#2 2014

June - September

INDIA newsletter

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Dear Readers of the Newsletter Friends of India in Sweden and Latvia,

The last quarter witnessed mainly two important happenings in India which resonated globally. On September 24th, Mangalyaan India’s Mars Orbiter Mission launched last November, entered the orbit of the Red Planet smoothly, making India the fourth country to achieve this success- and the first to do so in its maiden attempt and the first in Asia. More than half the world's attempts to reach Mars — 23 out of 40 missions — have failed, including missions by Japan in 1999 and China in 2011. Two other things make this achievement stand out: as became evident from the many images flashed across the world, the women scientists in the Indian Space Research Organization were an integral and valuable part of the success. Secondly, it was the cheapest mission to Mars and cost one-tenth of what a similar mission cost NASA. What a convincing demonstration of how cost-effective India can be, even when most advanced technologies are involved.

The second major global happening was the launch of ‘Make in India’ campaign by Prime Minister Modi on September 25, 2014 in New Delhi in the presence, among others, of the captains of Indian industry, including some global companies. We look forward to participation of Swedish companies including the more than 160 which are already present in the success of the ‘Make in India’ campaign. As the Prime Minister put it, where else could they find a more attractive combination of democracy, demography and demand?

We celebrated India’s 68th Independence Day with the Indian community and friends of India at a joyful gathering at India House in Stockholm while in Riga, the Embassy organized a gala reception for the first time, graced by the Culture Minister, Parliamentarians and many other dignitaries.

Delegations from three Indian states visited Sweden and we expect much positive collaboration to flow from these interactions. The Joint Working Group in Health had a productive meeting in Stockholm during which, among other things, they planned the celebration of the fifth anniversary of the signing of the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding in this vital area.

The Indian Council of Cultural Relations again did us proud by sending us Saptak, a talented folk dance group from Gujarat which won rousing applause in Latvia and Sweden. Apart from performances in Riga and Umeå, the two Capitals of European Culture for this year, they also displayed India’s vibrant culture to appreciative audiences in Liepaja in Latvia and Örnsköldvik in Sweden and we owe special thanks to the authorities in these two towns.

Last, but not the least, our Visa Outsourcing partner Cox & Kings Global Services have opened Indian Visa Application Centres in Malmö and Umeå. We hope that this will facilitate the application process for visitors from the surrounding regions.

Message from H.E. Mrs Banashri Bose Harrison, Ambassador of India to Sweden and Latvia

Sincerely

Banashri Bose Harrison

Ambassador of India to Sweden and Latvia

Launch of ’Make in India’ initiative

These women helped power India's mission to Mars

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68th INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

India celebrated its 68th Independence Day on the 15th of August. Celebrations were held across the country with the nation paying tribute to its freedom fighters. On the eve of the Independence Day, President Mukherjee, in his speech, called for creative thinking in governance to enable fast-track development while ensuring social harmony. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from tradition and spoke extempore on his vision of India. Incidentally, Prime Minister Modi is the first Prime Minister to have been born after Independence.

MAKE IN INDIA

On September 25, 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launched the Make in India initiative with an aim to give the Indian economy global recognition. It is the first time that such a campaign has been launched by an Indian Prime Minister, reflecting the importance being attached to this initiative.

Addressing a gathering consisting of top global CEOs from India and abroad at the event, the Prime Minister said “FDI” should be understood as “First Develop India” along with “Foreign Direct Investment.” He urged investors not to look at India merely as a market, but instead see it as an opportunity. He said that faster people are pulled out of poverty and brought into the middle class, demand would be boosted, creating more opportunities for global business. Therefore, investors from abroad needed to create jobs. Cost effective manufacturing and a market with purchasing power are both required, the Prime Minister emphasised, adding that more employment means more purchasing power. The Prime Minister observed that India is the only country in the world which offers the unique combination of democracy, demography, and demand. He said the new Government was taking initiatives for skill development to ensure that skilled manpower was available for manufacturing. He also referred to the Digital India mission, saying this would ensure that Government processes moved in tune with corporate processes.

He gave the example of the new Government’s initiative on self-certification of documents, and said this was illustrative of how the new Government trusted the citizens. The Prime Minister said trust is essential for investors to feel secure and that trust too can be a transformative force.

The Prime Minister noted that India ranks low on the “ease of doing business” and added that he has sensitized Government officials in this regard. He also emphasized the need for “effective” governance. To the focus that the new Government had placed on “Look East,” the Prime Minister added the term “Link West”, and said that a global vision was essential.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the Mission Swachh Bharat (Clean India) which he would launch on October 2 and “Waste to Wealth” campaigns could lead to good revenue models for business. He referred in this context to his vision of waste water management and solid waste management in 500 towns across India through public private partnership.

The Prime Minister also spoke of infrastructure of the future – including i-ways besides highways – and mentioned port led

NEWS FROM INDIA

Celebrating the 68th Independence Day at Red Fort

President Mr Pranab Mukherjee

Launch of ’Make in India’ initiative

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development, optical fibre networks, gas grids and water grids as areas that would be prioritised.

The Prime Minister also unveiled the Make in India logo, and launched the website - makeinindia.com

INDIA MAKES HISTORY BY ENTERING MARS

ORBIT IN MAIDEN ATTEMPT

On 24th September, 2014 India created space history by becoming the first country in the world to enter Mars orbit in its maiden attempt. India's Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) glided over 650 million km through deep space for over nine months to reach Mars orbit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who witnessed the event, proudly noted that "With today's spectacular success, ISRO joins an elite group, of only three other agencies worldwide to have successfully reached the red planet". He recalled that the satellite was built "indigenously, in a pan-Indian effort" and added that the Mars mission "must become a base for challenging the next frontier". The Indian Mars mission cost Rs. 450 crore ($70 million) which is about one tenth of the cost of the NASA Mars mission.

Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi

Mars Orbiter Mission Mangalyaan satellite

Mars Orbiter in orbit

Launch of Mars Orbiter Mission

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INDEPENDENCE DAY

The 68th Independence Day of India was celebrated in Stockholm at the India House on 15th August, 2014. Ambassador of India, Mrs Banashri Bose Harrison, hoisted the tri-colour flag followed by singing of national anthem. Thereafter President’s speech was web-cast to the audience. Ambassador gave a short speech highlighting recent developments in India-Sweden relations. Around 250 Indians and friends of India, including many from the younger generation, participated in the celebration. After recitation of patriotic poems by some children from the Indian community, guests enjoyed light refreshments giving a taste of India.

SAPTAK DANCE TROUPE VISITS SWEDEN

On the 26th of June, 'Saptak' a 10-member Gujarati Dance Troupe sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, led by Shri Chetan Kumar Chandrakant Jethava had an interactive workshop in the Embassy of India, Stockholm which was attended by the Swedish Bollywood dancer Ms Maria Bhardwaj and a number of her students.

On 27th June the troupe went on to visit Umeå. The troupe performed the Gujarati folk dance of Garba and Rass with their colourful dresses and enchanting music. This performance coincided with the inauguration of a new Visa application Centre opened by M/s Cox and Kings Global Services AB. The opening was inaugurated by Mr Lars Lustig, Vice governor of Västerbotten county, Umeå. This performance was then repeated in Örnsköldsvik on the 28th of June which was applauded by the crowd repeatedly.

VISIT OF HIGH LEVEL OFFICIAL DELEGATION

FROM GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA

A seven member delegation led by Mrs K. Ratna Prabha, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Commerce & Industries, Government of Karnataka paid a study visit to Sweden from 17-22 August, 2014 with a focus on knowledge exchange in areas such as Public transport, Waste management and Retail. In Stockholm the delegation had a meeting with the President of City Council Mrs Margareta Björk and Director of Environment Mr Gunnar Söderholm. They also had a round table discussion with select Swedish companies organized by Business Sweden. The Ambassador of India in Sweden and the Ambassador of Sweden in India gave opening remarks at the round table during which the Karnataka State presented the investment opportunities that it could offer to Swedish companies. Ms Eva Walder, Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade hosted a working lunch for the visiting delegation. Ambassador Harrison hosted a dinner the delegation interacted with members of government and the business community. The delegation visited the Scania headquarters in Södertälje on 19th August, the IKEA headquarters in Älmhult on 20th August, and Volvo AB in Gothenburg on 21st August, 2014. All the Swedish companies have a presence in Karnataka and these visits are expected to strengthen their business interests in the state of Karnataka.

INDIA IN SWEDEN

Ambassador Harrison hoisting the Indian flag

Guests at India House

Guests at India House

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AN EVENING WITH TAGORE

On Sunday, June 15, the Uppsala Indian Choir held a musical tribute called 'An Evening with Tagore' on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Prize to the Indian Bengali poet, philosopher, social reformer, and dramatist Rabindranath Tagore.

UMEÅ UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES INDIA DAY

Umeå University celebrated "India Day" for the first time on September 4, 2014 to highlight its plans to intensify its engagement with India in the upcoming years. In her welcome address, Vice Chancellor Ms Lena Gustafsson said that international collaboration was critical for quality of education in the age of globalization. She announced that the Umeå University had identified India as a focus country in the University's new internationalization strategy and had decided to launch an "India Project", initially for two years. She recalled that since the beginning of the year, the Secretariat of the Nordic Centre in India had moved to the Umeå University and expressed her confidence that by working together, the Universities and research institutions of Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland would be more interesting as a partner for Indian educational limitations.

Ambassador of India, Mrs Banashri Bose Harrison, thanked the University of Umeå for its initiatives to strengthen collaboration with India. She spoke about the affinities between the people of India and Sweden due to the shared democratic values and respect for individual liberty. This created a sense of 'comfort' which taken together the many complementarities and matching strengths and needs, created a huge potential for partnership in many areas such as environmental sustainability, building of smart cities etc. She said that education which would make its youth employable globally as well as in India was a major priority for India and Nordic countries could attract many Indian students through effective outreach.

Presentations made during the event touched on different aspects including a talk by Mr Erik Bergkvist, Chairman of the Regional Board of the Västerbotten region on the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation, an update on Swedish Business in India by Mr Björn Savled from the Delhi office of Business Sweden and an overview of investment opportunities for Indian companies in Västerbotten by the Västerbotten Investment Agency.

Among the other dignitaries present at the India Day were the Mayor of Umeå Ms Marie-Louise Rönnmark and Ms Elizabeth Bjornsdotter Rahm, Member of Parliament. The programme concluded with a short enjoyable cultural performance which gave the audience a glimpse of the rich culture of India.

From left to right in first row:

Ms Elin Ljungström, Coordinator of India Programme, Dr Rupali Bhalerao, Chairperson Nordic Centre in India, Mr Björn Savled

from Business Sweden's Delhi Office, Ms Elizabeth Bjornsdotter Rahm, Member of Riksdag, Ambassador Banashri Bose Harrison, Vice Chancellor Ms Lena Gustafsson and the Mayor of Umeå Ms

Marie-Louise Rönnmark.

Umeå University

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ONAM CELEBRATIONS

Onam celebration in Sweden were started by a few Indians hailing from Kerala in 1990 as an occasion where new Keralites are introduced to the existing community and thereby assisted in settling down and feel at home as a part of a big extended family in Sweden.

This year Onam was celebrated in Stockholm on 13th September 2014 with typical food from the region and a cultural programme. Mr J. P. Meena DCM and Minister at the Indian Embassy was the chief guest at the function. He praised the organizers for their initiative and encouraged them to make the celebrations even more inclusive.

VISIT OF BUSINESS DELEGATION FROM

GUJARAT

A 17-member delegation led by Mr A K Rakesh, Vice Chairman & CEO from the Gujarat Maritime Board, Government of Gujarat is visiting Sweden from 21-23 September, 2014 to disseminate information about the upcoming 7th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2015, to be held from 11th to 13th January, 2015 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat and to explore trade and business opportunities and possible business tie-ups. The members of the delegation represented diverse sectors including ports and maritime field, energy, water management/environment, healthcare, manufacturing, infrastructure, agro-products and food processing and education.

Ambassador Banashri Bose Harrison utilized the opportunity provided by the seminar arranged in Stockholm on September 22, with the assistance of the Indian Embassy and the Sweden India Business Council, to publicize the ‘Make in India’ campaign over the last 100 days to promote FDI, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

A short film made by the Indian Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion was shown to highlight these measures and to demonstrate the positive results that they had already begun to yield. She pointed out that the fact that the Prime Minister of India would be himself launching the ‘Make in India’ campaign on September 25 demonstrated the high importance that was being attached to this new initiative and invited the audience to witness the event by following the web links given on the Embassy’s website. She concluded her remarks by listing the areas which the Indian government had prioritized which offered attractive opportunities for Swedish companies; such as, environment, waste and water management, renewable energy, R & D and innovation; Smart cities etc.

Thereafter, a film was screened on the investment opportunities in Gujarat followed by a presentation on Destination Gujarat by Mr A K Rakesh. Two other presentations were made: on the Energy Sector by Mr Nitin Shukla, MD & CEO, Hazira LNG pvt. Ltd and on the Healthcare Sector by Mr Dilip Jain, CEO, SAL Hospital. The session concluded with a Q&A session. The delegation members had meetings with different Swedish agencies and businesses in Stockholm as well as Malmö.

Onam Celebrations on 13th September 2014

Delegation from Gujarat at Sheraton Hotel

Mr Robin Sukhia addressing the Gujarat delegation

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INDO-SWEDISH COOPERATION IN HEALTH

The 7th Meeting of the Indo-Swedish Joint Working Group (JWG) on Health was held in Stockholm on 19th September, 2014. The four-member Indian delegation was led by Dr Arun Kumar Panda, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the 10-member Swedish delegation was led by Mr Niclas Jacobson, Deputy Director General, Head of Division of EU and International Affairs in the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs. The two delegations jointly reviewed the on-going cooperation and agreed on the need for deepening collaboration in the key fields of antibiotic resistance, public health, pharmaceuticals and research. They also agreed that besides the inter-governmental exchanges, there should also be active collaboration between the private sectors in the area of health.

Two important documents that were discussed at the meeting are:

(i) a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) between Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) and Swedish Research Council for Health Working Life and Welfare (FORTE) on “Research on Ageing and Health” and (ii) a Letter of Intent between the Swedish Product Agency and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

Earlier, on 18th September, the Indian delegation interacted with the Swedish industry in a Round Table on Healthcare. Around 20 Swedish companies attended the meeting during which the Chairman of the Karolinska University Hospital Mr Per Båtelsson gave an informative talk on the role of private solutions within public health care. Thereafter, Additional Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Panda briefed the audience about recent developments within the Indian health care system. Ms Maria Helling, CEO of Swecare Foundation talked about the role of public-private cooperation under the Indo-Swedish MOU in the field of health. This was followed by a lively interaction in which Dr Panda answered various queries posed by the companies.

INDIA'S ELEPHANTS PRESENTED THROUGH

PHOTOGRAPHS IN STOCKHOLM

On the 11th of June 2014, Annette Bonnier invited the Ambassador to the inaugural showing of photographs from her book "India's Elephants" at the Pelle Unger Gallery.

The photographs capture the unique beauty of the Indian Elephant, showing the intricate relationship they share with humanity - at times worshipped and other times enslaved.

In her speech, Ambassador Harrison noted the fact that the Indian elephant population is getting back on track, and had reached about 30'000 individuals. She added that it was important not to get complacent, but to work steadfastly towards ensuring the survival of this majestic animal. She also explained that in India, there was a tradition of animals and humans sharing the same space, due to a spirit of mutual tolerance.

Annette Bonnier spoke about her love for the Indian elephants which had led her to discover the colours and diversity of India.

Indian Health Delegation with Ambassador Harrison and Deputy Chief of Mission Mr J P Meena

Mrs Anette Bonnier with Ambassador Harrison

India’s Elephants exhibition at the Per Unger Gallery

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OPENING OF VISA APPLICATION OFFICES IN

UMEÅ AND MALMÖ

New visa collection centres operated by the embassy's visa outsourcing agency Cox & Kings have been opened in Umeå and Malmö.

Applicants for visas can go directly to these centres instead of sending their applications to the Stockholm head office. The addresses for the visa application offices are:

Skolgatan 54, 903 27, Umeå

Holmgatan 8A, 211 45, Malmö

David Bagares gata 26B, 111 38, Stockholm

Tel: 020-434 434

(Lines open 09.00 - 17.00)

Email: indiavisa.sweden@ckgs.com

Submission of Application

Monday to Friday 09.00 hours - 15.00 hours except Holidays

Closed for lunch

Monday to Friday 13.00 hours - 14.00 hours except Holidays

Passport Collection

Monday to Friday 15.00 hours - 17.00 hours except Holidays

TRANSPORT DELEGATION TO INDIA

A high level Transport delegation from Sweden led by Mr Jonas Hafström, Ambassador and Senior Advisor to the Trade

Minister visited Bangalore on 22nd September, Ahmedabad on

23rd September and Delhi on 24th September, 2014.

SWEDEN IN INDIA

Office location in Umeå

Office location in Malmö

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INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATED ON GRAND

SCALE FOR FIRST TIME

Embassy of India to Sweden and Latvia hosted a formal Independence Day Reception for the first time in Riga on 19th August at the prestigious Latvian Society Golden Hall. The Minister of Culture of Latvia, H.E. Ms Dace Melbarde was the Chief Guest on this occasion. Another Guest of Honour was Mr Atis Lejins, Chairperson of the India Latvia Friendship Group in the Latvian Parliament.

The event started with lighting of the traditional lamp jointly by the Chief Guests and the Ambassador followed by playing of national anthems of India and Latvia by Ms Ilze Zarina, a leading violinist from the Leipaja Symphony Amber Sound Orchestra from Liepaja Municipality.

In her remarks to the audience, the Ambassador touched on the formation of the new Government in India after the smooth conduct of the world’s largest elections which demonstrated India’s commitment to democratic processes and ideals, which are also cherished by Latvia. She briefly described the highlights of India-Latvia relations over the last six months including the opening of the Latvian Embassy in India, participation of an Indian folk dance troupe in the celebrations related to Riga as the European City of Culture for 2014 and the first official Indian cultural performance outside Riga, in Liepaja.

The Minister of Culture, Ms Dace Melbarde spoke next and talked about the inspiration which Latvia drew from Mahatma Gandhi in its non-violent struggle for independence. Mr Atis Lejins, Chairman of the Indo-Latvian Parliamentary Friendship Group in Parliament and Prof. Sigma Ankrava, Head of the Centre for Indian Studies and Culture, University of Latvia also shared their thoughts with the audience.

The 150-strong guests included several Members of Parliament, academics including the Rector of University of Latvia, City Council members from different counties, prominent business personalities, members of diplomatic corps in Latvia and members of the Indian community including professionals and students studying in Latvian universities.

A short cultural programme followed in which Mr Avikk Parkour and his dance troupe enthralled the guests with their energetic and lively bollywood dance performance. In addition, Ms Premal Madina gave an Odissi performance. The audience really appreciated the mix of modern and traditional Indian dance and music.

The event ended with refreshments which gave the guests a good flavor of Indian cuisine.

INDIA IN LATVIA

Lighting of the lamp by Culture Minister Ms Dace Melbarde and Ambassador Harrison

Guests at Independence Day Celebrations in Riga

Mr Avikk Parkour and his dance troupe

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SAPTAK PARTICIPATES IN THE RIGA SUMMER

SOLSTICE 2014 FESTIVAL

A 10-member Gujarati Dance troupe 'Saptak' sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations had participated in the Riga Summer Festival “Summer Solstice 2014” from 21-23 June, 2014. The Saptak folk dance group was led by Mr Chetan Jhetava from one of the most vibrant and colorful states of India, Gujarat. The warmth and enthusiasm which forms the rich cultural heritage of Gujaratis exhibited by this group via the famous Gujarati dances of RASS and GARBA.

Saptak Dance Troupe

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SIXTH BRICS SUMMIT

At the invitation of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff Prime Minister Narinder Modi attended the Sixth BRICS Summit at Fortaleza and Brasilia on 15-16 July 2014.

The Summit was also an occasion for Prime Minister Modi to meet the leaders of India’s important global partners – Brazil, China, Russia and South Africa, along with a number of leaders of South American countries at a meeting hosted by Brazil. Prime Minister Modi also had a bilateral interaction with the Chinese President Xi on the sidelines of the summit. Their discussions centred on all aspects of bilateral relations as well as on regional and global issues. Prime Minister emphasized on economic linkages between the two countries and spoke about the promotion for infrastructure cooperation and referenced the need to address the trade deficit. On his part President Xi acknowledged the possibilities of enhanced trade in services from India, possibilities of expansion of Indian exports and Chinese tourism to India as offering opportunities for reducing the deficit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met the leaders of various South American countries in Brasilia. While addressing the gathering, he asked the South American countries to come together "to seek faster growth and newer avenues of generating prosperity, find solutions to the challenge of poverty and preserve our environment, and use our resources well". South America is fast emerging as a major contributor to India's energy and food security. The countries of region have been supplying over two billion dollars’ worth of minerals every year to India. Assuring that India seeks to "work more closely with South America than ever before. At the bilateral level, as a BRICS member, in the G-77, as well as other international forums", the prime minister said that distance is not a barrier to opportunities. He said that India will establish Centres of Excellence in Information Technology in South American countries to share its expertise in information technology and also offered to expand cooperation in areas like tele-medicine, tele-education and e-governance.

5TH INDIA-US STRATEGIC DIALOGUE

External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj hosted US Secretary of State John Kerry in New Delhi from July 30 to August 1, 2014 for the fifth India-US Strategic Dialogue. This was Secretary Kerry’s first visit to India since the new government took over. It was also the first Cabinet-level meeting between India and the US. During his visit, Secretary Kerry called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Secretary Kerry was accompanied by a high-level inter-agency delegation. Apart from Secretary of Commerce, Ms Penny Pritzker, the delegation included Deputy Secretary of the Department of Energy Mr Daniel Poneman, Under Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Francis X. Taylor and the US Special Envoy for Climate Change in the Department of State Mr Todd Stern. The US Defence Secretary Mr Chuck Hagel followed up this visit with his first ever visit as Defence Secretary on 08 August.

INDIA & THE WORLD

BRICS Prime Ministers

US Secretary of State Mr John Kerry with EM Sushma Swaraj addressing the media

US Secretary of State Mr John Kerry calls on Prime Minister Narendra Modi

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PRIME MINISTER’S VISIT TO NEPAL

Reflecting the high priority that the new government has given to India’s neighbouring countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Nepal from August 3-4, 2014 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr Sushil Koirala. The Prime Minister of India was accompanied by Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor (NSA), Ms Sujatha Singh, Foreign Secretary and a delegation comprising senior officials of the Government of India and media.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi addressed the Constituent Assembly, thus becoming the first foreign leader to do so. The PM also had meetings with the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly, Mr Subhas Chandra Nembang, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon’ble Mahendra Bahadur Pandey, Leader of the Main Opposition Party in the Legislature Parliament, Hon'ble Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), Hon'ble KP Sharma Oli.

The Prime Minister conveyed India’s support for the ongoing constitution drafting and the establishment of Federal Democratic Republic in Nepal, as endorsed by the Constituent Assembly in 2008.

The Prime Minister of India had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Nepal followed by delegation level talks. The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of Nepal-India relations that encompass a broad spectrum of political, economic, social and cultural ties that are deep-rooted at both government and peoples' levels. The Government of India announced a soft credit line of US$ 1 billion for the execution of infrastructure development and energy projects as identified and prioritized by the Government of Nepal.

PRIME MINISTER’S VISIT TO JAPAN

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Japan from 31 August to 03 September, 2014. Prime Minister had an audience with His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and held the Annual Summit meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Prime Minister Abe expressed his deep appreciation for Prime Minister Modi's choice of Japan as his first destination for a bilateral visit outside India's immediate neighbourhood. Prime Minister Modi described this decision as a reflection of Japan's importance in India's foreign policy and economic development and her place at the heart of India's Look East Policy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged to realize the full potential of India - Japan Strategic and Global Partnership for continuing progress and prosperity for their people and for advancing peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the world. Elevating the relationship to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership, they called their meeting the dawn of a new era in India - Japan relations. The two Prime Ministers decided to continue the practice of annual summits and to meet as often as possible on the margins of regional and multilateral meetings. Prime Minister Abe expressed his intention to realize 3.5 trillion yen of public and private investment and financing from

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri Sushil Koirala, at the delegation level talk

Prime Minister Modi and the President of Nepal, Dr Ram Baran Yadav

Partnership City Affiliation Agreement between Varanasi and Kyoto. Signed by Ambassador of India Ms Deepa Gopalan

Wadhwa and the Mayor of Kyoto City, Mr Daisaku Kadokawa.

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Japan, including Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), to India in five years, to finance appropriate public and private projects of mutual interest. A partnership arrangement between the ancient cities of Varanasi and Kyoto was signed during the visit.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the recent developments in Japan's policy on transfer of defence equipment and technology. The two Prime Ministers expressed the hope that this would usher in a new era of cooperation in defence equipment and technology. A Memorandum of Cooperation and Exchanges in the Field of Defence was signed during the visit. The two Prime Ministers also affirmed the importance of civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries and welcomed the significant progress in negotiations on the Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.

STATE VISIT OF PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA

TO INDIA

Prime Minister of Australia Mr Tony Abbott paid a State Visit to India from 4-5 September, 2014. During his visit, he held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues. Prime Minister Abbott also called on President Shri Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Shri Hamid Ansari and received External Affairs Minister Mrs Sushma Swaraj. Prime Minister Abbott also met with Indian business leaders in Mumbai and Delhi. Four Agreements/Memoranda of Understanding were concluded and significant initiatives launched during the visit.

The agreement on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy was a concrete symbol of the bilateral partnership; it recognizes India’s commitment and use of nuclear energy with a view to achieving sustainable development and strengthening energy security. The Agreement would enable the sale of Australian uranium to support India’s growing energy needs and directed the negotiators to conclude the Administrative Arrangements at an early date.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with Prime Minister of Japan Mr Shinzo Abe in a meeting at the Akasaka Palace

Prime Minister inaugurates TCS Japan Technology and Cultural Academy Soukoukai in Japanese traditional way in Tokyo

Prime Minister interacting with children at Indian Community Reception at Ascot Hall, Hotel Okura in Tokyo

Australian PM Mr Tony Abbott with PM Mr Narendra Modi

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STATE VISIT BY THE PRESIDENT TO VIETNAM

President Pranab Mukherjee made a state visit to Vietnam from 14th to the 17th September. He was accompanied on this visit by MOS Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and a multi-party delegation of Members of Parliament. President Pranab Mukherjee met the President of Vietnam, the Party and General Secretary, the Prime Minister, and the Chairman of the National Assembly in Hanoi.

The President visited the Tran Quoc Pagoda where a Bodhi tree planted by the first Indian President Shri Rajendra Prasad, in 1959 is flourishing and gifted the sapling of a Bodhi tree. Amongst the many agreements that were signed during the visit were MoU on $ 100 million Line of Credit for Defence Procurement, Letter of Intent between Oil & Natural Gas Ltd (ONGC) Videsh Limited, India and Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) to further consolidate cooperation between India and Vietnam in energy sector. A MoU was signed between Jet Airways (India) and Vietnam Airlines Company Limited under which Jet Airways will commence direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City from Mumbai from 5 November 2014 and Vietnam Airlines will fly to India in early 2015. This will open up the potential for greater flows of people-to-people contacts for businesses, for students and for tourists.

STATE VISIT OF PRESIDENT OF PEOPLE’S

REPUBLIC OF CHINA TO INDIA

President Xi Jinping, of the People's Republic of China paid a state visit to India from 17 to 19 September 2014 along with his spouse Madam Peng Liyuan. During the visit President Xi Jinping visited Ahmedabad where he was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Agreements on establishing a Sister City relationship between Ahmedabad and Guangzhou and on establishing Sister Province/State relationship between Gujarat and Guangdong were signed. A similar Sister-City Agreement was signed in New Delhi between Mumbai and Shanghai as well.

In the interactions during the visit, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to abide by the principles and consensus both had agreed to, and further consolidate the Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and mutual respect and sensitivities for each other's concerns and aspirations. China announced the establishment of two industrial parks in India, in Gujarat and in Maharashtra. It would also endeavour to realize an investment of US$ 20 billion in India in the next 5 years in various industrial and infrastructure development projects.

The leaders decided to designate 2015 as the "Visit India Year" in China and 2016 as the "Visit China Year" in India. A MoU was signed to provide the framework for exchanges between the museums and other cultural institutions of the two countries.

Peace and tranquillity on the India-China border areas was recognized as an important guarantor for the development and continued growth of bilateral relations. The two sides noted that improved bilateral military ties are conducive to building

President reviewing the ceremonial Guard of Honour

Planting of the MahaBodhi tree sapling at the Tran Quoc Pagoda by the two Presidents

President Pranab Mukherjee and President Xi Jinping along with Madam Peng Liyuan meeting guests at the Presidential banquet at

Rashtrapati Bhavan

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mutual trust and confidence. Both countries also announced their support for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including recognizing the imperative of increased participation of developing countries in UN's affairs and governance structures, so as to make the UN more effective.

PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI’S VISIT TO

USA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States of America from 26 to 30 September 2014. During the visit, he attended the United Nations General Assembly’s 69th session in New York and met the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and leaders from other countries on the margins of the UNGA. The Prime Minister thereafter visited Washington DC on 29-30 September 2014 for a bilateral summit with U.S. President Barack Obama.

In his address to the General Assembly, the Prime Minister called for a stronger global commitment and more concerted multilateral action in meeting these challenges. I will urge early adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda with focus on growth, development and elimination of poverty. As we head towards the 70th Session of the UNGA in 2015, I will also stress the urgency of early reforms in the United Nations, to ensure that it remains relevant and effective in dealing with the challenges of the 21st Century.

During the New York leg of his visit, the Prime Minister met business leaders to invite them to participate more actively in India's economic growth and transformation. He also participated in a public event in Central Park in New York on poverty where he stressed on focusing international attention on this great challenge for humanity and affirmed his support for global civic action, especially involving the youth, to address it. In a first-of-its-kind event, the Prime Minister addressed a mammoth gathering of the Indian American Community at the historic Madison Square Garden in New York.

President Xi Jinping and Madam Peng Liyuan being received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahemedabad

Prime Minister addresses the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

Prime Minister addresses the gathering at the Indian Community Event at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Prime Minister Modi with US President Mr Barack Obama

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INDIA IS WORLD’S BIGGEST RICE EXPORTER

India has emerged as the world's biggest rice exporter. In 2013, India exported a staggering 9.3 million tons of rice. It overtook Thailand in 2012 to emerge as the world’s biggest exporter of rice. According to an estimate by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), India will remain the top exporter in 2014 with Vietnam now at number two with about 7.8 million tons of rice exported and Thailand at number three with about 7.7 million tones.

ISRO LAUNCHES PSLV-C23 WITH 5 FOREIGN

SATELLITES

On 01st July, ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C23 was launched successfully from the first launch pad of Sriharikota space station. The launch vehicle, PSLV-C23, with a height of 44.4 metres, carried with it SPOT-7, a 714-kg French earth-observing satellite as the main payload, which was injected into a 655-km Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO). The other satellites being carried by PSLV-C23 include the 14-kg AISAT of Germany, NLS7.1 (CAN-X4) and NLS7.2 (CAN-X5) of Canada - each weighing 15 kg - and the 7-kg VELOX-1 of Singapore. Till April 2014, there had been 25 consecutive successful flights of PSLV and this was the 26th such launch. Meanwhile, PSLV-C23 is the 10th flight of PSLV in ‘core-alone’ configuration, which means a configuration without the use of solid strap-on motors.

INDIA BUILDING WORLD'S HIGHEST RAILWAY

BRIDGE IN HIMALAYAS

Indian engineers are toiling in the Himalayas to build the

world's highest railway bridge which is expected to be 35 metres

taller than the Eiffel Tower when completed by 2016. The arch-

shaped steel structure is being constructed over the Chenab

River to link sections of the spectacular mountainous region of

Jammu and Kashmir. The bridge is expected to be 359 metres

(1,177 feet) high when completed — surpassing the world's

current tallest railway bridge over the Beipanjiang river in

China's Guizhou province, which stands at 275 metres high.

INDIAN ORDER FOR ERICSSON

Telecoms network solutions provider Ericsson has won

a contract from Vodafone India to supply payment solutions for

over 75 million prepaid customers. The contract would run for

five years.

ASSA ABLOY ACQUIRES INDIAN COMPANY

ASSA ABLOY, the largest global supplier of intelligent

lock and security solutions, has signed an agreement to acquire

the locks and hardware business under the ENOX brand from

Pooja Hardware, one of the market leaders in India.

SNIPPETS

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It is expected that the sale volume of the company, which was

established in 2007 in Mumbai and has 220 employees, will

reach SEK 130 million in 2014.

MAKE IN INDIA

At the launch of Make in India campaign, following new de-licensing and deregulation measures were announced which would make it easier to do Business in India by reducing complexity, and significantly increasing speed and transparency.

Process of applying for Industrial License & Industrial Entrepreneur Memorandum made online on 24×7 basis through eBiz portal.

Validity of Industrial license extended to three years.

States asked to introduce self-certification and third party certification under Boilers Act.

Major components of Defence products’ list excluded from industrial licensing.

Dual use items having military as well as civilian applications deregulated.

Services of all Central Govt. Departments & Ministries will be integrated with the eBiz – a single window IT platform for services by 31 Dec. 2014.

Process of obtaining environmental clearances made online.

Advisories sent to all Departments/ State Governments to simplify and rationalize regulatory environment.

All returns should be filed on-line through a unified form.

A check-list of required compliances to be placed on Ministry’s/Department’s web portal.

All registers required to be maintained by the business should be replaced with a single electronic register.

No inspection should be undertaken without the approval of the Head of the Department.

For all non-risk, non-hazardous businesses a system of self-certification to be introduced.

Shantala Subramanyam held a concert at India House, playing the Venu - bamboo flute, accompanied by Akkarai Sornalatha on Violin and Akshay Anantapadmanabhan on

Mridangam

Ambassador hoisting the flag at the Independence Day celebrations

Ambassador with guests at the Independence Day celebrations at India House

Cultural evening with a flute recital by Ms Shantala Subramanian and her troupe at India House

Indian-Western Fusion Concert with Hindol Deb on Sitar and Max Clouth on Lotus Guitar at India House

OPEN DAY IN THE EMBASSY EVERY MONTH FOR NON RESIDENT INDIANS/PERSONS OF INDIAN ORIGIN

Members of NRI/PIO Community can meet the Ambassador and other officers of the Embassy on the first Wednesday of every month between 10a.m. – 4 p.m. without any previous appointment.

EMBASSY OF INDIA

Adolf Fredriks Kyrkogata 12

Box No 1340, SE-111 83 Stockholm

Phone: +46 (8) 10 70 08

Fax: +46 (8) 24 85 05 / 20 29 45

Mail: ambassador@indianembassy.se

www.indianembassy.se

Follow us on twitter: @indembstockholm

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