From: Press Information Bureau Ministry of I&B <pib.kolkata@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 29, 2010 at 1:03 PM
Subject: Releases.............pt1
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Prime Minister's Office
India-Canada Joint Statement during the visit of Prime Minister
New Delhi: June 29, 2010
The Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, visited Canada from June 26 to June 28 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. Stephen Harper. During his visit, Prime Minister Singh participated in the G-20 Toronto Summit and held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Harper.
The two Prime Ministers, in reviewing the state of bilateral relations, welcomed the enhanced interaction in a broad range of areas, visits and other exchanges between the two countries. They expressed their desire to broaden and deepen economic, diplomatic, educational, scientific and cultural ties between India and Canada.
The two Prime Ministers also solemnly observed the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the bombing of Air India flight 182 "Kanishka" on June 23, 1985, in which 329 lives were tragically lost. They strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed to direct their respective Governments toward greater cooperation in counter-terrorism and security-related matters.
Reiterating the need for intensifying global cooperation in combating international terrorism, they called for an early conclusion and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework.
Prime Ministers Singh and Harper welcomed the signature of the Agreement for Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, which will help facilitate civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries. They both committed to the ratification of the agreement and the completion of all remaining steps necessary to ensure its early implementation. They underscored the potential for mutually beneficial civil nuclear cooperation and trade.
The two leaders committed to expanding a range of activities and institutional frameworks that will contribute to the shared goal of increasing bilateral trade to $15 billion annually in the next five years. During Prime Minister Harper's visit to India in November 2009, both countries had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a Joint Study Group to explore the possibility of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Canada. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the conclusion of that report, in which the Joint Study Group identified substantial potential economic gains that both countries could achieve through such an agreement. The two Prime Ministers noted that the recommendations in the report will be examined by both countries and necessary processes for obtaining approvals will be initiated immediately and will aim to be completed by the end of October.
The Prime Ministers also announced their commitment to an annual dialogue on trade and investment between Canada's Minister of International Trade and India's Minister of Commerce and Industry. They also welcomed the possibility of an India-Canada CEO Roundtable later this year.
The two Prime Ministers looked forward to the early signing followed by ratification and implementation of the Social Security Agreement. They noted that the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement was under negotiation and looked forward to its early conclusion. These two agreements will make a significant contribution to the commercial and economic interaction between the two countries.
The Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Earth Sciences and Mining and looked forward to signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Transportation, noting the scope for bilateral collaboration, trade and investment in the natural resources and infrastructure sectors.
Agriculture and agri-food cooperation represent another area of enhanced exchange and both leaders looked forward to the progressive implementation of projects identified under the January 2009 MOU.
The Prime Ministers recognized some of the greatest strengths in the relationship lie in the vibrant and longstanding people-to-people ties. In that regard they encouraged the expansion of linkages in key areas including education, academic relations, arts, culture, sports and tourism.
To further enhance the considerable momentum achieved in exchanges and collaboration amongst a broad range of higher education institutions in both countries, the Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Higher Education Cooperation. This framework will facilitate academic exchanges, partnerships and mobility between higher educational institutions in the two countries.
The Prime Ministers also noted initiatives to link Canadian and Indian universities and colleges, including in curriculum development and the creation of Chairs and Centres for Indian studies at a number of Canadian universities, such as, for example, those in the process of being established at Carleton University and McGill University.
They also welcomed the initiative to organize the Festival of India in Canada in 2011, which would present a comprehensive range of Indian culture through performing arts, exhibitions, film festivals, food festivals, among others, as well as the upcoming exhibition of masterworks of Inuit Art from the National Gallery of Canada, which will be presented at the National Museum in New Delhi in the fall of 2010. They look forward to the Commonwealth Games in India in October 2010. To facilitate further co-operation in these areas, the Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of an MOU on Cultural Cooperation.
To achieve the goals set out in this joint statement, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained political engagement and a structured exchange of high-level visits and regular dialogues between their officials. Building on the existing annual India-Canada Foreign Policy Consultations, Strategic Dialogues, Trade Policy Consultations, the Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, the Agriculture Working Group, the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee, the Environment Forum and the Energy Forum, they agreed to promote further policy exchanges between ministries and departments of both Governments.
akt/hs/lv/rk/dk/kol/12:57 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Prime Minister's Office
Remarks by PM and President Obama before bilateral meeting at G20 Summit
New Delhi: June 29, 2010
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh met US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of G-20 Summit in Toronto on June 27, 2010. Following is the transcript of the remarks by the Prime Minister and the US President before the bilateral meeting in Toronto:
President Obama: I want to express my pleasure having the opportunity to meet once again with my good friend, Prime Minister Singh. I said before and I continue to believe that the extraordinary leadership that Prime Minister Singh has provided not just to India, but to the world, has helped us navigate through some very difficult times.
And I can tell you that here at the G20, when the Prime Minister speaks people listen, particularly because of his deep knowledge of economic issues, as well as the fact that he understands that as India rises as a world power, not just a regional power, that it also has enormous responsibilities to work with the rest of the world community around issues of peace and prosperity.
The last time that Prime Minister Singh visited the United States, as part of a wonderful State Dinner, we instituted what we termed a strategic partnership that involves all of our ministers at the highest levels working together to try to find ways to enhance commercial ties, security ties, coordination on critical multilateral issues like climate change. And as a consequence, Minister Krishna led a delegation to Washington to follow up, and working with Secretary Clinton, conducted some very high-level talks. I had the opportunity to participate in that dialogue.
We also wanted to make sure that in addition to government-to-government ties, we were initiating people-to-people ties, and so an Indian-American CEO conference took place. And we're going to continue to see how we can get our businesses to work together, and then generating recommendations to each of us in terms of how we can improve ties between the United States and India.
I am very pleased to have accepted a visit on behalf of myself and Michelle to India. It is a trip that I'm very much looking forward to, and I know that the Prime Minister and his gracious wife will extend great hospitality to us. We are also just excited because of the tremendous cultural, as well as political and social and economic examples that India is providing the world and has in the past.
So, Mr. Prime Minister, thank you so much for your friendship, and we look forward to working with you in the months to come, leading up to the visit, so that we know that we're going to have a very productive stay when we're in India.
Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh: Mr. President, thank you very much for your warm words. I attest that India attaches the greatest importance to this relationship with the United States, with which we have a steady partnership.
It is our common endeavor, Mr. President, to give this strategic partnership a new thrust, a new meaning, a new content. And it's my privilege to be associated in this global endeavor with you, Mr. President. You are a role model to millions and millions of people all over the world. Your life history is a history which inspires millions of people everywhere where there are people who have risen by the sheer depth of their austerity, of their hard work, and their commitment to the values on which you have worked and you've stood for.
It has been my privilege, Mr. President, to enjoy your friendship, and this is something which I will cherish forever in my life.
The dinner that you hosted for me and for my wife last year was a most memorable evening for both of us. And we look forward to your visit, the First Lady's visit, and your children's visit to India later this year. A very warm welcome awaits you, Mr. President. And I have every reason to believe that you will find it a productive and exciting journey to a country of India's diversity, of India's complexity.
And we are engaged in getting rid of chronic poverty, ignorance and disease, which still afflict millions and millions of our people. And it's our common desire to work together to get rid of this scourge in our lifetime. And in that, the United States' support means a great deal to us. Your personal commitment to social justice is something we cherish.
And I look forward to have the privilege of welcoming you and your family to our country so that you can see for yourselves what we are trying to do, the difficulties of managing social and economic transformation in the framework of a democracy committed to the rule of law, committed to all fundamental human freedoms. I think that's what India seeks to achieve.
And in this, we seek your active involvement and active participation. Thank you very much.
President Obama: Thank you, everybody.
akt/hs/lv/rk/dk/kol/12:58 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Prime Minister's Office
PM's statement to the media after the bilateral talks with Prime Minister of Canada
New Delhi: June 29, 2010
Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh's statement to the media after the bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of Canada:
"Thank you, Prime Minister Harper, for your very warm words of welcome, and for your generous hospitality and friendship.
I would also like to congratulate you for your most successful chairmanship of the G 20 Summit.
I am extremely satisfied with my bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Harper today. Our discussions have carried forward the momentum that has characterized our relations in the last few years. India fully reciprocates Canada's desire to intensify our bilateral relations in all areas. Prime Minister Harper's visit to India in November 2009 was a major step in this direction.
Today, we have added fresh vitality and content to our cooperation.
The Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement that we have signed breaks new ground in the history of our cooperation in this sector. It reflects the change in international realities and will open new doors for mutually beneficial cooperation in nuclear energy.
We have identified renewable energy, clean technologies and energy efficiency as other priority areas of cooperation. The newly constituted Canada-India Energy Forum has already begun its work and has our full support. We have also decided to focus on mining and agriculture as the other priority areas of cooperation.
We have reaffirmed our resolve to achieve the annual bilateral trade target of 15 billion dollars within the next five years, and to encourage two-way flow of investments. The submission of the report of the Joint Study Group to study the feasibility of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement marks an important step in bringing our two economies closer together. We have directed our officials to examine the report and expedite the next steps.
The strong people to people links between our countries are a unique asset for both of us. We have agreed to intensify exchanges in the fields of higher education, culture, science and technology and innovation, so that together we can build the knowledge economy of the future.
My visit to Canada coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Kanishka air crash. This terrible disaster and the suffering it has led to will forever remain a stark reminder of the need for all of us to work unitedly to eliminate the scourge of terrorism. The victims of this tragedy deserve full justice.
I am convinced that a strong India-Canada partnership will facilitate solutions to global challenges such as energy and food security, sustainable development, climate change and the fight against extremism and poverty. Towards this end, we have agreed to promote and maintain a high level dialogue between India and Canada.
I reaffirm India's commitment to strengthening this very important and key relationship."
akt/hs/lv/rk/dk/kol/12:58 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Prime Minister's Office
Transcript of the PM's onboard Press Conference on his return from G-20 Summit in Toronto
New Delhi: June 29, 2010
The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh addressed the media persons onboard AI-1 on his return from G-20 Summit in Toronto .
Following is the transcript of PM's interaction with the media -
Question. What were your expectations from G-20 Summit, especially when it is seen as a rich countries' forum against the less richer ones ? Are you satisfied with the bilateral talks?
Answer. Well this meeting of the Group of was in some way the preparation for the summit meeting in Seoul this November. I think the Summit has helped in charting out the agenda and action points for the summit which will be firmed up in Seoul. As far as our immediate concern with regard to the situation in the Eurozone, the situation of the banking system in Europe and there was agreement that the recovery that has taken place in the last year is rather fragile. What is needed is a calibrated attempt at fiscal consolidation rather than a one size fits all sort of action. In that way there is progress, even those countries which want to go ahead with fiscal consolidation, I think the caveat is that this must be done in a growth-friendly manner and my impression is that even those European countries who came out with targets at fiscal consolidation they have been going about their business with due caution. In that way the Summit has played a useful role in clarifying what is the scope for fiscal consolidation and what manner the process of consolidation should be found. As far as India is concerned, our banking system remains well managed, our economy is growing at a rate of 8.5% per annum, our fiscal situation is a cause for concern but when we compare the fiscal deficit or the GDP debt ratio of the major developed countries, I think we come out much better.
Question. In your meeting with Sikh members of parliament of Canada, did they raise the terming of 1984 riots as genocide?
Answer. Well I met parliamentarians belonging to the Indian Diaspora. I complimented them, I praised them with regard to the achievements of the members of the Indian origin communities and the niche which they have carved out for themselves in Canadian public life, in Canadian economy, in services. So it was an attempt on my part to tell them that we in India take great pride in their achievements and that the community should remain united. It should not allow the divisive politics of our subcontinent to derail the cohesiveness that is necessary to ensure that the Indian communities continue to get their due share in the Canadian set up.
Question. Does the fuel price decontrol indicate you are ready for tougher reforms? Are we going to see further deregulations?
Answer. Well I can't tell you what we are going to do next. I think that when things get crystallized in the Government system you will know them. With regard to petroleum prices, the fact that petrol prices have been set free, the same is going to be done to the diesel prices, was much needed reforms. And the adjustment that has been made in the prices of Kerosene and LPG were also necessary, considering the very high amount of subsidy that is implicit in the pricing structure of Kerosene and LPG. We have taken due care to ensure that the poorer sections are affected to the least possible extent and that is why the attempt to keep under regulation the prices of kerosene and LPG.
Question. Has the decision to hike fuel prices been taken under some pressure?
Answer. There is no pressure on Government of India from any quarter. What we need is to do the right things by our country. The subsidies for the petroleum products have reached a level which is not connected to sound financial management of our economy. So it is taking that into account that this decision has been taken to put some burden on the common people, but I think it is manageable.
Question. In the G20 Communique issued this time around, has there been a situation wherein any country has been forced to go against its own national economic policy?
Answer. We are dealing with the affairs of sovereign nations. There is, I think a growing concern that the increasingly inter-dependent world in which we live in, there is need for macro policy coordination to a much greater degree than that has been feasible in the past. People have talked about macro economic co-ordination that the consolidation of the financial system, the fiscal consolidation must be undertaken in a manner that is growth friendly. The IMF has put forth some categories of the countries where approaches may be similar in tackling the problems macroeconomic co-ordination. But it is too early to assess the process. The IMF will come with its financial assessment of the financial imperatives of each of the 20 countries- and that would really be the time, I think people would be able to judge how far countries are willing to subordinate their sovereignty to the needs of managing an increasingly inter dependant world.
Question. You have been working hard on making peace with Pakistan. You discussed with President Obama as well. In case of another 26/11 attack happening from Pakistan against India, how do you propose to go?
Answer. The Home Minister has been in Pakistan earlier last week. You must have read what he has stated. I think there is some hope. As I have said in dealing with Pakistan our attitude has to be – trust – trust but verify. So only time will tell which way the animal will turn.
Question. What is your view on the Tobin tax?
Answer. There is now a lot of discussion on corporate governance .I think good corporate houses are looking at what they can do in the non traditional key in providing social services, education, health facilities for their employees. I think that it's a corporate responsibility which has to be shouldered by the corporate sector on its own, we are not contemplating any legislation in that area.
Well the Tobin tax has merit in particular situations but as far as India is concerned we have not reached a stage where capital flows have become a problem. I think if capital inflows into our country both by way of direct investment and by way of portfolio investment have been at reasonable levels, we don't face situations of the kind which would require an imposition of Dobin Tax.
Question. What are your views on the proposed expansion of BRIC. My second question pertains to what is the relevance of G8 when G20 is the leading forum?
Answer. As far as BRIC is concerned we are members of the group. We would like the BRIC countries to consult with each other on all the issues which have bearing on the global economic management and as far as expansion of its membership is concerned that's a matter that is to be discussed by the members themselves. It is not proper for me to make any public comment.
As far as G8 is concerned, I think it is for G8 countries to decide. But as far as G20 is concerned it has been agreed that this will be the premier forum for discussion of the international economic issues and I talked to Canadian Prime Minister who said that here after the G8 will probably deal with security issues much more vigorously than it has been doing thus far in the past.
Question. What are the plans for President Obama's visit to India?
Answer. Our relations with the US are very good- as discussed with President Obama yesterday the preparations for his visit. We have a really ambitious agenda. He will be sending his National Security Adviser in the second week of July. He will meet our National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon and they will chalk out the agenda for President Obama's visit. We look forward to a very successful visit of President Obama and so does the President.
Question. Opposition to fuel price hike is mounting in India and even your alliance partners are concerned. Your take on this issue?
Answer. Well I read about the intentions of the opposition in the Press. I have not talked to anyone myself , nor I have been briefed by our political establishment What I am considering is that what we have done by way of adjusting the petroleum prices is that people of India would appreciate the compulsions, which have compelled us to undertake this measure. And our people are wise enough to understand that excessive populism should not be allowed to derail the progress our country is making, and for which it is winning kudos internationally as well.
Question. In your talks with President Obama, did you take up the issue of supply of Chinese reactors to Pakistan? Would there be a cabinet expansion during the monsoon session?
Answer. About your first question on my discussions with President Obama, it was essentially a discussion to explore the agenda of President Obama's visit to India later this year in the month of November. So I did not have the time to dwell on the issues that you have raised.
And as far as the monsoon session and cabinet reshuffle is concerned, I think that Press Conferences are not the appropriate places to announce Cabinet changes. When they are made, you will hear about it.
Question. Industrial disasters impacting on climate have also plagued US. Given the aftermath of the Bhopal tragedy, did you take up the issue of extradition of Warren Anderson with the US side?
Answer. Well, we are where we stand. We will try to ensure that US Government takes a more favourable attitude towards extradition. But we have not approached them yet. I did not raise this issue in my discussions with President Obama. We will cross the bridge when we come to it.
Question. On the Bhopal Gas tragedy issue, isn't there a collective failure on all parts, the government, political establishment and the judiciary?
Answer. What we propose to do has been made clear by the GOM, whose report has been endorsed by the Cabinet. It is a fact, it is true that our judicial processes are time consuming , that it should have taken 25 years before the case could be decided is something that we have to reflect about and the inadequacies of our judicial system.
Question. Don't you think that the Congress establishment should come clean on who was responsible for letting Anderson go? What is the reality of the issue?
Answer. What is the reality, we are not hiding anything. I think the GOM has looked at records. There is nothing that they have come across by way of the definite findings as to who took the decision. Those records are not available now. I reaffirm India's commitment to strengthening this very important and key relationship.
akt/hs/lv/rk/dk/kol/12:58 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Law & Justice
Transfer of Calcutta High Court Chief Justice
New Delhi: June 29, 2010
In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (1) of article 222 of the Constitution of India, the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, is pleased to transfer Shri Justice Mohit Shantilal Shah,, Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court and to direct him to assume charge of the office of the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court on or before 10th July, 2010.
vlk/ska/dk/kol/12:59 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Law & Justice
Appointment of Calcutta High Court Chief Justice
New Delhi: June 29, 2010
In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Jainarayan Patel, Judge of the Bombay High Court, to be the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.
vlk/ska/dk/kol/12:59 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Entrepreneurs Meet on Emerging Innovative Technologies for Competitiveness in Food Processing Sector to be Held on July 2, 2010
New Delhi: June 29, 2010
India is the second largest producer of food in the world and has distinction of being number one producer of many agricultural and allied commodities. However, processing levels of agricultural and allied commodities is only 6% to 8% compared to processing of 70% to 80% in developed countries. There is a huge technological gap for post harvest management and processing of agricultural produce which is resulting in huge amount of wastage of agricultural produce. To develop and popularise new technologies for food processing and percolate them to the ground level end users is the need of the time for enhancing the level of processing and reduction of wastage of agricultural produce.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is organising an "Entrepreneurs Meet" on July 02, 2010 in New Delhi to focus on "Emerging Innovative Technologies for Competitiveness in Food Processing Sector". The"Meet" is being inaugurated by Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries. Shri Ashok Sinha, Secretary, Food Processing Industries, Government of India would preside over the "Meet". Senior Government Officers from various Ministries concerned with the subject will also be participating.
The aim of this "Meet" is to create an awareness and share knowledge of latest indigenous and international emerging food technologies available for value food chain and bringing about innovations to reduce cost in acquisition and adaptation of these technologies. The "Meet" is likely to gear up the identification of technologies needed for different sectors of food processing and ensure percolation of technological research and development to the ground level end users.
The "Meet" is being attended by progressive entrepreneurs from the food processing industries, representative from various food processing units assisted by Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI) under its Central Plan Schemes and provide a common platform to Technology Providers and Technology Users for exchange of ideas and establishment of a link for future developments with other stakeholders to share their valuable experiences for growth of the food processing sector.
vlk/ska/dk/kol/12:59 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises
Reil Bags Rs 300 Crore Order
New Delhi: June 29, 2010
Rajasthan Electronics & Instruments Limited (REIL), Mini Ratna Company, a Joint Venture of Government of India and Government of Rajasthan has bagged a prestigious order of Rs. 300 crore from Government of Rajasthan. Under this Project, REIL would set up Solar Power Packs at 249 Panchayat Samitis and 9169 Panchayats in Rajasthan with all 11 MW capacity under Bharat Nirman Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra Scheme. The scheme is aimed at providing access to information on NREGA and other rural development programmes and also facilitating dissemination of technology and operation training labs.
Out of this Rs 300 crore, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has already sanctioned Central Financial Assistance of Rs. 92 crore to REIL. REIL has also entered into an MOU with Government of Rajasthan for implementation of this project and subsequent five year maintenance.
sbs/rs/dk/kol/12:59 hrs.
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Palash Biswas
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