Month: April 2025

Source: Government of India

Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal Visits Netherlands to Strengthen Bilateral Trade and Economic Partnership

Commerce Secretary Engages with Port of Rotterdam Authority, Explores Green and Digital Corridor Cooperation to Boost Maritime and Trade Ties

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 11:17AM by PIB Delhi

Commerce Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India,Shri Sunil Barthwal, visited the Netherlands from 24–26 April 2025 to advance bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and the Netherlands. The visit underlined India’s commitment to strengthening its economic engagement with the Netherlands, a key European partner. During his visit, Mr. Barthwal engaged in high-level discussions, industry interactions and toured places of economic importance.

The visit of the Commerce Secretary yielded several tangible outcomes. It reinforced the strategic importance of the India-Netherlands partnership in addressing global economic challenges and fostering innovation-driven growth. The discussions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Affairs laid the groundwork for enhanced collaboration through institutional mechanisms like the JTIC. The CEOs Roundtable fostered new business connections, with Dutch companies expressing keen interest in India’s growing market and investment opportunities. The engagements at the Port of Rotterdam and ASML opened new avenues for cooperation in maritime infrastructure and semiconductors, aligning with India’s economic priorities. Commerce Secretary Barthwal’s visit has injected fresh momentum into India Netherlands partnership, setting the stage for deeper economic collaboration.

Mr. Barthwal commenced his visit with a productive discussion with Mr. Michiel Sweers, Director General for Foreign Economic Relations, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in The Hague. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties, inter alia, through setting up of the Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) mechanism.  Further, the meeting covered diverse issues of bilateral trade and economic relationship, advancing strategic economic cooperation, fostering policy alignment, and addressing trade barriers to facilitate smoother market access for Indian and Dutch businesses. The dialogue reaffirmed the shared commitment to creating a conducive environment for trade and investment, leveraging the complementary strengths of both economies.

A highlight of the visit was the CEOs Round-table Conference organized by the Embassy of India. Attended by approximately 40 representatives from leading Dutch and Indian companies, as well as business chambers and trade organizations, the round-table facilitated discussions on trade opportunities, challenges and actionable solutions. Participants offered valuable suggestions, with the Government of India and the Embassy pledging to address concerns. The Conference provided a platform for industry leaders to share insights, explore synergies, and identify opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, logistics, waste management and urban development. Mr. Barthwal emphasized India’s ambitious economic reforms, including initiatives to boost manufacturing, exports and ease of doing business, which resonated strongly with Dutch stakeholders. The Roundtable also featured the showcasing of One District One Product (ODOP) handicrafts by the Embassy, celebrating India’s rich artisanal heritage. The subsequent networking session acted as a platform for corporate leaders and trade bodies to forge meaningful connections, with Commerce Secretary Barthwal and Ambassador Tuhin actively engaging the participants.

Mr. Barthwal visited the Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest and one of the world’s most advanced ports. Received by Mr. Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, at the World Port Center, Mr. Barthwal held in-depth discussions on enhancing cooperation between the Indian ports and Rotterdam. The talks explored opportunities for knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and sustainable port management practices. A tour of the port facilities, including the fully automated APM Terminals at Maasvlakte II, provided insights into Rotterdam’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and operational efficiencies. Mr. Barthwal highlighted the potential for collaboration in modernizing Indian ports, aligning with India’s Maritime Vision 2030, which aims to enhance port capacity and logistics efficiency. Both sides expressed interest in deepening ties through joint initiatives in port digitalization, green shipping, and logistics optimization, which are critical to boosting bilateral trade flows. The visit laid the groundwork for setting up of a Green and Digital Corridor between the Port of Rotterdam and Indian ports like the Deendayal Port Authority Kandla, and export of Green Hydrogen and carriers like Ammonia and Methanol from India to Europe, with the Port of Rotterdam acting as a gateway to Europe.

Later, Mr. Barthwal traveled to Veldhoven to visit the headquarters of ASML, a global leader in photolithography systems for the semiconductor industry. In a productive meeting with ASML’s CEO, Mr. Christophe Fouquet, Mr. Barthwal discussed deepening India-Netherlands cooperation in the semiconductor sector. The discussions focused on leveraging ASML’s expertise to support India’s ambitions to become a global semiconductor manufacturing hub, as outlined in the India Semiconductor Mission.  Mr. Barthwal emphasized India’s robust policy framework to attract investments in semiconductors, including production-linked incentives and infrastructure development. The engagement with ASML highlighted India’s interest in fostering innovation and building a resilient semiconductor ecosystem, with the Netherlands as a key partner.

     

Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Shri Saket Kumar, who accompanied Commerce Secretary, met Mr. Tjerk Opmeer, Deputy Director General for Enterprise and Innovation, at the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs in The Hague. The discussions centered on fostering innovation-driven partnerships, particularly in technology and startup ecosystems. Both sides committed to deepening collaboration in the startups and innovation ecosystem through mutual efforts under the Indo-Dutch Startup Link. The meeting also explored collaboration in entrepreneurship, tech exchange and space cooperation. These engagements highlighted India’s growing role as a hub for innovation and the Netherlands’ expertise in cutting-edge technologies, paving the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation.

              

 ***

Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan

(Release ID: 2125060) Visitor Counter : 35

Source: Government of India

Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal Engages with Croatian Counterparts to Strengthen Bilateral Economic Cooperation

India and Croatia Discuss Collaboration in Railways, EVs, Defence, Healthcare,  Renewable Energy, and Food Processing Sectors

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 11:16AM by PIB Delhi

Commerce Secretary, Government of India, Shri Sunil Barthwal, visited the Republic of Croatia from 22–23 April 2025, where he held bilateral discussions with Mr. Zdenko Lucić, State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and Mr. Ivo Milatić, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy. The meetings focused on advancing India-Croatia trade and investment relations, promoting sectoral collaboration, and reinforcing India’s engagement with the Central European region.

During the meeting with Mr. Zdenko Lucić, State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development,discussions centered around taking forward the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and enhancing bilateral trade cooperation.The discussions focused on taking forward the EU-India FTA and strengthening bilateral trade relations. The Commerce Secretary mentioned the visit of EU President and 27 Commissioners to India as the first visit of the College of Commissioners outside the European continent since the start of their new mandate and also the first such visit in the history of India-EU bilateral ties. Commerce Secretary mentioned about the areas of collaboration between the two countries like Railways, Global Capability Centers, Electric Vehicles, IT etc. Croatian side apprised about their interest of investment in Defence sector (about flagship products of India), solar cells production, food processing technology, Automobiles, knowledge sharing amongst other sectors.

In the meeting of Commerce Secretary with Mr. Ivo Milatić, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy, discussion was focused on promoting investment flows, and enhancing cooperation across key sectors including Healthcare, Education, Tourism, Entertainment (mentioned about WAVES summit), Supply-Chain integration, Logistics, Transports, Pharmaceuticals, Digital Technology, Renewable Energy and Manufacturing. For the 3^rd Session of Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation which is due, both sides exchanged their views on improving the work of the commission with more frequent meetings and directly connecting the entrepreneurs of both the countries for a stronger and faster progress.

The Commerce Secretary also participated in a business interaction event “Exploring Economic Cooperation Opportunities between India and Croatia” organized by the Croatian Chamber of Economy (CCE), where he met with the heads of various industry associations and leading Croatian business representatives. A presentation on the Croatian Economy, the trade and investment relations between India and Croatia and Industries potential on key sectors of mutual interest was shown. The event provided a platform to explore opportunities for collaboration, address trade facilitation measures, and promote mutual business interests. Successful business cases of Croatian Companies in the Indian Market were also presented.

The visit reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening engagement with the Central European region and underscored the shared interest in expanding commercial partnerships between Indian and Croatian enterprises.

***

Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan

(Release ID: 2125059) Visitor Counter : 32

Source: Government of India

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) takes suo moto cognizance against 5 Delhi Restaurants for non-refund of Service Charge

National Consumer Helpline (NCH) receives complaints against the Restaurants regarding mandatory levy of Service Charge and non-refund of Service Charge Amount

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 9:53AM by PIB Delhi

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken suo moto action against five restaurants — Makhna Deli, Xero Courtyard, Castle Barbeque, Chaayos, and Fiesta by Barbeque Nation for failing to refund mandatory service charges despite judgment held by Hon’ble High Court of Delhi. Notices have been issued under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, directing the restaurants to refund the service charge amounts.

This measure is aimed at reducing the undue pressure on Consumers to pay additional amount at the time of availing services at any Restaurant as no Hotel or Restaurant shall force a consumer to pay Service Charge or Service Charge shall not be collected from consumers by any other name.

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued guidelines on 04.07.2022 to curb unfair trade practices and protect consumer interests regarding service charges in hotels and restaurants. The guidelines stipulate that:

1. No hotels or restaurant shall add service charge automatically or by default in the food bill.
2. No collection of service charge shall be done by any other name.
3. No hotel or restaurant shall force a consumer to pay service charge and shall clearly inform the consumer that service charge is voluntary, optional and at consumer’s discretion.
4. No restriction on entry or provision of services based on collection of service charge shall be imposed on consumers.
5. Service charge shall not be collected by adding it along with the food bill and levying GST on the total amount.

On 28.03.2025, the Delhi High Court upheld the CCPA guidelines on service charges. Subsequently, it came to the notice of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), through complaints received on the National Consumer Helpline (1915), that grievances had been registered alleging that certain restaurants continued to impose a mandatory service charge without obtaining prior consent from consumers, thereby disregarding consumer rights and indulged in unfair trade practices as per the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) was established under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Its primary mandate is to regulate matters related to the violation of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and false or misleading advertisements that are detrimental to the interests of the public and consumers at large.

***

Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

(Release ID: 2125045) Visitor Counter : 120

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 2:20PM by PIB Delhi

Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs  chaired an internal review meeting on PMJVK projects to assess progress of the scheme and address challenges. The meeting focused on ensuring wider outreach and effective implementation of PMJVK across India. The Secretary directed the officials to enhance and improve the scheme further.

***

 

SS/ISA

(Release ID: 2125118) Visitor Counter : 104

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 2:18PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju extended his heartfelt wishes to all 1,22,518 pilgrims undertaking the sacred Haj  journey . The first flights took off with  288 pilgrims from Lucknow and 262 pilgrims from Hyderabad. In his X post, the Union Minister tweeted that under the leadership of Prime Minister , Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India remains committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless Haj pilgrimage. He also prayed for a safe, blessed and spiritually enriching pilgrimage.

 

***

SS/ISA

(Release ID: 2125117) Visitor Counter : 116

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 2:16PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today extended his congratulations to Mr. Mark Carney on his election as the Prime Minister of Canada and to the Liberal Party on their victory. He highlighted the shared democratic values, unwavering commitment to the rule of law, and vibrant people-to-people ties that bind India and Canada together. 

In a post on X, he wrote:

“Congratulations @MarkJCarney on your election as the Prime Minister of Canada and to the Liberal Party on their victory. India and Canada are bound by shared democratic values, a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, and vibrant people-to-people ties. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our partnership and unlock greater opportunities for our people.”

 

 

***

MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2125115) Visitor Counter : 40

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal and Chief Minister of Rajasthan Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma reviewed Centrally Funded urban development schemes in Jaipur today

Proper assessment of expenditure and cost should be done in Metro Phase-2 project to provide better facilities can also be provided to the general public : Shri Bhajan Lal

Posted On: 29 APR 2025 1:55PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, GoI, Sh. Manohar Lal and Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Sh. Bhajan Lal Sharma held a review meeting of all the Centrally Funded Projects in Rajasthan related to urban development, at the Chief Minister’s residence in Jaipur today.

He reviewed the development, expansion and financial model of important projects related to the development of Rajasthan, funded by the Centre, such as Swachh Bharat Mission, PM e-Bus Service, Jaipur Metro Rail, Amrit Mission 2.0, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Sh. Sharma said that proper assessment of expenditure and cost should be done in Metro Phase-2 project and other important projects so that along with the proper utilization of financial resources,  better facilities can also be provided to the general public.

He also said that Rajasthan is a historic and rapidly growing state where important works are being done for urban development with the support of the Centre. He gave guidelines for planning and their proper implementation keeping in mind the future needs and facilities of the common man.

Senior officials of the Government of India and Rajasthan Government were also present on this occasion. The officers gave a detailed presentation to the Hon’ble Union Minister and Hon’ble Chief Minister regarding all the important Urban Development Projects.

***

SK

(Release ID: 2125110) Visitor Counter : 65