📝RCEP Negotiations: From Trade to Economic Partnership
🔸While the India-ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement was inked and enforced from January 1,2010, India’s goods trade deficit with ASEAN widened from $4.98 billion in 2010-11 to $14.75 billion in 2015-16, and then narrowed to $9.56 billion in 2016-17.
🔸The huge goods trade deficit has led to questions on whether the pact is only helping ASEAN nations and not benefiting India.
🔸In this context the Proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is significant. The 19th round of the Trade Negotiating Committee meetings and other related meetings were held from 17 to 28 July 2017 in Hyderabad, India. 20th round of negotiations for RCEP were held in Incheon, Korea, from October 17 to 28, 2017.
🔸RCEP is a proposed comprehensive regional economic integration agreement or a mega Free Trade Agreement amongst the 10-ASEAN countries and its six Free Trade Agreements.
🔸While the India-ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement was inked and enforced from January 1,2010, India’s goods trade deficit with ASEAN widened from $4.98 billion in 2010-11 to $14.75 billion in 2015-16, and then narrowed to $9.56 billion in 2016-17.
🔸The huge goods trade deficit has led to questions on whether the pact is only helping ASEAN nations and not benefiting India.
🔸In this context the Proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is significant. The 19th round of the Trade Negotiating Committee meetings and other related meetings were held from 17 to 28 July 2017 in Hyderabad, India. 20th round of negotiations for RCEP were held in Incheon, Korea, from October 17 to 28, 2017.
🔸RCEP is a proposed comprehensive regional economic integration agreement or a mega Free Trade Agreement amongst the 10-ASEAN countries and its six Free Trade Agreements.
📝Increasing Questions on the Treaty
🔶 In the context of terrorism being used as an instrument of state policy by Pakistan questions have been raised about the treat
🔶In 1960, India accepted the treaty as a goodwill gesture trading water for peace. Within five years of the treaty’s entry into force, Pakistan launched a war to grab the Indian part of J&K in 1965.
🔶 Pakistan insists on rights without responsibilities. Many argue, that use of state-reared terrorist groups can be invoked by India, under Article 62 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, as constituting reasonable grounds for withdrawal from the Indus treaty.
🔶The International Court of Justice has upheld the principle that a treaty may be dissolved by reason of a fundamental change of circumstances.
🔶 In the context of terrorism being used as an instrument of state policy by Pakistan questions have been raised about the treat
🔶In 1960, India accepted the treaty as a goodwill gesture trading water for peace. Within five years of the treaty’s entry into force, Pakistan launched a war to grab the Indian part of J&K in 1965.
🔶 Pakistan insists on rights without responsibilities. Many argue, that use of state-reared terrorist groups can be invoked by India, under Article 62 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, as constituting reasonable grounds for withdrawal from the Indus treaty.
🔶The International Court of Justice has upheld the principle that a treaty may be dissolved by reason of a fundamental change of circumstances.
📝 The South China Sea Disputes
🔸 Since the 1970s, the South China Sea has been a nest of competing sovereignty claims over the island features and ocean spaces by a number of adjacent countries.
🔸The South China dispute is over territory, sovereignty and maritime rights and entitlement, particularly along the Paracel and the Spratly island chains.
🔸These island chains are claimed by a number of countries in the region including China,Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.
🔸 China through its unilateral 9 dash lines, declared in 1947, claims nearly the entire south China Sea.
🔸The islands lie among the world's busiest shipping lanes and have vast mineral resources around them, making them highly strategic assets.
🔸 In addition, China has recently engaged in, amongst other things, the physical enhancement of many of the small features of the Spratly Islands and enforcement of a moratorium on fishing in the South China Sea.
🔸 Since the 1970s, the South China Sea has been a nest of competing sovereignty claims over the island features and ocean spaces by a number of adjacent countries.
🔸The South China dispute is over territory, sovereignty and maritime rights and entitlement, particularly along the Paracel and the Spratly island chains.
🔸These island chains are claimed by a number of countries in the region including China,Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.
🔸 China through its unilateral 9 dash lines, declared in 1947, claims nearly the entire south China Sea.
🔸The islands lie among the world's busiest shipping lanes and have vast mineral resources around them, making them highly strategic assets.
🔸 In addition, China has recently engaged in, amongst other things, the physical enhancement of many of the small features of the Spratly Islands and enforcement of a moratorium on fishing in the South China Sea.
📝 Cultural Ties Between India and South East Asia
🔸3 Cs – commerce, connectivity and culture – are at the core of India’s Act East policy.
🔸 India’s soft power is reflected in
▫️ Buddhism, yoga,
▫️ Revival of Nalanda University,
▫️Chairs of Indian studies in universities (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia)
▫️ Indian cultural centres (Jakarta, Bali, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Suva, Lautoka), and
▫️joint restoration of monuments (Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos).
🔸3 Cs – commerce, connectivity and culture – are at the core of India’s Act East policy.
🔸 India’s soft power is reflected in
▫️ Buddhism, yoga,
▫️ Revival of Nalanda University,
▫️Chairs of Indian studies in universities (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia)
▫️ Indian cultural centres (Jakarta, Bali, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Suva, Lautoka), and
▫️joint restoration of monuments (Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos).
📝 India’s Position on South China Sea Dispute
🔸More the 55 % of India’s trade passes through the region.
🔸India has significant investments in the hydrocarbon sector along the Vietnam coast, in South China Sea.
🔸Thus, India has advocated a peaceful resolution of differences in the framework of international law.
🔸At the same time India has expressed its resolute position supporting the freedom of navigations and open Sea lanes of Communication. India’s reaction to the PCA verdict emphasized on freedom of navigation, over-flight and the rule of law.
🔸Chinese maritime power in South East Asia has a direct bearing on the it navies’ power projection plans in the Indian Ocean. From an Indian perspective, China’s growing military
presence in the South China Sea has a destabilizing effect on the wider Asian littorals, as it exacerbates existing power asymmetries.
🔸More the 55 % of India’s trade passes through the region.
🔸India has significant investments in the hydrocarbon sector along the Vietnam coast, in South China Sea.
🔸Thus, India has advocated a peaceful resolution of differences in the framework of international law.
🔸At the same time India has expressed its resolute position supporting the freedom of navigations and open Sea lanes of Communication. India’s reaction to the PCA verdict emphasized on freedom of navigation, over-flight and the rule of law.
🔸Chinese maritime power in South East Asia has a direct bearing on the it navies’ power projection plans in the Indian Ocean. From an Indian perspective, China’s growing military
presence in the South China Sea has a destabilizing effect on the wider Asian littorals, as it exacerbates existing power asymmetries.
📝 ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
🔸 the twenty-seven-member multilateral grouping was developed to facilitate cooperation on political and security issues to contribute to regional confidence-building and preventive diplomacy.
🔸 First meeting Held at Bangkok, Thailand, in 1994.
🔸 It includes ASEAN and 10 dialogue partners i.e Australia, Canada, China, the European
Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, New Zealand, and the United States. Also included are the Papua New Guinea, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan,Timor-Leste, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
🔸Unique among international organizations of its type, the ARF is characterized by minimal institutionalization, decision making by consensus, and the use of both “first track” (official) and “second track” (nonofficial) diplomacy.
🔸 the twenty-seven-member multilateral grouping was developed to facilitate cooperation on political and security issues to contribute to regional confidence-building and preventive diplomacy.
🔸 First meeting Held at Bangkok, Thailand, in 1994.
🔸 It includes ASEAN and 10 dialogue partners i.e Australia, Canada, China, the European
Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, New Zealand, and the United States. Also included are the Papua New Guinea, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan,Timor-Leste, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
🔸Unique among international organizations of its type, the ARF is characterized by minimal institutionalization, decision making by consensus, and the use of both “first track” (official) and “second track” (nonofficial) diplomacy.
📝India and Singapore
◽ Background
🔸Singapore was established as a trading post in 1819. It became a colony under British India, governed from Calcutta (1830-1867). It becam an independent state in 1965.
🔸Even though small, 700 Sq
Kilometre area, Singapore is strategically located.
🔸It has become a melting pot of multiracial and multi cultural identities including people of Indian origi.
🔸 Subhash Chandra Bose had resided in Singapore. Jawahar Lal Nehru visited in 1937 and 1946
🔸 Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew is credited with transforming Singapore into the modern city state with economic might.
🔸 Singapore has been a staunch supporter of India in ASEAN. Singapore believes in pivotal
role for India in Asia. Singapore a hub of India’s political, economic, security engagement in South East Asia. Singapore views India as a stabilising force.
🔸2015 marked 50th anniversary of the bilateral relations and bilateral ties were elevated to
a Strategic Partnership.
◽ Background
🔸Singapore was established as a trading post in 1819. It became a colony under British India, governed from Calcutta (1830-1867). It becam an independent state in 1965.
🔸Even though small, 700 Sq
Kilometre area, Singapore is strategically located.
🔸It has become a melting pot of multiracial and multi cultural identities including people of Indian origi.
🔸 Subhash Chandra Bose had resided in Singapore. Jawahar Lal Nehru visited in 1937 and 1946
🔸 Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew is credited with transforming Singapore into the modern city state with economic might.
🔸 Singapore has been a staunch supporter of India in ASEAN. Singapore believes in pivotal
role for India in Asia. Singapore a hub of India’s political, economic, security engagement in South East Asia. Singapore views India as a stabilising force.
🔸2015 marked 50th anniversary of the bilateral relations and bilateral ties were elevated to
a Strategic Partnership.
📝Recent Dispute and International Ruling
🔸In 2013, the Philippines commenced a case against China under the provisions of UNCLOS, to the Permanent court of Arbitration in the Hague. Although a long-standing party to the Convention, China declined to participate in the establishment of the Tribunal or to appear before it.
🔸An Arbitral tribunal was constituted under annex vii to the 1982 UNCLOS.
🔸Issues concerned: legal basis of maritime rights and entitlements in the South China Sea,the status of certain geographic features in the South China Sea, and the lawfulness of certain actions taken by China in the South China Sea.
🔸China viewed the principal subject matters in dispute as political and beyond the jurisdiction and competence of the Tribunal.
🔸The tribunal, issued in 2015 an Award on Jurisdiction, stating that it had jurisdiction to consider the merits of almost all the Submissions made by the Philippines.
🔸In 2013, the Philippines commenced a case against China under the provisions of UNCLOS, to the Permanent court of Arbitration in the Hague. Although a long-standing party to the Convention, China declined to participate in the establishment of the Tribunal or to appear before it.
🔸An Arbitral tribunal was constituted under annex vii to the 1982 UNCLOS.
🔸Issues concerned: legal basis of maritime rights and entitlements in the South China Sea,the status of certain geographic features in the South China Sea, and the lawfulness of certain actions taken by China in the South China Sea.
🔸China viewed the principal subject matters in dispute as political and beyond the jurisdiction and competence of the Tribunal.
🔸The tribunal, issued in 2015 an Award on Jurisdiction, stating that it had jurisdiction to consider the merits of almost all the Submissions made by the Philippines.
📝 Trade & Investment b/w India and Singapore
🔸Bilateral trade expanded after the conclusion of CECA from US$ 6.7 billion in 2004-05 to reachUS$ 16.7 billion in 2016-17.
🔸Singapore is India’s 10th largest bilateral trade partner (2016-17) and the 2nd largest among ASEAN countries with a share of 2.5 % and 2.6 % of overall trade of India and
Singapore respectively
🔸Total foreign direct investments from Singapore into India was USD 57.6 billion (till June 2017) which was 16.8% of total FDI inflow. The outward Indian FDI to Singapore was USD 49.45 billion (till June 2017), making Singapore one of the top destinations for Indian investments.
🔸 6000, Indian companies are registered in Singapore
🔸Bilateral trade expanded after the conclusion of CECA from US$ 6.7 billion in 2004-05 to reachUS$ 16.7 billion in 2016-17.
🔸Singapore is India’s 10th largest bilateral trade partner (2016-17) and the 2nd largest among ASEAN countries with a share of 2.5 % and 2.6 % of overall trade of India and
Singapore respectively
🔸Total foreign direct investments from Singapore into India was USD 57.6 billion (till June 2017) which was 16.8% of total FDI inflow. The outward Indian FDI to Singapore was USD 49.45 billion (till June 2017), making Singapore one of the top destinations for Indian investments.
🔸 6000, Indian companies are registered in Singapore
📝Smart Cities Singapore Model
🔸 Singapore has expressed interest in working with India on the Smart Cities initiative. A consortium of Singapore companies is working to develop Amaravati, new capital city of Andhra Pradesh.
🔸 Singapore is also working with Government of Rajasthan in preparing Concept Plans for townships in Udaipur and Jodhpur and with the Government of Himachal Pradesh for developing an integrated township of Greater Shimla.
🔸 Singapore has expressed interest in working with India on the Smart Cities initiative. A consortium of Singapore companies is working to develop Amaravati, new capital city of Andhra Pradesh.
🔸 Singapore is also working with Government of Rajasthan in preparing Concept Plans for townships in Udaipur and Jodhpur and with the Government of Himachal Pradesh for developing an integrated township of Greater Shimla.
📝 Defence Cooperation between india and Singapore
🔸 Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), signed in October 2003, and the enhanced DCA signed in November 2015 provides an overarching framework for bilateral defence including includes conduct of policy dialogues, working group and staff talks, exercises,training activities, exhibitions and conferences.
🔸 Pursuant to the enhanced DCA, the inaugural Defence Minister Dialogue was held on 3 June 2016.
🔸Exchange of visits and exercises are regularly held between armed forces of two countries.
🔸Singapore Armed forces have unique relation.
🔸 Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), signed in October 2003, and the enhanced DCA signed in November 2015 provides an overarching framework for bilateral defence including includes conduct of policy dialogues, working group and staff talks, exercises,training activities, exhibitions and conferences.
🔸 Pursuant to the enhanced DCA, the inaugural Defence Minister Dialogue was held on 3 June 2016.
🔸Exchange of visits and exercises are regularly held between armed forces of two countries.
🔸Singapore Armed forces have unique relation.
📝 India and Vietnam Relations
🔸 Vietnam declared independence in 1945. Resistance of the French Rule continued after that which ended in the defeat of the French in 1954
🔸Jawahar Lal Nehru became first foreign leader to visit Vietnam in 1954
🔸Doi-Moi reforms: economic reforms initiated in Vietnam in 1986 with the goal of creating a "socialist-oriented market economy".
🔸Vietnam much deeper and historical hostility towards China exacerbated by a 1979 war
🔸A Strategic Parternship agreement was signed between India and Vietnam in 2007.
🔸A pivot to India’s role in South East Asia. Export of technology.Possibility of Export of Brahmos missile
🔸 The two countries had signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement in 2016, pursuant to which a MoU on Cooperation between the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) and the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM) was signed in 2018.
🔸 Vietnam declared independence in 1945. Resistance of the French Rule continued after that which ended in the defeat of the French in 1954
🔸Jawahar Lal Nehru became first foreign leader to visit Vietnam in 1954
🔸Doi-Moi reforms: economic reforms initiated in Vietnam in 1986 with the goal of creating a "socialist-oriented market economy".
🔸Vietnam much deeper and historical hostility towards China exacerbated by a 1979 war
🔸A Strategic Parternship agreement was signed between India and Vietnam in 2007.
🔸A pivot to India’s role in South East Asia. Export of technology.Possibility of Export of Brahmos missile
🔸 The two countries had signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement in 2016, pursuant to which a MoU on Cooperation between the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) and the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM) was signed in 2018.
📝 India and Japan Relations
🔸The friendship between India and Japan has a long history rooted in spiritual affinity and strong cultural and civilizational ties. India’s earliest documented direct contact with Japan was with the Todaiji Temple in Nara, where the consecration or eye-opening of the towering statue of Lord Buddha was performed by an Indian monk, Bodhisena, in 752 AD.
🔸 In contemporary times, among prominent Indians associated with Japan were Swami Vivekananda, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, JRD Tata, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Judge Radha Binod Pal.
🔸The Japan-India Association was set up in 1903, and is today the oldest international friendship body in Japan.
🔸Japan’s victory in its war against Russia in 1905 served as an inspiration to many Asian’s including in India.
🔸The two countries have never been adversaries. Bilateral ties have been singularly free of any kind of dispute – ideological, cultural or territorial.
🔸The friendship between India and Japan has a long history rooted in spiritual affinity and strong cultural and civilizational ties. India’s earliest documented direct contact with Japan was with the Todaiji Temple in Nara, where the consecration or eye-opening of the towering statue of Lord Buddha was performed by an Indian monk, Bodhisena, in 752 AD.
🔸 In contemporary times, among prominent Indians associated with Japan were Swami Vivekananda, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, JRD Tata, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Judge Radha Binod Pal.
🔸The Japan-India Association was set up in 1903, and is today the oldest international friendship body in Japan.
🔸Japan’s victory in its war against Russia in 1905 served as an inspiration to many Asian’s including in India.
🔸The two countries have never been adversaries. Bilateral ties have been singularly free of any kind of dispute – ideological, cultural or territorial.
📝New Era of Relationships between India and Japan
🔸 The beginning of the 21st century witnessed a transformation in bilateral ties. During Prime Minister Mori’s path-breaking visit to India in 2000, the Japan-India Global Partnership in the 21st century was launched.
🔸The Joint Statement signed by Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh
and Shinzo Abe in 2006 factored in the new challenges, and the relationship was upgraded to a Global and Strategic Partnership with the provision of annual Prime Ministerial Summits.
🔸A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Japan and India was
concluded in 2011.
🔸PM Shinzo Abe paid an official visit to India for the 8th Annual Summit with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh from 25-27 January 2014 and was the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.
🔸 Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Japan from 30 August – September 3, 2014 for the 9th Annual Summit Meeting with Prime Minster Shinzo Abe.
🔸 The beginning of the 21st century witnessed a transformation in bilateral ties. During Prime Minister Mori’s path-breaking visit to India in 2000, the Japan-India Global Partnership in the 21st century was launched.
🔸The Joint Statement signed by Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh
and Shinzo Abe in 2006 factored in the new challenges, and the relationship was upgraded to a Global and Strategic Partnership with the provision of annual Prime Ministerial Summits.
🔸A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Japan and India was
concluded in 2011.
🔸PM Shinzo Abe paid an official visit to India for the 8th Annual Summit with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh from 25-27 January 2014 and was the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.
🔸 Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Japan from 30 August – September 3, 2014 for the 9th Annual Summit Meeting with Prime Minster Shinzo Abe.
📝Recent Dispute and International Ruling
🔸In 2013, the Philippines commenced a case against China under the provisions of UNCLOS, to the Permanent court of Arbitration in the Hague. Although a long-standing party to the Convention, China declined to participate in the establishment of the Tribunal or to appear before it.
🔸An Arbitral tribunal was constituted under annex vii to the 1982 UNCLOS.
🔸Issues concerned: legal basis of maritime rights and entitlements in the South China Sea,the status of certain geographic features in the South China Sea, and the lawfulness of certain actions taken by China in the South China Sea.
🔸China viewed the principal subject matters in dispute as political and beyond the jurisdiction and competence of the Tribunal.
🔸The tribunal, issued in 2015 an Award on Jurisdiction, stating that it had jurisdiction to consider the merits of almost all the Submissions made by the Philippines.
🔸In 2013, the Philippines commenced a case against China under the provisions of UNCLOS, to the Permanent court of Arbitration in the Hague. Although a long-standing party to the Convention, China declined to participate in the establishment of the Tribunal or to appear before it.
🔸An Arbitral tribunal was constituted under annex vii to the 1982 UNCLOS.
🔸Issues concerned: legal basis of maritime rights and entitlements in the South China Sea,the status of certain geographic features in the South China Sea, and the lawfulness of certain actions taken by China in the South China Sea.
🔸China viewed the principal subject matters in dispute as political and beyond the jurisdiction and competence of the Tribunal.
🔸The tribunal, issued in 2015 an Award on Jurisdiction, stating that it had jurisdiction to consider the merits of almost all the Submissions made by the Philippines.
📝 Economy of India and Japan
🔸Economic relations between India and Japan have vast potential for growth, given the complementarities that exist between the two Asian economies.
🔸Japan's interest in India is increasing due to a variety of reasons including India's large and growing market and its resources, especially the human resources.
🔸 The India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that came into force in August 2011 is the most comprehensive of all such agreements concluded by India.
🔸 CEPA covers not only trade in goods but also Services, Movement of Natural Persons,Investments, Intellectual Property Rights, Custom Procedures and other trade related issues.
🔸Economic relations between India and Japan have vast potential for growth, given the complementarities that exist between the two Asian economies.
🔸Japan's interest in India is increasing due to a variety of reasons including India's large and growing market and its resources, especially the human resources.
🔸 The India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that came into force in August 2011 is the most comprehensive of all such agreements concluded by India.
🔸 CEPA covers not only trade in goods but also Services, Movement of Natural Persons,Investments, Intellectual Property Rights, Custom Procedures and other trade related issues.
📝 Economy of India and Japan
🔸Economic relations between India and Japan have vast potential for growth, given the complementarities that exist between the two Asian economies.
🔸Japan's interest in India is increasing due to a variety of reasons including India's large and growing market and its resources, especially the human resources.
🔸 The India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that came into force in August 2011 is the most comprehensive of all such agreements concluded by India.
🔸 CEPA covers not only trade in goods but also Services, Movement of Natural Persons,Investments, Intellectual Property Rights, Custom Procedures and other trade related issues.
🔸Economic relations between India and Japan have vast potential for growth, given the complementarities that exist between the two Asian economies.
🔸Japan's interest in India is increasing due to a variety of reasons including India's large and growing market and its resources, especially the human resources.
🔸 The India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that came into force in August 2011 is the most comprehensive of all such agreements concluded by India.
🔸 CEPA covers not only trade in goods but also Services, Movement of Natural Persons,Investments, Intellectual Property Rights, Custom Procedures and other trade related issues.
📝 Bilateral Assistance and Investment
🔸Japan has been extending bilateral loan and grant assistance to India since 1958, and is the largest bilateral donor for India.
🔸Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) supports India’s efforts for accelerated economic development particularly in priority areas like power, transportation,
🔸Japan has been extending bilateral loan and grant assistance to India since 1958, and is the largest bilateral donor for India.
🔸Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) supports India’s efforts for accelerated economic development particularly in priority areas like power, transportation,
📝 Technology Cooperation Between India and Japan
🔸The bilateral Science & Technology Cooperation Agreement signed in 1985 underpins the bilateral S&T cooperation.The India-Japan Science Council (IJSC) was established in the year 1993.
🔸In 2006, Department of Science and Technology (DST) initiated a value based partnership working on the principles of 'reciprocity and co-funding with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) through MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology).
🔸Since May 2015, about 250 students have visited Japan under the annual “Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science” also known as the “SAKURA Exchange Program"implemented by DST and JST.
🔸 During the September 2017 visit of Abe to India marked the commencement of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail project (bullet train) with financial and technological support of Japan.
🔸The bilateral Science & Technology Cooperation Agreement signed in 1985 underpins the bilateral S&T cooperation.The India-Japan Science Council (IJSC) was established in the year 1993.
🔸In 2006, Department of Science and Technology (DST) initiated a value based partnership working on the principles of 'reciprocity and co-funding with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) through MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology).
🔸Since May 2015, about 250 students have visited Japan under the annual “Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science” also known as the “SAKURA Exchange Program"implemented by DST and JST.
🔸 During the September 2017 visit of Abe to India marked the commencement of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail project (bullet train) with financial and technological support of Japan.
📝 The Geo-Strategic Dimension of India amd Japan
🔸The strategic logic underpinning the cooperation between India and Japan is based on:
🔸 China: The recent joint statement, 2017, calls for “a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region where sovereignty and international law are respected, and differences are resolved through dialogue, and where all countries, large or small, enjoy freedom of navigation and overflight, sustainable development, and a free, fair, and open trade and investment system.” This is an obvious reference to Chinese assertion in recent times. The joint statement also endorses the principles on which India decided to sit out the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
🔸The strategic logic underpinning the cooperation between India and Japan is based on:
🔸 China: The recent joint statement, 2017, calls for “a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region where sovereignty and international law are respected, and differences are resolved through dialogue, and where all countries, large or small, enjoy freedom of navigation and overflight, sustainable development, and a free, fair, and open trade and investment system.” This is an obvious reference to Chinese assertion in recent times. The joint statement also endorses the principles on which India decided to sit out the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
📝Sluggish Progress: Views from Within
🔶For the first time member countries at the Thimpu Summit in Bhutan, marking the 25th anniversary, in 2010 expressed their frustration with SAARC’s sluggish progress.
🔶The then Prime Minister of India Manmoha Singh expressed his disappointment by saying that “the glass of regional cooperation, regional development and regional integration is half empty” and emphasized that “the region must be better connected, empowered, fed and educated” to achieve comparable success with other regional organizations.
🔶In 2014 PM Narendra Modi in his speech at the 18th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu observed that “nowhere in the world are collective efforts more urgent than in South Asia; and, nowhere else is it so modest.”
🔶He also observed that “Each of us (South Asian Countries) has taken our own initiatives.
However, as SAARC we have failed to move with the speed that our people expect and
want”.
🔶For the first time member countries at the Thimpu Summit in Bhutan, marking the 25th anniversary, in 2010 expressed their frustration with SAARC’s sluggish progress.
🔶The then Prime Minister of India Manmoha Singh expressed his disappointment by saying that “the glass of regional cooperation, regional development and regional integration is half empty” and emphasized that “the region must be better connected, empowered, fed and educated” to achieve comparable success with other regional organizations.
🔶In 2014 PM Narendra Modi in his speech at the 18th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu observed that “nowhere in the world are collective efforts more urgent than in South Asia; and, nowhere else is it so modest.”
🔶He also observed that “Each of us (South Asian Countries) has taken our own initiatives.
However, as SAARC we have failed to move with the speed that our people expect and
want”.