Lok Sabha Question No. 1400 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-28
Subject: Visit by Dignitaries
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Vijay Kumar, Su Thirunavukkarasar, Ravneet Singh, Bhagwant Mann, S. Gnanathiraviam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1400 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.21

## VISIT BY DIGNITARIES

## 1400.     SHRI VIJAYAKUMAR (ALIAS) VIJAY VASANTH:

SHRI THIRUNAVUKKARASAR SU:

SHRI RAVNEET SINGH BITTU:

- SHRI BHAGWANT MANN:
- SHRI GNANATHIRAVIAM S:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of visits made by foreign dignitaries to India during the last six months till date ;
- (b) the issues on which deliberations were held with them;
- (c) whether any bilateral agreements were signed with them;
- (d) if so, the details thereof;
- (e) the details of visits undertaken by the Prime Minister as well as External Affairs Minister during the above period;
- (f) the details   of   bilateral   agreements/MoUs   signed   and   discussions held and the outcome thereof; and
- (g) the steps taken by the Government to further improve the relations with these countries?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## [SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

- (a) to (d) Information is placed at Annexure I.
- (e) to (g) Information is placed at Annexure II.

## ANNEXURE-I

## Visit by Foreign Dignitaries (01 Jan 2021- 16 July 2021)

|   S. N o. | Dignitary/ Country                                             | Period of visit               | Issues on which deliberations were held with them                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | Details of Bilateral agreements signed                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
|-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|         1 | H.E. Sh Pradeep Gyawali Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nepal    | 14-16 Januar y 2021           | The Joint Commission comprehensively reviewed all aspects of multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. Both sides discussed several areas of cooperation inter alia connectivity, economy and trade, power, oil and gas, water resources, political and security issues, border management, development partnership, tourism, culture, education and | Press Release: https://www.mea.gov.in/ incoming-visit- detail.htm? 33391/Sixth+IndiaNepa l+Joint+Commission+M eeting                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
|         2 | H.E. Barbara Pompili Minister for Ecological Transition France | 28 Januar y -2 Februa ry 2021 | capacity building. Discussions were held on the subjects of Environment and Sustainable Development, launch of Indo-French Year of Environment.                                                                                                                                                                                                                | Details of MoU/Bilateral instruments signed: i) Credit Facility Agreement of €250 million for the development of the Surat Metro. ii) Letter of intent with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for the development a floating solar power system (FSPV) on the Getalsud reservoir in the state of Jharkhand. iii) Letter of intent with the Assam Forest Department to promote a Park Partnership with national parks in the Indo-Pacific region |
|         3 | H.E. Brig. Gen. Amir Hatami Defence Minister                   | Februa ry 03- 04, 2021        | The visiting dignitary participated in the IOR Defence Ministers' conclave and met RM on the sidelines of the AERO INDIA Show.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |

|    | Iran                                                                                           |                      |                                                                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                          |
|----|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|  4 | H.E. Mr. Dhoihir Dhoulkam al Minister of Foreign Affairs & Internatio nal Cooperati on Comoros | 03-05 Februa ry 2021 | A three member Comorian delegation led by the visiting dignitary participated in the AERO INDIA Show and IOR Defence Ministers' Conclave at Bangalore from 03 to 05 Feb 21. |                                                                                                          |
|  5 | H.E. Lt Gen Léon Jean Richard RAKOTONIR INA Minister of National Defence Madagasc ar           | 03-05 Februa ry 2021 | A four member delegation led by the visiting dignitary participated in the AERO INDIA Show and IOR Defence Ministers' Conclave at Bangalore from 03 to 05 Feb 21            |                                                                                                          |
|  6 | H.E. Ms Uza Mariya DiDi Defence Minister Maldives                                              | 03-05 Februa ry 2021 | A three member delegation led by the visiting dignitary participated in the AERO INDIA Show and IOR Defence Ministers' Conclave at Bangalore from 03 to 05 Feb 21           |                                                                                                          |
|  7 | H.E. Mr. Andriy Taran Defense Minister Ukraine                                                 | 03-05 Februa ry 2021 | The visiting dignitary participated in the AERO INDIA Show during which he also had a meeting with RM to discuss bilateral defence issues.                                  |                                                                                                          |
|  8 | H.E. Mr. Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue Vice President Equatori al Guinea                        | 03-07 Februa ry 2021 | The visiting dignitary participated in the AERO INDIA Show - 2021 in Bangalore.                                                                                             | Details of MoU/Bilateral instruments signed: MoU on procurement of defence equipment was signed with BEL |
|  9 | H.E. Ms. Elizabeth Truss MP,                                                                   | 05-09 Februa ry 2021 | The visiting dignitary met with Minister of Commerce and Industry                                                                                                           |                                                                                                          |

|     | Secretary of State for Internation al Trade UK                                      |                              | Shri Piyush Goyal and discussed roadmap for announcing a new Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) for further deepening trade ties between the UK and India.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
|-----|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 1 0 | H.E. Mr. Demeke Mekonnen Hassen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ethiopia | 16-19 Februa ry 2021         | The visiting dignitary briefed EAM on Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Tigray Crisis and Ethiopia-Sudan Border issues. Both Ministers discussed the bilateral issues including trade and commerce, S&T cooperation, cultural cooperation etc.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | Details of MoU/Bilateral instruments signed: i) MOU between CLRI (CSIR lab) and Wollo University Ethiopia ii) Agreement for visa waiver for diplomatic passport holders between India and Ethiopia. |
| 11  | H.E. Mr. Maksym Stepanov Health Minister Ukraine                                    | 19-24 Februa ry 2021         | The discussions were held on issues related to supply of Covid-19 vaccines by the Indian pharmaceutical companies to Ukraine.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| 12  | H.E. Mr. Marcos Pontes Minister of Science, Technolog y & Innovation Brazil         | 23 Februa ry - 03 March 2021 | The visiting dignitary held discussions with Ministers of Science and Technology, Minister of State for Space and Chairman ISRO on strengthening collaboration in space sector and science and technology including in niche areas such as earth sciences, biotechnology and nanotechnology. During the visit, the dignitary witnessed the launch of the Amazonia-1, the first indigenous Brazilian Earth Observation Satellite which was launched on board PSLV at Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota. |                                                                                                                                                                                                     |

| 1 3   | H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Kamilov Foreign Minister Uzbekist an                                                                              | 25 Februa ry 2021    | The visiting dignitary extended invitation to India for the connectivity conference in Tashkent in July.                                                                                                                                                   | Press Release: https://www.mea.gov.in/ incoming-visit- detail.htm? 33567/External+Affairs +Minister+meets+Forei gn+Minister+of+Uzbeki stan                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
|-------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 1 4   | H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Internation al Cooperatio n                     | 25-26 Februa ry 2021 | Issues related to bilateral relations and multilateral issues of mutual interest were discussed.                                                                                                                                                           |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| 1 5   | UAE H.E. Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al- Mohamme d Al-Sabah Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Kuwait | 17-18 March 2021     | In-depth discussions on upgrading the bilateral relations in all areas were held                                                                                                                                                                           | A Joint Statement on establishment of Joint Commission between Republic of India and the Government of the State of Kuwait was issued during the visit. Press Release: https://www.mea.gov.in/ incoming-visit- detail.htm? 33678/Visit+to+India+ of+HE+Sheikh+Dr+Ah med+Nasser+AlMoham mad+AlSabah+Foreign +Minister+and+MOS+f or+Cabinet+Affairs+St ate+of+Kuwait+March +1718+2021 |
| 1 6   | H.E. Lloyd James Austin III Secretary of Defense USA                                                                                 | 19-21 March 2021     | The visiting dignitary called on Prime Minister and met Raksha Mantri, External Affairs Minister and National Security Advisor. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and exchanged views on regional security challenges. |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |

| 1 7   | H.E. Mohamma d Haneef Atmar Foreign Minister Afghanis tan                    | 22-23 March 2021.   | At the delegation level talks with his counterpart, the two sides focused on strengthening India- Afghanistan Strategic Partnership, particularly cooperation in the areas of political, security, trade, economic, capacity development, education, social, cultural relation.                 | Press Release: https://www.mea.gov.in/ incoming-visit- detail.htm? 33714/Visit+of+HE+Mo hammad+Haneef+Atm ar+Foreign+Minister+o f+the+Islamic+Republi c+of+Afghanistan+to+I ndia+March+2223+202 1                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
|-------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 1 8   | H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov Foreign Minister Russia                               | 05-06 April 2021    | Issues of bilateral cooperation as well as important regional and international issues were discussed between the two sides.                                                                                                                                                                    | Press Release: https://www.mea.gov.in/ incoming-visit- detail.htm? 33771/Statement+by+ Minister+of+External+ Affairs+at+the+Joint+P ress+conference+with +the+Minister+of+Fore ign+Affairs+of+the+Ru ssian+Federation https://www.mea.gov.in/ incoming-visit- detail.htm? 33774/Transcript+of+Jo int+Presser+by+Extern al+Affairs+Minister+an d+Minister+of+Foreign +Affairs+of+the+Russi an+Federation+April+0 |
| 1 9   | H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani Minister of Foreign Affairs Bahrain | 06-08 April 2021    | During the visit, 3 rd meeting of High Joint Commission (HJC), (co- chaired by EAM and Bahraini Foreign Minister) was held. Both sides reviewed entire gamut of bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation, and discussed ways to further strengthen and expand these in various sectors. | Press Release: https://www.mea.gov.in/ incoming-visit- detail.htm? 33778/Third+IndiaBahr ain+High+Joint+Commi ssion+Meeting+7+April +2021                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
| 2 0   | H.E. Mr. Nurlan Yermekba yev Defence Minister                                | 07-09 April 2021    | Issues of bilateral defence cooperation were discussed between the two sides.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |

|     | Kazakhst an                                                                |                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
|-----|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2 1 | H.E. Mr. Osman Saleh Mohamme d Minister of Foreign Affairs Eritrea         | 7-12 April 2021  | Issues discussed between the two sides: i) Port/Costal Infrastructure Upgradation; ii) Mining; iii) Counter Terrorism; iv) Regional Security; The visiting dignitary sought India's active collaboration in the field of Agriculture, fisheries, education, health, manufacturing and renewable energy.     | Press Release: https://www.mea.gov.in/ incoming-visit- detail.htm? 33781/Visit+of+Foreign +Minister+of+Eritrea+t o+India+April+712+20 21                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| 2 2 | H.E. Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs France | 13-15 April 2021 | i) The visiting dignitary held delegation level talks with EAM and also participated in Raisina Dialogue. ii) The dignitary also discussed issues of bilateral and multilateral interest, including defence and space cooperation, climate, UNSC and regional issues like Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific. | Implementing Arrangement between ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) and French National Space Agency (CNES) for cooperation concerning Human Spaceflight programme Press Release: https://www.mea.gov.in/ incoming-visit- detail.htm? 33798/Visit+of+Ministe r+for+Europe+and+For eign+Affairs+of+France +to+India+April+1315 +2021 |
| 2 3 | H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid Foreign Minister Maldives                          | 15-16 April 2021 | The visiting dignitary participated in the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi and met with his counterpart.                                                                                                                                                                                                      | Press Release: https://www.mea.gov.in/ incoming-visit- detail.htm? 33803/Visit+of+Ministe r+of+Foreign+Affairs+ of+Maldives+to+India+ April+1516+2021                                                                                                                                                                                    |

## ANNEXURE-II

## Foreign Visits by PM and EAM (01 Jan  2021 - 16 July 2021)

## Visit of Prime Minister

|   S. No. | Countries visited   | Period of visit   | Details of bilateral agreement/MoU signed, discussions held and outcome thereof; Steps taken to further improve relations with these countries                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
|----------|---------------------|-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|        1 | Bangladesh          | 26-27 March 2021  | MOUs/Bilateral instruments signed: (i) MoU on cooperation between Bangladesh National Cadet Corps and National Cadet Corps of India (ii) MoU on establishment of a framework of cooperation in the area of trade remedial measures (iii) MoU on establishment of sports facilities at Rajshahi College field and surrounding areas (iv) MoU on cooperation in the field of disaster management, resilience and mitigation (v) MoU on supply of ICT equipment, course ware & reference books and training for Bangladesh-Bharot Digital Service and Employment Training (BDSET) Centre Discussions held: (i) During the visit, Prime Minister of India called on H.E. Mr. Md. Abdul Hamid, Hon'ble President of Bangladesh on 27 March 2021. The Indian Prime Minister joined the National Day programme, Golden Jubilee celebrations and Mujib Borsho celebration at the National Parade Ground as the Guest of Honour on 26 March 2021. Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen called on the Prime Minister of India on 26 March 2021. (ii) Both sides discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. Outcomes: (i) Foundation stone laying for a memorial in the honour of the martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War of 1971 at Ashuganj, Brahmanbaria. (ii) Both Prime Ministers jointly inaugurated the Bangabandhu - Bapu Digital Exhibition in Dhaka. (iii) Release of India - Bangladesh friendship stamps to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the |

| establishment (iv) Decision Diwas, the the year 1971. (v) Announcement University of (vi) Joint celebration Independence establishment countries. (vii) Foundation Project of Rooppur - Dhamrai, Rooppur (viii) The inauguration (India) - Saydabad Bagan Bari Bholagunj (Bangladesh). (ix) Inauguration Kuthibari, Rabindranath Kumarkhali (x) Inauguration service on through Chilahati-Haldibari (xi) Announcement Mujibnagar Shorok. (xii) Announcement Scholarships education/courses (xiii) Joint historic links, energy, connectivity, areas of cooperation.   |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

## Visits of External Affairs Minister

|   S. No. | Countries visited   | Period of visit    | Details of bilateral agreement/MoU signed, discussions held and outcome thereof; Steps taken to further improve relations with these countries                                              |
|----------|---------------------|--------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|        1 | Sri Lanka           | 05-07 January 2021 | EAM paid an official visit to Sri Lanka in January 2021 and held discussions on all facets of bilateral relations with the President, Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka. |
|        2 | Maldives            | 20-21              | MOUs/Bilateral instruments signed:                                                                                                                                                          |

|    |            | February 2021       | (i) MoU for setting up a Fish-processing plant in N. Kendhikuhudhoo. (ii) MoU for Cooperation in Broadcasting between Prasar Bharati and Public Service Media (PSM) of Maldives. (iii) MoU on cooperation in Sustainable Urban Development between India and Maldives (Ministry of National Planning & Housing & Infrastructure). (iv) Agreement to develop harbour at Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) for the MNDF. (v) USD 50 million Line of Credit for the Ministry of Defence, Maldives.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
|----|------------|---------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|  3 | Mauritius  | 21-24 February 2021 | MOUs/Bilateral instruments signed: (i) Signing of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA). (ii) Finalisation and signing of Line of Credit (LoC) of USD 100 mn along with an additional grant component of USD 5 mn was offered by India to Mauritius for procurement of defence products. (iii) Exchange of Letter for provision of a Passenger Variant Dornier (PVD) and Advanced Light Helicopter(ALH). (iv) Exchange of Letter for construction of Renal Transplant Unit. (v) Signing of contract between M/s. BHEL Ltd and CEB , Mauritius for construction of 8MW Solar power plant. (vi) MoU in the field of Consumer Protection and Legal Metrology. Under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, Government is committed to developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all its neighbours. India is an active development partner and is involved in several projects in these countries. India's policy of 'Neighbourhood First' focuses on creating mutually beneficial, people-oriented, regional frameworks for stability and prosperity. Our engagement with these countries is based on a consultative, non-reciprocal and outcome-oriented approach, which focuses on delivering benefits like greater connectivity, improved infrastructure, stronger development cooperation in various sectors area, security and broader people-to-people contacts. |
|  4 | Bangladesh | 04 March 2021       | EAM called on the Hon'ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh and met the Hon'ble Foreign Minister of Bangladesh to discuss about the visit of PM Modi to Bangladesh on 26-27 March 2021. Discussions were also held on various aspects of bilateral ties like trade, connectivity, development cooperation, security, defence and political cooperation. Initiatives to improve trade, connectivity, development cooperation, security and defence ties are also being taken. Both sides are also joint commemorating the golden jubilee of the independence of Bangladesh, the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |

|   5 | Tajikistan     | 29 March - 01 April 2021   | EAM met the Tajik Foreign Minister, Defence Minister and Chairman of Parliament. He also called on Tajik President. Discussions pertained to areas of bilateral cooperation as well as regional issues including Afghanistan. He participated in Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference. The discussions held during the visit have helped to further deepen strategic partnership between India and Tajikistan.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
|-----|----------------|----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|   6 | UAE            | 19 April 2021              | Discussions were held on Covid-19 cooperation, cultural cooperation and other areas of common interests. Follow up meetings with the UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
|   7 | United Kingdom | 03-06 May 2021             | Abdullah bin Zayed were held. (i) Attended the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers' Meeting. (ii) Two MoUs on India-UK Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP) and India-UK Global Innovation Partnership (GIP) were signed during the visit. (iii) EAM had bilateral meetings with UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, and UK Home Secretary Ms. Priti Patel, and discussed COVID-19 vaccines, and various other bilateral, regional and international issues. He also had follow up discussions on implementation of India-UK Roadmap 2030.                                                                                                                                                                        |
|   8 | USA            | 24-28 May 2021             | EAM met Secretary of State and Secretary of Defence, National Security Advisor, US Trade Representative, Members of the US Congress, Senior Officials and members of leading business fora. This was the first Cabinet Minister-level visit from India to interact with the new U.S. Administration that was inaugurated on 20 January 2021. Bilateral cooperation, and regional and global issues of common interest including were discussed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
|   9 | Kuwait         | 09-11 June 2021            | In-depth discussions on upgrading the bilateral relations in all areas were held. MOUs/Bilateral instruments signed: MoU for Cooperation on Recruitment of Domestic Workers                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
|  10 | Kenya          | 12-14 June 2021            | Regional HoMs Conference also held during the visit of EAM. External Affairs Minister (EAM) held series of meetings with Kenyan leadership. He called on President Uhuru Kenyatta who fondly recalled the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Kenya. EAM had interactions with Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Trade, IT, Health, Interior and Finance of Kenya on a range of issues of mutual interest. Both sides discussed ways of enhancing bilateral partnership through exploring more opportunities both in the government and private sectors in the areas of Health, Environment, ICT, Tourism, Higher Education, Automotive, Defence and Security. EAM expressed satisfaction with ongoing collaboration |

|    |         |                 | between India and Kenya in the United Nations Security Council during the 2021-2022 terms and exchanged views on global and regional issues. EAM had virtual interaction with the Indian Diaspora in Kenya to discuss the issue related to Diaspora welfare. EAM co-chaired 3rd meeting of the India-Kenya Joint Commission Meeting (JCM). Minutes of JCM were signed and Joint Statement was issued.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
|----|---------|-----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 11 | Greece  | 25-27 June 2021 | EAM held bilateral consultations with his counterpart, H.E. Mr. Nikos Dendias. He also called on H.E. Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Regional and multilateral issues were also discussed and had a comprehensive exchange of views on further consolidating the bilateral relations. Both sides agreed to encourage and continue regular high- level exchanges and consultations across all relevant authorities, including through the use of virtual interaction, as well as through Ministerial and other high-level visits. It was also agreed that the next round of Foreign Office Consultations and Joint Trade Committee would be held soon. EAM also unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Athens on 26 June 2021. The Greek Foreign Minister signed and handed over the |
| 12 | Italy   | 28-30 June 2021 | Agreement on the International Solar Alliance (ISA). (i) EAM visited Italy for G20 Foreign and Development Ministerial meeting. (ii) EAM also held bilateral meetings on the sidelines with his counterparts from Italy, Spain, France, UK, EU, Indonesia and South Africa, German Minister for Development and SG of OECD.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
| 13 | Russia  | 07-09 July 2021 | EAM met the Russian Foreign Minister Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Yuri Borisov and the Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs Mr. Leonid Slutsky. Discussions focused on issues of bilateral cooperation and regional/international issues of importance. The discussions held during the visit have helped to further strengthen 'India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership'.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
| 14 | Georgia | 09-10 July 2021 | EAM had meeting with the Georgian President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Minister of Economy and discussed issues of bilateral cooperation and regional/international issues of importance. Agreement between India and Georgia for gifting of a relic of St. Queen Ketevan. The first ever visit by EAM to Georgia and the gifting of a relic of St. Queen Ketevan to Gerogia have significantly boosted the bilateral ties.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |

|   15 | Tajikistan   | 13-14 July 2021   | EAM attended the meeting of Council of SCO Foreign Ministers. He also met the Tajik Foreign Minister as well as with other foreign dignitaries on the sideline. EAM also attended the meeting of SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
|------|--------------|-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|   16 | Uzbekistan   | 15-16 July 2021   | EAM attended the High Level Conference 'Сentral Asia- South Asia: Regional Connectivity' in Tashkent. He also called on President of Uzbekistan Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the visit. He also met with other foreign dignitaries on the sideline. The Government is intensifying cooperation in various fields including trade and investment, development cooperation, defence and security, education and culture through established institutional mechanisms, regular consultations and exchange of visits, whenever possible. |

***