SEAnews 2015-04-20 ArtNo.45454

【Ottawa】Marking the first standalone bilateral visit in 42 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived on the 15th April in Canada where the focus will be on setting a “trajectory” in ties through cooperation in energy, including civil nuclear, and attracting trade and technology for India’s development.
　A significant aspect of the three-day visit will be Mr. Modi’s meeting with top officials of Canada’s Pension Fund with focus on inviting them to India.

○PM embarks on 3-nation tour of France, Germany and Canada

【New Delhi】With focus on getting investments and technology, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 9th of April embarked on a three-nation tour of France, Germany and Canada during which talks will be held on a range of issues including civil nuclear and defence. France will be the first destination of his nine-day tour.(PTI)
　Ahead the three-nation tour of Modi, João Cravinho, ambassador of the European Union (EU), hopes this would be an opportune moment to pave the way to re-energise the stalled negotiations for an India-EU bilateral trade and investment agreement (BTIA). EU is keen to get the deal sealed at the earliest for the benefit of both sides, he tells the Business Standard. We are looking forward to the India-EU Summit, which is expected to take place before the end of the year. There is much enthusiasm in the government now. We will see if we can give a new energy to the trade talks. Besides, we have been following the Modi government’s flagship programmes — ‘Make in India’, smart cities, Digital India and Ganges cleaning — with a lot of interest. In relation to all these, we have a lot of potential to contribute to the success of these ambitions. So, we are working on developing on an EU platform to respond to these initiatives.

○Minor reshuffle of Modi Cabinet likely: Sources

【New Delhi】Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have indicated the Narendra Modi government could see portfolios of some ministers reshuffled soon, and the Shiv Sena might get more representation. The BJP is also likely to announce filling of vacancies among its party functionaries by the end of the week.
　Sources rejected the possibility of members of Parliament (MPs) joining from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). A party leader termed the BJP-PDP tie-up an alliance for government formation to give J&K a stable administration. Not a political alliance.
　PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti is also said to be averse to any of the three PDP members in the Lok Sabha, including herself, and two in the Rajya Sabha, joining the Modi government.

○Low-key first anniversary celebrations for Modi govt

【New Delhi】The Narendra Modi government at the Centre is looking at a staggered social media play to list out its achievements and plans, in the run-up to the D-Day - May 26 - when it had assumed charge last year.
　There might not be anything dramatic to celebrate one year in power, it is learnt. "There won't be any fire crackers," is how a source described the low-key celebrations.

○Policy needs to be same for Mukesh Ambani and common man: Modi

【New Delhi】Prime Minister Narendra Modi has blamed private sector of still being stuck with "legacy issues" like tax terrorism and selective exemption, and said that "red tape" can't be removed only for Mukesh Ambani and not for a common man.
　In a terse message to industry, the Prime Minister also said his "job is not to spoon- feed anyone" and the industry can come on board if it fits into the government's policies, or else stay where they are.

【News source】

Modi reaches Canada; to focus on energy, investments

PM Modi embarks on 3-nation tour

PM Modi embarks on 3-nation tour of France, Germany and Canada ; business, tech high on agenda

Modi visit will energise India-EU FTA talks: João Cravinho

Minor reshuffle of Modi Cabinet likely: Sources

Low-key first anniversary celebrations for Modi govt

Policy needs to be same for Mukesh Ambani and common man: Modi

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