June 2019 India and the World

Sakshi Education

Nirmala Sitharaman among 100 influential women list
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is among the 100 most influential women driving the UK-India relationship forward.

The '100 Most Influential in UK-India Relations: Celebrating Women' list was launched by UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid to mark India Day in the Houses of Parliament in London.

Penny Mordaunt, Britain's Secretary of State for Defence, is the other politician in the list.
PM Narendra Modi reaches Osaka for G20 Summit; to hold talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached the Japanese city of Osaka this morning to attend the G20 Summit which will be held on 28 June, 2019 and the day after.

Mr Modi will meet with the leaders of major partner countries. The Prime Minister will hold talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe this morning, while he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump tomorrow and discuss important issues of bilateral and global importance.

Mr Modi is looking forward to discussing with other global leaders major challenges and opportunities faced by the world.

G20 summit will also be a platform for sharing India's strong developmental experience of the last five years, which provided the basis for a resounding mandate to the government by the people of the country to continue on the path to progress and stability.

The summit will be an important stepping stone for India towards hosting the G-20 Summit in 2022, when the country will usher in a New India in the 75th Anniversary of the Independence.

The theme of the Osaka summit is 'Human-centred future society'.There was drizzle and cloudy sky when the Prime Minister landed at Kansai international airport in Osaka.

Issues related to artificial intelligence, common efforts to address major global challenges such as terrorism and climate change form the reach agenda of the summit.

Free trade and economic growth, global economy and taxation, finance, digital economy, energy, global health will be discussed during the four sessions of the summit.

G-20 summit will provide an important opportunity to reiterate and reinforce India’s strong support to reformed multilateralism.

This summit will also be an important stepping stone for India towards hosting the G-20 summit in 2022, in the 75th anniversary of our independence.
India will go by its national interest: Jaishankar to Pompeo
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that India will go by its national interest while dealing with other countries, including with sanctions-hit Russia.

New Delhi is procuring S-400 missile defence system from Russia.

The two had an extensive bilateral meeting this afternoon in New Delhi.

Replying to a media query on the issue of sanctions under the US' Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act which may also impact India's procurement of the S400 system from Moscow, India has relationships with several countries.

India is an important partner of the US and that the bilateral ties are reaching new heights.

India-US have a strategic partnership based on deep and broad convergence, discussions with Pompeo were held on key issues including energy and trade as well as on the situation in Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific region.

US Secretary of State shared the American concerns on Iran with him.

Two countries have a better understanding of each other's concerns on Iran.

On India's energy concerns, Secretary Pompeo understands what India's interest is.

On the issue of trade, countries which are enjoying good trade relations, can have difference but that can be sorted out.

Indo-Pacific is for peace, security, stability, and prosperity and not against anybody.

They are looking at a landscape where a number of independent players work together for what they believe to be global good.

US-India partnership is already beginning to reach new heights, and the two sides have bolstered the defence cooperation and have solidified the common vision for free and open Indo-Pacific.

India and the US have grown cooperation in energy, space and other areas.

The US Secretary of State's meetings with the Indian leadership are the first high-level interactions between the two countries after the return of the Modi government to power last month.
UNSC non-permanent seat: India won
India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat at the powerful UN Security Council for a two-year term has been unanimously endorsed by the Asia-Pacific group at the world body.

Elections for five non-permanent members of the 15-nation Council for the 2021-22 term will be held around June 2020.

The five permanent members of the Council are China, France, Russia, UK and the US.
PM Narendra Modi to meet with leaders of major partner countries of G20
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with the leaders of other major partner countries and discuss important issues of bilateral and global importance.

The Prime Minister will meet Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, President of South Korea Moon Jae-In and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Minister of Thailand General Prayut Chan o Cha, his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and President of Korea Mr Moon Jae-in.

Mr Modi will also hold meetings with President of the World Bank Group David Malpass and Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres.
PM Narendra Modi holds bilateral talks with US President Trump
Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump in Osaka ahead of the formal opening of the G-20 Summit.

Mr Modi and Trump discussed a host of key issues including trade, defence and 5G communications networks. Mr Modi wants to discuss Iran, 5G, bilateral relations and defence relations with the US President.

The US President congratulated Mr Modi on his election victory and said that the two countries would work together in many areas including military.

The two leaders met shortly after the Japan-America-India trilateral meeting. During the trilateral meet, Mr Modi highlighted the importance India attaches to the group.
Korean Ambassador to India Bong-kil Shin signed agreement with BMVSS and launched 'Jaipur Foot Korea'
Korean Ambassador to India Bong-kil Shin aunched 'Jaipur Foot Korea',

A collaborative initiative between Korea and Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS).

This agreement Korea will provide financial and technical assistance to further research and development collaboration in the med-tech sector specifically in the area of prosthetic limbs, bionic arms, 3-D printing-based Flat foot solution, and mobility solutions.

The Korean ambassador visited the Jaipur Foot center with experts agreement will open up access to Korean med-tech students

The job is to join the various prosthetic fitment camps in various countries.

These countries participate in certificate programs offered by Jaipur Foot.
WTO panel rules in India's favour in renewable energy case against US
A World Trade Organisation,WTO dispute resolution panel has ruled in favour of India in a case against the United States. The panel stated that America's domestic content requirements and subsidies provided by eight of its states in the renewable energy sector are violative of global trade norms.

The panel concluded in its ruling that "the measures" of the US "are inconsistent" with certain provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, GATT.

The US has "nullified or impaired benefits accruing to India under that agreement".

The GATT aims to promote trade by reducing or eliminating trade barriers like customs duties.

The ruling stated that ten measures implemented by the US pertaining to renewable energy sector are inconsistent with its obligations under GATT 1994.

In September 2016, India had dragged the US to WTO's dispute settlement mechanism over America's domestic content requirements and subsidies provided by eight states in the renewable energy sector.
Narendra Modi, Shinzo Abe discuss economy, bullet train
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wide-ranging talks with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, on the global economy, fugitive economic offenders and disaster management, and announced that President Ram Nath Kovind would participate in the coronation ceremony of Emperor Naruhito in October.

It was the first meeting between the two leaders since the start of Japan’s Reiwa era and Mr. Modi’s re-election.

Mr. Modi appreciated Japan’s leadership as the G-20 chairman.

Mr. Modi was looking forward to Mr. Abe’s visit later this year for the annual summit.

Later, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale told presspersons that the meeting between the “old friends” was “warm” and they had a “very constructive and detailed discussion” on bilateral ties.

“Abe initially began discussion with his expectation from the G-20 Summit. They spoke about the importance of focussing on global economy.

The two leaders also had a brief discussion on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor and on a convention centre being built in Varanasi, Mr. Modi’s constituency.

They agreed on the delivery of both the projects on time.
Indian Naval Ship Tarkash reaches Alexandria
Indian Naval Ship Tarkash reached Alexandria on 28 June, 2019 on a three-day visit to Egypt, as a part of Western Fleet Overseas Deployment programme.

Professional interactions are planned with the Egyptian Navy towards further enhancing co-operation between the two forces.

In addition, calls on senior government and military authorities, sporting, cultural interactions, exchange visit of ships personnel and sharing of best practices, aimed at strengthening ties and mutual understanding between the two Navies, are also planned.

The geostrategic location of Egypt provides this visit with the unique advantage of being at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe.

Crucial Sea Lines of Communication pass through the Red Sea into the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal in Egypt.

The current visit seeks to underscore India's peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries and, in particular, to strengthen the existing bonds of friendship between India and Egypt.

Tarkash is a state of the art warship of the Indian Navy equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors capable of addressing threats in all three dimensions.

The ship is part of the Indian Navy's Western Fleet and is under the operational Command of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, based at Mumbai.
PM Narendra Modi outlines his 5 I vision in G-20 meet at Osaka to maximize digital technology for social benefit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined his 5 I vision to maximize digital technology for social benefit.

At the G-20 summit on digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI) at Osaka, he put thrust on inclusiveness, indigenization, innovation, investment and infrastructure and international cooperation.

Fast changing technologies like digitalization and climate change pose a challenge to the current as well as future generations.

Before the leaders of the G-20 Prime Minister emphatically put his point that development is worthwhile only when it reduces inequality and contributes in empowerment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a tri-lateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed issues like terrorism and climate change on the sidelines of the G-20 summit.

The trilateral meeting in Osaka is a useful medium of discussion and coordination on major global issues.

Prime Minister chaired RIC (Russia, India and China) framework and participated in a meeting of BRICS countries.

The leaders called for rule based multilateral trading system as embodied in the WTO to ensure transparent, non-discriminatory, open and inclusive international trade, amid growing protectionism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding bilaterals and pull-asides with a host of world leaders on the final day of the G-20 summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.

Final session of the summit will deliberate on Climate Change, Environment, and Energy. Prime Minister will hold three pull-asides with Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong, Italian President and Chile President Sebastian Pinera, as well as a bilateral meet with Turkish President Erdogan.

The bilateral meeting comes as India and Turkey are facing a sanction threat by the United States over an S-400 missile deal with Moscow.

Prime Minister Modi will also participate in the closing ceremony of the summit.

Shortly before departing for New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi will host a final bilateral meet with Australian PM Scott Morrison.
PM Narendra Modi invites G20 nations to join International Coalition on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited G20 member nations to join the International Coalition on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure - an initiative mooted by him to help the smaller nations especially after calamities.

Prime Minister in his remarks at the G20 Session on Quality Infrastructure Investment and Development Cooperation, "Disaster resilient infrastructure is required not only for development, but it is also necessary to combat natural calamities.

He invited the G-20 countries to join this coalition and share their experience and expertise".

Prime Minister mooted this idea in the G 20 meet in Argentina.

Indian government is keen to launch this new global initiative sometime later this year.
150th Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi celebrated in Dhaka
The 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was celebrated in Dhaka.

The High Commission of India organised a bi-Cycle Rally at the Dhaka University campus on 15 June, 2019 morning to mark his birth anniversary.

The rally was inaugurated by High Commissioner of India Riva Ganguly Das and Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor Md Akhtaruzzaman.

That life of Mahatma Gandhi inspires millions of people across the world. She said his messages and ideals are more relevant than ever.

The high commissioner urged all to carry forward the message of Mahatma Gandhi.
India designated as guest country at Guadalajara International Book Fair in Mexico
India designated as the Guest of Honour at the 33rd Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara (Guadalajara International Book Fair)in Mexico, the National Book Trust.

The book fair organized from November 30 - December 8,

India pavilion at the fair will showcase over 35 Indian authors and artists, along with 15 publishing houses.

India displays a wide array of its rich and composite literary and cultural heritage through literary and academic activities comprising conferences.

Ancient and rare manuscripts including "Mahabharata" and "Ramayana" will be put on exhibition, along with photo books, handicrafts, and paintings.

The exhibition will run parallel to the book fair in the pavillion

They will feature art by 40 renowned Indian women artists including Arpana Caur, Paula Sengupta, and Seema Kohli.

The "Festival of India" will showcase folk, classical and contemporary cultural programmes.
Indian Embassy organised yoga event at Syangboche
The Yoga has reached the base of Mount Everest, the highest peak on the earth. To celebrate 5th International Day of Yoga, the Embassy of India in Nepal organised a special event at Syangboche situated around 13,000 feet in the lap of Mt Everest.

Members from various NGOs, women and youth groups of Solukhumbu district, officials of Sagarmatha National Park and a large number of local people enthusiastically participated in the programme.

Besides Indian Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri and officials of the embassy many foreign tourists, mountaineers and researchers also joined Yoga Day celebrations. Yoga teacher from Embassy of India performed different asanas from common yoga protocol.

The main objective of the programme was to highlight the importance of Yoga in daily life and to bring peace and harmony across the continents, nations and people.

First time, the International Day of Yoga celebrations were also held at the base camp of Mount Everest. India's Mount Everest climber Bharat Sharma and other mountaineers from various countries created history by performing Yoga at 17600 feet in the backdrop of mighty Mount Everest.
Riva Ganguli Das visits Chattoram to inspect construction of Feni Bridge
High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Riva Ganguli Das visited Chattoram yesterday to inspect the construction of the ongoing Feni Bridge known as Maitree Setu which will connect Tripura with Chittagong port of Bangladesh.

The bridge will facilitate carrying of heavy machines and goods to and from the northeastern states and the rest of India via Bangladesh through Chattogram.

It will provide direct road connectivity between South Tripura and Chittagong allowing India to use Chittagong as a “port of call.” The bridge would be a corridor for trade and commerce between Bangladesh and India's North-East promoting trade, tourism and people-to-people ties.

The foundation of the bridge was laid in 2015 jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The bridge is being constructed by the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd of Ministry of Road and Transport highways, govt. of India at a cost of over Rs. 82 crores.

The project is scheduled to be completed by April 2020. The High Commissioner was welcomed in Feni by the Upzila Chairman Bishwa Tripura.
India, Myanmar conducted joint operation
The armies of India and Myanmar carried out a three-week-long coordinated operation from May 16 in their respective border areas.

They targeted several militant groups operating in Manipur, Nagaland and Assam.

Myanmar is one of the strategic neighbours of India and shares a 1,640-km border with a number of north-eastern states, including the militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
India to host COP-14 of UNCCD in September 2019
For the first time ever India will be hosting the 14th session of Conference of Parties (COP-14) of United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP-14 ) in September 2019, to address the issue of land degradation and desertification.

India will be taking over the COP presidency from China for the next two years until the next.

At least 5,000 delegates from nearly 197 countries will be participating in the event which will be held between rom 29th August to 14th September 2019 at India Expo Mart Limited, Greater Noida.

One of the primary functions of COP-14 is to review reports submitted by Conference of Parties to convention and detailing how they are carrying out their commitments.
The 2nd edition of India and Italy Joint Working Group on counter terrorism was held in New Delhi
The 2nd Meeting of India-Italy Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism was held in New Delhi, India on 17 June 2019.

The meeting was co-chaired by Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism), Ministry of External Affairs and Diego Brasioli, Principal Director for Security, Disarmament and non- Proliferation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Italy.

The next meeting of the Joint Working Group will be held in Italy.

The joint working group discussed threats posed by terrorist entities globally and in their respective regions including cross border terrorism.

Views on current counterterrorism challenges including countering radicalization, terror financing and misuse of internet for terrorist purposes.

Threats arising from transnational crimes and money laundering.

Deliberated upon measures to deepen bilateral cooperation for countering terrorism and transnational crimes through regular exchange of information, mutual capacity building efforts, sharing of best practices and mutual legal assistance.

The Cooperation in multilateral fora.
UN report says India is set to overtake China as the most populous country by 2027
United Nations report said that India is set to overtake China as the most populous country by 2027.

India will have almost 1.64 billion inhabitants by 2050. South Asia’s opportunity to reap the demographic dividend will peak by 2047.

According to the World Population Prospects 2019 report India is expected to have the largest national increase in the world by 2050.

China, on the other hand, is expected to become smaller, dropping from its current 1.43 billion people to approximately 1.4 billion by 2050.

However, while India may have the highest absolute increase in numbers, its rate of growth is slowing.

The Central and the Southern Asia region, of which India is a part, is expected to see a 25% increase in population between now and 2050.
AM S Jaishankar meets Russian Deputy PM Yury Trutnev
India External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met visiting Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev in New Delhi and discussed ways to strengthen ties between the two nations.

Both leaders discussed various aspects of India-Russia relationship including the visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Vladivostok for the Eastern Economic Forum in September this year.

Mr Jaishankar's meeting with Mr Trutnev comes days after Prime Minister Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, SCO Summit in Bishkek, where the two leaders reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations to further strengthen the strategic relationship.
DD India programmes to be available in Bangladesh, South Korea
Government has decided to show BTV World, a channel owned by Bangladesh TV, on the Doordarshan Free Dish which will be available for the viewers of Doordarshan in our country.

At the same time, DD India would be made available in Bangladesh for being viewed by the people in that country.

An official release said this arrangement is a result of an MoU signed between Prasar Bharati and Bangladesh TV (BTV) on 7th of May.

The channel - BTV World would be of special interest to the viewers of Eastern India. The decision marks an important watershed in the strengthening of ties between the two countries and follows with an earlier decision taken by the two Governments to co-produce a film on Banga Bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which will be directed by eminent film Director and Producer Shyam Benegal.

Government has also approved the proposal of Prasar Bharati for making available the KBS World, an English 24x7 channel of South Korean government on the DD Free Dish for Indian viewers. Simultaneously, people of that country would be able to view DD India.

Briefing media this afternoon, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said, mutual cooperation with neighbouring countries is very important and the decision will build up a mutual relationship.
India extended $15 million grant to Niger to organize the AU summit
India extended USD 15 million assistance to Nigeria for organizing the African Union (AU) summit scheduled to be held in Niamey.

This summit is scheduled to be held in Niamey from July 7-8.It is the first time that Niger is scheduled to host an AU summit.

The assistance in the form of the grant was symbolically handed over to Niger's Deputy Foreign Minister Lamido Ousseini Bala Goga Salamatou by Ambassador of India to Niger Rajesh Agarwal held on June 17 in Niamey.

This summit is expected to launch the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Bilateral ties expanded significantly since the opening of the Indian Resident Diplomatic Mission in Niamey in 2009.

India provided Lines of Credit worth USD 96.54 million to Nigeria for projects in transport, electrification, solar energy, and potable drinking water.

India also establishes the Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) in Niamey under grant assistance.
India, France decide to deepen cooperation in cyber security sector
India and France have decided to deepen cooperation in the cyber security sector and jointly work towards curbing the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes and online radicalisation.

The third Indo-French cyber dialogue was held in Paris with the intergovernmental meeting co-chaired by Henri Verdier, French Ambassador for Digital Affairs, and Upender Singh Rawat, Joint Secretary in charge of e-Governance, Information Technology and Cyber Diplomacy at the Ministry of External Affairs.

During this dialogue, both parties shared their threat analysis and presented the latest developments in their respective cyber policies and steps taken for the protection of critical national infrastructure.

France and India have reaffirmed their commitment to open, reliable, secure, stable and peaceful cyberspace.

They also exchanged views on the fight against cybercrime and the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes.

France and India will maintain a continuous dialogue on cybersecurity in order to address their shared concerns.
Pompeo to pave way for Modi-Trump meet
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s a boost between the political leadership of India and the U.S. A .

Mr. Pompeo deliver a major public lecture, addressing the next generation of Indian youth.

He discusses tricky issues like H1B visas for IT workers and Indian plans for data localization.

The Secretary of State and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar primarily focus on preparations for the Trump-Modi meeting .

He expected on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Osaka on June 28-29.

It is expected to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for an India-US-Japan trilateral to discuss Indo-Pacific strategy.

The 5G telecommunications and India’s planned purchase of the Russian S-400 anti missile systems.

Apart from U.S. concerns on data localisation and a possible quid pro quo with H1-B visas, It is expected to make it clear that if India goes ahead with the S-400 deal to offer high technology hardware like F-35 combat aircraft.

Iran sanctions are expected to be taken up during the Trump-Modi bilateral talks discussed during Mr. Pompeo’s visit.

Both governments are exploring the possibility of another meeting at the UN General Assembly.
PM Modi to attend 14th G20 Summit in Osaka on June 28 and 29
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 14th G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan on 28th and 29th June, 2019.

Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu will be India's sherpa at the summit.

Food security,energy security, financial stability, terrorism-related issues, Innovation in the digital economy and artificial intelligence will be discussed.

The theme of the summit is "Human-centred future society".

More than 20 countries will be participating in the G20 Summit.

Informal meeting of the BRICS leaders and bilateral meetings with other leaders would also take place on the sidelines of the summit.

India has participated in all the G20 Summits held so far.

It will host the G20 summit in 2022 for the first time.
India calls upon G-20 countries to urgently resolve issue of taxing profits made by offshore digital companies
India has called upon the G-20 countries to urgently fix the issue of taxing profits made by digital economy companies in countries where they do not have significant physical presence.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the two-day meeting of the G-20 Finance Ministers and central bank Governors at Fukuoka in Japan.

offshore digital companies such as Facebook, Google and Netflix have little presence in India, taxing their profits is not possible.

This prompted the government to roll out equalization levy as a tax deducted at source on payments made to them by Indian firms with effect from June 2016.

The aim is to bring offshore companies with significant economic presence in India into the tax net to address the shortcomings in taxing the digital economy.

However, India opposed attempts by developed countries to formulate an e-commerce policy outside the World Trade Organization framework.

The meeting of G-20, grouping of developed and developing countries, concluded.
India and China hold bilateral dialogue
India and China held the sixth round of dialogue on disarmament and non-proliferation in New Delhi on 3 June 2019.

The dialogue was held within the framework of regular bilateral exchanges.

The Indian delegation was led by Indra Mani Pandey, who is the additional secretary of disarmament and international security affairs in the ministry.
The meeting of PM Narendra Modi and Imran Khan before SCO summit is not confirmed yet
That the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart Imran Khan before the summit meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is not confirmed yet.

The leaders of the two countries are scheduled to travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic for the SCO summit of 13-14 June 2019.

The tension that was erupted after the terror attack at Pulwama and the Balakot counter-terror strike and the measures to de-escalate the tension is still ongoing.
India to gift cricket stadium to Maldives
India will build a cricket stadium, which is likely to come up at Hulhumale, an island south of North Male atoll.

India will also train young Maldivian men and women in cricket.

Ties between India and the Maldives have warmed considerably after the election of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as the president in September, 2018.
India called upon G-20 countries
India has called upon the G-20 countries to urgently fix the issue of taxing profits made by digital economy companies in countries where they do not have a significant physical presence.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the 2-day meeting of the G-20 Finance Ministers and central bank Governors at Fukuoka in Japan on 9 June 2019.
PM Narendra Modi accepts Macron's invite to attend outreach session of G7 Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron to attend the outreach session of the G7 Summit in Biarritz as a special invitee.

The summit of the G7 group of countries will be held in August 2019 in France.

The invitation is a reflection of the personal chemistry between the two leaders, a demonstration of the two countries deepening strategic partnership and recognition of India as a major economic power.
Several important issues will be discussed during SCO Summit
Several important issues including counter-terrorism, extremism and multilateral economic cooperation will be discussed during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, SCO Summit to be held on 14th June, 2019 at Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be reaching Bishkek on 13th June to attend the meeting.

SCO is a structured platform for India to engage with Central Asian Countries.

There are eight countries including India in the SCO.

The Prime Minister will have bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO summit.

This will be Prime Minister's first multi-lateral summit after the polls

Afghanistan will be one of the focus areas in the summit.

No meeting is planned between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan on the sidelines of SCO Summit.
Ferry service to connect India and Maldives
India and the Maldives have agreed to launch a passenger-cum-cargo ferry service between Kochi and the Maldivian capital Male via Kulhudhuffushi atoll.

The initiative was announced during PM Narendra Modi's 2-day state visit to the Indian Ocean archipelago.

A MoU was signed between the two sides for the establishment of passenger and cargo services by sea.
Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping to meet at SCO Summit
Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at Bishkek.

He would also meet PM Narendra Modi there.

This would be the first meeting between the two leaders after the BJP's massive victory in the general elections.

The SCO summit is due to be held on 13-14 June in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
PM Narendra Modi: 1st leader to visit Sri Lanka
PM Narendra Modi arrived in Sri Lanka on his way back to India from the Maldives.

PM Modi is the first world leader to visit the island nation over two months after the serial bombings on Easter left more than 250 dead.

PM Modi was received by Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe at the airport.
Maldives to confer award to PM Narendra Modi
PM Narendra Modi was conferred with Maldives highest award ‘Nishan Izzuddin’.

The main aim of his visit was to further cement ties with the Indian Ocean archipelago.

PM Modi and President Solih held delegation-level talks as the two countries signed a slew of agreements to strengthen bilateral ties in a number of key areas including defence.
India invited to G-7 outreach session
India has got an invitation from France to attend the outreach Session at the G-7 Summit to be held in France in August 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted the invitation from French President to attend the outreach session of the G-7 Summit as a special invitee.

The 45th summit of the G7 group of countries is going to take place from 24 to 26 August 2019 in Biarritz in France.
India, Bangladesh border forces to hold talks in Dhaka
The 48th Director General Level Border Co-ordination Conference between Border Security Force of India and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) will be organised at Dhaka, Bangladesh from 12 June, 2019.

An official release said the four-day conference is being organised to discuss border-related issues and for better coordination between both forces.
US Secretary to visit India in June 2019
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would visit India in June 2019 to forge relations with India.

He would outline the US strategy on the Indo-Pacific ahead of his trip to India.

New Delhi would be Pompeo's first stop during the nearly week-long visit to the Indo-Pacific region.

The tour includes Sri Lanka and Japan with South Korea being his last stop.
Pompeo to meet PM Modi, EAM Jaishankar to discuss ambitious agenda for bilateral partnership
The US State Department has said, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will discuss an ambitious agenda for the US-India strategic partnership when he meets with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar later this month (June) in New Delhi. Mr Pompeo will visit India, Sri Lanka, Japan and South Korea from 24th to 30th June, 2019.

State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said, Mr Pompeo's visit aims to deepen America's partnerships with key countries to advance their shared goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The spokesperson also said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent election victory provides an excellent opportunity for him to implement his vision for a strong and prosperous India that plays a leading role on the global stage.
Union Cabinet approves MoC between India and Kyrgyzstan
The Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Collaboration, MoC between India and Kyrgyzstan for collaborative research work on High Altitude Biology and Medicine.

The MoC will help in understanding the physical and mental picture of soldiers at high altitude and mitigate the related maladies by using Yoga practice, herbals and neutraceuticals.

The Cabinet has also approved a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Legal Metrology between India and Kyrgyzstan. The MoU will be signed on the sidelines of the upcoming SCO summit.

It was also apprised of an MoU on the cooperation between India and Bolivia on cooperation regarding Bioceanic Railway Integration Corridor Project. The MoU will facilitate the exchange of information, expert meetings, technical visits and implementation of jointly agreed cooperation projects.

The Cabinet was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding on the cooperation between Research Designs and Standards Organisation, under the Ministry of Railways and Railway Research Institute, Russia.

The MoU will facilitate the exchange of information, expert meetings, and implementation of jointly agreed cooperation projects.
19th SCO Summit began
19th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit began in Bishkek from 13 June 2019.

PM Narendra Modi will address the plenary session of the SCO Summit, where he will present his vision for the regional cooperation and development through the SCO forum.

PM Modi will also meet Presidents of Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Mongolia and Iran on the sidelines of SCO Summit.
MoU between India and Thailand approved
The Union Cabinet approved a MoU on the cooperation between India and Thailand in the field of Astronomy / Astrophysics / Atmospheric Science.

The MoU will lead to new scientific results, human resource development through increased scientific interaction and training, joint use of scientific infrastructure, etc.

The MoU was signed in November 2018.
MoU between India and Bolivia approved
The Union Cabinet approved the MoU on the cooperation between India and Bolivia on cooperation regarding Bioceanic Railway Integration Corridor Project.

The MoU will facilitate exchange of information, expert meetings, seminars, technical visits andimplementation of jointly agreed cooperation projects.

The MoU was signed in March 2019.
MoU between India and Russia approved
The Union Cabinet approved the MoU on the cooperation between the Ministry of Railways, India and Railway Research Institute, Russia.

The MoU will facilitate the exchange of information, expert meetings, seminars, technical visits, and implementation of jointly agreed cooperation projects.

The MoU was signed in April 2019.
MoU between Indian and Finland approved
The Union Cabinet, approved a MoU on the cooperation in the area of Cyber Security between India and Finland.

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 Finland.

The MoU was signed in January 2019.
EAM to attend CICA Summit in Dushanbe
External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, attended the 2-day 5th Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, CICA, Summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

The summit began from 14 June 2019. o CICA is a pan-Asia forum for enhancingcooperation and promoting peace, security and stability in Asia.
India, Bangladesh hold DG level talks
India and Bangladesh held the Director General Level Talks between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Dhaka on 12 June 2019.

The two delegations discussed various issues related to control of fake currency, narcoticstrade and cattle smuggling on the India-Bangladesh international border.

The BSF delegation was led by Director General BSF Rajni Kant Mishra.
Expat population in UAE are goodwill ambassadors of India: V Muraleedharan
The expat population in the UAE are the goodwill ambassadors of India, who play a major role in strengthening the ties of the two countries.

The strong bonds between India and UAE have been maintained by them in a very positive way.

India is working closely with UAE Government for aligning and developing the skills of the migrant population to the job requirement in the region.

In an informal interaction with the local media, the Minister said that efforts are on to amend the immigration law so that workers will not be exploited by the recruiting agents in the name of job.
Sri Lanka, Japan and India sign deal
Sri Lanka, Japan and India on 28 May 2019 signed an agreement to jointly develop the East Container Terminal at the Colombo Port.

As per the agreement, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) retains 100% ownership of the East Container Terminal (ECT).

Sri Lanka will hold a 51% stake in the project and the joint venture partners will retain 49%.
India in UN marks World Bicycle Day
India joined the United Nations initiative to acknowledge "uniqueness, longevity, and versatility" of the bicycle on the occasion of World Bicycle day.

UN Headquarters in New York marked the day with a special outdoor event, which General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa observed comes "at a crucial time" as there are only 11 years left to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
India and France to carry out Garuda, a two week long mega air exercise
Indian Air Force and French Air Force have planned to carry out Garuda, a two-week-long mega air exercise, beginning on July 1 in France.

The aim is to boost the military-to-military ties between the two countries. A fleet of Sukhoi 30 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force will engage in dogfights with France’s Rafale multirole aircraft in simulated scenarios as part of the ‘Garuda’ exercise.

Other assets include mid-air refueller will also be sent to France by the IAF. It will be one of the largest air exercises between the two strategic partners. The exercise will also provide an opportunity to a sizeable number of IAF pilots to have a close look at the Rafale jets being operated by the French Air Force.

India had signed a government-to-government deal with France in 2016 to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of about Rs.58,000-crore. The first Rafale jet is scheduled to be delivered in September.
S Jaishankar discusses key elements of ties with Bhutan's top leadership
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Bhutan's top leadership, including Prime Minister Lotay Tshering and discussed important elements of the bilateral ties with emphasis on development partnership and cooperation in the hydropower sector.

Earlier, Jaishankar held talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Tandi Dorji and discussed issues of mutual interest with an emphasis on development partnership and hydropower.

India is committed to further enriching its special and unique ties with Bhutan.

The excellent relations have been built and nurtured by visionary Monarchs as well as the successive leaders of India.
India, Japan relations growing in several areas, says Japanese Envoy
Ambassador of Japan to India Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu on 07 June, 2019 said, India and Japan relations are growing in several areas.

The next five years are crucial for the relationship of both the sides.

Japan is looking for more business opportunities in India. He said, Japan is ready to support India in its infrastructure development growth.

Japan is looking for more access to the Indian market.

The two countries must now make efforts to take the bilateral relations to a newer level.

New Delhi will provide more space to Tokyo in the field of investment and trade.

Both the sides can also increase their cooperation in security and space area.
Nirmala Sitharaman to attend G20 meeting in Japan
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will attend the 2-day meeting of G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank governors in Japan on June 8-9, 2019.

It is the first overseas visit of Sitharaman as the Finance Minister.

The main aim is to focus on the risks and challenges of overseas trade and investment in infrastructure which are faced by our country.
PM Narendra Modi to visit Maldives
PM Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Maldives beginning 8 June 2019.

The visit is reflective of the new momentum in high-level exchanges between India and Maldives.

The visits to Maldives and Sri Lanka will demonstrate the priority India attaches to its Neighbourhood-First Policy and the SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) Doctrine.
U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo to address India conference in Washington
U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo will deliver the keynote address on ‘The U.S. and India: An Economic Foundation for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ in Washington D.C. Mr. Pompeo’s remarks will be delivered at the India Ideas summit, a two-day conference organised by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-India Business Council at a time when the trade relationship between the two countries faces strong headwinds despite the fact that bilateral trade between the two countries has been growing.

The U.S. withdrew preferential trade access for Indian goods under the Generalized System of Preferences, citing a lack of assurances on market access for U.S. goods in India.

Simultaneously, the U.S. is hoping to increase its sale of defence equipment to India.

At the same time, the defence aspects of the relationship are not without looming challenges.

India has committed to buying the S-400 Triumf missile defence system from Russia — a move that could attract U.S. sanctions and, as per recent U.S. administration warnings, preclude a deep defence relationship with India.

These developments come at a time when the U.S. is confronting China on various fronts, from trade to security and China’s ambitions, including via its Belt and Road Initiative.

Mr. Pompeo is expected in New Delhi in the last week of June to prepare for a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan, where the G-20 will meet on June 28 and 29.
India signs 300-crore deal to buy bombs
The Indian Air Force signed a Rs.300-crore deal with Israel for around 100 Spice-2000 bombs.

These bombs were used during the February 26 air strikes in Pakistan's Balakot.

The bombs would reportedly be delivered to the Air Force in the next three months.

This is reportedly the first defence deal to be inked by the new government.
India to enhance its commitment to Sri Lanka
India’s foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said that India will enhance its commitment to Sri Lanka in the wake of the recent bomb attacks on churches and hotels that killed more than 250.

The announcement is made ahead of the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka on June 8. The PM will be visiting the Maldives also. This will be his first foreign trip since winning a second term in power.