The emergence of India as a strong economic power is receiving widespread recognition in the region and beyond. Today, it has expanded its footprints and engagement in multiple fields across all continents. Accordingly, India’s foreign policy and international conducts should reflect upon its new global stature. In this backdrop, Ananta Aspen Centre is pleased to launch a new initiative -- a bi-weekly digest of all the major news related to India’s Foreign Policy. Our sincere effort is to keep you informed and updated on all the major international developments that have implications on India’s foreign policy. Hope you will benefit from the initiative. We value your feedback, comments and recommendations.   India and the World – an Update A bi-weekly News Digest on India’s Foreign Policy (Volume 1 – 8) April 15th - April 30th, 2014 Neighbourhood South Asia Pakistan India releases 21 Pakistan prisoners ANI / DNA | April 17th, 2014 Earlier in February, the Border Security Force (BSF) handed over 20 Pakistani prisoners to the Pakistani Rangers at Wagah outpost in Punjab. India, Pakistan may resume dialogue after Lok Sabha polls IANS / Deccan Herald | April 17th, 2014 The Pakistani Envoy to the US, Jalil Abbas Jilani, also said in a talk at Harvard University that there was increasing awareness in both countries that there can be no military solution to their problems. India, Pak DGMOs talk after another ceasefire violation The Times of India | April 25th, 2014 "Pakistani troops resorted to firing from small arms firing and mortars on Indian posts in the Doda battalion area in the Poonch district," said an Indian official, adding the ceasefire violation was probably a Pakistani army ploy to push through infiltrators under the cover of firing. Afghanistan Indian Army commanders to meet to discuss Afghanistan DNA | April 17th, 2014  Keeping in view of drawdown of US-led forces from Afghanistan in 2014, Indian Army is also providing training to Afghanistan National Army (ANA). According to army, Army is targeting to train about 1100 Afghan troops by the end of 2014, as compared to 574 personnel training in last year. Bangladesh BNP: No water, no relation Dhaka Tribune | April 24th, 2014 “We are a small country and we are not so much powerful economically. Our movement is not against India rather we want to ensure proper sharing of water.” Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, acting secretary general of the party, said. Bhutan Bhutan, India sign pact for developing hydropower projects PTI / Zee News | April 22nd, 2014 Three Hydroelectric projects totaling 1416 MW - the 336 MW Chukha project, the 60 MW Kurichu project and the 1020 MW Tala project - are already operational in Bhutan and are supplying electricity to India. Asia Pacific US, Japan boosting trilateral cooperation with India, South Korea PTI / The Economic Times | April 25th, 2014 "To achieve our shared objectives of promoting peace and economic prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and around the globe, the US and Japan are strengthening trilateral cooperation with like-minded partners, including the Republic of Korea, Australia, and India," said a joint US-Japan statement. China No accord on consulate in Lhasa  The Hindu | April 15th, 2014 Despite India’s long-pending interest in Lhasa, China has clarified that it will not allow any additional foreign diplomatic presence in Tibet. Only Nepal has diplomatic presence in Lhasa, while U.S. requests were denied. India, China, Pak naval ships hold rare exercises PTI / Business Standard | April 23rd, 2014 Besides India, ships from seven other countries, including China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei took part in the exercises held off the coast of the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao. India, China discuss implementation of border pacts The Hindu | April 23rd, 2014 Interestingly, the Chinese side announced their Defence Minister General Chang Wanquan’s plans to visit India later this year and confirmed plans for a joint army exercise at a time when the two sides are trying to resolve their differences over sending a youth delegation to Beijing next month in which Arunachal Pradesh, one of the States bordering China, is a sticking point. Indian Navy refuses Chinese navy chief’s request The Hindustan Times | April 24th, 2014 The Indian side were taken unawares by Chinese navy chief, Wu Shengli’s request as it is unheard of for the chief of a navy to make a request to see the Combat Information Centre of another country’s warship; China itself is not known to throw open its warship CICs to military officers from other countries. India, China agree to deepen naval ties after landmark exercise The Hindu | April 26th, 2014 As more Chinese ships sail west and Indian ships sail east, both countries have used this week’s exercise to stress their intent to ensure they will deepen mutual trust to address any insecurities. Myanmar India calls for end to UN resolution on Myanmar human rights PTI / Statesman | April 26th, 2014 Indian Ambassador to the UN, Asoke Mukerji said India would continue to support the steps taken by the Myanmar government towards reform and reconciliation, with reference to pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, release of political prisoners, holding of peace talks with the ethnic groups, including the Kachins and proposal for signing of a nationwide ceasefire accord soon. The United States India polls will set new stage for Indo-US ties: Nancy Powell PTI / NDTV | April 25th, 2014 Giving examples of cooperation on "strategic issues as never before", Nancy Powell, former US Ambassador to India, said India and US have initiated a series of regional dialogues including US-India-Afghanistan bilateral and trilateral meetings and a separate trilateral with Japan. India to play key role in Asian growth: U.S. IANS / The Hindu | April 26th, 2014 “India needs a transparent, straightforward way of attracting foreign investment, offering private capital a way to share in India’s opportunity,” said Nisha Desai Biswal, the US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs. Japan Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh to visit Japan this week Live Mint | April 22nd, 2014 With India looking for $1 trillion in investment for its infrastructure sector, Japan is seen as a natural partner. The nation is already involved in the construction of the $90 billion Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor project. Singapore Singapore always keen to strengthen ties with India: Speaker PTI / Business Standard | April 25th, 2014 Highlighting the two countries' good track record of working closely, country's Parliament speaker Halimah Yacob told members of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) to progress on the past performance. Europe Marines case: Italy to send envoy back to India, mulls international arbitration PTI / The Indian Express | April 25th, 2014 “We are off the bilateral level, to raise the dispute to an international level: we are still willing to talk to the Indians”, said Italian Defence Minister Federica Mogherini adding, “We have no other option than resorting to international arbitration.” India-European Union FTA talks to resume after new government: French Ambassador Francois Richier PTI / The Economic Times | April 23rd, 2014 Richier, who was speaking on the sidelines of an event related to Paris International Auto Show, said French companies have invested around USD 19 billion in total till date in India. Middle East Iran India to make May-July oil payments to Iran: Reports Reuters / The Economic Times | April 24th, 2014As long as Tehran complies with the terms of its preliminary agreement with western powers, which took effect on Jan. 20, Iran receives some of its funds frozen abroad in eight payments from various buyers over six months. Miscellaneous ‘India well-poised to play constructive role in global net governance’ IANS / ABP News | April 24th, 2014Vinay Kwatra, the Indian representative at the Global Multistakeholder Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance pointed out several serious strategic and public policy challenges that the Internet poses. He said there is the apparent inability of the current structures of Internet governance to respond to some of the core and strategic concerns of the member states. *** If you do not want to receive this News Digest, please let us know at this e-mail id:admin@anantacentre.in About Ananta Aspen Centre Ananta Aspen Centre is an independent and not-for-profit organisation that seeks to foster positive change in society through dissemination of knowledge. The Centre facilitates discussions on issues of international significance, values-based leadership and cross-sector outreach by engaging the civil society, government, private sector, and other key stakeholders.

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