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Annual Report 1977-78
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APPENDICES
NUMBER Page
I. Major International Conferences/Meetings/Seminars
etc. organised by Inter-Governmental Organisations at
which Government of India was represented in 1977-78 59
II. Major International Conferences/Meetings/Seminars
organised by Non-Governmental Organisations, at
which India was represented with Government assistance
in 1977-78 69
III. Miscellaneous International Conferences etc. in
1977-78 at which Government of India was represented
or at which India was represented with Government of
India's assistance. 71
IV. International Organisations of which India became a
Member or ceased to be a Member during the year
1977-78 74
V. Treaties/Conventions/Agreements concluded or renewed
by India with other countries in 1977 75
VI. Number of seats allotted to various countries in Engin-
eering and Medical Colleges 86
VII. Statement of number of applications received and pass-
ports issued in 1977 88
VIII.Total sanctioned strength of Central Passport and
Emigration Organisation 90
IX. Statement showing the total number of employees (both
permanent and temporary) in the Ministry under various
groups and the representations of Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes therein (Position as on 31-12-1977) 91
X. Statement showing the number of appointments
(both by direct recruitment and by promotion) made to
various groups of posts and reserved vacancies filled by
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes during 1977 92
XI. Revenue expenditure of the Ministry during the financial
year 1977-78 93
XII. Expenditure on Headquarters and Missions/Posts abroad
during 1977-78 94
XIII.List of Indian Missions/Posts opened in the year 1977-78
96
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Introduction |
Jan 01, 1977
INTRODUCTION
The year under review was by any criterion a historic land-
mark in the progress of India since independence. The smooth
transfer of authority from the political party in power to the
Opposition, through a peaceful democratic revolution, elicited
the admiration of freedom-loving people everywhere. It was an
unequivocal demonstration of the maturity and wisdom of the
Indian electorate. The ordinary Indian voter showed a capacity
for discrimination between competing political and economic con-
cepts and policies; he also reaffirmed in unmistakable fashion the
commitment of the Indian people to democratic ideals. While
burning domestic controversies dominated the election, it was
noticed, both within India and abroad, that foreign policy had
not been a matter of controversy in the campaign. This was
possible because, during the years immediately before indepen-
dence and subsequently when India played a dominant role in
the political process of decolonisation, a consensus on foreign
policy had developed within the country cutting across party lines.
Against this background, it was only natural that on frequent
occasions, during the months after the formation of the new go-
vernment, the basic continuity of India's foreign policy was
re-asserted in no uncertain terms.
This did not, however, mean that this major political trans-
formation did not have any influence on the content and style
of foreign policy. It was, for instance, recognised that there
was need and scope to pay greater attention to relations with
immediate neighbours in order to realise the aim of easing ten-
sions and reaching agreements and generally creating a climate
of confidence so essential for greater concentration on the develop-
mental priorities. India can play an effective and useful role
in the world community only if it has peaceful, friendly and
productive relations with the neighbouring countries. Purpose-
ful efforts were put under way on neighbourhood diplomacy and
this, in turn, greatly facilitated the pursuit of preserving and
invigorating beneficial relations with rest of the world. By fol-
lowing a policy of genuine non-alignment in unequivocal terms.
India has commanded respect for expressing its independence of
judgement in effect pursuing policies in the best interest of the
country and extending support to the cause of international peace
and cooperation. It should be a matter of satisfaction that the
(i)
(ii)
stress on genuine non-alignment and the decision to pursue the
policy with vigour has been understood and appreciated in it,
proper perspective by different sections of the, world Community-
Apart from the several fresh initiatives taken to foster a cli-
mate of peace and cooperation in the region, an attempt was made
to establish a meaningful relationship with the two Super powers
and friendly relations with all countries based on beneficial coo-
peration. The resurgence of democratic vigour was recognised
as an example of India's faith in and practice of respect for human
rights. If anything, this enabled India to maintain and even im-
prove its support for democratic rights, especially in the struggle
against the white-dominated minority regimes in Zimbabwe and
South Africa. Attention was focussed on economic dimensions
of world problems, both at the United Nations and in dialogue
between the developed and the developing countries. Stressing
the indivisibility of peace and prosperity, India called upon all
nations to share their resources and technology and, through an
equitable and just international order, work for the creation of a
better and stable world.
The year witnessed significant internal political changes in a
number of countries but there was no marked change in the inter-
national situation. Relations between the United States and
the Soviet Union showed a mutual recognition of the logic of
detente, rather than confrontation but the pace of progress was
halting and not free of suspicion. The Belgrade Conference re-
viewing the work of the Helsinki Agreement demonstrated their
desire to continue to strive for strengthening the climate of se-
curity and cooperation in Europe but also the slow progress in
advancing it. The same spirit was reflected in their continued
negotiations in a new SALT treaty and their mutual discussions
regarding the problem relating to the Indian Ocean area. Their
agreement to accept the co-chairmanship of the Geneva Confe-
rence indicated their common interest in resolving the West Asia
problem but differences developed in their approach on whether
separate bilateral attempts could reach that goal.
The spirit of detente, however, did not extend to all parts of
the world. Certain areas of tension and conflict remained en-
couraging external intervention, promoting international rivalry
and thus posing a threat to peace and security. In South East
Asia, border conflict between Cambodia and Vietnam threatened
to upset the newly-found stability and normalcy in that area follow-
ing the liberation of the states of Indo-China. In West Asia,
direct talks between President Sadat and the Prime Minister of
(iii)
Israel failed to overcome hurdles in the way of a lasting solution
of the Arab-Israel problem. The integrity of Cyprus still re-
mained a matter of concern, the Greek and Turkish Cypriots hav-
ing failed to resolve their differences. In Africa, relations
between Ethiopia and Somalia erupted into an open conflict which
threatens peace and security in the Horn of Africa and carries
danger of jeopardising international peace. In Southern Africa,
the denial of freedom and equal rights to the majority of the
people by the white-dominated governments of Zimbabwe and
South Africa created an explosive situation. In the economic
sphere, the energy crisis, inflation, the monetary instability, the
divisive effects of trade barriers and protectionism continued to
dominate international economic problems. The dialogue bet-
ween the developed and the developing countries did not yield
the results which had been hoped from the Conference on Inter-
national Economic Cooperation (CIEC).
India, in pursuit of the belief that detente should extend to all
parts of the world, considered the development of relations with
its neighbours, based on trust and cooperation, as fundamental
to the promotion of peace and security on the sub-continent. Its
policies in this direction acquired a new vitality and dynamism.
The visits of the Minister of External Affairs to Burma, Nepal,
Bhutan, Afghanistan and Pakistan aimed at establishing high-level
contacts to promote understanding, find a solution to unresolved
problems and strengthen economic cooperation. A meaningful
and constructive approach was given to relations with Bangladesh
by reaching an agreement on sharing of the Ganga waters in a
spirit of shared sacrifice and mutual accommodation. The visit
of the Minister of External Affairs to Nepal followed by that of
the Prime Minister developed mutual trust and goodwill by
India's agreeing to the request of Nepal to replace the earlier
Treaty of Trade and Transit by two separate treaties. The initial-
ling of the Treaties of Trade and Transit and the agreement for
cooperation to control unauthorised trade in early March marks
a historic step in the evolution of the relationship, so that with
mutual respect, trust and sensitivity to each other's aspirations,
independent policy, beneficial cooperation and confidence can
grow to the advantage of each and reinforce their traditional
interdependence. The visit to Bhutan resulted in greater under-
standing which provided a basis for further cooperation. During
the visit of the Minister of External Affairs to Burma in August
1977, the willingness of the two sides to hold negotiations for
demarcating the maritime boundaries in the Andaman Sea and
the Gulf of Martaban reflected a constructive approach to resolve
(iv)
problems through bilateral discussions. The assurance given by
Burma to expedite the process of granting Burmese citizenship
to persons of Indian origin augured well for the future of the
Indo-Burmese relations. The visit to Afghanistan underlined the
close ties with that country and the common desire to intensify
cooperation among non-aligned states. The cultural agreement
signed with Sri Lanka in November and the credit extended to
that country in January 1978 showed India's desire to work for
greater understanding and cooperation with that country. As
regards Pakistan, the, Minister of External Affairs, during his
goodwill visit in February 1978, assured that country not only
that India adhered to the policy of non-interference in the internal
affairs of other countries, but it cherished the hope of good
neighbourly relations, so that both countries may prosper econo-
mically in mutual confidence. The visit helped in both countries
understanding each other's points of view and discussions held
opened up greater prospects of increase in trade and cultural ex-
changes between the two countries.
With China, its northern neighbour, notwithstanding the un-
resolved boundary question, India continued to work for step-by-
step improvement in bilateral relations between the two countries.
The initiative taken to resume severed trade links, the conclusion
of agreements between the two sides at the Canton Fair and the
exchange of goodwill visits at the unofficial level reflected India's
positive approach in that direction.
Besides developing closer relations with its neighbours, India
worked for greater cooperation and friendly ties with the countries
of South East Asia and West Asia. The policy of non-alignment
shared by India with most countries of these regions provided a
sound basis for promoting such relations. At the conference of
Indian envoys in South and South East Asia, held at New Delhi
in August 1977, concrete steps to invigorate closer economic,
political and cultural ties with the countries in the region were
identified. The establishment of joint ventures in Malaysia and
Indonesia and a more active programme of economic cooperation
demonstrated India's intention to share and be a partner in the
development of the region. Relations with Vietnam developed
rapidly during the year culminating in the visit of the Vietnamese
Prime Mniister at the end of February 1978. India considers it
a privilege to respond to the utmost of its capacity in joining in
with gigantic task facing that country to rehabilitate its devastated
economy and looks forward to the establishment of even closer
cooperative relations with Vietnam. India welcomed ASEAN
as an organisation for promoting regional cooperation. The
(v)
participation in a regional Commonwealth Conference held in
Australia in February 1978, the first of its kind within the Com-
monwealth, reflected India's belief that regional members of the
Commonwealth, through mutual discussions, could help to pro-
mote functional cooperation without in any way disturbing the
existing network of well-established institutions. It also provided
an opportunity to India to offer its cooperation with the South
Pacific countries which have indeed very special problems of
development. While relations with Japan have always been cor-
dial, India would like to forge closer links with this great Asian
country, which has emerged as the third leading economic power
in the world. Particular significance was, therefore, attached to
in the world. Particular significance was, therefore, attached to
1977.
In West Asia, India noted the initiative taken by President
Sadat of holding direct talks with the Prime Minister of Israel
and kept close watch over developments in the region. India
would welcome a peaceful solution and favoured an early conven-
ing of the Geneva Peace Conference. It, however, believed that
any just and lasting settlement could only be reached on the basis
of the withdrawal of Israel from the Arab territories under its
illegal occupation and restoration of legitimate rights of the
Palestinian people. At the same time, it maintained that boun-
daries between states should be settled through negotiations and
not by force and all states in the region, including Israel, should
have the right to exist in peace within secure boundaries. With
the other individual states of West Asia, India followed a dynamic
policy of increasing contacts to find avenues for greater coopera-
tion on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. The visit of the
Minister of Works, Housing & Supply as Special Envoy of the-
Prime Minister to United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrein, Egypt
and Algeria and that of the Minister of Industry to Libya, Kuwait,
Jordan, Syria and Iraq in October marked India's desire to ex-
pand cultural and economic relations with these countries. A
protocol was signed with Libya in October providing for coopera-
tion in industrial field. A loan of Rs. 45 crores was received
from Kuwait Fund for the Kalanadi hydroelectric project. The
meetings of the Indo-Iranian Joint Commission in September and
Indo-Iraq Joint Commission in November resulted in agreements
for cooperation with these countries in various developmental
activities. During the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister of
Egypt in January 1978, India agreed to extend scientific, technical
and industrial cooperation to that country for some of its deve-
lopmental projects. The visit of the Shahenshah of Iran in
(vi)
February 1978 was of far-reaching significance. It symbolised
the steady improvement in India's relations with Iran and led to
major fresh commitments in our economic cooperation and proof
of the concrete confidence in relations which can be of benefit in
the search for stability and progress of the region to which both
countries belong. Through a technical and economic agreement
signed with Yemen, India agreed to participate in the develop-
ment plans of that country.
The developments in Africa received India's close attention.
There was great concern about the conflict in the Horn of Africa.
India made known its concern and urged that the fighting between
Somalia and Ethiopia should cease and while respecting establish-
ed frontiers, a solution should be found under UN, OAU or any
other mutually acceptable auspices. In Southern Africa
the racist policy of white-dominated minority regimes and opposi-
tion to such policies by the black majority created dangers of war
and conflict. Wedded to the policy of anti-colonialism and anti-
racialism, India wanted full international pressure to be brought
on these white-dominated regimes through sanctions and other
means to change their oppressive policies. Favouring a solution
to the problem through peaceful means, India welcomed the posi-
tive elements in the proposals put forward by Britain and the
United States for majority rule and independence of Zimbabwe.
If the white regimes did not change their policies, India believed
that the black majority had no option but to resort to an armed
struggle. In that context, India urged unity amongst the libera-
tion movement and that minority rule must be replaced, and
through a basis of adult suffrage, independent Zimbabwe should
come into being after a limited transition. It denounced the
illegal occupation of Namibia by South Africa and expressed its
support for the SWAPO in its struggle for realising the indepen-
dence of Namibia.
At the same India, India continued to strengthen bilateral re-
lations with the independent countries of Africa. The Indo-
Tanzanian Commission, which met in July/August 1977, agreed
to strengthen cooperation in industry, agriculture and many other
fields. The need for further development of trade with Zambia
received emphasis during the visit of the Zambian Minister of
Commerce to India in October. Various industrial projects, on
which India and Uganda could cooperate, were identified during
the visit to India by the Uganda Minister for Power and Industry
in November 1977.
India welcomed the relaxation of tension in Europe and
growing cooperation between countries of Western and Eastern
(vii)
Europe and maintained relations with them on the basis of equa-
lity and beneficial cooperation. Fruitful economic relations were
established with a number of countries of Western Europe. India
and the Federal Republic of Germany identified projects for
industrial collaboration and joint ventures in third countries. The
European Economic Community continued to be India's largest
trading partner and one of the main sources of developmental
assistance. India, however, wanted the Community to take a
more cooperative and accommodating attitude in matters of trade
with the developing countries. This was impressed on the British
Prime Minister and the President and Foreign Minister of Ireland
during their visit to India. They appreciated India's point of
view. The Danish Minister of Economic Cooperation, during
her visit, assured that Denmark would take a liberal attitude to-
wards developing countries. It was India's hope that the EEC
would adopt a less protectionist and more forward-looking
approach in its trade relations with the developing countries. The
visit of the British Prime Minister in January 1978 resulted in
injecting greater understanding and cordiality in Indo-British
relations. It underlined the common ideals and aspirations shar-
ed by both countries. The visit opened up prospects of increased
trade and greater economic and technical collaboration. The
Irish President's visit resulted in the reiteration of the ties of
friendship and consideration of greater cooperation with that
country in different fields.
With the socialist countries of Eastern Europe, India, through
high-level exchanges, worked to promote cultural contacts and
economic cooperation in various fields. The visit of the Minister
of Education to Poland and the German Democratic Republic and
the visit of a Czechoslovak cultural delegation to India indicated
efforts towards promotion of greater culture relations. The
meetings of the Indo-Polish Joint Commission and Indo-German
Democratic Republic Joint Commission and the visits of trade
delegations from Poland and Bulgaria marked the trend towards
developing greater trade and economic cooperation with the coun-
tries of of Eastern Europe. Particularly close relations were
maintained with Yugoslavia which equally subscribed to the
policy of non-alignment in its foreign relations. Discussions
held during the visit of the Minister of External Affairs to Yugo-
slavia in September 1977 highlighted the common approach of
the two countries towards international problems and their desire
for greater economic, scientific and cultural cooperation.
A genuinely non-aligned country opposed to the concepts of
blocs in international relations, India did not believe that friendly
(viii)
relations with any one country should come in the way of its
developing such relations with any third country. The visit
of the Prime Minister to the Soviet Union highlighted the fact
that different social and economic systems did not constitute a
hurdle to developing good relations. Friendly ties with the Soviet
Union had stood the test of time and were based on national in-
terests and enlightened common purpose. The Soviet Union re-
cognised that India's policy of non-alignment could make a great
contribution towards the common struggle against imperialism,
colonialism and racialism. India believed that cooperation with
the Soviet Union on the basis of equality, mutual benefit, non-
interference in each other's internal affairs with the right of each
other to choose their own political and social systems and the
renunciation of the use of force, would strengthen the cause of
peace and stability in Asia and the world. Growing trade and
economic cooperation in various fields reflected the close ties
between the two countries.
A meaningful dialogue was opened to promote understanding
with the United States, the second largest democracy in the world,
whose outlook on world affairs could not be ignored in the inter-
est of world peace and stability. Mutual exchanges between the
Prime Minister of India and the President of the United States
marked a good beginning for developing greater understanding.
The visit of President Carter to India in January 1978 gave a
meaningful direction to relations with that country. As in the
case of the Soviet Union, India, during this visit, reaffirmed the
right of each people to determine its own form of government and
its own political, social and economic policies. Though the views
of India and the United States did not coincide on all issues, the
two countries shared the common goal of working towards demo-
cracy, human development, social justice and peace. This was
spelt out in the Delhi Declaration issued at the conclusion of the-
visit. The Declaration was seen as not merely an affirmation of
cherished common values by two friendly nations but also as a
restatement of the fundamental principles which should govern
the conduct of relations between nations in an increasingly com-
plex international environment which can remain valid through
time. India hoped that, through the three sub-commissions,--
economic and commercial, education and culture, science and
technology-, the two countries would be able to further bilateral
cooperation for their mutual benefit.
Friendship with all countries did not preclude India from tak-
ing an independent stand on issues it considered vital for peace
and security. India was critical of the large amounts spent on
(ix)
stock-piling of arms, their development and sale, and felt that
even a small percentage of expenditure met on them. if diverted
towards economic progress and welfare, would greatly contribute
towards human progress and development. Advocating complete
and universal disarmament, India openly announced its decision
of not carrying out any nuclear tests or developing nuclear wea-
pons. It refused to yield to outside pressure to sign the non-
proliferation treaty. The Treaty was regarded discriminatory as
the nuclear powers themselves were not prepared to accept the
conditions they wanted to lay down for the non-nuclear powers.
India stood for the utilisation of nuclear energy on the basis of
sovereignty, equality and non-discrimination and the acceptance
by all powers, including the major powers, of the need for ulti-
mate elimination of all nuclear weapons. While welcoming the
Soviet-US talks on the Indian Ocean, India wanted the elimina-
tion of all bases from the area and hoped that the major powers
would cooperate with the littoral states to make the Indian Ocean
an area of peace free from great power rivalry.
India recognised that friendly relations with other countries
should focus attention on global interdependence and the need
for a new international economic order that would remove eco-
nomic disparity among nations and bring them together to work
for the welfare of all humanity constituting as one world. The
growth and prosperity of the developed world was closely linked
with the growth and development in the developing countries
and it was necessary for the developed countries to understand
the social and economic problems confronting the developing
countries and to narrow the gap between them and the deve-
loping countries. Both at the Conference on International Eco-
nomic Cooperation held in Paris in May-June and at the forum
of the United Nations, India emphasised the need for sharing of
technological development and resources by nations in order to
bring about an equitable and just international economic order.
Conscious of the half-hearted support by the developed count-
ries towards, this end, India impressed upon the non-aligned
nations within the Group of 77 to strengthen their unity and
work for the realisation of this objective. It believed that
collective self-reliance through cooperation by the non-aligned
nations would focus greater attention on the question of deve-
lopment and need for international cooperation and thus help
towards ultimate realisation of a just and equitable economic
order. It was not only political equality but also economic
equality, that would help in bringing about a "warm living peace"
among nations free from exploitation, mutual fear and suspicion. |
Top |
India's Neighbours | CHAPTER I
INDIAS NEIGHBOURS
India gave top priority to improving its relations with its
immediate neighbours among its foreign policy objective. These
relations, developed on the basis of equality, goodwill and mu-
tual trust, helped towards creating a climate of normalisation
and friendship, thus promoting the cause of peace in the region.
The Minister of External Affairs, during his visit to Afgha-
nistan from 3 to Sep 06, 1977, reassured Afghan leaders
of India's desire to maintain the traditionally close ties of friend-
ship between India and Afghanistan and to further enhance
them to their mutual benefit. The visit provided an opportu-
nity for establishment of personal rapport with Afghan leaders
and for exchange of views on bilateral, regional and internatio-
nal problems. Both countries reaffirmed their adherence to
non-alignment and their belief in the principles of co-existence
as fundamental to conduct of relations. Discussions held during
the visit of President Daoud to India in March 1978 showed
the close identity of views of the two countries on major inter-
national problems. There was satisfaction at technical and
economic cooperation between the two countries and it was
agreed to strengthen and widen further areas of bilateral co-
operation.
A significant event in the field of cultural cooperation was
completion of the restoration work, by the Archaelogical Sur-
vey of India in September 1977, on the two colossal world
famous statues of the Buddha at Bamiyan. The Minister of
External Affairs participated in the ceremony held at Bamiyan
to mark the occasion. An Indian trade delegation visited
Kabul in September-October 1977 and succeeded in resolving
some operational trade problems following a review of the trade
agreement of September 1975.
Relations between India and Bangladesh took a turn for the
better following bold decisions taken by the new Government,
particularly in regard to Farakka and to border incidents. India
lost no time to declare its policy of strict non-interference in
the internal affairs of Bangladesh and of its regard for its
pg1
pg2
sovereignty and independence. While not refusing political
asylum on humanitarian grounds to Bangladeshi nationals who
had come over to India, after 15 August 1975, India made it
clear that these political refugees would not be allowed to use
the Indian soil for carrying out propaganda or other activities
directed against their Government. As a result, a number of
Bangladeshi political refugees returned to their country and
Bangladesh stopped making allegations against India regarding
border incidents.
After the understanding reached in the Ministerial level
talks in April 1977 on the Farakka question, three rounds of
official level talks were held between the delegations of India
and Bangladesh from 7 to 11 May in New Delhi, from 28 July
to 6 August in Dacca and from 20 to 29 September in New
Delhi. At the end of the third round of these talks an agree-
ment was reached on the Sharing of the Ganga Waters at
Farakka and on Augmenting its Flows and signed in Dacca on
5 November 1977. This agreement, valid for an initial period
of five years, provided for an arrangement of sharing of the
Ganga waters at Farakka between the two countries and pro-
cedures for finding a speedy solution to the long-term problem
of augmenting the flow of the Ganga. The signing of this
Agreement resolved an issue which had defied solution for more
than a quarter of a century. The Agreement should pave the
way for wider cooperation between the two countries for har-
nessing their water resources to the benefit of their peoples.
The Joint Committee, set up under the provisions of the Agree-
ment to supervise the implementation of the arrangement for
sharing, held two meetings in December 1977 and agreed upon
the procedures for observing the flows to be released at Farakka.
The arrangement for sharing came into effect from 1 January
1978.
The Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission held its
first meeting, after the signing of the Agreement and after its
status was elevated to the Ministerial level, from 21 to 24 Janu-
ary 1978. The most important item on the agenda of the Joint
Rivers Commission was the mandate given to it, under Article
IX of the Agreement, to prepare a study of the best means of
augmenting the flow of the Ganga. It was agreed in the meet-
ing that the two Governments would submit their proposals by
mid-March 1978, that a study group would be set up for each
proposal and that a work schedule for each study group would
be prepared and agreed upon so that the study could be com-
pleted and the recommendations of the Joint Rivers Commission
pg3
formulated within the time-limit of three years stipulated in the
Agreement. In addition, the Joint Rivers Commission took first
step towards reviving its other functions under its Statute and
work on which had started till it came to a standstill after June
1975.
The Directors General of the Border Forces of the two
countries met twice, first in April 1977 and more recently from
25 to 27 January 1978, and made considerable headway towards
the realisation of the common objective of the two countries of
maintaining a border of peace and stability.
Personal contacts between the Prime Minister of India and
President Ziaur Rahman of Bangladesh were a major factor in
removing misunderstanding between the two countries and res-
toring mutual trust. These contacts began with their meetings
at the time of the Commonwealth Prime Ministers Conference
in London and were continued thereafter. At the invitation of
the Government of India, President Ziaur Rahman paid a State
visit to India, on 19-20 December 1977. During the
visit, a wide range of bilateral, regional and inter-
national issues of mutual interest were discussed between the
Prime Minister of India and the President of the Bangladesh and
between the delegation of the two countries. The visit of the
President of Bangladesh further contributed to the building of
mutual confidence and the consolidation of friendly relations
between the two countries.
In the economic field, supply of commodities under the un-
utilised portion of Government-to-Government credits and grants
extended earlier to Bangladesh was continued and the total
amount of utilisation during the first nine months of the year
was approximately Rs. 1.07 crores. As in the previous year,
India offered 100 scholarships to Bangladesh nationals in various
disciplines under its Technical Assistance Programme. India
also tried to meet shortages of essential commodities in Bangla-
desh in spite of the fact that there was an acute shortage of
these commodities in India itself.
Exchange of visits at the highest level helped to promote
close and friendly relations between India and Bhutan. The
King of Bhutan visited Delhi in April 1977 and the Minister of
External Affairs accompanied by the Foreign Secretary visited
Bhutan in November 1977. Discussions held during these visits
contributed to the building up of a spirit of mutual trust and
confidence, thus consolidating the freindship between the two
countries.
pg4
India continued to be a partner in the economic development
efforts, of Bhutan and provided financial and other assistance in
this connection. India undertook to contribute approximately
Rs. 70 crores for the Fourth Five Year Plan of Bhutan and
during 1977-78 provided Rs. 13.50 crores for this purpose. A
budget provision of Rs. 8.50 crores was also made for the year
1977-78 towards the construction of a hydel project at Chukha.
India also undertook to construct a cement plant at Penden and
a provision of Rs. 3.50 crores was made for this purpose in
the current financial year. India was implementing a compre-
hensive area development scheme in the town of Gaylegphug in
sourthern Bhutan. It also agreed to assist Bhutan in joint
investigation of water resources of various rivers.
India gave assistance to Bhusan to build an infrastructure for
increasing its foreign trade and expanding its export. Assist-
ance was also given in the form of experts and specialists in
various fields including forestry, industries, mineral and geologi-
cal exploration, telecommunications, road construction and sur-
vey work.
Many Bhutanese students were granted scholarships for
higher studies at various institutes in India.
The Minister of External Affairs, in pursuance of India's
policy to promote greater goodwill and cooperation with its
neighbours, visited Burma in August 1977. In the discussions
held during the visit, both countries agreed that, in the spirit of
friendship and good neighbourliness, they should explore
avenues of further cooperation in economic, technical and cul-
tural fields. It was decided to resume negotiations on demar-
cating the maritime boundary as the establishment of 200 mile
economic zone by both India and Burma had resulted in the
over-lapping of the zone in the Andaman sea and the gulf of
Martaban. The assurance given by the Burmese that they would
expedite the grant of Burmese citizenship to persons of Indian
origin indicated the spirit of understanding and cooperation
existing in the friendly relations between India and Burma.
The visit of the Maldives Minister of Education to India in
May 1977 reflected the friendly contacts being maintained
between India and the Maldives. The, Government of Maldives
and the Indian Airlines signed an agreement for the establish-
ment of Maldives International Airways to provide air service on
Mate-Colombo sector.
pg5
India's efforts to establish a mutually cooperative and mean-
ingful relationship with Nepal was a part of its conserted effort
to-establish close- ties with its immediate neighbours. The visit
of the King of Nepal to India in April 1977 followed by the
visit of India's Minister of External Affairs to Nepal in July
1977 and of the Prime Minister of India in December 1977,
helped towards building such a relationship in a spirit of mutual
trust and confidence. India assured Nepal that it did not seek
to interfere in its domestic affairs and was generally interested
in developing mutually cooperative ties. Regarding new
arrangements for Indo-Nepalese trade, the Prime Minister
expressed India's willingness to have two separate treaties on
trade and transit and this was welcomed by Nepal. It was,
however, also agreed that both countries would cooperate in
taking measures to check unauthorised trade across their open
border as such trade could cause harm to the economy of either
country. Further discussions on these matters were held during
the visit of a Nepalese delegation to India in January 1978 and
of an Indian delegation to Nepal in February-March 1978. A
broad understanding reached resulted in the initialling of
separate treaties on trade and transit and an agreement to check
unauthorised trade. This reflected the growing trust, under-
standing and mutual cooperation in Indo-Nepalese relations.
The Prime Minister during his visit also discussed the enor-
mous potential of rivers in the two countries which could be
harnessed for their mutual benefit. An agreement was reached
on specific measures to set in motion the process of expeditious
study and execution of four projects on the rivers Karnali,
Mahakali, Rapti and Trisuli.
India continued to extend financial and technical assistance
for development programmes in Nepal. An amount of Rs. 9.09
crores was provided during the current year for meeting
expenditure on schemes in hand. The major project for which
assistance was to be given was the 250-Km long Central Sector
of the Mahendra Rai Marg expected to be completed by 1980-
81 at an estimated cost of Rs. 40 crores. India agreed to
carry out the Devighat Hydro-Electric Project on a turkey basis
and undertake a detailed ground survey of the Dolalghat-
Dhankuta road. Agreements were also reached during the year
for continuance of the scheme for the development of village,
cottage and small scale industries in Nepal. Letters were also
exchanged concerning Indian assistance of Rs. 12 lakhs towards
construction of a Sports Complex at Pokhra, and extension of
the agreement relating to supply of Iodised Salt to Nepal. The
638-meter bridge on river Kamla built with Indian assistance at
pg6
a cost of Rs. 4.03 crores was inaugurated by the Prime Minister
of Nepal in November 1977.
India, in pursuance of its policy of developing friendly rela-
tions with neighbouring countries, worked for normalisation of
relations with Pakistan while adhering scrupulously to the princi-
ple of non-interference in its internal affairs. The developments
in Pakistan, though watched with interest, were considered as
an internal affair of Pakistan and India reiterated its policy of
non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries.
The visit of the Minister of External Affairs to Pakistan in
February 1978 marked the culmination of this policy. This
was the first visit by an Indian Minister of External Affairs to
Pakistan in 12 years. The Minister, during the visit, assured
Pakistan that India remained committed to the Simla Agreement
and did not seek or claim a leadership much less hegemonistic
role in the region. Further, India was willing to accelerate the
pace of normalisation but the pace would only be as fast as
the country concerned jointly determined it. Pakistan expressed
appreciation of India's policy of non-interference in the internal
affairs of other countries and of its attitude towards its smaller
neighbours. Discussions held during the visit included ex-
change of ideas on bilateral matters such as trade, visa
procedures and cultural exchanges and multilateral matters
including cooperation in preparation for the United Nations
General Assembly special session on disarmament. Kashmir
wag also discussed and both sides put forward their respective
points of view. Pakistan expressed readiness to resume talks
on Salal Project from where they were left off in October 1976.
As a result of discussions it was decided that trade talks due in
January would be held early. Discussions on the Salal Project
would be resumed and journalists would be allowed to be posted
in the capital of either country.
The situation on the border throughout the year remained
normal, both before and after the army took over in Pakistan
in July 1977. Travel by road, rail and air between the two
countries was not affected. An agreement was signed on
31 August 1977 in New Delhi regarding visa facilities for air-
lines personnel and another agreement on telecommunications in
Islamabad on 31 October 1977. As a consequence of the
second agreement, a satellite link went into operation on 1 De-
cember 1977. In order to facilitate further the movement
of goods by rail, delegations from both sides held talks in
Islamabad from 26 to 29 December 1977 to review the rail
agreement of 1976.
pg7
Trade between India and Pakistan increased during the
year. A large variety of goods including timber, cement and
steel were exported from India to Pakistan. A delegation from
the Indian Oil Corporation visited Islamabad in October and
signed contracts for the import of furnace oil and naphtha worth
S 14 million, from Pakistan.
A new feature during the year was the beginnings in cultu-
ral exchanges between the two countries. Delegations from
each country participated in the celebrations commemorating
the birth centenary of poet and philosopher Allama Mohammad
Iqbal in India and Pakistan. Some Pakistani singers visited
India and received enthusiastic response from the Indian public.
The decision to hold hockey matches between the teams of the
two countries in February 1978, was widely welcomed.
India believes that further contacts between the peoples of
the two countries can lead to the building of trust and under-
standing. To this end, India looks forward to both countries
agreeing to the progressive liberalisation of travel arrangements
for their nationals.
Conscious of the humanitarian aspect involved, India offer-
ed to release unilaterally 433 Pakistani detenus in India and
Pakistan offered to release 268 Indians held in Pakistan. There
were two exchanges during the year involving 291 persons.
The cases of those remaining are being verified by either side.
Friendly ties between India and Sri Lanka were marked by
close cooperation in cultural and economic fields. A cultural
agreement was signed between the two countries and India ex-
tended to Sri Lanka a credit of Rs. 70 million for the purchase
of intermediate goods and essential articles of mass consump-
tion. There was concern in India at the anti-Tamil disturbanc-
es in some parts of Sri Lanka in August 1977 which involved
some Indian nationals and some persons of Indian origin who
were to be repatriated to India. The effective steps taken by
Sri Lanka to restore normalcy and bring about confidence with-
in the Tamil community were noted with satisfaction. India
donated a sum of Rs. 8 lakhs to Sri Lanka as contribution
towards relief and rehabilitation to those affected by the distur-
bances.
The Minister of Home Affairs visited Sri Lanka from 3 to
6 February 1978 to represent Government of India at the
installation ceremony of Mr. J. R. Jayewardene as the first
executive President of Sri Lanka under the country's amended
Constitution.
Sep 06, 1977 |
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South-East Asia |
Jan 01, 1977
CHAPTER II
SOUTH-EAST ASIA
A Conference of the Heads of Missions in South and South
East Asia, held in New Delhi in August 1977, underlined the
importance India attached to developing friendly and cooperative
relations with all countries of South-East Asia. The sovereignty,
independence and territorial integrity of the countries of the South-
East Asia and stability in the region is of vital importance to
India. India noted a general desire in the region to settle its
problems without outside influence and pressure and to work
towards meeting the aspirations and rising expectations of the
people for a better life by promoting economic development
through national and regional cooperation. India welcomed the
evolution of the ASEAN into an effective instrument of coopera-
tion among its members. Having friendly relations both with the
ASEAN countries and Indo-China States, India viewed with
favour the progressive development of relations between them.
So far as the development of the region was concerned, India
expressed its willingness to share its resources, limited as they
were, with the countries of South-East Asia to contribute towards
their development. Opposed to any foreign military presence
in the region India reiterated its support for the concept of South-
East Asia as a zone of peace, freedom and neutrality. It was
hoped that sub-regional cooperation would develop into regional
consciousness and in due course contribute to the crystalisation
of an Asian approach on international questions of common
concern.
There was increasing cooperation between India and various
countries of the region in economic and commercial fields. India
wanted this cooperation to grow as it was in the interest of deve-
loping nations to have such cooperation for mutual bent-fit.
India and Thailand signed a cultural agreement in April 1977.
An understanding was also reached with Thailand on the delimi-
tation of the maritime boundary in the Andamans Sea.
India supported and welcomed the admission of the Socialist
Republic of Vietnam to the United Nations. The visit of the
Foreign Minister and Deputy Foreign Minister of Vietnam and
an economic delegation and the visit of an Indian delegation led
pg8
pg9
by the Minister of State for External Affairs to that country in
February 1978, indicated a mutual desire to consolidate friend-
ship and promote cooperation. This was further highlighted
during the visit of the Prime Minister of Vietnam to India towards
the end of February 1978. His discussions with the Prime
Minister of India on regional and international problems reflected
the common belief of both countries that relations with neigh-
bouring countries should be settled through negotiations free from
foreign interference in a spirit of equality and mutual respect.
The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their desire that India and
Vietnam would closely cooperate with each other and with other
non-Aligned countries in dealing with international questions at
various international fora. The visit helped towards strengthen-
ing friendship and promoting mutually beneficial cooperation
between India and Vietnam.
India and Indonesia exchanged instruments of ratification
relating to the agreement on extension of the continental shelf
boundary between the two countries.
Relations with Australia and New Zealand which had conti-
nued to be friendly received fillip following the visit of the Prime
Minister to Australia to attend the Regional Commonwealth
Conference. Bilateral discussions with the Australian Prime
Minister helped to promote mutual understanding, thus paving
the way for closer links towards furthering regional cooperation.
The outbreak of Anand Marg activities in Australia against
Indian diplomats created concern but it was satisfying that
Australia took prompt measure towards controlling their activi-
ties and providing security for the Indian diplomatic officers in
that country.
Jan 01, 1977 |
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East Asia |
CHAPTER III
EAST ASIA
Progress was maintained towards normalisation of relation's
with China. The resumption of direct trade after nearly 15
years promoted banking facilities and movement of cargo ships
between the two countries. Representatives of Indian public
sector organisations participated in the bi-annual Canton. Trade
Fair and two-way trade transactions amounting to approximately
Rs. 3 crores were made at the Fair. There were also exchanges
in a variety of fields such as agriculture, mining, forestry, medi-
cine, public health and sports. A Chinese trade delegations
visited India in February 1978. These demonstrated the readi-
ness of the two countries to profit from each other's experience
in various fields of developmental activities. An unofficial
Chinese goodwill delegation led by Mr. Wang Pin-nan, President
of the Chinese Peoples' Association for Friendship with Foreign
Countris, visited India in March 1978 at the invitation of the
All India Dr. Kotnis Memorial Committe whose delegation had
earlier visited China in 1976. Mr. Wang extended an invitation
from the Foreign Minister of China to the Minister of External
Affairs to visit that country. Shri Vajpayee accepted the invita-
tion in principle and the visit could take place at an appropriate
time after careful and adequate preparations.
Notwithstanding the fact that the border question with China
remains unresolved, India believes in seeking step-by-step norma-
lisation of relations with China on the basis of the five principles
of co-existence. It was India's hope that through the pursuit
of such a policy, an atmosphere would be created which might
help towards solving unresolved problems between the two coun-
tries through bilateral negotiations.
The visit of the Foreign Minister of Japan Mr. I Hatoyama
to India, in July 1977, gave a new significance to relations with
that country. It was the first Japanese high-level visit to India
in the last seven years. Discussions revealed a great understand-
ing and appreciation by both countries of each other's foreign
policy. Both sides recognised that evolving Indo-Japanese friend-
ship and cooperation were important for the stability and prog-
ress of the Asian continent as a whole. A decision was taken
pg10
pg11
to exchange delegations with a view to identify areas of further
industrial collaboration. Japan expressed its readiness to make
available experts to advise in schemes of rural development. The
decision to elevate the annual bilateral consultations between India
and Japan to the level of Foreign Ministers reflected the import-
ance attached by both countries to exchange of views on inter-
national problems at the highest level.
India is to receive from Japan during 1977-78 a sum equival-
ent to Rs. 66 crores as commodity loan and Rs. 33 crores as
project aid.
The first meeting of the Joint Business Council of India and
the Republic of Korea was held in Seoul in June 1977. Both
sides expressed satisfaction at its deliberations and hoped it
would result in promoting commercial relations between India
and the Republic of Korea.
The agreement on cultural cooperation between India and
the Democratic People's Republic of Korea came into effect from
Nov 11, 1977, with the exchange of notes of ratification.
Discussions held during the visit of the Foreign Minister of
Mongolia to India in February 1978, reflected friendly ties based
on a common approach towards world problems. A trade and
cultural agreement was signed between India and Mongolia.
Nov 11, 1977 |
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West Asia and North Africa |
Jan 01, 1981
CHAPTER IV
WEST ASIA AND NORTH AFRICA
India's policy towards West Asia and North Africa showed a
new earnestness and further strengthening bilateral cooperation
in the political, economic, commercial and cultural fields with
the countries of the region. The Minister of External Affairs
lost no time in allaying the misapprehensions among Arab coun-
tries about India's support to the Arab cause. In his public
statement of @19770324 ai, , he"we acknowledge Israel's
right to exist as a sovereign state just as the Soviet Union does.
But it will have to vacate the Arab territory it unilaterally occupi-
es. We will not support forcible occupation of land by any
one in the same manner as we ourselves will not tolerate aggres-
sion on our borders". The Prime Minister also expressed a
sympathetic attitude to the chief demand of the Arab nations,
namely, the Israel should withdraw from occupied Arab territory
and recognise that the Palestinians must be provided with a home-
land to which they could return. India condemned Israel's
attempts to alter the demographic nature of the occupied terri-
tories through new settlements. With regard to the proposals
about West Asian Peace Conference, to be held in Geneva, it was
India's view that P.L.O.'s participation was necessary for such
a conference to be meaningful and effective. India has been
watching developments taking place in West Asia since the visit
of President Anwar Sadat to Israel which has resulted in a tre-
mendous change in the West Asian scene.
India's close relations with Iran were marked by high-level
contacts, exchange of views on matters of common interest and
economic cooperation. This desire to maintain a continuing
dialogue were reflected in the discussions held by the Prime
Minister and the Minister of External Affairs during their brief
halt at Tehran on 7 June 1977. During the visit of Shahanshah
and the Shahabano of Iran to India in February 1978, discus-
sions were held on international issues and bilateral cooperation.
There was close similarity of views on major international issues
such as disarmament, the West Asian problem, the maintenance
of the Indian Ocean as a zone of peace and support for the people
of South Africa in their struggle against recialism, colonialism
pg12
pg13
and exploitation. Both countries shared the belief that the im-
paratives of history and geography, sharing of common tradition
and culture, made it necessary that the governments of the region
should cooperate in order to bring greater prosperity to their
peoples. It was realised that continuous contacts and exchange
of visits at different levels should be maintained as these help
towards strengthening relations. Keeping in view a long history
of close cultural inter-action, it was decided to establish two
Chairs, one at Tehran and the other at Delhi to promote research
in the history of Indo-Iranian relations.
To promote bilateral relations with countries of the West
Asian region and to explain the policies of the new Indian
Government, two Cabinet Ministers visited these countries as
Special Emissaries of the Prime Minister. The Minister for
Works and Housing, Supply and Rehabilitation, Shri Sikander
Bakht, paid a goowill visit to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar,
Bahrain, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and Algeria. Likewise,
the Minister for Industries, Shri George Fernandes, paid a good-
will visit to Libya, Kuwait, Jordan, Syria and Iraq. The Minis-
ters took the opportunity to emphasise the fact that there was
no change in the policy of the Government of India towards the
Palestinian question.
Countries in the WANA region gained singular importance
so far as India's exports were concerned. India was able to
diversify its exports from traditional items like tea, spices, sugar,
etc. to sophisticated industrial equipment and machinery, engi-
neering products and electrical appliances. Countries like Saudi
Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Egypt
showed a substantial increase in their intake of Indian products.
From a total of 1779.8 million rupees worth of exports during
1973-74, India's exports to the WANA region countries went up
to 7036.2 million rupees in 1976-77.
ai, , he |
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Africa South of the Sahara |
Jan 01, 1977
CHAPTER V
AFRICA SOUTH OF THE SAHARA
India shared with African countries south of the Sahara their
concern at the developments in Southern Africa which posed a
threat to international peace and security. It was equally appre-
hensive of the conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia in the Horn
of Africa. This conflict, it was felt, would encourage super
power rivalry and activity in the region and divert world atten-
tion from the problems of colonialism and recialism in Southern
Africa. With individual African countries which, like India,
were developing countries, efforts continued towards closer tech-
nical and economic cooperation for mutual benefit and for helping
them in the task of development.
India was greatly disturbed at the repressive measures taken
by South Africa in pursuit of its policy of apartheid. It strongly
condemned the arrests, trials and deaths in detention of freedom
fighters and the banning of anti-apartheid newspapers and orga-
nisations in the country. The policy of Bantustans adopted by,
South Africa, in order to segregate its black population into inde-
pendent African units, was denounced as continuation of its
apartheid policy. India refused to recognise such States. The
boycott of South Africa in all fields, including sports, was main-
tained as a protest against the policy of apartheid. In the United
Nations, condemning South Africa's racist policies, India called
for a mandatory embargo on supply of arms and related equip-
ment to that country.
Developments in Zimbabwe were the focus of international
attention during the year. A major initiative in this direction
was the Anglo-United States proposals which called for the
acceptance of the principle of 'one man one vote" and a time-
bound programme for the independence of Zimbabwe. India
welcomed the positive elements in the Anglo-US proposals. At
the same time, it maintained close touch with the front-line States
and the nationalist leaders of Zimbabwe. It was made clear that
the Anglo-US proposals could succeed only if the Ian Smith
regime in Zimbabwe was removed and due place was given-to
pg14
pg15
the African nationalist forces in the transitional arrangements
proceeding the grant of independence.
India not only continued to support the liberation struggle in
Zimbabwe and Namibia and South Africa but also increased its
material contribution to those engaged in the struggle or affected
by developments in Southern Africa. In response to an appeal
from the United Nations, contributions of Rs. 10 lakhs and Rs. 5
lakhs, to special funds of Lesotho and Botswana respectively,
were announced. These were to be made in the shape of Indian
goods and services to enable these two countries to overcome the
adverse effects on their economy resulting from the actions of
minority regimes in Southern Africa. India also contributed
towards the Emergency Humanitarian Assistance Programme
concerning South African refugee students and gifted medicines
and blankets to Botswana and Zambia for the use of South African
refugees living in these countries. India expressed sympathy for
Mozambique, that had suffered heavily as a result of Rhodesian
incursions, and pledged to offer assistance once the United Nations
report on the extent of damage was available.
India wanted the conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia in
the Horn of Africa to be resolved peacefully. It supported the
stand taken by the Organisation of African Unity on the terri-
torial integrity of African States within their existing inherited
frontiers. The continuation of the conflict between Somalia and
Ethiopia, it was felt, would weaken the unity of Africa and the
solidarity of the non-alignment movement which was subscribed
to by both these countries.
Close friendship and cooperation was maintained with the
countries of East Africa. Discussions during the visit of the
Vice-President of Tanzania to India in April 1977 reflected
similarity of views on major international problems. Satisfac-
tion was expressed at the progress of friendly relations and bila-
teral cooperation and it was hoped that these would be further
strengthened. At the second meeting of the Indo-Tanzanian
Joint Commission, held in Dar-es-Salaam in July-August 1977.
mutual cooperation between India and Tanzania were agreed to
in a number of fields. The Minister of External Affairs, who
attended the meeting of the Commission, also met, on his way.
at Nairobi, Kenya's Minister of Foreign Affairs and discussed
with him matters of bilateral and international interest. The
visit of the Prime Minister of Mauritius to India in November
1977 reflected ties between India and Mauritius based on strong
historical and cultural traditions. Discussion on international
pg16
issues and matters of bilateral interest showed great understand-
ing and similarity of views regarding them. India and Mauritius
agreed to further expand areas of cooperation in various fields.
Discussions held during the visit of the Minister of External
Affairs to Mauritius in March 1978 led to decisions to strengthen
existing cultural, technical and economic relations. India and
Mauritius decided to adopt a common approach on aft issues
before the United Nations and work for making the Indian
Ocean a zone of peace.
Jan 01, 1977 |
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Western Europe |
CHAPTER VI
WESTERN EUROPE
The change of Government in India, in March 1977, in a
peaceful manner through democratic elections was generally
welcomed by all countries of Western Europe as re-affirmation
by India of its faith in democratic values and human rights.
During the year, there were many occasions for exchange of
views and joint work on specific proposals with different countries
of Western Europe. India also began joint collaboration with some
western firms in third countries' projects. Western Europe
accounts for almost a quarter of India's foreign trade and the
major part of international development assistance both in the
financial and technological fields.
The EEC, India's largest trading partner, unilaterally impos-
ed restriction in July 1977 on textile imports from India and eight
other countries. This had serious adverse effect on the working
of the textile industry in India, particularly the handloom sector.
Negotiations were taken up to try and arrive at a settlement
which would include preferential arrangements for India. The
Minister of Commerce Shri Mohan Dharia visited France in
September 1977 to discuss the unilateral restrictions placed by the
EEC with the French Prime Minister and the Commerce Minister.
This resulted in the release of some consignments which had been
held up by France. In December 1977, as part of the EEC's
programme for non-associated developing countries, a financial
convention, signed between India and the European Commission.
granted, India, $13.4 million as aid for grain and fertiliser storage
projects.
On his way back to India, after the Commonwealth Confe-
rence in June 1977, the Prime Minister stopped at Paris and dis-
cussed matters of mutual interest with the French President Mr.
Giscard d'Estaing and the French Prime minister. An Indo-
French space agreement was signed in Paris in June 1977. France
extended economic aid to India, to the extent of 340 million
French francs in 1977-78 which helped to meet the foreign ex-
change requirements for many projects including the Khetri Cop-
per Project, the Haldia Oil Refinery and the Talcher and Rama-
gundam fertiliser projects.
pg17
pg18
India remained the largest single recipient of aid given by the
Federal Republic of Germany to developing countries. This
assistance on IDA terms came to Rs. 135.72 crores during 1977-
78. The visit to India in April 1977 by the Foreign Minister of
Federal Republic of Germany reflected the close contacts main-
tained with that country. The Federal Republic of Germany's
Parliamentary Secretary of State in the Ministry of Science and
Technology visited India in November 1977 and reviewed the
progress achieved regarding cooperation in science and techno-
logy, under the 1974 Agreement with that country. The sixth
round of Indo-FRG Bilateral Consultations was held at Bonn
in September 1977.
The visit of the British Prime Minister Mr. James Callaghan,
from 6 to Jan 11, 1978, and the discussions held during the
visit reflected a warmth and understanding in Indo-British rela-
tions. The visit served to underline the common ideals and as-
pirations shared by India and the United Kingdom, their realisa-
tion of interdependence of nations and their acceptance of the
need to share responsibility for contributing to the creation of a
better world. Five agreements covering British aid to India of
Rs. 228 crores for 1977-78 were signed in the same month. Out
of this 110.8 crores was maintenance aid, the rest being for major
projects, import of capital investment goods, the coal and power
sectors and debt refinancing. The entire amount was in grant
form, the practice governing British aid since 1975. The Indo-
British bilateral talks were held in May 1977 in London when the
Indo-British Joint Committee on Trade and Economic Coopera-
tion also met.
The first ever official visit to India by an Irish Head of State
was made in January 1978 when President Hillery of Ireland
visited India. He was accompanied by the Irish Foreign Minis-
ter. The discussions held during the visit held out prospects for
further economic and cultural cooperation between India and
Ireland.
India continued to have close economic ties with the Nordic
countries. In May 1977 an Indo-Swedish Agreement complete-
ly remitted debt repayment of about Rs. 2.8 crores by India.
Swedish aid to India for 1977-78 came to Rs. 48 crores as a
grant and further Rs. 27 crores for purchase of Swedish equip-
ment as well as for technical assistance. The Swedish Minister
for Economic Cooperation Mr. Ola Ullsten visited India in
November 1977 and wide-ranging discussions were held on Indo-
Swedish economic and other relations. Norway extended assis-
pg19
tance equivalent to 70 million Kroners on a grant basis for 1977-
78. This was mainly in the field of fertilizer, paper, fisheries,
forestry and family welfare. Indo-Norwegian cooperation was
particularly successful in the field of fisheries in which Norway
has extensive expertise.
Denmark extended a loan of Rs. 12.5 crores on soft terms
to India for the import of equipment in the fields of petro-chemi-
cals, fisheries, fertilisers, food processing and electronics. it
also gave nearly five times this amount for technical assistance
over the period 1976-81. The Danish Minister of State without
portfolio visited India in January 1978 and discussed Indo-Danish
economic cooperation and general international economic issues.
THE SOVIET UNION AND EASTERN EUROPE
India continued to attach importance to developing relations
with the socialist countries of Eastern Europe. This reflected
India's belief that states with diverse economic and social systems
can cooperate successfully to their mutual advantage when such
relations are based on the recognition of principles of peaceful co-
existence.
The visit of the Soviet Foreign Minister Mr. Gromyko in April
1977 reflected friendly contacts and bilateral cooperation with the
Soviet Union. During the visit, three agreements were signed re-
lating to economic and technical cooperation, trade and establish-
ment of a telecommunication link. Later in the year, in October
1977, the Prime Minister, accompanied by the Minister of Exter-
nal Affairs, paid an official visit to the Soviet Union. Indo-Soviet
relations and major international problems were discussed during
the visit. The two sides noted that Indo-Soviet friendship was not
subject to transient considerations and was an important factor for
peace and stability in Asia and the world. It was considered im-
portant not only to maintain but further strengthen this friendship.
Satisfaction was expressed at the progress of work being done
under the Indo-Soviet Joint Commission on economic, scientific
and technical cooperation. The raising of the level of the co-
chairmanship of the Indo-Soviet Joint Commission with the Indian
side nominating the Minister of External Affairs, Shri A. B.
Vajpayee, and the Soviet side nominating Deputy Prime Minister
Arkhipov to be the two co-chairmen had indicated the import-
ance attached by both countries to the work of this Commission.
It was further agreed that a long-term programme of mutually-
beneficial economic co-operation in various sectors of Indian eco-
nomy and bilateral trade exchanges should be worked out for 1978.
pg20
Teams of experts of the Indian and Soviet organisations were to be
formed to study and define prospects of collaboration in various
fields. Some Soviet delegates have already visited India to study
prospects of cooperation in production of alumina and in science
and technology. A distinctive feature of Indo-Soviet economic re-
lations has been the Soviet Union's willingness to assist India in
key sectors of the economy to enable it to realise, self-sufficiency.
These include steel, heavy machine building, power generation,
drugs and pharmaceuticals.
An agreement was signed in September 1977 enabling India
to return the Soviet wheat loan of 1973 in kind. Earlier, the
Soviet Union had accepted India's proposal to pay back the loan
through export of goods and till March 1977 payments equivalent
to Rs. 41 crores had been made. Under the present agreement,
the balance quantity of approximately 1.5 million tonnes of wheat
would be shipped some time between October 1977 to, October
1978.
The Soviet Union offered to supply 1 million tonnes of crude
oil in 1977 and 1.5 million tonnes every year from 1977 to 1980.
The supply would be made under the Indo-Soviet Rupee, Payment
Arrangement against a basket of commodities.
An Indian festival of Art and Culture was held in several Re-
publics of the Soviet Union to mark the 30th anniversary of India's
independence. A similar cultural festival from Soviet Union was
independence. A similar cultural festival from Soviet Union was
held in several cities of India to mark the 60th anniversary of the
October Revolution.
Besides the Soviet Union, India maintained high-level contacts
and close economic ties with a number of other countries of Eas-
tern Europe including Yugoslavia. Cultural contacts were pro-
moted through exchange of visits such as the visit of India's Minis-
ter of Education, Social Welfare & Culture, Dr. P. C. Chunder to
the German Democratic Republic and the visit of the Minister
of State for Culture of the German Democratic Republic and the
President of the Indo-GDR Friendship Society to India in Septem-
ber 1977.
The visit of Mr. Rudolf Saiger, member of the Council of
ministers of the German Democratic Republic, and Secretary of
State for Broadcasting in that country, in January 1978 resulted
in an agreement providing for a regular exchange of radio and
television programmes on various aspects of developments between
India and German Democratic Republic.
pg21
The Indian Minister of Education, Social Welfare and Culture
also visited Poland. An agreement for cooperation in peaceful
uses of Atomic Energy was signed with Poland in September 1977.
The Secretary of State and Chairman of the State Committee
for Information of Hungary visited India in October-November
1977. He discussed prospects for Indo-Hungarian cooperation in
the field of information. During the visit of the Foreign Secretary
to Hungary in June 1977, stress was laid on the strengthening of
bilateral relations. Hungary expressed appreciation at India's
continuing the basic tenets of its foreign policy.
The visit of the Deputy Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia to
India in December 1977, as Head of a Cultural Delegation, pro-
vided an opportunity for exploring possibilities of expanding co-
operation with Czechoslovakia in the fields of radio, T.V. and
films.
Annual trade protocols signed with the German Democratic
Republic, Romania, Bulgaria and Czechoslovakia envisaged in-
creased bilateral trade with these countries. A trade and pay-
ments agreement signed with Hungary in December 1977 provid-
ed for switching over to trade in freely convertible currency with,
that country from 1 January 1978. A similar agreement provid-
ing for switchover of trade in convertible currency from 1 January
1981 was signed with Poland.
The common commitment of both India and Yugoslavia to
the policy of non-alignment served as a bond of friendship between
the two countries. This was reflected in the discussions held dur-
ing the visit of the Minister of External Affairs to that country in
November 1977. These revealed an identity of views on various
subjects including the North-South dialogue, developments in the
Indian Ocean, Africa, disarmament, the Belgrade Conference and
the policy of non-alignment. Both India and Yugoslavia hoped
for the success of the Belgrade Conference reviewing the Helsinki
Agreement regarding security and cooperation in Europe. Be-
sides, these, discussions were also held on bilateral and mutually-
beneficial cooperation between the two countries in various fields.
The need to ensure the success of the Special Session of the UN
General Assembly on disarmament to be held in 1978 and the im-
portance of the establishment of a new international economic
order with more equitable relations between the developed and the
developing countries again received emphasis during the visit of the
Vice-President of Yugoslavia, Mr. Steven Doronjski, to India in
January-February 1978.
pg22
The Indo-Yugoslav Business Council, constituted last year,
held its first Joint meeting in December 1977 to consider projects
for economic cooperation. The President of the Federal Com-
mitteee for Industries and Energies for Yugoslavia, during his
visit in the same month, discussed economic and industrial
cooperation.
Jan 11, 1978 |
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The Americas |
CHAPTER VII
THE AMERICAS
The United States
The general elections of March 1977, which symbolised the
faith of the people of India in democratic institutions, were widely
acclaimed by the Press as well as official circles in the United
States. The United States Congress passed a resolution welcom-
ing the re-establishment of democracy in India.
There was keen desire on both sides to develop closer contacts
and this was reflected in the exchange of letters between President
Carter and the Prime Minister of India and between the United
States Secretary of State and the Minister of External Affairs as
well as in the high-level visits exchanged between the two coun-
tries. The Minister of External Affairs as well as the Minister of
State for External Affairs visited Washington when they were in
New York for attending the General Assembly session of the
United Nations and held discussions. President Carter's Special
Envoy visited India followed by Deputy Secretary of State. The
culmination of this process was the visit of President and Mrs.
Carter to India from 1 to Jan 03, 1978. The President, who,
had wide-ranging discussions during the visit, also announced
that he had authorised the release of another consignment of en-
riched uranium for the Tarapur Atomic Power Plant. The Delhi
Declaration issued at the conclusion of the visit affirmed the two
countries' respect for fundamental freedoms and adherence to the
democratic system while acknowledging the right of each nation
to choose its own political, social and economic policies. The
two countries, further committed themselves to resolve disputes
with others amicably, to work towards arresting the danger of
proliferation of nuclear weapons and for their reduction and even-
tual elimination.
Indo-US bilateral relations continued to grow by way of
trade, cultural exchanges and cooperation in science and techno-
logy. The United States continued to be India's largest trading
partner accounting for 10.7 per cent of India's exports valued at
Rs. 549.58 crores. and 21.5 per cent of imports valued at
Rs. 1055.53 crores during 1976-77. The trend for 1977-78 in-
dicated that India might well end the financial year with more or
pg23
pg24
less balanced trade with the United States. The Unitd States also
nitiated discussions with India for the resumption of bilateral de-
velopment assistance.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 3 January
1978 providing for the Indian Earth Station at Hyderabad to re-
ceive directly from the American Landsat satellite data relating
to various natural resources.
The third Indo-US Joint Commission meeting was held in
Delhi on 3 January 1978, under the co-chairmanship of Minister
of External Affairs and the U.S. Secretary of State. It approved
the reports on the working of the three Sub-Commissions on edu-
cation and culture, science and technology, economic and corn-
mercial matters. Under the aegis of the Sub-Commission on edu-
cation and culture, four joint seminars were implemented, nine
fellows and visitors from each side, exchanged and a festival of
Indian films held in the United States in September 1977. An in-
crease in the number of fellows/visitorships to 15 per year was
agreed from 1978 and a programme was approved for short-term
exchanges of artistes, writers, mass media experts, lawyers and
architects Under the aegis of the, Sub-Commission on science
and technology, it was agreed that cooperative research would be
undertaken in certain priority areas like agriculture and water re-
sources, energy and environment and natural resources, health,
metallurgy, electronics, information sciences and institutional ex-
changes. Since June 1977 exchanges of scientists and meetings
have either taken place or are proposed in the fields of jet pro-
pulsion, solar energy, coal conversion, environmental protection,
ocean sciences, wild life and habitat, leprosy and malaria control
programmes. research and development systems and remote
sensing.
CANADA
The general elections held in March 1977 were observed with
keen interest in Canada. Canadian official circles, as well as the
Canadian Press, welcomed the election results as reaffirming the
democratic traditions in the country.
High-level contacts were maintained between the leaders of
the two countries. During the Commonwealth Prime Ministers'
Conference in London in June 1977, the Prime Minister of India
and the Prime Minister of Canada, had wide-ranging discussions
pg25
covering bilateral and international issues. A Parliamentary de-
legation led by Shri Hegde, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, parti-
cipated in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference held in
Ottawa in September 1977. A Canadian delegation, led by the
Minister of Industry and Tourism of the Province of Ontario,
visited India in October 1977.
Canada continued to render development assistance to India
in the field of agriculture, food and fertilizers.
South and Central America
India's relations with the countries of South and Central
America and the Caribbean, in spite of the vast geographical
distance separating India from them, were marked by greater con-
tacts in order to promote understanding and increased coopera-
tion.
The Minister of Communications visited Surinam in August
1977 for the formal handing over ceremony of two telephone
exchanges constructed by the Indian Telephone Industries in
Surinam.
The Minister of State for External Affairs visited Trinidad and
Tobago from 8 to 9 November and Guyana from 10 to 11
November 1977. The visit revealed the potential for further
developing relations with these countries in trade and commerce,
science and technology as well as cultural field.
India participated in the 10th International Pacific Trade
Fair in Lima in November 1977. Thirty Indian companies parti-
cipated in the Fair. The exhibits included printing machinery,
engineering items, bicycles and other industrial products. During
the 12-day duration of the Fair, about 3 lakhs of people visited
the Indian pavilion. An Indian trade delegation visited Lima
from August 1 to 11, 1977, and met prominent businessmen and
Government officials. The mission explored possibilities of sell-
ing products such as machine tools, bicycles parts, electronic
equipment, wire ropes, etc.
A three-member Cuban delegation led by Dr. Pelegrin Torras,
Deputy Foreign Minister of Cuba, visited India in September
1977 and had discussions on matters of mutual interest such as
non-alignment and bilateral issues covering commercial, cultural,
scientific and technical fields.
pg26
The Chilean Ministers of Finance and Planning Mr. Sergio
de Castro and Mr. Robert Kelly visited India in October 1977
when letters of ratification of a trade agreement signed between
India and Chile in 1972 were exchanged.
Mrs. Carmen Romano Lopez Portillo, wife of the Mexican
President, visited India as the guest of the Government from
19 to 22 October 1977. The visit of the Maxican First Lady
paved the way for greater cultural exchanges between India
and Mexico.
Jan 03, 1978 |
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United Nations and International Conferences |
CHAPTER VIII
UNITED NATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL
CONFERENCES
India, during the year, took part in number of important inter-
national conferences. These included Commonwealth Confe-
rences, meetings of the non-aligned groups and conferences spon-
sored by the United Nations.
The Prime Minister Shri Morarji Desai and the Minister of
External Affairs Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee attended the 21st Com-
monwealth meeting of the Heads of Government held in London
in June 1977. The Prime Minister, in his speech, referred to India's
attachment to the Commonwealth which, a "United Nations in
miniature", had shown adaptability and dynamism and had mar-
ched with the times. The Conference discussed a wide range of
issues including the situation in South Africa, Cyprus, the Middle
East, the Indian Ocean, the Law of the Sea, Human Rights and
economic questions. The developed Commonwealth countries
committed themselves to bring their official development assistance
(ODA) up to the target of 0.7 per cent of gross national product
and to improve the quality of their assistance. The Conference
wanted the EEC to take further account of the trade interests of
Commonwealth. Asian countries which had been adversely affected
by the phasing out of the Commonwealth preferences and suggest-
ed that it could make an important contribution to enlarging the
markets available to developing countries. It welcomed the con-
tinued expansion of the Commonwealth fund for technical co-
operation. A special statement on apartheid in sports condemned
it as an abomination and stated that the member countries would
use all their efforts to foster human dignity everywhere.
An Australian proposal made at the Conference and supported
by India led to the convening of a Regional Meeting of Common-
wealth Heads of Government from South-East Asia and Pacific at
Sydney from 11 to Feb 16, 1978. This meeting was attend-
ed, besides India and Australia, by Bangladesh, Fiji, Malaysia,
Singapore, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Tonga, Western Samoa, Pa-
pua. New Guinea and Nauru. The Prime Minister and the Minister
of External Affairs took part in this meeting. The meeting dis-
cussed major political problem- but the main emphasis was on re-
gional economic questions. The question of terrorism received
pg27
pg28
attention particularly because of the explosion of a bomb on the
eve of the opening of the Conference. The Conference decided to
create study groups to examine terrorism, trade and internatio-
nal drug trafficking. As regards trade, it was felt that the
Commonwealth countries of the region should increase trade
among themselves. Discussions on the energy question's were
initiated by India and it was decided to constitute a Consulta-
tion Committee to discuss problems relating to energy. The
meeting helped the regional Commonwealth members to under-
stand one another's problems in an informal atmosphere of
fraternity and equality. It was decided that India would host
the next Conference of Heads of Government of Commonwealth
countries in Asia and the Pacific region in 1980.
India took part in a number of meetings of groups, of non-
aligned countries. In pursuance of a decision taken at the New
Delhi conference of Foreign Ministers of the Coordinating
Bureau held in April 1977, two meetings of the coordinating
countries in the area of monetary and financial cooperation
were held at Belgrade from 30 June to 2 July 1977 and again
from 18 to 21 January 1978. Besides India, other countries
that took part were Cuba, Indonesia, Peru, Sri Lanka and
Yugoslavia. The Meetings identified issues requiring expert
investigations and studies in the field of financial and monetary
cooperation.
India participated in a meeting of a group of experts on
fisheries of non-aligned and other developing countries held in
Cuba from 3 to 7 November 1977. The meeting's recomm-
endations included the creation of a standing commission to
identify the. areas of possible cooperation among non-aligned
and developing countries in the area of fisheries.
India also took part in the first ever conference of radio
and broadcasting organisations of the non-aligned countries at
Sarajevo Yugoslavia, from 27 to 30 October 1977. India was
elected a member of the coordinating committee set up by the
conference to implement its action programme. The programme
envisaged mutual cooperation in developing broadcasting in-
frastructure, exchange of radio and television programmes and
training of professional and technical cadres.
India participated in the United Nations International Con-
ference held in Maputo, Mozambique, from 16 to 21 May 1977
in support of the peoples of Zimbabwe and Namibia. The con-
ference was attended by 92 countries, five liberation movements
pg29
and several governmental and non-governmental organisations.
It adopted separate declarations on Zimbabwe and Namibia and
also a programme of action. The declaration on Zimbabwe
reaffirmed the primary responsibility of the United Kingdom
as the administering power of Southern Rhodesia regarding the
future of that country. It condemned the illegal racist minority
regime and called upon the international community to endorse
the existing mandatory sanctions including the possibility of
widening the scope of these sanctions. The declaration on
Namibia proclaimed support for the leadership of the South
West African Peoples Organisation (SWAPO) as the sole
authentic liberation movement. It called upon all states to de-
sist from military collaboration with South Africa. The pro-
gramme of action adopted envisaged various measures in sup-
port of the national liberation movements and against the illegal
minority regimes in Southern Rhodesia and South Africa.
At the World Conference for Action against Aparthied, held
in pursuance of a United Nations resolution, in Lagos from 22
to 26 August 1977, India reiterated its total commitment to
fight against apartheid. The Conference adopted by consensus
a Declaration which re-affirmed the opposition of the international
community to the policies and practice of apartheid in South
Africa and its determination to work for its eradication. It call-
ed for a mandatory arms embargo and total and comprehensive
international boycott of South Africa. Later, in October 1977,
India formally acceded to the International Convention on the
Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid.
A conference on Desertification was held in Nairobi, Kenya,
from 29 August to 9 September 1977 in accordance with a United
Nations resolution passed in 1974 to promote international action
to combat desertification. The "Committee of the whole", of
which Dr. Swaminathan, leader of the Indian delegation, was
elected Chairman, drew up an action plan which was ad-
opted by the Conference. The plan made specific recommen-
dations at the national, regional and international level for check-
ing desertification.
The Minister of External Affairs Shri A. B. Vajpayee led the
Indian delegation to the 32nd regular session of the UN General
Assembly which met from 21 September to 21 December 1977
at New York. In his address, delivered in Hindi for the first
time, he outlined policies and attitudes of India to major inter-
national issues. Welcoming the near universality of member-
ship of the United Nations, he stressed the need to transform the
pg30
General Assembly into a "parliament of man" representing the
collective conscience and will of humanity. He pointed out that
in this inter-dependent world, the greatest task before the world
community was the welfare of man regardless of his race, colour,
creed or nationality.
The General Assembly had before it a crowded agenda of
131 items covering political, economic, social and related issues.
The Assembly and its Committees met 537 times and adopted
as many as 262 resolutions. As in the previous years, the situa-
tion in South Africa was one of the most important topics dis-
cussed in the Assembly. India co-sponsored it of the 14 reso-
lutions approved by the General Assembly on the problem of
apartheid, In addition to requesting urgent consideration by the
Security Council of mandatory economic sanctions, these called
for specific measures such as oil embargo against South Africa,
a tightening of the mandatory arms embargo and a halt to any
supply of nuclear equipment, fissionable material or technology
to the South Africa regime. The Assembly proclaimed the year
beginning from March 1978 as an International Anti-Apartheid
Year and endorsed the programme of work of the Special Com-
mittee against apartheid.
The Assembly adopted 8 resolutions on Namibia. All these
were co-sponsored by India. These reiterated inter-alia that "any
independence talks regarding Namibia must be between the re-
presentatives of the South West Africa People's Organisation
(SWAPO) and South Africa under the auspices of the United
Nations for the sole purpose of discussing the modalities of the
transfer of power to the people of Namibia".
On the question of Southern Rhodesia, the Assembly adopted
two resolutions, both of which were co-sponsored by India. These
reaffirmed the right of the people of Zimbabwe for self-determi-
nation, that there should be no independence before majority
rule and that the United Kingdom should do everything to enable
Zimbabwe to attain independence in accordance with the wishes
of the majorty. The Security Council was urged to consider the
extension of the existing sanctions against Rhodesia.
On the question of Middle East and Palestine, the General
Assembly passed resolutions reaffirming that Israel should with-
draw to the positions held by it before 5 June 1967 and that the
people of Palestine should be allowed to exercise their inalien-
able rights. They called for the early convening of the Geneva
Peace Conference with the Palestinian Liberation Organisation
pg31
being allowed to take part in it. This position had the full sup-
port of India which had always maintained that no just solution
of the Palestine problem could be realised without withdrawal
of Israel from territories under its illegal occupation and restora-
tion of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
The General Assembly once again adopted a resolution on
the Indian Ocean being maintained as a Zone of Peace. It call-
ed for a meeting of littoral and hinterland States of the Indian
Ocean to be convened in New York at a suitable date. This
could be attended by other States which had participated or had
expressed their willingness to participate in the work of the Ad
Hoc Committee on the Indian Ocean. This was an addition to
the earlier resolution on the subject. India has consistently main-
tained that Conference on the Indian Ocean would be fruitful
if major maritime users and the Great Powers take part in it.
India abstained on the Pakistani-sponsored resolution adopted
by the General Assembly on a nuclear weapon free zone in South
Asia. Earlier, India had voted against such a resolution. The
Indian delegate, explainting India's stand, pointed out that while
India would like the whole world to be free of nuclear weapons,
sub-regionalisation of this concept would be inconsistent with
India's global approach to this question. In fact, regional nu-
clear weapon free zones would not help to combat the nuclear
threat to the world but on the contrary provide an advantage to
nuclear weapon States since nuclear weapons and delivery sys-
tems were inter-continental in nature. India, therefore, was
opposed to this concept and expressed its inability, to cooperate
in its implementation.
India took an active part in the work of the Committee on
Disarmament. It reiterated its view that the goal of disarma-
ment efforts should be the realization of general and complete
disarmament under effective international control with the highest
priority being accorded to the elimination of nuclear weapon's
and all the other weapons of mass destruction. India has already
made known its resolve to use nuclear energy for peaceful pur-
poses only and has reaffirmed that this should be based on the
respect for the principles of sovereignty, equality and non-dis-
crimination. As a party to the Treaty on the Prohibition of the
Emplacement of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass
destruction on the Seabed and the Ocean Floor and in the Sub-
soil Thereof, India took part in the deliberations of its First Re-
view Conference held in Geneva from 20 June to 1 July 1977.
In accordance with its basic approach in the field of disarmament,
pg32
India signed a Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any
Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques
(ENMOD Convention) in December 1977. It also took an
active interest in the work of the Preparatory Committee con-
cerned with making arrangements for convening the Special
Session of the General Assembly devoted to disarmament to be
held next year.
Regarding the problem of Cyprus, which came up before the
General Assembly, India had always stood for the independence,
sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-aligned status of that
country. It supported the extension of the mandate of the Unit-
ed Nations peace Keeping Force in Cyprus. This Force has been
playing an important role in the existing situation on Cyprus by
munities.
Among the other important items discussed by the Assembly
included hijacking and the question of torture and other cruel,
inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. On the ques-
tion of hijacking, a resolution was adopted by consensus condem-
ning aerial hijacking calling upon all States to cooperate with one
another to prevent such acts and also become parties to the three
concerned international conventions. The resolution was co-
sponsored by India. On the second question, the General Assem-
bly in 1975 unanimously adopted a Declaration on the Protection
of all persons from being subjected to torture and other cruel,
inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. India propos-
ed that member States should be called upon to declare uni-
laterally that they intended to comply with the above-mentioned
Declaration and that they would implement, through legislation
or other effective measures, its various provisions.
The nomination of Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Pandit as India's re-
presentative on the U.N. Commission on Human Rights indicated
India's interest in the problem and the importance India attached
to the work of that Commission.
As regards economic issues, the dialogue between the deve-
loped and the developing countries at the final meeting of the
Conference of International Economic Cooperation held in May-
June 1977 had left much to be desired. The 31st Session of
the UN General Assembly convened in September 1977 to dis-
cuss the results of that Conference had failed to reach agreement
on the assessment of its recommendations and had transmitted
the report to the 32nd Session of the Assembly for consideration.
pg33
The debate at the 32nd Session was marked by a lack of prog-
ress on substantive questions and there was continuing deadlock
between the approach of the developed and the developing coun-
tries.
India also took an active part in the deliberations on inter-
national legal problems. The-Sixth Commtitee (Legal) of the
UN General Assembly, during its meetings in October-November
1977, discussed the question of international terrorism, taking
of hostages and measures against hijacking, consideration of addi-
tion of articles on new subjects by the International Law Com-
mission responsible for the modification of international law and
review of the United Nations Charter. India stressed the im-
portance of making civil aviation safe, both for the security of
communications and for the safety of innocent human lives. As
regards the Charter, it did not favour any major modifications
though it was not opposed to the improvement of its working
through amendment of some of its obsolete provisions. India
became one of the 35 members of the Ad Hoc Committee on
International Terrorism set up to study the underlying causes of
terrorism and to recommend practical measures to combat it.
The Sixth Session of the Third United Nations Conference on
Law of the Sea was held in New York from 23 May to 15 July
1977. The Conference consolidated the consensus developed
on a 12-mile territorial sea, a 24-mile contiguous zone and a
200-mile exclusive economic zone.
There was also broad agreement on the definition of the
outer limit of the continental shelf and on questions of marine
pollution and scientific research. By a Gazette Notification
issued in January 1977, Sections 5 and 7 of the Maritime Zones
Act of 1976. India established a 24-mile contiguous zone and a
200-mile exclusive economic zone.
India continued to participate actively in the codification and
development of international trade law through its participation
in the various Working Groups and the annual meetings of the
United Nations Commission International Trade Law (UNCI-
TRAL). It also played an active role in the working of the
Sub-Committee of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of
Outer Space. Further India was of the view that the moon and
its natural resources are the common heritage of mankind and
that the commercial exploitation of these resources might be
undertaken only in accordance with the international regime to
be established.
pg34
Indian experts took part in the, fourth session of the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) of experts on natural
resources shared by two or more States, held in Geneva from 5
to 16 September 1977.
During the session, India successfully contested elections to
ECOSOC and the Industrial Development Board of UNIDO.
It was also elected to the Executive Council of ICAO, the Exe-
cutive Council of IMCO, the Executive Council of FAO, the
Committee for Food Aid Policies and Programme of the FAO
and the Inter-Governmental Oceanographic Commission of
UNESCO. Currently India is a member of the United Nations
Security Council and was President of the Council during the
month of December 1977.
The Commission on Contributions of the United Nations
General Assembly recommended new scales of contributions for
the year 1978-79. In the case of United Nations Organisations,
the share of India was reduced from 1.2% in 1975 and 1976
and 0.7% in 1977 to 0.68% for the year 1978 and 1979.
Lists of major International Conferences/Meetings/Seminars
organised by Inter-Governmental Organisations/Non-Govern-
mental Organisations/Miscellaneous International Conferences at
which Government of India was represented in 1977-78 are at
APPENDICES I, II and III. International Organisations of
which India became a Member or ceased to be a Member during
1977-78 is at APPENDIX-IV.
During 1977, India concluded 72 treaties and agreements
(Appendix V). Special mention may be made of the agreement
between India and Bangladesh on sharing of the Ganga Waters
at Farakka and on augmenting its flows and of India's accession
to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the
Optional Protocols thereto (December 1977).
Feb 16, 1978 |
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Technical and Economic Cooperation |
Jan 01, 1977
CHAPTER IX
TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION
Conscious of the increasing dimensions of economic diplo-
macy and the inter-dependence of the world as a whole, India
worked towards strengthening its economic relations with the
developed as well as the developing countries. Having a large
reservoir of skilled manpower, India was in a position to share
its knowhow with many of the developing countries and put for-
ward proposals for joint collaboration and cooperation in diffe-
rent fields. Special attention was paid to India's neighbours
and countries of South East Asia and West Asia and Africa,
most of whom are members of the non-aligned group and share
with India the need for cooperation for mutual benefit and de-
velopment. India believes that economic cooperation to be
really effective should be mutually beneficial in every sense and
that technical and economic cooperation should be non-exclu-
sive and should be tailored to suit the needs of the recipient
country. This flexibility of approach which comprehended pro-
gramme assistance and not insistence on what is usually called
project aid' has made India an increasingly popular partner in
cooperation among developing countries.
Many proposals for joint collaboration and cooperation in
different fields were identified through Joint Commissions estab-
lished with a number of these countries and implemented
through technical and economic cooperation. While substantial
aid was extended through bilateral agreements, the increase in
the budgetary provision of the Indian Technical and Economic
Cooperation Programme (ITEC) to Rs. 600 lakhs reflected
India's interest to use this programme to assist these countries
in their development programmes. Under this programme, ser-
vices of experts were provided, help rendered through supply of
equipment and provision was made for providing training faci-
lities to personnel from these countries in India's vocational and
technical institutions. With the developed countries, the em-
phasis was on greater aid and trade and exchange of technical
knowhow to mutual advantage.
pg35
pg36
The conclusion of the separate treaties for transit and trade
with Nepal during March 1978 along with a separate agree-
ment to control misuse of trade links was a major step forward
in setting Indo-Nepalese economic relations on a firm. durable
and healthy basis. It is expected that with the simultaneous im-
plementation of these agreements, the economic exchanges bet-
ween the two countries will reach a new high level. Close eco-
nomic cooperation was established with Afghanistan. Iraq and
Iran. At the meeting of the Indo-Afghanistan Joint Commis-
mission in December 1977, India agreed to extend assistance
for three industrial estates, a medical institute for ear, nose and
throat diseases in Kabul and to supply three additional micro-
hydro units. It was agreed to carry out study for the establish-
ment of 15MW thermal power plant. In addition. it was de-
cided to depute 150 Indian experts to Afghanistan in various
fields and provide training facilities for 350 Afghan nationals
in India.
The Indo-Iraqi Joint Commission, which met in June 1977,
reviewed the earlier Indo-Iraqi cooperation in trade, transport,
agriculture and irrigation and industrial collaboration. Further
areas of cooperation were identified.
The Indo-Iranian Joint Commission, which met in Septem-
ber 1977, discussed ways and means for increasing Indo-
Iranian trade and possibilities of collaboration and joint ven-
tures and identified new areas of cooperation. During his visit
to India in February 1978, the Shahenshah of Iran offered to
make available additional crude oil supplies on credit basis, to
participate in or finance approved projects such as Alumina pro-
ject for the Bauxite deposits on the eastern coast, paper and
pulp factory for Tripura and the second stage of the Rajasthan
canal, and this offer was accepted by India. India and Iran
agreed that the plans for economic development provided an
opportunity for mutually beneficial cooperation in accordance
with their respective capabilities and capacities in a number of
other fields such as rural electrification, housing, construction
of industrial estates, development of power, railways and ship-
building.
Considerable progress was made in connection with the Pilot
Plants projects being established in Burma with Indian assist-
ance. About 50 per cent of the equipment and machinery in
respect of these plants have already been shipped. Indian ex-
perts in the field of refrigeration, civil engineering and air traffic
pg37
control were deputed to Maldives at the request of the Govern-
ment of that country. Steps were taken to depute a teacher and
equipment was supplied for schools in Maldives. Arrangements
were also made to impart training to two Maldivian nationals
in nursing in India.
Economic cooperation with Sri Lanka including the supply
of two agricultural deep drilling rigs, deputation of experts in
medicine and provision for training facilities to Sri Lanka
nationals in India in fisheries, mica mining and for the Indo-Sri
Lanka animal husbandry project.
As regards cooperation with countries of South East Asia,
the officials of the Indonesian Electricity Authority visited India
for exploring possibilities of cooperation in the power generation
field. Medicines, irrigation pumps and textiles worth Rs. 30
lakhs were supplied to Laos. Two Indian experts visited that
country to explore possibilities of sharing Indian technical ex-
periences with Laos in the field of animal husbandry and agri-
culture. A concrete shape was given to India's willingness to
participate, according to its capabilities, in the economic recon-
struction of Vietnam. A delegation of the Federation of Indian
Chambers of Commerce and Industry visited Vietnam in July
1977 to explore how the industrial capabilities and competence
in India could be made available to support Vietnam's develop-
ment plan. This was followed by the visit of a Vietnamese eco-
nomic delegation to India in August-September 1977. Two
agreements were concluded which provided for 100,000. tons of
wheat loan to Vietnam and the setting up of a Rice Research In-
stitute and a Buffalo Breeding Centre, in Vietnam with Indian as-
sistance. Discussions during the visit of the Minister of State in
the Ministry of External Affairs to Vietnam in February 1978
followed by the subsequent visit of the Prime Minister of Vietnam
to India in the same month, resulted in agreements being signed
on cooperation in the field of science and technology, in the field
of agricultural research and on trade and economic cooperation,
and Government to Government credit of Rs. 100 million. India
also agreed to give a loan of 30,0000 tons of wheat to Vietnam and
a commercial credit of Rs. 300 million.
To the West Asian region, India's exports continued to regis-
ter Ali upward trend; there is also a healthy tendency towards
diversification. There is a marked increase in the securing by
Indian concerns of contracts for development projects in the
pg38
countries of the region and also the provision by West Asian
countries of funds for projects in the region. Kuwait gave a loan
of Rs. 45 crores from its development funds for the Kalanad--
Hydro-electric project and Saudi Arabia a loan of US $100 mil-
lion for the Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailam project in Andhra
Pradesh. It was hoped that additional amount will be made
available for infrastructures in India Indian parties also secured
a number of contracts. In, Libya, National Building Construction
Corporation won a contract worth Rs. 900 million for the con-
struction of 1300 houses and M/S Continental Construction Cor-
poration signed a contract worth Rs. 720 million for the Wadi
Ghan earth filled dam. The Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
was awarded a contract worth US$74 million by the Saudi Elec-
tricity Organisation and the Dredging Corporation of India was
awarded contract worth US$10 million for developing the Yanbu
port in Saudi Arabia. In the field of consultancy, the Dastur and
Company were awarded a contract worth Rs. 100 million for iron
and steel complex in Libya and they were appointed as consul-
tants for a separate foundry forge plant. National Industrial
Development Corporation was commissioned to undertake a fea-
sibility study for a mini steel plant and for Libya's Five-Year In-
dustrial Development Plan.
The oil producing countries in the WANA region embarked
upon massive development plans and this provided opportunity
for India to send its technical personnel, trained technicians, skil-
led and semi-skilled labour to assist these countries in their task
of development by providing the necessary manpower. The ser-
vices of these personnel possessing qualifications equivalent
to those from western countries but with more relevant experi-
ence in similar conditions and much less expensive to the receiv-
ing countries were highly appreciated.
A delegaion from Yemen Arab Republic visited India in
December 1977 to discuss possibilities of industrial collaboration
in many fields. These resulted in the signing of two agreements
regarding trade and technical and economic cooperation including
the supply of manpower to that country. During the visit of the
Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt in January 1978. India agreed
to extend scientific, technical and industrial cooperation to that
country for some of its developmental projects.
With Africa closer economic ties were developed, particularly
with the countries of East Africa. With Kenya, increased eco-
nomic contacts were established as a result of a delegation spon-
sored by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and.
pg39
Industry's visit to, Nairobi in October-November 1977. The Direc-
tor of the Kenya Industrial Survey and Promotion Centre and
the Executive Director of the Kenya Industrial and Commercial
Development Corporation also visited India during the year. A
number of industrial projects were identified for promoting bilate-
ral cooperation with Uganda during the visit of the Ugandan
Minister of Industry and Power to India in November 1977.
These related to development of small scale and cottage indus-
tries, establishment of machine tool complexes, textile mills,
sugarcane plants, power generation etc. Ethiopia showed interest
in learning from India's experiences in the field of sugar manu-
facturing and two Indian experts were deputed to that country in
this connection. In response to a request from that country, two
Indians visited Ethiopia in December 1977 to identify matters of
bilateral cooperation and utilise Indian experience in the develop-
ment of small scale industries. Ethiopia recruited a number of
teachers from India under the ITEC programme and India pro-
vided training facilities to a number of Ethiopian nationals in
various institutions.
India deputed an agricultural expert to Seychelles to advise in
the production of canning and processing of vegetables, fruits and
certain commercial crops. Close economic ties were developed
with Mauritius. India offered to set up a Consultancy Service
for small scale industries in that country. Assistance to the order
of Rs. 2.1 million was given to the Industrial Trade Training
Centre at Piton, and a number of experts in various disciplines
were deputed to that country under the ITEC programme. The
agreement to set up a Joint Economic Commission, signed bet-
ween India and Mauritius during the visit of the Minister of Ex-
ternal Affairs to that country in March 1978, reflected the desire
of both countries to further their economic cooperation. To
help Mozambique to tide over its economic difficulties, India con-
tributed the rupee equivalent of US$100,000 as a part of the
Commonwealth Fund for Mozambique and gifted cloth worth
Rs. 900,000. It also agreed to provide experts in the field of
railways, civil engineering, medicine, accountancy, teaching etc.
and sent a delegation to assess its overall requirements in the
field of railways. India expressed its readiness to assist Zambia
in all possible fields and the Zambian Minister of Commerce, dur-
ing his visit to India in October 1977, requested assistance in the
seting up of a rural industry with agricultural base and the estab-
lishment of handicrafts centre. Two delegations representing Pub-
lic Service Commission and the Teaching Service Commission
came to India to recruit Indian personnel.
pg40
In West Africa, close economic ties were developed, parti-
cularly with Nigeria. A joint venture, between M/S Scindia Steam
Navigation Company Limited was set up for operating shipping
services between India and West Africa including Nigeria. The
Water and Power Consultancy Services was awarded an initial
contract for carrying out hydrological surveys in that country. A
team from the Nigerian Steel Development Authority visited
India and concluded extension of an agreement for training per-
sonnel in India. The agreement signed in December 1977, dur-
ing the visit of a Nigerian delegation, for setting up a Joint Com-
mission reflected the desire of the two countries to develop closer
economic cooperation. A number of other delegations visited
India to study the industrial experience of India in order to pro-
mote industrial development in their own country. Many re-
quests from Nigeria for recruitment of experts in various fields
were received and speedily processed. The National Industrial
Development Corporation team visited Ghana and Upper Volta
under the ITEC programme in March 1977 and identified pos-
sibilities of setting up several small and medium-scale industries.
A trade delegation sponsored by the Federation of Indian
Chamber of Commerce and Industry visited Ghana, Nigeria,
Liberia. Senegal and Kenya in October 1977 to explore possibi-
lities of expansion of trade and joint industrial ventures. The
Foreign Minister of Liberia visited India in April 1977 and dis-
cussed bilateral economic and technical cooperation . Pursuant
to these discussions, MECON sent experts teams to explore the
possibilities of developing the iron ore industry in Liberia and
setting up a steel plant. India agreed to assist in the prepara-
tion of the feasibility reports. Further impetus was given by the
visit of the Planning Minister of Liberia to India in February
1978.
With many developed countries India explored avenues of
friendly cooperation in specialised fields through collaboration
and for ventures in third countries. The Indo-Soviet Joint Com-
mission, which met in March 1978, discussed further cooperation
in the broad framework outlined during the visit of the Prime
Minister to the Soviet Union in October 1977. A protocol war
signed providing for economic, technical and scientific collabora-
tion in various fields in ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, par-
ticularly for modernisation of technology and production process-
ing at Bokaro and Bhillai and the project for setting up of an
alumina plant. The two sides also agreed for participation of
Indian organisations in Soviet projects in third countries.
pg41
The Indo-GDR Joint Commission, which met in September
1977, considered the setting up of a mica paper and mica-nite
plant in Bihar and the manufacturing of ophthalmic lenses at a
factory at Durgapur, besides manufacturing equipment in
a number of other fields. The Indo-Polish Joint Commission,
which met in October 1977, laid emphasis on cooperation in the
field of mining, sepecially coal-mine. The Indo-Italian Joint
Committee, which met in December 1977, identified areas of
special interest, such as electronics and establishing joint ventu-
res in third countries. The British Minister for Overseas Deve-
lopment visited India in July 1977. Britain announced increase
in its aid programme to India and discussions were held concern-
ing increase in the large capital projects in the British program-
me. The Indo-German Ad-hoc Commission, which met in De-
cember 1977 in Delhi, expressed interest of German industry in
third country ventures with Indian parties as well as in collabo-
ration in India in export-oriented and other industries. The Joint
Commission set up under the commercial cooperation agreement
between India and the European Economic Community met in
Brussels in November 1977. India expressed concern at the
protectionist tendencies in the Community but was assured that
the Community had no intention to block access to the Commu-
nity market.
Economic and technical links between India and Latin
American countries, which are of relatively recent origin, were
reviewed at a Conference of Indian Heads of Mission and eco-
nomic officers held under the chairmanship of the Minister of
Commerce in New York in August 1977. Problems discussed
included those of distance, complementarity of development,
traditional links between Latin American countries and the de-
veloped world, inadequacy of trade and shipping, language diffe-
rences. The share of India's trade being negligible, it was rea-
lised that there was considerable scope for increase in India's
exports to the South American region where several countries
have impressive plans of development of industries and infras-
tructure. Delegations of Public Sector undertakings such as
EEPC and the market survey conducted by the Commonwealth
Fund for Technical Cooperation identified a number of fields in
this connection. The fields identified included railway equip-
ment, textile machinery, cement machinery, machine tools. tele-
communication equipment. compressors, mining and transport
pg42
equipment, refrigeration and airconditioning, hand tools, bicycle.
sugar plants etc. Exports of traditional items like jute, tea, gems,
shellac, textiles, handicrafts etc. could also be increased in selec-
tive areas.
The agreement to set up a Joint Commission with Guyana,
the first, of its kind with a South American country, indicated
India's intention to strengthen economic relations with countries
of that hemisphere.
Jan 01, 1977 |
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External Publicity |
Jan 01, 1977
CHAPTER X
EXTERNAL PUBLICITY
The object of the Ministry's information activities is to pro-
mote a correct appreciation of developments in India and the
country's foreign policy.
There was world-wide interest in the General Elections
held in India in March 1977. The orderly manner in which
the change of government took place in accordance with the
verdict of the electorate, demonstated the strength of India's
democratic traditions. The Ministry gave extensive publicity
to these developments. In general, the mass-media in foreign
countries commented favourably on the complete restoration
of democratic rights and the return to an open society.
A Committee under the Chairmanship of a prominent
journalist Shri Chanchal Sarkar was set up to, review the Ex-
ternal Publicity set-up of the Ministry with a view to making it
more effective. The Committee has submitted its interim report
which is being studied. The final report is awaited.
The daily briefing given by the Official Spokesman to press
correspondents in Delhi contributed to a better appreciation of.
India's foreign policy and stand on current international ques-
tions. Meetings arranged between foreign correspondents and
Ministers/Secretaries not only of the Ministry of External
Affairs but also, of some of the other Ministries enabled corres-
pondents to get an authoritative and correct view of the acti-
vities of the government as a whole.
Indian Missions were constantly engaged in projecting
India's new image and her official policies through Television
and Radio interviews, speaking engagements and contacts at
appropriate levels with journalists, intellectuals and political
leaders. The Division supplied publicity literature in English,
Hindi and some other languages to the Missions.
The regular publicity work of the Ministry continued under
pg43
pg44
the following heads :--
Press Relations
The Press Relations Section acted as host to about 20
foreign journalists and arranged for their visits to important
industrial and cultural centres within India and their briefing by
senior officials. Assistance was provided to 77 Indian journ-
alists to visit foreign countries and 208 foreign journalists who
came to India on their own were accorded appropriate facilities.
The Section provided facilities to 38 foreign Television teams
for making documentary films on various subjects. The Sec-
tion issued 178 press releases.
Audio-visual Publicity
250 prints of 50 approved documentary films were supplied
to different missions/posts abroad. Two special compilation of
films on "Farakka Project" and "Bhutan" hi-blighting co-
operation with Bangladesh and Bhutan were completed during
the year.
Over 200 Gramophone records of Indian classical vocal
instrumental and popular music were supplied to different
missions. Two sets of Vedanta literature on disc by Swami
Ranganathananda were supplied to selected missions.
ISI Transmissions
The twice daily news transmission broadcasts to Indian
Missions through the Overseas Communication Service kept
them adequately informed about day-to-day developments in
India in the political as well as economic fields. The trans-
misions carried official statements on foreign and national poli-
cies, joint communiques on important visits of Indian leaders
abroad and foreign dignitaries to India. A new feature of the
afternoon transmission is the inclusion of important news head-
lines appearing in the daily press. It is proposed to increase
the number of listening posts (presently 51) by supplying tele-
printer equipments to 8 more missions.
Exhibition and Cultural Work
The Ministry supplied 275 large-size photographs, 393
books, 48 album pages of postal stamps, 32 panels of reproduc-
tion of Tagore paintings, 100 children paintings and six Indian
dolls to Missions in Paris, Amman, Copenhagen, Santiago,
Dacca, Male, Bangkok, Washington, Rome and Accra for
arranging exhibitions. The Ministry actively assisted the Lalit
Kala Academy in organising Graphic Art Exhibition at Algiers,
Tunis, Lisbon, Cairo and Belgrade. Help was extended to the
National Book Trust in giving wide publicity abroad to the
pg45
Third World Book Fair held in New Delhi in February 1978.
Similar assistance was given for giving publicity to the Fourth
Triennial of World Contemporary Art held in New Delhi in
February 1978.
Print Publicity
The Ministry produced a number of pamphlets, for external
publicity. Some of the notable among these were : "Prime
Minister Morarji Desai in USSR", "Restoration of Bamyan",
"Dynamics of an open society" and a collection of speeches by
the Foreign Minister entitled "India's Foreign Policy-new di-
mensions". A pamphlet in Hindi on "India's Foreign Policy"
was also brought out. Some of the missions produced pamph-
lets in the languages of the countries of their accredition.
Notable examples were; Speeches of the Prime Minister in
Thai and a biographical sketch of the Prime Minister in
Spanish. Two pamphlets covering the Inaugural Address by
Shri Morarji Desai and the Statement of Shri Atal Bihari
Vajpayee, the Minister of External Affairs, were produced on the
occasion of the Conference of the Foreign Ministers of Non-
Aligned Countries. The delegates attending the Conference
were given a set of books on Indian Cultural heritage and other
informative literature. Besides these, a number of other pamph-
lets, articles on India's socioeconomic progress, books on
Indian history, philosophy, religion, art, culture and recent
developments in the country, newspapers, periodicals and a
number of journals were also supplied to the missions abroad.
A large number of enquiries from foreign scholars and
others on various aspects of Indian history, economics and other
subjects were attended to and material collected from various
sources, was provided to. help them.
The fortnightly "Indian & Foreign Review" in English and
in French published informative articles on India's political, eco-
nomic and cuttural matters and the monthly "Foreign Affairs
Record" containing statements, speeches, important press
communiques and agreements continue to fulfil a useful role.
Copies of important press communiques, texts of speeches and
other publicity material produced by the Press information
Bureau and other sources were supplied to the Missions. A
large number of photographs, including slides, covering various
subjects were also supplied to the Missions.
The World Press Review containing comments on or of
interest to India in foreign newspapers and periodicals continued
to be brought out regularly in cyclostyled form.
Jan 01, 1977 |
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Cultural Relations |
CHAPTER XI
CULTURAL RELATIONS
Cultural relations of India were strengthened with a number
of countries through the signing of cultural agreements. Such
agreements were concluded with Sri Lanka. Mongolia and
Thailand. Cultural agreements signed with Bahrain, Cuba,
Democratic Republic of Korea and Vietnam were ratified during
the year.
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations acted as the
main agency for promoting India's cultural contacts and streng-
thening cultural ties with other countries. The Council did so
through sponsoring exchange of scholars, writers, artists, send-
ing cultural delegations, organising lectures and orientation pro-
grammes, deputing visiting professors to centres of Indian studies
abroad, sponsoring exhibitions within India and in various other
countries, and presenting books and objects of art to various
universities and institutions abroad. Within the country it ren-
dered financial assistance to a number of foreign scholars and
looked after their welfare.
Cultural exchange being a major constituent of foreign policy,
it was felt that there was need to review the present arrangements
in planning and implementing such exchanges with other countries.
The Minister of External Affairs requested Shri Ashok Mehta
to head a Committee to examine the working of the Indian
Council of Cultural Relations and to recommend how to ration-
alise and improve, its activities. The Report, submitted by the
Committee in December 1977, is under consideration.
During the year, a large number of distinguished visitors
from different spheres were invited to visit the country, and many
eminent Indian painters, writers, educationists, dancers, musi-
cians and journalists were sent abroad. Of the cultural dele-
gations sponsored by the Council, one was sent to give lectures,
demonstrations and concerts in German Democratic Republic,
Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union; another participated in
the Festival. of Asian Arts in Hong Kong and the third gave per-
formances in some countries of Europe. Nearer home, delega-
tions were sent to Afghanistan, Nepal and Bhutan on the occa-
sion of the Independence Day celebrations in these countries.
pg46
pg47
The Council continued to bring out a series of publications
aimed at projecting India's culture abroad. These included a
quarterly publication in Spanish, French, Arabic and English
relating to literature, culture and arts in India, and an illustrated-
quarterly digest of cultural events in the country. The Council
also published books in a number of foreign languages dealing
with various aspects of Indian culture.
The Azad Memorial lecture during the year was delivered
by Dr. Saburo Okita, Chairman of the Japan Economic Centre
and Special Adviser to the Chairman of the International Deve-
lopment Centre of Japan. The subject was "Implications of
the Japanese experience for the Developing Economies".
The Indian Centre for Africa continued to focus attention on
African affairs. The Centre held a public meeting on 31 August
to commemorate Namibia Day. It was attended by 400 foreign
students, particularly from the African countries. The Minister
for External Affairs, who presided over the function, expressed
India's solidarity to the freedom-loving people of Namibia. Zim-
babwe and South Africa.
The Council, in collaboration with the African Missions in
New Delhi, held an African Film Festival from 3 to Dec 08, 1977.
The Festival was inaugurated by the Minister of State
in the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Council conducted a number of orientation programmes
for students and teachers from the United States and the Nether-
lands. The lectures and demonstrations given in these programm-
es were meant to make them familiar with Indian art, architecture,
dances and economic planning.
A number of exhibitions were organized within the country,
under the cultural exchange programme or in collaboration with
the Lalit Kala Academy and some of the local Embassies.
These included an exhibition of recent photographs from
Australia, of prints and drawings from Thailand, an exhibition
of contemporary Mexican paintings, arts, crafts, books and con-
temporary films during the visit of the wife of the President of
Mexico to the country, and an exhibition of toys from the German
Democratic Republic. The Council also sent abroad paintings
of some of the Indian artists for, participation in Festivals. Thus,
paintings of Indian artists were sent for participation in the 8th
lnternational Festival of Paintings held at Cagnes Sur-Mer and
in the international exhibition of art organised by the Museum
pg48
of Modem Art at Belgrade. Paintings by Rabindra Nath Tagore
were exhibited in Indian Mission in Rajshahi (Bangladesh) and
paintings by Indian artists exhibited at Sao Paulo Biennale.
Books and objects of art were, presented to Universities and
Institutions in many countries of Europe, Asia, America and
Africa.
A number of professors and lecturers were deputed to various
centres of Indian Studies abroad to facilitate the dissemination
of knowledge about Indian history, languages, art and culture.
Under this scheme, visiting professors were sent to Universities
in Thailand, Trinidad, Mexico, Senegal, Romania, Bulgaria.
Poland. Afghanistan, Indonesia and Guyana.
The third joint meeting of the Indo-US Sub-Commission on
Education and Culture was held in New Delhi in May 1977. The
Sub-Commission reviewed the progress made during the last year
and identified areas of new initiative for future cooperation. The
Commission decided to continue the fellowship programme by
exchanging ten scholars on each side, agreed to new joint
seminars and reviewed the programme for sending of Indian
feature films to the United States for the festival of Indian films
to be organised by the American Film Institute and the Public
Broadcasting Service. T.V. Network. The Sub-Commission dis-
cussed suggestions for expanding programme of collaboration in
various fields. The first meeting to formulate plans for the Joint
Media Working Group under the Sub-Commission was also held
and the All India Radio, Doordarshan and the Films Division. were
requested to send their suggestions regarding exchanges of films,
documentaries and personnel.
The Indian Cultural centres in Fiji. and Guyana continued
to function well. The Council assisted the School of Music at
Kabul, the School of Indian Culture in Trinidad and Tobago
and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Mauritius by lending to
them the services of experts in music/dance.
Another aspect of the Council's work was to look after the
welfare of foreign students in India. Summer camps were orga-
nised for the benefit of such students and financial assistance
was given to the All India Uganda Students' Association to hold
their annual conference in Delhi. Study tours and sight-seeing
tours were organised for the benefit of foreign students from time
to time. Financial assistance was also extended to a number
of foreign students who were in India to enable them to tide
over their difficulties.
pg49
The scheme of nominating self-financing students from deve-
loping countries of Asia and Africa for admission to medical
and engineering colleges in India was continued during the year.
Due to limited number of seats available, all the applicants for
such courses, however, could not be accommodated. In all, 243
students were admitted to engineering colleges and 75 to medical
colleges. The statement indicating the country-wise break-up of
seats allotted during the last three years is given at Appendix
VI.
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Pprotocol |
CHAPTER XII
PPROTOCOL
The governments of Central African Empire, Niger and
Mali appointed their first Ambassadors to India. H.E. Mr. Jean-
Louis G. Psimhis, Ambassador of Central African Empire, H.E.
Mr. Illa Salifou, Ambassador of Niger and H.E. Mr. Boubacar
Kasse, Ambassador of Mali, presented their credentials on 9 May,
18 July and 15 December respectively. While the Ambassador
of the Central African Empire is resident in Delhi, those of
Niger and Mali are resident in Moscow.
New Heads of Missions of the following 27 countries arrived
in Delhi and presented their credentials :
Ambassadors of Burma, Colombia, Uruguay (stationed at
Tokyo), Afghanistan, Norway, FRG, Peru, Central African Em-
pire, Romania, Egypt, USA, Niger (stationed in Moscow).
Nepal, Mexico, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Ethiopia.
Mali (stationed in Moscow), and High Commissioners of
Britain, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Nigeria. Canada, Sri
Lanka, Kenya and Singapore.
The Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Ecuador left India
on Apr 30, 1977, after closing down the resident mission of
Ecuador in New Delhi.
H.E. Mr. S. Fida Hassan, Ambassador of the Islamic Repub-
lic of Pakistan in India, died in New Delhi on 10 December
1977. He had been Ambassador of Pakistan to India since, 24
July 1976, when diplomatic relations were resumed between the
two countries. Flags were flown at half mast on Government
buildings and ail escort was provided for the body upto the
Wagah border.
pg50
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Passport, Emigration & Consular Services |
CHAPTER XIII
PASSPORT, EMIGRATION & CONSULAR SERVICES
Passport and consular service is an area of activity in which
the Ministry of External Affairs comes directly into contact with
the Indian public both at home and abroad.
There, was an explosive growth in the demand for passports
during the year and major policy changes were made to meet
this demand.
The Minister of External Affairs, in a statement in the Lok
Sabha on Aug 08, 1977, outlined the features of the new policy
aimed at liberalising the issue of passports. The basic objectives
of this set of policies were to reduce delays in the issue of paw-
ports and minimise the inconvenience and hardship to appli-
cants. The changes related-to the free grant of endorsements.
signing of Verification Certificates by Members of Parliament
dissemination of passport application forms through post offices
and simplification of procedures.
From 15 August 1977 all ordinary Indian passports became
valid for travel to "all countries except South Africa and the
colony of Rhodesia" as against the previous policy of endorsing
passports valid for travel on a restrictive basis. It is estimated
that, by the end of the year, over five lakh passports, issued
prior to the introduction of the new policy, would have been
validated on the basis of the liberal endorsement policy.
Members of Parliament were empowered to sign Verification
Certificates in support of passport applications. Hitherto, this
could be done wily by Government officials of the rank of Deputy
Secretary or above and by Stipendiary First Class Magistrates or
above. The public welcomed this measure and 1,17,000 passport
applications were verified by Members of Parliament, by the end
of December 1977. This represented 20 per cent of the applica-
tions received during this period.
The scheme for distribution of passport application forms
through post offices was introduced from 2 January 1978. To
start with, the scheme was put into operation through two Head
pg51
pg52
Post Offices in Delhi and is being gradually extended to Head Post
Offices in other States.
There was a substantial increase in the number of passport
applications received by Regional Passport offices. The increase
was due to a greater awareness of the availability of job opportu-
nities outside India and to liberalised measures regulating the
issue of passports.
Over nine lakh new ordinary passports were issued in 1977.
This represented an increase of 58 per cent over the number issu-
ed in 1976. The number of applications received, passports issu-
ed and the number pending disposal at the end of the year in each
of the Regional Passport Offices is given in Appendix VII. This
statement also shows the details of diplomatic and official pass-
ports issued or serviced and other miscellaneous services rendered
by the Ministry during the year 1977.
This increase of 58 per cent over the previous year was achiev-
ed by increasing the staff in Regional Passport Offices and by im-
proving the efficiency of the system as a whole. 104 clerical posts
and 4 officers posts were created in May 1977 and an additional
113 clerical posts and 4 more officers posts were created in
September 1977. 53 more clerical posts were added towards the
end of the year to cope with the increased workload in some
offices. The total additions to clerical staff during the year was
thus 270. The total sanctioned strength in different grades of the
Central Passport & Emigration Organisation, as at the end of
1977, is given in Appendix VIII.
In spite of substantial increase in staff, arrears still persisted
because the Current inflow of applications was more than the capa-
city of disposal. Attention was paid to this aspect of the matter
with the assistance of expert organisations. such as the Depart-
ment of Administrative Reforms and the Staff Inspection Unit of
the Finance Ministry. The steps taken led to a significant increase
in productivity per man in all the Offices. Further improvements
of the system will be effected during 1978. The facilities in the
Passport Offices were also improved during 1977. After many
years of, effort the Regional Passport Office in Bombay finally
moved into adequate office promises. New premises were rented
for the RPO, Ahmedabad, and more accommodation was made
available in Ernakulam and Delhi. Additional equipment was
provided wherever necessary.
Aug 08, 1977 |
|
Annual Report for 1977-78 |
MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1977-78
CORRIGENDUM
Page Paragraph Line
v 1 13-14 Read "the visit of the
Japanese Foreign Minister,
Mr. Hatoyama in July 1977".
vi 3 1 Read "same time" for
"Same India".
4 2 1 Read "Bhutan", for "Bhusan".
5 3 8 Read "turnkey" for "turkey".
12 1 2 Read in it for "and".
12 1 14 Read "that" for "the".
12 2 4 Read "Was" for "were".
15 1 2 Read "Preceding" for
"Proceeding".
15 3 7 Read "non-aligned" for
"non-alignment".
31 3 4 Read "explaining" for
"explainting".
33 5 4 Add "on" after
"Commission".
37 2 1 Read "included" for
"including".
47 3 6 Read "with" for "to". |
|
pg53>
In 1977, the total revenue of the Regional Passport Offices
was Rs. 346.79 lakhs as compared to a revenue, of Rs. 213 laths,
in 1976. The expenditure in 1977 was Rs. 104.20 lakhs (Rs. 61
lakhs in 1976).
Increasing attention was paid to the tightening up of emigra-
tion control to ensure that the Emigration Act was not violated.
With good job opportunities for Indian skilled workers in the
Gulf and West Asian countries and with Indian firms securing
more contracts in the areas, the year saw an increased emigration
of Indian workers for employment abroad. The Ministry of Labour,
who are the focal point for approving contracts for overseas
deployment of Indian workers, approved recruitment of 34,450
workers till Dec 31, 1977. It was, however, suspected that
a large number of workers also emigrated without fulfilling the
requirements of the recruitment and in violation of the Emigration
Act. This necessitated greater vigil on the part of the Protectors
of Emigrants at Bombay and Delhi, the two main points of exit
from the country towards West Asia. Surprise checks were carried
out by them at sea/airports and those seeking to emigrate in vio-
lation of the Emigration Act were not allowed to proceed until
they had completed emigration formalities. This invigilation had
it salutary effect on those assisting persons to emigrate illegally.
It is proposed to strength the emigration staff at major exist
points in 1978.
The Consular wing of the Consular, Passport & Visa Division,
which coordinates the consular functions of Indian Missions
abroad, extended financial assistance to 54 Indian nationals
abroad. In addition to repatriation of 409 destitute Indian
nationals, 105 cases of arrest of Indian nationals abroad were
dealt with; 356 requests for registration of persons as Indian
citizens were processed in consultation with the Ministry of Home
Affairs. Death cases of 157 Indians abroad along with 35 cases
of states of deceased Indians were looked into. Apart from
looking after interests of Indians abroad, the Division also assisted
foreign Missions in India in tracing missing foreigners in India.
and in the disposal of dead bodies of foreigners and their estates.
119 requests from foreign Missions in India for verifying docu-
ments originating in India were entertained. 70,350 judicial, com-
merical and educational documents were authenticated.
The use of consular stamps for various consular services ren-
dered by Indian Missions was dispensed with, with effect from 1
January 1977, since it was found that the results obtained from
the use of stamps were not commensurate with the effort.
Dec 31, 1977 |
|
Top |
Organisation and Administration |
CHAPTER XIV
ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION
Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee and Shri Samarendra Kundu were
respectively the Minister for External Affairs and Minister of
State for External Affairs during the year. Shri A. K. Damoda-
ran assumed charge as Additional Secretary on Nov 01, 1977.
At Headquarters, the Ministry comprised 21 Divisions (of
which 9 were specialist divisions) with a total strength of 530
officers and 1871 non-gazetted staff. Twenty three officers were
on deputation to other Ministries/Departments and International
Organisations.
The number of Missions/Posts during the year was 127
(including 6 special offices of the Representative of India in
Bhutan, Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New
York and Geneva and to the U.N. Environment Programme,
Nairobi, Permanent Mission of India to the International Organi-
sations, Vienna, and Ambassadorial Mission to the E.E.C. and
the European Coal and Steel Community, Brussels.) Besides these,
India had also concurrent accreditation in 48 countries. Thus,
with resident and concurrent accreditation, India was represented
in most of the countries in the world. The strength of the Staff
in the Missions/Posts was 659 Diplomatic Officers and 2520
non-diplomatic staff including local employees.
To provide better opportunities to its employees for advance-
ment in their carreer, 52 posts were introduced in Selection Grade
in Grade VI of the IFS(B) and 4 posts of Record Keepers were
created in the case of Group 'D' officials. A separate Cell
was set up to watch and monitor the implementation of Reserva-
tion orders in respect of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes and
other directives relating to their representation in public services.
Similar arangements are being introduced in the case of Central
Passport and Emigration Organisations. Details regarding the
number of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes in the total strength
of the Ministry, vacancies reserved for Scheduled Castes/Schedu-
led Tribes and appointments made in these vacancies are given
in Appendix IX and X.
pg54
pg55
The revenue expenditure of the Ministry during the financial
year 1977-78 is estimated to be of the order of Rs. 1,03,13.16
lakhs (excluding loans to Bangladesh and Bhutan amounting to
Rs. 841.00 lakhs), (Appendix XI). Details of expenditure
under various Heads at Headquarters and Missions/Posts abroad
including External Publicity are given in Appendix XII.
Pursuant to the Prime Minister's directives on economy, a
number of steps were taken to curtail expenditure but some
increase in outlay became unavoidable because of inflationary
trends affecting foreign allowance, rents and salaries of local
staff. In order to reduce expenditure on spiralling rents of
residential accommodation and office buildings abroad, efforts
were intensified to acquire property abroad. Land was acquired
in Lilongwe (Malawi), Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Djkarta
(Indonesia). Decision was taken to purchase the existing
Chancery building in Amman (Jordan), High Commissioner's re-
sidence in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Ambassador's residence in
Warsaw (Poland) and Chancery building in Tehran (Iran).
Construction of office building and residential appartments in
Lusaka (Zambia) and Ottawa (Canada) is expected to commence
next year. Preliminary planning has been undertaken for
construction of Chancery building in Ankara (Turkey), Colombo
(Sri Lanka), and Kathmandu (Nepal). The investment and
acquisition of property abroad in the above manner is expected
to be around Rs. 5 crores in 1977-78.
A new Mission was opened in Surinam during the year 1977-78
(Appendix-XIII).
The Foreign Service Inspectorate carried out inspection during
the year of Missions in Kathmandu, Rangoon, Cairo, Rabat, Rome,
Madrid, Tunis, Lisbon, Algiers, Belgrade and Tehran.
The Welfare Unit of the Ministry continued to look after the
general welfare of all the officials serving at Headquarters and
Missions abroad including admission of their children in Educa-
tional Institutions including Medical and Engineering Colleges.
and in promotion of Cultural and Social activities.
Financial assistance was provided to some officials during
their prolonged illness and to the bereaved families of the deceased
officials from the Staff Benefit Fund and employment opportunities
were also provided to the direct deserving dependents of the de-
ceased officials.
Nov 01, 1977 |
|
Top |
Hindi in official work |
Jan 01, 1977
CHAPTER XV
HINDI IN OFFICIAL WORK
In accordance. with the-Government's policy on official langu-
age, the use of, Hindi in this Ministry is progressively increasing.
One of the landmarks, in so far as the question of progressive use
of Hindi is concerned, was the speech in Hindi by the Minister
of External Affairs at the 32nd Session of the United Nations
General Assembly in October 1977, thus giving Hindi its rightful
place in the comity of nations. The Official Language Implemen-
tation Committee in the Ministry watches over the implementation
of orders and instructions issued in this regard and all efforts are
being made to use Hindi in as many spheres of activity as possible.
This Ministry has two specialised fields of work, i.e., protocol
matters and international relations. In these two fields, Hindi
was regularly used during the year under review. Documents
like "Letters of Recall", "Letters of Credence" and "Commis-
sions of Appointment" as well as other protocol documents, were
prepared in Hindi. The Ministry also advised Ambassadors
and Heads of Missions that while presenting credentials, they may
as far as possible, make their introductory speeches in Hindi.
Apart from the above, international treaties and agreements
were also prepared in Hindi for signature. This Ministry ren-
ders assistance to other Ministries and Departments of the Govern-
ment in preparing Hindi texts of such legal and formal docu-
ments.
The Ministry issued a large number of notifications, office
orders, etc., in Hindi. Letters received in Hindi from the State
Governments and from the members of the public were invariably
replied to in that language. The Ministry also sent, letters to
Indian Missions abroad and to Regional Passport Office in Hindi
to the extent possible and some of the Ambassadors also corres-
ponded With the Ministry in Hindi.
A new tradition was established during the year in that on
important occasions like visits of Heads of State and Heads of
pg56
pg57
Government from foreign countries, where the visiting dignitary
spoke in his own language, speeches on the Indian side were made
in Hindi, and a number of joint declarations were also issued in
Hindi.
Efforts are being made to equip all Missions abroad with
Hindi typewriters and Hindi-knowing typists/stenographers so
that facilities for increasing use of Hindi could be extended. 19
Missions were equipped with Hindi typewriters. During the
current financial year, 25 Missions more will receive Hindi type-
writers as a part of the effort to ensure that all the Indian Missions
are equipped with facilities for correspondence in Hindi. Instruc-
tions were issued to Regional Passport Offices located in Hindi--
speaking areas, to ensure that in all correspondence work, Hindi
should invariably be used in addition to English.
In order to create a favourable atmosphere for the propagation
of Hindi abroad, the Ministry took some positive steps. This
included posting of Hindi Officers in the Missions in Mauritius,
Trinidad and in the High Commission in Fiji. Efforts are also
being made to create more posts of Hindi Officers abroad. Hindi
translators have already been posted to our Missions in London
and Kathmandu. Under the scheme for the propagation of
Hindi abroad, Hindi books and equipment worth nearly Rs. 3
lakhs were sent during this year to the libraries of the Missions
abroad and to voluntary organisations so that these libraries could
meet the requirements of the local people, particularly the people
of Indian origin. The Ministry also sent some Hindi news-
papers and journals regularly to our Missions. A Hindi news-
papers-exchange programme was also started tinder which Hindi
newspapers published in foreign countries are sent to Hindi news-
papers of India and vice versa.
The Ministry, with the help of its Missions abroad, rendered
necessary assistance to those foreign nationals and non-Hindi
speaking employees who learn Hindi through correspondence
courses. Efforts were made to renew and widen contacts with
eminent foreign Hindi writers and to popularise Hindi in foreign
countries.
Under the aegis of this Ministry, a scheme called 'Children's
Hindi Classes' was commenced by which the school-going children
of the employees of the Government of India and public sector
undertakings posted abroad, may be able to learn Hindi and not
be placed at a disadvantage on return to this country.
pg58
The Indian Council of Cultural Relations financed chairs of
Indian studies abroad for which Professors/Lecturers are deputed
for teaching Hindi and other Indian languages. These included
visiting Professors of Hindi language in the University of Bucha-
rest in Romania and a visiting lecturer of Hindi at Sofia in Bul-
garia. For the propagation of Hindi abroad, lecturers in Hindi
were deputed to Trinidad, Surinam and Guyana. The Professor
of Dravidian languages in Dakar (Senegal) also conducted classes
in Hindi.
In order to cater to the vast Indian community living abroad,
the Indian Council of Cultural Relations also started a quarterly
Hindi publication, "Gagananchal". In the cultural centres also
maintained and assisted by the Council in foreign countries, ar-
rangements for teaching Hindi were made besides arrang-
ing instruction in Indian music, classical dance, etc. The Council
regularly sent Hindi books for presentation to the cultural insti-
tutions and also arranged to Project Hindi films in foreign coun-
tries. | Top |
|
Appendix I Major International
Conferences/Meetings/Seminars |
APPENDIX I
Major International Conferences/Meetings/Seminars etc. organised
by Inter-Governmental Organisations at which Government of, India
was represented in 1977-78.
|
|
S.No. Title of Conference etc. Foreign Exchange
(with venue and date) component of ex-
penditure in Rs.
1 2 3
Asian African Legal Consultative Committee:
19th Session, Doha, 16-Jan 28, 1978
Not available
Asian Development Bank:
10th Annual Meeting, Manila, 18-27
April 1977 3733.00
Commonwealth Secretariat :
1. 15th Meeting of the Commonwealth Tele com-
munications' Council, Auckland, New Zealand
17-28 May 1977 9554.65
2. Commonwealth Telecommunications Conference
Sydney, 29 May-10 June 1977
3. Meetings of Commonwealth Fund for Technical
Cooperation, Commonwealth Senior Finance
Officials and Commonwealth Finance
Ministers, Bridgetown, Barbados, 19-22 Sep-
tember 1977
4. Commonwealth Telecommunications Council's
Specialist Group for Net-Work operation, Hong
Kong, 21-27 September 1977
5. 16th Meeting of the Commonwealth Telecommu-
1933.46
nications Council, Singapore, 28th November-6
December 1977.
*6. Indian Ocean Commonwealth Cable Meeting. Nil
Bombay- 13-16 December 1977
1. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and
the Pacific:
1. Expert Groups Meeting on Socio-Economic
Expenditure met by
Measures affecting Fertility Behaviour
Programmes host organisations.
Bangkok, 5-10 April 1977
pg59
pg60
2. Regional Conference on human Settlement,
Bang- kok, 9-14 May 1977
3. Regional Meeting, Bangkok, 5-16 June 1977
5227.00
4. Seminar on Rural Development Organised by
Expenditure met by
U.N. Asian Centre for Development Administra-
ESCAP
tion, Kuala Lumpur, 20-28 June 1977.
*5. Joint Panel Meeting on Satellite Instructional
Television Experiment, Ahmedabad, 31 October-
5 November 1977.
6. Committee on Development Planning, Bangkok,
1-7 December 1977.
Food and Agriculture Organisation :
1. 3rd Session of the Preparatory Commission
of the 4432.00
IFAD, Rome, 4-8 April 1977.
2. 2nd Session of the Committee on World Food
10,263.00
Security, Rome, 13-19 April 1977.
3. 4th Session of the Committee on Agriculture,
4,489.50
Rome, 20-28 April 1977
4. Meeting on assessment of appreciation of
Scienti- Expenses met by
fic knowledge to Arid Land Problems,
Rome, 2-6 FAO May 1977
5. Meeting of the Contact Group of Food
& Agri- 3671.60
culture of CIFC, Paris, 10-15 May 1977.
6. Meeting of the Committee on Food Aid
Policies of 8,513.00
World Food Programme, Rome, 16-27 May
1977.
7. 2nd Liaison Officers Meeting, Sri
Lanka, 25-27 All expenses met by
May 1977 FAO
8. 71st Session of the Council, Rome,
6-17 June 16460.00 1977
9. Joint Workshop on peoples anticipation
in develop- All expenses met by
ment, Bangkok, 10-16 June 1977 FAO
10. 2nd Expert Consultation on Accessibility
Tropi- Expenses met by
cal Forest Resources, Sweden, 4-7
July 1977 FAO
11. 4th Session of the Preparatory Commission
of the 4500.00
IFAD, Rome, 11-15 July 1977
12. 4th Session of the Commission on Fertilizer,
Rome, 28-30 September 1977
13. 21st Session of the Desert Locust Control
Com- mittee, Rome, 3-7 October 1977
14. 3rd Asian Conference of Agricultural Credit
Co- Nil
operatives and the Ist General Assembly of the
Asian Regional Agricultural Credit Association,
New Delhi, 10-14 October 1977
1 2 3
15. 4th Session of the Committee on Food Aid
Policies 9565.00
& Programmes of World Food Programme, Rome,
24 October-4 November 1977
16. 55th Session of the Executive Committee of
IPFC, Expenses met by
Manila, 31 October-2 November 1977
FAO
17. 72nd Session of the Council, Rome, 8-10
November 1977
18. 19th Session of the Conference, Rome, 12
Novem- 184066.00
ber-1 December 1977
19. Expert Consultation on Grain Legume
Processing, Nil
Mysore, 14-18 November 1977
20. Ist Session of the General Council of
the IFD, Rome, 10-18 December 1977
21. Ist Session of the Governing Council
of the IFAD, Rome, 13-16 December 1977
50,000 -00
International Atomic Energy Agency:
1. International Conference on Nuclear
Power and its Fuel Cycle, Salzsburg,
Austria, 2-13 May 1977 62,368.00
2. 21st General Conference, Vienna,
26-30 Septem- 27,742.00
ber 1977
International Civil Aviation Organisation :
1. 2nd Session of the Study Group on Traffic
Peaks 1825.23 (approx)
at International Airports, Montreal, 22-26
August 1977
2. 22nd Session of the General Assembly,
Montreal, 44,300.00 (estimated)
13 September-5 October 1977
International Labour Organisation :
1. 10th Session of the Metal Trades
Committee, 2,071.80
Geneva, 20-28 April 1977
2. Seminar on the 'Application of appropriate
tech- 11,400.00
nology in road construction', Manila,
16-24 May Expenses met by
1977 ILO
3. 63rd Session of the Conference, Geneva, 1-22
1,69,007.61 June 1977
*4. National Seminar on Social Security &
National Nil
Development, New Delhi, 19-30 September 1977
5. Workshop for Directors of Training in Labour
Nil
Administration, Kuala Lumpur, 19-24 September
1977
6. General Assembly of the International Social
4,056.00
Security Association, Madrid, Spain 3-14 October
1977
pg62>
1 2 3
7. Asian Regional Seminar for Cooperatives for
the Nil
Disabled, Warsaw, Poland, 4-19 October 1977
8. Regional Workshop on Education and Motivation
Nil
of Rural Workers for Family Welfare Planning,
Bangkok, 1-5 November 1977
9. 204th Session of the Governing Body and its
7,160.05
various Committee Meetings, Geneva, 7-18
November 1977
10. Tripartite Meeting on the conditions of work
and Nil
employment of Professional Workers, Geneva,
22-30 November 1977
11. 17th Session of Asian Advisory Committee and
Not available
the Asian Consultations on Working Conditions
Environment and choice of Technology, Manila,
29 November-10 December 1977
12. Tripatite Technical meeting for Civil Aviation,
Nil
Geneva, 7-15 December 1977
13. Sub-Regional Seminar on Status and Role of
Expenses met by
Women in the organised sector, Dacca, 12-16
ILO
December 1977
14. 205th Session of the Governing Body, Geneva, 28
February-3 March 1978
International Lead and Zinc Study Group.
21st Session and the meeting of the Committees
of 25,000 (approx.)
the Group, Geneva, 8-17 September 1977
Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative
Organisation:
1. 38th Session of the Council, London, 23-27 May
1977
2. 5th Session of the Joint IMCO/ILO Committee on
Training, London, 13-17 June 1977
3. 7th Session of the Marine Environment Protec-
tion Committee, London. 10-24 June 1977
4. 11th Session, of the Sub-Committee on Life Saving
Appliances, London, 27 June-1 July 1977
5. 10th Session of the Sub-Committee on Standards
of Training and Watchkeeping, London, 19-23
September 1977
pg63>
1 2 3
6. Joint Maritime Safety Committee/Marine Environ-
ment Protection Committee Meeting on Tanker
Safety and Pollution Prevention, London, 10-21
October 1977
7. 9th Extraordinary Session of the Council, London,
4-5 November 1977
8. 10th Session of the Assembly, London. 7-18
November 1977
9. 18th Session of the Sub-Committee on Radio-
2035.00
Communication, London, 28 November-2
December 1977
10. 8th Session of Marine Environment Protection
Committee, London, 5-9 December 1977
11. International Conference on Tanker Safety and
Pollution Prevention, London, 6-17 February
1978
International Monetary Fund/International Bank
for Reconstruction and Development:
1. Meeting of the Group of Twenty-four, Interim &
& Development Committees and annual meetings,
Washington, 23-30 September 1977
2. Seminar of 18 member Nations, Washington, 4-12
Expenses met by
October 1977 IMF
International Telecommunication Satellite System:
1. 5th Meeting of the Singnatories, Sydney, 19-22
2,727.00
April 1977
2. Meeting of Operations Representatives for Indian
2,540.93
Ocean Region, Honolulu, Hawii, 26-30 April
1977
3. Seminar on New Earth Station Technology,
1,057.00
Athens, 23-26 October 1977
International Communication Union :
32nd Session of the Administrative Council,
Geneva, 23 May-10 June 1977
United Nations Children's Fund :
Annual Session of the Executive Board, Manila,
14,308.06
17 May-3 June 1977
pg64>
1 2 3
United Nations Conference on Trade ond Develop-
ment :
1. 8th Session of the Committee on Shipping,
Geneva, 12-22 April 1977
2. 2nd Meeting of the Committee on Economic Co-
operation among Developing Countries, Geneva,
2-6 May 1977
3. 17th Session of the Trade & Development Board,
Geneva, 23 August-2 September 1977
4. 3rd Session of 3rd Ad hoc Group of Experts on
Restrictive Business Practices, Geneva, 17-25
October 1977
5. 2nd Part of the U.N. Negotiating Conference on
a Common Fund under the Integrated Programme
for Commodities, Geneva, 7 November-2
December 1977
6. 4th Session of the Inter-Governmental Prepara-
tory Group on a Convention on International
Multi-Modal Transport, Geneva, 14-25
November 1977
United Nations Development Programme :
1. Meeting of the International Panel of Experts
for Nil
preparatory work for a World Conference on
Technical Cooperation among Developing
Countries Kuwait, 31 May-5 June 1977
2. 24th Session of the Governing Council, Geneva,
18786.00
7 June-1 July 1977
3. Meeting of the Asian Re-insurances Corporation,
Expenses met by
Bangkok, 31 October-2 November 1977 UNDP
United Nations Economic and Social Council:
1. 2nd Meeting of the Inter-Governmental Working
Group on a Code of Conduct for Transnational
Corporations, New York, 18-22 April 1977
2. 3rd Session of the UN Commission on Transna-
39. 131.10
tional Corporations, New York, 25 April-6 May
1977
pg65>
1 2 3
3. 5th Session of the Committee on National Re-
Not available
sources, Geneva, 10-21 May 1977
4. 3rd Meeting of the Inter-Governmental Working
Group on a Code of Conduct for Transnational
Corporations, New York, 6-17 February 1978
5. 34th Session of Human Rights Commission,
Geneva, 6 February-10 March 1978
6. 4th Meeting of the Inter-Governmental Working
Group on a Code of Conduct for Transnational
Corporations, New York, 20-31 March 1978
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation:
1. 102nd Session of the Executive Board, Paris, 25
3,000.00
April-13 May 1977
2. Sub-Regional Meeting of National Commission in
2377.03
Asia, Manila, 1-7 August 1977
3. 103rd Session of the Executive Board, Paris,
12 3000.00
September-7 October 1977
4. Project Meeting No. 107, Izmir and Athens,
1693.00
21 September-6 October 1977
*5. Regional Seminar on Informatics in South and
27920.00
Central Asia, New Delhi, 7-9 November 1977
*6. International Symposium on Archaean Geoche-
Nil
mistry, Hyderabad, 15-19 November 1977
7. Ad Hoc Meeting of Experts on Science and Tech-
Expenses met by
nology aspects of UNESCO's, Paris, 21 November
UN 1977
8. Project Meeting No. 2 on Precambrian Mobile
23,042.00
Zones, Cairo, 10-22 December 1977
9. Meeting on Ophiolites, Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia,
360.00
10-17 December 1977
10. Project Meeting No. 129 on Laterites and Lateri-
1900.00
tization, Ouagadougou, Upper Volta, 17-27
December 1977
11. 2nd Thailand Workshop on Mangrove Environ-
Expendituremet
ment, Thailand
UNESCO
6-1173EA/77
pg66>
1 2 3
United Nations General Assembly:
1. UN Conference on Succession of States in
respect 44,724.00
of Treaties, Vienna, 4 April-8 May 1977
(estimated)
2. 6th Session of the UN Conference on the Law
of Nil
the Sea, New York, 21 May-18 July 1977
3. 10th Session of the United Nations
Commission of 35,639.04
international Trade Law, Vienna, 23 May-
(estimated)
-17 June 1977
4. UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer
2,968.00
Space, Vienna, 20 June-1 July 1977
5. Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty
on 13,788.00
the Prohibition of Emplacement of Nuclear
Weapons and other weapons of mass destruction
on the sea bed and the ocean floor and in
the sub-soil thereof, Geneva, 20 June-1 July 1977
6. Meeting of the Regional Group for Asia and the
95.00
Pacific of UN Advisory Committee on the Appli-
cation of Science & Technology to Development,
(UN-ACAST), Bangkok, 21-23 June 1977
7. 6th Session of the 3rd United Nations Conference
6,425.00
on the Law of the Sea, New York, 25 June-15
July 1977
8. Meeting of the Working Group on Policy for
564.75
Science & Technology within the UN Systems set
up by UN-ACAST, Geneva, 13-15 July 1977
9. International Conference on the National Treaty
200.00
Law and Procedure, Villa Cerbelloni, Italy, 6-10
(estimated)
August 1977
10. 6th Session of International Civil Service
16,800.00
Commission Meeting, Vienna, 16 August-2 Sep-
(approx.)
tember 1977
11. 3rd U.N. Conference on Standardisation of Geo-
9927.61
graphical Names and the 7th Session of Experts on
Geographical Names, Athens, Greace. 16 August
8 September 1977
12. World Conference for Action against Apartheid in
11,025.00
Lagos, 22-26 August 1977 and Accra, 27-29
(approx.) August 1977
pg67>
1 2 3
13. 9th Session of the United Nations Commission
on 9,050.00
International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Working
(estimated)
Group on the International Sale of Goods, Geneva,
19-30 September 1977
14. 32nd Session of the General Assembly, New York,
815,000.00
20 September-21 December 1977 (approx.)
15. Meeting of the 23rd Annual Session of the UN
1794.00
Secretary General's Advisory Committee on the
Application of Science & Technology to Develop-
ment (UN-ACAST), Geneva, 13-19 November
-3 Decemcer 1977
16. U.N. Meeting of Experts on Sea Bed Mineral
Nil
Resources Assessment, New York, 27 November
-3 December 1977
17. 6th Session of the Working Group on International
Not available
Negotiable Instruments, Geneva, 3-13 January
1978
18. International Civil Service Commission Meeting,
24,300.00
New York 27 February-17 March 1978 (approx.)
19. UN Conference on the Carriage of Goods by Sea,
Not available
Hamburg (FRG), 6-31 March 1978
United Nations Industrial Development Organisation :
1. Expert Group Meeting on Industrialisation in re-
lation to Integrated Rural Development, Vienna,
12-15 December 1977
2. Plenipotentiary Conference on the Establishment of
UNIDO as a Specialised Agency, New York, 21
Nil February-10 March 1978
World Health Organisation :
1. 30th World Health Assembly, Geneva, 2 May
1977 for 3 weeks
2. 30th Session of the Regional Committee for South
East Asia, Bangkok, 2-8 August 1977
*3. International Symposium on "Recent Progress on
Immunology of Laprosy and Chronic Microbacter-
terial Infections, New Delhi, 11-15 November
1977
pg68>
1 2 3
*4. Regional Seminar on Anti-malaria operations,
Bombay and Aurangabad, 28 November-9
December 1977
5. 61st Session of the Executive Board, Geneva, 11
January 1978
World Meteorological Organisation
1. 4th Session of the Panel on Tropical Cyclones,
668 -00
Dacca, 12-18 April 1977
2. 4th Session of the Commission for Basic Systems
Expenses met by,
Advisory Working Group, Geneva, 13-15 April
WMO 1977
3. 13th Session of JOC for GARP and FGGE Re-
Expenses met by
search Coordination Conference, Stockholm,
WMO 21-22 April 1977
4. Technical Conference on Instruments and Method
of Observation, Hamburg, FRG, 27-30 July 1977
8629.00
5. 7th Session of the Commission for Instruments &
Method of Observation, Hamburg, FRG, 1-2
August 1977
6. Conference on the Potential Benefit of Agricultural
Meteorology, Rome, 16-24 October 1977
7. 2nd Planning Meeting on Tropical Wind Observing
2633.00
System (TWOS), Geneva, 17-21 October 1977
8. Informal Planning Meeting for the Establishment
Financed by WMO
of Co-ordinated Programme of Storm Data
Acquisition in the Bay of Bengal, Bangkok, 2-5
November 1977
World Tourism Organisation
SARTC Meeting, Islamabad, 12-26 September
908.00 1977
*In India.
Jan 28, 1978 |
|
Appendix II Major International Conferences/Meetings/Seminars |
APPENDIX II
Major International Conferences/Meetings/Seminars organised by Non-
Governmental Organisations, at which India was represented with
Government assistance in 1977-78 |
|
S.No. Title of Conference Foreign Exchange
(with venue & date) component of ex-
penditure in Rs.
1 2 3
1 . Special mid-year meeting of the International
Exe- Nil
cutive Committee and Council of Pugwash move-
ment, Geneva, 12-Apr 19, 1977
2. 11th International Hydrographic: Conference in
12,465.00
Monte Cario, Monaco, 18-30 April 1977
3. 10th Conference of the International Association
of Ports and Harbour's, Houston, Texas (USA)
23-30 April 1977
4. 14th Session of International Commission on Rice,
2,000.00
Rome, 27-30 April 1977
5. Pacific Area Travel Association (PATA), Board of
5601.00
Directors' Meeting, Frankfort, 1-20 May 1977
6. Asian Productivity Organisation Symposium on
Nil
Computer Application, Tokyo, 23-27 May 1977
7. 7th Session of the Working Group on International
1,125.00
Statistical Programme, Geneva, 23-24 June 1977
8. Pacific Area Travel Association (PATA), Market-
Nil
ing Meeting, Los Angeles (USA), 9-20 July 1977
9. 27th Pugwash Conference on Science & World
Nil
Affairs, Munich (FRG), 21-31 August 1977
10. 26th Session of International Conference on
Edu- 38,914.00
cation, Geneva, 30 August-8 September 1977
11. International Conference on Nutrition
Education, Expenditure met b
y
Oxford, England, 31 August-7 September 1977
UNICEF
12. Pacific Area Travel Association (PATA)--'
Promote 2,188.00
Conference' Sydney, Melbourne, Perth & Adelaid,
2-15 September 1977
1 2 3
13. 9th Asian Electronics Conference and 5th
General 11022.00
Assembly of Asia Electronics Union, Tehran,
21-27 September 1977
14. Executive Committee Meeting of the International
3667.65
Cooperative Alliance (ICA), Enschede, The Nether-
lands, 27-28 September 1977
15. Regional Conference of the International Council
21,400
on Social Welfare for Asia and Western Pacific,
(provisional)
Tehran, 3-8 October 1977
16. ASTA Annual Convention, Madrid, Spain and
3,930.00
Geneva, 29 October-5 November 1977
17. Pacific Area Travel Association, Board of Direc-
Nil
tors' Meeting, San Francisco, 12 November-7
December
*18. 41st Session of International Statistical
Institute, Nil
New Delhi, 5-15 December 1977
*19. Pacific Area Travel Association (PATA) Conference,
New Delhi, 22-28 January 1978
*In India.
Apr 19, 1977 |
|
Appendix III Miscellaneous International Conferences |
APPENDIX III
Miscellaneous International Conferences etc. in 1977-78 at which Govern-
ment of India was represented or at which India was represented with
Government of India's assistance |
|
S.No. Title of conference Foreign exchange
(with venue & date) component of ex-
penditure in Rs.
1 2 3
1. Conference on Transfer of Nuclear Technology
1016.00
Persepolis/Shiraz 10-Apr 14, 1977
2. Special Air Transport Conference, Montreal,
7311.43 (approx.)
13-26 April 1977
3. 4th Regional Consultation Meeting of the Asian
Nil
Programme of Educational Innovation and Deve-
lopment (APEID), Bangkok, 19-25 April 1977
4. Meeting of the Technical and Economic, Market-
ing and Financial Panel of Preparatory Committee
of International Maritime Satellite Organisation
(INMARSAT) Paris, 9-14 May 1977
5. International Maritime Satellite System First
Technical Panel Meeting, Paris, 9-13 May 1977
3,127.00
6. International Symposium on Space Science &
7,626.00
Technology, Tokyo, 16-20 May 1977
7. Symposium on Space Tribology, Netherlands,
4,692.00
27-30 May 1977
8. 10th Asian Pacific Forestry Commission, Nepal,
1635.00
6-10 June, 1977
9. Preparatory Meeting of the Experts for the 4th
Nil
Regional Conference of Ministers of Education
responsible for Economic Planning in Asia and
Oceania, Bangkok, 25-28 July 1977
10. 15th Session of the Asian and Pacific Coconut
All expenses met by
Community, Bangkok, 26-30 July 1977 APCC
11. 6th Quinquenial Conference of the International
440.00
Council of Educators of the Visually handicapped
Paris 1-10 August 1977.
1 2 3
12. International Conference on "Utilisation of
7229.15
Mineral Resources in the Developing Countries"
Lusaka, Zambia, 3-5 August 1977
*13.International Conference on Production Engi-
Nit
neering New Delhi, 27-30 August 1977
14. 8th International Congress on Social Insects.
Nageningen, Netherlands, 2-22 September 1977
15. Sub-Commission of the South & East Asia of the
1190.00
Commission for Geological Map of World,
Seoul, Korea, 5-9 September 1977
16. Final meetings of the study groups of the
Interna- Not available
tional Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR)
Group A, Geneva, 25 September-21 October
1977
17. 1977 Photovolataic Solar Energy Conference con-
4000.00 (approx.)
ducted by Commission of European Communities,
Luxembourg 27-30 September 1977
18. International , Conference on Remote Control and
12,340 -00
Monitoring in Mining. Birmingham, UK 10-18
October 1977
*19. 3rd Asian Conference on Agricultural Credit and
Nit
Cooperatives (ACACC) and Ist General Assembly
of the Asian and the Pacific Regional Agricultural
Credit Association (APEACA), New Delhi, 10-14
October 1977
20. International Maritime Satellite System Second
1,763.00
TechnicalPanel meeting, New Castles, U.K. 10-14
October 1977
21. Asian Regional Seminar on Social Policy organised
Nil
by the Indian Association of Trained Social
Workers with India International tCentre, New
Delhi, 11-16 October 1977
2. Colloquium on-employment motivation in public
Not available.
enterprises in Asia, organised by the Asian Centre
for Development Administration, Kuala Lampur,
17-22 October 1977.
*23. 5th Session of ICFC and the 6th Session of the
Nil
ICFC Executive Committee for the implementation
of the International Indian Ocean Survey and
Development Programme, Cochin, 17-26 October
1977
1 2 3
24. Conference of the International Nuclear Fuel
Cycle Evaluation, Washington, DC' 19-21 October
1977 4,183.00
25. Asian Regional Seminar on Deafness Tehran,
4-9 Nil
November 1977
26. 26th Meeting of the Colombo Plan Consultative
24750.00
Committee, Kathmandu, 28 November-9 Decem-
ber 1977
27. Final meetings of the Study Groups of the Inter
Not available.
national Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR)
Group B, Geneva, 9 January-3 February 1978
28. Asian and Pacific Regional Seminar on Public
Not available.
Enterprises Policy on Investment, Policy, Costs
and Returns, Kuala Lampur, 18-27 January 1978
*In India.
Apr 14, 1977 | |
Appendix IV International Organisations |
Jan 01, 1977
APPENDIX IV
International Organisations of which INDIA became a Member or ceased
to be a Member during the year 1977-78. |
|
S.No. Name of International Name of International
Organisa-tion of which Organisation of which
India became a Member India ceased to be a
during the year 1977-78 member during the year
1977-78
1. International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD)
2. Association of Development Re-
search of Training Institutions of
Asia and the Pacific.
pg74>
Jan 01, 1977 | |
Appendix V Treaties/Conventions/Agreements concluded or renewed by India |
APPENDIX V
Treaties/Conventions/Agreements concluded or renewed by India with
other Countries in 1977*
(*This list is not exhaustive) |
|
Sl. Title of Convention/ Date of Date of Date on Remarks
No. Treaty/Agreement signature ratifica- which
tion/ entered
accession into
force
1 2 3 4 5 6
MULTILATERAL
International Convention on
the Suppression and Punish-
ment of the Crime of
APARTHEID
1. International Convention Aug 17, 1977 22-10-1977
on the Suppression and
Punishment of the Crime of
Apartheid, 1973.
Vienna Convention on
Consular Relations
Optional Protocol to the
Vienna Convention on Con-
sular Relations concerning
Acquisition of Nationality
Optional Protocol to the
Vienna Convention on
Consular Relations concern-
ing the Compulsory Settle-
ment of Disputes. 1963.
2. Vienna Convention on Con- 25-10-1977 28-12-1977
sular Relations; the Op-
tional Protocol concerning
Acquisition of Nationality
and the Optional Protocol
concerning the Compulsory
Settlement of Disputes.
1963.
European Economic Community
3. Exchange of letters between 10-5-1977 10-5-1977
the Government of India
and European Economic
Community regarding food
aid.
pg75>
pg76>
1 2 3 4 5 6
4. Exchange of letters between 15-11-1977 15-11-1977
the Government of India
and the Commission of the
European Communities for
EEC Food Aid-Skimmed
Milk Powder.
International Atomic Energy
Agency
5 Exchange of letters between 4-11-1977 4-11-1977
the Government of India
and the International
Atomic Energy Agency re-
garding the extension of the
Regional Cooperative
Agreement (RCA) for Re-
search, Development and
Training Related to Nuclear
Science and Technology for
a further Period of five
years from June 12. 1977
United Nations Development
Programme
6. Agreement between the 31-3-1977 31-3-1977
Government of India and
the United Nations Develop-
ment Programme regarding
Vocational Training Pro-
gramme for Women.
7 Agreement between the India 30-5-1977
Government of India and 18-5-1977
the United Nations Deve- UNDP
lopment Programme re- 30-5-1977
garding development of
Mushroom cultivation in
Himachal Pradesh.
8. Agreement between the 9-9-1977 9-9-1977
Government of India and
the United Nations Deve-
lopment Programme re-
garding Project "Stimula-
ting Milk Marketing and
Dairy Development (opera-
tion Flood)-Extended
Phase".
9. Agreement between the 23-9-1977 23-9-1977
Government of India and
the United Nations Deve-
lopment Programme re-
garding Project dealing with
1 2 3 4 5 6
Advanced Vocational
Training System.
BILATERAL
Bangladesh
10. Agreement between the 5-11-1977 5-11-1977
Government of the Re-
public of India and the
Government of the Peoples,
Republic of Bangladesh on
Sharing of the Ganga
Waters at Farakka and on
Augmenting its Flows.
BELGIUM
11. Exchange of letters between 17-5-1977 17-5-1977
the Government of India
and the Government of
Belgium for Food aid-
1975/76-4000 tonnes of
wheat as gift from Belgium.
CANADA
12. Exchange of letters for im- 18-1-1977 18-1-1977
port of Rapeseed Oil from
Canada during 1976-77.
13. Amendment No.2 to Agree- 22-8-1977 22-8-1977
ment dated September 30,
1969 between the Govern-
ment of India and the
Government of Canada
(acting through the Cana-
dian International Deve-
lopment Agency).
14. Amendment to Section 2.02 15-9-1977 15-9-1977
and 4.03 of the Canadian
Development Loan Agree-
ment dated 16-3-1973.
15. Exchange of Notes regard- 27-9-1977 27-9-1977
ing Amendment to Section
403 of the Canadian Deve-
lopment Loan Agreement
dated 24-10-1975.
16. Agreement between the 6-10-1977 6-10-1977
Government of India and
the Government of Canada
for Canadian Development
Loan Agreement of C $
1 2 3 4 5 6
32.0 million for import
of fertilizer and fertilizer
material from Canada.
CHILE
17. Trade Agreement between 17-4-1972 14-10-1977 14-10-1977
the Government of the Re-
public of India and the
Government of the Republic
of Chile.
DENMARK
18. Agreement between the 30-3-1977 30-3-1977
Government of Indla and
the Government of Den-
mark on a Danish Govern-
ment Loan to India.
GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
19. Consular Convention bet- 12-12-1975 India- 6-5-1977
ween the Republic of India 7-1-1977
and the German Democra- G.D.R.
tic Republic. 18-1-1977
GERMANY, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF
20. Loan Agreement between 2-3-1977 2-3-1977
KREDITANSTALT FUR
WIEDERAUFBAU and
India for DM 70,000,000.
21. Arbitration Agreement with 2-3-1977 2-3-1977
reference to the Loan
Agreement-(Item No. 20)
Article IX, paragraph (6).
22. Loan Agreement between 2-3-1977 2-3-1977
KREDITANSTALT FUR
WIEDERAUFBAU and
India for DM 9,300,000.
23. Arbitration Agreement with 2-3-1977 2-3-1977
reference to the Loan
Agreement-(Item No. 22)
Article IX, paragraph (6)
24. Project Agreement between 16-3-1977 16-3-1977
KREDITANSTALT FUR
WIEDERAUFBAU and
Neyveli Lignite Corpora-
tion Ltd.
1 2 3 4 5 6
25. Arbitration Agreement with 16-3-1977 16-3-1977
reference to the provision of
Article VI, paragraph (5).
of the Project Agreement
(Item No. 24)
26. Exchange of letters con- 22-8-1977 22-8-1977
cerning supply of fertilizer
to the Indo-German Pro-
jects at Kangra, Mandi
(HP), Nilgiris (Tamilnadu)
and Almora (UP) during
1976.
27. Exchange of letters con- 25-8-1977 25-8-1977
cerning follow-up assistance
to the Indo-German Agri-
cultural Development Pro-
ject, Mandi (Himachal Pra-
desh).
28. Agreement between the 14-10-1977 14-10-1977
Government of India and
the Government of the
Federal Republic of Ger-
many concerning financial
assistance in 1977.
29. Loan Agreement between 25-10-1977 25-10-1977
the Government of India
and KREDITANSTALT
FUR WIEDERAUFBAU
for DM 45,000,000
30. Arbitration Agreement with 25-10-1977 25-10-1977
reference to the provision
of paragraph (6) of Article
X of the Loan Agreement
(Item No.29)
31. Financing Agreement bet- 25-10-1977 25-10-1977
ween the Government of
India and KREDITANS-
TALT FUR WIEDERAU.
FBAU for DM 17,000,000
32. Project Agreement between 25-10-1977 25-10-1977
the Government of Madhya
Pradesh and KREDITAN-
STALT FUR WIEDERAU-
FBAU.
33. Arbitration Agreement with 25-10-1977 25-10-1977
reference to the provision
of paragraph (4) of Article
VI of the Project Agree-
ment. (Item No. 32)
1 2 3 4 5 6
34. Project Agreement between 25-10-1977 25-10-1977
Agricultural Refinance and
Development Corporation
(India) and KREDITANS-
TALT FUR WIEDERAU-
FBAU.
35. Arbitration Agreement with 25-10-1977 25-10-1977
reference to the provision
of paragraph 5 of Article
V of the Project Agreement
(Item No. 34)
36. Loan Agreement between 25-10-1977 25-10-1977
the Government of India
and KREDITANSTALT
FUR WIEDERAUFBAU
FOR DM 58,000,000
37. Arbitration Agreement with 25-10-1977 25-10-1977
reference to the provision
of Article IX, paragraph
(6), of the Loan Agreement
(Item No. 36)
38. Project Agreement between 25-10-1977 25-10-1977
Bharat Heavy Electricals
Ltd. and KREDITANS-
TALT FUR WIEDERAU-
FBAU
39. Arbitration Agreement with 25-10-1977 25-10-1977
reference to the provision
of Article VI, paragraph
(5), of the Project Agree-
ment (Item No. 38)
FRANCE
40. Financial Protocol (1977- 9-3-1977 9-3-1977
78) between the Govern-
ment of India and the
Government of France.
41. Financial Protocol relating 25-3-1977 25-3-1977
to the alleviation of the
Indian External Debt bet-
ween the Government of
India and the Government
of France.
1 2 3 4 5 6
HUNGARY
42. Exchange of letters between India-
the Government of 13-5-1977 9-10-1976
India and the Government
of Hungary for the exten- Hungary-
sion of the Agreement for 17-2-1977
the development of atomic
energy for a further period
of five years from 9-10-1976
INDONESIA
43. Agreement between the 14-1-1977 22-6-1977 15-8-1977
Government of the Repub-
lic of India and the Govern-
ment of the Republic of
Indonesia on the Extension
of the 1974 Continental
Shelf Boundary between the
two countries in the
Andaman Sea and the
Indian Ocean.
ITALY
44. Exchange of letters between 2-4-1977 2-4-1977
the Government of India
and the Government of
Italy for Cooperation in
Matters relating to the
Peaceful Uses of Atomic
Energy.
JAPAN
45. Loan Agreement between 3-3-1977 3-3-1977
the Government of India
and the Overseas Economic
Cooperation Fund, Japan,
concerning Commodity
Loan II for ten billion Yen.
46. Loan Agreement between 5-4-1977 5-4-1977
the Government of India
and The Overseas Economic
Cooperation Fund of Japan
in respect of Tele-commu-
nication Project for nine
billion Yen.
47. Loan Agreement concern- 19-8-1977 19-8-197/
ing Commodity Loan III
between the Government of
India and The Overseas
Economic Cooperation
Fund, Japan for twenty
billion Yen.
1 2 3 4 5 6
MALAYSIA
48. Agreement between the 25-10-1976 1-4-1977
Government of India and
the Government of Malay-
sia for the avoidance of
double taxation and the
prevention of fiscal evasion
with respect to taxes on
income and Protocol rela-
ting thereto.
NEPAL
49. Exchange of letters between 27-12-1977 1-4-1977
the Government of India
and the Government of
Nepal regarding extension
of the Agreement dated
2-3-1973 on supply of iodis-
ed salt to Nepal.
50. Exchange of letters between 27-12-1977 5-1-1976
the Government of India
and the Government of
Nepal regarding construc-
tion of a Sports Complex at
Pokhara
51. Agreement between the 27-12-1977 1-4-1972
Government of India and
His Majesty's Government
of Nepal for Continuation
of the Development of
Village, Cottage and Small
Scale Industries in Nepal.
NETHERLANDS
52. Loan Agreement for Hfl 20-5-1977 20-5-1977
120.000.000 between the
Government of India and
the Government of the
Kingdom of the Nether-
lands for goods and/or
services in connection with
the development of India.
53. Loan Agreement for Hfl 20-5-1977 20-5-1977
54,000,000 between the
Government of India and
the Government of the
Kingdom of The Nether-
lands for goods and/or
services in connection with
the development of India.
1 2 3 4 5 6
54. Exchange of letters regard- 8-8-1977 8-8-1977
ing financial assistance to
the Calcutta Metropolitan
Development Authority
and the State Government
of West Bengal.
55. Exchange of letters regard- 2-9-1977 2-9-1977
ing financial assistance to
the programme of the Cal-
cutta Metropolitan Deve-
lopment Authority.
56. Exchange of letters between 31-8-1977 31-8-1977
the Government of India
and the Government of
Pakistan providing Consular
facilities to be accor-
ded to airline personnel
operating air services bet-
ween the two countries.
57. Tele-Communication Agree- 1-10-1977 1-10-1977
ment between the
Government of India and
the Government of Pakis-
tan.
POLAND
58. Agreement between the 9-9-1977 9-9-1977
Government of India and
the Government of the
Polish Peoples Republic
on cooperation in the utili-
sation of atomic energy for
peaceful purposes.
SRI LANKA
59. Supplementary Agreement 22-11-1976 3-2-1977 5-2-1977
between India and Sri Lanka
on the Extension of the
Maritime Boundary bet-
ween the two countries in
the Gulf of Manaar from
Position 13m to the Trijunc-
tion Point between India,
Sri Lanka and Maldives
(Point T).
60. Exchange of Notes between 10-5,1977 10-5-1977
the Government of
India and Sri Lanka regard-
ing amendments to the
Credit Agreement of 4
November, 1975.
1 2 3 4 5 6
SWEDEN
61. Agreement on Develop- 26-5-1977 26-5-1977
ment Cooperation, 1977
between the Government
of India and the Govern-
ment of Sweden.
UNION OF SOVIET SOCIA-
LIST REPUBLICS
62. Agreement between the 27-4-1977 27-4-1977
Government of the Repub-
lic of India and the Govern-
ment of the Union of
Soviet Socialist Republics
on economic and technical
cooperation.
63. Agreement between the 17-11-1977 17-11-1977
Government of India and
the Government of the
Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics for the Applica-
tion of Safeguards in Con-
nection with the supply of
Heavy Water.
UNITED KINGDOM
64. Exchange of Notes regard- 27-1-1977 27-1-1977
ing Capital Investment
Grant, 1977.
65. Exchange of Notes for the 27-1-1977 27-1-1977
Mixed Project Grant, 1977
66. Exchange of Notes regard- 27-1-1977 27-1-1977
ing Sectoral Grant,
1977.
67. Exchange of Notes regard- 27-1-1977 27-1-1977
ing Debt Refinancing Grant
1977.
68. Exchange of Notes regard- 27-1-1977 27-1-1977
ing Maintenance Grant,
1977,
69. Exchange of Notes for 30-3-1977 30-3-1977
Amending the UK/India
Maintenance Grant, 1975.
70. Exchange of Notes regard- 28-6-1977 28-6-1977
ing Family Planning Grant,
1977.
1 2 3 4 5 6
71. Exchange of letters regard- 6-10-1977 6-10-1977
ing Amendment to UK/India
Capital Investment Grant,
1977.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
72. Agreement between the 3-2-1977 3-2-1977
Government of India and
the Government of the
United States of America
for Sales of Agricultural
Commodities.
Aug 17, 1977 |
|
Appendix VI Number of seats allotted to various countries |
Jan 01, 1977
APPENDIX VI
Number of seats allotted to various countries
1975-76 1976-77 1977-78
Sl. Country
No. Engg. Medical Engg. Medical Engg. Medical
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1. Afghanistan 3 1 6 1 3 1
2. Angola - - - - - -
3. A.R.E. - - - - - -
4. Baharain 1 - 1 - 4 -
5. Bangladesh 1 1 3 - 2 -
6. Bulgaria 1 - - - - -
7. Burma - - - - - -
8. Ethiopia - - - - 1 -
9. Fiji 3 2 4 2 2 2
10. Guyana 1 2 2 3 - 4
11. Hungary - - 1 - - -
12. Indonesia - - - - - 1
13. Iran 21 6 40 5 36 5
14. Iraq 8 1 7 - 6 -
15. Jordan 15 1 26 1 29 1
16. Kenya 5 4 15 3 6 4
17. Kuwait 5 - 3 - 14 -
18. Lebanon 1 - 2 - - -
19. Lesotho 1 - - 1 - 1
20. Malawi 1 1 - 1 1 -
21. Malaysia 36 18 38 15 54 13
22. Maldive Islands - 2 - 1 - -
23. Mauritius 14 15 21 18 27 15
24. Nigeria - - 1 1 2 1
25. PDRY 1 - 1 1 - -
26. Poland 1 - - - - -
27. Rhodesia - - 3 - 4 1
28. Saudi Arabia 1 - - - - -
29 Singapore 1 - 1 - - -
30. South Africa 1 4 2 3 2 3
31. Sri Lanka 23 4 21 7 23 6
32. Sudan 1 - 2 - 1 -
33. Syria 3 - 1 - 1 1
34. Tanzania 11 3 15 3 15 4
35. Thailand 4 3 5 3 2 2
36. U.A.E. - - 1 1 1 -
37. Uganda - - 5 1 3 2
38. West Indies - 1 - 2 - -
39. YAR - - - - 1 -
40. Zambia 1 1 2 1 2 3
41. Developed Countries - - - - - 3
Jan 01, 1977 | |
Appendix VII Statement of Number of Applications Received and Passport Issued |
Jan 01, 1977
APPENDIX VII
REGIONAL PASSPORT OFFICES
Statement of Number of Applications Received and Passport Issued in 1977
Sl. Passport Office/Passport Jurisdiction No. of Passport No. of passpor
t
No. Issuing Authority applications granted
received during during 1977
1977
1 2 3 4 5
1. Ahmedabad Gujarat 79,267 77,8
80
2. Bombay Maharashtra 2,39,679 2,23,8
84
3. Calcutta W. Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Tripura, Meghalaya,
Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur
and Sikkim 24,290 20,9
98
4. Chandigarh Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Union
Territory of Chandigarh 1,45,688 1,10,1
21
5. Delhi Delhi, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir 1,27,576 97,8
13
6. Ernakulam Kerala 3,09,654 2,00,7
17
7. Hyderabad Andhra Pradesh 62,068 46,4
84
8. Lucknow U.P., M.P. 49,243 35,5
90
9. Madras Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Pondicherry 1,12,905 93,1
14
10. Chief Secretary, Govern- Union Territory of Daman and Diu 11,206 10.
300
ment of Goa, Daman &
Diu, Panaji
11. Chief Secretary, Andaman Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Island 1,5
21 1,174
& Nicobar Administration,
Port Blair
11,63,097 9,18.
075
Statement of Diplomatic / Official passports issued or serviced
and other Misc. services rendered in 1977
(Figures of 1976 shown in brackets)
Diplomatic passports 762(942) Diplomatic & official passports services-2469
(2615)
Official passports 3979(4469) No. of vises issued to foreign diplomats & ot
her staff of foreign
missions in India-3593(3473)
Jan 01, 1977 | |
Appendix VIII Total Sanctioned strength of Central Passport and Emigration Organisa- |
Jan 01, 1977
APPENDIX VIII
Total Sanctioned strength of Central Passport
and Emigration Organisa- tions as on 31-12-77
Regional Passport Officers 9
Assistant Passport Officers 9
Public Relations Officers 17
Superintendents/Protectors of Emigrants 26
Assistants 56
Upper Division Clerks 180
Stenographers 10
Lower Divisions Clerks 244
Non-Clerical Jeep Drivers 2
553
Class IV Staff-Record Sorters Daftaries, Gestetner
Operators, Telephone operators, Watchmen, Sweepers
, Peons, Messengers, and Farashes 300
Total 853
Jan 01, 1977 | | Appendix IX Statement showing the total number of employees |
Jan 01, 1977
APPENDIX IX
Statement A
Statement showing the total number of employees (both permanent and temporary)
in the Ministry under
various groups and the representation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
therein (Position as
on Dec 31, 1977
Class Permanent/ Total Scheduled Percentage, Scheduled Percentage
Temporary number of Castes to total Tribes to total
employees Employees employees
1. CLASS I Permanent 256 24 9.4% 9 3.5%
Temporary 250 15 6.0% 10 4.0%
2. CLASS II Permanent 697 21 3.0% - -
Temporary 869 81 9.3% 12 1.4%
3. CLASS III Permanent &
Temporary 812 66 8.1% 19 2.3%
4. CLASS IV
(excluding Permanent &
sweepers) Temporary 429 20 4.7% 6 1.4%
5. CLASS IV
(Sweepers) Permanent &
Temporary 29 29 100% - -
Note: The statistics above relate to posts in the Ministry of External Affairs
only.
Dec 31, 1977 |
| Appendix X Statement showing the number of appointments |
Jan 01, 1977
APPENDIX X
Statement-B
Statement showing the number of appointments (both by direct recruitment
and by promotion) made to various groups of posts and reserved
vacancies filed by Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes during 1977.
Total Number of vacancies No. of reserved No. of vacan
cies
Class number reserved candidates appointed dereserved c
onse-
of quent to non-
avail-
vacancies Scheduled Scheduled Scheduled Scheduled ability of re
served
filled Castes Tribes Castes Tribes candidate
s
Scheduled Sche
duled
Castes Tri
bes
1. Class I 20 3 1 3 - -
1
2. Class II 35 4 2 4 1 -
1
3. Class III 95 17 20 13 1 4 1
9
4. Class IV (excluding sweepers) - - - -
-
5. Class IV 2 1 1 1 - -
1
Note: The statistics above relate to appointments made by the Ministry of Exter
nal Affairs only.
Jan 01, 1977 | | Appendix XI Revenue expenditure of the Ministry |
Jan 01, 1977
APPENDIX XI
Revenue expenditure of the Ministry during the financial year
1977-78
(Rs. in lakhs)
R.E.
1977-78
Headquarters 569.34
Missions/Posts abroad 2661.97
Supply wings 158.17
Other Items
Contribution to the U.N. Commonwealth Secretariat and
other International Institutions 241.22
Central Passport and Emigration Organisation 168.12
Other Miscellaneous Items 2231.36
Subsides and Aid
Subsidy to Bhutan 2466.00
Aid to Nepal 924.39
Aid to other developing countries in Asia & Africa 575.00
Aid to Bangladesh 263.10
Social Security & Welfare 54.49
Total 10313.16
Jan 01, 1977 | | Appendix XII Expenditure on Headquarters and Missions/Posts abroad |
pg94
APPENDIX XII
Expenditure on Headquarters and Missions/Posts abroad during 1977.78
The expenditure during 1977-78 on Headquarters of this Ministry is ex-
pected to be of the order of Rs. 5,69.34 lakhs; a sum of Rs. 189.90 lakhs
is towards establishment charges, a sum of Rs. 45.74 lakhs for Dearness
Allowance, a sum of Rs. 230.52 lakhs for publicity, cables, diplomatic bags
service etc., a sum of Rs. 101.78 lakhs for travelling expenses and, a sum
of Rs. 1.40 lakhs for Departmental Canteen.
2. The expenditure on Missions/Posts abroad including the Supply
Wings at London & Washington and special Mission in Thimpu is
Rs. 2820.14 lakhs, out of which a sum of Rs. 1259.78 lakhs is spent on
Establishment Charges including Foreign and other compensatory allow -
ances, a sum of Rs. 264.97 lakhs on passages for transfers and local
tours, Rs. 165.99 lakhs for Publicity Contingencies and Rs. 1080.72 for
official and residential accommodation, P&T Charges and other office con-
tingencies. The average annual expenditure per Mission comes to
Rs. 21.64 lakhs.
3. The expenditure mentioned above (vix. Rs. 3389.48 lakhs=
Rs. 569.34 lakhs+2820.14 lakhs) as per details below on Headquarters
and Missions/Posts abroad included expenditure on External Publicity
programme activities. The break-up of this expenditure is as under |
|
(a) Headquarters (Rs. in lakhs)
(i) Salaries (Officers 24 Staff 80) 12 85
(ii) Travelling Expenses 5.36
(iii) Publicity Contingencies Charges 106.64
124.85
(b) Missions/Posts abroad
(i) Salaries (Officers 54 staff 245) 44.30
(ii) Foreign Allowance, Compensatory Allowance 34.26
(iii) Passages & Travelling Expenses 7.31
(iv) Publicity Contingencies 62.09
(v) Other Charges, including renting of residential accommo-
dation and other office contingencies 18.03
165.99
TOTAL : External Publicity 290.84
The expenditure on external Publicity as detailed above comes to 8.5%
of the expenditure on Headquarters and Missions/Posts abroad.
(in lakhs of Rupees)
Establish- Travelling Office Total
ment Expenses Expenses
Charges
Secretariat
Headquarters 224.19 96.42 123.88 444.49
External Publicity Division 12.85 5.36 106.64 124.85
TOTAL 237.04 101.78 230.52 569.34
Overseas Establishment
(a) Missions/Posts abroad
(excluding Publicity Wings) 1181.22 257.66 1215.27 2654.15
(b) Publicity Wings 78.56 7.31 80.12 165.99
TOTAL 1259.78 264.97 1295.39 2820.14
GRAND TOTAL 1496.82 366.75 1525.91 3389.48
Jan 01, 1977 |
| Appendix XIII List of Indian Missions/Posts |
Jan 01, 1977
APPENDIX XIII
List of Indian Missions/Posts Opened in the year 1977-78
Country Location Remarks
1 2 3
Surinam Paramaribo Embassy
Jan 01, 1977 |
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