation.

The Academic Forum called for deeper trade integration and cooperation on standards, investment and the financial sector.
Finally, the Academic Forum recommended strong academic and research linkages in IBSA for strengthening Southern perspectives on the development discourse; and leveraging emerging frontiers like human security, renewable energy and green technologies, blue economy and ocean governance that hold immense to its unwavering commitment to multilateralism, significance for IBSA.

DE-BRIEFING SESSION ON G20 OSAKA SUMMIT The G20 Leaders’ Summit in Osaka, Japan was on Summit’.
Hon’ble Shri Suresh Prabhu, G20 Sherpa and 28-29 June 2019.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister of Former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Govt.

of India Shri Narendra Modi participated in the Summit India delivered Special Address.

Dr Mohan Kumar, and contributed to the G20 process in a substantive Chairman, RIS Chaired the session.

The Sous Sherpa Mr way.


Hon’ble Shri Suresh Prabhu, Former Minister of Suresh Reddy, Joint Secretary, Multilateral Economic Commerce and Industry and was India’s G20 Sherpa Relations, Ministry of External Affairs also joined the at the Summit.

The Summit was a much-awaited event deliberations.

Mr Augustine Peter, Visiting Fellow, RIS for the member countries given the growing influence extended the vote of thanks.

of G20 in global economic and political affairs.


Like previous summits, India actively participated in the Osaka Summit and contributed in the form of flagging global issues of common interests to the member states.
In his address Shri Prabhu, highlighted that since there are so many global issues which need to be discussed at the G20 platform and exclusion of any particular issues may arouse criticism, there should be continuity of issues taken up in the previous presidencies along Since India is going to assume G20 presidency in with appreciation of new issues in the subsequent 2022, it is important to collectively deliberate upon presidencies.
India not only participates in G20 for its the road map from the Osaka Summit.

In order to own interests, but it also tries to put aspirations of the generate informed debate among the thinkers, policy other developing countries upfront in G20 deliberations.
makers, academics, businesses and other stakeholders, Moreover, India feels its own responsibility in global RIS organised a ‘De-Briefing Session on G20 Osaka affairs as the largest developing country in the world 386 Annual Report 2019-20 and ensures that developing world’s perspectives are infrastructure happening in different parts of the respected in G20.

The issue of trade at this point of time is important as higher trade can contribute to higher economic growth.
But global trade cannot grow unless the WTO becomes strong and functional.

India has taken a number of initiatives to ensure that WTO becomes a centrality to the global trading system.

After the disappointing outcome of Argentina Ministerial in 2017, India organised a mini-ministerial on 19 March 2018 to make sure that the WTO becomes more effective.
The participation of 57 countries manifested the success of this event which implies that most of the member states favour reforms in the functioning of WTO.

Infrastructure can act as a catalyst for global economic growth.

Many countries benefit from investments in world.

Infrastructure has a potential to pull economic activity globally.
India has taken initiatives under the Prime Minister’s leadership on International Solar Alliance (ISA), which in fact, will significantly contribute to changing global energy mix.

India strongly supports the G20 stand on ocean economy and the role of oceans for economic prosperity and environmental conservation.

Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) framework has to be strengthened to seize the arbitration opportunities and locating the tax heavens.
G20 must provide the vision to bind all the countries especially the emerging markets like Indonesia, India, Brazil and Mexico which are new actors in global governance to support coordinated actions on major global issues and promote global public goods.

A large number of participants participated in the discussion.
BRAINSTORMING SESSION ON EXTERNAL SECTOR, SKILLS AND EMPLOYMENT The Government of India has been targeting on Samarthan-Centre for Development Support, employment generation for youths through the Bhubaneshwar; Professor Pulak Ghosh, Chair of development of appropriate skills.
In this context, a Excellence and Professor of Decision Sciences, IIM, brainstorming Session at RIS with a group of select Bengaluru; Ms Shruti Gonsalves, Managing Director, experts was organised to deliberate on this and related SEWA Grih Rin Ltd, New Delhi; Dr Gayathri Vasudevan, issues on 17 June 2019.
Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon’ble Minister (I/C), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs; Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Civil Aviation and Minister of State, Ministry of Commerce and Industry chaired the and Mr Rajesh; CEO; Labournet; Bengaluru; Professor Anoop K. Satpathy; V.V.

Giri National Labour Institute; NOIDA; Mr Ranajit Bhattacharyya, and; Mr Anant Mani, Pratham Education Foundation, New Delhi; and Mr Harsh Singh, Senior Coordinator, UNDP.

Session.
The other fellow participants in the discussion From RIS, Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Director were: Mr Seshadri Chari, Member, RIS Governing General; Dr S. K. Mohanty, Professor; Professor Council; Dr Dilip Chenoy, Secretary General, FICCI; Amitabh Kundu, Distinguished Fellow; Dr Priyadarshi Dr Nagesh Kumar, UN-ESCAP, New Delhi; Dr Sunil Dash, Assistant Professor; Dr Sabyasachi Saha, Shukla, Director, EDI, Gandhinagar, Gujarat; Professor Assistant Professor; Mr Gaurav Sharma; Project Mukti Kanta Mishra, President, Centurion University, Manager, GDI; Dr Durairaj Kumarasamy, Consultant; Bhubaneshwar; Mr Yogesh Kumar, Executive Director, and Mr Subhomoy Bhattacharjee participated.
387 Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) RIS AT BAPA+40 - SPECIAL FOCUS ON RIS VOLUME ON RAUL PREBISCH AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY RIS, as an accredited partner organisation with the the conceptual and political differences between UN, participated in the Second High-Level United impact assessment and monitoring and evaluation and Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation recognised the efforts made by developing countries (BAPA+40) held from 20 to 22 March 2019 in Buenos such as India, Paraguay and Brazil to undertake Aires, Argentina.
On this occasion, RIS also hosted demand-driven assessment and evaluation activities.

four side-events under the auspices of the Network of Southern Think Tanks (NeST).
The side events organised around panel discussions with eminent scholars, experts, practitioners and policy makers aimed to bring forth the facets of the Asian approach to development cooperation; showcase the plurality in South-South Cooperation (SSC); underscore the need for better access to health technology; and deliberate upon the issues related to assessment, monitoring and evaluation.
RIS, NeST and China Institute for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (CISSCA) organised a panel discussion on ‘Exploring the Asian Narrative on South-South Cooperation’ held on 19 March 2019 at the University of Buenos Aires.

RIS and NeST hosted a panel discussion on ‘South-South Cooperation for Access to Health Technology’ on 21 March 2019 at the Instituto Nacional Sanmartiniano, Buenos Aires, delved into cooperation at the sectoral level.
The event began with the launching of a special RIS publication, On 20 March 2019, RIS in partnership with NeST Together towards a Healthy Future - India’s Partnerships hosted a panel discussion on ‘Impact Assessment in Healthcare, by Mr Sanjiv Ranjan, Ambassador India and Monitoring & Evaluation vis-à-vis South-South to Argentina.
NeST, along with country chapters Cooperation: The State of the Debate’ at the Ministry from Brazil, Mexico, China, Argentina and Africa, in of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Palicio San Martin, partnership with RIS and BRICS Policy Centre, Brazil Buenos Aires.

The monograph contains proceedings of also hosted a panel discussion on ‘Plurality of South- the Seminar held on “New Perspectives in North-South South Cooperation’ on 22 March at the Asociación de and South-South Relations”.
It also has some important Amigos del Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Buenos contributions by Raul Prebisch.

The discussions noted Aires.

HIGH-LEVEL POLITICAL FORUM 2019 In continuation of RIS close association with the SDG York during 13-19 July 2019.
As in the previous years, deliberations at the United Nations, the High Level RIS also organised two thematic side events on the Political Forum (HLPF) process and the UN Office of side-lines of the HLPF 2019 in New York, jointly with South-South Cooperation – Director General Professor prominent international organisations and agencies to Sachin Chaturvedi led a two-member RIS delegation to contribute to the debate, understanding, and narrative the UN that included Dr Sabyasachi Saha, Assistant on SDGs, particularly SDG 17.
Professor to participate in the HLPF 2019 in New 388 Annual Report 2019-20 Director General was invited to speak in the Session The second programme was on “Strengthening SDG on “Effectiveness in South-South Co-operation” at 17 through South-South and Triangular Cooperation: the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co- Plurality and Way Forward from BAPA+40” with operation (GPEDC) Senior Level Meeting (SLM) on 13 NeST, UNOSSC, OECD and BRICS Policy Centre on July 2019.
Dr Saha was also invited to participate in the 18 July 2019.

The session was moderated by Mr Jorge SLM.

In his remarks Professor Chaturvedi highlighted Chediek, Director and Envoy of the Secretary-General distinct perspectives on effectiveness in South-South on South-South Cooperation, United Nations Office for Cooperation with regard to efficiency and convergence.

South- South Cooperation.


The distinguished panellists The special address in this side-event was delivered by Dr Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Government of India and the session was moderated by Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, RIS, New Delhi.
The distinguished panellists included Ms Renata Lok- Dessallien, UN Resident Coordinator in India; Mr Jorge Chediek, Director and Envoy of the Secretary-General on South-South Cooperation, United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation; Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Chair and Distinguished Fellow, Southern Voice on included Ambassador Nagaraj Naidu, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of India to the UN; Ms Ana Ciuti, Director General of International Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Argentina, Mr Robin Ogilvy, OECD Special Representative to the UN, Dr Paulo Esteves, Director, BRICS Policy Centre, Brazil, Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, RIS, and Ms Xiaojun Grace Wang, Deputy Director for Programme and Operations, UNOSSC.
Post-MDG International Development Goals, Centre RIS also hosted a dinner meeting in Honour of Dr Rajiv for Policy Dialogue, Bangladesh; Dr John W. McArthur, Kumar, Vice-chairman, NITI Aayog and head of the Senior Fellow, Global Economy and Development Indian delegation to the HLPF on 16 July 2019 in New program, Brookings Institution, Washington, DC and York.
The meeting deliberated on the aforementioned Dr Manuel F Montes, Senior Advisor on Finance and subject and was attended by representatives of Development, South Centre, Geneva.

In his special prominent philanthropic foundations based in the US, address Dr Rajiv Kumar emphasised on innovative international agencies, social entrepreneurs and civil use of resources, embedded application of technology society organizations from India.

and endogenous development models for developing countries.
AN INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH H.E MS REGINAH MAKGABO MAHAULE, DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, SOUTH AFRICA RIS organised an Interactive Session with H.E Ms panel discussion on ‘India-South Africa Partnership Reginah Makgabo Mahaule, Deputy Minister of and the New World Order’ the following experts took International Relations, South Africa, on 9 January part: Ambassador Virendra Gupta, President, Indian 2019.
Dr Mohan Kumar, Chairman, RIS, chaired the Council for International Cooperation; Ambassador session and welcome remarks were made by Professor Rajiv Bhatia, former Director General, ICWA; Dr Philani Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, RIS.

During the Mthembu, Executive Director, Institute For Global 389 Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) Dialogue, South Africa; and Ms Ruchita Beri, Senior of International Relations, South Africa on the theme Research Associate, IDSA.
The panel brought forth the “25 Years of Freedom in South Africa”.

H.E.

Ms Mhaule importance of actors in track 1.5 diplomacy towards traced the history of South Africa, its partnership taking cooperation initiatives and policy dialogues with India from the times of Mahatma Gandhi and beyond the government.
An increased cooperation Nelson Mandela, as well as the growing role of the between the think-tanks of India and South Africa two countries towards ensuring inclusive southern enhance the scope of relevant, timely and applied development.

She drew upon the existing multilateral research that can bring change on the ground.
Such fora’s of cooperation between the two countries and an effort gives impetus to the ongoing tracks of detailed the scope of a deepened cooperation with government-to-government and people-to-people the signing of MoUs between RIS and its South African cooperation.

The panel discussion was followed with an address by H.E Ms Reginah Makgabo Mhaule, Deputy Minister counterparts, SAIIA and IGD.

Mr B.J.

Joubert, Chargé d’ Affaires, High Commission of South Africa in India extended the vote of thanks.
APPROACHING AFRICAN CONTINENT THROUGH AAGC The Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) is multi- and industry circles, including KEC International Ltd; country development initiative initiated by India and Larsen & Toubro Ltd; Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd; Tata Japan for strengthening economic linkages between Consultancy; Tata Motors Ltd; Tata Steel Ltd.; Engineers Asia and Africa.
RIS, the Indian think tank for AAGC, India Ltd; and Kirloskar Brothers Ltd. participated in has provided lead to the process of conceptualisation the deliberations.

Shri Keshav Chandra, Joint Secretary, and formulating the vision document.

In order to Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and engage the Indian firms and businesses in this initiative Industry and Mr Prasanna V. Salian, Dy.
Secretary, and spreading awareness about the initiative, RIS and Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, EXIM Bank of India jointly organised a one-day seminar gave their valuable suggestions at the consultation on “Approaching African Continent through AAGC” meeting.

The EXIM Bank was represented by Mr David at Mumbai on May 17, 2019.
The seminar raised Rasquinha, ED; Mr Samuel Joseph; CGM; Mr David interesting issues relating to the business opportunities Sinate, CGM and Mr Prahalathan S. Iyer, CGM.
From for Indian businesses in the African countries, role of the RIS Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General; Mr private sector, investment prospects and challenges, Seshadri Chari, Member, RIS, Governing Council and financing mechanisms, institutional facilitation and General Body; Mr Rajeev Kher, Distinguished Fellow; policy intervention.
A large number of representatives from the business Ambassador Amar Sinha, Distinguished Fellow; and Mr Subhomoy Bhattacharjee, Consultant, took part in the consultation meeting.

LAUNCH OF INITIATIVE ON GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT RIS, jointly with the Department for International (DFID), United Kingdom, organised Development the launch of an ‘Initiative on Global Development’ on 9 January 2019 at New Delhi.
The initiative 390 Annual Report 2019-20 begins a journey towards the sharing of development Caribbean & Overseas Territories Division, DFID; and experiences, knowledge and technical know-how, Mr Gavin McGillivray, Head, DFID India.

Professor setting forth a new trajectory for an inclusive and Sachin Chaturvedi, DG, RIS made a presentation on the equal partnership.

The partnership is predicated upon ‘Initiative on Global Development’.
the recognition of a diverse development cooperation architecture and existence of a plurality of approaches among developing countries.

The initiative creates a platform for the sharing of India’s development experiences with fellow developing countries in Asia and Africa.

The inauguration of the Initiative was followed by a panel discussion on ‘Contours of Initiative on Global Development’, chaired by Ambassador Amar Sinha, Distinguished Fellow, RIS.
The panelists were Mr Philip Parham, UK’s Envoy to the Commonwealth; Professor Anuradha Chenoy, Chairperson, FIDC; and Dr Rajesh The inaugural session was chaired by Ambassador Tandon, President, Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA).

Mohan Kumar, Chairman, RIS.

Welcome remarks Some key perspectives that emerged in the discussion were given by Ambassador Amar Sinha, Distinguished drew upon the importance of co-convening dialogues Fellow, RIS.
Special remarks were given by Mr Manoj among all stakeholders in developing countries aimed Bharati, Additional Secretary (Economic Diplomacy towards mobilisation and systemisation of knowledge, and States Division), Ministry of External Affairs, taking local to the global.

The discussion was followed Government of India; Mr Pete Vowles, Director, Asia, by a question and answer session.
REFORM MULTILATERAL BODIES TO REFLECT PRESENT GLOBAL REALITY: AMBASSADOR ANIL SOOKLAL South Africa has called for reforms within the UN permanent divide between the P2 and P3.” He added: system, the UN Security Council (UNSC), the Bretton “This is the semi-paralysis that we have in the (entire) Woods Institutions (the International Monetary Fund, multilateral system.
We have to use platforms like IMF and the World Bank), and the WTO to make these BRICS to constantly address these fault-lines and international bodies reflect the current reality of the see how we constantly keep it on the radar, until we global community.
It also wanted the leading emerging build enough momentum to get consensus for these economies bloc BRICS (comprising Brazil, Russia, India, views (on reforms) to prevail.” The senior diplomat was China and South Africa) to focus on ways to address the addressing an audience comprising academics and prevailing ‘semi-paralysis’ in the multilateral system.

students at the Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Advocating reforms within these multilateral Thiruvananthapuram.
institutions, Ambassador Anil Sooklal, the Deputy Pointing out that the 75th anniversary of the UN will Director General of the Department of International soon be celebrated (in the year 2020), the Ambassador Relations and Cooperation in South Africa and South said: “We still have P5, but how effective is this P5?

Africa’s Sherpa (or emissary) in the BRICS, in IBSA and There will come a time when it becomes irrelevant.
also in the G20 countries, and Senior Adjunct Fellow, You will have other major global players that flex their RIS, said: “You (now) have a UN system that is semi- muscle on the global scene and with such an impact paralysed.

You have a UNSC that adopts resolutions that you will have to change the structure (of the UN).

that no one pays any heed to.


And now you have a Time and the changing global environment will take 391 Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) care of that.” He was responding to questions after ‘Relevance of Gandhi in the 21st Century’, organised delivering a lecture on ‘Cooperation among Emerging in association with the RIS.
Ambassador Sooklal spoke Economies and Global Governance: Lessons from about the commonalities in the lives of Mahatma BRICS Experience’ at the CDS on January 30, 2019.

Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, and how the principles The event was organised in association with the RIS.

and philosophies that they stood for including non- In his lecture, Ambassador Sooklal also touched upon violence, truth and sustainable development are various aspects including the need to strengthen relevant today.
He also pitched for creation of a New cooperation between countries in the global South and World Order based on the principles followed by Gandhi the importance of getting more value out of meetings and Mandela as well as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the at the global and regional platforms including G20, world is one family) and Ubuntu (‘I am because we are’ BRICS and IBSA.
Besides, he sought greater people-to- or the belief in a universal bond of sharing that links people interaction in BRICS countries and improving partnerships between think-tanks in BRICS countries.

the entire humanity).


He also delivered lectures on 2 February 2019, at Ahmedabad which was organised The Ambassador also suggested expanding BRICS jointly with Gujarat Institute of Development Research outreach programs, including more points of interest of and Gujarat Vidyapith on the theme “Gandhi Mandela the developing world in the G20 Summit declarations.
Legacy” and on “India and South Africa in Africa,” During his India visit, he also spoke at the Pondicherry University’s UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of South Asia Regional Cooperation (UMISARC)-Centre for South Asian Studies.

He delivered a lecture on the organised by the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi on 28 January 2019.
INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH MS ARMIDA SALSIAH ALISJAHBANA, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, UN-ESCAP Ms Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary, West Asia Office, UNESCAP; Dr Rajan Sudesh Ratna, UN-ESCAP visited RIS on 22 January 2019 for an Economic Affairs Officer, UNESCAP; Mr K. L. Thapar, interactive session.
Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, DG, Chairman, Asian Institute of Transport Development; RIS gave the welcome remarks which were followed and Mr Pranav Kumar, Head, International Trade Policy by presentation on RIS work programme by faculty also joined the interactive session.

members.

Dr Nagesh Kumar, Director, South and South- THE YOUNG DIPLOMATS CONCLAVE 2.0-ENERGISING INDO-ASEAN TIES RIS, jointly with the Vision India Foundation (VIF) Ambassador A.K.

Banerjee, IFS (Retd.)


and Professor organised the Young Diplomats Conclave 2.0-Energising Sachin Chaturvedi, DG, RIS made initial remarks.

The Indo-ASEAN Ties at New Delhi on 17 January 2019.

First Session on ‘The role of Indo-ASEAN relationship 392 Annual Report 2019-20 in meaningfully shaping the regional architecture in Gautam Kumar Jha, JNU addressed on Understanding Indo-Pacific’ was chaired by Ambassador Amar Sinha, Indo-ASEAN civilizational interrelatedness.

Mr Rajeev Distinguished Fellow, RIS.


In this session Mr Sanjay Kher, Distinguished Fellow, RIS chaired the session Pulipaka, Senior Fellow, NMML spoke on ‘ASEAN on RCEP and the Regional Economic Architecture- centrality in the dynamics of Indo-Pacific’ and Professor Opportunities, Challenges, and the Way Forward.

Harsh.

V. Pant, Kings College London addressed on Mr Pranav Kumar, Head International Trade Policy, Evolution of ‘Quad’ as a strategic concept.
The session The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) spoke on on ‘India -ASEAN: Different but related cultures’ was Promoting Cross-Border Trade with The Association chaired by Ms Arunima Gupta, VIF.

H.E.

Mr Sidharto of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The Closing Reza Suryodipuro, Ambassador, Embassy of Indonesia Remarks were given by Mr Shobhit Mathur, Executive gave an address on Leveraging Indo-Indonesia linkages Director, VIF.

of past for building a mutually beneficial relationship.
Dr SEMINAR ON ‘ROLE OF MACROPRUDENTIAL POLICY IN PROMOTING FINANCIAL STABILITY’ RIS, jointly with Jindal School of Government and Alok Sheel, RBI Chair Professor, ICRIER; Mr Ludovik Public Policy, organised a seminar on ‘Macroprudential Odor, Vice Governor of the National Bank of Slovakia; Policy’ on 14 March 2019 at RIS.

Professor Sachin and Mr Bandula Jayasekara, Visiting Fellow, RIS.

Chaturvedi, DG, RIS made the welcome remarks.

H.E.
H.E.

Mr Ivan Lancaric, Ambassador and Ms Katarina Professor R. Sudarshan, Dean, School of Government Tomkova, Deputy Chief, Embassy of the Slovak and Public Policy, O.P.

Jindal Global University gave Republic in New Delhi and Professor Biswajit Banerjee, initial remarks.
Mr Marek Licak, Director of the Chief Economist, Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Macroprudential Policy, Department of the National Republic & Professor of Economics, Ashoka University Bank of Slovakia made lead presentation, which was also joined the participants on this occasion.

followed by panel discussion.


The panelists were: Dr REGIONAL CONSULTATION ON PROMOTION OF INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINES: CHALLENGES AND BEST PRACTICES The Forum on Indian Traditional Medicine (FITM) University, Bengaluru; and Shri Arvind Varchaswi, organised a Regional Consultation on “Promotion Managing Director, Sri Sri Tattva, Bengaluru.

of Indian Systems of Medicines: Challenges and Best Practices” in Bengaluru on 20th March 2019.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH delivered the inaugural address.
The eminent speakers in the inaugural session included Shri Rajeev Kher, Former Commerce Secretary and Distinguished Fellow, RIS; Dr B. R. Ramakrishna, Vice Chancellor S-VYASA The consultation had four sessions on separate themes like ‘Product Standards and Quality Assurance: Successes and Challenges’, ‘Quality Services: Standardisation Mechanisms’, ‘Internationalisation of Indian Systems of Medicine: Sharing strategies for domestic preparedness’ and ‘Medicinal plants governance: Best 393 Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) practices in conservation and cultivation’.
The eminent A large number of industry representatives besides panellists included, among others, Shri Pramod Kumar government officials and academia participated in the Pathak, Additional Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH; Shri meeting.
The deliberations highlighted the challenges Sudhanshu Pandey, Additional Secretary, Department that the AYUSH sector is facing and suggested various of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Dr steps that the government and the industry should Balakrishna Pisupati, Chairperson and Trustee, Forum take to promote the sector.

Special focus was paid to for Law, Environment, Development and Governance the issues of the MSME sector.
Dr Namrata Pathak, (FLEDGE), Bengaluru, and Smt Meenakshi Negi, Research Associate, RIS gave the vote of thanks.

Commissioner, Department of AYUSH; Karnataka.

DISCUSSION MEETING ON CAN ECONOMIC MULTILATERALISM SURVIVE?

A Discussion Meeting with Mr Jean Pisani-Ferry, Dr Mohan Kumar, Chairman, RIS chaired.

Mr Rajeev former founder and head of the Bruegel Think Tank Kher, Distinguished Fellow welcomed the chief guest set up at Brussels and also former Commissioner and other participants.
Participants included: Dr General for Policy Planning of the French Government, Sudhanshu Pandey, Additional Secretary, Department former Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Council of Commerce, MoC&I; Dr Suman Bery, former Director of Economic Advisors was held on 8 January 2019 General, NCAER; Dr Ramgopal Agarwala, Distinguished at India International Centre.

Mr Jean Pisani-Ferry Fellow, NITI Aayog; and Dr Mukesh Bhatnagar, Centre spoke on ‘Can Economic Multilateralism Survive?’.

for WTO Studies.
for WTO Studies.

IMPROVED ACCESS TO MEDICINES AND EVIDENCE BASED POLICY IN HEALTH RIS had coordinated a study on the patient health on Evidence Based Policy Making in Health, and, adherence and monitoring, involving health workers Access to Medicines and Incentivizing Innovation in (ASHAs) and their using a mobile app for data Drug R&D)., funded by European Research Council management.
The study was conducted at five taluks (ERC) with University of Calgary, University of in Ernakulam District, Kerala, covering a population Central Lancashire (UCLAN), and RIS as the partner of one lakh.

From this, patients with Cardio-Vascular institutions.
As the study was conducted in partnership Diseases (CVDs) were identified, and their health and with Kerala government departments and local bodies, response to health communications were monitored the findings are considered relevant for public health and followed up.

Findings from an earlier study, that policy- making in Kerala and of course for other states paved the way for this study, have also been published also.
In this regard, RIS had organised dissemination in peer reviewed journals, including BMJ Open, Indian workshop at Thiruvananthapuram on 26 June 2019 Heart Journal and International Journal of Cardiology.

and a Consultation Meeting at New Delhi on 28 June This study was done under REWARD Project (focuses 2019.

394 Annual Report 2019-20 RIS-DST-NIAS SEMINAR ON SCIENCE DIPLOMACY RIS with the support from the Department of development of the twentieth century.
However, it Science & Technology (DST) had launched a ‘Science was also highlighted that such cooperations have been Diplomacy Programme’ jointly with NIAS, Bengaluru.

limited somewhat to the scientific community only The programme realise the potential of the Science with very little involvement of the state.

Therefore, is Diplomacy through capacity-building, developing of a need for greater engagement of the government in networks and for strategic thinking.
leveraging the potential of science diplomacy to use it As part of this programme, RIS-NIAS also organised Seminar on Science Diplomacy on 22 April 2019 at New Delhi to discuss emerging narratives from India on the theory and practice of science diplomacy and also to present India’s successful endeavors in the domain of space, nuclear and aerospace using science diplomacy.

Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Director- General, RIS initiated the programme by welcome address.
Thereafter, Special Address was given by Professor V. S. Ramamurthy, Former Secretary, Department of Science and Technology and Professor Emeritus, NIAS.
Dr Sadhna Relia, Head (International Cooperation), Department of Science and Technology, gave Keynote remarks; which was followed by remarks of Dr Bhaskar Balakrishnan, Science Diplomacy Fellow, RIS and Former Indian Ambassador and of Professor D. Suba Chandran, Dean, School of Conflict and Security Studies, NIAS and Coordinator, NIAS Science Diplomacy Initiative.

During the seminar, the distinguished speakers highlighted the role of science diplomacy in the present era and deliberated on emerging issues.
The main point for the national development and economic growth of the nation.

India’s lead role in establishing International Solar Alliance (ISA) at New Delhi, has been seen as a remarkable instance of successful science diplomacy endeavour in recent times.

It was also pointed out during the deliberations that India needs to engage more in S&T partnerships with other developing countries of the neighbourhood.
Given India’s proven strength in S&T endeavours, its utilisation for diplomatic gains in Asian region and select countries in the other regions, needs to be explored further.

Ideas such as establishing an “Open University” catering to all developing countries in the neighbourhood and promoting “Telemedicine” to enable healthcare reach across the wider population across the region, can be taken up to accelerate India’s efforts in science diplomacy.
During the seminar, many valuable outcomes emerged towards strengthening India’s science diplomacy efforts.

Setting-up of a High- technology S&T infrastructure facility and of a High- tech S&T Incubation (Interface) Centre for show-casing S&T products/services, reviewing and facilitating adoption can be explored further in the future.

The detailed agenda is available on the RIS website: www.
that emerged is: Science and Technology cooperation ris.org.in as a formal diplomatic tool has been a very significant SEMINAR ON DIGITAL ECONOMY, E-COMMERCE AND THE WTO The Digital Technology has acquired the center constitution of a plurilateral group on e-Commerce in stage in the global trade discourse.

It has manifested the WTO Ministerial Meeting at Buenos Aires.
Lately, in different ways, such as the proposal on the India has also drafted an e-commerce Policy to create Permanent Moratorium on Electronic Transmission and a regulatory and developmental profile in a rapidly 395 Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) rising sector.

India had chosen not to participate in the the lead speaker.

Ambassador Jayant Dasgupta, former Plurilateral Discussion on e-commerce in the WTO.
Indian Ambassador to WTO and Mr A. K. Garg, Director, Thus, there are several issues in the realm of the digital Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology technology, which are needing apt attention of policy- were the main interveners.

makers and experts globally.


The next session on Importance of Data Protection, To deliberate upon some of these important issues, RIS Sharing and Processing: Challenges and Opportunities had organised a Consultation on “e-Commerce” on 5 for India had Mr Kiran Karnik, former President, June 2019.

Ambassador Mohan Kumar, Chairman, RIS, NASSCOM, as the main speaker.

Mr Anand Krishnan, had chaired the inaugural session.
Professor Sachin Data Security Council of India and Mr Arvind Gupta, Chaturvedi, Director General, RIS, made introductory Head, Digital India Foundation, were interveners.

The remarks.

It was followed by inaugural Address by Mr concluding session was on Draft National E-Commerce Sudhanshu Pandey, Additional Secretary, Department Policy; in which Mr Shailender Singh, Additional of Commerce.
Mr Rajeev Kher, Distinguished Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry Fellow, RIS, chaired the first working session on and Internal Trade was the main speaker with the the Moratorium on Electronic Transmission and intervention by Mr Abhijit Das, Head, Centre for WTO e-Commerce discussions in WTO in which Ms Rashmi Studies.
Banga, Senior Economic Affairs Officer, UNCTAD was INDIA-AFRICA PARTNERSHIP IN AGRICULTURE India and Africa share a long history of friendship and Session 1 on India-Africa Cooperation in Agriculture: cooperation.

While bilateral development cooperation Prospects and Challenges was chaired by Dr Suresh between them is expanding both the regions are Pal, Director, ICAR-National Institute of Agricultural facing certain common challenges, particularly in the Economics and Policy Research.
Dr Alka Bhargava, areas of food and nutrient security and productivity.

Additional Secretary (International Cooperation), The Indian government has been promoting many Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers’ initiatives to strengthen India-Africa cooperation in Welfare was the chairman for the Session 2 on agricultural sector.

As efforts are being made for the India-Africa Cooperation in Agricultural R&D and next India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS), many issues Technologies.
The concluding session was chaired by and opportunities are emerging.

Keeping this in Dr Arabinda Mitra, Scientific Secretary, Office of the view, RIS has been actively facilitating discussions on Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India.

various aspects of the India-Africa cooperation in the Dr Neena Malhotra, Joint Secretary, MEA, delivered agricultural sector.

In continuation of this endeavour, the special remarks.
Dr Nafees Meah, South Asia RIS, in collaboration with the International Rice Representative, IRRI, presented the Takeaways from Research Institute (IRRI) had organised a “Roundtable the Discussion.

on India-Africa Partnership in Agriculture” on 7 June 2019.

H.E.

Mr Ben Joubert, Acting High Commissioner, South African High Commission, New Delhi, chaired the inaugural session.
Many new ideas had emerged during the deliberations, which would be very well fed into the wider work programme of the RIS connected with Asia and Africa, where possibilities of sectoral specificities are being 396 Annual Report 2019-20 explored, as India prepares for the India-Africa Forum by Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited Summit (IAFS) in the next year.

The first point that needs (IL&FS) is a case in point.
The final key point is in terms to be underlined is the significant role of SDGs in helping of the role of institutions.

Indian institutions are getting Africa move forward and how STI can be leveraged for linked with Africa, and also international institutions addressing issues in hand.

Second issue is in terms and Indian institutions are coming together in the form of how India’s own development experience, India’s of support mechanisms, which are very important.
own policy fabric, that can be made relevant in terms This is what India has been emphasising in terms of of carrying forward the partnership between India- engagement with Africa.

To strengthen the process Africa in different sectors including agriculture, blue of institutionalization, successful example of setting- economy, fisheries and livestock.
Third key point is the up of thirteen African Centres of Excellence by India need for scaling-up the successful interventions made in various African countries is a significant endeavour so far by the Indian partners in African countries.

The experience of Cotton-4 project carried out successfully towards strengthening the partnership.
SPECIAL SESSION ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE RIS is following closely the emerging global trends in Science and Engineering, IIT Madras; Ms Sindhushree Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and governance Khullar, Member, RAC of RIS; Dr V. Siddhartha, and the challenges before the policymakers and former Secretary of Science Advisory Council to the regulators especially in India and for developing Prime Minister of India; Dr Bhaskar Balakrishnan, countries, in general.
Keeping this in view, RIS had Science Diplomacy Fellow, RIS and Former Indian organised a brief brainstorming session on 23 April Ambassador; Dr Sadhana Relia, Head, International 2019 with an objective to map research on AI and Cooperation, Department of Science & Technology; society and to identify broad themes and concerns, and Dr S. R. Rao, Adviser, Department of Biotechnology; then develop a road map for further research on ethical, Ms Kavita Bhatia, Director, Ministry of Electronics social and legal implications of AI and its governance.
and Information Technology; Shri Mayank, Scientist D, The programme began with welcome remarks by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, RIS.

From RIS, Dr Ravi Srinivas, Consultant; Shri Subhomoy Ambassador S.T.

Devare, Chairman, Research Advisory Bhattacharjee, Consultant; Dr Sabyasachi Saha, Council (RAC) of RIS, chaired the session.
The prominent Assistant Professor; Dr Amit Kumar, Research speakers were: Shri Rajeev Kher, Distinguished Associate; Ms Nimita Pandey, Research Associate and Fellow, RIS; Shri Amar Sinha, Distinguished Fellow, Ms Geetika Khanduja, Research Assistant also attended RIS; Professor V. Kamakoti, Department of Computer the session.
397 Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) TRILATERAL HIGHWAY AND ITS IMPLICATION ON INDIA’S NORTHEAST REGION: INTERACTION WITH TAMU BORDER AUTHORITY RIS has been conducting a new study entitled “Trilateral The meeting was attended by District Collector, Tamu; Highway and Its Implication on India’s Northeast Region”.
In Department of Trade, Customs; Trade Chambers from connection with this study, a four-member study team, Moreh and Tamu, and other stake holders and business led by Dr Prabir De, Coordinator, ASEAN-India Centre community from India and Myanmar.

Deliberations (AIC) at RIS, visited Tamu and met with Tamu Border were held on border trade, procedures, impediments, Trade officials at Tamu, Myanmar on 9 April 2019.
The setting up a Joint Border Trade Committee, Rupee meeting was attended by Indian Consul General, Mr Nandan Singh Bhaisora.

Besides, Professor Priyaranjan Trade, early completion of connectivity projects, e-visa, border pass, air and bus connectivity, Motor Vehicle Singh, Manipur University also attended the meeting.

Agreement and various other issues.


SEMINAR ON ACT EAST: INDIA’S TRADE AT NORTHEASTERN BORDER RIS organised a Seminar on “Act East: India’s Trade In particular, Dr De talked about previous and recent field at Northeastern Border” on 3 June 2019, New Delhi.

visits to Northeast India and drew several findings and Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, policy recommendations for unlocking the potentials RIS made welcome remarks.
Ambassador Gautam of Northeast region and various border connectivity Mukhopadhyay chaired the seminar and made opening projects and initiatives.

Mr Vanlalruata Fanai, Assistant remarks.

Dr Prabir De, Coordinator, ASEAN-India General Manager, Research and Analysis Group, EXIM Centre (AIC) at RIS made a presentation on “Act East: Bank was the discussant.

The seminar was attended by Trade in Northeast India”.
His presentation broadly research scholars, government officials, diplomats and covered challenges and opportunities in trade with among others.

neighbourng countries under the Act East Policy (AEP).

INDIA-CENTRAL ASIA: TRADITIONAL TIES AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP India has always prioritized strengthening of the programme began with welcome remarks by Professor development cooperation with the Central Asian Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, RIS.

Ambassador Countries.


Considering the need, RIS had organised Alok Dimri, Ambassador of India to Kyrgyzstan was the a Seminar on ‘India-Central Asia: Traditional Ties and lead speaker.

His exposition was followed by discussions Development Partnership’ on 4 April 2019, chaired by by H. E. Mr Asein Isaev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Ambassador Amar Sinha, Distinguished Fellow.
The Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic; H. 398 Annual Report 2019-20 E. Mr Shalar Geldynazarov, Ambassador, Embassy of India and Dr Ram Upendra Das, Head and Professor, Turkmenistan; Mr A’zamjon Mansurov, First Secretary, Centre for Regional Trade, Indian Institute of Foreign Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Uzbekistan in Trade.
FTAS AND INDIAN ECONOMY A Discussion Meeting on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka besides, India, to and Indian Economy was organized on 9 May 2019 discuss the key opportunities as well as challenges for at RIS.
The eminent persons involved actively in the leveraging the subregional and regional cooperation discussions were: Shri Sudhanshu Pandey, Additional for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I); in South Asia.
The programme began with opening Mr Ashwani Mahajan, National Convenor, Swadeshi remarks by Dr Nagesh Kumar, Head, United Nations Jagaran Manch; Mr Dammu Ravi, Joint Secretary, ESCAP South and South-West Asia Office (UNESCAP- MoC&I; Dr Rathin Roy, Director, NIPFP; Dr Abhijit SSWA) and Dr Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, Das, Head, Centre for WTO Studies, IIFT; Mr Anilesh Research and Information System for Developing Mahajan; and Dr Ram Upendra Das, Head, Centre for Countries (RIS).
The eminent speakers included: Mr Regional Trade.

Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Director Nazir Kabiri, Executive Director, Biruni Institute, General, ; Professor S. K. Mohanty; Ambassador Afghanistan; Dr Selim Raihan, Executive Director, Amar Sinha, Distinguished Fellow; and Mr Rajeev SANEM, Bangladesh; Mr Sonam Tashi, Chief, Policy & Kher, Distinguished Fellow from RIS to part in the Planning Division, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Bhutan; deliberations.
Regional Policy Dialogue on “Harnessing the Potential of Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Development in South Asia” RIS jointly with UN-ESCAP organised a Regional Policy Dialogue on “Harnessing the Potential of Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Development in South Asia” Dr Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), India; Mr Dilip Chenoy, Secretary-General, FICCI; Dr Posh Raj Pandey, Chairman, South Asia Watch on Trade Economics and Environment (SAWTEE), Nepal; and Dr Dushni Weerakoon, Executive Director of the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS), Sri Lanka.
Earlier the delegates also visited RIS for an interactive session on 20 November 2019 at New Delhi.

It brought together with RIS Faculty.
renowned heads of Think Tanks from Afghanistan, NON-TRADITIONAL ECONOMIC AND SECURITY RISK GLOBALIZED WORLD IN A RIS, in partnership with The Institute for Policy, The Conference brought together subject experts from Advocacy, and Governance (IPAG) Asia Pacific the non-traditional security and economic landscapes organised an International Conference on ‘Non- to deliberate on the multitude of economic and security traditional Economic and Security Risk in a Globalized threats confronting the global community and would World’ on Thursday, 28 November 2019 at New Delhi.
come up with policy strategies and options to address 399 Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) them.
The programme included the following sessions: the Cyber World on Regional Economies and Human Environmental & Energy Security; Migration; Business and Economic Security Session; Impact of Trans-National Crime and Rise of STRENGTHENING INDIA-AFRICA ECONOMIC RELATIONS RIS has initiated a major substantive research Head-Global Initiatives, IL&FS Clusters Development programme on trade, investment, technology and Initiative Ltd., Mr Nadeem Panjetan, Chief General finance related cooperation with Africa.
Considering Manager, EXIM Bank; Professor Ajay Kumar Dubey, this, a consultation was organised on 27 June 2019 for JNU; Dr Shahid Ahmed, formerly Professor and exploring way forward in identifying key priorities, key Head, Jamia Millia Islamia; Professor Suresh Kumar, challenges and possible institutional cooperations and formerly, Dept of African Studies, University of Delhi; responses.

A large number of distinguished participants and Dr Ruchita Beri, IDSA.
From RIS, Professor Sachin took part in the deliberations were: Ambassador Chaturvedi, Dr S.K.

Mohanty; Ambassador Amar Sinha; Satish Mehta; Ambassador Ajit Kumar; Ambassador Ambassador Bhaskar Balakrishnan; Dr P.K.
Anand; Mr Divyabh Manchanda; Ambassador Ajjampur Rangaiah Krishna Kumar; Dr Ravi Srinivas; Dr Beena Pandey; Mr Ghanashyam; Ambassador Radhika Lokesh; Mr G Arun S. Nair; Dr Sabyasachi Saha; Dr Priyadarshi Dash; V Srinivas, Joint Secretary, MEA; Mr Mohit Yadav, Dr Amit Kumar; Dr Sushil Kumar; Ms Nimita Pandy; Dr Director (C&WA), MEA; Mr E. B. Rajesh, International Abha Jaiswal; Mr M.C.

Arora; and Dr Namrata Pathak Regional Director–Africa, CII; Dr Milan Sharma, took part in discussion.
LAUNCH OF JOURNAL OF ASIAN ECONOMIC INTEGRATION ASEAN-India Centre (AIC) at RIS jointly with ASEAN Asia, including investigation of current research, Studies Center (ASC) and India Studies Centre at international comparisons and country studies.

There Chulalongkorn University organised the launch of was a panel discussion on “Asian Integration: Emerging Journal of Asian Economic Integration at Chulalongkorn Trends and Challenges”, which was moderated by Dr University, Bangkok, Thailand on 6 June 2019.
Piti Srisangnam, Director, Academic Affairs, ASEAN Professor Suthiphand Chirathivat, Executive Director, Studies Centre, Chulalongkorn University.

The panelist ASEAN Studies Centre (ASC) made the Opening were: Dr Mia Mikic, Dr Charit Tingsadadh, Associate Remarks.

Dr Mia Mikic, Director, Trade, Investment Professor and former Director, Centre for European and Innovation, UNESCAP, Bangkok gave Special Studies, Chulalongkorn University; Dr Prabir De, Remarks.
The Journal of Asian Economic Integration Professor and Coordinator, ASEAN-India Centre (AIC) (JAEI), jointly published by the ASEAN-India Centre at RIS, New Delhi; and Dr Witada Aunkoonwattaka, (AIC) at RIS and ASEAN Studies Center (ASC) of Economic Affairs Officer, UNESCAP.

At the end Dr Chulalongkorn University, provides detailed coverage Prabir De delivered the Vote of Thanks.
of a wide range of topics in economics relating to 400 Annual Report 2019-20 CONSULTATION ON THE STUDY ON ‘EXPORT PROMOTION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS SECTOR: STRATEGY FOR SELECT MEDICINAL PLANTS’ To discuss the issues raised by various Ministries followed by observations made by Mr Pramod Kumar concerned and the stakeholders before taking up the Pathak, Additional Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH; Mr next step, a Consultation on the Study on ‘Export Shyamal Misra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce; Promotion of Medicinal Plants Sector: Strategy for Mr Anil Kumar Jain, Chairman, National Biodiversity Select Medicinal Plants’ was held on 15 April 2019 at Authority; Ms Amarjeet Ahuja (IAS Retd.
), Chairman RIS.

The meeting began with welcome remarks by Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Director-General, RIS.

Mr Rajeev Kher, Former Commerce Secretary and Distinguished Fellow, RIS, delivered the Special Address and Dr Salahuddin Ayyub, Research Associate, RIS, made a presentation on the current status of the study.
It was of Expert Committee on Medicinal Plants, National Biodiversity Authority; Mr Aswin K. Nayak, Chairman, SHEFEXIL; Prof Tanuja Manoj Nesari, CEO, NMPB; Mr Prahalathan Iyer, Chief General Manager, EXIM Bank; and Dr Debjani Roy, Executive Director, SHEFEXIL.

At the end, Professor T.C.

James, Visiting Fellow extended the vote of thanks.

ASEAN INDO-PACIFIC OUTLOOK AND INDIA The ‘Indo-Pacific’ construct has gained significant ASEAN countries had presented their respective attention in the recent years.
Both, India and ASEAN, Indo-Pacific narratives.

On 20 March 2019, Indonesia occupy important strategic positions in the region.

had hosted a High-Level Indo-Pacific Dialogue at India believes in an Indo-Pacific that is free, open and Jakarta.

Thailand, being the ASEAN’s Chair, is actively inclusive, and one that is founded upon a cooperative and engaged in shaping the Indo-Pacific agenda, and it is collaborative rules-based order.
This finds resonance important to understand the Thailand’s Indo-Pacific not just across the region but across the entire world.

strategy.

To analyse these issues in the light of the Indo-Pacific is a region where several Asian powers are above backdrop, Dr Suriya Chindawongse, Director- again rising; especially in geo-economic terms.
While General, Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of ASEAN centrality has been accepted, ASEAN and Foreign Affairs of Thailand delivered a RIS breakfast India can work together in building the Indo-Pacific.

talk on “ASEAN Indo-Pacific Outlook and India” on 10 As maritime neighbours, sharing a common maritime April 2019 at RIS.

H.E.

Mr Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Thai domain, a common dependence on the oceans and Ambassador to India, also joined in the deliberations.
seas and a common understanding of the importance The Seminar was chaired by Ambassador Anil Wadhwa, of sustainable exploitation of ocean resources, ASEAN former Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, and India can be ideal partners in advancing Indo- Government of India.

A large number of participants Pacific partnership.

took part in open discussion.


401 Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) US-INDIA TRADE RELATIONS India-U.S. bilateral relations have developed into Against this backdrop, strategic relation with India a “global strategic partnership”, based on shared has stayed on an even keel.

However, trade relation democratic values and increasing convergence of between the two democracies has taken a beating as interests on bilateral, regional and global issues.
The a result of several of the current US administration’s US and India are long-standing partners in trade.

RIS initiatives including the imposition of tariffs on steel has been engaged in conducting research on US-India and aluminum, ending the Generalized System of economic relations.

As part of this work programme, Preferences (GSP) programme for India and threatening RIS organised a Seminar on US-India trade relations India’s interests in service sector trade.

It was also on 25 July 2019 at RIS.


Dr Surupa Gupta, Associate argued that the trade spat is a part of a longer-term, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at the University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, normative battle between India and the United States over global norms on trade.

At the same time, while USA, was the main speaker.


In her presentation, the speaker highlighted that under the Trump administration, many of the United States’ bilateral relations have seen dramatic disruptions.

further escalation of the trade conflict is possible, its impact on the overall strategic partnership is likely to remain small.

A large number of participants took part in the discussion that followed.
FUTURE ORIENTATION OF BIMSTEC RIS has been actively associated with the work Orientation of BIMSTEC’ on 24 July 2019 at RIS.

programme of The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi- Ambassador Dr Mohan Kumar, Chairman, RIS chaired.

Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation H.E.

Mr Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Ambassador, Embassy (BIMSTEC) since its inception.
Recently, there has of Thailand, New Delhi and Shri Seshadari Chari, been added emphasis on strengthening our ties with Member, RIS, Governing Council was the Distinguished BIMSTEC member countries.

In this context, RIS Discussants.

A large number of participants took part in organized a talk by Hon’ble Mr M. Shahidul Islam, the open discussion.
Secretary General, BIMSTEC on the theme of ‘Future SCIENCE DIPLOMACY AND CAPACITY BUILDING APPLICATION IN SPACE RIS, under its Forum for Indian Science Diplomacy Capacity Building in Space Applications”.
Professor (FISD), launched a monthly Lecture Series on 18th Sachin Chaturvedi, DG, RIS, delivered the introductory September 2019 with the lecture by Dr A Senthil remarks highlighting the crucial role of STI in Kumar, Director, Centre for Space Science and addressing various societal challenges as well as SDGs.
Technology Education in Asia-Pacific (CSSTEAP) (a The invited speaker, Dr Senthil Kumar dwelled upon UN Centre), Dehradun on “Science Diplomacy and various facets on Indian space science and technology 402 Annual Report 2019-20 education and applications.

He highlighted the nine Pacific countries have benefited from these capacity societal areas which are benefited from the space data.

building programmes.


India has also shared its self- These are namely disasters, health, agriculture, energy, learning education dashboard “SWAMI” (System for climate, water, weather, ecosystems and biodiversity.

Weather and Aapdaa Management Information) with In addition, space data are very useful in city planning, its neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka and Nepal.

transportation and communication network.


Dr Senthil Kumar also talked about six dimensions of On the role of CSSTEAP, a unique regional centre set- up by the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UN-OSSA) in 1995, Dr Senthil Kumar elaborated upon the various capacity building and training programmes (including MEA’s ITEC programmes) that the Centre conducts for both national and international professionals, particularly from developing countries in the Asia- Pacific region.
So far, 2217 participants from 36 Asia- Indian Satellite Programme viz.

Space infrastructure, applications, institutionalisation, ground segment, capacity building and international cooperation.

India has cooperation arrangements with 34 countries in the domain of space.

The need for science ‘data’ diplomacy was also stated during the lecture, so that the critical data pertaining to disasters are shared among the countries on time for effective disaster management.
THIRD ASEAN-INDIA WORKSHOP ON BLUE ECONOMY The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Thailand, Connectivity and (4) Maritime Safety and Diplomacy.
jointly with the Ministry of External Affairs of India, The Third ASEAN-India Workshop on Blue Economy the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East raised an in-depth discussion on the blue economy, Asia (ERIA), Jakarta, the National Maritime Foundation which is increasingly seen as a driver of inclusive and (NMF), New Delhi and the Research and Information sustainable economic growth and development.
System for Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi organised the third ASEAN-India Workshop on Blue Economy on 12 September 2019 in Bangkok.

Dr Suriya Chindawongse, Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand delivered the Opening Remarks.

The Keynote Address was delivered by H.E.

Ms Suchitra Durai, Ambassador of India to Thailand.

The Workshop was attended by ASEAN Member States, senior officials and about 100 participants from ASEAN and India.
In ASEAN and India, Blue Economy has been identified as a new pillar of economic activity in the coastal areas and linked hinterlands through sustainable tapping of oceanic resources.

Blue Economy is knowledge intensive with expertise required from many resources, and, thus, there is a need for collaboration between India and ASEAN in terms of pooling in expertise.
As maritime neighbours sharing a common maritime domain, a common dependence on the oceans and seas and a common understanding of the importance The workshop was divided into four sessions to of sustainable utilization of ocean resources, ASEAN facilitate an in-depth discussion on Blue Economy and and India are the ideal partners in taking further to identify specific areas where ASEAN and India can the agenda of the Blue Economy.

With a view to cooperate and work together.


The four sessions were promoting the development of Blue Economy in the (1) Development in the Blue Economy; (2) Sustainable region and enhancing ASEAN-India cooperation in Harnessing of Marine Resources; (3) Maritime Blue Economy, participants suggested several policy 403 Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) recommendations.

Finally, Mr Asi Mamanee, Deputy delivered the Valedictory Address.
Professor Yasuhiro Director General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, Yamada, Special Assistant to the President of ERIA gave Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand delivered the Special Address.

Dr Prabir De, Professor, RIS extended Closing Remarks.

Mr Nikhilesh Giri, Joint Secretary, the vote of thanks.
Indo-Pacific Division, Ministry of External Affairs, India THE LAW OF THE STATE AND THE STATE OF THE LAW RIS alongwith Nani Palkhivala Birth Centenary remarks by Ambassdor (Dr) Mohan Kumar, Chairman, Celebration Steering Committee and India International RIS and Major General Nilendra Kumar (Retd.)

Honorary Centre organised the Palkhivala Memorial Lecture on Secretary, Nani Palkhivala Birth Centenary Celebration ‘The Law of the State and the State of the Law’ by Dr Steering Committee.
Mr N. N. Vohra, President, IIC Bibek Debroy, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council chaired.

to PM on 15 November 2019.

Programme began with CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMMES ITEC Programme on ‘Science Diplomacy’ the certificates were distributed to the participants.

The ITEC-RIS Capacity Building Programme on ‘Science Diplomacy’ was held in RIS during 7-18 January 2019 ITEC Programme on International Economic at RIS.
There were 35 participants from 25 countries Issues and Development Policy participated in this course.

The programme covered the following module: Introduction to Science Diplomacy: Concepts and Contours; Sharing of Experience in Science Diplomacy; Biotechnology and Biodiversity; Climate Change; Cultural Trip; Digital Economy and Emerging Technologies; Technology, Trade and Science Diplomacy; and SDGs and South-South Cooperation.
The programme began with Welcome Remarks by Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, DG, RIS.

Professor K. Vijay Raghavan, Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India addressed the participants.

Remarks were also given by Dr Bhaskar Balakrishnan, Science Diplomacy Fellow, RIS and Former Indian Diplomat and Dr Purnima The ITEC Capacity Building Programme on “International Economic Issues and Development Policy (IEIDP)” was held during 11 February to 8 March 2019.
Thirty participants, including middle level government officials/diplomats, policy practitioners and scholars from 20 countries participated in it.

The programme covered the following key modules: Global Institutional Architecture on Trade and Finance, Regional Dynamism, Economic Integration and Development Cooperation; Infrastructure Financing: Imperatives for Developing Countries and Economy; and Society, Partnerships and Culture: Indian Perspectives.
Eminent Indian experts gave a comprehensive perspective on various Rupal, Director, CEFIPRA.

The Valedictory Session dimensions of these issues.

was held on 18 January 2019, at which Mr Dinkar Asthana, Additional Secretary (DPAII), Ministry of External Affairs addressed the participants.

Thereafter The programme began with Welcome Remarks by Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, DG, RIS.

Mr J.S.
Mr J.S.

Mukul, 404 Annual Report 2019-20 Dean, Foreign Service Institute (FSI) delivered the gave the remarks and Inaugural address was given by inaugural Address.

The Valedictory Session was chaired Mr Rajeev Kher, Distinguished Fellow, RIS.

Professor by Dr Mohan Kumar, Chairman, RIS.

Valedictory Deepak Nayyar, Professor Emeritus, JNU chaired the Address was delivered by Ms Nagma M. Mallick, Joint inaugural session and delivered special lecture.

Secretary (PP&R), MEA.
The following presentations were made by ITEC participants: Group 1 on SDG and Public Policy: by Ms Karina Mariela Jara Tamayo (Ecuador); Group 2 on Infrastructure/ Connectivity/ Renewable Energy by Mrs Minakshi Dabee Hauzaree (Mauritius); Group 3 on Trade (Impact of FTAs on Trade Balance & Capital Flow): by Mr Mosses Lufuke (Tanzania); Group 4 on G20/BRICS: by Mr Helder Paulo Machado Silva (Brazil); Group 5 on Trade (Bargaining Power of Developing Countries in Trade): by Mr Tesfaye Ayalew Mekonen (Ethiopia); and Group 6 on International Financial Architecture, Development Finance and Global Tax Issues: by Dr Hebatallah Hanafi Mahmoud Adam (Egypt).
Fourth RIS-EXIM Bank Summer School on International Trade Theory and Practice The programme exposed students to deeper knowledge of quantitative skills by sharpening their knowledge base on various dimensions of trade theory with the help of eminent subject experts, including high- ranking knowledge providers from all over the country.
It covered not only well-established estimation and interpretation of trade, investment and services data techniques but also enabled them to have a better understanding of evolving trade and finance global architecture.

The two-day practical application workshop was also organised to give them hands on experience to deal with mega data sets for a practical dimension of the theoretical frameworks taught.
The participants were engaged in group assignments on the following themes: India’s Trade Performance; Investment, Finance and Exchange Rate; Technology, GVC, Competitiveness; Multilateralism RIS jointly with EXIM Bank of India had organised the and Regionalism; and Trade and Employment.
The fourth edition of ‘RIS-EXIM Bank Summer School on short research articles prepared by them have been the International Trade Theory and Practices’ during brought out in the publication: “International Trade 10-19 June 2019.

The programme to contribute Theory and Practice: Contemporary Issues.” towards capacity- building of scholars to be specialised in the international trade.
The course covered the following themes — recent developments in trade theory; databases and information on International Trade, tools and techniques in trade analysis; understanding FTAs and regional trading blocs; issues of trade in technology; and trade and development: IPR and new issues.

There were 49 scholars, including two from BIMSTEC Secretariat and one each from three BIMSTEC countries (Bangladesh, Nepal and Thailand who took part).
The programme began with the welcome remarks by Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, RIS, followed by remarks by Professor S. K. Mohanty, RIS.
Mr Debasish Mallick, DMD, Export-Import Bank Sustainable Development Goals In order to create knowledge, awareness and simultaneously exploring the implementation strategies on the SDGs at the national and international level, RIS conducted the second edition of two-week training programme on SDGs under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, at New Delhi on 5-16 August 2019.
The programme had 33 participants from 24 countries.

The group had the benefit of interaction and discourse with eminent experts from the fields of academics and policymaking.

The participants also engaged in group deliberations for preparing analytical position papers reflecting on 405 Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) national and global progress on SDGs.
These papers 2019 with participation of 29 candidates from 16 were published in the Report entitled “Localising SDGs countries representing South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Perspectives from Developing Countries”.

Latin America, Middle East and North Africa, and the Apart from having thematic sessions, study tours were also organised for participants to visit Parliament of India and other line ministries.
They also had the opportunity to have interactive session with the Hon’ble Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog Dr Rajiv Kumar, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Hardeep Singh Puri (who is also Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry) and Shri Pravin Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Trade and Sustainability Caribbean.

The programme had four broad pillars: Biodiversity and bio-safety issues including Convention of Biological Diversity, Nagoya Protocol, etc., Trade in environmentally-sensitive goods and services, non- tariff measures, etc., Financing including green finance, climate finance, regulations, business innovations, etc., and Environmental provisions in FTAs and RTAs.
The participants had the benefit of attending the lectures, and engaging in group assignments on Sustainable Exploitation of Biological Resources in Developing Countries: Genetic Resources for Greater Prosperity; Environmental Good and Services: Challenges and Opportunities for Developing Countries; Green Financing in Developing Countries: Experiences from Mongolia, Kenya and Nigeria; and Environmental In order to enhance capacity among officials and Provisions in Regional Trade Agreements.
These were scholars working in the field of international trade to published in the Report entitled “Emerging Issues on RIS launched a specially tailored “ITEC Programme Trade and sustainability”.

on Trade and Sustainability” in July 2018.

The second edition of the course was organized from 8 to 19 July ITEC PROGRAMME ON LEARNING SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION RIS conducted the Indian Technical and Economic diversity and plurality.
The programme will focus on Cooperation Programme (ITEC) on ‘Learning South- the theoretical framework, global architecture and South Cooperation’ from 11 to 22 November 2019 deliberate upon the pressing challenges faced to usher at New Delhi.

More than 30 participants, including in inclusive development.
The course will also cover middle level government officials/diplomats, efforts and challenges towards regional cooperation practitioners and scholars from over 25 countries and an assessment framework for SSC.

Besides in- participated in the programme.

The programme has house faculty, RIS invited eminent experts to give a been designed to orient the participants towards an comprehensive perspective on these issues for the integrated and multi-dimensional understanding of benefit of participants.
South-South Cooperation (SSC), exposing them to its 406 Annual Report 2019-20 DELEGATIONS RECEIVED AT RIS • Visit of Delegation from Institute of Trade and regional topics of mutual interests, particularly Development (ITD) and Indian Study Centre of BIMSTEC, ASEAN-India cooperation, and India- Chulalongkorn University.

• About 12 members of delegation of ITD and the Indian Study Centre of Chulalongkorn University from Thailand visited AIC at RIS on 15 July 2019.
Dr Surat Horachaikul, Director, Indian Studies Center, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University was Thailand.

Delegation leading the delegation from interacted with us on BIMSTEC and India’s approaches to Bay of Bengal cooperation.

Dr Prabir De made a presentation on “BIMSTEC: Current Status and Opportunities”, followed by an interaction with the delegation members on Thailand perspectives on BIMSTEC and other global issues.

Mr Mahesh Arora, Director China Cooperation.


Delegation was headed by Dr Li Chenyang, Professor and Vice President, Yunnan University, and other members were Dr Lu Guangsheng, Professor, Center for China’s Neighbor Diplomacy Studies, Yunnan University; Dr Liu Peng, Associate Professor, Institute of Myanmar Studies, Yunnan University, Yunnan Province, China; and Mr Zhang Liang, Counselor, Head of Policy Planning Section, Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in India, New Delhi.
Professor Prabir De, Coordinator, ASEAN-India Centre (AIC) at RIS made a presentation on Indian foreign policy and highlighted the potential areas of cooperation between India and China.

(Finance and Administration), RIS also participated • A Media Delegation from Morocco visited RIS on in the discussion.

14 October 2019 for an interactive session.


• A three-member delegation from Yunnan • A Media Delegation from Bhutan visited RIS on 19 University, China visited AIC at RIS on 9th August November 2019 for an interactive session.

2019.

Visitors discussed several bilateral and STIP LECTURE SERIES As part of the STIP Lecture Series, the following • Seventeenth STIP Lecture on “Science, Technology, programmes were organised • Panel Discussion on Science Movements in India on 10 January 2019.
Professor M Jagadesh Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi Chaired.

The panelists were Professor V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Swadeshi Science Movement; and Society: The Challenge of Reaching Out” was delivered by Professor M. Sai Baba, T.V.

Raman Pai, Chair Professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru on 15 February 2019 at New Delhi.

It was charied by Shri Gauhar Raza, Leading Science Communicator and Former Scientist, CSIR.
Dr D. Raghunandan, All India Peoples Science • Eighteenth STIP Lecture on “Development of Solar Network; Professor Dinesh Abrol, Delhi Science Energy in India” was delivered by Dr Arun Kumar Forum and Mr Jayant Sahasrabuddhe, VIBHA.

Tripathi, Director General, National Institute of 407 Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) Solar Energy (NISE) on 12 March 2019.
Dr Ashvini Renewable and Clean-tech” was delivered by Kumar, Senior Director, Renewable Energy, The Mr Manish Chourasia Managing Director, Tata Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) was the Cleantech Capital Limited on 12 August 2019 and Chair.

• Nineteenth STIP Forum Lecture on “Response was chaired by Shri R. R. Rashmi, Distinguished Fellow and Programme Director, TERI.
to emerging infectious diseases in the context of • Twenty-Third STIP Lecture on “Science, Technology urbanization and global warming: where is the & Innovation for Society” was delivered by Dr Science gone?” was delivered by Dr Oliver Telle, Shekhar C. Mande Secretary, DSIR & Director Researcher at CNRS, France de Sciences Humaines, General, CSIR on 19 September 2019 at New Embassy of France, India on 22 April 2019.

It Delhi.
It Delhi.

It was chaired by Dr Chandrima Shaha, was Chaired by Dr Dinkar M. Salunke, Director, Professor of Eminence and Former Director, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi chaired.

National Institute of Immunology and President- Elect, Indian National Science Academy.
• Twentieth STIP Forum Lecture on “Relationship • Twenty-fourth STIP Forum Lecture on ‘Innovation between S&T and Evolution in Methods of and policy in the Energy Revolution: some insights Knowledge Production” was delivered by from Europe’ on 3 October 2019 at New Delhi Professor Ravi B. Grover, Emeritus Professor and by Professor Michael Grubb, Research Director Former VC, Homi Bhabha National Institute and and Professor of Energy and Climate Change, Member, Atomic Energy Commission on 7 June University College London 2019.
Professor Ramamurti Rajaraman, Emeritus Professor of Theoretical Physics, School of Physical Sciences, JNU chaired.
• Twenty-Fifth STIP Forum Lecture on ‘IT Skills Training through Spoken Tutorials for Education and Employment’ on 18 November 2019 at New • Twenty-first STIP Lecture on “Why India Needs Delhi by by Professor Kannan M. Moudgalya, to Strengthen its Quality Infrastructure?” was Erach and Meheroo Mehta Advanced Education delivered by Shri Gauhar Raza, Leading Science Technology Chair Professor, Indian Institute of Communicator and Former Scientist, CSIR o n Technology-Bombay.
Dr Devyani Khobragade, 12 July 2019 at New Delhi.

Joint Secretary, DPA II, Ministry of External Affairs, • Twenty-Second STIP Lecture on “Financing Government of India chaired.
408 Annual Report 2019-20 ANNEXURE I RIS PUBLICATIONS BOOKS/REPORTS ITEC LSSC Report 2019 RIS, New Delhi, 2019 Key Takeaways: Celebrating BAPA+40 DELHI Process - IV South-South and Triangular Cooperation: Theoretical Perspectives and Empirical Realities (Published Year: 2019) The Power of International Value Chains in the Global South ITC and RIS, Geneva, 2019 Raul Prebisch and Development Strategy RIS, New Delhi, 2019 Together Towards a Healthy Future: India’s Partnerships in Healthcare RIS, New Delhi, 2019 Act East: ASEAN-India Shared Cultural Heritage RIS, AIC, New Delhi, 2019 Southern Perspectives on Science and Technology Cooperation, RIS, New Delhi, 2019 Trade and Finance for Development: Southern Perspective RIS, New Delhi, 2019 India’s Economic Engagement with LAC Strategy for Trade and Investment RIS, New Delhi, 2019 Dynamics of IBSA Development Cooperation RIS, New Delhi, 2019 Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs): Evidence from ASEAN-India Trade AIC and RIS, 2019 Sailing to Suvarnabhumi: Cultural Routes and Maritime Landscapes Himanshu Prabha Ray and Susan Mishra, AIC and RIS, 2019 India-Central Asia Partnership: Moving for Regional Development and Connectivity RIS, New Delhi, 2019 International Trade Theory and Practice: Contemporary Issues RIS-EXIM Bank, New Delhi, 2019 409 Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) Global Issue and Local Actions in South-South Cooperation RIS, New Delhi, 2019 Key Takeaways: Delhi Process Fifth Conference on South-South and Triangular Cooperation RIS, New Delhi, 2019 Emerging Issues on Trade and Sustainability RIS, New Delhi, 2019 RIS DISCUSSION PAPERS # 242 Sunetra Ghatak & Prabir De Income Convergence Experiences among Asian Economies: An Empirical Investigation # 241 Prospects of Achieving Sustainable Development Goals Manmohan Agarwal and Adrita Banerjee # 240 Sustainable Agriculture and Nutritional Security: Emerging Policy Options with Production Choices P. K. Anand, Krishna Kumar and Shruti Khanna.
# 239 Monetary Policy Effect on Inflation and Growth Manmohan Agarwal and Irfan Ahmed Shah #238 Pathways for Country’s Official Statistical System to Surmount Over Policy Midget Krishna Kumar and P. K. Anand #237 Trade in Local Currency: Illustration of India’s Rupee Trade with Nepal, Iran and Russia Priyadarshi Dash, Monica Sharma & Gulfshan Nizami #236 Government’s Policies and Growth of Pharmaceutical Industry in India 1947-2018: A Review Prasanta Kumar Ghosh #241 Prospects of Achieving Sustainable Development Goals Manmohan Agarwal and Adrita Banerjee #240 Sustainable Agriculture and Nutritional Security: Emerging Policy Options with Production Choices P. K. Anand, Krishna Kumar and Shruti Khanna #239 Monetary Policy Effect on Inflation and Growth Manmohan Agarwal and Irfan Ahmed Shah 410 Annual Report 2019-20 #240 Sustainable Agriculture and Nutritional Security: Emerging Policy Options with Production Choices P. K. Anand, Krishna Kumar and Shruti Khanna #241 Prospects of Achieving Sustainable Development Goals Manmohan Agarwal and Adrita Banerjee Income Convergence Experiences among Asian Economies: An Empirical Investigation #242 Sunetra Ghatak & Prabir De Journal of Asian Economic Integration Vol.
1, No.1, April 2019, Sage South Asia Economic Journal Vol.20, No.1, March 2019, Sage COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE (2000-2020), RIS & IPS Development Cooperation Review Volume 1 No.

10-12, January-March 2019 Volume 2 No.

1 April 2019 Volume 2 No.

2&3 May-June 2019 Volume 2 No.

1 April 2019 FITM POLICY BRIEFS #3 Medicinal Plant Cultivation for Poverty Reduction: Prospects and Challenges Professor T.C.

James and Dr Namrata Pathak.


#4 Special Wellness Zones for Wellness Tourism: Exploring prospects of creating dedicated ISM hubs Professor T.C.

James and Apurva Bhatnagar.
411 Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) SCIENCE DIPLOMACY NEWS ALERT Issue 22: 16-30 September 2019 Issue 21: 01-15 September 2019 Issue 20: 16-31 August 2019 Issue 19: 01-15 August 2019 Issue 18: 16-31 July 2019 Issue 17: 01-15 July 2019 Issue 16: 16-30 June 2019; Issue 15: 01-15 June 2019 Issue 14: 16-31 May 2019; Issue 13: 01-15 May 2019 Issue 12: 16-30 April 2019; Issue 11: 01-15 April 2019 Issue 8: 16-28 February 2019; Issue 7: 01-15 February 2019; Issue 6: 16-31 January 2019; Issue 5: 01-15 January 2019 RIS POLICY BRIEFS Energy Sector and Financial Markets: Opportunities for India # 87 Subhomoy Bhattacharjee Robotisation of Textile Sector in China: Impact and Imperatives #88 Amit Kumar Science Diplomacy Review Volume 1 No.2, January 2019 RIS Diary Volume 15 No.
2, April 2019 Volume 15 No.

1, January 2019 Volume 15 No.

3, July 2019 412 Annual Report 2019-20 ANNEXURE II Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Railways and Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India delivering the Keynote Address at the Plenary Session I. Shir Suresh Prabhu, Former Minister of Commerce and Industry addressing the participants.
413 Research & Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) LIST OF ANNEXURES ANNEXURE I LIST OF AGREEMENTS/TREATIES SIGNED BY INDIA DURING 2019 ANNEXURE II LIST OF AGREEMENTS/TREATIES RATIFIED/ACCEDED BY INDIA DURING 2019 ANNEXURE III INSTRUMENT OF FULL POWERS ISSUED BY INDIA DURING 2019 ANNEXURE IV SEMINARS, CONFERENCES, ETC PARTIALLY OR WHOLLY FUNDED BY PP&R DIVISION ANNEXURE V REGIONAL PASSPORT OFFICES – STATE/UT-WISE ANNEXURE VI STATE/UT-WISE LIST OF PASSPORT SEVA KENDRAS (PSKS) ANNEXURE VII STATE/UT-WISE LIST OF POST OFFICE PASSPORT SEVA KENDRAS (POPSKS) ANNEXURE VIII MISSIONS/POSTS ABROAD INTEGRATED WITH PASSPORT SEVA PROJECT CADRE STRENGTH AT HEADQUARTERS AND MISSIONS ABROAD AS ON DURING 2019- ANNEXURE IX 20 (INCLUDING POSTS BUDGETED BY M/O COMMERCE, EX-CADRE POSTS AND POSTS ENCADRED FROM MoIA & PoE) ANNEXURE X NUMBER OF IFS OFFICERS WITH PROFICIENCY IN VARIOUS LANGUAGES ANNEXURE XI LIST OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS 414 ANNEXURE I List of Agreements/Treaties* Signed by India during 2019** TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 1 2 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN ON COOPERATION IN HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SWAYAM).
EXTRADITION TREATY BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE 15.03.2019 AFGHANISTAN Resources & Development Ministry Of Human 14.09.2016 AFGHANISTAN Ministry Of External Affairs 3 PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF 31.01.2019 ALGERIA ALGERIA ON VISA EXEMPTION FOR THE HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL / SERVICE PASSPORTS CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF Ministry Of External Affairs 4 THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE 31.01.2019 ALGERIA Ministry Of Culture GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ALGERIA AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND 5 ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA ON EXEMPTION OF VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF 17.09.2019 ANTIGUA AND Ministry of External BARBUDA Affairs DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL PASSPORTS 415 Appendix Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 6 AND THE M/O ELECTRONICS AND 18.02.2019 ARGENTINA Ministry of Communications TITLE JOINT DECLARATION OF INTENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT OF MODERNIZATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARGENTINA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OF INDIA ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF INFORMATION & COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY AND ELECTRONICS.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON ANTARCTIC CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE M/O FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND WORSHIP OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC AND THE M/O EARTH SCIENCES OF INDIA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN INDIA AND ARGENTINA ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF MEDICAL PRODUCTS REGULATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND ARGENTINE REPUBLIC FOR THE 7 8 CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES (IA-CEIT) MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN INDIA AND ARGENTINE REPUBLIC ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF TOURISM MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE GLOBAL CENTER FOR NUCLEAR ENERGY PARTNERSHIP OF INDIA AND THE NATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC 10 11 18.02.2019 ARGENTINA Ministry of Earth Sciences 18.02.2019 ARGENTINA Ministry of Health 18.02.2019 ARGENTINA Ministry of Tourism 18.02.2019 ARGENTINA Department of Atomic Energy 416 9 ESTABLISHMENT OF A INDIA-ARGENTINA 18.02.2019 ARGENTINA Ministry of Information Technology Annual Report 2019-20 TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING OF COOPERATION AND COLLABORATION BETWEEN PRASAR BHARATI, INDIA Ministry of 12 AND THE FEDERAL SYSTEM OF MEDIA 18.02.2019 ARGENTINA Information and Broadcasting 24.08.2019 BAHRAIN Ministry Of Finance 19.08.2019 BAHRAIN Department of Space 08.02.19 BANGLADESH Ministry Of AYUSH AND PUBLIC CONTENTS OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC FOR EXCHANGE OF AUDIOVISUAL PROGRAMME MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN BENEFIT AND NATIONAL PAYMENTS CORPORATION OF INDIA 13 (NPCI) FOR LAUNCH OF “RUPAY CARD” IN BAHRAIN 14 15 STATEMENT OF INTENT ON COLLABORATION BETWEEN INDIA AND BAHRAIN IN THE AREA OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON CO-OPERATION IN THE FIELD OF MEDICINAL PLANTS BETWEEN NATIONAL MEDICINAL PLANT BOARD (NMPB), MINISTRY OF AYUSH AND DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF HEALTH SERVICES, MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE, BANGLADESH MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN NATIONAL CENTRE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE, DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS AND PUBLIC GRIEVANCES, GOVERNMENT Department of
 Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances 16 OF INDIA AND MINISTRY OF PUBLIC 08.02.2019 BANGLADESH ADMINISTRATION, GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH ON TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMME FOR BANGLADESH CIVIL SERVANTS 417 Appendix TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 05.10.2019 BANGLADESH Ministry of Culture 05.10.2019 BANGLADESH Ministry of External Affairs CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S 17 REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH FOR THE YEARS 2020-2022 18 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH CONCERNIG IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LINES OF CREDIT (LOCS) COMMITTED BY THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA TO THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION (ACC) OF BANGLADESH INVESTIGATION (CBI) OF INDIA FOR BILATERAL COOPERATION ON PREVENTING CORRUPTION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI, 20 GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES, GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH 19 AND THE CENTRAL BUREAU OF 08.02.2019 BANGLADESH Ministry of Home Affairs 05.10.2019 BANGLADESH Ministry of Jal Shakti 418 Annual Report 2019-20 Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department TITLE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF 21 INDIA AND THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH 05.10.2019 BANGLADESH AND SPORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH ON COOPERATION IN YOUTH MATTERS AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE GOVERNMENT Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports 22 OF THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN ON MUTUAL EXEMPTION FROM THE 29.7.2019 BENIN Ministry of External Affairs VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC, OFFICIAL/SERVICE PASSPORTS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE FOREIGN SERVICE
 INSTITUTE, MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL 23 AFFAIRS, REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE 29.03.2019 BOLIVIA Ministry Of External Affairs DIPLOMATIC ACADEMY, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT 24 (MOA) ON EXEMPTION FROM VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC PASSPORTS AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND BRUNEI DARUSSALAM FOR THE 01.11.2018 BOTSWANA Ministry Of External Affairs 25 EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AND 08.04.2019 BRUNEI Ministry of Finance ASSISTANCE IN COLLECTION WITH RESPECT TO TAXES 26 CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME BETWEEN INDIA AND CHILE FOR THE YEARS 2019-2022 01.04.2019 CHILE Ministry Of Culture 419 Appendix TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 28 INDIA AND CHILE FOR COOPERATION IN 01.04.2019 CHILE 01.04.2019 CHILE Ministry Of Mines Ministry Of Social Justice And Empowerment Ministry Of Commerce And Industry 09.05.19 CHINA 21.01.2019 CHINA Ministry of Agriculture JOINT LETTER OF RENEWAL FOR THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 27 BETWEEN INDIA AND CHILE CONCERNING COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES JOINT LETTER OF INTENT BETWEEN DISABILITY SECTOR PROTOCOL OF SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY REGULATIONS ON IMPORTING INDIAN CHILLI SPENT BETWEEN EXPORT INSPECTION COUNCIL (EIC) , MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, GOVT OF INDIA AND GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF CUSTOMS, PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA PROTOCOL FOR PHYTOSANITARY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE EXPORT OF TOBACCO LEAVES FROM INDIA TO CHINA BETWEEN INDIA AND CHINA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 29 30 INDIA AND CHINA.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON EXEMPTION OF VISA DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL / SERVICE PASSPORT 32 HOLDERS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 31 ON SPORTS COOPERATION BETWEEN 12.08.2019 CHINA Ministry of Sports 11.10.2019 COMOROS Ministry Of External Affairs 33 ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF ARTS 11.10.2019 COMOROS & CULTURE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 34 FOR COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF 11.10.2019 COMOROS HEALTH & MEDICINE 420 Ministry Of Arts And Culture Ministry Of Health And Family Welfare Annual Report 2019-20 TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 35 PROTOCOL FOR CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN INDIA AND COMOROS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 11.10.2019 COMOROS 36 FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE E-VBAB 11.10.2019 COMOROS NETWORK PROJECT.
AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND COSTA RICA ON EXEMPTION FROM 37 VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF 08.03.2019 COSTA RICA DIPLOMATIC OFFICIAL AND SERVICE PASSPORTS LETTER OF INTENT ON COOPERATION 38 IN THE FIELD OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 08.03.2019 COSTA RICA Ministry Of External Affairs Ministry Of External Affairs Ministry of External Affairs Ministry of Science and Technology BETWEEN INDIA AND COSTA RICA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA ON CO-OPERATION IN THE FIELD OF TOURISM MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN FACULTY OF KINESIOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF ZAGREB AND SPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN ICCR AND UNIVERSITY OF ZAGREB ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ICCR CHAIR FOR SANSKRIT LANGUAGE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN ICCR AND UNIVERSITY OF ZAGREB ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ICCR CHAIR OF HINDI 39 40 41 42 26.03.2019 CROATIA Ministry Of Tourism 26.03.2019 CROATIA Ministry of Sports 26.03.2019 CROATIA 26.03.2019 CROATIA Ministry Of External Affairs Ministry Of External Affairs 421 Appendix TITLE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON MARITIME ISSUES BETWEEN THE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 43 MINISTRY OF SHIPPING OF INDIA AND 18.01.2019 DENMARK THE MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY, BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS OF DENMARK.
AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND Ministry Of Shipping 44 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ON EXEMPTION OF VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF 26.08.2019 DOMINICAN Ministry of External REPUBLIC Affairs DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL PASSPORTS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 45 FOR COOPERATION IN E-GOVERNANCE 21.08.2019 ESTONIA AND EMERGING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 46 FOR COOPERATION IN CYBER SECURITY 21.08.2019 ESTONIA AUGUST 2019 Ministry Of Electronics And Information Technology Ministry Of Electronics And Information Technology AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND ESTONIA ON EXEMPTION FROM VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF 47 DIPLOMATIC PASSPORTS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN NATIONAL SKILL 21.08.2019 ESTONIA Ministry of External Affairs Ministry Of Skill 48 DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, INDIA 23.01.2019 FINLAND Development And AND EDUFI, FINLAND FOR COOPERATION IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION TRAINING MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN MINISTRY OF TOURISM, INDIA Entrepreneurship 49 AND THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC 21.11.2019 FINLAND Ministry Of Tourism AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT, FINLAND FOR COOPERATION IN TOURISM 422 Annual Report 2019-20 50 INDIA AND MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC 22.11.2019 FINLAND TITLE JOINT DECLARATION OF INTENT BETWEEN MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, 51 52 AFFAIRS AND EMPLOYMENT, FINLAND FOR COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF DIGITALIZATION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN INDIA AND FINLAND ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF PEACEFUL USES OF OUTER SPACE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN INDIA AND FINLAND ON COOPERATION IN THE AREA OF CYBER SECURITY ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP, GOVERNMENT 53 OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL EDUCATION AND YOUTH, GOVERNMENT OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC FOR COOPERATION IN SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SOLAR ENERGY (NISE), MINISTRY Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department Ministry Of Electronics And Information Technology
 Department Of Space Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology 10.01.2019 FINLAND 10.01.2019 FINLAND 22.08.2019 FRANCE Development And Ministry Of Skill Entrepreneurs Ministry Of New And Renewable 54 OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY, 22.08.2019 FRANCE Energy, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA AND THE FRENCH ALTERNATIVE ENERGIES AND ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION (CEA) Government Of India 423 Appendix Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department TITLE COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF ADVANCED COMPUTING (C-DAC), 55 AN AUTONOMEMORANDUM OF 22.08.2019 FRANCE UNDERSTANDINGS SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY OF MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ATOS IMPLEMENTING ARRANGEMENT 56 BETWEEN ISRO AND CNES FRANCE FOR JOINT MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 22.08.2019 FRANCE SECURITY AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY 58 INDIA-FRANCE MIGRATION AND MOBILITY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND FRANCE ON THE PREVENTION OF ILLICIT CONSUMPTION AND SUPPRESSION 2019 FRANCE 59 OF ILLICIT TRAFFICKING IN NARCOTIC 2019 FRANCE Ministry Of Electronics And Information Technology Department Of Space Ministry Of (Meity) Ministry Of External Affairs Ministry Of Home Affairs 57 ON INDO-FRENCH ROADMAP ON CYBER 22.08.2019 FRANCE Electronics And It DRUGS, PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES AND CHEMICAL PRECURSORS AND RELATED OFFENCES MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE, MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND THE GAMBIANS ABROAD, REPUBLIC OF GAMBIA JOINT DECLARATION OF INTENT OF 60 07.03.2019 GAMBIA Ministry Of External Affairs 61 REGARDING COOPERATION ON 01.11.2019 GERMANY STRATEGIC PROJECTS 424 Ministry Of Railways Annual Report 2019-20 TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING IN THE FIELD OF OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES, 62 RE-HABILITATION AND VOCAL TRAINING 01.11.2019 GERMANY Ministry Of Labour & Employment 63 64 65
 66 OF INSURED PERSONS WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES JOINT DECLARATION OF INTENT ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING JOINT DECLARATION OF INTENT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BILATERAL COOPERATION PROJECT REGARDING AGRICULTURAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO PROMOTE, ESTABLISH AND EXPAND SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH COOPERATION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ACADEMIC COLLABORATION IN AYURVEDA, YOGA AND MEDITATION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION MANAGEMENT (MANAGE) AND THE 2019 GERMANY Ministry Of Skill Development 2019 GERMANY Not Available 31.10.2019 GERMANY Ministry Of Science Of Technology 31.10.2019 GERMANY Ministry Of AYUSH Ministry Of 67 GERMAN AGRICULTURAL ACADEMY 31.10.2019 GERMANY Agriculture & DEULA IN THE CITY OF NIENBURG ON COLLABORATION IN AGRICULTURAL TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING 68 JOINT DECLARATION OF INTENT ON SKILLS FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH Farmers’ Welfare Siemens Limited, India And 2019 GERMANY Ministry Of Skill Development And Entrepreneurship 425 Appendix TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department IMPLEMENTING ARRANGEMENT FOR 69 EXCHANGE OF PERSONNEL BETWEEN 2019 GERMANY Department Of Space 70 71 ISRO AND GERMAN AEROSPACE CENTRE STATEMENT OF INTENT ON THE KEY ELEMENTS OF THE INDO-GERMAN MIGRATION AND MOBILITY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT DECLARATION OF INTENT ON STRENGTHENING ECONOMIC COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF START UPS JOINT DECLARATION OF INTENT ON 2019 GERMANY Ministry of External Affairs 01.11.2019 GERMANY Ministry of Commerce 72 CONSULTATIONS FOR THE PERIOD 2020- 01.11.2019 GERMANY 24 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING IN THE FIELD OF OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES, 73 RE-HABILITATION AND VOCAL TRAINING 01.11.2019 GERMANY OF INSURED PERSONS WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES JOINT DECLARATION OF INTENT ON 74 INDO-GERMAN PARTNERSHIP FOR 01.11.2019 GERMANY Ministry of External Affairs Ministry of Health
 and Family Welfare Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs GREEN URBAN MOBILITY JOINT DECLARATION OF INTENT REGARDING THE COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF PREVENTION OF MARINE LITTER JOINT DECLARATION OF INTENT ON COOPERATION WITHIN THE INTERNATIONAL SMART CITIES NETWORK JOINT DECLARATION OF INTENT FOR JOINT COOPERATION IN RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 75 76 77 01.11.2019 GERMANY 01.11.2019 GERMANY Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs 01.11.2019 GERMANY Ministry of Science & Technology 426 Annual Report 2019-20 TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 02.08.2019 GUINEA Ministry Of AYUSH 79 ON THE CO-OPERATION IN THE FIELD OF 02.08.2019 GUINEA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON CO-OPERATION IN THE FIELD OF TRADITIONAL SYSTEM OF MEDICINE AND 78 HOMEOPATHY MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING RENEWABLE ENERGY CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE 80 MINISTRY OF HUMAN CAPACITIES OF HUNGARY FOR THE YEARS 2019-2022 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES, MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING, GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF 26.08.2019 HUNGARY Ministry Of Culture Ministry Of New And Renewable Energy Ministry Of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry And Dairying 81 INDIA AND THE MINISTRY OF INDUTRIES 10.09.2019 ICELAND AND INNOVATION OF ICELAND, DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF 82 THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE 10.09.2019 ICELAND Ministry Of Culture GOVERNMENT OF ICELAND FOR THE YEAR 2019-2022.
427 Appendix 10.09.2019 ICELAND Ministry of External Affairs Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 83 INDIA AND THE MINISTRY OF INDUSTRIES 10.09.2019 ICELAND Ministry of Agriculture TITLE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES, MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING, GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AND INNOVATION OF ICELAND, DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF ICELAND ON EXEMPTION FROM VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL PASSPORTS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE FOREIGN SERVICE ACADEMY, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN 84 85 AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA 03.12.2019 KENYA AND THE FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE, MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA MINUTES OF NINTH SESSION OF KENYA- 86 INDIA JOINT TRADE COMMITTEE HELD IN 20.08.2019 KENYA NEW DELHI ON 19-20 AUGUST 2019 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN INVEST INDIA AND MINISTRY OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND ENERGY, REPUBLIC OF KOREA ON EXTENSION OF KOREA PLUS FOR SUPPORTING KOREAN COMPANIES INVESTMENTS IN INDIA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN INDIA AND KOREA ON START UP COOPERATION 87 88 22.02.2019 KOREA 22.02.2019 KOREA 428 Ministry Of External Affairs Ministry Of Commerce Ministry of Commerce Ministry of Commerce Annual Report 2019-20 TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 92 SECURITY GUARDS OF INDIA AND 14.6.2019 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Ministry Of Home Affairs 89 90 91 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN INDIA AND KOREA FOR ISSUING OF REPUBLIC OF INDIA- REPUBLIC OF KOREA JOINT STAMPS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN INDIA AND KOREA ON COMBATING TRANSNATIONAL CRIME AND DEVELOPING POLICE COOPERATION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN PRASAR BHARTI AND KOREAN BROADCASTING SYSTEM ON COOPERATION IN BROADCASTING MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON COOPERATION BETWEEN NATIONAL 93 94 NATIONAL GUARDS OF THE ARMED
 FORCES OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN KYRGYZ REPUBLIC AND INDIA ON COOPERATION ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS OF INDIA AND MINISTRY OF ECONOMY OF KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF LEGAL METROLOGY MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR COOPERATION BETWEEN NATIONAL INDIA AND OFFICE OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC 96 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF HEALTH 22.02.2019 KOREA Ministry of Communications 22.02.2019 KOREA Ministry of Home Affairs 22.02.2019 KOREA Ministry of I & B 14.6.2019 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC 14.6.2019 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Ministry Of Electronics And Information Technology Ministry Of Consumer Affairs, Food And Public Distribution 14.6.2019 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Ministry Of Finance 429 95 SECURITY COUNCIL SECRETARIAT OF 15.5.2019 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Ministry Of Home Affairs Appendix 97 98 99 TITLE PROTOCOL AMENDING THE ARTICLE 26 OF AGREEMENT FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBLE TAXATION AND FOR THE PREVENTION OF FISCAL EVASION WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME SIGNED AT NEW DELHI ON 13.4.2015 (DTAA) Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 14.6.2019 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Ministry Of Finance BILATERAL INVESTMENT TREATY BETWEEN INDIA AND KYRGYZ REPUBLIC 14.6.2019 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Ministry Of Finance ROADMAP ON TRADE AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION BETWEEN KYRGYZ REPUBLIC AND THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA FOR THE FIVE YEAR PERIOD (2019-2024) MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN INDIA AND KYRGYZ REPUBLIC 14.06.2019 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Ministry of Commerce 100 ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF 14.06.2019 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES PROTOCOL AMENDING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA FOR THE 100 AVOIDANCE OF DOUBLE TAXATION AND 14.06.2019 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Ministry of Communications KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Ministry of Finance FOR THE PREVENTION OF FISCAL EVASION WITH RESPECT TO
 TAXES ON INCOME SIGNED AT NEW DELHI ON 13TH APRIL, 1999 101 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF HEALTH 14.06.2019 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Ministry of Health 430 Annual Report 2019-20 Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Ministry of Home Affairs KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Ministry of Home Affairs TITLE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN NATIONAL GUARDS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC AND NATIONAL SECURITY 102 GUARDS OF INDIA ON COOPERATION 14.06.2019 BETWEEN NATIONAL GUARDS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC AND NATIONAL SECURITY GUARDS OF INDIA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN NATIONAL GUARDS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC AND NATIONAL SECURITY 103 GUARDS OF INDIA ON COOPERATION 14.06.2019 BETWEEN NATIONAL GUARDS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC AND NATIONAL SECURITY GUARDS OF INDIA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE STATE COMMITTEE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES AND COMMUNICATIONS OF THE KYRGYZ TECHNOLOGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR COOPERATION BETWEEN THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL SECRETARIAT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA 105 AND THE OFFICE OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC 104 REPUBLIC AND THE MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION 16.06.2019 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Ministry of Information Technology 15.05.2019 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC NSCS 431 Appendix TITLE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department OF STRATEGIC STUDIES OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC (NISS KR) AND RESEARCH AND 14.06.2019 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Ministry of External Affairs 16.01.2019 LAO PDR Ministry Of Civil Aviation 106 107 INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (RIS) AIR SERVICES AGREEMENTS (ASAS) DURING THE YEAR 2019-
 WITH LAO PDR MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE INSTITUTE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, 108 THE LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC 06.09.2019 LAO PDR REPUBLIC AND THE FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE, MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, REPUBLIC OF INDIA CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE Ministry Of External Affairs 109 OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE 20.08.2019 LATVIA Ministry Of Culture MINISTRY OF CULTURE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA FOR THE YEARS 2019 - 2021 CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE 110 OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE 17.08.2019 LITHUANIA Ministry of Culture MINISTRY OF CULTURE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA PROCESS VERBALE CONCERNING THE EXCHANGE OF INSTRUMENTS 111 OF RATIFICATION OF THE TREATY ON EXTRADITION BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA 17.08.2019 LITHUANIA Ministry of External Affairs 432 Annual Report 2019-20 TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 112 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES ON CO-OPERATION IN THE FIELD OF HEALTH TREATY BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE 113 GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES ON MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN CRIMINAL MATTER (MLAT) AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES ON EXEMPTION FROM VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC & OFFICIAL PASSPORTS 114 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE 115 REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES & EESL ON COLLABORATION IN THE FIELD OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY 116 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT INDIA AND THE FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT MALDIVES MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE 08.06.2019 MALDIVES Ministry Of Health 03.09.2019 MALDIVES Ministry Of Home Affairs 17.03.2019 MALDIVES Ministry Of External
 Affairs 17.03.2019 MALDIVES And Renewable Ministry Of New Energy 13.12.2019 MALDIVES Ministry of Finance 117 GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF 17.03.2019 MALDIVES MALDIVES REGARDING INDIAN GRANT ASSISTANCE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF HICDPS THROUGH LOCAL BODIES 433 Ministry Of External Affairs Appendix TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 08.06.2019 MALDIVES Ministry Of Finance 08.06.2019 MALDIVES Ministry Of Shipping 120 WHITE SHIPPING INFORMATION 08.06.2019 MALDIVES BETWEEN INDIAN NAVY AND MNDF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN NATIONAL CENTRE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE, GOVT OF INDIA AND 121 CIVIL SERVICES COMMISSION, GOVT OF 08.06.2019 MALDIVES Ministry Of Shipping Department of Administrative Reforms And Public Grievances MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR COOPERATION IN CUSTOMS, 118 CAPACITIES BUILDING BETWEEN THE CENTRAL BOARD OF INDIRECT TAXES AND CUSTOMS OF INDIA AND THE MALDIVES CUSTOMS SERVICE.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF 119 MALDIVES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PASSENGER AND CARGO SERVICES BY SEA TECHNICAL AGREEMENT ON SHARING MALDIVES ON TRAINING & CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMME FOR MALDIVIAN CIVIL SERVANTS 122 123 TREATY BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES ON MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN CRIMINAL MATTERS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA AND THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF MALDIVES 03.09.2019 MALDIVES Ministry of Home Affairs 13.12.2019 MALDIVES Commission of Election India 434 Annual Report 2019-20 Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 124 MONGOLIA ON COOPERATION IN THE 20.09.2019 MONGOLIA Department of Space TITLE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF EXPLORATION AND USES OF OUTER SPACE FOR PEACEFUL AND CIVILIAN PURPOSES COMPREHENSIVE WORK PLAN BETWEEN MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND MINISTRY OF FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND LIGHT INDUSTRY OF MONGOLIA FOR COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF ANIMAL HEALTH AND DAIRY PRODUCTION CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF 125 20.09.2019 MONGOLIA Ministry of Agriculture 126 THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE 20.09.2019 MONGOLIA Ministry of Culture GOVERNMENT OF MONGOLIA FOR THE YEARS 2019-2023 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF MONGOLIA FOR AUTHORIZING THE DEPENDENTS OF MEMBERS OF A DIPLOMATIC MISSION OR CONSULAR POST TO ENGAGE IN GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT 127 20.09.2019 MONGOLIA Ministry of External Affairs 435 Appendix Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 128 THE NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT 20.09.2019 MONGOLIA Ministry of Home Affairs TITLE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON COOPERATION BETWEEN THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (NEMA) OF MONGOLIA AND AUTHORITY (NDMA) OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA IN THE FIELD OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT & DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING) BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (MOHUA), GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF 129 INDIA AND THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL PLANNING, URBAN PLANNING, HOUSING AND CITY POLICY, GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF MOROCCO TO PROMOTE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AND TECHNICAL COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF HOUSING & HUMAN SETTLEMENT 130 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN INDIA AND MOROCCO ON SETTING UP OF A JOINT WORKING GROUP ON COUNTER TERRORISM MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING COOPERATION IN YOUTH MATTERS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN MOZAMBIQUE AND TCIL FOR PARTICIPATION IN E-VBAB NETWORK 132 PROJECT 131 BETWEEN INDIA AND MOROCCO ON 18.02.2019 MOROCCO 18.02.2019 MOROCCO Ministry Housing And Urban Affairs 18.02.2019 MOROCCO Ministry of Home Affairs Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports 07.10.2019 MOZAMBIQUE Ministry of External Affairs 436 Annual Report 2019-20 TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN FOOD SAFETY AND 133 STANDARDS AUTHORITY OF INDIA (FSSAI) AND DEPARTMENT OF FOOD TECHNOLOGY AND QUALITY CONTROL (DFTQC), NEPAL ON FOOD SAFETY MINUTES OF FIFTH INDIA-NEPAL 21.08.2019 NEPAL Ministry Of Health And Family Welfare 134 JOINT COMMISSION MEETING HELD IN 23.09.2019 NEPAL KATHMANDU ON 21-22 AUGUST, 2019 135 AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT (ASAS) BETWEEN INDIA AND NIGERIA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 14.01.2019 NIGERIA 136 BETWEEN INDIA AND NORWAY ON THE 07.01.2019 NORWAY Ministry of External Affairs Ministry Of Civil Aviation Ministry of External Affairs INDIA-NORWAY OCEAN DIALOGUE AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN FOR FACILITATION OF PILGRIMS TO VISIT GURUDWARA DARBAR SAHIB, KARTARPUR, PAKISTAN 137 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE, MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL 138 AFFAIRS, REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE 19.02.2019 DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF DIPLOMATIC TRAINING MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
 BETWEEN THE DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR ACADEMY CARLOS ANTONIO 24.10.2019 PAKISTAN Ministry Of Home Affairs PAPUA NEW Ministry Of GUINEA External Affairs 139 LOPEZ, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF PARAGUAY AND 06.03.2019 PARAGUAY Ministry Of External Affairs THE FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE, MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA 140 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN INDIA AND PARAGUAY ON COOPERATION 06.03.2019 PARAGUAY Ministry of External Affairs 437 Appendix TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 141 JOINT STRATEGY FOR ENHANCEMENT OF INDIA-RUSSIA TRADE AND INVESTMENT 01.11.2019 RUSSIA AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA Ministry Of Commerce Ministry of 142 AND RUSSIA ON COOPERATION IN 04.09.2019 RUSSIA Information And AUDIOVISUAL CO-PRODUCTION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN INDIA AND RUSSIA ON BILATERAL COOPERATION IN THE ROAD 143 TRANSPORT AND ROAD INDUSTRY MEMO OF INTENT BETWEEN INDIA 04.09.2019 RUSSIA 144 AND RUSSIA ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF 04.09.2019 RUSSIA 04.09.2019 RUSSIA Ministry Of Finance 04.09.2019 RUSSIA MARITIME COMMUNICATIONS PLAN OF COOPERATION BETWEEN CBITC, INDIA AND RUSSIA FOR COMBATING CUSTOMS VIOLATIONS IN 145 2019-22 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 146 BETWEEN INDIA AND RUSSIA ON THE USE OF NATURAL GAS FOR TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM BETWEEN INDIA AND RUSSIA 147 ON EXPANSION OF COOPERATION IN OIL 04.09.2019 RUSSIA AND GAS SECTOR MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN NITI AAYOG AND RUSSA FOR FAR EAST AND ARCTIC, FOR THE 148 PREPARATION OF PROGRAM OF INDIAN- 04.09.2019 RUSSIA RUSSIAN COOPERATION IN TRADE, ECONOMIC AND INVESTMENT SPHERES IN BUSINESS FAR EAST FOR 2020-25 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 149 BETWEEN NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OCEAN TECHNOLOGY AND KRYLOV STATE RESEARCH CENTRE Broadcasting Ministry Of Road Transport And Highways Ministry Of Shipping Ministry Of Petroleum And Natural Gas Ministry Of Petroleum And Natural Gas Ministry Of Commerce 26.07.2019 RUSSIA Min Of Earth Sciences 438 Annual Report 2019-20
 TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 29.08.2019 RUSSIA Ministry Of Science And Technology 150 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF INNOVATIONS BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND SAINT VINCENT AND GRENADINES ON FUND BETWEEN INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR COOPERATION ON BROADCASTING FOR EXCHANGE OF AUDIO-VISUAL PROGRAMMES FRAMEWORK COOPERATION PROGRAMME BETWEEN INVEST INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA GENERAL INVESTMENT AUTHORITY (SAGIA).
AGREEMENT ON ESTABLISHMENT OF 153 154 151 EXEMPTION OF VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL 10.09.2019 VINCENT AND GRENADINES PASSPORTS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON INVESTING IN THE NATIONAL SAINT Ministry of External Affairs 152 INVESTMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE 20.02.2019 SAUDI ARABIA Ministry Of Finance 20.02.2019 SAUDI ARABIA Information And Ministry Of Broadcasting Ministry Of 20.02.2019 SAUDI ARABIA Commerce & Industry Ministry Of External Affairs Ministry Of New & Renewable Energy Ministry Of Home Affairs 155 STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL 29.10.2019 SAUDI ARABIA BETWEEN INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 156 ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF 29.10.2019 SAUDI ARABIA RENEWABLE ENERGY 157 AGREEMENT ON SECURITY COOPERATION 29.10.2019 SAUDI ARABIA 439 Appendix TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 158 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION AND PREVENTION OF ILLICIT TRAFFICKING IN NARCOTIC DRUGS, PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES AND PRECURSOR CHEMICALS AND RELATED MATTERS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 29.10.2019 SAUDI ARABIA Ministry Of Home Affairs 159 FOR COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF 29.10.2019 SAUDI ARABIA CIVIL AVIATION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Ministry Of Civil Aviation 160 FOR COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF 29.10.2019 SAUDI ARABIA Ministry Of Health MEDICAL PRODUCTS REGULATIONS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 161 FOR COOPERATION IN THE AREA OF STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVES IN PADUR CAVERN OF ISPRL.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 29.10.2019 SAUDI ARABIA Petroleum & Natural Gas Ministry Of 162 FOR COOPERATION IN THE AREA OF 29.10.2019 SAUDI ARABIA Ministry Of Finance STOCK EXCHANGES.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 163 OVER LAUNCHING OF RUPAY CARD IN 29.10.2019 SAUDI ARABIA Ministry Of Finance SAUDI ARABIA.

COOPERATION PROGRAMME 164 FOR TRAINING AND ACADEMIC 29.10.2019 SAUDI ARABIA Ministry Of External Affairs 29.10.2019 SAUDI ARABIA Niti Aayog PROGRAMMES FOR DIPLOMATS.
165 LETTER OF INTENT FOR COOPERATION IN INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON INVESTING IN THE NATIONAL 166 INVESTMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE 20.02.2019 SAUDI ARABIA Ministry of Finance FUND BETWEEN INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA 440 Annual Report 2019-20 TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 167 BETWEEN INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA FOR COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF HOUSING 168 169 170 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF TOURISM BETWEEN INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA AGREEMENT AMONG THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE SCO MEMBER STATES ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF MASS MEDIA AGREEMENT AMONG COMPETENT AUTHORITIES OF THE SCO MEMBER STATES ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS MEMORANDUM ON MUTUAL INTEGRATION OF THE NATIONAL 20.02.2019 SAUDI ARABIA Housing and Urban Development Ministry of 20.02.2019 SAUDI ARABIA Ministry of Tourism 14.06.2019 SCO Ministry Of Communication And Information Technology 14.06.2019 SCO Ministry Of Sports 171 TRANSIT SYSTEMS AMONG THE 02.11.2019 SCO Ministry Of Finance CUSTOMS SERVICES OF THE SCO MEMBER STATES AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN 172 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE 2019 SERBIA Ministry Of Civil Aviation 173 REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE AND THE 2019 SIERRA LEONE Ministry Of Culture GOVERNMENT OF REPUBLIC OF INDIA FOR THE YEARS 2019-2023 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE 174 GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A JOINT COMMISSION 2019 SIERRA LEONE Ministry Of External Affairs 441 Appendix TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department NO INFORMATION SIERRA LEONE Ministry Of External Affairs NO INFORMATION SIERRA LEONE Exim Bank 177 AFFAIRS, REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND 13.10.2019 SIERRA LEONE THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE PROGRAMME OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL COOPERATION BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE 178 AND TECHNOLOGY OF
 INDIA AND THE 17.09.2019 SLOVENIA Ministry Of External Affairs Ministry Of Science And Technology PROTOCOL FOR CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS & INTERNATIONAL 175 COOPERATION, REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE AND THE FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE, MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, REPUBLIC OF INDIA US DOLLAR 30 MILLION CREDIT LINE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC 176 OF SIERRA LEONE AND THE EXPORT- IMPORT BANK OF INDIA FOR IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN SIERRA LEONE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE, MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND SPORT OF SLOVENIA FOR THE PERIOD 2020-2022 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF SPORT BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS OF INDIA AND THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND SPORT OF SLOVENIA 179 17.09.2019 SLOVENIA Affairs And Sports Ministry Of Youth Of India 442 Annual Report 2019-20 TITLE PROGRAMME OF COOPERATION IN THE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 180 FIELDS OF CULTURE, ARTS, EDUCATION, 17.09.2019 SLOVENIA Ministry Of Culture SPORTS AND MASS MEDIA PROGRAMME OF COOPERATION BETWEEN THE BUREAU OF INDIAN 181 STANDARDS (BIS) AND THE SLOVENIAN INSTITUTE FOR STANDARDIZATION (SIST) 17.09.2019 SLOVENIA Bureau Of Indian Standards ON TECHNICAL COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF STANDARDIZATION MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 182 ON FOREIGN OFFICE CONSULTATIONS 22.02.2019 SOUTH SUDAN BETWEEN INDIA AND SOUTH SUDAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND SWEDEN ON RECOGNITION OF CERTIFICATES PURSUANT TO 183 REGULATION 1/10 OF INTERNATIONAL 02.12.2019 SWEDEN CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCH KEEPING OF SEAFARERS 1978 LETTER OF INTENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE SWISS FEDERAL COUNCIL Ministry Of External Affairs Ministry Of Shipping 184 FOR FURTHER STRENGTHENING THE INDIA-SWITZERLAND RELATIONS FOR 13.09.2019 SWITZERLAND Ministry Of Science And Technology THE FUTURE IN THE
 FORM OF AN INDIA-SWITZERLAND SCIENCE AND INNOVATION ALLIANCE.
443 Appendix Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 185 THE GOVERNMENT OF SWITZERLAND 13.09.2019 SWITZERLAND Ministry Of Environment, Forest And Climate Change TITLE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE AND REPRESENTED BY THE FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON TECHNICAL COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING MADE AND ENTERED INTO BY AND BETWEEN INDIAN COUNCIL FOR CULTURAL RELATIONS AND UNIVERSITY OF LAUSANNE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ICCR CHAIR OF INDIAN STUDIES.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF INDIA- 186 FOR EXCELLENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (NEXTGEN-ISCCEIT) MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 188 ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND TAJIKISTAN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN NORTH-EASTERN 13.09.2019 SWITZERLAND Ministry Of External Affairs 187 SYRIA NEXT GENERATION CENTER 01.10.2019 SYRIA Ministry Of External Affairs 29.11.2019 TAJIKISTAN Ministry Of Home Affairs 189 HILL UNIVERSITY, INDIA AND 10.01.2019 THAILAND CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY, THAILAND MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN NAVAYUGA CONTAINER 190 TERMINAL, KRISHNAPATNAM PORT, 15.08.2019 THAILAND INDIA AND PORT AUTHORITY OF THAILAND (RANONG PORT) 444 Ministry Of External Affairs Ministry Of Shipping Annual Report 2019-20 TITLE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 191 BETWEEN KOLKATA PORT TRUST AND 07.11.2019 THAILAND PORT AUTHORITY OF THAILAND MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN CHENNAI PORT TRUST, INDIA AND PORT AUTHORITY OF THAILAND 192 (RANONG PORT) MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 193 BETWEEN VISAKHAPATNAM PORT TRUST, INDIA AND PORT AUTHORITY OF THAILAND (RANONG PORT) MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE, MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL 07.11.2019 THAILAND 07.11.2019 THAILAND Ministry Of Shipping Ministry Of Shipping Ministry Of Shipping 194 AFFAIRS, REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE DEVAWONGSE VAROPAKARN INSTITUTE 10.10.2019 THAILAND Ministry Of External Affairs OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, KINGDOM OF THAILAND AGREED MINUTES OF THE EIGHTH MEETING OF THE INDIA-THAILAND 195 JOINT COMMISSION FOR BILATERAL 10.10.2019 THAILAND Ministry of External Affairs COOPERATION HELD IN NEW DELHI ON 10TH OCTOBER, 2019 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES 196 AND MET OFFICE, UNITED KINGDOM 28.01.2019 ON COOPERATION IN WEATHER AND CLIMATE SCIENCES FOR COOPERATION ON THE AIRBORNE 197 SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR AIRBORNE 01.10.2019 CAMPAIGN UNITED KINGDOM Ministry Of Earth Sciences UNITED STATES Department Of OF AMERICA Space 198 IMPLEMENTING ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR COOPERATION ON THE CHANDRAYAAN MISSION-2 11.02.2019 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Department of Space 445 Appendix TITLE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 199 ORIENTAL REPUBLIC OF URUGUAY 28.06.2019 URUGUAY Ministry of Finance REGARDING COOPERATION AND MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IN CUSTOM MATTERS AGREEMENT ON SCIENCE AND 200 TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION BETWEEN INDIA AND USA 23.09.2019 USA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN EMBASSY OF INDIA AND Ministry Of Science And Technology 201 PEOPLE’S COMMITTEE OF QUANG NINH PROVINCE, VIETNAM REG.
INDIAN GRANT 15.10.2019 VIETNAM Ministry Of External Affairs ASSISTANCE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF QUICK IMPACT PROJECTS (QIP) MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN EMBASSY OF INDIA AND PEOPLE’S COMMITTEE OF YEN BAI 202 PROVINCE, VIETNAM REGARDING FOR 04.11.2019 VIETNAM Ministry Of External Affairs PROJECT “CONSTRUCTION OF INFIELD CANAL AT TAN AN WARD NGHIA LO TOWN, YEN BAI PROVINCE” MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN EMBASSY OF INDIA AND PEOPLE’S COMMITTEE OF PHU YEN PROVINCE REG INDIAN GRANT 203 ASSISTANCE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF QUICK IMPACT PROJECTS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN EMBASSY OF INDIA AND PEOPLE’S COMMITTEE OF PHU THO PROVINCE REG INDIAN GRANT 204 ASSISTANCE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF QUICK IMPACT PROJECTS 14.10.2019 VIETNAM Ministry Of External Affairs 18.10.2019 VIETNAM Ministry Of External Affairs 446 Annual Report 2019-20 TITLE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Date of Signature Country/ Ministry/ Organization Department 205 ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF 2019 ZAMBIA Ministry Of Mines GEOLOGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES; MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 206 ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF 2019 ZAMBIA Ministry Of Health And Family Welfare HEALTH AND MEDICINE; MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE FOREIGN SERVICE 207 INSTITUTE OF INDIA AND ZAMBIAN INSTITUTE OF DIPLOMACY AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES .MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF 2019 ZAMBIA Ministry Of External Affairs Election 208 ELECTIONS BETWEEN THE ELECTION 2019 ZAMBIA Commission Of COMMISSION OF INDIA AND ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE, MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL 209 AFFAIRS, REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND 21.08.2019 ZAMBIA India Ministry Of External Affairs ZAMBIA INSTITUTE OF DIPLOMACY AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN INDIA AND ZAMBIA ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF ARTS AND CULTURE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON COOPERATION BETWEEN INDIA AND ZAMBIA IN THE FIELD OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES 210 211 *List as per information available with the L&T Division as on 25-12-2019 ** Sensitive Agreements have been excluded from the list.
447 21.08.2019 ZAMBIA Ministry of Culture 21.08.2019 ZAMBIA Ministry of Renewable Energy Appendix List of Agreements/Treaties Ratified/Acceded by India during 2019 ANNEXURE II Title of the Agreement/Treaty AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND AFGHANISTAN ON JUDICIAL AND CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL MATTERS FOR THE SERVICE OF SUMMONS, JUDICIAL DOCUMENTS, COMMISSION, EXECUTION OF JUDGMENTS AND ARBITRAL AWARDS AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND ALGERIA ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF SPACE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND Country/ Organization Date of Ratification/ Accession Ministry/ Department Afghanistan 15.04.2019 Ministry of Law and Justice Algeria 30.01.2019 Department of Space ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA ON EXEMPTION Antigua And OF VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF Barbuda 18.11.2019 Ministry of External Affairs DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL PASSPORTS AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND ARMENIA ON COOPERATION IN YOUTH AFFAIRS Armenia 28.08.2019 Ministry of Youth Affairs AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND BAHAMAS ON WAIVER OF VISA REQUIREMENT FOR DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL PASSPORT TREATY BETWEEN BELARUS AND INDIA ON INVESTMENTS AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN ON MUTUAL EXEMPTION FROM THE VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC, OFFICIAL/SERVICE PASSPORTS Bahamas 15.04.2019 Ministry of External Affairs Belarus 25.02.2019 Ministry of Finance Benin 15.10.2019 Ministry of External Affairs 448 Annual Report 2019-20 Country/ Organization Date of Ratification/ Accession Ministry/ Department Brunei 08.04.2019 Ministry of Finance China 01.01.2019 Ministry of Finance 8 9 Title of the Agreement/Treaty AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND BRUNEI DARUSSALAM FOR THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE IN COLLECTION WITH RESPECT TO TAXES PROTOCOL AMENDING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHINA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF THE DOUBLE TAXATION AND FOR THE PREVENTION OF FISCAL EVASION WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME
 SIGNED AT NEW DELHI ON 18 JULY 1994 AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND COSTA RICA ON EXEMPTION FROM 10 VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF Costa Rica 08.04.2019 DIPLOMATIC OFFICIAL AND SERVICE PASSPORTS AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND Ministry of External Affairs 11 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ON EXEMPTION Dominican OF VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF Republic 18.11.2019 Ministry of External Affairs DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL PASSPORTS AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND ESTONIA 12 ON EXEMPTION FROM VISA REQUIREMENT Estonia 08.11.2019 Ministry of External Affairs FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC PASSPORTS AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND ICELAND ON EXEMPTION OF VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL 13 PASSPORTS HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION Iceland 18.11.2019 Ministry of External Affairs 14 FOR THE SAFE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY IMO 25.11.2019 Ministry of Shipping SOUND RECYCLING OF SHIPS, 2009 449 Appendix Title of the Agreement/Treaty FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND INDONESIA ON COOPERATION IN THE EXPLORATION AND USES OF OUTER SPACE FOR PEACEFUL PURPOSE HEADQUARTERS AGREEMENT BETWEEN Country/ Organization Date of Ratification/ Accession Ministry/ Department Indonesia 06.05.2019 Department of Space THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF International INDIA AND THE INTERNATIONAL SOLAR Solar Alliance 29.10.2019 Ministry of New and Renewable Energy 15 16 Kyrgyz Republic 14.10.2019 Ministry of Finance ALLIANCE PROTOCOL AMENDING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND FOR THE 17 AVOIDANCE OF THE DOUBLE TAXATION AND FOR THE PREVENTION OF FISCAL EVASION WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME SIGNED AT NEW DELHI ON 13TH APRIL 1999 AGREEMENT ON THE FACILITATION OF VISA ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND MALDIVES ON EXEMPTION FROM VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL PASSPORTS TREATY BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES ON MUTUAL LEGAL
 ASSISTANCE IN CRIMINAL MATTERS 19 20 21 18 GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA Maldives 07.02.2019 Ministry of External Affairs Maldives 26.06.2019 Ministry of External Affairs Maldives 29.10.2019 Ministry of Home Affairs Ministry of Home Affairs EXTRADITION AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND MOROCCO Morocco 18.01.2019 450 Annual Report 2019-20 Country/ Organization Date of Ratification/ Accession Ministry/ Department 22 THE SERVICE OF SUMMONS, JUDICIAL Morocco 25.04.2019 Ministry of Law and Justice Title of the Agreement/Treaty AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND MOROCCO ON LEGAL AND JUDICIAL AND CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL MATTERSS FOR DOCUMENTS, LETTER OF REQUEST AND EXECUTION OF JUDGEMENT DECREE AND ARBITRAL AWARDS MULTILATERAL CONVENTION TO IMPLEMENT TAX TREATY MEASURES TO PREVENT BASE EROSION AND PROFIT 23 SHIFTING AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND OMAN OECD 11.06.2019 Ministry of Finance 24 ON LEGAL AND JUDICIAL COOPERATION IN Oman 15.04.2019 CIVL AND COMMERCIAL MATTERS AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND PERU ON Ministry of Law and Justice 25 COOPERATION AND MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IN Peru 18.01.2019 Ministry of Finance CUSTOMS MATTERS AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND RUSSIA FOR ESTABLISHING THE INDIAN-RUSSIAN 26 INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMISSION Russia 25.02.2019 Ministry of Defence ON MILITARY AND MILITARY TECHNICAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND 27 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE RUSSIAN Russia 14.10.2019 Ministry of Defence FEDERATION ON THE PROGRAM FOR JOINT RESEARCH ON HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGIES 28 AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND RUSSIA ON MUTUAL COOPERATION IN JOINT MANUFACTURING OF SPARES, COMPONENTS, AGGREGATES AND OTHER MATERIAL RELATED TO RUSSIAN/S0VIET ORIGIN ARMS AND DEFENCE EQUIPMENT 451 Russia 09.12.2019 Ministry of Defence Appendix Title of the Agreement/Treaty Country/ Organization Date of Ratification/ Accession Ministry/ Department AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND SAINT VINCENT AND GRENADINES ON EXEMPTION OF VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL
 PASSPORTS SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION BUDGET AGREEMENT Saint Vincent And 18.11.2019 Grenadines Ministry of External Affairs SCO 27.07.2019 Ministry of External Affairs AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND COMOROS ON EXEMPTION OF VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL PASSPORTS 8TH ADDL PROTOCOL TO THE Union Of Comoros 18.11.2019 Ministry of External Affairs 29 30 31 32 CONSTITUTION OF UNIVERSAL POSTAL UPU 08.11.2019 Department of Posts UNION 9TH ADDL PROTOCOL TO THE 33 CONSTITUTION OF UNIVERSAL POSTAL UPU 08.11.2019 Department of Posts 34 35 UNION AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND UZBEKISTAN ON EXEMPTION FROM VISA REQUIREMENT FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC PASSPORT THE NICE AGREEMENT CONCERNING THE INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES FOR THE PURPOSES OF REGISTRATION OF MARKS THE VIENNA AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING AN Uzbekistan 07.02.2019 Ministry of External Affairs WIPO 29.04.2019 36 INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF THE WIPO 29.04.2019 FIGURATIVE ELEMENTS OF MARKS THE LOCARNO AGREEMENT ESTABLISHING 37 AN INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION FOR WIPO 29.04.2019 INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS AGREEMENT BETWEEN ZAMBIA AND INDIA 38 FOR AVOIDANCE OF DOUBLE TAXATION AND THE PREVENTION OF FISCAL EVASION WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME *List, as per information available with the L&T Division as on 27-12-2019 452 Zambia 30.01.2019 Ministry of Finance Ministry of Commerce Ministry of Commerce Ministry of Commerce Annual Report 2019-20 Instrument of Full Powers issued by India during 2019 ANNEXURE III Date of Issuing Title of the Agreement Country 1 19.12.2019 Production, Procurement, Research and Development of Defence Finland MoU between India and Finland on cooperation in the field of related Equipment and Industrial cooperation 2 22.03.2019 Government of Republic of India and the Government of the Kingdom Tax Inspectors without borders terms of reference between the of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) Kingdom of Eswatini 3 20.08.2019 and the Department of Food Technology and Quality
 Control Nepal MoU between Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) (DFTQC), Nepal on Food Safety 4 5 04.04.2019 01.01.2019 MOU between India and Qatar for employment of ex-officers/Sailors of Indian Navy in Qatar Emiri Naval Force MOU between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the Republic of India on Trade in Poppy Seeds.
MOU between Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain 6 05.04.2019 and Northern Ireland and the Government of India on Defence Technology and Industrial Capability Cooperation Qatar Turkey United Kingdom 7 05.08.2019 United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements (UNISA) Resulting from Mediation United Nations 8 20.06.2019 the Government of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay regarding Uruguay Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters 453 Appendix Seminars, conferences, etc partially or wholly funded by PP&R Division: ANNEXURE IV S. No.
Seminar/conference 5th Raisina Dialogue Partner/Collaborating Organisation Observer Research Foundation 4th Indian Ocean Conference 2019 India Foundation Date, Venue 14-16 January 2020, New Delhi 03-04 September 2019, Maldives 3rd India-US Forum 2019 Ananta Centre 16-17 August 2019, New Delhi 4th Global Technology Summit Carnegie India 04-06 December 2019, Bengaluru 2nd India Strategy Group Meeting 2019 Carnegie India 13-15 September 2019, Lisbon 4th Geo-Economic Dialogue Pune International Centre 18th India-Korea Track 1.5 Dialogue Ananta Centre 28 February – 1 March 2020, Pune 08-09 November 2019, New Delhi 2nd India-Japan Indo-Pacific Forum 2019 2nd India-Canada Track 1.5 Dialogue 2019 Delhi Policy Group 03-04 October 2019, Tokyo Gateway House 21-22 November 2019, Mumbai 10 India-Myanmar Conference India Foundation 10 June 2019, Imphal A National Seminar on “ India’s Vidya Prasarak Mandal’s 11 Neighbourhood First Policy: Emerging Centre for International 4-25 June 2019, Mumbai New Trends” Studies (Regd) A 3-day International Conference on 12 theme “Navigating the idea of Indo- Pacific: Indianand Southeast Asian Perspectives” Madurai Kamraj University 29-31 October 2019, Madurai Track 2 Dialogue on the theme National Institute 13 “Strategic Secutity Threats of 21st of Advance Studies, 27-29 January 2020, Bengaluru Centurty” Bengaluru 454 Annual Report 2019-20 Regional Passport Offices – State/UT-wise ANNEXURE V S. No.
Seminar/conference Partner/Collaborating Organisation 26 27 PO Ahmedabad PO Amritsar PO Bareilly PO Bengaluru PO Bhopal PO Bhubaneswar PO Chandigarh PO Chennai PO Cochin PO Coimbatore PO Dehradun PO Delhi PO Ghaziabad PO Goa PO Guwahati PO Hyderabad PO Jaipur PO Jalandhar PO Jammu PO Kolkata PO Kozhikode PO Lucknow PO Madurai PO Mumbai PO Nagpur PO Patna PO Pune Gujarat Punjab Uttar Pradesh Karnataka Madhya Pradesh Odisha Chandigarh Tamil Nadu Kerala Tamil Nadu Uttarakhand Delhi Uttar Pradesh Goa Assam Telangana Rajasthan Punjab Jammu and Kashmir West Bengal Kerala Uttar Pradesh Tamil Nadu Maharashtra Maharashtra Bihar Maharashtra 455 Appendix S. No.
Seminar/conference Partner/Collaborating Organisation 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 PO Raipur PO Ranchi PO Shimla PO Srinagar PO Surat PO Tiruchirappalli PO Trivandrum PO Vijayawada PO Visakhapatnam Chhattisgarh Jharkhand Himachal Pradesh Jammu and Kashmir Gujarat Tamil Nadu Kerala Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh 456 Annual Report 2019-20 ANNEXURE VI State/UT-wise list of Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) No.

State/UT No.

of PSKs Location of PSKs 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.


Andhra Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh Assam* Bihar Chandigarh UT** Chhattisgarh Delhi NCT*** Goa Gujarat 10.

Haryana 11.

12.

13.

14.

Himachal Pradesh Jammu & Kashmir Jharkhand Karnataka 4 1 1 2 1 1 3 1 5 2 1 2 1 5 Vijayawada, Tirupati, Visakhapatnam, Bhimavaram Itanagar Guwahati Patna, Darbhanga Chandigarh Raipur Herald House, Shalimar Place, Bhikaji Cama Place Panaji Ahmedabad I&II, Vadodara,Rajkot, Surat Ambala, Gurgaon.
Shimla Jammu, Srinagar Ranchi Bangalore I&II, Hubli, Mangalore, Kalaburagi Thiruvananthapuram,Thiruvananthapuram (Rural), Kollam, 15.

Kerala 13 Cochin, Ernakulam Rural, Alapuzha, Kottayam, Malappuram, 16.

Madhya Pradesh 17.

Maharashtra 18.

Manipur 19.

Meghalaya 20.

Mizoram 21.

22.

23.


Nagaland Odisha Puducherry 2 8 1 1 1 1 1 1 Thrissur,Kozhikode I&II, Kannur I&II Bhopal, Indore Mumbai I,II&III, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Nashik, Solapur Imphal Shillong Aizawl Dimapur Bhubaneswar Puducherry 457 Appendix No.

State/UT No.

of PSKs Location of PSKs 24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

Punjab Rajasthan Sikkim Tamil Nadu Telangana Tripura Uttar Pradesh Uttarakhand 32.
West Bengal@ 5 4 1 8 5 1 6 1 3 Total 93 Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar I&II,Hoshiarpur Jaipur, Jodhpur, Sikar, Udaipur Gangtok Chennai I,II&III, Trichy, Thanjavur, Madurai,Tirunelveli, Coimbatore Hyderabad I,II&III, Nizamabad, Karimnagar Agartala Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Bareilly, Ghaziabad Dehradun Kolkata, Berhampore, Siliguri *RPO Guwahati covers five other North-Eastern States also at present.

**RPO Chandigarh covers parts of Punjab and Haryana.

***RPO Delhi covers parts of Haryana.


@RPO Kolkata covers Sikkim and Tripura.

458 Annual Report 2019-20 State/UT-wise list of Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) ANNEXURE VII No.
26 27 Location Anantpur Bapatla Chittoor Gudivada Guntur Hindupur Kadappa Kodur Kurnool Nandyal Narasaraopet Nellore Ongole Amalapuram Eluru Kakinada Rajamundry Srikakulam Vizianagaram Yelamanchili Changlang Khonsa Barpeta Dhubri Dibrugarh Goalpara Golaghat State/UT Passport Office Vijayawada Vijayawada Vijayawada Vijayawada Vijayawada Vijayawada Vijayawada Vijayawada Vijayawada Vijayawada Vijayawada Vijayawada Vijayawada Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh Assam Assam Assam Assam Assam 459 Appendix No.
Location Jorhat Karbi Anglong Karimganj Kokrajhar Mangaldoi Nawgong North Lakhimpur Silchar Tezpur Tinsukia Arrah Aurangabad Banka Begusarai Bettiah Bhagalpur Buxar Chhapra Dalmia Nagar Dalsingh Sarai Forbesganj Gaya Gopalganj Hajipur Jahanabad Jamui Katihar Khagaria Kishanganj Madhubani State/UT Passport Office Assam Assam Assam Assam Assam Assam Assam Assam Assam Assam Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar 460 Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Annual Report 2019-20 No.
Location Maner Motihari Munger Muzaffarpur Nalanda Navada Purnea Saharsa Samastipur Sasaram Sheohar Sitamarhi Siwan Bilaspur Durg Janjgir-Champa Korba Raigarh Rajnandgaon Surguja Silvasa Daman Janak Puri Mehrauli Nehru Place Patparganj Yamuna Vihar Margao Amreli Anand State/UT Passport Office Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Bihar Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh Dadar & Nagar Haveli Daman Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Goa Gujarat Gujarat 461 Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Patna Raipur Raipur Raipur Raipur Raipur Raipur Raipur Mumbai Mumbai Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Panaji Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Appendix No.
Location Bardoli Bharuch Bhavnagar Bhuj Chhota Udaipur Dahod Gandhinagar Godhra Jamnagar Junagadh Kheda Mehsana Navsari Palanpur Patan Porbandar Rajpipla Sabarkantha Surendranagar Valsad Veraval Bhiwani Mahendragarh Faridabad Hisar Kaithal Karnal Narnaul Panipat Rohtak Sirsa State/UT Passport Office Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Gujarat Haryana Haryana Haryana Haryana Haryana Haryana Haryana Haryana Haryana 462 Surat Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Surat Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Surat Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Surat Ahmedabad Chandigarh Delhi Chandigarh Chandigarh Chandigarh Delhi Chandigarh Delhi Chandigarh Annual Report 2019-20 No.
Location Sonipat Yamunanagar Hamirpur Kangra Kullu Mandi Palampur Una Kathua Rajouri Udhampur Anantnag Baramulla Leh Bokaro Chaibasha Deoghar Dhanbad Dumka Giridih Gumla Hazaribagh Jamshedpur Jumri Tilaiya Khunti Medininagar Sahibganj Shimaria Ankola Bagalkot State/UT Haryana Haryana Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh Jammu & Kashmir Jammu & Kashmir Jammu & Kashmir Jammu & Kashmir Jammu & Kashmir Jammu & Kashmir Jharkhand Jharkhand Jharkhand Jharkhand Jharkhand Jharkhand Jharkhand Jharkhand Jharkhand Jharkhand Jharkhand Jharkhand Jharkhand Jharkhand Karnataka Karnataka 463 Passport Office Delhi Chandigarh Shimla Shimla Shimla Shimla Shimla Shimla Jammu Jammu Jammu Srinagar Srinagar Srinagar Ranchi Ranchi Ranchi Ranchi Ranchi Ranchi Ranchi Ranchi Ranchi Ranchi Ranchi Ranchi Ranchi Ranchi Bengaluru Bengaluru Appendix No.
Location Belagavi Bellary Bidar Chamrajanagar Channapatna Chikkballapur Chikkodi Chitradurga Davangere Gadag Hassan Jalahalli Koppal Maddur Mysuru Raichur Robertsonpet Shivamogga Tumakuru Udupi Vijayapur Chengannur Kattappana Nenmara Palakkad Kasargod Attingal Pathanamthitta Kavaratti Balaghat State/UT Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Karnataka Kerala Kerala Kerala Kerala Kerala Kerala Kerala Lakshadweep Madhya Pradesh 464 Passport Office Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Cochin Cochin Cochin Cochin Kozhikode Trivandrum Trivandrum Cochin Bhopal Annual Report 2019-20 No.
Location Betul Chhatarpur Chhindwara Damoh Dewas Dhar Gwalior Hoshangabad Jabalpur Ratlam Rewa Sagar Satna Tikamgarh Ujjain Vidisha Aurangabad Bhiwandi Bhusawal Dhule Jalgaon Rajapur Santa Cruz Sion Vashi Vikroli Ahmednagar Baramati Beed Ichalkaranji State/UT Passport Office Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra 465 Bhopal Bhopal Bhopal Bhopal Bhopal Bhopal Bhopal Bhopal Bhopal Bhopal Bhopal Bhopal Bhopal Bhopal Bhopal Bhopal Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Pune Pune Pune Pune Appendix No.
Location Jalna Kolhapur Latur Madha Nanded Osmanabad Pandharpur Parbhani Pimpri Chinchwad Sangli Satara Shirur Srirampur Akola Amravati Bhandara Buldhana Chandrapur Gadchiroli Hingoli Katoal Wardha Yavatmal Kakching Tura Aska Balasore Bargarh Baripada Berhampur State/UT Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Maharashtra Manipur Meghalaya Odisha Odisha Odisha Odisha Odisha 466 Passport Office Pune Pune Pune Pune Pune Pune Pune Pune Pune Pune Pune Pune Pune Nagpur Nagpur Nagpur Nagpur Nagpur Nagpur Nagpur Nagpur Nagpur Nagpur Guwahati Guwahati Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Annual Report 2019-20 No.
Location Bhadrak Bhawanipatna Bolangir Cuttack Dhenkanal Jagatsinghpur Jajpur Kendrapara Keonjhar Koraput Nabarangpur Phulbani Puri Rourkela Sambalpur Karaikal Basi Pattana Bathinda Firozpur Malerkotla Moga Pathankot Patiala Phagwara Ropar Ajmer Alwar Banswara Barmer Bharatpur State/UT Passport Office Odisha Odisha Odisha Odisha Odisha Odisha Odisha Odisha Odisha Odisha Odisha Odisha Odisha Odisha Odisha Puducherry Punjab Punjab Punjab Punjab Punjab Punjab Punjab Punjab Punjab Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan 467 Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar Tiruchirapalli Chandigarh Chandigarh Amritsar Chandigarh Jalandhar Jalandhar Chandigarh Jalandhar Chandigarh Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Appendix No.
Location Bhilwara Bikaner Chittorgarh Churu Dausa Hanumangarh Jaisalmer Jhalawar Jhunjhunu Kankroli Karauli-Dhaulpur Kota Kotputli Nagaur Pali Pratapgarh Sawai Madhopur Sirohi Sriganganagar Arani Chennai GPO Chidambaram Cuddalore Dharmapuri Kallakurichi Kancheepuram Krishnagiri Ranipet Tiruvallur Tiruvannamalai State/UT Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu 468 Passport Office Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Jaipur Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Annual Report 2019-20 No.
Location Vellore Viluppuram Coonoor Erode Rasipuram Salem Bodineyaknur Devakottai Kodairoad Nagercoil Rajpalyam Ramathapuram Thoothukkudi Virudhunagar Karur Perambalur Sirkali Thiruthuraipoondi Adilabad Bhongir Kamareddy Khammam Mahabubabad Mancherial Medak Medchal Mehbubnagar Nalgonda Siddipet Vikarabad State/UT Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Telangana Telangana Telangana Telangana Telangana Telangana Telangana Telangana Telangana Telangana Telangana Telangana 469 Passport Office Chennai Chennai Coimbatore Coimbatore Coimbatore Coimbatore Madurai Madurai Madurai Madurai Madurai Madurai Madurai Madurai Tiruchirappalli Tiruchirapalli Tiruchirappalli Tiruchirappalli Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Appendix No.
Location Wanaparthy Warangal Dhramanagar Amroha Badaun Bijnaur Moradabad Pilibhit Rampur Shahjahanpur Achnera Agra Aligarh Baghpat Bulandshahr Hathras Meerut Muzaffarnagar Noida Saharanpur Vrindawan Allahabad Ambedkar Nagar Amethi Ayodhya Azamgarh Bahraich Ballia Balrampur Banda State/UT Telangana Telangana Tripura Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh 470 Passport Office Hyderabad Hyderabad Kolkata Bareilly Bareilly Bareilly Bareilly Bareilly Bareilly Bareilly Ghaziabad Ghaziabad Ghaziabad Ghaziabad Ghaziabad Ghaziabad Ghaziabad Ghaziabad Ghaziabad Ghaziabad Ghaziabad Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Annual Report 2019-20 No.
Location Bhadohi Chunar Deoria Farrukhabad Fatehpur Ghazipur Gonda Goshi (Mau) Hamirpur Hardoi Jaunpur Jhansi Kheri Maharajganj Misrikh Pratapgarh Rae Bareli Siddharth Nagar Sitapur Sultanpur Unnao Almora Kathgodam Nainital Roorkee Rudrapur Srinagar Alipurduar Amta Arambagh State/UT Passport Office Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Uttarakhand Uttarakhand Uttarakhand Uttarakhand Uttarakhand Uttarakhand West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal 471 Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Lucknow Dehradun Dehradun Dehradun Dehradun Dehradun Dehradun Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Appendix No.
Location Asansol Ashok Nagar Balurghat Bangaon Bankura Bardhaman Barrackpore Basirhat Beadon Street Bishnupur Bolpur Canning Road Ferry Ghat Chinsurah Coochbehar Darjeeling Diamond Harbour Dum Dum Ghatal Howrah Jadavpur Jalpaiguri Jhargram Jiyaganj Kakdweep Kanthi Katwa Kharagpur Krishnanagar Makdumpur North Dinajpur State/UT West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal 472 Passport Office Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Annual Report 2019-20 No.
418 419 420 421 422 423 424 Location Purulia Raghunathganj Rampurhat Ranaghat Samsi Serampore Tamluk State/UT West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal West Bengal Passport Office Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata 473 Appendix ANNEXURE VIII Missions/Posts abroad integrated with Passport Seva Project No.
Mission / Post abroad Official ‘Go Live’ Date 26 27 United Kingdom - London United Kingdom - Birmingham United Kingdom - Edinburgh USA - New York USA - Washington DC USA - Atlanta USA - San Francisco USA - Houston USA - Chicago Saudi Arabia - Riyadh Saudi Arabia - Jeddah Oman - Muscat Kuwait - Kuwait City Bahrain - Manama UAE - Dubai UAE - Abu Dhabi Qatar - Doha Singapore - Singapore Thailand - Bangkok Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur Canada - Toronto Canada - Vancouver Canada - Ottawa Sri Lanka - Colombo Australia - Sydney Australia - Melbourne Australia - Perth 25-Oct-18 27-Oct-18 30-Oct-18 21-Nov-18 24-Nov-18 25-Nov-18 27-Nov-18 28-Nov-18 30-Nov-18 20-Feb-19 25-Feb-19 27-Feb-19 12-Mar-19 17-Mar-19 3-Apr-19 4-Apr-19 21-Apr-19 20-May-19 22-May-19 30-May-19 11-Jun-2019 11-Jun-2019 24-Jun-2019 19-Mar-2019 24-Jun-2019 7-Jul-2019 7-Jul-2019 474 Annual Report 2019-20 ANNEXURE IX Cadre strength at Headquarters and Missions abroad as on during 2019- 20 (including posts budgeted by M/o Commerce, ex-cadre posts and posts encadred from MOIA & POE ) S.No.
Cadre/Post Posts at Hqrs.

Posts at Missions Total Grade I Grade II Grade III Grade IV Junior Admn.
Grade/Senior Scale (i) Junior Scale (ii) Probationers Reserve (iii) Leave Reserve (iv) Deputation Reserve (v) Training Reserve Sub Total I IFS(B) (i) Grade I (ii) Deputation Reserve (i) Integrated Grades II & III (ii) Leave Reserve (iii) Deputation Reserve (iv) Training Reserve 9 (i) Grade IV (ii) Leave Reserve (iii) Deputation Reserve 10 (i) Grade V/VI (ii) Leave Reserve (iii) Deputation Reserve 11 (i) Grade II of Cypher Cadre Appendix S.No.
Cadre/Post Posts at Hqrs.

Posts at Missions Total (ii) Leave Reserve 12 (i) Stenographer's Cadre (ii) Leave Reserve (iii) Training Reserve (Hindi) (iv) Deputation Reserve Interpreter's Cadre L&T Cadre Sub Total II Grand Total(Sub total I+II) 13 14 5 383 47 10 12 9 20 1662 1999 550 26 3 1621 2262 5 933 47 10 12 35 23 3283 4261 476 Annual Report 2019-20 ANNEXURE X Number of IFS Officers with proficiency in various languages : (As on 02.12.2019) S.No.

Language Number of Officers S.No.
Language Number of Officers Arabic Bahasa Indonesia Bahasa Malay Burmese Chinese Czech French German Hebrew Italian Japanese Kazakh Swahili 118 10 03 08 96 02 108 35 08 01 31 01 02 Korean Nepalese Pashto Persian Polish Portuguese Russian Sinhalese Spanish Turkish Ukrainian Vietnamese Total 09 01 02 23 03 27 113 10 98 07 01 03 720 477 Appendix ANNEXURE XI List Of Partnership Agreements ASIA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA No.

Country Term Remarks 1.
China Strategic & Cooperative Partnership Closer Development Partnership Japan for Peace and Prosperity Special Strategic & Global Partnership South Korea Special Strategic Partnership Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Indonesia Vietnam 2014 From 2005 to 2014 2014 2015 2015 Comprehensive Strategic Strategic Partnership since 2007, elevated to Parnership Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016 Australia Strategic Partnership Malaysia Strategic Partnership Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Singapore Strategic Partnership 10 Mongolia Strategic Partnership 2009 2010 2011 2015 2015 ASEAN Strategic Partnership New Delhi, India-ASEAN relations were elevated At ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit 2012 in unto a Strategic Partnership level USA and Europe No.
Country Term Remarks 1.

US Strategic Partnership of Global Significance 2 3 4 5 France Strategic Partnership Germany Strategic Partnership UK Strategic Partnership Canada Strategic Partnership 2014 1998 2000 2004 2015 478 Annual Report 2019-20 No.

Country Term Remarks 6 European Union GULF Strategic Partnership 2004 No.

Country Term Remarks 1.


2 3 4 Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council Agreement October 2019 UAE Oman Israel Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Strategic Partnership Strategic Partnership 2018 2008 2017 CENTRAL ASIA No.

Country Term Remarks 1.

Russia Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership Uzbekistan Long Term and Strategic Partnership Tajikistan Long term Strategic Partnership 2 3 4 LAC No.
Country Term Brazil Strategic Partnership Argentina Strategic Partnership Mexico Privileged Partnership 1.

2 3 AFRICA No.
Country Term 1 2 3 4 South Africa Strategic Partnership Nigeria Strategic Partnership Rwanda Strategic Partnership Africa (covering all 54 states) India Africa Framework for Strategic Cooperation 479 Since 2000, we had Strategic partnership and raised to Special and Privileged status in 2010 2009 2011 2012 2006 2019 2007 1996 2007 2017 2015 Remarks Remarks Appendix EAM Dr. Jaishankar unveiling the life-size bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Allotria Park, Helsinki to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Finland, and the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Annual Report of the Ministry of External Affairs is brought out by the Policy Planning and Research Division.

A digital copy of the Annual Report can be accessed at the Ministry’s website : www.mea.gov.in.

This Annual Report has also been published as an audio book (in Hindi) in collaboration with the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) Dehradun.