Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal

Thứ Tư, 27 tháng 4, 2011

Phát biểu của Thủ tướng Singh tại hội nghị báo chí chung của Hội nghị thượng đỉnh BRICS

PM’s Statement at Joint Press Conference at the BRICS Summit

April 14, 2011


I would like to thank His Excellency President Hu Jintao for hosting the BRICS Summit in this beautiful city of Sanya. I thank the Government and the people of China for their warm hospitality and for the excellent arrangements that have been made.

I would also like to warmly welcome South Africa as a member of BRICS. We have greatly benefited from President Jacob Zuma’s wise counsel in our deliberations.

We have had very fruitful discussions at the Summit. We have reviewed the international situation, discussed international economic, financial and trade issues, the challenges of sustainable development, food security, energy security and climate change.

We have adopted the Sanya Declaration and agreed upon an Action Plan to deepen and broaden cooperation among our countries. This is an extremely rich and ambitious agenda. It covers the areas of security, finance, business links, agriculture, health, culture, sports and the green economy.

Our designated banks have signed a framework agreement on financial cooperation which envisages grant of credit in local currencies and cooperation in capital markets and other financial services.

In a short span of two years since our first Summit in 2009, BRICS has thus travelled a long distance.

The quality and durability of the global economic recovery process depends to a great measure on how the BRICS economies perform. We have reason to be satisfied with the management of our economies, but there is no room for complacency. The developments in West Asia and North Africa and the aftermath of the huge tragedy that befell Japan have introduced fresh uncertainties in the global recovery process. At the same time, the world continues to grapple with threats to security from terrorism and piracy.

As members of the G-20, the BRICS countries closely cooperate with the rest of the world. We will continue to do so as we prepare for the next G-20 Summit in France.

It is a unique coincidence that this year all the BRICS countries are also members of the United Nations Security Council. We have therefore agreed to intensify our consultations to address the major economic and political challenges that face us. An important objective must remain the reform of institutions of global governance to make them truly representative of contemporary realities.

I am deeply encouraged by the consensus among us of the need for an international order that is rule based and respects the unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of individual States.

I have invited the BRICS leaders to India for the next BRICS Summit in 2012, and I am happy that they have accepted my invitation.

I once again thank President Hu Jintao for hosting this Summit and for his admirable leadership in guiding it to a successful conclusion.

Thank you.

Sanya (China)
April 14, 2011

 
Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=530117543

Phát biểu của Thủ tướng Singh tại phiên toàn thể hội nghị các lãnh đạo BRICS

Statement by Prime Minister at the plenary session of BRICS Leaders

April 14, 2011

Your Excellency President Hu Jintao,
Your Excellency President Medvedev,
Your Excellency President Dilma Rousseff,
Your Excellency President Zuma,
Distinguished delegates.

The theme of this meeting is “Broad Vision and Shared Prosperity”. The Sanya Declaration and the Action Plan that we will be adopting later today outlines the contours of where we would like to be in the years ahead.

For us it is a matter of great satisfaction that a BRICS Summit is taking place for the first time in Asia. The fact that we are meeting in China is equally significant. The balance of power is shifting to the Asia-Pacific region, and China has admirably withstood the consequences of the global economic and financial crisis.

From a geopolitical perspective, the BRICS economies occupy a strategic economic position. They possess a significant percentage of the world's landmass and an even more considerable percentage of the global population. The evolution of BRICS and its broad appeal among all our peoples is a reflection of emerging realities, and full of hope.

The challenge before us is to harness the vast potential that exists among us. We are rich in resources, material and human. We are strengthened by the complementarities of our resource endowments. We share the vision of inclusive growth and prosperity in the world. We stand for a rule-based, stable and predictable global order. We respect each other’s political systems and stages of development. We value diversity and plurality. Our priority is the rapid socio-economic transformation of our people and those of the developing world. Our cooperation is neither directed against nor at the expense of anyone.

We have the opportunity to give concrete meaning to the concept of sustainable and balanced development, and produce innovative models of development. We can cooperate in clean and alternative sources of energy and technologies. Nuclear safety has emerged as a major source of concern the world over after the tragedy in Japan. We should cooperate in this area, as well as in disaster relief and management.

We live in an age when science and technology and the growth of human knowledge are becoming major determinants of the power and wealth of nations. We should share our experiences in capacity building, education and skill development.

As large and diverse societies we are vulnerable to new and emerging threats to our security. It is our duty to our citizens that we cooperate in the fight against terrorism, extremism and intolerance and other non-traditional threats like piracy.

We should join hands in ensuring a peaceful and orderly transformation of the world order that reflects contemporary and emerging realities. This should be the case whether it is the reform of political and security governance structures in the United Nations or the international financial, monetary or trade system.

India reaffirms its commitment to a balanced and ambitious outcome to the Doha round of WTO negotiations. India will continue to engage with its partners to facilitate a rule-based multilateral trade regime which is fair, equitable and addresses the development agenda effectively.

We are embarked on a major enterprise of socio-economic change for our peoples. Cooperation among BRICS holds the promise of building an external environment for ourselves that helps each of us and complements our task of nation building. To that extent I would say the best is yet to come.

India stands ready to work with other BRICS countries to realize these goals. Our economy is more open and more connected to the world than it has been in the past. Our financial and capital markets are sound, and eager to absorb foreign direct investment. We have put in place ambitious schemes for the social and infrastructure sectors which have begun to bear fruit. The creative energies of our people have been unleashed. The economy is well on its way to a long term annual growth rate of more than 9%.

Our Ministers and officials must be mandated to give practical shape to our vision and take steps that bring the benefits of our collaboration to the common man.

I thank you.

Sanya (China)
April 14, 2011

Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=530117541

Thông cáo chung phiên họp khai mạc Ủy ban hỗn hợp về hợp tác song phương Ấn Độ-Philippin

Joint Statement on the Inaugural Meeting of India-Philippines Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation

March 15, 2011

At the invitation of Shri S. M. Krishna, External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India, H. E. Mr. Albert del Rosario, Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs (Foreign Minister) of the Philippines visited New Delhi on 15 March 2011 for the inaugural meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation. A bilateral Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for the year 2011-13 was signed during the visit. The two sides also announced the establishment of a Joint Working Group on cooperation in Counter Terrorism.

2. Secretary del Rosario and Minister of State Smt Praneet Kaur (MOS) held comprehensive discussions covering all aspects of bilateral relations and multilateral issues such as the United Nations Security Council reforms, ASEAN-India cooperation, the fight against international terrorism, transnational crimes and disaster management.

3. The Ministers noted that the bilateral Partnership has evolved over the years to cover a wide gamut of areas of mutual interest. The Ministers reviewed the progress following the 9th Foreign Policy Consultations held in Manila in October 2009. The two sides also agreed to convene the next meetings of Joint Working Groups on Trade and Investment, Agriculture, Tourism, and Health and Medicine later this year.

4. The Ministers were pleased to note that the target of US$ 1 billion in bilateral trade by 2010, set by the Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment at its 10th (last) meeting in New Delhi during 21-22 November 2008, was met. The Ministers called for greater cooperation between the business and industry sectors of both countries, and in this regard appreciated the initiative of the Government of India in organizing the First ASEAN-India Business Fair and Business Conclave from 02 to 06 March 2011. India looks forward to the early notification of India-ASEAN FTA in Goods by the Philippines and expressed hope that the utilization of Agreement will increase in the coming years.

5. The two sides were encouraged by the recent import of capital goods from the Philippines to India in the form of two 175,000 dead weight tonne (dwt) container ships (MV Rahi and MV Vanshee) bought by an Indian company from an enterprise in the Philippines, the naming ceremony for which was attended by H.E. President Benigno S. Aquino III in January 2011.

6. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the reform of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council through its expansion in the permanent and non-permanent categories, with increased representation of developing countries in both, in order to improve its efficiency, representative-ness, and legitimacy, and for it to better meet the contemporary challenges faced by the international community.

7. MOS welcomed the announcement of initiation of flights of the Philippine Airlines between Manila and Delhi six times a week; the inaugural flight is scheduled on March 28, 2011. MOS expressed hope that this move will facilitate greater people to people interaction between the two countries. Both Ministers stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation in sectors such as Tourism, Agriculture, Health, Energy, Education and Culture.

8. Secretary del Rosario, on behalf of President Benigno S. Aquino III, extended an invitation to Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of the Republic of India to visit the Philippines.

9. The Ministers agreed to have closer coordination in the regional and multilateral fora. MOS said that she looked forward to the possible first visit of H.E. Mr. Benigno S. Aquino-III, President of the Republic of the Philippines to India for the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit in 2012.

10. The Ministers reviewed the progress of the 3rd Security Dialogue held in Manila in October 2009 and agreed to rename it as “Strategic Dialogue” to broaden its scope. The Ministers urged the early convening of the first meeting of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC).

11. The two Ministers unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and resolved to significantly enhance bilateral cooperation to combat terrorism. In this regard, they decided to convene the first meeting of the JWG on Counter Terrorism later this year.

12. Secretary del Rosario thanked the External Affairs Minister for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit and invited the External Affairs Minister to visit the Philippines for the next round of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation next year on a mutually convenient date. External Affairs Minister Krishna accepted the invitation with pleasure.

New Delhi
March 15, 2011

Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=530517480

Thỏa thuận giữa Ấn Độ và Philippin nhân chuyến thăm của Bộ trưởng Ngoại giao Philippin tới Ấn Độ

Agreement signed during the visit of Foreign Minister of Philippines

March 15, 2011

Executive Programme of Cultural Exchange between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Philippines for the Year 2011-13

H.E. Mr. Ronald B. Allarey
Ambassador of Philippines to India

Shri Jawhar Sircar
Secretary, Ministry of Culture

New Delhi
March 15, 2011


Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=530517391

Thông cáo chung Ấn Độ-Thái Lan nhân chuyến thăm Ấn Độ của Thủ tướng Thái Lan

Joint Statement on the State Visit of Prime Minister of Thailand

April 05, 2011

1. H.E. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Prime Minister of Thailand paid a State visit to India during 4-5 April 2011 at the invitation of Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India. The Prime Minister of Thailand was accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister of Industry, Deputy Minister of Commerce, the President of the Thai Trade Representative Office and an official delegation.

2. During the visit, the Prime Minister of Thailand held bilateral talks with Dr. Manmohan Singh who also hosted a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary. The Thai Prime Minister called on Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the President of India and Shri Hamid Ansari, the Vice-President of India. Shri S.M. Krishna, External Affairs Minister of India called on the Thai leader. The Thai Prime Minister attended a business luncheon hosted by the three chambers of commerce.

3. The two Prime Ministers held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues, including on the need to energize bilateral institutional mechanisms, to enhance cooperation in security matters and to upgrade the bilateral dialogue on defence matters. The two leaders stressed the significance of enhancing connectivity between the two countries and regions, and the importance of further enhancing bilateral trade and investment. In this context the two leaders noted that the next meeting of the Joint Commission will be held in 2011 during which new initiative for enhancing cooperation would be identified. Discussions were also held on cooperation between the two sides to minimize the damage caused by natural disasters such as earthquake and tsunami and to deploy effective multilateral early warning systems against them.

4. The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed the importance attached to the strengthening and enhancement of trade and economic through the bilateral and regional frameworks viz. ASEAN-India, BIMSTEC and MGC

5. At bilateral level, the two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the growing trend of bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. They noted that the bilateral trade turnover had reached US$ 6.7 billion in 2010 and agreed to double the trade volume by 2014. Noting that ongoing negotiations on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between India and Thailand that would promote trade in goods and services, and investment were proceeding well, they directed the negotiators to finalize the text of the Agreement by the end of 2011. They also desired that the Second Protocol to Amend the Framework Agreement for Establishing Free Trade Area between Thailand and India founded in 2003 be signed at the earliest possible date.

6. The Leaders reiterated their commitment to realization of the Trilateral Highway connecting India to Thailand via Myanmar to enhance regional transport networks. The highway while promoting trade and people to people contacts will also help revive the shared civilizational and cultural contacts and the ancient routes of knowledge and pilgrimage.

7. The two Prime Ministers noted that India and Thailand have an on-going programme of defence cooperation, characterized by a number of exchanges between the Armed Forces of both countries, joint exercises and participation in each others' defence training programmes. In order to strengthen this cooperation further, the two leaders agreed to establish a regular High-Level Dialogue on Defence Cooperation between the Ministries of Defence of both countries in the near future, details of which would be further finalized. It was agreed that this Dialogue would regularly review all the elements of bilateral defence cooperation including in the area of defence industry and technology. The Dialogue would also include discussions on a bilateral MoU on Defence Cooperation.

8. The Prime Minister of Thailand expressed his appreciation at the successive recent actions by the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard that had led to the successful release of several Thai nationals who had been the victims of piracy in the Indian Ocean. The two leaders, noting that coordinated patrolling was already being carried out jointly by the Indian and Thai navies, agreed to further enhance this cooperation. including by increasing the duration and frequency of such patrols. Both leaders also noted the possibility of experience sharing on Coast Guard Operations.

9. The two leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there could be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. Recognizing the common threats to national security from transnational crimes, including international terrorism, the two Prime Ministers resolved to significantly enhance bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism, including in restricting transnational movement and unauthorized stay of known terrorists in each other's countries. The two leaders resolved to commit their countries to improve sharing of intelligence, the development of more effective counter-terrorism policies, enhance liaison between law enforcement agencies, provide assistance in the areas of border and immigration control to stem the flow of terrorist related material, money and people and specific measures against transnational crimes, through the already existing mechanisms between Thailand and India. Both leaders agreed that the next (6th) meeting of the Joint Working Group on Security Cooperation be held within the next six months.

10. Noting that India and Thailand are discussing Extradition Treaty, Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Civil and Commercial Matters and Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons, the two sides agreed that the above mentioned agreements may be concluded at the earliest.

11. The Prime Minister of Thailand welcomed the fact that almost 800,000 Indian tourists had visited Thailand in the year 2010 and observed that visitors from India were the fastest-growing segment in the tourist inflow into Thailand.

12. The two leaders, recognizing that there was great unrealized potential for increasing the inflow of Thai tourists into India, agreed to provide greater facilitation to Thai Buddhist monks, pilgrims, students and tourists visiting India.

13. India announced support to the India Studies Centre set up at the Thammasat University in Thailand recently through visiting Chairs in areas to be selected jointly by the University and the ICCR, collaboration in India related research programmes through exchange of senior scholars for a period of one year and extending scholarships to the students from the Centre for Studies in India at the Post Graduate level and for Ph. D programmes. He expressed the hope that the India Study Centre would ignite a new interest in young Thai people in the great currents of contemporary India as well as renew interest in the ideas, values, arts and philosophy of the India of times past.

14. Recalling the long history of cultural and historical ties between the two countries, the two leaders agreed that to lift relations to a higher level, the two countries shall increase and expand existing cultural exchanges and strengthen people-to-people contacts to raise visibility and profile of the other country. The two countries will also continue to explore opportunities to promote cultural exchanges in fields such as conservation, traditional art, contemporary art, literature, film making, music, dance, theatre etc. In this context, Thailand and India mutually agreed that the Executive Programme of Cultural Exchange between the two countries should be renewed at the earliest opportunity for the year 2011-2013 in order to facilitate and promote deeper and varied cultural exchanges.”

15. The two leaders welcomed the recent progress made towards the revival of the Nalanda University, including the passage by Indian Parliament of the Nalanda University Bill and the regular meetings of the Nalanda Mentor Group, The Prime Ministers were pleased to note that the revival of the Nalanda University would rejuvenate the close cultural and religious ties that link India and Thailand since the ancient period.

16. The two leaders held discussions on regional cooperation within ASEAN. The Prime Minister of India expressed his appreciation for Thailand's role as a valued partner within ASEAN and expressed his satisfaction that Thailand was one of the largest participants at the successful India-ASEAN Business Fair that was held in New Delhi in March 2011. The two Leaders noted that the Fair has also witnessed the first meeting of India-ASEAN Trade/Commerce Ministers in India. He also appreciated the visit of Foreign Minister of Thailand to deliver the key note address at the recently held Delhi Dialogue – III Conference focusing on India-ASEAN Engagement. The two leaders recalled the Action Plan for ASEAN-India Partnership 2010-15 that was adopted in Hanoi in November 2010 and reiterated their resolve to further promote a multi-faceted India-ASEAN relationship. The two Prime Ministers looked forward to the India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi in 2012.

17. At regional level, the two Prime Ministers welcomed the entry into force of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement on Trade in Goods on 1 January 2010 and the increase in bilateral trade as a result thereof, and hoped that the Agreement would further contribute to the envisaged trade target of USD 70 billion as set by ASEAN and India. The two Prime Ministers looked forward to an early finalization of the India-ASEAN services and investment agreements currently under negotiation.

18. The two leaders also discussed regional cooperation in other formats such as BIMSTEC and Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC). Both the leaders expressed satisfaction that the last BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting held in January 2011 had agreed to locate the Permanent Secretariat of BIMSTEC in Bangladesh and looked forward to greater progress in realizing a need based programme of regional cooperation suited to the needs of the BIMSTEC member countries. The two leaders also looked forward to synergizing economic cooperation and capacity building in the Mekong region under the MGC.

19. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of Thailand expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and to the people of India for the warm welcome and hospitality that had been extended to him and to the members of his delegation on his State visit.

New Delhi
April 5, 2011

Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=530517516

Tuyên bố Tam Á của BRICS 2011

Sanya Declaration

(BRICS Leaders Meeting, Sanya, Hainan, China, April 2011)

1. We, the Heads of State and Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa, met in Sanya, Hainan, China for the BRICS Leaders Meeting on 14 April 2011.

2. The Heads of State and Government of Brazil, Russia, India and China welcome South Africa joining the BRICS and look forward to strengthening dialogue and cooperation with South Africa within the forum.

3. It is the overarching objective and strong shared desire for peace, security, development and cooperation that brought together BRICS countries with a total population of nearly 3 billion from different continents. BRICS aims at contributing significantly to the development of humanity and establishing a more equitable and fair world.

4. The 21st century should be marked by peace, harmony, cooperation and scientific development. Under the theme “Broad Vision, Shared Prosperity”, we conducted candid and in-depth discussions and reached broad consensus on strengthening BRICS cooperation as well as on promoting coordination on international and regional issues of common interest.

5. We affirm that the BRICS and other emerging countries have played an important role in contributing to world peace, security and stability, boosting global economic growth, enhancing multilateralism and promoting greater democracy in international relations.

6. In the economic, financial and development fields, BRICS serves as a major platform for dialogue and cooperation. We are determined to continue strengthening the BRICS partnership for common development and advance BRICS cooperation in a gradual and pragmatic manner, reflecting the principles of openness, solidarity and mutual assistance. We reiterate that such cooperation is inclusive and non-confrontational. We are open to increasing engagement and cooperation with non-BRICS countries, in particular emerging and developing countries, and relevant international and regional organizations.

7. We share the view that the world is undergoing far-reaching, complex and profound changes, marked by the strengthening of multipolarity, economic globalization and increasing interdependence. While facing the evolving global environment and a multitude of global threats and challenges, the international community should join hands to strengthen cooperation for common development. Based on universally recognized norms of international law and in a spirit of mutual respect and collective decision making, global economic governance should be strengthened, democracy in international relations should be promoted, and the voice of emerging and developing countries in international affairs should be enhanced.

8. We express our strong commitment to multilateral diplomacy with the United Nations playing the central role in dealing with global challenges and threats. In this respect, we reaffirm the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more effective, efficient and representative, so that it can deal with today’s global challenges more successfully. China and Russia reiterate the importance they attach to the status of India, Brazil and South Africa in international affairs, and understand and support their aspiration to play a greater role in the UN.

9. We underscore that the concurrent presence of all five BRICS countries in the Security Council during the year of 2011 is a valuable opportunity to work closely together on issues of peace and security, to strengthen multilateral approaches and to facilitate future coordination on issues under UN Security Council consideration. We are deeply concerned with the turbulence in the Middle East , the North African and West African regions and sincerely wish that the countries affected achieve peace, stability, prosperity and progress and enjoy their due standing and dignity in the world according to legitimate aspirations of their peoples. We share the principle that the use of force should be avoided. We maintain that the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of each nation should be respected.

10. We wish to continue our cooperation in the UN Security Council on Libya. We are of the view that all the parties should resolve their differences through peaceful means and dialogue in which the UN and regional organizations should as appropriate play their role. We also express support for the African Union High-Level Panel Initiative on Libya.

11. We reiterate our strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification, whatsoever, for any acts of terrorism. We believe that the United Nations has a central role in coordinating the international action against terrorism within the framework of the UN Charter and in accordance with principles and norms of the international law. In this context, we urge early conclusion of negotiations in the UN General Assembly of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and its adoption by all Member States. We are determined to strengthen our cooperation in countering this global threat. We express our commitment to cooperate for strengthening international information security. We will pay special attention to combat cybercrime.

12. We note that the world economy is gradually recovering from the financial crisis, but still faces uncertainties. Major economies should continue to enhance coordination of macro-economic policies and work together to achieve strong, sustainable and balanced growth.

13. We are committed to assure that the BRICS countries will continue to enjoy strong and sustained economic growth supported by our increased cooperation in economic, finance and trade matters, which will contribute to the long-term steady, sound and balanced growth of the world economy.

14. We support the Group of Twenty (G20) in playing a bigger role in global economic governance as the premier forum for international economic cooperation. We expect new positive outcomes in the fields of economy, finance, trade and development from the G20 Cannes Summit in 2011. We support the ongoing efforts of G20 members to stabilize international financial markets, achieve strong, sustainable and balanced growth and support the growth and development of the global economy. Russia offers to host the G20 Summit in 2013. Brazil, India, China and South Africa welcome and appreciate Russia’s offer.

15. We call for a quick achievement of the targets for the reform of the International Monetary Fund agreed to at previous G20 Summits and reiterate that the governing structure of the international financial institutions should reflect the changes in the world economy, increasing the voice and representation of emerging economies and developing countries.

16. Recognizing that the international financial crisis has exposed the inadequacies and deficiencies of the existing international monetary and financial system, we support the reform and improvement of the international monetary system, with a broad-based international reserve currency system providing stability and certainty. We welcome the current discussion about the role of the SDR in the existing international monetary system including the composition of SDR’s basket of currencies. We call for more attention to the risks of massive cross-border capital flows now faced by the emerging economies. We call for further international financial regulatory oversight and reform, strengthening policy coordination and financial regulation and supervision cooperation, and promoting the sound development of global financial markets and banking systems.

17. Excessive volatility in commodity prices, particularly those for food and energy, poses new risks for the ongoing recovery of the world economy. We support the international community in strengthening cooperation to ensure stability and strong development of physical market by reducing distortion and further regulate financial market. The international community should work together to increase production capacity, strengthen producer-consumer dialogue to balance supply and demand, and increase support to the developing countries in terms of funding and technologies. The regulation of the derivatives market for commodities should be accordingly strengthened to prevent activities capable of destabilizing markets. We also should address the problem of shortage of reliable and timely information on demand and supply at international, regional and national levels. The BRICS will carry out closer cooperation on food security.

18. We support the development and use of renewable energy resources. We recognize the important role of renewable energy as a means to address climate change. We are convinced of the importance of cooperation and information exchange in the field of development of renewable energy resources.

19. Nuclear energy will continue to be an important element in future energy mix of BRICS countries. International cooperation in the development of safe nuclear energy for peaceful purposes should proceed under conditions of strict observance of relevant safety standards and requirements concerning design, construction and operation of nuclear power plants.

20. Accelerating sustainable growth of developing countries is one of the major challenges for the world. We believe that growth and development are central to addressing poverty and to achieving the MDG goals. Eradication of extreme poverty and hunger is a moral, social, political and economic imperative of humankind and one of the greatest global challenges facing the world today, particularly in Least Developed Countries in Africa and elsewhere.

21. We call on the international community to actively implement the outcome document adopted by the High-level Plenary Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Millennium Development Goals held in September 2010 and achieve the objectives of the MDGs by 2015 as scheduled.

22. Climate change is one of the global threats challenging the livelihood of communities and countries. China, Brazil, Russia and India appreciate and support South Africa’s hosting of UNFCCC COP17/CMP7. We support the Cancun Agreements and are ready to make concerted efforts with the rest of the international community to bring a successful conclusion to the negotiations at the Durban Conference applying the mandate of the Bali Roadmap and in line with the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities. We commit ourselves to work towards a comprehensive, balanced and binding outcome to strengthen the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol. The BRICS will intensify cooperation on the Durban conference. We will enhance our practical cooperation in adapting our economy and society to climate change.

23. Sustainable development, as illustrated by the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, Agenda 21, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and multilateral environmental treaties, should be an important vehicle to advance economic growth. China, Russia, India and South Africa appreciate Brazil as the host of the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development and look forward to working with Brazil to reach new political commitment and achieve positive and practical results in areas of economic growth, social development and environmental protection under the framework of sustainable development. Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa appreciate and support India’s hosting of the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Brazil, China and South Africa also appreciate and support the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to be held in October 2012.

24. We underscore our firm commitment to strengthen dialogue and cooperation in the fields of social protection, decent work, gender equality, youth, and public health, including the fight against HIV /AIDS.

25. We support infrastructure development in Africa and its industrialization within framework of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

26. We have agreed to continue further expanding and deepening economic, trade and investment cooperation among our countries. We encourage all countries to refrain from resorting to protectionist measures. We welcome the outcomes of the meeting of BRICS Trade Ministers held in Sanya on 13 April 2011. Brazil, China, India and South Africa remain committed and call upon other members to support a strong, open, rule-based multilateral trading system embodied in the World Trade Organization and a successful, comprehensive and balanced conclusion of the Doha Development Round, built on the progress already made and consistent with its development mandate. Brazil, India, China and South Africa extend full support to an early accession of Russia to the World Trade Organization.

27. We reviewed the progress of the BRICS cooperation in various fields and share the view that such cooperation has been enriching and mutually beneficial and that there is a great scope for closer cooperation among the BRICS. We are focused on the consolidation of BRICS cooperation and the further development of its own agenda. We are determined to translate our political vision into concrete actions and endorse the attached Action Plan, which will serve as the foundation for future cooperation. We will review the implementation of the Action Plan during our next Leaders Meeting.
 
28. We intend to explore cooperation in the sphere of science, technology and innovation, including the peaceful use of space. We congratulate the Russian people and government upon the 50th anniversary of the flight of Yury Gagarin into the space, which ushered in a new era in development of science and technology.

29. We express our confidence in the success of the 2011 Universiade in Shenzhen, the 2013 Universiade in Kazan, the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympics Games in Sochi, the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the 2016 Olympic and Paralympics Games in Rio de Janeiro and the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia.

30. We extend our deepest condolences to the people of Japan with the great loss of life following the disasters that struck the country. We will continue our practical support to Japan in overcoming consequences of these catastrophes.

31. The leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa extend our warm appreciation to China for hosting the BRICS Leaders Meeting and the Hainan Provincial Government and Sanya Municipal Government and their people for their support to the Meeting.

32. Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa thank India for hosting the BRICS Leaders Meeting in 2012 and offer their full support.

Action Plan

We formulated the Action Plan, laying the foundation for the BRICS cooperation, with the purpose to strengthen BRICS cooperation and benefit our peoples.

I. Enhance existing cooperation programs

1. Hold the third Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues in the latter half of 2011 in China.

2. Hold the meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs during the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

3. Hold sherpas/sous-sherpas meeting in due time.

4. Representatives to international organizations based in New York and Geneva meet periodically in an informal manner.

5. Ministers of Finance and Governors of Central Banks meet under the G20 framework and during the annual meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

6.Hold the Meeting of Agriculture Expert Working Group and the second Meeting of Ministers of Agriculture in 2011 in China, and cooperate in issues including establishment of BRICS System of Agricultural Information and holding a seminar on food security.

7.Hold the Meeting of the heads of the National Statistical Institutions in September 2011 in China.

8.Hold the second BRICS International Competition Conference in September 2011 in China, and explore the possibility of signing an Agreement on Cooperation between Antimonopoly Agencies.

9.Continue to hold the BRICS Think-tank Symposiums, and consider establishing a network of research centers of all BRICS countries.

10.Hold another Business Forum prior to the next BRICS Leaders Meeting.
 
11.Strengthen financial cooperation among the BRICS Development Banks.

12.Implement the Protocol of Intent among the BRIC Countriesf Supreme Courts.

13.Release the Joint Statistical Publication by BRICS Countries.

14.Continue to hold the Meeting of Cooperatives.

II. New areas of cooperation

1.Host the first BRICS Friendship Cities and Local Governments Cooperation Forum in 2011 in China.

2.Host the Meeting of Ministers of Health in 2011 in China.

3.Engage in joint research on economic and trade issues.

4.Update, as appropriate, the Bibliography on the BRICS countries.

III. New proposals to explore

1.Cooperate in the cultural field according to the agreement of the BRICS leaders.

2.Encourage cooperation in sports.
 
3.Explore the feasibility to cooperate in the field of green economy.
 
4.Hold a meeting of Senior Officials for discussing ways of promoting scientific, technological and innovation cooperation in BRICS formatCincluding by establishment a working group on cooperation in pharmaceutical industry.
 
5.Establish, at UNESCO, a gBRICS-UNESCO Grouph, aiming at developing common strategies within the mandate of the Organization.


Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=530517542

Phát biểu của Thủ tướng Ấn Độ trước chuyến khi lên đường thăm Trung Quốc và Kazakhstan

Statement by the Prime Minister prior to his departure for China and Kazakhstan

April 12, 2011

I leave today on a visit to China and Kazakhstan.

In China, I will attend the BRICS Leaders Meeting in Sanya being hosted by President Hu Jintao. This is the third Summit of the BRICS grouping since the first stand alone meeting in 2009. This meeting will see the participation for the first time of South Africa. India welcomes South Africa’s membership of BRICS, which will provide an African perspective to our deliberations.

I look forward to a wide ranging exchange of views with the BRICS leaders on the state of the world economy and the contribution which BRICS can make in sustaining the process of global economic and financial recovery. The traditional sources of economic growth are still under stress, even as fresh uncertainties have emerged as a result of recent developments in different parts of the world. If we can coordinate our positions on some key areas such as sustainable development, balanced growth, energy and food security, reform of international financial institutions and balanced trade, that will be to our advantage.

Today all BRICS countries are members of the G 20 and the United Nations Security Council. Our experience of working with each other in these forums has been positive and holds promise. This gives the Sanya Summit, whose theme is “Broad Vision and Shared Prosperity”, special significance.

During my stay in Sanya I look forward to my meeting with President Hu Jintao. The India-China relationship is a key relationship which has now acquired global significance. I will also have bilateral meetings with Presidents of Russia, Brazil and South Africa. Our relations with these countries are very warm and substantive.

From China, I will travel to Kazakhstan on a bilateral visit at the invitation of President Nursultan Nazarbayev. This will be my first visit to Kazakhstan. It is an important partner of India in a region which has always displayed special empathy and goodwill towards India. I will build upon the successful visit of President Nazarbayev to India in 2009 and seek to expand the frontiers of our cooperation with that great country. There is immense potential for moving forward in areas such as political and security cooperation, trade and investment, energy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, information technology and capacity building. My visit signals India’s abiding interest in Central Asia that is rooted in the history and culture of this region.

New Delhi
April 12, 2011

Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=530117535

Phát biểu của Thủ tướng Ấn Độ về chuyến thăm của Thủ tướng Thái Lan

Statement by PM to media during visit of Prime Minister of Thailand

April 05, 2011

Your Excellency Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva,
Ladies and Gentleman of the media

It is my privilege to welcome Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on his first visit to India.

Prime Minister Vejjajiva has an extremely distinguished political and academic career and has led Thailand with great distinction through difficult times. I deeply value his personal commitment to a strong partnership between our two countries.

Thailand is a close friend and a valued regional partner for India. We share civilizational links with Thailand, and we are maritime neighbours.

The Prime Minister and I have had wide ranging discussions covering the entire gamut of our bilateral relations. We have had a meeting of minds on how to move our relations forward.

We have agreed to intensify our cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, education, tourism and culture. Our bilateral trade turnover has reached 6 billion US dollars. We have agreed to aim towards doubling of our trade by 2014. We have agreed to expedite the conclusion of negotiations on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement that would include goods, services and investment. I conveyed to the Prime Minister that we welcome more Thai investment into India.

We see Thailand as playing a positive role in our efforts to catalyse development and improve connectivity of our Northeastern States with the ASEAN region.

India and Thailand have active exchanges in the fields of defence, counter-terrorism and security. We have agreed to further strengthen them, and to initiate a senior official level dialogue between our Defence Ministries. We both expressed our desire to cooperate with each other to secure the vital sea-lanes of communications which pass through the Indian Ocean. We have identified other areas of cooperation such as space technology, disaster management and science and technology.

We have agreed that the Ministerial level Joint Commission will meet this year to follow up on the range of bilateral initiatives.

Developing close relations with Thailand is an important component of our ‘Look East’ Policy. We work together in a number of regional mechanisms such as BIMSTEC, the ASEAN Regional Forum, the East Asia Summit and the Mekong Ganga Cooperation initiative. The Prime Minister and I are of the unanimous view that a strong India-Thailand partnership is a factor of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Prime Minister Vejjajiva’s visit has provided the political impetus and direction for a closer and more broad-based partnership between our countries. This is an important visit, and will enhance the national interests of both our countries.

I thank you.

New Delhi
April 5, 2011

 
Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=530117515

Phát biểu của Thủ tướng Ấn Độ về động đất và sóng thần ở Nhật Bản

PM's statement in Parliament on the earth quake and tsunami in Japan

March 14, 2011

As Honourable Members are aware, the north eastern part of Japan was hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami on the 11th of March.

Images of destruction and human misery are being flashed on television channels. These are heart rending and deeply disturbing sights. It is becoming evident that the scale of destruction and loss of human lives are likely to be far higher than initially expected. This is a moment of immense and grave tragedy for Japan.

I have already conveyed, on behalf of the government and people of India, our deepest condolences to the Prime Minster of Japan. I have told him that India stands in full solidarity with the people of Japan, and that our resources are at the disposal of Japan for any assistance they may require.

I am confident that this House will join me in reiterating the heartfelt condolences of the people of India to the friendly people of Japan, and extending our prayers and thoughts to them during this most horrific disaster.

We can never forget that India has been the largest recipient of Japan’s overseas development assistance. We have the best of relations with Japan. We are in touch with the Government of Japan to ascertain the kind of assistance they need. As an immediate step, we are airlifting 25,000 blankets to Japan. We are ready to send search and rescue teams and relief material. We stand ready to help in the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction phase. Our Navy is on standby to send its ships to Japan as part of such an exercise.

We will spare no effort in assisting the Japanese authorities in dealing with the aftermath of this disaster.

There are about 25,000 Indian nationals in Japan. Most of them were not living in the areas affected by the tsunami. About 70 Indians are in the shelters established by Japanese authorities in the tsunami affected areas. We are monitoring their welfare. So far we do not have any reports of casualties.

The disaster has affected some of the nuclear power plants in Japan. The Government of India is in constant touch with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Japanese Atomic Industrial Forum, and the World Association of Nuclear Operators.

In India, we are currently operating 20 nuclear power reactors. 18 of these are the indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors. Two reactors at Tarapur, TAPS-1& TAPS-2 are Boiling Water Reactors of the type being operated in Japan. A safety audit of these reactors has been completed recently. Indian nuclear plants have in the past met their safety standards. Following the earthquake in Bhuj on 26 January 2002 the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station continued to operate safely without interruption. Following the 2004 tsunami, the Madras Atomic Power Station was safely shutdown without any radiological consequences. It was possible to restart the plant in a few days after regulatory review.

I would like to assure Honourable Members of the House that the Government attaches the highest importance to nuclear safety. The Department of Atomic Energy and its agencies including the Nuclear Power Corporation of India have been instructed to undertake an immediate technical review of all safety systems of our nuclear power plants particularly with a view to ensuring that they would be able to withstand the impact of large natural disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes.

I would also like to inform the House that work is underway in the Department of Atomic Energy towards further strengthening India’s national nuclear safety regulatory authority.

New Delhi
March 14, 2011

 
Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=530117388

Phát biểu khai mạc của Bộ trưởng Ngoại giao Ấn Độ tại Đối thoại Delhi Ấn Độ-ASEAN lần thứ III

EAM’s inaugural address at India-ASEAN Delhi Dialogue- III

March 03, 2011

Secretary General of ASEAN His Excellency Dr. Pitsuwan
My Ministerial colleagues from ASEAN countries
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to add my words of welcome to all of you who are present here today with us as we launch the third edition of Delhi Dialogue.

I especially welcome my colleagues from ASEAN countries and their delegations, who have honoured us with their presence not only for this event but also for other activities that we in India are privileged to host this week to focus on our relations with these countries. I express my gratitude to the Secretary General of ASEAN H. E. Dr Surin Pitsuwan for accepting my invitation.

Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests,

We stand at the threshold of twenty years of the launch of the formal Dialogue partnership between India and ASEAN, which started in 1992. We look forward to holding the Commemorative Summit in 2012 in India.

It is a happy coincidence, or is it a coincidence, that this two decade period has been transformational for India, as also for its engagement with South East Asia.


It has been a gratifying engagement for us – an engagement which has drawn strength from India’s rapidly developing bilateral ties with individual ASEAN countries, and from our millennia-old bonds with the countries and civilizations of the region.

The words ‘Look East’ encapsulate our renewed focus on these ties. I wonder if we have a phrase that can capture the age-old roots, cordiality and partnership that are at the heart of our Look East Policy.

Historical ties of India with Myanmar, Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Cambodia, Laos and with what was known as the East Indies – Sumatra, Java, Bali and Borneo - are well known. These ties are rooted in geographical contiguity and commonality of a multitude of other factors.

It is both a contemporary need and a responsibility to nurture these natural relationships. We are committed to deepening our all-round engagement with ASEAN.

Ladies and Gentlemen,


India’s first Free Trade Agreement was signed with ASEAN. This Agreement will provide a further thrust to the almost twenty-fold increase in our trade with ASEAN which has been witnessed in nearly twenty years since 1990.

India has undertaken a number of initiatives in line with its commitment to the "Initiative for ASEAN Integration" which is intended to bridge the developmental gap between the older and the newer, less developed, members of ASEAN, i.e. Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The shift of power to Asia in this century is almost a cliché now. While such a shift may indeed be taking place, the processes involved are far more complex than what would appear at first glance. A number of new initiatives and institutions in South East Asia are coterminous with and contribute to this shift.

On the strategic side, there is the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus Eight process. India’s participation in this is part of the wider paradigm shift which characterises our Look East Policy.


The second big institutional change is the continued evolution of the East Asia Summit (EAS) process. Our Look East Policy has evolved with this process, which was born in 2005. This Policy has, therefore, evolved to include the Far Eastern and Pacific regions and facilitated greater links with Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

EAS further expanded at its 5th Meeting in October last year to include US and Russia into its ambit. India welcomed this expansion, which, we believe, will add to regional peace and security. We also believe that the existing mechanisms of EAS will remain intact with this expansion and will be guided to a more fruitful benefit for the region.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

With this backdrop of historical and contemporary wide ranging association, how does India look beyond the first two decades of our engagement with ASEAN?

There are a few vectors which suggest themselves for the future.

Firstly, I think we need to focus on a vision for our region which is inclusive. As many of you know in India we have sought to embed in our developmental experience the principle of inclusivity. These principles need to form part of international efforts as that in the end is the strongest factor for the maintenance of peace and security.


Secondly, we feel that the principles of State sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of others must be the bedrock of our cooperative endeavours.

Thirdly, diversity comes naturally to us in Asia. Respecting diversity and developing tolerance must, therefore, form the third prong of our approach.

Within this framework, I believe, we must focus even more sharply in our efforts to construct an interconnected economic block.

I believe that India and ASEAN can do so by concentrating even greater efforts on physical connectivity. This aspect fits very well with our own domestic priority of upgrading infrastructure. If the two can proceed in tandem, it is possible that in the space of next five to seven years we will see a dramatic flowering of India-ASEAN relations. Connectivity will enhance the potential of Merchandise Trade and Investment Agreements that have been already put into effect or are on the anvil.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Greater physical connectivity will reinforce intellectual inter-linkages that we have or will foster.

In this context, I would like to mention our joint initiative for the revival of the Nalanda University.


Similarly, the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC), launched in the year 2000, is a sub-regional initiative comprising India and five ASEAN countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Both the Ganga and the Mekong are not mere rivers but symbols of civilizations. This initiative is thus reflective of the cultural and commercial linkages among the member countries of the MGC through centuries. Members of MGC are working to promote cooperation in the sectors of tourism, culture, education and transport & communications.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our enterprising ancestors created through the passage of time a most wonderful matrix of mutually enriching cultures, and mutually reinforcing bonds. As we look to India-ASEAN engagement beyond 2012, we need to assiduously promote people-to-people relations. It is on the wings of these ties that the future of our relationship will soar.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Before I conclude, I would like to congratulate the Indian Council of World Affairs, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies and the SAEA Research Group of Singapore, as well as the Economic Research Institute in Jakarta, for their fruitful partnership in restructuring the Delhi dialogue. I also compliment all the think tanks, scholars and experts involved who have worked so hard to bring this Dialogue to fruition.

I hope that our guests will have a pleasant and fruitful stay in Delhi and the Dialogue, which you are engaged in, will bring in to sharper relief the future of our path.

I wish the Dialogue all success.

Thank you.

New Delhi
March 03, 2011 
Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=530117332

Đội cứu trợ và tái thiết của Ấn Độ ở Miyagi, Nhật Bản

Indian Relief and Rehab team at work in Miyagi (Japan)

April 04, 2011



A 46-member Indian Relief and Rehabilitation Team (IRRT) has been deployed in the earthquake and tsunami affected areas of Japan since 28 March 2011 by the Ministry of External Affairs. The Team belongs to the National Disaster Response Force of the National Disaster Management Authority. This is their first ever deployment abroad. The team has been assigned relief work in the some of the worst affected towns of Miyagi Prefecture. They have set up base in the town of Rifu-Cho, about 365 kms north east of Tokyo and are presently working in the town Onagawa. They have made contributed to the relief effort by recovering bodies and valuables and clearing debris. The work of the IRRT has been appreciated by the Japanese people and the Government of Japan.

New Delhi
April 04, 2011

NDRF in Operation NDRF in Operation


NDRF in Operation NDRF in Operation



Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=100017511&pid=2055

Thứ Sáu, 22 tháng 4, 2011

Ấn Độ đặt chỉ tiêu tăng trưởng của Kế hoạch 5 năm lần thứ 12 từ 9 đến 9,5%

12th Plan to target 9-9.5% growth

Special Correspondent
The Hindu
NEW DELHI, April 21, 2011


Prime Minister Manmohan Singh chairs a full Planning Commission meeting to discuss an approach paper for the 12th Five Year Plan, in New Delhi on Thursday.

The full Planning Commission meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh agreed on Thursday to work towards a growth target of 9.0-9.5 per cent for the 12th Plan (2012-17). It endorsed the objectives and challenges outlined by the Commission for the five-year period involving special focus on policy and governance reforms and redesigning of government programmes.

The Planning Commission gave a presentation on the ongoing 11th Plan and objectives of the 12th Plan which include 100 per cent literacy, inclusive growth and development of physical and social infrastructure within the overall target of fiscal consolidation.

In his concluding remarks at the meeting, Dr. Singh pointed to the “general agreement” arrived at for focus on policy and governance reforms while working towards the targeted growth rate. “We should also set monitorable targets related to different dimensions of inclusiveness, and then work to achieve these targets by appropriate design of policy and funding of Plan schemes,” Dr. Singh said. He pointed to the Commission's emphasis on the importance of working within the overall fiscal consolidation target. “This is an important constraint that we must recognise. The Planning Commission and Finance Ministry together must come up with a realistic assessment of Plan size for the Centre and the States,” he said.

In particular, the Prime Minister noted “the suggestions of the Finance Minister to improve the functioning of the legal system and methods of dispute resolution, and on improving the functioning of key infrastructure sectors.” Dr. Singh asked the Commission to prepare a draft approach to the 12th Plan for discussions with the States, taking into account the day's deliberations and keeping in mind sustainability and low carbon issues.

After the circulation of a revised approach document to the Ministries concerned, it can then be brought to the Cabinet and then to the National Development Council (NDC). “We should aim at an NDC meeting sometime in July,” Dr. Singh said.

Earlier, setting the tone for discussions at the meeting, Dr. Singh said: “The 12th Plan objective must be faster, more inclusive and also sustainable growth... We need to identify the critical areas where existing policies and programmes are not delivering results and should, therefore, be strengthened or even restructured.” India, he said, needed to tackle new challenges and this called for new initiatives.

According to the Commission's presentation, for aiming at 100 per cent adult literacy, the 12th Plan (2012-17) would have to increase expenditure on health from 1.3 per cent to at least 2.0-2.5 per cent of GDP (gross domestic product).

The country was estimated to have recorded an annual growth rate of 8.2 per cent during 11th Plan as against the target of nine per cent. In particular, the economic performance was impacted by the global financial crisis and drought.

In the years ahead, some of the challenges that the economy faced were accelerated inflation, global pressure on food and oil prices, quality of governance and weak manufacturing performance, which could be given a boost by liberalising the policy on the foreign direct investment (FDI), it said. “Citizen feedback reveals general unhappiness with governance and public service delivery. They believe that corruption is built into systems for public service delivery,” the Plan panel said.


Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1715866.ece

Xuất khẩu của Ấn Độ tăng 37,1% trong năm tài khóa 2010-2011

India’s exports post 37.1 p.c. rise during 2010-11

Sujay Mehdudia
The Hindu
NEW DELHI, April 19, 2011


Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Anand Sharma, flanked by R.P.Singh, Secretary, DIPP (left) and Commerce Secretary, Rahul Khullar, addresses a press conference to announce India's Trade figures, in New Delhi on Tuesday. Photo: V. Sudershan

Braving the slow economic growth and declining demand from the Western markets, India’s exports posted an impressive 37.1 per cent rise at $245.9 billion for the fiscal ending 2010-11. During March 2011, the growth stood at 43.9 per cent at $29.1 billion.

Releasing the figures here, Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Anand Sharma said India’s exports have not only posted a phenomenal growth but have also surpassed the growth target of $220 billion set for 2010-11. Exports had suffered in 2009-10 under the impact of global slowdown and the government had to intervene to help the exporters through different packages

``We have received the export figures for this fiscal and it is indeed heartening to see that our exports for the year ending March 2011 touched $245.9 billion registering a growth of 37.5 per cent. For the first time the figures have reached the $200 billion mark which was a target set for last financial year and exports have indeed exceeded our expectations. Imports for the same period stood at $350.3 billion and the good news is that the trade deficit figure has come down to $10.4.4 billion,’’ Mr. Sharma told newspersons here.

Mr. Sharma said engineering goods by far constituted the largest component of the exports entailing considerable domestic value addition and engineering exports crossed $60 billion registering a growth of 84.76 per cent. Petroleum products export stood in the range of $42.45 billion registering a growth of 50.58 per cent. Gems and Jewellery sector which is a considerable employer of people saw an export of $33.54 billion showing a growth of 15.34 per cent. Drugs and pharmaceuticals sectors for which India has gained a considerable global reputation saw total exports of $10.32 billion showing a growth of 15.08 per cent.

In the readymade garments exports crossed $11.1 billion showing a growth of 4.23 per cent. Cotton yarn 34 fabrics saw an export of $5.66 billion registering a growth of 42.87 per cent. Exports of carpet, jute and leather which are the labour intensive sectors assured considerable dynamism in growth. Agricultural exports and allied sectors including tea, coffee, tobacco, spices, cashew, oil meals, fruit and vegetables and marine products crossed the $12.92 billion. Iron ore exports have actually gone down by 25 per cent at $4.5 billion.

Mr. Sharma expressed the hope that based on the performance of exports, he was confident that the Government will be able to achieve the target of exports of $450 billion, a target set in the draft strategy paper which was released by the Department of Commerce.

He said the final strategy paper for doubling India’s exports to reach $450 billion will be uploaded on the department site very soon.


Source: http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/article1709710.ece

Xuất khẩu của ngành cơ khí Ấn Độ tăng khoảng 85% trong năm tài khóa 2010-2011

Engineering exports jump about 85 p.c. in 2010-11

PTI
New Delhi, April 21, 2011

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Anand Sharma, releasing the Strategy Paper for the growth of Engineering Exports: 2010-2014, commissioned by Engineering Export Promotion Council of India and carried out by Ernst and Young, in New Delhi on April 27, 2010. A file photo: V. Sudershan

India’s engineering exports registered the highest ever growth of about 85 per cent to $ 60.1 billion in 2010-11, on account of a robust demand for the goods not only from major markets like the US, but also from Latin America.

During 2009—10, the exports were $ 32.5 billion, according to Engineering Export Promotion Council (EPCH) data.

“An impressive growth in the engineering exports has come about on the back of a strong demand from the US and the developing markets of Latin America and Middle East,” EPCH Executive Director R Maitra said.

These exports would have been still higher, if there were no financial problems in Europe.

“The European market is still sluggish,” Mr. Maitra added.

In March 2011, the exports grew by over 115 per cent to USD 7.4 billion year-on-year.

The US accounts for 30 per cent of the country’s total engineering exports.

In the government’s strategy to double India’s exports to $ 450 billion by 2013-2014, the engineering exports are set to play a major role.

Engineering export include exports of goods, transport equipment, capital goods, other machinery/equipment and light engineering products like castings, forgings and fasteners.

India’s exports in 2010-11 stood at $ 245.9 billion, the highest ever since Independence.

 
Source: http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/article1715097.ece

Giai đoạn II bầu cử ở bang Tây Bengal

Phase II of West Bengal polls today

Raktima Bose
The Hindu
Kolkata, April 23, 2011

TIGHT SECURITY: A polling official counts sealed EVMs at Balpur in Bribhum district of West Bengal on Friday. Fifty constituencies are going to the polls in the second phase of the Assembly elections in the State on Saturday.

The fate of 293 candidates contesting in 50 constituencies will be decided in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on Saturday. This phase covers Murshidabad, Nadia and Birbhum districts.

On April 18, 54 constituencies in six north Bengal districts went to the polls.

“Vote fearlessly”

Speaking to reporters here on Friday, Chief Electoral Officer Sunil Gupta assured the electors that “strict security arrangements” had been made in every booth and appealed to them to exercise their franchise “fearlessly.”

While Central para-military force personnel would be deployed on the premises of each of the 11,531 booths, the security forces would also be posted in their vicinity in three tiers.

A total of 93,51,325 electors are on the rolls for this phase and the percentage of EPIC (Elector's Photo Identity Card) coverage is 99.18, according to the Election Commission.

Dissident factor

The dissident factor makes both Murshidabad and Nadia districts interesting battlegrounds, with as many as nine Congress rebels contesting as Independents against the nominees officially put up by the Congress-Trinamool Congress alliance.

Peeved at the Trinamool fielding candidates in four constituencies each in the two districts which were traditionally a strong base of the Congress, senior district leaders of the party Adhir Choudhury and Shankar Singh have openly expressed their support for the rebels contesting against the Trinamool nominees.

Even as the Pradesh Congress Committee suspended the rebels, Mr. Choudhury and Mr. Singh have remained steadfast in their support for them.
 
 
Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1718841.ece?homepage=true

PTI: Diện tích đất liền của Trung Quốc tăng thêm 1.000 cây số vuông

China's area increases by 1000 sq km
 
PTI | Jan 12, 2011

BEIJING: China, which has a land area of about 9.6 million sq km, the third-largest country in the world, will get 1,000 sq km more, thanks to Tajikistan which today agreed to cede a 130-year-long disputed territory to the neighbouring Communist giant.

The Majlisi Namoyandagon, Tajikistan's lower chamber of Parliament, ratified a protocol on demarcation of Tajikistan's common border with China.

This was decided at a regular sitting of the second session of the Majlisi Namoyandagon, presided over by its speaker Shukurjon Zuhurov, Tajikistan's news agency Asiaplus reported.

The protocol that was presented by Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi caused lively discussions, it said.

Zarifi noted that ratification of the protocol was an important political event and would promote further expansion of Tajikistan's ties with China.

According to him, territorial dispute at first between the Tsarist Russia and China, then between the Soviet Union and China and later between sovereign Tajikistan and China over some 28,500 square kilometers in the Pamirs rose in the second half of the 19th century.

"These disputable territories are nearly 20 per cent of Tajikistan's territory, while under the protocol, only 1,000 square kilometres, or 3 per cent of the disputable territories, are ceded to China," the minister said, claiming "victory" for Tajik diplomacy.

"I consider that signing of this protocol is the victory of Tajik diplomacy," the report quoted Zarifi as saying.

However, leader of the Islamic Revival Party (IRP) Muhiddin Kabiri said that ratification of that document contradicted the country's Constitution.

"Article 7 of the Constitution says the territory of Tajikistan is inseparable and inviolable," said Kabiri.

"Under the protocol, 1000 square kilometers of our territory will be ceded to China and it is the defeat of Tajik diplomacy," the MP said.

The leader of the Communist Party of Tajikistan (CPT) Shodi Shabdolov, for his part, noted that the main mistake of the Tajik government was non-transparency of the protocol on the boundary issue with China.

"Nobody had reliable information and many rumours were in society that allegedly a huge part of Tajik territory will be ceded to China," said Shabdolov.

The CPT leader noted that ratification of the protocol would put an end to almost 130-year territorial dispute between Tajikistan and China.

At the time of independence, portions of the Tajik boundary with China were not defined. This boundary dispute was settled in agreements signed in 2002 that ceded 1,000 square kilometers of Pamir mountain range to China in return for China relinquishing claims over 28,000 square kilometers of Tajik lands, the report said.

China also has territorial disputes with its other neighbours like India and Japan.

Located in East Asia, on the western shore of the Pacific Ocean, the People's Republic of China (PRC) has a land area of about 9.6 million sq km, and is the third-largest country in the world, next only to Russia and Canada, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry website.

 
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/Chinas-area-increases-by-1000-sq-km/articleshow/7269616.cms

Thứ Ba, 5 tháng 4, 2011

Thương mại Ấn Độ - Thái Lan có thể đạt 10 tỉ USD

India-Thailand trade likely to touch $10 billion

Special Correspondent
The Hindu
New Delhi, April 5, 2011


Prime Minister of Thailand Abhisit Vejjajiva (left) and Minister of Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma at a Business meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday. Photo: Ramesh Sharma


Stating that Thailand and India should build on their economic ties as possibilities are immense, Prime Minister of Thailand Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday said bilateral trade between the two nations was likely to touch $10 billion by 2012.

Addressing a business conclave meeting here on his first visit to India as the Prime Minister, Mr. Vejjajiva said the bilateral trade had seen a six-fold increase in the last ten years. It was likely to touch $10 billion by 2012 up from $6.7 billion last year.

Stating that Indian businesses and investors should see Thailand as a gateway to the ten-nation ASEAN market, the Thai Prime Minister said fast trade growth was expected when the ASEAN moved to a single market, set for 2015. “Thailand's Look-West Policy sets the stage in consolidating our substantive bilateral engagement. The last decade has seen a considerable expansion in our economic and political ties with the exchange of several high-level visits from both sides underscoring our mutual commitment for elevating the economic engagement,'' he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma expressed optimism over growing trade and investment between the two countries.

Reiterating India's commitment to deepening integration with Southeast Asia, he said that enhancing the share of manufacturing in the GDP was a priority for India and Thailand could play a major role in enhancing the share of manufacturing as they had a proven expertise in the area and had a significant share in their GDP.

Mr. Sharma said Indian companies had invested $2 billion in the Thai economy and companies from Thailand had invested nearly $1 billion. “Complementary strengths of our industry make us natural partners and the advantages of geography only reinforce this relationship,'' he added.

Mr. Sharma invited Thai companies to forge partnerships in the infrastructure sector. The Minister said over eight lakh Indian tourists visit Thailand and almost an equal number of tourists from Thailand visit India. “We would like to take this beyond just air connectivity and in this context, the tri-lateral highway project linking India and Thailand through Myanmar is an area of high priority for us,'' he remarked. 
 
Source: http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/article1602232.ece?homepage=true

Chủ Nhật, 3 tháng 4, 2011

Ấn Độ: Quản lý lạm phát đặt ra những thách thức mới hơn

Inflation management poses newer challenges

C. R. L. NARASIMHAN
The Hindu
April 4, 2011


The surge in food inflation, which crossed double digits on March 12 after retreating over the three previous weeks, appears to have caught the government by surprise. However, even when the weekly Wholesale Price Index-based food index was declining, the prices of milk, eggs, poultry and meat had remained firm. Economists had for quite some time assigned a specific cause for this trend: as incomes rise the food basket of an average family gets diversified.

The average family can afford to move from coarse grains to cereals, milk, eggs, meat and so on. Since this trend will not reverse, the price rise in these ‘protein' segments will remain high well into the medium-term. Adding to the discomfiture of policymakers has been the fact that there is no respite from the high global oil prices. Indian consumers expect domestic fuel prices to go up. This will harden inflation expectations, already at high levels.

Whether it is on account of an unexpected rise in food prices or due to a surge in the prices of non-food manufactured products or a combination of several factors, inflation has always been in the news.

Recently, the Finance Minister said that it would be possible to maintain inflation at ‘reasonable levels.' What those reasonable levels are, whether in fact the price rise is a result of high economic growth are all subject matters of considerable interest.

The Economic Survey 2010-11 looks at inflation from different perspectives. In its second chapter ‘ Micro-foundations of macroeconomic development', the survey observes that the period of high growth accompanied by inflation calls for some nuanced analysis of the impact of inflation.

Since not all sections are partaking of the fruits of growth in the same way, policymakers have to worry about the worse-off and vulnerable sections of the society.

Hypothetically, it is possible that the average Indian is better off as the per capita income growth has been of the order of about 7 per cent annually. However, some poor people are actually worse off because their nominal incomes have hardly grown and inflation has negated that growth. For a country having inclusive growth as a model this is a serious concern.

Rise in food prices

The rise in food prices especially impacts on the poor more severely than on others.

According to official statistics, the bottom quintile of India's rural population spends about 67 per cent of their aggregate household expenditure on food. With food inflation at around 10 per cent during the most part of the year, some in this group would be worse off despite the high real GDP growth. Then that is the reason why the official policies have to be supportive of the poor-through appropriate food security schemes, dependable micro credit, basic health support and so on. Such policies are there to stay.

Despite the best efforts, inflation will be higher than the 3 per cent or so that prevailed earlier.

There is an interesting connection between inclusion and inflation. A number of people especially in the rural areas keep their savings as cash at home.

Financial inclusion

Financial inclusion aims at persuading these people to deposit money in a bank. The previously idle money would then enter the financial system and add to liquidity. Admittedly financial inclusion, a high priority policy objective, really encompasses a number of initiatives — creating the financial infrastructure in previously unbanked areas, financial literacy and so on. That such a laudable objective should stoke inflation has not been widely understood so far.

There is enough evidence from around the world that monetisation of the economy and bringing more and more people into the formal financial system contribute to an overall pressure on prices.

Another generally beneficial development, globalisation or integration of the domestic economy with the global economy, can also push up prices in India.

In poor countries, the purchasing power parity (PPP) is low. This means the kind of living standard one can have in a poor country with $100 is considerably higher than what one can achieve with the same money in the U.S. and other advanced economies.

But by the time a country becomes industrialised, the PPP correction has to become smaller.

This happens partly because of exchange rate alignments but more substantially because the prices of basic non-traded goods and unskilled labour in the formerly poor countries rise and partly catch up with prices in industrialised countries.

Looking at the future, given that the Indian economy is expected to be on a high growth path, inflation will also remain high.

According to the Economic Survey, the country will have an average annual inflation of nearly 5 per cent during the next decade or so. That forecast is arrived after taking into account several likely scenarios, such as a spurt in real per capita incomes and its impact on prices.

All these suggest the need to revisit some of the standard policies for managing inflation. India's growth process has to be inclusive and there must be better designed systems for providing security to the vulnerable.

 
Source: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/article1596885.ece?homepage=true

Wikileaks: Cuộc chiến giữa "lực lượng cải cách" và "đội già" trong nội bộ đảng Quốc đại Ấn Độ

A struggle between 'reform cadre' and the 'old line' in the Congress

Suresh Nambath
The Hindu
CHENNAI, April 4, 2011


Electoral defeats in 2007 and their impact on impending Uttar Pradesh polls made some Congressmen seek 'a more saleable political face at the head of the government.' Photo: Kamal Narang

Cable speaks of some members of the party advocating that Sonia Gandhi jettison Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister

After the Congress suffered electoral losses in Punjab and Uttarakhand in February 2007, some party members advocated that party president Sonia Gandhi “jettison” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election in April-May 2007 and “put a more saleable political face at the head of the government,” according to a United States Embassy cable (100159: confidential) sent on March 13, 2007.

“Following a string of recent local-level electoral defeats in Mumbai, Uttarakhand, and Punjab, Sonia Gandhi and her personal advisors are very concerned that the impending Uttar Pradesh (UP) elections will turn out horribly for Congress. As a result, some are advocating that she jettison Prime Minister Singh — whose message of rapprochement with Pakistan has been criticized by the BJP — and put a more saleable political face at the head of the government,” the cable sent under the name of Embassy Charge d'Affaires Geoffrey Pyatt reported to Washington.

The Embassy appeared worried about the “reform cadre” in the government being sidelined by the “old line” Congress with socialist sympathies. “What seems clear in the aftermath of recent polls is that the reform cadre of Manmohan Singh, [Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission] Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and Finance Minister [P.] Chidambaram are politically diminished, Sonia Gandhi's inner coterie is deeply worried, and the old line Congress and their Communist fellow-travelers are empowered. Politics in India are a mess right now for Congress, and while the GOI [Government of India] is publicly optimistic about the nuclear deal, it is clearly caught in a domestic political eddy,” the cable added.

It also took note of the political compulsions of the Congress that might have a bearing on U.S. interests. “Others are urging that the Congress hunker down and play it safe on the budget, inflation, economic reform, and foreign policy — including the nuclear deal — to minimize the negative impact on UP voters, many of whom are Muslim and take a dim view of the United States.”

Energy sector concerns

The cable, accessed by The Hindu through WikiLeaks, was sent ahead of a visit to India by Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman to further the U.S.-India relationship in the energy sector.

Mr. Pyatt, in the “scene-setter” for the visit, expressed the hope that Mr. Bodman could win over the Indian nuclear scientific establishment with the prospect of “future-oriented programs” like the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership. “Your scheduled meetings in Mumbai with Department of Atomic Energy Secretary Dr. Anil Kakodkar and in New Delhi with Special Envoy Shyam Saran offer an opportunity to highlight the many benefits of U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation, which could be lost if India does not conclude the 123 Agreement quickly,” he wrote.

Briefing Mr. Bodman on what to expect during his meetings in India, the Charge said: “The Prime Minister will likely tell you that his number one priority is extending the benefits of India's rapid growth to the 700 million Indians — mostly in the rural sector — who continue to live at a near subsistence level. Rising food and fuel prices have particularly hurt the poor, creating a political backlash against the UPA government in recent state elections. Prime Minister Singh and your other interlocutors will be very interested in your ideas on how the United States can help with India's energy needs in the short and long term, particularly with respect to the rural sector.”

Looking ahead to Mr. Bodman's meeting with Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Murli Deora, Mr. Pyatt wrote that Mr. Deora had “close ties to Sonia Gandhi's inner circle and a political base in Mumbai, and he is central to India's international quest for growing petroleum and natural gas imports, and cooperation with the United States in domestic industry development and regulatory policy.” The Minister had told American diplomats that India did not expect a final agreement to be reached on the oil pipeline with Iran due to Iranian unreliability and Iran changing the terms of the June 2005 agreement to sell India LNG from its South Pars field for 25 years. “The MPNG increasingly sees LNG from Qatar and Australia as a more viable option than several proposed pipeline projects,” the cable noted.

While giving the Energy Secretary a backgrounder to the U.S.-India civil nuclear negotiations, Mr. Pyatt said Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon had handed Under Secretary Nicholas Burns a “completely inadequate counter-draft to the 123 Agreement — authored by the skeptics in India's nuclear establishment who remain concerned about U.S. efforts to ‘entrap' India and constrain its strategic program.”

Mr. Burns, the cable added, had asked Mr. Menon to “provide a more workable basis on which the U.S. and India can continue talks, and invited an Indian team with negotiating authority to the U.S. for the next round of discussions.” (This was sent before the two countries released the full text of the 123 agreement, which allows for cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear energy, in August 2007.)

Analysing the compulsions of the Congress-led government in this context, it said:

“The politics around India's energy policy reflects a struggle between needed economic reform and political impediments to change. Prime Minister Singh and Deputy Chairman Ahluwalia are well aware of what economic reforms are needed to enhance India's long term growth.

“They realize that reasonable regulation and market-based pricing of electricity, petroleum products, natural gas, and coal would be most conducive to encouraging investment, reliable revenue streams, energy efficiency, and rational choice among projects and energy sources. However, the political imperatives of middle-class and poor voters' resistance to price increases, particularly with consumer inflation recently exceeding 6%, have induced the GOI to maintain price controls and government subsidies. Similarly, although the GOI privately doubts Iran's reliability as a potential source of natural gas by pipeline or of liquefied natural gas, it continues negotiations with Iran to appease Muslim and left-wing voters and Members of Parliament.”

(This article is a part of the series "The India Cables" based on the US diplomatic cables accessed by The Hindu via WikiLeaks.)


Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/the-india-cables/article1597302.ece?homepage=true