Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held in Qingdao on June 9 and 10

[Hindustani78]

NEW DELHI, March 26, 2018 00:06 IST
Updated: March 26, 2018 00:06 IST

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ce-minister/article23350253.ece?homepage=true

In the midst of India-China efforts to reset their troubled ties, and ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping in June. Mr. Modi will visit China to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held in Qingdao on June 9 and 10.

A series of high-level meetings are expected during the summer, ending in the visit of Mr. Modi to the SCO summit in June. Ms. Sitharaman has already announced that she will visit China in late April. Last time a Defence Minister visited China was in April 2016, when Manohar Parrikar held high-level talks in Beijing.

At the official level, there are several other meetings slated in the coming days. Indian and Chinese experts are to meet later this month to discuss trans-border rivers. In mid-April, the National Development and Reform Commission will hold discussions with the NITI Aayog. In preparation for the SCO summit visit, the SCO Foreign Ministers are to meet in Beijing towards the end of April.

Discussing Mr. Modi’s proposed SCO summit visit, Mr. Bambawale said there would “definitely” be a bilateral meeting between the Prime Minister and President Xi Jinping. In an interview to the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, Mr. Bambawale said: “During that [the SCO summit], we will definitely have a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping.”

Cabinet Secretary P.K. Sinha recently instructed officials to stay away from the events to mark 60 years of the Dalai Lama’s flight to India, as part of Indian efforts to reset the troubled ties with China.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
26-March, 2018 16:10 IST
Joint Group Most Important Dialogue Mechanism between India and China – Suresh Prabhu

The Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation,Suresh Prabhu,welcoming his Chinese counterpartMr. Zhong Shan at the meet.

Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu and Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Zhong Shan, co- chaired the11th meeting of India-China Joint Group on Economic Relations, Trade, Science and Technology at New Delhi today.

Welcoming Mr. Zhong Shan, Shri Prabhu said that the joint group between India and China is the oldest and the most important dialogue mechanism between the two countries. Addressing India’s trade imbalance with China is the most important issue to be taken up by the group. Minister exhorted his Chinese counterpart for greater market access for agricultural products like rapeseed, soyabean, basmati and non-basmati rice, fruits, vegetables and sugar. Another commodity which could be exported from India to China is the high quality pharmaceutical products. Export of India’s IT and IT Enabled Services (ITES) to China and cooperation in the sectors of tourism and healthcare needs to be focussed on.

Chinese Minister Mr. Zhong Shan welcomed Indian investment in China and promised to address the trade deficit between the two countries. The Minister highlighted the important issues discussed in the meeting like two-way trade relations, preparation of an action plan, greater focus on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and e-dialogue. TheMr. Shan said that candid and effective discussions with India on trade relations can serve as the propeller for the growth not only between the two countries but in the entire region.

****
The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu and the Minister of Commerce, China, Mr. Zhong Shan, at the 11th meeting of the India-China Joint Group on Economic Relations, Trade, Science and Technology, in New Delhi on March 26, 2018. The Commerce Secretary, Ms. Rita A. Teaotia is also seen.

The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu and the Minister of Commerce, China, Mr. Zhong Shan, at the 11th meeting of the India-China Joint Group on Economic Relations, Trade, Science and Technology, in New Delhi on March 26, 2018. The Commerce Secretary, Ms. Rita A. Teaotia is also seen.

The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu and the Minister of Commerce, China, Mr. Zhong Shan, at the 11th meeting of the India-China Joint Group on Economic Relations, Trade, Science and Technology, in New Delhi on March 26, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu and the Minister of Commerce, China, Mr. Zhong Shan in a group photograph at the 11th meeting of the India-China Joint Group on Economic Relations, Trade, Science and Technology, in New Delhi on March 26, 2018. The Commerce Secretary, Ms. Rita A. Teaotia is also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/intern...reakthrough/article23358015.ece?homepage=true



Chinese Commerce Minister says the two countries( China and Russia )will build a closer partnership in development

In 2017, the bilateral trade reached $84.4 billion, registering a growth of 20.3% from the year before and a record high. In particular, China’s import from Russia soared by 40%, helping ease the bilateral trade imbalance. China remained Russia largest trading partner. Russia had become one of the most important overseas investment destinations for Chinese companies.

Session JEG meeting, had in-depth discussions and the two sides had reached a series of important consensus. First, the two sides would jointly promote the synergy between China’s Belt and Road initiative and Russia development strategies, including the “15-year Development Agenda”.


Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu and his Chinese counterpart, Zhong Shan, met here on Monday for the first high-level contact between both sides that decided to “reset” their ties this year in the run-up to a Xi-Modi summit meeting in China.

In exclusive written replies to The Hindu, Mr. Zhong, who co-chaired the 11th meeting of the India-China Joint Group on Economic Relations, Trade, Science and Technology with Mr. Prabhu, said a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and China would be negotiated in due course, which would be a breakthrough in ties.

On economic ties
Since 2014, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have met on several occasions. Mr. Zhong said they had decided that the two countries would build a closer partnership in development and deepen cooperation in all areas. With the care and personal support of the Chinese and Indian leaders, the trade and economic ties between the two countries had kept a fast-growing momentum.

Second, the two sides would promote Russia's exports to China so as to address the trade imbalance between the two countries.





United States of America welcomed the participation of Indian businesses in the agricultural, pharmaceutical and IT sectors, and the participation of producers of manufactured goods. USA would provide Indian participants with preferential arrangements. Third, the two sides agreed to set up a special working group to draw a road map for developing two-way trade ... The two sides supported the multilateral trading system and safeguard the interests of developing members. Both sides would demonstrate flexibility to reach at an early date a modern, comprehensive and mutually beneficial RCEP agreement of high standards.

The two sides are also considering positively launching in due course negotiations on a Global trade arrangement or free trade agreement between allies.

“Make in India” and “Digital India” to deepen mutually-beneficial cooperation and share development experience.

Suresh Prabhu with his Chinese counterpart, Zhong Shan, at the India-China Joint Group on Economic Relations in New Delhi on Monday | Photo Credit: PIB

Where are India-China trade ties headed after the meeting between you and Mr. Prabhu?
The Chinese people often say that a distant relative is not as good as a near neighbor. China and India are important neighbors to each other. They are both large developing countries and major emerging markets. Since 2014, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi have met on many occasions. They have decided that the two countries will build closer partnership in development and deepen cooperation in all areas. With the care and personal support of the Chinese and Indian leaders, the trade and economic ties between the two countries have kept a fast-growing momentum. In 2017, the bilateral trade reached 84.4 billion US dollars, registering a growth of 20.3% from the year before and a record high. In particular, China’s import from India soared by 40%, helping to ease the bilateral trade imbalance. China remains India’s largest trading partner. By the end of 2017, China made a cumulative investment of over 8 billion US dollars in India and made considerable progress in infrastructure cooperation. An increasing number of Chinese companies have responded to “Make in India”, “Digital India” and other strategic initiatives proposed by India and actively expanded cooperation in the Indian market. India has become one of the most important overseas investment destinations for Chinese companies.

I would like to stress that development is the top priority for both China and India. China-India commercial cooperation happens in the right place at the right time with the right people. With the care and support of the Chinese and Indian leaders, the geographical advantages as neighbors and the huge markets of over 2.6 billion people of both countries, China and India have vast room for cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, IT, the Internet, culture, tourism, medical and healthcare. China and India account for 35% of the world’s population and 20 % of the global GDP, while their bilateral trade only accounts for 0.5% of the global total, leaving huge room for development. The day before I arrived in New Delhi, the Ministry of Commerce of China and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India jointly hosted in New Delhi a special promotion for the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and a signing ceremony for trade deals between China and India. With unprecedented enthusiasm for cooperation, businesses of both countries signed 101 trade deals with a contractual value of 2.368 billion US dollars. Undoubtedly, this has given us high expectations for and strong confidence in a dance of the Dragon and the Elephant on the trade and economic front.　

What were the main outcomes of the meeting? 　
At the 11th session JEG meeting, Minister Prabhu and I had in-depth discussions and the two sides have reached a series of important consensus. First, the two sides will jointly promote the synergy between China’s Belt and Road initiative and India’s development strategies, including the “15-year Development Agenda”, “Make in India” and “Digital India” to deepen mutually-beneficial cooperation and share development experience. Second, the two sides will promote India’s export to China through the CIIE so as to address the trade imbalance between the two countries. China welcomes the participation of Indian businesses in the agricultural, pharmaceutical and IT sectors, as well as the participation of producers of manufactured goods. China will provide Indian participants with preferential arrangements. Third, the two sides agree to set up a special working group to draw a roadmap for developing two-way trade, promoting the sound and balanced development of our trade and expanding investment cooperation so that we can promote high-quality development of trade and investment cooperation in a coordinated manner. The two sides will strengthen multilateral and regional economic cooperation. The two sides support the multilateral trading system and safeguard the interests of developing members. Both sides will demonstrate flexibility to reach at an early date a modern, comprehensive and mutually-beneficial RCEP agreement of high standards. The two sides are also considering positively launching in due course negotiations on a regional trade arrangement or free trade agreement between China and India, so as to elevate the bilateral trade and economic cooperation to a higher level. Fourth, the two sides will actively promote exchanges and cooperation on tourism, culture and human resources to strengthen people-to-people bonds. Besides, we also had sufficient discussions on issues such as properly resolving trade frictions, continuously improving the investment climate and actively addressing the difficulties confronting businesses in their investment and operation, and reached important consensus on these matters.　

The massive trade deficit of about $50 Billion remains the most important issue to address, says the Indian government. How would you address this? 　
I do appreciate what Mahatma Gandhi once said: “I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the culture of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible.” Just as President Xi Jinping emphasized at the 19th CPC National Congress, China will not close its door to the world, and we will only become more and more open. We very much welcome the investors from India and around the world to China, a shining destination for investment from all lands.

In particular, I would like to draw your attention to the China International Import Expo, one of the latest moves in China’s reform and opening-up. In May 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation that China would hold the China International Import Expo starting from 2018. The first Expo will be held on November 5-10, 2018 in Shanghai. So far, among China’s 230 trading partners, more than 180 of them will participate. More than 1,500 companies, including nearly 100 Fortune Global 500 companies and flagship companies in their respective industries, have confirmed or explicitly said they would participate. At the same time, more than 150,000 professional buyers from China will come to the CIIE. The Indian government has made clear that it would actively organize Indian businesses to participate in the expo. 　

As the world’s first import-themed national-level expo, the CIIE is a great creation in world trade history. With globalization hitting setbacks, the multilateral trading system challenged and protectionism rising, the voluntary proposal to host an import expo against such a background is a testament to China’s genuine will to open up its huge market of 1.3 billion people and a concrete move on China’s part in support of globalization and trade liberalization. Although initiated by China, the CIIE is a chorus of the world an international expo that has drawn multiple international organizations and countries across the world, rather than China’s solo. We’ll work to make the expo a public platform for international trading and a premier forum for global business. We’ll offer preferential treatment and facilitation to participating companies from India and the rest of the world to ensure a successful event.　

Your visit to India comes days after the U.S. announced a succession of trade sanctions. What’s your response and what will such bilateral measures mean for the multilateral trading order?　
The 19th CPC National Congress report notes that China supports the multilateral trading system, promotes FTAs and pushes for an open world economy. China will stay an active participant, builder and contributor of the multilateral trading system.

The Section 232 and Section 301 investigations instituted by the U.S. recently are acts of unilateral protectionism. The related trade restrictive measures will not only disrupt normal international trade order, but also severely undermine the multilateral trading system. In a world community of shared and intertwined fortunes, trade war hurts others as well as oneself and has no winners, bringing nothing but a serious negative impact on the world economy.

It is in the interest of both China and India to uphold the authority and efficacy of the multilateral trading system. As key members of the WTO, the two have maintained close cooperation under its framework. At this meeting, we both agreed that in the face of spreading de-globalization movement and rising protectionism, China and India will step up communication and position coordination, and continue to send positive signals to the outside world in support of the multilateral trading system and jointly defend the interests of developing members.

The 11th China-India Joint Economic Group Meeting is a complete success, yielding a host of major commercial outcomes. What’s been achieved by China and India working together as the world’s biggest developing country and most populous country is also attainable for others. Facts have proven that for either multilateral or bilateral cooperation, trade war is not an option and that only cooperation is the right choice.　

**********
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...merce-minister-zhong-shan/article23361651.ece
Commerce Ministry officials said the talks had given new momentum to the RCEP negotiations.
India and China will "demonstrate flexibility" in order to conclude the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) says visiting Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan, who raised hopes of negotiations of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and even possible cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which India has opposed, after talks between him and Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu in New Delhi on Monday.

“Undoubtedly, this has given us high expectations for and strong confidence in a dance of the Dragon and the Elephant on the trade and economic front," Mr. Zhong said in exclusive comments to The Hindu, referring to 101 trade deals signed between both sides ahead of the 11th meeting of the India-China Joint Group on Economic Relations, Trade, Science and Technology.

Mr. Zhong called the meeting, which was the first high-level contact since the two sides agreed to a reset in ties after last years’ tensions over the Doklam standoff, a "complete success". The turn in ties came after Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale’s visit to Beijing in February, where a slew of bilateral engagements were put into place ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Qingdao in June for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, including this one between Commerce Ministers in Delhi, while Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will travel to Beijing to meet their counterparts in April.　

Mr. Zhong also called for cooperation between New Delhi and Beijing against U.S. President Trump’s recent trade sanctions and revision of tariffs on steel and aluminum, which he referred to as "acts of unilateral protectionism".

"It is in the interest of both China and India to uphold the authority and efficacy of the multilateral trading system," Mr. Zhong, said, adding that "In a world community of shared and intertwined fortunes, trade war hurts others as well as oneself and has no winners, bringing nothing but a serious negative impact on the world economy." 　

According to Mr. Zhong, India and China agreed to four major outcomes after their talks, including a decision to "promote synergy between China’s Belt and Road initiative and India’s development strategies", to "address the trade imbalances" of about $50 billion in China’s favour by welcoming Indian business in agricultural, pharmaceutical and IT sectors, to set up a special working group on two-way trade, and multilateral cooperation at trade forums like the RCEP, as well as promoting tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

"Both sides will demonstrate flexibility to reach at an early date a modern, comprehensive and mutually-beneficial RCEP agreement of high standards. The two sides are also considering positively launching in due course negotiations on a regional trade arrangement or free trade agreement between China and India, so as to elevate the bilateral trade and economic cooperation to a higher level," Mr. Zhong told The Hindu.　

Commerce Ministry officials said the talks had given new momentum to the RCEP negotiations, being discussed by 16 countries including the ASEAN bloc. India has been an outlier in talks, primarily because of a worry of giving China free access to its markets. However, an official present at the meeting discounted the Chinese Minister’s comments on possible cooperation with the Belt and Road Initiative, which would mark a major shift in India’s position, and said it was "not discussed and not on the agenda".　

"Addressing India’s trade imbalance with China is the most important issue to be taken up,” a statement issued by the Commerce Ministry said. "The Minister exhorted his Chinese counterpart for greater market access for agricultural products and pharmaceuticals. Export of India’s IT and IT Enabled Services (ITES) to China and cooperation in the sectors of tourism and healthcare needs to be focused on," it added. Mr. Zhong told The Hindu that the situation was improving, however.

"In 2017, the bilateral trade reached 84.4 billion U.S. dollars, registering a growth of 20.3% from the year before and a record high. In particular, China’s import from India soared by 40%, helping to ease the bilateral trade imbalance," he said, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping with "care and personal support" to bilateral ties.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu in a breakfast meeting with the Minister of Commerce, China, Mr. Zhong Shan, in New Delhi on March 27, 2018.

The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu in a breakfast meeting with the Minister of Commerce, China, Mr. Zhong Shan, in New Delhi on March 27, 2018.

The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu and the Minister of Commerce, China, Mr. Zhong Shan signing the Agreed Minutes of the 11th Session of India-China Joint Group on Economic Relations, Trade, Science and Technology between India and China, in New Delhi on March 27, 2018.

The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu and the Minister of Commerce, China, Mr. Zhong Shan signed the Agreed Minutes of the 11th Session of India-China Joint Group on Economic Relations, Trade, Science and Technology between India and China, in New Delhi on March 27, 2018. The Commerce Secretary, Ms. Rita A. Teaotia is also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
27-March, 2018 17:52 IST
India and China Agree to A Roadmap for Addressing Trade Imbalance





The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhu in a breakfast meeting with the Minister of Commerce, China, Mr. Zhong Shan, in New Delhi on March 27, 2018



The eleventh session of the China-India joint-group on Economic Relations, Trade, Science & Technology was held on March 26, 2018. The session was co-chaired by the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhu and the Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Zhong Shan.


The two Ministers while reaffirming and reiterating their commitments to promote a balanced and sustainable bilateral trade, agreed to continue to take forward the initiatives identified in the Five Year Development Programme for Economic and Trade Cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and India signed in September 2014.


The Chinese side noted India’s concern regarding the long existing trade imbalance and requests for market access of Indian products and services and expressed its commitment to address these concerns through the broad framework provided by successive JEGs and the Five Year Development Programme for Economic and Trade Cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of India.

The Chinese side reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the provision of market access for Indian agricultural products pertaining to non-basmati rice, rape-seed meals, soya-meals, pomegranate and pomegranate arils, okra, banana and other fruits and vegetables and bovine meat expeditiously.

The two sides reaffirmed their aim to promote bilateral trade in the field of pharmaceuticals including resolution of issues of Indian pharma products exports to Chinese markets.

The Ministers agreed to draw-up a medium and long term roadmap with action points and timelines for increasing bilateral trade between the two countries in a balanced and sustainable manner, as the two countries are the largest emerging economies of the world with 35% of the world’s population and around 20% of the world’s GDP but the relative volume of bilateral trade is less than 1% of global trade.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation within WTO, and other multilateral and regional frameworks, to maintain their common interest. Both the sides reiterated their commitment to rules based multilateral global trade.



****

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Industry & Trade, Russia, Mr. Denis Manturov, in Moscow, in New Delhi on April 03, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
04-April, 2018 12:33 IST
Raksha Mantri discusses Bilateral and Multilateral Defence issues with her Russian counterpart

Raksha Mantri Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, who is on three-day visit to Russia to attend VII Moscow Conference on International Security from 03 to 05 April 2018, met Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Mr Denis Manturov in Moscow yesterday. Both the leaders reviewed ongoing military technical cooperation projects between the two countries, including measures to promote India-Russia joint industrial activities under the ‘Make in India’ programme with respect to defence production, especially for after-sales support. They also discussed participation of Russian in DefExpo India -2018 to be held in Chennai from 11 to 14 April 2018.

Later in the day, Smt Sitharaman met Russian Defence Minister General Sergey Shoygu and discussed issues of bilateral importance, especially Military-to-Military Cooperation and other regional issues in a delegation level talks. These included a review of the roadmap of military cooperation involving exercises, training, exchange of visits, and China, Pakistan and Iran participation in International Army Games to be held in Russia later this year.

In the evening Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman attended a concert by Sarod Maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan to mark the closing of the year-long celebrations of the 70th Anniversary of India-Russia diplomatic relations.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman being welcomed by the Russian Defence Minister, General Sergey Shoygu, on her visit to Russian Federation, in Moscow on April 03, 2018.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and the Russian Defence Minister, General Sergey Shoygu at the delegation level talks, in Moscow on April 03, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman meeting the Defence Minister of Republic of Serbia, Mr. Aleksandar Vulin, on the sidelines of ‘VIIth Moscow Conference on International Security’, in Russia on April 04, 2018.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman meeting the Defence Minister of Vietnam, General Ngo Xuan Lich, on the sidelines of ‘VIIth Moscow Conference on International Security’, in Russia on April 04, 2018.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman attending the ‘VIIth Moscow Conference on International Security’, in Russia on April 04, 2018

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman attending the ‘VIIth Moscow Conference on International Security’, in Russia on April 04, 2018.

.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman addressing the ‘VIIth Moscow Conference on International Security’, in Russia on April 04, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
05-April, 2018 13:59 IST
RM’S address at ‘VII Moscow Conference on International Security’

Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, who is on three-day visit to Russia to attend ‘VII Moscow Conference on International Security’ from 03 to 05 April 2018, addressed the II Plenary Session of the Conference on the theme titled ‘Global Security in a Polycentric World’ covering aspects related to current global defence, security and strategic scenario on April 4 in the Russian capital.

Raksha Mantri stated that for India, cooperation with Russia is vital in ensuring stability and security in our shared Eurasian neighbourhood, especially in addressing the menace of terrorism. She also spoke about terrorism in the region, persistence of instability in Afghanistan, rising threats to security in the wider Asia Pacific region, non-traditional security challenges such as climate change, food and energy insecurity, financial instability and the need for cooperation amongst the countries to address these issues.

Following is the full text of the address delivered by Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman at the Seventh Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS) on “Global Security in a Polycentric World”

“Mr. Moderator,

Your Excellencies Defence Ministers and other dignitaries,

Distinguished delegates.

It is a pleasure to address the Seventh Moscow Conference on International Security. I thank Defence Minister General Sergei Shoigu for the invitation.

At the outset, I compliment the organisers of the conference for the excellent arrangements made. The programme of the Conference covers several areas of contemporary relevance.

The theme of this session addresses a key aspect of the current global defence, security and strategic scenario. It is appropriate that we are discussing this subject in Moscow. Russia has re-established its role and influence in global strategic and defence matters.

Russia has also established new partnerships, even as it continues to build ties with older friends and allies. At the same time, relations between Russia and some countries are now beset with serious differences. This has created a complex dynamic. Either way, the solution to the key challenges we face today require Russia’s active involvement.

I welcome the statements by Defence Minister Shoigu and other Russian leaders in the opening session stressing Russia’s intent to explore all possible avenues for dialogue and a constructive approach to resolving differences.

For us in India, Russia has been and remains a long-standing friend and partner with whom we share a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. India and Russia have just concluded a year of commemorative events to mark the 70th Anniversary of diplomatic relations. Over these seven decades, India and Russia have built a relationship of mutual trust and confidence in a range of areas, especially defence.

We therefore welcome Russia’s growing global engagement and remain keen to continue consultations and coordination with Russia on international and regional issues. For India, cooperation with Russia is vital in ensuring stability and security in our shared Eurasian neighbourhood, especially in addressing the menace of terrorism. We also seek a cooperative relationship with Russia for broad based and mutually beneficial economic growth and development in the region.

The problems confronting the international community today cannot be solved by any one country or group of countries.

The issues facing us today require an inclusive approach within broader and consultative frameworks. It is in this context that I offer my comments today on the theme of this session, namely, ‘global security in a polycentric world’.

Distinguished delegates,

A key facet of the prevailing international situation is the continued and rising unpredictability in relations between major powers. This is both unprecedented and a matter of concern.

The current deterioration of ties between Russia and the West is a reflection of this trend. We also see the manifestation of this instability at the manner in which major powers as well as other influential actors have sought to address a range of regional issues and conflicts.

At a fundamental level, such divergent approaches indicate wider diffusion of power in the international system, in particular the rise of Asia. This is a positive development in which India also seeks to play its due role.

However, it is essential that we manage such profound changes keeping in mind the need to balance change and stability.

Specific and concrete efforts must be made to work towards enhancing mutual confidence. We need to avoid perspectives that seek to enhance narrow gains while undermining the larger good.

In the economic sphere, we need to guard against protectionism. Barriers to movement of skilled labour and the closing of borders are unlikely to address the issues involved.

We also need to ensure that benefits of growth continue to flow to less affluent regions. We cannot achieve stability by devising new ways to perpetuate affluence and keeping parts of the world in relative deprivation.

The role of Asia will be central in this process. For the near future, Asian economies will remain the drivers of global growth.

However, violent conflict in parts of West Asia, persistence of instability in Afghanistan and rising threats to security in the wider Asia Pacific region are threatening the gains made over the past few decades of growth and development in Asia.

In particular, the rise of extremist, fundamentalist and terrorist groups needs to be addressed urgently. Violent activities of these groups are also opening up newer sectarian fissures which pose longer term challenges to stability within and across borders.

The situation in Afghanistan remains of concern. There is no choice between a political process and dealing effectively with the forces of terrorism and violence in that country. A policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism is essential if we are to sustain the gains made. We must also, in the face of newer provocations and terrorism, persist with efforts to consolidate capacities of the Afghan government and security forces.

India is committed to supporting the emergence of a secure, stable and peaceful Afghanistan. We believe this is achievable with the continued commitment of the international community. India will continue its assistance and support to the people of Afghanistan. Even as we do as much as we can, we are keen to work with all partners that share similar objectives.

The scourge of terrorism remains a primary international security challenge. Terrorists are reinventing themselves in newer and more dangerous manifestations. The radicalisation of young minds using new technologies and social media networks, the trend of lone-wolf attacks and the continuing patronage of some irresponsible states to terrorist groups, need to be addressed in a comprehensive manner.

Efforts to establish a territorial base in West Asia by terrorists have been dealt a body blow. This was possible because broad objectives of all players, in particular the major international actors, were in alignment. This has been a silver lining in an otherwise challenging global scenario. It highlights the possibilities for greater cooperation in addressing the shared challenges we all face.

Further efforts are necessary to ensure that there is no re-emergence of terrorism in the region and prevent its spill-over onto the wider region by returning terrorists. Better information sharing and intelligence exchanges are essential to address the threat. Cooperation in this effort can provide the basis for collaborative steps on other issues of mutual interest.

We should also resolutely resist attempts by some states to retain influence through terrorist proxies. We in India are well aware of such nefarious designs. Efforts by states to continue training, funding or ideological support to terrorist groups for their narrow objectives should be repulsed effectively, using forceful methods where necessary.

The resurgence of territorial disputes in the maritime domain is another concern. Maritime territorial disputes are extremely complex. We need to ensure that such issues are managed effectively and solely through peaceful means.

The past few decades of growth have transformed the Indo-Pacific region into the most dynamic engine of the global economy. We need to ensure that the prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region is not put at risk through unilateral actions that can undermine regional peace and stability.

The rights of freedom of navigation and over-flight as well as unimpeded commerce should be ensured. For India, this is vital to sustain its own economic engagement with the Indo-Pacific region for mutual benefit.

The efforts to reduce tensions in the Korean peninsula need to be taken forward. India has long pointed to linkages between proliferation in that region to the detriment of our own security environment.

There is also scope for cooperative approaches to address the growing salience of non-traditional security challenges such as climate change, food and energy insecurity, financial instability and the disruptive effects of technology. Effective management of such threats, including cyber-security, as well as meeting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief requirements are areas where established and rising powers can work together for the broader benefit of all.

Overall, the current international scenario has laid bare the challenges posed by great power competition. At the same time, it has illustrated the potential benefits of cooperative approaches.

In a multi-polar world we will therefore need to work to broaden areas of convergence and minimise differences. There is no scope for expansionism, unilateral approaches or for beggar thy neighbour policies.

We must also continue to seek inclusive frameworks for dialogue and cooperation that involve all responsible stakeholders, whether bilaterally, regionally or multilaterally.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

India is playing its due role in maintenance of regional and international peace and stability. India’s continued economic rise over the past few decades has helped lift millions of its citizens out of poverty. The government is keen to enhance transparency, inclusion and growth, and to leverage innovation and the potentialities of the digital economy in this effort.

In our region, we have worked to share the benefits of our own growth by seeking to elevate the economic trajectory of our neighbours.

With our renewed emphasis on regional connectivity, continued focus on our Act East policy and strong efforts to expand engagement with countries in our extended neighbourhood ranging from West Asia, the Gulf and Africa as well as the wider Indian Ocean Region, India is today creating a dynamic network of international partnerships.

Economic and diplomatic engagement with the Eurasian region is a key priority for India. Building on our strong ties with Russia, we are strengthening our linkages with Central Asian countries. We continue to manage the complexities in the India-China relationship even as we seek to make progress within the framework of a broader developmental partnership. India is also working with ASEAN countries and other partners to build a regional architecture that is open, balanced and ensures sovereignty and security of all countries.

Defence and security cooperation is an increasingly important aspect of India’s regional and global engagement. We are developing a range of military to military ties, sharing best practices, building capacities through training as well as cooperating on defence industry and R&D for mutual benefit.

Our efforts are making considerable progress. I am confident that India’s partnerships will contribute to a more stable and peaceful environment, spur greater economic development and establish India’s role as a factor for growth and stability in our region and beyond.

India will continue to work closely with Russia and other international partners on all issues of mutual interest, both bilaterally as well as in broader frameworks such as BRICS, SCO and other forums. Effective cooperation between India and Russia will be a key factor in enhancing regional and global security in future.

Thank you!”

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman meeting the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Mr. Dmitry Rogozin, on the sidelines of ‘VIIth Moscow Conference on International Security’, in Russia on April 04, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...n-to-reset-bilateral-ties/article23543175.ece

Ajit Doval’s unannounced visit to Beijing this week seen as crucial preparation; Prime Minister may go to another city

In an effort to repair India-China relations and take the engagement to the next level, officials are working on a bilateral visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to China within the next few weeks, official sources from Delhi and Beijing have confirmed to The Hindu.

Officials will not confirm the venue for the visit, which will come ahead of the Prime Minister’s trip to Qingdao for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in June. Wuhan and Kunming are possible options, as they are closer than Beijing from Delhi.

Setting the stage

While reports of a bilateral visit by the Prime Minister to “reset” ties between the two countries have been circulating for some weeks, speculation grew about its timing after National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval made an unannounced visit to Shanghai on Thursday and Friday and met Politburo member and Special Representative Yang Jiechi.

The NSA’s sudden visit appeared to take the External Affairs Ministry off-guard as well. During a briefing on Thursday, after the NSA had left for China, the Ministry’s spokesperson said, “At this point of time, frankly, I have no information about the visit ... If a visit is taking place, we will let you know.”

A Ministry press release issued on Friday, however, said the NSA’s visit was “part of regular, high-level engagements between India and China” in which Mr. Doval and Mr. Yang discussed matters of “mutual interest”.

“The two sides agreed to maintain the pace of high-level exchanges to fully realise the potential of a closer development partnership between India and China,” the statement said.

An official, however, said Mr. Modi’s “visit is being worked on, and there maybe some announcement in the next week itself”.

High-level visits

Diplomatic sources told The Hindu that an “unofficial” or unscheduled bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping was first proposed at an informal meeting between Indian and Chinese officials on the sidelines of the Davos summit in January.

The NSA meeting comes ahead of visits by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to China on April 22 and 24, which is expected to be followed closely by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit from April 24. Ms. Swaraj and Ms. Sitharaman, who will be in Beijing to attend ministerial meetings for the SCO, are the first senior Ministers to visit China since Mr. Modi’s previous visit for the BRICS summit in Xiamen.

Ties between India and China hit a low over the 73-day Doklam stand-off, India’s opposition to the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s opposition to India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and other issues including the UN Security Council’s terror designation for Masood Azhar, and wrangling over the Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale’s visit to Beijing two months ago was seen to signal a possible reset in ties, especially after a letter dated February 22, on the eve of his visit — leaked from the government — quoted him as asking officials not to attend public rallies in Delhi organised by the Tibetan leadership. In the letter, Mr. Gokhale cited a “sensitive time in the context of India’s relations with China” — words that fuelled reports of a major summit-level meeting in the offing.

When The Hindu contacted the Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Delhi for a comment on the proposed visit, neither officially denied nor confirmed the Prime Minister’s plans to visit China.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...on-april-21/article23570057.ece?homepage=true


The External Affairs Minister is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on April 21 and expected to meet her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on April 22. She is scheduled to take part in the SCO foreign ministers' meeting on April 24.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will visit China later this week to participate in a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Ms. Swaraj is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on April 21 and is expected to meet her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on April 22. She is scheduled to take part in the SCO meeting on April 24, official sources in Beijing said.

This will be their first meeting after Mr. Wang was elevated last month as the State Councillor, which makes him the top diplomat in the Chinese hierarchy. He will hold the dual posts of the State Councillor and foreign minister.

After her China visit, Ms. Swaraj will travel to Mongolia.

Nirmala Sitharaman's visit
Ms. Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are visiting China virtually around the same time. Ms. Sitharaman is due to take part in the SCO Defence Ministers meeting on April 24.

The SCO meetings are a prelude to the June summit of the eight-member grouping in which India and Pakistan have become new members.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take part in the SCO summit to be held in the Chinese city of Qingdao in June.

Foreign and defence ministers of Pakistan are also expected to attend the April 24 meetings.

The SCO comprises China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan.

Visits by Ms. Swaraj and Ms. Sitharaman are taking place as India and China stepped up high level exchanges to defuse tensions following last year’s Doklam stand-off.

Ajit Doval's visit
On April 13, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Yang Jiechi, Director of China’s Foreign Affairs Commission and member of the ruling Communist Party of China, in Shanghai during which the two sides held in-depth talks on improving the relations.

Both sides also held the 11th Joint Economic Group meeting and the fifth Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED). India and China also held working mechanism meeting on border affairs and cross-border rivers.

On April 16, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media in Beijing that bilateral ties have seen sound momentum and cooperation in all respects this year.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...s-for-china/article23649862.ece?homepage=true

Focus is on revival of ties post Doklam
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman left for China on Monday morning on a three-day visit during which the ongoing efforts at resetting India-China relations would be a major focus.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s April 23-25 visit is to participate in a preparatory meeting for the upcoming summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Modi to attend SCO meet

The eight-member SCO summit is scheduled for June in the Chinese city of Qingdao. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the summit.

Officials said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman would hold meetings with Chinese leaders. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval are among the senior officials to visit China in recent days, as India and China attempt to reset the ties damaged by last year’s Doklam standoff and related developments.

The militaries are also engaged in reviving the friendly engagements they had. As a major step, the two sides will resume their bilateral exercise ‘Hand-in-Hand’ this year, officials said.


************
http://www.thehindu.com/news/intern...gn-ministry/article23648458.ece?homepage=true

Swaraj also called on President Xi, as part of a delegation of foreign ministers of the SCO.
China on Monday asserted that Beijing and New Delhi are vanguards of a new wave of globalisation and the guardians of a multi-polar world.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in response to questions regarding the upcoming informal summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Wuhan that India and China are “important forces in promoting the multipolar world and economic liberalisation, and as well as ensuring regional and world’s peace, stability and development”.

Chinese Foreign Minister and state councillor Wang Yi and visiting External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday jointly announced that a two-day summit between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi will be held in Wuhan from April 27.

On Monday, Ms. Swaraj separately met Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan. Mr. Wang is President Xi’s right hand man, and plays a key role in imparting strategic direction to Chinese foreign policy, including Beijing’s relations with the United States and Japan.

Local media reports said that Mr. Wang steers the newly formed Central Foreign Affairs Commission, with politburo member Yang Jiechi as its director.

Later, Ms. Swaraj also called on President Xi, as part of a delegation of foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Mr. Lu, in his briefing, highlighted the growing protectionism in the world, which included a brewing trade war with the United States, as the new basis for bonding China and India—the world’s largest emerging economies.

“The world is now faced with rampant unilateralism as well as the rising protectionism in the process of globalisation. All these trends have been closely followed and debated. So against such backdrop China and India have a lot to discuss.”

The Chinese position aligns with the stance adopted by India in supporting inclusive gloabalisation and rejecting protectionism. Earlier this month, NITI Ayog Vice- Chairman, Rajiv Kumar said in Beijing during his opening remarks at the China-India Strategic Economic Dialogue that the “cyclical and synchronised recovery in the world economy” had been “marred and disrupted by some unseemly protectionist noises that are coming out of the Atlantic basin in North America and Europe”.

Referring to major geo-economics shifts which China and India could sharpen, Mr. Kumar said Asia and the emerging economies could become the new drivers of global growth.

Mr. Lu in his remarks pointed out that “as newly emerging markets as well as developing countries with big populations … we believed the two countries (India and China) will continue to uphold the globalisation so that it is more inclusive”.

In the light of a “lot of shared interests, concerns and positions,” the two leaders in their meeting in Wuhan will take of long view of their ties, and tailor China-India relations to impact the evolving international situation.

Mr. Lu highlighted the two leaders “will discuss the changes that have taken place, and which are unprecedented in the past 100 years, and exchange views on the strategic, over-arching and long-term issues concerning our bilateral relations”.

Underscoring the global impact of the unprecedented summit, the spokesperson stressed that President Xi and Prime Minister Modi “will discuss the latest trends of the world so (that) there is a stable global development”.