Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs today (April 1) detected a drug trafficking case at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 600 grams of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $300,000.

Customs officers intercepted a 50-year-old female passenger  who planned to depart from Hong Kong to Koror, Palau. Upon a search, Customs officers found the batch of suspected methamphetamine on her body. The woman 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 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

Government has Strengthened IBC with Six Amendments and 122 Regulatory reforms since its inception

Over 8,000 CIRPs initiated, rescuing 3,485 debtors and realization of ₹3.58 lakh crore

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 6:29PM by PIB Delhi

The legislative intent of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) is to provide a consolidated framework for reorganization, insolvency resolution and liquidation of corporate persons, partnership firms and individuals for maximization of the value of assets. Further, IBC has had a significant impact on the health of the country’s banking sector and redefined the debtor creditor relationship. 

 According to the RBI Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India (December 2024), the IBC emerged as the dominant recovery route, accounting for 48% of all recoveries made by banks, followed by the SARFAESI Act (32%), Debt Recovery Tribunals (17%), and Lok Adalats (3%) in the Financial Year 2023-24.   Additionally, a report by the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) (August 2023; available at www.ibbi.gov.in), analysed the financial performance of firms that underwent resolution under the IBC and found significant improvements in the profitability, liquidity, and overall financial health of resolved firms in the post-resolution period. These findings underscore the positive impact of IBC on business continuity and value preservation.

 Till 31st December 2024, 8175 Corporate Insolvency Resolution Processes (CIRPs) have been initiated. Of these, 3485 Corporate Debtors (CDs) have been rescued which includes 1119 through resolution plans; 1236 through appeal or review or settlement and 1130 through withdrawal under section 12A. Further, 2707 CDs have been referred for liquidation.  In 1119 cases that have yielded resolution plans, the realisable value for the creditors have been ₹3.58 lakh crore. This amounts to 162.79% of liquidation value and 87.58% of fair value.

 To facilitate expeditious resolution process under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) and to ensure proper implementation of the provisions of IBC, the Government has made six amendments to the IBC and 122 amendments in regulations since inception of IBC. Further, regular training and capacity-building programs for insolvency professionals, adjudicating authorities and other stakeholders are held to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the IBC ecosystem.  Leveraging information technology such as digital platforms for automation and streamlining processes is another initiative to make the system more efficient, accurate, and faster, ultimately leading to better outcomes for all stakeholders.

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Harsh Malhotra stated this in a written reply in Rajya Sabha  today.

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NB/AD

(Release ID: 2117411) Visitor Counter : 61

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Stresses Need for Techno-Legal Framework to Address Emerging New-Age Crimes and to Ensure Prompt Investigation and Bringing Criminals to Justice for Effective Prosecution

Technical knowhow of India’s academia, scientists and researchers should be harnessed to bring about technological solutions in investigations

Union Minister Urges CBI to Establish State-of-the-Art Cyber Forensic Labs in Collaboration with Academia

Amid Deepfake & AI challenges, Ashwini Vaishnaw says the Future of Effective Criminal Justice lies in combining legal frameworks with Technological Capability and Institutional innovation

Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw delivers 21st D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture on CBI’s 62nd Foundation Day, presents police medals to 26 officers

Union Minister highlights CBI’s role in justice and outlines four key pillars of India’s growth strategy

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 5:46PM by PIB Delhi

Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, addressed the 21st D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture on CBI’s 62nd Foundation Day held today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Speaking on the theme ‘VIKSIT BHARAT @ 2047 – A Roadmap for CBI’, the Minister outlined a strategic vision for the agency’s role in India’s progress over the next two decades. During the event, President’s Police Medals (PPM) for Distinguished Service and Police Medals (PM) for Meritorious Service to CBI officers were presented acknowledging their dedication and exceptional contributions.

In his address, Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw elaborated the important role played by CBI over the years in bringing out truth through in depth & professional investigation and in bringing criminals to justice through effective prosecution. He further said “Our academia, our scientists, our researchers today possess remarkable strength and capabilities. This strength must be harnessed by investigating agencies, law officers, and government departments to co-develop technological solutions. Law alone will not be sufficient, we need techno-legal approach to address the challenges posed by new-age crimes and investigation,” the Minister emphasized.

Union Minister urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take the lead in building state-of-the-art cyber forensic laboratories by actively partnering with academic and research institutions. He further highlighted the need for institutional frameworks that facilitate such collaborations and suggested that Ministries and Departments such as MeitY, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and Department of Science and Technology (DST) work closely with investigative agencies to co-create technologies required for modern-day law enforcement.

The Minister’s remarks come in the backdrop of rapid technological evolution, including challenges posed by artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and cyber-enabled crimes. He stressed that the future of effective criminal justice lies in combining legal frameworks with technological capability and institutional innovation.

Reflecting on India’s transformative journey over the past decade, the Minister noted the country’s rapid economic growth, strong governance, and technological leadership. He further highlighted four pillars of growth strategy in the last decade, first, public investment in physical, social and digital infrastructure, second a large number of inclusive growth programs, third a strong focus on manufacturing and innovation and fourth, simplification of legal and compliance structures.

First Pillar: Public Investment In Physical, Social and Digital infrastructure

The first pillar of India’s growth strategy focuses on significant investments in social, physical and digital infrastructure, including the construction of national highways, new airports, and the electrification of railways. The Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has democratized technology with over 118 crore telecom subscribers, 70 crore smartphone users, and a robust AI ecosystem to support innovation. In social infrastructure, India has also expanded educational opportunities by opening 490 new universities and increasing the capacity of IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS.

Second Pillar: Inclusive Growth

The second pillar of India’s growth strategy focuses on inclusive growth, ensuring that economic progress translates into real improvements in people’s lives. Over the past decade, 54 crore new bank accounts have been opened, 4 crore houses built, and 12 crore tap water connections provided. In addition, 35 crore citizens are part of the Ayushman Bharat program, with more than 25 crore citizens coming out of poverty and improved access to essential services for millions.

Third Pillar: Strong Focus on Manufacturing and Innovation

The third pillar of India’s growth strategy emphasizes manufacturing and innovation, shifting the country from a services-based economy to a manufacturing hub. Initiatives like Make in India and Startup India have spurred growth, with electronics becoming the third-largest export and India becoming the second-largest mobile manufacturer globally. Key successes include developments in the semiconductor, defense, telecom sector, and the launch of high-speed Vande Bharat trains.

Fourth Pillar: Simplification of legal and compliance structures

The fourth pillar of India’s growth strategy focuses on simplification by eliminating outdated colonial-era laws. Over 1,500 archaic laws have been removed, and new frameworks like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have replaced old legal structures such as the IPC and CrPC. This simplification process is paving the way for a more modern and efficient legal system.

CBI Director, Shri Praveen Sood welcomed the guests on the occasion. Attorney General of India, Central Vigilance Commissioner, Director IB, Director ED, Heads of NIA & Central Paramilitary Forces graced the occasion. Police Liaison Officers (PLOs) of other countries, also attended the event.

Following officers & officials of CBI were presented the medals by the Honb’le Minister for Distinguished and Meritorious Service: 

(i)         President’s Police Medals (PPM) for Distinguished Service were presented to :

1.         Shri K. Pradeep Kumar, SP, CBI, ACB, Jammu;

2.         Shri Naresh Kumar Sharma, ASP, CBI, Special Unit, New Delhi;

3.         Shri Mukesh Kumar, ASP, CBI, AC-II, New Delhi;

4.         Shri Ramji Lal Jat, Head Constable, CBI, ACB, Jaipur (Now Retired) and

5.         Shri Raj Kumar, Head Constable, CBI, Head Office, New Delhi

 

(ii)        Police Medals (PM) for Meritorious Service were presented to:

 

1.         Shri Raghavendra Vatsa, IPS (GJ:05), then DIG-HoB, CBI, ACB, New Delhi  (presently in the cadre as IGP, Gujarat Police);

2.         Ms. Sharada Pandurang Raut, IPS (MH:05) then DIG- HoB, CBI, EOB, Mumbai (presently in the cadre as Jt. Commissioner, S.I.D., Maharashtra  Mumbai);

3.         Shri Prem Kumar Gautam, IPS (UP:05), then DIG – HoB, CBI, SU, New Delhi (presently in the cadre as IGP, Prayagraj Range, Uttar Pradesh);

4.         Shri Manoj Chaladan, DLA, CBI, ACB, Mumbai;

5.         Shri Srinivas Pillari, Principal System Analyst, CBI, ACB, Kolkata (Now posted at Systems Division, Delhi Branch);

6.         Shri K. Madhusudhanan, DSP, CBI, ACB, Visakhapatnam;

7.         Shri Ajay Kumar, DSP (Now ASP) CBI, Policy Division, New Delhi;

8.         Shri Balwinder Singh, Inspector, CBI, SCB, Chandigarh;

9.         Shri Chitti Babu N., Inspector, CBI, ACB, Hyderabad;

10.       Shri Manoj Kumar, Inspector, CBI, HO, New Delhi (presently in his parent force & posted at CISF, CGBS Unit Mahipalpur, New Delhi);

11.       Shri Rahul Kumar, Inspector, CBI, EOB, Kolkata (presently in his force & posted at CISF Unit SMP, Kolkata);

12.       Shri Rajeev Sharma, Inspector, CBI,HO, New Delhi;

13.       Shri S. Nanda Kumar, Assistant Sub Inspector, CBI, SU, Chennai;

14.       Shri Suresh Prasad Shukla, Head Constable, CBI, ACB, Jabalpur  (now posted at CBI, BSFB Mumbai);

15.       Shri Rajesh Kumar, Head Constable, CBI, HO, New Delhi;

16.       Shri Om Prakash Daloutra, Head Constable, CBI, ACB, Jammu;

17.       Shri Randhir Singh, Head Constable, CBI, ACB, Jaipur;

18.       Shri Pawan Kumar, Constable, CBI, SC-I, NewDelhi;

19.       Shri Tejpal Singh, Constable, CBI, Policy Division, New Delhi;

20.       Shri Atul Sareen, Crime Assistant, CBI, Policy Division, New Delhi and

21.       Shri Subra Mohanty, Steno Gr.-II, CBI, ACB, Bhubaneswar

About the event

CBI pays its respect and homage to its founder Director late Shri Dharamnath Prasad Kohli and has been organizing the D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture since the year 2000.

Shri Dharamnath Prasad Kohli was born in 1907 in Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. After joining Police Service in 1931, he served in UP, erstwhile Madhya Bharat and the Government of India. He had distinguished career in the Indian Police. He headed Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) from July 1955 to March 1963. On creation of Central Bureau of Investigation, on 1st April, 1963, Shri D.P. Kohli became its founder Director and continued as its Director from 1963 till his retirement on May 31, 1968.

The lecture series has been honoured to feature highly distinguished speakers and luminaries from various fields who share their insights and experience on pertinent topics. The lecture series is intended to contribute to fostering dialogue, sharing knowledge, and advancing the understanding of challenges and solutions in the realm of law enforcement, criminal justice system and criminal investigation. The D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture serves as an apt tribute to Shri D.P. Kohli’s vision and legacy in establishing the CBI as a premier investigating and prosecuting agency. It also underscores the agency’s commitment to upholding integrity, accountability, and excellence in its operations as enshrined in CBI’s motto Industry, Impartiality and Integrity.

The Central Bureau of Investigation was established by a Government of India resolution dated 1st April, 1963 to investigate not only cases of bribery and corruption, but also violation of central fiscal laws, serious crimes besides collecting supporting intelligence. Over the last more than six decades, the Central Bureau of Investigation has emerged as a premier investigating and prosecuting agency of the country covering entire gamut of crimes including emerging new age crimes like cyber enabled financial crimes, online CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material), etc. CBI as the National Central Bureau for INTERPOL in India also coordinates international cooperation in law enforcement.

The function was also webcast live Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Delivers the 21st D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture at Bharat Mandapam

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Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2117361) Visitor Counter : 126

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 6:31PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed acquisition of certain CCPS B of API Holdings by 360 ONE and Claypond Capital.

360 ONE Large Value Fund – Series 13 (360 ONE LVF), which is a scheme of 360 ONE Private Equity Fund (Fund), acting through its investment manager, 360 ONE Alternates Asset Management Limited (AAML) (360 ONE LVF, Fund, and AAML are referred to as “360 ONE”). 360 ONE LVF is registered with the SEBI as a Category II AIF and is established for the purpose of investing in various sectors in India and worldwide. The Fund is managed by its investment manager, i.e., AAML. AAML provides investment management services to schemes of the Fund other Category I and Category II AIFs of the 360 ONE Group. It also undertakes co-investment portfolio management services

Claypond Capital Partners Private Limited (Claypond Capital) is a private limited company incorporated in India. Claypond Capital ultimately belongs to the Pai Family Group. It is engaged in the provision of consulting and advisory services to customers in India.

API Holdings Limited (API Holdings/Target) is a company incorporated in India. It is directly or indirectly engaged in various activities in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors in India.

The proposed transaction consists of the following steps: (a) 360 ONE proposes to acquire certain class B compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS B) of API Holdings from its existing shareholder, MEMG Family Office LLP (MEMG LLP) (Proposed 360 Transaction); and (b) Claypond Capital proposes to acquire certain CCPS B of API Holdings from its existing shareholder, MEMG LLP (Proposed Claypond Transaction) (Proposed 360 Transaction and Proposed Claypond Transaction are collectively referred to as the “Proposed Combination”).

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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 NB/AD

(Release ID: 2117415) Visitor Counter : 47

Source: Government of India

Threads of Progress

How Make in India is Shaping the Future of Textiles and Apparel Industry

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 7:46PM by PIB Delhi

Introduction

The Make in India initiative, launched in 2014, has played a crucial role in positioning India as a global textile manufacturing and export hub. The textile and apparel industry is one of the largest contributors to India’s economy, providing employment to millions and generating substantial foreign exchange earnings. With strong policy support, infrastructure development, and a skilled workforce, India has emerged as a preferred investment destination in the global textile sector.

 

Overview of India’s Textile Industry

The textile and apparel industry contributes 2.3% to our GDP, 13% to industrial production, and 12% to exports. India exported textile items worth US$ 34.4 billion in 2023-24, with apparel constituting 42% of the export basket, followed by raw materials/semi-finished materials at 34% and finished non-apparel goods at 30%. It is also the second largest employment generators, after agriculture, with over 45 million people employed directly, including many women and the rural population. As further evidence of the inclusive nature of this industry, nearly 80% of its capacity is spread across Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) clusters in the country.

The sector also has perfect alignment with the Government’s overall objectives of Make in India, Skill India, Women’s Empowerment, Rural Youth Employment and inclusive growth. The industry produces about 22,000 million pieces of garments per year, with the market size projected to reach US$ 350 billion by 2030, from the current $174 billion.

Recently, the Ministry of Textiles reported a 7% increase in textile and apparel exports, including handicrafts, from April to December 2024, compared to the same period the previous year. In line with the growth roadmap, the Indian textile market currently ranks fifth globally, and the government is actively working to accelerate this growth to a rate of 15-20% over the next five years.

 

Impact of ‘Make in India’ on the Textile Industry

The Make in India initiative has catalyzed textile manufacturing and exports through key policy interventions, enhanced infrastructure, and incentives. In the Union Budget 2024-25, to promote domestic textile production, two more types of shuttle-less looms are added to fully exempted textile machinery by the government. The government has introduced multiple schemes to enhance textile production, boost investments, and promote exports, including:

1. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles

• Objective: To increase manufacturing in man-made fibre (MMF) and technical textiles.
• Budget: ₹10,683 crore.
• Incentives: Financial incentives for large-scale textile manufacturers.

 

2. PM MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Parks

• Objective: To develop world-class industrial infrastructure for textile manufacturing.
• Focus: On developing integrated large scale and modern industrial infrastructure facility for total value-chain of the textile industry like spinning, weaving, processing, garmenting, textile manufacturing, processing & textile machinery industry.
• Budget: ₹4,445 crore for a period 2021-22 to 2027-28.
• Key Benefits: Reduced logistics costs, increased FDI, and better competitiveness in global markets.
• Current Status: A total of 7 Parks established in states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana.

 

3. Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS)

• Objective: To incentivise credit flow for benchmark credit linked technology upgradation in this MSME driven Textile Industry for supporting capital investment.
• Budget: ₹17,822 crore.
• Incentives: Capital subsidies for technology upgradation.

 

4. Samarth (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector)

• Objective: To provide skill training to workers in the textile industry, in partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.
• Budget Allocation: An amount of ₹115 crores was sanctioned during the FY 2023-24, out of which ₹114.99 crores (99.9%) were disbursed.
• Current Status: As of March 27, 2025, more than 4.78 lakh users have been registered on the Samarth portal. As on March 19, 2025, a total of 3.82 lakh beneficiaries have been trained (passed) and 2.97 lakh beneficiaries (77.74%) have been placed.

 

5. Textile Cluster Development Scheme (TCDS)

• Objective: To create an integrated workspace and linkages-based ecosystem for existing as well as potential textile units/clusters to make them operationally and financially viable.
• Benefits: Cluster development model of TCDS will bring benefits of critical mass for customization of interventions, economies of scale in operation, competitiveness in manufacturing, cost efficient, better access to technology and information, etc.
• Budget: ₹853 crore.
• Current Status: As of March 18, 2025, about 1.22 lakh employment opportunities have been generated under the scheme. During 2024-25, ₹34.48 crore have been released.

 

6. National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)

• Objective: To boost Technical Textiles in the country.
• Target Years: 2020-21 to 2025-26
• Budget: ₹1480 crore
• Focus: The Mission focuses on (i) research, innovation and development, (ii) promotion and market development (iii) education and skilling and (iv) export promotion in technical textiles to position country as global leader in technical textiles.
• Current Status: As on January 1, 2025, 168 projects of value ₹509 crores (approx.) have been approved in the category of Specialty fibres and Technical Textiles.

 

Union Budget Allocations for Ministry of Textiles

The Union Budget announced an outlay of ₹5272 crores for the Ministry of Textiles for 2025-26. This is an increase of 19% over budget estimates of 2024-25 (Rs. 4417.03 crore).

 

Key Highlights

• Cotton Mission: A five-year plan to improve cotton productivity, especially extra-long staple varieties, with science and technology support.
• Tax Exemptions on Looms: Duty removed on select shuttle-less looms to reduce costs and modernize weaving.
• Customs Duty on Knitted Fabrics: Increased from “10% or 20%” to “20% or ₹115 per kg, whichever is higher” to curb cheap imports.
• Handicraft Exports: Time for export extended from six months to one year, with more items eligible for duty-free input imports.
• MSME Boost: Focus on exports, credit enhancement, and policies like the National Manufacturing Mission, Export Promotion Mission, Bharat Trade Net, and Fund of Funds to promote employment and entrepreneurship.

 

These measures aim to boost domestic manufacturing, support MSMEs, modernize the textile sector, and enhance India’s global competitiveness.

 

Export Growth and Market Expansion

India is the 6th largest exporter of Textiles & Apparel in the world. The share of textile and apparel (T&A) including handicrafts in India’s total exports stands at a significant 8.21% in 2023-24. India has a share of 3.91% of the global trade in textiles and apparel. Major textile and apparel export destinations for India are USA and EU and with around 47% share in total textile and apparel exports.  The textile and apparel sector has witnessed significant export growth due to government incentives and trade agreements.

The government has taken several steps to enhance exports in textiles and apparels, including:

• Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL): On 7th March 2019, Government approved Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) Scheme to rebate all embedded State and Central taxes/levies on export of Apparel/Garments and Made-ups to provide support and enhance competitiveness of these sectors.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles: Under this scheme, as per the Quarterly Review Reports (QRRs) released on 31.03.2024, the turnover achieved was Rs. 1,355 crore including export of Rs.166 crore.
• Free Trade Agreements: India has so far signed 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) including recently concluded agreement with United Arab Emirates (UAE), Australia and TEPA (Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement) with EFTA (European Free Trade Association) countries comprising Switzerland, Iceland, Norway & Liechtenstein. India has 6 Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with various trading partners. India is presently engaged in FTA negotiations with some of its trading partners notable among these FTAs are India-UK Free Trade Agreement, India- EU Free Trade Agreement, and India-Oman FTA.
• Quality Control Orders: The Ministry has actively taken up notification of standards for textile products in co-ordination with Bureau of Indian Standards and Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are issued to regulate quality and curb sub-standard imports.
• Textile Advisory Group on Man-Made Fibre (MMF): The Ministry has constituted a “Textile Advisory Group on Man-made Fibre (MMF)” comprising stakeholders of the country’s entire Man-Made Fibre (MMF) including viscose to deliberate and make recommendations on the issues and concerns of the sector.
• Exports Promotion Councils (EPCs): There are eleven Exports Promotion Councils (EPCs) representing various segments of the textiles & apparel value chain from Fibre to finished goods as well as traditional sectors like handloom, handicrafts and carpets.  These Councils work in close cooperation with the Ministry of Textiles and other Ministries to promote the growth and export of their respective sectors in global markets. 

 

FDI in Textile and Apparel Industry

 

 

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays a role in the Indian textile and apparel sector. From January 2000 to March 2024, the textile sector received US$ 4,472.79 million (₹28,304.10 crore) in FDI equity. FDI in textile sector over the years can be traced in the graph below:

BHARAT TEX 2024

Bharat Tex 2024, a global textile expo was successfully organized during February 26 to February 29, 2024 by the consortium of 11 Textiles Export Promotion Councils with the support of Ministry of Textiles. Built on the twin pillars of trade and investment and with an overarching focus on sustainability, the 4-day event attracted besides policymakers and global CEOs, 3,500 Exhibitors, 3,000 Buyers from 111 Countries and over one lakh trade visitors. An exhibition spread across nearly 2 million sq ft of area and encompassing the entire textile value chain, including an artistically curated story of textiles- Vastra Katha were the highlights of the event. The event was hosted simultaneously at two state of the art venues in Delhi – Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi with both venues fully subscribed.

This global scale conference with 70 sessions and 112 international speakers saw engaging discussions on key textile issues of the day including Textile Mega Trends, Sustainability, resilient global supply chains and Manufacturing 4.0.

 

BHARAT TEX 2025

Bharat Tex 2025, India’s largest global textile event, was successfully organized from February 14 to 17, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event spanned 2.2 million square feet and featured over 5,000 exhibitors, providing a comprehensive showcase of India’s textile ecosystem. More than 1,20,000 trade visitors, from 120+ countries including global CEOs, policymakers, and industry leaders, attended the event.

Bharat Tex 2025 served as a platform to accelerate the government’s “Farm to Fibre, Fabric, Fashion, and Foreign Markets” vision. India’s textile exports have already reached ₹3 lakh crore, and the goal is to triple this to ₹9 lakh crore by 2030 by strengthening domestic manufacturing and expanding global reach. The event demonstrated India’s leadership in the textile sector and its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration.

 

Innovation in Textile Sector

As far as innovation in textiles sector is concerned, Ministry of Textiles has conducted an Innovation Challenges in collaboration with Startup India & DPIIT. In this challenge, 9 winners were recognised and awarded, while incubation opportunities were presented to 6 awardees under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). Apart from this, 3 separate innovations challenges were conducted by nature fibre boards on their respective problem statements i.e. 

• NJB Technological Innovation Grand Challenge in which 3 winners were recognised and awarded out of 125 applicants.
• CSB Start-up Grand Challenge in which 4 winners were recognised and awarded out of             58 applicants.
• CWDB Wool Innovation Challenge in which 3 winners were recognised and awarded out of     24 applicants.
• 17 of the total above-mentioned winners are directly engaging in activities such as textile waste recycling, biobased fibres or sustainable garment production. 

 

Cotton Industry in India

Cotton is a vital commercial crop in India, contributing about 24% to global cotton production and sustaining the livelihoods of millions of farmers and workers. It plays a crucial role in India’s foreign exchange earnings through exports of raw cotton, intermediate products, and finished goods. India holds the largest cotton acreage in the world.

• Acreage and Yield: India has the largest cotton acreage globally; ranks 36th in productivity.
• Production and Consumption: India is the 2nd largest producer and consumer of cotton in the world.
• Cotton Species: India grows all four species of cotton: G. Arboreum, G. Herbaceum (Asian cotton), G. Barbadense (Egyptian cotton) and G. Hirsutum (American Upland cotton).

• Major Growing Zones: Cotton is primarily grown in the Northern, Central, and Southern zones of India.

 

Production and Consumption of Cotton (in lakh bales)

 

Import and Export of Cotton (in lakh bales)

* Position up to 30.06.2024

 

Government Schemes and Initiatives:

• Minimum Support Price (MSP) Operations to ensure remunerative prices to cotton farmers.
• “Cott-Ally” mobile app for cotton farmers.
• Aadhar-based farmer registration for MSP benefits.
• E-auction for transparent sale of cotton stock.
• QR code using Block Chain Technology for traceability of cotton.
• Kasturi Cotton Bharat programme for branding Indian Cotton.

 

Silk Industry in India

Silk is an insect fibre known for its lustre, drape, and strength. It is called the “Queen of Textiles” worldwide. India has a long history with silk and is the second largest producer and the largest consumer of silk in the world. India is unique in producing all four commercial varieties of silk: Mulberry, Tropical & Oak Tasar, Muga, and Eri. The Indian sericulture industry is important because it provides a lot of employment, requires low capital, and gives good income to silk growers. India produced 38,913 MT of silk, making it the second largest producer globally, after China.

 

Source: Central Silk Board, Bengaluru

 

The Indian government supports the silk industry through various initiatives and schemes:

• The Central Silk Board (CSB) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles that was established in 1948 to develop the silk industry.
• The Ministry of Textiles is implementing the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) under the Silk Samagra Scheme.
• In 2023-24, the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, allocated ₹25 crore for the implementation of the SCSP for sericulture. The entire funds allocated under SCSP were fully utilized/released for implementation of beneficiary-oriented components.
• The government is also working on research and development in the silk sector to improve productivity and quality. This includes promoting soil testing, organic farming, and the use of silkworm by-products. They are also upgrading reeling technology and promoting indigenous automatic reeling machines to boost the Make in India program.
• The industry also focuses on product design development and diversification to promote Indian silks and help manufacturers and exporters create innovative designs and fabrics.

 

Jute Industry in India

The jute industry is a major player in India’s economy, particularly in the eastern regions like West Bengal. It’s a vital source of employment, providing livelihoods for workers in organized mills and diversified units, and supporting numerous farm families. The Indian government actively supports the jute sector through various initiatives aimed at improving productivity, ensuring fair prices for farmers, and promoting the use of jute products.

• The jute industry provides direct employment to 4 lakh workers in organized mills and diversified units, including the tertiary sector and allied activities.
• It supports the livelihood of 40 lakh farm families.
• As per the Office of Jute Commissioner, there are 116 composite jute mills.
• West Bengal has the highest number of jute mills (86).
• Government of India provides support to the jute growers through MSP operations by the Jute Corporation of India and also through direct purchase of jute sacking.
• Average land area under raw jute & mesta cultivation is 799 thousand hectares (average of last four years).
• Average production of raw jute & mesta is 10,990 thousand bales (average of last four years).
• Average export of jute goods is 133 thousand MT per annum with a value of Rs. 21,150 million per annum (average of last four years).
• Jute – ICARE has been launched for improving fibre quality and productivity, reducing the cost of jute production, and increasing the income of jute farmers.
• The schemes for the promotion of the jute sector are primarily implemented by the National Jute Board.

 

Conclusion

The Make in India initiative has significantly enhanced India’s position in global textile manufacturing and exports through targeted policies, infrastructure development, and investment promotion. With sustained efforts, India is poised to become a global textile leader, driving economic growth and employment generation.

 

References

https://www.texmin.nic.in/textile-data

https://jutecomm.gov.in/FAQ.html

https://www.investindia.gov.in/sector/textiles-apparel

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2089306

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2098352

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2099411

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2114277

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2104423

https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/economicsurvey/doc/echapter.pdf

https://www.texmin.nic.in/sites/default/files/Indian%20Jute%20At%20a%20Glance.pdf

https://www.texmin.nic.in/sites/default/files/Note%20on%20Cotton%20Sector_0.pdf

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU4118_0othg1.pdf?source=pqals

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AS245_n0CCI6.pdf?source=pqals

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU2877_YZdL4e.pdf?source=pqals

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AU2873_sOQ5IE.pdf?source=pqals

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/184/AS110_T8V4VD.pdf?source=pqals

https://www.texmin.nic.in/sites/default/files/FDI%20inflow%20at%20a%20glance.pdf

https://www.texmin.nic.in/sites/default/files/Table-2%20Raw%20Silk%20Production%20Statistics.pdf

https://texmin.nic.in/sites/default/files/MOT%20Annual%20Report%20English%20%2807.11.2024%29.pdf

https://www.texmin.nic.in/sites/default/files/FDI%20inflow%20%28Finacial%20year%20wise%29.pdf

https://ddnews.gov.in/en/india-sets-new-record-with-7-rise-in-textile-exports-government-implements-multiple-schemes-to-boost-sector/

Threads of Progress

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Make in India (T&A) | Explainer | 05

Santosh Kumar | Sheetal Angral | Rishita Aggarwal

(Release ID: 2117470) Visitor Counter : 183

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 8:05PM by PIB Delhi

This achievement marks a significant stride towards cleaner, greener, and more sustainable mobility, aligning with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Net Zero by 2070 and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

India’s e-mobility sector is gaining momentum, driven by government initiatives, technological advancements, and environmental concerns.

Overall, India’s e-mobility sector is poised for significant growth, driven by supportive policies. The growth story of electric mobility is visible by numbers below:

In the Financial Year 2024-25, a total of 11,49,334 electric two-wheelers (e-2W) were sold, reflecting a 21% increase compared to 9,48,561 units sold in FY 2023-24. Similarly, the sales of electric three-wheelers e-3W (L5) reached 1,59,235 units in FY 2024-25, marking a 57% growth over the 1,01,581 units sold in the previous financial year.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has notified ‘PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme’ on 29.09.2024 to provide impetus to the green mobility & development of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing eco-system in the country. The scheme has an outlay of Rs.10,900 crore over a period of two years upto 31.03.2026. The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 implemented by MHI for the period of six months from 01.04.2024 to 30.09.2024, is subsumed in PM E-DRIVE scheme.

Under the PM E-DRIVE scheme in FY 2024-25, 10,10,101 nos of e-2W, 1,22,982 nos of e-3W(L5) have been registered in VAHAN portal. Sales of more than one million of EVs have taken place in this FY 2024-25.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries & Steel, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, lauded this achievement and stated:

“Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi avaru, India is driving the global transition to sustainable mobility. The achievement of over 1 million EVs sales is a testament to the success of MHI’s flagship schemes, including FAME, EMPS, and PM E-DRIVE. This milestone reaffirms our commitment to building a cleaner, greener, and self-reliant India.”

The PM E-DRIVE Scheme, spearheaded by MHI, has played a pivotal role in accelerating electric vehicle adoption by offering financial incentives, promoting indigenous manufacturing, and strengthening the EV ecosystem. The scheme’s impact Data till 31^st March 2025 is reflected in the following key environmental benefits:

• Fuel saving per day: 8,55,723 litres
• Total fuel saved: 15,77,33,334 litres
• CO2 reduction per day: 12,48,100 kg
• Total CO2 reduction: 23,01,73,978 kg

This initiative by the Government of India is set to address critical challenges related to environmental pollution and fuel security while advancing sustainable transportation solutions. Through the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) and supporting infrastructure, the scheme is expected to catalyse significant investment in the EV sector and its supply chain. Furthermore, it will generate substantial employment opportunities across the value chain, including jobs in manufacturing and charging infrastructure setup. Overall, this scheme represents a crucial step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for transportation in India.

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Auto Scheme is transforming India’s automotive sector by driving sustainable and advanced manufacturing. Under this initiative, 18 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have applied, playing a crucial role in accelerating the electric mobility revolution and strengthening the nation’s journey towards a self-reliant and future-ready automotive ecosystem.

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TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2117485) Visitor Counter : 124

Source: Government of India

Building Bharat

Powering Infrastructure Through Make in India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 8:13PM by PIB Delhi

Introduction

India’s infrastructure landscape is undergoing a monumental shift, driven by the Make in India initiative as a catalyst for growth and development. Recognising that world-class infrastructure is the backbone of economic progress, the government has launched a series of transformative projects to strengthen transportation, logistics, and urban facilities. The Bharatmala Pariyojana is enhancing road connectivity with expressways and economic corridors, while the Sagarmala Programme is revolutionising port-led development. The Smart Cities Mission is reimagining urban centres with modern amenities and digital integration, and PM Gati Shakti is streamlining multimodal connectivity for seamless movement of goods and people. These initiatives are laying the foundation for a more efficient, interconnected, and sustainable India.

The scale of this ambition is matched by remarkable achievements that showcase India’s engineering prowess and determination. Iconic projects like the Atal Tunnel, the world’s longest highway tunnel, and the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, stand as testaments to the nation’s capabilities. Meanwhile, the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, and the Zojila Tunnel, Asia’s longest, highlight India’s commitment to blending innovation with resilience. The expansion of dedicated freight corridors, modern airports, and renewable energy grids further reinforces the nation’s commitment to building a resilient and future-ready economy. By aligning infrastructure growth with industrial expansion, the Make in India initiative is not just transforming physical landscapes but also unlocking new opportunities for investment, employment, and innovation.

Economic Acceleration

The National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) is a transformative initiative launched to develop world-class industrial infrastructure and promote planned urbanisation across India. By integrating smart technologies and multi-modal connectivity, the programme aims to create globally competitive manufacturing hubs while fostering economic growth and employment opportunities. These industrial corridors are being developed in collaboration with State Governments to ensure efficient planning and execution.

Key developments:

 

 

 

Launched in 2021, PM Gati Shakti – National Master Plan for Multimodal Connectivity strengthens the vision of Make in India by ensuring world-class infrastructure to support manufacturing and economic growth. This digital platform enhances coordination across 16 ministries, including Railways and Roadways, integrating geospatial mapping and data-driven decision-making to optimise logistics and reduce project delays. By streamlining connectivity, it bolsters industrial corridors, facilitates efficient supply chains, and attracts investments in key sectors. All projects exceeding ₹500 crore are assessed by the Network Planning Group (NPG) to ensure seamless execution.

As of March 13, 2025, 115 National Highway and road projects covering approximately 13,500 km, with an investment of ₹6.38 lakh crore, have been evaluated under the initiative, leading to more efficient infrastructure development.

Road and Maritime Connectivity

Strengthening India’s road and maritime infrastructure is central to the Make in India vision, ensuring seamless connectivity for industries and boosting economic growth. Strategic initiatives like Bharatmala and Sagarmala are enhancing freight movement, improving logistics efficiency, and modernising transport networks to support India’s manufacturing and trade ambitions.

Bharatmala Pariyojana is advancing India’s infrastructure by addressing critical gaps through the development of economic corridors, expressways, and connectivity roads. Aligned with the Make in India vision, the programme focuses on improving logistics efficiency, fostering industrial growth with enhanced connectivity to key hubs, and ensuring safer, more reliable transportation networks. This initiative not only boosts economic growth but also supports indigenous manufacturing and infrastructure development, making India more self-reliant in its transportation and logistics sector. Since its approval in 2017, the initiative has made significant progress:

 

 

India’s National Highway network has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, driven by higher budget allocations and accelerated construction. The network has expanded from 91,287 km in 2014 to 1,46,145 km in 2024, marking a 60% increase. This expansion has significantly improved connectivity, reduced travel time, and boosted economic activities across the country.

 

Launched in 2015, the Sagarmala Programme aligns with India’s Make in India vision by focusing on port-led development to harness the potential of the country’s extensive coastline and navigable waterways. The programme aims to enhance India’s manufacturing and export capabilities by reducing logistics costs for both domestic and international trade. It focuses on improving port infrastructure, connectivity, and the creation of coastal economic zones, which support the growth of the manufacturing sector. Additionally, initiatives like Ro-Pax ferry services, cruise terminals, and skill development for coastal communities contribute to the development of a self-reliant maritime ecosystem, further supporting India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub.

 

Since its approval, the initiative has made significant progress:

 

 

Rail Infrastructure

India’s rail infrastructure has seen significant advancements, strengthening connectivity, security, and urban mobility. Flagship initiatives such as Vande Bharat trains and metro rail expansion are enhancing passenger experience, modernising transit hubs, and ensuring seamless travel. With a strong push under Make in India vision, the railway network’s expansion, underscores the commitment to inclusive growth and efficient transportation.

Launched in 2019, Vande Bharat trains exemplify the Make in India vision, showcasing the nation’s engineering capabilities in railway modernisation. As the first-ever indigenously designed and manufactured semi-high-speed trains, they feature modern coaches, advanced safety features, and enhanced passenger amenities. Equipped with automatic plug doors, ergonomic reclining seats, and individual mobile charging sockets, these trains ensure a premium travel experience. Operating on medium and short-distance routes, they improve connectivity while significantly reducing travel time.

Indian Railways is also set to transform long-distance travel with the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Set. The first 16-car set, manufactured by Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, completed successful trials on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route on 15th January 2025, covering 540 kilometers. Following its completion on 17th December 2024, the train was tested in the Kota division at speeds of 180 km per hour, ensuring comfort and high performance for long-distance journeys.

Since its introduction, the initiative has made significant progress:

 

 

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a long-term initiative to modernise railway stations across India, enhancing passenger amenities, multimodal connectivity, and overall infrastructure. With a focus on continuous development, the scheme aims to transform stations into modern transit hubs. As of March 12, 2025, 1,337 stations have been identified for upgradation, ensuring improved accessibility, better facilities, and a seamless travel experience.

India’s Metro Rail system has been instrumental in transforming urban transportation, offering a fast, reliable, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional commuting methods. The network’s expansion gained momentum with increased government focus, ensuring seamless connectivity in major cities. Since 2014, metro systems have rapidly grown, alleviating congestion and enhancing urban mobility. Notably, BEML Limited, a ‘Schedule A’ Company under the Ministry of Defence, has played a key role in manufacturing metro coaches. As of May 2024, BEML has supplied over 2,000 metro coaches to various metro corporations, including those in Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Mumbai.

In addition to metro networks, India has also made significant strides with the introduction of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). The Namo Bharat trains operating on the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor are a prime example of India’s commitment to modernising mass transit systems, offering faster and more efficient travel across regions.

Since its launch, the initiative has made significant progress:

 

 

Civil Aviation

India’s aviation sector has witnessed unprecedented growth, driven by rising demand and proactive government policies aimed at strengthening air connectivity. This rapid expansion has positioned India as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally. The government’s focus on regional connectivity and infrastructure development has ensured improved accessibility, fostering economic growth and mobility across the country.

 

Since its push for expansion, the sector has achieved notable milestones:

 

 

 

Conclusion

India’s infrastructure and construction sectors have been pivotal in driving the Make in India initiative, creating the backbone for industrial growth and economic expansion. Landmark projects in road, rail, maritime, aviation, and urban development have not only improved connectivity and logistics but also enhanced the quality of life across rural and urban areas. The expansion of national highways, metro networks, and modern rail services, alongside transformative schemes like PM Gati Shakti and Smart Cities Mission, underscores the country’s commitment to sustainable growth. With continued investments in infrastructure and technological innovation, India is poised to unlock new opportunities for industries, boost employment, and accelerate economic progress, solidifying its position as a global manufacturing and logistics hub.

Make in India (Infrastructure)/ Explainer/ 06

References:

Kinldy find the pdf file 

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Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Saurabh Kalia

(Release ID: 2117488) Visitor Counter : 107

Source: Government of India

India Achieves Historic Milestone in Renewable Energy Capacity Addition in FY 2024-25

25 GW of Renewable Energy Added in FY 2024-25, Marking a 35% Increase Over Previous Year

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 8:20PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) achieved historic milestone in the renewable energy sector for the financial year 2024-25. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country has added an unprecedented 25 GW of renewable energy capacity, marking an increase of nearly 35% over the previous year’s addition of 18.57 GW.

Solar Sector Drives Renewable Surge

India’s solar power sector led the renewable energy growth, with capacity additions soaring from 15 GW in FY24 to nearly 21 GW in FY25, a remarkable 38% increase. The country also achieved the significant milestone of surpassing 100 GW of installed solar capacity this year.

Domestic Solar Manufacturing Scales New Heights

In a strong push towards Atmanirbharta, India’s solar module manufacturing capacity nearly doubled from 38 GW in March 2024 to 74 GW in March 2025, while solar PV cell manufacturing capacity tripled from 9 GW to 25 GW. Additionally, the country’s first ingot-wafer manufacturing facility (2 GW) commenced production in FY25. Under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules, investments worth ₹41,000 crore have been made, generating direct employment for approximately 11,650 people.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Sees Widespread Impact

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana witnessed impressive progress, benefiting over 11.01 lakh households by March 31, 2025. Under the scheme, ₹5,437.20 crore has been disbursed as Central Financial Assistance to 6.98 lakh beneficiaries, significantly promoting the adoption of rooftop solar.

Green Hydrogen Sector Gains Momentum

India’s Green Hydrogen sector also saw significant developments. Incentives worth ₹2,220 crore were awarded for 1,500 MW per annum of electrolyser manufacturing, while an additional ₹2,239 crore was allocated for 4,50,000 tons-per-annum (TPA) of Green Hydrogen production. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, seven pilot projects were funded with ₹454 crore for decarbonizing the steel sector. Additionally, five pilot projects in the transport sector, with ₹208 crore in funding, will introduce 37 hydrogen-fueled vehicles and nine hydrogen refueling stations.

Record Progress Under PM-KUSUM Scheme

The PM KUSUM Scheme witnessed record progress. In Component B, 4.4 lakh pumps were installed in FY25, a 4.2-fold increase over the previous year. In Component C, 2.6 lakh pumps were solarized, 25 times more than in FY24. The total number of solar pumps installed/solarized under the scheme has now exceeded 10 lakh. Financial expenditure for PM-KUSUM surged to ₹2,680 crore, a 268% increase from the previous year.

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) continues to play a crucial role in financing clean energy projects. In FY25, IREDA recorded a 27% increase in loan sanctions, reaching ₹47,453 crore, while loan disbursements rose by 20% to ₹30,168 crore.

Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Prahlad Joshi, said, “India may have already become or will soon become the third-largest renewable energy capacity holder in the world. This milestone is a testament to Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a sustainable and self-reliant energy future.”

These remarkable achievements reaffirm India’s commitment to its clean energy transition and its leadership in the global renewable energy sector.

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Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2117501) Visitor Counter : 119

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 8:23PM by PIB Delhi

Your Excellency, President Boric,

Delegates from both the countries,

Friends from the media,

Namaskar! Hola!

This is President Boric’s first visit to India. His strong sense of friendship toward India and his commitment to strengthen our relations is truly amazing. For this, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to him, and warmly welcome him and his distinguished delegation.

Friends,

Chile is a valued friend and partner country for India in Latin America. In our discussions today, we identified several new initiatives to further strengthen our cooperation in the coming decade.

We welcome the expansion of mutual trade and investment and we agree that there is untapped potential for further collaboration. Today, we have instructed our teams to initiate discussions on a mutually beneficial Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Partnerships in the field of Critical Minerals will be emphasized. Efforts will be made to establish resilient supply and value chains. In agriculture, we will collaborate to enhance food security by leveraging each other’s strengths.

India is ready to share its positive experience with Chile in the areas of Digital Public Infrastructure, Renewable Energy, Railways, Space and more.

We see Chile as the gateway to Antarctica. We welcome today’s agreement on the Letter of Intent to strengthen cooperation in this vital region.

India has been a trusted partner in supporting Chile’s health security, and we have agreed to further strengthen this collaboration. It is a matter of joy that the people of Chile have adopted Yoga as part of a healthy lifestyle. The declaration of November 4 as National Yoga Day in Chile is truly inspiring. We also explored opportunities to enhance cooperation in Ayurveda and traditional medicine in Chile.

Increasing cooperation in the field of defence is a symbol of our deep mutual trust. In this area, we will move forward to create defence industrial manufacturing and supply chains as per each other’s needs. We will increase cooperation between the agencies of both the countries to face common challenges like organized crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism.

Globally, India and Chile agree that all tensions and disputes should be resolved through dialogue. We are unanimous in saying that to face global challenges, reform of the United Nations Security Council and other institutions is necessary. Together we will continue to contribute to global peace and stability.

Friends,

Even though India and Chile are at different ends of the world map, separated by vast oceans, we still share some unique natural similarities.

The Himalayas of India and the Andes mountains of Chile have shaped the way of life in both countries for thousands of years. The waves of the Indian Ocean flow in India with the same energy with which the waves of the Pacific Ocean touch the shores of Chile. Both the countries are not only connected by nature, but our cultures have also been close to each other, embracing this diversity.

The great Chilean poet and Nobel Laureate “Gabriela Mistral” found inspiration in the ideas of Rabindranath Tagore and Aurobindo Ghosh. Similarly, Chilean literature has been appreciated in India too. The growing interest among the Chilean people towards Indian films, cuisine, and classical dances is a living example of our cultural ties.

Today, around four thousand people of Indian origin, who consider Chile their home, are the custodians of our shared heritage. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Boric and his government for their care and support.

We welcome the consensus reached today on the cultural exchange program between the two countries. We also discussed simplification of the visa process between the two countries. We will continue to work towards increasing student exchanges between India and Chile.

Excellency,

Your visit has brought new energy and enthusiasm in our relations. This energy will give new impetus and direction to our bilateral relations as well as to our cooperation in the entire Latin American region.

I wish you a pleasant journey and stay in India.

Thank you very much!

Gracias!

DISCLAIMER – This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region