Think INDIA: Look East Policy

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Thứ Tư, 29 tháng 12, 2010

Obama muốn Ấn Độ không chỉ "hướng" mà còn "can dự" ở phía Đông

U.S. President Barack Obama’s Parliament address

November 8, 2010

U.S. President Barack Obama addresses the Parliament in New Delhi on Monday. Photo: AP

Text of U.S. President Barack Obama's speech to MPs of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

Mr. Vice President, Madame Speaker, Mr. Prime Minister, Members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and most of all, the people of India.

I thank you for the great honor of addressing the representatives of more than one billion Indians and the world’s largest democracy. I bring the greetings and friendship of the world’s oldest democracy—the U.S.A, including nearly three million proud and patriotic Indian Americans.

Over the past three days, my wife Michelle and I have experienced the beauty and dynamism of India and its people. From the majesty of Humayun’s Tomb to the advanced technologies that are empowering farmers and women who are the backbone of Indian society. From a Diwali celebration with schoolchildren to the innovators who are fueling India’s economic rise. From the university students who will chart India’s future, to you—leaders who helped to bring India to this moment of promise.

At every stop, we have been welcomed with the hospitality for which Indians have always been known. So to you and the people of India, on behalf of me, Michelle and the American people, please accept our deepest thanks. Bahoot dhanyavad.

I am not the first American President to visit India. Nor will I be the last. But I am proud to visit India so early in my presidency. It is no coincidence that India is my first stop on a visit to Asia, or that this has been my longest visit to another country since becoming President.

For in Asia and around the world, India is not simply emerging; India has already emerged. And it is my firm belief that the relationship between the United States and India—bound by our shared interests and values—will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century. This is the partnership I have come here to build. This is the vision that our nations can realize together.

My confidence in our shared future is grounded in my respect for India’s treasured past—a civilization that has been shaping the world for thousands of years. Indians unlocked the intricacies of the human body and the vastness of our universe. And it is no exaggeration to say that our information age is rooted in Indian innovations—including the number zero.

India not only opened our minds, she expanded our moral imagination. With religious texts that still summon the faithful to lives of dignity and discipline. With poets who imagined a future “where the mind is without fear and the head is held high.” And with a man whose message of love and justice endures—the Father of your Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

For me and Michelle, this visit has therefore held special meaning. Throughout my life, including my work as a young man on behalf of the urban poor, I have always found inspiration in the life of Gandhiji and in his simple and profound lesson to be the change we seek in the world. And just as he summoned Indians to seek their destiny, he influenced champions of equality in my own country, including a young Martin Luther King. After making his pilgrimage to India a half century ago, Dr. King called Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violent resistance “the only logical and moral approach” in the struggle for justice and progress.

So we were honored to visit the residence where Gandhi and King both stayed—Mani Bhavan. We were humbled to pay our respects at Raj Ghat. And I am mindful that I might not be standing before you today, as President of the United States, had it not been for Gandhi and the message he shared with America and the world.

An ancient civilization of science and innovation. A fundamental faith in human progress. This is the sturdy foundation upon which you have built ever since that stroke of midnight when the tricolor was raised over a free and independent India. And despite the skeptics who said that this country was simply too poor, too vast, too diverse to succeed, you surmounted overwhelming odds and became a model to the world.

Instead of slipping into starvation, you launched a Green Revolution that fed millions. Instead of becoming dependent on commodities and exports, you invested in science and technology and in your greatest resource—the Indian people. And the world sees the results, from the supercomputers you build to the Indian flag that you put on the moon.

Instead of resisting the global economy, you became one of its engines—reforming the licensing raj and unleashing an economic marvel that has lifted tens of millions from poverty and created one of the world’s largest middle classes.

Instead of succumbing to division, you have shown that the strength of India—the very idea of India—is its embrace of all colors, castes and creeds. It’s the diversity represented in this chamber today. It’s the richness of faiths celebrated by a visitor to my hometown of Chicago more than a century ago—the renowned Swami Vivekananda. He said that, “holiness, purity and charity are not the exclusive possessions of any church in the world, and that every system has produced men and women of the most exalted character.”

And instead of being lured by the false notion that progress must come at the expense of freedom, you built the institutions upon which true democracy depends—free and fair elections, which enable citizens to choose their own leaders without recourse to arms; an independent judiciary and the rule of law, which allows people to address their grievances; and a thriving free press and vibrant civil society which allows every voice to be heard. And this year, as India marks 60 years with a strong and democratic constitution, the lesson is clear: India has succeeded, not in spite of democracy; India has succeeded because of democracy.

Just as India has changed, so too has the relationship between our two nations. In the decades after independence, India advanced its interests as a proud leader of the nonaligned movement. Yet too often, the United States and India found ourselves on opposite sides of a North-South divide and estranged by a long Cold War. Those days are over.

Here in India, two successive governments led by different parties have recognized that deeper partnership with America is both natural and necessary. In the United States, both of my predecessors—one Democrat, one Republican—worked to bring us closer, leading to increased trade and a landmark civil nuclear agreement.

Since then, people in both our countries have asked: what next? How can we build on this progress and realize the full potential of our partnership? That is what I want to address today—the future that the United States seeks in an interconnected world; why I believe that India is indispensable to this vision; and how we can forge a truly global partnership—not in just one or two areas, but across many; not just for our mutual benefit, but for the world’s.

Of course, only Indians can determine India’s national interests and how to advance them on the world stage. But I stand before you today because I am convinced that the interests of the United States—and the interests we share with India—are best advanced in partnership.

The United States seeks security—the security of our country, allies and partners. We seek prosperity—a strong and growing economy in an open international economic system. We seek respect for universal values. And we seek a just and sustainable international order that promotes peace and security by meeting global challenges through stronger global cooperation.

To advance these interests, I have committed the United States to comprehensive engagement with the world, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. And a central pillar of this engagement is forging deeper cooperation with 21st century centers of influence—and that includes India.

Now, India is not the only emerging power in the world. But the relationship between our countries is unique. For we are two strong democracies whose constitutions begin with the same revolutionary words—“We the people.” We are two great Republics dedicated to the liberty, justice and the equality of all people. And we are two free market economies where people have the freedom to pursue ideas and innovations that can change the world. This is why I believe that India and America are indispensable partners in meeting the challenges of our time.

Since taking office, I’ve therefore made our relationship a priority. I was proud to welcome Prime Minister Singh for the first official state visit of my presidency. For the first time ever, our governments are working together across the whole range of common challenges we face. And let me say it as clearly as I can: the United States not only welcomes India as a rising global power, we fervently support it, and we have worked to help make it a reality.

Together with our partners, we have made the G20 the premier forum for international economic cooperation, bringing more voices to the table of global economic decision-making, including India. We have increased the role of emerging economies like India at international financial institutions. We valued India’s important role at Copenhagen, where, for the first time, all major economies committed to take action to confront climate change—and to stand by those actions. We salute India’s long history as a leading contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions. And we welcome India as it prepares to take its seat on the United Nations Security Council.

In short, with India assuming its rightful place in the world, we have an historic opportunity to make the relationship between our two countries a defining partnership of the century ahead. And I believe we can do so by working together in three important areas.

First, as global partners we can promote prosperity in both our countries. Together, we can create the high-tech, high-wage jobs of the future. With my visit, we are now ready to begin implementing our civil nuclear agreement. This will help meet India’s growing energy needs and create thousands of jobs in both our countries.

We need to forge partnerships in high-tech sectors like defense and civil space. So we have removed Indian organizations from our so-called “entity list.” And we’ll work to reform our controls on exports. Both of these steps will ensure that Indian companies seeking high-tech trade and technologies from America are treated the same as our closest allies and partners.

We can pursue joint research and development to create green jobs; give Indians more access to cleaner, affordable energy; meet the commitments we made at Copenhagen; and show the possibilities of low-carbon growth.

Together, we can resist the protectionism that stifles growth and innovation. The United States remains—and will continue to remain—one of the most open economies in the world. And by opening markets and reducing barriers to foreign investment, India can realize its full economic potential as well. As G20 partners, we can make sure the global economic recovery is strong and durable. And we can keep striving for a Doha Round that is ambitious and balanced—with the courage to make the compromises that are necessary so global trade works for all economies.

Together, we can strengthen agriculture. Cooperation between Indian and American researchers and scientists sparked the Green Revolution. Today, India is a leader in using technology to empower farmers, like those I met yesterday who get free updates on market and weather conditions on their cell phones. And the United States is a leader in agricultural productivity and research. Now, as farmers and rural areas face the effects of climate change and drought, we’ll work together to spark a second, more sustainable Evergreen Revolution.

Together, we’re going to improve Indian weather forecasting systems before the next monsoon season. We aim to help millions of Indian farming households save water and increase productivity; improve food processing so crops don’t spoil on the way to market; and enhance climate and crop forecasting to avoid losses that cripple communities and drive up food prices.

And as part of our food security initiative, we’re going to share India’s expertise with farmers in Africa. This is an indication of India’s rise—that we can now export hard-earned expertise to countries that see India as a model for agricultural development. And that’s another powerful example of how American and Indian partnership can address an urgent global challenge.

Because the wealth of a nation also depends on the health of its people, we’ll continue to support India’s efforts against diseases like tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, and as global partners, we’ll work to improve global health by preventing the spread of pandemic flu. And because knowledge is the currency of the 21st century, we’ll increase exchanges between our students, colleges and universities, which are among the best in the world.

As we work to advance our shared prosperity, we can partner to address a second priority—our shared security. In Mumbai, I met with the courageous families and survivors of that barbaric attack. And here in this Parliament, which was itself targeted because of the democracy it represents, we honor the memory of all those who have been taken from us, including American citizens on 26/11 and Indian citizens on 9/11.

This is the bond we share. It’s why we insist that nothing ever justifies the slaughter of innocent men, women and children. It’s why we’re working together, more closely than ever, to prevent terrorist attacks and to deepen our cooperation even further. And it’s why, as strong and resilient societies, we refuse to live in fear, we will not sacrifice the values and rule of law that defines us, and we will never waver in the defense of our people.

America’s fight against al Qaeda and its terrorist affiliates is why we persevere in Afghanistan, where major development assistance from India has improved the lives of the Afghan people. We’re making progress in our mission to break the Taliban’s momentum and to train Afghan forces so they can take the lead for their security. And while I have made it clear that American forces will begin the transition to Afghan responsibility next summer, I have also made it clear that America’s commitment to the Afghan people will endure. The United States will not abandon the people of Afghanistan—or the region—to the violent extremists who threaten us all.

Our strategy to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda and its affiliates has to succeed on both sides of the border. That is why we have worked with the Pakistani government to address the threat of terrorist networks in the border region. The Pakistani government increasingly recognizes that these networks are not just a threat outside of Pakistan—they are a threat to the Pakistani people, who have suffered greatly at the hands of violent extremists.

And we will continue to insist to Pakistan's leaders that terrorist safe-havens within their borders are unacceptable, and that the terrorists behind the Mumbai attacks be brought to justice. We must also recognize that all of us have and interest in both an Afghanistan and a Pakistan that is stable, prosperous and democratic—and none more so than India.

In pursuit of regional security, we will continue to welcome dialogue between India and Pakistan, even as we recognize that disputes between your two countries can only be resolved by the people of your two countries.

More broadly, India and the United States can partner in Asia. Today, the United States is once again playing a leadership role in Asia—strengthening old alliances; deepening relationships, as we are doing with China; and we’re reengaging with regional organizations like ASEAN and joining the East Asia summit—organizations in which India is also a partner. Like your neighbors in Southeast Asia, we want India to not only “look East,” we want India to “engage East”—because it will increase the security and prosperity of all our nations.

And as two global leaders, the United States and India can partner for global security—especially as India serves on the Security Council over the next two years. Indeed, the just and sustainable international order that America seeks includes a United Nations that is efficient, effective, credible and legitimate. That is why I can say today—in the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed U.N. Security Council that includes India as a permanent member.

Now, let me suggest that with increased power comes increased responsibility. The United Nations exists to fulfill its founding ideals of preserving peace and security, promoting global cooperation, and advancing human rights. These are the responsibilities of all nations, but especially those that seek to lead in the 21st century. And so we look forward to working with India—and other nations that aspire to Security Council membership—to ensure that the Security Council is effective; that resolutions are implemented and sanctions enforced; and that we strengthen the international norms which recognize the rights and responsibilities of all nations and individuals.

This includes our responsibility to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Since I took office, the United States has reduced the role of nuclear weapons in our national security strategy, and agreed with Russia to reduce our arsenals. We have put preventing nuclear proliferation and nuclear terrorism at the top of our nuclear agenda, and strengthened the cornerstone of the global non-proliferation regime—the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Together, the United States and India can pursue our goal of securing the world’s vulnerable nuclear materials. We can make it clear that even as every nation has the right to peaceful nuclear energy, every nation must also meet its international obligations—and that includes the Islamic Republic of Iran. And together, we can pursue a vision that Indian leaders have espoused since independence—a world without nuclear weapons.

This leads me to the final area where our countries can partner—strengthening the foundations of democratic governance, not only at home but abroad.

In the United States, my administration has worked to make government more open and transparent and accountable to the people. Here in India, you’re harnessing technologies to do the same, as I saw yesterday. Your landmark Right to Information Act is empowering citizens with the ability to get the services to which they’re entitled and to hold officials accountable. Voters can get information about candidates by text message. And you’re delivering education and health care services to rural communities, as I saw yesterday when I joined an e-panchayat with villagers in Rajasthan.

Now, in a new collaboration on open government, our two countries are going to share our experience, identify what works, and develop the next-generation of tools to empower citizens. And in another example of how American and Indian partnership can address global challenges, we’re going to share these innovations with civil society groups and countries around the world. We’re going to show that democracy, more than any other form of government, delivers for the common man—and woman.

Likewise, when Indians vote, the whole world watches. Thousands of political parties. Hundreds of thousands of polling centers. Millions of candidates and poll workers, and 700 million voters. There’s nothing like it on the planet. There is so much that countries transitioning to democracy could learn from India’s experience; so much expertise that India could share with the world. That, too, is what’s possible when the world’s largest democracy embraces its role as a global leader.

As the world’s two largest democracies, we must also never forget that the price of our own freedom is standing up for the freedom of others. Indians know this, for it is the story of your nation. Before he ever began his struggle for Indian independence, Gandhi stood up for the rights of Indians in South Africa. Just as others, including the United States, supported Indian independence, India championed the self-determination of peoples from Africa to Asia as they too broke free from colonialism. And along with the United States, you’ve been a leader in supporting democratic development and civil society groups around the world. This, too, is part of India’s greatness.

Every country will follow its own path. No one nation has a monopoly on wisdom, and no nation should ever try to impose its values on another. But when peaceful democratic movements are suppressed—as in Burma—then the democracies of the world cannot remain silent. For it is unacceptable to gun down peaceful protestors and incarcerate political prisoners decade after decade. It is unacceptable to hold the aspirations of an entire people hostage to the greed and paranoia of a bankrupt regime. It is unacceptable to steal an election, as the regime in Burma has done again for all the world to see.

Faced with such gross violations of human rights, it is the responsibility of the international community—especially leaders like the United States and India—to condemn it. If I can be frank, in international fora, India has often avoided these issues. But speaking up for those who cannot do so for themselves is not interfering in the affairs of other countries. It’s not violating the rights of sovereign nations. It’s staying true to our democratic principles. It’s giving meaning to the human rights that we say are universal. And it sustains the progress that in Asia and around the world has helped turn dictatorships into democracies and ultimately increased our security in the world.

Promoting shared prosperity. Preserving peace and security. Strengthening democratic governance and human rights. These are the responsibilities of leadership. And, as global partners, this is the leadership that the United States and India can offer in the 21st century. Ultimately, however, this cannot be a relationship only between presidents and prime ministers, or in the halls of this parliament. Ultimately, this must be a partnership between our peoples. So I want to conclude by speaking directly to the people of India watching today.

In your lives, you have overcome odds that might have overwhelmed a lesser country. In just decades, you have achieved progress and development that took other nations centuries. And now you are assuming your rightful place as a leader among nations. Your parents and grandparents imagined this. Your children and grandchildren will look back on this. But only you—this generation of Indians—can seize the possibility of this moment.

As you carry on with the hard work ahead, I want every Indian citizen to know: the United States of America will not simply be cheering you on from the sidelines. We will be right there with you, shoulder to shoulder. Because we believe in the promise of India. And we believe that the future is what we make it.

We believe that no matter who you are or where you come from, every person can fulfill their God-given potential, just as a Dalit like Dr. Ambedkar could lift himself up and pen the words of the Constitution that protects the rights of all Indians.

We believe that no matter where you live—whether a village in Punjab or the bylanes of Chandni Chowk…an old section of Kolkata or a new high-rise in Bangalore—every person deserves the same chance to live in security and dignity, to get an education, to find work, and to give their children a better future.

And we believe that when countries and cultures put aside old habits and attitudes that keep people apart, when we recognize our common humanity, then we can begin to fulfill the aspirations we share. It’s a simple lesson contained in that collection of stories which has guided Indians for centuries—the Panchtantra. And it’s the spirit of the inscription seen by all who enter this great hall: ‘That one is mine and the other a stranger is the concept of little minds. But to the large-hearted, the world itself is their family.”

This is the story of India; it’s the story of America—that despite their differences, people can see themselves in one another, and work together and succeed together as one proud nation. And it can be the spirit of the partnership between our nations—that even as we honor the histories which in different times kept us apart, even as we preserve what makes us unique in a globalized world, we can recognize how much we can achieve together.

And if we let this simple concept be our guide, if we pursue the vision I have described today—a global partnership to meet global challenges—then I have no doubt that future generations—Indians and Americans—will live in a world that is more prosperous, more secure, and more just because of the bonds that our generation forged today.

Thank you, Jai Hind!, and long live the partnership between India and the United States.

(Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article874394.ece; accessed 29 Dec. 2010)

Thứ Bảy, 11 tháng 12, 2010

Indian PM’s remarks at 5th East Asia Summit

PM’s remarks at the fifth East Asia Summit

October 30, 2010

I  reaffirm India’s commitment to the East Asia Summit process. India’s  engagement with South East and East Asia has been a pillar of our  foreign policy since the 1990s. We have   participated in each of the  Summits and in the many sectoral meetings.  India believes in the  centrality of ASEAN’s role in the EAS process.

This is a special  Summit, marking the 5th Anniversary of the East Asia Summit. The EAS has  come a long way since its first meeting in Kuala Lumpur in December  2005. Today, it has become an integral part of the regional architecture  and a purposeful vehicle for community building in the region. 

The  EAS process has over the years grappled with immediate challenges such  as disaster management and pandemics and energy security in 2007, the  global economic crisis in 2008 and the climate change negotiations in  2009. This is in addition to the ongoing task of creating structures and  institutions which lead to the overall goal of forging a wider Asian  community encompassing the economic, political, security, social,  cultural and people-to-people spheres.

The economic weight is shifting in favour of  Asia, and it is seen as the engine of global growth. It has weathered  the global economic crisis well. The EAS process is creating prosperity  in the region, and helping to bridge gaps between sub-regions and  nations in Asia. We are on the right track. 

The theme of the Summit - from vision to action - is most appropriate. We need to move from policy declarations to greater functional cooperation. 

I  welcome the entry of the United States and Russia as participants in  the EAS process.  The EAS will benefit from there experience while  remaining an ASEAN-led process. 

I would like to complement the  Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) for their  work in promoting regional integration by providing useful research and  practical policy recommendations on regional connectivity, trade,  investment, energy and the environment. ERIA has submitted a report on  the Comprehensive Asian Development Plan (CADP) and identified three  corridors for building infrastructure, connectivity and industrial  activity that will support the realization of a community in the region.  One of these is for a Mekong – India Economic Corridor.

Thanks  to the collective efforts of G-20, the world economy has gradually  stabilized even though the recovery remains fragile. Growth in  developing countries would be greatly helped if threats of new  protectionist measures in industrialized countries are firmly resisted  and existing barriers to trade are reduced. Towards this end, a  successful completion of the Doha Development Round of trade  negotiations is important. 

India welcomes further progress on a  Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement for East Asia (CEPEA)  process. Till last year we had signed CEPA Agreements with Singapore and  ROK and a Trade in Goods Agreement with the ASEAN. In the last one year  we have completed negotiations on a CEPA with Japan and Malaysia. An  Agreement on Trade in Services and Investment is under negotiation with  the ASEAN. 

Forthcoming G-20 Summit in Seoul should focus on development. I am happy  that development has been included as an item for discussion. 

Indian  economy is expected to grow at the rate of 8.5% this year. We hope to  achieve a growth rate of 9.10% next year. This will encourage two way  trade between India and ASEAN Member States.

We  welcome the first meeting of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Plus Eight in  Hanoi earlier this month. India supports practical and pragmatic  cooperation through this new forum by building trust and confidence  among all countries.  We believe that in a step by step process, at a  pace comfortable to all, this forum can make a meaningful contribution  to building open and transparent security architecture in the  Asia-Pacific region. 

Tackling the growing threats to security – non-State actors, security of  sea-lanes, piracy, human trafficking, terrorism and protection of  global commons – would require concerted response. 

At the 4th East Asia Summit, EAS member countries had supported the  establishment of the University as a non-state, non-profit, secular and  self-governing international institution to bring together the brightest  and the best in East Asia. I am happy to report that the Nalanda  University Bill has been passed by both Houses of the Indian Parliament  earlier this year. The Nalanda Mentor Group (headed by Nobel Laureate  Dr. Amartya Sen) will act as the interim Governing Board of the  University till such time as the members of the Governing Board have  been nominated. The statutes of the University are being drafted. Land  has been acquired for the University. We invite EAS member countries to  participate in the Nalanda University project. I hope that Nalanda  University will be an important element in the community that we hope to  build in the East Asian region. 

India supports a collaborative  approach to energy issues. Our present energy policy involves adopting a  multi-pronged strategy by broadening our energy mix, including nuclear  energy.

We want positive outcome in  Cancun at the 16th Conference of Parties. It should build upon the  Copenhagen Accord. India is doing everything possible within the  limitation of her own resources to contribute to the global action on  climate change.  Under our ambitious National Action Plan on Climate  Change, we have embarked upon measures to improve energy efficiency,  reduce energy intensity and enhance the share of renewable energy in the  energy mix. 

We listened with great interest to remarks of the  President of the Asian Development Bank. In near future, we believe that  Asia’s growth and intra-ASEAN trade can make an important contribution  to global recovery. 

Hanoi

October 30, 2010

(Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=530116615; Accessed 12 Dec. 2010)

Indian PM's Statement at 8th ASEAN-India Summit

Prime Minister’s statement at the 8^th India-ASEAN Summit

October 30, 2010

I thank you, Mr.  Prime Minister, for your warm welcome and generous hospitality. It is a  pleasure for all of us to gather here on the auspicious occasion of the  commemoration of 1000 years of the establishment of the city of Hanoi.

I deeply condole the loss of lives and property in the recent tsunami  in Indonesia and floods in Vietnam.  I wish the people of Indonesia and  Vietnam an early recovery from the unfortunate tragedy.  

I thank Cambodia, and especially Prime Minister Hun Sen, for his strong  support to India as country Coordinator and look forward to our  continuing close association with Cambodia. 

For the past five years the achievement of the India-ASEAN partnership  has been to initiate cooperation in a diverse range of sectors covering  political and security ties, economic cooperation and the promotion of  socio-cultural links.  

I commend the officials of both sides for developing a Plan of Action to  implement the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared  Prosperity for the years 2010-2015.  It is an ambitious road map and the  82 Action Points reflect the vast potential and desire to develop a  multi-faceted India-ASEAN relationship.

Our experience of implementation shows that we  need to work very hard at all levels if we have to accelerate the pace  of engagement as outlined in the Plan of Action.  I recall that the  theme of the ASEAN Summit this year is “Vision to Action”.  This theme  is equally appropriate for our own partnership. 

I invite the  ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan to visit India to review the  mechanisms and procedures in place so that the pace of implementing  agreed projects can be speeded up.  

I would urge that the two sides make further efforts to identify  concrete projects for cooperation under the India-ASEAN Science &  Technology Fund, India-ASEAN Green Fund and the US $ 50 million  India-ASEAN Fund announced last year. 

Excellencies, 

India believes that ASEAN is the core around which the process of  economic integration of the Asia-Pacific region should be built.   India’s economy has been growing rapidly for the past few years.  This  year we hope to achieve a growth rate of 8.5%.  In the coming years, we  hope to sustain a growth rate of 9-10% per year which will offer many  opportunities for trade and investment.  Our government has undertaken  programmes for a massive transformation of rural India that is creating a  huge and booming rural market for goods and services. 

 We  hope that all formalities for implementing the India-ASEAN Trade in  Goods Agreement by all ASEAN States are completed at an early date. The  conclusion of a Services and Investment Agreement will be an important  step in our goal of comprehensive economic cooperation.

  In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in people to  people exchanges as a result of better air connectivity between India  and ASEAN.  More than 3 million Indian tourists visit ASEAN every year  and about 380 flights connect Indian and ASEAN cities every week. This  is well below the potential. 

Excellencies

We invite many more tourists from the ASEAN countries to visit India to  see the splendor of its rich cultural heritage. I am happy that the text  of the ASEAN-India MoU for cooperation in Tourism has been finalized.  I  am also pleased to note that ASEAN will soon establish an ASEAN  Promotional Chapter for tourism in Mumbai. 

As a concrete measure, I  am happy to announce that we will extend our visa on arrival facility  to nationals of Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines and Laos with effect from  1st of January 2011.

We have always accorded high priority to the countries covered by the “Initiative for ASEAN integration”. We hope to upgrade the level of youth exchanges as well as establish Vocational Training Centres in each of these countries.

 Connectivity is another important area of our cooperation.   As a further measure to support the ASEAN Master Plan on Connectivity,  we will offer 100 IT scholarships to each of the 10 ASEAN countries  over the next 5 years. 

 Science & Technology should be another focus area for our cooperation.  We  are ready to set up a Centre for Tracking and Data Reception and an  Imaging facility for the ASEAN countries.  This Centre would utilize  data provided by Indian remote sensing satellites and harness it for  multiple developmental applications.  I propose a meeting of the heads of our space agencies in India which could work out exact details of cooperation. 

  Our cooperation in political and security matters is progressing well,  including through expanded bilateral exchanges.  These are important  areas of our cooperation not only because of the common threats that we  face but also because such cooperation helps to built mutual trust and  understanding.  

India looks forward to hosting the commemorative  India-ASEAN Summit in India in the year 2012.  This will be a land mark  event and we must begin preparations early.  The Eminent Persons Group  should be set up quickly so that it can formulate a vision statement  towards a long term strategic partnership between ASEAN and India that  could be the theme of the Summit.  

Thank you. 

Hanoi

October 30, 2010

(Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=530116614; Accessed 12 Dec. 2010)

India-Malaysia Joint Statement in 2010

      
Joint Statement on the Framework for the India-Malaysia Strategic PartnershipOctober 27, 2010

The  Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak and the Prime  Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh met in Kuala Lumpur on 27 October  2010. They recalled their decision during the visit of the Prime  Minister of Malaysia to India in January 2010 to expand and deepen  India-Malaysia bilateral relations by establishing a strategic  partnership between the two countries.

The two Prime Ministers  acknowledged the long history of cultural and civilization contacts  between the two countries and their shared commitment to democracy and  development. They also acknowledged that both sides had made a  contribution in promoting economic development and stability in the  Asia-Pacific and recognized each others’ responsibility in the promotion  of peace, development and security of the region based on a convergence  of political and economic interests and aspirations. Both leaders  recalled that India and Malaysia have a mutual stake in the progress and  prosperity of the other, and expressed their determination to imbue  greater dynamism to the relationship through all-round cooperation and  engagement. They expressed their common desire to elevate bilateral  relations to the level of a long term and strategic partnership based on  mutual equality and mutual understanding. 

In this context, the  two Prime Ministers have identified the following elements of the  Strategic Partnership between the two countries: 

 The two leaders agreed to maintain regular dialogue and contact at the  summit level, including at the margins of international conferences; 

 Both sides acknowledged the importance of enhancing and deepening  all-round cooperation through biennial meetings of the Joint Commission  headed by the Foreign Ministers of the two countries, and that the next  meeting shall be held in Kuala Lumpur in the first half of 2011; 

 Both sides welcomed the steady high level exchanges between the two  countries and agreed to promote more exchanges at the Cabinet level  including between the Ministers in charge of Trade & Industry,  Railways, Road Transport & Highways, Tourism, Energy including new  and renewable energy, Higher Education and Knowledge; 

Both  sides will continue to hold biennial foreign office consultations,  including on regional and strategic issues of mutual interest, between  the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and  the Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs of India; 

 Both sides also agreed to enhance defence exchanges and cooperation  through regular exchanges between the Defence Ministers, senior defence  officials, Chiefs of the Armed Services and regular Service-to-Service  Staff Talks and regular ships visits.  

 The two leaders agreed to explore the possibilities of joint  collaboration on projects of mutual interest in the defence sector on  the basis of experience gained by both sides during the successful  completion of the SU 30 MKM training programme, including in the areas  of industry collaboration / partnership. The Malaysian side looks  forward to participation from the Indian defence industry at the soon to  be established Malaysian Defence and Security Park. Both sides also  agreed to support each others defence exhibitions; 

The two  leaders  firmly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,  and agreed to enhance cooperation  in counter-terrorism including  through information sharing and the establishment of a bilateral Joint  Working Group on Counter-Terrorism at an early date; 

The two  leaders affirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral trade  and investment cooperation and deepen  their economic engagement as the  core of the strategic partnership; 

Both sides welcomed the  conclusion of the negotiations towards a high quality and mutually  beneficial Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) to  further enhance trade and investment flows between the two countries,  and have agreed to sign the CECA by 31 January 2011 and to implement it  by 1 July 2011. Both sides shall ensure realization of the above  timelines for signing as well as implementation of the CECA; 

 Noting that the expansion of mutual investment will contribute to the  reciprocal economic growth of both countries, the two leaders agreed to  enhance cooperation and support at the governmental level to further  strengthen existing bilateral collaboration in infrastructure  development and involvement in infrastructure projects particularly in  the construction industry and provide business opportunities in  investment through joint business and government collaboration; 

 The two sides will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on  Cooperation Relating to the Provision of Technical Assistance Services  on Highway Management and Development. This MoU will further enhance the  participation by Malaysian engineering and consultancy companies in the  development of national highways in India; 

The two leaders  welcomed the establishment of a high-level India-Malaysia CEOs Forum  that was launched in Putrajaya during the visit, to develop enhanced  partnership and cooperation at the business level. The two sides will  also consider specific recommendations made by the CEOs Forum to the two  Governments on improvements in the business environment and on measures  for enhancing investment and trade flows between the two countries in  the future; 

Both sides agreed to explore the possibilities  of enhancing cooperation in the financial sector including through  participation in each others’ capital markets, through the exchange of  views between the Finance Ministries and the relevant agencies of both  countries. The Indian side welcomes the decision of the Malaysian side  to give a commercial banking license to Indian banks; 

 Both sides recognized the competitive advantage of Indian software  companies in IT and ITES, and have agreed to set up a Joint ICT Talent  Development Consultative Committee (JICTDC) involving stakeholders from  both the governments, relevant agencies, industry players and training  institutions to make specific recommendations to both the governments  for IT skills training, talent development and greater engagement of  Indian IT companies in Malaysia; 

Both sides agreed to study  the possibility of enhancing the scope and level of joint collaboration  in the hydrocarbons sector between PETRONAS of Malaysia and ONGC Videsh  Limited of India in third countries, as well as importance of  identifying possible collaborative projects in the new and renewable  energy sector through the establishment of a Joint Working Group between  the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology & Water of Malaysia and  the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy of India; 

The two  leaders recognized that underpinning the two countries relationship are  vibrant and longstanding people-to-people ties.  In this regard, both  sides will strive to promote a quantum leap in tourism, academic,  culture and people-to-people exchanges between India and Malaysia,  including through the development of specific proposals for  University-to-University level collaborations, vocational and English  language teaching, for consideration by the two Governments. They agreed  that the Joint Working Group on Higher Education shall meet in Kuala  Lumpur as early as possible for that purpose; 

Both sides  welcomed the establishment of the Indian Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur  and will encourage wider cultural exchanges between the two countries; 

 Both sides welcomed the establishment of an Indian Council for Cultural  Relations (ICCR) India Chair in Development Studies at the University  of Malaya, Contemporary Malaysian Studies Centre at the University of  Madras and note the intention by the Indian Institute of Technology,  Kanpur to establish a Centre for Engineering Excellence at the  University Sains Malaysia; 

The two leaders acknowledged   that the partnership has moved beyond the bilateral framework and that  the two countries share a mutual interest in cooperating for peace,  prosperity and security of the Asia-Pacific region and beyond; 

 Both sides recognized the central role of ASEAN in the regional  processes and the importance of greater participation by India in  regional initiatives in the long term interests of the region; 

 Both sides recognized the importance of concluding an ambitious and  mutually beneficial ASEAN-India FTA in Services and Investments at the  earliest possible time in order to give full play to the economic forces  of the region in the service of the two peoples; 

Malaysia  welcomed India’s initiative to revive Nalanda University to strengthen  regional educational cooperation among the Asian countries.  Both sides  also recognized the need to establish more centres of excellence in  Asia; 

Both sides underscored the  importance of open, transparent and inclusive regional arrangements  based on mutuality of interests with ASEAN as the driving force. They  welcomed ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and  East Asia Summit (EAS) as important regional mechanisms that advance  peace, economic growth and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.  Both  sides welcomed the progress on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership  Agreement in East Asia (CEPEA); 

The two leaders agreed that a  comprehensive reform of the United Nations remains a priority in order  for the organization to effectively address today’s global challenges.  The two leaders also agreed to work in partnership towards achieving a  more representative, more efficient and more effective UN Security  Council especially its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent  categories; 

Both sides reiterated their common commitment to  nuclear non-proliferation objectives based on a fair, universal,  non-discriminatory and verifiable regime, and express serious concern at  the threat of proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery, and  pledge to work together to counter such threats. 

The Prime  Ministers of India and Malaysia reiterated that with the exchange of  visits between them in 2010, the two countries are embarking on a new  stage in India-Malaysia relations through the establishment of this  Strategic Partnership.  Pursuant to this, the two Prime Ministers  directed the concerned agencies of both governments to implement the  elements outlined in the Declaration in order that form and content be  given to the Strategic Partnership as soon as possible. 

 Putrajaya

October 27, 2010

(Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=530116603; Accessed 12 Dec. 2010)

Indian Prime Minister's Official Visit to Malaysia October 2010

      
Media Statement by PM after Official Talks with Prime Minister of MalaysiaOctober 27, 2010

His Excellency Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib, Prime Minister of Malaysia and,

Distinguished members of the Malaysian media and Indian media

This is my first bilateral visit to Malaysia and I am delighted to be  in this beautiful country. I wish to convey my sincere appreciation to  Prime Minister Dato' Sri Najib and the people of Malaysia for the very  warm welcome given to me and for the excellent arrangements that have  been made for our stay. 

When Prime Minister Najib visited India  in January this year, he had spoken of his wish to see a qualitatively  new relationship between our two countries.  My visit to Malaysia  reflects the commitment of our Government to advance our relations to  new heights. 

India and Malaysia are two major countries of Asia.   Malaysia is an influential member of the world community whose voice  is heard with great respect in global institutions. 

Our  discussions today have laid the basis for a multi-faceted partnership  between India and Malaysia.  This will contribute to the peace,  prosperity and development of Asia. 

  Prime Minister Dato' Sri Najib and I have agreed today on the framework  for a strategic partnership.  The Joint Statement outlines a road map  for enhanced contacts between our countries at the political, business  and people-to-people levels, based on our shared values of democracy and  multiculturalism.  We have agreed to work closely with each other on  regional and international matters of common interest, including on  combating the scourge of terrorism. 

It is a matter of deep  satisfaction that we have successfully concluded negotiations for a  Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.  We have agreed that the  two sides will work to complete the formalities by 31 January 2011 so  that CECA can come into force by the agreed date of 1 July 2011. I am  confident that this Agreement will transform our economic engagement in a  substantive way. 

Today we will also formally launch the  India-Malaysia CEOs Forum.  This will encourage direct interaction  between business and industry in each other’s countries as well in third  countries.  I conveyed to the Prime Minister that India welcomes  greater Malaysian investment in our infrastructure and manufacturing  sectors, and our companies similarly look forward to doing greater  business in Malaysia and the ASEAN region. 

We have agreed to further enhance exchanges in the fields of tourism, civil aviation, culture, higher education and labour. 

  We discussed regional and international issues of common interest. We  agreed on the need to reform the United Nations, including its Security  Council, and international financial institutions. Both of us share the  view that the regional architecture for cooperation in the Asia-Pacific  region should be open, inclusive and transparent. 

I thanked the  Prime Minister for Malaysia’s constructive role, as ASEAN Coordinator,  in helping to work towards a early conclusion of the India-ASEAN Free  Trade Agreement in Services and Investment. 

The year 2010 is a  turning point in the history of India-Malaysian relations. The  understandings and agreements that we reached today have established a  solid foundation for the building of a Strategic Partnership, and  bringing our two peoples together for a better future.   

Thank you. 

Kuala Lumpur 

October 27, 2010

(Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=530116605; Accessed 12 Dec. 2010)

Indian Community in Southeast Asia

      
Remarks by PM at Indian Community Reception at Kuala LumpurOctober 28, 2010

I am happy to have this occasion to meet members of the Indian community in Malaysia. 

The  Malaysian Indian community holds a very special place in our hearts.  You represent the largest gathering of people of Indian origin in the  world. You have been contributing to the political, economic, social and  cultural fabric of Malaysia, while preserving your ties with India.  This is not an easy task. But you have successfully done so by blending  Indian culture and values with the local milieu. Your achievements      fill   us with pride and     joy. 

I compliment you for the  affection that you still have for the land of your ancestors. I applaud  you for your contribution to the progress and prosperity in Malaysia. 

Malaysia  has today transformed itself into a modern industrialized nation.  With  its democratic framework, plural and progressive values, Malaysia  provides a unique development model, which is relevant to the entire  developing world and the international community. 

Today India is  also on the move. We are in the midst of a major transformation in  addressing our developmental challenges within a democratic framework.  

India  offers a growing and vibrant market, young work force, and an  attractive destination for foreign investors. We are already a trillion  dollar economy. We are aspiring for a growth rate of 9-10% per annum. As  our economy expands and creates more opportunities, it provides a new  platform for collaboration between India and overseas Indian  communities.  I invite you to make use of these new investment and  business opportunities in India in the best manner that you can. 

  The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is now a full-fledged mechanism for  reaching out to our overseas community. I am delighted to know that the  Malaysian delegation is usually one of the largest and most active  delegations at the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. 

We enjoy  excellent bilateral relations with Malaysia. India-Malaysia relations  have grown significantly in the last five years. Prime Minister Najib’s  visit to India earlier this year, and my return visit this year clearly  demonstrate our common desire to upgrade our relations in a  comprehensive manner. We have also finalized a Comprehensive Economic  Cooperation Agreement that will create an institutional framework for  expanding business and commerce manifold.  

The Indian community in Malaysia is well placed to take  advantage of the opportunities that will come as relations between India  and Malaysia deepen and grow. 

With cultural and social links to  India and deep understanding of our language, culture and the way we do  things, the Malaysian Indian business community can serve as the bridge  for fostering economic linkages between the two countries. I look  forward to seeing greater involvement by you in this endeavour. 

I  am pleased to learn about the efforts the community has made in  preserving Indian traditions and culture. It is in recognition of this  that we decided to open an Indian Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur  earlier this year. 

I am happy to learn  that you are making use of the educational facilities we offer in India.  I know that there is a much greater demand for education in India from  Persons of Indian Origin globally than we can currently fulfill. The  Government is considering ways to address these demands. Our Ministry of  Overseas Indian Affairs runs a Diaspora Scholarship Scheme that offers  scholarships to PIO and NRI students studying in Indian universities. I  am told that one third of practicing Malaysian doctors have obtained  medical degrees from India. Some Malaysian Universities have now begun  collaborating with Indian Universities to develop twinning programmes,  particularly in medicine and engineering. I hope that the Malaysian  Indian community will benefit from these initiatives. 

I am happy  to announce today a contribution of Rs 5 crore to augment the Indian  Scholarship Trust Fund, which will raise the corpus to Rs. 7.55 cr.  The  Fund was set up by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1946 to provide  assistance to Malaysian Indian students. At the request of the Indian  community in Malaysia, I am also pleased to announce 20 scholarships for  Malaysian students to pursue courses in traditional system of medicine  in India. 

The respect that non-resident  Indians have earned abroad, including in Malaysia, is a matter of pride  for all Indians. As a government we will continue to provide all  assistance to the community in Malaysia through our High Commission in  Kuala Lumpur. 

I wish each of one of you and your families the very best, and season’s greetings on the occasion of Diwali. 

Thank you. 

Kuala Lumpur

October 28, 2010

(Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=530116609; Accessed 12 Dec. 2010)

Visit of Chairman, State Peace and Development Council of Myanmar to India July 2010

Joint Statement during the visit of Chairman, State Peace and Development Council of Myanmar

July 27, 2010

At  the invitation of the  President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh  Patil, the Head of State of  the Union of Myanmar, Senior General Than  Shwe, Chairman of the State  Peace and Development Council of the Union  of Myanmar, is paying a State  Visit to India from July 25- 29, 2010.   The Chairman is accompanied by  his wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing.  Apart from  his official engagements in New  Delhi, Senior General Than Shwe will  also visit places of economic,  historical and religious interest.

This visit is a part of a  series of high-level contacts that India  and Myanmar have had over the  past few years. These include visits by  Vice Senior General Maung Aye,  Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and  Development Council of the Union of  Myanmar, in April 2008 and Shri M.  Hamid Ansari, Vice President of  India, in February 2009. 

In New Delhi, Senior General Than Shwe was accorded a ceremonial   reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 27 July 2010.  He was received by the   President of India, who hosted a banquet in his honour. 

Shri M. Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India, Shri S. M. Krishna,   External Affairs Minister and Smt.  Sushma Swaraj, Leader of Opposition   called on Senior General Than Shwe. 

Senior General Than Shwe  had a meeting with the Prime Minister of  India, Dr.  Manmohan Singh,  which was followed by delegation level  talks.  The meetings and  exchanges were positive and marked by  cordiality on both sides. 

  India and Myanmar are close and friendly neighbours linked, inter  alia,  by civilizational bonds, geographical proximity, culture, history  and  religion. Apart from a boundary that stretches over more than 1640   kilometers and borders four North-Eastern states of India, there is a   large population of persons of Indian origin in Myanmar. Bilateral   relations are reflective of these multifarious and traditional linkages   and the two countries live side by side as close neighbors based on the   Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. 

Recalling these  shared bonds of civilization, the Head of State of  Myanmar and the Prime  Minister of India expressed their commitment to  further strengthen and  broaden the multi-dimensional relationship which  now encompasses a range  of areas of cooperation.  Enhancing economic,  social and developmental  engagement will help harness the considerable  potential in India-Myanmar  bilateral relations, which would, in turn,  contribute to the  socio-economic betterment of their respective  peoples. 

 Recognizing that peace and stability in the region is essential for   development and for the well-being of the people of their respective   countries, the two leaders agreed on close cooperation between the   security forces of the two countries in tackling the pernicious problem   of terrorism.  They agreed that security cooperation should be given   immediate attention since terrorists, insurgents and criminals respect   no boundaries and undermine the social and political fabric of a nation.    Both leaders reiterated the assurance that the territory of either   would not be allowed for activities inimical to the other and resolved   not to allow their respective territory to be used for training,   sanctuary and other operations by terrorist and insurgent organizations   and their operatives. 

 Understanding  that continued cooperation will lead to success in  fighting the  insurgency issue, the two leaders agreed to strengthen  cooperation and  collective efforts of the two countries along the  border. In this  context, the two leaders welcomed the Home Secretary  level talks held in  Nay Pyi Taw in January 2010 and the important  decisions taken in that  meeting. 

Both leaders expressed their desire for greater  economic  engagement.  In this context, the Prime Minister of India  conveyed  India’s commitment to continue with developmental assistance to   Myanmar.  The Myanmar side expressed deep appreciation for the generous   and concessionary credit facilities given by India to finance   significant infrastructure and other projects.  Projects that are   currently underway under such aid assistance include railways, road and   waterway development, power and industrial training centres,   tele-communication, etc. The Indian side agreed to consider Myanmar’s   request for assistance in the three areas namely: IT development,   Industrial development and Infrastructure development in Myanmar which   will lead to upliftment of the bilateral cooperation to a higher level. 

  Senior General Than Shwe and Prime Minister Dr.  Manmohan Singh   welcomed the considerable enhancement of the connectivity between the   two countries.  In this context, they welcomed the progress made by M/s   Inland Waterways Authority of India towards implementation of the   Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project and reiterated their   respective Governments’ commitment to this project.  In particular, they   welcomed the finalization of the contract for port development and   Inland waterway with M/s ESSAR.  It was also agreed that the scope of   the project with respect to the road component would be revised.  The   road component between Paletwa and Myeikwa on the India border would be   executed by the Myanmar Ministry of Construction with M/s IRCON. 

 The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the construction,  maintenance  and repair work by Indian Border Roads Organization of the   Tamu-Kalaywa-Kalemyo Road connecting Moreh in Manipur to Myanmar and  the  handing over of most of the segments of the TKK Road to the  Government  of Myanmar. 

To enhance road connectivity, especially through  the State of  Mizoram, both leaders announced the construction and  revamping of the  Rhi-Tiddim road at a cost of more than US$ 60 million  to be financed  through grant assistance from India. The Myanmar side  expressed its  appreciation for this gesture. 

  Both leaders emphasized the need to enhance cooperation in the area of   agriculture. The Indian side announced a grant of US$ 10 million for   procurement of agricultural machinery from India.  The leaders expressed   the hope that this machinery will help enhance productivity in   Myanmar’s agricultural sector, which is the mainstay of its economy. The   Myanmar side also requested for technical assistance in manufacturing   of agricultural machinery. 

The Indian side also announced a  project to set up rice silos to  facilitate disaster relief operations  particularly in the cyclone prone  delta areas, with grant in aid from  India. 

The Myanmar side expressed appreciation for India’s generous   assistance in the relief and rehabilitation efforts that followed the   devastating Cyclone Nargis which hit Myanmar in May 2008.  He noted that   the assistance from India, which included dispatch of a large medical   contingent to work in cyclone affected areas as well as providing   immediate medical and food supplies, supply of GI sheets, 16 electricity   transformers, 20 biomass gasifiers and funds for restoration work on   the holy Shwedagon pagoda, was timely and catered to Myanmar’s urgent   requirements. 

 Both leaders identified  the power sector as an area of growing  cooperation. In this context,  the two leaders agreed to cooperate in  the implementation of the  Tamanthi and Shwezaye projects on the  Chindwin River Basin in Myanmar.   They welcomed the involvement of M/s  NHPC in carrying out the much  required additional investigations after  the signing of the MoU on  Cooperation in Hydro-power Development  projects in the Chindwin River  Basin in September 2008.  Subject to the  findings of these additional  investigations, the two leaders will  endeavour to conclude the  Memorandum of Agreement within a year. 

The Myanmar side  conveyed their gratitude for India’s line of  credit of US$ 64 million in  the transmission lines sector to be  executed through M/s. PGCIL. Both  leaders also noted the need to  provide for inter-grid connectivity  between the two countries. They  agreed that the two countries shall  cooperate in this area, including  generation of electricity from  renewable sources, and, where necessary,  set up joint projects or  corporate entities for that purpose. 

The Myanmar side welcomed the interest of Indian companies in the   mining sector. They promised all necessary assistance to enable these   companies to explore such opportunities. 

  The Indian side agreed to explore possibilities for cooperation in the   field of solar energy and wind energy in Myanmar. They also agreed to   offer Myanmar, training in related fields. 

Cooperation in  the energy sector is poised for greater growth,  especially in the area  of oil and natural gas. Both leaders emphasized  the importance they  attach to energy security which has a direct  bearing on the welfare of  the peoples of the two countries. They  expressed satisfaction at the  ongoing bilateral collaboration in  exploration and production in  Myanmar’s petroleum sector and agreed to  encourage further investment by  Indian companies both public and  private, in this sector. 

 The Myanmar side welcomed the substantial additional investment by  ONGC  and GAIL for the development in the upstream and downstream  projects of  Myanmar offshore blocks A-1 and A-3 including the natural  gas pipeline  under construction at Ramree in Myanmar. 

In the field of telecom, following the successful functioning of the   official Fibre link between India and Myanmar via Moreh, the two   leaders agreed to upgrade the microwave link between Moreh to Mandalay   under a line of credit of US$ 6 million from India. Further, a new   Optical Fibre Link between Monywa to Rhi-Zawkhathar will also be   undertaken with Indian assistance. 

  The Myanmar side thanked India for its continued assistance through   renewal of the agreement to provide IRS-P5 and Cartosat Data through   Antrix. 

The two leaders agreed to encourage collaboration  between Myanmar  and India in the area of Information and Communication  Technology. 

Recalling India’s earlier assistance in  supplying railway rolling  stock, machineries and equipments to Myanmar,  both leaders agreed to  further cooperation in the railway sector. The  Indian side extended a  line of credit of US$ 60 million to procure  railway equipment. 

The two leaders noted with satisfaction  that the project being  undertaken by TATA Motors to set up a heavy turbo  truck plant at Magway  is proceeding well and encouraged other Indian  companies to enter into  the industrial sectors in Myanmar. The Myanmar  side assured that  current investment proposals by private Indian  companies in Myanmar  would be actively facilitated. 

The two  leaders welcomed the expansion of trade and commerce  between the two  countries manifest in the increase in the volume of  trade to more than  US$ 1 billion per annum. They agreed that trade at  border trade points  should be further enhanced to boost the immense  potential that exists in  bilateral trade. This would also directly  benefit the North-East States  of India. 

 Referring to the existing  border trading points at Moreh - Tamu  (Manipur) and Zawkhathar-Rhi  (Mizoram) as well as the additional point  agreed to be operationalised  at Avankhug-Somra (Nagaland), the two  sides agreed to put in place the  necessary infrastructure to make these  points viable and business  friendly. 

The two leaders welcomed the establishment of  direct banking links  between India and Myanmar following the signature  of the correspondent  banking relationship agreement between United Bank  of India and Myanma  Foreign Trade Bank, Myanma Economic Bank and Myanma  Investment and  Commercial Bank for providing banking arrangements  relating to  upgrading of  border trade to normal trade.  They encouraged  the  business community to make optimal use of this arrangement and thus   enhance direct trade transactions. 

The two leaders  encouraged to conduct business meetings to be held  alternately in both  countries for trade promotion.  They noted that  such measures can help  build bridges at the business level and promote  business and commercial  opportunities. 

In recognition of the close and friendly  tourism cooperation  between India and Myanmar and cooperation under the  frameworks of  ASEAN+India and BIMSTEC, the two sides agreed to further  promote  tourist contacts.  The Myanmar side thanked India for the  facilities  and courtesies being extended to Myanmar pilgrims visiting  India. 

 Both leaders welcomed the proposal  for the restoration of the historic  Ananda temple in Bagan to be  undertaken with the assistance of the  Archaeological Survey of India,  with the involvement of the Ministry of  Culture of Myanmar. 

 Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the ongoing implementation  of the  MoU for cooperation in Buddhist studies and the related work  plan  agreed to between the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Myanmar and  the  Nava Nalanda Mahavihara University.  Several hundred Myanmar  Buddhist  scholars and monks are currently studying in this university  in various  disciplines. 

The Myanmar side expressed gratitude to India for its numerous HRD   initiatives in Myanmar which included setting up of the following: 

 • the Myanmar-India Centre for English language Training; 

 • the Myanmar-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre; 

 • the India-Myanmar Centre for Enhancement of IT Skills; and 

 • the Industrial Training Centre in Pakokku. 

  The Myanmar side also indicated that the training offered by India   under the ITEC and TCS schemes have been valuable for scholars and   Government officials in Myanmar.  The Indian side agreed to offer more   opportunities for higher studies and training in Universities and   training institutions in India to scholars from Myanmar. 

The  Myanmar side informed the Indian side about developments in  Myanmar  including the groundwork for elections scheduled towards the  end of the  year.  The Indian side thanked the Myanmar side for the  detailed  briefing and emphasized the importance of comprehensively  broad-basing  the national reconciliation process and democratic changes  being  introduced in Myanmar. 

While discussing international  developments, the two sides  emphasized the importance of an effective  multilateral system, centred  on a strong United Nations, as a key factor  in tackling global  challenges.  In this context, they stressed the  urgent need to pursue  the reform of the United Nations including the  Security Council, to  make it more representative, credible and  effective. 

 The leader of Myanmar  reiterated Myanmar’s support for India’s bid for  the permanent  membership of the United Nations Security Council.  He  also conveyed its  support to India’s candidature for a non-permanent  seat in the UNSC for  the term 2011-2012. 

The two leaders also emphasized the importance of India and  Myanmar  to work together in the cause of regional cooperation.  The  Indian  leadership offered its good wishes to Myanmar for a successful  term as  BIMSTEC Chair, a responsibility that it assumed in 2009. The  Indian  side welcomed  participation of Myanmar at the 16th SAARC Summit  as an  Observer for the first time. 

The two sides expressed  satisfaction at the ongoing cooperation  between India and Myanmar under  the ASEAN-India Summit Relations  and  welcomed the implementation of the  ASEAN-India FTA. The Myanmar side  appreciated  India’s support for  building an ASEAN Community in 2015,  and to the Vientiane Action  Programme including the Initiative for  ASEAN Integration and other  sub-regional growth initiatives such as  Mekong-Ganga Cooperation  Initiative and EAS cooperation. Myanmar side  recognized that ASEAN-India  Framework Agreement on Comprehensive  Economic Cooperation which was  signed in 2003 has played a significant  role in strengthening the  Dialogue Partnership.  Myanmar being a  natural bridge between ASEAN and  India, the Indian side reiterated its  intention of building upon the  commonalities and synergies between the  two countries to advance its  Look East Policy. 

In the above context, both leaders reiterated their commitment to   undertake the tri-lateral connectivity from Moreh in India to Moe Sot  in  Thailand via Myanmar.  The Indian side agreed to take up the   preparation of DPRs for roads and causeways in Myanmar to realize this   project.  

During the visit, the following documents were signed;   

  a. Treaty on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters  

 b. MOU regarding Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of Small Developmental projects. 

 c. MoU on Information Cooperation

 d. Agreement on Cooperation in the fields of Science & Technology

 e. MoU on Conservation and Restoration of Ananda Temple in Bagan, Myanmar

Senior General Than Shwe thanked  the President of India and the  Indian Government and people for the  warm and gracious hospitality  extended to him and the members of his  delegation during their stay in  India.       

Senior General Than Shwe also  extended a warm invitation to the  President and Prime Minister of India  to visit Myanmar at a mutually  convenient time.  The President and  Prime Minister of India thanked him  and accepted the invitation with  great pleasure.  The dates for the  visit would be decided by mutual  consultations through diplomatic  channels.

New Delhi

July 27, 2010

(Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=530516206; accessed 8 December 2010) 

Indian Prime Minister's Official Visit to Malaysia October 2010

Joint Statement on the Framework for the India-Malaysia Strategic Partnership

October 27, 2010

 The  Prime Minister of Malaysia,  Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak and the Prime  Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan  Singh met in Kuala Lumpur on 27 October  2010. They recalled their  decision during the visit of the Prime  Minister of Malaysia to India in  January 2010 to expand and deepen  India-Malaysia bilateral relations  by establishing a strategic  partnership between the two countries.

 The two Prime Ministers  acknowledged the long history of cultural and  civilization contacts  between the two countries and their shared  commitment to democracy and  development. They also acknowledged that  both sides had made a  contribution in promoting economic development  and stability in the  Asia-Pacific and recognized each others’  responsibility in the promotion  of peace, development and security of  the region based on a convergence  of political and economic interests  and aspirations. Both leaders  recalled that India and Malaysia have a  mutual stake in the progress and  prosperity of the other, and expressed  their determination to imbue  greater dynamism to the relationship  through all-round cooperation and  engagement. They expressed their  common desire to elevate bilateral  relations to the level of a long  term and strategic partnership based on  mutual equality and mutual  understanding. 

 In this context, the  two Prime Ministers have identified the following  elements of the  Strategic Partnership between the two countries: 

 The two leaders agreed to maintain  regular dialogue and contact at the  summit level, including at the  margins of international conferences; 

 Both sides acknowledged the importance of enhancing and deepening   all-round cooperation through biennial meetings of the Joint Commission   headed by the Foreign Ministers of the two countries, and that the next   meeting shall be held in Kuala Lumpur in the first half of 2011; 

 Both sides welcomed the steady high level exchanges between the two   countries and agreed to promote more exchanges at the Cabinet level   including between the Ministers in charge of Trade & Industry,   Railways, Road Transport & Highways, Tourism, Energy including new   and renewable energy, Higher Education and Knowledge; 

Both  sides will continue to hold biennial foreign office  consultations,  including on regional and strategic issues of mutual  interest, between  the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign  Affairs of Malaysia and  the Secretary of the Ministry of External  Affairs of India; 

 Both sides also agreed to enhance defence exchanges and cooperation   through regular exchanges between the Defence Ministers, senior defence   officials, Chiefs of the Armed Services and regular Service-to-Service   Staff Talks and regular ships visits.  

 The two leaders agreed to explore  the possibilities of joint  collaboration on projects of mutual interest  in the defence sector on  the basis of experience gained by both sides  during the successful  completion of the SU 30 MKM training programme,  including in the areas  of industry collaboration / partnership. The  Malaysian side looks  forward to participation from the Indian defence  industry at the soon to  be established Malaysian Defence and Security  Park. Both sides also  agreed to support each others defence  exhibitions; 

The two  leaders  firmly condemn terrorism in all its forms and  manifestations,  and agreed to enhance cooperation  in counter-terrorism  including  through information sharing and the establishment of a  bilateral Joint  Working Group on Counter-Terrorism at an early date; 

The two  leaders affirmed their commitment to further strengthen  bilateral trade  and investment cooperation and deepen  their economic  engagement as the  core of the strategic partnership; 

Both sides welcomed the  conclusion of the negotiations towards a  high quality and mutually  beneficial Comprehensive Economic Cooperation  Agreement (CECA) to  further enhance trade and investment flows between  the two countries,  and have agreed to sign the CECA by 31 January 2011  and to implement it  by 1 July 2011. Both sides shall ensure  realization of the above  timelines for signing as well as  implementation of the CECA; 

 Noting that the expansion of mutual  investment will contribute to the  reciprocal economic growth of both  countries, the two leaders agreed to  enhance cooperation and support at  the governmental level to further  strengthen existing bilateral  collaboration in infrastructure  development and involvement in  infrastructure projects particularly in  the construction industry and  provide business opportunities in  investment through joint business and  government collaboration; 

 The two sides will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)  on  Cooperation Relating to the Provision of Technical Assistance  Services  on Highway Management and Development. This MoU will further  enhance the  participation by Malaysian engineering and consultancy  companies in the  development of national highways in India; 

The two leaders  welcomed the establishment of a high-level  India-Malaysia CEOs Forum  that was launched in Putrajaya during the  visit, to develop enhanced  partnership and cooperation at the business  level. The two sides will  also consider specific recommendations made  by the CEOs Forum to the two  Governments on improvements in the  business environment and on measures  for enhancing investment and trade  flows between the two countries in  the future; 

Both sides agreed to explore the possibilities  of enhancing  cooperation in the financial sector including through  participation in  each others’ capital markets, through the exchange of  views between the  Finance Ministries and the relevant agencies of both  countries. The  Indian side welcomes the decision of the Malaysian side  to give a  commercial banking license to Indian banks; 

 Both sides recognized the  competitive advantage of Indian software  companies in IT and ITES, and  have agreed to set up a Joint ICT Talent  Development Consultative  Committee (JICTDC) involving stakeholders from  both the governments,  relevant agencies, industry players and training  institutions to make  specific recommendations to both the governments  for IT skills  training, talent development and greater engagement of  Indian IT  companies in Malaysia; 

Both sides agreed to study  the possibility of enhancing the scope  and level of joint collaboration  in the hydrocarbons sector between  PETRONAS of Malaysia and ONGC Videsh  Limited of India in third  countries, as well as importance of  identifying possible collaborative  projects in the new and renewable  energy sector through the  establishment of a Joint Working Group between  the Ministry of Energy,  Green Technology & Water of Malaysia and  the Ministry of New &  Renewable Energy of India; 

The two  leaders recognized that underpinning the two countries  relationship are  vibrant and longstanding people-to-people ties.  In  this regard, both  sides will strive to promote a quantum leap in  tourism, academic,  culture and people-to-people exchanges between India  and Malaysia,  including through the development of specific proposals  for  University-to-University level collaborations, vocational and  English  language teaching, for consideration by the two Governments.  They agreed  that the Joint Working Group on Higher Education shall meet  in Kuala  Lumpur as early as possible for that purpose; 

Both sides  welcomed the establishment of the Indian Cultural Centre  in Kuala Lumpur  and will encourage wider cultural exchanges between  the two countries; 

 Both sides welcomed the  establishment of an Indian Council for Cultural  Relations (ICCR) India  Chair in Development Studies at the University  of Malaya, Contemporary  Malaysian Studies Centre at the University of  Madras and note the  intention by the Indian Institute of Technology,  Kanpur to establish a  Centre for Engineering Excellence at the  University Sains Malaysia; 

The two leaders acknowledged   that the partnership has moved beyond  the bilateral framework and that  the two countries share a mutual  interest in cooperating for peace,  prosperity and security of the  Asia-Pacific region and beyond; 

 Both sides recognized the central role of ASEAN in the regional   processes and the importance of greater participation by India in   regional initiatives in the long term interests of the region; 

 Both sides recognized the importance of concluding an ambitious and   mutually beneficial ASEAN-India FTA in Services and Investments at the   earliest possible time in order to give full play to the economic  forces  of the region in the service of the two peoples; 

Malaysia  welcomed India’s initiative to revive Nalanda University  to strengthen  regional educational cooperation among the Asian  countries.  Both sides  also recognized the need to establish more  centres of excellence in  Asia; 

Both sides underscored the   importance of open, transparent and inclusive regional arrangements   based on mutuality of interests with ASEAN as the driving force. They   welcomed ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and   East Asia Summit (EAS) as important regional mechanisms that advance   peace, economic growth and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.  Both   sides welcomed the progress on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership   Agreement in East Asia (CEPEA); 

The two leaders agreed that a  comprehensive reform of the United  Nations remains a priority in order  for the organization to effectively  address today’s global challenges.  The two leaders also agreed to work  in partnership towards achieving a  more representative, more efficient  and more effective UN Security  Council especially its expansion in  both permanent and non-permanent  categories; 

Both sides reiterated their common commitment to  nuclear  non-proliferation objectives based on a fair, universal,   non-discriminatory and verifiable regime, and express serious concern at   the threat of proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery, and   pledge to work together to counter such threats. 

 The Prime  Ministers of India and Malaysia reiterated that with the  exchange of  visits between them in 2010, the two countries are  embarking on a new  stage in India-Malaysia relations through the  establishment of this  Strategic Partnership.  Pursuant to this, the two  Prime Ministers  directed the concerned agencies of both governments to  implement the  elements outlined in the Declaration in order that form  and content be  given to the Strategic Partnership as soon as possible.

Putrajaya
October 27, 2010

(Source: http://meaindia.nic.in/mystart.php?id=530516603; accessed 8 December 2010)

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