Foreign Policy News Digest
South Asia
PTI / Business Standard | 20th January
The Centre is mulling linking neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal through the railways. This was announced by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu at a programme where an agreement was signed between the Indian Railways and UNESCO. "We have neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and Nepal. We have a very cordial relationship with them. We want to increase railway connectivity with these countries. We are trying to develop it," Prabhu told reporters.
Bangladesh
Sheikh Hasina defends Indo-Bangla power plant project near SundarbansPTI / The Economic Times | 28th January
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina lashed out at the protesters seeking relocation of an Indo-Bangla joint power plant project in Rampal, saying the agitators have no idea how far the site is from Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 57th convention Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh in Chittagong, Hasina asserted that the plant will not harm the mangrove forest.
Asia Pacific
On partnership anniv, India-ASEAN vow to strengthen cooperationPTI / DNA | 28th January
On the occasion of 25th anniversary of country's relationship with 10-nation ASEAN grouping, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly pitched for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), saying it will further strengthen cooperation and economic integration in the region. "The RCEP could further strengthen cooperation and economic integration in our region if we are able to achieve an inclusive, comprehensive, balanced and mutually beneficial agreement, with equal ambition in goods, services and investment," Modi said.
China
On Corridor Through PoK, Foreign Secretary Jaishankar Says China Should Be Sensitive To India's SovereigntyPTI / NDTV | 19th January
India said it has been trying to convince the Chinese government that its ascent is not harmful to China's ascent and that both countries should be sensitive on matters relating to sovereignty. "What we are trying to do is to convince China that our rise is not harmful to China's rise and vice versa," Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said in an address at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi.
West Asia
UAE
IANS / The Tribune | 25th January
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as one of India’s “most valued partners and a close friend in an important region of the world”. In his press statement after holding talks with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Modi said he had held “very fruitful and productive discussions” and that the talks had “particularly focused on implementation of various decisions” taken during their last two meetings.
India signs oil reserves pact with UAE
PTI / The Economic Times | 25th January
India signed a deal with the United Arab Emirates, allowing the Gulf nation to fill the country's strategic storage facility in southern India. India in 2014 began talks to lease part of its strategic storage to Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC). Under such a deal, India would have first rights to the stored crude in case of an emergency, while ADNOC would be able to move cargoes to meet any shift in demand.
Europe
Russia
Privileged strategic partnership with India important to Russia: PutinIANS / The Economic Times | 26th January
The special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India is an invariable priority in Moscow's foreign policy, Russian President Vladimir Putin said while greeting India on its Republic Day. In his message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee, Putin said India has achieved success in economic, scientific, technical and social spheres.
The UK
Live Mint | 19th January
British foreign secretary Boris Johnson called for “turbocharging” ties between India and the UK with a free trade deal (FTA)—just as his country looks to exit the European Union (EU) single market.
Miscellaneous
PTI / The Hindu Business Line | 18th January
Showcasing India growth story before global business leaders here for WEF annual meeting, senior Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said it is the appropriate time to invest in the country. Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Shipping, said India is working on record road construction projects and there are no problems relating to land acquisition and environmental clearances. The port sector is also growing fast and six new ports are being developed while the country is focusing big on cruise tourism. Inland riverway is another key focus and work has started with the Ganga, he said. “We have some new plans, including for logistics parks on highways,” Gadkari said, adding that agriculture has become a key priority.
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