1) India, China move closer to set up military hotline
- According to the Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parikar, India and China have moved closer to establishing a telephone hotline between the Armies of the two nations.
- Parikar informed the top Naval Commanders at their Biannual conference in Delhi was his first since he returned from his 5 day visit of China and his talks with the Chinese political leadership.
- Parrikar also said that the Chinese and Indian sides have agreed to increase the frequency and points of Border Personnel meeting between India and China at the disputed Line of Actual Control. He said that India`s concern including the Veto by China on the UN resolution against Jaishe e Mohammeed Chief Maulana Masood Azhar were conveyed with clarity and firmness.
2) India, China agree to establish army hot-line
- India and China have agreed to establish hot-line between their armed forces. Replying to a media query on the recently concluded Special Representatives level talks in Beijing between the two countries, According to the External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup, modalities to set up the hot-line will be worked out. He said, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval participated in the 19th round of talks.
- He said, the discussion focused on efforts to find out a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary issue and maintenance of peace and tranquility on the borders.
- He said, it was noted in the meeting that no major incidents have taken place during the recent pasts. Mr Swarup said, the NSA also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interests.
3) India, Maldives should work together against terrorism, radicalisation: PM Modi
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 11th April said security agencies of India and Maldives need to work together to tackle the menace of terrorism and rising radicalisation of youth.
- After holding talks with visiting Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom in New Delhi, Mr Modi said, India is conscious of security needs of Maldives and it hopes that the island nation will be sensitive to New Delhi`s strategic and security interests.
- Mr Modi said, India understands its role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean and is ready to protect its strategic interests in the region. Mr Modi said, stable and secure Maldive is in India’s strategic interest. He said, progress, security and economic development is at the core of India-Maldives relations.
- He said, India`s economic development is incomplete without progress of its neighbours.
- In his statement, Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said, his country pursues an India first foreign policy and India is the most important friend of Maldives. He said, ties between the two nations are based in civilizational roots. The Maldivian President said, efforts are being made to improve country`s economy.
- Earlier, the two countries signed six agreements in different sectors including avoidance of double taxation, defence, tourism and conservation and restoration of ancient mosque.
- In the talks it was agreed that India will set up a police academy, build the Defence Ministry building of Maldives besides speeding up infrastructure projects relating to security. India will also extend all possible assistance to the island nation, including in maritime sphere and capacity building of armed forces.
4) India, US agree on logistics exchange agreement
- India and the US on 12th April agreed in principle to conclude a logistics exchange agreement to enable both militaries to use each other`s assets and bases for repair and replenishment of supplies.
- After delegation-level talks in New Delhi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and visiting US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter made it clear that the agreement, which will be signed in coming months, does not entail deployment of American troops on Indian soil.
- Both sides also agreed to set up a new bilateral Maritime Security Dialogue between officials from their defence and foreign affairs ministries. They also decided to enhance on-going navy-to-navy discussions to cover submarine-related issues.
- During their meeting, the two leaders reviewed the important steps taken since the signing of the new Framework for the U.S.-India Defense Relationship last June to deepen bilateral defence ties. They also discussed the priorities for the coming year in defence ties, as well as specific steps both sides will take to pursue those priorities.
- These included expanding collaboration under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative, Make in India efforts, the knowledge partnership in the field of defence and regional and international security matters of mutual interest.
5) India, Germany sign pact on Ganga Rejuvenation
- An Implementation Agreement for Ganga Rejuvenation under the Namami Gange Programme was signed in New Delhi on 13th April between the Ministry of Water Resources and German International Cooperation (GIZ) of Germany.
- The agreement was signed in the presence of the German Ambassador to India, Dr. Martin Ney and Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources Shashi Shekhar.
- The objective of the agreement is to enable responsible stakeholders at National and State level to apply integrated river basin management approach for the rejuvenation of the river Ganga.
- This will be based on Indo-German Knowledge exchange and practical experience on strategic river basin management issues, effective data management system and public engagement.
- The project will closely cooperate with other national and international initiatives including Indo-German bilateral projects like Support to National Urban Sanitation Policy (SNUSP) and ‘Sustainable Environment-friendly Industrial Production’ (SEIP).
- The project duration is three years from 2016 to 2018 and the German contribution in the project will be to the tune of 22.5 crore rupees. Initial actions will focus on Uttarakhand with scope of expansion to other upstream Ganga States. The ultimate goal is to adopt the successful river basin management strategies used for Rhine and Danube and replicate the same, wherever possible for attaining the pristine status of river Ganga.