Lok Sabha Question No. 1572 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-29
Subject: Dignitaries Visiting India
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: AJAY NISHAD, RAVINDRA BABU  PANDULA, VIJAY KUMAR S.R., VINCENT H PALA, RANJANBEN BHATT

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1572

TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.07.2015

DIGNITARIES VISTING INDIA

†1572.		SHRI AJAY NISHAD:

DR. RAVINDRA BABU:

SHRI S.R. VIJAYAKUMAR:

SHRI VINCENT H. PALA:

SHRIMATI RANJANBEN BHATT:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

1. the details of visits made by foreign dignitaries during the last six months till date;
2. the details of issues deliberated upon along with the bilateral agreements/ memorandum of understanding/treaties signed during such visits; and
3. the benefits likely to be received by the country as a result of bilateral agreements/MoUs/treaties and the steps taken by the Government to improve relations with these countries?
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#### ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

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

(a) to (c)	Information in respect of visits by the dignitaries visiting India has been compiled and placed at Annexure ‘A’.

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**Annexure ‘A’**

**Dignitaries Visiting India**

| **Foreign dignitary**  **Dates of visit**  **(a)**                               | **Details of issues deliberated upon**  **(b)**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | **Details of Agreements/MoUs/Treaties  signed during the visit**  **(b1)**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | **Benefits likely to be received by the country as a result of bilateral Agreements/MoUs/Treaties and the steps taken by the Government to improve relations with the countries**  **(c )**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **France**  Foreign Minister    (February, 05, 2015)                             | French Foreign Minister met the External Affairs Minister and also called on the Prime Minister. Prime Minister’s visit to France in April 2015, other bilateral issues, regional and global issues of mutual interest were discussed during these meetings.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | No Agreements/MoUs/Treaties were signed during the visit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | High level exchanges and engagement at various levels to maintain a regular dialogue on a wide range of subjects of mutual interest will lead to further expansion and deepening of bilateral cooperation. Implementation of various agreements signed and announcements made during the PM’s visit to France from 9-12 April 2015 is underway in consultation with the various stakeholders involved.                                        |
| **Singapore**  President  ( February 8-10, 2015)                                 | Singapore President undertook a State Visit to India to mark the milestone – 50 years of establishment of India-Singapore diplomatic relations. He had meetings with the President, Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister.  The entire gamut of bilateral relations between India and Singapore were deliberated upon                                                                                                                                                                                                       | No Agreements/MoUs/Treaties were signed during the visit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | The visit of Singapore President reflected the warm and personal ties between the leadership and reinforced our relations of close understanding and cooperation and added emphasis on the shared desire to identify concrete projects in new areas of cooperation.                                                                                                                                                                           |
| **Sri Lanka**  President  (February 15-18, 2015)                                 | President Sirisena held delegation level talks with the Prime Minister on 16 February 2015. The discussions focussed on bilateral relations and international issues of mutual concern. External Affairs Minister, Finance Minister and Defence Minister called on President Sirisena. President hosted a State Banquet for President Sirisena.                                                                                                                                                                                    | Four Agreements / MoUs were signed during the visit, namely, (i) Agreement on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy; (ii) Programme of Cultural Cooperation for the years 2015-18; and (iii) MoU which facilitates participation of Sri Lanka in the Establishment of Nalanda University and Work Plan for 2015-16 under the MoU on Cooperation in the field of Agriculture.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | The high level visits have provided an opportunity for detailed discussions on all issues of mutual interest with the new Sri Lankan leadership, and have further strengthened our historically friendly relations.                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
| ### Bahrain  ### (February 22-23, 2015)                                          | This was the First Meeting of the India-Bahrain High Joint Commission (HJC), co-chaired by External Affairs Minister and Minister of Foreign Affair, Kingdom of Bahrain. Wide-ranging discussions were held on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | MOU on Water Resources Development and Management was signed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | The two sides discussed in detail various aspects of bilateral relations. These included ways and means to expand bilateral cooperation in the field of education; trade, investment and commerce; security and defence cooperation, exchanges in sectors of media and communication; and issues relating to the Indian expatriate community in Bahrain.                                                                                      |
| **Luxembourg**  Foreign Minister (March 2, 2015)                                 | The Luxembourg Foreign Minister met External Affairs Minister and discussed various issues relating to regional and multilateral issues of common interest including Ukraine, Pakistan, Afghanistan, South China Sea, Climate Change etc.  He also conveyed their support for India’s candidature as non-permanent member of UNSC for year 2021-22.                                                                                                                                                                                | No Agreements/MoUs/Treaties were signed during the visit                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | The visit provided an opportunity to put forward India’s stand on a number of multilateral issues including UNSC reforms.  Discussions were also held for improving bilateral ties including cooperation between tax authorities of both countries.                                                                                                                                                                                           |
| **Thailand**  Deputy Prime Minister  and Foreign Minister  (March 10-12, 2015)   | Apart from attending Delhi Dialogue-VII, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister, where all aspects of our bilateral relations were deliberated upon.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | No Agreements/MoUs/Treaties were signed during the visit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | Thailand Deputy PM and FM was briefed about GOI’s flagship programmes.. Interest has been generated amongst the Thai Government and business community towards the various projects of India.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| **United Kingdom**  Foreign Secretary  (March 11-12, 2015)                       | UK Foreign Secretary met the External Affairs Minister and discussed bilateral issues, regional and global issues of mutual interest.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | No Agreements/MoUs/Treaties were signed during the visit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | High level exchanges and engagement at various levels to maintain a regular dialogue on a wide range of subjects of mutual interest will lead to further expansion and deepening of bilateral cooperation.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
| ### Qatar  Emir of Qatar  (March 24-25,  2015)                                   | His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar paid a State visit to India from 24-25 March 2015.There was exchange of views on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          | Following Agreements/MoUs were signed :  i. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of State of Qatar on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.  ii. MoU on Mutual Cooperation between the Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of External Affairs, Republic of India and the Qatar Diplomatic Institute, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State of Qatar.  iii. MoU between Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Government of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology of the State of Qatar for cooperation in the field of Information and Communication Technology;  iv. MoU between India Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth sciences and Qatar Meteorological Department for Scientific and Technical cooperation in the field of Atmospheric and Ocean Sciences;  v. MoU for Cooperation in the field of Radio and Television between Prasar Bharati and Qatar Media Corporation;  vi. Agreement for Mutual Cooperation and Exchange of News between Qatar News Agency and United New Agency. | Discussions focused on ways and means to build a forward-looking partnership by further broadening and deepening the bilateral engagement and by better leveraging the existing complementarities between the two countries in key areas of mutual interest including energy, power, petrochemicals, investments, infrastructure, development, project exports, education, culture, health, human resource, media and information technology. |
| **Democratic People’s Republic of Korea**  Foreign Minister  (April 12-14, 2015) | Various issues of mutual interest were discussed. DPRK Foreign Minister briefed EAM on the agricultural crisis in DPRK. EAM conveyed India’s willingness to help DPRK in the agricultural sector. Foreign Minister also requested humanitarian assistance. EAM agreed to positively consider DPRK’s request  **.**                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | No Agreements/ MoUs/ Treaties were signed during the vist.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | Government of India is engaged with DPRK to take forward the bilateral relationship.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
| **Belarus**  Foreign Minister  (April 14-16, 2015)                               | EAM and Belarusian FM discussed bilateral issues including high level political engagement, trade and investment, science and technology, defence, energy, culture as well as the State Visit of Hon’ble President to Belarus in June 2015.  Belarusian FM also called on the President.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | No Agreements/MoUs/Treaties were signed during the visit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | Discussions held during the visit resulted in greater understanding on both sides about issues of mutual interest.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| **Australia**  Foreign Minister  (April 12-16,  2015)                            | Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop visited India for the 10  th  Foreign Ministers Framework Dialogue (FMFD) between India and Australia. This dialogue is undertaken annually for an extensive discussion on bilateral issues. During the FMFD talks, EAM and FM Bishop held deliberations on bilateral matters including high level political contacts, trade and investment relations, education, science & Technology, skill development etc. Matters of regional and international cooperation were also discussed. | No Agreements/MoUs/Treaties were signed during the visit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | The India-Australia FMFD is a beneficial dialogue mechanism and contributes to providing policy direction on strengthening our existing multifaceted relationship with Australia.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| **Spain**  Foreign Minister  (April 26-28, 2015.                                 | Spanish Foreign Minister met the External Affairs Minister and called on the Prime Minister. Bilateral issues, regional and global issues of mutual interest were discussed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | No Agreements/MoUs/Treaties were signed during the visit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | High level exchanges and engagement at various levels to maintain a regular dialogue on a wide range of subjects of mutual interest will lead to further expansion and deepening of bilateral cooperation.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
| **Afghanistan**  President  (April 27-29, 2015)                                  | President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Prime Minister held extensive discussions that covered a review of bilateral cooperation activities and the international and regional security environment confronting both countries.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | No Agreements/MoUs/Treaties were signed during the visit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | Government remains committed to maintaining and further strengthening our bilateral relations with Afghanistan.  India has a close strategic partnership with Afghanistan covering a broad spectrum of areas. This is based on India’s historical and civilisation ties with Afghanistan and has been strengthened by India’s active role in the economic reconstruction and development in Afghanistan.                                      |
| **Tajikistan**  Foreign Minister  (May 11-15, 2015)                              | EAM and Tajik FM had in-depth discussion on various aspects of bilateral relations such as defence, trade and economy, counter-terrorism, consular, capacity building and culture, in addition to regional and global issues of mutual interest.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | Protocol on Cooperation (PoC) between Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan for the period  2015-17.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | The Protocol on Cooperation outlines consultations on development of bilateral relations, cooperation in security, counter-terrorism, regional and global issues of mutual interest, training of diplomats and exchange of information for the benefit of two countries.                                                                                                                                                                      |
| **Democratic Republic of Congo**  Foreign Minister  **(**  May 14-16, 2015)      | Entire gamut of bilateral, regional and international issues of common concern was discussed with External Affairs Minister.   DRC FM also met Ministers of Mines & Steel and Health & Family Welfare.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | No Agreements/MoUs/Treaties were signed during the visit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | Discussions held during the visit resulted in greater understanding on both sides about issues of mutual interest. All projects being implemented either under Indian Lines of Credit or funded by India were reviewed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
| Netherlands  Foreign Minister  (June 5-6, 2015)                                  | Broad range of international issues, including peace and security, free and fair trade and an open, just, inclusive and rule-based international order and recognizing the increasingly globalized nature of threats and challenges, the shared stakes in each other's security, and international trade in enhancing development and prosperity were discussed.                                                                                                                                                                   | No Agreements/MoUs/Treaties were signed during the visit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | Discussions held during the visit contributed to greater understanding on both sides about issues of mutual interest.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| **Tanzania**  President  (June  17-20 2015)                                      | Issues relating to bilateral trade and investment including Development Partnership, cooperation in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), capacity building, mining, tourism, blue economy and other global and regional issues of mutual concern were discussed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        | 1. MoU between East Africa Statistical Training Center (EASTC) in Tanzania and the National Statistical System Training Academy (NSSTA) in India on establishing a collaborative program of capacity building in official statistics 2. MOU between EASTC and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI) on cooperation in agricultural statistics. 3. MOU on Bilateral Cooperation in the field of Tourism. 4. MOU for Bilateral Cooperation in the field of Hydrography.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | Discussions held during the visit contributed to greater understanding on both sides about issues of mutual interest.  The MoUs signed during the visit between the two countries are aimed at strengthening bilateral relations in diverse sectors.                                                                                                                                                                                          |
| **Myanmar**  **Foreign Minister**  **(**  July 14-17, 2015)                      | Myanmar FM visited India for the first meeting of the India-Myanmar Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) held on July 16, 2015 in New Delhi. The JCC discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations between India and Myanmar including defence and security issues, trade and commerce, development cooperation and cooperation in multilateral forums.                                                                                                                                                                         | No Agreements/MoUs/Treaties were signed during the visit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | The JCC has been established as an institutionalised mechanism for interaction between the two sides at the level of Foreign Ministers.  Discussions held during the visit contributed to further strengthening of the bilateral relations.                                                                                                                                                                                                   |

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