January 2019 India and the World

Sakshi Education

India, Mauritius agree upon critical partnership in various sectors
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Kumar Jugnauth held talks on 22 January, 2019.

They have discussed ways to boost bilateral trade and investment, including finalization of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement.

Both leaders met in Varanasi on the sidelines of the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

Both Prime Ministers reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, and the talks focussed on the initiatives to further strengthen the ties.

They also discussed the ongoing bilateral development co-operation projects.

New proposals for critical partnership projects in health, disaster management and energy sectors were agreed upon in the deliberations.

The two leaders also discussed ways to expand further co-operation in areas of blue economy.

Blue economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihood and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health.

Both the Prime Ministers also discussed collaboration in Africa.

Mr Jugnauth will call on President Ram Nath Kovind on 22 January, 2019.
India, Nepal have unique and uninterrupted age-old relations: Nepal Transport Mahaseth
Nepal's Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth has said that India and Nepal have unique and uninterrupted age-old relations.

He said on the basis of present bilateral relations and understanding between the two governments, this era is one of the best time of Indo-Nepal ties.

He was speaking at a media interaction in Kathmandu organized by the Reporters ‘Club Nepal on the eve of 70th Republic Day of India.

Mr. Mahaseth said India is an important development partner of Nepal and providing valuable support in various sectors including agriculture, physical infrastructure, energy and connectivity.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Manjeev Singh Puri said people to people contacts are very unique aspect of India-Nepal relations.

He said economy can play a key role in further strengthening this unique relationship.

Ambassador Puri said recently number of initiatives have been taken up, including opening of Integrated Check Post in Birgunj and launching of the bus services between various cities of India and Nepal.

Former Foreign Minister of Nepal, Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani said 21st century will be the Asian century and with 8 percent growth India will be a major partner of it. He said Nepal should participate in the prosperity and development of India and should prepare an economic framework for development of the country.

Former Foreign Minister of Nepal, Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, Leader of Rashtriya Janata Pary Nepal, Anil Kumar Jha and Former Nepalese Ambassador to India, Dr. Bhesh Bhahdur Thapa also expressed their views and highlighted ways to further strengthen age-old India Nepal friendship.
US contemplating to have potential missile defence cooperation with India
United States is contemplating to have a potential missile defence cooperation with India as part of its effort to deepen the bilateral strategic partnership.

The Pentagon's announcement in the 81-page 'Missile Defense Review' report released by President Donald Trump gains significance in view of India placing a 5 billion US Dollar order to purchase S-400 air defence system from Russia, for which the US has publicly expressed its displeasure.

The Pentagon has said that New Delhi is a key element in America's Indo-Pacific strategy. Noting that the threats posed by offensive missile capabilities are no longer limited to a few regions around the world, the Pentagon in its report said there were now a number of States in South Asia that are developing an advanced and diverse range of ballistic and cruise missile capabilities.

The report, which identifies missile development projects by Russia and China as major threats to the US, did not give any further details about its potential missile defence cooperation with India.
Norway PM Erna Solberg inaugurates green compound at Royal Norwegian Embassy
Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg, who is on an official visit to India, inaugurated a new green compound at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi.

The embassy has obtained a Green Rating for Integrated Habitat by the Government of India.

She hoped that as a green embassy, it can serve as an inspiration for the shared efforts to achieve the green transition and the Sustainable Development Goals.
India, Norway agree to combat international terrorism
India and Norway have agreed to closely collaborate on ocean economy and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The two countries also decided to step up bilateral trade.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with his Norwegian counterpart Erna Solberg in New Delhi on 08 January, 2019.

They discussed ways to give new energy and direction to bilateral ties.

The two countries also signed a MoU for holding an India-Norway Ocean Dialogue.

Mr. Modi said, he and Ms. Solberg reviewed all areas of the cooperation.

They also had fruitful discussions on all aspects of the ocean economy.
Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and Morocco on Cooperation in the area of Cyber Security
The Union Cabinet has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Morocco on cooperation in the area of Cyber Security.

The MoU was signed on 25th September 2018.

The MoU intends to promote closer cooperation for exchange of knowledge and experience in detection, resolution and prevention of security-related incidents between India and Morocco.

Implementation of the MoU will result in significant mutual benefits in the Cyber Security sector, through institutional and capacity building with Morocco in the field of Cyber Security.