Recently, about 70 children in Gambia died from acute kidney injury, which were allegedly related to content in four Indian-made cough syrups….reports Asian Lite News
Indonesia has temporarily suspended the circulation of all liquid medicines after 99 children died of acute kidney injury, while 206 cases were detected in 20 provinces, the Health Ministry said
“The number of cases has increased in children since late August, especially those aged less than six years. Some cases are accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhoea, coughing, nausea, or vomiting,” Ministry spokesman Mohammad Syahril told reporters here on Wednesday.
The spokesman emphasised that the cases were not related to Covid-19 vaccines, reports Xinhua news agency.
Recently, about 70 children in Gambia died from acute kidney injury, which were allegedly related to the diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol content in four Indian-made cough syrups.
But Indonesia’s food and drug regulatory agency BPOM confirmed these drugs were not registered in the country.
The authorities said an investigation is underway.
The two sides said the meeting was an opportunity to discuss ways of boosting their parliamentary cooperation…reports Asian Lite News
Speakers of the Federal National Council (FNC) and Indonesian House of Representatives on Wednesday discussed ways of enhancing the parliamentary relations between the UAE and Indonesia.
The meeting between Saqr Ghobash and Puan Maharani, which was attended by Abdullah Salem Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Indonesia, took place on the sidelines of the 8th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit held in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta.
It was also attended by an FNC delegation, which included Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee, Aisha Reda Al Bairaq, Member of the Council, Omar Abdul Rahman Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of the Council, and Tariq Ahmed Al Marzouqi, FNC Assistant Secretary-General.
The two sides said the meeting was an opportunity to discuss ways of boosting their parliamentary cooperation, promoting the role of parliamentary diplomacy, exchanging parliamentary expertise, as well as coordinating their mutual stances at international parliamentary events.
Ghobash and Maharani also highlighted the importance of the cooperation between the two parliaments to support their governments’ approaches, in light of the deep-rooted political, economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
Ghobash thanked Indonesia’s government and people for inviting the UAE to participate in the summit, noting that Emirati-Indonesian ties are witnessing significant development, crowned by the signing of a strategic partnership agreement.
Maharani welcomed Ghobash and his delegation, stressing that she appreciated his keenness to participate in the summit.
The UAE is a major trading hub for Indonesia in the Middle East, and is a leading model of coexistence, tolerance and peace, she added.
129 people killed after stampede at football match in Indonesia.(photo:Twitter)
National police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo told local media that police have done further verification with its disaster victim identification (DVI) unit, local health agency and hospitals…reports Asian Lite News
The Indonesian police confirmed on Wednesday that a total of 131 people have died in a stampede last weekend after a football match in the country’s province of East Java.
Earlier, police said that the number of deaths in the tragedy as of Tuesday was 125, although the supporters of the Arema Malang football club claimed the death toll could be higher, Xinhua news agency reported.
National police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo told local media that police have done further verification with its disaster victim identification (DVI) unit, local health agency and hospitals.
Some victims were apparently not brought to hospitals, while officers only identified those taken to hospitals, said Prasetyo.
The stampede occurred late Saturday at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in the city of Malang after Arema Malang club lost to Persebaya Surabaya in an Indonesian league match.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo arrived in Malang on Wednesday for a visit following the strategy, which has become one of the world’s worst stadium disasters.
The Indonesian government has formed an independent fact-finding team to investigate the incident.
129 people killed after stampede at football match in Indonesia.(photo:Twitter)
The team members consisted of officials from relevant ministries and government institutions, professional football organisations, observers, academics and mass media…reports Asian Lite News
Indonesian authorities have formed an independent fact-finding team to investigate Saturday’s deadly stampede that occurred after a football match in East Java province, Coordinating Minister of Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD said Monday.
The minister, who leads the fact-finding team, told a virtual press conference that the team was assigned directly by President Joko Widodo to find out the causes of the stampede which killed 125 people and injured at least 320 others, and who would be responsible for the incident.
“This team will work for a maximum of one month ahead. All results and recommendations will be directly reported to the president,” Mahfud said.
The team members consisted of officials from relevant ministries and government institutions, professional football organisations, observers, academics and mass media, he said.
Besides establishing the team, Widodo had also instructed the country’s police and military institutions to respectively probe their officers and soldiers who were allegedly involved in causing the stampede, Mahfud said.
According to local reports, the Indonesian Police have been under fire by the public as many believe that the stampede happened after the police fired tear gas at the crowds, sparking panic among spectators and a stampede at one of the stadium’s exits.
“In three days, the National Police must impose disciplinary measures towards its regional structural officers assigned in the area where the incident occurred. The police must also immediately name suspects of all possible perpetrators,” Mahfud said.
“Meanwhile, the Indonesian military must impose sanctions and probe all of its soldiers who are proven to have done unnecessary measures that triggered the stampede,” he added.
The tragic incident, which is one of the world’s worst stadium disasters, took place after local team Arema FC lost 2-3 to bitter rivals Persebaya Surabaya in East Java…reports Asian Lite news
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a cable of condolences to Indonesian President Joko Widodo, on the victims killed in a stampede at a football match in East Java province.
President Sheikh Mohamed wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the deplorable accident.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Sunday said that it is a “dark day” for football following the death of at least 174 people and injury to 180 others in a stampede at a football match in Indonesia’s Malang in East Java province.
The tragic incident, which is one of the world’s worst stadium disasters, took place after local team Arema FC lost 2-3 to bitter rivals Persebaya Surabaya in East Java.
According to a BBC report, the crush took place after police tear-gassed supporters who invaded the pitch late on Saturday evening.
129 people killed after stampede at football match in Indonesia.(photo:Twitter)
“The football world is in a state of shock following the tragic incidents that have taken place in Indonesia. This is a dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension” Infantino said.
As panic spread in Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, thousands surged towards the exits, where many suffocated. Notably, tear gas is banned at football stadiums by the international governing body FIFA.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following this tragic incident,” Infantino further said.
“Together with FIFA and the global football community, all our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, those who have been injured, together with the people of the Republic of Indonesia, the Asian Football Confederation, the Indonesian Football Association, and the Indonesian Football League, at this difficult time,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian football association (PSSI) said it had launched an investigation, adding that the incident had “tarnished the face of Indonesian football”.
Violence at football matches is not new in Indonesia, and Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya are long-time rivals.
Persebaya Surabaya fans were banned from buying tickets for the game because of fears of clashes. But Chief Security Minister Mahfud MD posted on Instagram that 42,000 tickets had been sold for the match at the Kanjuruhan stadium.
President Widodo called for this to be the “last soccer tragedy in the nation” after ordering that all Liga 1 games should be paused pending an investigation.
The stampede is the latest in a long line of disasters at stadiums. In 1964, a total of 320 people were killed and more than 1,000 injured during a stampede at a Peru-Argentina Olympic qualifier in Lima.
In 1985, 39 people died and 600 were hurt at the Heysel stadium in Brussels, Belgium, when fans were crushed against a wall that then collapsed during the European Cup final between Liverpool (England) and Juventus (Italy).
In the UK, a crush developed at the Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield, resulting in the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans attending the club’s FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
129 people killed after stampede at football match in Indonesia.(photo:Twitter)
President Joko Widodo has ordered that all matches in Indonesia’s top league must be stopped until an investigation is done…reports Asian Lite News
At least 174 people have died and 180 others are injured in a stampede at a football match in Indonesia’s Malang in East Java province, Indonesian Police said on Sunday.
The incident took place after police tear-gassed supporters who invaded the pitch late on Saturday evening, BBC reported.
It is one of the world’s worst stadium disasters after local team Arema FC lost 2-3 to bitter rivals Persebaya Surabaya in East Java.
The country’s Chief Security Minister said that spectators exceeded the stadium’s 38,000 capacity by around 4,000, BBC reported.
President Joko Widodo has ordered that all matches in Indonesia’s top league must be stopped until an investigation is done.
Videos show fans running on to the pitch after the final whistle.
Police then fired tear gas, leading to a crowd stampede and cases of suffocation, said Nico Afinta, Police Chief in East Java.
“It had gotten anarchic. They started attacking officers, they damaged cars,” he said, adding that two police officers were among the deceased.
“We would like to convey that not all of them were anarchic. Only about 3,000 who entered the pitch,” he said.
Fleeing fans “went out to one point at the exit. Then there was a build-up, in the process of accumulation, there was shortness of breath, lack of oxygen”, he added.
Videos on social media show fans clambering over fences to escape. Separate videos appear to show lifeless bodies on the floor.
FIFA, the world’s governing football body, states that no “crowd control gas” should be carried or used by stewards or police at matches.
The Indonesian football association (PSSI) said it had launched an investigation, adding that the incident had “tarnished the face of Indonesian football”.
Violence at football matches is not new in Indonesia, and Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya are long-time rivals.
Persebaya Surabaya fans were banned from buying tickets for the game because of fears of clashes.
But Chief Security Minister Mahfud MD posted on Instagram that 42,000 tickets had been sold for the match at the Kanjuruhan stadium.
President Widodo called for this to be the “last soccer tragedy in the nation” after ordering that all Liga 1 games should be paused pending an investigation.
The stampede is the latest in a long line of disasters at stadiums.
In 1964, a total of 320 people were killed and more than 1,000 injured during a stampede at a Peru-Argentina Olympic qualifier in Lima.
In 1985, 39 people died and 600 were hurt at the Heysel stadium in Brussels, Belgium, when fans were crushed against a wall that then collapsed during the European Cup final between Liverpool (England) and Juventus (Italy).
In the UK, a crush developed at the Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield, resulting in the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans attending the club’s FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
“A dark day for football”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Sunday said that it is a “dark day” for football following the death of at least 174 people and injury to 180 others in a stampede at a football match in Indonesia’s Malang in East Java province.
The tragic incident, which is one of the world’s worst stadium disasters, took place after local team Arema FC lost 2-3 to bitter rivals Persebaya Surabaya in East Java.
According to a BBC report, the crush took place after police tear-gassed supporters who invaded the pitch late on Saturday evening.
“The football world is in a state of shock following the tragic incidents that have taken place in Indonesia. This is a dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension” Infantino said.
As panic spread in Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, thousands surged towards the exits, where many suffocated. Notably, tear gas is banned at football stadiums by the international governing body FIFA.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following this tragic incident,” Infantino further said.
“Together with FIFA and the global football community, all our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, those who have been injured, together with the people of the Republic of Indonesia, the Asian Football Confederation, the Indonesian Football Association, and the Indonesian Football League, at this difficult time,” he added.
Reserve Bank of India and Bank Indonesia Agree to Expand Cooperation in Payment Systems, Digital Financial Innovation, and Anti Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML-CFT)
India and Indonesia on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bali on the sidelines of the G20 meeting, to cooperate on a number of issues including payment systems and combating terror financing.
“Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank Indonesia (BI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 16, 2022 in Bali, Indonesia, on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting to improve mutual cooperation between the two central banks,” RBI said in a press statement.
The MoU was signed by RBI Deputy Governor Michael Debabrata Patra and BI Deputy Governor Dody Budi Waluyo in the presence of RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das and BI Governor Perry Warjiyo.
With this MoU, RBI and BI committed to deepen relations between both central banks and strengthen the exchange of information and cooperation in the area of central banking, including payment systems, digital innovation in payments services, and regulatory and supervisory framework for Anti Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML-CFT).
According to the statement, the MoU will be implemented through policy dialogue, technical cooperation, exchange of information and joint work.
Reserve Bank of India and Bank Indonesia agree to expand cooperation in payment systems, digital financial innovation, and anti money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML-CFT)
The MoU will also provide a good basis for promoting mutual understanding, developing efficient payment systems and achieving cross-border payment connectivity. Such initiatives will be executed through (i) regular interaction on recent economic and financial developments and issues; (ii) technical cooperation through training and joint seminars; and (iii) joint work to explore the establishment of cross-border retail payment linkages.
Governor Perry Warjiyo emphasised, “This MoU serves as a significant milestone in the relation between Bank Indonesia and Reserve Bank of India. It has been a long period of time since we began cooperating productively, and this MoU will only ensure a more solid collaboration in the future. Going forward, I am convinced that such excellent partnership will result in fruitful outcomes that benefit both central banks and the people of both nations.”
Nirmala Sitharaman speaks during the High-Level Seminar On Strengthening Global Collaboration for Tackling Food Insecurity, on sidelines of G20FMCBG.
Governor Shaktikanta Das appreciated the gracious Indonesian hospitality and commended the excellent logistical and organizational arrangements for the G20 FMCBG meeting. He noted that “given our shared goals and challenges, it is only natural that we work together in many areas. This MoU is a step forward in putting our joint efforts within a formal mechanism.”
He also expressed the hope that “going ahead, the MoU will enable us to further deepen our relations and facilitate our endeavour to make our financial systems accessible, inclusive and secure.” (ANI)
On the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting here, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday met his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi and appreciated the arrangements done for the summit…reports Asian Lite News
“Pleasure to meet again FM Retno Marsudi of Indonesia. Appreciated the excellent arrangements for the G20 FMM in Bali. India supports the Indonesian Presidency and will do utmost to ensure its success. @Menlu_RI,” Jaishankar tweeted.
Notably, this year, the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting is being organised by Indonesia.
The G20 countries include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Moreover, the Indian External Affairs Minister also met UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Senegalese Foreign Minister Aissata Tall Sall.
“Delighted to meet FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan of UAE. Took great satisfaction at the transformation of our ties. Recent meeting of our leaders has given guidance for higher growth. Appreciated his insights on contemporary regional and international issues,” Jaishankar tweeted.
Furthermore, Jaishankar upon his bilateral talks with the Senegalese Foreign Minister wrote, “A productive meeting with FM @AissataOfficiel of Senegal. Appreciate her sentiments on Vaccine Maitri and our development projects. Agreed to take forward cooperation in agriculture, health, fertiliser production, railways, power transmission and solar energy.”
During the meeting which is set to take place from July 7 to 8, the participating foreign ministers will hold talks on issues of contemporary relevance, such as strengthening multilateralism and current global challenges including food and energy security, read a release by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Jaishankar is slated to hold several bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other G20 member states and invited countries during the visit.
The External Affairs Minister’s participation in the G20 FMM will strengthen India’s engagement with G20 member states. As a G20 troika member and as the incoming G20 Presidency, India’s role in the upcoming FMM discussions assumes even greater importance, the official statement read. (ANI)
India is developing the port-related infrastructure at Sabang and there has been discussion about developing an economic zone around the port, writes Sankalp Gurjar
In India’s conception of the Indo-Pacific region, the principle of ASEAN centrality lies at the core. In the last few years, India’s defence ties with the 10 members of the ASEAN, at the regional as well as the bilateral level, are deepening. India’s deepening security ties with Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines is especially notable.
On June 13-24, India and Indonesia staged coordinated naval patrolling. The patrol included a visit of Indonesian naval units to the Andaman Nicobar Command based at Port Blair. It was followed by a sea phase in the Andaman Sea and finally, Indian naval units paid a visit to the port of Sabang in Indonesia.
The overall effort was aimed at boosting cooperation in regional maritime security. The coordinated patrols between India and Indonesia have been taking place since 2002 and have resulted in building “understanding and interoperability between both the Navies and has facilitated measures to prevent and suppress Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, maritime terrorism, armed robbery, and piracy, etc.”
The visit to Sabang by Indian naval officials is important as since 2018, India has been granted access to the strategically important port. India is developing the port-related infrastructure at Sabang and there has been discussion about developing an economic zone around the port.
The deep-water port is well-suited to host all kinds of naval vessels including submarines. The ability to access Sabang which is located at the northern tip of the Sumatra Island near the mouth of the Strait of Malacca will expand India’s ability to monitor the key global maritime choke point.
For India, Malacca is critical not only for its own international trade with Southeast and East Asia but also for keeping a close watch over the Chinese shipping including the energy supplies and naval vessels passing through the narrow waterway.
China is excessively dependent on the Strait of Malacca for its trade and energy. It seeks to alleviate the “Malacca Dilemma” and expand naval presence west of the Malacca in the Indian Ocean. The enhanced engagement, especially in the development of ports, with countries like Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Djibouti play key a role in fulfilling this objective. Therefore, as China moves westwards, India has no option but to seek access and build strategic ties eastwards.
The sale of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines is an important marker of India’s expanding defence role in Southeast Asia. Building on this, two recent developments underscore the growing importance of Southeast Asia in India’s defence strategy as well as its Indo-Pacific outreach. This month, India’s defence minister Rajnath Singh paid a visit to Vietnam. Following this, Indian and Indonesian Navies carried out joint patrols in the maritime region encompassing the Andaman Sea and the Straits of Malacca.
The three-day visit of Rajnath Singh, which began on June 8, to Vietnam further bolstered military ties between both countries. India handed over 12 high-speed guard boats to Vietnam which were built as part of a US $ 100-million line of credit (LoC).
During the visit, both sides signed a ‘Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030’ and India extended a further $ 500 million defence LoC. Both these measures are intended to strengthen military cooperation between the two key Indo-Pacific partners. Moreover, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at making it easier to provide mutually beneficial logistic support, was signed. It is the first such agreement signed by Vietnam with any other country. The MoU will further augment the ability of the Indian navy to extend its reach into the South China Sea and the Western Pacific.
India and Vietnam share a broad convergence of interests and have common concerns. Both are concerned about China’s expansionist policies and aggressive foreign policy behaviour. India and China are locked in a territorial standoff in Ladakh whereas Vietnam (along with four other ASEAN partners) is worried about the Chinese maritime claims in the South China Sea. Therefore, the shared challenge of China is a key binding factor for the relationship. In this context, the defence relationship has emerged as a key pillar of India-Vietnam’s strategic partnership. The enhanced military partnership will not only boost the capabilities of Vietnam but will also contribute to the security and stability of the region.
The deepening military cooperation with countries like Indonesia and Vietnam is necessitated in this context. In the rapidly evolving geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific region, these middle-power strategic relationships are contributing to the regional stability and maintenance of the balance of power and consequently, their importance cannot be overstated.
(Sankalp Gurjar is a strategic analyst based in Delhi. He specializes in Indo-Pacific security)
(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)
PM Modi attended the summit along with leaders of Argentina, Indonesia, Senegal and South Africa, as five invitees to the summit….reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met with French President Emmanuel Macron at Schloss Elmau in Germany, on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit.
The meeting between PM Modi and President Macron came a month after the two leaders met in Paris.
“A strategic partnership for the ages between India and France, led by two leaders PM @narendramodi and President @EmmanuelMacron with great belief in the value of this partnership for a better world. Meeting in Germany after their May meeting in Paris,” said Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to France and Monaco.
PM Modi attended the summit along with leaders of Argentina, Indonesia, Senegal and South Africa, as five invitees to the summit.
“Friendship at the highest level: President @EmmanuelMacron and Prime Minister @narendramodi at a crucial #G7 summit for collective decisions on global challenges and world stability,” said French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain.
India and France have traditionally close and friendly relations.
The areas of Defence and Security cooperation, Space cooperation and Civil nuclear cooperation constitute the principal pillars of our Strategic Partnership with France.
India and France are increasingly engaged in new areas of cooperation like security in the Indian Ocean region, climate change including the International Solar Alliance, and sustainable growth and development among others.
India and France share a close degree of convergence on a range of regional and global issues. In the economic domain, while there exists vast potential, French economic capacities, its business and industry, its capital and technologies have forged linkages with Indian economy and India’s developmental goals.
Modi meets Indonesian President Joko Widodo
On the sidelines of the G7 Summit on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between both countries.
“PM @narendramodi and President @jokowi had a productive meeting. Their talks will add strength to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia,”The office of the Prime Minister said today.
“Both leaders also discussed ways to boost connectivity and business linkages,” it added.
Indonesia is the first country with which India has adopted a shared vision of maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was established in May 2018 during PM Modi’s visit to Indonesia. President Widodo was among one of the Chief Guests invited for India’s Republic Day celebrations in Delhi in
Both leaders last met on the sidelines of the G20 Rome Summit in 2021. Indonesia is the second-largest trading partner of India in ASEAN region. The Bilateral trade of over USD 26 billion between 2020 to 2021. India and Indonesia also share cultural civilizational linkages.
The 9th century Borobudur Buddhist temple and Prambanan Shiva temple are examples of the shared cultural heritage.
Ramayana and Mahabharata are key inspirations for Indonesian folk art. Around 8,500 Indians in Indonesia engaged in qualified professions like Chartered Accountants, Software Professionals, Teachers, Engineers.
Prime Minister Modi is attending this year’s summit being held under the German Presidency. India is among the five partner countries invited to attend the G7 Summit.
With Germany’s Olaf Scholz
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit at Schloss Elmau in Germany and deliberated on areas of cooperation including commerce and energy.
“Excellent meeting with @Bundeskanzler Scholz. Thanked him for the warm hospitality during the @G7 Summit. We discussed cooperation in key sectors like commerce and energy. We also had deliberations on furthering environmentally friendly growth for our planet,” PM Modi tweeted.
The leaders of the G7 nations, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday held discussions on the impact of Russia’s war on food and energy supplies including the global economy and said the bloc is determined to support Ukraine in producing and exporting grain, oil, and other agricultural products as well as to address the causes of the evolving global food crisis.
On Sunday the Chancellor welcomed the heads of state and government of the G7 to the summit under the German presidency.
“We are united by our view of the world. We are also united by our belief in democracy and the rule of law,” said Chancellor Scholz at the beginning of the summit.
In a first working session on Sunday, the heads of state and government of the G7 discussed global economic issues.
“All G7 countries are concerned about the crises that are currently to be overcome — falling growth rates in some countries, rising inflation, shortages of raw materials and disruption to supply chains. These are no small challenges and it is therefore important to share responsibility,” said Scholz.
India and Germany established a strategic partnership in 2000. In 2011, the two countries launched Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), for a comprehensive review of the cooperation and identification of new areas of engagement between the two countries. The heads of governments of both countries along with multiple ministers from both sides participated in IGC.
Notably, India is among a select group of countries with which Germany has such a unique biennial dialogue mechanism for the government of both countries to coordinate across a spectrum of bilateral matters.
in May 2022, the two countries held the 6th IGC with the intent of establishing a Green and Sustainable Development Partnership.
During the IGC, the two countries agreed to develop the Indo-German Green Hydrogen Taskforce and established Indo-German Renewable Energy Partnership focusing on innovative solar energy and other renewables.
Besides, the two nations decided to establish lighthouse cooperation on Agroecology and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources to benefit the rural populations and small-scale farmers in India. They also decided upon ways to deepen cooperation in restoring forest landscapes and sustainable use of green technologies.
Speaking of the economic ties, Germany is India’s largest trading partner in Europe. The two countries had a bilateral trade worth USD 24.84 billion in 2021-22. Germany is also one of the largest Foreign Direct Investment sources for India with total a total FDI of over USD 13 billion between April 2000-March 2022.
Over 1,700 German companies operate in India and more than 213 Indian companies operate in Germany.
PM Modi arrived in Munich on Sunday to attend the G7 summit where he will hold meetings with G7 and partner countries to hold discussions on issues ranging from environment and energy to counter-terrorism.
On reaching Germany, the Prime Minister interacted with the Indian community in Germany at the Audi Dome, Munich. Thousands of members of the vibrant Indian community in Germany participated in the event.
He highlighted India’s growth story and mentioned various initiatives undertaken by the government to further achieve the country’s development agenda. He also lauded the contribution of the diaspora in promoting India’s success story and acting as brand ambassadors for India’s success.
In his address to the Indian diaspora, PM Modi said, “Today’s India has come out of the mentality of ‘it happens, it runs like this’. Today India takes a pledge to have to do, have to do, and have to do on time,” he said.
Modi holds talks with EU chief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on Monday and held productive discussions on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit.
Both leaders reviewed India-EU cooperation in trade, investment, climate action and welcomed the resumption of negotiations on the Trade, Investment and GI Agreements.
“Productive discussions held between PM @narendramodi and President @EU_Commission @vonderleyen on the margins of G7. Reviewed India-EU cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and climate action. Welcomed resumption of negotiations on the Trade, Investment and GI Agreements,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) tweeted.
The Prime Minister held an “outstanding” meeting with the EU chief during which they discussed important issues including efforts to combat climate change and ways to boost digital cooperation.
“President @EU_Commission @vonderleyen and I had an outstanding meeting earlier today. We discussed ways to deepen investment linkages, efforts to combat climate change, boosting digital cooperation and other important issues,” PM Modi tweeted.
Earlier, PM Modi and President von der Leyen agreed to launch the India-EU Trade and Technology Council at their meeting in New Delhi on April 25.
During the bilateral talks, both sides reviewed the progress in , implementing the India-EU Roadmap 2025 and the outcomes of the India-EU Leaders’ Meeting in May 2021.
Modi, Trudeau discuss bolstering trade ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau and agreed to expand trade and economic linkages as the two leaders took stock of India-Canada relations.
“Useful exchange between PM @narendramodi and Canadian PM @JustinTrudeau at Schloss Elmau. Leaders discussed bilateral ties and agreed to expand trade and economic linkages, cooperation in security and counter-terrorism, as well as P2P ties,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said both leaders took stock of the India-Canada friendship and discussed ways to further strengthen it across various sectors.
“Prime Ministers @narendramodi and @JustinTrudeau meet on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit in Germany. They took stock of the India-Canada friendship and discussed ways to further strengthen it across various sectors,” PMO tweeted.
This is the first meeting following the diplomatic row over the Canadian PM’s remarks on farm laws protests in New Delhi. India had taken up this matter with the Canadian authorities and conveyed that the comments pertaining to the internal affairs of India were unwarranted and would damage bilateral relations.
This is their first meeting after Trudeau’s 2018 India visit.
Back in September 2021, the Prime Minister congratulated Trudeau on his victory in the elections.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Congratulations Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau on your victory in the elections! I look forward to continue working with you to further strengthen India-Canada relations, as well as our cooperation on global and multilateral issues.”
Recently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly, on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda.
This was their first in-person meeting after Joly assumed charge following the September 2021 general elections in Canada.
Jaishankar described the conversation as “open and productive”. They exchanged views on international issues including the Commonwealth, Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific. (ANI)
