Lok Sabha Question No. 824 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-20
Subject: Visit by Dignitaries
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH, NARANBHAI KACHHADIA, T. RADHAKRISHNAN, SUDHEER GUPTA, ASHOK SHANKARRAO CHAVAN, BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO, P.R. SUNDARAM, T.G. VENKATESH BABU, VIJAY KUMAR S.R., VIJAYSINH MOHITE PATIL, RAJEEV SHANKARRAO SATAV, JAYAKUMAR JAYAVARDHAN, DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK, SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE, HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.824 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.12.2017

## VISIT BY DIGNITARIES

824. KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH: SHRI NARANBHAI KACHHADIYA: SHRI T. RADHAKRISHNAN: SHRI SUDHEER GUPTA: SHRI ASHOK SHANKARRAO CHAVAN: SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO: SHRI P.R. SUNDARAM: SHRI VENKATESH BABU T.G.: SHRI S.R. VIJAYAKUMAR: SHRI MOHITE PATIL VIJAYSINH SHANKARRAO: SHRI SATAV RAJEEV: DR. J. JAYAVARDHAN: SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK: SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE: DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT :

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :

- (a) the details of foreign trips undertaken by the President, Prime Minister of India and External Affairs Minister during each of the last three months and the current month, country-wise;
- (b) the details of the agreements/ Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed, if any, and the areas identified for cooperation and discussions held during the last three months and the status of implementation of these agreements;
- (c) the details  of   foreign   dignitaries   who   visited   India   during   the aforesaid period, country-wise;
- (d) the   details   of   the   talks   held,   sectors   decided   for   further cooperation and the treaties signed and the advantage to the country as a result thereof; and
- (e) the other steps taken by the Government to improve the bilateral relations with these countries?

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

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

- (a) to (e) Information as desired is placed at Annexures I & II.

*****

## Outgoing Visits

## I. President's Visits

| S. No.   | Countries visited during each of the last three months and the current month (September 2017 - till date)   | The details of the agreements/Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed, if any                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | The areas identified for cooperation, discussions held, and status of implementation of these agreements                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | The other steps taken by the Government to improve the bilateral relations with these countries                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
|----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|          | (a)                                                                                                         | (b)(i)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            | (b)(ii)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          | (e)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
| 1        | Djibouti Oct 03-04, 2017                                                                                    | One Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Foreign Office Consultations (FOCs) between India and Djibouti was signed during the visit of the President of India to Djibouti.                                                                                                                        | The areas indentified for cooperation during this visit comprise of economic, commercial, technical, educational & scientific, cultural fields. Other areas of cooperation agreed between India and Djibouti during this visit are International Terrorism; UNSC reforms; Regional peace and security; Climate change and Sustainable Development; Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and; Skill Development. The agreement signed during the visit was the MoU on Foreign Office Consultations (FOCs) between India and Djibouti. Vide signing of this agreement it was agreed to hold bilateral discussions regularly between the two sides in order to further diversify the agenda of cooperation. So far, no FOC has been held between India and Djibouti. | India has been making important contribution in capacity building in Djibouti by way of various scholarship programmes being offered to Djiboutians. Moreover, Djibouti has been recipient of grants and concessional loans from India for development of SME sector and infrastructure projects in Djibouti. |
| 2        | Ethiopia Oct 04-06, 2017                                                                                    | (i) Trade Agreement between the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Government of the Republic of India. (ii) Agreement between the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Government of the Republic of India on Cooperation and Media. | Areas identified for cooperation include Economic, Commercial, Trade, Technical, Educational, Scientific, Cultural, Consular, Simplification of Visa Regime, ICT, Media, Climate Change and UN                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | Announcement of LOC of USD 195.35 million for 400 KV Power Transmission Line to Industrial Power Project in Mekele. Announcement of Grant Assistance of (i) 1000 MT of rice (ii) USD 2 million worth of medicines (iii) 1 Lakh NCERT Textbooks of Maths and Science                                           |

## Visit by Dignitaries

## Annexure-I

## Outgoing Visits

## II. Prime Minister's Visit

| S. No.   | Countries Visited during each of the last three months and the current month (September 2017 - till date)   | The details of the agreements/Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed, if any                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | The areas identified for cooperation, discussions held, and status of implementation of these agreements                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | The other steps taken by the Government to improve the bilateral relations with these countries             |
|----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|          | (a)                                                                                                         | (b)(i)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | (b)(ii)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | (e)                                                                                                         |
| 1        | China (BRICS) Sep 03-07, 2017                                                                               | The outcomes of the Summit include the Xiamen Declaration. In addition BRICS Action Agenda on Economic and Trade Cooperation; BRICS Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation (2017-2020); Strategic Framework of BRICS Customs Cooperation; and MoU between BRICS Business Council and New Development Bank on Strategic Cooperation were signed during the Summit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | In the Xiamen Declaration, BRICS Leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and deplored terrorist attacks against BRICS countries. Leaders' Declaration lists Taliban, Al-Qaida, Haqqani Network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP as groups perpetrating terrorism. Leaders called for dismantling terrorist bases, and to prevent movement of terrorists, countering radicalization, recruitment, blocking terrorist finance, money-laundering, supply of weapons, drugs and countering misuse of internet. The Declaration also includes, references to predictability in accessing technology and finance for expansion of civil- nuclear energy capacity and establishment of BRICS Long-term mechanism for Traditional Medicine. Other elements in the Xiamen Declaration include (i) Trade & Investment - Investment facilitation, trade in services, e-commerce, IPR, BRICS E-Port Network; (ii) Financial Cooperation - Public Private Partnership, Accounting Standards, Local Currency Bond Fund, Financial Market Integration, currency swap, local currency direct settlement; (iii) Interbank Local Currency Credit Line and cooperation on credit-rating; (iv) Terror Finance, Proliferation and money laundering (FATF); (v) Joint research in ICT (internet, data analytics, nano-technology); (vi) Energy cooperation; (vii) IMF reform, World Bank Group Shareholding Review; (viii) Tax cooperation, BEPS; (ix) UN Peace and Security, Comprehensive Reforms of the United Nations, including the Security Council; etc. | BRICS is a multilateral Grouping.                                                                           |
| 2        | Myanmar Sep 03-07, 2017                                                                                     | 1. Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Security Cooperation Between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar 2. Cultural Exchange Programme between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar for the year 2017-2020. 3. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Government of the Republic of India on Enhancing the Cooperation of the Upgradation of the Women's Police Training Centre at Yamethin, Myanmar. 4. Memorandum of Understanding for Sharing White Shipping Information between the Indian Navy and Myanmar Navy 5. Technical Agreement between the Government of the Republic of | During the visit, India reiterated its commitment to assist Myanmar in its endeavour for socio-economic development. Both sides reviewed on-going cooperation projects being executed with technical and financial assistance from the Government of India, noting that these were directly associated with the benefit of the Myanmar people, and agreed that these should be expedited. PM reiterated India's abiding commitment to supporting Myanmar in its efforts to build infrastructure and develop human resources capacity.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | Both sides have initiated steps to implement the MoUs/Agreements to further strengthen bilateral relations. |

|    |                                                                       | India and the Government Of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar for providing Coastal Surveillance System 6. Memorandum of Understanding between the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Ministry Of Health and Family Welfare of the Republic of India and Food and Drugs (FDA), Ministry of Health and Sports of Myanmar on Cooperation in Medical Products Regulation. 7. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health and Family welfare of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Health And Sports of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on cooperation in the field of Health and medicine 8. Exchange of Letter for Extension of MoU on the establishment of MIIT 9. Exchange of Letter for Extension of MoU on the establishment of India-Myanmar Center for Enhancement of IT-Skill 10. Memorandum of Understanding in the field of elections between the Election Commission of India and The Union Election Commission of Myanmar. 11.Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between Myanmar Press Council and the Press Council of India   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                        |
|----|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|  3 | Philippines Nov 12-14, 2017 12 th East Asia Summit - 14 November 2017 | _                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | Priority areas of cooperation that were discussed included Energy, Education, Finance, Global Health including Pandemics, Environment and Disaster Management and ASEAN Connectivity. Discussion were also held on Maritime Cooperation, disarmament and Non Proliferation and Sustainable Development. The regional and international issues that were discussed included South China Sea, Events in Korean Peninsula, Cyber issues, Regional Economic Integration and Women's Economic Empowerment.                                                                                                                                                        | It is a multi-lateral grouping.                                                                                        |
|  3 | 15 th ASEAN India Summit - 14 November 2017 Bilateral Visit           | _                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | Priority areas of Cooperation that were discussed included Enhancing Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and India, Maritime Cooperation, Cyber Security, Enhancing Trade & Economic Relations, ASEAN India Connectivity Cooperation, Implementation of the Plan of Action on ASEAN India Cooperation Food, Agriculture and Forestry, India's Support in Narrowing Developmental Gap among ASEAN Countries, Science & Technology Cooperation and People to People Connectivity. Celebrations of the 50 th Anniversary of ASEAN & the 25 th Anniversary of ASEAN India Dialogue Partnership, both of which are being celebrated in 2017, were also discussed. | It is a multi-lateral grouping.                                                                                        |
|  3 | 15 th ASEAN India Summit - 14 November 2017 Bilateral Visit           | 1. MoU between the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), India, and the Foreign Service Institute of the Philippines (FSI), Manila                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | The MoU aims at enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the ICWA and FSI through the promotion of friendly, cooperative and collaborative institutional relations.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | Hon'ble Prime Minister attended ASEAN/EAS summits in Manila and on the sidelines of above                              |
|  3 | 15 th ASEAN India Summit - 14 November 2017 Bilateral Visit           | 2. MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises between National Small Industries Corporation, Republic of India and Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Republic of the Philippines                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | The MoU aims at developing and enhancing mutual cooperation to advance the development of MSMEs in both countries; capacity building; exchange business missions; sharing information on fairs/ exhibitions; and technology transfer.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | Summits, he met President of the Philippines, H. E. Rodrigo Roa Duterte to invite him for the forthcoming India- ASEAN |
|  3 | 3. MoU between the                                                    | Government of the Republic of the Philippines                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | The MoU aims at enhancing the existing                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | Commemorative                                                                                                          |

| and the Government of the Republic of India on Cooperation in Agriculture and Related Fields                                                                  | friendly relations between India and the Philippines through development of cooperation in agriculture, livestock, dairy production, sericulture, fisheries and post harvest technology; and mutual cooperation in research and development in agriculture and related fields. Summit in in to enhance relations                                           | New Delhi January 2018 as well discuss ways to bilateral including cooperation in various   |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 4. MoU between India and Philippines on Defence Industry Logistics cooperation.                                                                               | fields terrorism, cooperation education. and The MoU aims to provide a framework for enhancing and strengthening cooperation And coordination between Defence Ministries of India and the Philippines for attainment of mutual cooperation in the logistics support and services, and in the development, production and procurement of defence materials. | such as pharmaceuticals, defence and                                                        |
| 5. MoU made and entered into between Indian Council of Cultural Relations and University of the Philippines on Establishment of ICCR Chair of Indian Studies. | The MoU would depute a Professor from India for one semester every year to teach Filipino students in the Philippines University and give lectures on recent developments in India.                                                                                                                                                                        | such as pharmaceuticals, defence and                                                        |

## Outgoing Visits

## III. External Affairs Minister's Visit

| S. No.   | Countries Visited during each of the last three months and the current month (September 2017 - till date)   | The details of the agreements/Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed, if any                                                                               | The areas identified for cooperation, discussions held, and status of implementation of these agreements                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            | The other steps taken by the Government to improve the bilateral relations with these countries                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
|----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|          | (a)                                                                                                         | (b)(i)                                                                                                                                                       | (b)(ii)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | (e)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
| 1        | Colombo, Sri Lanka 31 August to 01 September, 2017                                                          | EAM visited Colombo to participate in the 2 nd Indian Ocean Conference. During the visit she also held bilateral discussions with the Sri Lankan leadership. | The discussion covered the entire gamut of bilateral relations, focusing in particular on bilateral economic projects.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | Efforts are ongoing to further deepen the bilateral engagement by (a) regular high level exchanges (b) enhanced cooperation in Development Partnership (c) Negotiation of a comprehensive India - Sri Lanka Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement, where 6 rounds have already been held. |
| 2        | Vladivostok, Russia 4-7 September, 2017                                                                     | _                                                                                                                                                            | EAM took part in the Eastern Economic Forum during September 6-7, 2017 in Vladivostok. She participated in the India-Russia Business Dialogue. She held bilateral meetings with FM Lavrov, DPM Yuri Trutnev, Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Sergey Donskoi and met Governors and Ministers from Regions of the Russian Far East. The areas identified as priority sectors such as machine industry, oil and gas, fisheries, agriculture, metals and mining, diamonds, timber, transport and logistics and tourism are all of interest to India. | We are already working on initiatives such as the Green Corridor, the International North- South Transport Corridor and Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. The Russian Government has eased visa policies for Indians in the Far East.                                                |
| 3        | New York, USA                                                                                               |                                                                                                                                                              | EAM delivered India's National Statement at the High Level                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          | _                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |

|    | 16-25 September, 2017                                                        | _                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            | Segment of 72 nd UNGA Session. She also held bilateral meetings with Afghanistan, Algeria, Arab League, Argentina, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Chile, China, Denmark, El Salvador, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Nepal, Norway, Oman, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Tunisia, UAE, UK, UNSG and USA. EAM participated in the meetings of IBSA, India-CARICOM (Caribbean Community), India-CELAC Quartet (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), India-USA-Japan Trilateral, G-4, BRICS, SAARC, SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization), UNSG's Meeting on Climate Change, Environment Pact, NAM on Palestine and CICA (Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia). EAM also attended meetings on UN Reforms, Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group and India-Iran-Oman Trilateral.   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
|----|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|  4 | Dhaka, Bangladesh 22-23 October, 2017                                        | 1. Sale and Purchase Agreement between Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) for supply of Gasoil 2. MoU between HMT and International Institute of Diploma Engineers of Bangladesh for establishment of vocational training institute 3. A cheque of US$ 12.4 lakh was handed over to Chairman, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) for the maintenance of inland river routes under the framework of Protocol on Inland Water Trade and Transit (PIWTT) | During the visit, EAM inaugurated 15 Projects aimed towards bringing about socio-economic development in Bangladesh that would be implemented under Government of India's financial and technical assistance. At the bilateral Joint Consultative Committee Meeting between India and Bangladesh, EAM had called Bangladesh as one of India's closest friend and committed Government of India's support and collaboration to Bangladesh on all issues of mutual concern including those relating to regional security, connectivity, infrastructural development and capacity building.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | Strengthening our bilateral relations with countries in our immediate neighbourhood is a constant endeavour of Government of India as part of its 'Neighbourhood First' Policy. We undertake similar efforts with Bangladesh to take our bilateral relations to the next higher level.                                                                                                                                                                   |
|  5 | Sochi, Russia(Shanghai Cooperation Organization)29 Nov. To 02 December, 2017 | _                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            | Areas of cooperation discussed included trade & investment, connectivity, energy, agriculture, legal services, capacity building, regional &International cooperation and terrorism.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          | SCO is a multilateral forum.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
|  6 | Tehran, Iran 2 December 2017                                                 | _                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            | Smt. Sushma Swaraj External Affairs Minister visited Iran on December 2, 2017 on her return journey from SCO Summit at Sochi and met Dr. Javad Zarif, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Islamic Republic of Iran. During the meeting both sides discussed various aspects of India- Iran relations and ways to strengthen it. Both sides positively reviewed the initiatives undertaken since the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Iran in May 2016 including cooperation in Chabahar Port which was later inaugurated by Dr Hassan Rouhani, President of Iran on 3 December 2017.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | Prime Minister visited Iran in May 2016. During the visit, both sides decided to give full play to the strategic location and unique role of Iran and India for promoting multi-modal connectivity within and across the region. India's participation in developing Chabahar Port, Agreement on Establishment of International Trilateral Transport and Transit Corridor, International North South Transport Corridor, Chabahar- Zahedan railway link, |

| cooperation in Farzad B, enhancement of trade ties are steps being taken, inter alia, by the Government to take India-Iran bilateral relations to further heights.   |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

*****

## I. Incoming Visits (Heads of State/Heads of Govt.)

| S. No.   | Country from where the foreign dignitary visited India during each of the last three months and the current month (September 2017 - till date); and Dates of visit   | The details of the talks held, sectors decided for further cooperation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | the treaties signed and the advantage to the country as a result thereof                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | The other steps taken by the Government to improve the bilateral relations with these countries                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
|----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|          | (c)                                                                                                                                                                  | (d)(i)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | (d)(ii)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | (e)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| 1        | President of Switzerland Aug 30 - Sep 01, 2017                                                                                                                       | President Leuthard met Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 30 August 2017. The two Leaders held discussions on: Political relations Economic and Commercial Ties Multilateral Issues Regional developments During the visit, Swiss President had a meeting with Rashtrapatiji. Vice President of India called on the Swiss President. President Leuthard also met EAM Smt Sushma Swaraj, FM Shri Arun Jaitley, Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu, MoS (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines Shri Piyush Goyal and MoS (IC) for Commerce &Industry Smt Nirmala Sitharaman. | MoU on Technical cooperation in Railways (Develop technical cooperation activities in the railway area to promote efficiency and sustainability to mutual benefit.) MoU between ETH Zurich and Konkan Railways Corporation Limited (KRCL) (For getting the expertise of tunnelling and underground structures from Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH, Zurich)) | Cooperate on maintaining people-to-people contact and high emphasis on cultural exchanges and tourism Implementation of Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI). Existing mechanisms for cooperation- India- Switzerland Financial Dialogue and the Indo-Swiss Joint Economic Committee meetings.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
| 2        | President of Belarus Sep 11-12, 2017                                                                                                                                 | During his visit to India, the President of the Republic of Belarus, H.E. Mr. Alexander Lukashenko met with the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister. The leaders (the visiting President and the PM) discussed bilateral, regional and international issues (including condemnation of terrorism). In total, 10 MoUs/Agreements were signed/exchanged in the fields of cooperation in youth affairs, vocational education & training, science & technology, agriculture, culture, oil &natural gas, fertilizers, and machinery.                                         | Official documents in the field of youth affairs and sports, oil and gas, culture, vocational education and training, S&T cooperation, agriculture research and education, potash fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, bio-pharma, tracts, and tourism were signed. Also business agreements were signed between State/private enterprises of two countries.                   | Both sides are in the process of taking action on various decisions reached during the meetings to further intensify bilateral relations in political, economic, legislative and cultural spheres.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
| 3        | PM of Japan Sep 13-14, 2017                                                                                                                                          | Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Shinzo Abe visited India on September 13-14, 2017 to hold the 12th India-Japan Annual Summit. During the Summit, the two leaders reviewed the recent progress in the multifaceted cooperation between India and Japan under the framework of their 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' and exchanged views on bilateral issues of mutual interest including regional and international issues                                                                                                                                                                           | The document signed during the visit- 1. MOC between the Ministry of Home Affairs, of the Government of the Republic of India and the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan (aiming to cooperate in the field of disaster risk reduction and to promote relationship) 2. MoC in the field of Japanese Language Education in India between MEA and MOFA, Japan       | India looks at Japan as a valued partner in India's economic modernization. Japanese technology and investment in some of India's key national initiative such as 'Make in India', 'Skill India', 'Digital India' etc. are valuable outcomes of our recent engagements with Japan. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Railway is a flagship project of India-Japan economic cooperation. Defence exchanges, including cooperation in technology and co-production are emerging areas of a robust India-Japan relations. |

## Visit by Dignitaries

## Annexure II

| In addition, both countries have shared values and interests across regional and global issues, which provide a strong basis for their 'Special Global and Strategic Partnership'. The mechanism of annual Summit, which India has with very few countries, provides a strong political basis to promote the India-Japan relation in a sustainable forward trajectory.   |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

|    |                                                               |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | of Advanced Science &Technology (AIST) (aims to promote Science and Technology cooperation) 11. MoU on International Academic and Sports Exchange between Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE)and Nippon Sports Science University, Japan (NSSU) (to promote the development of joint studies, research and training activities and other educational programmes of mutual interest) 12. MoU on International Academic and Sports Exchange between Sports Authority of India and Nippon Sports Science University, Japan (NSSU) (aims to further strengthen and develop cooperation in the field of sports) 13. LETTER OF INTENT between Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) and University of Tsukuba, Japan (aims to further strengthen and develop cooperation in the field of sports) 14. LETTER OF INTENT between Sports Authority of India and University of Tsukuba, Japan (aims to further strengthen and develop cooperation in the field of sports) 15. MoU between RIS and IDE-JETRO for promotion of Cooperation in Research Related Activities (to promote institutional cooperation in academic fields of mutual interests to strengthen the   |    |
|----|---------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----|
|  4 | Visit of Chief Executive of Afghanistan September 27-29, 2017 | Dr Abdullah called on (September 28) the Hon'ble President and met the Prime Minister. External Affairs Minister called on Dr. Abdullah and also hosted lunch in his honour. Dr. Abdullah participated at the India- Afghanistan Trade & Investment Show which was inaugurated on September 27, 2017 by Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley and Civil Aviation Minister Shri P. Gajapathi Raju. Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu spoke at the show along with Dr Abdullah on 28 September. On September 29, Dr. Abdullah delivered 24th Sapru House Lecture on 'Regional Peace-building' at the Indian Council of World Affairs. | capacity of research) A Memorandum of Understanding on technical cooperation on police training and development was signed and formally exchanged at the meeting between Chief Executive and Prime Minister. This has created an enabling framework for training and capacity building of Afghan National Police personnel in various fields in addition to India's ongoing assistance for the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | _  |

|     |                                                                                                | At the meetings, both sides positively assessed the recent developments in bilateral relations, including the outcomes of the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council that took place on 11 September and was co-chaired by the Foreign Ministers of the two countries. The 'New Development Partnership' was described as paving the way for the new generation partnership in development cooperation between the two countries aimed at community development, infrastructure creation and human resource and capacity building in Afghanistan. Trade and Economic cooperation was also the focus of discussions. Better connectivity was emphasised upon. In this context, both sides expressed determination to strengthen the Air Freight Corridor and also welcomed the steps being taken to operationalise the Chahbahar port, including the supply of wheat to Afghanistan which eventually commenced in October 2017. Views were exchanged on the efforts being made by the Government of Afghanistan for national peace & reconciliation. The Indian leadership reiterated its support for all efforts to build stable, secure, peaceful, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan. Both sides condemned the continuing acts of terror and violence in Afghanistan. It was agreed the issue of safe havens and sanctuaries needs to be addressed effectively. Views were also exchanged on regional and global developments of mutual interest.   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
|-----|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 5 6 | President of European Council Oct 05-07, 2017 President of European Commission Oct 04-07, 2017 | The 14th India-EU Summit was held in New Delhi on 06 October 2017 between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the European Union leaders, Mr. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council and Mr. Jean Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission. The delegation level talks covered wide ranging bilateral issues to include political, security and sectoral cooperation as well as global and regional issues to include climate change, sustainable development, G 20, WTO, UN, South Africa, West Asia, Korean Peninsula and Africa. During the meeting, various issues to include basmati rice, China, trade and investment (BTIA), migration and refugee crisis, Myanmar and Ukraine/Russia were also discussed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            | Three agreements were also signed during the Summit - a) Implementing Arrangement between the European Commission and the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) for Indian Researchers - The objective of this JDI is to provide research opportunities in Europe for young researchers and stimulate co-knowledge through co-learning and mentoring. b) Finance Contract of Bangalore Metro Rail Project Phase-2-Line R6 for Euro 300 million out of total loan of Euro 500 million - The Bangalore Metro is the first infrastructure project to be jointly financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. It is the EIB's second sovereign loan extended to India. c) Joint Declaration between the Interim Secretariat of the International Solar Alliance and the European Investment Bank - The JDI aims at mobilizing investments for broad-based deployment of affordable solar energy | During the Summit, four outcome documents were issued - a) India- EU Joint Statement, b) Joint Statement Clean Energy and Climate Change, c) Joint Statement on Combating Terrorism, and, d) Joint Statement on Urban Partnership. The various steps to enhance bilateral cooperation are reflected in these four outcome documents |

|    |                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | applications across the 121 prospective member countries of the ISA   |    |
|----|---------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|----|
|  7 | President of Afghanistan Oct 24, 2017 | President of Afghanistan H.E. MohammadAshraf Ghani visited India on 24 October at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. Detailed discussions were held between the Prime Minister and President Ghani in one on one format, restricted meeting and a working lunch. Both sides reiterated their commitment to their strategic partnership and positively assessed the outcomes of the recent high level bilateral exchanges, including the visits of Chief Executive H. E. Dr Abdullah Abdullah and Foreign Minister Rabbani to India last month and that of the National Security Adviser of India to Afghanistan last week. The New Development Partnership that was launched at the meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council on 11 September was assessed as a significant step in building upon the highly successful development cooperation of the past 16 years. The new generation India assisted projects, including in the fields of health, agriculture, drinking water supply, education, renewable energy, infrastructure development, skill development and capacity building, among others will further contribute to Afghanistan's reconstruction, economic development and effective governance. Deep appreciation was expressed for the bravery with which the Afghan forces were fighting terrorism imposed on Afghanistan. The support extended by India in the defence and security fields, including training of thousands of Afghan defence and security personnel was positively assessed. The Indian side agreed to extend further assistance depending upon the needs of the Afghan defence and police forces. The Indian leadership reiterated its support for a negotiated political reconciliation in Afghanistan that is Afghan led, Afghan owned and Afghan controlled. It was emphasised that renunciation of violence and terror; and closure of state sponsored safe havens and sanctuaries were essential for any meaningful progress and lasting peace. Both sides agreed that the recent convergence and alignment of views at regional and international arenas have created opportunities for bringing peace, security | _                                                                     | _  |

|    |                             | deepen the bilateral strategic dialogue and consultations at all levels in order to achieve the shared objectives. Issues related to connectivity were discussed in detail. The establishment of the air freight corridor was acknowledged as an important factor in providing Afghan farmers a direct and easy access to the Indian market. The efforts for early operationalisation of the Chahbahar Port, including the shipments of wheat to Afghanistan through the Port was considered as a step that would shape new trade and transit opportunities for landlocked Afghanistan. The Indian side reiterated the readiness of its Integrated Check Post at Attari for receiving Afghan trucks carrying goods to and from India. Both sides agreed to work closely with the regional and international partners; and consult, coordinate and cooperate in various international fora, with the view to further the objective of seeing Afghanistan emerge as a stable, peaceful, united, progressive, properous and pluralistic nation. Earlier in the morning, President Ghani met Rashtrapatiji and received EAM. Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy, HE Mr. Paolo   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
|----|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|  8 | PM of Italy Oct 29-30, 2017 | Gentiloni accompanied by Mrs. Emanuela Mauro Gentiloni were on a State Visit to India on 30th October 2017 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A 15-member Italian CEO delegation accompanied the official delegation. Interaction between the CEOs of the two countries took place. During the delegation level talks wide ranging issues including Clean Energy & Climate Change, Combating Terrorism, Cyber Security Cooperation, strengthening Economic Partnership, Science &Technology, Education collaboration, people-to-people contacts, Cultural Cooperation, Connectivity and 70 years of Diplomatic Ties were discussed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | Six MoUs/Agreements were signed during the visit- 1. Joint Declaration of Intent of Cooperation for Safety in the Railway sector between India and Italy- The JDI aims at expanding and strengthening cooperation in areas of safety of the Indian railway sector 2. MoU on 70 years of diplomatic relations between Indian Council of Cultural Relations and Ministry of Foreign Affairs& International Cooperation, Government of the Republic of Italy - The MoU aimed at enhancing collaboration between respective Cultural Institutes for celebrating 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between both nations 3. MoU on cooperation In the field of Energy between India and Italy- The MoU aims at enhancing cooperation in the field of new and renewable energy development, storage and any other area of cooperation mutually decided by both countries 4. Executive Protocol on Cultural Cooperation | The visit aimed at strengthening the bilateral political and economic relations between the two countries. The Joint Declaration issued during the visit outlines the measures taken by the Government to improve the bilateral relations. As a follow up to the visit of PM of Italy, following Italian Ministers visited India- 1. Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Mr. Ivan Scarfalotto- 26 November 2017 2. Minister for Health, Ms. Beatrice Lorenzin;- 29 November 2017 3. Minister for Agricultural Food and Forestry Policies, Mr. Maurizio Martina- 06 December 2017 |

|    |                                     |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | between India and Italy - The objective of the Protocol is to enhance cultural relations between both nations 5. MoU between the Training Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Government of the Republic of Italy and the Foreign Service Institute of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of the Republic of India- The MoU would enhance cooperation in exchange of information on structure and content of training programmes and in mutually beneficial areas of training activities 6. MoU for promoting mutual investments between Italian Trade Agency and Invest India The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in the area of mutual investment activities in both countries   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
|----|-------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|  9 | King of Bhutan Oct 31- 03 Nov, 2017 | His Majesty, the King of Bhutan met the President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind and the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The King also held meetings with Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, EAM Smt Sushma Swaraj, Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley, Defence Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman and senior officials. The leaders exchanged views on different aspects of bilateral co-operation as well as other issues of mutual interest. They recalled the unique and historical ties of friendship and understanding that exist between the two countries. The meetings were held in a very warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the spirit of mutual trust and understanding that characterize the exceptionally friendly ties between the two countries. The two sides agreed to celebrate in the year 2018 the golden jubilee of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries in a befitting manner. | No Agreements /MoUs were signed during the visit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advance the exemplary relations across diverse sectors of co-operation.                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
| 10 | PM of Latvia Nov 02-06, 2017        | Prime Minister of Republic of Latvia, H.E. Mr. Māris Kučinskis visited India from 2-6 November 2017. The visit coincided with the 25th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Latvia and marked Latvia's participation in the "World Food India 2017', New Delhi. PM Kučinskis met Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 3 November 2017. The two Leaders held discussions on various aspects of bilateral ties as well as important regional and global issues of mutual interest.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | During the visit, the Protocol amending and supplementing the Agreement between India and Latvia relating to Air Services was signed, which facilitated early passage of the India-EU Horizontal Agreement on Civil Aviation.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | India has introduced e-Visa for Latvian nationals visiting India. A bilateral Visa Exemption Agreement for Diplomatic Passport Holders was signed in May, 2017. Many Latvians have benefitted from ITEC training programmes, the courses for foreign diplomats offered by the FSI as well as scholarships provided by ICCR. |

|    |                                      | The two Leaders focused on building closer cooperation in the areas of trade & investment, food processing and culture among others. PM Kučinskis called on Hon'ble President of India in New Delhi on 3 November 2017.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
|----|--------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 11 | President of Armenia Nov 02-04, 2017 | During his visit to India, H.E. Mr. Serzh Sargsyan, President of the Republic of Armenia met with the President, Vice-President and the PM. The visiting President and the PM discussed bilateral issues as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. The sectors decided for cooperation includes political, defence, space, trade and investment, science and technology, education, culture and people to people. Specific areas with potential to propel bilateral trade and economic relations were discussed including in the sectors of food processing, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals & healthcare, information technology, mining and jewellery. | _                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | India and Armenia maintain regular high level political contacts to strengthen bilateral relations in political, economic, cultural and people to people fields. India and Armenia have a mechanism of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) and Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological, Cultural and Educational Cooperation (IGC). The 7 th IGC and 8 th FOC was held in Yerevan on 1 April, 2016. Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Minister of Civil Aviation visited Armenia on 12 November, 2016. Shri M. Hamid Ansari, Vice President visited Armenia from 24-26 April, 2017. A 12 member business delegation led by CII visited Armenia from 28-29 September, 2017. The Embassy of India regularly organizes cultural events in Armenia. |
| 12 | King of Belgium Nov 05-11, 2017      | Their Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgians, accompanied by six Ministers and a high powered business delegation comprising CEOs of 90 Belgian companies, 13 chiefs of academic institutions and 29 members from media, paid State visit to India from 05-11 November 2017 at the invitation of the President of India. During the talks, both sides discussed bilateral relations, support for each other's candidacies in multinational forums, EU- India relations, BREXIT, economy and trade. In addition, various global issues to include Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate change and terrorism were also discussed.                          | Two Government-to-Government MoUs were signed during the visit:- Agreement on establishment of economic and cultural cooperation and exchange of expertise between NDMC and Leuven city of Belgium - The purpose of the Agreement is to exchange expertise in the fields of smart cities, e- governance transportation, culture, tourism, waste-water and solid waste management, infrastructure, health, science and technology and urban and regional planning. The MoU will lead to formation of an annual Joint Action Plan. MoU between the State Government of Meghalaya, Republic of India and the Wallonia Region of the Kingdom of Belgium - The MoU is a State-to-State cooperation between the two State/Province of India and Belgium which envisages to promote and expand effective and mutually beneficial cooperation within the limits of their financial and technical capabilities in the field of trade, commerce, education, healthcare, environment, S&T, agro-food, sports, culture and urban development. No agreements were signed during the visit. | The visit further strengthened the historical strong ties between the two countries. In all about 38 Agreements covering smart cities, academic and business cooperation were signed during the visit. A total of 13 business seminars were organized - 8 in Delhi and 5 in Mumbai. The seminars in Delhi focussed on the making smart use of scarce resources, personalized healthcare for all, innovation, industry 4.0, sustainability and trade, S&T cooperation, Belgian technologies for heavy industry and food processing. The seminars in Mumbai focussed on best practices for diamond trade, solutions for smart cities and industries, life sciences and healthcare, digitization and exploring business opportunities in India.                                   |
| 13 | Prime Minister of Sri Lanka          | Prime Minister of Sri Lanka called on President during                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | Efforts are ongoing to further deepen the bilateral                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |

| Nov 22-24, 2017   | the visit. Prime Minister hosted a luncheon meeting with the visiting Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. EAMcalled on the visiting dignitary.   | engagement by (a) regular high level exchanges (b) enhanced cooperation in Development Partnership (c) Negotiation of a comprehensive India - Sri Lanka Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement, where 6 rounds have already been held.   |
|-------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

## II. Incoming Visits (Foreign Minister-level)

| S. No.   | Country from where the foreign dignitary visited India during each of the last three months and the current month (September 2017 - till date); and Dates of visit   | The details of the talks held, sectors decided for further cooperation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | the treaties signed and the advantage to the country as a result thereof                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | The other steps taken by the Government to improve the bilateral relations with these countries                                                                                                                                                               |
|----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|          | (c)                                                                                                                                                                  | (d)(i)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | (d)(ii)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | (e)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
| 1        | Sri Lanka Sep 08-10,2017                                                                                                                                             | During the visit, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister called on Prime Minister. EAM held delegation level talks with the visiting Sri Lankan Minister and his accompanying delegation. Discussions covered the entire gamut of bilateral relations.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | --                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | Bilateral engagement has been intensified in diverse areas, focussing in particular on development partnership and economic &commercial ties.                                                                                                                 |
| 2        | Afghanistan September 10-12, 2017                                                                                                                                    | The Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, H.E. Mr. Salahuddin Rabbani visited New Delhi from September 10-12, 2017 in connection with the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council which was held on September 11, 2017 and was co-chaired by the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan and External Affairs Minister of India. During its meeting, the Strategic Partnership Council discussed a range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest and shared understanding and convergence of views on them. The outcomes of the four Joint Working Groups in the areas of political and security issues; trade, commerce and investment; development cooperation; and human resource development, education and culture were reviewed and assessed positively. Both sides also agreed to initiate an ambitious and forward looking next generation 'New Development Partnership' to utilize the additional US$ 1 billion developmental assistance, pledged by India to Afghanistan in 2016, on development priorities of the Government of Afghanistan. In this context, as per the priorities and request of the Government and the people of Afghanistan, both sides agreed to take up 116 High Impact Community Development Projects to be implemented in 31 provinces of Afghanistan, including in the areas of education, health, agriculture, irrigation, drinking water, renewable energy, flood control, micro-hydropower, sports and administrative infrastructure. It was further agreed to implement the following new projects under grant-in aid assistance from India:  Shahtoot dam and drinking water project for Kabul that would also facilitate irrigation;  Low cost housing for returning Afghan refugees in Nangarhar Province to promote resettlement;  Road connectivity to Band-e-Amir in Bamyan Province that would promote tourism to the National Park and economic development;  Water supply network for Charikar city in Parwan Province;  Establishment of a Gypsum board manufacturing plant in Kabul to promote value added industry; and | The following bilateral documents were signed and exchanged: (a) Motor Vehicles Agreement for the Regulation of Passenger, Personal and Cargo Vehicular Traffic; (b) Memorandum of Understanding between the National Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority of Afghanistan, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for mutual cooperation in the field of pharmaceutical products regulation; (c) The Orbit Frequency Coordination Agreement between India and Afghanistan on South Asia Satellite (SAS); (d) Letters establishing the New Development Partnership and launching 116 High Impact Community Development Projects. | It was agreed to have regular meetings of the Joint Working Groups, including to monitor implementation of the decisions taken. Both sides agreed to hold the 3rd meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council in Kabul on mutually convenient dates in 2018. |

|    |                                   |  Construction of a polyclinic in Mazar-e-Sharif.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
|----|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|  3 | Ukraine Oct 05-07, 2017           | During the delegation level talks held with EAM, two sides discussed strengthening of bilateral ties in diverse sectors such as trade and investment; military (technology transfer) and space; cultural, consular and education; and people to people contacts. Matters of mutual interest pertaining to bilateral, regional and international affairs were also touched upon during discussions. Both sides particularly noted the positive trend in filming of Indian films in Ukraine which would augur well for promotion of tourism between the two countries. Ukrainian side agreed to cooperate further in defence sector by way of technology transfer and training of manpower. Indian side agreed to consider Ukraine's request to recognise fumigation of its grains by PH3 fumigants. Ukrainian side welcomed Indian proposal to cooperate in traditional medicine and establish Ayush academic chair in a Ukrainian university. Ukrainian side agreed to look into problems being faced by Indian nationals while obtaining long term visa and visa-on-arrival facility at Ukrainian airports. Ukrainian side supported India's membership in NSG and mentioned that India deserves its place in the UNSC as a permanent member. | --                                                                                                                                                                                                               | Both sides agreed to draw a roadmap to enhance economic and commercial relations in the forthcoming Inter - Governmental Commission meeting scheduled to be held in Kyiv.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
|  4 | Lithuania Oct 08-10, 2017         | Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, H.E. Mr. Linas Linkevičius visited India from 8-11 October 2017. FM Linkevičius had a meeting with External Affairs Minister, Smt Sushma Swaraj, in New Delhi on 9 October. The two Ministers held discussions on various aspects of bilateral ties as well as important regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. The discussions between the two Ministers focused on building closer cooperation in the areas of trade & investment, agriculture, culture, tourism etc. FM Linkevičius called on Hon'ble Vice President of India in New Delhi on 9 October.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            | During the visit, the two Ministers signed the Treaty on Extradition between India and Lithuania and the Protocol amending and supplementing the Agreement between India and Lithuania relating to Air Services. | Cooperation on maintaining people-to-people contacts and high emphasis on cultural exchanges and tourism. Cooperation in the field of agriculture.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
|  5 | Jamaica Oct 08-12, 2017           | The visit coincided with the holding of the 5th Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries. The two sides held discussions on various aspects of bilateral ties including trade & investment, health & health tourism, capacity building, agriculture, culture, tourism etc. They also discussed regional and multilateral issues including climate change, food security, terrorism, financial crisis, cooperation in the UN and other multilateral fora.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | --                                                                                                                                                                                                               | India has donated US $1,50,000/- worth of medicines to Jamaica. The two sides are currently finalizing MoUs on Health and Sports                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
|  6 | Equatorial Guinea Oct 15-17, 2017 | The First Joint Commission Meeting between India and Equatorial Guinea was held on October 16, 2017. The Indian delegation was led by Mr. M.J. Akbar, Minister of State for External Affairs and the Equatorial Guinea side was led by Mr. Agapito Mba Mokuy, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Equatorial Guinea. Talks were held and cooperation in the following sectors was agreed to: Agriculture, Fisheries, Mining, Telecommunications, Public Health, Oil and Gas, Capacity Building and training, Defense, Development Cooperation. Besides, both sides discussed and agreed on various multilateral issues and exchange of visits between the two countries.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | --                                                                                                                                                                                                               | As a follow up to the first Joint Commission Meeting, a proposal from the Ministry of Mines has been forwarded to the Equatorial Guinea Government for the visit of a delegation to study feasibility of undertaking geological survey/ mapping of mainland of Equatorial Guinea. On their request, GoI is arranging English language training for officials of Equatorial Guinean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. |

|   7 | United States of America Oct 24-26,2017   | Discussions during Secretary Tillerson's visit comprised, but not limited to, the following issues: • Taking further steps towards strengthening the India-US Strategic Partnership. • Further strengthening of cooperation for combating terrorism. • Exchange of views on regional and global security issues with a view to promoting regional stability and security. • Further expansion of India-US economic partnership including energy, trade and digital economy. • Movement of skilled professionals including H-1B visas.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | --                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          | There are continuous and on-going engagements with the United States encompassing the areas of strategic, defence, security, economic, commercial, people-to-people contacts, cyber and digital sectors.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
|-----|-------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|   8 | Tunisia Oct 28-31, 2017                   | EAMand her counterpart, Mr. Khaemies Jhinoui Foreign Minister of Tunisia, co-chaired the 12 th Session of India Tunisia Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) on 30 th October, 2017 . Discussions focused on ways to take forward both political and economic cooperation through : Exchange of high level visits between the two countries; Celebration of 60 years of establishment of diplomatic relations; Cooperation in youth affairs; Cooperation in judicial matters; Cooperation in ICT; Cooperation in Agriculture; Cooperation in SMEs sector Exchanges of trade delegations and participation of companies of both sides in trade fairs, exhibitions in each other countries; To work on ways to enhance production capacity of India Tunisia JV in the field of phosphates through measures to be taken by the Government of Tunisia and the Indian companies partners in the JV. | (I) MoU for cooperation in the field of judicial cooperation between Ministry of Law & Justice of India and the Ministry of Justice of Tunisia. (ii) MoU on Cooperation in Youth Affairs (iii) MoU between Software Technology Park of India (STPI) and El Gazala Technopark, Tunis for cooperation in ICT (iv) MoU between FICCI and UTICA of Tunisia (v) MoU between FIEO and CEPEX of Tunisia (vi) G2G MoU between MEA and the Foreign Ministry of Tunisia for setting up of Soil, Water and Tissue Testing Laboratory in Tunis (SWTL). (vi) Initialling Road Map for cooperation in various sectors These MoUs will help in taking the cooperation between the two countries in various sectors to the next level. Cooperation between the two countries in the field of Youth Exchanges; promotion of India's softpower especially in ICT, exchange of trade delegations and easing business between the two countries, targeting to increase upto US Dollars 1 billion in coming times, from the present level of USD 370 million has been considered. It will further ease of business not only in Tunisia but through Tunisia with Africa and the European Continent, with which Tunisia shares several bilateral Trade Agreements. | There is already a proposal to : Invite Young Women Entrepreneurs in February 2018 for exposure to social sector activities of Indian youth, exposing the young entrepreneurs to the Make in India; Digital India through the auspices of Young Entrepreneurs of India by FICCI, FIEO etc and other State level trade bodies. A proposal is also under consideration for holding of JWG in ICT; JWG in SMEs as envisaged in the Agreed Minutes and Roadmap. Setting up of a 2 nd Generation of Centre of Excellence in IT in Tunis Setting up of a Soil, Water and Tissue Testing Laboratory (SWTL) by MEA under IAFS III which will help in cooperation in agriculture sector. Cooperation in software technology parks is also moving forward with both sides drawing up a roadmap for 2018 through discussions by video conferencing in December, 2017 FIEO is already planning to take a group of Indian companies to visit Tunisia during January 2018. |
|   9 | Singapore -31 October-1 November 2017     | The Foreign Minister of Singapore Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan met EAM and also visited Guwahati. In Guwahati, he met Chief Minister.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | An MoU was signed to launch a Skill Development Centre with Singapore's assistance. The Centre would impart high skills training and assist in the implementation of Prime Minister's Skill                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | Regular interactions at official and high political levels in various fields are being undertaken to attract investment from Singapore and further cement bilateral relations.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |

|    |                                             |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | India Initiative.      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
|----|---------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 10 | Guinea 6-7 Nov, 2017                        | Mr. Mamadi Touré, Hon'ble Foreign Minister of Guinea (GFM) called on Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Hon'ble EAM on 6 th November 2017. Guinea was planning to organize a Donors / Investors Conference on Guinean National Plan for Economic and Social Development (PNDES - Plan nationale du développement économique et sociale ) in Paris in the third week of November, 2017 and hoped that there would be Indian representation at the PNDES. GFMhoped that the process of opening of the Indian Embassy in Conakry could be sped up.GFM also hoped that a Joint Commission Meeting between the two countries would be held soon.                                                                                                                                                                                                        | --                     | OurAmbassador in Paris represented India at Donors / Investors Conference on Guinean National Plan for Economic and Social Development (PNDES - Plan nationale du développement économique et sociale ) in Paris. First Joint Commission Meeting between India and Guinea is proposed to be held in January, 2018. Proposal for opening of an Embassy in Conakry, Guinea is under process. |
| 11 | Colombia Nov 7-9, 2017                      | The visiting delegation held meetings with External Affairs Minister and Minister of Commerce and Industry. Cooperation in trade and commerce, investments, air connectivity, energy, mining, culture, traditional medicine, and post peace process reconstruction and rehabilitation in Colombia were discussed during the meetings. The two sides agreed to initiate a joint study for a Trade Agreement between India and Colombia. Both sides also discussed cooperation in regional organizations, the UN and other multilateral fora.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | --                     | India enjoys friendly and cordial relations with Colombia. India has offered assistance to Colombia in post peace process reconstruction and rehabilitation. Both sides have finalized MoU on Cooperation in Agriculture and Fisheries; MoU on Tourism; and Joint Interpretive Statement of Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Treaty.                                          |
| 12 | Democratic Republic of Congo Nov 9-10, 2017 | H.E. Leonard She Okitundu Lundula, Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Democratic Republic of Congo (VPM) called on Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Hon'ble EAM on 10 th November 2017. He shared that his prime objective of the visit to India is to strengthen strategic partnership between our countries and was to hand over a letter of invitation from the President of the DRC to the Indian Prime Minister to visit DRC.VPM mentioned that DRC will be holding elections in 2018 and sought India's assistance in conducting of elections in ORC in view of India's experience in this field.VPM sought India's assistance in the field of mining/mapping in geological survey.                                                                                                                | --                     | First Joint Commission Meeting between India and DRC is proposed to be held in February, 2018. In case of India's assistance sought for holding elections in 2018 in DRC, we have requested the Government of DRC to send a formal proposal.                                                                                                                                               |
| 13 | France (17-19 November, 2017).              | Discussions were held in the following sectors:  Economic: Energy, railways, smart cities  ISA Summit  India's membership of NSG/WA/AG  Fight against Daesh  Counter-terrorism cooperation  Students mobility &migration  Regional issues including Iran, Myanmar/Rohingyas, Afghanistan/Pakistan, DPRK, strategic security in Europe.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | --                     | France is India's strategic partner. The strong bilateral relation between the two countries is carried forward with regular interactions at business, official and political levels. There are several agreements and working groups which actively strengthen the cooperation between the two countries.                                                                                 |
| 14 | Finland Nov 22-25, 2017                     | Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland, H.E. Mr. Timo Soini visited India from 22-25 November 2017. FM Soini had a meeting with External Affairs Minister, Smt Sushma Swaraj, in New Delhi on 24 November. The two Ministers held discussions on various aspects of bilateral ties as well as important regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. The discussions between the two Ministers focused on building cooperation in the areas of trade & investment, vocational education, science and technology, renewable energy, culture and tourism. FM Soini also participated at the 5th Global Conference on Cyber Space 2017 (GCCS 2017) on 23-24 November. FM Soini delivered an address on CyberDiplomacy4Peace at GCCS 2017 on 24 November. Mr Nikolaos Kotzias met EAM in New Delhi on 27 November 2017. The two | --                     | Cooperation on maintaining people-to-people contacts and high emphasis on cultural exchanges and tourism. Four MoU's in the field of energy and sustainable development were signed during the visit of H.E. Mr. Kimmo Tiilikainen, Minister of Housing, Energy and the Environment from 3-5 October, 2017.                                                                                |
| 15 | Greece Nov 25-28, 2017                      | Leaders held discussions on:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | Air Services Agreement | Cooperation on maintaining people-to-people contacts and high emphasis on cultural exchanges and tourism                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |

|    |                         | Political relations Economic and Commercial Ties Multilateral Issues Regional developments                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | MoU on Co-operation in the field of New and Renewable Energy            | Cooperation in the field of agriculture Joint Working Group on Maritime and Shipping issues                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
|----|-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 16 | Denmark Nov 26-30, 2017 | Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, H.E. Mr. Anders Samuelsen visited India from 26-30 November 2017. During the visit, FM Samuelsen had a meeting with External Affairs Minister, Smt Sushma Swaraj, in New Delhi on 27 November. The two Ministers held discussions on various aspects of bilateral ties as well as important regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. The discussions between the two Ministers focused on building of cooperation in the areas of trade & investment, science and technology, environment and renewable energy, shipping, food processing, healthcare, culture, tourism etc. FM Samuelsen visited Hyderabad to participate at the 8th Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017 (28-30 November). FM Samuelsen spoke at Master Class Session of GES 2017 on the theme 'Easy Entrepreneurship - Public Sector Perspective' on November 29. FMSamuelsen also called on Prime Minister in Hyderabad on November 28.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | --                                                                      | Cooperation on maintaining people-to-people contacts and high emphasis on cultural exchanges and tourism. In 2017, Denmark participated as a Partner Country in Vibrant Gujarat Summit as well as at World Food India 2017 held in New Delhi. Air India has started direct flights between Delhi and Copenhagen since September 2017.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
| 17 | Russia Dec 10-11, 2017  | The 15th Trilateral Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Russia-India-China(RIC) took place in New Delhi on 11 December 2017. During the meeting External Affairs Minister of India Sushma Swaraj and Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi discussed issues of common concern. The discussions today were focused on four broad cluster of areas, namely, Economic and Developmental issues; Fight against terrorism; Global / Multilateral issues; and, Regional issues covering challenges to the global economy, menace of terrorism, transnational organized crime, smuggling of drugs, natural and man-made disasters, climate change, and changing political scenario in Middle East and North Africa. These annual talks give an opportunity to the three countries to exchange mutual views with each other and identify contributions to international peace, security and development. The Ministers also noted that this trilateral forum RIC, which was established in 2002, is working very effectively to provide the three countries with a platform for open discussion on issues among themselves as well as other international and regional issues. | A Joint communique was issued at the end of the RIC Trilateral Meeting. | On the sidelines of the trilateral RIC meeting, External Affairs Minister of India Sushma Swaraj had bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov where they reviewed bilateral relations and also noted with satisfaction that more than 100 programs were organized in both countries to commemorate the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Russia. This was the second bilateral meeting between the ministers of both countries in 2017. The first bilateral meeting was held during the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok in September. The year 2017 marks the 70th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between India & Russia. A roadmap for commemoration of this milestone was signed in October, 2016 during the 17th India-Russia Annual Bilateral Summit in Goa. The roadmap is under active implementation. There has been an intensification of relations with Russia with more than 13 Ministerial visits and at other levels in 2017 itself. India also participated in all the Economic Forums organized by Russia this year at a high level, reflecting our desire to further strengthen the economic cooperation with Russia. The first half of 2017 has seen an increase by 21.7% in trade between India & Russia against the comparative period of 2016. |
| 18 | China Dec 10-12, 2017   | In addition to their engagement during the Russia-India-China meeting, EAM also held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of China and discussed India-China bilateral relations in a comprehensive manner. They had a constructive and forward-looking exchange on a wide- range of issues. They agreed that the two sides should further strengthen mutual trust to develop a better understanding between the two sides.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | No bilateral agreement was signed during the visit.                     | India's engagement with China is multifaceted. In areas where we have commonality of views, engagement has expanded and upgraded in recent years. Issues where there are differences are being handled through dialogue to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution based on mutual respect and due sensitivity to each other's interests, concerns and aspirations.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |

|    |                                                   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | In view of the significance of the bilateral relationship, both sides are working towards utilizing their bilateral dialogue mechanisms to promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and enhancing communication at all levels in order to build greater trust and understanding.   |
|----|---------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 19 | Secretary General of Commonwealth Dec 10-16, 2017 | Rt. Hon Patricia Scotland QC, Secretary General of the Commonwealth visited New Delhi from 13-15 December 2017. During the visit, she held delegation level talks with Minister of External Affairs, besides meeting Minister for Women & Child Development, Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Minister of Law and Justice and Minister for Electronics & Information Technology as well as Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Science and Technology. | Commonwealth is a multilateral forum.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |

*****