PM to visit Vietnam; to attend Annual G-20 Leaders Summit in Hangzhou, China

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi emplanes from New Delhi for his bilateral visit to Vietnam and G20 Summit in China, on September 02, 2016.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi would be visiting Vietnam from 2nd September 2016 to 3rd September 2016. Prime Minister will also be attending Annual G-20 Leaders Summit in Hangzhou, China from 3rd September 2016 to 5th September 2016. 

In a series of posts from his Facebook account the Prime Minister said: 

“Greetings to the people of Vietnam on their National Day. Vietnam is a friendly nation with whom we cherish our relationship. 

Today evening, I will reach Hanoi in Vietnam, marking the start of a very important visit that will further cement the close bond between India and Vietnam. My Government attaches a high priority to our bilateral relations with Vietnam. The India-Vietnam partnership will benefit Asia and the rest of the world. 

During the visit, I will hold extensive discussions with Prime Minister Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc. We will review complete spectrum of our bilateral relationship. 

I will also meet the President of Vietnam, Mr. Tran Dai Quang, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Mr. Nguyen Phu Trong; and the Chairperson of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan. 

We wish to forge a strong economic relationship with Vietnam that can mutually benefit our citizens. Strengthening the people-to-people ties will also be an my endeavour during the Vietnam visit. 

In Vietnam, I will have the opportunity to pay homage to Ho Chi Minh, one of 20th century’s tallest leaders. I will lay a wreath at the Monument of National Heroes and Martyrs as well as visit the Quan Su Pagoda. 

I will visit Hangzhou, China from 3-5 September 2016 for the Annual G-20 Leaders Summit. I will arrive in Hangzhou from Vietnam where I would have concluded an important bilateral visit. 

During the G-20 Summit, I will have an opportunity to engage with other world leaders on pressing international priorities and challenges. We will discuss putting the global economy on the track of sustainable steady growth and responding to emerging and entrenched social, security and economic challenges. 

India will engage constructively on all the issues before us and work towards finding solutions and taking forward the agenda for a robust, inclusive and sustainable international economic order that uplifts the socio-economic conditions of people across the world, especially those who need it most in developing countries. 

I look forward to a productive and outcome oriented Summit.” 

Modi leaves for tour of Vietnam, China tomorrow

New Delhi, Sep 1 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi sets off tomorrow on a bilateral visit to Vietnam and to attend the annual summit of powerful G-20 grouping in China's Hangzhou where India is likely to seek concrete measures to check terror financing and crackdown on tax evasion.

Modi's first destination will be Vietnam from where he will leave for Hangzhou on September 3 to attend the G-20 summit on September 4 and 5. The Prime Minister will return to India on September 5 and will again leave for Laos on a two-day visit to attend the annual India-ASEAN and East Asia Summits.

In Vietnam, Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with top leadership of the resource-rich country to deepen ties in key areas of defence, security and trade, and ramping up India's engagement in oil exploration.

India's ONGC Videsh Limited is engaged in oil exploration projects in Vietnam for over three decades and there may be announcements about new projects in the sector during the bilateral visit, which is taking place after a gap of 15 years.

At the G-20 Summit, India is likely to raise a host of issues ranging from choking terror funding and checking tax evasion to cutting cost of remittances and market access for key drugs.

On the sidelines of the Summit, Modi will have bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and attend a BRICS leaders' meet. A number of other bilaterals are being finalised, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sujatha Mehta told reporters.

She said issues like global tax reform, climate friendly financing and market access for antibiotics are some of the issues likely to be discussed at the meetings. Niti Ayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya is India's sherpa for the G-20 and some of the issues were already discussed in the run up to the summit.

Mehta said there will be deliberations on containing terror financing at the G 20 summit.

There are likely to be detailed deliberations on automatic exchange of tax information at G-20, besides discussion on ways to tackle slowdown of the global economy. India has already agreed to the Automatic Exchange of Information Convention of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an intergovernmental economic organisation of around 35 countries. .

Pak has no locus standi to comment on J&K situation: India

 New Delhi, Sep 1 (PTI) India was today dismissive of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's fresh letter to UN chief on Kashmir, saying any such move will not change the reality that part of Jammu and Kashmir is under Islamabad's "illegal and forcible" occupation and that it has no locus standi to comment on internal situation in the Valley.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup also criticised Pakistan's decision to send 22 parliamentarians as special envoys to highlight the Kashmir issue on different international forums and said it would have been better to send "one envoy with the right message to the right country," indicating that Islamabad should have sent a representative here to discuss cross-border terror.

"They can write as many letters as they want but this will not change the reality on the ground. The reality is that J&K is an integral part of India and part of J&K is under the illegal and forcible occupation of Pakistan.

"As far as internal situation in J&K is concerned, we believe Pakistan has no locus standi in commenting on that and we are perfectly capable of dealing with it," Swarup said.

He was replying to a question on Sharif writing to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for the second time in a month seeking his intervention for sending a fact-finding mission to probe alleged human rights violations in the Valley.

On Sharif's decision to send envoys to various countries to highlight the Kashmir issue, he said the message has to be one of stopping support to cross-border terrorism, ending incitement to violence in Jammu and Kashmir and putting an end to interference in India's internal affairs.

"Sending out 22 envoys is not going to make their baseless and untenable claims legitimate. Instead of sending 22 Envoys with the wrong message to the wrong countries, it would have been better to send one Envoy with the right message to the right country," he said.

Asked about China-Pakistan economic corridor, Swarup said it passes through India's sovereign territory under illegal occupation of Pakistan and that "India would obviously have concerns about any project there happening with third party collaboration." 

On the US Secretary of State John Kerry's comment that Pakistan was also a victim of terror, the MEA Spokesperson said India did not say it was not.

"But we are asking who created that terror. That is the real issue. The thing that needs to be understood how did the victimisation start.

"For us the real issue is that there should not be any differentiation between good terrorist and bad terroist and Kerry had clearly said that," said Swarup. .

GDP growth slows down to 7.1%; lowest in 6 qtrs

New Delhi, Aug 31 (PTI) Indian economy grew at the slowest pace in last six quarters at 7.1 per cent in the April-June period of current fiscal mainly on subdued performance of mining, construction and farm sectors.

GDP had recorded 7.5 per cent growth in the April-June quarter of last fiscal and 7.9 per cent in January-March quarter. The previous low was 6.6 per cent GDP growth in the October-December quarter of the 2014-15 fiscal.

According to the data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the Gross Value Added (GVA), which is estimated at the basic (rpt) basic price, showed a growth of 7.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2016-17.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth data is calculated under the new methodology at market price, while GVA is calculated primarily at factor cost. GDP is GVA plus taxes on products minus subsidies on them.

The economic activities which registered growth of over 7 per cent in the April-June quarter, over year-ago period, are manufacturing; electricity, gas, water supply & other utility services; trade, hotels, transport & communication and services related to broadcasting; financial, insurance, real estate and professional services and public administration, defence and other services.

Growth in agriculture; forestry and fishing; mining & quarrying and construction is estimated to be 1.8 per cent, (-) 0.4 per cent, and 1.5 per cent respectively. .

India, US speak in one voice on South China Sea, NSG, terror

The Secretary of State of the United States of America, Mr. John Kerry calls on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on August 31, 2016.

New Delhi, Aug 31 (PTI) Nearly two months after an international court ruled against China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, India and the US today called for "utmost respect" for global law, maintaining that there must be "unimpeded lawful commerce" throughout the disputed region.

The two countries, which held their annual Strategic and Commercial Dialogue yesterday, also said they will "redouble" efforts towards India's early entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) which was opposed by China. The US urged the NSG member countries to support India's bid for their "common interest".

In a joint statement issued today summerising outcome of Tuesday's meeting, the two strategic partners condemned terrorism in all its forms and reaffirmed their commitment to dismantle safe havens for terrorist and criminal networks such as IS terror outfit, Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e- Mohammad, D Company and its affiliates, and also the Haqqani Network.

"The sides also called on Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot terrorist attacks to justice. The sides will continue to review and consider other organizations that warrant terrorist designations including those that engage in cross-border terrorism," according to the joint statement

About South China dispute, the two sides "stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight, and unimpeded lawful commerce throughout the region, including in the South China Sea.

Calling for "utmost respect" for international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), they reiterated that States should resolve disputes through peaceful means, and exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that could complicate or escalate disputes.

China has been increasing its assertiveness in South China sea notwithstanding the verdict of an arbitration court in The Hague that China had no historical title over the South China Sea.

On India's NSG bid, the statement said, "In a further effort to strengthen global non-proliferation and export controls, the sides committed to redouble their efforts towards India's early entry into the NSG"

The US also re-affirmed its support for India's early membership of the other export control regimes -- Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement.

China had objected to India's candidacy when the NSG plenary had taken up its application in Seoul in July.

US backs India on its demand that Pak should act against terrorists

 New Delhi, Aug 30 (PTI) The US today "fully" backed India on its demand that Pakistan should act against terrorists operating from sanctuaries on its soil with US Secretary of State John Kerry asserting that his country "stands in strong partnership with India" against all terrorism.

Terrorism, more specifically that emanating from Pakistan, figured prominently in marathon talks between Kerry and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who briefed him extensively on the "continuing problem of cross-border terrorism that India and the larger region face from Pakistan".

At a joint press conference with Kerry after the 2nd Indo- US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue (S&CD), Swaraj said, "We reaffirmed the urgent necessity for Pakistan to dismantle safe havens for terrorists and criminal networks including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and D Company.

"Secretary Kerry and I also agreed on the need for Pakistan to do more to bring the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot terrorist attacks to justice quickly." 

Kerry said he had spoken to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif so that Pakistan deprives any terrorist group of sanctuary. .

India and the United States Sign the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA)

 India and the United States have signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum Of Agreement (LEMOA) in Washington DC, USA on 29 August 2016. 

LEMOA is a facilitating agreement that establishes basic terms, conditions, and procedures for reciprocal provision of Logistic Support, Supplies, and Services between the armed forces of India and the United States. 

Logistic Support, Supplies, and Services include food, water, billeting, transportation, petroleum, oils, lubricants, clothing, communication services, medical services, storage services, training services, spare parts and components, repair and maintenance services, calibration services, and port services. 

Reciprocal logistic support would be used exclusively during authorized port visits, joint exercises, joint training, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts. 

Logistics support for any other cooperative efforts shall only be provided on a case-by-case basis through prior mutual consent of the Parties, consistent with their respective laws, regulations and policies. 

Provision of Logistic Support, Supplies, and Services from one Party to the other would be in return for either cash payment or the reciprocal provision of Logistic Support, Supplies, and Services. 

The Agreement does not create any obligations on either Party to carry out any joint activity. It does not provide for the establishment of any bases or basing arrangements. 

The Agreement will significantly enhance the operational capacity of the Indian Armed Forces, including in their response to humanitarian crises or disaster relief. 

India promises whole-hearted support to Myanmar

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the President of Myanmar, Mr. Htin Kyaw in joint media briefing, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on August 29, 2016.

New Delhi, Aug 29 (PTI) India today promised all possible support to Myanmar's new government in ushering in a new pathway of development as the two sides resolved to step up overall engagement and "actively" cooperate in combating terrorism and insurgent activities in the region.

In wide-ranging talks with Myanmarese President U Htin Kyaw, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed that India will stand by with Myanmar at "every step" of its new journey and that it wants to take the ties to "new heights".

Modi's assurance to Htin Kyaw, here on his first foreign trip after assuming the top office in April, came amid China's diplomatic offensive in reaching out to Myanmar's new dispensation. Earlier this month, Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's most powerful leader and Foreign Minister, chose to visit China first over India.

"Let me assure you that at every step of the way 1.25 billion people of India will stand by (with) you- Both as partners and as friends," Modi said adding "A bright future for Myanmar is not just your objective. It is also our aspiration." 

Today's talks were first top-level engagement between the two countries after government of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy came to power following the historic elections that brought curtains down on decades-long military rule.

The two sides signed four MoUs to boost cooperation in areas of connectivity, medicine and renewable energy, besides agreeing to deepen ties in a range of sectors, including agriculture, banking and power.

Reading out a statement to media with Htin Kyaw by his side, Modi said both sides recognised that each other's security interests are closely aligned and the two countries agreed to work together to combat terror and insurgent activities in the region.

"We recognised that our security interests are closely aligned. And, we agreed on the need to remain sensitive to each other's strategic interests and concerns.

"To this end, President and I agreed to work together for the safety and security of our people. And, actively cooperate to combat the common challenges of terrorism and insurgent activity in our region," Modi said.

Myanmar, considered one of India's strategic neighbours, shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-infested Nagaland and Manipur.

India has been raising with Myanmar the issue of several northeast militant groups having training camps in that country.

Ways to combat the insurgent groups active in northeast and ensuring better border management were deliberated upon.

Both sides also deliberated on maritime security cooperation in the Bay of Bengal. .

3 super girls conferred Khel Ratna along with Jitu Rai

 New Delhi, Aug 29 (PTI) It was a celebration of woman power in sports as Olympic stars PV Sindhu, Sakshi Malik and Dipa Karmakar were today conferred India's highest sporting honour -- the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna -- along with shooter Jitu Rai in a gleaming awards ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here.

For the first time in the history of National Sports Awards, four athletes were chosen for the Khel Ratna honour, owing to the three girls' superlative show at the Rio Olympics.

In 2009, three athletes -- boxers Vijender Singh and M C Mary Kom and wrestler Sushil Kumar -- had been given this award together.

Shuttler Sindhu won a historic silver in the women's singles, Sakshi won India's first ever medal (bronze) in women's wrestling while Dipa grabbed a piece of history for herself with a fourth place finish in artistic gymnastics with her now famous Produnova vault.

Shooter Jitu Rai was always a contender after consistently producing medal-winning performances in the last two years, including gold at the Asian and Commonwealth Games along with a silver at the World Championships.

The four Khel Ratnas, who were greeted with a loud round of applause when they walked up to receive their awards from President Pranab Mukherjee, received a medal, certificate and cash prize of Rs. 7.5 lakh each.

Also honoured were 15 Arjuna awardees who received statuettes, certificates and award money of Rs.5 lakh each.

Long distance runner Lalita Babar, who finished a creditable 10th in the 3000m steeplechase in the Rio Games, boxer Shiva Thapa, only the third Indian to win a World Championships medal last year, and hockey players VR Raghunath and Rani Rampal were among those who received the Arjuna award.

Cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, who was also selected for the Arjuna Award, missed out on the ceremony as he is in the United States with the Indian team for a Twenty20 series against the West Indies.

Teen Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, the first Indian athlete to become a world champion at any level with a gold medal at the U-20 World Championship, was also among the Arjuna winners this year.

Goalkeeper Subrata Paul was the lone footballer in the list of Arjuna awardees, which also included shooter Apurvi Chandela and wrestler Vinesh Phogat.

Vinesh received her award while seated on wheelchair as she is recovering from a knee injury sustained in her second-round bout during the Rio Olympic Games.

This year's Dronacharya Award was conferred upon six coaches, the most notable among them being Dipa's coach Bishweshwar Nandi and India Test team captain Virat Kohli's mentor Raj Kumar Sharma.

Eighth Meeting of the Heads of SAARC Statistical Organisations (SAARCSTAT)

“Accurate, reliable and timely information plays an important role for effective decision making in almost every aspect of human endeavor.  It is an essential ingredient for decisions makers and Policy planners.  The Statistics Ministry in India attaches considerable importance to coverage and quality aspects of statistics released in the country and is constantly working to achieve international standards.”  This was stated by the Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Shri. D.V. Sadananda Gowda, while inaugurating the 8^th Meeting of Heads of SAARC Statistical Organizations (SAARCSTAT) in New Delhi today.

India is hosting the three-day meeting and delegates from SAARC Member States and other international organizations viz., FAO, PARIS 21, and ADB attended the Meet.  The theme of this Meeting is “Trade Statistics – Merchandise & Services”.

While delivering the key note address, the Minister emphasized on greater regional cooperation for mutual development, to accelerate free trade in goods and services in the Region. It is essential to put into operation simplified and transparent rules of origin; implementation of trade facilitation measures; harmonization of standards relating to Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures; harmonized, streamlined and simplified Custom procedures; elimination of non-tariff and para-tariff barriers; policy initiatives for comparable statistics and smooth & efficient transit and transport facilities, which will provide an opportunity to the SAARC Members countries to review the implementation of the recommendations made in International Merchandise Trade Statistics (IMTS) 2010 and Manual on Statistics of International Trade in Services (MSITS) 2010 and help in better understanding of the existing economic statistics frameworks and guidelines such as the System of National Accounts (2008 SNA), Balance of Payments (BPM6) and the Guidelines on Integrated Economic Statistics.

Reducing Asymmetry in Trade data amongst SAARC countries is one of the topics for discussion in this Meeting.  Reducing asymmetry in bilateral trade data is an issue which requires serious attention from the data compilers.  Although India has taken up the issues of data reconciliation with a few countries like China, Brazil, Vietnam, Philippines, South Korea, Japan, South Africa, Sri Lanka but much more needs to be done to bring down the asymmetry to an acceptable level especially in the SAARC Region.

The Minister was hopeful that deliberations in the meeting will help to transfer knowledge and good practices amongst the participating countries that will help to improve the quality of official statistics on international trade in goods and services. Shri Gowda, assured all the Member countries that India, on its part, would be glad to share its experiences and studies, if any, on the issue with other countries of the Region.

It was also announced that India has decided to offer two slots to SAARC Member countries in Training Programmes conducted by the National Statistical Systems Training Academy.

 The Minister informed the Meeting about the ambitious Digital India programme towards evidence based and transparent decision making process of the Government.