Seventh India-EU Cyber Dialogue

The Seventh India-EU Cyber Dialogue was held recently.

About Seventh India-EU Cyber Dialogue:-

Date: 05 October 2023.

Venue: Brussels, Belgium.

In the context of the vibrant Strategic Partnership between India and the EU, the two sides expressed appreciation for the Cyber Dialogue mechanism.

Objective: to provide a platform to discuss a wide range of issues related to cyberspace.

Both sides exchanged views on cyber policies, strategies, and areas of mutual interest.

They discussed cyber cooperation in multilateral fora, including at the United Nations, and in regional settings, including at OSCE, ARF, and G20.

They also discussed cooperation in promoting capacity building in cyberspace and combating the criminal use of ICTs.

About India-EU Relations:-

The EU is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe.

The union and EU citizenship were established when the Maastricht Treaty came into force in 1993.

India was one of the first countries to establish relations with the European Economic Community in the 1960s.

The retreat of the U.S. from global leadership has provided opportunities for EU-India cooperation.

Political Cooperation:-

2000: The first India-EU Summit was held in 2000 which marked a watershed in the development of the relationship.

2004: The relationship was upgraded to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ during the 5th India-EU Summit held in 2004.

2018: the EU’s strategy on India entitled “A Partnership for Sustainable Modernization and Rules-based Global Order” was issued by the European Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Trade:-

India is an important trade and investment partner for the EU. (India-EU: Trade talks)

It is the second-largest destination for Indian exports after the United States.

India’s bilateral trade with the EU amounted to USD 116.36 billion in 2021-22.

Despite the global disruptions, bilateral trade achieved impressive annual growth of 43.5% in 2021-22.

The trade agreement with the EU would help India further expand and diversify its exports of goods and services, including securing the value chains.

Defense & Security:-

EU and India have instituted several mechanisms for greater cooperation on pressing security challenges like counterterrorism, maritime security, and nuclear non-proliferation.

Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region in New Delhi (IFC-IOR) has recently been linked up with the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) established by the EU Naval Force (NAVFOR).

Challenges:-

Deadlock over BTIA: The negotiations for a Broad-based Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) were held between 2007 to 2013 but have remained dormant/suspended since then.

EU primarily remains a trade bloc: This has resulted in a lack of substantive agreements on matters such as regional security and connectivity.

China’s influence: The EU has a high dependence on the Chinese market.

It is a major partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Ukrainian war: EU expects India to criticize Russia.

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Recent studies show that Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is losing its distinctive grasses & and hornbills to erratic weather.

Background:-

Rising temperature, and changing rainfall patterns may have affected the growth of plants essential to the native ecosystem.

About Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary:-

Location: Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka.

Area: 16 square kilometers.

The Dandeli sanctuary covers part of the rich forests of the Uttara Kannada District.

It lies on the banks of the river Kali.

The Kali River or Kaali Nadi is a river flowing through Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state in India.

The river rises near Kushavali, a small village in Uttar Kannada district.

Mouth: Arabian Sea.

The Kali exits at Supa Dam near Kurandi then flows east towards Dandeli.

In the jungles of Dandeli, one can spot several animals as well as birds including many endangered species.

The government declared the Dandeli forest, a National Wildlife Sanctuary in 1956.

This sanctuary is the second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka.

Along with its adjoining Anshi National Park, Dandeli is an abode of 40 tigers.

Cultural attractions: Kavala caves, Magod Falls, Molangi Falls, Syntheri Rock, Shivaji Fort.

Flora: Eucalyptus, Tectona grandis, Grevillea robusta, T. bellerica, Adina cordifolia, Mitragyna parviflora, Acacia etc.

Fauna: Malabar Giant Squirrel or Ratufa Indica, Barking Deer, Gaur, Indian Pangolin, tigers, flycatchers, woodpeckers, etc.

SAMPRITI-XI

The 11th edition of the Exercise SAMPRITI, began recently.

About SAMPRITI-XI:-

Date: October 3, 2023.

Venue: Umroi, Meghalaya, India.

SAMPRITI, was initiated in 2009.

Objective: to boost interoperability, share tactical expertise, and promote best practices between the Indian and Bangladeshi armies.

It is an annual joint military exercise, between India and Bangladesh.

This exercise, alternates between the two nations.

It highlights the strong bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries. (Maitri Diwas)

SAMPRITI-XI is scheduled for a duration of 14 days.

It will involve approximately 350 personnel from both India and Bangladesh.

Focus: enhancing cooperation and interoperability while conducting Sub-Conventional Operations as per Chapter VII of the UN mandate.

It consists of a Command Post Exercise (CPX), a Field Training Exercise (FTX), and a Validation Exercise.

National Investment and Infrastructure Fund

Recently, the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund has unveiled a $600 m India-Japan Fund.

Background:-

The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund has entered into a collaboration with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to unveil a $600 million India-Japan Fund.

About National Investment and Infrastructure Fund:-

Establishment: 2015.

Objective: to maximize economic impact, especially by infrastructure investment in commercially viable projects.

NIIF is India’s first sovereign wealth fund set up by the government of India.

The Indian government has a 49% stake in NIIF with the rest held by foreign and domestic investors.

NIIF currently manages three funds each with its distinctive investment mandate.

The funds are registered as Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

It has been incorporated as a company under the Companies Act, 2013, duly authorized to act as investment manager of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund.

Governance:-

NIIF has a Governing Council, which is chaired by the Hon’ble Finance Minister of India.

It comprises of eminent members from corporates, investments, and policy sectors.

The Governing Council meets annually and provides guidance on the overall strategy of NIIF.

Functions:-

Fund raising through suitable instruments including off-shore credit enhanced bonds, and attracting anchor investors to participate as partners in NIIF.

Servicing of the investors of NIIF.

Considering and approving candidate companies/institutions/ projects (including state entities) for investments and periodic monitoring of investments.

Investing in the corpus created by Asset Management Companies (AMCs) for investing in private equity.

Preparing a shelf of infrastructure projects and providing advisory services.