Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi was on a 3 nation visit to France, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain from 22-26 August 2019. He also attended the 45th G7 Summit for the year 2019 in Biarritz, France.
Visit to France (August 22-23, 2019)
The Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi, visited France for an official visit at the invitation of the President of the French Republic, Mr Emmanuel Macron, for a Bilateral Summit in Paris. He arrived in France on the first leg of his three-nation tour. He was received by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.
PM Modi inaugurates memorial in honour of victims of two Air India crashes in France
PM Modi inaugurated a memorial in honour of victims of two Air India crashes at Nid d’Aigle, at the foot of Mount Blanc in France. Homi J Bhabha who is regarded as the father of India’s nuclear programme was also among the passengers and crew of the 2 Air India planes that crashed in 1950 and 1966.
MoUs signed
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by India with France are as follows:
- Administrative arrangement between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of the Republic of India and the Ministry of National Education and Youth, Government of the French Republic for cooperation in Skill Development and Vocational Training
- Memorandum of Agreement between National Institute of Solar Energy(NISE), Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India and The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA)
- Cooperation Agreement between the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), an autonomous scientific society of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and ATOS.
- Implementing arrangement between Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and CNES (National Centre for Space Studies) France for Joint Maritime Domain Awareness.
India, France express commitment to Freedom Of Navigation in Indo-Pacific
- France has backed India on getting a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as the two countries expressed to resolve towards freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.
- They supported an inclusive peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan controlled, leading to a lasting political solution.
- For the implementation of the White Shipping agreement, India and France welcome the appointment of a French liaison officer at the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram, Haryana.
- France also intends to work concertedly with India at the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), over which it will preside from 2020 to 2022.
Indo-French Road map on Cyber security and Digital Technology
- India and France concluded a path breaking road-map to make digital technology a transformative factor in their societies, to fight terror, to foster economic growth, sustainable development and secure enhanced internet access which is essential to bridge the digital divide.
- France and India affirmed their commitment to an open, reliable, secure, stable and peaceful cyberspace.
- They intend to work for the promotion of an inclusive and transparent, open Digital environment by preserving a multi-stakeholder and multilateral approach to the Internet that respects the interests of all stakeholders including States.
- Both countries recognised the importance of the pursuit and the deepening of the cyber dialogue whose third edition was held in Paris on June 20, 2019, and welcomed the joint statement adopted at its end.
- They welcomed the potential offered by the development of Artificial intelligence, particularly in the field of sustainable development, e-governance, autonomous transportation, smart cities, cyber security, health, education and agriculture.
- The Ministry of Economy and Finance of France and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of India will be nodal points to coordinate the implementation of the Indo-French digital partnership through appropriate mechanism.
- France and India wish to develop an Indo-French research and innovation programme dedicated to artificial intelligence. Both parties will work towards mobilising €2 million annually to fund basic and applied research projects, scholarships for training and research, exchange of experts and research projects, and awareness-raising measures. This consortium will meet annually as part of the Knowledge Summit, with its first meeting to be held in Lyon in October 2019.
Rafale fighter aircraft
The first of the 36 Rafale fighter aircraft will be handed over to India in September 2019. The Indian Air Force will deploy one each squadron of the Rafale combat aircraft at its airbases in Ambala in Haryana and Hashimara in Bengal.
India, France Condemn Cross-Border Terrorism
- The two leaders reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism and terror-related incidents in France and India. They called upon all UN member countries to implement the UNSC Resolution 2462 on Fighting Terrorist Financing adopted last March 28 and welcomed the organization in Melbourne on November 7-8 of a new`No Money for Terror’ International Conference on Fighting Terrorist Financing, which will build on the April 2018 Conference organized in Paris by the French Government and the Paris Agenda.
- The two leaders reaffirmed their support for the implementation of the Christchurch Call to Action to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist online content adopted in Paris last May 15. They agreed to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts in multilateral fora such as UN, GCTF, FATF, G20. They called upon all UN member countries to implement the UNSC Resolution 1267 and other relevant resolutions designating terrorist entities
- The leaders also agreed to work together on early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) in the UN.
Address to Indian Community in Paris
- PM addressed the Indian community at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. He used several football terminologies to highlight the ties in various spheres between the two nations.
- He talked over a number of issues including the mandate of 2019 Lok Sabha polls, climate change and building a ‘New India’ that focuses on ease of doing business while ensuring ease of living. He also said that India will achieve most of the climate change goals set for 2030, in the next year and a half.
Bilateral Meetings
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron at Château de Chantilly. He held bilateral talks with him.
- He also met his French counterpart Edouard Philippe. They discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interests to further boost the comprehensive strategic partnership.
Visit to United Arab Emirates (UAE) (August 23-24, 2019)
PM Modi reached UAE capital Abu Dhabi from Paris on the second leg of his three-nation tour. He was received by Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
PM Narendra Modi launches RuPay card in Abu Dhabi
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the RuPay card in Abu Dhabi, making it the first country in the Middle East to initiate the Indian indigenous system of electronic payment. He made a special purchase through RuPay card, which he offered as ‘prasad’ at the Shreenathji Temple in Bahrain during his visit.
- India has already launched the RuPay card in Singapore and Bhutan.
6 MoUs signed
- India and United Arab Emirates signed 6 MoUs. It was signed on work practice for dependents of members of diplomatic and consular missions.
- India signed a memorandum of bilateral currency swap agreement between Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of the UAE.
- The growing relationship between the two countries will further strengthen the cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy between Emirates Nuclear Energy cooperation and the global centre for nuclear energy partnership.
- MoU was signed on employment of ex-servicemen of Indian Navy in the Navy and Coast Guard of the UAE.
- The Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis and Emirates Centre of Strategic Studies and Research will ensure more cooperation through a memorandum of understanding.
UAE can be a valuable partner in realizing India’s five trillion dollar economy: PM
PM Modi claimed that the UAE can help India in achieving its ambitious dream of achieving a $5 trillion economy by 2024-25.
UAE honours PM Narendra Modi with highest civilian award ‘Order Of Zayed
PM Modi was conferred with the highest civilian award of the United Arab Emirates, the “Order of Zayed” as a mark of appreciation for his efforts to boost bilateral ties between the two nations. The award, which is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, acquires special significance as it is being awarded to Modi in the birth centenary year of Sheikh Zayed.
Launch of commemorative stamp ahead of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan jointly released a commemorative stamp of Mahatma Gandhi ahead of his 150th birth anniversary.
Bilateral Meetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They discussed the full spectrum of the strong India-UAE partnership, which has been built over generations.
Visit to Bahrain (August 24-25, 2019)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Kingdom of Bahrain which was the first-ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to Bahrain. He was received by received by Prime Minister of Bahrain Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at the Bahrain International Airport.
4 MoUs signed
The two countries signed a string of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the fields of culture, space, solar energy and RuPay card. This was disclosed by Secretary (Economic Relations in External Affairs Ministry) TS Tirumurti.
PM honoured with “The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with “The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance.” It is a recognition of India”s strong friendship with Bahrain.
PM Modi launches $4.2 mn redevelopment project of Hindu temple in Bahrain
PM launched the $4.2 million redevelopment project of the 200-year-old Lord Sri Krishna temple in Manama. He offered prayers at the temple and also the ‘prasad’ that he bought with the RuPay card after launching it in the UAE. This is among the oldest temples in the region and manifests the strong ties between India and Bahrain.
Bilateral Meetings/ Addresses
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi met King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Manama and held talks on various bilateral and regional issues. They discussed ways to strengthen the friendship between India and Bahrain, with a focus on business relations and cultural exchange.
- He also held a meeting with his Bahraini counterpart Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa.
- PM also addressed the Indian Community in Bahrain.
45th G7 Summit for the year 2019
The 45th G7 Summit for the year 2019 was held in Biarritz, France from 24 to 26 August, 2019. The next G7 Summit (46th) for the year 2020 will be held in the United States.
Participants
- The Core G7 Members countries are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, United States and European Union.
- Invited Guests countries were Australia, Burkina Faso, Chile, Egypt, India, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa and Spain.
$22 million to tackle Amazon wildfires
World leaders at the G7 summit in France pledged to spend a total amount of $22 million to fight the raging wildfires in the Amazon in South America that are threatening the world’s biggest rainforest.
G7 might consider reinstating Russia
US President Donald Trump pressed the G7 group to reinstate Russia as a permanent member of the grouping. But no consensus was reached on whether or not to invite Russia to the next year’s G7 summit in the United States.
G7 leaders support Hong Kong’s autonomy
The G7 leaders confirmed the existence and importance of the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 on Hong Kong and called for violence to be avoided.
PM Modi in G7 Summit
- PM addressed G7 Summit’s session on ‘Biodiversity, Oceans, Climate.’ He highlighted India’s large scale efforts towards eliminating single use plastic, conserving water, harnessing solar energy and protecting flora and fauna for a sustainable future.
- He highlighted India’s efforts in putting digital technology to use to fight social inequalities through empowerment and inclusion during a G7 session on Digital Transformation.
Meeting on the Sidelines of G7 Summit
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres and had fruitful discussions on a wide range of subjects.
- PM held wide-ranging talks with Senegal President Macky Sall and the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties in various sectors, including cooperation in combating terrorism.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his British counterpart Boris Johnson and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump. They spoke on the issue of kashmir.
About France:
♦ Capital: Paris
♦ Currency: Euro
About UAE:
♦ Capital: Abu Dhabi
♦ Currency: UAE Dirham
About Bahrain:
♦ Capital: Manama
♦ Currency: Bahraini dinar