UK is reportedly planning to ease immigration rules for Indian citizens by planning to offer cheaper visas as part of the upcoming trade talks that is set to take place in New Delhi, according to a media report.

UK International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan will be travelling to Delhi this month for formal negotiations on the proposed India-UK free trade agreement (FTA).

According to the Times newspaper, Trevelyan will be using the visit to open the prospect of relaxing immigration rules for Indian citizens — a key demand from Delhi.

Trevelyan is said to have the backing of foreign secretary Liz Truss who is keen to secure closer ties with India to curb China’s growing influence in the region. However, home secretary Priti Patel has been opposing the offer, according to the report.

According to the news outlet, among the visa relaxation&nbsp;options that are being considered&nbsp;include a scheme similar to the one agreed with Australia which would allow young Indians the right to live and work in the UK for up to three years.

Another would be to cut visa fees for students and allow them to stay in Britain for a period of time after they graduate.

Presently, an Indian citizen coughs up to 1,400 pounds for a work visa, whereas students pay 348 pounds and tourists 95 pounds respectively— a significantly higher amount to what the Chinese citizens pay.

It is being reported that there is a unanimous agreement between the ministers for a “generous” offer on visas for such a deal.

&nbsp;“The tech and digital space in India is still hugely protectionist and if we could open up even a slither of access it would put us ahead of the game,” a government official told the Times.

A spokesperson from the Department for International Trade said, “India is projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2050 and a free trade agreement will open up huge opportunities for UK businesses to trade with India’s £2.25tn economy.”

(With inputs from agencies)

UK is reportedly planning to ease immigration rules for Indian citizens by planning to offer cheaper visas as part of the upcoming trade talks that is set to take place in New Delhi, according to a media report.

UK is reportedly planning to ease immigration rules for Indian citizens by planning to offer cheaper visas as part of the upcoming trade talks that is set to take place in New Delhi, according to a media report. UK International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan will be travelling to Delhi this month for formal negotiations on the proposed India-UK free trade agreement (FTA). According to the Times newspaper, Trevelyan will be using the visit to open the prospect of relaxing immigration rules for Indian citizens — a key demand from Delhi. Trevelyan is said to have the backing of foreign secretary Liz Truss who is keen to secure closer ties with India to curb China’s growing influence in the region. However, home secretary Priti Patel has been opposing the offer, according to the report. According to the news outlet, among the visa relaxation options that are being considered include a scheme similar to the one agreed with Australia which would allow young Indians the right to live and work in the UK for up to three years. Another would be to cut visa fees for students and allow them to stay in Britain for a period of time after they graduate. Presently, an Indian citizen coughs up to 1,400 pounds for a work visa, whereas students pay 348 pounds and tourists 95 pounds respectively— a significantly higher amount to what the Chinese citizens pay. It is being reported that there is a unanimous agreement between the ministers for a “generous” offer on visas for such a deal. “The tech and digital space in India is still hugely protectionist and if we could open up even a slither of access it would put us ahead of the game,” a government official told the Times. A spokesperson from the Department for International Trade said, “India is projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2050 and a free trade agreement will open up huge opportunities for UK businesses to trade with India’s £2.25tn economy.” (With inputs from agencies)

UK planning to ease visa rules for Indian citizens to clinch trade deal: Report

The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) chair Richard Heald says that India offers a more "favourable opportunity and operating environment" for businesses, as compared to China. This is because of "ease of doing business, because of transparency,(and) rule of law that exists". India has taken a number of reforms in the last few years and climbed up the ease of doing business ladder of the world bank.

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Heald also spoke about the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks.&nbsp;He said that the talks will focus on, "what India wants and what UK can provide in terms of satisfying India's ambition. Like areas of Eletronic vehicles, batteries, the technology is being developed in UK but is being deployed and refined in India."&nbsp;

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Talks on the India-UK FTA is set to begin in December with the visit of the UK commerce secretary to India.

UK is the 6th largest inward investor in India, after Mauritius, Singapore, Netherlands, Japan, and the USA with a cumulative equity investment of US $28.39 billion. Meanwhile, India has invested in 120 projects and created 5,429 new jobs in the UK to become the second-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) after the US in 2019 according to the Department for International Trade (DIT) inward investment statistics for 2019-2020.

WION: How do you see India-UK business and investment engagement?

Richard Heald: The business relationship is in a very good place, at this present moment in time. That might be a surprising statement, given what India and UK have gone through (during) Covid.&nbsp;

The way businesses in both countries have collaborated in order to alleviate a lot of negativity and suffering that has occurred during the past months has been remarkable.

For example, the collaboration between AstraZeneca and Serum Institute is a real exemplar of how the collaboration can occur, the benefits to the economy. I really do think that we (have) established very good business-to-business (B2B) ties, going forward.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-putin-visit-russia-begins-delivery-of-s400-air-defence-system-to-india-429195" hreflang="en">Ahead of Putin visit, Russia begins delivery of S400 air defence system to India</a>

WION: India-UK FTA talks are expected to start in December. What is UKIBC's expectation?

Richard Heald: I think it is a very exciting time. It is being built up over government-to-government (G2G) collaboration between your minister and his UK counterpart and what we are seeing is many months of dialogue which has been going on over a number of years. Business is extremely excited over the opportunities available here.&nbsp;

In the UK we have gone through a statutory consultation period. We have submitted that to our govt and we know that FICCI and CII have done the same. That is being fed into both governments' positions in relation to FTA.&nbsp;

I would add, there is going to be an announcement about the commencement of discussion around the FTA. There has already been considerable dialogue between the two governments going forward. A lot of groundwork has been put in place. I have been involved in dialogue on both the Indian and UK sides.&nbsp;

I have been struck by how similar have been the requests of businesses to each government. We are looking forward to levelling the playing field in terms of standards, in terms of operating practices, in terms of tariffs that align with world standards.&nbsp;

(This) allows us to develop those areas which both PMs have indicated are important for our two nations. Within a general context, those are the real thing that we are looking forward to.

WION: How do you see India as an investment destination?

Richard Heald: In terms of FTA, we focus on tariff barriers, in terms of trade and investment and we focus on operating ease of doing business.&nbsp;

What we have heard from UK businesses is that they are asking the UK Government to have an equal emphasis and equal focus on helping India improve its ease of doing business ranking.&nbsp;

To a large extent that is an indication of the amount of investment UK businesses are doing or have done in the past few years and decades. We employ 700,000 people in India and 5 per cent of the organised sector. So ease of doing business is equally important. GST is equally important, the digitisation of licenses is also important, more things can be done. Progress has been significant.

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WION: The rationale of having India-UK FTA...How does it help India in having FTA with the UK?

Richard Heald: If we look at the relationship between UK and India historically it has always been knowing each other's wishes, each other's requirements and being able to transact business on a relatively free basis between each other.&nbsp;

Indian diaspora is fundamental to the understanding between our two countries. UK has been historically very much present in India and therefore what we are looking forward to in terms of FTA if you like to consolidate that--to focus on what India wants and what the UK can provide in terms of satisfying India's ambition.&nbsp;

Like areas of Electronic vehicles, batteries; the technology is being developed in the UK but is being deployed and refined in India. It is that sort of colouration we are looking at FTA to catalyze and accelerate.

WION: Any timeline for the FTA? We saw India-EU taking their time.

Richard Heald: One observation, that when you are dealing with an entity made up of multiple nations, and you have to square off the different interests, that certainly becomes problematic.&nbsp;

Here we are dealing on a bilateral basis between two nations (that have) known each other for a long time and have a good relationship. I am optimistic, we will not be in the same situation.&nbsp;

That being said, there are complicated issues at stake here and certain items within the FTA, which both sides want to discuss and resolve, that are going to take longer to resolve.&nbsp;

There are early harvest agreement talks, which is a positive development and UK IBC will welcome them since it shows willingness and momentum. The way forward is to have a series of agreements that, aggregated together, will become part and parcel of the FTA. I don't think we will see a big bang, I think it will be an incremental process.

WION: India vs China, where will UK businesses put money, especially in the backdrop of the Evergrande crisis in China?

Richard Heald: What I always say, businesses don't tend to invest in either India or China. They don't see the two entities as mutually exclusive; you look at where the opportunity is, which may cause you to invest in both countries.&nbsp;

If you look at the operating basis, I believe that opportunity and operating environment is more favourable in India versus China. Because of ease of doing business, because of transparency, rule of law that exists in India.&nbsp;

Also, reforms and legislations that exists in India, particularly in relation to addressing the thorny issue of dealing with retrospective tax have had a positive impact on businesses that aren't yet invested in India.&nbsp;

Taken as a whole, plus, you have an extremely dynamic consumer sector and opportunity within the domestic economy. Therefore, India is an extremely attractive investment destination across a whole range of sectors. We are seeing that we have seen businesses engage, as operators within India.

The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) chair Richard Heald says that India offers a more "favourable opportunity and operating environment" for businesses, as compared to China.

The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) chair Richard Heald says that India offers a more "favourable opportunity and operating environment" for businesses, as compared to China. This is because of "ease of doing business, because of transparency,(and) rule of law that exists". India has taken a number of reforms in the last few years and climbed up the ease of doing business ladder of the world bank. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Heald also spoke about the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks. He said that the talks will focus on, "what India wants and what UK can provide in terms of satisfying India's ambition. Like areas of Eletronic vehicles, batteries, the technology is being developed in UK but is being deployed and refined in India." Also read | PM Modi pays tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru on his 132nd birth anniversary Talks on the India-UK FTA is set to begin in December with the visit of the UK commerce secretary to India. UK is the 6th largest inward investor in India, after Mauritius, Singapore, Netherlands, Japan, and the USA with a cumulative equity investment of US $28.39 billion. Meanwhile, India has invested in 120 projects and created 5,429 new jobs in the UK to become the second-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) after the US in 2019 according to the Department for International Trade (DIT) inward investment statistics for 2019-2020. WION: How do you see India-UK business and investment engagement? Richard Heald: The business relationship is in a very good place, at this present moment in time. That might be a surprising statement, given what India and UK have gone through (during) Covid. The way businesses in both countries have collaborated in order to alleviate a lot of negativity and suffering that has occurred during the past months has been remarkable. For example, the collaboration between AstraZeneca and Serum Institute is a real exemplar of how the collaboration can occur, the benefits to the economy. I really do think that we (have) established very good business-to-business (B2B) ties, going forward. Also read | Ahead of Putin visit, Russia begins delivery of S400 air defence system to India WION: India-UK FTA talks are expected to start in December. What is UKIBC's expectation? Richard Heald: I think it is a very exciting time. It is being built up over government-to-government (G2G) collaboration between your minister and his UK counterpart and what we are seeing is many months of dialogue which has been going on over a number of years. Business is extremely excited over the opportunities available here. In the UK we have gone through a statutory consultation period. We have submitted that to our govt and we know that FICCI and CII have done the same. That is being fed into both governments' positions in relation to FTA. I would add, there is going to be an announcement about the commencement of discussion around the FTA. There has already been considerable dialogue between the two governments going forward. A lot of groundwork has been put in place. I have been involved in dialogue on both the Indian and UK sides. I have been struck by how similar have been the requests of businesses to each government. We are looking forward to levelling the playing field in terms of standards, in terms of operating practices, in terms of tariffs that align with world standards. (This) allows us to develop those areas which both PMs have indicated are important for our two nations. Within a general context, those are the real thing that we are looking forward to. WION: How do you see India as an investment destination? Richard Heald: In terms of FTA, we focus on tariff barriers, in terms of trade and investment and we focus on operating ease of doing business. What we have heard from UK businesses is that they are asking the UK Government to have an equal emphasis and equal focus on helping India improve its ease of doing business ranking. To a large extent that is an indication of the amount of investment UK businesses are doing or have done in the past few years and decades. We employ 700,000 people in India and 5 per cent of the organised sector. So ease of doing business is equally important. GST is equally important, the digitisation of licenses is also important, more things can be done. Progress has been significant. Also read | After RBI's warning against cryptocurrency, PM Modi chairs crucial meeting WION: The rationale of having India-UK FTA...How does it help India in having FTA with the UK? Richard Heald: If we look at the relationship between UK and India historically it has always been knowing each other's wishes, each other's requirements and being able to transact business on a relatively free basis between each other. Indian diaspora is fundamental to the understanding between our two countries. UK has been historically very much present in India and therefore what we are looking forward to in terms of FTA if you like to consolidate that--to focus on what India wants and what the UK can provide in terms of satisfying India's ambition. Like areas of Electronic vehicles, batteries; the technology is being developed in the UK but is being deployed and refined in India. It is that sort of colouration we are looking at FTA to catalyze and accelerate. WION: Any timeline for the FTA? We saw India-EU taking their time. Richard Heald: One observation, that when you are dealing with an entity made up of multiple nations, and you have to square off the different interests, that certainly becomes problematic. Here we are dealing on a bilateral basis between two nations (that have) known each other for a long time and have a good relationship. I am optimistic, we will not be in the same situation. That being said, there are complicated issues at stake here and certain items within the FTA, which both sides want to discuss and resolve, that are going to take longer to resolve. There are early harvest agreement talks, which is a positive development and UK IBC will welcome them since it shows willingness and momentum. The way forward is to have a series of agreements that, aggregated together, will become part and parcel of the FTA. I don't think we will see a big bang, I think it will be an incremental process. WION: India vs China, where will UK businesses put money, especially in the backdrop of the Evergrande crisis in China? Richard Heald: What I always say, businesses don't tend to invest in either India or China. They don't see the two entities as mutually exclusive; you look at where the opportunity is, which may cause you to invest in both countries. If you look at the operating basis, I believe that opportunity and operating environment is more favourable in India versus China. Because of ease of doing business, because of transparency, rule of law that exists in India. Also, reforms and legislations that exists in India, particularly in relation to addressing the thorny issue of dealing with retrospective tax have had a positive impact on businesses that aren't yet invested in India. Taken as a whole, plus, you have an extremely dynamic consumer sector and opportunity within the domestic economy. Therefore, India is an extremely attractive investment destination across a whole range of sectors. We are seeing that we have seen businesses engage, as operators within India.

Exclusive | "Operating environment favourable in India than China," UKIBC Chief

Georgia's Vice Prime Minister and foreign minister David Zalkaliani has expressed confidence on signing a free trade agreement with India which he said will "greatly contribute to the further development of our economic cooperation".

The Georgian embassy is currently coordinating for the first round of online negotiations between the Indian commerce ministry and the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. &nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Zalkaliani pitched for connectivity between the two&nbsp;countries saying, "(I) would like to underline also the importance of implementing multi-modal connectivity projects and exploiting the transit and transport potential of Georgia. In this regard, I mean the location of Georgia. Let me stress the importance of developing the south–west corridor project, primarily in the context of India."

In July, India's external affairs minister Dr&nbsp;Jaishankar had visited Georgia, the first such visit from the Indian side since the independence of the country in the 1990s.

During the visit, EAM handed over part of the relics of St. Queen Ketevan to government.&nbsp;St. Ketevan was a 17th century Georgian Queen martyred in Iran's Shiraz with her remains brought to Goa by the Portuguese in 1627. On that development, Zalkaliani said, "The Georgian people have been waiting for this day for a long time and I am really delighted to note that the above gesture of goodwill from the Indian government is a result of our mutual commitment and spirit of strong cooperation."

WION: How do you see India-Georgia ties panning out in future?

David Zalkaliani: India and Georgia enjoy centuries-old friendly relationship. I am quite sure that despite the geographic distance between Georgia and India, we can do much more and share a lot together, making the interaction even more result-oriented. Our countries could give one of the best examples in this regard. I think that the development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation should be a top priority in the agenda of our bilateral relations. Unfortunately, the low numbers in the bilateral trade turnover between India and Georgia do not really reflect the existing high potential for the development of trade relations. Along with dynamically developing political relations, quite a solid legal base was laid for the development of bilateral trade and economic relations as well. Several memorandums of understanding were signed in&nbsp;recent years between the various trade communities of Georgia and India.&nbsp;So, with joint efforts, all this should be materialised and become much more result oriented in the near future.

I am confident that the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Georgia and India will greatly contribute to the further development of our economic cooperation. The embassy is closely cooperating and coordinating with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India, as well as with the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia in order to plan the first round of online negotiations in the near future. We would welcome more direct investments from India to Georgia, as well as the establishment of joint ventures. In the recent years, important direct investments were made from India, mainly in the energy sector. At the same time, we are also eager to promote the exports of Georgian products to the Indian market, especially the agricultural products and the Georgian wine.

I would also like to underline the importance of implementing multi-modal connectivity projects and exploiting the transit and transport potential of Georgia. In this regard, I mean the location of Georgia. Let me stress the importance of developing the south–west corridor project, primarily in the context of India. The main role of the south–west corridor is the realisation of goods transportation between EU countries and India. I believe that in the context of raising the connectivity, the establishment of fruitful cooperation between the Georgian and Indian ports will be also extremely important.

WION:&nbsp;How will EAM Jaishankar's visit consolidate the ties?

David Zalkaliani: The first ever historical visit of the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Georgia held on July 9-10, 2021 is a clear proof of dynamically developing bilateral relationship and friendship between our two countries and nations. The visit can be considered extremely important in terms of further strengthening our political and economic relations as well as cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges. Dr S. Jaishankar, besides meeting with me, also held high-level meetings with the top officials of the Georgian government and Parliament, namely, with the President of Georgia, H.E. Ms&nbsp;Salome Zourabichvili, with the Prime Minister of Georgia, H.E. Mr&nbsp;Irakli Garibashvili and with the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Ms&nbsp;Natia Turnava. I am confident that the institutional meetings held in the framework of the visit will give additional impetus to the future development of our bilateral cooperation in different fields and sectors. I also hope that the visit of the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs will accelerate the establishment of the Indian Embassy in Georgia.

WION:&nbsp;What were the ongoing conversations between you and your Indian counterpart?

David Zalkaliani: We discussed a very wide range of issues in the agenda of our bilateral and multilateral relations and noted with satisfaction the increasing dynamics of our bilateral relations in different fields, including the political, economic, cultural, educational and legal areas. Me and my Indian colleague highly appraised ongoing cooperation in the sectors of transport, investments, tourism, agriculture, technologies, communications and innovations. We also discussed the prospects for further enhancing these relations, especially in the fields of trade and economy.

During the meeting, I expressed my sincere gratitude for India’s firm and unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Obviously, during the meeting I thanked the Indian government and the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, as well as all representatives of the Indian side, including the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and the Indian Archaeological Agency, who, through close coordination with the Georgian Embassy in India, were involved in returning the one part of holy relics of St. Queen Ketevan to the Georgian nation.

We also exchanged our views on the current and important regional and global developments. We are attentively watching the latest developments in the region of South Asia, especially with regard to Afghanistan. Being a reliable and responsible member of the international community, also recognising the rapidly deteriorating environment in Afghanistan and anticipating the needs of our many partners in NATO and Europe, Georgia initiated an interagency task force responsible for supporting the transit operation with all necessary measures. Working with other NATO member states, we rapidly transformed part of the facilities at Tbilisi International Airport to process, feed, service, provide sanitary facilities and medical treatment and care for evacuees from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

A Georgian military base adjacent to the Tbilisi International Airport immediately became committed to the humanitarian care efforts by erecting enormous, multi-purpose tents to host, feed and accommodate evacuees on an emergency basis. &nbsp;Evacuees were provided with the temporary accommodations on the territory of Georgia. In the maelstrom of the mass evacuation from Kabul Airport, Georgia undertook more than 20 return flights between Tbilisi and Kabul, facilitating the evacuation of more than 2,500 people. During these flights Georgia’s airspace and its territory were used as a transit route from Afghanistan. Our country became an important regional hub and focal point for the evacuation of many nationals representing different countries. The efforts of the Georgian government were highly appreciated by our friends and international partners, including USA, Norway, Finland, EU, NATO and other countries or international organisations. &nbsp;&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;EAM gave the relics of Holy Relic of St. Queen Ketevan. How do you see the development? This has been a long-standing request of Georgia.

David Zalkaliani: Yes, indeed, the visit was marked by a very important cultural event which has highest spiritual significance for the Georgians, namely, a part of the holy relics of the Great-Martyr St. Ketevan, Queen of Georgia was handled to Georgia and to the Georgian nation on the permanent basis and for free. I would like to extend my special gratitude to my Indian colleague, Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar for this valuable gesture to bring the holy relics to Georgia. The Georgian people have been waiting for this day for a long time and I am really delighted to note that the above gesture of goodwill from the Indian government is a result of our mutual commitment and spirit of strong cooperation. Georgia and India have strong historical ties dating back to ancient times. The discovery and subsequent return to Georgia exemplify yet another powerful basis of the unbreakable bond of friendship between our countries and people.

It is worth mentioning that the entire process, from the search and excavation to the authentication of the Relics, was time-consuming and took enormous efforts and hard work on the part of India and Georgia alike. We want to express utmost appreciation to those in India who were involved in the process and made an invaluable contribution to this historic event. We will always remember this kind and generous gesture from the Indian side, the unprecedented decision taken by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. In the framework of the visit, the Minister S. Jaishankar attended the official ceremony of handling the part of the Holy Relics to the Georgian Orthodox Church that was held at the Sameba "Trinity" Cathedral.

WION: Can we expect a high level visit from Georgia anytime soon?

David Zalkaliani: We attach high importance to further exchanging bilateral visits between Georgia and India. Hopefully, with the consideration of the global pandemic situation, we will be able to schedule a high level visit from Georgia to India in the near future.

WION: What kind of practical cooperation is expected between the two sides?

David Zalkaliani: Our countries enjoy very fruitful cooperation in different fields but obviously there is a big potential for expanding more practical cooperation. We see a lot of potential in boosting mutually fruitful cooperation in the fields of innovations and informational technologies, defense and security, agriculture, healthcare, education, science etc. Deepening of cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges as well as development of tourism between our countries is also extremely important. Our embassy in New Delhi is actively working with the Indian side in order to launch the direct commercial flights between Georgia and India. The launch of the direct flights will further facilitate the development of people-to-people contacts, tourism, educational and cinematographic cooperation and will help us achieve the higher level of trade-economic cooperation as well. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

We attach high importance to the further development of cultural relations between Georgia and India. In this regard, it is important to mention that with the efforts of the Georgian embassy and thanks to the perfect cooperation with the relevant Indian institutions. In 2020, the first ever Hindi translation of the epic Georgian poem "The Knight in the Panther's Skin" was published in India. This is an extremely important and noteworthy event since it identifies those historical and cultural-economic ties which existed as bridges for centuries between our civilisations. This story is a typical Indian narrative and one of its archetypes can be found in the ancient Indian epic "Ramayana", love story of Rama and Sita. Our embassy is also planning to foster the translation of the Georgian poem in other languages of India. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Georgia's Vice Prime Minister and foreign minister David Zalkaliani has expressed confidence on signing a free trade agreement with India which he said will "greatly contribute to the further development of our economic cooperation".

Georgia's Vice Prime Minister and foreign minister David Zalkaliani has expressed confidence on signing a free trade agreement with India which he said will "greatly contribute to the further development of our economic cooperation". The Georgian embassy is currently coordinating for the first round of online negotiations between the Indian commerce ministry and the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. Speaking exclusively to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Zalkaliani pitched for connectivity between the two countries saying, "(I) would like to underline also the importance of implementing multi-modal connectivity projects and exploiting the transit and transport potential of Georgia. In this regard, I mean the location of Georgia. Let me stress the importance of developing the south–west corridor project, primarily in the context of India." In July, India's external affairs minister Dr Jaishankar had visited Georgia, the first such visit from the Indian side since the independence of the country in the 1990s. During the visit, EAM handed over part of the relics of St. Queen Ketevan to government. St. Ketevan was a 17th century Georgian Queen martyred in Iran's Shiraz with her remains brought to Goa by the Portuguese in 1627. On that development, Zalkaliani said, "The Georgian people have been waiting for this day for a long time and I am really delighted to note that the above gesture of goodwill from the Indian government is a result of our mutual commitment and spirit of strong cooperation." WION: How do you see India-Georgia ties panning out in future? David Zalkaliani: India and Georgia enjoy centuries-old friendly relationship. I am quite sure that despite the geographic distance between Georgia and India, we can do much more and share a lot together, making the interaction even more result-oriented. Our countries could give one of the best examples in this regard. I think that the development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation should be a top priority in the agenda of our bilateral relations. Unfortunately, the low numbers in the bilateral trade turnover between India and Georgia do not really reflect the existing high potential for the development of trade relations. Along with dynamically developing political relations, quite a solid legal base was laid for the development of bilateral trade and economic relations as well. Several memorandums of understanding were signed in recent years between the various trade communities of Georgia and India. So, with joint efforts, all this should be materialised and become much more result oriented in the near future. I am confident that the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Georgia and India will greatly contribute to the further development of our economic cooperation. The embassy is closely cooperating and coordinating with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India, as well as with the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia in order to plan the first round of online negotiations in the near future. We would welcome more direct investments from India to Georgia, as well as the establishment of joint ventures. In the recent years, important direct investments were made from India, mainly in the energy sector. At the same time, we are also eager to promote the exports of Georgian products to the Indian market, especially the agricultural products and the Georgian wine. I would also like to underline the importance of implementing multi-modal connectivity projects and exploiting the transit and transport potential of Georgia. In this regard, I mean the location of Georgia. Let me stress the importance of developing the south–west corridor project, primarily in the context of India. The main role of the south–west corridor is the realisation of goods transportation between EU countries and India. I believe that in the context of raising the connectivity, the establishment of fruitful cooperation between the Georgian and Indian ports will be also extremely important. WION: How will EAM Jaishankar's visit consolidate the ties? David Zalkaliani: The first ever historical visit of the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Georgia held on July 9-10, 2021 is a clear proof of dynamically developing bilateral relationship and friendship between our two countries and nations. The visit can be considered extremely important in terms of further strengthening our political and economic relations as well as cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges. Dr S. Jaishankar, besides meeting with me, also held high-level meetings with the top officials of the Georgian government and Parliament, namely, with the President of Georgia, H.E. Ms Salome Zourabichvili, with the Prime Minister of Georgia, H.E. Mr Irakli Garibashvili and with the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Ms Natia Turnava. I am confident that the institutional meetings held in the framework of the visit will give additional impetus to the future development of our bilateral cooperation in different fields and sectors. I also hope that the visit of the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs will accelerate the establishment of the Indian Embassy in Georgia. WION: What were the ongoing conversations between you and your Indian counterpart? David Zalkaliani: We discussed a very wide range of issues in the agenda of our bilateral and multilateral relations and noted with satisfaction the increasing dynamics of our bilateral relations in different fields, including the political, economic, cultural, educational and legal areas. Me and my Indian colleague highly appraised ongoing cooperation in the sectors of transport, investments, tourism, agriculture, technologies, communications and innovations. We also discussed the prospects for further enhancing these relations, especially in the fields of trade and economy. During the meeting, I expressed my sincere gratitude for India’s firm and unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Obviously, during the meeting I thanked the Indian government and the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, as well as all representatives of the Indian side, including the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and the Indian Archaeological Agency, who, through close coordination with the Georgian Embassy in India, were involved in returning the one part of holy relics of St. Queen Ketevan to the Georgian nation. We also exchanged our views on the current and important regional and global developments. We are attentively watching the latest developments in the region of South Asia, especially with regard to Afghanistan. Being a reliable and responsible member of the international community, also recognising the rapidly deteriorating environment in Afghanistan and anticipating the needs of our many partners in NATO and Europe, Georgia initiated an interagency task force responsible for supporting the transit operation with all necessary measures. Working with other NATO member states, we rapidly transformed part of the facilities at Tbilisi International Airport to process, feed, service, provide sanitary facilities and medical treatment and care for evacuees from Afghanistan. A Georgian military base adjacent to the Tbilisi International Airport immediately became committed to the humanitarian care efforts by erecting enormous, multi-purpose tents to host, feed and accommodate evacuees on an emergency basis. Evacuees were provided with the temporary accommodations on the territory of Georgia. In the maelstrom of the mass evacuation from Kabul Airport, Georgia undertook more than 20 return flights between Tbilisi and Kabul, facilitating the evacuation of more than 2,500 people. During these flights Georgia’s airspace and its territory were used as a transit route from Afghanistan. Our country became an important regional hub and focal point for the evacuation of many nationals representing different countries. The efforts of the Georgian government were highly appreciated by our friends and international partners, including USA, Norway, Finland, EU, NATO and other countries or international organisations. WION: EAM gave the relics of Holy Relic of St. Queen Ketevan. How do you see the development? This has been a long-standing request of Georgia. David Zalkaliani: Yes, indeed, the visit was marked by a very important cultural event which has highest spiritual significance for the Georgians, namely, a part of the holy relics of the Great-Martyr St. Ketevan, Queen of Georgia was handled to Georgia and to the Georgian nation on the permanent basis and for free. I would like to extend my special gratitude to my Indian colleague, Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar for this valuable gesture to bring the holy relics to Georgia. The Georgian people have been waiting for this day for a long time and I am really delighted to note that the above gesture of goodwill from the Indian government is a result of our mutual commitment and spirit of strong cooperation. Georgia and India have strong historical ties dating back to ancient times. The discovery and subsequent return to Georgia exemplify yet another powerful basis of the unbreakable bond of friendship between our countries and people. It is worth mentioning that the entire process, from the search and excavation to the authentication of the Relics, was time-consuming and took enormous efforts and hard work on the part of India and Georgia alike. We want to express utmost appreciation to those in India who were involved in the process and made an invaluable contribution to this historic event. We will always remember this kind and generous gesture from the Indian side, the unprecedented decision taken by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. In the framework of the visit, the Minister S. Jaishankar attended the official ceremony of handling the part of the Holy Relics to the Georgian Orthodox Church that was held at the Sameba "Trinity" Cathedral. WION: Can we expect a high level visit from Georgia anytime soon? David Zalkaliani: We attach high importance to further exchanging bilateral visits between Georgia and India. Hopefully, with the consideration of the global pandemic situation, we will be able to schedule a high level visit from Georgia to India in the near future. WION: What kind of practical cooperation is expected between the two sides? David Zalkaliani: Our countries enjoy very fruitful cooperation in different fields but obviously there is a big potential for expanding more practical cooperation. We see a lot of potential in boosting mutually fruitful cooperation in the fields of innovations and informational technologies, defense and security, agriculture, healthcare, education, science etc. Deepening of cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges as well as development of tourism between our countries is also extremely important. Our embassy in New Delhi is actively working with the Indian side in order to launch the direct commercial flights between Georgia and India. The launch of the direct flights will further facilitate the development of people-to-people contacts, tourism, educational and cinematographic cooperation and will help us achieve the higher level of trade-economic cooperation as well. We attach high importance to the further development of cultural relations between Georgia and India. In this regard, it is important to mention that with the efforts of the Georgian embassy and thanks to the perfect cooperation with the relevant Indian institutions. In 2020, the first ever Hindi translation of the epic Georgian poem "The Knight in the Panther's Skin" was published in India. This is an extremely important and noteworthy event since it identifies those historical and cultural-economic ties which existed as bridges for centuries between our civilisations. This story is a typical Indian narrative and one of its archetypes can be found in the ancient Indian epic "Ramayana", love story of Rama and Sita. Our embassy is also planning to foster the translation of the Georgian poem in other languages of India.

'Confident of signing FTA with India,' says Georgia's Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani

India is upbeat over the Free Trade Agreement(FTA) talks with European Union and the United Kingdom&nbsp;with the commerce secretary Anup Wadhawan saying talks will begin this year.

Speaking at a virtual press conference, Wadhawan said,&nbsp;"within the year, close to the end of the year" talks should start&nbsp;with EU "possibly before that" and with the UK.&nbsp;New Delhi will be "initiating talks" but all the "preparatory work" needs to be done, the commerce secretary added.&nbsp;

He further explained, "trade discussions are already underway, preparatory work has to be done" and very soon "formal negotiations will also start".

India, EU FTA talks were announced during the India-EU leadership summit in May.&nbsp;Both sides are resuming talks after a gap of eight&nbsp;years.

Wadhawan said,&nbsp;"European Union at the highest level cleared agreement on resumption of negotiations, a clear agreement on the tracks on which negotiations will happen. Clear resolve to expedite finality in the negotiation at an early date."&nbsp;

With the UK he recalled the "clear announcement on starting of negotiations, a comprehensive trade agreement with an early harvest" which he described as a "very, very conducive development". At the virtual summit between PM Modi and PM Boris Johnson on May 4&nbsp;both sides made an announcement on Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP).

May 26 saw the UK starting a 14-week consultation period to seek public and business views on the&nbsp;deal with India.

The period of consultations domestically ends on August 31. The UK is keen on a deal that not only slashes trade barriers but also&nbsp;includes removing tariffs of up to 150 per cent&nbsp;on whisky and 125 per cent&nbsp;on British-made cars. The UK also aims to make it easier for its service firms to operate in the Indian market.

For India, upgrading the Preferential Trade Area (PTA) with Chile&nbsp;and taking forward negotiations on trade with Peru and Israel is also on&nbsp;the anvil. India has also initiated&nbsp;new FTAs with Canada and&nbsp;Australia.

India is upbeat over the Free Trade Agreement(FTA) talks with European Union and the United Kingdom with the commerce secretary Anup Wadhawan saying talks will begin this year.

India is upbeat over the Free Trade Agreement(FTA) talks with European Union and the United Kingdom with the commerce secretary Anup Wadhawan saying talks will begin this year. Speaking at a virtual press conference, Wadhawan said, "within the year, close to the end of the year" talks should start with EU "possibly before that" and with the UK. New Delhi will be "initiating talks" but all the "preparatory work" needs to be done, the commerce secretary added. He further explained, "trade discussions are already underway, preparatory work has to be done" and very soon "formal negotiations will also start". India, EU FTA talks were announced during the India-EU leadership summit in May. Both sides are resuming talks after a gap of eight years. Wadhawan said, "European Union at the highest level cleared agreement on resumption of negotiations, a clear agreement on the tracks on which negotiations will happen. Clear resolve to expedite finality in the negotiation at an early date." With the UK he recalled the "clear announcement on starting of negotiations, a comprehensive trade agreement with an early harvest" which he described as a "very, very conducive development". At the virtual summit between PM Modi and PM Boris Johnson on May 4 both sides made an announcement on Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP). May 26 saw the UK starting a 14-week consultation period to seek public and business views on the deal with India. The period of consultations domestically ends on August 31. The UK is keen on a deal that not only slashes trade barriers but also includes removing tariffs of up to 150 per cent on whisky and 125 per cent on British-made cars. The UK also aims to make it easier for its service firms to operate in the Indian market. For India, upgrading the Preferential Trade Area (PTA) with Chile and taking forward negotiations on trade with Peru and Israel is also on the anvil. India has also initiated new FTAs with Canada and Australia.

FTA talks with UK, EU to begin this year: Commerce secretary

After a gap of eight years, India and the European Union (EU) will resume talks on a "comprehensive" free trade agreement, a key outcome of the India-EU leaders meeting that will take place virtually on Saturday. The summit that takes place around 5 pm IST will see Indian PM along with Heads of State or Government of all the 27 EU Member States present.

With a focus on a "balanced, ambitious" FTA pact, European sources called the resumption of FTA talks a "breakthrough". Other key outcomes will be on connectivity partnership that will "bring region, people" much together. This is the second time the EU will have such a partnership with any country — the first was Japan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lessons-for-india-how-europe-us-tackled-covid-19-second-and-third-waves-383317" hreflang="en">Lessons for India: How Europe, US tackled COVID-19 second and third waves</a>

The summit was to happen in Portugal for which Indian PM Modi's visit was scheduled, but the visit was postponed due to the covid crisis in India. Portugal is the President of the Council of the European Union and the virtual India-EU Leaders meet is being hosted by Portugal PM António Costa.

A release by the Ministry of External Affairs said, "The India-EU Leaders' Meeting is an unprecedented opportunity for discussion with all the leaders of the EU Member States. It is a significant political milestone and will further build on the momentum witnessed in the relationship since the 15th India-EU Summit in July 2020."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-hails-tireless-work-of-indian-medics-in-his-message-to-india-383290" hreflang="en">Pope hails 'tireless' work of Indian medics in his message to India</a>

This is the second time this format of one world leader and all 27 EU member states is meeting, the first was with US President in March this year. PM will also participate in a meeting of the European Council as a special invitee at the invitation of the President of the European Council Charles Michel.

"The meeting on Saturday will be between two natural partners. World's second largest democracies that share values, have converging interest, and support multilateralism. We need to demonstrate a democratic and open model is the most capable and able to address the challenges of the world," said, European sources on India EU meet on Saturday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-in-india-australian-state-of-victoria-sends-aid-worth-31-million-to-india-383233" hreflang="en">Coronavirus in India: Australian state of Victoria sends aid worth $31 million to India</a>

Vaccines will be another key focus as the virtual summit, with a waiver on intellectual property rights on covid vaccines to be part of the discussion. After the US announced its support to waiver to intellectual property on covid vaccine patent, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that the block is ready to have a discussion on the subjects.

EU has been exporting a large number of vaccines, something which helps the world. India, too, had recently sent vaccines to more than 90 countries under its vaccine outreach programme. India had paused the outreach as the second wave of covid crisis wreaks havoc in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-need-for-tests-after-10-days-of-home-isolation-in-mild-cases-new-guidelines-383204" hreflang="en">No need for tests after 10 days of home isolation in mild cases: New guidelines</a>

"All countries with significant production should resume covid vaccine export," said European Sources but explained, "everyone understands India needs to make sure its citizen" get vaccinated and nobody "will be pressuring PM Modi" to start export right now.

Other key focus areas will resilient supply chains, with a special focus on medical supply chains, artificial intelligence, supercomputing, with sources describing India as "truly a powerhouse on the digital partnership".

On Indo Pacific, the EU is keen to "reinforce" its position, given that just a few weeks ago European Council had approved the conclusions on the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy. The human right remains another area of discussion under the India and EU human rights dialogue. &nbsp;

"We respect India as a secular democracy and human rights part of the political dialogue between India And EU," said European government&nbsp;sources.

After a gap of eight years, India and the European Union (EU) will resume talks on a "comprehensive" free trade agreement, a key outcome of the India-EU leaders meeting that will take place virtually on Saturday.

After a gap of eight years, India and the European Union (EU) will resume talks on a "comprehensive" free trade agreement, a key outcome of the India-EU leaders meeting that will take place virtually on Saturday. The summit that takes place around 5 pm IST will see Indian PM along with Heads of State or Government of all the 27 EU Member States present. With a focus on a "balanced, ambitious" FTA pact, European sources called the resumption of FTA talks a "breakthrough". Other key outcomes will be on connectivity partnership that will "bring region, people" much together. This is the second time the EU will have such a partnership with any country — the first was Japan. Also read | Lessons for India: How Europe, US tackled COVID-19 second and third waves The summit was to happen in Portugal for which Indian PM Modi's visit was scheduled, but the visit was postponed due to the covid crisis in India. Portugal is the President of the Council of the European Union and the virtual India-EU Leaders meet is being hosted by Portugal PM António Costa. A release by the Ministry of External Affairs said, "The India-EU Leaders' Meeting is an unprecedented opportunity for discussion with all the leaders of the EU Member States. It is a significant political milestone and will further build on the momentum witnessed in the relationship since the 15th India-EU Summit in July 2020." Also read | Pope hails 'tireless' work of Indian medics in his message to India This is the second time this format of one world leader and all 27 EU member states is meeting, the first was with US President in March this year. PM will also participate in a meeting of the European Council as a special invitee at the invitation of the President of the European Council Charles Michel. "The meeting on Saturday will be between two natural partners. World's second largest democracies that share values, have converging interest, and support multilateralism. We need to demonstrate a democratic and open model is the most capable and able to address the challenges of the world," said, European sources on India EU meet on Saturday. Also read | Coronavirus in India: Australian state of Victoria sends aid worth $31 million to India Vaccines will be another key focus as the virtual summit, with a waiver on intellectual property rights on covid vaccines to be part of the discussion. After the US announced its support to waiver to intellectual property on covid vaccine patent, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that the block is ready to have a discussion on the subjects. EU has been exporting a large number of vaccines, something which helps the world. India, too, had recently sent vaccines to more than 90 countries under its vaccine outreach programme. India had paused the outreach as the second wave of covid crisis wreaks havoc in the country. Also read | No need for tests after 10 days of home isolation in mild cases: New guidelines "All countries with significant production should resume covid vaccine export," said European Sources but explained, "everyone understands India needs to make sure its citizen" get vaccinated and nobody "will be pressuring PM Modi" to start export right now. Other key focus areas will resilient supply chains, with a special focus on medical supply chains, artificial intelligence, supercomputing, with sources describing India as "truly a powerhouse on the digital partnership". On Indo Pacific, the EU is keen to "reinforce" its position, given that just a few weeks ago European Council had approved the conclusions on the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy. The human right remains another area of discussion under the India and EU human rights dialogue. "We respect India as a secular democracy and human rights part of the political dialogue between India And EU," said European government sources.

India-EU virtual summit: Talks on FTA to resume, focus on dealing Covid crisis

In a major development, India signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with Mauritius during External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar's visit to the country. The FTA or CECPA is the first such pact with any African country and is being considered a milestone in commercial ties. &nbsp;

External affairs minister, standing alongside Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth said, "India is privileged to have entered into a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius. It will provide a timely boost for the revival of our post-Covid economies and also enable Indian investors to use Mauritius as a launch-pad for business expansion into continental Africa helping the prospect of Mauritius emerging as a ‘hub of Africa’." &nbsp;

The CECPA provides preferential access to Mauritius for the bulk of the trade. These include frozen fish, speciality sugar, biscuits, fresh fruits, juices, mineral water, soaps, bags, medical and surgical equipment, and apparel. One of the key immediate impacts is that Mauritius will get preferential access for the export of 40,000 tonnes of sugar into India and also access for the export of 7.5 million pieces of apparel. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-says-committed-to-no-first-use-of-nukes-supports-negotiations-on-fmct-365494">India says committed to no first use of nukes, supports negotiations on FMCT</a>

With an aim to make Mauritius a 'strategic economic regional hub', PM Pravind Jugnauth said," CECPA is first of its kind signed by India with an African country. This landmark agreement is far-reaching and will unleash new and expanded opportunities in trade, goods and services...CECPA will encourage Indian entrepreneurs to invest both in Mauritius and across the whole region." &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the services sector, India has offered 95 sub-sectors from 11 broad services sectors. This can spur Indian investment in the services sector in Mauritius, especially in the ICT sector with Indian companies leveraging the bilingual prowess of Mauritius for investments in Francophone Africa. The service sector form 76% of Mauritius GDP. &nbsp;

Other than FTA, both countries increased defence engagement with India extending a defence line of credit (LOC) of $100 million to the Indian Ocean Island country. An agreement has also been signed on providing for a Dornier aircraft and an Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv on lease to Mauritius on a gratis basis for two years. This will help in the country's capabilities to patrol and monitor its vast maritime domain more effectively. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-joint-military-exercise-yudh-abhyas-concludes-365407">India-US joint military exercise 'Yudh Abhyas' concludes</a>

PM Jugnauth said, "ensuring peace and respect for rule of law in the Indo Pacific region" was discussed with EAM. Adding, "I welcome the renewed commitment of the Quad countries in upholding rules-based international order underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in international water and peaceful resolution of disputes. Adherence to these principles is crucial." &nbsp;

MoU on Consumer Protection and Contract for 8 MW solar plant was also signed. India gave 100,000 doses of Covid vaccines to the country. This is the second such covid vaccine consignment of 100,000 doses being given by India. Mauritius has also requested further 200,000 doses of vaccines. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Interestingly, with both Mauritius and Maldives, India has increased its defence partnership. Over the weekend, India and Maldives signed a pact to 'develop, support and maintain' a Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard Harbour at Sifvaru (Uthuru Thilafalhu) and extended $50 million LOC in Defence.&nbsp;

In a major development, India signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with Mauritius during External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar's visit to the country. The FTA or CECPA is the first such pact with any African country and is being considered a milestone in commercial ties.

In a major development, India signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with Mauritius during External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar's visit to the country. The FTA or CECPA is the first such pact with any African country and is being considered a milestone in commercial ties. External affairs minister, standing alongside Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth said, "India is privileged to have entered into a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius. It will provide a timely boost for the revival of our post-Covid economies and also enable Indian investors to use Mauritius as a launch-pad for business expansion into continental Africa helping the prospect of Mauritius emerging as a ‘hub of Africa’." The CECPA provides preferential access to Mauritius for the bulk of the trade. These include frozen fish, speciality sugar, biscuits, fresh fruits, juices, mineral water, soaps, bags, medical and surgical equipment, and apparel. One of the key immediate impacts is that Mauritius will get preferential access for the export of 40,000 tonnes of sugar into India and also access for the export of 7.5 million pieces of apparel. Also Read: India says committed to no first use of nukes, supports negotiations on FMCT With an aim to make Mauritius a 'strategic economic regional hub', PM Pravind Jugnauth said," CECPA is first of its kind signed by India with an African country. This landmark agreement is far-reaching and will unleash new and expanded opportunities in trade, goods and services...CECPA will encourage Indian entrepreneurs to invest both in Mauritius and across the whole region." In the services sector, India has offered 95 sub-sectors from 11 broad services sectors. This can spur Indian investment in the services sector in Mauritius, especially in the ICT sector with Indian companies leveraging the bilingual prowess of Mauritius for investments in Francophone Africa. The service sector form 76% of Mauritius GDP. Other than FTA, both countries increased defence engagement with India extending a defence line of credit (LOC) of $100 million to the Indian Ocean Island country. An agreement has also been signed on providing for a Dornier aircraft and an Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv on lease to Mauritius on a gratis basis for two years. This will help in the country's capabilities to patrol and monitor its vast maritime domain more effectively. Also Read: India-US joint military exercise 'Yudh Abhyas' concludes PM Jugnauth said, "ensuring peace and respect for rule of law in the Indo Pacific region" was discussed with EAM. Adding, "I welcome the renewed commitment of the Quad countries in upholding rules-based international order underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in international water and peaceful resolution of disputes. Adherence to these principles is crucial." MoU on Consumer Protection and Contract for 8 MW solar plant was also signed. India gave 100,000 doses of Covid vaccines to the country. This is the second such covid vaccine consignment of 100,000 doses being given by India. Mauritius has also requested further 200,000 doses of vaccines. Interestingly, with both Mauritius and Maldives, India has increased its defence partnership. Over the weekend, India and Maldives signed a pact to 'develop, support and maintain' a Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard Harbour at Sifvaru (Uthuru Thilafalhu) and extended $50 million LOC in Defence.

India signs FTA with Mauritius, extends $100 million defence line of credit

Israeli's top business chamber, the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce (FICC) has extended strong support to a free trade agreement (FTA) with India.

Uriel Lynn, President of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce in response to a question by WION said, "You can export to Israel as much you can, as much you want...we would like to see a free trade agreement with India because our economy is based on free competition.... You don't have to worry about Israel. We are not such a big country, you are a big country".

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/extracting-potable-water-from-air-this-israeli-firm-in-gaza-is-turning-air-into-drinking-water-354882/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

FICC, more than 100 years old was formed in 1919 is the country's largest business organization. &nbsp;"Many many Israeli countries would like to invest in India, you are a big market", Uriel Lynn pointing out to sectors like agriculture, cyber, water resources where Israel has a strong footprint.

India is Israel's third-largest trade partner in Asia and seventh largest globally. Bilateral trade has diversified into several sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT and telecom, and homeland security.

Even as high-level political engagement increased between the 2 countries, the focus is increasingly on business and investment. During PM Modi’s famous visit in July 2017, the first meeting of the newly established India-Israel CEOs Forum took place. The second meeting of the forum took place during PM Netanyahu’s visit to India. 
&nbsp;

Israeli's top business chamber, the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce (FICC) has extended strong support to a free trade agreement (FTA) with India. Uriel Lynn, President of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce in response to a question by WION said, "You can export to Israel as much you can, as much you want.

Israeli's top business chamber, the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce (FICC) has extended strong support to a free trade agreement (FTA) with India. Uriel Lynn, President of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce in response to a question by WION said, "You can export to Israel as much you can, as much you want...we would like to see a free trade agreement with India because our economy is based on free competition.... You don't have to worry about Israel. We are not such a big country, you are a big country". Watch | FICC, more than 100 years old was formed in 1919 is the country's largest business organization. "Many many Israeli countries would like to invest in India, you are a big market", Uriel Lynn pointing out to sectors like agriculture, cyber, water resources where Israel has a strong footprint. India is Israel's third-largest trade partner in Asia and seventh largest globally. Bilateral trade has diversified into several sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT and telecom, and homeland security. Even as high-level political engagement increased between the 2 countries, the focus is increasingly on business and investment. During PM Modi’s famous visit in July 2017, the first meeting of the newly established India-Israel CEOs Forum took place. The second meeting of the forum took place during PM Netanyahu’s visit to India.

Israel's top business chamber bats for FTA with India

French envoy Emmanuel Lenain has lauded India-French ties and has said both countries are in all-weather partnership. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Lenain said more pressure should be put on Pakistan so that it full fills its commitments.

WION: How do see the India-French ties?

Emmanuel Lenain: Relations are excellent. For years, we have a great level of trust, we have an all-weather partnership in good and bad times. This partnership has been embodied at the personal level between PM Modi and French President Marcon. You have seen great alchemy during PM Modi's France visit. We are going to take it further by reaching out to new sectors which are key to the development of our two countries like cyber, artificial intelligence and want to project in wider regional dimensions. The idea of Indo-Pacific that goes from maritime security to connectivity.&nbsp;

WION: Are you hopeful that Pakistan will fulfil its FATF commitments?

Emmanuel Lenain: My country and India have been a victim of terrorism. Financing is a key aspect in the fight against terrorism that is why France with like-minded countries decided to launch an initiative called "no money for terror".

India will host the next summit. Regarding FATF, my country and all countries decided in November that pressure should be exerted and Pakistan should meet its obligations and we have to review it&nbsp;in February and we shall see then.

WION: You have issued advisory regarding protest in the aftermath of passage of citizenship amendment bill. Some countries have made remarks, your take...

Emmanuel Lenain: I don't think it is apt for France to have a say in the domestic matter in India. India is a democracy and it has a rule of law. As I understand, when there are conflicting views on law, and when people challenge certain aspects and it is&nbsp;against the constitution, you can challenge it in front of the Supreme Court. It's not for any country to criticise. Obviously, we attach great importance to freedom of religious belief, however, it is a domestic issue.

WION: Are you hopefull EU-India FTA talks will resume next year?

Emmanuel Lenain: I hope our discussions can resume and we need to aim at an ambitious agreement otherwise there is no use to re-launch negotiations. Ambitious I mean, sectors should be covered. Ambitious regarding climate and environment.

French envoy Emmanuel Lenain has lauded India-French ties and has said both countries are in all-weather partnership. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Lenain said more pressure should be put on Pakistan so that it full fills its commitments.

French envoy Emmanuel Lenain has lauded India-French ties and has said both countries are in all-weather partnership. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Lenain said more pressure should be put on Pakistan so that it full fills its commitments. WION: How do see the India-French ties? Emmanuel Lenain: Relations are excellent. For years, we have a great level of trust, we have an all-weather partnership in good and bad times. This partnership has been embodied at the personal level between PM Modi and French President Marcon. You have seen great alchemy during PM Modi's France visit. We are going to take it further by reaching out to new sectors which are key to the development of our two countries like cyber, artificial intelligence and want to project in wider regional dimensions. The idea of Indo-Pacific that goes from maritime security to connectivity. WION: Are you hopeful that Pakistan will fulfil its FATF commitments? Emmanuel Lenain: My country and India have been a victim of terrorism. Financing is a key aspect in the fight against terrorism that is why France with like-minded countries decided to launch an initiative called "no money for terror". India will host the next summit. Regarding FATF, my country and all countries decided in November that pressure should be exerted and Pakistan should meet its obligations and we have to review it in February and we shall see then. WION: You have issued advisory regarding protest in the aftermath of passage of citizenship amendment bill. Some countries have made remarks, your take... Emmanuel Lenain: I don't think it is apt for France to have a say in the domestic matter in India. India is a democracy and it has a rule of law. As I understand, when there are conflicting views on law, and when people challenge certain aspects and it is against the constitution, you can challenge it in front of the Supreme Court. It's not for any country to criticise. Obviously, we attach great importance to freedom of religious belief, however, it is a domestic issue. WION: Are you hopefull EU-India FTA talks will resume next year? Emmanuel Lenain: I hope our discussions can resume and we need to aim at an ambitious agreement otherwise there is no use to re-launch negotiations. Ambitious I mean, sectors should be covered. Ambitious regarding climate and environment.

Pakistan needs to fulfill FATF commitment: French Envoy Emmanuel Lenain

Former Maldivian President and the incumbent Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has said that for his country the Maldives-China Free trade Agreement, passed under the previous Yameen administration, is dead.

While speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Nasheed said the Chinese government needs to restructure the debt accrued in the Maldives due to Chinese infrastructure projects. Here is the transcript of the interview.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION: What was the main focus of your India visit?&nbsp;

Mohamed Nasheed: We have come here on the invitation of the speaker of Lok Sabha and met with the speaker of both the houses of the Parliament and the foreign secretary as well as the Prime Minister. I visited Gujarat and met the state minister and the speaker of the state's legislative body. It has been an extensive visit and the first time I am visiting after the Parliamentary elections.

WION: What were the key issues you discussed?

Mohamed Nasheed: Three key issues that&nbsp;the Maldives is worried about. One is to see and make it certain that the Islamic State is not firmly established in the Maldives, to identify it and to uproot it and to destroy and to see that its ideology and view are not circulated, propagated in the country. That is one issue where we need assistance, ideas and cooperation. Among other issues&nbsp;is our debt to China. We feel that the debt is not real and the amount of assets created through quoted prices is not equal and therefore it will be very difficult for us to pay back via the assets created because it doesn't match to the debt. That is worrying and we must find ways to restructure them. We also spoke about climate change extensively and we are encouraged to believe that India is exactly on the same page as the Maldives. In 2008, when we went to Copenhagen, Indian government was not able to back the Maldives in its advocacy of 1.5 degrees. Right now, India is championing 1.5 degrees and is maintaining its carbon emission commitments. Looks like India will be able to meet its commitments well before the deadlines. &nbsp;

WION: Are you going ahead with the Maldives-China FTA?

Mohamed Nasheed: The FTA is dead. It is not proceeding and it has to come to the parliament first for it to be implemented. I don't see our parliamentarians having the appetite for it. In terms of other construction contracts, we must get the contracts done. We can't stop them halfway. It will not do any good to anyone. At the end of the day, we have to pay the bill but my point view is, the Chinese government must restructure the debt and it is up to them to do it and I hope they will do it.&nbsp;

WION: You talked about terror, the issue of Islamic State.&nbsp;How can India help you fight the scourge?

Mohamed Nasheed: India has around 200 million Muslims, it has the largest Muslim population&nbsp;and not one person went to fight in the civil war in Syria. So India must have done&nbsp;something good, something appropriate. We can learn a lot from India.&nbsp;Close cooperation exists between both the countries. We are very confident that we have a good grip on the situation and we feel&nbsp;the Maldives will be safe. Our police will be keeping a close watch on who is doing what.&nbsp;

WION: Your view on the Citizenship Amendment Bill?

Mohamed Nasheed: It is an internal matter for the Indian people. We have a lot of faith in the Indian democracy. I have not gone in the intricacies of the bill but one of the founding ideas of India is that anyone persecuted on the basis of religion for whatever reasons will be given a safe haven in India. I haven't read the bill&nbsp;but one of the founding ideas of India is to provide a safe haven for anyone persecuted.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Former Maldivian President and the incumbent Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has said that for his country the Maldives-China Free trade Agreement, passed under the previous Yameen administration, is dead.

Former Maldivian President and the incumbent Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has said that for his country the Maldives-China Free trade Agreement, passed under the previous Yameen administration, is dead. While speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Nasheed said the Chinese government needs to restructure the debt accrued in the Maldives due to Chinese infrastructure projects. Here is the transcript of the interview. WION: What was the main focus of your India visit? Mohamed Nasheed: We have come here on the invitation of the speaker of Lok Sabha and met with the speaker of both the houses of the Parliament and the foreign secretary as well as the Prime Minister. I visited Gujarat and met the state minister and the speaker of the state's legislative body. It has been an extensive visit and the first time I am visiting after the Parliamentary elections. WION: What were the key issues you discussed? Mohamed Nasheed: Three key issues that the Maldives is worried about. One is to see and make it certain that the Islamic State is not firmly established in the Maldives, to identify it and to uproot it and to destroy and to see that its ideology and view are not circulated, propagated in the country. That is one issue where we need assistance, ideas and cooperation. Among other issues is our debt to China. We feel that the debt is not real and the amount of assets created through quoted prices is not equal and therefore it will be very difficult for us to pay back via the assets created because it doesn't match to the debt. That is worrying and we must find ways to restructure them. We also spoke about climate change extensively and we are encouraged to believe that India is exactly on the same page as the Maldives. In 2008, when we went to Copenhagen, Indian government was not able to back the Maldives in its advocacy of 1.5 degrees. Right now, India is championing 1.5 degrees and is maintaining its carbon emission commitments. Looks like India will be able to meet its commitments well before the deadlines. WION: Are you going ahead with the Maldives-China FTA? Mohamed Nasheed: The FTA is dead. It is not proceeding and it has to come to the parliament first for it to be implemented. I don't see our parliamentarians having the appetite for it. In terms of other construction contracts, we must get the contracts done. We can't stop them halfway. It will not do any good to anyone. At the end of the day, we have to pay the bill but my point view is, the Chinese government must restructure the debt and it is up to them to do it and I hope they will do it. WION: You talked about terror, the issue of Islamic State. How can India help you fight the scourge? Mohamed Nasheed: India has around 200 million Muslims, it has the largest Muslim population and not one person went to fight in the civil war in Syria. So India must have done something good, something appropriate. We can learn a lot from India. Close cooperation exists between both the countries. We are very confident that we have a good grip on the situation and we feel the Maldives will be safe. Our police will be keeping a close watch on who is doing what. WION: Your view on the Citizenship Amendment Bill? Mohamed Nasheed: It is an internal matter for the Indian people. We have a lot of faith in the Indian democracy. I have not gone in the intricacies of the bill but one of the founding ideas of India is that anyone persecuted on the basis of religion for whatever reasons will be given a safe haven in India. I haven't read the bill but one of the founding ideas of India is to provide a safe haven for anyone persecuted.

Maldives-China FTA is dead: Speaker of Maldivian Parliament Mohamed Nasheed tells WION

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal on Wednesday assured industries and state governments that no Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) will be signed in a rush.

Speaking during the workshop on 'Make in India'&nbsp;with state industry ministers, Goyal made a clarification on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a proposed free trade agreement among 10 ASEAN countries and their six FTA partners China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

"In terms of RCEP, I want to clarify that lots of wrong information are being spread all over the place. Let me ensure each one of you that India will no more sign any FTA in a rush, not in a weak leadership which have worked only on deadlines to execute FTAs. India will enter into a free trade agreement or comprehensive partnerships on our terms -- what is best for Indian people, what is in our national interest and what is good for the people of India and for the country as a whole," he said.

"We are careful once we are negotiating with agreements trade deals. Trade is a very complex subject. We have to factor in long terms implications and therefore any engagement which will do will result in a best for the people of India for our industry, MSME sector, for job creation and employment opportunities," Goyal added.

The minister also emphasised on the trade relations with other parts of the countries.

"We cannot remain in an isolated world. We have to engage with the rest of the world what is moving toward more and more global and India will have to finally balance, imperative to protect its domestic interest and also engage to the rest of the world. That is the fine balance the government is working on," he said.

"We will make sure we are the part of the world's international trading but will not compromise national interest, interests of industry and interests of people of India," Goyal remarked.

He underlined that necessary and adequate safeguards will be provided to Indian industries and ensure that they have sufficient potential to grow and new markets open for India in order to attract more investment.

"It's a two-way traffic. It has to be a win-win situation for both. No trade agreement, no international agreement can be done unless it's a two-way benefit and that's what we will ensure in our free trade agreements," Goyal said.

The minister also said that the sectors which are not suitable for India should be identified and cut out and there is a need to plan the country's domestic policy at both central and state levels.

"Industrial policy at the national level should have access to the state policies and the salient feature for states is that they will have the chance to be a part of the national policy. That way, the industrial policy will reach all part of the world along with the National Industrial Policy. I would urge each state to try and make a robust industrial policy. The Centre is always ready to help," Goyal further said.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal on Wednesday assured industries and state governments that no Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) will be signed in a rush.

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal on Wednesday assured industries and state governments that no Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) will be signed in a rush. Speaking during the workshop on 'Make in India' with state industry ministers, Goyal made a clarification on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a proposed free trade agreement among 10 ASEAN countries and their six FTA partners China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. "In terms of RCEP, I want to clarify that lots of wrong information are being spread all over the place. Let me ensure each one of you that India will no more sign any FTA in a rush, not in a weak leadership which have worked only on deadlines to execute FTAs. India will enter into a free trade agreement or comprehensive partnerships on our terms -- what is best for Indian people, what is in our national interest and what is good for the people of India and for the country as a whole," he said. "We are careful once we are negotiating with agreements trade deals. Trade is a very complex subject. We have to factor in long terms implications and therefore any engagement which will do will result in a best for the people of India for our industry, MSME sector, for job creation and employment opportunities," Goyal added. The minister also emphasised on the trade relations with other parts of the countries. "We cannot remain in an isolated world. We have to engage with the rest of the world what is moving toward more and more global and India will have to finally balance, imperative to protect its domestic interest and also engage to the rest of the world. That is the fine balance the government is working on," he said. "We will make sure we are the part of the world's international trading but will not compromise national interest, interests of industry and interests of people of India," Goyal remarked. He underlined that necessary and adequate safeguards will be provided to Indian industries and ensure that they have sufficient potential to grow and new markets open for India in order to attract more investment. "It's a two-way traffic. It has to be a win-win situation for both. No trade agreement, no international agreement can be done unless it's a two-way benefit and that's what we will ensure in our free trade agreements," Goyal said. The minister also said that the sectors which are not suitable for India should be identified and cut out and there is a need to plan the country's domestic policy at both central and state levels. "Industrial policy at the national level should have access to the state policies and the salient feature for states is that they will have the chance to be a part of the national policy. That way, the industrial policy will reach all part of the world along with the National Industrial Policy. I would urge each state to try and make a robust industrial policy. The Centre is always ready to help," Goyal further said.

No more FTAs will be signed in rush: Piyush Goyal

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-the-inter-korean-summit-ground-report-from-dmz-132567">Ahead of the inter-Korean summit, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-the-inter-korean-summit-ground-report-from-dmz-132567">ground</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-the-inter-korean-summit-ground-report-from-dmz-132567"> report from DMZ</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un will make history on Friday by becoming the first North Korean leader to set foot in South Korea in six decades. He will meet South Korean president Moon Jae-in for the third inter-Korean summit. The two leaders will discuss a range of issues, including North Korea's nuclear weapons programme.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/casting-couch-exists-everywhere-even-parliament-not-immune-to-it-claims-renuka-chowdhury-132550">Watch: 'Casting couch’ exists everywhere, even Parliament not immune, claims Renuka Chowdhury</a>

Congress leader and former Member of Parliament Renuka Chowdhury on Tuesday made a claim on the alleged culture of ‘casting couch’ that has often brought the Indian film industry under attack.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-intention-of-signing-fta-with-china-right-now-bangladesh-132561">No intention of signing FTA with China right now: Bangladesh</a>

Bangladesh is in no rush to sign a free trade agreement with China, a senior Bangladeshi trade official said on Tuesday, though Chinese officials said it would help the poor South Asian country cut its deficit with its largest trading partner.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-will-face-severe-consequences-if-nuclear-deal-not-accepted-iran-president-132538">Trump will face 'severe consequences' if nuclear deal not accepted: Iran President</a>

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday warned US President Donald Trump to remain in the nuclear deal or else he could face "severe consequences."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-world-war-ii-era-dakota-finally-home-bound-to-india-132589">Watch: World War-II era Dakota finally home-bound to India</a>

It's a World War-II era aircraft. It's a plane which was a game-changer while transporting Indian troops into Srinagar during the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan in 1947 just after India's independence. It's a plane which has risen from the ashes like a phoenix. And it's a plane which is finally home-bound.

Ahead of the inter-Korean summit, ground report from DMZ North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un will make history on Friday by becoming the first North Korean leader to set foot in South Korea in six decades. He will meet South Korean president Moon Jae-in for the third inter-Korean summit. The two leaders will discuss a range of issues, including North Korea's nuclear weapons programme. Watch: 'Casting couch’ exists everywhere, even Parliament not immune, claims Renuka Chowdhury Congress leader and former Member of Parliament Renuka Chowdhury on Tuesday made a claim on the alleged culture of ‘casting couch’ that has often brought the Indian film industry under attack. No intention of signing FTA with China right now: Bangladesh Bangladesh is in no rush to sign a free trade agreement with China, a senior Bangladeshi trade official said on Tuesday, though Chinese officials said it would help the poor South Asian country cut its deficit with its largest trading partner. Trump will face 'severe consequences' if nuclear deal not accepted: Iran President Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday warned US President Donald Trump to remain in the nuclear deal or else he could face "severe consequences." Watch: World War-II era Dakota finally home-bound to India It's a World War-II era aircraft. It's a plane which was a game-changer while transporting Indian troops into Srinagar during the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan in 1947 just after India's independence. It's a plane which has risen from the ashes like a phoenix. And it's a plane which is finally home-bound.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Bangladesh is in no rush to sign a free trade agreement with China, a senior Bangladeshi trade official said on Tuesday, though Chinese officials said it would help the poor South Asian country cut its deficit with its largest trading partner.

China is expected to host talks in June, having first floated the idea of an FTA in 2016. Bangladesh does not have an FTA with any trade partner.&nbsp

“We have no intention to sign such an agreement right now and we are not in a hurry, but we may continue to discuss this,” Shubhashish Bose, secretary of the commerce ministry, told Reuters on Tuesday.

Bangladesh mainly imports machinery, cotton, consumer products and chemical and chemical products from China, while exporting jute, jute products, readymade garments and processed leather the other way.

Li Guangjun, economic and commercial counselor at the China`s embassy in Dhaka, said an agreement would help Bangladesh reduce its deficit, as exports to China only accounted for $1 billion of the $16 billion annual trade between the two countries.

“We would like to see more exports from Bangladesh and for that it needs to become more competitive,” Li told Reuters.

“We believe if Bangladesh signs a free trade agreement, it would then reduce this huge trade gap,” he said, adding that it would lead to more Chinese investment in Bangladesh, and more diversity in Bangladesh`s exports.

Both officials said studies were needed to weigh the pros and cons.

Bangladesh does not have an FTA with any trade partner.

Bangladesh is in no rush to sign a free trade agreement with China, a senior Bangladeshi trade official said on Tuesday, though Chinese officials said it would help the poor South Asian country cut its deficit with its largest trading partner. China is expected to host talks in June, having first floated the idea of an FTA in 2016. Bangladesh does not have an FTA with any trade partner. “We have no intention to sign such an agreement right now and we are not in a hurry, but we may continue to discuss this,” Shubhashish Bose, secretary of the commerce ministry, told Reuters on Tuesday. Bangladesh mainly imports machinery, cotton, consumer products and chemical and chemical products from China, while exporting jute, jute products, readymade garments and processed leather the other way. Li Guangjun, economic and commercial counselor at the China`s embassy in Dhaka, said an agreement would help Bangladesh reduce its deficit, as exports to China only accounted for $1 billion of the $16 billion annual trade between the two countries. “We would like to see more exports from Bangladesh and for that it needs to become more competitive,” Li told Reuters. “We believe if Bangladesh signs a free trade agreement, it would then reduce this huge trade gap,” he said, adding that it would lead to more Chinese investment in Bangladesh, and more diversity in Bangladesh`s exports. Both officials said studies were needed to weigh the pros and cons.

No intention of signing FTA with China right now: Bangladesh

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