Foreign Minister’s Visit to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

On the invitation from Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, India’s Minister of External Affairs, H.E. Mr. Yashwant Sinha paid a four-day official visit to Tanzania from April 25-28, 2003. During the visit, the Minister attended the Union Day celebrations of Tanzania on April 26 as Guest of Honour. He met with President of Tanzania, H.E. Mr. Benjamin William Mkapa, President of Zanzibar, H.E. Mr. Amani Abeid Karume, Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Defence Minister, H.E. Prof. Philemon M. Sarungi, Minister of Industry and Trade, H.E. Dr. Juma Ngasongwa, EAC Secretary General, H.E. Mr. N. Amanya Mushega, and former Prime Minister and OAU Secretary General, H.E. Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, and had wide-ranging discussions with them on bilateral, regional and international issues. In his meetings, Sinha spoke of strong foundations of bilateral friendly relations between the two peoples, and the various initiatives undertaken by India to strengthen their links with Tanzania in particular, and with Africa in general. He reiterated India’s commitment to enhance the bilateral co-operation for the development of agriculture, health, IT, SMES and other sectors in Tanzania.

While co-chairing the Sixth Meeting of the India-Tanzania Joint Commission, on April 25, along with his Tanzanian counterpart, the visiting Minister stressed the need for closer co-operation between the two countries to protect the interests of the developing countries in the era of globalisation and growing trends towards unilateralism. He pointed out that both Tanzania and India shared common views on issues like democratisation of the UN, disarmament and trade access. He appreciated Tanzania’s support to India on various important issues, including the Indian candidature to the permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council. While attaching importance to the role of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) as an effective means of harnessing entrepreneur skills, technical capabilities and individual dynamism of the private sector in partnership with the government to overcome the political, societal and developmental challenges, he said that India was evolving measures to extend credit lines to African countries under its “India Development Initiative” scheme to help the NEPAD process. He was hopeful that writing off of government debts by India during President Mkapa’s visit to India last December, coupled with a speedy solution to the vexed blocked funds issue, should serve to provide new dynamism to the bilateral trade. He also emphasized the need to have agreements on free trade arrangements and bilateral investment protection to provide fresh momentum to the bilateral economic relations. Sinha announced the setting up of an information technology training centre by India in Dar es Salaam.

The 6th Meeting of India-Tanzania Joint Commission on Economic, Technical and Scientific Cooperation was held from April 25-27. Its proceedings were aided by extensive discussions between senior official level delegations between the two sides, led by H.E. Mr. Shashank, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs of India, and H.E. Mr. Phillemon L. Luhanjo, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of Tanzania. The Joint Commission concluded with important agreements in a variety of areas of cooperation, including for an information technology training centre, a small industry Information centre both to be set up in Tanzania by India, resolution of the issue of outstanding commercial dues from Tanzania to India, new areas of industrial cooperation, and several others. The Agreed Minutes of Joint Commission was signed by the two Foreign Ministers. Sinha also signed along with Minister Ng’wandu an MOU on cooperation in the field of education between the two countries.

On April 27, Sinha visited Zanzibar, where he called on President Karume. The latter sought India’s assistance in development of IT, and invited Indian investors in areas such as food processing agriculture and SMEs. Sinha extended India’s assurance and firm commitment of lending a hand in the development of the Isles, and invited Karume to visit India which was accepted.

Foreign Minister Kikwete hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting dignitary on April 25, which was attended, inter alia, by Defence Minister, Sarungi, Industry and Trade Minister, Ngasongwa, and Chief of Defense Staff General Waitara. Minister of Industry and Trade, Ngasongwa also hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting Indian dignitary on April 27, which was attended by H.E. Dr. Pius Yasebasi Ng’wandu, Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, prominent Tanzanian business persons, and senior Tanzanian officials. Ngasongwa offered free access to the Indian business community to invest, especially in textiles and garments, and invited them to avail of facilities of Tanzania’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs). In his response, Sinha recalled India’s role in Africa’s struggle against colonialism and apartheid, and said that India was now ready to extend and expand its contribution in the struggle for development of the African continent. He reiterated Government of India’s resolve to strengthen its bilateral ties with Tanzania covering a wide range of economic activities.

High Commissioner Dinesh K. Jain hosted a reception in honour of the Minister on April 26, which was attended by a cross-section of the Indian Diaspora and expatriate community, along with a few selected Tanzanian dignitaries including Foreign Minister Kikwete, Deputy Foreign Minister Sharif, Deputy Minister Shamim Parkar Khan and former High Commissioners of Tanzania to India, led by Dr. Salim.

This was the first official visit by an Indian Foreign Minister to Tanzania in 22 years, even though there has been a regular exchange of high level visits between the two countries, including Prime Minister I.K.Gujral to Tanzania in September 1997, and President Mkapa to India Last December.

Union Day Greetings to Tanzania

On the occasion of the 39th Union Day of Tanzania, H.E. Mr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, President of India, sent a message of congratulations to H.E. Mr. Benjamin William Mkapa. In his message, President Abdul Kalam conveyed:

“India’s relations with Tanzania, an important East African country, are warm and friendly. The recent visit of Your Excellency to India served to further strengthen the multi-faceted cooperation between our two countries. I strongly believe that our ties will further strengthen in the years ahead for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.”

Tanzania-India Friendship to Provide Succour

Tanzania-India Friendship Association (TIFA) has donated a sum of TZS 3 million for rehabilitation of victims of the last year’s train tragedy in Tanzania, near Dodoma. The amount is to be utilised to provide artificial limbs to those who suffered amputations in the accident. India’s ‘Jaipur Foot’, world-famous for such rehabilitation, would be utilised for the purpose. The donation was made by Ambassador Alfred C. Tandau, Chairman of TIFA, to Mr. Hanif Jaffer, Resident Director, Exim Bank, receiving on behalf of Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam, on April 26 evening at a Reception hosted by High Commissioner of India, Dinesh K. Jain, in honour of the visiting Foreign Minister of India, at India House in Dar es Salaam. Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam has undertaken the responsibility of providing ‘Jaipur Foot’ to the train accident victims.

This followed Jain presenting a cheque of TZS 2 million as contribution from the High Commission to TIFA for promoting its objectives of strengthening India-Tanzania friendship, especially at the people’s level. These funds were raised by the High Commission from the India Cup Golf Tournament organised last year in Dar es Salaam on the occasion of the Independence Day of India.

Special Place for Africa In Foreign Policy

Ministry of External Affairs of India, has just issued its Annual Report for the year 2002-03. The following excerpts highlight the special place assigned to Africa in India’s diplomacy, including to Tanzania in particular:

“Africa continues to occupy a special place in our diplomatic interactions. Our relationship with this important continent, which constitutes the largest block of countries in the United Nations, has been built on the strong political foundations of the past. The challenge today is to given even greater economic content to these historic relations, taking into account new and emerging opportunities. India continued its policy of consolidating the gains of over five decades of close ties of friendship with the countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa. The countries in the region are currently engaged in economic reforms and political democratisation. These processes have strengthened our capacity to engage with African countries in a constructive programme of mutually beneficial cooperation.

“India welcomes the new vibrancy in Africa and is vitally engaged with it. Our core strengths of a vibrant democracy, steady economic growth, a large pool of scientific and technical manpower and a diversified experience in development, provide a functional framework for a sustained partnership between India and individual African countries, as well as with regional groupings in the continent. It is with this perspective that India has launched its “Focus Africa” programme. As part of this policy, several initiatives were taken like holding an “Africa Day” lecture and a Seminar on “India and Africa”, setting up an Africa Centre in the Indian Council for World Affairs and holding a Conference of Financial Institutions on India and New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD). India extended support to the launching for the African Union by the July 2002 OAU Summit. Prime Minister Vajpayee had sent a special congratulatory message on this occasion. India also committed to support to the realization of the economic objectives of NEPAD, launched by African countries. Addressing the UN General Assembly, Minister of External Affairs declared that India has set a target of US$ 200 million for extending credit lines to African countries as part of India’s support to NEPAD activities. African countries were the main beneficiary of Indian Technical & Economic Assistance Programme.

“Tanzanian President, Benjamin William Mkapa, visited India from 15-20 December 2002. The visit was a landmark in the bilateral relations as it served to further strengthen the mutual bilateral ties, whose foundation was led by the first President of Tanzania Julius Nyerere. A joint communiqué was issued at the end of the visit. A Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the fields of Agriculture and Allied Sectors and an agreement in the fields of Health and Medicine was signed during the visit. Tanzania has openly supported India’s candidature for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council. India has been extending significant technical assistance under ITEC programme.

“India and Southern African Development Community (SADC) initiated moves to institutionalize Ministerial level dialogue. India’s proposal to commence India-SADC forum is expected to be approved by SADC Council of Ministers in February 2003. India also donates relief supplies to the SADC countries suffering from food shortages. SADC countries normally support India in international fora on various issues.”

Cooperation Between India and EAC

India and East African Community (EAC) concluded, on January 28 in Dar es Salaam, a Memorandum of Understanding on Economic Cooperation. The MOU was signed by H.E. Mr. Shashank, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, on behalf of the Government of India, and by the Secretary General, H.E. Ambassador Nuwe Amanya Mushega on behalf of EAC.

The historic signing ceremony took place in the presence of Minister of External Affairs Yashwant Sinha, who was on an official visit to Tanzania, at the conclusion of his meeting with Amb. Mushega, as well as Foreign Minister Kikwete of Tanzania.

India and EAC have from the beginning shared an impulse to build up direct, mutually beneficial cooperation. Long tradition of India’s close friendly relations with east African countries, their high level of trade and economic cooperation, and the large and economically active Indian communities in these countries, are parts of the motivation for this.

The process of their consultations pursuant to this objective was initiated in India in early 1999 during a visit there by the-then EAC Executive Secretary, Ambassador Francis Mathaura. The Cooperation MOU signed today represents a significant advance in their joint endeavours.

The MOU provides a framework for promotion of technical cooperation in all fields of economic activity for regional economic development. The MOU aims to promote trade and investment. It seeks to cover a wide field of mutual cooperation; some such sectors for co-operation already identified are pharmaceuticals, Information Technology (including establishment of regulating environment), agriculture, human resource development, tourism, industry including development of small & medium enterprises (SMEs), food processing, non-conventional energy, and regional infrastructure development.

The MOU further provides for a mechanism for in-depth review, exchange of information and data on patterns of trade, investment and technology flows, exchange of business delegations, promotion of contacts and cooperation between respective chambers of commerce and industry, exchange of information on policies and procedures relating to investment, linkages between institutions of excellence and dialogue on standards, quality, and customs procedures with a view to removing any bottlenecks to trade.

Africa - Part of the Indian Ethos

Speaking at an interactive session on Indo-Africa trade, organised by Federation of Indian Exporters Organisation (FIEO), jointly with the Department of Commerce, University of Delhi, Mr. Subhash Mittal, Vice President, FIEO, observed that Africa had always been a part of the Indian ethos because of its close association with India’s independence struggle, and also because a good number of its citizens were of Indian ancestry. In recent times, he noted, Sub-Saharan Africa had begun to loom large in the minds of the Indian business community as a potentially high growth region due to the considerable degree of political stability and economic initiatives seen in many countries of the region. Many of these countries had liberalised their trade and economic regimes, and opened many sectors to foreign investment. In addition a number of them also had special trading relationship with the EU and the US, which gave products originating from them special market access. The session was attended by several African HOMs based in Delhi. HOMs of Ghana and Ethiopia spoke about the investment opportunities in their countries and welcomed Indian manufacturers and exporters to invest and export from their territories. Dr. A.K.Seth, Programme Coordinator, University of Delhi, stressed that Africa was on its way to becoming a fertile region for investment and trade. Besides the market that it offered to exporters and investors, he pointed out that the region offered opportunities for Indians to set up industries and induct technology for taking advantage of their preferential access in Europe and the US.

PM Visits J&K with a Healing Touch

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said the dance of death must stop in Kashmir and those wielding the gun must realise that the world opinion is against them. Vajpayee was addressing a rally in Srinagar on the first day of his two-day visit to the Valley. It was the first public meeting by any Prime Minister in Srinagar in 15 years. "The world is changing and public opinion against the use of gun for settling issues in building. I had gone to Lahore as Prime Minister of India to start a peace process, but it did not succeed. Pakistan invaded Kargil and we had to dislodge them from there. We invited General Musharraf to come to Agra for talks. I felt that the Taj, that enduring symbol of love, would help us sort out our problems, but this did not happen. We are still willing to extend the hand of friendship, but it must be reciprocated in good measure by Pakistan," the Prime Minister said. He assured Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed's government that Delhi would back Jammu & Kashmir's development agenda, and his government would do everything possible to generate employment in Kashmir. "We have started construction of roads from north to south of the country and this would help in generating employment. We have lowered the prices of cement and other construction material. Developed countries are looking at the rich human resource of our country. More and more people from India are getting jobs abroad. Hoping that in the years to come Kashmir would regain its glory, Vajpayee said, "What is important is that Kashmiriyat should remain intact. I have laid the foundation stone for the expansion of the Srinagar airport. Soon, international flights would be able to take off and land there." Recalling the promise he made on August 15, 2002 from the ramparts of Red Fort, he said: "I had promised free and fair elections in Jammu & Kashmir. We held the elections and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is now the chief minister of a new government." Later, speaking at the convocation ceremony of the Kashmir University, Srinagar, PM said the people who support militancy in Kashmir are against the basic ethos of Kashmiri culture and Sufi Islam. "An objective examination of the situation in Jammu & Kashmir will reveal that those who support militancy in the state are against the basic ethos of Kashmiri culture of peace, brotherhood and friendship."

Before leaving for Delhi at the end of a two-day visit to the valley, Vajpayee told a press conference in Srinagar, that it was entirely up to Pakistan to respond positively to the hand of friendship extended by him and see that cross-border terrorism and infiltration stops for a meaningful dialogue to resume. "There should be a new beginning. It depends on Pakistan. What reaction and what type of response Pakistan gives to end cross-border infiltration and terrorism. That is when a dialogue can take place. We are willing to discuss all issues, including Jammu and Kashmir. But the route of cross-border terrorism cannot go on. There has been no benefit from it and there cannot be any benefit in future. I hope there be an appropriate response from across the border."

IHand of Friendship Extended Again to Pakistan

Following is the text of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s statement in Lok Sabha (Lower House) on his two-day visit to Jammu & Kashmir:“I went to Jammu & Kashmir on a two-day visit on April 18-19, 2003. I had five programmes in Srinagar. The first had to do with the Foundation Stone laying ceremony for modernization of Srinagar Airport. This project would double the capacity of the airport. We would like international air services to start from Srinagar. The second programme related to the National Highway Development Project. Under this, work on a four-lane highway from Srinagar to Kanyakumari was launched. The newly elected Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, had been insisting that work on this project in the Kashmir Valley should start as early as possible.

“In my public rally, I congratulated the people of Kashmir on participating in the Assembly elections in large numbers. They exercised their franchise defying the threat of bullets. I assured them, “We have come here to share your pain and suffering. Whatever complaints you have, try to address them collectively. Knock on the doors of Delhi. Delhi will never close its doors for you. The doors of our heart will also remain open for you”.

“I assured the people of Jammu & Kashmir that we wish to resolve all issues – both domestic and external – through talks. I stressed that the gun can solve no problem; brotherhood can. Issues can be resolved if we move forward guided by the three principles of Insaniyat (Humanism), Jamhooriyat (Democracy) and Kashmiriyat (Kashmir’s age-old legacy of Hindu-Muslim amity).
“In my speech, I spoke of extending our hand of friendship to Pakistan. At the same time, I also said that this hand of friendship should be extended by both sides. Both countries should resolve that we need to live together in peace.

“My last programme was about the start of work on the construction of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line. It is our resolve to ensure that train services start in Kashmir Valley before August 15, 2007. Unemployment is the greatest problem facing the youth of Jammu & Kashmir. We have decided to facilitate creation of one lakh opportunities for employment and self-employment over the next two years. For this, a special Task Force would be set up with representatives from the Central Government, State Government industry, commerce, banking and financial institutions. The Task Force will present its report by June 30 and implementation would commence from August 15 this year.

“At a press conference before returning to Delhi, I expressed the hope that a new beginning can take place between India and Pakistan. I said that we have extended our hand of friendship. Let us see how Pakistan responds to this. Stopping cross-border infiltration and destruction of terrorist infrastructure can open the doors for talks. Talks can take place on all issues, including that of Jammu & Kashmir.”

Parliament Debates Gulf War, Pakistan

External Affairs Minister, Yashwant Sinha, said that if lack of democracy, possession of weapons of mass destruction and export of terrorism were reasons for a country to make pre-emptive strike in another country, then Pakistan deserved to be tackled more than any other country.'' Responding in the Rajya Sabha to a discussion on an all-party resolution on the United States-led war on Iraq, Sinha asserted that there was no third-party role on issues between India and Pakistan, and there was no question that anybody was being invited or would be permitted to play a role. While India had not hesitated to discuss the issue of cross-border terrorism under the international resolution against global terrorism, Indo-Pakistan bilateral issues would be discussed only under the Shimla accord. “We know from experience, on the basis of evidence, that Pakistan does not fall in the same category as Iraq. It is in a much worse category, and therefore, it was in that context, that the reply given by me was that if these were the criteria, then Pakistan is a fitter case,'' Sinha said. The House later unanimously adopted the resolution against the U.S.-led war on Iraq and said the coalition forces must immediately withdraw. It emphasised that Iraq's sovereignty should be kept intact and its reconstruction carried out under the supervision of the United Nations. The resolution, moved “under exceptional circumstances'' by the Chairman, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, was the same as passed earlier by the Lok Sabha.

Challenges of Terrorism for Peace

Minister of External Affairs, Yashwant Sinha, addressed the Editors of Guild of India on April 19, in which he addressed the theme of India’s foreign policy in present international challenges for peace. Salient excerpts follow:

“As all of you are aware, we live in trying times. A “new reality” with far reaching implications confronts us in West Asia and a fresh chapter in history is being written. The military action in Iraq has caused great anguish in India. Our Parliament has given voice to the widespread concern of our people. Much has changed as a result of Iraq. But some verities remain unaffected. One of them is the fundamental and pre-eminent threat posed to peace, civilization, democracy and the rule of law by international terrorism. And as far as India is concerned, pre-Iraq or post-Iraq, one of the most critical challenges that confronts us is the menace of terrorism. There are three issues relating to international terrorism on which I intend to focus, namely, the theory of root causes of terrorism, the theory of clash of civilizations and the question of double standards in dealing with international terrorism.

Let me begin with a discussion of the so-called root causes of terrorism. There are some in the world who argue that certain ‘root causes’ are responsible for the phenomenon of terrorism and that this menace can be addressed only by tackling issues such as poverty, absence of political freedom, territorial disputes, religious intolerance, ethnic discrimination etc. Until then, we must live with terrorism or rather die at its hands. They point out that terrorism as a means of political struggle has had a long history and will not end without these root causes being resolved. It is my view that to attribute responsibility for acts of terrorism to such root causes is to misunderstand the phenomenon of terrorism and to weaken the war against it. Let us look at the evolution of world politics in recent times. In the last fifty years, prosperity has only increased in the world. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, most countries have turned democratic. The importance of freedom and human rights is universally accepted and even authoritarian regimes swear by it in principle if not in practice. Territorial disputes are fewer and fewer in number. Exclusive societies based on race, religion and ethnicity are rapidly being replaced by plural, multicultural societies. A natural process of increased movement of people across frontiers is taking place and the process of globalization is inexorably marching on. Despite all these positive developments, terrorism has increased rather than decreased. The reason is not because there are unresolved root causes but because terrorism has become an instrument of war by other means. What some countries and groups are unable to obtain through peaceful and democratic means is sought to be grabbed through the systematic and deliberate use of terror as an instrument of policy and through the use for subversion and violence of armed, trained and indoctrinated irregulars. This is the reason why the term ‘proxy war‘ is most appropriate to describe the policy of cross-border terrorism being sponsored by our neighbour. It is true that violence as a means of settling disputes is as old as history. However, the fact remains that massacres and killings of innocent civilians has never been acquiesced in by society at large, and never been forgiven by history, whoever be the victims and whoever the perpetrators. Whether it be the Nadir Shahs and Chenghiz Khans of the past, or the Lashkar-e-Toibas and Hizbul Mujahideens of today, their actions have never found public acceptance. There cannot be any ambivalence on the question of use of violence and terror in the pursuit of political goals. No ‘root cause’ can justify the massacres of Kaluchak and Nadimarg and incidents such as the attack on Indian Parliament of December 13, 2001. Today, we live in an era of democracy. All problems, internal as well as external, can be resolved through legitimate, democratic and peaceful means.

“The debate over terrorism being a religious phenomenon and its growing incidence heralding a clash of civilizations is also equally spurious. While it might be true that jehadi terrorism has been deliberately used for political purposes, and has become a cause of concern across the world, it is completely wrong to identify terrorism with any particular religion. No religion preaches hatred or sanctions killing of innocent human beings. Responsibility should be placed squarely on those who seek to justify killings in the name of religion. Let me in this connection quote from an address delivered by Prime Minister Vajpayee in February of this year to an International Youth Conference on Terrorism, “It is through such misuse of religion that jehadi terrorism is trying to violently impose its own rigid, intolerant social order uniformly around the world. The murderous campaign has not spared even Muslim populations, as was evident from what the Taliban did in Afghanistan.” Addressing the Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Kuala Lumpur two weeks later, the Prime Minister further said, “President Musharraf has referred to my country a little while ago. His strange logic masks Pakistan’s territorial designs on an integral part of India. He justifies terrorism against India by talking of root causes. Does he go into the root causes of sectarian terrorism in his country?”

“I would like to now turn to the issue of double standards in the fight against terrorism. Much has been said in this regard and I have no desire to point fingers or cast blame in any direction. As is evident, there is a tendency amongst some to condone terrorism in some places while condemning it elsewhere. This is completely counter-productive. Therefore, so long as the capacity, infrastructure and latitude to resort to terrorism remains, no person or country is safe. State agencies and groups directly sponsored by our western neighbour are also known to have provided safe haven and logistical support to fleeing Al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists. As a member of the international coalition against terrorism, as a neighbour and friend of Afghanistan, we are greatly concerned at the re-emergence of Taliban inspired and ISI backed terrorism in parts of Afghanistan. The fact that sponsorship, bases and finances for terrorism in our region come from a military regime and its intelligence agency cannot be ignored. But, its most egregious manifestations are found in our neighbourhod. Terrorist movements have worldwide linkages and can reach any part of the world where they wish to perpetrate terrorist acts. Their linkage with transnational criminal syndicates, with narcotics, smuggling of arms and money-laundering gives them added reach and lethality. Few countries in the world have suffered as much as India has from this menace. We owe it to ourselves as well as to the world to push, prod, persuade and mobilize the international community into redoubling efforts aimed at eradicating the phenomenon of terrorism from its very roots. Much of the world woke up to the menace of terrorism only after September 11. We, in India have been facing this danger for over two decades. It was only when terrorism struck close to home that many in the world realized they should have woken up earlier and before they became a victim.”

Pak Terrorism in J&K

Pak Foreign Minister, Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri, has claimed that Pakistan has closed a “lot of training camps” of people being trained for fighting in Kashmir. In an interview to a UN news agency, Kasuri said the Government had “stopped” public donations for those fighting for Kashmir and also arrested some of the leaders championing the Kashmir cause. These observations are interesting contributing as they do to a public Pakistani official acknowledgement of the existence of training camps, and of donations from the public.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army has said that foreign mercenaries operating in J&K possess chemical weapons. Quoting 'recent' intelligence reports, Lt. Col. S P K Singh of the Northern Command Headquarters said, "Over the past two to three months, the army has been consistently receiving information that foreign terrorists in the state have been moving with suspicious looking containers, and recent intelligence inputs suggest that terrorists have been talking about use of poisonous gas."

The United States is "disappointed and frustrated" that Pakistan has failed to halt incursions by militants into Kashmir, a senior US official said in a public comment. The State Department's Director of Policy Planning, Richard Haass, warned Pakistan in a TV interview that its relations with Washington would never fully develop until such rebel activity stopped. “It is true the United States for some time has urged the Pakistani government to stop all infiltration across the line of control. I'll be honest, we have not succeeded, and we are at times, shall we say, disappointed and frustrated with that reality. I think it's simply a fact of life for the Pakistanis that our relationship with them will never be able to improve beyond a certain point, unless the problem is adequately addressed. Unless Pakistan deals effectively and does everything in its power to stop all infiltration across the Line of Control, it will place a ceiling -- it will limit the potential for US-Pakistan relations."

A warning by the CIA that Pakistan continues to support terrorist groups in Jammu & Kashmir and that the cycles of tension between India and Pakistan are growing shorter forms the backdrop of the forthcoming visit of US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage to India and Pakistan. "Pakistan continues to support groups that resist India's presence in Kashmir in an effort to bring India to the negotiating table," CIA director George Tenet said in a recent speech before the Senate Intelligence Committee, now on the CIA web. He said that even though India's recent military redeployment away from the border reduced the danger of imminent war, the underlying cause of tension was unchanged.

Foreign Policy’s Guiding Principles

The Ministry of External Affairs’s Annual Report also highlights the guiding principles of India’s foreign policy. Excerpts in this regard, and on certain other salient aspects follow:

“The guiding principles of foreign policy today are founded on pragmatism and the pursuit of the national interest without compromising basic and well established tenets and principles. There is awareness that in a period of rapid and continuing change, foreign policy must be capable of responding optimally to new challenges and opportunities. We view foreign policy as an integral part of the larger effort of building the nation’s capabilities through economic development, strengthening social well being, and of protecting India’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security not only in its defence and economic aspects, but in the widest sense of the term. India views the conduct of foreign relations as a dynamic exercise, which incorporates our basic objectives which is a direct reflection of our overall national policies, our goal for the future, and India’s self-perception of its role and destiny in world affairs. Our foreign policy is a forward looking engagement with the rest of the world, based on rigorous, realistic and contemporary assessment of the regional and global geo-political and economic milieu.

“On the issue of global disarmament, the country stuck to a principled and consistent standpoint, keeping India’s security interests as the ultimate litmus test of any initiative. India believes that a nuclear weapon free world would best protect its security concerns. In all forums concerned with disarmament India continued to call for verifiable, non-discriminatory and universal nuclear disarmament. Through multilateral, regional and bilateral dialogues on strategic issues, there was increased harmonization of India’s national security concerns and obligations with international concerns on non-proliferation and disarmament.

“Cooperation amongst the countries of the Indian Ocean Rim was also pursued with vigour. India took an active part in the work of the High Level Task Force set up by the meeting of the Council in Muscat in 2001. India also contributed to a number of IOR-ARC (Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation) projects and played an active role in the various IOR-ARC programmes and activities.

“The Indian Technical Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme provides a means of reaching out to other developing countries in the sharing of our developmental experience with them; and it is our major contribution to South-South Cooperation. Technical assistance and economic programme was continuously monitored, reviewed and fine-tuned so as to make it more robust and meaningful. Under its Technical Cooperation Programme India also provides training slots in its defence establishments including the National Defence College.

“India continues to be a major troop contributor and is presently in eight of the fifteen UN Peace Keeping Operations, providing Infantry Battalions to two of them, UNIFIL & UNMEE. India also has contributed civilian police contingents in UNMIBH & UNMIK. Presently, we have three Heads of Mission in UNIFIL, UNMISET & UNIKOM.

“The XIII Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement was held at Kuala Lumpur from 20-25 February 2003. Prime Minister Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee led the Indian delegation to the Summit. The theme of the Summit was the ‘continuing revitalization of NAM’. In the Conference India stressed that the Non-Aligned Movement needs to focus on a priority agenda of global themes of contemporary relevance that unites the membership rather than divides it. NAM should adopt a positive and forward looking agenda with emphasis on multilateralism, reform of the UN system, North-South engagement, South-South cooperation, democracy and multi-culturalism. Its approach and tone has to be pragmatic. The objective should be to position NAM as a major pole in the multi-polar world. Prime Minister Vajpayee’s address and the Minister of External Affairs Mr. Yashwant Sinha’s presentation underlined these aspects. The Conference adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, which reflects many of India’s ideas and proposals. The Ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement was held on the margins of the General Assembly on 18 September 2002. In his statement, Minister of External Affairs Mr. Yashwant Sinha spoke of the global issues which required a response form the South, such as the commitment to multilateralism, democratisation of the United Nations, priority to the development agenda of the UN and complete disarmament. He emphasised the combat against global terrorism and the importance, in this regard of a speedy conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. He also expressed caution about the situations in Afghanistan and Iraq.”

Indian Aid for Poor Nations (HIPC)

India is planning to give grants or project assistance to developing countries in Africa, South Asia and other developing nations through the 'India Development Initiative' scheme, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor, Bimal Jalan has said, adding a debt relief package has been envisaged in the Union Budget 2003-04, under which India would be writing off all the official dues of the highly indebted poor countries, owing overdue payments to the country. "We are ready to operationalise our commitments to fully participate in the HIPC initiative," he said at the meeting of International Monetary and Financial committee in Washington. Jalan reiterated India's commitment to fight against the abuses of the financial system including money laundering and terror funding. Emphasising that the voice of developing countries in international financial institutions is 'weak', Jalan called for raising the quota share of the developing countries appropriately to match their growing importance in the world economy as well as to provide them a larger profile in the governance of the IMF. Reform of the international financial architecture, he said, will not be complete without changes in the way the Fund and other international financial institutions operate. "The developing countries have been marginalised for far too long without adequate representation in the Fund's decision-making process.

Humanitarian Aid for People of Iraq

Responding to the UN emergency appeal for immediate humanitarian assistance for the people of Iraq, India announced an assistance of $20 million in cash and kind, including 50,000 million tonne of wheat to the World Food Programme. "The modalities are being worked out with the UN and its agencies," External Affairs Ministry spokesman told reporters. The wheat would go to WFP to be passed on to the people of Iraq; other modalities would be firmed up by the Indian mission in New York with the UN and other agencies. The spokesman added India has been committed to extend humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people.

Dr. Ahmed Chalabi, Head of the Iraqi National Congress, and tipped to lead a post-war government in Iraq, has said that the Indian democratic system should be taken up as a model for his country. He also expressed his desire to visit India. "Democracy in India is a marvel of civilisation. We hope in some respects to have a political system similar to India," said Chalabi, now involved in the U.S.-led efforts to form a new interim government. "India is a great country. It is special for us. India also developed on her own and achieved great technological advancement. I am devoted to India and would like to visit India soon," he said in his first interview to the Indian media.

India Fourth Largest Economy

India is the world's fourth largest economy when it comes to purchasing power parity (PPP), according to the World Development Indicators issued by the World Bank. By conventional calculations, India's gross national income was only $477.4 billion in 2001, but it translated into $2,913 billion PPP. The United States ($9,781 billion), China ($5,027 billion in PPP) and Japan ($3,246 billion PPP) were ahead of India. These 'Big Four' were followed by Germany ($2,580 billion PPP), Britain ($1,431 billion PPP), France ($1,425 billion PPP) and Italy ($1,422 billion PPP). To arrive at PPP, regarded as a true reflection of a country's economy and the purchasing power of its people, all goods and services are calculated at US prices. The conventional method is to give the figures for each country in its currency and then translate it into dollars at the foreign exchange value.

World Bank President James Wolfensohn has commended India for the 'very good progress' it has made in its GDP growth. "In countries adjacent to India too there is evidence now of an improvement. The process has been slow, but, nonetheless, I think that with education and health programmes, improved governance and increased trade, you can project that you will have a betterment of life in South Asia, and there is evidence that it is coming through," he said.

GDP Growth Projected Over 6%

Reserve Bank of India Governor, Bimal Jalan, has said that Indian economy is likely to grow by over 6.0 per cent following supportive policy measures in the Budget and an industrial revival. "Despite adverse developments in global economy and a severe drought, India achieved a reasonable growth of 4.4 per cent during 2002-03, and is likely to grow by over 6.0 per cent in 2003-04," Jalan said at the spring meeting of the International Monetary Fund in Washington. He said the relatively satisfactory performance of the Indian economy coincided with low inflation, strong external sector performance, record level of foreign exchange reserves and a vastly improved macroeconomic environment. "Industrial output is showing signs of recovery and export performance is robust. India is confident that its economic slowdown is bottoming out and a revival is under way," and the current policy framework was supportive of the revival process. "The Union Budget for 2003-04 contains several measures to facilitate the revival process and the monetary policy is accommodative of the productive activity," Jalan said.

In spite of a recent devastating drought, India's economy has fared well and should enjoy solid growth this year and next; he International Monetary Fund has said. India's economy picked up steam last year and now enjoys a stronger international position, which will allow the country to accelerate trade liberalization and adopt a more flexible exchange rate. India's economy is poised to grow 5.1 per cent this year and 5.9 per cent in 2004, with higher, yet still modest inflation.

Indian economy has the potential to grow by 10-15 per cent annually and generate 10 million jobs if it harnesses entrepreneurship, innovation and quality, ‘management guru’ C K Prahalad has said. "We talked about Purna Swaraj before Independence and we got it in 15 years. Why can't we have Purna Swaraj on the economic front. Our priorities should be 10-15 per cent GDP growth and 10 million jobs," Prahalad said at the CII annual session in New Delhi. Prahalad, a professor of University of Michigan Business School, said demand for consumer goods will explode if India Inc cuts cost by at least 20-30 per cent. "Companies can double their production as demand would explode if the per capital income of the country goes up to over $600 from the present $500," he said. Instead of relying on government to create the enabling environment, the management expert said India should focus on entrepreneurship as demonstrated by the IT sector and other companies in the unorganised sectors. "India's unorganised sector is large and efficient. Creating an organised sector out of the unorganised sector is an opportunity," Admitting that the industry was constrained by lack of resources, poor infrastructure, labour laws, high cost of power, high import duties and taxes, he said "focusing on them would not solve the problem of becoming competitive."

Gains in War on Poverty

India and China have made substantial gains in the war on poverty during the 1990s, but conditions have worsened in sub-Saharan Africa, says the World Bank's latest report on growth indicators. In absolute numbers, though, South Asia still heads the poverty table with 488 million people living on less than $1 a day - the World Bank's yardstick to measure poverty. Most countries have set their own poverty lines. The Bank's report, while expressing satisfaction at the drop in the number of people living below the poverty line from 1.3 billion in 1990 to 1.16 billion by 1999, said: "But these gains occurred largely in China and India." The figures for South Asia, with India accounting for the bulk, point to a decline in the numbers below poverty line from 506 million in 1990 to 488 million in 1999. The report projects that the number will come down to 264 million by 2015. The region that is of utmost concern to the Bank is sub-Saharan Africa, where the number has gone up from 241 million in 1990 to 315 million in 1999. It is estimated to shoot up to 404 million in the absence of any radical new initiatives.

Industrial Production Up 6.4%

India's industrial output rose 6.4 per cent in February due to strong manufacturing sector growth, despite fears that the country's worst drought in 15 years could lead to a demand slowdown in Asia's third-largest economy. Figures released by the government's Central Statistical Organisation say that output was up from 2.4 per cent in February 2002 when a global and domestic slowdown hit demand. Output has been maintaining a steady pace over the past few months with industrial output rising 6.4 per cent in January and 5.0 per cent in December 2002. Industrial output in the first 11 months of 2002-03 (April-March) rose a healthy 5 .7 per cent compared with 2.6 per cent in the same period the previous year. Manufacturing, which accounts for about 80 per cent of industrial output, jumped 6.5 per cent in February compared with 2.9 per cent in the same month a year earlier. Industry forms 27 per cent of GDP but contributes a large chunk to government revenues because the vital agricultural sector is untaxed. The Indian economy, the world's 12th largest (4th in PPP terms), is estimated to grow at 4.4 per cent in 2002-03, down from 5.6 per cent in the previous year because of a decline in farm output. The farm sector was hit by scanty monsoon rains, a key influence on the country's economic performance. Nearly 70 per cent of India's more than one billion people depend on agriculture for a living.

Car Exports jump 155% in 4 years

Perhaps the biggest winner in the Indian economy in 2002-03 has been car and mo-bike exports. The numbers which showed near flat growth between 1998 to 2000, perked up next year, and has clocked some fabulous figures in the last fiscal, with passenger vehicle exports nearly trebling in four years from 28,122 units in 1998-99 to 71,653 units in 2002-03. The estimates look even better two years on — in fiscal 2005 car exports are expected to touch 180,000 units - up 151% over fiscal 2002-03. The mo-bike export story is still rosier. Unlike passenger vehicles, bikes have enjoyed decent growth year-on-year since FY98. From 35,461 units in 98-99, the curve went up to 35,295 units in 99-00 and 41,339 units in 00-01. Fiscal 01-02 followed that trend - motorcycle exports moved up to 56,489 units - up 36.6%. But last year that curve zoomed skywards. Motorcycle exports jumped to 126,122 units in 02-03, up nearly 122%. And the forecast for FY05 is even better - bike exports are expected to touch 400,000 units, up a whopping 217%.

Major Outsourcing Shift to India

An estimated 4 million new jobs are likely to be created in India in the next couple of years as a number of foreign firms are set to shift their back-office jobs to India, which is poised to be the world's next trillion-dollar economy after China. What began as a trickle eight years ago with a decision by GE, the American giant, to shift thousands of back-office jobs from America to India, has now become a deluge. Companies seeking to cut costs and improve services are outsourcing back-office processes, call centres and IT to India where unemployment is up to three times the level of the UK. A Morgan Stanley report said all over India, gleaming modern business complexes are sprouting amid the poverty and chaos. They provide vital support for companies as diverse as Prudential, P and O Nedlloyd, British Airways, Citibank and Standard Chartered. British Telecom has become the latest UK company to outsource part of its operation. The pace of change is expected to accelerate rapidly this year. According to McKinsey, the management consultants, outsourcing of business processing is expected to grow by 60 per cent to $2.4 billion in India this year. The report reasons that the 'shift' is a result of spiralling wages in the developed world, the decline in active workforces and a slowdown in global economy. A report published by Deloitte Research estimates that $356 billion of global financial services will move off-shore and much of it will go to India. During the past 18 months, UK-based Standard Chartered Bank has gradually transferred its back office to Chennai. The move has involved shifting 23 processing units from 35 countries. The banking powerhouses - Citigroup and HSBC - are also in the throes of transferring jobs.

Foreign Funds Eye India Stock Market

Foreign funds may plough more money into Indian stocks in the next few months, say analysts, as the outlook for Asia's export-driven 'tiger economies' is marred by the war in Iraq and a killer virus that threatens growth. Money managers say India's huge domestic market, second only to China in the region, puts the country in a better position to ride out the turbulence in global trade. "We believe India will be among the few stable economies in Asia, less immune to a global slowdown due to the war," said Tan Choon Hoe, a portfolio manager with AIB Govett (Asia) Ltd. The government has projected India's economy to expand 6.0-6.5 per cent this fiscal year which began on April 1, from an estimated 4.4 per cent in the past year when growth was affected by drought. Offshore funds have already pumped in $359 million into Indian shares in the first quarter. And the inflows could pick up further as a deadly flu-like virus, SARS, threatens to hurt consumer spending and economic growth in east Asia. "If it (the disease) is not contained soon, some money could flow into Indian markets," said London-based Tim Dickson who manages about $200 million in Indian equities for F&C. Based on the potential impact of SARS, Merrill Lynch has already replaced China with India on its macro country ranking, which measures prospects for total returns measured in dollars. "Valuation is a key driver," said AIB Govett's Tan Choon, whose fund is currently underweight on Indian equities. And many analysts say the relative cheapness of Indian stocks during such turbulent times is likely to be a big draw for investors. In 2003 Indian stocks dividend yield of 2.21 per cent is already the highest in a decade, according to Bombay Stock Exchange data. Brokerage DSP Merrill Lynch expects the BSE Sensex to climb to 3,750 by year end - up 18.4 per cent from last month’s close of 3,167.70. As for stock picks, portfolio managers recommend banking, pharmaceutical and those shares that will benefit from the government's focus on infrastructure projects.

Indian Satellite INSAT-3A, Lunar Mission

India's multi-purpose satellite INSAT-3A was placed in its 36,000-km geostationary orbit of 93.5 degree East Longitude with the planned drift rate of two degree per day, in the third and final stage of orbit raising operation conducted from Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said the manoeuvre was completed by firing the 440 Newton Liquid Apogee Motor on board the spacecraft for a duration of 3 minutes and 41 seconds. The satellite had achieved an orbital period of 23 hours and 48 minutes and was continuously visible to the MCF. INSAT-3A, ISRO said, had 505 kg of propellant remaining which is sufficient to maintain the spacecraft in its orbit and control its orientation during its designed life of 12 years. Earlier, European rocket Ariane-5 lifting off from the French Guyanese spaceport of Kourou in South America on April 10, had carried Insat-3A into the space. The 2.95-tonne Indian satellite is carrying 24 transponders - 12 in C band, 6 in Ku band, and the rest in the upper extended C band.

ISRO is all set to go ahead with its ambitious unmanned moon mission and plans to seek a green signal from the government in the next 8-10 months. A galaxy of 60 top scientists and technologists held a marathon meeting in Bangalore to discuss the lunar mission plan. A peer review meeting of the lunar mission study task force has decided to submit a detailed report for approval. This would also incorporate the suggestions and recommendations of the scientific community. Among those who participated in the meeting were ISRO chairman K Kasturirangan, former Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister, M G K Menon, former UGC chairman, Yashpal, National Institute of Advanced Studies Director, Roddam Narasimha, and astro-physicist, Jayant Narlikar. In spite of divergent views aired in public on the viability of the project, ISRO is said to be on course to launch the mission. ISRO proposes to send a vehicle to orbit the moon by 2005, at an estimated cost of $120 million, to conduct experiments that will unravel its mysteries. "By embarking on the lunar mission, we want to demonstrate that India can undertake complex projects involving cutting-edge space technologies," Kasturirangan stated at the 90th Indian Science Congress in Bangalore recently.

Missiles Programme Proceeds Apace

Prithvi, India's most sophisticated medium-range missile, was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, 15 km from Balasore, Orissa. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)scientists, who conducted the test, described it as a user's trial. The indigenously developed missile, with a range of 150 to 250 km, was fired on April 29. The test was part of the efforts to further fine-tune the missile, which has already been inducted into the army. The 8.56 metre-high and one-metre thick missile, which took off perfectly, is part of India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.

India is simultaneously developing ‘Agni-III’, a long-range surface-to-surface missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads, planned to be test fired this year. Defence Minister George Ferndndes said Agni-III would have a strike capacity longer than Agni-II, which has a range of over 2000 km. He disclosed that Agni-I and Agni-II were already in production and available for deployment, adding he would take pride in the success of ‘Brahmos’, a supersonic cruise missile jointly produced by India and Russia. "Brahmos is something exclusive. Nobody has this missile today. Its serial production stage has come in the sense that we are ready now. All tests are complete". Brahmos, which has a range of nearly 300 km, has three versions - ground-to-air, air-to-ground and the naval variant.

Earlier, the indigenously developed Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA) - Lakshya - was successfully test flown on April 27 from the ITR. Already inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2000, Lakshya's latest trial was undertaken with an improved engine and other sub-systems developed by the DRDO. Lakshya, a sub-sonic, reusable aerial target system, is remote-controlled from the ground and designed to impart training to both airborne and air defence pilots for weapon engagements.

India For Hindi as a UN Language

The government of India is pushing for the UN to recognise Hindi as an official language of the world body, MOS for External Affairs, Digvijay Singh, has said. He told Rajya Sabha that a foreign ministry committee had been set up to push India's case. The UN currently recognises Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish as official languages. Hindi is spoken by nearly 40 percent of India's billion-plus population. There are 17 official languages in India. He said the Government was coordinating its efforts with 20 countries in which Hindi enjoy priority. The Government was also funding a World Hindi Secretariat in Mauritius which is intended to promote the language and for which MOU has been signed between the two countries. Indians constitute 70 percent of the population in Mauritius. A substantial number of people living in countries, such as Fiji, Guyana, Trinidad, and Surinam trace their ancestry to India from where indentured labour was imported in the 19th century under the British rule.

…And Sports Successes

Nitin Mongia of India, as expected, won his maiden world title in the International OK Dinghy World Sailing Championship, with a race to spare on the penultimate day of the championship off Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula .

India’s Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua (7.5) and Woman Grandmaster Vijayalakshmi (7.5) grabbed the Commonwealth Chess Championship with their consistent and super display. While Barua signed draw with Nguyen Anh Dung of Vietnam in the 10th and last round, Vijayalakshmi scored a smart victory over Kotronias Vasilios of Cyprus to pocket overall and women’s the Commonwealth Chess Championship respectively. Also India’s Grandmaster K.Sasikiran and Grandmaster Abhijit Kunte were honoured with Men’s Silver and Bronze medals respectively. Likewise, in the women’s group, India’s Woman Grandmaster Anupama Gokhale bagged the Silver medal and Woman International Master Nisha Mohota got the Bronze Medal, to complete the Indian sweep. The Venus Chess Academy, organized the Commonwealth Chess Championship under the auspices of the Maharashtra Chess Association and the All India Chess Federation, and sponsored by the Union Bank of India and ONGC. In the Women’s category in the simultaneously held International Open Chess Championship, India’s Woman Fide Master D.Harika (6.5) won the title, and Anupama Gokhale of India and Wang Yu from China secured with the second and third placings respectively.

India’s Mahesh Bhupathi, with Max Mirnyi of Belarus as his partner, won their second title in as many weeks when they lifted the Monte Carlo Masters Series tennis doubles crown in Monaco. In the final, Bhupathi and Miryni beat the French pair of Michael Llodra and Fabrice Santoro 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6). Bhupathi, 28, and Mirnyi, 25, who were seeded third, won a close third set tie-breaker to edge past the Australian Open doubles champions. Bhupathi, who won a host of titles with compatriot Leander Paes, including the Roland Garros and Wimbledon doubles crowns in 1999, said he was delighted with his latest success. The duo also won the men’s doubles titles in the $665,000 ATP Tour event in Estoril, Portugal, defeating Lucas Arnold and Mariano Hood of Argentina 6-1, 6-2 in the final. This gave Bhupathi his 27th career title, and the second in partnership with Mirnyi after the US Open triumph last year.

Library: New Acquisitions – The High Commission Library acquired the following books during the month:

1. The Enternal Saga of Love: Devdas, edited by Rahul Singhal (a comparative study of the various film versions of the novel ‘Devdas’)
2. Banaras, City of Light, by Diana L. Eck (a spiritual and historical resonance of the holy city of Banaras)
3. Mr. Prime Minister: Life & Times of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, by Rahul Singhal
4. The Idea of India, introduction by Sunil Khilnani (an introduction to politics and culture of India after 1947)
5. Continuity & Change: India’s Foreign Policy, by I.K. Gujral, former Prime Minister
6. Ghost Stories From The Raj, edited by Ruskin Bond (a collection of short stories)
7. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam - Scientist & Humanist, by Atulindra Nath Chaturvedi (a short biography of the President of India A.P.J.Abdul Kalam)
8. The IT Man of India, Life & Times of Azim Hashim Premji, edited by Rahul Singhal
9. The Reformer of Tata’s: Life & Times of Ratan Tata, edited by Rahul Singhal
10. Low Calorie Vegetarian Cookbook, by Sanjeev Kapoor
11. Khazana of Indian Recipes, by Sanjeev Kapoor
12. India-Another Millennium?, edited by Romila Thapar (An essay on the challenges before 21st century India)
13. The Cult of The Tiger, by Valmiki Thapar (a description of the cultural and symbolic relevance of tiger in Asia)
14. Mountains of Indian Tourism, Adventure & Pilgrimage, by M.S. Kohli (a guide on the Himalayas and other mountain ranges of India)
15. Vinoba : The Revolutionary Saint, by Ratan Das (biography)
16. Contract Management, by R. Ramanathan (a guide to draft, negotiate and enface contracts)
17. Leaders of India 2002, edited by D.V. Gandhi (profiles of eminent public figures)
18. Roots of Terrorism, by Kanti P. Bajpai (an essay on the security situation in Kashmir, Punjab and North-East India)
19. The Time of My Life, by Krishen Khanna (a collection of memoires by one of India’s reputed artistes)
20. Islam And Jihad, by A.G. Noorani (an interpretation of Jihad and Fatwa in Islam)
21. The Post-Colonial State & Social Transformation in India & Pakistan, edited by S.M. Naseem & Khalid Nadvi
22. Salvaging The WTO’S Future Doha & Beyond, edited by Amit Dasgupta & Bibek Debroy (a comprehensive review of issues being faced by WTO)
23. WTO Agreement & Indian Agriculture, edited by Anwarul Hoda (a compilation of nine essays on the subject)
24. Inside Diplomacy, by Kishan S. Rana (a guide on functional dynamics and operational mechanics of the Indian Foreign Sevice)
25. Three Modern Indian Plays, written by Girish Karnad, Badal Sircar and Vijay Tendulkar.
26. The Success of India’s Democracy, edited by Atul Kohli (essays on the socio-economic factors responsible for success of India’s democracy.
27. Security & Governance In South Asia, edited by P.R. Chari (A compilation of essays on the security situation in South Asia)
28. Birds of Delhi, by Ranjit Lal (a profile of over 150 species of birds)
29. A Difficult FriendShip : Letters of Edward Thompson & Rabindranath Tagore, 1913-1940, edited by Uma Das Gupta (a collection of letters exchanged between Edward Thompson and Rabindranath Tagore)
30. Book of Esther, by Esther David (a work of fiction inspired by a real event)
31. The Eighteenth Century In Indian History : Evolution or Revolution?, edited by P.J. Marshall (a historical perspective of the nature of changes in the 18th Century)
32. External Affairs : Cross-Border Relations, edited by J.N. Dixit (Essays on the relations between India and neighbours)
33. Encyclopaedia of Indian Proverbs Vol 1-9, (a compilation of Assamese proverbs)
34. Bamiyan : Challenge to World Heritage, by Archaeological Survey of India (a catalogue on the ASI’s contribution towards preserving the Bamyan Budhas in Afghanistan)
35. Angkor Vat : India’s Contribution to Its Conservation, 1986-1993, by ASI (a report on India’s conservation work in the templs of Angkor vat in Cambodia)
36. Conservation And Preservation of Angkor Vat, by ASI (a pictorial presentation of the major conservation works in Angkor vat)

Trade Enquiries from India

Company Name Cebeco India Private Limited, K-13A, Hauz Khas Enclave,
New Delhi-110 016
Telephone 91-11-26527123 / 26527135
Fax 91-11-26568510
E-Mail cebeco@vsnl.com
Website www.cebecoindia.com
Contact person Mr. Rasik Patnaik
Business Interest Exporters of Frozen French fries/Potato based products, Dehydrated potato flakes and granules.

Company Name Ravi Industries, 8-R, Industrial Area B, Ludhiana-141003 Punjab
Telephone 91-161-2530538 / 2532132 / 2538816
Fax 91-161-2533467
E-Mail info@mahajangroup.com
Website www.mahajangroup.com
Contact person Mr. N. Mahajan, General manager
Business Interest Exporters of Bicycles & Bicycle Components

Company Name Charak Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Evergreen Industrial Estate, Shakti Mills Lane, Dr. E. Moses Road, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai-400 011
Telephone 91-22-24932241 / 24965256
Fax 91-22-24938215
E-Mail charak@vsnl.com
Contact person Mr. Vivian G. Mathias, Export Executive
Business Interest Manufacturers and Exporters of Ayurvedic and Herbal Products

Company Name Vivek Machine Tools, Punitnagar main Road, Behind Rajkamal Petrol Pump, Gondal Road, Rajkot-360 004 Gujarat
Telephone 91-281-2386379
Fax 91-281-2360409
E-Mail info@vivekmachinetools.com
Website www.vivekmachinetools.com
Contact person Mr. Dipal Patel, Director
Business Interest Manufacturers and exporters of castings & forgings machined engineering components

Company Name A. Damiano & Company, G.P.O. Box 893, 133, Canning Street, Kolkata-700 001
Telephone 91-33-22424951
Fax 91-33-22421138
E-Mail damiano@vsnl.com
Contact person Mr. S. L. Chopra
Business Interest Exporters of Pole Line Hardware Line Materials for Electrical/Telecommunication/Transmission Lines

Special Facilities Available to Non Resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin

The Government of India embarked on the path of liberalisation in 1991. Since then the Government has been progressively liberalising the fiscal and monetary policies, industrial and trade policies, etc.

In this process, the contribution of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), whether they be entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, doctors, skilled labourers or unskilled workers, or in any other profession or service, has been widely acknowledged, in their adopted countries and in India. The latest guesstimate is that there are nearly 18 million PIOs overseas. Long before initiating the liberalisation process, the Government of India has been conscious of the role that PIOs can play in FDI inflows to India and in their other contributions to improve the economic and social infrastructure of the country.

Progressive liberalisation of foreign direct investment policies has made investments in India simpler and hassle free. In addition, the Government has also announced various special schemes for attracting NRI investments. These include portfolio investments, different types of bank accounts, acquisition of immovable property in India, etc.

The Indian Investment Centre, an organisation under the Ministry of Finance and Company Affairs, has published a booklet to provide at one place various special facilities available to NRIs and PIOs. Its copies booklet are available with the High Commission. Those interested to know more about the facilities available to NRIs/PIOs are welcome to consult, or even borrow the booklet from the High Commission (Mr. R. Pratap – First Secretary – Tel No. 2600683).

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