opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2628 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-03
Subject: Broadband Services
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: SANJAY(KAKA) RAMCHANDRA PATIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2628 TO BE ANSWERED ON  3 RD  JANUARY, 2018

## BROADBAND SERVICES

†2628. SHRI SANJAY KAKA PATIL:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to formulate any project to make broadband services better and streamline it across the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government proposes to conduct any survey in this regard; and
- (c) if  so,  whether  the  Government  is  planning  to  invite  any  Non-Governmental Organisation or company for this purpose and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a) to (c) BharatNet  project  (Phase-I)  is  being  implemented  to  provide  broadband connectivity  to  1,00,000  Gram  Panchayats  (GPs)  in  the  country.  As  on  24.12.2017, optical  fibre  connectivity  has  been  provided  to  1,08,237  GPs by  laying  2,52,547  km Optical  Fibre  Cable  and  96,039  GPs have  been  made  service  ready  under  the BharatNet project (Phase-I). The Phase-II of the Project will cover remaining approximately  1,50,000  GPs  in  the  country.  The  implementation  of  Phase-II  of  the Project is proposed to be done through States, Private Sector and Central Public Sector Undertakings.  All  GPs  are  targeted  to  be  provided  with  broadband  facility  by  March, 2019.  The  last  mile  connectivity  through  Wi-Fi  or  any  other  suitable  broadband technology will also be provided in all the GPs of the country under this project. Nondiscriminatory access of this network will be made available to the Service Providers in rural areas.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2627 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-03
Subject: Passports in Hindi
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: PONNUSAMY VENUGOPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2627

TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.01.2018

## PASSPORTS IN HINDI

## 2627.DR. P. VENUGOPAL:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether passports would now be in both Hindi and English instead of just English;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has announced a 10 per cent reduction in passport fee for applicants who are under eight and over 60 years of age and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether it has been made mandatory to submit ration card while applying for tatkal passports; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

- (a) & (b) The pre-printed portion of the passport is already in Hindi and English languages. At present, the personal details of the applicant are printed in the English language only. The Government has now decided to print personal details on passports in both Hindi and English languages. (c) The Government has implemented with effect from 24 June, 2017 a new scheme under which senior citizens of the age of 60 years and above and minor children upto the age of eight years would be given a discount of 10 per cent on the applicable passport fee on fresh application for passports. (d) & (e) Submission   of   ration   card   has   not   been   made   mandatory   while
- applying for passports under Tatkaal Scheme. In order to further improve and liberalize   Police   Verification   procedure   for   passport   issuance,   the   Ministry announced on 25 January, 2016 that normal passport applications of all first time applicants furnishing Aadhaar, Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card and an affidavit in the prescribed format that no criminal proceedings were pending against the applicant will be processed on PostPolice Verification basis, enabling faster issue of passport, without payment of any additional fees. The Ministry announced on 23 June, 2017 that in place of PAN Card, henceforth either the PAN Card or the Ration Card of the applicant would be acceptable for this purpose.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2625 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-03
Subject: Strength of Diplomats
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: T.G. VENKATESH BABU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2625 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.01.2018

## STRENGTH OF DIPLOMATS

## 2625.     SHRI VENKATESH BABU T.G.:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether India's diplomatic strength has been greatly reduced over the years;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and its impact on India's foreign relations with the countries of the world;
- (c) whether any steps have been taken to augment the strength of diplomats;
- (d) if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GENERAL (DR) V.K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) to (e) The total strength of IFS cadre as on 19 th  November, 2017 is 941. However, in view of increased commitments over years the Ministry has undertaken several steps to augment the strength of diplomats. There has been an increase in the number of intake of direct recruitment of IFS officers   through   the   Civil   Services   Exams.   In   addition,   officers   from different   Ministries/Departments   of   Government   of   India   and   State Governments are being taken on deputation. In order to serve India's national interests, the training programs for new recruits as well as serving diplomats have been revamped. Concrete steps have also been taken to augment the pool of officers trained in foreign languages. All efforts are being made to meet the diplomatic commitments as envisaged.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2623 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-03
Subject: Relations with Nepal and Bhutan
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: PREM DAS RAI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2623 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.01.2018

## RELATIONS WITH NEPAL AND BHUTAN

## 2623. SHRI PREM DAS RAI:

Will   the   Minister   of   EXTERNAL   AFFAIRS   be   pleased   to   state   the details   of   steps   taken   by   the   Government   to   utilise   the   accessibility advantage of Sikkim in diplomatic and trade relations with Nepal and Bhutan?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

To harness traditional linkages and to enhance economic, trade and people to people connectivity of Sikkim as well as other Indian states bordering Nepal and Bhutan, the representatives of State Governments are regularly consulted in discussing ways and means to advance India's unique   and   multi-faceted   ties,   including   economic   and   development cooperation and people to people ties, with Nepal and Bhutan.

Products originating in Sikkim such as pharmaceuticals, foodstuf are   exported   to   Bhutan,   and   PET   items   exported   to   Nepal   through designated trade routes. A number of students from Nepal and Bhutan study in educational institutions in Sikkim. Besides trade, tourism and people to people linkages, India and Nepal are discussing cooperation in area of organic farming, which is an area of interest to Sikkim.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2622 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-03
Subject: Coach and Loco-Manufacturing Facility
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: DARSHANA VIKRAM JARDOSH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2622 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.01.2018

## COACH AND LOCO-MANUFACTURING FACILITY

2622.  SHRIMATI DARSHANA VIKRAM JARDOSH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  there  is  any  proposal  under  the  consideration  of  the Government  regarding  setting  up  of  coach  and  loco-manufacturing facility for high speed rail in Gujarat;
- (b) if so, the details thereof ;
- (c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard;
- (d)  whether the Government has an extant policy/scheme to support such an important manufacturing activity and if so, the details thereof;
- (e)  if not, whether the Government has a plan to support high speed rail coach and loco-manufacturing facility by way of policy intervention for setting up the facility in Gujarat; and
- (f) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a) &  (b) : Gujarat Infrastructure Development  Board  (GIDB),  a Government of Gujarat body, had submitted a proposal  to Ministry  of …2/…

Railways  evincing  Government  of  Gujarat's  interest  in  locating  the High Speed Rail Manufacturing unit at Dahod.

(c)  to  (f)  :  Mumbai-Ahmedabad  High  Speed  Rail  (MAHSR)  project  has been  sanctioned  for  implementation  with  technical  and  financial assistance of Government of Japan. Procurement of High Speed rolling stock is an integral part of the project. The project envisages 'Make in India' of rolling stocks i.e. manufacturing in India.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2620 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-03
Subject: Survey by ECI
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: ASHOK SHANKARRAO CHAVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2620

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 03 rd  JANUARY, 2018

## SURVEY BY ECI

## 2620. SHRI ASHOK SHANKARRAO CHAVAN:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated an online survey for Overseas Indian Citizens in collaboration with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS);

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the aims and objectives of the survey;

(c) the terms and conditions of the survey along with the expenditure involved therein;

(d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to campaign for the said survey among the Overseas Indian Citizens;

(e) whether the Election Commission of India has also launched an online competition to engage with the target population and seek their contribution to the cause of every Indian vote counts and if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to create a dialogue of their own to foster a vibrant democracy and ensuring that no voter is left behind?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS (SHRI P.P.CHAUDHARY)

(a) and (b): Yes, Madam. The Election Commission has informed that they had conducted an online survey for overseas Indian citizens in collaboration with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). The objective  of  the  survey  was  to  assess  the  level  of  awareness  among  the  overseas  Indians  about  the registration  and  the  voting  process.  It  was  also  meant  as  an  outreach  measure  to  engage  with  the overseas  Indians  through  an  online  competition  linked  with  the  survey,  so  as  to  attract  maximum participation in the survey.

(c):  The  Commission  had  engaged  the  TISS  for  consulting  assignments  for  the  online  survey  cum competition among overseas Indian citizens. The budget of TISS was Rs. 9,49,100/-.The Commission had  also  hired  a  social  media  agency  viz.  M/s  Crayons  Advertising  Pvt.  Ltd.  for  promotion  of  the survey at a cost of Rs. 21,07,950/-.

(d):  The  survey  cum  competition  was  advertised  through  the  respective  websites  of  the  Ministry  of External Affairs and the Indian Missions abroad.

(e): The Commission has informed that an online competition was conducted by TISS on behalf of the Commission to crowdsource creative ideas from overseas Indian citizens holding Indian passport. This material would be further used for campaign purpose for increasing voter participation.

(f):  The  Commission has initiated a programme namely; Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP)for this purpose.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2618 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-03
Subject: Review of Telecom Policy
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2618 TO BE ANSWERED ON  3 RD  JANUARY, 2018

## REVIEW OF TELECOM POLICY

†2618. SHRI ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to take any steps to review the New Telecom Policy which allows the telecom operators to shift to revenue sharing arrangement from the licencing system;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a) to (c) The  Department  of  Telecommunications  envisages  to  formulate  a  new National Telecom Policy in view of rapid technological advancement in the sector. The work on formulation of National Telecom Policy-2018 has been initiated and is targeted to  be  finalised  by  March,  2018.    Several  Working  Groups  have  been  constituted  on different themes for this purpose.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2617 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-03
Subject: Neutrino Observatory
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: (ADV.) JOICE GEORGE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2617 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.01.2018

## NEUTRINO OBSERVATORY

## 2617.  ADV. JOICE GEORGE:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to set up India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) at Kerala -Tamil Nadu border and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  there  has  been  any  protest  against  the  installation  of  the  said observatory and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether there has been any court intervention against the setting up of INO and if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  conducted  any  study  pertaining  to  health hazards  associated  with  the  said  project  and  if  so,  the  details  and  the outcome thereof?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  FOR  PERSONNEL,  PUBLIC  GRIEVANCES  & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (Dr. JITENDRA SINGH):

- (a) Yes Sir, at Bodi West Hills in the Theni District of Tamil Nadu.
- (b) Yes,  Sir.  Some  of  the  residents  in  Pottipuram  seem  to  be  against  INO because  of  misinformation  spread  by  activists  about  the  harm  caused  by neutrinos and tunneling causing damage to Mullaiperiyar dam 40 kms away.
- (c) Yes  Sir.  On  26.03.2015,  the  Hon'ble  Madras  High  Court,  Madurai  Bench passed an interim order, on PIL filed by Mr. Vaiko, to commence the research work after obtaining necessary clearance from Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board.  On  the  Appeal  filed  by  Mr.  Sundarrajan  against  the  environment clearance  granted  by  Ministry  of  Environment  and  Forest  to  Institute  of Mathematical Sciences, the National Green Tribunal passed an Order dated 20.03.2017 stating that the project proponent (INO) Institute of Mathematical Sciences  (IMSc)  to  make  proper  application  to  the  Regulatory  Authority  for

expeditious consideration on  merits and  till that  time  the  Environment clearance  is  kept  in  abeyance.    The  order  also  mentioned  the  need  for National Board of Wildlife clearance.

After  National  Green  Tribunal  (NGT)  order,  Tamil  Nadu  Pollution  Control Board  (TNPCB)  has  now  informed  INO  to  submit  a  fresh  application  after obtaining fresh Environment Clearance.

- (d) Yes Sir, a Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (by Salim Ali Centre for  Ornithology  and  Natural  History  (SACON),Coimbatore)  and  Environment Management Planning (EMP) as part of the Detailed Project Report (by the then Tamil Nadu Electricity Board) was done and presented to the Ministry of Environment and Forest before obtaining the Environment Clearance in 2011.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2612 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-03
Subject: Railway Bridges in Karnataka
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: PRATHAP SIMHA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2612 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.01.2018

## RAILWAY BRIDGES IN KARNATAKA

2612.  SHRI PRATHAP SIMHA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  rail  bridges  are  assigned  with  ORN-1,  ORN-2  and  ORN-3 ratings in their respective railways;
- (b) if  so,  the  number  of  railway  bridges  in  Karnataka  which  are  in dilapidated condition, division-wise, rating-wise;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  prepared  any  action  plan  for  their renovation on priority; and
- (d)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  amount  of  funds  provided  for renovation/  replacement  of  these  bridges  during  the  last  three years?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION  NO.2612  BY  SHRI  PRATHAP  SIMHA  TO  BE  ANSWERED  IN  LOK SABHA ON 03.01.2018 REGARDING RAILWAY BRIDGES IN KARNATAKA

(a): Yes, Madam. Railway Bridges are assigned with numerical ratings based on their physical condition assessed during their regular inspections.

(b):  The  information  on  Railway  Bridges  is  maintained  Zone-wise  and  not State-wise.  Karnataka is covered under Central Railway, Southern Railway, South Central Railway and South Western Railway. There is no bridge with ORN-1 rating in any of these four Zonal Railways. The division-wise break-up of  bridges,  with  ORN-2  &  3  ratings,  covering  the  State  of  Karnataka,  is  as under:

| Zonal Railway   | Division   | ORN-2   |   ORN-3 |
|-----------------|------------|---------|---------|
| Central         | Solapur    | 6       |      44 |
| Southern        | Palghat    | 5       |      27 |
| South Central   | Guntakal   | 15      |      58 |
| South Western   | Hubli      | NIL     |      15 |
| South Western   | Mysore     | NIL     |      13 |
| South Western   | Bangalore  | NIL     |      11 |

(c) & (d): Repair / strengthening / rehabilitation / rebuilding of  railway bridges is  a  continuous process and is undertaken whenever so warranted by their physical condition as ascertained during their regular inspections. However, all railway bridges are safe for train movement at permitted speed.

As on 01.04.2017, 751 railway bridges in the above four zones are sanctioned for repair / strengthening / rehabilitation / rebuilding. Funds of ` 91.11 Crore, ` 114.75 Crore and ` 133.04 Crore were allocated for repair / strengthening / rehabilitation  /  rebuilding  of  bridges  in  the  above  four  zones  during  the financial years 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 respectively.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2611 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-03
Subject: Family Pension to Divorced Daughters
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: NAGARAJAN P.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEPARTMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2611

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 3 RD  JANUARY, 2018

## FAMILY PENSION TO DIVORCED DAUGHTERS

2611.  SHRI  P. NAGARAJAN:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE j{kk ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  announce  new  guidelines  stating  that divorced daughters of military personnel are eligible to receive family pension even if the divorce comes through after the death of the parents and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the other terms and conditions laid down to receive family pension by the divorced daughters of military personnel;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  received  any  requests  from  divorced  daughters  of military personnel to sanction family pension and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the amount / family pension likely to be granted under this new guideline?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

र  ा रा य मं ी

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

(a) & (b): There is no such proposal.  However, vide Ministry of Defence letter  dated  17.11.2017,  divorced  daughter  is  now  eligible  for  ordinary family pension for life subject to fulfilment of the following conditions:-

- (i) When widow / widower of Defence personnel and eligible children below 25 years of age have ceased to be eligible to receive family pension and there is no disabled child to receive family pension;

## :  2  :

- (ii) Divorced daughter was  dependent on defence personnel / pensioner or his / her spouse i.e. if decree of divorce had been issued by the competent court during life time of at least one of the  parents  or  even  the  divorce  proceedings  had  been  filed  in a competent  court  during  the  life time  of the  personnel  / pensioner  or  his  /  her  spouse  but  the  divorce  took  place  after their death.
- (iii)  She  is  not  earning  equal  to  or  more  than  the  sum  of  minimum family pension and dearness relief thereon.
- (c) As and when received, requests from divorced daughters for grant of family pension are replied in accordance with the existing policy. Since  there  is  no  proposal  for  new  guidelines  to  receive  family pension even if the divorce comes through after the death of the parents,

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- (d) the question does not arise.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2610 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-01-03
Subject: Chinese Economic Strategy
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2610 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.01.2018

## CHINESE ECONOMIC STRATEGY

## 2610.  SHRI A. ARUNMOZHITHEVAN:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether India is the only country in South Asia not involved in China's ambitious economic strategy and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether Chinese experts say that India must reconsider its stance;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether according to them, the entry of Nepal will force India to follow suit in the near future or face isolation; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) to (e) India is working with China to expand economic cooperation between the   two   countries   under   the   Closer   Developmental   Partnership,   which   was established   during   the   visit   of   Chinese   President   Mr.   Xi   Jinping   to   India   in September 2014 and was further consolidated during the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to China in May 2015.

Both sides share the view that India-China bilateral relationship has an important role to play in the 21st Century in Asia and in the world, and that it serves   the   shared   interest   of   the   two   sides   to   strengthen   their   Closer Developmental Partnership.

With regard to China's 'One Belt One Road' (OBOR) initiative, Government has publically articulated its firm belief that connectivity initiatives must be based on universally   recognized   international   norms,   good   governance,   rule   of   law, openness, transparency and equality, and must be pursued in a manner that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Expansion and strengthening of connectivity is an integral part of India's economic and diplomatic initiatives. India shares international community's desire for   enhancing   physical   connectivity   and   believes   that   it   should   bring   greater economic benefits to all in an equitable and balanced manner. Government is working with many countries and international institutions in support of physical and digital connectivity in our own immediate and near neighbourhood.

*****