Lok Sabha Question No. 597 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-27
Subject: Foreign Visits by Dignitaries
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: SHIVAJI ADHALRAO PATIL, SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH, DHARMENDRA YADAV, RAVINDRA KUMAR PANDEY, KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL, V. SATHYABAMA, NAGENDRA KUMAR PRADHAN, ARJUN RAM  MEGHWAL, ADVOCATE NARENDRA KESHAV SAWAIKAR, VISHNU DAYAL RAM, JAYAKUMAR JAYAVARDHAN, ANANDRAO  ADSUL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.597 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.04.2016

## FOREIGN VISITS BY DIGNITARIES

597.

SHRI ADHALRAO PATIL SHIVAJIRAO: SHRI SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH: SHRI DHARMENDRA YADAV: SHRI RAVINDRA KUMAR PANDEY: SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL: SHRIMATI V. SATHYA BAMA: SHRI NAGENDRA KUMAR PRADHAN: SHRI ARJUN MEGHWAL: ADV. NARENDRA KESHAV SAWAIKAR: SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM: DR. J. JAYAVARDHAN: SHRI ANANDRAO ADSUL:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of foreign trips undertaken by the President, Prime Minister of India and External Affairs Minister, country-wise along with the agreements signed, if any, areas identified for cooperation, discussions held and the expenditure incurred during the last three months and the status of implementation of these agreements;
- (b) the  details  of  foreign  dignitaries  who  visited  India  during  the  aforesaid period, country-wise along with the talks held, sectors decided for further cooperation and the treaties signed;
- (c) whether  discussions  have  also  been  held  on  terrorism  and  other  vital issues; and
- (d) if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  reaction  of  various  countries  in  this regard?

## ANSWER

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

(a), (c) & (d) Information has been compiled and placed at Annexure-A.

(b), (c) & (d) Information has been compiled and placed at Annexure-B.

*****

## President's Visits

| Country Visited                                          | Expenditure incurred   | The details of foreign trips undertaken by the President, Prime Minister of India and External Affairs Minister, country-wise, areas identified for cooperation, discussions held and the expenditure incurred during the last three months and the status of implementation of these agreements   | Agreements signed, if any   | Whether discussions have also been held on terrorism and other vital issues   | If so, the details thereof and the reaction of various countries in this regard?   |
|----------------------------------------------------------|------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                          | (a)                    | (a)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | (a)                         | (c) and (d)                                                                   | (c) and (d)                                                                        |
| Visits of Hon'ble President during the last three months |                        | N                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | N                           | I L                                                                           |                                                                                    |

## Prime Minister's Visits

| Belgium, March,2016   | 30 th   | GOI Missions abroad debit expenditure incurred to relevant agencies involved with the visit. This information is being collected.   | Prime Minister paid an official visit to Belgium on 30 March 2016. The Prime Minister held bilateral discussions with his counterpart on a wide range of areas of mutual interest on regional and global issues. Cooperation in terrorism was identified as one of the priority areas for future cooperation in addition to areas like port and maritime sectors, information technology, science and technology, renewable energy etc.   | Yes; The two Prime Ministers at Brussels , expressed deep shock and anguish at the dastardly terrorist attacks in Brussels and condemned them in the strongest possible terms. They reaffirmed their belief that no issue or cause can justify dreadful and indiscriminate acts of violence against innocent people. They agreed to tackle the growing menace of terrorism; its root causes and manifestations through united   |
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## Foreign Visits by Dignitaries

## Annexure-A

| India-EU Summit, Brussels on 30 th March, 2016   | The 13 th India-EU Summit took place in Brussels on 30 March, 2016 between the Prime Minister and the President of the European Council, Mr. Donald Tusk and the President of the European Commission, Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker. The India- EU Summit was held after a gap of four years since the last Summit was held in February, 2012. The leaders took stock of the bilateral cooperation including political and security cooperation, trade and investment including India-EU BTIA and sectoral cooperation in specific areas. They also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest. To intensify parliamentary exchanges and have structured institutional engagements between the European and Indian Parliaments the President of the European Parliament expressed interest to visit India.   | 7 outcome documents were issued/signed including 6 Political Declarations and 1 Financial Contract Agreement . The India-EU Joint Statement was issued after the Summit outlining the shared perspectives on bilateral, regional and global issues. India - EU Agenda Action 2020, outlining the specific ways in which India and the EU commit to strengthen cooperation in a wide range of areas in the next five years was endorsed by the leadership. The major areas of cooperation include; early finalization of the India- EURATOM Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement ; information sharing between   | efforts by the international community. Underlining that terror cannot defeat freedom and liberty, the leaders reiterated the resolve to fight against such inhuman acts of terror. Yes, discussions on terrorism were held between the Leaders. A Joint Declaration on Counter-terrorism was adopted by the Leaders which calls for action to be taken against all entities including States that sponsor or support terrorism and terrorist groups. Prime Minister underscored the need for a serious and comprehensive global strategy to counter the growing threat posed by terrorism and countries supporting terrorism and urged for conclusion of the long delayed Comprehensive Convention of International Terrorism in the UN and need for finalizing a definition of 'terrorism'.   |
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|                                                |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               | EUROPOL and Indian agencies ; setting up a EU investment desk under 'Invest India' to facilitate EU investments ; EU's partnership in 'Make in India' and other flagship development initiatives; creating synergies between 'Digital India' and EU's 'Digital Single Market' ; cooperating on B2B issues in ICT , Start Ups , Internet Governance , Cyber Security and next generation 5G communications; and convening a high-level India- EU Skills Seminar, etc. A loan agreement for the first tranche of € 200 million out of total loan of € 450 million for Lucknow Metro Rail Project.   |
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| Washington D.C. (USA) March 31 - April 1, 2016 | During the Summit, the Prime Minister underlined that Governments need catch up with the tools, the technologies and the methods being deployed terrorists in contemporary times. He asked the gathering to reflect on post- 2014 terror-related developments and called for dropping the notion that terrorism is someone else's problem. He | to by                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |

| proposed a reflection to ensure that the  NSS legacy on nuclear security endures  in  the  years  ahead.   Overall,  the  Prime  Minister summarized that it is the time  to  maintain  vigil  on  nuclear  terrorism,  not to lower the guard.  The  continued  priority  India  attaches to nuclear security domestically  through measures such as strengthening  the  institutional  framework,  devoting  resources for training people in nuclear  security  and  reflecting  international  obligations  in  national  actions,  was  emphasized.  India's  recent  national  actions, such as setting up of a counter-  nuclear  smuggling  team  and  development  of  technology  for  production  of  medical  grade  Mo-99  using  LEU  fuel,  etc  were  also  highlighted  through  the  National  Progress  Report  submitted  to  the  NSS.  The  Prime  Minister  also  announced  India's  second  contribution  of  US$  1  million  to  the  IAEA  Nuclear  Security  Fund,  starting  of  engagement  with  the  IAEA  on  its  International  Physical  Protection  Advisory  Service  (IPPAS),  hosting of a Global Initiative to Combat  Nuclear  Terrorism  (GICNT)  in  2017  and joining a trilateral initiative (IAEA  INFCIRC/869) of  the  past  NSS  Chairs  on  strengthening  nuclear  security  implementation.  India  also  joined  3   |
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|                              | NSS 'gift baskets' related to Centres of Excellence, counter nuclear smuggling and NSS follow-up.                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
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| Saudi Arabia 2-3 April, 2016 | Entire gamut of bilateral relations as well as regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest were discussed. | Following Agreements/MoUs concluded: 1. Agreement on Labour Co- operation between the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Labour of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Recruitment of General Category Workers 2. MoU between Financial Intelligence Unit - India and the Financial Intelligence Unit- Saudi Arabia 3. Technical Cooperation Program between the Bureau of Indian Standards and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization 4. Executive Program for Cooperation in the Field of Handicrafts 5. Framework for Investment Promotion Cooperation between Invest India and the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) | Yes In the joint statement, issued at the conclusion of the visit, the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing and capacity- building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug- trafficking and other transnational crimes. |

## EAM's Visits

| Palestine 17 January 2016    | GOI Missions abroad debit expenditure incurred to relevant agencies involved with the visit. This information is being   | Palestinian assistance to secure early release of 39 Indians in captivity in Mosul was discussed. EAM reiterated our commitment for development assistance to Palestine.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
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| Isreal 17-18 January, 2016   | GOI Missions abroad debit expenditure incurred to relevant agencies involved with the visit. This information is being   | Areas identified for cooperation were Education, Cyber security, innovation, science and technology to intensify bilateral cooperation.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| Bahrain 23-24, January 2016  | GOI Missions abroad debit expenditure incurred to relevant agencies involved with the visit. This information is being   | 1 st India Arab League Ministerial Meeting Co- chaired by Hon'ble EAM with 15 Foreign Ministers of Arab countries.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | Agreement on transfer of sentenced persons                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Yes, Manama declaration was issued which included reference to international terrorism.                                                                                                                                                                        |
| Sri Lanka 5-6 February, 2016 | GOI Missions abroad debit expenditure incurred to relevant agencies involved with the visit. This information is being   | External Affairs Minister of India, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, led an inter-ministerial delegation to Colombo, Sri Lanka from February 5-6, 2016 to co-chair the 9 th India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission. The Joint Commission held after a gap of three years, reviewed the progress and developments in all spheres of bilateral relations. The discussions agreed, inter alia, on early start to negotiations on the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement being led by the Commerce Ministries on either side; to convene second Joint Working Group on Tourism; a meeting between Civil Aviation officials to discuss signing of the revised Air Services Agreement; to take forward cooperation on the Oil Tank Farms in Trincomalee; to further cooperation in Renewable Energy; expand cooperation in Railways sector; progress on the Indian Housing Project; and Small Development Projects (SDP); to hold the next Joint Committee meeting on Science and Technology; to further cooperation in space, defence cooperation and counter-terrorism; to | During the Joint Commission, MoU on renovation of infrastructure in 27 prioritised schools in Northern Province of Sri Lanka and MoU on construction of a surgical unit and supply of medical equipment at the medical teaching hospital in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka were signed. Tender Documents are being finalized to take forward the signed MoUs. | On the issue of counter terrorism, noting the emerging regional and international threats from extremist groups, the Joint Commission acknowledged the importance of cooperation in counter terrorism and both countries agreed to work together in this area. |

|                    | encourage Parliamentary exchanges; and also discussed the fishermen issue and a visit by Sri Lankan Fisheries Minister to India.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |                                             |      |
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| Nepal 9 February,  | EAM visited to pay homage to late Mr. Sushil Koirala, former Prime Minister of Nepal & President of Nepali Congress. The delegation also met PM of Nepal Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli and President Ms. Bidya Devi Bhandari.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | No agreements were signed during the visit. | 2016 |
| Nepal 16-18 March, | EAM visited Nepal from 16-18th March, 2016 to attend the 37th Session of the SAARC Council of Ministers at Pokhara. No Agreements relating to SAARC was signed during the meeting. The following areas were identified for cooperation and discussions held among the SAARC Member States during the Ministerial meeting. :- i. Regional cooperation in a result-oriented and time-bound manner in important areas, including trade and finance; connectivity; energy; science and technology, poverty alleviation; agriculture and food security; environment; climate change; regional infrastructure, education and culture; health; fight against terrorism and drug trafficking; and social sectors. ii. Speeding up the process of effective implementation of the decisions taken at the Eighteenth SAARC Summit by taking concrete steps; iii. Taking effective measures to speed up the implementation of SAFTA in its true spirit; remove all non-tariff and para-tariff barriers and reduce the sensitive list further to promote trade under SAFTA; | No agreements were signed during the visit. | 2016 |

| iv. rising disasters disasters; v. harmonious vi. common effective agenda. vii. Agreements/Ratification/Instruments Acceptance, Vehicles Cargo Railways Framework (Electricity) viii. combating of drugs The SAARC will Centre Centre alia, SAARCFINANCE, and informal September, Ministerial SAARC   |
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|                                | 2015), Informal Meeting of SAARC Finance Ministers( Baku, Azerbaijan, 3rd May, 2015) , 4th Meeting of SAARC Ministers on Poverty Alleviation( Thimpu, 29th July 2015), 7th Meeting of SAARC Finance Ministers(Kathmandu, 20th August 2015). The Ministers also had to consider the recommendations made by the preceding meeting of Standing Committee at Pokhara. The dates for the next SAARC Summit( 9-10 November, 2016) was finalised at the meeting. On the sidelines of the SAARC Meeting, EAM also had bilateral meetings with the Nepalese PM K.P. Sharma Oli and DPM & Foreign Minister Mr. Kamal Thapa. She also had a separate meeting with Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to Pakistani PM on National Security & Foreign Affairs. EAM also had bilateral meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives Hon. Dunya Maumoon.   |
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| Tehran, Iran 16-17 April, 2016 | EAM visited Tehran, Iran on 16-17 April 2016 at the invitation of her counterpart Dr. Javad Zarif, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran. In her discussions with Iranian dignitaries, EAM highlighted the long-standing civilizational ties between the two countries and stressed on expansion of all-round cooperation with Iran particularly in energy, connectivity, ports, infrastructure, trade and culture. India welcomed the outcome in cooperation in energy sector from the recent visit of Minister of State (IC) Petroleum and Natural Gas to Iran, including the exploration and development of                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |

|                          | Farzad B and participation of India in setting up fertilizer projects. The concerned companies have been directed to complete their contractual negotiations on Farzad B in a time bound manner. Iranian side had earlier communicated their gas pricing formula and welcomed Indian investment in the Chabahar SEZ. The Iranian side welcomed the prospects for participation of India in railway projects, such as Chabahar- Zahedan, which will enhance regional connectivity. In her meeting with the Iranian counterpart global and regional situation particularly the situation in Afghanistan and threats posed by all forms of terrorism, and India-Iran cooperation to counter it were discussed.   |                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |
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| Moscow 17-19 April, 2016 | EAM visited Moscow from 17-19 April for the 14th Meeting of RIC Foreign Ministers on 18 th April 2016. EAM discussed several issues of regional and global interest with the Foreign ministers of Russia and China. EAM apprised her counterpart of India's positions on various issues and the three Foreign ministers agreed on the merit of coordinating positions. On the issue of Security Council reforms, EAM once again urged both Russia and China to take the lead in ensuring that the IGN process in the UN advances swiftly. An exchange of views on various groupings, including BRICS, took place.                                                                                             | A Joint Communiqué was issued, reflecting the common positions held by all three countries on a range of issues. | EAM stressed the need to craft an effective global strategy to counter terrorism, including at the UN. EAM had a productive exchange of views on the situation in the Middle East and stressed our commitment to support democratic, pluralistic and peaceful forces in order to restore stability in the region. The situation in Afghanistan was also discussed and it was agreed that it is important for the international community to remain engaged and support the Afghanistan Government in its development and reconciliation efforts and in defeating terrorist forces. |

## Foreign Dignitaries visited India

| Foreign Dignitaries visited India during the last three months   | the details of foreign dignitaries who visited India during the aforesaid period, country-wise along with the talks held, sectors decided for further cooperation and the treaties signed                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | Whether discussions have also been held on terrorism and other vital issues                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | If so, the details thereof and the reaction of various countries in this regard?   |
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|                                                                  | (b)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | (c) &(d)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | (c) &(d)                                                                           |
| Syria                                                            | His Excellency Mr. Walid Al-Moualem, Deputy Prime Minister of the Syrian Arab Republic visited India from 11-14 January, 2016. He met EAM on 12 January, 2016 and discussed political and security situation in Syria; region and India-Syria bilateral relations, measures to fight terrorism and humanitarian assistance. No treaty signed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   | Yes. Syrian Deputy Prime Minister meeting with Security Adviser on terrorism. Both expressed willingness to cooperate exchanging of information and setting mechanism for cooperation in fight terrorism. Both sides agreed that in of social media, there was need to counter narrative to fight through social media. | had National sides in up of against this era develop radicalization                |
| France                                                           | French President Mr Francois Hollande visited India from 24-26 January, 2016. He was the Chief Guest at the 67th Republic Day. This was his second State visit to India since taking up office in 2012. He started his visit in Chandigarh, where he jointly with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Indo-French CEOs' Forum and the two leaders witnessed signing of 16 agreements/MoUs, encompassing sectors like Sustainable Urban development & Smart cities, Renewable Energy, Education & Research etc. President Hollande and PM Modi jointly inaugurated the Interim Secretariat of International Solar Alliance in Gurgaon. France committed 300 million Euros for future ISA projects. 16 Agreements/MoUs were concluded in Delhi during | Yes, counter-terrorism was one of the major issues discussed during the bilateral talks between the two leaders. An India France Joint Statement on Counter Terrorism was released by the two leaders on 25 January, 2016. The India France Joint Statement on Counter Terrorism underlined India and France's          |                                                                                    |

## Foreign Visits by Dignitaries

## Annexure-B

|             |             | President Hollande's visit, encompassing sectors such as defence, civil nuclear, space, railways, culture, food safety, public administration, science and technology including the MOU finalising the text of the Inter-Governmental agreement for purchase of 36 Rafale aircraft by India. The agreements signed are under implementation by respective line Ministries.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | cooperation in countering terrorism and reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism and reaffirmed their determination to jointly combat this scourge.                           |
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| Afghanistan | Afghanistan | Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chief Executive of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan visited India from January 31-February 4, 2016. During this visit, Dr. Abdullah met Prime Minister on February I and held discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest including the security situation and peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. EAM and NSA called on H.E. Dr. Abdullah, on February l &4, respectively. An Agreement on Exemption from Visa Requirement for Holders of Diplomatic Passports was signed between India and Afghanistan during Dr. Abdullah's visit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| Abu UAE     | Dhabi,      | His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, UAE visited India from 10-12 February, 2016. Bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest were discussed. Nine Agreements/MoUs concluded including : i)MoU on Technical Cooperation in Cyber Space and Combating Cyber Crime between the Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates and the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Republic of India; ii)MoU on Establishing a Framework for Facilitating the Participation of U.A.E institutional investors in Infrastructure Investments in India between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the United Arab Emirates; iii) General Framework Agreement on Renewable Energy Cooperation; iv)MoU between Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the United Arab Emirates Space Agency on Cooperation in the Exploration and use of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes; v)MoU for bilateral cooperation between Insurance Regulatory Authority of India (IRDA) and the Insurance Authority of UAE; vi)Executive Programme for Cultural Cooperation (EPCC) between India and UAE; vii)Letter of Intent between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), The Government of India, and The National Qualifications Authority (NQA), Government of UAE on Cooperation for skill development and recognition of qualifications; | Yes, The two sides issued a joint statement condemning extremism and terrorism in all of their forms and manifestations, irrespective of who the perpetrators are and of their motivations. |

|         | viii)MoU between Dubai Economic Council (DEC) and Export-Import bank of India; ix)MoU on Indian Rupee (INR)/UAE Dirham (AED) Bilateral Currency Swap Arrangement between Reserve Bank of India and Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates.                                                                                                                                                                                                           |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
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| Sweden  | Swedish Prime Minister Mr. Stefan Löfven visited India from February 12-14 for the 'Make in India' Week in Mumbai. During the visit, he met PM for bilateral discussion. A Joint Statement was issued after the meeting which, inter alia, identified defence, infrastructure, urban development, education, S&T, environment, health and space sectors for further cooperation. A Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in Railways was signed. | Discussions between the two Prime Ministers also covered terrorism. According to the Joint Statement issued after the visit, 'The two prime ministers recognized the common interest in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism and the benefits of a closer dialogue and mutual exchange of information and good practices. They looked forward to an exchange of visits of their respective Special Envoys, with a view to explore agency level cooperation, capacity building, countering violent extremism experience sharing, and cooperation in developing an international framework against terrorism including elaborating and finalizing a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism'. There was no reaction from any other countries in this regard. |
| Poland  | Prof. Piotr Glinski, First Deputy Prime Minister of Poland visited India February 12, 2016 to participate in the Make in India Week. He called on Prime Minister and met Finance Minister, Commerce Minister, Coal and Steel Minister, Minister of Food Processing, as also Chief Ministers of Maharashtra and Haryana.                                                                                                                                |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| Finland | Prime Minister of Finland Mr. Juha Sipila visited Mumbai on13-14 th February, 2016 on the occasion of 'Make in India' event. The areas identified for bilateral cooperation are Information Technology, Telecommunications Technology, Renewable Energy (Solar Power, Bio-energy), Waste Management, Electronics, Medical Equipment, Research and Development, Secondary and Technical Education.                                                      | Yes. A Joint statement was issued covering these items.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |

| Austria   | Sebastian Kurz, Federal Minister of Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs of of Austria visited India fr om 16-19 February, 2016. He was accompanied H.E. Mr Karlheinz Kopf, Second President of the National Council of Austria, Dr. Christoph Leitl, President of the Federal Economic Chamber of Austria, and large business delegation of about 70 Austrian companies. During the visit, level talks were held between the two sides on 16 February, with the side led by EAM. The delegation led by Foreign Minister Kurz also called on for Women and Child Development and Minister for Renewable Energy and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Urban Development &Housing                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Mr Republic by H.E. a delegation Indian Minister the   |
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|           | Mr. U Wanna Maung Lwin,Foreign Minister of, Myanmar visited India on Feb 17-20, 2016 to attend Delhi Dialogue- VIII                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Myanmar                                                |
| Nepal     | Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal visited India from 19 to 24 th February, 2016. Mr. K.P Sharma Oli had a bilateral meeting with PM Shri Narendra Modi wherein they reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations. Both sides also held delegation-level talks. Several MoUs/Letters of Exchange were signed which are mentioned below : 1. MoU on utilization of US$ 250 million Grant component of GOI's Assistance package for Post-earthquake reconstruction assistance - Four sectors, i.e., housing, health, education and cultural heritage have been identified. In housing, US$ 100 million would be utilized for construction of 50,000 houses in 14 severely earthquake affected districts. US$ 50 million each would be utilized in health, education and cultural heritage sectors in 31 earthquake affected districts of Nepal. 2. MoU on strengthening of road infrastructure in the Terai area of Nepal - This MoU will enable speedy implementation of remaining work on 17 Roads in Package 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Terai Road Phase-I project, totalling 518 kms. Two roads in Package 1 totalling 87 kms have already been completed. 3. MoU between Nepal Academy of Music and Drama and Sangeet Natak Academy - This MoU aims to enhance relations between India and Nepal in the field of performing arts through exchanges of experts, exponents, dancers, scholars and intellectuals. 4. Letters of Exchange on Transit Routes: (i) Transit between Nepal and Bangladesh through Kakarbitta-Banglabandha corridor (ii) Operationalization of Vishakhapatnam Port - i) This Exchange of Letters between India and Nepal would result in |                                                        |

| simplification of modalities for traffic of goods between transiting through India, through the Kakarbhitta (Bangladesh) corridor. ii) This Exchange of Letters would for Nepal through the Vishakhapatnam port. 5. Letters of Exchange on Rail Transport: (i) Rail transport (ii) Rail transit facility through Singhabad for Nepal's Bangladesh - (i) This Exchange of Letters would allow Vishakhapatnam to Nepal. (ii) This Exchange of Letters rail transit facility through Singabad in India for Nepal's Bangladesh. 6. Inauguration of Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar transmission MW, to be augmented to 200 MWbyOctober 2016 and - The Nepal portion of the 400 KV Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar implemented by GoN, under an LoC of US$ 13.5 million. immediately through this line, with an initial charge of augmented to 200 MW in October 2016 at 220 KV, December 2017 at 400 KV. 7. Establishment of Eminent Persons Group - At the third Joint Commission held at Kathmandu in July 2014, it Eminent Persons Group (EPG). The EPG comprises eight nominating four members, preferably a parliamentarian, civil society activist. The EPG has now been constituted. comprehensively review bilateral relations and recommend institutional frameworks to further enhance bilateral ties. The two Prime Ministers jointly inaugurated the Dhalkebar (India) cross-border power transmission line, through supplying 80 MWof electricity to Nepal. Mr. Oli paid courtesy calls on President Shri Pranab Mukherjee Shri Hamid Ansari. EAM Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Home Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley, Minister of State and National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval called on The Prime Minister of Nepal visited the Tehri hydroelectric and Mumbai.   |
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| Bangladesh   | Mr. Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, Hon'ble Forign Minister of BD visited India on 01- 03 March 2016 to attend 'The Raisina Dialogue' organized by MEA and observer research foundation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |                                                                                                                                     |
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| Suriname     | The Vice President of Suriname, Mr Ashwin Adhin along with a five-member delegation, was in New Delhi from 9-13 March to participate in the World Cultural Festival organized by the Art of Living Foundation. He also paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of India.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                                     |
| Nepal        | Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal Mr. Kamal Thapa visited India on 11-12 March, 2016 to attend the World Culture Festival organized by the Art of Living Foundation in New Delhi.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                                     |
| Mexico       | The Foreign Minister of the Government of Mexico, H.E. Ms Claudia Ruiz Massieu Salinas, visited India on 11-13 March 2016 and had a substantive bilateral meeting with Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Hon. External Affairs Minister of India. During their meeting, the External Affairs Minister and the Mexican Foreign Minister undertook a comprehensive review of the entire gamut of bilateral relations including political, commercial & trade, financial, technical and other areas to further broaden and strengthen cooperation. The Ministers expressed satisfaction at the progress in bilateral relations and agreed to exchange high level visits in the near future. They also discussed important regional and international issues of mutual interest. The Foreign Minister of Mexico also paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of India. No agreements/MoUs were signed during the visit. |                                                                                                                                     |
| Timor Leste  | Mr. Hernani Filomena Coelho Da Siliva, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor Leste visited India from 27-29 March, 2016. The visit was at the invitation of EAM. EAM received the Foreign Minister of Timor Leste on 28 March 2016 and a detailed discussion on several bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest were held between both the leaders. Discussion on investment opportunities in the field of Health, Oil, Agricultural and Tourism sectors were held. Mr. Henani also met with Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of Health and Family Welfare during the Visit. No MoU/Agreement was signed during the visit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |                                                                                                                                     |
| Iceland      | The Foreign Minister of Iceland visited India in the first week of April 2016. He held discussions with External Affairs Minister on bilateral issues as well as important regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. Discussions were also held for                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | The joint statement issued during the visit of Foreign Minister of Iceland states that the two Ministers condemned terrorism in all |

|          | cooperation, inter-alia, in the areas of renewable energy, particularly, geo thermal energy, terrorism, start-ups and extended trade relations. No Treaty was signed during the visit.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | forms and manifestations that constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. They reaffirmed that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivations, whenever and by whomsoever committed. In this context, they called for an early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.   |
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| Maldives | H.E. Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom paid an official visit on April 10-11, 2016 to New Delhi. During the visit, President of Maldives held delegation level talks with the Prime Minister, called on Rashtrapatiji and met External Affairs Minister. Bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues of mutual concern were reviewed. Discussions were held on the future direction of the India-Maldives relationship across areas of mutual interest such as closer economic & commercial cooperation, enhancing development, promoting cooperation in education, tourism, culture, space collaboration, renewable energy, defence & security matters, including counter-terrorism, and strengthening people to people contacts. The visit highlighted the importance of India's role as net security provider in the Indian Ocean region and advanced India's 'neighbourhood first' policy. The following Agreements on cooperation between the Government of India and the Government of the Republic of Maldives were signed during the visit: i.Agreement for Avoidance of Double Taxation on Income derived from International Air Transport ii.Agreement for Exchange of Information with respect to Taxes iii.Bilateral agreement related to Orbit Frequency Coordination of 'South Asia Satellite' proposed at 48 0 E. iv.MoU for cooperation in the area of conservation and restoration of ancient mosques and joint research and exploratory surveys in Maldives v.MoU on cooperation in the field of Tourism vi.Action Plan for Defence Cooperation | Both sides reiterated their commitment to coordinate efforts to counter-terrorism and radicalization and enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing and capacity building.                                                                                                                                                                        |

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