November 2020 India and the World

Sakshi Education

Australia to temporarily host ISRO satellite tracking facilities
As part of steps to deepen cooperation in civil space activities, the space agencies of India and Australia were working together to position temporarily Indian tracking facilities in Australia.

This would support India’s planned human space flight programme.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has embarked on an ambitious plan to put an Indian in space by 2022 under Gaganyaan mission. This mission will see India become just the fourth nation to send a crew into space.

India, Australia space cooperation is underpinned by a formal Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two countries in 2012.

Both nations have been collaborating since 1987 to “support data calibration and laser raging for Indian satellites, launching Australian satellites, and conducting joint research”.

Recently in June both countries elevated the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and put in place practical agreements on cyber security, emerging technology and critical minerals.

Australia has announced $15 million for extending the Australia-India strategic research fund for another four years to facilitate collaboration between researchers on strategically focused, leading-edge science and technology projects.
G20: PM calls for a new global index in post-pandemic world
The Covid-19 pandemic is an “important turning point” in the history of humankind and the “biggest challenge” since World War II, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told G20 leaders, as he called for a new global index based on transparency in governance and the creation of a vast talent pool.

An official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said Modi called for a “new global index for the post-Corona world that comprises four key elements –

Creation of a vast talent pool;

Ensuring that technology reaches all segments of the society;

Transparency in systems of governance; and

Dealing with Mother Earth with a spirit of trusteeship”.

According to the MEA, the Prime Minister said that while the emphasis over the past few decades has been on capital and finance, the time has come to focus on multi-skilling and re-skilling to create a vast human talent pool.

“This would not only enhance the dignity of citizens but would make our citizens more resilient to face crises.

According to the statement, Modi said that dealing with the environment and nature as trustees rather than owners would inspire us towards a holistic and healthy lifestyle, a principle whose benchmark could be a per capita carbon footprint.

‘Work from Anywhere’ is a new normal in the post-Covid world and value of new technologies should be measured by their benefit to humanity.”
Maldives to receive Japanese grant to strengthen Coast Guard
Japan, India’s strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region, has signed a pact to strengthen Maldives security infrastructure that would contribute to stability in the Southern Indian Ocean.

The Maldives and Japan signed an agreement under the Economic and Social Development Programme of the Government of Japan.

Under it, a grant aid of 800 million Japanese Yen is to be extended to the Maldives Coast Guard and the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Center.

The grant aid will be utilized to further strengthen the capabilities of the Maldives Coast Guard, the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Center, Sub-Regional Centers and Vessels.

This includes the provision of communications equipment, professional search and rescue dive equipment to be used by the Maldives Coast Guard during search and rescue operations.

Previously in October 2019, Japan donated 21 paramedic ambulances to the Maldives health sector. Its Benefits are

Combating Piracy, Countering violent extremism and narco-trafficking.

Ensuring a free and open Indian Ocean that would bring about peace and prosperity to the region.

The Indian Ocean archipelago, that is home to nearly 4 lakh people, assumes geopolitical significance, owing to its strategic location.
Chinese dam projects on Brahmaputra are a threat to lives and livelihoods downstream
As India and China continue to grow demographically as well as economically amid increased consumption among its citizenry, both nations face water constraints.

China, which is home to close to 20 per cent of the world’s population, has only 7 per cent of its water resources.

Severe pollution of its surface and groundwater caused by rapid industrialisation is a source of concern for Chinese planners.

China’s southern regions are water-rich in comparison to the water-stressed northern part.

The southern region is a major food producer and has significant industrial capacity as a consequence of more people living there.

India is severely water-stressed as well.

Similar to China, India has 17 per cent of the world’s population and 4 per cent of water.

As in China, an equally ambitious north-south river-linking project has been proposed in India.

The construction of several dams along the Yarlung (Brahmaputra) river on the Chinese side has been a repeated cause for concern for Indian officials and the local people.

China has an ambitious plan to link its south and north through canals, aqueducts and linking of major rivers to ensure water security.

In pursuit of these goals, China, being an upper riparian state in Asia, has been blocking rivers like the Mekong and its tributaries, affecting Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

It has caused immense damage to the environment and altered river flows in the region.

China sees these projects as a continuation of their historic tributary system as the smaller states have no means of effectively resisting or even significant leverage in negotiations.
India joins Thailand, Singapore for naval exercise in Andaman Sea
Close on the heels of the Indian Navy teaming up with its counterparts from the US, Japan and Australia for the Malabar exercise in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, the Navy has joined with forces from Thailand and Singapore for a trilateral exercise in the Andaman Sea.

India’s naval ships including the indigenously built ASW (anti submarine warfare) corvette Kamorta and missile corvette Karmuk are participating in the second edition of the two-day India, Singapore and Thailand Trilateral Maritime Exercise SITMEX-20, a statement from the Indian Navy said.

The first edition of SITMEX was hosted by Indian Navy and conducted off Port Blair in September 2019.

The SITMEX series of exercises “are conducted to enhance mutual inter-operability and imbibing best practices between IN (Indian Navy), Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Royal Thai Navy (RTN)," it said.

The RSN is being represented by the ‘Formidable’ Class frigate “Intrepid" and “Endurance" Class Landing Ship Tank “Endeavour" and the RTN by the ‘Chao Phraya’ Class frigate Kraburi in the exercise, the Indian statement.

The exercise “highlights growing synergy, coordination and cooperation in the maritime domain between the three friendly navies and maritime neighbours.
India, US extend nuclear energy partnership by 10 more years
India and the United States have extended the Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation on nuclear energy for 10 more years.

According to a joint statement issued on 24 November, 2020, "Marking the tenth year of cooperation between the United States and India at the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) and the signing of the extension, for an additional ten years, to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of India Concerning Cooperation with the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership, India, signed at New Delhi on November 7, 2010 (the GCNEP MOU)."

The joint statement also recognizing India's important commitment in 2010 to establish the GCNEP with a vision to promote safe, secure, and sustainable nuclear energy for the service of mankind through global partnership.

Both the countries have committed to promote cooperation on initiatives aimed at giving an impetus to nuclear safety and security, research and development in nuclear science and technology under various schools of GCNEP.

They will deepen the dialogue on nuclear and other radioactive material security by collaborating on advanced projects in the field (e.g. future technology), with the goal of sharing the outcomes in the international arena.

The countries will include agencies of both Governments and relevant entities, as appropriate, involved in nuclear and radioactive material security, in order to ensure that the full spectrum of perspectives are shared.

Both countries will build on the international recognition of the GCNEP, and reinforce that the two countries are partners for nuclear and radioactive material security by jointly developing and /or delivering trainings and other capacity-building opportunities for regional and international partners, including online content, the statement added.
India-Bahrain agree to boost cooperation
India and Bahrain have agreed to further strengthen their historic ties, including in areas of defence and maritime security.

Bahrain is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and signed the Abraham Accord with Israel and the UAE, which was mediated by the USA.

The bilateral issues, as well as regional and global matters of mutual interest, included areas of defence and maritime security, space technology, trade and investment, infrastructure, IT, FinTech, health, hydrocarbon and renewable energy.

Both sides affirmed to further strengthen their Covid-19 related cooperation.

Bahrain appreciated the assistance provided by India during the pandemic through the supply of medicines, medical equipment and medical professionals.

They expressed satisfaction on the operationalisation of the Air Bubble arrangement between the two countries.

Air bubbles (travel corridors or travel bubbles) are systems established between two countries that perceive each other to be safe and allow carriers of both the countries to fly passengers either way without any restrictions.

India renewed invitation to Bahrain for visiting India for the 3rd India-Bahrain High Joint Commission meeting to be held in the upcoming months.

In 2019, India launched a USD 4.2 million redevelopment project of the Sri Krishna temple in the Bahraini capital, Manama.

The 200-year old temple stands as a testimony for the enduring India-Bahrain friendship.

India also conveyed condolences on the demise of late Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who significantly contributed to the strengthening of India-Bahrain relations and to the welfare of the Indian community in Bahrain.
India, Finland sign MoU in the field of Environment protection and biodiversity conservation
India and Finland signed Memorandum of Understanding in the field of biodiversity conservation and environment protection.

The MoU is a platform to further advance Indian and Finnish partnership and support, exchange best practices in areas like prevention of air and water pollution; waste management; promotion of circular economy, low-carbon solutions and sustainable management of natural resources including forests; climate change; conservation of marine and coastal resources; etc.

Also, it will help the countries to develop technological, scientific and management capabilities.

It aims to develop bilateral cooperation in the field of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation on the basis of equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit. This will help in the promotion of sustainable development.

In 2020, India achieved voluntary target of reducing its emission intensity of GDP by 21% as compared to 2005 levels.

India has set a target of achieving 35% of reducing its carbon emissions well before the 2030 target.

Under Paris Agreement, India has committed to achieve 40% electric power installation based on non-fossil fuels by 2030. Also, under the agreement, India has committed to create carbon sink of 2.5 billion to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide.
India attended East Asia Summit 2020
India was represented by the External Affairs minister S Jaishankar at the East Asia Summit. The summit adopted Ha Noi Declaration.

The minister expressed concerns over eroding trust in the South China sea region. He also highlighted the importance of adhering to international sea laws and respecting sovereignty and integrity.

China claims sovereignty of all the South China Sea that holds huge hydrocarbon reserves. India has been promoting rules-based order in the region. This is mainly about adhering to the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the sea).

The Summit is held between 18 members including 10 ASEAN countries. The other eight are India, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, US and the Republic of Korea.
8th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial meeting unanimously adopts BRICS STI Declaration 2020
The 8th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial meeting unanimously has adopted BRICS STI Declaration 2020. The meeting was held through a virtual platform. Science and Technology cooperation among the member countries Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa was discussed in the meeting.

Union Minister informed that India has initiated an integrated response to overcome this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. From the development of indigenous vaccines, novel point-of-care diagnostics and therapeutic formulations based on traditional knowledge, to establish research resources and offering services, Indian R&D entities both public and private, are working relentlessly to develop effective interventions for combating the pandemic. Hundreds of projects are being supported. More than 100 startups have developed innovative products for COVID-19.

India recently launched a scheme ‘SERB–POWER’ (Promoting Opportunities For Women in Exploratory Research) to encourage and support emerging as well as eminent women researchers to undertake R&D activities in frontier areas of science and engineering

India will actively contribute in implementation of BRICS STI Calendar of Activities 2020-21 and supports continuation scientific activities under BRICS MOU on Science, Technology and Innovation
All about 12th BRICS Summit
Prime Minister has attended the 12th BRICS Summit hosted by Russia on November 17th virtually, under the theme Global Stability, Shared Security and Innovative Growth.

The summit has been held in the backdrop of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leaders would be discussing intra-BRICS cooperation and key issues in the global context, including

Reform of the multilateral system

Measures to mitigate the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

Cooperation in Counter Terrorism, trade, health, energy and people to people exchanges

India will be taking over the Chairmanship of the BRICS, which would be the third BRICS Presidency for India since its inception after 2012 and 2016.

India will host the 13th BRICS Summit next year (2021).
All about Second phase of Malabar Exercise in Northern Arabian Sea
The navies of India, the US, Australia and Japan on 17 November, 2020 began the second phase of the Malabar naval exercise in the northern Arabian Sea involving two aircraft carriers and a number of frontline warships, submarines and maritime reconnaissance aircraft, officials said.

Phase Two will witness joint operations, centered on the Vikramaditya Carrier Battle Group of the Indian Navy and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group of the US Navy.

The two carriers, along with other ships, submarines and aircraft of the participating navies, would be engaged in high intensity naval operations over four days.

These exercises include cross-deck flying operations and advanced air defence exercises by MIG 29K fighters of Vikramaditya and F-18 fighters and E2C Hawkeye from Nimitz.

Advanced surface and anti-submarine warfare exercises, seamanship evolutions and weapon firings will also be undertaken to further enhance inter-operability and synergy between the four friendly navies.
India, Kazakhstan reviews entire gamut of bilateral cooperation within framework of their Strategic Partnership
India and Kazakhstan held the seventh round of Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) via video-conference and reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation within the framework of their Strategic Partnership.

The countries signed the “Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of High Impact Community Projects in Kazakhstan”.

The consultations covered economic, political, defence, energy, space, cultural matters.

The countries also agreed to enhance their cooperation in multilateral forums including the forthcoming term of India as a member of United Nations Security Council for the period 2021-22.
BRICS nations adopt new counter-terrorism strategy to effectively deal with the menace
The Prime minister of India while addressing the 12th BRICS summit held online touched upon issues like terrorism, Covid-19 pandemic and the need for reforms in global bodies.

Russia was the host and chair of BRICS this year.The BRICS Counter Terrorism Working Group implement the strategy. The major sub-working groups of the group are terrorist financing, capacity-building, countering radicalization, use of internet for terrorist purposes and issues of foreign terrorist fighters.

The Counter Terrorism Strategy is based on the following principles

Respect sovereignty of participating countries

Commit to international laws

Recognize coordinating role of the United Nations

Consider member countries’ priorities and national interests

Adopt comprehensive approach to combat terrorism

The goals adopted in the strategy are as follows

Implement United Nations Security Council resolutions.

To broaden counter terrorism operations with G20 and FATF

To counter global threats based on UN Charter

To increase information sharing about terrorist organisations as listed by the UNSC
PM Narendra Modi, Bhutanese PM Lotay Tshering jointly launches RuPay Card phase-2
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering will virtually launch RuPay Card phase-2

The two Prime Ministers had jointly launched phase-1 of the project during Mr Modi's visit to Bhutan in August last year (2019).

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the implementation of phase-1 of RuPay cards in Bhutan has enabled Indian visitors in Bhutan to access ATMs and points of sale terminals across Bhutan.

The phase-2 will now allow Bhutanese cardholders to access RuPay network in India.
Indo-Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT)
The 30th edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy is being conducted from 18 – 20 November 2020.

INS Karmuk, HTMS Kraburi along with the Dornier maritime aircraft are to participate in the CORPAT. The countries have been holding CORPAT along the International Maritime Boundary Line twice a year since 2005.

CORPAT builds up interoperability between the participating navies. It facilitates the reduction of Illegal Unreported Unregulated fishing, maritime terrorism, drug trafficking, piracy and armed robbery. It also enhances operational synergy.

Under SAGAR, the Indian Navy has been assisting countries in the Indian Ocean Region with its EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) surveillance and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. Thailand is one of the beneficiaries of these initiatives.

India and Thailand are hold annual bilateral exercise MAITREE since 2006. SITMEX is India-Thailand Maritime Exercise. SIMBEX is the bilateral exercise held between India and Singapore.
India and Italy sign 15 agreements in various sectors
India and Italy signed 15 agreements in various sectors following a Virtual Bilateral Summit. The agreements signed will provide for cooperation in a diverse range of areas including energy, green energy, shipbuilding and media sector. The whole focus of the discussion was on economic ties.

It was the fifth interaction between the two leaders in the last three years.

The Summit provided an opportunity to review the broad framework of the bilateral relationship. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation against common global challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic. The leaders discussed many issues including political, economic, scientific & technological, space and defence cooperation.

15 MoUs/Agreements in various sectors such as energy, fisheries, shipbuilding, design, etc. were signed coinciding with the Summit.

Both sides also decided to work closely on concluding at the earliest the migration and mobility partnership agreement.

On regional and international issues, both sides agreed to coordinate closely at multilateral fora especially G-20.

Italy will assume the Presidency of G-20 in December 2021 followed by India in 2022. Together, India and Italy will be part of the G20 Troika from December this year.

India welcomed Italy’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance as soon as the ratification process is completed.
India slams Pakistan transfer of Kartarpur Sahib Management to ‘non-Sikh body’
India condemned Pakistan’s decision to transfer the management of the Kartarpur Sahib gurudwara from a Sikh body to a separate trust, saying it runs against the religious sentiments of the Sikh community.

While China strongly condemned India's move to abrogate Article 370 and the grant of UT's status to Jammu and Kashmir, it has turned a blind eye to Pakistan's motion to grant province status to Gilgit-Baltistan.

China's support for Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir is motivated by a desire to perpetuate its illegal territorial occupation in the trans-Karakoram Shaksgam Tract of Kashmir.

The Shaksgam Valley in the trans-Karakoram tract, part of PoK, was handed over by Pakistan to China through an illegal border agreement in 1963.

This has allowed China to claim the whole of Aksai Chin in which it had no historical presence.

China occupies 5,180 square kilometres in the Shaksgam Valley and approximately 38,000 square kilometres in Aksai Chin. China and Pakistan have been trying to promote the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through parts of Indian territory under their respective occupation.
AIM-Sirius Innovation’ programme launched for Indian & Russian school children
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Sirius, Russia, launched ‘AIM-Sirius Innovation Programme for Indian and Russian school children. The AIM-Sirius programme seeks to develop technological solutions for the two countries.

Over a two-week programme, from 7th to 21st of November, 48 students and 16 educators and mentors will create 8 virtual products and mobile applications addressing global challenges across a range of areas like applied cognitive science, health and well-being, and artificial intelligence. It will also cover areas such as culture, distance education, applied cognitive science, health and well-being, sports, fitness, and games training, chemistry, artificial intelligence, and digital financial assets-in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic.

Innovations developed by the student teams will leverage 21st-century technologies such as app development, artificial intelligence, blockchain, machine learning etc.

This is the first virtual bilateral student collaboration between India and Russia and shows immense commitment by both the Atal tinkering labs and Sirius teams.

Innovations developed by the student teams will leverage 21st-century technologies such as app development, artificial intelligence, blockchain, machine learning, data analytics and visualization, UI/UX, virtual reality, augmented reality, gamification, 3D design, and rapid prototyping, among others. AIM and Sirius' mentors from the industry and academia will work closely with the teams.

This year's cohort comprises the best Russian students from the Sirius Centre and the best Indian students and ATL in-charges from the top 150 teams of the 2019 ATL Marathon.

Last year, an Indian delegation of 25 students and 5 teachers visited the Sirius Centre, Russia, for a 7-day research-based programme. The teams created 8 different innovations in the areas of remote earth sensing, biological and genetic research, clean energy, data analytics and frontier technologies, and drones and robotics, which were then presented to Russian President.
17th ASEAN-India Summit on November 12
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc will co-chair the 17th ASEAN-India Summit on 12 November. The leaders of all ten ASEAN Member States will participate in the Summit that will be held online.

The ASEAN-India Summit 2020 will review the status of the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership and take stock of the progress made in key areas including connectivity, maritime cooperation, trade and commerce, education and capacity building.

The Indian and ASEAN leaders will also discuss ways to further strengthen ASEAN-India engagement and they will announce the adoption of ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2021-2025).

The ASEAN-India Summit provides a wide number of opportunities to both India and ASEAN to engage at the highest level.

The summit is also likely to discuss issues related to COVID-19, post-pandemic economic recovery and important regional and international developments.
Australia-India Water Centre inaugurated
The Australia-India Water Centre was inaugurated virtually through a webinar in the view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Water Centre is an initiative led by IIT Guwahati, University of Western Sydney from Australia and 21 other partners from India and Australia.

Australia’s Minister of Education Dan Tehan, India’s Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Indian High Commissioner to Australia Gitesh Sarma, Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell and Director of IIT Guwahati Prof. T. G. Sitharam attended the event.

In June 2020, a joint declaration was issued after the virtual summit between the Prime Ministers of the two nations, which stated that water security is a critical challenge for both countries. Hence, both the leaders jointly agreed to deepen technical cooperation to improve water management and sustainable economic development.

In this regard, several universities, research organisations and business partners from Australia and India committed to establish the Australia India Water Centre (AIWC). An MoU was signed during the occasion for five years, which attempted to establish an understanding of cooperation for the Australia India Water Centre (AIWC) between the parties.

The Australia India Water Centre will mainly offer opportunities in collaboration in water research, joint Master’s level programme in water future, exchange programmes for student and staff, workshops and Conferences and short-term training in water sector to government agencies and other participants

The MoU for the same has been signed for five years and it proposes to develop longer-term collaboration in transdisciplinary water research, capacity building and knowledge and technology transfer, especially focusing on aspects of water and food security, safe drinking water supplies, river health, water-energy-food nexus, water for liveable cities and other related aspects that will mutually benefit both the nations.

The agreement also proposes to enable joint development of tools and techniques to tackle future water and food security challenges such as improving the management of groundwater, springs, stormwater, and coastal reservoirs.
India provides 50 Metric Tons of food aid to people of Djibouti
India has provided 50 Metric Tons of food aid to the people of Djibouti as part of its assistance to friendly countries to overcome natural calamities and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ambassador of India to Djibouti Ashok Kumar handed over gift of food items to the Secretary-General of the country's Ministry of Social Affairs and Solidarity Mme Ifrah Ali Ahmed as part of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Djibouti delivered by INS Airavat.

In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs said that the step was part of SAGAR II (Security and Growth for All in the Region) through which the Government of India is providing 270 Metric Tons of Humanitarian assistance to friendly countries in the region.
Doing Business in India Report, 2020 released by UKIBC
UK Minister for Investment has released UK India Business Council's 'Doing Business in India Report 2020' during his virtual visit to India.

This report comes at a time where the UK and India have committed to an Enhanced Trade Partnership.

The report is the UKIBC's sixth of an annual series dating back to 2015.

This year's report is based on an in-depth survey of 106 UK organisations operating in India spanning manufacturing, services, and higher education sectors.

India’s score of doing business has improved from 2.74 in 2019 22.9 to in 2020.

According to the report, for the third consecutive Year Maharashtra emerged as the state with maximum incremental improvement. It was followed by Karnataka, Delhi, Gujarat and tamilnadu.

UK businesses believe that India's business environment is improving, and they see an opportunity for greater UK-India collaboration notwithstanding Brexit.

India's Atmanirbhar Bharat mission is seen by the UK firms as an opportunity to do more business in India, leveraging UK's innovation for manufacturing in India.

The report says that 66% of the surveyed organisations believed that the ease of doing business in India is increasing.

According to the report this change is mainly due to the progressive reforms and improvements in the business environment of India. The changes are predominantly found in availability of support, skilled labour, service providers and supply chain.

India has surely made significant progress on ease of doing business, but regulatory uncertainty remains a significant challenge.

Foreign exchange regulations, Goods and Services Tax (GST) process issues, high import tariffs, lack of alignment with international standards remain the top four regulatory irritants.
8th India-Mexico Joint Commission Meeting
India and Mexico on October 29, 2020, held their 8th Joint Commission Meeting virtually and reviewed the bilateral cooperation in several areas including agriculture, trade, investment, education, and health.

The two sides discussed a number of issues and agreed to add new momentum to the relations in the fields of Trade and Commerce, Agriculture, Health, Space, Science & Technology, Energy, Culture & Education amongst others.

They also underscored the importance of the Joint Commission mechanism in deepening political dialogue, reviewing bilateral and multilateral co-operation.

The two sides agreed to utilize their forthcoming term in the UN Security Council towards strengthening multilateralism, and to make it more representative and effective.

The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, especially in the context of the post Covid economic recovery plans.

Both sides appreciated the progress made in the bilateral trade and commercial relations between India and Mexico in recent years.

India and Mexico will further work on strengthening their ‘Privileged Partnership’.

During the discussion, the countries signed two Memorandum of Understandings. They were:

Computer Software and Telecommunications, Electronics and Information Technologies.

Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology.
Cabinet Approves MoC between India, Japan on Cooperation in Field of ICTs
The Union Cabinet approved the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) that was signed between India and Japan on Cooperation in the field of Information and Communication Technologies on October 29, 2020.

The Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) is expected to contribute to strengthening bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding in the field of communications

Moc will serve as a strategic initiative for India as Japan is an important partner with “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” status.

The MoC will further enhance opportunities for India to get into the global standardization process.

The MoC will help in cooperation between both countries in various fields like 5G network, telecom security, submarine cable, standard certification of communication equipment, utilization of latest wireless technologies and ICTs

ICTs capacity building, public protection and disaster relief, artificial intelligence (AI)/block chain, spectrum chain, spectrum management, cooperation on multilateral platforms, etc.
Memorandum of Understanding between India and Israel
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Israel on cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine.

The MoU covers the following areas of cooperation:
Exchange and training of medical doctors and other health professionals;

Assistance in development of human resources and setting up of health care facilities;

Exchange of information regarding regulation of pharmaceutical, medical devices and cosmetics;

Sharing expertise for vulnerability assessment for health of citizens against climate risk and public health actions targeted towards mitigation and adaptation;

Sharing of expertise for facilitating climate resilient infrastructure as well as providing support for development of 'Green Healthcare' (climate resilient hospitals);

Promote mutual research in various relevant areas; and

Any other area of cooperation as may be mutually decided upon.

Each Party shall encourage the participation of the representatives of their countries in round tables, seminars, symposia, workshops and conferences on issues of cooperation, organized by the other Party's relevant bodies.