Annual Report 1994-95
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1994
Introduction
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The past year presented some exceptional challenges which
were managed with satisfactory results. Relations with
the major powers and the rapidly growing economies in
the world were considerably strengthened. Good relations with our
neighbours, with the exception of Pakistan, were incrementally
enhanced. Both Houses of Parliament on 10th May 1994 welcomed
the results of the multi-party non-racial elections in South Africa
and hailed the election of President Nelson Mandela as the Head
of State of democratic South Africa, and President Mandela
accepted our invitation as Chief Guest for our Republic Day this
year. We commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the United
Nations and the 40th Anniversary of Panchsheel.
The following broad guidelines characterised the activities of the
Ministry:
-- Maintaining the integrity and independence of foreign policy
decisions and actions.
-- Consolidating and improving our relationship with world powers.
-- Strengthening relations with our neighbours with a view to promoting
peace, stability and mutual confidence in the region and beyond.
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-- Developing stronger economic and technical relations with
neighbouring and other developing countries in the overall context of
furthering South-South cooperation.
-- Strengthening the institutions in which we have membership by
asserting strong commitment, such as UN, NAM, SAARC, Commonwealth, G-77,
G-15, and seeking closer association with ASEAN, APEC, and OECD.
-- Countering Pakistan's negativism and confrontation while reaffirming
our readiness for meaningful negotiations with Pakistan on all bilateral
issues with a view to fostering good neighbourly relations.
As the only near-universal international body, the United Nations, now
with 185 members, represents our hopes for the realisation of the
aspirations of humankind. In Resolutions on the 22nd December 1994, both
Houses of Parliament reaffirmed India's commitment to the Charter (about
which Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said, "I do not think it would be possible
to improve upon that language"), and to the greater democratisation and
efficiency of the UN Organisation. During the 49th General Assembly, the
leader of the Indian delegation proposed four major initiatives in his
address; the expansion of the Security Council, both in its permanent
and non-permanent membership, to enjoy greater credibility in keeping
with the increased membership of the general body, together with India's
legitimate claim to be a permanent member on the basis of any objective
criteria that might be evolved for permanent membership; the need for a
fourth Special Session on Disarmament to reflect the contemporary
international security situation after the end of the Cold War; the need
for reassertion of initiatives within the UN system to stress the
priorities of poverty eradication, economic growth and sustainable
development; and, in the light of experience of post Cold War UN
peacekeeping operations, the need for a closer look at all aspects of
these operations.
Indian peace-keeping operations formed an element in India's foreign
policy, being reflective of India's desire to play a positive role to
promote normality at a time of need on the part of certain friendly
developing countries in difficulties. Thus our presence in
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peace-keeping operations during the past year was seen in Somalia,
Rwanda, Mozambique, Angola and Liberia. Our representatives, both
military and civil, earned high praise for dedication and valour, though
the loss of some lives was a matter of sorrow.
At the request of the UN Secretary General, India has agreed to place at
the call of the United Nations an integrated stand-by force Of
approximately 5000 for faster response when need arises. Actual
deployment of this force will however be a matter for national
judgement.
India will be required to play a constructive, contributory role in the
deliberations and decisions of several Summits in 1995. The United
Nations celebrates its 50th Anniversary on October 24 in a gathering of
leaders in New York. Prior to that have been scheduled the World Social
Summit, the SAARC Summit and the Non-aligned Summit, and after that are
the G-15 Summit and the Commonwealth Summit. Our preparations for these
are being made in the light of the scheduled time-table.
It is hoped that the second SAARC Summit to be held in India will lead
to consolidation of the work achieved in the thirteen Committees which
have been set up, and beyond this, towards achievement of concrete
progress in the commercial and economic fields, especially the SAARC
Preferential Trading Arrangement, in which progress has been impeded by
the inhibitions of one member-state. SAPTA was to be made operational
before December 1995 and the six other members are anxious that this
time-table should be implemented.
Relations with most of our neighbours registered substantial progress.
The new Governments installed after multi-party elections in Sri Lanka
and Nepal have expressed their desire to consolidate and strengthen
relations with us; sentiments which we welcome and reciprocate. High-
level exchanges of visits with China, including our Vice President to
China and the Chinese Foreign and Defence Ministers to India, promoted
the trend of establishment of greater confidence and close ties with
that country. Total trade with China is increasing rapidly, and it is
hoped that the implementation of the Peace and Tranquillity Agreement in
border areas will make progress in the ensuing year to clarify the line
of actual
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control and remove potential confrontation in areas where forces
are in close proximity. With Bhutan, a new agreement continuing
the system of free trade will be signed, and discussions are taking
place for a major 1020 MW hydro-electric project. In the Maldives,
the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital built with Indian assistance
is already functioning and will be formally inaugurated in 1995.
With Myanmar, border- trade arrangements at Moreh/Tamu have
been finalised. India has closely followed the activities of a National
Convention organised by SLORC to institute political changes
under new constitutional provisions with the stated, aim of pro
viding greater representative government.
The past months marked no improvement in ties with
Pakistan; rather the reverse. Pakistan's attempts to confront India
on every issue and to internationalise the Kashmir question
continued. The unilateral closure by Pakistan of their Consulate
General in Bombay and later the Indian Consulate General in
Karachi were designed to heighten tension, and reflected the
rejection by Pakistan of numerous initiatives by India to resume
a meaningful dialogue on all issues impeding good neighbourly
relations between the two countries. Pakistani sponsorship of
militancy and terrorism in India continued unabated.
Repeated Pakistani, efforts in United Nations bodies to
persuade member-states to criticise India in matters relating to
Jammu & Kashmir were effectively countered. In the OIC, there
are indications that several member-states have wearied of Pakistani's
obsessive attempts to introduce an anti-Indian agenda in that
organisation. It will be our endeavour to maintain contacts with
the OIC Secretariat in Jeddah.
Both Houses in Parliament on the 22nd February 1994 passed Resolutions
condemning Pakistan's interference in India's internal affairs and
reiterated the constitutional and legal status of Jammu & Kashmir as a
State within the Indian Union.
Visits abroad by the President, the Vice President and Prime
Minister and incoming visits of Heads of State and Government
of friendly countries have, as usual, helped to enhance the level
and content of India's relations with those countries. Prime
Minister's visits to three permanent members of the Security
Council, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Russian
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Federation, gave cause for great satisfaction. He also visited the
economic and political power centres o Germany, Vietnam and Singapore.
All these visits held significant economic and commercial content. With
the United Kingdom, the first ever bilateral investment protection
guarantee agreement was concluded. With USA, a substantive joint
statement was issued which reflected fully our national position on
several important bilateral and international issues. During the Moscow
visit, the Rao-Yeltsin Declaration on the Protection of the Interests of
Pluralistic States was a landmark document of the greatest contemporary
relevance, concerning threats to multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic, multi-
cultural and multi-religious states in the post-Cold War era.
The Prime Minister's visits to Vietnam and Singapore marked our growing
contacts with ASEAN. The second Indo-ASEAN sectoral dialogue is being
held within a space of 14 months. ASEAN and the 18 nation APEC grouping
have been informed of India's willingness to expand its ties with those
organisations. Contacts have been made to associate India with some
working groups of APEC and OECD.
Mauritius has taken the initiative along with a small number of
countries to consider a new Indian Ocean regional grouping. India has
been invited and will participate in the preparatory discussions in Port
Louis in March 1995.
In the sphere of external publicity, new initiatives were taken to
modernize publicity techniques and upgrade the External Publicity
Division's communication infrastructure. Pakistani inspired anti-India
propaganda was countered, and a projection of India's potential as a
result of the economic reforms has been successful in portraying India
as a promising business destination.
The ICCR during the year conducted several programmes; the Festival of
India in China, and the exhibit "'The Healing Touch-Ashoka, Gandhi,
Nehru" in Japan; an international symposium on Indian Studies was held
at Kovalam; the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Maestro
Zubin Mehta visited India; a major Bangladesh festival of arts was held;
and Maulana Azad lectures were given by the Secretary-General of the
United Nations and a former Deputy Premier of Malaysia. The Jawaharlal
Nehru
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Award for 1992 was conferred on Maurice Strong. The first-ever review of
the ICCR Cadre was processed and will be implemented after necessary
approvals.
Housekeeping activities in the Ministry required attention. The
number of pending applications for new passports pending over one
month ' has been brought down from 3.42 lakhs on 31.3.1994 to 1.40
lakhs on 31.12.1994. Efforts are being undertaken for a-first-ever
cadre review for the Central Passport Organisation, and for
updating the three basic Consular and Passport manuals. Nine
I Passport offices have been computerised; nine more passport offices
are being computerised; financial estimates are being obtained for
the remaining 5 which will become operational in 1995-96.
The Policy Planning Division in the Ministry has been revitalised. As
many as 90 papers, long and short, have been produced by this Division
from February to December 1994.
Unexpected crises such as the Yemen civil war necessitated the
evacuation of Indian nationals by air and sea. 1564 Indian citizens and
85 nationals of other countries were safely evacuated by the efforts of
the Ministry. Most of the Indian nationals have returned to their
employment in Yemen. The repatriation in good order of our 17 year old
Karachi Consulate General personnel in 9 days was another managerial
achievement.
The Ministry continued to arrange for the Haj pilgrimage, with the
number of pilgrims having increased to 25,000. In coordination with the
Central and State Haj Committees, satisfactory arrangements were made
for the transportation, stay and other needs of the pilgrims. Facilities
for the Kailash-Mansarovar yatra organised by the Ministry were
upgraded, and the total number of pilgrims was increased to 370.
It has been decided to open new Missions in the coming year in Slovakia,
and Papua New Guinea, and Posts in Houston, Cape Town and Glasgow. Our
Embassy in Colombia has been re-opened in the light of the forthcoming
Non-aligned Summit in that country.
The Ministry's technical and economic cooperation programme continued
satisfactorily, underlining our commitment to South-
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South cooperation and to the economic progress of developing countries,
especially our neighbours. Apart from major programmes in Bhutan and
Nepal, 630 civilian and military personnel from abroad were trained
under the ITEC/SCAAP Programme. 18 experts were deputed to foreign
countries. In addition, relief supplies for humanitarian purposes were
sent to 21 countries of a value of nearly Rs 8 crores.
The Foreign Service Institute conducted 11 courses from April 1, to
January 31, 1995, including 2 for foreign diplomats in which 37 were
trained in diplomatic theory and practice.
Efforts were made to optimise progress in purchases of property in India
and abroad by utilising in full the year's budget grant. Relocation of
personnel was carried out in South Block, Patiala House, and the ISIL
Building to improve working conditions.
Cadre reviews, both for the IFS "A" and IFS "B" were processed during
the year. The review for the "A" Cadre has been done and is awaiting
inter-Ministerial examination, but the "B" review could not, once again,
be carried out due to lack of consensus among the various representative
bodies of that cadre.
February 1, 1995
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1994
1. India's Neighbours
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Top |
Relations between India and Nepal, which have been close, with a long
tradition of friendship and shared history and culture, continued to
develop smoothly in 1994-95.
Several high-level exchanges took place between India and Nepal. The
Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Shri Bhuvnesh
Chaturvedi was present as Prime Minister's Special Envoy at the
foundation stone laying ceremony of the Yatri Niwas at Janakpur in June
1994. The then Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri B
Shankaranand represented the Prime Minister at the foundation stone
laying ceremony by Nepalese Prime Minister for the Indian-assisted B P
Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan, Nepal on 19 October
1994. At the invitation of the Vice President, Shri K R Narayanan, the
Crown Prince of Nepal, Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev paid his first
official visit abroad to India in August 1994.
India-Nepal economic relations also gained from the liberalisation of
both economies and from the stable and positive framework provided by
the 1991 Treaties of Trade and Transit and their further amendments in
1993. In the last three years, 48 Indian joint ventures have been
approved by Nepal. The State Bank of India and the Union Bank of India
have also set up joint ventures in Nepal. Nepalese exports to India
during the year 1993-94 were worth Rs 1,176.3 million and imports from
India were worth Rs 7,874.63 million.
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India's commitment to Nepal's economic development continued to be
expressed through an extensive cooperation programme. The upgradation of
the Jayanagar railway through the supply of new locomotives and
carriages was completed during the year as was the supply of city
sanitation equipment to Kathmandu Municipality. The formal inter-
governmental agreement on the Institute for Health Sciences at Dharan
with an associated 300-bed hospital was signed during the year and
implementation of the first phase made it possible for the first group
of students to be admitted in September 1994. At its completion after
another four years, the teaching hospital will be preparing medical
graduates to meet Nepal's health needs. The new Sirsiya bridge at the
Raxaul border linking the two countries at the point where the traffic
in goods and people is the heaviest, was completed during the year. The
Rajbiraj industrial estate was formally handed over to the Nepalese
government during the year.
Work also continued in the India-Nepal Joint Technical Level Committee
on repairing boundary pillars in demarcated stretches of the India-Nepal
boundary. Contacts were also begun with the Nepalese authorities with a
view to extending cooperation to ecological, soil conservation and other
cross-border problems which affect both countries and their peoples.
As a close and friendly neighbour with whom India shares an open border,
India's hand of friendship remains extended to the Government and people
of Nepal.
India and Bhutan enjoy a close and warm relationship marked by deep
mutual understanding. Economic cooperation between the two countries has
provided a solid basis for this relationship.
During the year, regular exchanges of views at various levels fostered
the traditionally friendly relationship. His Majesty the King of Bhutan,
Jigme Singye Wangchuk visited India privately in December 1994 when he
met with the President and the Prime Minister.
Bhutan is presently implementing the 7th Five Year Plan (199297) which
was launched in July 1992. India is actively involved
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in implementing portions of the plan. Annual Plan talks were held in
February 1994 in New Delhi and the review of Plan was done in September
1994 in Thimphu. Major projects such as the airport terminal building at
Paro, Kurichu Hydel Project in Eastern Bhutan, hospitals, schools, roads
and bridges, transmission lines, rural electrification, survey project,
etc are underway. India also continued to cooperate with Bhutan in the
field of higher educition, survey and training, and for renovation of
culturally important places.
The level of interaction between the Government of India and the
Government of Bangladesh remained high. There were visits to New Delhi
by the Bangladesh Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism (23 to 26
September), Foreign Secretary (22 to 27 September) and the Minister for
Industries (20 to 24 November) and to Dhaka by the Governor of Tripura
(18 to 21 April), the Chief of Army Staff (24 to 29 April), the Finance
Minister (9 to 12 July) to attend SAARC Finance Ministers' Conference,
and the Minister of State for External Affairs Shri R L Bhatia (30 and
31 July) to attend the meeting of SAARC Council of Ministers.
As a follow-up to the decisions taken during the visit of the Home
Secretary to Dhaka in October 1993, the first meeting of Indo-Bangladesh
Joint Working Group took place in New Delhi from 29 to 31 March to
discuss, inter alia, security-related issues, cross-border movements,
the existing visa regime, and the situation along Indo-Bangladesh
border.
Director-General level talks between the Border Security Force and the
Bangladesh Rifles were held in New Delhi from 10 to 14 January 1994 and
in Dhaka from 9 to 12 November 1994 to discuss issues such as repair and
maintenance of boundary pillars, cross-border movements, illegal
immigration of Bangladeshis into India, transborder crimes and
repatriation of Chakma refugees from Tripura to Bangladesh.
India has on several occasions reiterated to the Government of
Bangladesh her commitment to holding a constructive bilateral dialogue
for arriving at a long-term, comprehensive and equitable arrangement on
water sharing with Bangladesh. Bangladesh meanwhile continued to raise
the issue of sharing of river waters in international fora. On 6
October, the Foreign Minister of
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Bangladesh made a reference to the subject in his statement at the
United Nations General Assembly.
Negotiations between India and Bangladesh on the repatriation of Chakma
refugees from Tripura resulted in the return of 5198 refugees to
Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh in separate phases (15 to 22
February and 21 July to 5 August). Discussion's continue for the
resumption of further repatriation at an early. date although there is
reluctance on the part of refugees to return on grounds of alleged
unimplementation of rehabilitation measures by the Government of
Bangladesh. All repatriation is on a strictly voluntary basis. About
50,000 Chakma refugees await repatriation in camps in Tripura.
On 20 December, the Bangladesh Festival of Arts was inaugurated jointly
by the Bangladesh Minister for Cultural Affairs Prof Jahanara Begum and
India's Deputy Minister of Education and Culture, Kum Selja at New
Delhi. The two-week long festival was organised by the ICCR and the
Department of Culture. This was the first major festival of arts of
Bangladesh in India under the bilateral Cultural and Academic Exchange
Programme. The festival was concluded at Calcutta on 5 January 1995.
The second meeting of the Indo-Bangladesh Joint Business Council was
held in Dhaka from 2 to 4 August to explore possibilities for expansion
of economic and commercial cooperation and for setting up of industrial
projects and joint ventures.
On 4 January 1995, Bangladesh Railway signed a US $ 10 million agreement
with RITES to purchase 10 diesel metre gauge locomotives. The delivery
of the locomotives will be completed in 16 months.
India's exports to Bangladesh in 1993-94 were valued at Rs 1349.69 crore
while imports from Bangladesh were Rs 56.09 crore. Tariffs on select
items of export interest to Bangladesh were reduced. Both sides also
held discussions on further measures to intensify and diversify trade
and investment.
Under the Aid to Bangladesh Programme, 3 persons received training in
India in news agency operations, journalism and rural development. There were, in addition, a large number of
Bangladeshi students in India on a self-financing basis.
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There were several exchanges of visits between India and Myanmar. The
visits of the Home Secretary (2 to 7 February), the Chief of Army Staff
(9 to 13 May) and the Commerce Secretary (8 to 10 June) to Yangon
provided opportunities to pursue the bilateral dialogue. During the
visit of a Survey delegation led by the Director General, Survey
Department, Government of Myanmar to India from 18 to 22 July,
operational matters relating to boundary demarcation, fixation of field
season, repair and maintenance of boundary pillars were discussed.
Official-level talks with Myanmar for operationalisation of the Border
Trade Agreement were held from 10 to 12 January 1995.
Both Governments agreed to consider measures to ensure better border
management with a view to maintaining peace and tranquillity on the
Indo-Myanmar border. Three sectoral meetings flowing from the Memorandum
of Understanding on Contacts between Border Civilian Authorities of the
two countries were held at Imphal (7 to 9 March), Kalemyo, Myanmar (23
and 24 June) and Aizawl (22 to 24 November). Issues such as activities
of insurgents, terrorists, narco-terrorists and other negative elements
operating on the Indo-Myanmar border were discussed.
India is watching with interest developments in Myanmar relating to
efforts to formulate a new Constitution and recent meetings between Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi and the Government of Myanmar (20 September and 28
October).
Twenty-eight trainees came to India in 1994-95 for courses on farm
machinery, computers, news agency operations, journalism, survey,
diplomacy, banking procedure, cooperatives, railway computer
reservations and railway signalling and telecommunications.
India's working relationship with Myanmar continued to improve during
the year, which saw the exchange of high-level visits and the signing of
a Border Trade Agreement. Simultaneously, India continued to support the
restoration of democratic government in Myanmar.
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Relations with Sri Lanka continued to be based on friendship,
understanding and good neighbourliness. Soon after Chandrika
Bandaranaike Kumaratunga assumed office as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
in August 1994, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Shri A N
Varma visited Colombo as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy to convey
felicitations, good wishes and India's interest in strengthening close
and friendly ties with Sri Lanka. With her victory in the Presidential
elections in November 1994, Kumaratunga obtained a clear mandate for the
peace process and constitutional reforms. The President and the Prime
Minister sent warm messages of congratulations to President Kumaratunga
on her election.
The run up to the Presidential elections saw the tragic assassination of
UNP Presidential candidate Gamini Dissanayake. The Government of India
expressed its shock at the dastardly act in messages sent by the Prime
Minister and the Minister of External Affairs. In response to a request
from the Sri Lanka Government, India has offered the assistance of
forensic and ballistic experts in the investigation of the assassination
and requested Sri Lanka to indicate specific aspects on which such
assistance is required.
Political dialogue with the new Sri Lanka Government began with the
visit of the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar to India
from 6 to 10 October 1994, during which he called on the President, the
Prime Minister, the Speaker, the Commerce Minister and the Leader of
Opposition and held official talks with the Minister of State for
External Affairs Shri R L Bhatia. Kadirgamar briefed the Indian
leadership about the Sri Lanka Government's agenda including the peace
process, constitutional reforms and economic policies. The Government of
India wished the Sri Lanka Government success in its efforts. It was
reiterated that India has always stood for a peaceful political
settlement of the ethnic issue and was watching developments with close
interest.
Kadirgamar stressed Sri Lanka's keenness for sound and cordial relations
with India and was informed that the Government of India fully
reciprocated these sentiments. There was a particular emphasis during
the discussions on the need to strengthen and diversify bilateral
economic cooperation. It was agreed that matters such as the security of Indian fishermen and the release of boats of Sri Lanka refugees should be resolved early.
The Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Commission had earlier held its second session
in New Delhi in April 1994. The Joint Commission decided on several
measures to consolidate, diversify and strengthen bilateral relations in
a wide variety of areas. Some decisions taken in pursuance of the Joint
Commission meeting include : restoration of preferential tariff margins
on Sri Lankan cloves; reduction in tariffs on select items of export
interest to Sri Lanka such as ceramic tiles, glycerine, graphite and
rubber; extension of a new line of dollar-denominated credit; permission
to Bank of Ceylon to open a branch in Madras; and enhanced seat capacity
for airlines following civil aviation talks in July 1994.
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Indo-Sri Lanka trade stood at Rs 877.3 crore from January to August 1994
with exports valued at Rs 830.8 crore and imports from Sri lanka valued
at Rs 46.5 crore. During 1993, the total value of trade was Rs 1,131.5
crore, with exports at Rs 1,069.5 crore and imports at Rs 62 crore.
India's interest in broadening economic relations with Sri Lanka
resulted in two delegations from the Confederation of Indian Industries
visiting Sri Lanka in March and October 1994. A joint task force has
been set up to identify and follow up implementation of specific
proposals.
Seventy-seven trainees from Sri Lanka were nominated for courses in
India in areas including Statistics, Mill Management, Personnel
Management, Maintenance Engineering, Personnel Planning, Packaging
Technology, Software Systems, Diplomacy and Cooperative Banking.
About 8,000 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees returned to their home country in
1994 on a voluntary basis. Repatriation took place in two phases in
January-February 1994 and in September 1994.
The traditionally close and friendly relations with Maldives were
further strengthened and consolidated during the year.
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom paid a State visit to India from 21 to 25
March 1994. He called on the President, met the Vice President and held
wide-ranging talks with the Prime Minister on issues relating, inter alia, to Indo-Maldives cooperation,
particularly in the fields of health, education and progress of SAARC.
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There were also visits by a Parliamentary delegation led by the Speaker
of the Citizens' Majlis, Abdullah Hamid (11 to 19 May), Maldives
Minister of State for National Defence and Security, Brig Abdul Sattar
Anbaree (19 to 22 September), a Maldivian Civil Aviation delegation (4
to 8 November) for discussions regarding the operations of Air Maldives
to India, which began shortly thereafter, and by Ahmed Abdullah,
Mini ter of Health and Welfare of Maldives (12 to 16 December).
Ships of the Indian Coast Guard visited Maldives in April 1994 and
conducted joint exercises with the ships of the Maldivian National
Security Service.
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital commenced out-patient work on 15
October 1994, with a schedule for the phased opera-tionalisation of all
departments by the end of the year. Fifty-six Indian deputationists
including senior medical professionals are in Male to help start work in
the hospital.
Another Government of India project, the Maldives Institute of Technical
Education, is under construction at Male.
Fifty-nine Maldivian nominees received training in India during the
current year in fields such as medicine, nursing, school administration
for headmasters, computer software, banking, horticulture and aviation-
related services.
India-Pakistan bilateral relations continued to show a downward trend.
Pakistan's sustained efforts to internationalise the Kashmir issue, its
unabated support to subversion and terrorism directed against India, its
intransigence on the issue of resumption of a bilateral dialogue with
India and its persistent negative approach have vitiated the atmosphere
and prevented any meaningful progress in bilateral relations. In
addition to training, equipping, funding and guiding militants, Pakistan
has stepped up its trans-border terrorism by inducting mercenaries from
third countries into Jammu and Kashmir. Government have strongly urged
Pakistan to conduct inter-State relations as a responsible member of the international community and to eschew the threat of
terrorism held against India, which is totally unacceptable.
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Consistent with her policy to resolve differences with Pakistan
bilaterally and peacefully in accordance with the Simla Agreement,
Government have conveyed to Pakistan on several occasions in 1994
India's readiness for the resumption of bilateral dialogue without any
pre-conditions. On 21 March 1994, Foreign Secretary renewed the offer
for the resumption of Foreign Secretary-level talks. At a meeting at
Dhaka on 31 July 1994 between Minister of State for External Affiars,
Shri R L Bhatia and Pak Foreign Minister, Government reiterated its
offer of dialogue. Foreign Secretary followed this up with a letter to
his Pakistan counterpart inviting him for talks. On 3 November 1994
Government once again formally conveyed to Pakistan through diplomatic
channels its offer for dialogue. During his visit to Islamabad from 22
to 24 November 1994 to attend the Commonwealth Senior Officials Meeting
(COSM), Foreign Secretary conveyed to his Pak counterpart Government's
readiness to discuss all bilateral issues. Shri Arjun Singh, the then
Human Resource Development Minister during his visit to Pakistan to
attend the Commonwealth Education Ministers Meeting (26 to 29 November
1994), reiterated India's desire for normalisation of relations.
Unfortunately, Pakistan's response has been conditional and negative.
Government proposed on 7 April 1994 and 12 July 1994 to Pakistan that
consultations between the two Foreign Offices may be held for a review
of the implementation of the Code of Conduct for treatment of
Diplomatic/Consular personnel in India and Pakistan, in the light of
numerous incidents of intimidatory surveillance and harassment meted out
to the Indian Diplomatic Officials and their family members posted in
Indian Missions in Pakistan. This proposal, however, did not find favour
with, Islamabad.
Pakistan has persisted with its restrictive visa policy and other
negative measures which further impeded people-to-people contacts
between the two countries. On 17 March 1994, Pakistan unilaterally and
without justification announced the closure of its Consulate in Bombay.
Subsequently, on 26 December 1994 Pakistan asked the Government of India
to close down the In-dian Consulate General in Karachi. These actions of Pakistan are
regrettable and are patently designed to create perception of tensions
between the two countries. Pakistan also assumed an exaggerated air of
panic towards the isolated reports of incidents of plague in India.
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Pakistan's campaign to internationalise and communalise the Kashmir
issue continued. At the 50th session of the UNHRC (March 1994), Pakistan
had decided to move a resolution on the Human Rights situation in Jammu
and Kashmir and aggressively campaigned for support but, subsequently,
withdrew its resolution, at the behest of a number of friendly
countries. At the 49th session of the UNGA, Pakistan made yet another
attempt to table a resolution. However, this attempt also failed. This
was the second occasion in 1994 that Pakistan's campaign to agitate
Kashmir at an UN forum had petered out.
In the face of Pakistan's campaign of Jammu and Kashmir issue, India
apprised the international community of the politically motivated act by
Pakistan and emphasised that all outstanding issues between the two
countries need to be resolved peacefully and bilaterally within the
framework of the Simla Agreement.
Pakistan has continued to pursue its nuclear weapons-oriented programme,
its clandestine procurement of material for this purpose and its
acquisition of sophisticated weapons and arms technology far beyond its
legitimate defence requirements. The curtain of ambiguity about the
intentions and purpose of Pakistan's nuclear programme has now fallen
off with the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif publicly
acknowledging on 23 August 1994 about the possession of an atomic bomb
by Pakistan.
Government will endeavour, without compromising its unity and
territorial integrity, to pursue all available opportunities for
normalising relations with Pakistan through a bilateral dialogue within
the framework of the Simla Agreement. However, Government are willing to
adapt to whatever pattern of relationship Pakistan desires.
There was a major escalation in the conflict in Afghanistan in January
1994 which continued through the year and further aggravated the political and security situation in Afghanistan. A new peace initiative launched by the United Nations under the Special Envoy
of the UN Secretary General, Ambassador Mehmoud Mestiri is underway. But
prospects for a peaceful political settlement in the near future still
remain uncertain.
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There have been some high level exchanges with Afghanistan in 1994,
although it has been difficult to keep up the momentum of bilateral
exchanges due to the unstable conditions prevailing in Afghanistan. Dr
Abdul Rehman, Afghan Minister for Civil Aviation visited New Delhi twice
in March and July 1994 as a Special Envoy of Afghan President.
Mohammadullah Naqid, Afghan Minister of Martyrs & Disabled Affairs
visited India in March 1994. Sayed Noorullah Emad, Afghan Agriculture
Minister paid a visit to India in October 1994.
India's cooperation with Afghanistan has consistently focussed on areas
which are of direct benefit to the Afghan people. Unfortunately, in the
unsettled conditions in Afghanistan, the cooperation programmes have
been disrupted. Government have, however, been able to resume some
technical cooperation (training facilities, scholarships, medical
facilities, etc) during 1994. India has an abiding concern for welfare
and prosperity of the Afghan people. During 1994, India has supplied
tea, medicines, etc worth Rs 1 crore as relief assistance to various
provinces of Afghanistan such as Herat, Kabul and Jalalabad. Despatch of
further relief supplies to other provinces is being worked out.
India stands for a united, stable, non-aligned, and independent
Afghanistan. India supports a peaceful political settlement which is
acceptable to all sections of the people of Afghanistan. India supports
the ongoing peace initiative of the UN, and stands ready to make a
contribution to peace efforts.
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was
established in December 1985 with the adoption of the Charter of SAARC
by the Heads of State/Government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives,
Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka at their meeting in Dhaka on 8 December
1985.
India views SAARC as an additional dimension to her bilateral
relationship with the Member Countries. SAARC can develop into an effective vehicle for collective self-reliance in the region.
The recent incorporation of substantive issues of economic cooperation
into its agenda could harness the complementarities of the region in a
positive manner, if diligently followed up by all Member Countries.
India is firmly committed to SAARC and it is her sincere desire to
strengthen the Association for the common benefit of all the SAARC
Member States.
-11>
The 14th Session of the SAARC Council of Ministers was held in Dhaka on
30 and 31 July 1994. This was preceded by the 14th Session of the SAARC
Programming Committee (26 July) and the 19th Session of the SAARC
Standing Committee (from 27 to 29 July) held in Dhaka.
The SAARC Council of Ministers reviewed the status of implementation of
its earlier decisions as also the status of implementation of Summit
decisions. At the time of 7th SAARC summit held in Dhaka on 10 and 11
April 1993, a Framework Agreement on SAARC Preferential Trading
Arrangement (SAPTA) was signed by the Foreign Ministers of the SAARC
Member Countries. The 14th Session of the Council of Ministers reviewed
the progress in the implementation of the Agreement on SAPTA and urged
the Member States to exchange request lists containing the size and
nature of concessions to be exchanged by them well in time before the
next meeting of the Inter-Governmental Group (IGG) to be held in
Islamabad in September 1994. However, Pakistan has not fulfilled its
obligation. It has neither sent any request lists nor organised the 5th
Meeting of IGG which it was to host in September 1994.
With a view to evolving a collective position by SAARC Countries on the
World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction, 1994, India hosted a
Workshop in New Delhi from 30 March to 2 April 1994. The Report adopted
at the Workshop was presented at the World Conference on Natural
Disaster Reduction held in Yokohama, Japan in May 1994.
Bangladesh hosted the Meeting of Finance/Planning Ministers of SAARC
Countries in Dhaka on 10 and 11 July 1994. The Ministerial Meeting
decided that a mechanism should be set up which would act as a forum for
exchange of information on experiences of the SAARC Countries in the
implementation of
poverty alleviation programmes. The Ministers suggested this mechanism
in the form of a three-tier institutional structure that would meet once
a year. The 14th Session of the Council of Ministers commended the
Report of the Finance/Planning Ministers and decided to transmit it to
the Heads of State or Government.
-12>
A SAARC Ministerial Conference on Youth was held in Male from 9 to 11
May 1994. A five-member delegation from India led by Shri Mukul Wasnik,
Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports attended the Meeting. The
Ministerial Conference adopted a 17-point resolution known as "Male
Resolution on Youth". The 14th Session of the Council of Ministers
appreciated the Male Resolution on Youth and decided to transmit the
Resolution to SAARC Heads of State or Government.
As per decision of the 13th Session of the Council of Ministers held in
Dhaka on 4 and 5 December 1993, the SAARC Documentation Centre (SDC) has
been established and located at the Indian Scientific Documentation
Centre (INSDOC), New Delhi. The Governing Board for the SDC has been
constituted and its first meeting was held in New Delhi in May 1994.
As per decision of the Seventh SAARC Summit held in Dhaka in April 1993,
a SAARC Ministerial Conference on Disabled Persons was held in Islamabad
from 16 to 18 December 1993. The Ministers adopted the Resolution called
"Islamabad Resolution on Disabled Persons". The 14th Session of the
Council of Ministers held in Dhaka on 30 and 31 July 1994 endorsed the
Report of the SAARC Ministerial Conference on Disabled Persons and the
Islamabad Resolution on Disabled Persons and decided to transmit them to
the SAARC Heads of State or Government. India organised a SAARC Meeting
of Experts on Rehabilitation Techniques for Disabled Persons from 28
November to 2 December 1994 at the National Institute for Mentally
Handicapped, Secunderabad.
Within the parameters of the SAARC Charter, discussions are underway
between SAARC and some other UN and International Organisations for
possible cooperation between SAARC and these bodies.
Agreements/Memoranda of Understanding have already been signed between
SAARC and ESCAP, UNICEF,
-13>
APT, UNCTAD. The discussions are underway for cooperation between SAARC-
EU, SAARC-ASEAN, SAARC-ADB and SAARC-UNDP.
Under the aegis of SAARC , around 58 activities have been held so far in
1994, out of which 16 were held in India. These include training
courses, seminars, workshops, technical studies, etc.
India would be hosting the 8th SAARC Summit in April 1995.
-14>
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1994
2. South-East Asia and the Pacific
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In keeping with India's desire for greater integration with the Asia
Pacific, South-East Asia continued to be an area of prime focus during
the year 1994-95. The Prime Minister paid official visits to Singapore
and Vietnam during the year. The visits to India of President Soeharto
of Indonesia and Prime Minister Mahathir of Malaysia in March 1994 (in
the context of G-15) helped to rekindle interest about India at the
political as well as trade and economic level in those countries.
Foreign Ministers of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia and Deputy Foreign
Minister of Thailand also visited India during the year. Prime Minister
Goh Chok Tong of Singapore who visited India as the Chief Guest for
Republic Day 1994, paid another visit in January 1995 in connection with
the Centenary celebrations of the Confederation of Indian Industries in
Calcutta. Interaction has also taken place at the level of intellectuals
and academics, with the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis
(IDSA) and India International Centre organising seminars, with the
Ministry's support, on India's relations with South-East Asian
countries.
The on-going economic liberalisation process in India continues to be
viewed positively by South-East Asian countries that have investible
surplus along with marketing and managerial skills. Efforts to synergise
the complementarity in the economies of India and the region continued
and succeeded in numerous productive ventures both in India and in the
South-East Asia re-gion. Meetings of Joint Business Councils (JBCs) with several countries
and seminars on "Doing Business with India" were instrumental in
fuelling further interest in the Indian economy, at the same time
bridging some of the information gap. There are 96 joint ventures spread
over Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and now
Vietnam, out of which about 60 are operational. Investment proposals
approved so far amount to approximately Rs 900 crore. Last year,
Thailand, fox instance, was the 6th largest foreign investor in the
country. Trade with South-East Asia has also increased steadily.
Currently, India's exports to the region are in the range of Rs 5,500
crore, a little less than 10% of her global exports.
-15>
The Sectoral Dialogue partnership with ASEAN progressed satisfactorily.
The indication from the ASEAN members is that they would welcome the
sectoral dialogue to diversify further and at a rapid pace.
The year also witnessed significant developments in regional security,
with the first meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) taking place in
Bangkok in July 1994. As an immediate neighbour of South-East Asia
sharing common security concerns, India desires to be associated with
deliberations of the ARF. The general question of expanding ARF
membership is under consideration of the ASEAN countries.
India's bilateral relations with Singapore continued on a dynamic
course. Singapore has been fully supportive of India's quest for a
deeper involvement with South-East Asia, whether in the form of full
dialogue partnership with the ASEAN, or membership of the ASEAN Regional
Forum and APEC. There is increasing involvement of private sectors of
the two countries in trade and economic cooperation. Several proposals
relating to infrastructural development, civil aviation and tourism,
information technology, financial services, etc are under consideration.
Prime Minister's visit to Singapore in September 1994 within a short
span of eight months of the Singapore Prime Minister's visit to India in
January 1994 was instrumental in turning a new chapter in India's
relations with Singapore. The discussions, that took place in an
atmosphere of warm cordiality and goodwill,focussed primarily on economic exchanges in which both sides saw immense
potential ahead. Public housing, power generation, telecommunications,
in addition to tourism and civil aviation, were identified as sectors
for possible cooperation with Singapore in India. The Prime Minister
suggested Singapore's involvement in commercialising new technologies
developed by CSIR and also flagged India's interest in further
strengthening defence cooperation in such areas as training and
equipment. Possibilities of bilateral tie-up for third-country projects
were also discussed. A Memorandum of Understanding on, Foreign Office
Consultations and a dozen corporate agreements involving areas such as
trade and investment, banking, aquaculture, warehousing, real estates,
telecommunications, etc were signed during the visit. The Prime Minister
also delivered the highly prestigious "Singapore Lecture" on "India and
Asia Pacific: Forging a new Relationship", which was followed by a
lively question-answer session.
-16>
Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's visit to India again in January 1995
signified the growing informality and closeness in the relationship
between the two countries of mutual benefit. He met the Prime Minister
for a one-to-one meeting, in addition to an encounter with businessmen
and a working lunch. A Memorandum of Understanding on Science and
Technology was also signed on the occassion, to put in place a framework
that will facilitate cooperation in this field, particularly in the area
of commercialisation of technologies developed by CSIR, earlier
discussed during Prime Minister's visit to Singapore in September 1994.
Prime Minister's visit to Vietnam in September 1994 reaffirmed India's
traditionally warm and close relationship in the changing environment.
While acknowledging the strength and continuity of bilateral relations
between India and Vietnam, both sides agreed that there was need to
upgrade economic linkages. With market-oriented reforms taking place in
both countries, time was opportune to substantially enlarge areas of
economic cooperation. Several new areas including sugarcane cultivation
and processing, dairy farming, rubber plantation and manufacture,
vegetable oil production, leather processing, etc were identified. Four
Agreements were signed during the visit-on Avoidance of Double Taxation,
Facilitation of Visas, Defence Coopera-tion and Foreign Office Consultations. In addition, the visiting Indian
business delegation signed six corporate agreements relating to
investments and joint ventures in Vietnam.
-17>
As decided during the visit, a Joint Working Group met in New Delhi from
16 to 18 January 1995, which reviewed cooperation in all areas and held
detailed discussions, in the subgroups, on ways- to further enhance and
concretise cooperation, in identified sectors.
With Thailand, there is an excellent understanding at the political
level reinforced by periodic exchange of high level visits. During the
year, the Thai Parliamentary Committee of Religion, Art and Culture
visited places of Buddhist interest in India in September 1994. Deputy
Foreign Minister Dr Surin Pitsuwan visited in October 1994 during which
comprehensive talks were held. The visit was useful for taking stock of
the process on the points of action emerging from the last joint
Commission meeting and also for identifying new areas of cooperation. Dr
Supachai Panitchpakdi, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand visited
Calcutta in January 1995 in connection with CII Centenary celebrations.
Secretary level talks were also held (27 January 1995) between India and
Thailand in New Delhi. The year also saw the first meeting of the India-
Thailand Joint Business Council, an investment Seminar on India and the
joint Trade Committee taking place.
India's bilateral trade with Thailand showed a welcome sign of growth
with the overall value reaching US$ 601.60 million (approximately Rs
1800 crore) during the year 1993-94. From Thailand, investment proposals
worth US$ 120 million (approximately Rs 360 crore) were approved in
1993, mainly in the fields of fisheries, chemicals, air-conditioning
systems, hotel and tourism. Some prominent Thai companies have also
signed agreements with Indian companies in telecom sector. Indian
investment in Thailand amounted to a total registered capital of US$ 25
million during the last year. The Aditya Birla group is the largest
Indian investor with three joint ventures.
India's close relations with Indonesia continued to be strengthened
during the year. The visit of President Soeharto to New Delhi for the
reconvened G-15 Summit in March 1994 offered a
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fresh opportunity for bilateral exchanges at the highest political
level. There were also regular contacts at Foreign Minister's level in
connection with the NAM and UN matters. Efforts also continued at
official level to expand bilateral interaction in diverse fields. A
comprehensive review of bilateral relations with Indonesia was
undertaken during discussions at Head of Division's level in Jakarta in
December 1994. It was agreed, in principle, to further strengthen the
relations through institutionalised mechanism like joint Commission,
Foreign Office Consultations, etc.
-18>
India's trade and economic relations with Indonesia are steadily going
up. The volume of trade in 1993-94 was US$ 354.36 million (approximately
Rs 1100 crore) and has far exceeded the previous year's figure of US$
197.19 million (approximately Rs 600 crore). India has 15 joint ventures
in Indonesia with investments worth US$ 189 million.
Prime Minister Mahathir's special gesture of visiting India in March
1994 for the reconvened G-15 Summit after his visit in the same
connection three months earlier, contributed to the strengthening of
India's bilateral relations with Malaysia. There is a growing
realization today, on the part of both India and Malaysia that it is in
mutual interest to enhance economic interaction. India and Malaysia,
have excellent cooperation in the area of projects, with several major
projects involving Indian companies having been cleared over the last
year including a contract for export of gas turbaned equipment by BHEL
and another one for hire and maintenance of Indian-made diesel
locomotives by IRCON. The volume of India's bilateral trade with
Malaysia in 1993-94 was to the tune of US$ 593 million. There are 18
Indian joint ventures in Malaysia and another 14 under various stages of
implementation, in areas of automobile products, textiles, chemicals,
metal, electrical products, palm oil, rubber, turnkey projects,
consultancy and insurance.
Malaysian investment in India, which has picked up rapidly since
liberalisation, continued to look up with approved investment reaching
Rs 830 million in 10 projects. These are in the areas of
telecommunication equipment, rubber products, software production,
electrical apparatus, shrimp and prawn cultivation. Some other proposals
for infrastructural development including highways are under
consideration. Under the Memo-randum of Understanding for Defence Cooperation signed by the two
countries in 1993, over 100 Malaysian Air Force personnel are currently
undergoing training in India.
-19>
During a detailed review of India's bilateral relations with Malaysia
undertaken in Chula Lumpur in December 1994, the ways and means to
further expand and diversify the relations were discussed and a mutually
agreed time table for important bilateral activities like high-level
visits, Joint Commission meeting, Foreign Office Consultations, etc was
drawn up.
With the Philippines, India's relations have remained cordial and
friendly. There is growing realisation on both sides of the untapped
potential for economic cooperation to mutual advantage. The Foreign
Office Consultations that took place in Manila in November 1994,
underlined the need to step up bilateral economic cooperation. A Joint
Business Council was set up during the year, which also saw resumption
of meat exports from India to the Philippines after a gap of almost
thirty years. Senator Leticia Shahani, President Pro-tempore of the
Philippines Senate, continued to provide an important link between India
and the Philippines. She visited India twice during the year.
India's relations with Brunei Darussalam are also gathering momentum. In
keeping with Brunei's interest in enhancing aviation links with India,
Brunei's Minister of Communications Dato Haji Zakaria visited India from
9 to 12 January 1995 at the invitation of the Indian Civil Aviation
Minister. During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to
discuss matters relating to the conclusion of an Air Services Agreement
and introduction of scheduled air services between the two countries.
The two sides also finalised the text of the Air Services Agreement,
which was initialled by Leaders of the two delegations.
-19>
With Cambodia, India continues to enjoy close and cordial relations.
India wishes to see peace and tranquillity prevail in that country.
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prince Norodom
Sirivuddh, visited India in June 1994. During the visit, he called on
the President, the Vice President and the Prime Minister and held
discussions with Minister of State for External Affairs Shri R L Bhatia.
A Memorandum of Under-standing on Foreign Office Consultations was signed during the visit.
India remains interested in resuming the restoration work on Angkor Vat
temples. It was also decided to establish a centre for artificial limbs
in Cambodia.
-20>
The Lao Foreign Minister Somsavat Lengsavad visited India in August 1994
during which a Memorandum of Understanding on Technical Cooperation and
a Cultural Agreement were signed. The visit imparted a much-needed
impetus to the bilateral relations. Several proposals for enhancing
economic and trade relations are under consideration. A line of credit
to facilitate expansion of bilateral trade is also under consideration.
Relations between India and Australia continued to be cordial. Vice
President Shri K R Narayanan visited Australia in April 1994. He
inaugurated the Festival "India Today 1994"-a two-month long diversified
programme of events featuring the arts, music, culture-organised by the
Australia-India Council. The Vice President met the Governor-General,
the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Australia, besides a
large number of State level dignitaries and eminent personalities.
Bilateral consultations at Secretary level were held in Canberra on 2
and 3 February 1994. Secretary (East) led the Indian side. There were
extensive discussions on important international and bilateral issues.
Jim Kennon, former Deputy Premier of Victoria, Australia visited India
in February 1994. He met senior government officials and business
leaders, to identify specific areas for expanding trade and investment.
As part of the ongoing exchanges between the defence establishments, the
Australian Chief of Defence Forces Admiral A Beaumont visited India from
13 to 17 April 1994.
On the economic front, India-Australia relations are expanding rapidly.
At the Secretary level consultations in February 1994, the Australian
side have shown a keen interest in expanding trade and investment. A
comprehensive study on Indian Trade and Investment conducted by the
Australian Foreign Office indicated attractive prospects with the Indian
economy showing 6% annual growth. Several business/trade delegations
from Australia visited India during the year under report.
-21>
The third meeting of the India-Australia joint Ministerial Commission
was held on 4 February 1994 in Sydney. The Indian delegation was led by
Shri Kamaluddin Ahmed, Minister of State for Commerce while the
Australian delegation was led by Bob McMullan, Minister for Overseas
Trade. A business cum investment seminar was organised in Sydney on 18
April 1994, followed by the India-Australia Joint Business Council's
meeting on 20 and 21 April 1994 in Perth.
The bilateral trade during 1993-94 was Rs 2855.08 crore with adverse
balance of trade for India. Australian investment in India has been
rising steadily. From January to September 1994 it is Rs 385 crore,
fourth largest after USA, Germany and NRIs.
An Honorary Consul General of India was appointed in Melbourne in
November 1994.
The traditional friendly relations between India and New Zealand were
maintained. Bilateral consultations at Secretary level were held on 22
and 23 April 1994 in Wellington. The Indian side was represented by Shri
Salman Haider, Secretary (East) and the New Zealand side by Graham
Fortune, Acting Secretary.
Bilateral trade registered an increase of 20% in 1993-94 to Rs 342
crore. About 12 joint ventures in various fields have been launched. The
fourth meeting of the Indo-New Zealand Joint Business Council was held
in Auckland on 14 and 15 April 1994. The discussion focussed on areas
like trade and investment expansion, prospects for cooperation through
joint ventures and technology transfer.
The fourth meeting of the India-New Zealand Joint Trade Committee was
held in Wellington from 22 to 29 June 1994. The India-New Zealand Joint
Business Council sent a seven-member consultants team to India in May
1994 to discuss prospects and joint ventures with Indian companies
involving transfer of technology.
The Government of India has been closely following the developments in
Fiji. Addressing the opening session of the newly constituted Fijian
Parliament on 21 March 1994, President Mara said that the Fiji
Government's two most important foreign policy objectives were (i) to seek resumption of full diplomatic relations with
India and (ii) to seek Fiji's re-entry into the Commonwealth.
-22>
Government of India have declared that the Fijian Government should
accelerate the review process of the racially-biased 1990 constitution,
with a view to achieving an early solution acceptable to all the
sections of the Fijian population. Once that is achieved, other issues
would not pose any problems.
India has decided to establish diplomatic and consular relations with
Federated States of Micronesia, a UN member. Ambassador of India in
Tokyo will be concurrently accredited to Micronesia. Efforts were made
to strengthen and maintain India's cordial relations with other Pacific
Island countries during the year.
-23>
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1994
3. East Asia
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India-China relations in 1994-95 continued to improve steadily and to
expand into new areas of cooperation. The Government continued to work
for the establishment of a long-term, stable and good neighbourly
relationship with China. The momentum of high level political dialogue
was maintained in 1994 to expand cooperation and create a favourable
climate in which the two countries can work for the resolution of
outstanding issues.
Political contact between India and China continued through high level
exchanges and regular consultations at other levels.
Among the high level political exchanges between the two countries, the
Chinese Foreign, Defence, Foreign Trade and Supervision Ministers
visited India. From India, the Ministers of Agriculture, Human Resource
Development and Health & Family Welfare visited China. The Ministers of
State for Coal, Petroleum, Labour and the Deputy Minister for Culture
also visited China. Vice President of India Shri K R Narayanan visited
China from 22 to 28 October 1994.
The situation along the India-China border remained peaceful during the
year. The seventh meeting of the India-China joint Working Group (JWG)
was held in Beijing in July 1994. The JWG continued discussions aimed at
arriving at a fair, reason-able and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question and on
the implementation of the Border Peace and Tranquillity Agreement. The
India-China Expert Group (EG), set up under the Border Peace and
Tranquillity Agreement to assist the JWG in the implementation of the
Agreement, held two meetings in February and April 1994. These meetings
of the EG resulted in basic agreement on issues relating to the Group's
mandate, future tasks and methodology codified into a document on the
work regulations of the EG which was signed by the leaders of the two
delegations at the second meeting of the EG. The two countries also
agreed in principle to open more points for border trade. Border trade
through Shipkila in Himachal Pradesh started on 16 July 1994. An
agreement to open Shipkila for border trade had been signed during the
Prime Minister's visit to China in 1993.
-24>
The two countries also succeeded in their efforts to enhance the
economic content of their relations. In the first nine months of 1994
the total volume of bilateral trade was US$ 593 million, an increase of
29.5% over the corresponding period last year. The potential for a
future increase in this trade, given the size and strength of the Indian
and the Chinese economies, remains vast. During the fifth meeting of the
India-China Joint Group on Economic, Trade and Scientific and
Technological Cooperation held in June 1994, India's Commerce Minister
and the Chinese Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Mme
Wu Yi called for greater efforts by all concerned to realise the trade
and economic potential that exists between two such large economies. The
Vice President during his visit to China in October 1994, emphasised the
need to further increase cooperation in economic and scientific-
technological fields. Agreements signed in the field of banking and
avoidance of double taxation are likely to facilitate the further growth
of trade and economic links between the two countries-The year also saw
continued efforts to expand cooperation to new areas based on the logic
of mutual benefit. Coal, petroleum, medicine, civil aviation, banking
and the labour laws are some of the new areas in which the two countries
have initiated cooperation.
The year 1994 saw the Festival of India in China during the months of
May and June. This was the first ever ' festival of a foreign nation to
be held in China. The two countries also celebrated the fortieth anniversary of Panchsheel or the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. During the seminar which was inaugurated by the
Prime Minister on 27 June 1994, participants from both India and China
discussed the relevance of Panchsheel in the post-Cold War era.
-25>
India's relations with Japan have been expanding in recent years,
especially after the visit of Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao in June
1992. The two countries have institutionalised bilateral consultations.
Foreign Secretary level talks are held annually; and the recent meeting
was held in Tokyo in September 1994 when important bilateral and other
issues were discussed. Shozo Azuma, Parliamentary Vice Minister for
Foreign Affairs of Japan visited India in January 1994 and discussed
several issues including India's economic reforms. He again visited
India in April 1994 to participate in the 50th meeting of the ESCAP held
in New Delhi.
The economic and commercial relations between India and Japan continued
to grow during the year under report. Japan has maintained its position
as the largest bilateral donor of development assistance to India. Japan
has pledged 125,765 million yen (approximately equivalent to Rs 3,920
crore) as ODA to India for 1994-95, a five per cent increase over the
previous year. This year's ODA loan package comprises twelve projects
covering power, transport, drinking water and sewage system, environment
and afforestation sectors. Japan continued its grant-in-aid for small
scale, health, education and social welfare projects and technical
training.
-25>
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conducted a
feasibility study on the setting up of an Industrial Model Town in
Haryana. A 46-member Economic Mission from Japan led by Eme Yamashita,
Chairman of the Japanese Committee of the India-Japan Business
Cooperation Committees, visited India from 7 to 10 March 1994. They had
a series of meetings with various dignitaries in the Government of India
and participated in a meeting of the India-Japan Joint Business Council.
India and Japan have agreed to hold a policy dialogue at the
Secretary/Vice Minister level between the Ministry of External Affairs
on the Indian side and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry on the Japanese side. Important issues such as technology
transfer, investment in infrastructure in India and trade insurance are
likely to be discussed.
-26>
A 24-member delegation from Kansai Economic Federation (Kankeiren)
visited India in November 1994. After extensive talks they have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding with Confederation of Indian Industries
(CII) New Delhi for a wide-ranging cooperation on trade matters.
India's trade with Japan during 1993-94 was Rs 10,231.13 crore of which
India's exports were worth Rs 5,482.21 crore and imports were worth Rs
4,748.92 crore. During the period from April to July 1994 total trade is
Rs 3,636.22 crore, exports being Rs 1,904.82 crore and imports being Rs
1,731.40 crore. Japanese investors are showing considerable interest in
the new economic policies of the Government of India and Japanese
investment in India is expected to increase in the near future.
The 24th meeting of the India-Japan Study Committee was held in April
1994 in New Delhi. The Indian side was led by Shri Vasant Sathe,
President, ICCR and the Japanese side by Toshiki Kaifu, former Prime
Minister of Japan. The 25th meeting of the Committee was held in Tokyo
in October 1994.
There were exchanges of scholars and cultural delegations. India-Japan
Documentation Centre at the Indian Council for Social Science Research,
New Delhi, with Japanese assistance is nearing completion. The Centre
will be a data-base on East Asia, with advanced retrieval facilities.
The ICCR organised an exhibition entitled "King Ashoka, Mahatma Gandhi
and Nehru-the Healing Touch" in Japan during October-December 1994. The
exhibition marks the 125th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and aims
at promoting the philosophy of pacifism and nonviolence.
India's relations with the Republic of Korea (ROK) continued to expand
rapidly during the year under report. The third round of Foreign Office
Consultations at Secretary level was held in New Delhi on 6 April 1994.
The discussions covered several issues including economic cooperation
between the two countries.
-27>
The Union Minister for Surface Transport, Shri Jagdish Tytler visited
Seoul from 12 to 15 October 1994, with a high-power team comprising
representatives of the Shipping Corporation of India, the Hindustan
Shipyards Ltd and others. The delegation made series of useful
presentations on investment attractions in India, to the major ROK
business conglomerates such as Hyundai, Daewoo, Samsung, Hallu and
Kookdang.
The President of Daewoo and the Advisor of Hyundai visited India in
early 1994 in response to Prime Minister's invitation to ROK
industrialists to study investment possibilities in India. DCM-Daewoo
have agreed for a joint collaboration to produce passenger cars in
India.
The two-way trade between India and ROK exceeded US$ one billion for the
first time in 1993. The trade is expected to double in the next three
years. ROK's direct investment approvals to India by September 1994
amounted to Rs 474.6 million. Recently, ROK has expanded its
participation in India's infrastructural sectors, particularly in the
shipping and oil exploration and production sectors.
ROK Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy Dr Chul Su Kim, visited
India in September 1994 and held useful talks with Finance Minister,
Commerce Minister, Power Minister, and the Minister of State for
External Affairs Shri R L Bhatia.
India has maintained close cultural links with the ROK. Under the
cultural exchange programmes, there were exchanges of students, scholars
and cultural delegations.
A new Honorary Consul General of India has been appointed in Pusan in
ROK in October 1994.
India maintained friendly relations with the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea (DPRK). India expressed profound sorrow and grief at
the passing away of Kim Il Sung on 8 July 1994. President, Prime
Minister and other dignitaries sent condolences and Parliament passed a
resolution. The gestures were duly appreciated.
-28>
Government of India had been closely following the DPRK nuclear issue.
Welcoming the DPRK-US agreement of 21 October 1994, India expressed hope
that the agreement would reduce tensions in the Korean peninsula and the
anxiety that was voiced in the surrounding region and beyond.
Bilateral consultations at Secretary level were held on 23 March 1994.
Important international issues and bilateral relations including
economic cooperation and cultural exchange programme were discussed.
India enjoys a friendly relationship with Mongolia which was further
cemented during the year. President P Ochirbat paid a State visit to
India from 21 to 25 January 1994 when a Treaty of Friendly Relations and
Cooperation was concluded, besides agreements on establishing a joint
Committee on Cooperation and on Avoidance of Double Taxation. Dr Balram
Jakhar, Union Agriculture Minister and the Commerce Minister Shri Pranab
Mukherjee visited Ulaan Baatar during 1994.
While trade and economic links have been limited by distance, India
participated in the fourth Mongolia Assistance. Group meeting in Tokyo
in November 1994. The desire of Indian private and public sector
enterprises to associate themselves with joint venture projects in
Mongolia in the small scale sector as well as for infrastructural
development was reaffirmed. The opening of chartered flights to Mongolia
from India during 1994 is expected to contribute to the growth of
bilateral trade.
-29>
|
1994
4 Central Asia
|
Top |
India is actively engaged in promoting her relations with Central
Asian countries as well as with Azerbaijan and Turkey. India's relations
with these countries have been historically friendly and the Central
Asian leaders are especially keen for this relationship to grow as
rapidly as possible. These newly independent countries are going through
a process of external and internal adjustment with a view to integrating
themselves in the international community following the dissolution of
the Soviet Union; India has offered training facilities to the nationals
of these newly independent countries. Some of these countries, such as
Tajikistan, also face the twin threats of fundamentalism and terrorism,
including cross-border terrorism. Apart from maintaining a steady
dialogue with the above mentioned countries at the UN and other
international fora, India has opened resident diplomatic missions in
Bishkek (the Kyrghyz Republic), Dushanbe (Tajikistan) and Ashgabat
(Turkmenistan); with these Missions, India has resident diplomatic
representation in all Central Asian capitals except Baku (Azerbaijan).
The Consulate General of India has been opened in Istanbul in Turkey and
India's Ambassador in Ankara is concurrently accredited to Azerbaijan.
Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Salman Khurshid visited
Kazakhstan leading a delegation of senior officials and businessmen
where he had detailed discussions with the Kazakh leadership on
international issues as well as on ways to inten-sify bilateral relations. The Director of the Indian Cultural Centre with the Embassy of India, Almaty, was in position in May 1994. This was
in fulfilment of Prime Minister's announcement in 1993 for setting up an
Indian Cultural Centre in Almaty to cater to the deep Kazakh interest in
Indian culture. In August 1994, the new Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan,
Kanat B Saudabaev transited through New Delhi and had detailed
discussions with Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri R L
Bhatia. A delegation of the Ministry of External Affairs participated in
the Senior Officers' Meeting in October 1994 in Almaty to discuss the
Kazakh President's proposal on Conference for Interaction and
Confidence-building Measures in Asia.
-30>
The Defence Minister of Kazakhstan, General S K Nurmagambetov visited
India from 1 to 5 February 1995. During his stay in India he called on
Prime Minister and had discussions with Minister of State for Defence
and with Shri R L Bhatia, Minister of State for External Affairs and
other senior defence officials. He was given a presentation about the
defence training facilities available in India.
Kazakh Airways has started regular commercial flights between Almaty and
New Delhi. The Kazakh Chamber of Commerce and Industry has established a
Joint Business Council with the Federation of Indian Chambers of
Commerce and Industry in November 1994. Several Kazakh nationals are
receiving training in India and Indian companies have established their
representation in Almaty. The credit 'line of US$ 10 million extended by
Government of India is under active consideration though its early
implementation has been slowed down by Kazakh internal procedure.
Relations with Kazakhstan are marked by shared global perspectives and
close understanding.
The first Indian resident Ambassador presented credentials to the
Kyrghyz President Askar Akaev in June 1994. Minister of State for
External Affairs, Shri Salman Khurshid visited Bishkek in June 1994,
leading a delegation of Indian officials and businessmen; during his
stay he had discussions with the Kyrghyz leaders who welcomed greater
Indian presence in Central Asia. The credit line of US$ 5 million is
under active negotiation and will be finalised shortly.
-31>
India's relations with Tajikistan also received considerable stimulus
with the visit, the first ever by an Indian leader after the
independence of Tajikistan, of Minister of State for External Affairs,
Shri Salman Khurshid in June 1994, who led a delegation of senior
government officials and businessmen to Dushanbe. During his stay he met
the acting President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and other senior
figures in the Government. An Indo-Tajik credit Agreement for extension
of an Indian credit line of US$ 5 million was signed during the visit.
Tajik government welcomes closer interaction with India and appreciates
its political significance for the region; the two Governments have
publicly expressed themselves against international terrorism and for
resolution of bilateral issues directly without recourse to their
internationalisation. India's resident mission having been opened in May
1994, the first resident Ambassador in Dushanbe is in position since
December 1994. The Tajik Government is considering a proposal to open
their resident mission in India where they are presently represented by
an Honorary Consul. Humanitarian assistance is also being provided to
the Government of Tajikistan. Elections to the Presidency were held in
November and the Acting President Rakhmonov was declared elected the new
Head of State. The President has sent a message of congratulations to
President Rakhmonov.
The second session of the Indo-Uzbek joint Commission was held on 22
November 1994. The two delegations were led respectively by the Union
Commerce Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, U
Sultanov. The delegation called on the President, the Prime Minister and
other Indian leaders. The decision was taken to set up two sub-
commissions under the Joint Commission to look after trade and economic
cooperation and science and technology sectors respectively; an
agreement was also signed to use the second tranche of the US$ 10
million credit which was announced by the Prime Minister during his
visit to Uzbekistan in May 1993 after the finalisation of contracts for
the first tranche of US$ 10 million. The Director of India Cultural
Centre with the Indian Mission in Tashkent has been functioning since
May 1994. The Uzbek Television is directly relaying Doordarshan
programmes using receiving and editing equipment supplied by the
Government, an offer made by the Prime Minister during his visit to
Uzbekistan in May 1993. The process of selecting a suitable incumbent for the proposed
India Chair at the World University of Economics and Diplomacy is
underway. Uzbekistan has used the agreed slots under the ITEC programme
and has expressed an interest in higher allotment which is being
considered. The Government pledge in January 1994 for US$ 500,000 for
alleviation in the crisis in the social sector in Uzbekistan is being
implemented. Embassy of Uzbekistan was ' headed by a charge d'affaires
in India since December 1993; he has been upgraded as Ambassador in
September 1994. Bilateral relations are marked by close mutual
understanding and support.
-32>
India has a resident Ambassador in Ashgabat (Turkmenistan) since June
1994. In response to the Turkmen request, a cultural troupe and handloom
craftsmen visited Ashgabat as part of the third anniversary of
independence of Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan has decided to open a
resident mission in New Delhi at the level of an Ambassador. The Charge
d' Affaires has already arrived.
India has a functioning Consulate General in Istanbul. Minister of State
for External Affairs, Shri R L Bhatia visited Turkey in July 1994, where
he had discussions with the President Suleyman Demirel, State Minister
Sami Dace, the then Foreign Minister and other senior officials. Deputy
Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Smt Najma Heptulla, visited Turkey in April 1994
at the invitation of Turkish Parliament. Shri M Arunachalam, Minister of
State for Small Scale Industries and Agro and Rural Industries visited
Turkey in October 1994. The Indo-Turkish joint Economic Committee
scheduled to meet in November 1994, could not take place due to local
elections being scheduled in Turkey at the same time. Cooperation in
different fields, including new areas, is under active discussion
between the two countries.
The President of Turkey, Suleyman Demirel paid an official visit to
India from 30 January to 2 February 1995 in response to an invitation
from President of India. He was accompanied by a high level delegation
which included Ministers, Members of Parliament and several
distinguished businessmen and journalists. President of Turkey had
discussions with President, Prime Minister and other Indian leaders. The discussions concentrated on cooperation in international fora based on the common commitment to
democracy and secularism and on bilateral cooperation in diverse fields
especially economic. President Demirel also addressed a joint session of
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Assocham. He
visited Agra and Bombay during his stay in India. Agreements on
avoidance of double taxation and tourism were also signed during the
visit.
-33>
India has offered training facilities to nationals of Azerbaijan.
-34>
INDIA
AZERBAIJAN TURKEY USA TAJIKISTAN KYRGYZSTAN TURKMENISTAN KAZAKHSTAN UZBEKISTAN
5. The Gulf, West Asia and North Africa |
Top |
The global importance of the Gulf region stems from the fact that the
area holds over half of the world's proven oil reserves. During the past
two decades, many of the Gulf countries have attained unprecedented
economic prosperity from their oil revenues. Further, Islam originated
in this region and two of the holiest Islamic shrines of Makkah and
Madinah lie in Saudi Arabia, giving the country a special place in the
Islamic world.
Historically, India and the neighbouring region of the Gulf have had a
close interaction based on trade routes and Islam. In recent times,
these ties have acquired a significant socio-economic dimension.
Currently, India imports nearly two-thirds of her oil from this region.
India's trade with the Gulf countries stood at over Rs 20,206 crore in
1993-94 (Indian Exports: Rs 6,260 crore; Indian Imports: Rs 13,946
crore). During this year the total value of Indo-Gulf trade grew by 23%.
The ongoing economic liberalisation has facilitated expansion and
diversification in bilateral trade with the Gulf countries.
Over 20 lakh Indian nationals are estimated to be living in these
countries most of whom are gainfully employed. The inward annual
remittances from these Indians through banking channels are currently
estimated to be Rs 7,800 crore.
-35>
The Gulf region is one of the large markets for the Indian exports.
Although Indian exports to the Gulf have risen significantly in recent
years, India still has a large trade deficit with this region. India has
the advantage of proximity and cheap labour which together can make the
country an ideal source for light consumer items, perishables,
handicrafts, etc required by the countries of this region.
Tranquillity in the Gulf region is imperative to Indian interests. India
has, therefore, consistently called for peace, stability and security in
this region. India has urged respect for independence, sovereignty and
territorial integrity of all the Gulf States. India is willing to
contribute to all sincere endeavours to secure and stabilise the region.
It has been India's endeavour to harness geographical proximity, social
familiarity and economic complementarity between India and the Gulf
region to mutual advantage. To this end, creation of bilateral economic
linkages remains a priority.
Even as there have been no serious bilateral problems or difference of
views between India and Gulf states, India has remained keen to promote
bilateral understanding. To this end, India took a number of initiatives
for dialogue and exchange visits. A pattern of bilateral Foreign Office
consultations at Secretary level with the Gulf countries has become a
regular feature of Indian diplomacy. During the year, such consultations
were held with Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE
and Yemen.
In the recent times, India's bilateral relations with all the Gulf
countries have been marked by growing mutually beneficial co operation
and cordiality. The year 1994-95 saw further development in this
direction.
During the year, Indo-Bahraini relations continued to develop in various
fields. A 22-member delegation of Bahrain Chambers of Commerce and
Industries visited India in April and signed an agreement with FICCI for
setting up a joint Business Council. In December, a nine-member
delegation of Majlis al-Shoura of Bahrain visited India at the joint
invitation of the Chairman of Rajya Sabha and the Speaker of Lok Sabha. Shri Salman Haider,
Secretary (East) in the Ministry visited Bahrain in September this. year
as part of annual Foreign Office talks.
-36>
Even as India's relations with Iraq have remained restricted by the UN
economic sanctions on that country, there was gradual upgradation in
bilateral contacts. India has consistently advocated phased lifting of
the UN economic sanctions in tandem with Iraqi compliance with the terms
of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Iraqi Foreign Minister
Mohamed Saeed al-Shhaf visited India from 21 to 23 April as Iraqi ,
President's Special Envoy. He called on the President, the Prime
Minister and the Minister of External Affairs. A six-member Iraqi
Economic Delegation led by the Permanent Under Secretary for
Communications Jamil Ibrahim Ali al-Saleh paid an official visit to
India in November. Pending bilateral economic issues were discussed
during the visit.
During the year, Indo-Kuwait relations continued to be on the upswing.
On a number of occasions, India reiterated her commitment to Kuwaiti
independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Minister of
Communication, Electricity and Water of Kuwait Jassem Mohammed al-Oun
visited India from 5 to 9 December. During the visit he held extensive
talks with the Ministers of Civil Aviation and Tourism, and Power and
the Minister of State for Communications on ways to strengthen bilateral
cooperation. A 15-member Kuwaiti Multi-Disciplinary Economic delegation
led by the Under Secretary of Finance Abdul Mohsin al-Hunaif paid an
official visit to India from 11 to 16 April. The visit was aimed at
exploring possibilities of boosting bilateral economic cooperation.
Kuwaiti Oil Minister Dr Abdul Mohsen Medej al-Medej paid an official
visit to India from 11 to 14 January 1995 to hold extensive talks for
future bilateral cooperation in oil sector with his counterpart, Captain
Satish Sharma, Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas. During the
visit, he called on President and met Finance Minister, Minister for
Chemicals & Fertilizers as well as Minister of State for External
Affairs.
-37>
The momentum generated by the Prime Minister's landmark visit to Oman in
June 1993, saw further progress during the year reflected in intense
exchange of views and Ministerial-level visits. The Minister of
Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Ram Lakhan Singh Yadav paid an official
visit to Oman from 28 to 30 July . He and the Omani Minister of
Petroleum and Minerals signed a Memorandum of Understanding envisaging
preparation of detailed feasibility report for US$ 900 million
fertilizer joint venture. The Omani Minister of State for Foreign
Affairs, Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah paid an official visit to India
from 11 to 13 August. During the visit extensive talks were held on
bilateral matters and views exchanged on regional and international
issues. An Indo-Omani Agreement setting Principal Conditions of the
long-term gas supply contract for the import of Omani natural gas
through a pipeline across the Arabian Sea was signed in Muscat, Oman on
28 September 1994 by the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas
Shri Satish Sharma and the Deputy Prime Minister for Finance and Economy
Qais bin Abdul Munim al-Zawawi as well as the Omani Minister of
Petroleum and Minerals, Ahmed bin Said al-Shanfari. The Foreign
Secretary Shri K Srinivasan paid short visits to Oman in August and
October.
|
India continued to have cordial relations with Qatar. India endeavoured
to strengthen economic-commercial relations with Qatar. India has
recently emerged as a major buyer of ammonia from Qatar. The Minister of
State for External Affairs Shri R L Bhatia visited Qatar on 8 and 9
July. During the visit he called on the Amir and held extensive talks
with his Qatari counterpart on regional issues and bilateral matters.
India's substantive ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia developed
satisfactorily during the year with the bilateral trade reaching the
record level of US$ 2 billion. The highlight of the year was visit to
that country by the Finance Minister Dr Manmohan Singh as the leader of
the Indian delegation for the Fourth Session of Indo-Saudi joint
Commission held in Riyadh from 2 to 5 December. The Saudi side was led
by the Minister of Industry and Electricity Abdul Aziz al-Zamil. During
the visit, Dr Singh called on the Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul
Aziz Al-Saud to deliver two letters from the President to King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud and from the Prime Minister to the Crown Prince himself. He also had meetings with Saudi Minister of
Foreign Affairs Prince Saud al-Faisal as well as Saudi Ministers of Oil,
Finance and Commerce. These meetings and deliberations at the Joint
Commission session were marked by traditional cordiality and
purposiveness. He also addressed the members of Saudi Chambers of
Commerce and Industry, who evinced great interest in economic ties with
India. The Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Salman Khurshid
met Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Saud al-Faisal at, New York
on 2 November.
-38>
India's multi-faceted relations with the UAE continued to grow during
the year. In the UAE, a trade fair titled 'India in Dubai' was
inaugurated by the Minister of Commerce Shri Pranab Mukherjee in
September. Around 163 participants attended the fair and orders worth US
$ 55 million were booked at the fair. This was the largest ever display
of Indian products and services in the Gulf. The Eighth Session of Indo-
UAE joint Commission was held in Abu Dhabi in September. It was co-
chaired from the Indian side by Shri Salman Haider, Secretary (East) and
from the UAE side by Mohammed Khalifa bin Yousef al-Suwaidi, Director,
International Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
India's relations with Yemen have been marked by friendship and
cordiality. The former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Yemen Mohammed
Saleh Basendwa visited India on 11 and 12 April. He called on the Prime
Minister and the Minister of External Affairs. India kept a close watch
on the two-month long civil war in Yemen and had to evacuate around 1700
Indian and some foreign nationals from there. Ali Abdullah Saleh was
reelected as the President of the Republic of Yemen on 2 October. Abdo
Rabbo Mansoor Hadi was appointed the new Vice President. The new Cabinet
headed by Abdul Aziz Ghani was announced on 6 October. Dr Abdul Karim
Iryani was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign
Affairs. The President, the Prime Minister and the Minister of External
Affairs sent congratulatory messages to. their newly appointed Yemeni
counterparts.
-39>
The Special Kuwait Cell handled a total of 1,44,496 claims for an
asserted value of approximately US$ 3.6 billion. These comprised
1,04,035 'A' claims, 258 'B' claims, 39,158 'C' claims, 927 'D' claims,
117 'E' claims and 1 'F' claim. The deadline prescribed by the United
Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC) for submission of individual
claims, was extended from 1 January 1994 to 1 January 1995. The final
dates for submission of corporate claims and Government claims remained
as 1 July 1994 and 1 August 1994 respectively. Late claims continued to
be sent to the UNCC on a weekly basis.
It has been gathered from the UNCC that payment for some Indian 'A'
claims may come through not earlier than March/May 1995. There is a
possibility that this payment may even be further deferred till the end
of 1995. All approved Indian 'B' claims are, however, likely to be paid
out by 1995. 'C' claims will be taken up for approval in the second
instalment of this category. Upon receipt of payments from the UNCC,
which are exclusively responsible to scrutinise and evaluate the claims,
disbursement is to be effected through 4 banks designated for the
purpose in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve
Bank of India.
Efforts initiated in recent years to strengthen the bilateral
relationship with Iran, a strategic Gulf country, were further pursued.
Shri Dinesh Singh, External Affairs Minister paid an official visit to
Tehran on 5 and 6 March 1994 to attend the 7th Session of India-Iran
joint Commission. Other high level exchanges during 1994 included (i)
visit of Smt Krishna Sahi, Minister of State for Industries to Tehran in
April 1994; (ii) visit of Hussain Kamali, Iranian Labour Minister to New
Delhi in April 1994; (iii) visit of Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Commerce
Minister to Iran in July 1994; (iv) visit of Akbar Torkan, Iranian
Minister of Roads and Transportation to India in August 1994; (v) visit
of Dr Hassan Rowhani, Deputy Speaker of Majlis to India in August 1994;
(vi) visit of Shamkhani, Chief of Naval Staff of Iran to India in
September-October 1994.
The Foreign Minister of Iran, Dr Ali Akbar Velayati visited New Delhi
from 2 to 4 January 1995 in connection with the Eighth Session of the
India-Iran joint Commission. The Session reviewed the status of bilateral functional cooperation and gave directions for strengthening cooperative activities in the future.
-40>
Efforts were undertaken to further expand and diversify bilateral trade
which recorded an impressive increase in 1993-94 over the preceding
year. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed for a US$ 300 million
joint venture fertilizer project in the Qeshm Island in Iran. A US$ 45
million, project was awarded to Hindustan Machine Tools for supply of
equipment and auxiliary vehicle for the Tehran Metro Workshop. Potential
projects in the railway sector include extension of Iran's railway
network on the Bafq-Mashad and Kerman-Zahidan sectors at an estimated
cost of US$ 700 million. IRCON secured a US$ 25 million project for the
execution of Ahwaz-Bandar-e-Imam Signalling Project. Modalities for
conducting a pre-feasibility study were initiated in regard to the
proposed gas pipeline project for supply of Iranian natural gas to
India.
India and Iran strengthened consultation and cooperation on issues of
mutual interest under consideration in various international fora.
Regular contacts between the Foreign Offices facilitated this process.
During the period under review, India's relations with countries in West
Asia and North Africa were distinguished by a spirit of mutual
understanding and widening of areas of bilateral cooperation. India
continued to extend moral and material help to the Palestinian people.
India welcomed the progress made in the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP)
and displayed her deep interest by participating in the meetings of all
working groups of the MEPP held in 1994-95. High level Ministerial
delegations from India were present during the signing of 'the Agreement
between Israel and the PLO in Cairo on 4 May 1994, and the bilateral
Peace Treaty between Israel and Jordan on 26 October 1994, at Wadi
Araba. The Prime Minister in a message commended the role of Morocco in
organising the first Middle East/North Africa Summit held at Casablanca
from 30 October to 1 November 1994. India's economic reforms and
liberalisation policies on the whole had a positive impact and
encouraged greater private sector exchanges with WANA countries. There
has also been a diversification in the items of trade.
-41>
During the year, India maintained satisfactory contacts with Algeria.
Algeria showed keen interest in expanding bilateral economic
cooperation. An Indian Railway delegation visited Algiers in July-August
for further cooperation in transport sector. Engineers India Ltd signed
a fresh contract with Algeria's State-owned oil and gas company
(SONATRACH) worth US$ 5 million for providing consultancy services. An
Indian agricultural- delegation visited Algeria in September 1994.
The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Djibouti
Mohammad Hassan Abdullah visited India from 24 to 29 June 1994 for
bilateral talks. During the discussions, it was decided to set up a
Joint Committee at Secretary level. In response to an emergency appeal
made by the Government of Djibouti for food assistance, India supplied
23 tonnes of milk powder worth Rs 10 lakh in September 1994. India has
also agreed to offer technical assistance under ITEC and slots under the
General Cultural Scholarship Scheme (GCSS) to students from Djibouti
wishing to pursue studies in India.
India and Egypt made renewed efforts to impart greater dynamism to the
existing friendly and cordial relations which were reflected in the
close interaction in various international fora. A 9-member Egyptian
Parliamentary delegation led by Speaker of the People's Assembly of
Egypt Ahmed Fathi Sarour visited India in May 1994. Foreign Secretary
Shri K Srinivasan visited Egypt in August 1994 for mutual consultations
on matters of common interest and concern. An Indian delegation led by
the then Health and Family Welfare Minister Shri B Shankaranand
participated in the UN-sponsored International Conference on Population
and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo in September 1994. Two-way trade
with Egypt improved considerably during the year. Seventeen Indian
companies participated in the Africa Telecom Exhibition held in Cairo in
April 1994. A large official delegation led by Minister of State for
Telecommunications also attended the Exhibition. On the cultural side, a
beginning has been made with Al Azhar University of Cairo, which
sponsored 3 scholars to visit India. Several high level visits are due
to take place from Egypt in the near future notable being those of
Ministers of Education and Culture.
-42>
Secretary (East) paid a visit to Cairo in January 1995 and had
discussions with Foreign Minister Amre Mousa.
Egyptian Minister of State for Population and Family Welfare, Dr Mehar
Maharan visited India from 7 to 17 January 1995.
The year witnessed a number of high level exchanges between India and
Israel. Notable visits from India to Israel include those of the then
Minister of Human Resource Development Shri Arjun Singh (June 1994), the
Minister of State for Chemicals,, Fertilizers and Electronics Shri
Eduardo Faleiro (July 1994). the Speaker of Lok Sabha Shri Shivraj V
Patil leading a Parliamentary delegation that included the Minister of
Parliamentary Affairs Shri V C Shukla (November 1994), Chief Minister of
Haryana Shri Bhajan Lal (April 1994), Chief Minister of Rajasthan Shri
Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (June 1994), and the Commerce Secretary (April
1994). Three Memoranda of Understanding were signed between Indian and
Israeli educational institutions during the visit of the then Minister
of Human Resource Development. Three Memoranda of Understanding were
signed between the enterprises and the Israeli companies during the
visit of Chief Minister of Haryana. Notable visits from Israel include
those of Dr Yossi Beilin, Deputy Foreign Minister (April 1994), Shulamit
Aloni, Minister of Science, Arts and Communications (November 1994),
Micha Harish, Trade and industry Minister (December 1994) and Israeli
Philharmonic Orchestra led by Shri Zubin Mehta (November 1994). An Air
Transport Agreement was signed during the visit of Dr Yossi Beilin. A
Memorandum of Understanding in telecommunications was signed during the
visit of Shulamit Aloni and a Trade Agreement was signed during the
visit of Micha Harish. The year witnessed a quantum jump in the
bilateral trade between Israel and India. There was a diversification of
commercial contacts. Areas where progress was achieved in cooperation
are bio-technology, agriculture, dairy industry, drip irrigation and
solar energy. Israel has emerged as a significant source for tourism and
a tourism workshop was organised in Tel Aviv in June 1994.
Relations with Jordan continued to remain friendly and were marked by
high level contacts. India welcomed the Jordan-Israel agreement signed
at Wadi Araba on 26 October 1994 and an Indian delegation led by Shri Salman Khurshid, the Minister of State for External Affairs was present during the signing ceremony. In a statement
issued at the time of the initialling of the draft Peace Treaty between
the two countries, the Government of India hoped that it would mark a
fresh beginning and help achieve a settlement of all the issues that
have caused strife in the area for the past several decades. Shri Balram
Jakhar, Minister of Agriculture visited Jordan from 21 to 23 June 1994
and Shri K Srinivasan, Foreign Secretary held bilateral discussions on
23 August 1994 with Nayef Al Haddeed, Secretary General of the Jordanian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
-43>
Following the end to the civil war in Lebanon, there has been a renewed
sign of greater interest in India which has led to widening of bilateral
contacts., Shri Balram Jakhar, the Minister of Agriculture visited
Lebanon from 24 to 26 June 1994 where he met the Prime Minister Rafik Al
Hariri, and the Minister of Economy and Commerce Nagip Demirzan. Shri K
Srinivasan, Foreign Secretary visited Lebanon from 25 to 27 August 1994
for bilateral discussions. Commercial and cultural contacts with Lebanon
have been resumed.
India's relations with Libya continued to remain on even keel.
Persistent efforts were made by India to speed up the settlement of
outstanding payments owed to Indian companies for projects undertaken in
Libya.
Bilateral relations with Morocco were marked by cordiality, cooperation
and understanding. At the invitation of King Hassan II of Morocco, India
participated in the first Middle East/North Africa Economic Summit held
in Casablanca from 30 October to 1 November 1994. The high level Indian
delegation was led by Shri R L Bhatia, Minister of State for External
Affairs. Prime Minister, in his message to King Hassan II, expressed
sincere appreciation for holding the timely conference to discuss issues
of economic and regional development of North Africa and Middle East and
hoped that the conference would make a significant contribution to
advancing peace in the Middle East. India also appreciated the
constructive role played by Morocco as the host and Chairman of the
Casablanca OIC Summit (December 1994).
-44>
India's relations with the PLO continue to be marked by cordiality,
close understanding and a complementarity of views. India has been a
consistent supporter for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian
people. India 'welcomed the Israel-PLO agreement signed in Cairo on 4
May 1994, which set up the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and put
into process the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and Jericho. An
Indian delegation led by the Minister of State for External Affairs,
Shri R L Bhatia was present during the signing ceremony. The Government
of India welcomed the role played by PNA in the reconstruction of Gaza
and Jericho. India has been a strong supporter of the Middle East Peace
Process (MEPP) and with that conviction, she has enthusiastically
participated in the Meetings of all Working Groups of the MEPP set up to
examine a range of issues that affect the prospects for peace in the
region. India has been committed to alleviating the plight of
Palestinian refugees by extending moral, material and technical
assistance to the Palestinian people. India has regularly contributed to
the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) budget. The
Government of India, in response to the appeal made by the Working Group
on Refugees, has also offered to train 15 para-medical staff from Gaza
and Jericho. Palestinian students will continue to be provided
scholarships to pursue their studies in India. As part of India's
commitment to the economic re-construcion of Gaza and Jericho, the
Government of India has proposed to send a team to conduct feasibility
studies for setting up, under Indian technical assistance programme, a
Hi-Tech Centre on Computers and Electronics that will train Palestinian
youth and help address the unemployment problem of Gaza and Jericho. In
accordance with India's commitment made at the Washington Donors
Confernce in October 1993 it has also been decided to send 100 metric
tonnes of tea to Gaza and Jericho. The Indian Council for Cultural
Relations organised a function to commemorate the International Day of
Solidarity with the Palestinian people in New Delhi on 13 December 1994.
India sent medicines and seeds worth Rs 10 lakh to Somalia for
distribution by the Indian military contingent deployed with UNOSOM-II
in that country. The Indian contingent did a commendable job in Somalia,
despite heavy odds, particularly in providing humanitarian assistance.
The performance of the Indian peace keeping contingent was acknowledged by the UN, the various
factions in Somalia, NGOs working for humanitarian relief and the people
of Somalia. Pursuant to the decision to withdraw the Indian contingent
from Somalia, the last batch of Indian troops left Somalia by end
December 1994.
-45>
Relations between India and Sudan continued to improve during the period
under report. Both sides have sought to widen the scope of their
bilateral cooperation and re-establish their multi-dimensional links.
Omar Yousif Barido, First Under Secretary of the Sudanese Ministry of
Foreign Affairs Visited India in April 1994 to discuss various issues of
mutual concern. It was also decided to increase the share of Sudan in
the ITEC programme. An Agreement to set up a joint Committee at the
Secretary-level was signed during the visit of Shri Salman Haider,
Secretary (East) to Sudan in January 1995.
Bilateral relations with Syria continued to get warmer. Syria evinced
keen interest in sending students to Indian institutions of higher
learning in the field of science and technology. Syria also showed
interest in basic chemicals and fertilisers. The Minister of
Agriculture, Shri Balram Jakhar visited Syria from 18 to 20 June 1994. A
Programme of Cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors
was signed between the two sides. This Programme of Cooperation will be
valid for a period of 5 years. Shri K Srinivasan, Foreign Secretary
visited Syria from 23 to 25 August 1994 for bilateral discussions. He
met the Syrian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Farouk Al Shara.
The 7th session of the Indo-Tunisian Joint Commission took place in New
Delhi in September 1994 with the Tunisian delegation being led by Sadok
Rabah, the Minister of National Economy. A Commercial Agreement was
signed between the two sides. India and Tunisia have exchanged draft
treaties on extradition. Formal signing of the agreement is expected in
the near future.
India maintained traditionally close relations with the League of Arab
States. India values the efforts made by the League to develop and
strengthen friendship between India and the Arab countries. The Minister
of External Affairs, Shri Dinesh Singh has extended an invitation to Dr Esmat Adel Meguid, the League's Secretary General to visit India in 1995.
-46>
India made sincere attempts to persuade the Organisation of Islamic
Conference to adopt objective and unbiased views on India-specific
issues. The Seventh Extra Ordinary Islamic Foreign Ministers Conference
held in Islamabad in September passed a resolution for establishing an
OIC Contact Group on Kashmir at the UN. Giving India's official
response, External Affairs Minister Shri Dinesh Singh regretted the
resolution and reiterated India's offer of a dialogue with Pakistan
under the Simla Agreement. Subsequent attempts by the OIC Contact Group
to table an India-specific draft resolution in the First Committee of
the UNGA had to be given up due to lack of support from the member
countries themselves following India's extensive demarches to the
concerned countries to explain her position in this regard. While the
Seventh Islamic Summit held in Casablanca (Morocco) on 14 and 15
December passed the customary resolution on Jammu and Kashmir dispute,
there was a pronounced shift away at the Summit from the bilateral
disputes.
-47>
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1994
6. Africa (South of the Sahara)
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Africa was witness to a number of significant political events during
1994. India enjoys warm relations with the countries in Africa. India
has always attached special significance to her relations with Africa,
and is continuing to build a strong economic relationship with countries
there. In 1994 India continued to have close interaction with them.
In the first multi-party elections, based on universal franchise, the
people of South Africa voted the African National Congress (ANC) to
majority in the Parliament. However, ANC leader Nelson Mandela proved
his farsightedness and statesmanship by choosing to form a government of
national reconciliation. In Mozambique, after decades of civil war, the
ruling Frelimo Party and the main opposition Renamo signed a Peace
Accord in 1992 and participated in the country's first multi-party
elections in October 1994 under UN supervision. Frelimo, Party leader,
Joaquin Chissano was re-elected as President. Dr Sam Nujoma was re-
elected President of Namibia. India welcomed these developments.
India has expressed her readiness to develop., mutually beneficial
relationships with the new governments in the political, economic,
commercial, technological and educational fields. India is ready to
cooperate with these countries in such areas as human resource development, small scale industries, agriculture, etc.
India also extended humanitarian and relief assistance to a number of
countries including Rwanda.
-48>
Africa continues to be a major thrust area under the Indian Technical
and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and Special Commonwealth African
Assistance Programme (SCAAP), the two technital assistance programmes
which are executed by the Ministry of External Affairs. Out of a total
of 1350 slots allocated for training in Indian civilian institutions
under ITEC for 1994-95, 768 (more than 50%) were reserved for countries
in Africa. Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania and Mauritius
were among those which were allotted the maximum number of slots. Among
the preferred areas for training are small scale industries, tools
design, rural development, diplomacy, textile research, standardisation,
banking and finance, management, etc. A total of 28 Indian experts are
also in station in various African countries as of December 1994. The
areas of specialisation of the experts include small scale industries,
engineering, medicines, taxation, etc. Out of the 250 slots offered to
nominees from friendly developing countries for training in Indian
defence establishments under the ITEC Programme, more than 150 were
allotted to countries from the African continent.
From Western Africa Pere were the State visits of Presidents of Burkina
Faso and Togo. Presidents of Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Senegal and
Zimbabwe too visited India, some in connection with the G-15 Summit. The
Vice President of Mauritius visited India in January 1995. Several
Ministerial-level visits were also exchanged with a number of countries.
Africa continues to suffer from a serious socio-economic crisis.
Poverty, hunger, AIDS, high internal indebtedness, balance of payment
crises resulting from falling prices of primary products, have
undermined the ability of African countries to face economic challenges.
But the changed political scenario in Southern Africa, the integration
of South African and Namibian economies in the region, the entry of
South Africa into Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), the
revival of the Eastern Africa Community among Kenya, Tanzania and
Uganda, and greater cooperation among countries of the southern and eastern regions are positive developments and could be expected to play
a vital role in the economic regeneration and development of Africa.
-49>
The Vice President, Shri K R Narayanan accompanied by Smt Usha
Narayanan, Smt Sonia Gandhi and Shri Kamaluddin Ahmed, Minister of State
for Commerce, represented the Government of India at the inauguration of
Dr Mandela as the first
If President of the new South Africa. Dr Mandela paid a State visit to
India from 24 to 27 January 1995. He was the, Chief Guest at the
Republic Day celebrations. During his visit, India and South Africa
signed three agreements, viz, Treaty on Principles of Inter-State
Relations and Cooperation, an Agreement to set up a joint Commission and
a Protocol providing for regular consultations between the Foreign
Ministries of the two countries. President Mandela's visit opened up new
areas of bilateral cooperation.
With the election of a democratic, non-racial Government in I South
Africa, the Government of India established an Indian Embassy in
Pretoria in May 1994 and the Indian Cultural Centre in Johannesburg was
converted into a Consulate General. The Embassy was redesignated as High
Commission with South Africa joining the Commonwealth on 1 June 1994. In
Kwazulu/Natal Province which is the home of about 0.8 million South
African Indians, India established a Consulate General at Durban on 16
May 1994.
Indexpo '94, the largest single country trade exhibition ever organised
in South Africa was held in Johannesburg in August 1994. The Exhibition
attracted more than 50 thousand visitors. Shri Pranab Mukherjee,
Commerce Minister visited South Africa during the Exhibition and signed
a Trade Agreement with the South African Minister of Trade and Industry
during his visit.
The South African Deputy Foreign Minister, Aziz Pahad visited India from
24 to 28 November 1994 at the invitation of Minister of State for
External Affairs, Shri Salman Khurshid. Besides delegation level
discussions, the two sides initialled a bilateral agreement to set up
the India-South Africa Joint Commission as well as a Protocol providing
for regular consultations between the Foreign Offices of the two
countries.
-50>
The Indian naval ships, INS Gomati and INS Khukri visited Durban and
Simonstown in December. This was the first ever visit of Indian Naval
ships to South Africa.
During the visit of President Mugabe of Zimbabwe in March 1994, India
agreed to cooperate with that country in the informal sector
particularly in the development of small and middle enterprises.
To mark the reintegration of Walvis Bay and the off-shore islands into
Namibia, Smt Sonia Gandhi attended the ceremony as a Special Guest of
President Sam Nujoma. A Namibian Parliamentary delegation led by the
Chairman of the National Council Kandy Nehova visited India in September
1994 followed by Defence Minister Mweshihange for purchase of defence
equipment. HAL sold four Indian-built helicopters to Namibia. To
maintain political interaction at a high level, official invitations to
visit India were extended to Prime Minister Hage Geingob, Labour and
Manpower Development Minister H Witbool, Trade and Industry Minister H
Hamutenya, and Agriculture Minister N Mbumba. These visits are likely to
take place during 1995-96.
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The working visit of Finance and Communication Minister of Seychelles,
James Michel in January 1994 has raised hopes of improved trade
relations between India and Seychelles. The main impediment in the
expansion of trade continues to be the absence of regular shipping
services between the two countries. Two Indian naval ships-INS Gomati
and INS Khukri-paid a goodwill visit to Port Victoria from 23 to 26
November 1994. However, Government of India expressed its strong
disapproval of the way the Seychelles authorities refused disembarkation
of passengers from an Air India flight that had made an emergency
landing in November in an unsuccessful bid to save an infant passenger's
life. Several visits of business delegations from India and proposals
for establishment of some industrial projects with Indian assistance are
under active consideration. India deputed seven experts to Seychelles
under the ITEC Programme during the year. Seychelles also utilised two
civilian training slots under this programme.
-51>
Following the death of President Juvenal Habyarimana of Rwanda in an air
crash on 6 April 1994 and the outbreak of ethnic violence in that
country, all the Indians there (300 in number-except two nuns who were
unwilling to abandon a large number of Rwandan orphans in their charge-
migrated from Rwanda. The Indian High Commission in Kampala, which is
concurrently accredited to Rwanda, managed to get the members of the
Indian community evacuated safely to the neighbouring country, Burundi
and elsewhere with the assistance of other friendly countries. The
Indian High Commissions in Kampala and Nairobi provided consular
services to the evacuees. The Indian Association in Burundi, with which
Indian High Commission in Kampala maintained close contacts, rendered
necessary assistance to the Indian evacuees who first went to Burundi
from Rwanda. The High Commission of India, Kampala has remained in
constant touch with the Indian community in Burundi with a view to
monitoring their security and other interests. There were no reports of
any casualties among Indian families in the course of ethnic violence in
Rwanda. India supplied relief materials worth Rs 5 lakh to Rwandese
refugees in Tanzania. An Indian army battalion to United Nations Aid
Mission in Rwanda (UNAMIR) reached Kigali on 10 November 1994. Rwanda
has shown interest in increasing and strengthening economic and
technical cooperation with India.
The Angolan External Affairs Minister, Moura paid an official visit to
India from 5 to 8 April 1994, principally to brief the Indian leadership
on the political situation in Angola.
Blaise Compaore, President of Burkina Faso paid a visit to India on 22
and 23 July 1994 and held talks with the President and the Prime
Minister. India announced a grant of Rs 15 crore approximately for
setting up an agricultural development project in Burkina Faso and a
team of Indian experts visited Burkina Faso in September for holding
discussions with the Burkinabe authorities for implementation of the
scheme.
The traditionally close and friendly relations between Mauritius and
India have grown further. Vice President Shri K R Narayanan, leading a
high-level delegation, visited Mauritius for one day on the way back
from South Africa in May this year. Other Ministerial visits included
those of the Mauritian Finance Minister Sithanen, External Affairs Minister Dr Kasenally and
that of Labour Party Leader, Navin Ramgoolam. Mauritian Vice President
Sir Rabindranath Ghurburrun and Lady Ghurburrun visited India in January
1995. Bilateral trade has increased by almost 30 per cent this year. A
number of new joint ventures in different fields were established.
Mauritius has emerged as the main centre for channelising investments
into India through off-shore funds as a result of the advantageous
provisions of the treaty for Avoidance of Double Taxation. Twenty-nine
civilian training slots were utilised by Mauritius under the ITEC
Programme during the year. Seven ITEC experts were also deputed from
India to Mauritius during the same period.
-52>
Indo-Kenyan relations continued to be warm and friendly, characterised
by mutual regard. President Moi stopped over in Delhi on his way to
Beijing in May 1994. India donated 476 metric tonnes of rice to Kenya
for distribution to persons in drought-affected areas. A Cultural
Exchange Programme was signed between India and Kenya in May 1994.
Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism visited
Tanzania in January 1994. The Tanzanian Home Minister cum Deputy Prime
Minister Augustine Mrema visited India at the invitation of India's Home
Minister. Tanzania utilised 23 civilian training slots under the ITEC
Programme. Three Indian experts were also deputed to Tanzania under this
Programme.
The political stability and economic recovery achieved under the
leadership of President Museveni of Uganda continue to be maintained
during the current year. India's relations with Uganda witnessed
positive developments during this period. President Museveni led a high-
powered trade and investment delegation to India in September 1994. In
December, Ugandan Minister of Education and Sports visited India. There
have been several visits of business delegations from India and
proposals for establishment of some industrial projects with Indian
assistance are under active consideration.
General Gnassingbe Eyadema, President of Togo paid a State visit to
India from 26 to 29 September 1994. Being the first visit by a President of Togo, this opened a new chapter in mutual relations and added an impetus to bilateral cooperation between the two countries. India also announced a grant of Rs 10 crore approximately for setting up
of an agricultural project in Togo and agreed to cooperate in the fields
of city transportation, health care, scientific research, trade,
industry and agriculture. India and Togo also decided to set up a Joint
Commission and sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Economic and
Technical Cooperation between the two countries. Government of India
also agreed to supply agricultural tractors, agricultural implements,
etc to the Togolese Government.
-53>
General Sani Abacha, Head of State of Nigeria visited India in March-
April 1994 to attend G-15 Summit and also held bilateral discussions
with Indian leadership. Nigeria utilised ten civilian training slots
under the ITEC Programme during the year.
President Diouf of Senegal visited New Delhi in March 1994 to attend the
G-15 Summit. He was preceded by Foreign Minister Moustaph Niasse who
attended the G-15 Troika and Ministerial level meetings. While in Delhi
President Diouf had wide-ranging bilateral discussions with Prime
Minister.
India's interaction with Ghana under the ITEC Programme was maintained
at a high level. An eye clinic is under execution by India. Ghana
utilised 13 civilian training slots while two Indian experts were
deputed there under the Programme.
-54>
INDIA
SOUTH AFRICA MOZAMBIQUE NAMIBIA USA RWANDA GHANA KENYA MAURITIUS TANZANIA UGANDA ZAMBIA NIGER NIGERIA SENEGAL ZIMBABWE UNITED KINGDOM SEYCHELLES MALAYSIA BURUNDI ANGOLA BURKINA FASO CHINA CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
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1994
7. Europe
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Eastern Europe
There was considerable interaction between India and the countries of
the Commonwealth of Independent States as well as Central and Eastern
Europe during 1994-95. With practically all these countries, India has
had longstanding relations of friendship and cooperation based on trust
and confidence. The evolution of these countries in the direction of
democratic pluralism and market-oriented economic structures has brought
them closer to India in terms of basic orientation. While integration
with West European political, security and economic structures remains
their first priority, there is also acknowledgement of the importance of
preserving and strengthening their traditionally close relations with
important Asian countries, particularly India.
An additional factor has been the emergence of India as a potential
large market and attractive destination for foreign investment in recent
years. India has established a mutually beneficial economic and
commercial interaction with all the countries in East Europe. In many
cases, institutional mechanisms like Inter-Government Joint Commissions
and Joint Business Councils, as well as framework agreements
establishing the legal basis of cooperation in various spheres are
already in place.
It has been India's endeavour, in her approach towards these countries,
to blend continuity with change, retaining and building upon those
elements of the traditional relationship which continue to be relevant while making adjustments as necessary in the
light of the changes which have taken place in these countries as well
as in India. Thus, direct contacts between the Indian Parliament and the
parliamentary systems in many of these countries is emerging as an
important new dimension in the bilateral relationships. In the economic
and commercial sphere, old patterns of State trading and special trading
arrangements are giving way to new relationships based on international
and technological competitiveness. The challenges posed to India's
bilateral relations by the transition processes in this region are being
met and the new opportunities which have arisen are increasingly being
utilised.
-55>
During the year, there were seven exchanges of visits at the Head of
State or Head of Government level. The President paid State visits to
Bulgaria and Romania, while the Prime Minister paid an official visit to
the Russian Federation. The Presidents of the Czech Republic and Poland
paid State visits and the Prime Ministers of the Slovak Republic and the
Russian Federation paid official visits to India. Parliamentary
delegations from Bulgaria, the Russian Federation and Hungary visited
India.
India's relations with the Russian Federation are friendly and
multifaceted, encompassing political consultation on matters of mutual
interest, significant economic and commercial interaction and
cooperation in such areas as science and technology, defence, atomic
energy, space, culture and education. The two countries are keen to
preserve the positive elements of their traditional cooperation and to
take advantage of the new opportunities provided by the changes in both
countries.
The Prime Minister, Shri P V Narasimha Rao visited Russia from 29 June
to 2 July 1994. He was accompanied by the Commerce Minister, the
Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Minister of State in the
Prime Minister's Office, the Minister of State for External Affairs Shri
R L Bhatia and senior officers. The Prime Minister had a tete-a-tete
meeting with President Yeltsin and separate delegation level talks with
President Yeltsin and Prime Minister Chernomyrdin. Deputy Prime Minister
Yarov and Culture Minister Sidorov called on the, Prime Minister.
Several other meetings took place between the Ministers accom- panying the Prime Minister and their counterparts: Commerce Minister met
Deputy Prime Minister Yarov, who is also the Co-chairman of the Indo-
Russian joint Commission, as well as the acting Finance Minister and the
Minister for Economic Relations; Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism
met the First Deputy Minister of Transport; and the Minister of State in
the Prime Minister's Office met the Chairman of the Russian Academy of
Sciences and the Chairman of the Indo-Russian Working Group on Science
and Technology. Minister of State for External Affairs had talks with
the Russian Foreign Minister and the First Deputy Foreign Minister. The
Prime Minister addressed a representative group of Parliamentarians from
both Houses of the Russian Parliament.
-56>
Beyond reciprocating the visit by President Yeltsin to India in January
1993, this visit ushered in a qualitatively new stage of Indo-Russian
relations. The Moscow Declaration on the Protection of the interests of
Pluralist States sets out the post-Cold War challenges posed to the
viability of large, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural and
multi-religious States by the forces of aggressive nationalism,
religious and political extremism, terrorism and separatism and the need
to combat these challenges through democracy, tolerance, secularism and
the rule of law. It is recognised as a unique document in international
relations and has subsequently been circulated as a UN Document at the
joint initiative of India and Russia.
The Declaration on Further Development and Intensification of Bilateral
Cooperation underlines the broad identity of views of the two countries
on important regional and international issues, and identifies priority
areas and directions of cooperation between the two countries.
In addition, Agreements and Protocols were signed on cooperation in
tourism, environment, space, science and technology, standardisation and
metallurgy. The 1992 Agreement on defence credit was extended for a
further period of two years and an agreement on setting up of a joint
venture in military aviation was signed.
The first meeting of the co-chairmen of the Inter-Governmental Joint
Commission, Commerce Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee and Deputy Prime Minister Yuri F Yarov was held in Delhi in June 1994.
Priority areas of cooperation were identified and the Joint Commission
held its first meeting in Moscow on 13 and 14 September 1994, after the
Working Groups had held their separate meetings.
-57>
Accordingly the nine Working Groups-on Trade and Economic Cooperation;
Power and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy; Petroleum; Ferrous and
Non-Ferrous Metallurgy; Science and Technology; Culture; Coal;
Information Technology; and Environment-held meetings and identified
their respective areas of cooperation. In addition, two Sub-Groups on
Transport as well as Health were established.
The Home Minister, Shri S B Chavan visited Russia from 28 August to 3
September 1994. He held discussions with Russian Minister of the
Interior, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Nationalities and
Regional Policy, Counter-Intelligence Chief, Border Forces Chief and
Mayor of St Petersberg and called on Prime Minister Chernomyrdin. The
visit gave a fresh impetus to bilateral cooperation, particularly in
areas such as in combating terrorism, organised crime and narcotics
trafficking.
A nine-member Parliamentary Delegation, led by the Chairman, Ivan P
Rybkin visited India from 3 to 6 November 1994. The delegation called on
the President, the Vice President, the Prime Minister, held discussions
with the Speaker and met Indian Parliamentarians, including the Leader
of the Opposition.
The Russian Prime Minister V S Chernomyrdin visited India on 23 and 24
December 1994 along with a high level delegation including two Deputy
Prime Ministers and the Ministers of Transport, Atomic Energy and
Culture. Prime Minister Chernomyrdin had a one-to-one discussion with
Prime Minister followed by delegation level talks. He called on
President and Vice President. Eight documents, including agreements on
promotion and mutual protection of investments, shipping, exploration
and peaceful uses of outer space, implementation of the long term
programme of defence cooperation upto the year 2000 and long term
purchases of commodites in India for the period 1995-97, were signed at
the conclusion of the visit. A Joint Statement was also issued on the
results of the visit.
-58>
During the year several rounds of Foreign Office Consultations were held
between the two countries. Deputy Foreign Minister, Panov visited India
in April 1994. The First Deputy Foreign Minister, Anatoly Adamishin
visited India in May 1994. In July 1994 senior officers of the Russian
Foreign Ministry visited India and held consultations on East Asia. The
Foreign Secretary visited Russia in August 1994 and held political
consultations on bilateral and UN-related issues. The Deputy Foreign
Minister, Chernyshev visited India in December 1994.
On an invitation from Chairman of the International Relations Commitee
of the State Duma V P Lukin, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and
Chairman of the Standing Commitee on External Affairs, Shri Atal Behari
Vajpayee headed a Parliamentary delegation to Russia in January 1995.
The delegation also included Shri G G Swell, Shri I K Gujral, Ms Geeta
Mukerjee, Shri Sudershan Roychoudhary and Ms Tara Devi Sidharth. The
Indian delegation had a number of high level and important meetings,
both in the Russian Parliament and the Government.
Even within the framework of the former Soviet Union, India enjoyed
close links with Ukraine. A considerable part of the industrial,
scientific, agricultural and defence potential of the former Soviet
Union is located within its territory.
Indo-Ukrainian relations were given direction and impetus by the visit
of Foreign Minister Zlenko from 18 to 21 April 1994. During the visit,
the following agreements were signed:
(a) Protocol of Consultations between the Ministry of External Affairs
of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine;
(b) Agreement on the Inter-Governmental joint Commission on Trade,
Economic, Scientific, Technological, Industrial and Cultural
Cooperation; and
(c) Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation.
The first meeting of the Indo-Ukrainian joint Commission was held in
Kiev on 5 and 6 December 1994. Foreign Office Consultations were also
held on the same dates.
-59>
It was decided that India Trade Promotion Organisation would post a
Resident Director in Kiev. The Ukrainian side is actively considering
the question of setting up a Ukrainian Export and Import Centre in New
Delhi.
Negotiation on concluding an Agreement on Merchant Shipping and
Bilateral Investment Protection have reached an advanced stage.
The State visit by the President Dr Shanker Dayal Sharma from ,26 to 29
May 1994 emphasised the importance India attaches to relations with
Bulgaria. The President had discussions with his Bulgarian counterpart,
President Zhelev, addressed the Bulgarian National Assembly and was
awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Sofia. The Bulgarian
Prime Minister Berov called on the President. During the visit six
Agreements-on Quarantine and Plant Protection; Veterinary and Sanitary
Agreement; Avoidance of Double Taxation; Combating Organised Crime,
International Terrorism, Illegal Trafficking in Narcotics and
Psychotropic Substances;- Protocol on Foreign Office Consultation and
Cooperation; Cooperation in Tourism-were signed and a Joint Statement
was issued.
Bulgarian Culture Minister, Ivailo Znepolski paid an official visit to
India from 27 February to 6 March 1994. The Cultural Exchange Programme
for 1994-96 was signed on 1 March 1994.
A Bulgarian Parliamentary Delegation, led by the Chairman of the
National Assembly, Alexander Yordanov visited India from 24 to 31 March
1994. The delegation called on the President, the Vice President, the
Prime Minister and had meetings with the Speaker.
President Dr Shanker Dayal Sharma paid a State visit to Romania from 30
May to 2 June 1994. The President held discussions with his Romanian
counterpart, President Iliescu; addressed the Joint Session of the
Romanian Senate and the Chamber of Deputies; and received an Honorary
Doctorate from the University of Bucharest.
During the visit, an Agreement on Combating Organised Crime,
International Terrorism, Illicit Trafficking in Narcotics and Psy- chotropic Substances and other Illegal Activities; an Agreement on
Cooperation in Tourism; a Declaration of Principles and Directions of
Cooperation and the Cultural Exchange Programme for 1994-96 were
concluded.
-60>
President of the Republic of Poland Lech Walesa paid a State visit to
India from 2 to 8 March 1994. President Walesa called on the President.
The Vice President and the Minister of External Affairs called on him.
Delegation-level talks led by the Prime Minister on the Indian side and
by President Walesa on the Polish side were held and were followed by a
tete-a-tete between Prime Minister Rao and President Walesa. The Polish
President also attended a meeting hosted by CII. Other than Israel, this
was the Polish President's first visit to an Asian country.
Minister of State for Defence, Shri Mallikarjun visited Poland from 6 to
8 June 1994 to discuss further prospects for cooperation in defence
between the two countries.
Hungarian Political State Secretary for Defence Laszlo Szendrei visited
India from 18 to 22 March 1994. He called on Minister of State for
External Affairs Shri R L Bhatia.
Hungary's Political State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Szent-Ivanyi
paid an official visit to New Delhi on 21 and 22 September 1994. He held
discussions with Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Salman
Khurshid, Minister of State for Commerce and Minister of State for
Defence. A Protocol on Foreign Office Consultations was signed during
the visit.
A Hungarian Parliamentary delegation led by the Speaker of the National
Assembly, Dr Zoltan Gal visited India from 22 to 26 November 1994. The
delegation called on President and Vice President, and held talks with
Speaker of Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Shri R L
Bhatia and Members of Parliament.
Minister of State for Defence, Shri Mallikarjun visited the Czech
Republic from 4 to 6 June 1994. He called on President Havel, and had
talks with Czech Defence Minister Antonin Baudys and Minister for
Industry and Commerce Vladimir Dlouhy.
-61>
Foreign Secretary, Shri K Srinivasan visited Prague for bilateral
official talks on 29 August 1994. He called on Czech-Foreign Minister
Jozef Zieleniec and had discussions with Deputy Foreign Minister, Pavel
Bratinka.
During the year, the Czech Republic upgraded its diplomatic
representation in India to that of Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary.
The Joint Trade Commitee on Economics, Trade and Technical Cooperation
held its first meeting at Prague on 9 and 10 January 1995 with Commerce
Secretary leading the Indian delegation.
Minister of State for Defence, Shri Mallikarjun visited the Slovak
Republic from 1 to 3 June 1994, during which he called on Slovak
President Michal Kovac and Prime Minister Moravcik and Slovak Foreign
Minister Kukan.
Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Jozef Moravcik paid an official
visit to India on 7 and 8 June 1994. Besides calling on the President
and the Vice President, Moravcik had talks with the Prime Minister.
Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Salman Khurshid called on
the Slovak Prime Minister. Moravcik also met with Indian businessmen and
industrialists at a dinner hosted by CII. A Protocol on Foreign Office
Consultations; a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Science
and Technology; and a Memorandum of Understanding concerning Indo-Slovak
Joint Committee on Trade were also signed. It was also agreed that a
resident Indian Mission would be opened in Bratislava in the near
future. The Union of Slovak Industry and CII also concluded a Memorandum
of Understanding.
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During the year, the Slovak Republic upgraded its diplomatic
representation in India to that of Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary and also established an Honorary Consulate in Calcutta.
An Armenian delegation led by their Minister of Science and Higher
Education, Vardkes Gnouni visited India from 21 to 28 March 1994 and
held discussions with Minister of State (Prime Minister's Office and
Science and Technology), Shri Bhuvnesh Chaturvedi. Deputy Foreign Minister, George Kazinian, who was a member
of the delegation, called on Minister of State for External Affairs,
Shri Salman Khurshid and had discussions with Secretary (East), Shri
Salman Haider. An Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology, a
Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Education, and a Memorandum
of Understanding on concluding an Agreement on Economic and Technical
Cooperation were signed.
-62>
During the year, Armenia established its diplomatic representation in
India by appointing an Honorary Consul. '
Government of India has offered humanitarian assistance of medicine
valued at Rs 5 lakh to Armenia.
Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova, Valentin Kunayev paid an unofficial
visit to New Delhi from 7 to 9 May 1 , 994, during which he held
discussions with Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Salman
Khurshid.
A Lithuanian delegation led by the Minister of Energy visited India in
March 1994. He held discussions with Minister of State for External
Affairs, Shri R L Bhatia and had working discussions with senior
officers in the Ministry of Power.
Lithuania established its Honorary Consulate in New Delhi in October
1994.
India kept a close watch on the developments in the Former Yugoslavia,
particularly the continuing crisis in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The official
spokesman issued statements on 18 and 28 April 1994 during the crisis in
Goradze and on 8 August 1994 in the wake of the rejection by the Bosnian
Serbs of the Peace Proposals made by the International Contact Group on
Bosnia-Herzegovina.
India supports the efforts of the International Conference on Former
Yugoslavia, basically because to-date it is the only attempt at finding
a settlement that is based on regard for legitimate aspirations and
interests of all parties to the conflict.
-63>
India recognised Bosnia-Herzegovina on 11 May 1992 along with the
Republics of Croatia and Slovenia but not as a Muslim State.
Secretary (West) visited Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on 7 and 8
December 1994 for political consultations. He called on the Minister of
Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Culture, and held discussions with
the Deputy Foreign Minister.
India's Ambassador to Hungary, who is concurrently accredited to
Croatia, presented his credentials in June 1994.
Commerce Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee visited Croatia on 17 September
1994. An Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation was signed during
the visit.
The Croatian Assistant Minister of Economic Affairs, Zeljko Kirincic led
a delegation to India from 14 to 16 November 1994 during the India
International Trade Fair. The delegation held talks with the Commerce
Secretary and called on the Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri
R L Bhatia.
Western Europe |
Top |
The process of continuing change in post-Cold War Europe and in India's
own external environment has created a new context for relations between
India and the countries of Western Europe, providing an impetus for
intensification of relations based on complementarity of interests and
mutual benefit. India's historical and cultural interaction with Europe
also provides a unique dimension that further serves to strengthen
mutual understanding and affinities. Over a million persons of Indian
origin live in Western Europe, a tenth of them Indian citizens.
During the year, progress towards European integration continued and
Sweden, Finland and Austria joined the European Union (EU) which now
comprises 15 countries. India's political dialogue with the countries of
the European Union, both individually and collectively, assumed added
importance with the emergence of the EU as an influential political
entity and the consolidation of a common EU foreign and security policy.
Sustained efforts were made to strengthen understanding on issues of
vital concern to India, both regional and global. Shared com- mitment to democratic values, secularism and individual freedoms under
the rule of law provided a strong foundation for constructive relations
and dialogue between India and the EU.
-64>
Both the European Commission and individual members of the European
Union evolved new strategies to strengthen political dialogue and
economic relations with Asian countries, including India. This trend was
complemented by India's economic reforms and efforts to globalise the
Indian economy, providing the basis for an unprecedented increase in
India's economic relations with Western Europe.
India's trade with the EU countries increased by 20% over the previous
year to reach $ 14.89 billion in 1993; this upward trend continued
during 1994. Collectively the largest trading partners of India, the EU
countries accounted for 30% of India's exports and imports. Similar
progress was registered on the investment front. The share of West
European countries in FDI approvals went up from 20% in 1993 to 30% in
1994. Germany, Italy, the UK and the Netherlands were among the top 10
investing countries in India during 1994. Actual investment inflows from
Western Europe since the launching of India's economic reforms in July
1991 comprised 31% of total inflows. In terms of actual FDI inflows, the
UK, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and France were also among the 10
leading investors. West European countries also continued to be a
leading source of development assistance, technology collaborations and
joint ventures.
In order to be able to respond effectively to the challenges and
opportunities arising from the evolution of common approaches of EU
countries on foreign and security policies as well as the single EU
market, bi-annual meetings of Indian Heads of Missions in Belgium,
Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands,. Sweden, Austria and the UK were
institutionalised during the year. The meetings resulted in greater
political and economic coordination and provided for more effective and
concerted actions to promote India's relations with countries of the
European Union.
The forward momentum in India's relations with Germany, India's leading
economic partner in Europe, was given further impetus through the
exchanges of high level visits during the year. Dr Carl-Dieter Spranger,
German Minister for Develop-ment Cooperation visited India from 10 to 14 February 1994. The German
Minister for Economics, Dr Gunter Rexrodt attended the 11th Session of
the Indo-German Joint Commission held in New Delhi on 6 and 7 April
1994.
-65>
An Indian Parliamentary delegation led by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha,
Shri Shivraj Patil visited Germany from 26 June to 2 July. 1994. The
delegation interacted with a wide cross-section of German
parliamentarians and leaders of various political parties.
The Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister of Germany, Dr Klaus Kinkel
visited India from 27 to 29 July 1994 accompanied by a high-level
business delegation. He underlined the central position occupied by
India in terms of Germany's "Asia Concept Policy" and stressed the
importance attached by Germany to developing closer relations with India
on the basis of partnership in political, economic and cultural fields.
Dr Kinkel also reaffirmed Germany's support for the resumption of Indo-
Pak bilateral dialogue and welcomed India's policy of transparency on
human rights. He indicated Germany's strong interest in permanent
membership of the United Nations Security Council and expressed support
for a permanent seat for India in that UN body. The German business
delegation accompanying Dr Kinkel evinced keen interest in increasing
their presence in the Indian market through investments, particularly in
the fields of power, chemicals and transportation infrastructure.
The Indo-German Consultative Group, which has emerged as a strong
catalytic force in Indo-German relations, held its Third Session in Bonn
on 27 and 28 August and submitted recommendations covering bilateral
cooperation in political, economic, scientific, cultural and media
fields. In the political field, the Group urged India and Germany to
reinforce cooperation on global issues at multilateral fora; strengthen
bilateral dialogue and regular exchange of assessments on the rapidly
changing global situation with reference to new threats and challenges
emerging in the post-Cold War scenerio such as intolerance and
extremism, terrorism and drug-trafficking; institutionalise meetings of
Policy Planning Staff as well as interaction between Research
Insitutions and Think Tanks of both countries; con-tinue bilateral dialogue on non-proliferation and strengthen cooperation on disarmament issues.
-66>
Following up on a decision taken during Prime Minister's visit to
Germany from 2 to 5 February 1994, an Indo-German Committee on Science
and Technology was constituted during the year to promote and oversee
cooperation in this vital field.
Prime Minister paid a visit to the UK from 13 to 16 March 1994, the
first Prime Ministerial visit from India since 1955. The visit marked a
new era of relations between the UK and India, reinforcing trends
towards a long term partnership based on mutual confidence and trust,
shared values and mutual benefit. Prime Minister's interaction with
British leaders provided the basis for a broad consensus in the UK on
the importance of relations with India. A Bilateral Investment
Protection Agreement was concluded with the UK during the visit, the
first signed by India with any country, giving a further boost to
bilateral economic relations and investments. The Indo-British
Partnership Initiative (IBPI), launched in January 1993, was extended
for another year. The IBPI achieved major success in promoting awareness
of opportunities for trade and investment opened up by India's economic
reforms. Indo-British trade, which grew by 24%) during 1993, continued
to register a high rate of growth during 1994.
Several high level visits were exchanged with the UK during the year. Rt
Hon Betty Boothroyd, Speaker of the House of Commons visited India from
15 to 25 September 1994. Richard Needham, British Minister of State for
Trade visited India from 22 to 27 February 1994 and again from 13 to 19
November 1994 in the context of IBPI. Other British Ministers who
visited India during the year included Peter Brooke, Secretary of State
for National Heritage (31 March to 4 April 1994); Tony Baldry, Minister
of State for Construction (1 to 10 April 1994); Michael Jack, Minister
of State for Agriculture (19 to 25 September 1994); John Gummer,
Secretary of State for Environment (25 to 27 July 1994); and Viscount
Ullswater, Minister of State for Construction and Planning (1 to 9
January 1995).
Alistair Goodlad, Minister of State in the British Foreign Office
visited India from 16 to 19 August 1994. British Foreign Secre-
tary Douglas Hurd paid a visit to India from 5 to 8 January 1995.
Instruments of ratification of the Indo-UK Bilateral Investment
Protection Agreement were exchanged during Hurd's visit, imparting
further impetus to British investments.
-67>
From the Indian side Ministerial visits to the UK during the year
included those of Finance Minister Dr Manmohan Singh (21 to 23 May 1994
and 29 September to 1 October 1994); External Affairs Minister Shri
Dinesh Singh (20 July 1994); Home Minister Shri S B Chavan (21 October
1994); Minister of Power Shri N K P Salve (22 June 1994); Minister for
Civil Aviation and Tourism Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad (13 and 14 September
1994); Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Salman Khurshid (12
October 1994); and Minister of State for Surface Transport Shri Jagdish
Tytler (27 May 1994).
During the year, a Commercial Office of the British High Commission was
opened in Bangalore and a decision taken to establish a Consulate
General of India in Glasgow.
A delegation of the French Senate led by Xavier de Villepin, President
of the Senate Committee for Foreign Affairs and Defence visited India
from 7 to 14 February 1994. French Prime Minister Edouard Balladur
forwarded a letter to the Prime Minister through Senator Villepin,
affirming the desire of the French Government to impart new momentum to
Indo-French relations in the political, economic and cultural fields.
French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe visited India from 3 to 6 April
1994. He expressed French resolve to intensify relations with India and
give them fresh impetus, particularly in the economic field.
From the Indian side, Ministerial visits to France during the year
included those of Agriculture Minister, Shri Balram Jakhar (5 to 9
February 1994); External Affairs Minister, Shri Dinesh Singh (10 and 11
February 1994); Minister for Power, Shri N K P Salve (25 to 29 June
1994); and the then Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri
Shankaranand (1 to 3 December 1994).
Prof Giovanni Spadolini, President of the Italian Senate, visited India
from 23 to 25 February 1994. Trade and economic rela-tions with Italy, which now provides the fourth largest market for Indian exports to Europe, continued to expand. Commerce Minister visited
Italy from 28 May to 1 June 1994 for the 11th meeting of the Indo-
Italian Joint Economic Committee. The Italian President, Dr Oscar Luigi
Scalfaro was expected to pay a State visit to India from 10 to 13
February 1995 coinciding with the participation of Italy as partner
country in the Indian Engineering Trade Fair. A Memorandum of
Understanding concerning cooperation in the field of defence equipment
was concluded between India and Italy on 4 November 1994.
-68>
Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Salman Khurshid paid
official visits to Ireland on 10 and 11 October 1994 and Spain on 13 and
14 October 1994. The visits focussed on strengthening bilateral trade
and economic relations with these countries.
A Parliamentary delegation led by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha Shri
Shivraj Patil visited Ireland from 3 to 8 July 1994.
A Consulate General of Portugal was, opened in Goa on 18 April 1994. The
Consulate General is expected to facilitate consular services for Indian
nationals and will help promote Indo-Portuguese relations in the areas
of trade, tourism and culture.
The 11th Session of the Indo-Swedish joint Commission for Economic,
Industrial, Technical and Scientific Cooperation was held in Stockholm
on 25 and 26 May 1994. The Indian delegation was led by Smt Krishna
Sahi, Minister of State for Industry. The meeting provided impetus to
trade and economic relations between India and Sweden.
Shri Sukh Ram, Minister of State for Communications visited Denmark on
19 and 20 May 1994. Ministerial visits to Norway included those of Shri
Jagdish Tytler, Minister of State for Surface Transport from 22 to 27
May 1994 and Capt Satish Sharma, Minister of State for Petroleum from 29
May to 1 June 1994. The Norwegian Minister for Development Cooperation,
Kari Nordheim-Larsen visited India, from 2 to 5 May 1994. Official level
consultations between India and Norway on economic, industrial and
technical cooperation were also held in New Delhi on 2 May 1994.
-69>
Shri M Mallikarjun, Minister of State for Defence paid a visit to Greece
from 4 to 6 October 1994. The visit coincided with the first ever
participation by India at the Defence Production Fair "Defendory" which
was held in Athens from 4 to 8 October 1994. Shri Mallikarjun's visit
and India's participation in "Defendory" strengthened prospects for
Indo-Greek cooperation in the field of defence production.
On 22 November 1994, protocols were concluded with the Principality of
Andorra establishing diplomatic and consular relations between India and
Andorra.
During the year, double taxation avoidance agreements were concluded
with Malta, Cyprus and Switzerland.
The process of structured dialogue between the Ministry and the Foreign
Offices of countries in Western Europe was further intensified during
the year. Foreign Secretary/Secretary level talks were held with the UK,
Germany, France, Finland, Italy, Spain and Austria. Dialogue at the
official level was also conducted with Ireland, UK, Spain, France,
Germany, Austria, Portugal, Norway and the Netherlands.
With a view to expanding the areas of constructive interaction, official
level dialogue was also undertaken on drug trafficking and terrorism
with France, Germany and the European Commission.
Bilateral talks on disarmament, non-proliferation and international
security issues were held during the year with the UK, France and
Germany, resulting in a better appreciation of India's policy and
concerns in these areas.
On 13 July 1994 the European Commission brought out a paper entitled
"Towards a New Asia Strategy", which was considered by the European
Council on 28 November 1994. The Council laid down its own approaches
and guidelines in a Report on "Asia Strategy of the European Union",
calling for a more focussed and active approach to relations with Asia.
The potential for long term economic partnership between India and the
EU was projected to EU countries as well as the European Commission.
-70>
The new Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of India and the
European Community on Partnership and Development came into effect on I
August 1994. During the 8th Session of the India-EC joint Commission
held in Brussels on 10 and 11 October 1994, it was agreed that there was
significant untapped potential for reinforcing and diversifying existing
economic relations between India and the EU which could be achieved
through operationalising of the new Agreement based on partnership,
dialogue and mutual benefit. The broad principles of a strategy for
economic and development cooperation with the EU up to the year 2000 was
agreed on, focussing on continued assistance from the EU to India's
development efforts, particularly in the social sectors such as primary
education, health and employment as well as mutually beneficial economic
cooperation. The Joint Commission also discussed questions related to
market access, and decided to set up an Ad Hoc Working Party to
coordinate Science and Technology Cooperation and to consider a separate
Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in this field. The Joint
Commission also decided to reconstitute its two principal subsidiary
bodies, the Working Groups on Trade and Economic Cooperation and on
Development Cooperation, and to set up within them such other Working
Parties as may be required.
Recognising the increasing role and importance of the European
Parliament as one of the pillars of European integration, special
efforts were made to develop wide-ranging contacts with Members of
European Parliament (MEPs) who were kept fully informed of the correct
facts regarding matters of interest to them. Steps were taken to invite
influential MEN to visit India.
-71>
|
|
1994
8. The Americas
|
Top |
North America
The year 1994-95 witnessed rapid and diversified growth in Indo-US
relations following Prime Minister's visit to
the US from 14 to 20 May 1994. Discussions focussed on a wide range of
global issues of common concern. Both countries agreed to ensure that
where differences existed, they should not overshadow the potential for
greater cooperation, especially in trade and economic fields.
Prime Minister Shri Narasimha Rao and President Clinton promised to
cooperate in the search for solutions to global challenges posed by
weapons of mass destruction, AIDS, environmental degradation, population
growth, poverty, international terrorism and narcotics trafficking.
Agreement was also reached to expand the pace and scope of high level
exchanges on the full range of political, economic, commercial,
scientific, technological and social issues. The two leaders, agreed to
seek ways to expand their cooperation at the United Nations.
Two Memoranda of Understanding were signed during Prime Minister's visit
to the US, on Cooperative Measures to Increase Awareness and Support for
Efforts to Combat Production, Distribution and Use of Illegal Drugs and
on Planning, Conservation and Management of Natural and Cultural
Heritage Sites.
-72>
Commercial and economic interaction remained the leading sector of Indo-
US cooperation through 1994-95. Bilateral trade in 1993 equalled US$ 7.3
billion with a trade surplus of US$ 1.8 billion in India's favour. The
US remained the single largest investor-country in terms of direct
foreign investment in India, with approved investments from the US
between January to September 1994 amounting to Rs 14,302 million. Actual
FDI inflows from the US from 1991 to September 1994 amounted to Rs 2,039
million.
US Energy Secretary Hazel O'Leary visited India from 8 to 15 July 1994
leading a large Presidential Mission comprising officials and
representatives of US companies in the energy sector. Four joint
statements were signed and eleven cooperative projects between private
companies of the two countries were announced. Minister of Power, Shri N
K P Salve visited USA from 12 to 19 November 1994. Several agreements
were signed during the visit. Minister of State for Non-Conventional
Energy Sources, Shri S Krishna Kumar visited the US from 17 to 22
December. A number of Memoranda of Understanding for cooperation between
Indian and US institutions/firms were signed during the visit. US Under
Secretary for International Trade, Jeffrey Garten visited India from 13
to 19 November 1994 to lay the groundwork for the US Commerce Secretary
Ron Brown's visit to India.
Secretary Ron Brown led a Presidential Business Development Mission
including 25 CEOs representing the sectors of energy,
telecommunications, infrastructure and agro-based industries to India
from 14 to 20 January 1995. During the visit the two countries signed a
Memorandum of Understanding, setting up the Indo-US Commercial Alliance.
Contracts for business collaboration in the sectors of power,
telecommunications and insurance signed in Delhi alone equalled over US$
4 billion. Secretary Brown held discussions with the Ministers of
Commerce, Finance, Power and Telecommunications. He called on Prime
Minister and met Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Salman
Khurshid. Sectoral workshops were oragnised in cooperation with business
oragnisations, such as, FICCI, ASSOCHAM and CII. Secretary Brown also
met members of the Indian Bar Association. His itinerary included visits
to Bangalore and Bombay.
-73>
The Indo-US joint Business Council (JBC) held its 17th meeting in
Washington on 6 and 7 October 1994. Commerce Minister, Shri Pranab
Mukherjee delivered the key-note address on 21 October 1994 at a
business conference in New York organised by Asia Society in
collaboration with CII. Senator John Kerry (Democrat, Massachusetts) led
a trade delegation to India from 17 ' to 22 November 1994 comprising
representatives of leading Massachusetts-based firms dealing with
energy, environment and telecom and computer products. The delegation
visited Delhi and Bangalore.
On 3 October 1994 the US Trade Representative released a report to the
US Congress on Super 301. No "priority foreign country practice", which
would have necessitated initiation of action as provided for under the
Super 301 mechanism, was identified. Indian market access for textiles
was listed in a category that included practices being addressed in
trade negotiations.
A bilateral review of the 1984 Memorandum of Understanding on the Export
from the United States to India of Sensitive Commodities, Technologies
and Technical Data was held in Washigton from 7 to 9 November 1994 with
a view to improving its functioning.
Congressman Gary L Ackerman (Democrat, New York) accompanied by
Congresswoman Barbara-Rose Collins (Democrat, Michigan) visited Delhi,
Srinagar, Jammu and Bombay from 13 to 19 November 1994. Congressman Jim
McDermott (Democrat, Washington) visited India from 13 to 22 November
1994. His itinerary also included Bombay.
Air Chief Marshal, S K Kaul visited the US from 13 to 27 August 1994.
Chief of Army Staff, late General B C Joshi visited the US from 19 to 29
September 1994. Admiral Richard Macke, Commander-in-Chief of the US
Pacific Command visited India from 8 to 13 December 1994. From 10 to 29
September 1994, the Indian and US Navies conducted a joint Special
Operations exercise at Ratnagiri (Mirya Bay). US Under Secretary of
Defence for Policy, Walter Slocombe visited India on 8 and 9 December
1994 in preparation for the visit of the US Secretary of Defence William
Perry. Secretary Perry visited India from 12
to 14 January 1995. He held meetings with Home Minister, Minister of
State for Defence and Senior Officials from the Ministries of Defence
and External Affairs. He called on President, Prime Minister and
Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri R L Bhatia. An Agreed
Minute on Defence Relations between India and the US was signed on 12
January 1995. It was agreed that growth of bilateral defence relations
would be evolutionary and related to convergence on global and regional
issues.
-74>
India and the US held a further round of discussions on
nonproliferation, regional security and disarmament in London on 27 and
28 April 1994. The two countries also agreed to intensify cooperative
efforts to achieve a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and a
verifiable global ban on the production of fissile material for nuclear
weapons purposes. During Prime Minister's visit to the US, the two
leaders emphasised their strong support for efforts towards non-
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery
and towards their progressive reduction with the goal of elimination of
such weapons.
During the year, the US Administration kept under consideration the
question of allowing the transfer to Pakistan of F-16 aircrafts through
a one-time waiver of the Pressler Amendment. The Administration's
proposal, which would have needed approval of the US Congress, would
have required a verifiable cap on Pakistan's production of fissile
material and freezing of its holding of components usable in nuclear
weapons. However, the proposal did not go through during the year.
Pakistan reportedly refused to consider any such capping.
US pronouncements on the human rights situation in India gave rise to
considerable misunderstanding. Differences in perception continued over
Pakistan's support to terrorism. However, the situation improved later
in the year as a result of greater restraint and objectivity exercised
by US authorities. The Indian Government's policy of increased
transparency was widely appreciated. Steps taken by Government of India
to restore normalcy and move towards elections in Jammu and Kashmir
received some positive response from the US.
-75>
The fifth meeting of the Indo-US Joint Working Group on Narcotics was
held in New Delhi on 16 and 17 March 1994. Dr Lee Brown, Director of the
Office of National Drug Control Policy visited India from 16 to 19
November 1994.
The second round of talks on a new Indo-US Extradition Treaty was held
in Washington from 19 to 21 October 1994.
|
Indo-Canadian relations witnessed greater interaction, especially in the
economic and commercial spheres. From January to September 1994, foreign
direct investment approvals for Canada amounted to Rs 417 million as
against the total Canadian investment approvals for 1993 of Rs 300
million. Canadian imports from India during January-May 1994 totalled C$
178 million, registering an increase of 30.5% as compared to the imports
during the same period last year. Canadian exports to India during
January-May 1994 registered a marginal increase of 5.1% as compared to
the same period last year.
The Canadian Minister for International Trade, Roy MacLaren, accompanied
by a large Canadian business delegation, visited India from 7 to 12
October 1994. He called on the Prime Minister and had meetings with
several Ministers of economic ministries.
After a long hiatus in Cabinet Minister-level visits to Canada, Home
Minister Shri S B Chavan visited Canada from 22 to 28 October 1994.
During his visit, India and Canada signed the Mutual Legal Assistance
Treaty on combating terrorism, drug-trafficking and organised crime.
Shri Balram Singh Yadava, Minister of State for Mines visited Toronto
from 30 May to 1 June 1994 to explore the possibility of Indo-Canadian
cooperation in the field of mining. Giles Pouliot, Minister of
Transportation of Ontario, Canada accompanied by a delegation of senior
officials visited India from 18 to 23 September 1994.
Central and South America and the Caribbean
Top |
India has 13 Missions in the region of Latin American and Caribbean
countries (LAC) while this region maintains 11 Missions
in India. There are a number of Honorary Consuls of India and many
Honorary Consuls in India from LAC. India maintains very good relations
with all the countries of this region. During the year India's relations
with these countries were consolidated by several exchanges of high
level visits, joint commission meetings and contacts at various levels
not only in the region but even in other capitals and at the United
Nations.
-76>
Presidential and general elections were held in Brazil, Mexico,
Colombia, Venezuela, Chile, Panama, Costa Rica, Antigua & Barbuda,
Barbados, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and El Salvador and power
transferred smoothly. Under the pressure of the international community,
the military rulers had to leave Haiti. The elected President Jean
Bertrand Aristide returned to Haiti to resume office. Presidential and
general elections are due in several other countries in 1995. Now all
countries barring Cuba have popularly elected governments.
Most of the countries in the region have embarked upon successful market
liberalisation which has helped reduce the deficit in many countries and
allowed massive internal and external investment in priority sectors.
Most of the countries moved towards considerable growth and with the
expansion of economies the international debt of even the larger
countries reduced dramatically. The volume of external trade also
expanded. Even in Cuba the state-controlled economy had to bow to market
pressures to a certain extent.
Presidential elections were held in Brazil and the new President
Fernando Henrique Cardoso assumed office on I January 1994. The Foreign
Minister of Brazil Celso Amorim visited India to participate in the G-15
Summit. Brazilian Minister of Environment also visited India and held
useful discussions with his Indian counterpart on cooperation between
the two countries in environmental and forestry matters.
Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism and Shri G
Venkat Swamy, Minister of State for Textiles visited Brazil and
discussed various means of close cooperation in tourism and explored the
possibilities of export of textiles.
-77>
Kum Selja, Deputy Minister for Education visited Brazil in August-
September 1994 to participate in the Conference on "Education for All".
Trade delegations from Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC),
Basic Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Export Promotion Council
(Chemexcil) and Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) visited Brazil.
During the year Presidential elections were held in Mexico and the new
President Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Leon Assumed office on 1 December
1994. A three-member delegation led by Shri V C Shukla, Minister of
Parliamentary Affairs attended the inauguration ceremonies of the new
President.
Trade delegations from ISEPC and Chemexcil and Machine Tools Accessories
Manufacturers visited Mexico during the year.
President Dr Carlos Saul Menem of Argentina visited India in March 1994
to take over Chairmanship of G-15 and extended his stay to pay a
bilateral visit. The leaders of India and Argentina discussed important
international issues and matters of bilateral importance. Several
agreements on bilateral cooperation were signed during the visit of
President Menem to India.
Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad visited
Argentina in June 1994 to promote tourist traffic from South America to
India. Shri Sukh Ram, Minister of Communications visited Buenos Aires
during March 1994 to attend the first World Telecommunication
Development Conference organised by the ITU. A trade delegation from
Chemexcil also visited Argentina during the year.
The then Chief justice of India, M N Venkatachaliah visited Buenos Aires
in August 1994 as the leader of the Indian delegation to the
International Law Association Congress.
On account of reasons of economy India had closed its Embassy in
Colombia (Bogota) in 1993. However, because of the emergence of Colombia
as a key international figure as the next host of the NAM Summit, the
Embassy in Bogota was reopened in October 1994. Both Colombia and India
have expressed a desire
to have close cooperation and 'similarity of view in relation to the
Non-Aligned, Movement and the next Summit.
-78>
Vice President J R Ajodhia and Foreign Minister Subhas C Mungra of
Suriname, where 40% of the population is of Indian origin, paid a State
visit to India during November 1994 and held discussions with Indian
leaders on matters of bilateral concern and international importance.
India agreed to donate an agricultural project and a home gardening
project and 10,000 bicycles to Suriname. The first Joint Commission
meeting between India and Suriname was held in November 1994.
Apparel Export Promotion Council organised a buyer-seller meet in May
1994 in Chile.
Supreme Court Justice Kuldip Singh and Delhi High Court Justice Y K
Sabharwal visited Chile in August 1994 to attend the post meet of the
International Law Conference.
Venezuelan Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr Alberto Poletto
Pomenta participated in the G-15 Conference held in New Delhi in March
1994.
Dr Lenny Saith, Minister of Planning and Development of Trinidad and
Tabago visited India at the invitation of the Minister of State for
Steel Shri Sontosh Mohan Dev and discussed matters of bilateral interest
with Indian leaders.
Government of Trinidad and Tobago has given five acres of land on a 99-
year lease to Government of India for setting up Mahatma Gandhi
Institute for Cultural Cooperation (Cultural Centre to be operated by
ICCR).
India Trade Promotion Organisation .(ITPO) arranged participation of 19
firms at the third International Exposition 94, held in Port of Spain in
April 1994.
Cuban Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina visited India in March 1994 and
held discussions with Indian leaders on ways of expanding bilateral
cooperation and trade.
Minister of State for Non-Conventional Energy Sources Shri K Krishna
Kumar visited Cuba in June 1994 to attend Solar Energy
-79>
International Conference. India has donated a 11 KW solar energy plant
to Cuba to electrify a village.
Shri Kamaluddin Ahmed, Minister of State for Commerce led the Indian
delegation to the second session of the Indo-Cuban Joint Commission held
in June-July 1994 in Havana.
A four-member delegation from Cuba visited India for exploring
possibilities of import of sugar mill machinery and spares from India. A
four-member CSIR delegation also visited Cuba to discuss about nickel
extraction.
Senator David Coore, Minister for Legal Affairs of Jamaica participated
in the G-15 Conference held in New Delhi in March 1994.
During the year, a few Indian companies signed memoranda of
understanding with Guyanese companies for establishment of joint
ventures.
India Trade Promotion Organisation participated in the international
fair, EXPOCOMER'94, held in Panama.
During the year, diplomatic relations were established with Honduras. To
start with, India and Honduras would establish Honorary Consulate
General in each other's country.
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USA
INDIA UNITED KINGDOM OMAN PAKISTAN CANADA CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC BRAZIL MEXICO ANTIGUA & BARBUDA CHILE COLOMBIA COSTA!!PANAMA VENEZUELA DOMINICA EL SALVADOR URUGUAY HAITI CUBA RUSSIA ARGENTINA SURINAME TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO SPAIN JAMAICA HONDURAS
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1994
9. United Nations and International Organisations
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Top |
The United Nations is presently in the process of restructuring and
reforming both in terms of institutions and concepts. India's efforts
during the year were directed at influencing these changes in accordance
with her world view and her perceptions of the role of the United
Nations. This involved hard and painstaking negotiations at every level
leading to the development of formulations that would effectively secure
the interests of the developing world, including India. Recognising the
imperatives of change, India accepted the concepts and institutions that
did not alter the basic premises on which the UN was founded. India also
made a major contribution to the discussions on the Agenda for
Development which started early in the year. Effectively articulating
the concerns of the developing world, India put forward concrete and
forceful proposals at the ECOSOC, World Hearings on Development and at
the General Assembly. The revised Agenda for Development represents a
success of the Indian diplomacy. India's contribution to the preparatory
process of the World Summit for Social Development was also significant.
India was successful in generating international opinion in favour of a
comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, on the basis of
criteria without any predetermined selection of countries.
Simultaneously, India also staked her claim for the permanent membership
of the Security Council during the General Debate in the 49th session of
the General Assembly.
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Other major achievements of Indian diplomacy at the United Nations were
: the adoption of a Declaration on Measures to eliminate terrorism by
the Sixth Committee of the UN; and the initiative to convene a fourth
Special Session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament (SSOD-
IV). India also continued to effectively participate in the UN Peace
Keeping Operations across the globe.
India effectively countered Pakistan's propaganda about Jammu and
Kashmir and its strenuous efforts to get the General Assembly to adopt a
resolution on this subject. Apart from setting the record straight in
different fora on several occasions, a sustained and systematic effort
was maintained to ensure that Pakistan's baseless allegations and
ulterior objectives were defeated.
India constituted a National Committee for Commemoration of the Fiftieth
Anniversary of the United Nations and undertook an ambitious, well-
designed and substantive programme of yearlong activities to mark the
event. The celebration was inaugurated on 30 October 1994 (representing
the commencement of fiftieth year of India's association with the United
Nations) by Prime Minister's address to the nation and a cultural
programme, coupled with a photographic exhibition.
India hosted, during the year, the visits of the UN Secretary General,
Boutros-Boutros Ghali, and President of the 48th session of the General
Assembly Insanally. During his visit to India from 8 to 10 September
1994, the UN Secretary General expressed his gratitude for India's
contribution to the UN Peace-Keeping activities. The Secretary General
also exchanged views on global issues with the Prime Minister as well as
other Indian leaders.
Political Issues |
Top |
India continued to play a leading role in UN Peace-Keeping activities.
One battalion contributed by India to UN Operation in Mozambique
(ONUMOZ) has returned home. India contributed 5,000-strong contingent to
UN Operation in Somalia
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(UNOSOM II). After completing their mission successfully, the Indian
contingent returned home. India has provided a battalion to the UN
Assistance Mission in Rwanda (UNAMIR). India has also agreed in
principle to contribute a brigade group to UN Standby forces. India has
also agreed to provide 100 doctors, engineers and trainers to UN Mission
in Haiti (UNMIH), Phase II, in addition to a company of para-military
forces. Their deployment is awaited.
The UN General Assembly Working Group on "Question of Equitable
Representation on, and increase in the membership of the Security
Council" continued its discussions during the year. These discussions
have not so far produced any consensus on criteria, or candidates, for
admission to permanent members category of the Security Council. The
term of the Working Group has been extended for another year.
During his speech in the General Debate at the 49th session of the UN
General Assembly, Commerce Minister, the leader of the Indian
delegation, stated that whatever the criteria-population, size of the
economy, contribution to the maintenance of international peace and
security and to peace-keeping, or future potential-India deserves to be
a permanent member of the Security Council.
Pakistani Foreign Minister wrote a letter to the President of the
Security Council on 11 August 1994 calling for an increase in the
strength of UNMOGIP observers on both sides of the Line of Control in
Jammu and Kashmir. A similar letter was addressed to the UN Secretary
General. This Pakistani move has not found any support in the Security
Council so far.
The UN Secretary General in his Annual Report on the work of the
Organisation made a brief reference to India and Pakistan, in which he
stressed his willingness to exert every possible effort to facilitate a
search for a solution should the two sides so wish. India has made it
very clear that she remains ' committed to the Simla Agreement, which
calls for resolution of all outstanding issues bilaterally.
Pakistan tried to table a resolution against India in the First
Committee of the UN General Assembly through an OIC Con-
tact Group. Prompt and effective counter-measures initiated by this
Ministry forced Pakistan to abandon the move after failing to receive
adequate support.
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India also announced her candidature for election to the nonpermanent
seat in the Security Council for the year 1996-97.
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea entered into force on 16
November 1994. A meeting was organised in Jamaica to commemorate the
entry into force of the Agreement. The first meeting of the
International Seabed Authority (ISA), created under the Convention, was
also held in Jamaica from 16 to 19 November 1994. Earlier, India had
played a major role in the negotiations leading to the Agreement related
to implementation of Part XI of the Convention concerning deep sea-bed
mining and exploration, which was adopted unanimously by the resumed
48th session of the UN General Assembly in June 1994.
The First Committee of the UN General Assembly, on 22 November 1994,
adopted by consensus a resolution on this subject, bringing to an end a
chapter of unnecessary controversy surrounding the subject. The item had
been first inscribed on the agenda of the General Assembly in 1983.
Since 1985, there has been no consensus on this subject, until this
year.
Disarmament and International Security |
Top |
During the period under review, positive initiatives in the, field of
global disarmament, which began in the immediate aftermath of the end of
the Cold War, were further consolidated. India continued to play a
leading role in various multilateral disarmament fora-the Conference on
Disarmament (CD) in Geneva, the UN Disarmament Commission (UNDC) and the
First Committee of the UNGA.
In keeping with her long-standing approach to nuclear disarmament as the
first step towards general and complete disarmament, India was actively
associated with global measures which would be essential for the
elimination of nuclear weapons in a time-bound manner. Progress was
achieved to some extent in the area of a comprehensive test ban and a
freeze in the production of fissile material for weapons.
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In January 1994, an Ad hoc Committee of the CD on Nuclear Test Ban (NTB)
with a full negotiating mandate to conclude a Comprehensive Test Ban
Treaty (CTBT) was established. Since 1954, India has been calling for a
comprehensive ban on nuclear testing. It was only in 1993 that there was
a perceptible shift in the stand of the nuclear weapons states on this
issue. In December 1993, India co-sponsored a consensus UNGA resolution
which called for an early conclusion of a CTBT. India has been actively
participating in the negotiations at Geneva. The Indian delegate is the
Friend of Chair (FOC) on Seismic Methods, under the Working Group on
Verification. India has presented several papers on both seismic and
non-seismic methods which would be useful components of the future
verification system of the CTBT. A draft "rolling text" of the CTBT was
finalised in September 1994.
Further to the 1993 UN consensus resolution co-sponsored by India which
called for negotiations on a Convention on the Prohibition of the
Production of Fissionable Material for Weapons Purposes' a Special Co-
ordinator was set up at the Conference on Disarmament. India had hoped
that a consensus resolution calling for an Ad hoc Committee of the CD
with a negotiating mandate to be set up would be adopted by the current
session of the UNGA. However, due to continued differences on the scope
of the mandate and the insistence by some countries on the inclusion of
stockpiles within the purview, the resolution could not be tabled this
year.
India also tabled a resolution on the subject of a Convention on the
Prohibition of the Use and Threat of Use of Nuclear Weapons. The First
Committee of the UN adopted it with 98 votes in favour. The voting
pattern revealed that some of the nuclear weapons states and their
allies continue to oppose the resolution. India also co-sponsored a new
resolution calling for a step-by-step reduction of the nuclear weapons
which was adopted by the First Committee with 91 votes in favour.
For long, India has been calling for the outlawing of nuclear weapons,
on the argument that the use of such weapons constitutes a crime against
humanity and a violation of the UN Charter. Accordingly, India submitted
a statement to the Interna-
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tional Court of Justice (ICJ) on 10 June 1994 as a follow-up to a World
Health Assembly resolution of May 1993, requesting the ICJ for an
advisory opinion on the legality of the use of such weapons in terms of
their effects on health and environment. At the current session of the
UNGA, a NAM draft resolution requesting the ICJ on the legality of the
threat or use of nuclear weapons was adopted by 77 votes in favour of
the First Committee, overcoming the stiff opposition by some of the
nuclear weapons states (NWS) and their allies.
India's proposal for the convening of a Fourth Special Session of the
General Assembly devoted to Disarmament (SSOD-IV) put forward in June
1994 at the Cairo meeting of NAM Foreign Ministers was taken up
enthusiastically by NAM and presented as a NAM initiative at the current
session of the UNGA. A consensus resolution agreeing in principle to the
convening of such a session in 1997, with the dates "to be considered at
its 50th regular session" was adopted by the First Committee of the UNGA
on 19 November.
India was also actively involved in UN expert groups on the Register on
Conventional Arms, the Inhumane Weapons Convention, and Verification in
All Its Aspects. The UN expert group on the Conventional Arms Register
concluded its work in August 1994 and recommended that, in view of the
lack of consensus, the scope of the Register (currently confined to arms
transfers) need not be expanded. India actively supported the idea of a
ban on the export of anti-personnel land mines at the expert group level
and co-sponsored a UN resolution on the subject.
India continued her principled opposition to ad hoc export control
regimes such as the Australia Group, Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and
the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in various international
fora and called for their conversion into universal, transparent, non-
discriminatory treaties which clearly distinguish between civilian "and
military applications. An MTCR Quad team consisting of representatives
of Switzerland, US, UK and Australia visited India on 30 August 1994 for
official level discussions. This is in keeping with the recent MTCR
decision to hold consultations with other coun-tries with an advanced scientific and industrial base. The exchange of
views was useful and enabled both sides to obtain a better understanding
of each other's positions.
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A Special Conference of the States Parties of the Biological Weapons
Convention (BWC) was held at Geneva from 18 to 30 September 1994. India
participated actively as one of the Vice Presidents of the Conference
which resulted in the setting up of an ad hoc group of experts to
consider verification measures for the BWC.
India's views on the Australia Group have been articulated time and
again at the Preparatory Commission (PREPCOM) of the Organisation for
the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) which meets in plenary
sessions and expert level meetings at The Hague. India, which became an
original signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention in January 1993,
is fully involved in the activities of the Preparatory Commission. Her
delegate is the Chairman of three of the Expert Groups of the PREPCOM.
Besides, technical experts from concerned departments have been
regularly participating in the inter-sessional meetings.
In pursuance of her global disarmament agenda, especially in the context
of the changing international security environment, India continued
bilateral dialogues on disarmament, non-proliferation and security-
related issues with the US, France and Germany. Bilateral initiatives at
the highest level resulted in two signal achievements-(i) the issuance
of a joint statement by Prime Minister Rao and President Clinton in May
1994 offering their strong support for efforts towards non-proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery and towards
the progressive reduction with the goal of elimination of such weapons
and (ii) a joint declaration issued by Prime Minister Rao and President
Yeltsin reiterating their commitment to all measures aimed at the
complete and universal elimination of the weapons of mass destruction.
India also utilised these dialogues to effectively project her position
that her security concerns cannot be addressed in the narrow framework
of India-Pakistan relations but as part of a global problem which would
require a global solution.
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Human Rights |
Top |
India continued to take a vigorous part in discussions on human rights
in UN fora. India's stand in UN fora was rooted in her commitment to
protection and promotion of human rights at home and abroad.
India's consistent stand in the UN fora was that human rights should be
pursued in the Vienna spirit of cooperation and consensus. India does
not favour selectively targeting individual countries through
politically motivated resolutions.
During the year, the National Human Rights Commission was established
through an Act of the Parliament. The Commission has wide-ranging powers
of over-sight and enquiry. The Commission covers all parts of the
country, including Jammu and Kashmir. The Commission has already started
functioning. The Commission's recommendation on Bijbehara incident was
accepted by Government for implementation.
A number of envoys visited Jammu and Kashmir. This reflected India's
policy of transparency in protection and promotion of human rights.
|
During the 50th session of the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva from
31 January to 11 March 1994, Pakistan tabled a resolution against India
on Kashmir issue. The resolution called for despatch of a fact-finding
mission to Jammu and Kashmir. India apprised the international community
of the facts about Jammu and Kashmir. The international community did
not find merit in Pakistan's resolution. Failing to muster adequate
support for her move, Pakistan was forced to withdraw the resolution
unilaterally and unconditionally.
During the session, a resolution on Human Rights and Terrorism was
adopted by consensus. The resolution unequivocally condemned all acts,
methods and practices of terrorism wherever and by whomsoever committed.
Human rights and humanitarian issues were also considered at the
substantive session of the Economic and Social Council under the social
sector from 20 to 29 July 1994. Pakistan raked up the Kashmir issue under the Agenda item on Human Rights questions through
statements by its official delegation as well as NGOs sponsored by
Pakistan.
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India, like other UN member-states, participated as an observer in the
46th session of the UN Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination
and Protection of Minorities. This body comprises * of experts acting in
their individual capacity. The session lasted from 1 to 26 August 1994.
Pakistani moves to float a resolution were successfully thwarted.
During this session, the Sub-Commission adopted a resolution on Human
Rights and Terrorism condemning terrorism.
After their failure to table a resolution against India in the First
Committee of the UN General Assembly, Pakistan continued efforts to
table a resolution against India in the Third Committee. However
Pakistan could not find enough support to table the resolution.
The adoption at the 49th General Assembly of a Declaration on Measures
to Eliminate International Terrorism was an achievement of India's
diplomacy in the United Nations. The resolution unequivocally condemns
the acts, methods and practices of terrorism as activities aimed at the
destruction of human rights and fundamental freedoms and democracy,
threatening the territorial integrity and security of States and
destabilising the legitimately constituted governments. It called upon
all States to take effective measures to prevent, combat and eliminate
terrorism. Similar resolutions condemning terrorism were also adopted in
other UN and international fora like the Commission on Human Rights,
44th session of the International Conference on Education, 145th session
of the UNESCO Executive Board, etc. The resolutions reflect the growing
understanding of terrorism by the international community as violative
of human rights and threatening to the security and territorial
integrity of Nation States.
Economic, Social and Humanitarian Issues |
Top |
India continued to play an active role in the Economic and Social
Council, the Governing Boards of the specialised agencies, vari-ous international meetings on the issue of promotion and protection of
environment, and in the Second Committee of the United Nations. She
sought to ensure that developmental issues were emphasised in various
activities of the United Nations. India sought to ensure that the United
Nations' "Agenda for Development" should be goal-oriented and
incorporate clear plans of action for the development of developing
nations. It should include a commitment to an open, fair and equitable
international environment conducive to sustained and accelerated
economic growth and provide additional resources for the developmental
needs of the developing countries. India participated actively in the
Public Hearings on the "Agenda for Development" organised by the
President of the 48th session of the UN General Assembly and in the
subsequent discussions on this issue in the course of the 49th session
of the General Assembly. India also ensured that the "Agenda for
Development" neither becomes an adjunct to the Agenda for Peace nor
should it be overshadowed in the current preoccupation with security
issues and peace-keeping activities of the United Nations.
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The substantive session of the Economic and Social Council, including a
High Level Segment was held in June-July 1994. The meeting focussed on
the Agenda for Development; follow-up to the resolution adopted in the
48th session of the General Assembly on the restructuring and
revitalisation of the United Nations in the economic and social fields;
operational activities for development; etc.
While the United Nations continued to emphasise the traditional issues
like debt, development, transfer of resources, it also focussed on
issues relating to environment and social and humanitarian concerns.
India actively participated in the activities connected with the
implementation of the agreements reached at the UN Conference on
Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and related
follow-up action. The specific important areas of activities are
highlighted below:
(a) The Second Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development
(CSD), including the High Level Segment, was held from 16 to 27 May 1994
in New York. India was elected to the
Bureau and became a Vice Chairman, representing Asia. This election was
all the more important since it came at a time crucial to the CSD
process. Furthermore, it enabled India to effectively pursue her
objectives regarding greater provision of financial resources by the
international community for the implementation of Agenda 21. India was
also elected as the Chairperson of the Working Group I of the Commission
on Sustainable Development, which discussed the critical and broad-based
issues of finance, technology, trade and environment,, consumption
patterns, decision-making structures, etc. The document adopted by
Working Group I of the Commission expressed clear concern at the
inadequate availability of new and additional resources and added that
such a state will constrain effective implementation of Agenda 21 and
could undermine the basis of the global partnership for sustainable
development. The need for further replenishment of the Global
Environment Facility was also highlighted. Efforts for bringing ODA
levels in line with 0.7% of GNP target were reaffirmed and a call given
for substantial early commitments of concessional funding to accelerate
the initial phase of the implementation of Agenda 21. Innovative
approaches for mobilising financial resources, in particular in
developed countries were proposed. Broad public support and generating
the political momentum and CSD's role in this process were highlighted.
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It was decided that the Inter Sessional Working Group (ISWG) on Finance
would continue its deliberations on these issues.
The Report of the open-ended Ad Hoc Inter Sessional Working Group on
Technology Transfer was also considered by the CSD. While recognising
the constraints faced by the developing countries in their endeavours to
promote or actively, participate in technology transfers, the Working
Group had been unable to propose concrete action-programmes for
consideration by the Commission. The final resolution adopted by the CSD
on this issue is a diluted version of the recommendations of the ISWG on
technology transfer and largely exhorts the UN system to consider
appropriate means of technology transfer. CSD has so far not been able
to take the process much beyond Rio. There is still no agreement on the
definition of environmentally sound technologies or mechanisms for
facilitation of their transfer to the developing countries.
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The High Level Segment was attended by Minister of State for Environment
and Forests. Several delegations of other countries participating in the
High Level Segment mentioned that participation in CSD should not be
restricted to the environment ministries of different countries at the
technical level, but should be broadened to include representatives of
finance, economic, planning, and agriculture ministries, depending on
the subjects being covered.
(b) An inter-governmental group had been established to begin
negotiations for a Convention to Combat Desertification with Special
Reference to Africa. Regular discussions were held in Geneva and Paris
and the Convention finalised at the Fifth Meeting of the Inter-
governmental negotiating committee in Paris in June 1994. India signed
the Convention when it was opened for signatures in Paris on 14 October
1994. Indian delegation ensured that the provisions of the Convention
and the Regional Implementation Annex for Asia did not contain articles
that were liable to misinterpretation.
(c) As mandated by the UN Conference on Environment and Development and
the General Assembly resolution 47/192, a conference was organised in
July 1993. Further negotiations were continued in March and August 1994.
A draft agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the UN
Convention on the Law of the Sea is presently being considered. India
has been actively projecting the needs and requirements of the coastal
states. India has also forcefully expressed the need for assistance to
developing countries, both financial and technical, not only for the
conservation and management measures but also to enable them to exploit
the resources of the high seas.
(d) The IX and X sessions of the Inter-governmental Negotiating
Committee to prepare for the First Conference of Parties of the
Framework Convention on Climate Change were held during the year. India
actively participated in them and worked assiduously to strengthen the
application of the provisions of the Convention related to policy
guidelines, financial resources and incremental costs.
(e) The second session of the Inter-governmental Committee on Convention
on Bio-Diversity was held in Nairobi from 20 June
to I July 1994. This was the last session prior to the first meeting of
the Conference of Parties organised in Bahamas from 28 November to 9
December 1994. Indian delegation succeeded in safeguarding India's
concerns and in promoting India's interests. It ensured the finalisation
of some programme priorities and inclusion of clear references to
national priorities in them. It was also able to secure incorporation of
"endemism" as a programme priority. On the issue of institutional
structure, it was decided that Global Environment Facility (GEF) should
continue as an interim financial mechanism. India was also able to seek
endorsement from the G-77 and effectively project her views on the issue
of conclusion of a Protocol on Bio-Safety, Farmers' Rights and ex-situ
collections, collections of CGIAR system, criteria for selection of the
Secretariat, funding of the Secretariat, etc. India also circulated a
Draft Agenda for the First Meeting of the Conference of Parties, which
was unanimously approved by the G-77 and appreciated by the Chairman and
was used for finalising the Agenda of the Conference of Parties by the
Secretariat.
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(f) First meeting of the Executive Council of the restructured Global
Environment Facility (GEF) was held in Washington on 12 and 13 July 1994
and the second in October 1994. India is a donor and recipient nation
and has contributed SDR 6 million (US$ 8.5 million approximately) to the
total GEF corpus of US$ 2 billion. GEF is expected to fund the financial
mechanisms of the Convention on Climate Change and Diversity, and
Framework Convention on Climate Change, and measures to combat pollution
of international waters, and the ill-effects of desertification. India
has been playing a leading role in GEF and also in the implementation of
the Conventions that it is expected to fund.
As a recognition of the prominent role played by India, the Indian
member of the Executive Council Shri N K Singh, Additional Secretary of
the Department of Economic Affairs, was unanimously elected as the first
Chairman of, the GEF Executive Council. The Chairmanship would rotate
between the recipient and non-recipient nations from one meeting to the
other. As first elected Chairman, India will have an opportunity to play
a constructive role and lead the facility in the desired direction.
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(g) During the year inter-governmental meetings of the Montreal
Protocol, the Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movement of
Hazardous Wastes, Inter-government Panel on Climate Change and
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species were held. India
actively participated in these meetings .
A development of far-reaching importance and wider portents, which
emanated from the discussions in the environmental spheres, was the
consolidation of the Association of Small Islands Developing States
(AOSIS). The Association had been established at the First Conference on
Sustainable Development of Small Islands Developing States held in
Barbados in April 1994. India had actively participated in that
Conference too, and projected the needs as well as the achievements in
the field of sustainable development of small islands of India, like
Andamans and Nicobar group, etc.
The Group of 77 (developing nations) commemorated the thirtieth
anniversary of its establishment by a Special Ministerial Meeting
organised in New York on 24 June 1994. India was represented by Minister
of State for External Affairs Shri Salman Khurshid.
India hosted the 50th session of the ESCAP in New Delhi in April 1994.
India also continued to take an active part in various activities for
the Asia and Pacific region organised by ESCAP. India ensured that
activities prejudicial to her national interests were not undertaken by
the organisation.
Consistent with the renewed emphasis accorded by the United Nations to
the social and humanitarian issues, a number of new initiatives were
undertaken during the year. These included:
(a) The third International Conference on Population and Development was
held in Cairo from 5 to 13 September 1994. Indian delegation was led by
the Minister of Health and Family Welfare and included Minister of State
for External Affairs Shri Salman Khurshid. Addressing the plenary, the
leader of the Indian delegation, the then Minister of Health and Family
Welfare, Shri B Shankaranand reiterated strongly the need for
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enhanced international cooperation in this sphere. He also pointed out
that the problem of demographic growth could only be addressed through
integrated solutions, encompassing health, family welfare, education,
women empowerment, employment and eradication of poverty.
India's concerns on international interference in dealing with internal
migration, the assertion of right to development as a fundamental right,
importance of education and empowerment of women, and increased resource
flows from the developed to the developing nations have been well
reflected in the document. India also stressed these issues in the
discussions on follow up to the Conference in the 49th session of the
General Assembly.
(b) India constituted a National Committee to prepare for the World
Summit on Social Development. The country report of India to the Summit
was prepared and distributed at the second session of the Preparatory
Committee for the World Summit for Social Development held in New York
in August-September 1994. The draft Declaration and Programme of Action
to be adopted by the Summit were discussed and refined by the third
session of the Preparatory Committee held in January 1995. India has
been actively participating in these discussions and her concerns on the
issue of poverty eradication, provision of full and productive
employment and social integration, while respecting the plurality of
societies have been forcefully expressed and incorporated in the
documents.
India also participated in the Asian and Pacific regional Ministerial
Meeting on Social Development to review the Social Development Agenda
for the region and to prepare for the World Summit.
(c) The Fourth World Conference on Women is another important
international meeting to be held in Beijing in June 1995. The aim of the
meeting is to focus on women's issues particularly the need to raise the
status of women in the society. India participated in the regional
meeting held in Jakarta to prepare for the meeting and is actively
contributing to other preparatory activities.
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(d) ECOSOC and subsequently the UN General Assembly adopted resolutions
enlarging the Executive Committee of the UN High Commissioner for
Refugees from 47 to 50. By virtue of this enlargement, India, along with
two other countries (Russia and Bangladesh) would become member of the
Executive Committee after the next organisational session of ECOSOC to
be held in April 1995.
India participated actively in the 144th and 145th sessions of the
UNESCO Executive Board, ensuring that the Organisation did not deviate
from its Charter mandate. India also ensured that intrusive elements
were not sought to be introduced in the UNESCO's programmes. India also
forcefully expressed the need for UNESCO to concentrate also on
developmental issues, as a part of its Medium Term Plan for 1995-2001.
UNESCO, as the lead agency for commemorating the UN Year of Tolerance,
also organised activities to mark the 125th Birth Anniversary of the
Apostle of Tolerance-Mahatma Gandhi. A medallion was struck by UNESCO
and other activities are also planned during 1995.
India participated actively in the quinquennial congresses of the
Universal Postal Union and the International Telecommunications Union.
India also participated in the Annual General Conferences of ILO,
INTERPOL, IMO and the FAO Council.
Administrative and Budgetary Issues |
Top |
India continued to actively participate in the work of the Fifth
Committee. She ensured that adequate resources for the developmental
activities of the United Nations were 'available and that, in the
matters of scales of assessments, the principle of the capacity to pay
was fully and effectively employed. India was a member of the Ad Hoc
Group established to investigate fraud within the UN system, and also
remained a member of the Board of Auditors of the UN. India also voiced
concern over the mounting expenditure on peace-keeping operations and
the delayed or non-payment of assessments by the member States, which
created a severe financial problem for the United Nations, on account of
reduced cash-flows.
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Elections and Appointments |
Top |
During the year, India was elected or nominated by acclamation/consensus
to the following international bodies:
(a) Commission on Transnational Corporations for a three-year term
commencing 1 January 1995.
(b) Inter-governmental Working Group of Experts on International
Standards of Accounting and Reporting, for a three-year term commencing
1 January 1995.
(c) Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations for a four-year term
commencing 1 January 1995.
(d) Executive Board of UNICEF for a three-year term commencing 1 January
1995.
(e) Committee for UN Population Award for a three-year term commencing 1
January 1995.
(f) Ambassador Shri Samarendra Sen to the membership of the UN
Administrative Tribunal.
(g) Commission on Human Rights of ECOSOC.
(h) Postal Operations Council and Consultative Council for Postal
Studies of the Universal Postal Union.
(i) Administrative Council of the International Telecommunications
Union.
(j) Justice Shri P N Bhagwati as member of the Human Rights Committee of
the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
(k) Membership of Economic and Social Council for 1995-97 (ECOSOC).
India was also elected as the Vice President of the 49th Session of the
UN General Assembly and as Vice President of the Commission on
Sustainable Development; India was also elected the Chairman of several
of the international meetings held in the region under ESCAP.
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Non-Aligned Movement
Top |
India participated actively in the meetings organised by the Non-Aligned
Movement (NAM) and took an active interest in the work of the
Coordinating Bureau of the Movement in New York. India was represented
by Minister of State for External Affairs Shri R L Bhatia at the
Eleventh Ministerial Meeting of the NAM held in Cairo in May-June 1994.
Indonesia, as Chairman of the Movement, organised the first Meeting of
Agriculture Ministers of NAM countries in Bali in October 1994.
During the year the NAM and the Group of 77 also decided to establish a
coordinating mechanism in New York between the two groupings.
The Fifth Conference of the Labour Minsiters of Non-Aligned and other
Developing Countries was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 19 January
1995. The Conference adopted the Delhi Declaration and a Plan of Action
on labour and related issues. These documents reflected the broad
developing country consensus that emerged on key issues such as labour
standards and the so-called "social clause" and the need for enhancing
South-South cooperation on employment-related matters.
Commonwealth |
Top |
During the year India continued to participate actively in meetings of
the Commonwealth's over-arching governance mechanisms, including the
Steering Committee of Senior Officials which met on 14 and 15 April 1994
and the Senior Officials Meeting held from 22 to 24 November 1994. In
these meetings, India drew attention to the fact that seminal
declarations issued by the Singapore (1971) and Harare (1991) CHOGMs
stressed commitment to political values but gave no less importance to
social and economic needs for development. India's arguments in favour
of maintaining a balanced approach in determining priorities for
Commonwealth action were endorsed at these meetings.
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The Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku paid an official
visit to India from 3 to 5 December 1994. The visit provided an
opportunity to acquaint him with India's perceptions regarding the full
range of Commonwealth activities and the continued importance India
attached to socio-economic development cooperation under the
Commonwealth banner. Chief Anyaoku paid tribute to India's contribution
to the concept of a modern Commonwealth which had allowed it to outgrow
an Anglo-centric past and expressed the hope that the Commonwealth
philosophy of mutual help and Jawaharlal Nehru's legacy of the "healing
touch" would help the Commonwealth to serve members better. He also
stressed the commitment of the Commonwealth Secretariat to maintain the
balance contained in the Harare Declaration between promotion of the
fundamental political values of the Commonwealth and cooperation for
socio-economic development.
International Law: Developments and Activities
India participated in the 46th Session of the International Law
Commission (ILC) which was held at Geneva from 2 May to 22 July 1994. At
this session, the Commission completed the drafting of a Revised Statute
on the establishment of an International Criminal Court, the Second and
Final reading of the Draft Articles on the Non-Navigational Uses of
International Water Courses and the examination of the concept of crime
attributable to the State itself and attendant consequences of such
State Responsibility. The Commission commenced the Second and Final
reading of the Draft Code of Crimes Against Peace and Security of
Mankind and International Liability for Acts not Prohibited by
International Law studied in the context of evolving principles of
prevention.
The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) held
its 27th session from 31 May to 17 June 1994 at New York. The session
was devoted to the consideration of the Draft Model Law on Procurement
of Goods, Construction and Services. The other substantive items
considered were the draft guidelines for preparatory conferences in
arbitral proceedings, the reports of the Working Group on Electronic
Data Interchange (EDI) and on International Contract Practices, the
Draft
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Convention on Independent Guarantees and Standby Letters of Credit and
the case law on UNCITRAL Texts.
At the 49th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Sixth
(Legal) Committee considered several agenda items during its
deliberations from 20 September to 9 December 1994. The main agenda
items related to the work of the International Law Commission (ILC), the
United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the
Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the
Strengthening of the Role of the Organisation, measures to eliminate
international terrorism, establishment of an international criminal
court, non-navigational uses of international watercourses, draft
convention on jurisdictional immunities of States and their property,
responsibility for attacks on United Nations and associated personnel,
the United Nations Decade of International Law and the question of
seeking an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on
abductions abroad.
The Indian delegation participated actively in the Committee's
deliberations, including its consultations on several matters and
commented on the progress made by the ILC at its 46th Session
particularly on the question of preparation of a draft statute for an
international criminal court, international rivers, State immunity,
safety of UN and associated personnel.
The General Assembly finalised the text of a Draft Convention on the
Protection of UN and associated personnel. Further, the General Assembly
decided to defer to its next session the question of convening
international conferences to consider the draft articles prepared by the
International Law Commission on establishment of an international
criminal court,'. jurisdictional immunities of States and their
property, and non-navigational uses of international watercourses.
The General Assembly also decided to hold a UN Congress on Public
International Law in 1995 at UN Headquarters as part of the UN Decade of
International Law.
The Legal Sub-Committee of the UN Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer
Space held its regular annual session at Vienna in
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March/April 1994. The meeting is held for the first time in Vienna
because the Outer Space Division has now been shifted from New York to
Vienna. During this session the Sub-Committee discussed mainly the
subjects of delimitation and definition of Outer Space, legal principles
relating to the geo-stationary orbit, rational utilisation of Outer
Space taking into particular account the needs and interests of
developing countries. In addition, the Sub-Committee also discussed the
question of the review of Principles relating to nuclear power sources.
Although the discussions registered progress no final agreement has been
reached during the session. ,
The 33rd Annual Session of the Asian African Legal Consultative
Committee (AALCC) was held at Tokyo from 17 to 21 January 1994. The
Committee elected Tang Yengchuan of China as its Secretary General for a
three-year term. The Committee considered the report on the work of the
International Law Commission, including the work of the Commission on
international rivers, the Report on the Vienna meeting of human rights,
Law of the Sea, Status of refugees, Agenda for Peace. During its Tokyo
Session the Committee also convened a special meeting on privatisation
which met as a sub-committee and held three Sessions. The Committee also
considered matters arising out of the decision taken at its last session
regarding shifting of its headquarters to Doha, Qatar.
A meeting of legal experts of States signatory to the Antarctica Treaty,
held at The Hague from 7 to 9 November 1994 considered legal issues
regarding liability for environmental damages resulting from human
activities in Antarctica with a view to preparing an annex to the
Antarctic Environmental Protocol on Liability.
Negotiations for conclusion of Extradition treaties were held with
Germany, France, Hong Kong, UAE and USA.
As in previous years, the Ministry undertook negotiations and processed
for signature, ratification and accession several multilateral and
bilateral treaties involving India.
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India became a party to several multilateral Conventions including the
Convention against taking of Hostages. India also signed the Agreement
relating to Part XI of the UN Convention on Law of the Sea 1982 and the
UN Convention on Desertification. An Agreement with the United Nations
regarding the Headquarters of the Asian and Pacific Centre in New Delhi
was also concluded. Some important bilateral agreements signed during
the year include the mutual assistance in criminal matters treaty with
Canada and agreements with Bulgaria and Romania for combating organised
crimes, terrorism and illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances.
During this year the Ministry took up, on a regular basis, and with a
view to clearing the backlog, the registration, with the United Nations,
of treaties concluded by India.
A list of Treaties entered into by India during the year is placed at,
appendix III.
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1994
10. Foreign Economic Relations
|
Top |
In keeping with the global trend, the requirements of the national
economy and social as well as political priorities, the Ministry of
External Affairs continued to give special and focussed attention to
economic diplomacy at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.
The Economic and Multilateral Economic Relations Divisions of the
Ministry played an important role in providing vitality and substantive
content to the Ministry's efforts in this area. The co-option of
academics, nongovernmental organisations, representatives of trade and
industry and other economic actors was intended to ensure that these
efforts translate themselves into practical results. An important part
of the Ministry's effort was to expand existing opportunities and create
new ones for trade, investment and technological cooperation with the
industrialised, newly industrialising and developing countries which
have achieved or have a promising potential to achieve rapid economic
and technological growth. This initiative was taken through bilateral
approaches, evolving new regional and trans-regional arrangements and
appropriate initiatives in international fora such as the NAM, the G-77
and the UN.
Recognising that the success of India's economic development and reform
programme can only be assured and sustained in a favourable
international economic environment, the effort was to forge a consensus
in the international fora in favour of global policies supportive of
economic development and growth par-ticularly of developing countries. The Ministry worked along with other
concerned Ministries to resist attempts at protectionism, injection of
conditionalities on trade and aid and diversion of focus and resources
to sectoral and socio-political issues.
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There was a constant monitoring of not only all development policy
evolutions in multilateral, regional and national contexts effecting the
Indian economy, but also of emergent thinking in the UN and the
Multilateral Financial Institutions on the issue of development.
Wherever it was felt that India's interests were not properly
safeguarded or sufficient importance was not given to the concerns of
developing countries in the evolution of a new paradigm for
international cooperation, the Ministry was active in raising
consciousness within the country and among other developing and
developed partner countries.
The year marked the 50th anniversary of the setting up of the United
Nations as well as the Bretton Woods institutions and the Ministry was
involved in the ongoing review of the role and relevance of these
institutions in the new context of economic multipolarity and increasing
dynamism and global profile of developing countries particularly in
Asia. Global emphasis on entrepreneurial skills and initiative as
against dirigist intervention of the state to ensure economic growth and
social well-being called for a new look at these institutions. Several
concept papers on this theme were prepared by the Ministry for
discussion among developing countries as well as for interaction with
developed countries.
In spite of the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade
Negotiations, certain developed countries continued their efforts to
increase protectionism, create new trade conditionalities and non-tariff
barriers and apply pressures on developing countries to give increased
market access on terms beyond those agreed in the Uruguay Round. These
and other issues affecting market access for Indian goods and services
were monitored and sought to be ameliorated and countered. One of the
issues raised by certain developed countries is the establishment of a
linkage between international trade and labour standards. The argument
being given is that low level of wages and workers' benefits in
developing countries, constitute an unfair trade ad-
vantage and goods exported by using such labour amount to social
dumping. There is an attempt to secure compliance of certain "Social
Clause" related ILO Conventions by establishing a linkage with trade.
The Ministry undertook internal, interministerial and inter-governmental
consultations to help formulate and project India's position on this
subject in international. fora.
-104>
India's engagement in economic cooperation among a trans-regional group
of developing countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa assumed
special significance this year as the reconvened 4th Summit of the G-15
was held in New Delhi from 28 to 30 March 1994. The Summit reaffirmed
the relevance of the Group and gave it a new dynamism by setting up an
institutional framework and a substantive agenda for cooperation. It was
decided to broaden the scope of intra-G-15 cooperation through the
establishment of a Committee on Trade, Investment and Technology (CITT)
to work towards evolution of trans-regional arrangements for
liberalisation, facilitation and promotion of trade, investment and
technology transfer. The private sector will play a crucial role and
will be closely associated in this endeavour. The CITT will also
establish inter-active links with related G-15 projects such as the
South Investment, Trade and Technology Data Exchange Centre (SITTDEC),
Business Forum and certain techno-economic projects being coordinated by
India in Solar Energy and Gene Banks of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.
The Business Forum including a large number of businessmen and trade
representatives from several G-15 countries, held a meeting in tandem
with the Summit. The Business Forum drew up action plans for
strengthening transport, financial and information infra-structure to
expand cooperation in trade, investment, technological exchanges and
tourism.
The Summit decided to harness the information and communication
revolution to promote better understanding and knowledge of
capabilities, potential and experiences of G-15 countries among each
other. It asked the Troika Foreign Ministers to facilitate the setting
up of an expert group to make recommendations on information
infrastructure and communication systems
-105>
required by the G-15 countries. It agreed to extend full support through
appropriate projects for expanding cooperation in the setting up of
small scale industries, especially in Africa.
The Summit agreed that the meetings of G-15 Ministers of Foreign
Affairs, Economy, Trade, Agriculture, Environment and Science and
Technology would be held on a regular basis in the inter-Summit period
for expanding cooperation in sectoral areas. It decided to guard against
new trade restricting tendencies in the developed world using the
pretext of social ' or environmental concerns, which were aimed at
nullifying the comparative advantage of the economies of the South such
as raw materials, wage structure, etc. It was agreed that G-15 ministers
would meet at Marrakesh on the occasion of the concluding conference on
the Uruguay Round to ensure coordination.
The Summit undertook a review of the international situation and
economic, political, environmental challenges faced by the developing
countries and shared experiences of G-15 countries in meeting these
challenges. It reaffirmed the equal importance of attention to peace and
development in a restructured and democratised UN to realise a more
equitable, prosperous and secure world order. A Joint Communique was
issued setting out the views of the G-15 countries on major issues.
The Prime Minister as Chairman sent a copy of the communique for
information and consideration to the then Chairman of the G-7, the Prime
Minister of Italy. The Summit decided that the on-going G-15 initiative
on a constructive and focussed dialogue with the G-7 would be carried
forward. It was agreed that the Fifth G-15 Summit would be held at
Buenos Aires in 1995 and the Sixth Summit at Harare in 1996.
A G-15 ministerial meeting held in New York on 28 September 1994 decided
that all inputs to develop the terms of reference and work programme of
the CITT will be provided by the members by November 1994. The
ministerial meeting held a substantive exchange of views on global
issues and challenges aimed at prosperity and well-being of all peoples
in the 21st century and required multilateral institutions to meet those
challenges. The ministerial meeting also endorsed a new quorum rule for
future attendance at the G-15 Summits which pro-
-106>
vides for participation of at least five Heads of State/Government and
three Vice Presidents/Deputy Prime Ministers (number two in their
respective governments).
At the 30th Anniversary commemoration meeting of the Group of 77 held in
New York in July 1994, India reaffirmed the historical validity of the
concept, purposes and endeavours of the Group of 77 and of her mission
to obtain for developing countries a larger voice in global economic
decision making. By inserting a development dimension and consensus in
international institutions and policies, the G-77 had acted as a
development conscience of the world and recorded some gains in this
respect. India noted that G-77 was at the crossroads having reached a
maturer phase after a period of considerable activity and trial.
Developing countries, whatever their specificities, would continue to
face common problems-systemic and emergent, and that they would need to
work together in the context of a firm but flexible issue-based
coalitions to further the common cause of development. The Group of 77
issued two ministerial declarations-one general and the other
specifically focussed on the Agenda for Development to be evolved under
UN auspices.
It is clear that both ASEAN and India attach considerable importance to
the rapid development of their sectoral dialogue partnership and much
progress has been achieved in a short time both at the governmental and
business levels. The first substantive meeting of the ASEAN-India joint
Sectoral Cooperation Committee (AIJSCC) was held in Bali, Indonesia from
6 to 8 January 1994. It launched cooperation in four sectors, namely,
trade, investment, tourism and science and technology. The meeting set
up the required institutional structures including an ASEAN-India Fund
to finance mutually agreed projects. The second meeting of the AIJSCC is
being convened in India from 13 to 17 February 1995 to review the on-
going activities and decide on future programme of cooperation.
Progress has been made on developing a plan of action in all sectoral
areas. These include: work on trade, liberalisation, facilitation and
promotion; establishment of an ASEAN-India Trade and Investment
Information and Promotion Centre, col-
laboration and joint ventures in India, ASEAN and third countries,
encouragement of ASEAN investment in highways, power and tele-
communication sectors in India; cooperation in preparation of master
plan for tourist destination development, exchange of information and
technology, joint promotion of tourist destinations in India and ASEAN,
development of integrated tourism marketing programme for India in
selected ASEAN markets and for ASEAN in selected Indian markets,
cooperation between national carriers of ASEAN countries and India,
convening of joint workshops of ASEAN and Indian scientists and
technologists to identify specific modalities of collaboration in
science and technology. Cooperation is to start in the areas of advanced
materials, bio-technology and information technology in terms of
research and industrial application.
-107>
India has offered 12 scholarships in science and technology to ASEAN
scientists for research and study in India. An ASEAN-India Business
Expert Group comprising two experts from each side has been set up to
prepare detailed modalities for a five-year plan of cooperation in trade
and investment; the report of this group is to be considered at the
AIJSCC.
As part of India's attempts to establish closer economic ties with the
fast growing economies of East-Asia and the Pacific region, India has
been following with interest, and establishing contacts with, the
evolving Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) grouping. The 18-
member group of Asia Pacific economies comprise a market of 2 billion
people and account for 48% of the world's GNP and 40% of the world
trade. APEC economies account for 45% of India's exports, 30% of its
imports and 54% of FDI, since January 1994. India's joining the APEC
would confer numerous benefits to both sides and it has been the
Ministry's effort to put this across to APEC countries.
The APEC's move toward institutionalisation, consolidation and creation
of free trade region at the Bogor Summit of 15 November 1994 provides
added significance to India's efforts to join the APEC. Although the
free trade declaration provides for a two-track approach for developed
and developing countries and avers that it would not be an inward
looking trade bloc and will give particular attention to its trade with
non-APEC devel-
-108>
oping economies, Indian interests would need to be taken into account
and safeguarded.
India had applied for membership of APEC in September 1991 on the eve of
the APEC Ministerial Meeting in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Subsequently
India has requested to participate in some of the working groups of
APEC. India's request for participation in APEC activities is pending
along with those of Russia, Argentina, Peru, Israel, Iran since the APEC
Ministerial Meeting at Seattle in November 1993 imposed a moratorium for
admission of additional members for three years. A' preliminary proposal
on modalities of APEC membership policy and other associated issues is
to be presented for consideration in 1995. APEC Senior Officials Meeting
has been asked to submit to the 1995 APEC Ministerial Meeting criteria
and principles for participation by non-members in APEC working groups.
Several APEC economies have conveyed indications of their support for
India's membership of APEC when this issue is considered by the group
and India will continue to convey her interest in joining APEC and to
demonstrate the mutuality of benefit of such a move.
In view of the strategic significance and economic potential of the
Indian Ocean region, there have been moves in several Indian Ocean
countries for establishment of an Indian Ocean Group for Economic
Cooperation. It is felt that creation of such a group will enable the
countries of the region to realise the full potential of their
cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, tourism,
marine resources and environment and help them in improving their
transportation and communication links. The Ministry undertook studies
on this concept in cooperation with certain research institutions and
soundings were made about views of Indian Ocean countries such as
Mauritius, South Africa, Australia, Singapore, Malayasia and Indonesia.
Mauritius is planning to hold a meeting of senior officials from a few
core Indian Ocean countries to exchange views on various aspects of this
concept. The representatives of public and private sectors and academics
will also be associated in these discussions. The meeting is to
recommend the best possible form of cooperation that can be generated in
the region. India has also been invited to participate in this meeting.
-109>
In view of the important role of the OECD countries in global economic,
financial, trade and environment policy making and their importance as
India's major trade and investment partners and role being played by the
OECD Secretariat as a research arm on development issues, the Ministry
made contacts with the OECD countries and the OECD Secretariat in Paris
to establish closer association with the OECD. India's willingness to
establish a closer association with the OECD-the developed country
think-tank and inter-governmental economic policy deliberation
organisation-was conveyed to individual members of OECD as well as the
Secretariat and in the context of OECD Ministerial and other senior
level meetings.
The Finance Secretary during a visit to Paris on 4 July 1994 gave a
detailed presentation to OECD on economic reforms initiated by India.
This was followed by a visit by the President of the OECD Development
Centre, Joan Bonvin to India during July 1994. A break-through in
India's closer association with the OECD was achieved in December 1994
when the OECD Council approved inclusion of India along with Indonesia
and China in their OECD Policy Dialogue framework with Dynamic New Major
Economies (DNMEs). This would mean that India would be invited to
participate in policy workshops that the OECD organises from time to
time and provide occasions for regular and thematic interaction. In
January 1995, the Ministry sent a fact-finding and familiarisation
mission to Paris to confirm India's willingness to be part of OECD's
Policy Dialogue.
The Ministry continued to further fine tune, adapt and expand its ECDC
and TCDC programmes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation
(ITEC) programme and the Special Commonwealth African Assistance
Programme (SCAAt) for the benefit of developing countries mainly in
Africa, Latin America, Caribbean and South East Asia. A demand-led
approach as well as sensitivity to new needs in terms of disciplines and
areas covered characterised the manner in which the ITEC and SCAAP
programmes were implemented with partner countries. There was a greater
meshing of the programmes with tangible economic and commercial
interests.
-110>
Activities under ITEC include training of nominees from partner
countries in Indian civilian and defence institutions, execution of
projects, extension of consultancy services and undertaking feasibility
studies, organising study visits and related TCDC support.
During 1994-95, 875 slots have been allocated for training of foreign
nominees in Indian civilian institutions. At present, a total of 65
regular courses are being held in 30 prominent institutions in areas as
varied as banking, small scale industries, finance, tool research, etc.
Apart from traditional fields like small scale industries, stress is
increasingly on high-tech areas, such as computers, maintenance of bio-
medical equipment, flow process technology, etc whose growing importance
and relevance in terms of India's trade/technology promotion efforts are
evident.
Apart from Africa (270 slots have been allocated to countries in Africa
in 1994-95), the focus is on countries in Central Asia which were
allotted 150 slots. A total of 5 special courses with Russian
interpretation facilities in foreign trade, banking, entrepreneurship
development, small scale industries and financial management are to be
held in 1994-95 for the countries of Central Asia. For the first time,
South Africa has been extended coverage under ITEC; 60 civilian training
slots have been allocated to nominees from South Africa during 1994-95.
Among the countries which are increasingly availing of civilian training
slots under ITEC are those from East Europe and the CIS countries.
The Economic Division is also a nodal point for organising military
training to nominees from friendly foreign countries in Indian defence
institutions. Slots are offered either under ITEC or on a self-financing
basis; on an average 250 slots are offered under ITEC and 100 under the
Self-financing Scheme. Courses range from the prestigious one at the
National Defence College to relatively short-term, technical ones in the
Army, Navy and Air Force.
Under the ITEC programme, projects (mostly of a pilot nature) with some
financial outlay are executed in partner countries;
among other things, such projects serve as demonstration models
highlighting India's technology and potential in specific areas. Under
execution are Vocational Training Centres in Vietnam and Mongolia, Solar
Photovoltaic Plants in Oman and Cuba, a Remote Sensing Centre in
Mauritius and a Mobile Eye Clinic in Ghana.
-111>
Execution of feasibility studies/extension of consultancy services in
partner countries are also undertaken under ITEC. Among other things,
such activities also facilitate enhanced economic and commercial
interaction between India and the partner country concerned. Among the
feasibility studies being undertaken at present are a road
rehabilitation project in Mauritius and a Technical Training Institution
in Kazakhstan.
Based on specific requests from partner countries, Indian experts are
sent on deputation abroad under ITEC to assist, particularly in
developmental activities and infrastructure building. At present, there
are 34 experts from India deputed (for periods of more than one year) in
various countries in areas as varied as agriculture, education,
engineering, medicine, taxation, oceanography, etc.
Study visits by delegations consisting of senior officials, mostly of a
decision making capacity, from partner countries to India are also
organised under ITEC. Apart from providing a first hand exposure of
India's capabilities in select areas, in particular, agriculture, agro-
industries and small scale industries, such visits also facilitate
chalking out concrete areas of cooperation. Around 8 study visits to
India, including from Ghana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Egypt and Yemen, are among
those planned for 1994-95.
A major initiative undertaken under Prime Minister's instructions and
guidance through the ITEC programme was the elaboration and launching of
a programme for cooperation with select African countries for the
development of small scale industries (SSI) in these countries. The
objective of the SSI programme is the improvement of quality of life of
the people of these countries, bulk of whom live in rural areas and
creation of new job opportunities in both rural and urban areas.
Important aspects of SSI Programme include effective mobilisation and
utilisation of resources, creation of grass-root entrepreneurs, regional
dispersal of industrial development, conservation and generation of
foreign exchange and creation of complementarities in rural
industrialisation. The Plan sets out legislative and institutional
arrangements to be put in place in the target countries along with a
detailed programming strategy and financing package.
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The action proposed for India seeks to ensure success and viability of
the programme through the following:
(i) Concentration on select group of countries, i e ', three members of
the G-15, Nigeria, Senegal and Zimbabwe, and a few others which today
have policies that encourage the involvement of the private sector-
Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Ghana and Ethopia;
(ii) Information gathering on all aspects of the existing infrastructure
and policy in target countries;
|
(iii) Preparation of feasibility studies to clearly establish areas that
need to be covered;
(iv) Assistance in the setting up of Entrepreneurship Development
Centres, multi-purpose technical and vocational training centres and
common facilities centres;
(v) Assistance in the establishment of ancillary units and/or consumer
goods units;
(vi) Assistance in the establishment of training programmes of managers,
entrepreneurs, skilled workers and marketing system; and
(vii) help in the establishment of services support system.
Government of India would offer to finance aspects of the actual
implementation of the specific programmes under ITEC. The emphasis of
such financing would be on promoting private entrepreneur-led
industrialisation thus ensuring the viability of the entire SSI
programme. An inter-ministerial committee headed by Secretary in the
Prime Minister's Office is to oversee the progress in the implementation
of the programme. A special programme for SSI-related cooperation with
South Africa is separately being developed in order to put India's
economic cooperation with that country on a new substantive footing with
a view to contributing to the development of post-apartheid South
Africa.
-113>
The SCAAP programme is aimed at providing technical assistance by India
to 15 African countries which are ex-colonies of UK. Activities under
SCAAP are directed at extension of training to nominees from these
countries in Indian institutes. In 1994-95, a total of 475 slots to
nominees from the SCAAP region-mainly from Ghana, Nigeria, Mauritius,
Tanzania and Zambia-were allocated under SCAAP.
Apart from ITEC, SCAAP, etc, a new dimension was attempted to be given
to India's policy of South-South Cooperation through the Special
Volunteers Programme (SVP). The SVP envisages the sending of special
volunteers to developing countries in Africa and Asia to assist them in
their development programmes. Ten countries in Asia and Africa were
identified as target countries initially and Indian Missions abroad were
requested to assess the response of these countries to the SVP. Based on
careful analysis of these responses, the Committee on SVP discussed the
revision of target countries in Asia and Africa and their expansion to
include Central Asian Republics. It was also decided that the areas in
which the volunteers could be sent to assist the developing countries
could be left to the choice of the receiving countries. Indian Missions
in the revised list of target countries have been requested to obtain
the response of the countries of their accreditation to the SVP.
During 1994-95, India continued to extend disaster relief assistance to
countries afflicted with calamities like earthquake, flood, epidemics,
etc. Among the countries for which disaster relief assistance has
been/is being extended include Armenia, Tanzania, Mozambique,
Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Rwanda, Somalia, Madagascar, Djibouti, etc.
Mauritius, for example, was extended relief assistance when it was
affected by a cyclone in 1994. Such humanitarian gestures strike a
positive chord amongst the people of these countries and create goodwill
for India.
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USA
INDIA URUGUAY ITALY CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC ARGENTINA ZIMBABWE INDONESIA KOREA RUSSIA IRAN ISRAEL PERU AUSTRALIA MAURITIUS REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE SOUTH AFRICA FRANCE CHINA MONGOLIA VIETNAM CUBA OMAN GHANA KAZAKHSTAN EGYPT KENYA YEMEN NIGER NIGERIA SENEGAL TANZANIA UGANDA UNITED KINGDOM ZAMBIA ARMENIA MOZAMBIQUE AFGHANISTAN UZBEKISTAN DJIBOUTI MADAGASCAR MALI RWANDA SOMALIA
1994
11. Trade and Investment Promotion |
Top |
Historic and fundamental changes have taken place over the last few
years in the world economic, political and strategic situation. In the
economic sphere, one of the most important forces shaping current
developments today is the emergence of a truly global economy. India's
economic reform programme reflects her response to the changes sweeping
across the world and her determination to build an economy that is
internationally competitive and integrated into the global economy. In
recognition of this fact and the fact that the economic dimension of
state power is becoming increasingly important in determining the nature
of international relations, the Ministry has been attaching increasing
importance to the economic content of India's foreign policy. In the
year under review, the Ministry continued to accord high priority to the
promotion of India's economic and commercial interests. In close liaison
with the concerned economic Ministries, the Ministry was actively
involved, both directly and through Indian Missions and Posts abroad, in
projecting India's economic potential and capacity with the objective of
promoting trade, technology and investment flows and intensifying
linkages with the global economy.
The Ministry of External Affairs is following a multi-pronged strategy
in promoting India's economic and commercial interests. In the first
instance, close attention is given to the economic and commercial
aspects by all its territorial Divi-
sions at Headquarters in the development of bilateral relations. This is
done by way of monitoring economic and commercial developments,
servicing Joint Commissions, participation in bilateral consultations on
economic and commercial issues both at governmental and non-governmental
level, and assistance to the formulation of bilateral agreements and
treaties on economic and commercial matters. In addition to this, there
are specialised Economic Units/Divisions coordinating with the
territorial Divisions as well as all the other Ministries involved in
trade and investment promotion. The Economic Coordination Unit (ECU) is
the nodal unit for coordinating investment promotion activities with
economic Ministries, India's Missions and Posts abroad and associations
of trade and industry. The trade promotion arm of the Economic Division
plays a similar role on the trade promotion side.
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In pursuance of the decision by Government of India to entrust the work
relating to investment and trade promotion abroad to Indian Missions and
Posts, an officer has been designated in each Mission abroad to handle
such work. Missions have built up a wide network of contacts with local
industry associations, business leaders, economic journalists and other
opinion makers in order to keep them apprised of the Government's new
economic policies, their progressive evolution and the business
opportunities therein. In addition to economic bulletins, press releases
and newsletters, several Missions are using computer networks, data-
bases and electronic media to disseminate this information.
Missions and Posts have been organising investment promotion seminars on
a regular basis, especially in important business centres in Europe,
Japan, South-East Asia, USA and the Gulf. Speakers at such seminars have
included Ministers/senior Government officials, representatives of
Reserve Bank of India and leading financial institutions, management
consultants, tax experts and captains of Indian industry. Among
countries that received special attention in 1994-95 were Japan,
Germany, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, Italy and USA. The Indo-British
Partnership Initiative, involving close co-operation between the two
Governments as well as trade and industry in the two countries, was
extended for a second year with the objective of further publicising and
-116>
promoting opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.
In collaboration with concerned Ministries and industry associations,
the special emphasis placed on a sector-specific approach was continued,
with special attention being paid to the economic strengths and
complementarities of the various "target" areas vis-a-vis the Indian
economy. Indeed, close coordination with Chambers of Commerce and co-
opting the private sector in such efforts, formed a key component of the
Ministry's investment promotion exercise.
On the trade front, sectoral and fact finding delegations were
encouraged and facilitated to explore and develop new target markets
like those of South Africa, Israel, CIS countries and South East and
East Asia. Individual exporters are assisted as well in their search for
information on markets.
The Ministry of External Affairs is an active participant in inter-
Ministerial meetings to promote India's exports, including project
exports to new markets. The Ministry is represented in the Inter-
Ministerial Committee (IMC) chaired by the Ministry of Commerce to
approve overseas investments. The recommendations of Missions/Posts
regarding Indian joint ventures abroad form a vital part of the
decisions taken in IMC meetings. They are also important inputs in
formulation of strategies for increasing India's project exports by the
Committee of the Overseas Construction Council of India (OCCI), of which
Ministry of External Affairs is a member. Indian Missions and Posts have
succeeded in securing several important projects for Indian companies in
countries like Lebanon, Nigeria, Tanzania, Vietnam, etc. The Ministry is
also actively represented on the High-Level Committee for exports and
has contributed constructively to policies formulated for promoting
exports to target countries and meeting the needs of small and medium
exporters.
| Back-up Support to Missions and Posts |
Top |
The Ministry of External Affairs provides comprehensive back-up support
to its Missions and Posts for doing economic and commercial work. It
liaises closely with Missions and
Posts on the various promotional measures that need to be undertaken,
and in providing full support to these initiatives. These efforts are
especially focussed on those countries where the potential for
increasing trade and investment flows is the highest.
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Each of the Ministry's 14 9 Missions/Posts abroad has arrangement-s for
doing economic and commercial work. These arrangements have been
progressively strengthened: priority has been given to providing
Economic and Commercial Wings with the necessary infrastructure and
back-up support to aid them in the efficient execution of their
responsibilities. Officers posted to Missions undergo intensive
training; refresher courses are also arranged periodically at the level
of Commercial Representatives as well as Heads of Mission.
Given the various economic policy changes that have taken place,
especially after the economic reforms, The Manual of Instructions to
Commercial Representatives (CRs) abroad, which was last prepared in 1967
was updated in April 1994 to cover the vast range of duties that a CR is
expected to perform in the present liberalised economic environment.
While work on the revision of the Manual was undertaken by a Committee
set up by Ministry of Commerce, crucial inputs were provided by
Commercial Representatives in Missions and Posts abroad. ECU assisted in
the areas relating to investment promotion.
In order to ensure that the information database available in the
Economic and Commercial wings of Missions and Posts is up-to-date,
floppy diskettes containing information on the Indian economy,
compilations of export and trade directories, handbooks of industrial
statistics, etc are regularly supplied to them by Ministry of External
Affairs. Missions and Posts are being kept regularly informed about
important changes in economic policies and procedures so that they, in
turn, can keep business, industry and other sections of targeted
audiences in host countries suitably informed. The Ministry of External
Affairs also sends a weekly summary to Missions of important economic
events in collaboration with PTI.
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Special despatches and market surveys received from Missions/Posts are
summarised and disseminated among apex chambers of commerce and industry
and concerned export promotion councils. Tender notices received from
Missions abroad are promptly circulated among concerned Indian agencies.
The Ministry of External Affairs also provides Missions and Posts full
back-up support in terms of expediting 'responses to specific queries
arising out of business contacts and obtaining information from
concerned economic Ministries and Chambers of Commerce in India. In
addition, it coordinates programmes for visiting business delegations
from foreign countries. High-level visits are utilised to arrange direct
contacts between Chief Executive Officers of important foreign companies
and decision makers in Government of India, both in the host countries
as well as in India.
Trade facilitation functions of the Ministry also include attention to
commercial disputes: Missions/Posts abroad, chambers of commerce and
Indian companies are assisted in attempts to settle commercial disputes
by closely pursuing these with concerned agencies.
External Economic Publicity |
Top |
Wide publicity was given to international fairs organised in India like
IITF'94, International Seminar on Mineral and Mineral-based Industries
in ESCAP Region'94, MANTECH'95, IETF'95, AGROEXPO'95, Gifts and
Handicrafts Fair'95 and 22nd World Marketing and Management Congress'95.
Brochures and other information pertaining to these Fairs were
despatched to all Missions/Posts which were actively involved in
obtaining participation from foreign companies and Government agencies.
The Ministry was actively represented in the Committees and inter-
Ministerial meetings coordinating these Fairs. Important international
fairs abroad were also publicised and brought to the attention of apex
chambers, industry. associations and exporters, and advice and
assistance regarding Indian participation in these fairs extended to
concerned Ministries/agencies.
-119>
Special efforts were made in co-ordination with the External Publicity
Division to reach out to business journalists in foreign countries by
arranging their visits to India in order to enable them to see at first
hand the changes in the business environment and report on it in the
local media of their own countries.
With a view to making a more effective projectioneof India's new
economic policies, ECU invited leading advertisement agencies in the
country to submit concepts and make detailed presentations on the
subject. After a detailed examination of the various concepts presented,
the Ministry of External Affairs in coordination with the Ministries of
Finance, Commerce and Industry selected an approach that most closely
fitted the ideas which needed to be conveyed. The messages were released
in Singaporean newspapers on the occasion of Prime Minister's visit in
September 1994 and followed up in regional publications and other
magazines.
A 12-page flier presenting the salient features of India's economic
reforms introduced by India and her various advantages as a country to
invest in was produced by ECU and used first during Prime Minister's
visit to the United States in May 1994.
In November 1994, ECU published 10,000 copies of a set of six brochures,
"India Means Business" for distribution through Indian Missions and
Posts abroad. In addition to information on the economic profile of the
Indian economy, these brochures contain useful information on trade,
investment ' the financial sector, the size of the market and
opportunities in specific sectors.
ECU also published 20,000 copies of a composite brochure entitled
"India-Business Perspectives" in collaboration with a professional
management consultant, containing up-to-date information on the
regulatory environment, incentives for foreign investment, banking and
finance, the Indian Tax System, Company Law and Accounting.
Information on the Indian economy and the business environment is also
being made available on floppy diskette, with
ECU linking up with the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), one
of India's premier economic research organisations. The material will be
constantly updated by means of a quarterly revision of the contents.
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Two slide packages have been prepared in collaboration with CII and
ASSOCHAM to assist Missions in projecting the new economic policies. To
supplement this material in industrialised countries, a special computer
aided visual package has been prepared in collaboration with the
Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India , (ICICI).
All this material has been produced with a view to distributing it to
targeted audiences of foreign businessmen through Indian Missions and
Posts abroad, economic Ministries and apex Chambers of Commerce. They
incorporate inputs received from virtually every single Ministry in the
Government of India involved in the investment and trade promotion
exercise.
Important Trade and Investment Promotion Events |
Top |
The occasions of the Prime Minister's visits to the UK, Russia, USA,
Vietnam and Singapore, as well as visits by Ministers and prominent
economic personalities were utilised to highlight the opportunities for
economic collaborations and business tie-ups and all assistance rendered
with regard to the business components of such visits. For instance, in
the course of the Prime Minister's visit to Singapore in September 1994,
a total of 12 agreements were signed between Indian and Singaporean
companies in diverse fields including aquaculture, food processing,
banking, commercial office complexes, EDI services, LPG terminals, mini-
townships, shipbreaking, third country trading and warehousing. The
agreements gave Indian companies access to state-of-the-art technology
from Singapore with buy-back arrangements in certain cases. Some
projects also involved collaboration in third countries.
Among the more important events coordinated for visiting economic
delegation by ECU were the visits of the Yamashita
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Economic Mission despatched by the Government of Japan in March 1994;
the Korean Economic Mission in May 1994 and the Hong Kong Trade
Development Council (HKTDC) delegation in August 1994.
The Yamashita Mission was the second economic mission sent to India by
the Government of Japan after the launch of India's liberalisation
programme and was a follow-up to the visit of the Ishikawa Mission in
January 1992. The main purpose of the Mission was to arrive at ways and
means by which trade and investment between India and Japan could, be
stepped up.
A Korean delegation was sent by the Government of Republic of Korea in
follow-up to a proposal made during Prime Minister's visit there in
September 1993. The delegation consisted of representatives from
Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Construction, Trade, Industry
and Energy. There were also representatives from Korea's Economic
Planning Board and the Korea Development Institute.
The Hong Kong Business Mission was jointly sponsored by the Hong Kong
Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Hong Kong Indian Chamber of
Commerce and consisted of leading Hong Kong businessmen, both Chinese as
well as Indians.
The Ministry arranged substantive interactions for all these delegations
with senior Ministers and officials in concerned Ministries as well as
representatives of Indian trade and industry. The visits resulted in a
positive appreciation by these delegations of the progress achieved by
India on the economic front and optimistic prognostications for
heightened interest by their trade and industry in the opportunities
that India has to offer.
In addition to these Missions, high-level interactions with panels of
Secretaries to Government of India were arranged by the Ministry for
several other visiting economic delegations as well, especially those
accompanying foreign dignitaries. Such interactions were organised,
inter alia, for delegations from Germany, France, Kuwait and Republic of
-122>
Korea. Other foreign business delegations visiting India, whose
interactions with apex chambers were facilitated, were from Kuwait,
Vietnam, Russia, Uzbekistan, Slovakia, South Africa, Israel, Thailand,
Indonesia, Uganda and Iraq.
The Ministry was also closely involved in various investment promotion
seminars organised in India by other Ministries as well as apex chambers
and other economic organisations. Prominent among these were INVESMART
organised in April 1994 by Ministry of Industry in collaboration with
UNIDO. What made INVESMART different from other investment fora
organised in the past was the fact that the entire forum was focussed on
promoting 250 specific projects identified in six specific sectors by
Ministry of Industry. Indian Missions and Posts were actively involved
in promoting INVESMART and ensuring good participation from countries
such as France, Italy, UK, USA and Singapore. The success of the forum
can be gauged by the fact that about 70 Letters of Intent relating to
the identified projects were signed' in the course of INVESMART between
Indian entrepreneurs and foreign collaborators.
Another important initiative was the "Seminar on Trade and Investment
Opportunities in Uganda" which was held in Bombay in September 1994. The
Ministry, through the Bank of Baroda, organised the one-day seminar in
Bombay which was inaugurated by the President of Uganda. Prior to the
seminar, on the request of the Ugandan Investment Authority, the
Ministry also sent an expert from FICCI under the ITEC programme to
Kampala to assist the Ugandan authorities in the logistics of the
seminar.
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|
|
1994
12. Policy Planning and Research
|
Top |
The Ministry of External Affairs accorded high priority to work
related to Policy Planning. The Policy Planning and Research Division
accordingly was revitalised and the Division prepared numerous papers on
a wide range of subjects relevant to the formulation of India's foreign
policy. The papers consisted of immediate reaction to unfolding
international events as well as policy notes on issues of medium and
long term interest. They contributed to discussion and decision making
on the issues concerned.
The Division extended partial financial assistance to institutions in
different parts of India conducting seminars and conferences on
international issues of relevance to India's foreign policy. During the
period under review, assistance was extended to seminars/ conferences on
various subjects including aspects of India's foreign policy,
Pahchsheel, 50th Anniversary of UN, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Sri Lanka,
Latin America, South Asian region, human rights, South East Asia, China,
Africa, etc. It also extended financial support to academic institutions
and scholars to enable them to conduct studies and research on subjects
relevant to this Ministry.
One important task of the Division is to edit and publish the Annual
Report of the Ministry on the basis of the material received from the
various Divisions in the Ministry.
-124>
The Division rendered assistance to the territorial Divisions and the
Indian Missions abroad on issues relating to India's international
boundary or whenever any specific information or documents on
international relations were required.
Whenever international boundaries of India were incorrectly depicted in
maps printed in foreign publications (both official and private), the
Policy Planning and Research Division scrutinised them and evaluated the
extent of the error and the implications thereof in consultation with
the concerned territorial Divisions. The incorrect depictions and the
correct positions were pointed out and conveyed to the publishers
through Indian Missions to enable them to take necessary corrective
measures.
The Division also coordinated the Ministry's approval of new maps
brought out by the Survey of India depicting international boundaries of
India. It also processed requests of various Government or semi-
Government agencies for supply of restricted map-sheets required for use
in their official work in consultation with the Survey of India and the
Ministry of Defence.
The Division handled the requests from research scholars for access to
the closed records of the Ministry in the National Archives of India
relating to the restricted areas as per the Access Rules in consultation
with the territorial Divisions concerned. It also scrutinised excerpts
of the closed period records taken by research scholars for clearance in
consultation with the concerned territorial Divisions.
The Division undertook review/weeding of old files referred to it by the
Record Management Section of the Ministry and the Indian Missions
abroad. It also reviewed old records of the Ministry which were
transferred to the National Archives of India.
The Division coordinated the distribution of periodical reports received
from Indian Missions abroad.
To support the research efforts, a library equipped with modern
facilities and large resource material is maintained
-125>
with over one hundred thousand books and documents in its collection.
The Library subscribes to 600 periodical titles.
The Library is equipped with in-house computer system with 12 terminals
two of which support data entry and retrieval in Indian languages; a CD-
ROM Drive and CD-ROM databases on foreign affairs and current affairs; a
microfilm/fiche reader printer; a plain paper photocopier and a VTR and
colour monitor. A Laser Printer with DTP software is also available and
is being utilised for producing documents of the Division.
Documentation/Bibliographic Services as well as other library operations
and services were computerised using an integrated software package
developed in India. Information about books and selected periodical
articles received in the Library since 1986 is available on-line through
each terminal. All new documents received in the Library-books, maps,
microforms, selected articles from periodicals, etc-are being fed into
the in-house computer system to create Database on Foreign Affairs.
Using this Database and CD-ROM Databases, the Library provides Current
Awareness Service as well as Bibliographical and Reference Services. In
addition, the Library regularly issues a monthly Chronicle of Events, a
Foreign Affairs Documentation Bulletin and an annotated monthly list of
Recent Additions to the Library.
Library users including research scholars have access to on-line
computer-based information held in the Library in different Databases,
including CD-ROM Databases, through Foreign Affairs Information
Retrieval System (FAIRS). Photocopying and Computer Print-out facilities
are also available to all Library users including research scholars.
The Division has, during 1994-95, continued with the work of publishing
India's bilateral treaties and agreements. While three volumes covering
the period from August 1947 to December 1960 were published in January
1994, in the current year three more volumes covering treaties and
agreements signed by India during the period January 1961 to December
1970 have been published. These volumes of India's bilateral
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treaties/agreements serve as useful reference material and have been
greatly appreciated by scholars of international relations.
-127>
|
|
1994
13. External Publicity
|
Top |
Fundamentally, external publicity is the pursuit of foreign policy
objectives by the purposeful presentation of news and views through the
mass media with a view to preparing public opinion in a manner in which
diplomatic objectives are favourably received. It is the task of the
External Publicity Division (XP Division) to disseminate news about
developments pertaining to India's external affairs within India, to
project India and her views and concerns on national and international
issues externally, and to acquaint people abroad about developments in
India in the political, economic, social and cultural spheres with
particular reference to issues which have a bearing on India's external
relations and foreign policy. Information projection is therefore. a
vital tool in the implementation of foreign policy.
External publicity consists of both long-term image-building as well as
current or topical publicity. Image-building is concerned with the
projection abroad of a consistent and coherent image of India designed
to enlarge the area of positive perception of India and build up a
greater awareness of, and understanding for India and her values and
policies. Longterm publicity priorities focus largely on areas of
perennial interest, and unique, and/or enduring features of India such
as her luminous history, her rich civilisation, her ethnic, linguistic
and cultural variety, her diverse and profound religious and
philosophical traditions, her democratic and secu-
-128>
lar political culture and institutions, her pluralistic, tolerant and
accommodative social ethos, her wide experience in nation building and
her impressive economic and technological achievements.
The function of current publicity is to explain and interpret India's
foreign policy objectives and actions and gain acceptance and support
for them. It seeks to ensure the positive reportage of topical matters
concerning India and highlight areas where India enjoys a certain
'comparative advantage'. Of late, this has meant an intensification of
publicity of India's new economic environment and policies. But current
publicity also includes an element of countering negative or adverse
publicity either due to lack of information or motivated disinformation
and propaganda, or due to differing perceptions, interpretations and
misunderstanding of certain developments. Bearing in mind the reality of
a market place of information, however imperfect, and the principle of
freedom of opinion and information intrinsic to India's democratic
system, it has been the endeavour of the External Publicity Division to
counter unfair and biased reportage by transparency, and to project a
balanced perspective through the mainstream media and other opinion-
making channels so that negative developments are seen in perspective,
and influences and initiatives contrary to India's interests are not
allowed to prosper.
The Division performs five principal functions. Firstly, it sets the
policy framework, and guides and supervises the functioning of the
information and publicity wings of all Indian Missions and Posts abroad
now numbering 149.
Secondly, in its key function as the office of the official spokesman of
the Government of India on all matters pertaining to India's external
affairs, it strives to orient the domestic and international media on
India's external affairs perspectives and on topical issues through
regular briefings, public relations efforts, interviews with key
government and non-government figures, etc.
Thirdly, the Division performs a broad information 'supply' or 'service'
function for Indian Missions abroad to enable
them to discharge their press, information and publicity duties more
effectively. Material is supplied in print as well as audiovisual
formats covering news and features and encapsulating topical as well as
perennial issues and subjects. While some material is produced or
commissioned by the Division, most of it is acquired or adapted from
other sources, governmental as well as non-governmental. The Division
has a particularly close working relationship with the information
bodies attached to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting such as
Doordarshan, All India Radio, Directorate of Film Festivals, Photo
Division, Press Information Bureau Directorate of Advertising and Visual
Publicity and others on whom it is dependent to a considerable extent
for its information material and services.
-129>
Its news dissemination function includes press releases and statements
issued by the spokesman, news bulletins sent out to the majority of
India's Missions and Posts abroad on a twice-daily basis, and a limited
newspaper clipping service on external affairs coverage from the
national media for the senior-most levels of the Ministry and for Indian
Missions abroad. Over 400 press releases/statements were issued by the
Division this year which are being compiled and brought out for
information and record purposes on a quarterly basis. Another
compilation of visits, agreements and other significant diplomatic
developments, the 'Foreign Affairs Record' is being brought out on a
monthly basis.
With regard to features and other information material, the Division
commissioned or procured articles, publications, feature films and
documentaries on film and video, transparencies, photographs, floppies
and other publicity material for distribution to Missions and Posts on a
regular basis and on special commemorative occasions such as
Independence Day 1994, the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of
Mahatma Gandhi, and Republic Day 1995. Twenty-nine new documentary
programmes, six of them in 16mm/35mm film format also, were acquired
from government and independent sources and distributed to Missions.
Some of these have been telecast on foreign television networks through
Indian Missions. Over 40 Missions arranged telecasts on the occasion of
Indecent-
dence Day 1994. Some 20 Indian Missions brought out special supplements
in local newspapers on the occasion also. Four fresh TV programmes were
offered to Missions for use on Republic Day 1995. Thirty-seven new book
titles, 4 new magazines, and over 500 new transparencies on various
aspects of India especially the economy, were also acquired and
distributed to Missions and Posts abroad.
-130>
A special effort was undertaken to help Missions observe the 125th birth
anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Vithalbhai Jhaveri's classic 13-reel
documentary on the Mahatma was acquired in film and video form and
circulated to Missions. Several sets of photographic exhibition on
Gandhiji consisting of 50 historic photographs are being circulated to
Missions to commemorate the anniversary during the course of the year.
Books, photographs and other Gandhi souvenirs have also been made
available to Missions for the occasion. Several Missions have held
special functions including seminars, many attended by local
dignitaries, brought out special supplements in local newspapers and/or
arranged telecasts of films on Gandhiji to mark the occasion. An
exhibition on Pandit Nehru was also organised in Colombo.
On the production side, the Division completed a previously commissioned
film on the doyen of Indian classical music, Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur,
a video film on Sufi traditions in India and their linkages with Central
Asia, a video programme on the progress of India's economic reforms over
the last year and two video programmes on the status of women in India.
Spanish and Arabic versions of an earlier video programme entitled,
'India-Continuity in Change' were also brought out. Documentaries in
film and video previously produced by the Division also received wide
circulation and exposure.
As regards new publications, the Division brought out a second volume of
'Muslims in India' in continuation of its previous highly successful
publication on the same subject with a view to highlighting the
contribution of Indian Muslims in various facets of national life. A
French version of this book is under preparation. Speeches delivered by
Prime Minister during his visits to the USA, Russia and Singapore have
also
been printed and distributed to Missions. Compilations of speeches by
Prime Minister on foreign policy since 1991 are also under production. A
booklet entitled, 'The Kashmir Story', and a reprint of an earlier
publication, 'Pakistan: Abetting Terrorism in Kashmir' were also
produced to counter motivated disinformation and propaganda in Kashmir,
rebut specific false allegations by presentation of correct information,
and to put the overall situation in Kashmir in a proper perspective. A
reprint of 'India-Continuity in Change' and a Turkish edition of the
same are also under production. Similarly, the Division is also printing
the 'Vienna Convention on Human Rights' in Hindi for distribution within
the country in order to increase awareness of the contents of this
important convention amongst citizens of India. The demand for the
Ministry's flagship publication, 'India Perspectives', now printed in 10
languages continues to grow. Fifty thousand copies of this monthly
magazine containing a lively mix of articles on all facets of life in
India accompanied by illustrations and photographs are distributed
through Indian Missions abroad.
-131>
As part of its entertainment and cultural publicity work, the Division
helped organise the presentation of over 100 Indian feature films drawn
from the XP Division, the Directorate of Film Festivals and the National
Centre for Children's Films at over 30 films events/ festivals organised
by and through Indian Missions abroad. The Division also assisted in the
organisation of the 1995 India International Film Festival and the
Bombay International Documentary Film Festival held in Bombay. As part
of its ongoing programme of developing a comprehensive library of Indian
film classics covering popular, mainstream and art cinema, the Division
also acquired four feature films by the legendary director, Ritwik
Ghatak. For the first time, subtitled VHS copies of films of Shyam
Benegal and Guru Dutt not officially released in cassette form were
negotiated with producers /distributors and distributed to Missions. It
also helped facilitate the telecast in select countries abroad of
popular Indian TV serials. Further, the Division assisted Missions in
processing their requirements of satellite dish antennae, video
projectors, TVs and VCRs, and other equipment necessary for effective
information work, through the Ministry.
-132>
|
The Division's fourth major function is to monitor, with the help of the
information wings of Indian Missions abroad, international media
coverage on India and issues of special interest to India so as to be
better able to respond to recognisable trends and distortions and take
suitable corrective action. Of special importance in this connection
were the international perceptions and reportage on the progress of
India's economic reform programme, developments relating to India's
neighbourhood, human rights and the plague in 1994.
Lastly, the Division undertakes an active public relations programme for
the resident as well as visiting foreign media, and organises the media
component of India's VVIP visits abroad, and of foreign VVIPs visiting
India. As part of the ongoing programme of inviting foreign journalists
to acquaint themselves first-hand with India, XP Division hosted 40
journalists from nearly 30 countries during the year mainly from
economically advanced countries, the Islamic world, and India's
neighbours. Journalists from Germany, Japan, France, Italy, Spain,
Greece, Sudan, Bangladesh and China were amongst those covered under
this programme. The Division also rendered assistance to over 30 other
foreign journalists from different parts of the world visiting India on
their own. These visits succeeded to a considerable degree in generating
goodwill and promoting a more balanced picture of India abroad.
As the nodal agency responsible for media arrangements during visits of
Heads of State and Government XP Division facilitated coverage of events
in India by media teams who accompanied the President of Mongolia, the
President of Poland, the President of Uzbekistan, the President of
Argentina, the Prime Minister of Slovak Republic, the President of
Burkina Faso, the President of Togo, the Prime Minister of Russia, the
Prime Minister of Singapore ( to Calcutta ), the President of South
Africa, Nelson Mandela ( on the occasion of Republic Day, 1995 ) and the
President of Turkey to India during the year. It also arranged media
coverage for the incoming visits of the UN Secretary General, and the
Vice President of Suriname, and for visiting Foreign Ministers and
important dignitaries from several other countries. XP Divi-
sion also looks after media arrangements for VVIP visits abroad such as
those relating to the visits of the President to Romania and Bulgaria,
the Vice President to Australia, South Africa and China, and the Prime
Minister to USA, Russia, Singapore, and Vietnam. Besides this,
assistance was rendered to Indian Journalists going abroad on specific
assignments. The Division also facilitated media coverage for
journalists covering the G-15 and Education for All summits in 1994.
-133>
XP Division also serves as a facilitation centre for foreign journalists
based in, or visiting India. It assists Ahem in getting accreditation as
journalists, and facilitating their visas and their extension. News
organisations such as AP Television, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation,
AP Dow-Jones Services, etc opened new India-Bureaus. The Division also
liaises with other Government Ministries and Departments to process and
facilitate proposals for the making of documentary programmes by foreign
producers in India. Approximately 125 such proposals were cleared during
the year.
Changes in the international media scene have required corresponding
changes in publicity apparatus, strategy and techniques. The world-wide
information revolution has resulted in much faster communication and
news reportage than ever before. It has become necessary for the
Ministry to be linked with Missions as speedily as possible. Information
retrieval within India, especially in crisis situations, has to keep
pace with the swiftness of international news dissemination so that
authentic and authoritative information is obtained and projected
immediately. The reaction time of administrators and policy makers to
unexpected developments has been greatly curtailed. To meet this
challenge the External Publicity Division is gearing up its
communications technology by moving to an integrated use of
communication by fax and computers as a first step, and eventually to
link all Indian Missions by E-mail and other advanced computer-related
information technologies.
New media technologies and channels have also emerged. New means of mass
communication such as satellite and cable television, E-mail, CD-ROMs
and interactive. video, information highways and computerised data banks
and data pro-
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cessing, and digital imaging and recording have supplemented traditional
mass media such as print media, radio, terrestrial television and film.
The mushrooming of communication and broadcasting satellites, and the
combination of media, information and communication technologies are
eroding the power of states to regulate the flow of news, information
and reportage. It is recognised that publicity efforts should exploit
the positive potential of established as well as emerging media
technologies and channels of information, as each medium has its own
segment, characteristics, appeal and impact. The territorial reach and
penetration of phenomena like satellite, community and cable TV and
computer-linked E-mail networks need to be tapped.
New publicity and public relations strategies are also being adopted in
an effort to keep pace with the changing scenario. Newspaper and
magazine space is being used more effectively through support for
supplements brought out in foreign periodicals, and through
professionally crafted advertisement campaigns placed in prominent
international newspapers and periodicals. A new campaign promoting India
as an economic and business destination finalised in association with
the Economic Coordination Unit was launched formally during the visit of
the Indian Prime Minister to Singapore in September 1994, with
advertisements in two of Singapore's leading newspapers and the Far
Eastern Economic Review. These advertisements were also published in a
special supplement on India brought out by the 'Forbes' of USA and in
the European Edition of 'Newsweek'. The latter will be provided to
Indian Missions for local distribution and dissemination. The material
prepared for the Ministry of External Affairs was also utilised by the
Ministry of Finance in a special supplement on India in the 'Business
Week' of October 1994. Further, in line with the practice there,
professional lobbyists have been employed in USA to promote Indian
interests in policy-making circles. The Division also notes with
appreciation the independent efforts of Non-Resident Indians in USA,
Canada and Europe to project information and lobby the 'Indian'
viewpoint on crucial issues through the Email Internet network.
-135>
The nature and volume of media coverage of India has changed
significantly in recent times. While areas of adverse publicity remain
and are often occasioned or triggered by domestic events and
developments, the area of positive publicity has vastly improved.
Politically, the end of the Cold War and the progress in India's
dialogue with world powers, hand in hand with economic policies
facilitating India's greater participation in the global market, have
helped overcome political and psychological barriers of the past and
yielded an image of India as a more receptive economic, political and
strategic interlocutor. In terms of domestic policies, an increasing
acceptance of India as a genuine functioning democracy has been
accompanied by an appreciation of India's ability to contain and weather
formidable domestic challenges. Economically, the liberalisation
programme 'has been the single greatest factor behind the interest in
India shown by the international media. Though some reservations
persist, the reaction to the reforms have ranged from cautious optimism
to outright enthusiasm. The liberalisation measures have been seen as
releasing hitherto suppressed economic and entrepreneurial energies, and
placed India amongst a select group of attractive investment
destinations and emerging markets. More than any other factor, these
policies, and the dynamic response of Indian business and industry to
the more competitive environment opened by it, have made a significant
dent on India's image as a casestudy in bureaucratic red-tape and under-
development, and introduced new images of India, such as those inspired
by India's software industry, as a potential centre of economic energy
and innovation. Culturally, contemporary trends in Indian writing, art,
dance, music and other art forms are drawing attention to India's
cultural resilience and establishing India as a force to reckon with in
the global cultural arena.
India's response to negative reports and perceptions on Jammu and
Kashmir has been to remind the world about the correct historical
background leading to the unambiguous legal accession of Jammu and
Kashmir to India, the circumstances leading to the UN Resolutions on
Jammu and Kashmir, the reaffirmation and endorsement of this option by
the
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people and political parties of Jammu and Kashmir through successive
elections held under the Indian Constitution and by the Constituent
Assembly, the non-fulfilment by Pakistan of crucial requirements under
the UN Resolutions resulting in its non-implementation and obsolescence,
and the supersession of the UN Resolutions with the signing of the Simla
Agreement enshrining a solemn commitment by India and Pakistan to sort
out all problems bilaterally.
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|
1994
14. Protocol |
Top |
During the year 1994, Heads of Diplomatic Missions of the following
thirty-one countries presented their credentials to the President of
India:-
1 Venezuela
2 Democratic People's Republic of Korea
3 Bhutan
4 Philippines
5 Sweden
6 Mongolia
7 Argentina
8 Australia
9 Republic of Korea
10 Thailand
11 Iraq
12 Vietnam
13 Mauritius
14 Ghana
15 Lebanon
16 Slovak Republic
17 USA
18 Brunei Darussalam
19 Sri Lanka
20 Denmark
21 Saudi Arabia
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22 Uzbekistan
23 Canada
24 Czech Republic
25 Sultanate of Oman
26 Netherlands
27 Algeria
28 Afghanistan
29 Kenya
30 China
31 Norway
During the same period, Heads of Diplomatic Missions of the following
seventeen countries left India on completion of their assignment:-
I Republic of Korea
2 Vietnam
3 Algeria
4 Uganda
5 Kenya
6 Sri Lanka
7 Sultanate of Oman
8 Canada
9 Denmark
10 Kazakhstan
11 Netherlands
12 Nepal
13 Panama
14 Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
15 China
16 Norway
17 Zimbabwe
During 1994, there were 56 visits by VVIPs to India at the level of Head
of State/Government, Vice President and Foreign Minister and other
distinguished visitors. Details are at Appendix XV.
During the same period, there were 7 outgoing visits by the President,
the Vice President and the Prime Minister of India as per details at
Appendix XVI.
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The Protocol Division of the Ministry has a Conference Cell which is
responsible for organising international conferences. A list of
Conferences/Meetings organised by the Cell is given at Appendix XVII.
The Cell also extends all possible logistical support and consultancy
services to other Ministries/Departments of the Government of India. The
Conference Cell assisted XP Division in organising Press Conferences for
dignitaries such as the Russian Prime Minister, Sri Lankan Foreign
Minister, etc.
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|
|
1994
15. Passport and Consular Services and Indians Overseas |
Top |
The main focus during 1994 was reduction in backlog and time taken for
issue of a passport; systems review; and computerisation.
The Ministry's objective is to put into operation a system whereby
passports are issued within a reasonable time period and procedures
streamlined to provide quick and efficient service to the public. The
decline in pendency during the year has been sharp and is indicative of
the efficacy of the efforts made by the Ministry and the Passport
Offices.
Pendency in issue of passports stood at 5,32,738 on 31 December 1993 and
applications pending over one month were 3,43,215. At the end of
December 1994, total pendency has come down to 2.8 lakhs and pendency
over one month is only 1.4 lakhs. Pendency over one month indicates the
real backlog with the Passport Office.
The Passport Offices issued 20,11,404 passports during 1994 (January-
December). Miscellaneous services like renewals, change of names,
inclusion of child's name, emigration clearance not required (ECNR)
stamp, amounted in 1994 to
-141>
10,14,662 which is almost 50% of the issue of fresh passports. Detailed
input and output figures are at Appendix VI.
A Passport Office was opened in Jammu on 31st March 1994. A colection
centre is operating in Srinagar. A colection centre will be opened at
Mangalore.
Following measures for further systematisation and streamlining of
procedures were undertaken:
(i) Requirement of Police verification/Verification Certificate is
dispensed with for 10-year renewal of passports. In cases where renewal
is sought at an office other than the office of original issue, renewal
is to be provided in thirty days from the date a reference was made to
the original office, even if confirmation is not received within this
period.
(ii) A system of inspection, visits and personal follow-up have helped
tone up the passport offices and ensure they are more responsive to
public needs.
(iii) To deal with the large number of complaints and grievances from
the public, a senior officer in Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV)
Division meets the public to hear their grievances and complaints with a
view to seeking speedy redressal. The effort is to try and resolve the
complaints within a month. Similarly, all Passport Offices have
designated officials to meet the public in an attempt to provide
redressal to the problems of the public.
(iv) Computerisation of Passport Offices has been speeded up. Apart from
Delhi, Bombay and Bangalore, Passport Offices in Cochin, Goa, Kozhikode,
Madras, Tiruchy and Trivandrum will be computerised by the end of the
current financial year. During 1995, the remaining Passport Offices are
proposed to be computerised. Computerisation has led to a decrease in
the time taken for issue of a passport and retrieval of information
regarding pending applications. Computerisation of all Passport Offices
would result in speedier clearance of cases requiring prior authorisation from another Passport Office.Machine writing of passports is also under examination in consultation
with NIC. This would eliminate inaccuracies in the writing of passports
and also reduce the time taken for issue of a passport.
-142>
(v) Passports are issued on priority provided, applicants furnish
documentary proof of urgency, in cases involving career/business
opportunities, medical reasons, study abroad, death, marriage of
son/daughter.
The Ministry worked in close consultation with various law enforcement
agencies on matters concerning passport fraud. There are ongoing efforts
to produce more secure passports by the India Security Press, Nasik.
The Regional Passport Offices in Delhi, Cochin and Bangalore moved to
more spacious, and modern premises. In Kozhikode, Madras, Goa and
Hyderabad, new properties have been located and are in various stages of
construction/completion. In Jaipur and Lucknow, plots of land have been
identified for purchase. In Bareilly and Chandigarh, discussions have
been initiated for new sites. It is believed that improvement in the
work environment and the facilities available would result in greater
productivity in the Passport Offices. It would also make the premises
more user-friendly.
As a measure of providing convenience to the public, sameday services
have been started by the Passport Offices in Delhi, Bombay, Bareilly,
Patna, Trivandrum, Madras, Cochin and Hyderabad for services of 5-year
renewal, ECNR, inclusion/deletion of child's name and change of address.
This same-day service would be extended to other metropolitan cities.
Inter-ministerial discussions have been completed regarding Machine
Readable Visa Stickers. Production is expected to commence early in the
next financial year.
Price Waterhouse and CMC have been commissioned to do a systems review
of the working of the Central Passport Organisation (CPO). M/s Price
Waterhouse submitted the final
-143>
Report in January 1995 which is under examination. CMC's final Report is
awaited and will be similarly examined.
Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) were held to empanel officers
for promotion to the posts of Superintendent, Assistant and UDC.
Recruitment Rules for some of the Group C and D posts have been framed.
Amendments to the existing Recruitment Rules to Group A posts have been
proposed and are awaiting approval of the Union Public Service
Commission.
Consular work with regard to Indian nationals abroad continued to be an
area requiring constant attention. Indians in Rwanda and Yemen were
evacuated to India due to internal problems in those countries. Indian
Missions in Kampala, Sana'a, Aden and Djibouti rendered assistance to
these persons by issuing them duplicate travel documents and arranging
for their transportation back to India. On return to India they were
given an amount of Rs 2,000 per person to help tide over the emergency.
The affected persons have undertaken to repay the cost of transportation
and the financial assistance given to them.
Missions abroad provide assistance to Indians in settling differences
with local employers, repatriation of destitute Indians, maintaining
contacts with Indians in foreign jails, assisting with formalities for
Indians who have died abroad, either in the performance of last rites or
return of the dead body to India.
Figures regarding various categories of cases where consular services
were provided in India and abroad may be seen at Appendix VIII.
Agreements are under consideration with several countries for transfer
of convicted persons.
There are nearly 14 million overseas Indians spread over the world. This
figure includes Indian citizens settled abroad as also persons of Indian
origin who have taken foreign citizenship. Government is sensitive to
the emotional urges and cultural bonds that overseas Indians have with
India as also
to their deeply felt desire to nurture their roots in the mother
country. Government makes every effort to remain informed about the
wellbeing of Overseas Indians.
-144>
A section of the overseas Indians have sought grant of dual citizenship.
This has not been found acceptable. Efforts are, however, being made to
examine ways in which, the linkages with overseas Indians can be
strengthened.
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|
1994
16. Administration and Organisation |
Top |
Shri Pranab Mukherjee assumed charge as Minister of External Affairs
on 10 February 1995. Shri Dinesh Singh, who had assumed charge as
Minister of, External Affairs on 17 January 1993, demitted charge on the
same day. Shri R L Bhatia and Shri Salman Khurshid continue to hold
charge as Ministers of State for External Affairs during 1994-95.
During the year reported upon, new Missions were opened in Pretoria
(South Africa) on 2 May 1994, Dushanbe (Tajikistan) on 23 May 1994,
Bishkek (Kyrghyzstan) on 23 May 1994 and Bogota (Colombia) on 3 October
1994. In addition two Consulates General were opened : Istanbul (Turkey)
on 20 April 1994 and Durban (South Africa) on 16 May 1994.
On 26 December 1994, Government of Pakistan asked for closure of the
Indian Consulate General in Karachi within 10 days. As a consequence,
the Consulate General was closed down with effect from 4 January 1995.
The Ministry now has 149 resident Missions/Posts abroad.
-146>
The total strength of IFS and IFS(B) at Headquarters and in Missions
abroad is 3490 (Details are at Appendix X). This includes certain posts
borne on the budget of the Ministry of Commerce but excludes ex-cadred
posts. The list of officers qualified in various foreign languages is at
Appendix XI. The statement showing the number of appointments (both by
direct recruitment and promotion) made in various groups in the Ministry
and reserved vacancies filled by Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes
during the year 1994 is at Appendix XII.
In keeping with the instructions contained in the Second Report of the
Standing Committee of Parliament on External Affairs, the Ministry
assessed its requirements of property in India and abroad and drew up a
comprehensive plan for purchase and construction of property, with a
view to meeting all its requirements, that was proposed to be
implemented in a period of 10 years, beginning with 1995-96. However,
because of the current budgetary constraint, the financial authorities
have expressed their inability to sanction funds required for
implementation of this plan. The Ministry shall remain in touch with
these authorities. As and when they are in a position to sanction the
requisite funds, a suitably modified plan, in the light of the
circumstances prevailing at that stage, shall be put into effect.
The Ministry continued its efforts to purchase built-up property within
the available budgetary resources. Properties were purchased in Berne (4
residential units), Pretoria (Chancery building and Embassy Residence),
Durban (Consul General's Residence) and Bangkok (3 residential units).
Other property purchase proposals under active consideration pertain to
the Missions/Posts at Kiev, Vancouver, The Hague, Wellington and
Frankfurt. These will be finalised subject to fulfilment of financial
and administrative requirements as also availability of funds. Approval
of the Cabinet was obtained for renewal of the lease of the Residence of
the Indian High Commissioner in London for a period of 65 years.
Special attention is being given to repair and maintenance of government
owned properties abroad.
-147>
Construction work started on the Riyadh project (Chancery, Embassy
Residence and 44 residences) in May 1994 and is expected to be completed
in 20 months. Contract for construction of the building of the Indian
Cultural Centre in Mauritius is expected to be awarded by 31 March 1995.
Construction of building of the Foreign Service Institute in the old JNU
Campus is expected to begin in July/August 1995. The Passport Office in
Cochin has shifted to its newly constructed premises. The Passport
Office, Delhi was shifted to its new premises in the Trikoot complex,
Bhikaji Cama Place. The building of the Passport Office in Kozhikode is
under construction. Other construction projects under process relate to
the Missions in Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Brasilia, Dhaka, Islamabad,
Kathmandu, Muscat, Moscow; the ICCR complex at Calcutta, construction of
the Ministry's office building on Janpath, housing projects at
Papankalan and Chanakyapuri, as also construction of Passport Office
Complexes at Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Panaji. Implementation of the
above projects would depend upon fulfilment of administrative and
financial requirements and availability of budgetary resources.
In pursuance of its policy to computerise its offices in India and
abroad, the Ministry sanctioned purchase of additional computer
hardware. A pilot project to introduce E-Mail link with 13 Missions was
initiated. The Ministry's offices at South Block are proposed to be
brought under a centralised computer network.
In order to assess the functioning of Indian Missions abroad, Foreign
Service Inspectors inspected Missions in Brussels, Kiev, Minsk, Tel
Aviv, Nicosia, Athens, Moscow and Malta. Some additional Missions in
Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America are expected to be inspected by
the end of 1994-95.
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|
|
1994
17. Foreign Service Institute |
Top |
The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) continued its regular activities
during the year 1994-95. Stress was laid on improvement of the quality
and content of each course based on past experience and to suit the
changing requirements. This was achieved by giving more attention to
qualitative performance in different areas.
The following courses were held in the year under report:
(i) Professional Course in Diplomacy and International Relations for IFS
Probationers (1993 batch)
(ii) Basic Professional Course for IFS (B) personnel posted abroad
(iii) Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats in Economic Diplomacy
(iv) Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD)
(v) Familiarisation Programme for Resident Foreign Diplomats
(vi) Computer Courses
(vii) Language Courses
(viii) Orientation Programme for non-MEA Officers
-149>
(ix) Hindi Typing for officials of the Ministry of External Affairs.
The year-long Professional Course in Diplomacy and International
Relations for 15 IFS Probationers of the 1993 batch consisted of modules
covering the following areas: Diplomatic Practice and Protocol, Inter-
national Relations, Multilateral Diplomacy, International Law,
Administration, Establishment, Finance and Accounts, Cultural Diplomacy,
External Publicity, International Economic Environment, Commercial Work,
Parliament Procedure and Proceedings, Representational Skills, Hindi,
Consular Work, Overseas Indians., Tourism, Technology and Foreign
Policy, Economic Reforms, Regional Economic Groupings,
Assignment/Projects, Communication and Security, Management Skills,
Foreign Policy, French Language, Army Attachment and Driving. A
Comprehensive Tour on training cum Navy Attachment was also arranged for
them.
Officials of the Ministry upto the rank of Section Officers posted
abroad attended the basic' Professional Course which covers all aspects
of functioning in Missions abroad. As part of this Course, two short
courses on computer appreciation, word processing and data base
management were organised so as to enable the participants to
familiarise themselves with modern office management tools and
techniques.
Based on the language need of the country of posting five language
courses were also arranged for IFS (B) personnel, two each in French and
Arabic and one in Russian. Language tapes and books have been provided
on demand and individual officials and their families have taken
advantage of the facilities available in the Language Laboratory.
Special English coaching classes have also been ar I ranged for the
participants of the PCFDs.
A Familiarisation Programme for Resident Foreign Diplomats in Delhi was
held in the current year. A total of 24 diplomats from 19 countries and
two UN Organisations attended the same.
The Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) arranged by the FSI
has become popular over the years. The
-150>
course design covers the following areas: Diplomatic Practice and
Protocol; International Relations; International Economic Relations;
Implementation of Foreign Policy; Management Skills; Representational
skills; Communication Skills; and Computer Appreciation. The Fourth and
Fifth PCFDs were held this year. In the Fourth PCFD which laid stress on
Economic Diplomacy, there were eighteen participants from seven
countries (Poland, Slovakia, Uzbekistan, Russia, Belarus, Turkmenistan
and Kazakhstan). The Course was held from 15 March to 19 April 1994. The
Fifth PCFD which was held from 19 September to 2 December 1994 was
attended by 19 diplomats from the following countries : Azerbaijan,
Kazakhstan, Kyrghyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Zambia, Poland,
Lithuania, Armenia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Laos, Slovakia, Russia,
Mongolia, Estonia, Kenya, Madagascar and Eritrea.
Orientation Programmes for non-MEA Officers are structured at least
twice a year and both programmes this year, one in June and the other in
December, were fully attended.
The Institute conducted five Hindi typing courses during the year in
which sixty-three officials qualified. These courses, which were started
in 1993-94, have proved popular.
The FSI continued to maintain contacts with other training Institutes
abroad.
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|
|
1994
18. Implementation of Official Language Policy and Propagation of Hindi Abroad
|
Top |
Like previous years, this year too the Ministry endeavoured to
implement the Official Language Policy of the Government of India and
also to propagate Hindi abroad. The Official Language Implementation
Committee headed by Joint Secretary (Administration) continued to review
the implementation position of Official Language Policy in the Ministry.
Official Language Committees were set up in several Indian Missions
abroad during the year.
During the year under review, a Hindi module for the Indian Foreign
Service probationers of the 1993 Batch was organised. With a view to
creating an atmosphere conducive to use of Hindi in official work, a
Hindi Week was observed and various competitions organised at
headquarters as well as in some Indian Missions abroad and Passport
Offices in India.
The Ministry made translation arrangements for two weeks during 49th
Session of UN General Assembly to help the members of Indian delegation.
The Ministry continued to be actively engaged in the propagation of
Hindi abroad. Besides sending sets of Standard Hindi literature and
teaching aid material including text books, audio cassettes, charts,
dictionaries, etc to a large
number of Indian Missions abroad, the Ministry extended all possible
help to foreign universities, educational institutions and individuals
engaged in promotion of Hindi through Indian Missions abroad. During the
year 1994-95 Hindi typewriters/computer softwares were provided to
foreign institutions/individuals and Indian Missions in Vietnam, Russia
(St Petersburg), New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Hungary. There was
noticeable increase in demand from, predictable areas but requests for
Hindi books and teaching aids were also received from places like
Tehran, Vladivostok, Odessa, The Hague, Colombo, Kathmandu, Havana, etc.
Indian Missions in Buenos Aires, Budapest, Ulaan Baatar, Seoul,
Paramaribo, Port of Spain, London and Port Louis continued to play a
major and significant role in propagation of Hindi abroad in the
countries of their accreditation. The High Commission of India, London
organised Kavi Sammelans in Manchester and London which were attended by
poets from India, namely Neeraj, Ramnath Awasthi, Kanhaiya Lal Nandan
and Jnanpith laureates besides filmstars Amitabh Bacchan and Dilip
Kumar. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu organised a Hindi-Nepali Kavi
Sammelan which was extremely successful. The Indian Missions in
Paramaribo, Budapest and Kathmandu successfully organised Hindi Diwas
wherein natives of the respective countries participated actively and
enthusiastically.
-152>
The Ministry liaised with Department of Education, Kendriya Hindi
Sansthan, Agra and Indian Missions abroad for nomination of suitable
foreign candidates for scholarship to study Hindi at Kendriya Hindi
Sansthan, Agra.
The results of the Ministry's efforts in propagating Hindi in foreign
countries have been very encouraging.
-153>
USA
INDIA RUSSIA VIETNAM HUNGARY NEPAL NEW ZEALAND SRI LANKA CUBA IRAN ARGENTINA KOREA MAURITIUS SPAIN SURINAME UNITED KINGDOM
|
|
1994
19. Cultural Relations |
Top |
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR, henceforth referred
to as the Council) was formally set up in 1950, with the primary
objective of establishing, reviving and strengthening cultural relations
and mutual understanding between India and other countries. Its aims as
enunciated in the Memorandum of Association are:
(i) to participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and
programmes relating to India's external cultural relations
(ii) to foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual
understanding between India and other countries
(iii) to promote cultural exchange with other countries and peoples
(iv) to establish and develop relations with national and international
organisations in the field of culture
(v) to take such measures, as may be required, to fur-
ther these objectives.
The major activities of the Council include:
administration of scholarship schemes on behalf of the Government of
India for international students; exchange of scholars, academics,
opinion makers, artistes and writers; exchange
of exhibitions; organisation of and participation in seminars and
symposia; exchange of performing arts groups; establishing and
maintaining Chairs and Professorships for India Studies abroad;
presentation of books; organising Annual Maulana Azad Memorial Lectures
and the Maulana Azad Essay competitions; providing the secretariat for
the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding;
publications; maintaining Indian Cultural Centres abroad and supporting
special bilateral programmes.
-154>
Scholarships and Welfare of International Students
The Council attaches considerable importance to its scholarships
programmes, as it is a critical input to greater people-to-people
contact and hence, an integral part of India's foreign policy. Every
year, a large number of foreign students come to India, mainly on self-
financing basis. The Council offers around 1000 scholarships every year
under its various scholarship schemes, principally to nationals of
developing countries. After their studies here, many of these students
occupy positions of influence and importance in Government, industry and
the civil services, on their return to their countries. There are at
present international students from around 70 countries on scholarships
who are studying in different universities and educational institutions
in India and pursuing a variety of courses from undergraduate studies to
doctoral degrees in the social sciences as also professional subjects
such as Engineering, Medicine, etc. The total number of international
students under various ICCR scholarships is 1792.
From this academic year onwards, the Council has instituted a new
scholarship in the memory of the late Appa Saheb Pant, the first
Commissioner of India in Kenya. The scholarship has been awarded to a
Kenyan student.
The Okita Memorial Scholarship has also been instituted at the request
of the family of the former Japanese Foreign Minister, the late Dr S
Okita, recipient of the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and
Development in the year 1993. The scholarship is being awarded to a
meritorious Indian student.
-155>
The Council celebrated the birth anniversary of its founder, Maulana
Abul Kalam Azad on 11 November as 'International Students Day'. Special
get-togethers and cultural programmes of international students and
Indian students in Delhi and at various universities all over the
country were arranged on the occasion. Indian Missions in Africa, South
East Asia and elsewhere also organised special functions to mark the day
by inviting former alumni of Indian Universities. This helps maintain
links with former alumni.
The welfare of all international students is the responsibility of the
Council. The Council deputed various officers during the year to visit
different institutions and to meet the heads of these institutions to
solve their problems. To further regular interaction with the
international students, the Council has decided to bring out a news
letter from this year onwards which would not only report on some of the
activities of the international students but also highlight the
activities of the Council.
Performing Arts
The major highlight this year of the presentation of India's composite
and rich culture abroad has been the Festival of India in China (3 to 22
May 1994). Some of the other major events in which the Council
participated during the year were 'India Today 1994' (21 April to 2 May
1994) in Australia, which was a month-long event inaugurated by the Vice
President of India, the exclusive commercial exhibition organised by
India Trade Promotion Organisation in Moscow (18 to 27 July 1994), the
India Trade Fair at St Petersburg (5 to 11 August 1994), India in Dubai
(17 to 23 September 1994), the 125th Death Anniversary Celebrations of
Mirza Ghalib in Mauritius (12 to 18 September 1994) and the 'India
Night' at Alter Opera, Frankfurt (24 September 1994).
During April-December 1994, the Council sponsored the visits of a number
of cultural troupes abroad, details of which are given at Appendix XXII.
During the same period, the Council also facilitated/organised
performances by a number of incoming delegations, details of which are
at Appendix XXIII. Finally, the Council organised several Indian cul-
tural programmes in honour of visiting delegations/VVIP functions.
Details of such programmes are at Appendix XXIV.
-156>
Exhibitions
On the occasion of 125th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the
Council organised a major exhibition in Japan titled 'Ashoka-Gandhi-
Nehru-The Healing Touch' for display at the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum in
October 1994. The exhibits reflect the Ashokan period, the lives and
times of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru and their philosophy of
humanism, pacifism and non-violence. Other exhibitions organised by the
Council during April to October 1994 are the exhibition of Indian
Children's Paintings (Republic of Korea) and the Children's Paintings
(Cairo). The Council also presented busts of Gandhiji and Gurudev
Rabindranath Tagore. Details about such presentation of busts and the
exhibitions are given in Appendix XXV.
Visitors Programme
During April-December 1994, the Council sponsored and assisted 45 Indian
Scholars, intellectuals, academics and artistes to participate in
seminars, symposia, study tours, etc abroad, the details of which are at
Appendix XXVI. The Council received 78 visitors from 11 countries as per
details indicated at Appendix XXVII
International Symposium on India Studies
The Council was the Secretariat for the International Symposium on India
Studies (ISIS) which was organised from 28 November to 2 December 1994
at Kovalam in Kerala.
The Symposium was inaugurated by the Prime Minister at Kanakakunnu
Palace, Thiruvananthapuram, Trivandrum on 28 November 1994. The Governor
and the Chief Minister of Kerala attended and adressed the inaugural
function.
A National Organising Committee was set up by the Prime Minister, Patron
of the Symposium, to work out arrangements for the Symposium with the
eminent scholar-philosopher Prof K Satchidananda Murty, as its Chairman.
-157>
The aims of the Symposium included (a) taking a critical review of the
achievements and current work in studies relating to India (ancient,
classical, medieval and contemporary) in all its aspects, (b)
encouraging discovery of new
dimensions of Indian life and thought, and (c) attempting to suggest new
directions for such studies so that they become more comprehensive,
multi-disciplinary and relevant for understanding the actualities that
constitute present-day India. The idea of the Symposium was conceived
during the visit of the Prime Minister to Germany. It reflected the need
to encourage Indology studies and to give an impetus to an understanding
and appreciation of modern India through India studies.
|
Special Issue of the Council's English language quarterly, 'Indian
Horizons', titled Indian Realities and especially brought out on the
occasion of the Symposium, was presented to the Prime Minister by Prof K
Satchidananda Murty.
Thirty-one scholars from various parts of the world including Australia,
Belgium, China, France, Germany, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico,
Poland, Russia, UK and USA participated in the Symposium along with
their counterparts from India.
All participants said the Symposium was a landmark event in area of
India Studies and in promoting a holistic understanding of India. The
Symposium closed with the unanimous recommendation that a permanent
International Society of India Studies under the Chairmanship of Prof
Satchidananda Murty be set up to monitor and coordinate activities
related to India Studies worldwide and to act as a clearing house for
information and ideas.
Cultural Centres Abroad
India's foreign policy has a cultural dimension for promoting greater
people-to-people contact and an appreciation of India's cultural
heritage. The Council has set up cultural centres in Georgetown
(Guyana), Jakarta (Indonesia), Moscow (Russia), Port Louis (Mauritius),
Paramaribo (Suriname), Cairo (ARE), Berlin (Germany), London (UK),
Tashkent (Uzbekistan) and Almaty (Kazakhstan).
-158>
The activities in the Cultural Centres reflect the perceived and felt
needs of the local population. The Centres with the exception of the
ones in Berlin and London impart lessons in Indian music, dance, yoga
and languages. All Centres have libraries and reading rooms, organise
lectures, symposia, exhibitions, essay competitions, performances ' of
dance and music, staging of plays, screening of films and publication of
news bulletins. The Centres are expected to develop and maintain
contacts with a wide cross-section of local citizens, including
students, teachers, scholars and cultural personalities. While some
Centres focus principally on the resident Indian population and help
them maintain and strengthen cultural links with India, other Centres
target the intelligentsia and opinion makers to project a holistic
picture of India's rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Visiting Professors and Chairs of India Studies Abroad
The Council deputes visiting Professors abroad to teach Indology, Indian
Languages and other related subjects. The deputation of Professors
abroad is principally done under the bilateral Cultural Exchange
Programmes, as also where there is a specific institutional arrangement
with the Council. ICCR presently has several Professors abroad teaching
Indian languages, Indology and allied subjects as per the list at
appendix XXVIII.
Indo-US Sub-Commission on Education and Culture
In August 1994, Ted Tanen from American Secretariat of the Indo-US Sub-
Commission on Education and Culture visited India and had meetings with
Shri Ram Niwas Mirdha, Indian Co-Chairman of the Sub-Commission, Shri
Salman Khurshid, Minister of State for External Affairs and several
other leading persons in various cultural and academic fields to
identify avenues for promoting greater exchange.
The Press Information Bureau in collaboration with the Council sponsored
the visit of four women delegates from the media to participate in the
'Women & Media' programme in the USA from 15 to 27 October 1994. The
American Secre-
-159>
tariat sponsored the visit of two more Indian women mediapersons to this
event.
The Council hosted the visit of 4 Indian film directors from USA to
India to participate in the film festival 'From India to America: New
Directions in Indian American Films and Video' in New Delhi from 30
November to 4 December 1994 and in. Bombay from 7 to 11 December 1994.
This festival was organised by the Smita Patil Foundation in
collaboration with the Indo-US Commission and the Whitney Museum of
American Art, USA.
Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding
The ICCR provides the Secretariat for the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for
International Understanding.
The Jury for the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding
under the Chairmanship of Vice President of India unanimously nominated
Maurice F Strong, the renowned environmentalist, for the Jawaharlal
Nehru Award for International Understanding for 1992. The Presentation
Ceremony conferring the Award was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 17
November 1994.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Memorial Lecture
The Lecture series was instituted in 1958. Persons of eminence and
stature have delivered the lectures over the years.
The 28th Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Memorial Lecture was delivered on 9
September 1994 by Dr Boutros-Boutros Ghali, Secretary General of the
United Nations on the topic 'Current World Challenges as Reflected in
the United Nations Today'.
The 29th Maulana Azad Memorial Lecture was delivered on 12 January 1995
by Tan Sri Ghazali Shafie, former Malaysian Minister for Foreign
Affairs, Home and Education.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Essay Competition
The Council annually organises an Essay Competition for citizens of
SAARC countries below the age of 30 years. The Essay
-160>
Competition is held in three languages-Hindi, Urdu and English. 'Mauling
Azad and Secularism' is the topic for the 1993 Essay Competition. The
Essays received from different parts of India and other SAARC countries
are being evaluated by three separate juries specially nominated for the
purpose.
PLO Day
To commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian
people, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations organised a function
on 13 December 1994 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. Shri R L Bhatia,
Minister of State for External Affairs was the Chief Guest at the
function.
Publications
The Council has a major publications programme which has grown over the
years.
The Council brings out six quarterly journals in different languages :
English (Indian Horizons and Africa Quarterly), Hindi (Gagananchal),
French (Rencontre Avec L'Inde), Spanish (Papeles de la India) and Arabic
Quarterly (Thaqafatul Hind). A special issue of Indian Horizons on
India-China Relations was brought out on the occasion of Festival of
India in China and is considered to be one of the finest and most
comprehensive books available on the age-old contacts between the two
countries. Another issue of Indian Horizons titled 'Indian Realities'
was especially brought out as a curtain raiser for the International
Symposium on India Studies. Special issues on Indian cinema and on
children's literature in India are due to come out shortly. In
celebration of Gandhiji's 125th birth anniversary, an issue on how the
world sees and remembers the Mahatma is being especially brought out.
Two special issues of Africa Quarterly-one on the Horn of Africa and
another especially dedicated to the memory, of late Appasaheb Pant were
also brought out. An issue on Protest Literature in Africa is currently
in the press. The Spanish Quarterly is bringing out an issue on India
and the Hispanic World to coincide with the International Hispanic
Conference due to be held in Delhi shortly.
-161>
In collaboration with MARG Publications the Council co-published 'India
and Egypt: Influences and Interactions' and with Wiley Eastern Limited
the Council published 'The Divine Peacock: Understanding Contemporary
India'. A series titled 'Culture in the New Millenia' is also being
brought out with Wiley Eastern Limited and at least two titles are
expected to be ready by this year. A book on Indian Cinema is being co-
published with UBS.
The Council also participated in the following national and
international book fairs:
(i) 11th New Delhi World Book Fair in February 1994
(ii) Exhibition of Indian Books in China in May 1994
(iii) Australian Book Fair in Sydney in June 1994
(iv) 46th Frankfurt Book Fair in October 1994
(v) Exhibition of Indian Books in Male in November 1994
(vi) Special Book Exhibition at All India Fine Arts Building, Rafi Marg,
New Delhi, in October 1994
(vii) Book Exhibition of ICCR publications at Azad Bhavan, New Delhi,
from 11 to 17 November 1994
ICCR Library
The ICCR Library houses the rare and priceless personal collection of
books and manuscripts of Maulana Azad in a special section in the
library titled Gosha-E-Azad. The Library also has the single largest
collection in India of books on Africa, apart from having a rich
collection of books on art, literature, history, economics, politics,
etc.
The rare books and manuscripts from Maulana Azad collection are being
laminated to preserve them and to make them accessible to scholars and
researchers. Around 90 such books were laminated and bound this year.
-162>
Presentation of Books and Musical Instruments
During the period April-December 1994, the Council under its
presentation programme gifted 1050 books to institutions, distinguished
persons, academicians and opinion makers in 35 countries. This does not
include gifts of books published by the Council. In addition, the
Council presented 200 musical instruments, audio/video tapes and art
objects to institutions in 18 countries. Details of such presentations
are given at Appendix-XXIX.
Regional Offices
The Council has regional offices in Bombay, Calcutta, Bangalore,
Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Madras, Chandigarh and Lucknow to enable regular
contacts with State Cultural bodies as also to assist the foreign
students in their admission and other activities. Throughout the year
the Regional Offices carried out various programmes and intensified
their contacts with the state and zonal Cultural Centres.
Administration
The meetings of Statutory Bodies of the Council viz Finance Committee
and Governing Body were held on 8 and 9 November 1994.
-163>
|
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1994
APPENDIX-I List of Divisions.
|
Top |
Ministry of External Affairs-List of Divisions.
Specialized and Support Divisions
1 Administration Division
2 Bureau of Security
3 Coordination Division
4 CPV & 01 Division
5 Economic Division
6 Economic Coordination Unit
7 Establishment Division
8 External Publicity Division
9 Finance Division
10 Foreign Service Institute
11 Legal & Treaties Division
12 MER Division
13 Policy Planning & Research Division
14 Protocol (including Conference Division)
15 Special Kuwait Cell
16 SAARC Division
17 Special Unit
18 UN Division
Territorial Divisions
1 Africa Division
2 AMS Division
3 Asia Pacific Division
4 BSM Division
5 Central Asia Division
6 Europe East Division
7 Europe West Division
8 Gulf Division
9 IPA Division
10 LAC Division
11 North East Division
12 South East Asia Division
13 WANA Division.
-167>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-II Division-wise List of Countries
|
|
Ministry of External Affairs-Division-wise List of Countries and Regions.
AFRICA DIVISION
|
|
1 | Angola | 16 Gabon | 31 Nigeria
| 2 | Benin | 17 Gambia | 32 Rwanda
| 3 | Botswana | 18 Ghana | 33 Sao Tome & Principe
| 4 | Burkina Faso | 19 Guinea | 34 Senegal
| 5 | Burundi | 20 Guinea Bissau | 35 Seychelles
| 6 | Cameroon | 21 Kenya | 36 Sierra Leone
| 7 | Cape Verde Islands | 22 Lesotho | 37 South Africa
| 8 | Central African Republic | 23 Liberia | 38 Swaziland
|
9 |
Chad |
24 Madagascar |
39 Tanzania
|
10 |
Comoros |
25 Malawi |
40 Togo
|
11 |
Congo |
26 Mali |
41 Uganda
|
12 |
Cote d'Ivoire |
27 Mauritius |
42 Zaire
|
13 |
Equatorial Guinea |
28 Mozambique |
43 Zambia
|
14 |
Eritrea |
29 Namibia |
44 Zimbabwe
|
15 |
Ethiopia |
30 Niger |
| |
AMS DIVISION
|
1 |
Canada |
2 United States of America |
3 The Bahamas
|
|
|
|
ASIA PACIFIC DIVISION
|
1 |
Australia |
7 Marshall Islands |
14 Society Islands
|
2 |
Cook Islands |
8 Nauru |
15 Tonga
|
3 |
Democratic People's Republic of Korea |
9 New Zealand |
16 Tuvalu
|
|
10 |
New Caledonia |
17 UN Trust Territories in South Pacific
|
4 |
Fiji |
11 Papua New Guinea |
|
5 |
Japan |
12 Republic of Korea |
18 Vanuatu
|
6 |
Kiribati |
13 Solomon Islands |
19 Western Samoa
|
-168>
|
|
|
|
BSM DIVISION |
1 |
Bangladesh | 2 Maldives |
3 Myanmar
|
4 |
Sri Lanka | |
|
|
CENTRAL ASIA DIVISION |
CENTRAL ASIA DIVISION
1 Azerbaijan 4 Tajikistan 6 Turkmenistan
2 Kazakhstan 5 Turkey 7 Uzbekistan
3 Kyrghyzstan
EE DIVISION
1 Albania 9 Georgia 15 Poland
2 Armenia 10 Hungary 16 Romania
3 Belarus 11 Latvia 17 Russia
4 Bosnia-Herzegovina 12 Lithuania 18 Slovak
Republic
5 Bulgaria 13 Former Yugoslav 19 Slovenia
6 Croatia Republic of Macedonia 20 Ukraine
7 Czech Republic (FYROM) 21 Yugoslavia
8 Estonia (FRY--Serbia and
14 Moldova Montenegro)
EW DIVISION
1 Austria 10 Holy See, The 19 Norway
2 Belgium 11 Iceland 20 Portugal
3 Cyprus 12 Ireland 21 San Marino
4 Denmark 13 Italy 22 Spain
5 Finland 14 Liechtenstein 23 Sweden
6 France 15 Luxemberg 24 Switzerland
7 Germany, Federal
Republic of 16 Malta 25 United Kingdom of
8 Gibraltar 17 Monaco Great Britain and
9 Greece 18 Netherlands Northern Ireland
-169>
GULF DIVISION
1 Bahrain 4 Oman 7 Saudi Arabia
2 Iraq 5 Qatar 8 United Arab
Emirates
3 Kuwait 6 Republic of Yemen
IPA DIVISION
1 Afghanistan 2 Iran 3 "Pakistan
LAC DIVISION
1 Anguilla 14 Dominican Republic 27 Panama
2 Antigua & Barbuda 15 Ecuador 28 Paraguay
3 Argentina 16 El Salvador 29 Peru
4 Barbados 17 Grenada 30 St Christopher
5 Belize 18 Guatemala and Nevis
6 Bolivia 19 Guyana 31 St Lucia
7 Brazil 20 Haiti 32 St Vincent and
8 Cayman Islands 21 Honduras the Grenadines
9 Chile 22 Jamaica 33 Suriname
10 Colombia 23 Netherlands Antilles 34 Trinidad & Tobago
11 Costa Rica 24 Mexico 35 Turks and Caicos
12 Cuba 25 Montserrat Islands
13 Commonwealth of
Dominica 26 Nicaragua 36 Uruguay
37 Venezuela
NORTH EAST DIVISION
1 Bhutan 3 Hong Kong 5 Nepal
2 China 4 Mongolia 6 Taiwan
SOUTH EAST ASIA DIVISION
1 Brunei 4 Laos 7 Singapore
2 Cambodia 5 Malaysia 8 Thailand
3 Indonesia 6 Philippines 9 Vietnam
-170>
WANA DIVISION
1 Algeria 7 League of Arab 13 SADR (Sahrawi
States Arab Democratic
Republic)
2 Arab Maghreb Union 8 Lebanon
3 Djibouti 9 Libya 14 Somalia
4 Egypt. 10 Mauritania 15 Sudan
5 Israel 11 Morocco 16 Syria
6 Jordan 12 Palestine 17 Tunisia
-171>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-III Treaties/Conventions/Agreements concluded or renewed by India
|
|
Treaties/Conventions/Agreements concluded or renewed by India with other
countries in 1994.
S NO TITLE OF CONVENTIONS/ DATE OF DATE OF DATE OF
TREATIES/AGREEMENTS ETC SIGNATURE/ RATIFICATION/ ENTRY
ADOPTION ACCESSION OR INTO
ACCEPTANCE FORCE
MULTILATERAL
1 Agreement between the Government of 7.4.1994 7.4.1994
India and United Nations regarding the
Headquarters of the Asian and Pacific
Centre for transfer of Technology
2 Convention on Nuclear Safety 20.9.1994
3 Agreement to establish the South Centre 30.9,1994 13.12 1994
4 International Coffee Agreement 1994 20.8.1994 15.9.1994
1.10.1994
5 United Nations Convention to Combat 14.10.1994
Desertification in those Countries
Experiencing Serious Droughts and/or
Desertification, particularly in Africa
6 Agreement relating to Implementation 29.7.1994
of Part XI of the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982
BILATERAL
Andorra
7 Protocol on the establishment of 22.11.1994
Diplomatic Relations between the
Government of India and the
Principality of Andorra
8 Protocol on the establishment of 22.11.1994
Consular Relations between the
Government of India and the
Principality of Andorra
Argentina
9 Letters of exchange between the 31.3.1994
Government of India and Republic of
Argentina for:
(a) abolition of visa for holders
of diplomatic, officials and
special passports; and
-172>
(b) setting up of a joint
Commission for Indo
Argentina Cooperation
on economic, commerce and
other matters
Armenia
10 Agreement between Governments of the 25.3.1994
Republic of India and the Republic of
Armenia on Cooperation in the Fields
of Science and Technology
Austria
11 Memorandum of Understanding between 30.6.1994
the Ministry of Environment and
Forests, Government of the Republic
of India and the Federal Ministry of
Environment, Youth and Family Affairs
of the Republic of Austria
Belize
12 Agreement on Cultural Cooperation 15.6.1994 15.6.1994
between India and Belize
13 Agreement on Economic Cooperation 15-6.1994
between the Republic of India and
Belize
Bulgaria
14 Agreement between the Government of 26.5.1994
the Republic of India and the
Government of the Republic of Bulgaria
on Combating Organised Crimes,
International Terrorism and Illicit
Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances
15 Agreement on Tourism Cooperation 26.5.1994
between the Government of the Republic
of India and the Government of the
Republic of Bulgaria
16 Protocol for Consultation and 26.5.1994
Cooperation between the Ministry of
External Affairs of the Republic of
India and the Ministry of External
Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria
-173>
17 Convention between the Government 26.5.1994
of the Republic of India and the
Government of the Republic of
Bulgaria for Avoidance of Double
Taxation and the Prevention of
Fiscal Evasion with respect to
Taxes on Income and on Capital
18 Agreement between the Government of 26.5.1994
the Republic of India and the
Government of the Republic of Bulgaria
on Cooperation in the Area of
Quarantine and Plant Protection
19 Veterinary and Sanitary Agreement 26.5.1994
between the Government of the Republic
of India and the Government of the
Republic of Bulgaria
Canada
20 Treaty between the Government of the 24.10.1994
Republic of India and the Government
of Canada on Mutual Assistance in
Criminal Matters
China
21 Memorandum of Understanding for 22.10.1994
developing Banking Relations with
People's Republic of China
22 Memorandum of Understanding on 22.10.1994
Simplifying the Visa Procedures
between the Government of the
Republic of India and the Government
of the People's Republic of China
23 Agreement between the Government of 18.7.1994
the Republic of India and the Government
of the People's Republic of China for
the Avoidance of Double Taxation and
the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion
with respect to Taxes on Income
24 Trade Protocol between the Government 15.6.1994
of the Republic of India and the
Government of the People's Republic
of China for the year 1994-95
-174>
Cyprus
25 Agreement between the Republic of 13.6.1994
India and the Republic of Cyprus
for the Avoidance of Double Taxation
and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion
with respect to Taxes on Income and on
Capital
European Community
26 Cooperation Agreement between the 20.12.1993 8.3.1994
1.8.1994
Republic of India and the European
Union on Partnership and Development
Great Britain
27 Agreement between the Government of 14.3.1994
the Republic of India and the
Government of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland on
Promotion and Protection of Investments
Honduras
28 Joint Communique between the Government 28.9-1994
of the Republic of India and the
Government of the Republic of Honduras
for establishing diplomatic relations
Hungary
29 Protocol on Foreign Office Consultations 22.9.1994 22.9.1994
with Hungary
Iran
30 Memorandum of Understanding between 19.8.1994
the Ministry of Railways of the Republic
of India and the Ministry of Road and
Transportation of the Islamic Republic
of Iran
| Israel
31 Air Transport Agreement between the 4.4.1994
Government of the Republic of India
and the Government of the State of
Israel
32 Agreement between the Government of 29.11.1994 29.11.1994
Republic of India and the Government
of the State of Israel in the field of
Telecomunication and Posts
-175>
Japan
33 Exchange of Notes between the Govern- 27.5.1994
ment of India and the Government of
Japan for the extension of Japanese Grant
Assistance to India of One billion and
fifty-eight million yen for improvement
of the Medical Equipment in the hospital
affiliated to the Insitute of Medical
Sciences, Banaras Hindu University
34 Loan Agreement for Anpara B Thermal 24.1.1994
Power Station Construction Project (V)
between the Overseas Economic
Cooperation Fund, Japan and the
President of India
35 Loan Agreement for Bakreswar Thermal 24.1.1994
Project between the Overseas Economic
Cooperation Fund, Japan and the
President of India
36 Loan Agreement for Faridabad Gas Based 24.1.1994
Power Station and Associated Transmission
System Project between the Overseas
Economic Cooperation Fund, Japan and
the President of India
37 Loan Agreement for Construction of 24.1.1994
a Bridge over River Yamuna at
Allahabad/Naini with Approach Roads
between the Overseas Economic
Cooperation Fund, Japan and the
President of India
38 Loan Agreement for National Highway-5 24.1.1994
Improvement Project between the Overseas
Economic Cooperation Fund, Japan and
the President of India
39 Loan Agreement for Small Scale Industries 24.1.1994
Development Programme (IV) between the
Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund,
Japan and the President of India
Lithuania
40 Agreement between the Government of the 2.7.1994
Republic of India and the Government
of the Republic of Lithuania on Trade
and Economic Cooperation
-176>
Malta
41 Agreement between the Republic of India 28.9.1994
and Malta for the Avoidance of Double
Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal
Evasion with respect to Taxation on
Income
Mongolia
42 Treaty of Friendly Relations and 22.2.1994
Cooperation between the Republic of
India and Mongolia
43 Memorandum of Understanding between 2.9.1994 2.9.1994
the Government of the Republic of India
and the Government of Mongolia for the
Establishment of a Joint Trade Sub
Committee
44 Memorandum of Understanding on 2.9.1994
Collaboration between the Planning
Commission, Government of the Republic
of India and the National Development
Board, Government of Mongolia
45 Agreement between the Government of 22.2.1994
the Republic of India and the Government
of Mongolia for the Establishment of a
Joint Committee on Cooperation
46 Programme of Cooperation in the field 22.2.1994
of Culture between the Government of
the Republic of India and the Government
of Mongolia for the years 1994,1995
and 1996
47 Agreement between the Government of 22.2.1994
Republic of India and the Government of
Mongolia for the Avoidance of Double
Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal
Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income
and Capital.
48 Programme of Cooperation between the 22.2.1994
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
of the Republic of India and the
Ministry of Health of Mongolia in the
field of Health and Medical Science
for trhe period 1994-1996
-177>
Oman
49 Agreement on Economic, Trade and 15.6.1994
Technical Cooperation between the
Government of the Republic of India
and the Government of the Sultanate
of Oman
Romania
50 Agreement between the Government of 2.6.1994
the Republic of India and the
Government of Romania regarding
Cooperation in Combating Organised
Crime, International Terrorism,
Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs
and Psychotropic Substances and other
Illegal Activities
51 Agreement on Tourism Cooperation 2.6.1994
between the Government of the Republic
of India and the Government of Romania
52 Declaration of Principles and Directions 2.6.1994
of Cooperation between the Republic of
India and Romania
Russian Federation
53 Agreement on Merchant Shipping with 23.12.1994
the Government of the Russian
Federation
Singapore
54 Memorandum of Understanding on 9.9.1994 9.9.1994
consultations between the Ministry of
External Affairs of the Republic of
India and the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic of Singapore
55 Agreement on Maritime Transport between 24.1.1994
the Government of the Republic of India
and the Government of the Republic of
Singapore
Slovenia
56 Agreement between the Republic of India 7.12.1993
and the Republic of Slovenia on Trade
and Economic Cooperation
-178>
Slovak Republic
57 Protocol for Consultation between the 7.7.1994
Ministry of External Affairs of the
Republic of India and the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic
Suriname
58 Cultural Agreement between the 22-9.1992 8.11-1994
8.11.1994
Government of the Republic of India
and the Government of the Republic
of Suriname
Switzerland
59 Agreement between the Republic of 2.11.1994
India and the Swiss Confederation for
the Avoidance of Double Taxation with
respect to taxes on Income
Ukraine
60 Agreement between the Government of 19.4.1994 19.4.1994
the Republic of India and the Government
of Ukraine on the Inter-Governmental
Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific,
Technological, Industrial and Cultural
Cooperation
UNDP
61 IND/93/035--Institute for Machine Tools 22.9.1993 22.9.1993
Technology
62 IND/93/032--Development of Strategy for 1.11.1993 1.11.1993
Environmentally Sustainable Tourism in
the Andamans
63 IND/93/018--Development and 30.11-1993 30.11-1993
Strengthening of Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) in India
64 IND/94/003--Promoting Quality and 12.4-1994
Export of Indian Spices
65 IND/94/004--Proinoting Export of 12.4.1994
Floriculture Products
66 IND/94/007--Study for the Development 29.6.1994
of Comprehensive Strategy for Indian
National Railways to deal with HIV/
AIDS at Workplace
-179>
67 IND/94/012--Bio-village Demonstration 21.7.1994
Project in Pondicherry
68 IND/93/019--Strengthening of National 22.2.1994
Facility for interactive Multi-media
Documentation of Cultural Resources
Uzbekistan
69 Memorandum of Understanding between 5.1.1994 5.1.1994
the Government of the Republic of India
and the Government of Republic of
Uzbekistan on cooperation in the field
of Telecommunications
70 Agreement between the Government of 5.1.1994
Republic of India and the Government
of Uzbekistan on Bilateral Cooperation
in the field of Post and Allied Matters
71 Protocol between the Government of the 5.1.1994
Republic of India and the Government
of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the
Establishment of the Indo-Uzbek Centre
for the Promotion of Scientific and
Technological Cooperation
72 Agreement between the Government of 5.1.1994
the Republic of India and the
Government of the Republic of
Uzbekistan on Cultural Cooperation
73 Agreement on Principles of Development 5.1.1994
of Economic Links and Stengthening of
Comprehensive Cooperation between the
Republic of India and the Republic of
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
74 Agreement between the Republic of India 7.9.1994
and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
for the Avoidance of Double Taxation
and the Prevention of fiscal evasion
with respect to taxes on Income
75 Memorandum of Understanding between 7.9.1994 7.9.1994
the Ministry of External Affairs of the
Republic of India and the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of the Socialist
Republic of Vietnam
-180>
76 Agreement between the Government of 7.9.1994
the Republic of India and the Government
of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on
Travel facilities for citizens of the
two countries
-181>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-IV Full Powers Issued during 1994
|
Full Powers Issued during 1994.
S NO CONVENTIONS/TREATIES DATE OF FULL POWERS
1 Full powers issued in favour of Shri Tejendra Khanna, 18-1.1994
Commerce Secretary to sign the Agreement between
the Government of the Republic of India and the
Government of the Union of Myanmar on Border
Trade between the two countries
2 Full Powers issued in favour of Shri Ghulam Nabi 19.1.1994
Azad, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism to sign the
tourism Cooperation Agreement between the Government
of Republic of India and the Government of Republic
of Singapore
3 Full Powers in favour of Shri B Shankaranand, Minister 9.3.1994
for Health and Family Welfare to sign the Agreement
between India and Nepal for assistance to the Koirala
Institute of Health Sciences
4 Full Powers in favour of Shri Prakash Shah, Ambassador 22.11.1994
of India to Japan to sign the
(i) Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations
between the Republic of India and the Federated States
of Micronesia
(ii) Protocol on the establishment of Consular Relations
between the Republic of India and the Federated States
of Micronesia
5 Full Powers, in duplicate, in favour of Shri Pranab Mukherjee,
1.12.1994
Minister of Commerce to sign the Agreement between the
Government of the Republic of India and the Government
of the State of Israel on Trade and Economic Cooperation
-182>
INDIA
REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TURKEY NEPAL JAPAN UNITED KINGDOM ISRAEL
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-V Instruments of Ratification issued during 1994.
|
|
Instruments of Ratification issued during 1994.
S NO CONVENTION/TREATY DATE OF INSTRUMENT
1 Cultural Agreement between the Government of the 2.2.1994
Republic of India and the Government of the State
of Israel
2 Convention on Biological Diversity 4.2.1994
3 Acts of the Universal Postal Union as revised by the: 29.4.1994
(i) XIX Congress of the Universal Postal Union held
in Hamburg in 1984; and
(ii) XX Congress of the Universal Postal Union held
in Washington in 1989
4 Agreement on Economic, Trade and Technical 12.5.1994
Cooperation between the Government of the Republic
of India and the Government the Sultanate of Oman
5 Protocol relating to an amendment to the Chicago 5.7.1994
Convention, 1944 (Article 83 bis)
6 Agreement between the Government of the Republic 8.9.1994
of India and the Government of the Republic of
Bulgaria on Combating Organised Crimes,
International Terrorism and Illicit Trafficking
in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
7 Agreement between the Government of the Republic 8.9.1994
of India and the Government of Romania regarding
Cooperation in Combating Organised Crime, International
Terrorism, Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances and other Illegal
Activities
8 Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of 8.9.1994
India and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand
and the Union of Myanmar on the determination of the
Trijunction Point between the three countries in the
Andaman Sea
-183>
9 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of 8.9.1994
India and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand
on the Maritime Boundary between the two countries in
the Andaman Sea from Point 7 to the Trijunction Point
(Point T) between India, Thailand and Myanmar
10 Convention of the Republic of India and the Kingdom 22.9.1994
of Spain for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and
the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to
Taxes on Income and on Capital
11 Agreement between the Government of the Republic of 14.11.1994
India and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania
on Trade and Economic Cooperation
12 Agreement between the Republic of India and the 17.11.1994
Republic of Slovenia on Trade and Economic
Cooperation
-184> |
|
1994
APPENDIX-VI Statement showing the Number of Fresh and Miscellaneous Applications
|
|
Statement showing the Number of Fresh and Miscellaneous Applications
received and the number of Passports issued and Services rendered during
the year 1994.
|
|
S NO RPOS/POs* FRESH APPLICATIONS
|
|
|
NO OF NO OF NO OF NO OF
APPLICATIONS PASSPORTS APPLICATIONS PASSPORTS
RECEIVED GRANTED RECEIVED GRANTED
1 AHMEDABAD 98943 160000 55072 55433
2 BANGALORE 82023 77646 31163 31995
3 BAREILLY 46604 40154 16902 16713
4 BHOPAL 20806 20690 11112 11264
5 BHUBANESHWAR 7892 7706 3132 3112
6 BOMBAY 202643 208282 140878 142055
7 CALCUTTA 46752 43753 32236 31707
8 CHANDIGARH 67098 95236 37069 33549
9 COCHIN 94933 99410 75040 74610
10 DELHI 110375 108249 54942 54860
11 GOA 14051 13681 13266 11115
12 GUWAHATI 7400 7423 2807 2600
13 HYDERABAD 131208 141610 79337 83967
14 JAIPUR 64117 65127 25928 41376
15 JALANDHAR 80102 111002 43758 51703
16 KOZHIKODE 162795 179074 116692 109924
17 LUCKNOW 109715 117649 34976 35008
18 MADRAS 129139 134949 59417 57914
19 NAGPUR 10118 9755 3420 3373
20 PATNA 45518 70500 13800 14356
21 TRICHY 169489 201055 73602 70886
22 TRIVANDRUM 95691 97022 72422 72794
23 JAMMU 10371 1431 1745 1348
GRAND TOTAL 1807783 2011404 998716 1014662
*Regional Passport Offices/Passport Offices
-185>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-VII Statement showing the Revenue and expenditure Figures of Passport
|
|
Statement showing the Revenue and expenditure Figures of Passport
Offices/Regional Passport Offices during the year 1994.
|
|
S NO OFFICE REVENUE EXPENDITURE
EARNED INCURRED
1 AHMEDABAD 42164844 7586039
2 BANGALORE 32338886 5444819
3 BAREILLY 18056163 3758334
4 BHOPAL 8532563 1685635
5 BHUBANESHWAR 2987105 940593
6 BOMBAY 90527896 16329146
7 CALCUTTA 22004684 2927602
8 CHANDIGARH 30663348 6392424
9 COCHIN 40536212 8147426
10 DELHI 46907953 223532492
11 GUWAHATI 2403065 873146
12 HYDERABAD 63467327 8842370
13 JAIPUR 24203460 4544451
14 JALANDHAR 33299220 7018506
15 JAMMU 3277774 1532145
16 KOZHIKODE 69031781 7016900
17 LUCKNOW 39723067 7559065
18 MADRAS 49963942 7221016
19 NAGPUR 3647733 1287653
20 PANAJI (GOA) 67191126 1645542
21 PATNA 14761249 3092442
22 TIRUCHIRAPALLI 71830155 7515753
23 TRIVANDRUM 40889792 6921714
TOTAL 750236165 343635173
-186>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-VIII > Consular Data for 1994.
|
|
|
Consular Data for 1994.
1 Number of Attestations 183007
2 Number of Indians repatriated at Government cost 2368
3 Number of Indians arrested aborad* 11705
4 Number of deaths of Indians reported to the Ministry* 2988
5 Number of foreigners in jails in India" 1856
6 Number of foreigners died in India*** 305
7 (i) Number of requests for extradition received 3
by Government of India from abroad#
(ii) Number of requests for extradition from Government 4
of India to Foreign Governments#
8 Number of lost/damaged passports cases received* 13741
* Figures are for Cases reported.
** Figures made available by Ministry of Home Affiars.
*** Figures made available by State Governments.
# Includes requests made to countries with which India does not have
Extradition Treaties.
-187 |
|
1994
APPENDIX-IX Names of Ambassadors/High Commissioners of India abroad
|
|
Names of Ambassadors/High Commissioners of India abroad who have taken
charge from 1-1-1994 to 20-12-1994.
|
|
S NO COUNTRY CAPITAL AMBASSADOR/ DATE OF
HIGH COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENT
1 Argentina Buenes Aires Nathu Ram Verma 3.1.1994
2 Belgium Brussels Amar Nath Ram 22.1.1994
3 Cambodia Phnom Penh Dr G S Raj Hans 1.7.1994
4 Colombia Bogota P Rath 3.10.1994
5 Guyana Georgetown Narendra Kumar 31.8.1994
6 Indonesia Jakarta S T Devare 10.9.1994
7 Iran Tehran Siddharth Singh 20.7.1994
8 Iraq Baghdad Arif Qamarain 6.6.1994
9 Ivory Coast Abidjan P K Gupta 6.8.1994
10 Jamaica Kingston V B Soni 12.4.1994
11 Republic of Korea Seoul Shaoshank 24.11.1994
12 Democratic People's Pyongyang A N Jha 9.8.1994
Republic of Korea
13 Kyrghyzstan Bishkek R S Mukhija 3.6.1994
14 Libya Tripoli Surendra Kumar 23.11.1994
15 Madagascar Antananrivo Dr P V Joshi 22.9.1994
16 Malta Valetta P L Goyal 22.6.1994
17 Mexico Mexico City Smt Chokila Iyer 10.12.1994
18 Morocco Rabat G S Iyer 18.2.1994
19 Mozambique Maputo P S Randhawa 27.10.1994
20 New Zealand Wellington K M Meena 11.8.1994
21 Oman Muscat I S Rathore 22.6.1994
22 Panama Panama City Bal Anand 1.12.1994
-188>
23 Poland Warsaw Smt S U Tripathi 13.8.1994
24 Portugal Lisbon S K Arora 1.8.1994
25 Romania Bucharest M L Tripathi 17.2.1994
26 Senegal Dakar M S Malik 29.6.1994
27 South Africa Pretoria M K Mangalmurti 18.7.1994
28 Suriname Paramaribo Udai Singh 15.4.1994
29 Switzerland Berne K P Balakrishnan 20.7.1994
30 Tanzania Dar-es-Salam O P Gupta 24.8.1994
31 Tajikistan Dushanbe B R Muthu Kumar 20.12.1994
32 Thailand Bangkok Ranjit Gupta 16.2.1994
33 Trinidad & Tobago Port of Spain J Doddamani 17.8.1994
34 Turkmenistan Ashgabat Dr V P Sharma 8.6.1994
35 United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi M P M Menon 21.7.1994
36 Venezuela Caracas V P Singh 21.7.1994
37 Zimbabwe Harare S Kipgen 14.9.1994
-189>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-X Cadre Strength at Headquarters and Missions/Posts abroad during 1994-95
|
|
|
Cadre Strength at Headquarters and Missions/Posts abroad during 1994-95
(including posts budgeted by Ministry of Commerce and excluding posts
held in abeyance/ex-cadred).
|
|
S NO CADRE/POST MISTS AT POSTS AT TOTAL
HEADQUARTERS MISSIONS
IFS (A)
1 Grade-I 4 18 22
2 Grade-II 3 25 28
3 Grade-III 24 103 127
4 Grade-IV 33 98 131
5 Junior Administrative
Grade/Senior Scale 40 172 212
6 (i) junior Scale 3 30 33
(ii) Probationers reserve 27 -- 27
(iii) Leave reserve 19 -- 19
(iv) Deputation reserve 20 -- 20
(v) Training reserve 10 -- 10
IFS (B)
7 (i) Grade-I 59 81 140
(ii) Deputation reserve 6 - 6
8 (i) Grade-II/Ill 100 164 264
(ii) Leave reserve 30 -- 30
(iii) Deputation reserve 16 -- 16
(iv) Training reserve 25 -- 25
(No post has been ex-cadred in this grade)
9 (i) Grade-IV 252 381 633
(ii) Leave reserve 60 - 60
(iii) Deputation reserve 55 - 55
10 (i) Grade-V/VI 334 197 531
(ii) Leave reserve 60 - 60
(iii) Deputation reserve 14 - 14
11 (i) Grade-II of Cypher Subcadre (Cypher Assistants)
58 135 193
(ii) Leave reserve 23 - 23
12 Principal Private
Secretary 4 17 21
13(i) Private Secretary 27 179 206
(ii) Leave reserve 14 - 14
-190>
14 (i) Personal Assistant 156 188 344
(ii) Leave reserve 33 - 33
(iii) Training reserve (Hindi) 10 - 10
(iv) Deputation reserve 12 - 12
15 Stenographer (Grade-III of Stenographer Subcadre) 42 77 119
16 Interpreters' Cadre 10 25 35
17 L&T Cadre 17 - 17
TOTAL 1600 1890 3490
-191>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-XI List of Officers qualified in various foreign languages.
|
|
List of Officers qualified in various foreign languages.
|
S NO | COMPULSORY FOREIGN LANGUAGE | NO OF OFFICERS
| 1 | Arabic | 90
| 2 | Bahasa Indonesia | 10
| 3 | Bulgarian | 1
| 4 | Burmese | 1
| 5 | Chinese | 50
| 6 | Dutch | 1
| 7 | French | 84
| 8 | German | 36
| 9 | Gorkhali/Nepali | 1
| 10 | Hungarian | 1
| 11 | Italian | 5
| 12 | Japanese | 21
| 13 | Kazakh | 1
| 14 | Kishwahili | 9
| 15 | Malay | 1
| 16 | Persian | 13
| 17 | Polish | 1
| 18 | Portuguese | 15
| 19 | Russian | 71
|
20 |
Serbo-Croatian |
3
|
21 |
Sinhalese | 1
|
22 |
Spanish |
51
|
23 |
Swedish |
1
|
24 |
Thai |
1
|
25 |
Tibetan |
3
|
26 |
Turkish |
5
|
27 |
Ukrainian |
1
|
28 |
Vietnamese |
2
|
-192>
|
|
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-XII Statement showing the number of appointments (both by direct recruitment
|
|
Statement showing the number of appointments (both by direct recruitment
and promotion) made in various groups in the Ministry of External
Affairs and reserved vacancies filled by Scheduled Castes/Scheduled
Tribes during the year 1994.
|
GROUP TOTAL NO OF VACANCIES FIELD NUMBER OF VACANCIES
RESERVED UN-RESERVED
SC ST
Group 'A' 47 8 3 36
Group 'B' 140 23 11 106
Group 'C' 121 27 10 84
Group 'D' 30 4 3 23
(Excluding Sweepers)
-193>
USA
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-XIII Revenue Expenditure of the MEA during the Year 1994-95
|
Revenue Expenditure of the Ministry of External Affairs during the
Financial Year 1994-95.
|
|
REVISED ESTIMATES 1994-95
(IN CRORES OF RUPEES)
Headquarters 48.47
Missions/Posts abroad 387.43
International Conference and Meetings 2.00
Hospitality Charges 7.50
Contribution to International Organizations (including UN) 37.38
Central Passport Organization 31.00
Special Diplomatic Expenditure 176.87
Grants-in-Aid to ICCR 21.00
Other Miscellaneous items 12.75
Gulf Evacuation 15.43
Payment to Indian Airlines for Charter Operations between 8.42
Madras-Port Blair sector
Aid to other Countries
Aid to Bangladesh 0.50
Aid to Bhutan 69.00
Aid to Nepal 19.00
Aid to Sri Lanka 4.00
Aid to Maldives 5.50
Aid to Other Developing Countries 28.60
Aid to AFRICA Fund 6.90
TOTAL REVENUE EXPENDITURE 881.75
-194>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-XIV > Expenditure on Indian Missions/Posts abroad and Headquarters
|
Expenditure on Indian Missions/Posts abroad and Headquarters of the
Ministry of External Affairs in 1994-95.
The estimated expenditure on the Headquarters Organization of the
Ministry during the current financial year (1994-95) is expected to be
Rs 48.47 crore which is 5.50% of the total estimated revenue expenditure
of the Ministry. Out of this Rs 11.57 crore will be on Salaries and
Wages, Rs 10.32 crore on Travel Expenses, Rs 14.34 crore on Office
Expenses, Rs 5.06 crore on Publicity and Rs 6.70 crore on Rent and
Maintenance.
The total estimated expenditure on Indian Missions/Posts is expected to
be Rs 387.43 crore during the current financial year which works out to
43.94% of the total revenue expenditure of this Ministry. Out of this,
an amount of Rs 148.59 crore is for Salaries (including Foreign
Allowances), OTA and Wages, Rs 40.27 crore for Travel Expenses (Transfer
Passages/Home Leave Passages and Local tours), Rs 73.55 crore for Office
Expenses and Rs 125.02 crore for Rent, Rates and Taxes as well as for
Repairs and maintenance of Government owned/rented accommodation in
Missions abroad. Average expenditure per Mission abroad (including
Publicity) works out to Rs 2.62 crore.
The remaining 50.56% of the estimated revenue expenditure of the
Ministry is being incurred on various aid programmes for neighbouring
and other developing countries including ITEC programmes, Aid under
AFRICA Fund, SAARC and SCAAP programmes, contribution to United Nations
Organizations and other International bodies, Passport Organizations,
Hospitality, Gulf Evacuation, Grants-in-Aid to Indian Council for
Cultural Relations and other miscellaneous items.
In the Capital Section there is a total provision of Rs 45.15 crore in
RE 1994-95, out of which Rs 45.00 crore are for construction and
purchase of properties. Rest of the amount represents loan component for
Indian Society of International Law (ISIL) and countries like
Bangladesh.
-195>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-XV VVIP Visits to India during 1994.
|
|
VVIP Visits to India during 1994.
S NO NAME OF VISITOR DATE
Heads of State, Vice President, Heads of Government and Members
of Royal Families
1 His Excellency Mr Islam Abduganievich 3 to 5 January 1994
Karimov, President of Uzbekistan
2 Queen of Spain-Private 14 to 20 January 1994
3 His Excellency Mr Goh Chok Tong, 23 to 31 January 1994
Prime Minister of Singapore
4 His Excellency Mr Vaclav Havel, 6 to 11 February 1994
President of Czech Republic
5 His Excellency Mr P Ochirbat, 21 to 25 February 1994
President of Mongoloia and
Mrs S Tsevelmaa
6 His Excellency Mr Lech Walesa, 2 to 8 March 1994
President of Poland
7 His Excellency Mr M A Gayoom, 21 to 25 March 1994
President of Maldives
8 President of Indonesia, Prime Minister 27 to 30 March 1994
of Malaysia, President of Zimbabwe,
President of Nigeria, President of
Senegal (G-15 Conference)
9 His Excellency Mr Carlos S Menem, 30 March to 2 April 1994
President of Argentina (G-15 Conference
and Bilateral)
10 Prime Minister of Portugal (Transit) 20 April 1994
11 His Excellency Mr Le Duc Anh, 30 April 1994
President of Vietnam (Transit)
12 His Excellency Mr Le Duc Anh, 2 May 1994
President of Vietnam (Transit)
13 His Excellency Mr Daniel Arap Moi, 2 and 3
President of Kenya May 1994
-196>
14 His Excellency Mr Daniel Arap Moi, 8 May 1994
President of Kenya
15 His Royal Highness Prince Norodom 4 to 7 June 1994
Sirivuddh, Deputy Prime Minister and
Foreign Minister of Cambodia
16 His Excellency Mr Jozef Moravcik, 7 and 8 July 1994
Prime Minister of Slovak Republic
17 His Excellency Mr B Compaore, 22 and 23 July 1994
President of Burkina Faso (Transit)
18 Mrs Uteem, Wife of President 15 to 21 August 1994
of Mauritius (Private Bombay
and Hyderabad)
19 His Royal Highness Crown Prince of 30 August to 5 September 1994
Nepal
20 His Excellency Mr Yoweri 6 and 7 September and 11 to
Museveni, President of Uganda 13 September 1994
21 His Excellency Dr Boutros Boutros Ghali, 8 to 10 September 1994
UN Secretary General and Mrs Ghali
22 Lady Thatcher, Ex-Prime Minister of UK 18 to 24 September 1994
(Citi Bank function)
23 President of Hungary (Transit 20 and 21 September 1994
Madras and Bombay)
24 His Excellency Gen Gnassingbe Eyadema, 26 to 29 September 1994
President of Togo
25 Princess Alexandria of UK (Private) 23 to 27 October 1994
26 His Excellency Mr J R Ajodhia, 9 to 13 November 1994
Vice President of Suriname and Mrs Ajodhia
27 Duke of Edinburgh (Private) 22 to 27 November 1994
28 His Excellency Chief Emeka Anyaoku, 3 to 6 December 1994
Commonwealth Secretary General
29 Their Majesties the King and Queen 12 to 14 December 1994
of Nepal (Private)
30 His Majesty the King of Bhutan (Private) 12 to 15 December 1994
-197>
31 His Excellency the Prime Minister of Russia 22 and 24 December 1994
32 Bhutan Royal Family (Private) 27 December to 1 January 1996
Deputy Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers and Others
1 His Excellency Prof B Andreata, Foreign 2 to 4 January 1994
Minister of Italy and Mrs Andreata
2 His Excellency Dr P Nababsingh, 24 to 31 January 1994
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign
Minister of Mauritius
3 His Excellency Mr Roberto Robaina, 16 to 18 March 1994
Foreign Minister of Cuba
4 His Excellency Mr A Juppe, Foreign 3 to 6 April 1994
Minister of France
5 His Excellency Mr Venancio de Silva, 5 to 8 April 1994
Foreign Minister of Angola
6 His Excellency Mr Mohamed Salem, 10 to 12 April 1994
Foreign Minister of Yemen
7 His Excellency Mr A M Zlenko, 18 to 21 April 1994
Foreign Minister of Ukraine
8 His Excellency Mr Sayed Al-Sahaaf, 21 to 23 April 1994
Foreign Minister of Iraq
9 Hon A C S Hameed, Foreign Minister of 21 to 23 April 1994
Sri Lanka
10 His Excellency Mr Nguyen Cam, 23 to 29 May 1994
Foreign Minister of Vietnam
11 His Excellency Mr Dean Barrow, 14 to 17 June 1994
Deputy Prime Minister and
Foreign Minister of Belize
12 His Excellency Mr James A Michel, 19 to 25 June 1994
Finance Minister of Seychelles
13 His Excellency Mr Qian Qichen, 17 to 19 July 1994
Vice-Premier of China
-198>
14 His Excellency Dr Klaus Kinkel, 27 to 29 July 1994
Foreign Minister of Germany
15 Hon Dr A S Kasenally, Foreign Minister of 3 to 10 August 1994
Mauritius and Mrs Kasenally
16 His Excellency Mr Yousaf Bin Alawi, 11 to 13 August 1994
Foreign Minister of Oman
17 His Excellency Mr K B Saudabaev, 14 and 15 August 1994
Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan
18 His Excellency Mr S L Gsavad, 16 to 23 August 1994
Foreign Minister of Laos
19 His Excellency Mr Rabani, 22 to 27 August 1994
Deputy Speaker of Iran
20 His Excellency Mr Subhas C Mungra, 5 to 8 November 1994
Foreign Minister of Suriname and Mrs Mungra
21 His Excellency Mr Surin Pitsuwan, 9 to 13 November 1994
Deputy Foreign Minister of Thailand
22 His Excellency Mr U Sultanov, 21 to 26 November 1994
Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan
23 His Excellency Mr Lyompo Dawa Tsering, 23 to 26 November 1994
Foreign Minister of Bhutan (Private)
24 His Excellency Mr Lakshman Kadirgamar, 6 to 10 December 1994
Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka
-199>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-XVI visits abroad of the President, Vice President and Prime Minister
|
visits abroad of the President, Vice President and Prime Minister of
India during 1994.
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-XVII List of Conferences/Seminars, etc organised by Conference Cell
|
|
1. IAEA Meeting 26 to 28 April 1994
2 Panchsheel and Global Diplomacy 27 and 28 June 1994
3 MEA Parliamentary Consultative 11 July 1994
Committee Meeting
4 Indo-Myanmar Survey Talks 18 and 19 July 1994
5 Seminar for State Protocol Officers 5 August 1994
6 Indo-Nepal Boundary Talks 23 to 26 August 1994
7 Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Memorial 9 September 1994
Lecture
8 UN Secretary General's Press Conference10 September 1994
9 Orientation Programme for Foreigns 24 to 28 October 1994
Diplomat
10 Inaugural Ceremony of the 50th 30 October 1994
Anniversary of the United Nations
11 Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit November 1994
Institutions (ASOSAI)
12 Meeting of Australian and Indian 8 and 9 November 1994
Human Rights Commissions
13 Familiarisation Programme for Foreign 16 November 1994
Service Probationers of other countries
14 From India to America: New Directions 30 November 1994
in IndianAmerican Film and Video
15 SAARC workshop to formulate a 12 and 13 December 1994
collective position
for the World Summit for Social Development
16 International Day of Solidarity with the13 December 1994
Palestinian People
17 The Non-Aligned Labour Ministers 19 to 23 January 1995
Conference
-201>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-XVIII Major International Conferences/Meetings/Seminars
|
Major International Conferences/Meetings/Seminars etc organised by
Inter-Governmental Organisations at which the Government of India was
represented in 1994-95.
|
|
1 3rd session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating 17 to 28 January 1994
New York Committee on the Convention for Desertification
2 First PREPCOM for the World Summit on 31 January to 10 February 1994
Social New York Development
3 50th session of the Commission on Human 31 January to 11 March 1994
Rights Geneva
4 4th session of INC on Convention to Combat Geneva 21 to 31 April 1994
Desertification
5 50th session of ESCAP New Delhi 5 to 13 April 1994
6 1994 session of the United Nations Disarmament 18 April to 9 May 1994
New York Commission
7 Conference on Sustainable Development Barbados 25 April to 6 May 1994
of Small Islands Developing States
8 47th session of World Health Assembly Geneva 2 to 11 May1994
9 Intemational Conference on Natural Disaster Yokohama May 1994
Reduction
10 12th World Meteorological Conference Geneva 30 May to 21 June 1994
11 5th session of INS on Convention to CombatParis 6 to 17 June 1994
Desertification
12 2nd Meeting of the Intergovernmental 20 June to 2 July 1994
Committeeb Nairobi on Convention on Biological Diversity
13 7th plenary session of the Preparatory 27 June to 1 July 1994
CommissionThe Hague of the organisation for Prohibition of
Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
-202>
14 ECOSOC High Level Segment and 30th 27 June to 29 July 1994
anniversary New York commemorative meeting of G-77
15 2nd PREPCOM of World Summit on27 June to 2 September 1994
Social New York Development
16 21st Congress of Universal Postal Union 22 August to 14 September 1994
Seoul
17 International Conference on Population 5 to 13 September 1994
and Cairo Development
18 38th Regular Session of the General 19 to 23 September 1994
Conference Vienna of the IAEA
19 Special Conference of the BWC Geneva 19 to 30 September 1994
20 Plenipotentiary Conference ofl 19 September to 14 October 1994
Kyoto Internationa Telecommunication Union
21 Ministerial Conference on Space Application 19 to 24 September 1994
for Beijing Development in ESCAP region
22 63rd session of ICPO Interpol Rome 23 September to 4 October 1994
23 8th plenary session of the The Hague 26 to 30 September 1994
Preparatory Commission of the Organisation for the
Prohibition of Chemical
Weapons (OPCW)
24 14th session of the International Conference 3 to 8 October 1994
on Geneva Education
25 Meeting of the Special Finance Group The Hague 10 to 14 October 1994
of thePreparatory Commission of the Organisation for
Prohibition of Chemical Weapns (OPCW)
26 73rd session of the council of the London 14 to 18 November 1994
International Maritime Organisation
27 107th session of the Council of Food 15 to 24 November 1994
and Rome Agriculture Organization
28 19th meeting of Heads of National Wellington 14 to 18 November 1994
Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (HONLEA) Asia & Pacific
-203>
29 World Ministerial Conference on Organized 21 to 23 November 1994
Naples Transnational Crime
30 Regional Seminar on Integrated f 16 to 19 November 1994
Applications o New Delhi Remote Sensing and GIS
31 First Meeting of the Conference 28 November to 9 December 1994
Nassau of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity
32 9th plenary session of the Preparatory 5 to 9 December 1994
The Hague Commission of the Organization for the Prohibition
Of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
33 12th ICPO Interpol Asian New Delhi12 and 13 December 1994
Regional Meeting
34 Adhoc Group of the States PartiesC Geneva 4 to 6 january 1995
to BW
35 Annual meeting of the UN Centre for 13 to 15 February 1995
Disarmament Kathmandu Affairs
-204>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-XIX Major International Conferences/Meetings/Seminars
|
|
Major International Conferences/Meetings/Seminars organised by Non-Governmental Organisations in which Indian Experts participated in their personal capacity with Government assistance in 1994.
|
|
1 91st Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Paris 21 to 26 March 1994
Environment
2 Global Tiger Forum New Delhi 3 and 4 March 1994
3 G-15 Summit New Delhi 20 to 30 March 1994
4 Meeting of a Workshop on the UN Arms Register Tokyo 29 and 30 June 1994
5 Special Session of Inter-Parliamentary Union on Tokyo 13 to 17 July 1994
Science and Technology for Regionally
Sustainable Development
6 Conference of Health Ministers on InteRNational Paris 17 and 18 July 1994
Mobilisation Against AIDS
7 Second Regional Seminar on Traditional Practices Colombo 4 to 8 July 1994
affecting the Health of Women and Children
8 Conference on UN and the New World Order New Delhi 24 August 1994
organised by Indian Council of World Affairs
9 International Symposium on Assessing of Health Rome 13 to 17September 1994
Risks from Drinking Water Contamination
10 International Conference on Chemical and UK 30 September to 2 October 1994
Biological Weapons
11 World Symposium on Trade Efficiency Ohio (USA) 17 to 24 October 1994
12 Forum on Trade Envrionment and Sustainable Geneva 21 and 22 November 1994
Development
13 International Seminar on Science and Technology New Delhi 12 to 14 December 1994
for Social Development
14 Regional Conference on Sustainable Development Kathmandu 13 to 15 December 1994
and Fragile Mountain Areas (ICIMOD)
-205>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-XX Miscellaneous major International Conferences etc
|
Miscellaneous major International Conferences etc in 1994-95 at which
the Government of India was represented or in which Indian experts
participated in their personal capacities with Government of India's
assistance.
|
|
1 International Conference on the Cultural of San Salvador 6 to 18 February 1994
Peace
2 UNDP & UNICEF Executive Board Meetings New York February 1994 14 and 15
3 International Conference on "The Security and Geneva
Econimic Considerations of Arms and Technology February 1994
Among Exporting and Importing States"
organised by UNIDIR
4 Workshop on Verification on a Comprehensive Tokyo 13 to 17 March 1994
Test Ban Treaty
5 144th session of the Executive Board on UNESCO Paris 25 April to 4 May 1994
6 5th Working Group Meeting of the MEPP on Arms Doha 2 to 5 May 1994
Control and Regional Security
7 First Meeting of the 38th session of the New York 16 to 23 May 1994
Committee
on Programme and Coordination
8 Brain Storming Session on UN Peace Keeping Ottawa 29 May to 1 June 1994
Operations
9 UNDP Executive Board Geneva 6 to 17 June 1994
10 Fellowship Programme on Peace Making and Burg 27 june to 8 July 1994
Preventing Diplomacy Schlaining
(Austria)
11 145th session of the UNESCO Executive Borad Paris 17 October to 4 November 1994
12 International Conference on Oceanographic Lisbon 14 to 19 November 1994
Research
13 18th session of the Management Committee of Bangkok 15 to 23 November 1994
Asian Pacific Telecommunity (APT)
-206>
14 Tripartite Meeting of Experts on Social Society, Geneva 21 to 25 November 1994
Social Protection and Equality of treatment
between Men and Women
15 ESCAP Committee on Statistics Dhaka 28 November to 2 December 1994
16 The 7th Meeting of the Arms Control and Regional Tunis 13 to 15 December 1994
Security Working Group (ACRS) of the multilateral
track of the Middle East Peace Process
17 Seminar on "Cut-off of Fissile Material Toronto 17 and 18 January 1995
18 Seminar on "Monitoring a Comprehensive Test Portugal 23 January to 2 February 1995
Ban Treaty" organised by the NATO Advanced
Study Institute
-207>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-XXI Meetings/Conferences held under the aegis OF NAM
|
Meetings/Conferences held under the aegis of the Non-aligned Movement(NAM) during 1994-95.
|
|
1 Consultative Meeting of Foreign Ministers of NAM Jakarta 9 and 10 February 1994
2 11th Ministerial Conference of the NAM Cairo 31 May to 3 June 1994
3 NAM Ministerial Meeting on Debt Management, Jakarta 13 to 15 August 1994
Development and sharing of experiences
4 NAM Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the 49th New York 5 October 1994
General Assembly of the United Nations
5 Ministerial Meeting on Food and Agriculture Bali 7 to 10 October 1994
6 Fifth Conference of Labour Ministers of NAM and other New Delhi 19 to 23 January 1995
developing countries
-208>
INDONESIA
EGYPT USA INDIA
| 1994
APPENDIX-XXII Outgoing Performing Arts Delegations (ICCR)
|
|
Outgoing Performing Arts Delegations (ICCR) (April to December 1994).
|
S NO COUNTRY TYPE OF GROUP PERIOD REMARKS
1 Trinidad Pt Ram Mohan Mishra 13 to 20 April To give performances on
the occasion
and Tobago & Parul Mishra, 1994 of "India Day" celebrated by the
Kathak Dancers with International Exposition, 1994
two accompanists from at Port of Spain
Paramaribo, Suriname
2 Australia 10-member Folk Dance and 15 April to To participate in
Music Group of Rajasthan 15 May 1994 the "India Today 1994"
led by Rehmat Khan Langa,
New Delhi
3 Australia Louis Banks with SANGAM 23 April to To participate in the
"India Today
Featuring: Rama Mani and 5 May 1994 1994" Australia
10 other Members
4 China Louis Banks with SANGAM 5 to 21 May 1994 Festival of India
in China
Featuring: Rama Mani and
10 other members
5 China 14-Member Pung Cholam/ 5 to 25 May 1994 Festival of India in
China
Dhol Cholam/Thang-Ta from
Imphal
6 China 5-member Kalaripayattu group 5 to 25 May 1994 Festival of
India in China
from Kerala coordinated by
Shri Lokendra Arambam
-209>
7 China 11-Member Manipuri Raas 5 to 25 May 1994 Festival of India
in China
group led by Singhajit
Singh and Charu Mathur of
Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi
8 China 12-Member Yakshagana 5 to 22 May 1994 Festival of India in
China
Group led by Shambu Hegde,
Bangalore
9 China 8-Member Bhangra Group 5 to 21 May 1994 Festival of India
in China
led by Rajpal Singh from
Patiala and 8-Member
Giddha Group
10 Indonesia 8-Member Bhangra Group 21 to 26 May 1994 To give
performances
led by Rajpal Singh from
Patiala and 8-Member
Giddha Group
11 Thailand 8-Member Bhangra Group 26 to 28 May 1994 To give
performances
led by Rajpal Singh from
Patiala and 8-Member
Giddha Group
12 Belgium Three desabled artistes from May 1994 To participate in
the International
Very Special Arts, New Delhi Festival and Conference on the
i) Ms Meenakshi Mahwal Arts at Brussels
ii) Ms Renu Singh
iii) Ms Anjana Sharma
13 Germany 6-Member Folk Group July 1994 To give performances
from Rajasthan
Kohinoor Langa & Party
-210>
14 Russia 6-Member Folk Group July 1994 To give performances at
the exclusive
from Rajasthan Commercial Indian Exhibition in
Kohinoor Langa & Party Moscow organised by ITPO
15 France Meera Kala Mandir, 07 July to To give performances at
Montignac
Udaipur 24 August 1994 Festival
16 USA Shri Hridaynath Mangeshkar 23 July 1994 To give performance
to coincide with
Singer from Bombay the inauguration of branch of Jagatik
Marathi Parishad in USA
17 Syria, Lebanon, Ms Sunayna Hazarilal 9 to 24 To give performances
Qatar, Bahrain Kathak Dancer August 1994
and Oman
18 Bhutan 10-Member Group of 11 to 18 For Independence Day
Celebration
Folk Dance and Music August 1994
19 Russia Ms Santosh Vyas 18 to 27 To give performances at
India
Kathak Dance Teacher in August 1994 Fair at St Petersburg
Moscow alongwith her (Russia) organised by ITPO
Russian students
20 Peru Pt Ram Mohan Mishra and 24 to 28 To give performances
Bolivia Ms Parul Mishra August 1994
Ecuador Kathak Dancers
from Paramaribo
21 Trinidad and Mahima Casewa 26 August 1994 To give performances
arranged
Tobago Ghazal Singer and by NCIC
two other Members
-211>
22 Mauritius Ms Anjali Banerjee 12 to 18 To participate in the
125th
Ghazal Singher and September 1994 Death Anniversary
Celebrations of
four other Members Mirza Ghalib
23 UAE (Dubai) 16-Member Folk Dance/ 17 to 23 To perform at "India
in Dubai 1994"
Music Group including September 1994 organised by ITPO
Craftsmen
24 Germany i) Ms Sonal Mansingh 22 September to To participate in
the "India Night"
and Region Bharatanatyam/OdissiDancer 18 October 1994 on 24
September, 1994 at the Alter
Opera in Frankfurt to mark the
ii) Shri Amjad Ali Khan 18 to 25 celebrations of 1200 Years
of Frankfurt
Sarod Player September 1994 City
25 USA Shri Rajeeb Chakraborty 26 September to To give performances
at the
Sarod Player and 18 October 1994 invitation of USA University
Shri Kausic Sen Circuit for Indian Classical
Tabla Player Music
26 USA Pt V G Jog September/ To give performances
(Violin Player), October 1994
Shri Manilal Nag
(Sitar Player),
Shri Ulhas Kashalkar
(Vocalist) and
Shri A G Bandopadhyay
(Tabla Player)
27 Sweden Smt P Mallick September 1994 To give performances
Finland Rabindra Sangeet Singer
Norway Calcutta
-212>
28 Bangladesh Ms Kanika Bandopadhyay 18 October 1994 To give
performances
Rabindra Sangeet Singer
with 3 accompanists
29 USA Ms Malavika Sarukkai October 1994 To give
performances at the
Bharatanatyam Dancer invitation of Asia Society
and 5 other Members
30 Turkmenistan Ms Malti Shyam 25 October to To give
performances on the
Kathak Dancer 5 November 1994 occasion of
3rd Anniversary
and 5 other Members of Turkmenistan Independence
Day Celebrations
31 Ghana 15-Member Haryana Folk 29 October to To give
performances
Nigeria Dance/Music Group led 29 November 1994
Morocco by Shri Kamal Tiwari
Tunisia
Egypt
32 South Korea Ms Sarala Kumari 29 October to To give
performance
Indonesia Kuchipudi Dancer 1 December 1994
Philippines Hyderabad
Singapore
Vietnam
33 Thailand 30-Member Kalakshetra 13 to 18 To give
performances for
Troupe from Madras December 1994 'Ramayana
Conference'
-213>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-XXIII Incoming Performing Delegations (ICCR)
|
Incoming Performing Delegations (ICCR) (April to December 1994)
The Council organised the following events during period April-December 1994:
|
|
1 On & occasion of Nepalese New Year Day, the ICCR in collaboration with
the B P Koirala India-Nepal Foundation organised a cultural evening of
folklores by a group of Bhanu Kala Kendra, Nepal on 14th April 1994 at
Teen Murti Auditorium.
2 As an annual feature, Council held a formal function to observe the
Africa Day on 24th May 1994 at Azad Bhavan Auditorium. The programme
included formal speeches by Dean of African Heads of Mission in India,
Ambassador of Egypt and Secretary (West), MEA.
3 In collaboration with the Alliance Francaise the Council sponsored the
visit to India of a 5-member Dance Company 'Theatre Du Mouvement' from
France from 7 to 25 September 1994. In addition to public performances,
the company also arranged workshops in Calcutta, Bombay and Delhi.
4 The Council extended logistic and financial support to the Tibet House
to organise a concert of Buddhist Music and Chanting on 4 October 1994
at Buddha Jayanti Park, New Delhi.
5 Council rendered financial support for a concert of Symphony Orchestra
being organised by Delhi Symphony Society with Conductor Maestro
Riccardo Cappaso from Italy on 29 October 1994 at Siri Fort Auditorium.
6 A special programme was organised to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of
United Nations on 30 october 1994 at Teen Murti Auditorium. The
programme included choir by children of Delhi Public School, R K Puram
and Sarod Recital by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.
7 The Council extended financial support in presenting a programme 'Dawn
After' a dance drama featuring European classical ballet, Kathak,
Flamenco by artistes from India, Spain and Columbia on 17 November 1994
at Siri Fort Auditorium. The artistes also presented their performances
in Bangalore, Madras, Hyderabad, Bombay and Calcutta.
8 To commemorate the 125th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the
Council in collaboration with the Embassy of Israel, the Shalom India-
Israel Centre, OPO Committee in coordination with the Delhi Symphony
Society presented a concert by the Israel Philharmoic Orchestra with
Zubin Mehta as its conductor and Itzhak Perlman as Violinist on 27
November 1994, at I G Stadium, New Delhi.
9 The Council presented a Piano Concert by the eminent Pianist from
Netherland-Mr Rian De Waal on 2 December 1994 at Teen Murti Auditorium.
The visit was under CEP. Mr Waal also presented his performance in Goa,
Bangalore, Pune, Bombay. He has also conducted workshops at Delhi and
Bangalore.
10 7-member Balmuz Dance Company from France presented its performances
at Bombay, Ahmedabad, Goa, Bangalore, Pondichery, Calcutta, Chandigarh
besides Delhi. Their performance in Delhi was arranged on 9 December
1994 at Siri Fort Auditorium.
11 18-member Tomkins Vocal Ensemble from Hungary visited India under CEP
for a period of 12 days and presented one performance each in Bangalore,
Goa, Bombay and two in Delhi (one at Teen Murti Audiorium on 10 December
and another on 12 December at the Church of Redemption).
-214>
12 15-member Theatre Group of Bharati Rang Mandir from Mauritius visited
India under CEP and presented a play in Hindi 'Itihaas Sakshi hai' at
Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bombay and Delhi. Their performance in Delhi was
arranged on 15 December at FICCI Auditorium.
13 Under 'Bangladesh Festival of Arts' in India, three performing art
groups viz 34-mernber Music & Dance Group, 10-member magic Group of
Jewel Aich and 13-member Nagorik Natya Sampradaya Threate Group visited
India under Bilateral Cultural and Education Exchange Programme.
The Festival was jointly inaugurated by the Minister of State for
Culture, Govt. of Bangladesh Prof. Jahan Ara Begum and Km Selja, Deputy
Minister for Education and Culture, Ministry of Human Resource
Development, Govt. of India with formal speeches followed by short
performance by each of the three performing groups.
The 10-member Magic Group presented its individual performance on 21
December. The theatre group presented a play in Bangali 'Mukhosh' on 22
December and the Dance & Music group performed on 23 December at
Mavalankar Auditorium and on 26 December at the lawns of Shiv Mandir,
Chittaranjan Park. The itinerary of Magic & Theatre group includes only
Calcutta because of their huge stage infrastructure while the Dance and
Music Group presented at Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bhubaneshwar and Calcutta
and its nearby stations.
-215>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-XXIV Special Programmes in honour of VVIP (ICCR) visitors/delegates
|
Special Programmes in honour of VVIP (ICCR) visitors/delegates
conferences.
1 A programme of folk music and dances from Rajasthan on 21 July 1994 at
Ashoka Hotel, in honour of the delegates to the Mango Festival.
2 A lecture-demonstration on Kathak by Shri Jiwan Pani, Director, Kathak
Kendra, on 1 August 1994 at Ashoka Hotel, in honour of the Soka Gakkai
Youth Cultural Delegation from Japan.
3 A programme by a folk group from Rajasthan to coincide with the
launching of the International Family Year on 30 August 1994 at Azad
Bhavan Auditorium.
4 A sarod recital by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and a choir by the students of
the Delhi Public School, R K Puram, on 30 October 1994 at Teen Murthi
Auditorium on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the United
Nations.
5 A performance by Pandit Shankar Ghosh and his group on the occasion of
the International Students Day Programme on 11 November 1994 in the
lawns of the Delhi College of Engineering.
6 A special programme of two dance dramas 'Shakuntalam' and 'Geet
Govind' in Odissi style by the artistes of the Vikas Kala Kendra,
Cuttack, at Rashtrapati Bhavan for the President of India.
-216>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-XXV Exhibition (Outgoing and Incoming) for 1994-95 (ICCR)
|
|
Exhibition (Outgoing and Incoming) for 1994-95 (ICCR).
|
S NO TITLE OF COUNTRY PERIOD NAME OF REMARKS
EXHIBITION COMMISSIONER/
ARTIST
SPONSORED
OUTGOING EXHIBITIONS
1 Children's Painting Seoul April 1994 Nil ICCR sponsored an
exhibition of
(SAARC) Korea 25 award winning
paintings of
Indian children (SAARC) 1992 to
Seoul Korea during April/May 1994
2 Children's painting for Cairo April 1994 Nil A set of 20
children paintings was
long time display sent for long term display at
Maulana Azad Centre for Indian
Culture, E/l, Cairo during
May 1994.
3 Bust of Gandhiji USA May 1994 Nil A bronze bust of
Gandhiji made by
(San-Francisco) sculptor Shri Ram Suttar was sent
to USA (San Francisco) for installa-
tion. at International Peace Garden,
Salt Lake City, San Francisco, USA
during May 1994
4 Bust of Gandhiji Cuba Nil A life size
bronze bust of Gandhiji
was sent for installation at Central
Park in Cuba during May 1994
-217>
5 Bronze Statue of Japan October 1994 Nil A full size
bronze statue of Guru
Rabindranath Tagore Rabindranath Tagore was preseted
to Soka University, Japan for
installation at the University campus
in October 1994 '
6 Ashoka, Gandhi, Nehru Japan October 1994 1 . Dr J
Halder, Keeper, On the
occassion of 125th Birth
The Healing Touch' Indian Museum, Annive-
rsary of Mahatma Gandhiji
Calcutta the council or-
ganised a major
5 October 1994 to e-
xhibition to Japan titlted 'Ashoka,
5 December 1994 Gandhi,
Nehru--The Healing Touch'
2. Shri V K Tewari fo-
r display at the Tokyo Fuji Art
ASI, Sarnath Museum
in October 1994. The
3 December 1994 exh-
ibition presented exhibits
3. Shri J E
Dawsan reflecting
the Ashokan period,
National
Museum, lives and
times of Mahatma Gandhi
New Delhi and Jawaha-
rlal Nehru, their
30 January 1994
to humanism,
pacifim and non
31 March 1994 violence
collected from various
Indian Museum. The exhibition will
be on display at various museum/
cities in Japan till March 26, 1995.
7 Visit/ exhibition UK Ocober 1994 ICCR sponsored
the visit/exhibits
of Smt Mrinalini of Smt Mrinalini Mukherjee to
Mukherjee the Yorkshire sculpture Park UK
to participate/permanent display
there.
-218>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-XXVI Outgoing Visitors (ICCR).
|
|
Outgoing Visitors (ICCR).
S NO NAME OF PERSON COUNTRY PURPOSE PERIOD
1 Mrs Shashi Jain Italy To participate in the 7 to 10
Bologana April 1994
Writer (English) International Children's Book
Association of Writers and Fair, Italy
Illustrators for Children
New Delhi
2 Ms Shailaja Nair -do- -do- -do
Writer (Hindi)
New Delhi
3 Prof Rasheedudin Khan U.K. To deliver lecture and seminar 13
to 24 April
Director at Nehru Centre, London 1994
Indian Institute of Federal Studies
4 Shri Shanmugam Gangadaran U.K. To participate in 1994-95 18
April to 18 July
Lecturer in Hinduism programme of the Ascension,
U.K. 1994
Tamilnadu Theological Society
5 Dr (Mrs) Pratibha Ray Australia India Today 1994 21- April to
Orissa (Cuttack) 3 May 1994
6 Ms Malika Sengupta -do- -do- -do
Calcutta
7 Smt Shashi Deshpande -do- -do- -do
Bangalore
8 Shri N V Sankaran 'Jnani' -do- -do- -do
Madras
-219>
9 Prof K Warikoo China To attend Central Asia 5 May to
Professor cultural expedition 21 July
1994
Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi
10 Prof Y Alagh Geneva To deliver the annual May 1994
Vice-Chancellor Nehru lecture
Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi
11 Shri Neb Raj Bhatia Colombia To participate in the 2 to 8
June 1994
New Delhi 4th International Festival of
Poetry Modellen
12 Shri H K Kaul U.K. & USA To study the latest
developments in 11 June 10
Librarian, IIC, New Delhi Library network 9 August
1994
13 Dr Suresh Rituparna Trinidad To participate in a
Seminar on 29 june to
New Delhi Indian Culture
and Hindi 19 July 1994
14 Shri Jagdish Chandra Czech Republic To participate in
a residential June-July 1994
New Delhi programme of artists
in Czech Republic
15 Mrs Jyoti Subhash Australia To participate in 1 to 10
Mhapsekar Bombay the 3rd International
Women Playwrights
Conference July 1994
16 Ms Kamal Pathak -do- -do- -do
Bombay
17 Prof N R Pattarkine USA To attend to 7-9 July
International 1994
Secretary Conference on Early Literature
Sanskrit Bhasha Pracharini Conference on Early Literature in
Sabha Nagpur New Indo-Aryan Languages
-220>
18 Shri Ashok Prajapati Canada To participate in the 15 July
Art to
Art Teacher Festival part of XV
Commonwealth 28 August 1994
Delhi Public School Games, Victoria
R.K. Puram
New Delhi
19 Mrs Abha Awasthi Germany To attend XIII 18 to 28
July 1994
Professor, Deptt of Sociology Congress of
Lucknow University sociology
20 Shri Jiwan Pani Kenya Adjudicator to Kenya 12 to 16
Director Music Festival August 1994
Kathak Kendra
New Delhi
21 Dr M Hamidullah Bhat U.K. & Prague To participate in 14 to 18
Registrar the International
Seminar on August 1994
Jamia Hamdard University University Adm-
inistration in (London)
Hamdard Nagar U.K. & Prague 21 to 26
New Delhi August 1994
(Prague)
22 Prof Amiya Dev Canada To attend
International 15 to 20
Dean Comparative
Literature August 1994
Faculty of Arts Association
Jadavpur University
23 Dr (Mrs) Usha Mishra Thailand To participate
in the 19 to 21
Lucknow International
Seminar August 1994
24 Justice Shri S Mohan Taipei To attend the XII Sept-
ember 1994
Judge (China) World Congress
of Poets
Supreme court of India
New Delhi
-221>
25 Prof S Mahmoodul Mauritius To participate in 12 to
19
Lucknow Mirza Ghalib
Seminar September 1994
26 Prof Naeem Ahmed -do- -do- -do
Aligarh
27 Shri L L Mehrotra Nepal Goodwill visit 23
September to
New Delhi 2 October 1994
28 Ms Rekha Tandon U.K. To undertake
the professional
September 1994
(Odissi Dancer) diploma in dance
studies at
New Delhi the Laban Centre
29 Prof Madhavan K Palat ussia In connection with
release September 1994
New Delhi of the IIC Quarterly
on Russia
in Moscow
30 Dr Geeti Sen -do- -do- -do
New Delhi
31 Prof S M R Ansari Tashkent To participate in
the 600th 12 to 16
Aligarh Muslim University Birth anniversary
Celebrations October 1994
Aligarh of ULUGBEK
32 Ms Quarratullain Hyder U.K. To participate in the
International 15 to 19
New Delhi Hindi Conference &
Kavi Sammelan October 1994
33 Dr I Panduranga Rao -do- -do- -do
Director
Bharatiya Jnanpith
New Delhi
-222>
34 Dr C Narayana, Reddy U.K. To participate in the 15 to
Intemational 19
Advisor on Cultural Affairs Hindi Conference &
Kavi Sammelan October 1994
Govt. of Andhra Pradesh
35 Dr B K Bhattacharya -do- -do- -do
Former President
Sahitya Akademi
New Delhi
36 Shri Ramnath Awasthi -do -do- -do
New Delhi
37 Shri Ashok Sharma
Chakradhar -do- -do- -do
New Delhi
38 Shri L D Chaturvedi U.K. To participate in the 15
International to 19
New Delhi Hindi Conference & Kavi Sammelan October 1994
39 Mrs Karpoori Devi U.S.A. To participate in 23
the exhibition October to
New Delhi of Indian Traditional 15
paintings at November
University of Iowa,
Chicago
40 Shri Satya, Narayan Lal Kam -do- -do- -do
Bal Bhavan
New Delhi
41 Ms Lalita Lajmi U.K. To attend the Retros-
pective of late October 1994
Bombay Guru Dutt's Films and
deliver lectures
42 Prof H S Shivaprakash U.K. To deliver a talk on October
1994
Department of English Kannada
Maharani's Art College
Bangalore
-223>
43 Dr S K Sareen Malaysia To attend 1994 8 to 10
Associate Professor November 1994
Centre of Linguistics & English
School of Languages, JNU,
New Delhi
44 Shri Mahaveer Swami USA To demonstrate his 4
art at the November to
Bikaner invitation of the 4
Hunt Institute December 1994
Rajasthan at Carnegie Mellon
University & the
Freer Gallery of Art
45 Shri Dilip Moulik Cairo To attend Cairo 28 November to
Amrit Bazar Patrika International Film 11 December
1994
Calcutta Festival
-224>
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-XXVII incoming Visitors (ICCR).
|
incoming Visitors (ICCR).
1 52-member 4th SCI Youth Japan Goodwill visit 31 July to
10 August 1994
Cultural delegation
2 Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail Sudan To attend the 20 to 30 August
Symposium 1994
Secretary General organised by the Indian
The Council for International Council of World Affairs
People's Friendship, Khartoum
3 3-member Chinese delegation China To meet Scholar 29 August to
3 September 1994
4 Dr Brinsley Sawaroo West Indies August/September
Acting Head 1994
History Department,
African & Asian Studies,
University of West Indies
5 Mr Moustapha Gueye Senegal Goodwill visit 7 to 12
Secretary General September 1994
Students & Teachers of Socialist
Party & National Association
of imam and Ulemas of Senegal
6 Mr A Tejan Kabbah Abidjan To meet scholars 10-16
September 1994
Chairman intellectuais
Advisory Council/NPRC interaction views
Sierra Leone
-225>
7 H E Mr Son Soubert Cambodia Goodwill visit 11 to 20
Second Vice-President October 1094
National Assembly of the
Kingdom of Cambodia
8 15-member delegation of Bhutan Goodwill visit 17 October to
Heads Secondary Schools 1 November
from Bhutan 1994
9 Dr Navin Ramgoolam Mauritius Goodwill visit 4 to 14
Leader of Labour Party & November 1994
Leader of Opposition in
Mauritius and his wife
10 Mr Maurice F Strong Canada To receive the 15 to 20
Chairman of Ontario Hydro, jawahar Nehru Award November
Toronto for International 1994
and his wife Understanding for 1992
11 Mr Syed Shamsul Haq Bangladesh To meet his 8
counterparts to 21
Theatre Expert November 1994
-226>
JAPAN
USA SUDAN INDIA CHINA SENEGAL SIERRA LEONE CAMBODIA BHUTAN MAURITIUS CANADA BANGLADESH
|
|
1994
APPENDIX-XXVIII Visiting Professors--Chairs of Indian Studies Abroad (ICCR)
|
Visiting Professors--Chairs of Indian Studies Abroad (ICCR).
Under various schemes, the ICCR sends abroad Visiting Professions for
teaching Indology, Indian Lahguage and allied subjects. During the
period under report the following academics were in position abroad:
1 Dr Devendra Shukla
Visiting Associate Professor of Hindi at the University of Sofia,
Bulgaria.
2 Dr Jai Singh Yadav
Visiting Associate Professor of Hindi at the Gadjah Mada University,
Yogyakarta, Jawa, Indonesia.
3 Dr Abdul Bismillah
Visiting Associate Professor of Hindi at the University of Warsaw,
Poland.
4 Dr Triloki Nath Singh
Visiting Associate Professor of Hindi at the Indian Cultural Centre,
Paramaribo, Suriname.
5 Dr Y Venkataramana Rao
Visiting Professor of Hindi at the School of Foreign Language (NIHERST),
Port of Spain, Trinidad.
6 Dr N Jayaram
Visiting Professor of Social & Cultural Anthropology at the University
of West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Trinidad.
7 Dr V R Jagannathan
Visiting Professor of Hindi at the University of West Indies, St.
Augustine Campus, Port of Spain, Trinidad.
8 Dr (Mrs) Kamlesh Singh
Visiting Asstt. Professor of Hindi Languae and Literature at the
Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium.
9 Dr O P Singhal
Visiting Associate Professor of Hindi Language & Literature at the
Beijing University, China.
10 Dr (Mrs) Usha Satya Vrat Shastri
Visiting Associate professor of Sanskrit at the Silpakorn University,
Bangkok, Thailand.
11 Dr Ramesh Chand Sharma
Visiting Associate Professor of Hindi at the Hankuk University of
Foreign Languages, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
-227>
12 Dr (Mrs) Anita Ganguly
Visiting Asstt. Professor of Hindi at the Helsinki University, Finland.
13 Dr (Mrs) Noorjahan Begum
Visiting Associate Professor of Hindi at the Ankara University, Turkey.
14 Dr (Miss) Geeta Sharma
Visiting Professo of Hindi at the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre,
Moscow, Russia.
15 Dr Syed Asghar Wajahat
Visiting Associate Professor of Hindi at the Eotvos Lorand University,
Budapest, Hungary.
16 Dr S K Lal
Visiting Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Sorbone Nouvelle,
Paris-III, France.
17 Dr Rewati Raman Pandey
Designate Visiting Professor of Philosophy at Mahatama Gandhi Institute,
Port Louis, Mauritius.
18 Dr Meera Sarin
Designate Visiting Associate Professor of Hindi at the Jagiellonian
University, Cracow, Poland.
-228>
INDIA
USA UNITED KINGDOM BULGARIA INDONESIA POLAND SURINAME SPAIN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES BELGIUM CHINA THAILAND KOREA FINLAND TURKEY RUSSIA HUNGARY FRANCE MAURITIUS
|
1994
APPENDIX-XXIX Presentation of Books and Art Objects/Musical Instruments (ICCR)
|
Presentation of Books and Art Objects/Musical Instruments (ICCR) (April to December 1994).
Presentation of Books
|
|
1 Uzbekistan To INION Library in Tashkent 55 Books
2 Egypt To Indian Mission in Cairo and CCI 26 Books
3 Guyana To Indian Missionaries Guilds International 17 Books
in Guyana
4 Ukraine To Indian Mission 8 Books
5 Indonesia To local Government Universities 16 Books
To Diponegoro University A set of Books
6 Canada To Peel Board of Education in Toronto 13 Books
7 Ecuador To National University of Ecuador 40 Books
8 Spain To organise an Indian Cultural week in Madrid 10 Books
9 Qatar For Display in the Library of Embassy of
India 16 Books
and Indian Cultural Centre in Doha
10 U.K. To Indian Mission and Cultural Centre 2 Books
11 Ghana To Indian Mission Library 15 Books
12 Seychelles To National Library of Seychelles 28 Books
13 Latvia To the University of Latvia 30 Books
14 Zimbabwe To School of Gandhi Memorial Bussary Board 14 Books
15 South Africa To University of Witswaterstand 54 Books
Gandhi Jayanti Function in Durban 850 Books
16 Turkmenistan To the Dignitaries and leading Educational 12 Books
Institutions
17 Turkey To Indian Mission Library in Istanbul 13 Books
18 Kazakhstan For presentation 154 Books
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19 U.S.A. For presentation 40 Books
South Asian Studies in San Francisco 34 Books
20 Jamaica To VVIPs and Dignitaries 36 Books
21 Austria For presentation 1 Book
22 Czech Republic To Libraries in Prague 15 Books
23 Romania Various Libraries 164 Books on Arts and
Culture
24 Thailand For celebration of 125th Birth Anniversary of 37
Photographs of
Mahatma Gandhi Gandhiji
25 Lebanon AUB Library 35 Books on Gandhiji
26 Namibia Schools, Universities, Libraries
and Cultural 44 Books, Folk &
Societies Classical Music
Cassettes
27 Brazil University of Rio De Janeiro in Brasilia 44 Books
28 Botswana For presentation to Dignitaries 46 Books
29 Mexico For presentation 17 Books
Presentation of Art Objects/Musical Instruments
1 Sweden For presentation A set of Musical
Instruments
2 Greece To Museum of the Junior High School A set of Musical
Instruments
3 Venezuela To FL Tigre Hindu Society One Harmonium, and
a Tabla Pair
4 Mozambique Indian Association in Beira One Harmonium and
a Tabla Pair
5 Ghana To Ghanian Journalists A set of Musical
Instruments
6 Mauritius To Indian Mission for cultural programme Artificial
jewellery,
4 sarees and 5 pieces
of Nalhani
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7 Kazakhstan To Kazakh museum A set of Musical
Instruments
8 Japan To Indian Mission Art objects
For presentation purposes Two Tanjor plates
9 Nepal On the occasion of
125th Birth Anniversary A bust of Mahatma
celebration of Mahatma Gandhi Gandhi
10 South Africa For presentation purposes Art objects
On the occasion of 125th Birth
Anniversary A bust of Mahatma
celebration of Mahatma Gandhi Gandhi
11 Uzbekistan For presentation purposes Two Tanjor plates
12 Thailand To Gandhi Research Centre A bust of Mahatma
Gandhi
13 Belgium For exhibition Charkha, Books on
Gandhiji and
Photographs
14 Uganda To Sisukunj 11 Musical Instruments
15 Poland To Indian Mission 5 Musical Instruments
16 Turkmenistan To Indian Culture Lover's Club 4 Musical Instruments
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