Foreign Policy News Digest

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The emergence of India as a strong economic power is receiving widespread recognition in the region and beyond. Today, it has expanded its footprints and engagement in multiple fields across all continents. Accordingly, India’s foreign policy and international conducts should reflect upon its new global stature. In this backdrop, Ananta Aspen Centre is pleased to launch a new initiative -- a bi-weekly digest of all the major news related to India’s Foreign Policy. Our sincere effort is to keep you informed and updated on all the major international developments that have implications on India’s foreign policy. Hope you will benefit from the initiative. We value your feedback, comments and recommendations.   India and the World – an Update A bi-weekly News Digest on India’s Foreign Policy (Volume 1 – 14) July 16th - July 31st, 2014 Neighbourhood South Asia Pakistan  One BSF jawan dead, three injured in Pak firing The Times of India (with inputs from PTI) | July 16th, 2014 The ceasefire violation comes a day after the two sides held a flag meeting at Chambiliyal border outpost in Samba district to discuss removal of wild bushes along the zero line and adjoining areas to improve visibility during patrolling.  Foreign secretary of India, Pakistan meet August 25 The Asian Age | July 24th. 2014 The decision of the two foreign secretaries to meet is significant given that the composite dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad has been in cold storage ever since the killing of two Indian soldiers on the LoC in January 2013, one of whom was brutally beheaded by Pakistan Army regulars in a border action team operation.  India seeks most favoured nation status from Pakistan Live Mint | July 28th, 2014 What could have also irked India is Islamabad’s stance at the WTO not to back the proposal on food security moved by the India-led G-33 group of countries of which Pakistan is a member.  Nepal  Swaraj’s Nepal trip to focus on building CBMs, Modi visit PTI / The Free Press Journal | July 24th, 2014 This trip is mainly for confidence building measures, strengthening bilateral ties and preparing the ground for Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit, Nepalese Foreign Minister Pandey told PTI ahead of Swaraj’s visit.  "Historic opportunity" to take ties with India to next level: Nepal PTI / India TV News | July 26th, 2014 The Nepalese leaders, in separate interaction with Swaraj, expressed their "happiness" and "excitement" over the initiative taken by India to bring new momentum in the bilateral ties while stressing on the need for stepped up engagement between the countries.  Sushma Swaraj Describes Her Nepal Visit as 'Very Successful' PTI / NDTV | July 27th, 2014 During the visit, India told Nepal that the new Indian government is very keen to impart "renewed momentum" to their multifaceted bilateral ties even as the two countries decided to step up cooperation in key areas of defence, security, trade and and hydro power.  Breaking protocol, Nepal PM to personally receive Narendra Modi at airport IANS / Mid-Day | July 29th, 2014 He will speak in the Nepal parliament, becoming the first head of government to address lawmakers of Nepal after the restoration of democracy in 1990. Narendra Modi's Nepal visit to boost hydropower, infrastructure cooperation: Observers IANS / The Economic Times | July 31st, 2014 "Nepal is more like an elder sister to India than a younger brother. We share a common terrain in southern Himalayas, as well as deep familial, cultural and civilizational bonds," Jayant Prasad, former ambassador of India to Nepal, said at a discussion here on "India-Nepal Ties: Energising the Future" organised by the Ananta Aspen Centre, a not-for-profit organisation. Asia – Pacific Myanmar  Indo-Myanmar border meeting held at Imphal PTI / The Economic Times | July 27th, 2014 "India and Myanmar with their rich historical and cultural ties have developed a unique close relationship over the years. The MoU signed between both the Governments on Border Cooperation Agreement on May 8, 2014 will further strengthen the close relationship and carry forward bilateral relations," said Lt Gen SL Narasimhan, leader of the Indian delegation. Japan  Japan to Join U.S.-India Military Exercises The Wall Street Journal | July 22nd, 2014 A spokesman for the Indian navy said a frigate, a destroyer, a supply vessel and 800 personnel from India will participate in the weeklong joint exercises, which will include antipiracy and antiterrorism drills. Spokesman D.K. Sharma said the exercises will prepare the countries "for situations when their navies have to work together tactically."  Modi to visit Japan from August 31 DNA | July 24th, 2014 Analysts believe, the agenda of Modi's upcoming Japan visit will inevitably be topped by economic, trade and investment issues. Apart from trade, commerce and partnership in infrastructure projects, Modi also aims to bolster defence and strategic ties with Japan.  China  China reacts cautiously to trilateral Malabar naval drills PTI / Zee News | July 25th, 2014 "China actively promotes the Asian Security Concept that is based on common, comprehensive and sustainable security. A harmonious and stable Asia-Pacific region built on the basis of mutual trust among all countries is in line with the common interests of all countries in this region," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said.  India, China admit to intrusion by Chinese herdsmen in Ladakh PTI / The Times of India |July 28th, 2014 "The issue was properly resolved through the border personnel meeting," the Chinese foreign ministry said in its response to an e-mail query from in Beijing on reports of Chinese herdsmen intruding into Demchok sector along the Line of Actual Control in Jammu and Kashmir.  The United States Kerry lays stress on Modi's 'sab ka saath, sab ka vikaas' growth slogan Hindustan Times | July 29th, 2014 There is a “new government in India, with a new set of priorities, and new possibilities", Kerry said in a speech, setting up the tone for his upcoming visit to India for strategic dialogues.  John Kerry presses India on WTO deal ahead of arrival Reuters / The Economic Times | July 30th, 2014 India has threatened to block a worldwide reform of custom rules, saying it must be accompanied by a parallel agreement allowing developing countries more freedom to subsidise and stockpile foodgrains.  US keen to enhance military relationship with India PTI / DNA | July 30th, 2014 US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is scheduled to visit India next month, immediately after fifth India-US Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi this week, which would be co-chaired by Secretary of State John Kerry and India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Hagel's trip to India, the details of which have not been announced so far, is expected to give a big boost to defense ties between the two countries.  John Kerry arrives in India, to hold talks with Sushma Swaraj today India Today | July 31st, 2014 Kerry leads a high-powered US delegation including Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker to co-chair the India-US Strategic Dialogue with Swaraj in New Delhi on July 31. Europe Russia Modi meets Vladimir Putin; invites him to visit Kudankulam power plant PTI / Deccan Chronicle | July 16th, 2014 Putin said Russia places its relations with India high enough in the strategic framework. Nuclear power project has been a symbol of India-Russia relations. Modi appreciated Putin's speech at the BRICS summit saying it was clear on issues like reforms of the UN security council and international financial organisations. Ukraine Indian flights asked to avoid Ukranian airspace The Hindu | July 19th, 2014 Indian civil authorities issued instructions to avoid Ukraine airspace shortly after Eurocontrol, the European flight safety body, closed airspace in Eastern Ukraine to all airline flights. Prime Minister Narender Modi’s special flight and hundreds of other flights were rerouted from the ill-fated Malaysian Airlines’ flight path. Middle East No change in India's policy on Palestine: Sushma Swaraj PTI / Zee News | July 21st, 2014 "There is absolutely no change in India's policy towards Palestine, which is that we fully support the Palestinian cause while maintaining good relations with Israel," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said and emphasised that this policy has been in vogue through various governments including those of Congress, BJP and coalition governments headed by Deve Gowda and I K Gujral.  Delhi backs plan Hamas rejected The Telegraph | July 22nd, 2014 Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj’s public support today for the Egyptian blueprint is the clearest position India has yet taken on Israel’s latest military offensive in Gaza that began on July 8.  Israel hails India ties in 'difficult period' PTI / Business Standard | July 25th, 2014 "In recent years, Israel and India have made great strides forward as economic partners, working together in everything from alternative technology to space exploration and of course agriculture, with the Indo-Israeli agricultural cooperation project set to establish 30 centres of agricultural excellence across 30 states in India during the coming decade," said Israeli deputy ambassador to the UK, Eitan Na'eh. Iraq More Indian nationals return home from strife-torn Iraq ANI / Zee News | July 17th, 2014 About 10,000 Indians work in Iraq, mostly in areas unaffected by the fighting, but scores of them have returned to India since ISIL began its offensive.  India rescues 58 more nurses from troubled Iraq IANS | The Hindu | July 25th, 2014 Indian external affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said the 58 nurses were “brought out through the land route” in batches over the last three weeks. The rescue operation was undertaken in “extremely difficult circumstances through friends in Iraq”, the spokesperson said. Miscellaneous BRICS echoes Modi’s concerns on terrorism, says there can be no justification for any acts of terror PTI / The Indian Express | July 16th, 2014 In his remarks at the private session of the BRICS leaders, Modi had also sought collective action of the states in ensuring that no sanctuary is given to terrorists in what was seen as a veiled reference to India’s neighbourhood.  WTO deal: India refuses to back down on Trade Facilitation Agreement Live Mint | July 25th, 2014 India’s permanent representative to WTO, Anjali Prasad, spelled out India’s position at the general council meeting of WTO in Geneva on Friday. India is of the view that Trade Facilitation Agreement must be implemented only as part of a single undertaking, including a permanent solution on food security, Prasad said.  FinMin to pitch for ratings upgrade with global agencies in next 2-3 months PTI / India TV News | July 27th, 2014 In order to promote growth and investment, Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, in his budget 2014-15 has included measures to support faster economic growth, such as allowing greater foreign direct investment in insurance and defence, increasing spending on infrastructure, and introducing tax incentives for savings and investment. *** If you do not want to receive this News Digest, please let us know at this e-mail id:admin@anantacentre.in About Ananta Aspen Centre Ananta Aspen Centre is an independent and not-for-profit organisation that seeks to foster positive change in society through dissemination of knowledge. The Centre facilitates discussions on issues of international significance, values-based leadership and cross-sector outreach by engaging the civil society, government, private sector, and other key stakeholders.

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