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United News of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
India, Brazil sign agreement on cooperation in combating terrorism and transnational organised crime
New Delhi, July 9 (UNI) India and Brazil have signed several agreements, including one on combating international terrorism and transnational organised crime, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State visit to Brazil, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said today. The agreements aim to enhance cooperation between the two countries in various areas. A Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in renewable energy and another MoU on cooperation for the sharing of successful large-scale digital solutions for digital transformation were also inked, said MEA Secretary (East) P Kumaran, addressing a special press briefing on PM Modi's State Visit to Brazil. After the delegation-level talks, there was a signing and exchange of MoUs and agreements. Three agreements and seven MoUs were signed today and exchanged in front of the President and the Prime Minister. India and Brazil issued a joint statement in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and violent extremism. They emphasized the urgent need for a unified international response, affirming that no justification exists for such heinous acts. In a significant step, both sides welcomed the signing of the Brazil-India Agreement on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime. The leaders also underscored their intent to disrupt terror financing, including through mechanisms such as the United Nations and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). "The leaders called for concerted action against all UN-designated terrorists and terrorist entities, including those listed by the 1267 UNSC Sanctions Committee, such as Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). The leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to continue taking active measures to disrupt terror financing channels, including through the UN and FATF," the joint statement said. Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism, including cross-border terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations. "Both sides stressed the urgent need for a united international response to terrorism and emphasized that such heinous acts have no justification. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate in preventing and combating transnational organized crime and terrorism," the joint statement reads. "In this context, they welcomed the signing of the Brazil-India Agreement on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime. They also praised the adoption of the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime and pledged to support its signing ceremony, scheduled to take place in Hanoi in 2025," it added. An agreement on the Exchange and Mutual Protection of Classified Information and another agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Civil Matters were exchanged between both the sides. Seven Memorandum of Understanding that were signed includes: MoU on Cooperation in Renewable Energy, MoU on Agricultural Research between EMBRAPA and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, MoU on Cooperation for the Sharing of Successful Large-Scale Digital Solutions for Digital Transformation, MoU on Cooperation in the field of Intellectual Property between DPIIT of India and MDIC of Brazil,MoU on Defense Industry Cooperation, MoU on Sports Cooperation. Another MoU on Archival Cooperation was also inked. The leaders directed the relevant government bodies in each country to collaborate with a view to concluding the following bilateral instruments at the earliest opportunity: Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Civil Matters. Both the leaders, in the joint statement, recognised the convergent views and strategic complementarities in defense and security matters between Brazil and India, the leaders welcomed the growing defense cooperation, including participation in joint military exercises and the exchange of high-level defense delegations. "In an increasingly challenging global scenario marked by growing protectionism, the leaders reaffirmed their willingness to deepening bilateral economic and trade relations. Recognizing the huge potential for growth in trade flows between their countries, they agreed to explore commercial and technological complementarities between both countries and to further collaborate, including through bilateral partnerships, in the following key industrial sectors: (i) pharmaceutical industry; (ii) defence equipment; (iii) mining & minerals; and (iv) oil & gas sector, including research, exploration, extraction, refining, and distribution," the joint statement said. The leaders welcomed the increasing bilateral cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, driven by the complementarity between the two countries. They noted with satisfaction the increasing number of Indian pharmaceutical companies with operations in Brazil and further encouraged the establishment of partnerships with Brazilian health and pharmaceutical companies to assist in local production of essential medicines, including generic medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). They also encouraged relevant institutions from both countries to explore joint research and development initiatives to develop new medicines, including for neglected and tropical diseases. They shared the view that further collaboration in pharmaceutical industry will strengthen the health sector in both countries and contribute to building an agenda of equitable access to affordable quality medicines across the Global South. PM Modi state visit to Brazil at the invitation of President Silva reaffirmed the enduring friendship and deepening strategic partnership between both the countries. The leaders' joint vision not only signals a new phase in bilateral ties but also positions India and Brazil as pivotal voices advocating for equity and reform in global governance. UNI AAB GNK 1118
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Business Standard
06-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
'Argentina's lithium reserves of great interest to India', says MEA
The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday emphasised India's great interest in Argentina's lithium reserve, noting Indian public sector companies are "working out the implementation of the investments" in the Latin Amercian country to produce, refine, and export minerals. Addressing a press conference, MEA's Secretary (East) P Kumaran noted the efforts of Coal India Limited and Khanij Bidesh India Limited to pick up critical minerals assets in other countries for India. "Argentina is a part of the Lithium Triangle. It is of great interest to us. We had two Indian public sector companies, Coal India Limited and a consortium called KABIL, which is specifically tasked with picking up critical minerals and assets outside India. They have signed five concession agreements and are working on finalizing investments and working out the implementation of the investments in such a way that minerals can be produced here, refined and taken to India for various purposes and are working on finalising investments to implement them in a manner that allows minerals to be produced, refined, and exported," Kumaran said. #WATCH | Buenos Aires, Argentina: On critical minerals, P Kumaran, Secretary (East) says, "... Argentina is a part of the Lithium Triangle. It is of great interest to us. We had two Indian public sector companies, Coal India Limited and a consortium called KABIL, which is… — ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2025 MEA's Secretary East also noted that two private sector companies owned by Indians have also invested in lithium concession in Argentina and hoped for more cooperation between the two nations. "There are two private sector companies: one from India, called Greenco, and another Indian-owned company based in the UAE, World Metal Alloys, which is also invested in lithium concessions in Argentina. Hopefully, we will have more cooperation in the coming years," Kumaran said. During his visit to Argentina, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed cooperation in the energy and critical minerals sectors with Argentine President Javier Milei, underlining India's growing energy and industrial needs while emphasising that Buenos Aires can serve as a "reliable partner." MEA's Secretary (East) Kumaran emphasised that Argentina's rich reserves of critical minerals, such as lithium, copper, and rare earth elements, align with India's need for its clean energy transition and industrial growth. "The two leaders also had an opportunity to discuss cooperation in the energy and critical mineral sectors. The Prime Minister underlined India's growing energy and industrial needs and emphasised that Argentina could serve as a reliable partner in supporting India's developmental journey," Kumaran said. "Argentina's rich reserves of critical minerals, including lithium, copper and rare earth elements, align with India's need for secure and sustainable resources to drive its clean energy transition and industrial growth," he added. Argentina is the third leg of PM Modi's five-nation tour after Ghana, and Trinidad and Tobago. It will be followed by visits to Brazil and Namibia.


India Gazette
05-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
PM Modi discusses cooperation in critical minerals with Argentina President
Buenos Aires [Argentina], July 6 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed cooperation in the energy and critical minerals sectors with Argentine President Javier Milei, underlining India's growing energy and industrial needs while emphasising that Buenos Aires can serve as a 'reliable partner.' Addressing a briefing after the bilateral meeting between the two leaders, MEA's Secretary (East) P Kumaran emphasised that Argentina's rich reserves of critical minerals, such as lithium, copper, and rare earth elements, align with India's need for its clean energy transition and industrial growth. 'The two leaders also had an opportunity to discuss cooperation in the energy and critical mineral sectors. The Prime Minister underlined India's growing energy and industrial needs and emphasised that Argentina could serve as a reliable partner in supporting India's developmental journey,' Kumaran said. 'Argentina's rich reserves of critical minerals, including lithium, copper and rare earth elements, align with India's need for secure and sustainable resources to drive its clean energy transition and industrial growth,' he added. Kamaran also highlighted that Argentina, with its 2nd-largest shale gas and 4th-largest shale oil reserves, hold 'strong potential to become 'an important energy partner for India.' PM Modi, during the bilateral meeting, also highlighted India's strength in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, offering Argentina to increase cooperation in the sector by moving India from Annexe II to Annexe I of Argentina's pharmaceutical regulatory framework to facilitate smoother entry of Indian pharmaceutical products into the Argentine market. According to Argentina's pharmaceutical regulatory framework, countries are divided into two annexes. Countries on Annexe I usually have a smoother path into the Argentine market. 'Prime Minister highlighted India's strength in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, particularly the capacity to produce high-quality, affordable medicines. He discussed the possibility of India being moved from Annexe II to Annexe I of Argentina's pharmaceutical regulatory framework, which would facilitate smoother entry of Indian pharmaceutical products into the Argentine market. The Argentine side updated the Indian delegation on the fast-track approval process available for the import of Indian medicines,' P Kumaran said. 'The Indian side mentioned that this would significantly benefit the people of Argentina by improving access to affordable and life-saving medicine and reduce the cost of healthcare in Argentina,' he added. Argentina is the third leg of PM Modi's five-nation tour after Ghana, and Trinidad and Tobago. It will be followed by visits to Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit and to Namibia. (ANI)


India Gazette
05-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
PM Modi discusses cooperation in critical minerals with Argentina: MEA
Buenos Aires [Argentina], July 6 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed cooperation in the energy and critical minerals sectors with Argentine President Javier Milei, underlining India's growing energy and industrial needs while emphasising that Buenos Aires can serve as a 'reliable partner.' Addressing a briefing after the bilateral meeting between the two leaders, MEA's Secretary (East) P Kumaran emphasised that Argentina's rich reserves of critical minerals, such as lithium, copper, and rare earth elements, align with India's need for its clean energy transition and industrial growth. 'The two leaders also had an opportunity to discuss cooperation in the energy and critical mineral sectors. The Prime Minister underlined India's growing energy and industrial needs and emphasised that Argentina could serve as a reliable partner in supporting India's developmental journey,' Kumaran said. 'Argentina's rich reserves of critical minerals, including lithium, copper and rare earth elements, align with India's need for secure and sustainable resources to drive its clean energy transition and industrial growth,' he added. Kamaran also highlighted that Argentina, with its 2nd-largest shale gas and 4th-largest shale oil reserves, hold 'strong potential to become 'an important energy partner for India.' PM Modi, during the bilateral meeting, also highlighted India's strength in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, offering Argentina to increase cooperation in the sector by moving India from Annexe II to Annexe I of Argentina's pharmaceutical regulatory framework to facilitate smoother entry of Indian pharmaceutical products into the Argentine market. According to Argentina's pharmaceutical regulatory framework, countries are divided into two annexes. Countries on Annexe I usually have a smoother path into the Argentine market. 'Prime Minister highlighted India's strength in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, particularly the capacity to produce high-quality, affordable medicines. He discussed the possibility of India being moved from Annexe II to Annexe I of Argentina's pharmaceutical regulatory framework, which would facilitate smoother entry of Indian pharmaceutical products into the Argentine market. The Argentine side updated the Indian delegation on the fast-track approval process available for the import of Indian medicines,' P Kumaran said. 'The Indian side mentioned that this would significantly benefit the people of Argentina by improving access to affordable and life-saving medicine and reduce the cost of healthcare in Argentina,' he added. Argentina is the third leg of PM Modi's five-nation tour after Ghana, and Trinidad and Tobago. It will be followed by visits to Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit and to Namibia. (ANI)


Malaysia Sun
02-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
MEA Secy P Kumaran meets Singapore Foreign Affairs Permanent Secy Luke Goh
New Delhi [India], July 2 (ANI): Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) P Kumaran on Wednesday met with Luke Goh, Permanent Secretary (Development) for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, in New Delhi The meeting focused on reviewing ongoing bilateral cooperation, including initiatives in priority areas, for further strengthening the India-Singapore partnership. 'Secretary(East) P. Kumaran met Mr. Luke Goh, Permanent Secretary (Development) @MFAsg Today in New Delhi. The two sides reviewed ongoing bilateral cooperation, including initiatives in priority areas, for further strengthening the India-Singapore partnership,' Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiwal wrote on X. The year 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. To commemorate this special occasion, President Droupadi Murmu and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam unveiled a joint logo in New Delhi on January 16, as stated by the MEA. The joint logo incorporates elements: colours from the Indian and Singaporean National flags, the Lotus (National flower of India) & Orchid (National flower of Singapore), and the number 60, highlighting the significant milestone of the 60th anniversary. Overall, the logo reads 'India Singapore 60 years of diplomatic relations'. According to MEA, the placement of these elements symbolises the enduring friendship, mutual trust and shared values between the two countries. India-Singapore cooperation has deepened and diversified over the years. Our bilateral ties are characterised by strengthening political, defence, economic, cultural, educational and people-to-people contacts. 'We share warm and friendly relations, which have provided a firm basis for our expanding cooperation in the fields of advanced manufacturing, connectivity, digitisation, healthcare and medicine, sustainability, and education and skills development,' MEA noted. Singapore is a key pillar of India's Act East Policy and our vision of the Indo-Pacific. For the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, several commemorative events are being planned that reflect the significance India and Singapore attach to the bilateral partnership. (ANI)