On April 27, 2022, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accorded approval to the following proposals:
- Opening of a new Indian Mission in Lithuania in 2022.
- Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Chile for cooperation in the Disability Sector.
Cabinet approves opening of Indian Mission in Lithuania
The Union Cabinet has approved to opening of a new Indian Mission in Lithuania in 2022. Currently, the Indian mission in Poland is accredited to Lithuania.The mission was started after the country is facing an unofficial trade ban which was imposed by China for failing to follow the One China Policy.
- Lithuania earned China’s fury for allowing Taiwan to operate a representative office in Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital.
Highlights:
i.The opening of the Indian Mission in Lithuania will contribute to the expansion of India’s diplomatic footprint, the strengthening of political relations and strategic cooperation, and the development of bilateral trade, investment, and economic partnerships.
- It will help India gain support for its foreign policy objectives by facilitating stronger people-to-people ties, allowing for more sustained political outreach in multilateral fora.
ii.Enhancing India’s diplomatic presence will enhance market access for Indian businesses and boost exports of Indian goods and services.
- This would have a direct influence on increasing domestic output and employment, in line with India’s goal of achieving “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” or self-reliant India.
iii. The decision to establish a new Indian Mission in Lithuania is a futuristic move toward achieving India’s priority of growth and development or “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas”.
Cabinet Approves Signing of The Memorandum of Understanding Between India and Chile for Cooperation in Disability Sector
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has approved the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between India and Chile for cooperation in the Disability Sector.
i.Through joint initiatives in the disability sector, the bilateral MoU would enhance cooperation between the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, and the Government of Chile.
ii.The countries signed a joint Letter of Intent (LoI) expressing their desire to cooperate in the disability sector, particularly in the following areas:
- Sharing of information on disability policy and delivery of services.
- Exchange of information and knowledge.
- Cooperation in assistive device technology.
- Development of projects of mutual interest in the disability sector.
- Early identification and prevention of disability.
- Exchange of experts, academicians and other administrative staff.
Features of the MoU:
i.The MoU establishes a framework for funding to cover the expenses of the activities covered by it.
ii.The costs of such activities shall be set on a case-by-case basis by both governments, subject to the availability of finances and resources.
Note: The year 2019–20 commemorated the 70th anniversary of India-Chile diplomatic relations.
About Republic of Chile:
President – Gabriel Boric
Capital – Santiago
Currency – Chilean Peso (CLP)
About Republic of Lithuania:
It is one of the 3 Baltic Countries in the Baltic region (north-eastern region of Europe) – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. It has been a member of the European Union since 2004.
President – Gitanas Nauseda
Prime Minister – Ingrida Simonyte
Capital – Vilnius
Currency – Euro (EUR)
