Tag Archives: strategic partnership

Jaishankar visits Singapore, highlights need for strategic partnership ahead of ISMR meeting

Posted on by
Reply

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in a series of high-level meetings during his three-day visit to Singapore, aimed at bolstering bilateral ties between the two nations. Among the key figures he met were top leaders of Singapore, to whom he conveyed personal greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During his discussions, Jaishankar underscored the importance of Singapore’s support for the strategic partnership between the two countries. He highlighted the positive sentiments expressed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong towards the India-Singapore relationship, which he described as a source of strength.

In addition to governmental meetings, Jaishankar interacted with leading corporate figures who shared insights into India’s growth story and their investment experiences in the country. These discussions aimed to further enhance economic cooperation between India and Singapore.

Among the officials Jaishankar met was Singapore’s Indian-origin Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, with whom he exchanged views on regional matters such as the Indo-Pacific and West Asia. They also reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation and discussed preparations for the upcoming India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) meeting, which marks 60 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The ISMR, initiated by Prime Minister Modi, aims to deepen existing cooperation and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Its inaugural meeting was held in 2022, receiving appreciation from PM Modi for strengthening bilateral relations.

Jaishankar’s discussions extended to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, focusing on advancing bilateral ties, particularly in new-age technologies, and addressing the evolving global economic landscape.

Concluding his visit, Jaishankar met Home Affairs & Law Minister K Shanmugam, expressing appreciation for the consistent support received for the strategic partnership. His visit to Singapore is part of a broader regional engagement strategy, with subsequent stops planned in Malaysia and The Philippines to discuss mutual concerns and regional issues.

3 EU Delegations on Whirwind Tour of India

Posted on by
Reply

A delegation of the Committee for Internal Market and Consumer Protection, European Union led by Ms. Vicky Ford met the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan, in New Delhi on February 23, 2017.

The European Parliament Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection is on a visit to Mumbai and New Delhi from 21-23 February 2017 to meet ministries, parliamentarians, standardisations authorities and consumer organisations. The Delegation comprises of Ms. Vicky Ford (IMCO Chair), Mr. Andreas Schwab, Ms. Evelyne Gebhardt, Ms. Olga Sehnalova, Ms. Marlene Mizzi and Mr. Ivan Stefanec.

The Delegation intends to push for a revived EU-India strategic partnership and also cover regulatory issues in areas such as services, standardisation, customs and consumer protection.

MEPs are keen on knowing the Indian customs priorities, including the management of port controls and relevant customs IT systems. They will visit start-up incubators and Info-tech park which offer key opportunities for unlocking the potential of the digital market and of services.

The delegation will try to assess how India ensures safe products, combats counterfeiting, safeguards consumer rights, keeps consumers informed about products/services, cracks down on anti-competitive behaviour and reduces administrative burdens, while sharing experiences about the standardisation process in India and EU.

Two other EU delegations are also visiting India to strengthen the EU-India Strategic Partnership. The AFET Committee under the leadership of its new chair, MEP David McAllister, would be meeting various leaders and representatives of the Indian Government, industry, as well as think tanks.

The AFET delegation comprises of Mr. David McAllister (Chair), Mr. Cristian Dan Preda, Ms.. Željana Zovko, Ms. Neena Gill, Mr. Jo Leinen, Mr. Amjad Bashir, Mr. Urmas Paet.

The AFET delegation will focus on EU-India relations, including an enhanced foreign policy dialogue on issues of global and regional importance and of mutual interest or concern, such as peace, security, and multilateral cooperation.

The third, European Parliament’s Delegation comprising Mr Geoffrey Van Orden, (Chair), Ms. Neena Gill (1st Vice-Chair), Ms Cora Van Nieuwenhuizen (2nd Vice-Chair), Mr Alojz Peterle, Mr Jakob Von Weiszacker, and Mr Flavio Zanonato will be visiting Delhi and Bangalore from 20th – 23rd February, 2017.

In Bangalore the group will meet Karnataka Minister for Industry and representatives of leading Indian and European businesses. Software and aeronautics.