PM meets high-powered delegation from Keizai Doyukai to discuss about deepening economic cooperation between India and Japan PM highlights the Japan Plus system developed in India, to facilitate and fast-track Japanese investments in India
India’s governance is policy-driven, and the government is committed to ensuring a transparent and predictable environment : PM
India’s youth, skilled workforce, and low-cost labor make it an attractive destination for manufacturing: PM
Given India’s vast diversity, the country will play a major role in the AI landscape: PM
The delegation expressed support and commitment to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047
Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 8:17PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received a high-powered delegation from Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives) led by Mr. Takeshi Niinami, Chairperson of Keizai Doyukai, and 20 other Business delegates to hear their views and ideas to deepen economic cooperation between India and Japan at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, earlier today.
The discussion covered strengthening bilateral trade, enhancing investment opportunities, and fostering collaboration in key sectors such as Agriculture, Marine Products, Space, Defence, Insurance, Technology, Infrastructure, Civil aviation, Clean energy, Nuclear Energy and MSME partnership.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership and reaffirmed India’s determination to provide a business-friendly environment. He highlighted the Japan Plus system developed in India, to facilitate and fast-track Japanese investments in India. He further emphasized that there should be no ambiguity or hesitation for investors. India’s governance is policy-driven, and the government is committed to ensuring a transparent and predictable environment.
Prime Minister spoke about the immense scale of growth of aviation sector in the country. He also mentioned that India is also working towards building significant infrastructure, including the construction of new airports and the expansion of logistics capabilities.
Prime Minister said that given India’s vast diversity, the country will play a major role in the AI landscape. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with those involved in AI, encouraging them to partner with India.
Prime Minister also highlighted that India is making significant strides in the field of green energy, having launched a mission focused on biofuels. He said that the agricultural sector, in particular, stands to benefit from biofuels as an important value addition.
Prime Minister talked about opening up of insurance sector and about ever widening opportunities in cutting edge sectors in space and nuclear energy.
The Keizai Doyukai delegation, comprising senior business leaders from Japan, shared their plans for India. They also expressed interest in exploiting complementarities between India and Japan in human resource and skill development. Both sides expressed optimism about future collaborations and looked forward to deepening business and investment ties in the years ahead.
Niinami Takeshi, Representative Director, President & CEO, Suntory Holdings Ltd appreciated the thriving relations between India and Japan under PM Modi. He said he sees huge opportunity for Japan to invest in India. He emphasized on the vision of PM Modi of Make in India, Make for the World.
Tanakaa Shigehiro, Corporate Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Government Affairs Officer, NEC Corporation remarked that PM Modi explained very clearly his vision and expectations for Japanese industry to invest in India.
The meeting underscored Japanese business’ support and commitment to the vision for Viksit Bharat @2047 in a meaningful and mutually beneficial manner.
MeitY secretary inaugurates India’s first Nano Electronics Roadshow in IISC Bengaluru; 7 colleges showcase 0ver 100 intellectual properties (IPs) and more than 50 technologies MeitY leading India’s semiconductor surge with innovation, 85,000 Skilled workforce amnd $100 Billion market by 2030: Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in partnership with IISc Bengaluru, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Guwahati, successfully hosted India’s first Nano Electronics Roadshow on March 27, 2025, at the National Science Seminar Complex, IISc Bengaluru. The Roadshow was inaugurated by Shri S Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, along with Shri Abhishek Singh, Addl. Secretary, MeitY
India’s vision of a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem
This marked a significant milestone in India’s vision of a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem. The roadshow showcased over 100 intellectual properties (IPs), more than 50 groundbreaking technologies, and the innovation of over 35 promising startups—all backed by six state-of-the-art nanoelectronics centers across the country.
Taking forward Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s clarion call for Atmanirbhar Bharat, the conference highlighted India’s technological leadership in the electronics and semiconductor domain, driven by cutting-edge research and innovation at Nano Centers established by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology within the IISc and IIT ecosystem. The roadshow served as a platform for over 700 industry leaders, policymakers, and academics to explore areas of collaboration around strategies for strengthening India’s nanoelectronics ecosystem.
India’s Semiconductor Future
Addressing the gathering, Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY underscored the critical role of MeitY’s Nano Centers in fostering innovation and talent development to build a semiconductor-ready workforce of 85,000 professionals. He emphasized that the event represents a significant initiative by the ministry and the Government of India, symbolizing convergence and fostering industry-academia collaboration, with the government playing a catalytic role in shaping India’s technological and industrial future. “A key focus of the ministry is aligning various efforts to advance the India Semiconductor Mission, one of the world’s most extensive subsidy and grant programs. With nearly 70-75% of investments in major semiconductor facilities coming from taxpayer money, every Indian is a stakeholder in this mission. Infact, 20% of the workforce in semiconductor design is in India. Ensuring its success is a collective responsibility shared by the government, industry, and academia.” He further added, “India’s semiconductor demand, currently at $45-50 billion, is expected to reach $100-110 billion by 2030.”
Diving into the vision and significance of the Roadshow, Shri Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY, highlighted the revolution technology has been bringing in all our lives and how the whole world of technology is shrinking. Commenting on the industry-academia collaboration, he added, “Under the India AI mission, through the INUP program and other initiatives, startups, entrepreneurs, and researchers are solving real-world problems, driving India to the forefront of cutting-edge technology. Together, with the pioneering efforts of institutions like IISc, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and others, we are building an ecosystem that ensures India remains a leader in this revolution.”
Research meets real-world innovation
The Nano Centers established by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology at IISc and IITs are driving India’s edge in the deep-tech race, fostering breakthrough technologies and strategic advancements. At the Nano Electronics Roadshow held at IISc Bengaluru, these academic hubs demonstrated their impact by bridging research with real-world applications, featuring 48 cutting-edge tech demos presented by students from the Nano Centers.
The event not only served as a platform for pivotal industry dialogues but also emerged as a hub for collaboration between the startup ecosystem and academia. This synergy aimed to accelerate the journey of cutting-edge technologies from labs to consumers’ reach. It also facilitated the signing of 4 MoUs between the academia and the industry, driving partnerships and technological advancements- IISc with KAS Technologies and Antigone Solutions Private Limited, Center for Nano Science and Engineering with India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA), and Madnani Chemdist Novatech LLP with Primary Healthtech Private Limited.
The roadshow represents a significant step forward in India’s semiconductor journey, showcasing the latest breakthroughs in chip design, fabrication, and nanoelectronics. Alongside, it also recognized and rewarded the innovative startups, celebrated for their exceptional contributions and transformative work in the sector. With this, we witnessed many startups coming forward and demonstrating technology that can revolutionize the Indian tech ecosystem. This event holds great significance in the semiconductor domain, as it paves the way for the development of more indigenous technologies aimed at addressing critical societal challenges.
Bringing together government officials, industry leaders, researchers, and startups, the event served as a catalyst to shape India’s next big leap in technology and innovation.
Utpal Shah, SVP, Tata Electronics; Anand Ramamoorthy, Micron; Govindan Rangarajan, Director, IISc; and Juzer Vasi, IIT Bombay. Other prominent dignitaries included Dr. V. Narayanan, Chair, ISRO; Rangesh Raghavan, India Head, Lam Research; V. Ramagopal Rao, VC, BITS Pilani; Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO, Anusandhan National Research Foundation, also present at the event
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke with HM King Philippe of Belgium today. Shri Modi appreciated the recent Belgian Economic Mission to India led by HRH Princess Astrid. Both leaders discussed deepening the strong bilateral ties, boosting trade & investment, and advancing collaboration in innovation & sustainability.
In a post on X, he said:
“It was a pleasure to speak with HM King Philippe of Belgium. Appreciated the recent Belgian Economic Mission to India led by HRH Princess Astrid. We discussed deepening our strong bilateral ties, boosting trade & investment, and advancing collaboration in innovation & sustainability.
@MonarchieBe”
It was a pleasure to speak with HM King Philippe of Belgium. Appreciated the recent Belgian Economic Mission to India led by HRH Princess Astrid. We discussed deepening our strong bilateral ties, boosting trade & investment, and advancing collaboration in innovation &…
National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes, and Narcotics (NACIN) and Indian Maritime University (IMU) sign MoU for strategic knowledge partnership The MoU establishes a collaborative framework for training of CBIC officers in marine enforcement and operational capabilities, leveraging IMU’s academic and technical expertise and NACIN’s enforcement experience
Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 9:11PM by PIB Delhi
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes, and Narcotics (NACIN) and the Indian Maritime University (IMU) in Chennai, today. This collaboration aims to strengthen the Marine Customs Training Centre by enhancing the maritime enforcement and operational capabilities of CBIC officers, while also creating a platform for mutual learning and institutional synergy between NACIN and IMU.
The MoU was signed by Shri Gaigongdin Panmei, Principal Director General for NACIN, and Dr. Rajoo Balaji, Pro Vice-Chancellor for IMU (representing the Vice Chancellor), in the presence of Smt. Aruna Narayan Gupta, Member, Central Board of Indirect Tax and Customs, and, Additional Director Generals, Dr. M.G. Thamizh Valavan and Dr. Ezhilmathi K, along with Shri K. Saravanan, Registrar, IMU, and Dr. P.J. Rangachari, Director, IMU Chennai Campus, among other senior officials from both institutions.
Addressing the esteemed dignitaries and officials present, Smt. Gupta stated that the collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of CBIC officers engaged in marine preventive work, thereby strengthening collective efforts in safeguarding national security.
This MoU between NACIN and IMU establishes a collaborative framework for the training of CBIC officers involved in marine operations. It outlines the development of a comprehensive training programme aimed at bridging existing knowledge gaps in maritime enforcement and operational practices. The curriculum will be enriched by incorporating both domestic and international perspectives. The collaboration seeks to mutually benefit both institutions—leveraging IMU’s academic and technical expertise and NACIN’s enforcement experience.
For CBIC, the collaboration significantly strengthens its marine enforcement capabilities by providing officers with specialized, hands-on training in advanced maritime technologies, aligned with global best practices. For IMU, this partnership offers a valuable opportunity to extend its academic reach into the domain of maritime enforcement, enhance the practical application of its training modules, and engage in collaborative research on emerging technologies such as drone surveillance and recent advancements in the maritime sector.
Furthermore, the MoU paves the way for the inclusion of personnel from other departments and international participants, underscoring the global relevance and strategic scope of this initiative.
The collaboration with IMU will further elevate NACIN’s capabilities by integrating academic excellence, cutting-edge technology, and global best practices into its training framework. This partnership not only ensures the development of a robust and future-ready maritime enforcement training ecosystem but also reinforces India’s commitment to fostering institutional synergies to safeguard its maritime interests. The Marine Customs Training Centre, empowered by this collaboration, is poised to emerge as a centre of excellence for marine enforcement training in the region and beyond.
ABOUT THE MARINE CUSTOMS TRAINING CENTRE
The National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics (NACIN) is the apex institution of the Government of India for capacity building in the field of indirect taxation. Functioning under the administrative control of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), NACIN plays a pivotal role in training and developing the human resource capabilities of India’s indirect tax administration. The new NACIN campus at Palasamudram, Andhra Pradesh, inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 16th January 2024, stands as a symbol of the government’s commitment to excellence in training. Among its many state-of-the-art facilities, the campus houses the Marine Customs Training Centre, developed as part of NACIN’s mission to enhance the skill sets and operational readiness of Customs officers engaged in marine enforcement.
This cutting-edge centre is equipped with Full Mission Ship Maneuvering Simulators and Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) simulators, offering immersive, hands-on training in ship navigation, collision avoidance, and emergency response. It also provides practical facilities for firefighting drills, seamanship training, and operation of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Additionally, officers are trained in marine search and rescue operations, firearm proficiency, and life-saving techniques—preparing them for a wide range of real-world maritime scenarios. Designed to simulate realistic operational conditions, the training environment at the centre ensures that officers are well-prepared to tackle challenges such as maritime security threats, smuggling interdiction, and emergency response. The facility is also envisioned as a shared resource for training personnel from other government marine enforcement agencies, fostering inter-agency collaboration and enhancing national maritime enforcement capabilities.
ABOUT IMU
The Indian Maritime University (IMU), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, is a premier institution for maritime education, training, and research. It offers world-class training and education in maritime-related fields and is renowned for its significant contribution to the development of India’s maritime sector. With campuses across the country, IMU provides a broad spectrum of programs and actively collaborates with industry and government bodies to advance maritime capabilities through academic excellence and specialized training.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, replies to the discussion on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, After the discussion, the lower house passed the Bill It is essential for national security to know who enters the country, when, for how long, and for what purpose
India is not a Dharamshala where anyone can come and settle for any reason, the Parliament has the authority to stop those who pose a threat to national security
Those who come to contribute to India’s economy are welcome, but those who come to spread unrest will face strict action
Now, there will be a complete, systematic, integrated, and up-to-date record of every foreign national coming to India
The new immigration law will be Transparent, Tech-driven, Time-bound, and Trustworthy
Since independence, India’s soft power has made a mark across the world, and this bill will give it new momentum and energy
The Modi government has framed the immigration policy with compassion, sensitivity, and awareness of threats to the nation
DMK MPs have never raised the issue of Tamil refugees
The “Immigration, Visa, and Foreigners Registration and Tracking” (IVFRT) system has been given a legal framework to monitor illegal immigrants and those overstaying beyond permitted durations
After three years of intensive deliberation, this bill will make the immigration system Simplified, Streamlined, Secure, and Systematic
District Police Module (DPM), known as the Foreigners Identification Portal, has been launched in over 700 districts of the country
Earlier, immigration checks used to take an average of 4-5 minutes per person at checkpoints; now it takes hardly 1-2 minutes
We have started a 360-degree screening of every foreigner across 24 parameters before allowing them entry into India
Posted On: 27 MAR 2025 9:24PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today replied to the discussion on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. After the discussion, the House passed the Bill.
Replying to the discussion, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah spoke about the importance of the bill and said that it will strengthen the country’s security and economy, pave the way to make our education system and universities global, lay a strong foundation for research and investigation in the country and make India number one in the world in every field by 2047.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that immigration is not an isolated issue but many issues of the country are directly or indirectly linked with it. He said that it is very important for the security of our country to know who are entering our borders, when are they entering, for how long will they stay and the purpose for which they are here. Shri Shah said that after the passage of this bill, a complete, systematic, integrated and up-to-date account of every foreign citizen coming to India will be maintained and through this we will be able to ensure the development of the country. He said that those who endanger the security of the country will be kept under strict surveillance and can also be monitored. He said that this bill will prove to be fulfilling all our objectives.
Shri Amit Shah said that India’s track record regarding migrants has been “spotless” for thousands of years, hence there is no need for a separate refugee policy. He said that such a policy is needed by the countries which are formed by geographical boundaries, whereas India is a geo-cultural country and our boundaries have been created by our culture. He said that India has a history towards refugees. He said that it is India where the world’s largest micro minority lives with utmost respect. He said that recently, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, citizens of 6 persecuted communities from neighboring countries have been given shelter under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Shri Shah said that India has always discharged its duties towards humanity and the need for a law was never felt for doing our duty. He said that our tradition and culture taught us the mantra of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and gave us its values.
Union Home Minister said that India has the largest diaspora in the world which spreads across 146 countries. He said that Indian diaspora wants to contribute to the culture, education, science and economy of the whole world. He said that today the number of Indian NRIs is about 1 crore 72 lakh and this bill has been brought to ensure smooth movement of all these people and to address their concerns.
Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, our economy has moved from 11th to 5th position in the last 10 years and India has emerged as a bright spot in the economies of the world. He said that India is going to become a hub of manufacturing and in such a situation it is very natural for people from all over the world to come here, due to which the scale and size of our immigration has increased a lot. Shri Shah said that along with this, the number of people who take refuge and make the country unsafe for their vested interests has also increased. He said that all those who come here to contribute to the economy of India in a smooth manner according to the laws are welcome, but if any illegal person comes here to create unrest, they will be dealt with very strictly. Shri Shah said that there is strictness along with generosity in this policy and this policy has been made by keeping compassion, sensitivity in the heart and alertness towards the dangers to the country.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that Prime Minister Modi has placed two resolutions before the 130 crore people of the country, to become the third largest economy of the world by 2027, and a fully developed nation by 2047. He said that to achieve both these goals, a system of simple, strong and contemporary laws is essential and that is why many new and historic laws have come in this House in the 10 years of Modi government. He said that works like three new criminal laws, CAA, abolition of 39,000 compliances for ease of doing business, IBC code in 2016, bank merger and ending NPA through it, and GST rollout by integrating 32 sales taxes in 2017 have been done in the 10 years. He said that the Modi government amended the UAPA law and the NIA Act and abolished Section 370 from Kashmir. He said that in these 10 years, the Modi government has done the work of strengthening every law in every sector.
Shri Amit Shah said that this bill will fulfil our dream of becoming the third largest economy and making our universities global as in the new education policy. He said that this will provide a good environment to those doing R&D in the field of research to work with a liberal mind and credibility, the dream of making the country the centre of excellence in sports across the world will be fulfilled, India will also become an international centre for mediation and arbitration. He said that this bill will create a very good environment for all these things. Shri Shah said that at present this entire system is spread under the purview of four Acts, but there is overlap among them and also there are many gaps. He said that this single bill will repeal these four Acts and bring a law which will fill all the gaps and will help in fulfilling our goal of making India a developed country by 2047 by eliminating repetition.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that a strong immigration policy will be of great importance in our goal of building a fully developed India by the year 2047. He said that this bill will make our system simple, streamlined, systematic, and secure. He said that along with this, this bill will also be transparent, track driven, time bound and reliable. Shri Shah said that this bill has been designed in the Home Ministry after three years of deep consideration on all aspects. He said that this bill should not be opposed for political reasons. Shri Shah said that under this bill, not only will a database of passengers coming to India be created, but it will also increase tourism a lot by exploiting all types of tourism potential here, which will greatly help in increasing India’s global branding. He said that this will be very beneficial in increasing employment and GDP. The Home Minister said that after 75 years of independence, today India’s soft power has made its mark in the whole world. He said that soft power means our Yoga, Ayurveda, Upanishads, Vedas and our organic farming system and today the whole world look up to India with hope.
Shri Amit Shah said that from the security point of view, this bill envisions ending drug cartels, illegal immigration cartels, arms and hawala trade from abroad which are weakening the country’s economy. He said that along with legal provisions, punitive actions for violations have been laid. He said that the three old bills were made in the British Parliament in 1920, 1939 and 1946 before the country got independence and today our entire immigration policy is going to be made in the new Parliament of New India, which is a historic thing. Shri Shah said that such an important policy of our country which ensures the security, trade and development of the country was made in a foreign parliament. He said that the old laws were made in the chaos of the First and Second World Wars and to protect the British government. He said that this bill has been made in the first phase of Amritkaal with a vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and in the interest of India.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that there were many overlaps in the old laws which we have eliminated we have also eliminated the lack of coordination between agencies and the complexity of data management and verification. He said that clarity of jurisdiction has been brought in this bill by eliminating contradictory provisions of the old laws. He said that a single bill will eliminate the legal confusion of passengers and officials and this comprehensive law will also greatly reduce the burden of compliance. Shri Shah said that we have fulfilled the need for mandatory documents for entry, stay and exit from India. He said that we have also given powers to arrest any person violating these. Shri Shah said that powers have also been given to deport any foreigner from India. The Home Minister said that in a way, work has been done with an open mind to make provisions as per today’s time. He said that there were a total of 45 sections in the old laws, but now this law will have 36 sections, 26 old and 10 new. Shri Shah said that our country is not a ‘Dharamshala’ where anyone can come and stay for any purpose. He said that if someone comes legally to spread prosperity in our country, then he is welcome, but if there is a threat our security, then our Parliament has the right to make a provision to stop him. He said that we cannot leave sensitive places and army establishments on our borders open for everyone.
Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, said that the introduction of online tourist visas began in 2010 for citizens of five countries. He mentioned that till the previous government, this facility was limited to only 10 countries, but now it has been extended to 169 countries. He stated that the government’s goal is to promote tourism, but it is also important to ensure that foreign nationals stay here only for the designated period. They cannot stay permanently, nor can they become citizens of the country.
Shri Amit Shah said that the government has also introduced the ‘Visa on Arrival’ facility at 31 international airports and 6 major ports. In 2023, a new category called ‘Ayush Visa’ was also launched. Now, there will be a total of 9 categories of e-visa, which include e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, Medical Attendant Visa, e-Ayush Visa, e-Conference Visa, e-Student Visa, and e-Student Dependent Visa. He mentioned that by introducing e-visas in all these categories, the government has simplified the process for foreigners to come to India.
The Union Home Minister stated that the aim is to stop only those individuals whose intentions are not correct, and it is the right of the Government of India to make such determinations. He mentioned that the number of categories under the Ayush Visa has also been increased. To monitor illegal immigrants and those staying beyond the designated time frame, the “Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration, and Tracking” (IVFRT) system has been given a legal basis. The integration of all immigration posts with Indian Missions, Foreign Regional Registration Offices (FRRO), and Foreign Registration Offices (FRO) through an end-to-end integrated system has been completed. Shri Shah also stated that the District Police Module (DPM), known as the Foreigners Identification Portal, has been launched in over 700 districts across the country.
Shri Amit Shah stated that till 2014, there were 83 immigration posts, which have now increased to 114, marking a 37 per cent growth. The government has implemented several plans to modernize immigration posts. Previously, the average time for checking each individual at immigration checkpoints was 4-5 minutes, but now it takes hardly 1-2 minutes. He mentioned that the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) has been implemented at eight major airports, where if a traveler has already filled in all the required information, the screening process is completed in just 30 seconds.
The Union Home Minister said that initially, there were 743 Integrated Check Post (ICP) counters, but now they have increased by 206 per cent to 2,278. He mentioned that during the previous government, the number of people arriving in India was 2.49 crore, whereas under the Modi government, till 2024, 4 crore people arrived in India. He added that during the previous government, 2.59 crore people left India, while under their government, the number has increased to 4.11 crore. He said that overall, the number of people coming to and leaving India was 5.08 crore before, but now it has risen to 8.12 crore, marking a 69 per cent increase. He emphasized that this is the highest growth in a single decade, and when considering all decades, this growth is more than 50 per cent in just one decade.
Shri Amit Shah said that individuals with malafide intentions will certainly be prevented from entering the country, as this is directly related to national security. He emphasized that our laws already provide authorities with the power to deny entry to foreign nationals. Authorities also have the right to allow visa holders to travel to any designated point within the country. However, the fact that authority has the power to deny entry does not mean they will act arbitrarily. The Home Minister clarified that the decision to stop someone will be made based on inputs from multiple agencies. Shri Shah mentioned that since 2014, a process has been established where, before stopping anyone, a thorough 360-degree investigation is conducted across 24 points.
Union Home Minister said that the interpretation of a damaged passport changes from time to time due to various incidents. While rules can be adjusted based on such incidents, the law itself cannot be altered. Therefore, the government has granted the authority to make rules under Section 30. Section 33 will apply to individuals who pose a threat to India’s security. He further emphasized that the Indian government has the right to gather information regarding the number of foreign teachers teaching and the number of foreign students studying at a university, and this information should be provided.
Shri Amit Shah said that our border with Bangladesh is 2,216 kilometers long, of which 653 kilometers have been fenced. Roads have also been constructed near the fence, and checkpoints have been established. The length of the Sage fencing is 563 kilometers, but of this, 112 kilometers are in areas where border fencing is not possible due to streams, rivers, and uneven terrain, where fencing cannot be erected. Fencing has been completed over 450 kilometers, and for the remaining 450 kilometers, the central government has written DO letters and issued 10 reminders, but the West Bengal government is not providing the land. Shri Shah mentioned that the Union Home Secretary had held seven meetings with the Secretary of Bengal, but they are unwilling to provide the land. He added that where the fencing work is to be started, members of the ruling party come and create disturbances. He said that the main reason for halting the 453 kilometers of fencing is the West Bengal government’s lenient approach towards infiltrators. Shri Shah further stated that after the 453 kilometers of fencing, 112 kilometers of the border will remain open. This 112 kilometers includes rivers, streams, and difficult geographical conditions, through which people infiltrate.
Union Home Minister said that during the previous government, illegal infiltrators used to enter through Assam, and now they enter through Bengal. Shri Shah mentioned that once his party forms the government in Bengal, the infiltration from there will also be stopped. He emphasized that the refugees who came to India during the time of independence are not considered infiltrators; they are true refugees. Those who came here to protect their religion and family are the real refugees. This is why we brought the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which does not discriminate. Shri Shah stated that Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Parsis, Christians, and Jains—any individual from these communities who comes to India will be welcomed. However, those who come for infiltration will definitely be stopped. Citizenship will be granted only to those who suffered persecution, who endured the horrors of partition, and whose families faced atrocities. While replying to the question posed by one of the members, Shri Amit Shah said none of the DMK MPs have ever raised the issue of Tamil refugees to him.
Union Home Minister stated that this bill has been introduced to replace four existing laws. All the shortcomings in these laws have been addressed, and the overlaps have been removed. He emphasized that in today’s world, international cooperation is essential to strengthen India’s economy, education, healthcare system, research, and legal framework, and we must also contribute to global progress. The Home Minister further explained that this bill has been designed with these objectives in mind, but foremost, it has been introduced with the security of the country as the top priority.
Legendary pianist Mikhail Pletnev will perform in Hong Kong on June 17 in the opening concert of the Leisure & Cultural Services Department’s “Great Music 2025” series.
The “Great Music” series returns this year with star-studded performances running from June to November.
Universally recognised as one of the finest pianists of our time, Mr Pletnev will present a solo recital, delighting fans with a curated selection of piano sonatas by Beethoven, and shorter compositions from Grieg’s Lyric Pieces Book.
On July 9, the 12 cellists of the Berliner Philharmoniker will make their Hong Kong debut with a diverse repertoire ranging from the classical canon to tango, jazz and spiritual music, as well as French chansons and film scores.
Tickets for both shows, which will be held at the Cultural Centre, will be available at URBTIX from April 3.
Call 3166 1288 for telephone bookings, and 2268 7321 for enquiries.
Details of “Great Music 2025” concerts from September to November will be announced at a later date.
Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau met various national officials today as he began a visit to Beijing.
Mr Yau called this morning on the China National Intellectual Property Administration, where he met Deputy Commissioner Zhang Zhicheng to discuss deepening co-operation and exchanges in the field of intellectual property (IP).
Mr Yau said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to protecting IP rights and promoting IP trading, with a view to developing Hong Kong into a regional IP trading centre. He said this ambition gives play to the city’s unique advantage of being connected both to the Mainland and the world, while also driving the development of new quality productive forces in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
In the afternoon, Mr Yau paid visits to Director-General of the Ministry of Commerce’s Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Fan Shijie and Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Hong Kong, Macao & Taiwan Affairs Ran Bo. He briefed them on trade and economic developments in Hong Kong and held discussions with them on the new global political and economic landscape.
The commerce chief said that in the face of uncertainties brought about by geopolitical factors, Hong Kong will continue to leverage its advantages under “one country, two systems” to actively expand economic and trade networks and step up efforts to attract enterprises and investment, including through exploring emerging markets along the Belt & Road.
He added that as the most international city in the GBA, Hong Kong will deepen international exchanges and co-operation to build influence and competitiveness, thereby contributing to the country’s high-quality development.
Chief Executive John Lee attended the Opening Plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 in Hainan and met United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General Qu Dongyu today.
The opening plenary of the conference themed “Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future” was held this morning.
Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Member and Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang delivered a keynote speech at the event.
In his speech, Mr Ding highlighted that the vision of building an Asian community of common destiny proposed by President Xi Jinping a decade ago has made remarkable progress.
In the face of growing global uncertainties, the Vice Premier put forward four proposals to create a brighter future for Asia and the world – strengthen solidarity and co-operation through enhanced mutual trust; advance economic globalisation through openness and integration; foster prosperity through promoting mutual benefit; and safeguard harmony and stability through peaceful coexistence.
Mr Lee said he was most encouraged by Mr Ding’s speech and pointed out that under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is the world’s only open economy that enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage.
Amidst geopolitical shifts, and the emergence of protectionism and unilateralism, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government remains a staunch advocate of free trade and multilateralism.
With its commitment to consolidating resilience against challenges, Hong Kong is the best platform for foreign enterprises entering the Mainland market and for Mainland companies expanding globally.
Mr Lee said that with the nation’s support, Hong Kong will further deepen international exchanges and co-operation. In addition, Hong Kong will work alongside the country and Asian nations to enhance mutual trust and solidarity, openness and integration, and mutual benefits and peaceful coexistence, driving Asia’s economic growth and advancing global economic integration.
Mr Ding also shared his three views on the country’s economic trajectory. He said that China’s economy remains stable, with a consolidated upward trend; innovation-driven development continues to gain momentum, propelling China’s economic transformation; and China is further deepening reform comprehensively and enhancing its business environment.
The Vice Premier also noted that the country’s economic growth target of around 5% this year is underpinned by strong growth potential, favourable conditions and robust policy measures, and that the country is devoted to achieving its national economic and social development goals for the year.
Mr Lee stated that these views reinforce global confidence in China’s economic future. He stressed that the more complicated and volatile the external environment becomes, the more steadfastly should Hong Kong leverage its distinctive advantage of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world to promote economic development and integrate into the overall development of the country.
The Hong Kong SAR Government should endeavour to break new ground and continue to promote reforms, uphold the principle of developing new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, and accelerate the development of an international innovation and technology centre, Mr Lee added.
It will also further consolidate and enhance the city’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre; actively build Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent; adopt an innovative mindset in taking forward the development of the Northern Metropolis and the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone developments together with market forces; and further promote the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, actively integrating into national development.
At the same time, the Hong Kong SAR Government will strengthen collaboration with Asian countries to explore diversified economic co-operation, jointly creating a prosperous future and contributing to regional stability and the economic development of both the country and Asia.
Before attending the opening plenary, Mr Lee met Mr Qu to exchange views on enhancing co-operation between the Hong Kong SAR Government and the FAO.
Noting that the Hong Kong SAR Government is actively leveraging Hong Kong’s stringent food safety standards and good reputation in the food sector, Mr Lee said Hong Kong strives to become a hub for food processing and the international food trade, with a view to enhancing the value of high-quality agricultural and fishery products from the Mainland and promoting them to global markets.
The Chief Executive added that he looked forward to further exchanges between the Hong Kong SAR Government and the FAO on areas including the upgrading and transformation of the agricultural and fisheries industries, addressing climate change and the development of a green city, in order to make contributions to global food safety and sustainable development.
Mr Lee also welcomed the FAO to consider holding meetings in Hong Kong, adding that the Hong Kong SAR Government would be pleased to provide assistance.
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki chaired the 18th meeting of the Youth Development Commission, during which members were briefed on progress to date in implementing the Government’s Youth Development Blueprint.
Members heard that the Government is promoting youth development at full steam, in accordance with the blueprint, which was released in December 2022.
After 160 actions and nearly 60 measures specified in the blueprint were introduced in 2023, various policy bureaus introduced over 30 new measures in the past year in response to youngsters’ needs and an evolving social situation.
At the meeting, the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau gave an update on Youth Link, which was established in September 2023.
Commission members expressed appreciation that the bureau is continuing to organise activities – including dialogue sessions, visits to the Mainland, participation in international affairs, volunteer activities, and special visits – for Youth Link members, offering them opportunities to develop diverse talents and contribute to the community, while strengthening their trust with the Government.
Youth Link links up participants in various government youth development programmes, and currently has over 18,000 members.
Mr Chan said the Government has been implementing and updating measures in the blueprint on an ongoing basis over the past two years, clearly demonstrating its commitment to long-term youth development.
He extended gratitude to commission members for their active participation in the blueprint’s implementation, and for collaboration with bureaus and departments to transform its vision into reality.
Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui launched the Hong Kong Family Office Nexus Digital Knowledge Hub at the inaugural Bloomberg Family Office Summit today.
Mr Hui said this new digital platform, as part of the Hong Kong Family Office Nexus initiative, will assist family offices at the forefront of wealth management innovation and enable them to thrive in Hong Kong, where private wealth meets opportunities in Asia.
The bureau has joined forces with Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy and Bloomberg LP to deliver a series of projects and resources to support Hong Kong’s family office sector, including the Hong Kong Family Office Nexus announced last October.
The newly-launched Digital Knowledge Hub is a go-to resource dedicated for family offices in Hong Kong and around the world, bringing them the latest information covering community building, knowledge sharing, technology support and philanthropic collaboration.
Content ranging from expert insights and industry best practices to practical guidance on investment strategies, governance, technology adoption and philanthropy, as well as reports and events worthy of family offices’ attention will be updated from time to time on the knowledge hub. Apart from carefully curated content, registered members can also access exclusive content through this dedicated database for the family office community.
Mr Hui said: “With this knowledge hub, we are not just providing information; we are building a dynamic, evolving resource tailored to the needs of family offices.
“Whether it is navigating emerging investment trends, leveraging technology, or deepening philanthropic impacts, this platform will serve as a trusted guide.”
Noting that family offices are shaping the future of global wealth management with Hong Kong at a unique position to support their growth, Mr Hui said he looks forward to seeing family offices thrive in the city and contribute to the broader financial and philanthropic landscape.
Head of Asia Pacific at Bloomberg Bing Li said Hong Kong is fast becoming one of the world’s most attractive destinations for new and growing family offices, adding that the knowledge hub is a small but important step in providing support to the family office community.
Also at the summit, the financial services chief joined an exclusive discussion for leading family offices to present ways to leverage Hong Kong’s professional services and philanthropy network to bring social impacts.