France and India in 2010

---

---

The President of France is in India. The Economic Times gives a report on his press conference in Bangalore. It reads a note on the relation between India and France.

Remember, three main leaders, namely The President of USA, The President of France and Premier of China (next to come) main visitors to India. Hence, the relations with three countries will form important issues during the interview. Similarly, it will definitely acquire place in May 2011.

Make note of these three countries. They are the probable issues for the Civil Services till May 2011.

---

---

Look East Policy of India

---

---

Read the news letter on forthcoming events in East wherein Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will participate. It is for such letters/reports the the Hindu is highly recommended by successful candidates. It helps to develop the right perspective on government policies even for those who do not have well grounded understanding of the foreign relations. Check the news report.
Points suggested:
1. relation with Japan
2. relation with Malayasia
3. ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit
4. Comprehensive Economic Patnership Aggrement and Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Aggrement as the core of East Asia economic policies.

---

---

Report to be read:

Look East Policy

---

---

Shanghai Cooperation Organization

---

---

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

Shanghai Cooperation Organization is an Eurasian intergovernmental organization which has mutual security one of the major agenda of their contract. Presently there are six members namely China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Russia, Tazikstan and Uzbekiztan. The official languages of this organization Chinese and Russian.

Last year, Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh had participated in its meeting as one of the observer. India is thinking seriously to join the organization. There are economic issues on the agenda of the organization apart from Military mutual security. India has embarked on a foreign policy of developing relations with regional economic groups in attempt to look away from Euro centric or western economic group. On the other hand, India is averse to any military organization. It had been a leader of NAM. However, SCO has one of the issue of mutual security on their agenda. But in changing geo-political scenario, the national interests are dictating to review the foreign policy. Hence, there is a move towards joining this organization.

This paradigm shift which is seen evident in the foreign policy of India is taking place at a very crucial juncture. India is an active player among BRIC, BIMSTEC and BASIC countries. Europe is the major buyer as well as the technical hub of the world. However, there are some not so good signs coming out of Euro currency based economy of Europe. Greece is facing the security bond payment crises. Similarly there are indications of financial crises coming from Spain as well as Portugal. The Germans have raised a voice to disassociate from Euro Based Economy and revert back to German Marks. The Germany Chancellor has resigned in such a scenario. Europe is a major market of Chinese goods. China is emerging a major producer in the world. In such a scenario, the developing vibes between SCO and India has become an important topic.

From that angle, SCO is an important issue to be covered.

There are two links suggested below which can be used for this topic:

Wikipedia Article

SCO : Official Website

---

---

---

---

Nepal: A neighbour in Trouble

---

---

The new syllabus of GS has specifically pointed out the relations with the neighbouring countries as a major topic. Nepal is presently standing at a critical juncture of its history. It is drafting its new constitution and there are pressures from different sides which have strong ideological stands. There are trade and economic issues which matters to both the countries Nepal and India. Hence, Nepal may be an important question in GS October 2009 which has to be discretely tackled in writing as well as in the interview. Therefore, there is need to develop a good essay on it. Keep watching the editorials and opinions in TOI and Hindu which may come up in this fortnight. It is better to read the latest than to depend on the written essays as given in different books. Magazines may be concerned as they just follow the rule which I keep on stressing on this blog.

---

---

Keep a record of this link:

India looks for a fresh start as Nepal PM comes calling - India - NEWS - The Times of India

---

---

India and Asean sign trade deal (FTA)

---

---

The following report needs a reading. India has signed a Free Trade Agreement with Asean Countries which is a bloc of 11 countries.

---

---

Use the Reports:
BBC NEWS | Business | India and Asean sign trade deal
The Hindu Report

---

---

Added on August 16, 2009:
For Additional Points on FTA with ASEAN use the report of The Hindu.

---

---

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and South Korea

---

---

India and South Korea have signed free trade agreement.

India is looking towards east for some years by now. As per BRIC theory, India belongs to four emerging economies of the world. South Korea is the third largest economies of Asia. South Korea has export based economy. South Korea in India can be identified with Hundai, Samsung, LG, POSCO and now South Koreans will be seen in the field of advertising, computer software (Samsung is a major hardware manufacturer), banking, garments, textiles, and many fields listed in the agreement.

---

---

Use the following link:
India, South Korea ink free trade pact - India - NEWS - The Times of India: "Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement"

---

---

Added on August 16, 2009.
For additional point on FTA with Asean use the report of The Hindu.

---

---

Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai

---

---

There is small report by Saibal Dasgupta on changed tone of China towards India. The relation with China requires good understanding for all the aspirants, one it being a neighbouring country and relations with neighbouring countries has been specifically emphasized in the Syllabus of General studies and second, China is a power to reckon with at international level.

---

---

Consult the following Report to develop perspective on Indo-China relations:
Beijing does a U-turn, praises India-China bond - China - World - NEWS - The Times of India
Add to it The Hindu Report. Important to note that on border issue, the talks are stalked on the basis of legal and historic claims.

---

---

Zollverin of Bric

---

---

This report is very good for viva preparation in 2010. The report contains possibilities of a talk shop. Hence, nothing much in it. However, it contains some issues which can be part of the a short note on Bric. Secondly the report of Hindu entails some related topics below the report which you can find at the end of the report.

Zollverin was an economic union formed under the proposal of Prussia before the unification of Germany.
Secondly, the change of currency from Pounds to Dollar took place in 1921.
Thirdly, there is similar suggestion to the one given in news interview with PM Manmohan Singh in case of European Union which desire to adopt Euro as the exchange standard.
Fourthly, it is late 1990s foreign policy move to seek economic cooperation and coordination with Asia Pacific and East Asian states. Now, with BRIC theory and SCO participation, the country is definitely going for pragmatic change in foreign policy. Hence such issues can be made the part of the notes for 2010 and 2011.

---

---

Source to be used including the additional links on the suggested link

---

---

The Hindu : Front Page : BRIC examining alternatives to dollar

---

---

IA Transport Aircraft is from Antonov Ukraine

---

---

There is a recent report of the crash of the Indian Airforce transport aircraft in NE states.

The following report can be kept in notes with markings on the origin of the Transport Aircraft, it category of being a twin engine turboprop, and the present agreement with Ukraine which is one of SCO country.

The following source can be used

---

---

Source to be used:
The Hindu : National : Agreement with Ukraine to upgrade AN-32

---

---

SCO Members

---

---

The use the following links for making a note on SCO members which stands for
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The members are China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

---

---

Link to be used:
The Hindu News Update Service

Wikipedia Article

---

---

Delaram-Zaranj highway

---

---

---

---

India hands over Zaranj-Delaram highway to Afghanistan-India-The Times of India: "Delaram-Zaranj highway"

---

Zaranj is an ancient historic city which was known as Sarang in Sanskrit and later came to be known as Zarang and now Zaranj. Other historical names for Zaranj include Zirra,Zarangia or Drangiana.
The Delaram Zaranj Highway opens up a link between a deep sea port at Chahbahar in Iran to Afghanistan's main ring road highway system which connects Kabul, Kandhar, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif and Kunduz.
The completion of the highway and handing over is a mile stone in foreign relation between Afghanistan and India on one hand and Iran and Afghanistan on the other. The project was completed by Boarders Road Oragnization (BRO) of Government of India.

---

---

---

Deep Sea Block 14 Dispute with Bangladesh

The following report has a detailed account of the oil exploration dispute with Bangladesh.

---

Report to be used:
The Hindu News Update Service

---

PTI New Item is at http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/F42C8ECEBA4FC01A6525752D002A4B62?OpenDocument

---

---

---

Bhutan's fifth king, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk

Indian spectacle at Bhutan king's coronation

---

---

---

---

---

---

President Nasheed (Anni - a popular name) replaces President Gayoom in Maldives

Maldives' president defeated after 30-year rule

---

---

---

BBC News Profile is at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7697283.stm
The next one is equally good. They may be required to develop a short note on the international personality in October 2009.

---

A Profile of President Nasheed is available at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/3280791/Profile-Mohamed-Nasheed.html
Added October 31, 2008

---

Added Link to substantiate the notes:
dated Oct 30, 2008
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ebe28798-a622-11dd-9d26-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1

---

Different Dimensions of US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation

Bloomberg.com: India & Pakistan

---

---

From the above report, following extract has been derived.

---

President Bush has signed the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement on October 8, 2008.

The general electric co. now can sell nuclear fuel and technology to India which has tremendous demand for energy.

The law passed is US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. The Senate passed the legislation allowing the India nuclear accord on Oct. 1 by a vote of 86-13. The House approved the measure by a vote of 298-117 on Sept. 27.


India needs energy in great amount in order to sustain its 8% economic growth annually. For that, it is estimated that there is scope of 175 billion dollar business with India.

However, even when the legislation has been passed and now becomes an act, there is still opposition against the cooperation with India.

The agreement signed by President Bush is governed by U.S. Atomic Energy Act.

The opponents to the agreement in US feel that India will abuse the cooperation extended by US to India in order to develop her energy producing nuclear facilities. The main susceptible group is Arms Control Association and Centre of Arms Control and Non-Proliferation.

Before the agreement, India was benefited when India got waiver from the NSG and allowed to buy nuclear fuel and technology. India has yet to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The agreement will also be beneficial to the U.S. It will create nearly 2.5 lakh jobs in U. S.

The U. S. companies which may trade with India in field of nuclear technologies and goods are General Electric co, Areva SA, Westinghouse Electric co and Rosatom Corp.

The India first reactor was build with the technology of General Electric Co. in 1961.

However, the opponent of the agreement feel that India would again indulge in nuclear arms prolification. They emphasis that as per the US Atomic Energy Act, in such an eventuality, if India again indulge in nuclear arm prolification, then she will invite ban again. This has been imposed in 1974 and it is nearly after 34, that it has been raised now.

India now free to buy atomic technology from USA

The news item is available at http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article4865564.ece

Bush version: President Bush said the legislation "will strengthen our global nuclear non-proliferation efforts, protect the environment, create jobs and assist India in meeting its growing energy needs in a responsible manner."

Opponents Version: critics have condemned Mr Bush's unprecedented willingness to supply India with civilian nuclear technology despite the country's refusal to sign the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty or the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. India tested nuclear weapons as recently as 1998 and has refused to rule out doing so again.

---

---

The above news item is selected merely because of the simplicity and directness of the contents. The related news that is the treaties with France and Russia after NGA approval will be posted under appropriate categories.

PM Manmohan Singh's Speech at the 63rd session of United Nations General Assembly

Dr Singh at the UN: His speech

At the above given link of Rediff News, the speech of Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of Republic of India can be accessed. The speech was delievered on September 26, 2008 at 63rd session of United Nations General Assembly in New York.

---

The following are some of the extracts from the speech itself.

The composition of the Security Council needs to change to reflect contemporary realities of the twenty-first century.


Globalisation has contributed to ever widening circles of prosperity and we in India have benefited from it.


Ensuring inclusive growth within nations, and inclusive globalization across nations, is a central challenge that faces us.


The development gains that many countries have made are today threatened by a possible food crisis, a global energy crisis and most recently, unprecedented upheavals in international financial markets.


There is, therefore, a need for a new international initiative to bring structural reform in the world's financial system with more effective regulation and stronger systems of multilateral consultations and surveillance.


The world needs a Second Green Revolution to address the problem of food security. We need new technologies, new institutional responses and above all a global compact to ensure food and livelihood security.


It is feared that many of the conflicts of the 21st century will be over water.



Poverty, ignorance and disease still afflict millions of people.



Poverty alleviation and livelihood security are closely linked to energy security.


Climate change can be overcome successfully only through a collaborative and cooperative global effort.




India has unveiled an ambitious National Action Plan on Climate Change.


The growing assertion of separate identities and ethnic, cultural and religious intolerance threatens our developmental efforts and our peace and stability.


We should conclude expeditiously the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.


The United Nations is a living symbol of pluralism.

Relations with Nepal 2008: Dignitary visits India

Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, the Prime Minister of Nepal came to India on Sunday, September 14, 2008 on a five day good will visit. He is the first Maoist Prime Minister of Nepal. He headed a 44-member delegation that includes four ministers, senior government officials, heads of business federations and journalists. The visit ended on September 18, 2008.


It was a good will visit of the Prime Minister of Nepal to India. He was counselled by his cabinet not to sign any treaty on the visit. The Indo-Nepal relations involve the following issue when he had visited India.


The Prime Minister of Nepal and India had to review the Peace and Friendship Treaty 1950. The Prime Minister of Nepal came with a draft of Peace and Friendship Treaty. There are forces in Nepal which want that the Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1950 should be abolished.


The Kosi Treaty 1954, is another issue between Nepal and India. In recent days, 10,000 people had been effected in Nepal and 3 million in India. There is further need to discuss over the reconstruction and relief measures along with the details of the Kosi Treaty of 1954. There is a pressure from Nepal that India should look after the maintenance of the Kosi river.


Nepal also wants to review the Mahakali River Pact of 1996.


Nepal also wants to review the Gandak River Pact. Nepal’s communist groups feel that Gandak Treaty clauses are unfavourable to Nepal on irrigation rights.


On Trade front, Nepal demands numerous concessions. It demands tax schedule restructuring, quarantine rights and transit rights for its trade from Mumbai Port and Radhikapur Port which is in Bangladesh. The balance of trade is presently in favour of India.


The hydropower project participation is important issue between Nepal and India. India is planning a big dam on Kosi with irrigation facilities for India. Nepal demands that the Hydroproject on Kosi should fulfill the power needs of Nepal on favourable terms. It also demands increased role of India in Hydro projects being started with Nepal within Nepal.


It is pertinent to note that India had played a major role in peace settlement with Nepal when in 2006 the Maoist groups signed 12 programme with other political groups in Nepal.

---

Source used: Prachanda begins goodwill visit to India: Economic Times.

The Nuclear Deal Diary after Vienna NSG approval

The nuclear deal: The story so far

Rediff News has brought up an article in which it has tried to develop a chart of happenings already taken place and about to take place in September 2008

What's The Big Deal?-Editorial-Opinion-The Times of India

What's The Big Deal?-Editorial-Opinion-The Times of India

The above link to an editorial of TOI, the genesis of the controversy before the NSG in Vienna on the issue of supplying the nuclear material to India is covered. The editorial also speak in favour of working of the 123 Deal.