Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 5:00PM by PIB Delhi

The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) increased by 3.8 per cent (provisional) in March, 2025 as compared to the Index in March, 2024. The production of Cement, Fertilizers, Steel, Electricity, Coal and Refinery Products recorded positive growth in March, 2025. The details of annual indices, monthly indices and growth rates are provided at Annex I and Annex II.

The ICI measures the combined and individual performance of production of eight core industries viz. Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilizers, Steel, Cement and Electricity. The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 percent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

The final growth rate of Index of Eight Core Industries for December 2024 was observed at 5.1 per cent. The cumulative growth rate of ICI during April to March, 2024-25 is 4.4 per cent (provisional) as compared to the corresponding period of last year.

The summary of the Index of Eight Core Industries is given below:

Coal – Coal production (weight: 10.33 per cent) increased by 1.6 per cent in March, 2025 over March, 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 5.1 per cent during April to March, 2024-25 over corresponding period of the previous year.

Crude Oil – Crude Oil production (weight: 8.98 per cent) declined by 1.9 per cent in March, 2025 over March, 2024. Its cumulative index declined by 2.2 per cent during April to March, 2024-25 over corresponding period of the previous year.

Natural Gas – Natural Gas production (weight: 6.88 per cent) declined by 12.7 per cent in March, 2025 over March, 2024. Its cumulative index declined by 1.2 per cent during April to March, 2024-25 over corresponding period of the previous year.

Petroleum Refinery Products – Petroleum Refinery production (weight: 28.04 per cent) increased by 0.2 per cent in March, 2025 over March, 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 2.8 per cent during April to March, 2024-25 over corresponding period of the previous year.

Fertilizers – Fertilizer production (weight: 2.63 per cent) increased by 8.8 per cent in March, 2025 over March, 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 2.9 per cent during April to March, 2024-25 over corresponding period of the previous year.

Steel – Steel production (weight: 17.92 per cent) increased by 7.1 per cent in March, 2025 over March, 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 6.7 per cent during April to March, 2024-25 over corresponding period of the previous year.

Cement – Cement production (weight: 5.37 per cent) increased by 11.6 per cent in March, 2025 over March, 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 6.3 per cent during April to March, 2024-25 over corresponding period of the previous year.

Electricity – Electricity generation (weight: 19.85 per cent) increased by 6.2 per cent in March, 2025 over March, 2024. Its cumulative index increased by 5.1 per cent during April to March, 2024-25 over corresponding period of the previous year.

 

Note 1: Data for January, 2025, February, 2025 and March, 2025 are provisional. Index numbers of Core Industries are revised/finalized as per updated data from source agencies.

Note 2: Since April 2014, Electricity generation data from Renewable sources are also included.

Note 3: The industry-wise weights indicated above are individual industry weights derived from IIP and blown up on pro rata basis to a combined weight of ICI equal to 100.

Note 4: Since March 2019, a new steel product called Hot Rolled Pickled and Oiled (HRPO) under the item ‘Cold Rolled (CR) coils’ within the production of finished steel has also been included.

Note 5: Release of the index for April, 2025 will be on Tuesday, 20^th May, 2025.

 

Annex I

Performance of Eight Core Industries

Yearly Index & Growth Rate

Base Year: 2011-12=100

Index

    *Provisional

 

Growth Rates (on Y-o-Y basis in per cent)

  *Provisional.

   Y-o-Y is calculated over the corresponding financial year of previous year

 

Annex II

Performance of Eight Core Industries

Monthly Index & Growth Rate

Base Year: 2011-12=100

Index

    *Provisional

 

Growth Rates (on Y-o-Y basis in per cent)

   *Provisional.

   Y-o-Y is calculated over the corresponding financial year of previous year

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Abhishek Dayal / Abhijith Narayanan

(Release ID: 2123185) Visitor Counter : 184

Source: Government of India

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu visits Air India Hq and training facilities in Gurugram

Shri Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurates Air India Safety Promotion Centre

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:17PM by PIB Delhi

Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, today undertook a comprehensive visit to Air India’s corporate and training infrastructure in Gurugram, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing safety, training, and operational excellence in Indian aviation. His visit commenced with a walkthrough of the Air India Experience Centre, a facility that encapsulates the airline’s 92-year legacy and showcases its Vihaan.AI transformation journey.

The Minister then visited the Emergency Control Centre (ECC) and the Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC)-critical facilities that underscore Air India’s operational resilience and commitment to on-time performance. At the Air India Aviation Training Academy in Gurugram, he received an overview of the Academy’s role in shaping aviation professionals, followed by an in-depth tour of training infrastructure including the Safety Lab, Grooming Centre, Security Lab, and the under-construction Simulator Buildings.

The visit marked a key milestone with the inauguration of the Air India Safety Promotion Centre by Shri  Ram Mohan Naidu in the presence of the Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India. Speaking at the occasion, he said, “On the occasion of inaugurating the Air India Safety Promotion Centre, I am pleased to see a strong commitment towards fostering a safety-first culture in Indian aviation.” “I congratulate Air India for bolstering safety by investing in training its manpower through this state-of-the-art centre inaugurated today, where learnings from past incidents have been thoughtfully curated and translated into immersive, real-world training that goes far beyond the classroom” he added.

Commenting on the broader vision for Indian aviation, the Minister said, “As India expands its air connectivity across regions, safety remains our top priority. Air India, under the stewardship of the Tata Group and with the dedicated efforts of its committed staff carrying forward the legacy of JRD Tata, is well on its path to becoming one of the world’s best airlines.” He also reiterated the government’s continued partnership with the aviation sector “The Government of India extends its full support to our airlines in building a globally competitive, safe, and reliable aviation ecosystem.”

The Safety Promotion Centre aims to cultivate a safety-first culture within Air India through immersive learning experiences that draw from real-world scenarios and past incidents. The visit underscored the Ministry’s focus on strengthening India’s aviation infrastructure through enhanced safety protocols, advanced training, and close collaboration with industry stakeholders. Earlier, the Minister was welcomed at the Air India Headquarters by Mr Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD of Air India and his management team.

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Beena Yadav/Divyanshu Kumar

(Release ID: 2123287) Visitor Counter : 96

Source: Government of India

India’s DBT: Boosting Welfare Efficiency

Report Reveals ₹3.48 Lakh Crore in Savings and 16-Fold Increase in Beneficiaries

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 5:01PM by PIB Delhi

Introduction

India’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system has helped the country save an estimated ₹3.48 lakh crore till 2024 by plugging leakages in welfare delivery, according to a new quantitative assessment by the BlueKraft Digital Foundation. The report also finds that subsidy allocations have been halved from 16 percent to 9 percent of total government expenditure since the implementation of DBT, reflecting a major improvement in the efficiency of public spending.

The assessment evaluates data from 2009 to 2024 to examine the impact of DBT on budgetary efficiency, subsidy rationalisation, and social outcomes. It shows how the shift from paper-based disbursals to direct digital transfers has ensured that public funds reach the people they are meant for. One of the key features of DBT is the use of the JAM trinity, which stands for Jan Dhan bank accounts, Aadhaar unique ID numbers and mobile phones. This framework has enabled targeted and transparent transfers on a massive scale.

To capture the full extent of its impact, the report introduces a Welfare Efficiency Index. This index combines fiscal outcomes such as savings and reduced subsidies with social indicators like the number of beneficiaries reached, offering a clear picture of how well the system is working. The index has risen nearly threefold from 0.32 in 2014 to 0.91 in 2023, reflecting a sharp increase in both effectiveness and inclusion.

At a time when governments across the world are rethinking how to strengthen social protection, the DBT model presents valuable lessons in aligning financial prudence with equitable governance.

Key Findings

The data on subsidy allocations reveals a significant shift post-DBT implementation, highlighting improvements in fiscal efficiency despite a surge in beneficiary coverage.

• Pre-DBT Era (2009–2013): Subsidies averaged 16% of total expenditure, amounting to ₹2.1 lakh crore annually, with considerable leakages in the system.
• Post-DBT Era (2014–2024): Subsidy expenditure decreased to 9% of total expenditure in 2023-24, while beneficiary coverage surged 16-fold from 11 crore to 176 crore.
• COVID-19 Outlier: A temporary spike in subsidies occurred during the 2020–21 fiscal year due to emergency fiscal measures. However, efficiency rebounded following the pandemic, further validating the system’s long-term effectiveness.

 

 

Subsidy Allocation Trends (2009-2024)

The reduction in subsidy burden, despite a significant increase in coverage, underscores DBT’s role in optimising fiscal allocations. By eliminating ghost beneficiaries and middlemen, the system redirected funds to genuine recipients without proportional increases in the budget.

Sectoral Analysis

A detailed breakdown of sector-specific impacts shows how DBT has particularly benefited high-leakage programmes.

 

• Food Subsidies (PDS): ₹1.85 lakh crore saved, accounting for 53% of total DBT savings. This was largely due to Aadhaar-linked ration card authentication.
• MGNREGS: 98% of wages were transferred timely, saving ₹42,534 crore through DBT-driven accountability.
• PM-KISAN: ₹22,106 crore saved by deleting 2.1 crore ineligible beneficiaries from the scheme.
• Fertilizer Subsidies: Sales of 158 lakh MT of fertiliser were reduced, saving ₹18,699.8 crore through targeted disbursement.

 

Sectoral Impact Analysis

These sector-specific savings highlight DBT’s disproportionate impact on high-leakage programs, such as food subsidies and wage schemes like MGNREGS. The system’s role in biometric authentication and direct transfers has been crucial in improving efficiency and curbing misuse.

Correlation and Causality Findings

The correlation analysis further underscores the effectiveness of DBT in improving welfare delivery.

• Strong Positive Correlation (0.71): There is a strong positive correlation between beneficiary coverage and DBT savings, signifying that as coverage expanded, savings increased.
• v Negative Correlation (-0.74): There is a significant negative correlation between subsidy expenditure as a percentage of total expenditure and welfare efficiency, highlighting the reduction in waste and leakages facilitated by DBT.

 

Heat-map showing correlation between key variables

The heat-map analysis quantifies the relationship between budget allocations, DBT savings, and welfare efficiency. As DBT savings increased, subsidy allocations decreased, demonstrating that DBT improved targeting while reducing leakages. This enabled the government to expand welfare programs, reaching more beneficiaries without increasing fiscal outlays. The inverse relationship between subsidy expenditure and efficiency challenges critiques of “declining welfare spending” and affirms DBT’s role as a powerful tool for fiscal optimisation.

 

Welfare Efficiency Index (WEI)

As part of the methodology for assessing the impact of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, the Welfare Efficiency Index (WEI) was developed as a composite metric to measure efficiency gains across various dimensions. The WEI comprises three weighted components:

 

 

 

 

The rise in the WEI from 0.32 in 2014 to 0.91 in 2023 quantifies systemic improvements, emphasising that efficiency gains stem from multi-dimensional factors—not merely budget cuts. This index provides a replicable model for global policymakers to evaluate welfare reforms.

The WEI surged, driven by:

• DBT Savings (50% weight): ₹3.48 lakh crore cumulative leakage reduction.
• Subsidy Reduction (30% weight): A decline from 16% to 9% of total expenditure.
• Beneficiary Growth (20% weight): A 16-fold expansion in coverage.

 

Conclusion

The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system has proven to be a transformative tool for India’s welfare delivery, significantly enhancing the efficiency of public spending and expanding the reach of social benefits. Over the past decade, DBT has not only reduced fiscal leakages by ₹3.48 lakh crore but also ensured that subsidies are better targeted, with a marked decline in subsidy allocations as a percentage of total expenditure. The rise in the Welfare Efficiency Index (WEI) underscores the success of DBT in optimizing fiscal resources while broadening coverage for millions of beneficiaries. The sectoral savings, particularly in high-leakage programs like food subsidies, MGNREGS, and PM-KISAN, illustrate how the system’s integration of Aadhaar and mobile-based transfers has addressed inefficiencies and curbed misuse.

As per the report by the BlueKraft Digital Foundation, this data-driven assessment demonstrates that fiscal prudence and inclusivity can go hand-in-hand, offering valuable insights for policymakers worldwide looking to refine their own social protection models. As governments grapple with balancing fiscal constraints and social equity, India’s experience with DBT presents a compelling case for the efficacy of direct transfers in fostering both economic and social development. The lessons learned from this success story can guide global efforts to make welfare systems more efficient, transparent, and inclusive.

Reference:

 

Click here to see in PDF

Santosh Kumar/ Sheetal Angral/ Saurabh Kalia

(Release ID: 2123192) Visitor Counter : 112

Source: Government of India

Competition Commission of India

CCI Approves Google’s Settlement Proposal in Android TV Case

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:32PM by PIB Delhi

(Release ID: 2123289)

Source: Government of India

Two-day International Conclave organized by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture in Arunachal Pradesh

Namsai rich in Buddhist Heritage: ideal Centre for a Buddhist Circuit in North- East: Shri Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister

Over 300 participants including heads of Sanghas, Bhikkus, Bhikkhunis, Academicians and Representatives from Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia participated in the Seminar

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 5:18PM by PIB Delhi

 Rooted in centuries old Buddhist culture and traditions, Namsai, a district in the extreme end of Arunachal Pradesh is a unique example of how an ancient way of life is still being practised here even today, explained Mr Chowna Mein, the Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh at the international Conclave on Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of North- East India.

Making a strong case for initiating a Buddhist tourism circuit in the state, he said “our culture is deeply rooted in socio-religious festivals, we recently concluded the Songpa Water Festival, a Buddhist festival celebrated by the Khamti community in Arunachal Pradesh, specifically in Namsai and other areas like Changlang and Itanagar, where visitors from overseas were invited to participate. It was a grand success. He added that there were several important ancient pilgrimage sites associated with Buddhism in the state too.

In fact, his tribe the Tai Khamtis were the first, according to him, to wage the first war of independence against the British in 1839. He mentioned that “We defeated the British in the Anglo- Khamti war, and as a result of this subsequently, the British burnt down our villages and scatter our tribe in several areas of North East.”

 

According to Mr Mein, they have preserved the Pali language through their Khamti script. In fact, there are just two ancient scripts in the State: theirs (the Lic Tai) and the Bhoti. Even the Ramayan and Mahabharat are written in the Khamti script (Lic Tai).

The Deputy Chief Minister also explained the enormous “good work” the Mahabodhi Society was undertaking in the region and he was hoping the region would get a skill development centre for empowerment of the youth of the region.

He was speaking at the 2-day International Conclave organized by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and supported by the government of Arunachal Pradesh and the Mahabodhi Society of Namsai. There were over 300 participants including heads of Sanghas, Bhikkus and Bhikkhunis, eminent members of the society, political representatives, professors, academicians from the Northeast and other regions _attending the event. Representatives from Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia participated in the seminar sessions, while the Consul General of Bhutan in Guwahati Mr Jigme Thinly Namgyal, addressed the congregation in the inaugural session.

Emphasizing the “our dharma is our culture; which is our way of life,”Mr Zingnu Namchoom, MLA Namsai explained that even in our weddings the Buddha’s teachings are given on how to lead our married life in society. Buddhism is in our blood stream, he noted. The dhamma address was presented by Most Ven. Aggadhamma Bhaddanta, Chief Abbot of the Pariyatti Sasana Buddha Vihara, Namsai.

The Secretary General of IBC Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche welcomed the guest and the Director General of IBC Mr Abhijit Halder, explained the details of the event and presented the concluding remarks. The sessions will include discussions on the following topics: Historical relevance of Buddha Dhamma in the North-East of India, Art, Culture & Heritage of Buddhist Communities and a special Session on the Cultural Impact on Buddhists in the region.

Special prayers and chanting will be held tomorrow at the Golden Pagoda for the victims of the recent earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. This will be followed by a session on Vipassana. 

 

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2123208) Visitor Counter : 98

Source: Government of India

Centre imposes 12% safeguard duty to shield Indian steel sector

Relief for domestic producers amid surge in steel imports

Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy thanks PM Modi for decisive leadership under Atmanirbhar Bharat

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:40PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, welcomed the decision to impose a 12 percent safeguard duty on the import of certain non-alloy and alloy steel flat products. This measure is a timely and necessary step to protect domestic steel manufacturers from the adverse impact of import surges and to ensure fair competition in the market.

“This move will provide critical relief to domestic producers, especially small and medium-scale enterprises, who have faced immense pressure from rising imports. The safeguard duty will help restore market stability and reinforce the confidence of the domestic industry.”

Shri Kumaraswamy expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his leadership and continued support in strengthening strategic sectors under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He reiterated that the Ministry remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the Indian steel sector remains resilient, self-reliant, and globally competitive.

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TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2123294) Visitor Counter : 85

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 5:26PM by PIB Delhi

As part of India’s commitment to regional maritime security under the vision of ‘Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth for all in the Region (MAHASAGAR)‘ and its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, the Indian Navy successfully completed a major refit of the Maldivian Coast Guard Ship MNDF Huravee at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.

The ship set sail for Maldives on 21 Apr upon completing her maiden Normal Refit at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. Over the last four months since her arrival at Mumbai on 13 Nov 24, major works concerning maintenance of all machinery, weapons, and sensors, along with a habitability upgrade, were undertaken. The ship was thereafter put through rigorous harbour & sea trials, operational checks of equipment, safety audits and Operational Sea Training before her departure.

The efforts put in by various Indian Navy agencies and dockyard teams across multiple departments were instrumental in achieving this extensive refit within the stipulated timeframe. The successful refit of MNDF Huravee underscores the strong diplomatic and military cooperation between the two countries and reaffirms India’s unwavering commitment to being a reliable partner in the region.

The Make in India ship handed over to MNDF in May 2023 as a replacement for an older platform, has played a crucial role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Medical Evacuation operations across the Maldivian archipelago.

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VM/SKS                                                                                                        91/25

(Release ID: 2123218) Visitor Counter : 49

Source: Government of India

Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu takes stock of Delhi Airport runway upgrade

Stakeholder meeting held to ensure smooth operations at Delhi Airport

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:45PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, today chaired a crucial stakeholder meeting at Delhi Airport to address operational challenges arising from the ongoing upgradation work on runway 10/28 and the impact of unexpected westerly wind patterns. The meeting had participation of all the stakeholders from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, including Secretary Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman Shri Vipin Kumar, DGCA Director General Shri Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, along with representatives from Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), all the airlines and the CISF.

During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the current situation, emphasizing the importance of ensuring minimal disruption to passengers and airline operations. Shri Ram Mohan Naidu stressed that smooth operations at Delhi Airport are of paramount importance and directed all stakeholders to work collaboratively to address the challenges effectively. He emphasized on the need for comprehensive planning that factors in both the ongoing runway upgradation and potential weather-related disruptions.

Reiterating that passenger comfort and convenience must remain the top priority, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu has given strict instruction to all stakeholders to take timely, pre-emptive measures based on weather updates and ensure efficient utilization of available resources.

Addressing the workforce readiness, the Minister called for enhanced coordination amongst the stakeholders to prepare for any unforeseen challenges, ensuring seamless airport operations despite 1 of the 4 runways under upgradation. The Air Traffic Control (ATC) and AAI teams have been encouraged to leverage their expertise for maintain operational efficiency during this critical period.

Shri Ram Mohan Naidu expressing confidence in the collective capabilities said, “I am confident that with collective efforts and robust coordination, Delhi Airport will continue to deliver a world-class experience to its travelers, even amidst the challenges posed by infrastructure enhancements and unexpected weather conditions.”

The meeting focused on the importance of transparent and timely communication with passengers to alleviate any inconvenience during this period. The discussion concluded with a clear emphasis on meeting the runway upgradation timelines while minimizing disruptions to airlines and inconvenience to passengers.

The Ministry remains committed to prioritizing passenger convenience and operational efficiency, ensuring that India’s aviation sector remains a benchmark for excellence.

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Beena Yadav/Divyanshu Kumar

(Release ID: 2123298) Visitor Counter : 23

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (April 20) detected one drug trafficking case involving a passenger at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 2.75 kilograms of suspected cocaine, with an estimated market value of about $2.2 million.

A female passenger, aged 27, arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa, via Dubai of United Arab Emirates, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cocaine inside her check-in suitcase. She was subsequently arrested.

An investigation is ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister hosts the U.S. Vice President and family

PM recalls his successful visit to Washington D.C. in January and his discussions with President Trump

Following up on their meeting in February this year in Paris, PM and Vice President Vance reviewed progress in bilateral relations

They welcome progress in the India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement and efforts towards enhancing cooperation in energy, defence, strategic technologies

The two leaders exchange views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest

PM extends best wishes to the Vice President and family for a pleasant stay

PM conveys greetings to President Trump and looks forward to his visit to India later this year

Posted On: 21 APR 2025 8:50PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with the Vice President of the United States of America, the Honorable J.D. Vance today, accompanied by the Second Lady Mrs. Usha Vance, their children, and senior members of the U.S. Administration. 

Prime Minister fondly recalled his visit to Washington D.C. in January and his fruitful discussions with President Trump, which laid down the roadmap for close cooperation between India and the U.S., leveraging the strengths of Make America Great Again (MAGA) and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Prime Minister and Vice President Vance reviewed and positively assessed the progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation. 

They welcomed the significant progress in the negotiations for a mutually beneficial India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement focused on the welfare of the people of the two countries. Likewise, they noted continued efforts towards enhancing cooperation in energy, defence, strategic technologies and other areas.

The two leaders also exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest, and called for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward.

Prime Minister extended his best wishes to the Vice President, Second Lady and their children for a pleasant and productive stay in India.

Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings to President Trump and said that he looked forward to his visit to India later this year.

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MJPS/VJ/SKS

(Release ID: 2123302) Visitor Counter : 250