India's Foreign Policy - Modi Doctrine and Strategy - Open Discussion

10 December 2016

Mumbai Tarun Bharat  organized an open discussion session based on the book The Modi Doctrine - New Paradigms in India's Foreign Policy. Two editors of the book, Vijay Chautahiwale and Uttam Kumar Sinha participated in the discussion and answered various issues raised by the participants.

I was a participant in the programme. Prof Rahul Deshmukh, Computer Science Department, IIT Bombay was also there. He is working on Indic Wikipedia especially Marathi Wikipedia as a member of the administrative board of Wikipedia, India.

Report on The Programme in Marathi

http://www.mumbaitarunbharat.in/Encyc/2016/12/10/parrashtra-dhornawar-rangla-mukta-sanwad-

Table of Contents of the Book

Foreword | Arun Jaitley | Modi's Foreign Policy as Problem Solving
Modi: A Global Leader But India First
Chapter 1 | The Modi Phenomenon: Rebooting Indian Foreign Policy | Cleo Paskal
Chapter 2 | Harnessing Multilateral Orders to India's Interests and Principles | Ramesh Thakur
Chapter 3 | Diaspora Factor in Modi's Diplomacy | Sreeram Chaulia

Rajmandala of Bilateral and Regional Connect

Chapter 4 | Steady Progress on India–US Security Ties under Modi Government | Lisa Curtis
Chapter 5 | India's Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh: Its Importance and Implications | Tariq A Karim
Chapter 6 | Narendra Modi: The Leader with Clear Vision | Karan Bilimoria
Chapter 7 | India and Sri Lanka: Right Leadership at the Right Time | Asanga Abeyagoonasekera
Chapter 8 | Modi's Modernising Effect: A Perspective from Nepal | Hari Bansh Jha
Chapter 9 | India–Afghanistan Relations: A Review | Shakti Sinha
Chapter 10 | Framework for Sustainable Relationship between Bangladesh and India | Shahab Khan
Chapter 11 | India–Japan Relations on a New High | Takenori Horimoto
Chapter 12 | India–Germany Relationship: Strengthening the Strategic Partnership | Christian Wagner and Gaurav Sharma
Chapter 13 | Modi in Central Asia: Widening Strategic Perimeter | P Stobdan
Chapter  14 | India–Mongolia: Spiritual Neighbours and Strategic Partners | Gonchig Ganbold

Thematically Tied to the World

Chapter 15 | Enhancing Economic and Strategic Space: Key Goals of Prime Minister Modi's Diplomacy | Mukul Asher
Chapter 16 | Cleaning Rivers in India: Experiences from Bavaria/Germany | Martin Grambow, Uttam Kumar Sinha and Hans-Dietrich Uhl
Chapter 17 | Energy Security: A Priority Concern for the Modi Government | Virendra Gupta
Chapter 18 | Modi's Economic Diplomacy: Turning Conventions on their Head | Manoj Ladwa
Chapter 19 | Defence Diplomacy: Good, and Needs to Get Better | Nitin A Gokhale
Chapter 20 | India's NSG Membership Quest: Completely Justified | Satish Chand
Chapter 21 | Modi and India's Civilisational Quest | Anirban Ganguly

Some Observations and Comments on the Essays included in the Book

Chapter 1 | The Modi Phenomenon: Rebooting Indian Foreign Policy | Cleo Paskal

Cleo Paskal is  Associate Fellow at Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs London, UK.  She says “Modi’s foreign policy during his first two years in power has been like getting a master class in geopolitics.” She points out that in Pacific region only two of the 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) have an Indian high commission whereas China has an embassy in every PIC that it has relations with. It shows that density of relationships in the region is low. Unless relationships are established and maintained with key people on the ground,  information flows may be less than complete.”

Chapter 4 | Steady Progress on India–US Security Ties under Modi Government | Lisa Curtis

Lisa Curtis is Senior Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation. She observes that  Modi has pursued a bolder and more innovative foreign policy than his predecessor, Manmohan Singh. She appreciates the fact that this Indian government has established  bonhomie between US and India.



Chapter 5 | India's Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh: Its Importance and Implications | Tariq A Karim

Former ambassador of Bangladesh to India, Tariq A Karim in his essay, explains the significance of providing access to enclaves in normalising  bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh.

Chapter 2 | Harnessing Multilateral Orders to India's Interests and Principles | Ramesh Thakur


Ramesh Thakur is  professor in the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University.
according to him,  India’s long pursuit for the elusive permanent seat at the UN Security Council sis an exercise in futility. Instead of putting more effort to get benefit of funds from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank,  Thakur advises India to  divert  energies to get more financial resources out of G-20 and BRICS.

Chapter 3 | Diaspora Factor in Modi's Diplomacy | Sreeram Chaulia

Sreeram Chaulia is Professor and Executive Director of the Centre for Global Governance and Policy at the OP Jindal Global University. He emphasizes the importance of the diaspora in forging closer Indo-Western ties. He  explains the benefits of Modi's  address to  the big Indian-American crowd at Madison Square.  American Congressmen realised that the mood of Indians in USA is highly positive to Modi. This made them to develop a positive turnaround from the hostility displayed by them earlier.  Modi not only addressed and impressed the educated and affluent Indian in USA and UK, but also understood and addressed the concerns of poorer Indians in Dubai who are looking forward to a better future in Gulf or India under the leadership of the new Prime Minister.

Modi is orienting  the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) towards India’s business interests. The  detractors may question the utility of many foreign tours of Modi. But  takes an extra push by the Prime Minister for change to occur in the IFS officers focus and  purpose.



http://www.spmrf.org/the-modi-doctrine-book-review-a-collectors-item-for-foreign-policy-buffs/

India's Foreign Policy Related Articles, Essays and Blog Posts

2015 - India's Foreign Policy Related Articles, Essays and Blog Posts

Is There a Modi Doctrine
14 June 2015
http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/d3rlEpkYREWBzKlFDrttNO/Is-there-a-Modi-doctrine.html


Modi’s Foreign Policy @365: Course Correction
BROOKINGS INDIA FOREIGN POLICY
July 2015
http://www.brookings.in/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Final-book.pdf

Make in India - District Industries Centres Programmes

DIC, VILUPPURAM, Tamil Nadu


Motivation Campaigns:

District Industries Centre identifies the entrepreneurs and renders all assistances by co-ordinate efforts with line departments to commission the small-scale industrial units chosen by them. The motivation conducted yields the result of desire by changing the students’ population as entrepreneurs. The District Industries Centre, Pudukkottai conducts motivation campaigns in all the Blocks with the assistance of Panchayat Presidents and also for the final year students of colleges of Engineering and Arts, Polytechnics and also Industrial Training Institutes. Likewise seminars on specific areas namely Information technology, silk weaving, etc. are being arranged in co- ordination with the voluntary organisations. The motivation and seminars done at grass root level creates a desire among the student population to choose self-employment opportunity instead of waiting for wage employment.


Enterpreneurship Development Programme for Women:

Government of Tamilnadu has announced a scheme to train 5 Lakhs women in entrepreneurial skills for self-employment. The Tamilnadu Corporation for Development of Women Limited, Department of Industries and Commerce, Tahdco , and Departments of Agriculture, Backward Classes and Rural Development are the implementing agencies of this scheme. The Industries and Commerce Department has been allocated a target of 25,000 women per year for training in 5 years working out to 1,25,000 women in 5 years. This year,  District Industries Centre ,Viluppuram, will impart training for 950 women.

http://www.viluppuram.nic.in/dic.htm

Make in India - Orissa

3 December 2016

2016 November 30 - December 2,  Investor Meet

Investment Intent -  2.03 lakh crores


FOCUS SECTORS:

Chemicals, Petrochemicals and Plastics
Ancillary and Downstream in Metal sector
Textiles and Apparel
Food Processing including Seafood
Electronics Manufacturing and IT
Tourism


What is missing is the infrastructure creation of micro and small industries.



February 2016

The Odisha Investors' Meet organised during Make In India Week in Mumbai from February 13-18, received an overwhelming response.

Odisha garnered investment commitments worth Rs 70,959 crore.

http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/make-in-india-week-odisha-bags-rs-70-959-cr-investment-commitments-116021900702_1.html

Modi's Rs. 500 - 1000 Note Demonetization 2016 - Benefits - Implementation Issues

On 8th November the Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetization of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes. The benefits are immobilizing currency acquired as black money, elimination of counterfeit currency and terrorist funding through black money and counterfeit currency. The nation rose in support even though some political leaders opposed it.

PM Modi's address to the nation on demonetization of Rs. 500 & Rs. 1000 currency notes. (English)
8 November 2016

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Bharatiya Janata Party


Demonetization of Rs. 500 & Rs. 1000 currency notes - PM Modi's Masterstroke Or Mayhem?
NDTV
20 November 2016

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Make in India - Madhya Pradesh

2016 - Make in Madhya Pradesh - Global Investors Summit

22 - 23 October 2016

Focus Sectors

AGRIBUSINESS & FOOD PROCESSING

With average agricultural growth rate of about 20% in the last three years, Madhya Pradesh is the fastest growing major agrarian economy in the country. The progress made by the state in agricultural sector is appreciated and validated by the Central Government – the state has received the prestigious 'Krishi Karman' award for fourth time, in succession.

The state with highest agricultural growth (averaging 20%) in the country, for the last three years
Has been receiving 'Krishi Karman' award for spectacular performance in agricultural production, for the past four years
Leading domestic producer of agricultural resources like Gram (#1), Soybean (#1), Pulses (#1), Wheat (#2), Onion (#2) and Green Peas (#2)
3rd largest producer of milk in the country
With presence of 6 government owned modern food parks and 2 private food parks, Madhya Pradesh provides plug and play facility for food processing companies
Key food processing players operating in the state includes Coca-Cola, Pepsico, Parle Agro, LT Foods, Cadbury, Ruchi Group, Britannia Industries and Balaji Wafers

Investment Opportunities


Investment opportunities exist in trading and processing of agricultural produce. Additionally, opportunities exist in the development of allied infrastructure like food parks, warehouses and cold storages

Policy Highlights

Land allotment at a concessional rate of 25% for MSME units. Stamp duty and registration charges exemption of INR 1 per INR 1,000
Reimbursement at the rate of 15% up to a maximum of INR 50 mn for the expenditure incurred on establishment of food park/mega food park/horticulture hub
Fruits, vegetables, flowers and other notified agriculture produce purchased in any market area of the state for processing/production, is exempt from payment of mandi fee
Subsidized power rates at INR 1.50 per unit subject to a ceiling of 25% of the electric units consumed by Cold Storage, Cold Chamber, Ripening Chamber and Individual Quick Freezing Enterprise, for 5 years

AUTOMOBILE & ENGINEERING

Home to global and Indian multinationals like Volvo, John Deere, Mahindra & Mahindra, Eicher and Force Motors, Madhya Pradesh is one of the most attractive and viable manufacturing locations for automobile and engineering companies, in India.


DEFENCE

With historical ordnance manufacturing sites of Katni, Jabalpur and Itarsi, and presence of companies like BHEL, L&T, Bharat Forge and Punj Lloyd, Madhya Pradesh provides readymade ecosystem for Defence manufacturing.

IT/ITES & ESDM

Madhya Pradesh has adopted a proactive approach in attracting the companies in IT/ ITeS sector. The state government has unveiled two progressive policies specifically for the sector – IT Policy and BPO Policy. Additionally, plug and play infrastructure is available for IT/ ITeS companies across all the four major cities of Madhya Pradesh, namely Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur and Gwalior.


Madhya Pradesh has adopted a proactive approach in attracting companies in IT/ITeS sector
The state government has unveiled two progressive policies specifically for the sector – IT Policy and BPO Policy
Additionally, there is availability of skilled technical manpower – more than 100,000 engineering graduates pass out of the State’s engineering colleges every year
Plug and play infrastructure is available for IT/ ITeS companies across all the four major cities of Madhya Pradesh, namely Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur and Gwalior
Major IT/ ITeS companies operating in the state include Infosys, TCS, AEGIS, CSC, Firstsource and Impetus

Policy Highlights

IT Policy

75% rebate on cost of land for IT parks
Interest subsidy of 5% for 7 years
Capital subsidy of 25%
VAT and CST refund for 10 years
100% stamp duty and registration fee exemption
100% entry tax exemption for 5 years

http://www.investmp.com/it-ites

BPO Policy

Subsidy on telecom infrastructure
Reimbursement of rent


Electronic Manufacturing Clusters in Madhya Pradesh
http://www.mpsedc.com/InvestmentPromotion/Madhya%20Pradesh%20Opens%20Avenues%20for%20EMC.pdf



RENEWABLE ENERGY

Madhya Pradesh is home to Asia's largest solar power plant (135 MW at Neemuch) and soon going to become home to world's largest solar power plant (750 MW at Rewa). The state has a very progressive policy framework for Renewable Energy sector which has resulted in tripling of capacity in the last five years (332 MW to 2,567 MW). Additionally, about 9,000 MW of projects are under construction in the state, in the sector.

PHARMACEUTICALS

With presence of companies like Novartis, TEVA, AkzoNobel, Cipla, Sun Pharma, Glenmark, Lupin, Piramal Healthcare in the state, Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the major pharmaceuticals manufacturing destination in the country.

TEXTILE

With a strong presence of traditional (Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees) and modern textile and handloom base, Madhya Pradesh has the presence of major players in textile and handloom industry which include: Grasim, Raymond, Trident, Vardhman, Nahar, SEL and Pratibha Syntex.


TOURISM

With numerous natural and man-made marvels in the state, Madhya Pradesh offers immense potential for the development of Tourism sector in the state. The state boasts of 25 Sanctuaries, 10 Natural Parks, 6 Project Tiger Reserves, 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 2 Jyotirlingas.


URBAN DEVELOPMENT

With investment plans of INR 75,000 crs in urban infrastructure over next 4 years, Madhya Pradesh offers unmatched business opportunity for urban infrastructure players.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi - Speeches and Interviews in Hindi 2016

Narendra Modi seeks blessings from the people to defeat the menace of corruption.

Asking cooperation from people for 50 days to complete the note change process.
13 November 2016
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PM Modi Inaugurates International Conference & Exhibition on Sugarcane Value Chain in Pune
13 November 2016

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FULL SPEECH: Rs 500, Rs 1,000 notes declared illegal from midnight: PM Modi
8 November 2016
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Interview on 2 September 2016 to Network18

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Bharatiya Janata Party



Independence Day 15 August 2016  Speech by Shri Narendra Modi

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India TV


Townhall Meeting - 6 August 2016

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Bharatiya Janata Party

Updated  13 November 2016,  3 September 2016

Apastamba Grihya Sutras - Part 1

GRIHYA-SUTRA OF  APASTAMBA,

PATALA 1, SECTION 1.

1.  The knowledge of these ceremonies is derived from practice (and not from the Sruti).

2. They should be performed during the northern course of the sun, on days of the first fortnight (of the month), on auspicious days,

3. With the sacrificial cord suspended over (the sacrificer's) left shoulder.

4. (The rites should be performed) from left to right.

5. The beginning should be made on the east side or on the north side,

6. And also the end.

7. Ceremonies belonging to the Fathers (are performed) in the second fortnight (of the month),

8. With the sacrificial cord suspended over the right shoulder,

9. From right to left,

10. Ending in the south.

11. Ceremonies occasioned by special occurrences (are performed) according as their occasions demand.


12. Having set the fire in a blaze, he strews eastward-pointed Darbha grass around it,

13. Or eastward-pointed and northward-pointed (grass);

14. Southward-pointed at sacrifices to the Fathers,

15. Or southward-pointed and eastward-pointed.

16. To the north of the fire he strews Darbha grass and (on that) he places the vessels (required for sacrifice) upside-down, two by two, if referring to ceremonies directed to the gods,

17. All at once, if to men,

18. One by one, if to the Fathers.

19. The preparation of the (blades used as) 'purifiers,' the measure of their length, the preparation of the Prokshanî water, and the sprinkling of the vessels are the same here as at the sacrifices of the new and full moon, (but are performed) in silence.

20.  To the west of the fire he pours water into a vessel over which he has laid (two grass blades called) purifiers, purifies (the water) three times with two northward-pointed purifiers, holds it on a level with his nose and mouth, places it to the north of the fire on Darbha grass, and covers it with Darbha grass.

21. On the south side he causes a Brâhmana to sit down on Darbha grass.

22. He melts the Âgya, pours it, to the west of the fire, into the Âgya-pot, over which he has laid two purifiers, draws coals (out of the sacrificial fire) towards the mirth, puts (the Âgya) on them, throws
light on it by means of a burning (grass-blade), throws two Darbha points into it, moves a firebrand round it three times, takes it from the fire towards the north, sweeps the coals back (into the fire), purifies (the Âgya) three times with two northward-pointed purifiers, moving them backward and forward, and throws the purifiers into the fire.

PATALA 1, SECTION 2.

1. He warms at the fire the implement with which he sacrifices, wipes it off with Darbha blades, warms it again, sprinkles it (with water), puts it down, touches the Darbha blades with water, and throws them into the fire.

2. As paridhis (or pieces of wood laid round the fire) yoke-pins are used at the marriage, the Upanayana, the Samâvartana, the parting of the (wife's) hair, the tonsure of the child's hair, the cutting of the beard, and at expiatory ceremonies.

3. He sprinkles water round the fire, on the south side from west to east with (the words), 'Aditi, give thy consent!' on the west side from south to north with 'Anumati, give thy consent!' on the north side from west to east with 'Sarasvatî [sic], give thy consent!' all around with 'God Sâvitrî, give thy impulse!'

4. At ceremonies belonging to the Fathers (water is sprinkled) only all round (the fire), silently.

5. Having put a piece of wood on the fire, he offers the two Âghâra oblations as at the sacrifices of the new and full moon, silently.

6. Then he offers the two Âgyabhâga oblations, over the easterly part of the northerly part (of the fire) with (the words), 'To Agni Svâhâ!' over the easterly part of the southerly part (another oblation) exactly like the preceding one, with (the words), 'To Soma Svâhâ!'

7. Having offered the chief oblations (belonging to each sacrifice) according to prescription, he adds the following oblations, viz. the Gaya, Abhyâtâna, Râshtrabhrit oblations, the oblation to Pragâpati, the Vyâhritis one by one, the oblation to (Agni) Svishtakrit with (the following formula), 'What I have done too much in this ceremony, or what I have done here too little, all that may Agni Svishtakrit, he who knows, make well sacrificed and well offered. Svâhâ!'

8. The sprinkling (of water) round (the fire is repeated) as above; the Mantras are altered so as to say, 'Thou hast given thy consent,' 'Thou hast given thy impulse.'

9. The designation 'Pâkayagña' is used of ceremonies connected with worldly life.

10. There the ritual based on the Brâhmana (holds good),

11. (To which the words allude), 'He sacrifices twice; he wipes off (his hand) twice; he partakes twice (of the sacrificial food); having gone away he sips (out of the Sruk) and licks off (the Sruk).'

12. All seasons are fit for marriage with the exception of the two months of the sisira season, and of the last summer month.

13. All Nakshatras which are stated to be pure, (are fit for marriage);

14. And all auspicious performances.

15. And one should learn from women what ceremonies (are required by custom).

16. Under the Invakâs (Nakshatra), (the wooers who go to the girl's father) are sent out: such wooers are welcome.

PATALA 1, SECTION 3.

1. 1 Under the Maghâs (Nakshatra) cows are provided;

2. Under the Phalgunî (Nakshatra) marriage is celebrated.

3. 3 A daughter whom he wishes to be dear (to her husband), a father should give in marriage under the Nishtyâ (Nakshatra); thus she becomes dear (to her husband); she does not return (to her father's) house: this is an observance based on a Brâhmana.

4. The word Invakâs means Mrigasiras; the word Nishtyâ means Svâti.

5. 5 At the wedding one cow;

6. In the house one cow:

7. With the (first cow) he should prepare an Argha reception for the bridegroom as for a guest,

8. With the other (the bridegroom [?] should do so) for a person whom he reveres.

9. These are the occasions for killing a cow: (the arrival of) a guest, (the Ashtakâ sacrifice offered to) the Fathers, and marriage.

10. Let (the wooer) avoid in his wooing a girl that sleeps, or cries, or has left home.

11. 11 And let him avoid one who has been given (to another), and who is guarded (by her relations), and one who looks wicked (?), or who is a most excellent one (?), or (who is like the fabulous deer) sarabha (?), a hunch-back, a girl of monstrous appearance, a bald-headed girl, a girl whose skin is like a frog's (?), a girl who has gone over to another family (?), a girl given to sensual pleasures (?), or a herdess, or one who has too many friends, or who has a fine younger sister, or one whose age is too near to that of the bridegroom (?).

12. Girls who have the name of a Nakshatra, or of a river, or of a tree, are objectionable.

13. And all girls in whose names the last letter but one is r or l, one should avoid in wooing.

14. If possible, he should place (the following) objects hidden before the girl, and should say to her, 'Touch (one of these things).'

15. (The objects are), different kinds of seeds mixed together, loose earth from (the kind of sacrificial altar called) vedi, an earth-clod from a field, cow-dung, and an earth-clod from a cemetery.

16. If she touches one of the former (objects, this portends) prosperity as characterized (by the nature of what she has touched).

17. The last is regarded as objectionable.

18. Let him marry a girl of good family and character, with auspicious characteristics, and of good health.

19. Good family, a good character, auspicious characteristics, learning, and good health: these are the accomplishments of a bridegroom.

20. A girl who is pleasing to his mind and his eyes, will bring happiness to him; let him pay no attention to the other things: such is the opinion of some.


http://sacred-texts.com/hin/sbe30/sbe30094.htm

http://sacred-texts.com/hin/sbe30/index.htm