Diwali 2015

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Dear readers,

COMMENT

It is my privilege and honour to greet you on the auspicious days of Diwali and the Hindu new year, Vikram Samvat 2072 which begins on Thursday 12th November.

Best wishes for a Happy Diwali and a prosperous, healthy and peaceful new year for you and your loved ones.

Diwali is also an ideal opportunity to take stock of the year which has just gone by and plan for a more progressive year ahead. Inevitably, all days will not remain the same. In health, finance, family life, as in other aspects of our day to day existence, it is inevitable to have some challenges or problems. Perhaps the best way is to look at them as opportunities too. Diwali, traditionally, at the end of the harvest season has enabled individuals and society to embark on a path of incremental progress and development.

In Great Britain, we had a General Election and after several years, the Conservative Party was able to form a Government on its own. PM David Cameron has begun well.

The overall shape of the British economy, from various criteria is as good as, if not better, than most members of OECD. Nevertheless, it is to be expected to have some serious ongoing difficulties. The need to balance the books of the British exchequer are important, at the same time more realistic than dogmatic approach is surely most appropriate.

The Chancellor is facing serious problem in this matter. The election of the new Labour leader in a surprising campaign has also created its own whirlwind within the Labour Party, as well as in the national politics.

During this auspicious Diwali festivities, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi is arriving to these shores. His programme is fully packed over 3-4 days. He is investing in Great Britain. The most historic and perhaps the epoch making event is the grand reception by the Indian community at the Wembley stadium, on 13th November. Great Britain and the Union of India are bound to forge deeper and more meaningful relationships during the deliberation between the Prime Ministers of these two nations. There are immense possibilities for a more complimentary cooperation in various aspects of economic and international issues. Both desire and need faster economic growth. Both face agonising problems from religious extremists and terrorism. But both are, as experienced democracies, capable of creating mechanism, within the framework of democracy to handle such challenges.

We would like to extent our heartiest welcome to the visiting Prime Minister of India. We wish both Prime Ministers and their governments to take giant strides for mutual benefit. Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar most sincerely conveys best wishes for a very happy and enjoyable Diwali festivities and a peaceful, prosperous and healthy new year to all our readers, well wishers, supporters, advertisers, letter writers and all others who in their unique way help us to make our journey more meaningful and rewarding.

Once again, I would like to convey my warmest best wishes over the festivities.

Om Namah Shivay

CB Patel Publisher/Editor

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સંગ સંગ ભેરુ તો સર થાય મેરુ

પરમ કૃપાળુ પરમાત્માની અસીમ કૃપા અને વડીલો સહિત આપ સહુ વાચકોના ઉષ્માપૂણણ સાથ-સિકારથી વીતેલું વષણ ખૂબ સુખરૂપ અને પ્રગહતદાયક નીવડ્યું છે. લેખકો, કહવઓ, કલાકારો, સમાજસેવકો, જાિેરખબરદાતાઓ તેમ જ લંડન તથા અમદાવાદ કાયાણલયના સાથીઓના શહિસભર સિયોગનેતેકેમ ભૂલાય? સંગ સંગ ભેરુ તો સર થાય મેરુ... ઉહિ પ્રકાશન ક્ષેત્ર માટે એકદમ બંધબેસતી છે. સહવશેષ એબીપીએલ ગ્રૂપ માટે. હવશ્વભરની અખબારીઆલમ, આધુહનક ટેક્નોલોજી સહિતની કેટલીક સમથયાઓના કારણે, પડકારજનક સમયનો સામનો કરી રિી છે ત્યારે આપ સહુના સિયોગ - શુભકામનાઓ થકી જ ગુજરાત સમાચાર - એશિયન વોઇસ સાપ્તાહિકો વધુબળૂકા બન્યા છે. લવાજમી ગ્રાિકો અને વાચકોની સેવામાં એબીપીએલ ગ્રૂપ દીઘણકાળ પયયંત સાંગોપાંગ રિે તે માટે ઉપલબ્ધ ટેક્નોલોજીના નીતનવા ઉપયોગ દ્વારા તેમ જ અન્ય પ્રકારેવ્યવથથાતંત્ર સુદૃઢ કરવા અમે સતત પ્રયત્નશીલ રહ્યા છીએ. અમારી આગેકૂચમાં આપ સહુ હવહવધ પ્રકારેસિાયરૂપ બની રહ્યા છો તેનેઅમારુંસદભાગ્ય ગણુંછું. હિટનમાં ગત વષણમાં રાષ્ટ્રીય ચૂંટણી યોજાઇ. કન્ઝવવેહટવ પાટટીની પોતીકી સરકાર બની. જોકે દેશનું અથણતંત્ર, અનેક અવરોધો છતાં એકંદર સારી સ્થથહત પ્રાપ્ત કરી રહ્યું છે. યુરોહપયન યુહનયન (ઇયુ) અનેખચણઘટાડવાની કેમરન સરકારની નીહત તેમ જ લેબર પાટટીના નવા નેતા જેરેમી કોહબણન બાબત કેટલાક સંશયો અને સમથયાઓ હિહટશ રાજકારણને થપશટી રહ્યા છે. સવાયંગી જોઇએ તો, હિહટશ પરંપરા અને જાગૃતતાના સુભગ સંગમથી, અન્ય હવકહસત દેશોના મુકાબલે, હિટન મક્કમ પ્રગહત કરી રહ્યુંછે. ભારત અને હિટન વચ્ચેના સંબંધો હવહવધ પ્રકારે વધુ સંગીન અને એકમેકને વધુ પૂરક બની રહ્યા છે. યોગાનુયોગ ભારતના લોકલાડીલા વડા પ્રધાન નરેન્દ્ર મોદી હદવાળીના મંગળ પવવે જ હિટનની મુલાકાતે આવી રહ્યા છે. ભારતીય વંશજો ઉપરાંત સમગ્ર દેશમાં આ મુલાકાત માટે અદમ્ય ઉત્સાિ અને ઉત્સુિા પ્રવતવે છે. માનનીય નરેન્દ્રભાઇ ૧૩ નવેમ્બરે ભાઇબીજના પહવત્ર હદવસે ૬૦ િજારથી વધુમાનવમેદનીનેસંબોધશે. ભારતમાં મોદી સરકાર આયોજનમાં, અમલીકરણમાં તેમ જ આધુહનકીકરણના ક્ષેત્રે હવશ્વાસપૂવણક અભૂતપૂવણ પગલાં લઇ રિી છે. રાજ્યસભામાં હવરોધ પક્ષની બહુમતીના કારણે કંઇકેટલાય આવકારદાયક અને જરૂરી પગલાં લેવામાં મોદી સરકારને ભારે અવરોધોનો સામનો કરવો પડી રહ્યો છે. જોકે લોકશાિી શાસનપ્રણાલીમાંઆમાંકંઇ આશ્ચયણજનક પણ નથી. માતૃશહિ એ માનવજીવનની ઉત્ક્રાંહતના પાયામાં છે. માતાનું ઋણ તો આપણે કદી અદા ન જ કરી શકીએ, આમ છતાં આ દીપોત્સવી અંક હવશ્વસમથતની માતૃશહિના ચરણોમાંસમહપણત કરતાં અમે અત્યંત િષણ અને ગૌરવની લાગણી અનુભવીએ છીએ. હવક્રમ સંવત ૨૦૭૨ સહુ કોઇ માટે પ્રગહતકારક, સુખદાયક અને શાંહતમય નીવડે તેવી પરમ કૃપાળુ પરમાત્માને પ્રાથણના સાથે આપ સહુને હદપાવલી અનેનૂતન વષણની શુભકામનાઓ... લી. સી. બી. પટેલના ૐ નમઃ શિવાય પ્રકાિક/તંત્રી

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■ Dr M.N. Nandakumara

Matru Devo Bhava

n our scriptures the role of a mother has been compared to God in person. Our Vedas declare ‘Matru Devo Bhava’, meaning treat your mother as God. The role of a father, teacher and guests come after this. ‘Pitra Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava, Athithi Devo Bhava’ – consider your father as God, consider your guru as God, consider your guest as God. In Vedic culture, female deities play a very important role. For example Ma Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati represent physical and mental power, financial power and power of wisdom. These three Goddesses are consid-

PM Modi, blessed by Hirabaa. A memorable moment indeed

is not supposed to perform any rituals or even funeral rites to his own parents. So when Shankara’s mother asked him who will perform her final rites, he replied that he would forego the rules of Sanyaasa and would come and perform her rites. For the sake of his mother he broke all religious norms. This shows the importance of a mother and how she is regarded and respected by the society.

(Dr Nandakumar is the Executive Director of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, UK).

Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar dedicates Diwali 2015 Special to all the Mothers, who spare no effort to bring up their offsprings under any circumstances.

The world recently saw a different face of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Q & A at the Townhall, with Mark Zuckerberg. The usually poised leader choked up talking about his mother, who went through a lot of hardships to raise him and his siblings. “A mother will never want you to become something, she will think about how you will achieve that. I've my mother, who is over 90 years. Even today she does all her work on her own,” he said during the session.

We would illustrate the role and the status of a Mother, as a token of our respect to all the Mothers, by illustrating a distinguished British Indian family. Dr Bhikhubhai and his brother, Dr Vijaybhai Patel, are at the helm of the Waymade Healthcare Plc. Both the brothers have credited their mother, Shantabaa, for their inspiration and success.

ered Universal Mothers. No day, for a follower of Vedic culture, begins without offering prayers to these deities. It is the mother who carries her child for nine months in her womb and gives the best of one’s culture during its formative years. One can never repay the debt one owes to one’s mother. In every culture, a mother is the symbol of love, patience, forgiveness, selflessness and sacrifice. There is no one who can replicate the role of a mother. Hence her importance in all our lives. Her love knows no bounds and she takes pride in every achievement of her children.

Our scriptures say ‘Yatra Naryastu Pujyante Ramante Tatra Devatah’ - meaning wherever females are respected and treated with honour, there the celestial beings reside happily and bless everyone around.

One of the greatest intellectuals of the world, Adi Shankara, who propounded the Advaita philosophy, has said in one of his compositions to the Universal Mother thus ‘Kuputro Jaayeta, Kumaataa na Bhavati’. Meaning there maybe a bad child but there will never be a bad mother. In his life, Adi Shankara took Sanyaas Pujya Shantabaa with her great-grandson. From left: son Dr Bhikubhai when he was very young. As we know a Sanyaasi Patel, daughter-in-law Shashiben, daughter Manjuben, daughter-in-law Smitaben, and son Dr Vijaybhai Patel

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Happy Diwali

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Keith Vaz MP

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Lord Andrew Feldman

t is with great joy that I welcome Narendra Modi on his first visit to the United Kingdom since being elected Prime Minister.

That his visit coincides with Diwali celebrations the largest of which will be in Leicester, which are commemorated in Britain with a passion and vibrancy unique outside India itself, adds yet more energy to the eagerly anticipated visit.

For the 1.5 million members of the British-Indian community, this will be seen as a historic cultural moment; for the British government, this may be the most important diplomatic visit of the year.

Today, India is one of the most exciting, dynamic and increasingly influential countries in the World. The 21st Century is set to be India's century, and our relationship will be pivotal to the UK's future place in the world.

It is therefore with great hope, optimism and a sense of opportunity that I wish you all a happy Diwali, as we come together for a truly special festival of lights.

am delighted to wish everyone in Britain and abroad a very happy and holy Diwali.

The festival of light commemorates the triumph of light over darkness, goodness over evil, and hope over despair. These values that Diwali honours are held dear not just by Hindus, but are rightly cherished by many members of all faiths and none.

This wonderful festival is a fitting time to remember the enormous contribution that the British Indian community has made to our country, from the businesses they run to the outstanding public and professional services they provide. This community is a fundamental part of the social fabric of our country and we can look forward to celebrating ever greater successes together.

I send my best wishes and warmest greetings to all those celebrating Diwali.

The Rt. Hon. the Lord Feldman of Elstree Chairman of the Conservative Party

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Virendra Sharma MP

r Prime Minister your visit comes at a time of great possibility for the IndoBritish relationship, and I would like to be one of the first to welcome you on your first state visit to the United Kingdom. British technology and innovation is being championed in India, and India’s highly educated, well skilled workforce is being championed in Britain because they are a match for the 21st Century. As hundreds of millions of people celebrate our festival of Diwali, the Indo-British relationship is emerging into the light. The victory of light over dark, of hope over despair and knowledge over ignorance is a parallel for how far the Indo-British relationship has progressed. Working together, India firmly at the centre of the East and Britain with the European Union and also looking out over the Atlantic, our cooperation will mark the foundation of the most prosperous union of the 21st Century.

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Lord Ranbir Singh Suri

am sure that many readers will be delighted as I am that the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Britain for ten years is nearly upon us. Shri Narendra Modi Ji is due to visit on 13th November.

His visit comes at an important time. British-Indian relations are better than they ever been, and the growing importance of Indian investment and trade makes this an even more significant visit. India is now Britain's third largest foreign investor, and Indian firms now employ over 120,000British people, with Tata employing 40,000 people alone. The Prime Ministers visit falls during theDiwali celebrations, I hope that whilst in the U.K., he takes the opportunity to witness this show ofstrength of the British Indian Community all over the country, and all Asian Voice readers enjoy a happy and prosperous Diwali. May Lakshmi come to all of you.

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Shailesh Vara MP

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Zac Goldsmith MP

rime Minister Modi has made clear that he wants to see the development of India as a major global force. He has a significant track record from his years as Chief Minister of Gujarat and now he is wasting no time in replicating Gujarat's success on a national scale.

Mr Modi has also spoken of India being open for business and following his visit to the UK, he should be in doubt that Britain wants to do business with India.

The UK is India's largest G20 investor and India invests more in the UK than it invests in the rest of the EU combined. But we want the relationship to be even closer and we will continue to work towards it. Importantly, this process will doubtless be assisted by the 1.6m Indian origin people for whom Britain is now their home and country.My very best wishes for a very happy, prosperous and peaceful Diwali.

t is a great pleasure to send my best wishes to all who are celebrating Diwali.

London is the greatest city in the world and a huge part of its success is because of the British Indian community. Very few communities have arrived on these shores and integrated so seamlessly; even fewer communities have been able to contribute as much as you have to our city.

The British Indian community plays a vital role in almost every industry in London; from the NHS to the City of London; from tech start-ups to the FTSE 100 Boardrooms.

It is not an exaggeration to say that modern London would be unable to function without you.

Over the past few months it has been my pleasure to visit a number of Temples, community centres and British Indian events across London. I have been moved by the warm welcome I have received at each and every event.

As millions around the world celebrate Diwali – that great victory of light over dark – I want to pay tribute to the British Indian community in London. Many of you arrived with nothing, yet you have overcome adversity, prejudice and circumstances to prosper and succeed.

If anything embodies the spirit of Diwali, it is the hundreds of thousands of Hindus living in London. You are shining beacons of success beaming out across the world.

I wish you and your family a Happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year.

- Zac Goldsmith MP Conservative Mayoral Candidate for London 2016

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Lord Raj Loomba

would like to extend a warm welcome to the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his visit to the United Kingdom.

Over the last 16 months since Prime Minister Modi has been in office he has travelled far and wide to many countries around the world promoting India, our culture, our heritage and our values; he has also promoted business and the forging of good practices in bi-lateral trade; as well as promoting the interests of Indian diaspora living around the world. No doubt this visit to the United Kingdom will forge more friendships and indelibly seal the long-standing relationship that India has with the United Kingdom for many years to come.

I am confident that PM Modi’s initiatives set out through the eyes of a visionary and great creative thinker who, just as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, wants to 'leave no one behind'.

Wishing A Happy Diwali to PM Modi and all the readers and supporters of Asian Voice.

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Lord Dolar Popat

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Lord Dholakia

iwali will be particularly special in the world’s oldest democracy this year, as we welcome the Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy.

It is a great pleasure to welcome Narendra Modi to the United Kingdom. For the one and a half million British Indians living in the UK, including 800,000 Gujaratis, this will be a proud and historic visit.Diwali is always a time of celebration; but as our extended British Indian family gather together in Wembley Stadium, it will feel like no Diwali we’ve experienced before. We will gather not only to commend Narendrabhai and his leadership of India. Nor will this just be about our history; remembering the bonds that have united our nations in so many ways for so long.

Instead this is about our future together. From economic collaboration to making a safer, more secure world.

From our cultural links to the amazing British Indian diaspora; this visit – and this Diwali –marks a wonderful beginning of stronger ties and closer engagement between the UK and India.

his year’s Diwali celebrations are very special. It coincides with the visit of Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi to Britain.

Let me first wish a happy Diwali and a prosperous new year to all your readers.

The Prime Minister visit has given the Indian Community a unique opportunity to reinvigorate momentum in its relationship with India. Unlike all other countries the Prime Minister has visited in recent days, we in Britain are in a unique position to work with India more closely because we have the educational, historic, cultural and people to people ties between our two nations. We also have a distinction of one of our largest Indian diaspora estimated at 1.5 million here in the UK. Let us not underestimate India’s position worldwide. From the days of Independence in 1947 until recent times, India had gone through a period of stagnation with a declining economy.

Following the BJPs victory, the Prime Minister has already visited Japan, the United States, China and the EU. He has built and renewed relationships with neighbouring countries and the Middle East. He has set out his vision on governance which includes a plea for a united, selfless, skilled and peaceful India.

It is estimated that at least 60% of India’s population is below the age of 35 it is estimated that 10 – 15 million young people enter the labour market every year. Shree Modi has placed economic development high on its agenda. India wants more trade. Our bilateral trade which is over 1.6 billion will further improve by this visit.

India is a mature democracy. It is right that the democracies of the world and in particular Britain should continue to build a strong partnership with this new India under the leadership of Shree Narendra Modi.

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Festival of Lights

DIWALI

iwali/Deepavali, the festival of light is one of the most anticipated festivals in Hinduism. “Deep” means light and “avali” means a row.

There are many stories behind Diwali and why it is celebrated; one of the most famous and most celebrated is the return of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile in the forest and defeating Ravana in Lanka.

Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman return to Ayodhya during Amavasya (new moon day, also known as no moon day). To welcome the trio back, the people of Ayodhya illuminated the city with rows of oil lamps (deepavali) on the dark night.

Some people also believe that Diwali is a celebration of the marriage unison of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu.

Bengalis dedicate this festival of light in worshipping Goddess Kali, also know as the dark goddess of strength.

Jains celebrate Lord Mahavir attaining eternal bliss of nirvana.

Diwali, or “Bandi Chhor Divas” is celebrated by Sikhs to mark the return of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji. He was freed from imprisonment and also managed to release 52 political prisoners at the same time from Gwalior fort, by Mughal Emperor Jahangir, in 1619.

In Buddhism, Diwali is an auspicious day as this is the day when Emperor Ashoka, decided to leave his violent ways of bloodshed and death. He adopted the path of peace and converted to Buddhism. This day is also known as “Ashok Vijaydashami”.

Diwali also marks the end of the Hindu year, as well as the Hindu financial year. On this day, Lakshmi Puja is conducted in most Hindu households as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped to achieve blessings of wealth and prosperity.

This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India. But the celebrations in Britain are no less. Britain is a multicultural nation which has adapted and embraced other traditions and faiths as its own. Many Diwali celebrations take place throughout the country on grand scales, catering to all castes and religions to participate in

the illuminating festival of triumph of good over evil.

The most significant days of the Diwali festivities Dhanteras (9th November): The first day of Diwali is called Dhanteras, traditionally known as Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhanwantari Triodasi. 'Dhan” means wealth and “Teras” means 13th day. It is considered to be an auspicious day to purchase gold and utensils.

Kali Chaudas (10th November): “Kali” means dark and “chaudas” means 14th day. On this day, people worship Goddess Kali or Shakti. Some people also offer Nived (food) to their “Kul Devi” the local Goddess from where they originate from. Kali Chaudas is also celebrated as Narak Chaturdasi; the day when Lord Krishna has destroyed the demon Narakasur and freed the world from fear.

Diwali (11th November): Diwali is on the third day and is the last day of the Hindu year.

This day is dedicated in the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. Lakshmi Puja consists of a combined puja of five deities: Ganesh is worshiped at the beginning of every auspicious act as Vighnaharta (the remover of obstacles); Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in her three forms - Mahalakshmi (the goddess of wealth and money), Mahasaraswati (the goddess of books and learning), and Mahakali; Kuber (the treasurer of the gods).

New Year's Day (12th November): On this day, everybody greets each other with good wishes and say “Saal Mubarak” (happy new year). Money, gifts, clothes or mithai (Indian sweets) are also given. In some places and cultures, Govardhan Puja, or Annakut, is also conducted.

Bhai Bij/ Bhai Dooj (13th November): Bhai Bij is celebrated on the last day of the 5day long Diwali festival. On this day, sisters solemnise their love for their brothers by putting an auspicious tilak (vermilion mark) on his forehead, as well as perform an aarti on him.

Showing him the light of the holy flame marks the protection from evil forces. This day is also known as Yama Dwiteeya. Yama (Yamraj, the Lord of death), visited his sister, Yamuna on this day. He gave her a boon that whoever visits her on this day, shall be liberated from all sins.

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Nutanvarsh-Abhinandan BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, UK Wishes Everyone A Very Happy Diwali & Prosperous New Year

Akshar Purushottam Maharaj

Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Diwali & Annakut Utsav Diwali

Annakut

Wednesday 11 November 2015

Thursday 12 November 2015

Chopda Pujan: 6:00pm to 7:30pm Fireworks Display: 8:30pm to 9:00pm

Annakut Darshan: 12 noon to 9:00pm Annakut Arti at 12 noon & every half-hour until 9:00pm

Hot delicious snacks will be available on both days from foodstalls Free car parking at Wembley Stadium in the GREEN car park. Shuttle services will be in operation throughout the day.

Special Diwali Bus Service from Neasden Underground Station to the Mandir on Thursday.

Bus routes 206 & 224 will operate a normal service on both days.

Please kindly note: For security reasons, bags and cameras will not be allowed into the Mandir complex.

Please deposit them in Yogi Hall at The Swaminarayan School across the road from Mandir.

Annakut Darshan at other BAPS Mandirs around the UK Birmingham

Coventry

Leeds

Leicester

Thursday 12 November 2015 12 noon to 9pm

Thursday 12 November 2015 11.30am to 8pm

Thursday 12 November 2015 12 noon to 7pm

Thursday 12 November 2015 11am to 8pm

Loughborough

Luton

Manchester

Thursday 12 November 2015 12 noon to 7pm

Thursday 12 November 2015 11.30am to 8pm

Thursday 12 November 2015 9am to 7pm

Nottingham

Preston

Southend-on-Sea

Wellingborough

Thursday 12 November 2015 2pm to 8pm

Thursday 12 November 2015 11am to 8pm

Thursday 12 November 2015 12 noon to 8pm

Thursday 12 November 2015 11am to 7.30pm

For further information on timings and venues, please visit londonmandir.baps.org BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir 105-119 Brentfield Road, Neasden, London NW10 8LD T: 020 8965 2651 | E: info@londonmandir.baps.org | W: londonmandir.baps.org Organisers: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha

In Support of the UN’s

Inspirer: His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj

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The Ramayana

■ Vanya Jain, Year 4, Sai School

Long time ago, there lived a King called Dashrath who had three wives called Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra.

King Dashrath ruled the Kingdom of Ayodhya. He was very sad as he had no children. His Guru Vasistha told him to perform a yagna.

King Dashrath performed the yagna and a woman emerged out of the fire who gave the king some kheer (sweet pudding) and asked him to share it between his wives.

After a few months, all the three wives gave birth to sons. Kaushalya had Ram, Kaikeyi had Bharat and Sumitra had twins, Lakshman and Shatrughan.

King Dashrath was getting old and Ram had married Sita. The king was planning to retire soon and he felt that he didn’t need to worry at all. He knew he would pass his throne to Ram, his oldest son.

Kaikeyi was very jealous because she wanted her son Bharat to be the king. Her maid Manthara had reminded Kaikeyi that she had saved King Dashrath’s life and had a boon from the King – so she could ask him to do anything. Kaikeyi used her boon by asking King Dashrath to send Ram away to the forest for 14 years and to crown Bharat as the King.

Ram’s wife Sita and his brother Lakshman were very upset with the news of exile so they decided to accompany Ram. Days passed and Ram, Sita and Lakshman got used to the forest. One day, Ravan’s sister Surpanka asked both Ram and Lakshman to marry her and refused to leave if they did not say yes. Lakshman got fed up of waiting for her to leave and cut off Surpanaka’s ears and nose. She came back distressed to her brother Ravan and wanted him to take revenge. She told him about the beautiful Sita. Ravan decided to kidnap Sita.

Ravan’s friend Marichi disguised as a golden deer. Sita was fascinated and wanted Ram to capture that deer for her to have as a pet. Ram went to chase the deer and when he struck it with a bow – Marichi screamed “Help Lakshman” in Ram’s voice. Lakhman rushed to help his brother but before he left Sita unguarded – he drew a cir- Vanya Jain cle around their hut and asked her to stay inside the circle.

With both Ram and Lakshman gone, Ravan appeared as a sage from behind the bushes and asked Sita to feed him some food. Sita was very generous and she returned from the hut with nuts and berries for the sage. She was about to step out of the circle when she remembered Lakshman’s words, “Do not step out of the circle”. Sita stood on the edge, reaching out to the sage. The sage cleverly prompted her to come closer. Sita thought it would do no harm and stepped out of the circle to feed the sage. Ravan revealed his real form. He grabbed Sita by her hair and took her in his magic cart to the island of Lanka.

When Ram and Lakshman returned to the hut, they found Sita missing. They checked the entire forest. They figured out what must have happened. Ram knew he could not rescue Sita by himself alone, so he went Hanuman, the monkey gods. Hanuman and his monkey army agreed to help.

The monkey army help to build a stone bridge over the water. They reached Lanka and now needed to get inside the palace unseen. Ram dared to go inside and managed to get Sita. But Ravan saw it and declared war.

Ravan and Ram battled for ten days shooting many arrows at each other. On the tenth day Ram shot Ravan on the navel. This caused him lot of pain and he lost all his supernatural powers and fell to the ground.

Ram, Lakshman, Hanuman and the monkey army had won the battle and saved Sita!

The period of exile and the battle was finally over. It was time to return to Ayodhya. The people of Ayodhya lit thousands of little diyas or lamps to guide Ram and Sita back home. It is called the festival of Diwali.

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Diwali - My Favourite Festival

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■ Yash Jani, age 7, Westlodge Primary School, Pinner

here are many different festivals in Hindu religion and even more festivals in India, as there are many groups of people there. I enjoy all festivals as they are fun, with colours and lots of family time. It is nice to celebrate and be happy together. I like meeting friends and being happy with them. It is great to know how to celebrate various festivals in different ways.

My favourite festival is Diwali – my most favourite part about Diwali is fireworks, because when they go into air and when they explode they look lovely and colourful.

I get to go to my friends’ house for the festival and we share fireworks and food with each other. It is a Hindu festival which we celebrate with family and friends. Because we do not have family here, we celebrate with our friends.

We do the prayers to God Ganesha and Laxmi so they bless us and make us clever.

The best bit is when we get to eat Indian treats and sweets.

My most favourite treat sweet is LADDOO – it is so delicious!!! My dada (grandfather) makes it especially for me and sends them over from India when anyone is visiting us from Ahmedabad. I like Jalebi too. My other favourite food is spicy Indian savoury Bhujia. It’s super spicy but I love it.

My favorite bits for fireworks are sparklers, fun snaps and the one, which keeps shooting different colors in the air. I like to see others do fireworks as well.

Fireworks are cool. My dream Diwali would be – when there could be multiple fireworks in the sky reading ‘HAPPY DIWALI’ I hope you enjoy Diwali as much as I do! I like it more and more with each passing year.

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My Favourite Festival Diwali

■ Charita Bogadala, age 7, Perivale

remember my last Diwali started already 2 days before the festival when my Dad bought lot of fireworks and my two elder brothers and myself eagerly checked the box. It had variety of Rockets, Flower pots, 1000 shots and most importantly my favourite collection of Coloured Sparklers, Snaps and the Wheel etc. We stored them in a warm place to keep them dry. I was curiously checking them the next morning as soon as I woke up.

My Mom was busy cooking snacks and sweets from the day before.

Hoo.. Finally the day started with my Mom whispering early morning in my ears...

Happy Diwali Cherry. Unlike other days, I woke up straight away fresh, ran to see my fireworks if they were ready to be used that evening.

We all family members dressed in new clothes. We decorated Goddess Lakshmi with flowers and performed puja. We prayed for good to win over evil, to bless our family and all those associated with our family and friends, in general to make the world a better place to live in. These are our usual prayers.

As every year, we invited friends from other religions to enjoy Diwali with us. We went to our family business premises and did the fireworks there, followed by yummy dinner. We children were careful with the fireworks and were under parents’ supervision. My eyes were filled with happiness staring at the glittering skies every time a rocket went up, a sparkle was lit or a flower pot erupted. The sky looked very beautiful with the colourful fireworks. I and my friends were very happy for enjoying Diwali together. We came back home and ended the day with lot of happiness and joy... Couldn't wait until the next Diwali which is again this year. Count down has begun for us immediately.

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My most memorable Diwali!

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■ Lisa Chelikani, 12 years, Avanti House Secondary School

y most memorable diwali celebration was in India. I celebrated diwali with my mother's and father's parents, my mom's brother's family, my dad's brother's family and my parents, my younger brother and sister.

The day before diwali we got our house cleaned and the house was sparkling. I got the chance to hang the lights in the living room, whilst my parents, uncles and aunties hung the lights around the house. We next went to buy our new clothes! I bought a captivating red churidar (an Indian dress). We next went to the... FIREWORKS shop. We bought many crackers. I couldn't wait until diwali.

The next morning we all woke up at about 5:00 am.

Everyone wore the new clothes, and all of us were very excited. Firstly, we did Lakshmi puja, then we got to taste the mouth-watering payasam. We then went to temple.

There people were singing. Every single individual had a broad smile on face. The temple was full of devotees, they were all saying Happy Diwali even though they didn't know each other. We had lunch in the temple. It was the tastiest lunch I have ever had!

The time was racing by and it was nearly 2:00 pm. I didn't really know what would happen next.

It was a surprise!

But eventually I realised we were going to the... FUNFAIR! My parents and I went on the roller coaster, my mum and dad were a bit scared and it was a bit hilarious. We ate delicious pink candy floss.

By the time we got home it was 6:00pm so we switched the lights on. It was a magnificent sight! We all went into the garden and started to set off the fireworks.

Many relatives came. The sky was a rainbow full of dazzling colours. After all the crackers finished we played with sparklers. We wrote our names with them and it was so wonderful.

Eventually we ate our dinner. It was a grand feast!

Our relatives had a sleep over at our house. I just couldn't wait for the next diwali.

Diwali for me

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■ Keertana Sai Dhanasekaran, 9 years, Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence, London

iwali is a festival of lights. It is celebrated by millions of Hindus across the world. The reason why we celebrate is because that’s the day when Lord Ram and Sita returned after killing the evil Ravana. It is also said that, it’s the celebration of good over evil. I love and enjoy Diwali, this is one of my most favourite festivals of the year. I love this festival because few days before the Diwali starts I and my mum go shopping for new clothes, for buying new dresses especially Indian dresses for me and my sister. My mom buys house decorations for the house and my dad buys lots of crackers.

On the day of Diwali, we wake up early in the morning around 6:00am and we take oil bath and wear new clothes that we bought. My mom will make sweets and desserts, then we do Lakshmi Pooja. I and my sister distribute the sweets to all our friends. In the evening we make rangoli design outside our house with lots of colours and lights outside our window. We light all the candles around our house and at last, we all go to our garden and burst crackers all night, which is my favourite part of the day.

Last year, I invited some of my friends to our house to celebrate Diwali and my sister invited her friends too.

We played games together, till then my mum prepared food, and after having our food we ran downstairs and started bursting crackers. It is usually my dad and my sister who burst crackers first. I am scared of some crackers, so I usually stand next to my mum and away from big fire-works.

Diwali always makes me feel happy, especially when it’s with my family and friends.

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Fun-filled time with the family

■ Anwita Koppuravuri, 6 years, Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence

love Diwali. It will be fun. All the kids like Diwali very much. We play crackers.

When we are playing crackers we can’t touch the fire as our hands will burn and we need to go to doctor. Doctor might give injection and I am scared of it. It is really fun with friends, parents and relatives helping in burning crackers. That’s why god give us mummy and daddy to make us safe.

We must wake up early in the morning or you will not have time to play with friends. Have head bath and wear new clothes. I always like to wear pattulangas, the silk full skirts. We pray to god “Please can I have lot of fun on Diwali” and will be happy throughout the day. We will have sweets to eat and will paint our diya lamps. We light those diyas during the night as Diwali is festival of lights. My mom lights many diyas. We then play with friends and enjoy a lot. We go to temple in the evening and pray god to give good health. We go to the big Barham park near our house to light the crackers.

Last year we went to India and my brother had a really fun Diwali. We played crackers with the relatives and had lot of fun. I was a bit scared with them but later enjoyed. I have written my name with the crackers and fired flower pots. Later we had delicious food with the family. We watched a movie in the night and then went to sleep. It was a great to be with other relatives celebrating Diwali.

Before last year we celebrated with my friend’s family. As I am very young at that time, I was scared first and then enjoyed with my friend and had lot of fun.

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Diwali Festival, Wow

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■ Lochana Suraneni, 7 years, Sanskruti Centre y favourite Deepawali is every year. My mom told me the story of the

festival.

Once upon a time there was a demon called as Narakasura.There was also God he was called as Krishna and he married to Satyabhama.

One day Narakasura destroyed all villages and the people cried for help. Krishna heard it and he want to help them. His wife Satyabhama insisted she would accompany him, Krishna said yes and she joined.

They both went to the village. Then Krishna started to fight and he took years and years to fight with the demon.

One day Krishna was hurt by an arrow and he fell unconscious. Satyabhama started to fight on his behalf

Krishna with Satyabhama

and she killed Narakasura at the end. The people in the village were very happy. They lit the lamps and celebrated as Diwali. On last year’s Diwali day, like every year, I woke up and I took bath, shampooed my hair and wore new clothes. We then prayed to god and offered sweets and food. We later ate them as prasadam and my mum told me the story of Diwali. I then played whole day with my friends. In the evening we lit the lamps and we did the fireworks safely. I enjoyed the fireworks and I started already waiting for my next Diwali. WE get to play, eat sweets, meet friends and enjoy the bright lights and fire crackers.

This year my grandparents visited us recently and brought me beautiful clothes.

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How we Why we celebrate Diwali celebrate Diwali?

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■ Sara Ashar, 7 years, Wembley Primary School – Class 2W

iwali is a festival of lights.

My parents told me the story of why we celebrate Diwali when I was in Year 1.

It is celebrated because Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman returned back to their kingdom. They lived in the jungle for 14 years. It also marks the victory of good over evil because Lord Rama defeated Ravana who was an evil man. The festival is celebrated over 5 days and every day we offer special prayers to Goddess Lakshmi. In the morning we wake up early and visit the temple to get blessings. We decorate our house with colourful lights, candles and oil Diya’s. We make colourful patterns outside our door. This is called Rangoli. I enjoy making new patterns every day. Even the streets are decorated with lanterns and lights. I enjoy getting dressed in my colourful Indian dress, wearing bangles and jewellery.

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■ Anumita Choudary, 9 years, Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence

iwali is a very famous festival in India because it signifies the victory of good over evil. Why we celebrate Diwali? We celebrate Diwali because it is the return of the God Rama and the Goddess Sita from Lanka after a big war with Ravana.

Why I like Diwali? I like Diwali because it is bright and colourful. We get to wear new clothes and put candles around the house as Diwali is the festival of lights. The fireworks are very loud, beautifully coloured and sparkled.

How we celebrate Diwali? When we celebrate Diwali, we wear our new traditional clothes that we bought and we also buy many fireworks. We invite friends

Ram, Sita and Lakshman returning from Lanka after defeating Ravana

Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Laxman

My mother cooks different kinds of snacks and sweets. My favourite sweet is ladoo and I eat lots of them also share it with everyone.

To celebrate Diwali our family invites friends, neighbours and relatives. We also visit them .Everyone feels happy. I get to see my friends and play with them every day. We pray and eat together. We also exchange gifts. At this time we always make phone call back home and speak with our grandparents and elders to seek their blessings. Diwali is the beginning of Hindu New year. We also enjoy the celebration with some fireworks.

My father buys us the best fireworks. He always reminds me to use them safely. The fireworks goes zip zap zoom. Its looks magical like a lit up rainbow.

We also play games and it’s a lot of fun. I am looking forward to the celebration this year and helped my mother to make our shopping list for decorating the house.

and relatives to our house to celebrate Diwali with us. We do a puja in the morning and we give delicious sweets to cousins, friends and family. My mummy makes yummy sweets to eat and offers to the neighbours and to the people we invite to celebrate Diwali with us. We enjoyed Diwali a lot last year because it was on the same day as my brother’s birthday. Many people came. We had lots of fun with the fireworks and played a lot with my friends. My close friend slept over too.

What do the girls do during Diwali? The girls have bath in the evening and wear our best clothes. We also decorate our house with candles and lamps.

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The victory of

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■ Urvi Dudeja, age 15, Swaminarayan School

good over evil

iwali, the Festival of Light: one of the principal celebrations of the Hindu year! But the question is, what does it mean to me? Before I go on, you must understand that I am not – in fact - a typical Hindu but perhaps an outsider's view will cast an interesting ‘light’ on a festival we all love.

Asked to write this, I suddenly panicked! What does Diwali really mean? So, after a long period of contemplation, an idea hit me. Hit the laptop: get down to research.

An hour later I gathered the information I sought. Here goes. Google tells me that, ‘The festival corresponds with the Hindu New Year, and celebrates new beginnings’ However, immediately after acquiring this piece of information; I stumbled upon a contrasting statement, ‘Not all parts of Hinduism celebrate Diwali as a way to rejoice the forthcoming of another year. The reasoning behind this is as follows: other types of Hindus, for example Punjabi Sikhs, have an entirely different date for the New Year’ Complicated, I know. Nevertheless, I ploughed on with my investigations.

‘The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance’ Ah ! now I believe we are getting somewhere. ‘In northern India and elsewhere, Diwali celebrates Rama's return from fourteen years of exile after the defeat of Ravana’ or ‘In Nepal Diwali commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakaasura’ furthermore, ‘In Gujarat, the festival honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth’ but ‘In Bengal, it is associated with the goddess Kali’ Hmmm?

Suddenly daunted by this array of new facts, I rec-

ognized the most important piece of information.

I finally understood that no matter how much research you go in for, everyone holds their own personal view of Diwali. One cannot simply pinpoint the ‘real’ meaning of this magnificent festival of lights.

Experience, family, traditions and beliefs, these are just a few of the things that shape us, our thinking and the importance of Diwali to us.

Thus, I realized that I have still failed to answer the question and decided that instead of researching outside resources, I should have been searching inside of me, discovering my thoughts, beliefs and views of this important day which means so much to me. So, in an attempt to amend my mistake, I have tried to assemble my thoughts and to meditate on the real question: what is my own attitude to – my own opinion about - this time of year?

Family. Lights. Firecrackers. Rangoli, Diyas. Mithai. Mandirs. These are the thoughts that crowd in on my mind, upon hearing the word “Diwali” Nostalgia sweeps over me and I am transported back into my memories. Six years ago, a doorbell rang and - an only eight year old - Urvi dashes from her cosy bed shouting “They’re here! They’re here!” It was the third day of Diwali celebrations, and as evening came on everything was in order. The house was cleaned. The guests had arrived. The Rangoli done and dusted – is ‘dusted’ appropriate? The lights were put up, each candle was in its place and the food was ready in my little eight year old mind, food was the most important thing of all ! The time had finally arrived, and my mother, grasping hold of my hand, led me towards our beautifully decorated deities. I faintly remember the scent of incense surrounding us and the glowing diyas radiating light onto my mother’s face. “Urvi”, she whispered. I looked over, clutching tightly onto the candle that mum had given. “Yes?” I murmured softly.

“Happy Diwali.”

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Modi visiting the UK What’s on the agenda?

strong; bilateral trade is worth around £16.5 billion, growing by almost 50% from 2008 to 2013. Indian companies invest more in the UK than they do in the rest of the European Union put together.

There are many successful Indian firms like Tata n November Prime Group, Wipro and Infosys in the UK, and through UKTI Minister Modi will underand the FCO, the UK Government are looking to bring the take his first visit to the UK next generation of Indian companies here to invest and since he came to power. With grow. a British Indian Diaspora in Similarly the UK is India’s largest G20 investor. Last the UK of 1.5 million – out of year the UK invested $3.2 billion in India, more than Japan which 900,000 are of Gujarati and the US, who are ranked 2 and 3 respectively, comorigin, Modi’s home state - it bined. Since 2000, British companies have invested is likely to be a memorable $20.7bn in India accounting for 10% of all investment into trip.

India over this period There will be a proPrime Minister Modi’s Government is looking to gramme of events, but the develop industries like advanced manufacturing, low carmain event is undoubtedly bon technology and financial services, all sectors in which Lord Dolar Popat Modi’s address at Wembley the UK excels. India is also investing heavily in its infraStadium, with its 90,000 people capacity. structure. British companies can provide expertise in But beyond the glitz and glamour, the most imporareas like project management, design, structural engitant question is how the trip will further UK-India relations. neering, As is often stated, the two countries have close and hisSince the Conservatives came into Government in toric links. The partnership is deeply rooted in our overlapBritain in 2010, they have encouraged British businesses ping histories, cultures and values. to look beyond Europe. Britain has once again found her Yet in recent years the focus roots as an outward looking, tradof both nations has tended to be ing nation that is leading the way closer to home. The UK has a in the West in nurturing relations considerable question mark over in the East; India will be a vital its membership of the European economy in the 21st century and Union; indeed the future direction it is in our mutual interest to work of the EU has come into focus foltogether. lowing a series of difficult – and UK exports to India are up poorly handles – events. by 50% and investment flows Similarly India has had to freely between the two nations. contend with the continual quesBut there is more that can be tion marks over its borders, and done at both ends, including getthe might of a rising China within ting UK companies to look at the its neighbourhood. Yet Prime opportunities in India beyond the Minister Modi has called the UK PM Cameron meets PM Modi at the G20 Summit, in obvious centres like Mumbai, and India “an unbeatable combiDelhi and Bangalore, and removAustralia nation”, and it will be interesting to ing misconceptions about the diffisee what comes out of this meeting between the world’s culty of obtaining British Visas in India. oldest and the world’s largest democracies.

The UK and India are implementing long-term ecoI would suggest there are two particular areas where nomic plans to secure prosperity and competitiveness. the two nations can look to make significant gains during The current economic partnership is strong, but there is the visit; spreading prosperity through economic coopermore that can be done to make it stronger still. ation and helping to work towards a more secure future.

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■ By Lord Dolar Popat Former UK Minister of the Crown and Government Minister for Business and Transport

Spreading prosperity

The UK and India are two of the world’s leading economies. The UK-India business relationship is already

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A secure future

Earlier this year it was my pleasure to attend the unveiling of the new Gandhi statue in Parliament Square

by India’s Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Pride of place in

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the most prestigious location we have in the UK, the statue An unbeatable combination honours not only the man who led India to independence, but the values he embodies.

The excitement for Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Those values - non-violence, democracy, tolerance, UK has been building almost since the day he was electhuman rights, devotion to truth – are today under threat ed. Now the British Indian Diaspora is bordering on fanataround the world. From regional instaical; waiting to welcome the man bility to global terrorism, we face chalwho has secured the greatest lenges that only a short time ago were electoral result in the history of unimaginable. democracy.

Sadly both the UK and India have It is undoubtedly true that been the victims of terrorism in recent the excitement is shared by the times. From the outrage of 7/7 in British Government. UK Prime London in 2005 to the appalling Minister David Cameron has Mumbai atrocities in 2008; we know already visited India three times how painful it is; but we also know that since taking office, and there is no we cannot allow the perpetrators to doubt that the UK Government succeed in undermining our way of sees India as a vital ally. life.

I am sure Prime Minister India and the UK must continue to Modi will come to the UK with an Lord Popat meets PM Modi in India work together to face down these chalambitious agenda, which will be lenges. India is helping to rebuild Afghanistan and plays a met very positively. The UK is proud to be a friend of India. leading role in contributing troops to UN peacekeeping With further diplomatic, economic and security-based missions. India’s is helping to stop conflicts from starting cooperation, this should be his most productive visit to a and old ones from re-igniting. foreign nation yet.

The UK passionately supports India’s bid to be a The UK and India are fortunate to share so many Permanent Member of the Security Council, and wish for things; from the rule of law and love of democracy and them to play a greater role in world affairs. This visit can cricket to the English language. At this uncertain time, they further embed cooperation between the two nations on face many of the same challenges; and through working stopping terrorism, preventing conflict and tackling together they will be in a better position to overcome them. humanitarian crises.

' +% /1("$ TO O S S! *

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When you spend over £100 between 30th October and 19th November 2015 at

23.1$2 o .-+(-$ o ,.!(+$

6$ 6.- 3 !$ !$ 3$- .- /1("$

*Selected lines only, see in-store for details. **Your free £15 gift card will be issued when you spend £100 or more at Toys ‘R’ Us, in a single transaction from 30th October until 19th November 2015 only. Purchases made online will receive a gift coupon. The £100 spend must exclude Baby Milk/Food/Formula, Gift Cards/Vouchers, Insurance and Carrier Bags. Limit one £15 gift card/coupon reward per transaction. The free £15 gift card/coupon can be redeemed against any Toys ‘R’ Us purchases (excluding Baby Milk/Food/Formula, Gift Cards/Vouchers, Insurance and Carrier Bags) in-store from 20th November until 29th November 2015 only. Minimum £15 Toys ‘R’ Us spend applies to gift card/coupon redemption. Gift coupons issued via the website cannot be redeemed in-store and gift cards issued in-store cannot be redeemed online. Toys ‘R’ Us will match any retailers nationally advertised price within 7 days of the advertisement appearing. We will match the price either at the time of purchase or within 7 days of purchase provided you have your original receipt. Price matching applies provided the other retailer has stock locally at the time of purchase. Toys ‘R’ Us coupons cannot be used in addition to price matching. Direct sales, internet sales, telesales and mail order offers are excluded. A price match cannot be issued in conjunction with any other offer.

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Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas, said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2014 election campaigns. After taking charge of the country, he took this motto on a global level. As the Prime Minister, NaMo travelled across 27 countries in just 15 months, encouraging globalisation, calling all states to join hands against the looming issues of terrorism, poverty and climate change. The former Gujarat Chief Minister has, with his diplomatic grasp, also worked to recondition India's image globally. Staying true to his belief, Modi has substantially tried to rewrite our image as a tricky place to do business with, plagued by corruption and bureaucracy in his continuing tenure. Given the amount of work the Indian Prime Minister is doing to make our country match shoulders with the leading countries, Asian Voice believes it only fair to give an honour to the man who knows what he wants for India, and how to get it.

Mitul Paniker

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Bhutan

(June 16-17, 2014) Narendra Modi, a month after assuming the office of Prime Minister, sent a very strong and significant message to India's smallest neighbour, Bhutan. He called on Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, held talks with his counterpart Lyonchhen Narendra Modi meets Bhutanese officials with counterpart Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay and Tshering Tobgay, before his departure from Thimphu. addressed a joint session of the Bhutanese parliament. A radical example of a win-win economic HIGHLIGHTS diplomacy, Modi's first • Inaugurated one of the India-assisted projects - the building of the official trip as the Supreme Court of Bhutan. leader of the world's • Announced the doubling of scholarships to Bhutanese students in India. largest democracy • Offered to participate and aid the country build a digital library to provide was a success. better access to books and periodicals.

• Reiterated commitment to jointly achieve target of 10,000 MW in hydropower

BRICS leaders in the official photo at the Sixth BRICS Summit in Brazil.

Brazil

(July 13-16, 2014)

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As the pivoter of the Indian democracy, Modi attended the BRICS With President of Brazil Dilma Rousseff.

Summit 2014, pitching for a peaceful and balanced world.

On the sidelines of the visit, he HIGHLIGHTS met with Chinese President Xi • Modi was made president of the $100 billion BRICS Development Bank.

Jinping, Russian President • Inaugurated the new Chancery Building of Embassy of India.

Vladimir Putin, Brazil • Signed three agreements with Rousseff: President Dilma Rousseff • MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Environment and South African • Agreement on Space President Jacob Zuma.

• MoU on Cooperation in the establishment of a consultation mechanism on mobility and consular basis

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Nepal

August (3 - 4) November ( 25 - 27, 2014)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacting with public.

Accompanied by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and HIGHLIGHTS Foreign Secretary Sujatha • Announced £1 billion as concessional line of credit to Nepal.

Singh, Modi was the first for• Both the countries signed three MoUs: eign leader to address the • Tourism development in Nepal.

Nepalese constituent • Goitre Control Programme in Nepal. assembly cum parliament.

• Cooperation between the state-controlled television channels: Doordarshan This visit was also very and NTV. personal to Modi as he SAARC Summit: Prime Ministers of both the countries met a day prior to the SAARC was accompanied by Summit, signing a slew of agreements they had discussed to increase road and rail ties Jeet Bahadur, a between the two countries. Not only did Modi hand over one Dhruv Advanced Light Nepalese boy who Helicopter Mark III to the Nepal Army, he also promised to provide fund for an Emergency was being supported and Trauma Centre. The top outcomes of his visit was: by the PM all these • MoUs on Motor Vehicle Agreement, establishment of a National Police Academy, between years.

Ministers of AYUSH, GOI and Ministry of Health and Population of Government of Nepal for Cooperation in Traditional Systems of Medicine.

• Circulation of 500 and 1,000 denomination Indian currency in Nepal.

Flagged off the Kathmandu-Delhi bus service 'Pashupatinath Express'.

At a private dinner at the State Guest House.

After signing of the Varanasi-Kyoto Partner City agreement between the Kyoto Mayor and the Indian Ambassador to Japan.

HIGHLIGHTS • Japan promised $ 35 billion to India through public and private funding over the next 5 years.

• Ban on 6 Indian entities, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which was imposed in the after math of 1998 nuclear tests, lifted.

• Tokyo will provide technical, financial and operational support to Modi's dream project of introducing Bullet Trains in the country.

• Both sides signed 5 pacts on defence exchanges, co-operation in clean energy, roads and highways, healtcare and women.

Japan (August 30 –

September 3, 2014)

Prime Minister Modi's maiden visit to Japan saw the host country pledge financial support to build infrastructure in India.

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The four-day visit to the USA enthralled all Indians and the Indian-American community, as Narendra Modi represented India and spoke on her behalf. He not only met with US President Barack Obama, but also invited investments from prominent CEOs over breakfast and round-table sessions. In a joint statement, Modi and Obama sought to reset ties between the countries, resolving to broaden their cooperation in various fields, including defence, intelligence, counter-terrorism, Afghanistan, space exploration and science. The leaders also discussed thornier issues like security, Middle East violence and extremism.

US

(September 26–30, 2014)

Modi addressing the Indian diaspora at the Madison Square Garden, New York.

With President Barack Obama at dinner hosted by the White House.

At the Council on Foreign Relations, in New York.

The two sides reiterated past commitments and found new areas for cooperation. Modi reached out to various interest groups and spoke at the UN General Assembly.

HIGHLIGHTS • Engagement beyond borders as both India and the US showed willingness to collaborate on a set of global issues.

• United States launched a proposal of important bilateral programmes on infrastructure development and manufacturing competitiveness.

• Modi promised lifetime Indian visa for Persons of Indian Origin cardholders and visa on arrival for American tourists.

The Jain community in the UK, under One JAIN , extends Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi a warm welcome and wish him well for continued progress in modernising India.

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Myanmar

(11–13 November, 2014)

Meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

ASEAN leaders join hands

Kicking off his three-nation tour to Myanmar, Fiji and Australia, NaMo reached Nay Pyi Taw and held talks with Myanmarese President Thein Sein. The three main issues they focused were, connectivity between both the countries, cultural contacts and commercial ties. “Had a very good meeting with President Thein Sein. We had extensive discussions covering various aspects of our bilateral relations…. We talked about strengthening ties in the fields of culture, commerce & enhancing connectivity.”

Modi also addressed the 12th ASEAN-India summit. He insisted on better connectivity, more trade and increased cooperation with the ASEAN and East Asian countries. He also unfailingly raised the black money issue.

“ASEAN is at the core of our Act East Policy and at the centre of our dream of an Asian century, characterised by cooperation and integration,” Modi said in a statement.

With the Premier of Queensland, Campbell Newman, in Brisbane.

Australia (November 14–18, 2014)

The second leg of Modi's threenation visit saw him in Australia for an official state visit and also as India's representative at the two-day G-20 Summit in Brisbane. The first Indian Prime Minister to visit Australia in 28 years, he was only preceded by Rajiv Gandhi in 1986.

Modi met several leadHIGHLIGHTS ers of the world's • India and Australia signed 5 agreements and MoUs in the areas of social security, largest economies, transfer of sentenced prisoners, counter-narcotics, culture and tourism. addressed an entire • Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address a joint sitting of both the stadium full of peohouses of the Parliament. ple and touched • Raised black money issue at the Summit which was taken on board the G-20 Summit three different Communique.

Australian cities • Signed for a Culture Exchange Programme. in a single day.

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Fiji

(November 19, 2014)

Narendra Modi has scored several 'firsts' during his tenure as the Prime Minister. Travelling to visit the small island nation of Fiji in the last phase of the three country tour, he became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit in 31 years, after Indira Gandhi in 1983.

Modi held bilateral talks with Fijian counterpart Frank Bainimaram.

HIGHLIGHTS • India announced a $ 70 million assistance for co-generation power plant.

• Modi announced visa on arrival for Fijians.

Seychelles (March 10 – 11, 2015)

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In his first three-nation tour of 2015, ties between India and the island of Seychelles strengthened as Modi arrived for a brief visit. Modi was warmly welcomed by Seychelles President James Michel, Vice The Indian community greets the Indian PM on his arrival at the President Danny Faure and severairport in Seychelles, with warmth and fervour. al members of the Indian community. Addressing media after HIGHLIGHTS talks with President Michel, • Modi announced free visa on arrival and free visas with three month facilModi said their bilateral ties ity to people of Seychelles. has “nurtured by a common • Both sides inked agreements, including on cooperation in hydrography, purpose – progress of our renewable energy, infrastructure development and sale of navigation charts people and peace and and electronics navigational charts. prosperity in the Indian • Modi inaugurated a Coastal Surveillance Radar System.

Ocean Region.”

• He announced to provide a 2nd dossier aircraft to the nation to enhance their maritime security.

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On the second leg of his three-nation tour, Modi reached Mauritius, signed several agreements which would give India a strategic advantage in the Indian Ocean region.

HIGHLIGHTS • Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Aneerood Jugnauth signed five agreements; one on opening up the “ocean economy” and another where India will take over responsibility to build transport infrastructure for the Agalega Islands.

• India extended a $ 500 million line of credit for development or security projects.

• Addressed the Mauritian Parliament.

Mauritius (March 11- 13, 2015)

Modi and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Anerood Jugnauth at the One to One meeting on March 11, 2015.

Paying homage to Gandhi at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute.

Engages with the people at the airport, on his arrival.

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India and Sri Lanka signed bilateral agreements on PM Modi's maiden visit to the neighbouring country.

He even discussed the fishermen's issue with the Lankan authorities. In his two-day, four-city visit, Modi hinted at more than one occasion that he would like to start afresh and put India and Sri Lanka on track of a “golden chapter.”

Sri Lanka (March 13 – 14, 2015)

Recieved by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at the airport.

Modi during his visit to the Mahabodhi Society in Colombo.

NaMo with the Leader of the Opposition, Nirmal Sripala de Silva

Delegation level talks between India and Sri Lanka.

HIGHLIGHTS • Inauguration of the reconstructed Northern Province railway line.

• Both the countries signed bilateral agreements on visa, customs, youth development and Rabindranath Tagore memorial.

• Modi made an announcement about a Currency Swap Agreement of $ 1.5 billion between the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

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France (April 9 – 12, 2015) Interacting with post-graduate aerospace students of Indian origin at the CNES, in Toulouse.

In his trip to France, the Indian Prime Minister addressed problems in areas HIGHLIGHTS where investors found trouble to do • Modi signed the Rafale deal, announced India would buy 36 fighter business in India owing to unnecesplanes in flyaway condition. sary rules and complicated proce• Seventeen pacts were signed between India and France, including one dures. on the stalled nuclear project in Jaitapur, Maharashtra.

• France announced an investment of 2 billion euros after Modi invited French companies to invest in technology.

Germany (April 12 – 14, 2015)

Modi asked Indian professionals in Germany to act as a bridge between the two countries.

With German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other dignitaries at the “There is a big demand of time opening ceremony of the Hannover Messe. that India becomes a manufacturing hub. If we lose this opportunity, we will regret HIGHLIGHTS later,” said Modi while • Both the countries agreed to addressing a reception. promote closer educational He pitched for his 'Make exchange and collaboration in India' initiative at the between universities. inauguration of the • Modi promised to reduce comIndo-German plicated procedures and create Business Summit. He one platform (preferably online) also unveiled a statand improve doing business in ue of Mahatma India.

Gandhi and paid • The two countries agreed to rich tributes to establish two working groups in the father of the areas of water and waste nation. management.

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Canada (14 – 16 April, 2015) The Indian diaspora welcomes Modi in Ottawa.

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Canada visit in 2015 generated business worth more than 1.6 billion Canadian dollars.

HIGHLIGHTS • Both countries signed 16 commercial agreements covering a wide range of sectors.

• Modi and his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper signed a couple of MoUs in areas, including Civil Aviation, rail regulation, education and skills development, space cooperation, and projects focused on maternal, newborn and child health.

• Modi also announced visa on arrival to make it easier for Canadians to travel to India.

Narendra Modi interacting with the mass near the Daxingshan Temple in Shaanxi Province.

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China (14 – 16 May, 2015)

The Indo-China meet set aside quite a few protocols from both sides.

Addressing the media after his meetings, NaMo said, “I stressed the need for China to reconsider its approach on some of the issues that hold us back from realising full potential of our partnerships.” With business being the focus of his three-day visit, Modi met with Indian and At the launch of the Centre for Gandhian & Indian Studies at Fudan Chinese CEOs, addressed University, Shanghai. businessmen and held talks with Chinese premier HIGHLIGHTS Li Keqiang.

• 24 outstanding agreements were signed worth over 10 billion dollars.

• Modi launched the Centre for Gandhian & Indian Studies at Fudan University.

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The first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country, Modi headed to Mongolia and held wide-ranging discussions with counterpart Chimed Saikhanbileg.

HIGHLIGHTS • India announced a $ 1 billion credit line to Mongolia for infrastructure development.

• Fourteen agreements were inked in different sectors to further strengthen bilateral ties, including an air services agreement and one in cyber security.

Mongolia (16 – 17 May, 2015)

With President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj.

Mongolian Prime Minister Saikhanbileg presents Modi with a horse at the Mini Naadam Festival.

At the Gandan Monastery.

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The last leg of his 3-nation tour was South Korea where he landed in Seoul and won hearts with his soft diplomacy skills. He lay a wreath at the Seoul National Cemetery and also attended the 6th Asian Leadership Conference in Seoul.

South Korea (18 – 19 May, 2015)

At the delegation level talks between India and South Korea, with President of Republic of Korea Park Geun-hye.

At the official Welcoming Ceremony at the President’s Official Residence, Cheong Wa Dae.

Modi arrives at the ROK Airbase in Seoul.

HIGHLIGHTS • Seven agreements were signed between India and South Korea, including one on avoidance of double taxation and formalising consultations between the National Security Councils of the two nations.

• South Korea announced to provide $ 10 billion to India for infrastructure, development of smart cities, railways, power generation and other diversified areas.

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In his first trip to the neighbouring country, as an Indian leader, Modi was accompanied by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. He visited the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum to pay tribute to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and also went to the National Martyrs Memorial to pay homage to the heroes of the Liberation struggle.

With Bangladeshi counterpart, Sheikh Hasina, in Dhaka.

Flagging off Bus Services between the two countries. Also seen in the picture is West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Bangladesh (6 – 7 June, 2015)

In a meeting with former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia, in Dhaka.

HIGHLIGHTS • Documents on the historic Land Boundary Agreement were exchanged, to put peace on the 41 year old issue.

Hundred and eleven border enclaves were decided to be transferred to Bangladesh in exchange for 51.

• Modi and Sheikh Hasina signed 22 agreements, including one on curbing human trafficking, smuggling of fake currency, setting up an Indian economic zone.

• He also announced a fresh $ 2 billion line of credit for Bangladesh and promised a quick implementation of the earlier line of credit of $ 800 million and full disbursement of $ 200 million.

• Two key bus services were agreed to start, including the Kolkata-Dhaka-Agaratala route.

• A renewed protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade was agreed upon.

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Narendra Modi went on an eight-day visit to Central Asia and Russia, with the aim of enhancing strategic, economic and energy ties besides attending the BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summits.

The Indian PM was received at the airport by Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He held talks with Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov on bilateral and regional issues, including the situation in Afghanistan. Addressing a joint press event after the meeting, Modi said, “I have begun my journey in Uzbekistan underlining its importance for India, not just in this region, but also in Asia. President Karimov and I discussed various initiatives to further enhance connectivity between India and Uzbekistan.”

Uzbekistan (6 July, 2015)

With counterpart Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev at the Meeting Hall of Tashkent Airport.

Modi, Mirziyoyev and Indologist Rakhmatov release the first Uzbek-Hindi dictionary.

With President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, at Kuksaroy Complex, Tashkent.

Witnessing the signing of agreements at Kuksaroy Complex, Tashkent.

HIGHLIGHTS • Both sides signed 3 pacts to boost cooperation between their foreign offices; in the field of culture and tourism.

• A pact was signed for the supply of 2,000 metric tonnes of Uranium to India.

• Both sides called for further promotion of investment cooperation between the two regions, and called for a partnership to create favourable conditions for investment by Indian companies in Uzbekistan, including in the framework of the Special Economic zones, 'Navoi', 'Angren' and 'Jizzakh'.

• Uzbekistan reaffirmed its support to India's candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

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India has an eye to expand its presence in Central Asia, a purpose which prompted Modi to land in Astana, capital city of Kazakhstan. He was received at the airport by Kazakh Prime Minister Karmi Massimov. Modi spoke at the Nazarbayev University in the capital, where he said the institution reflected President Nazarbayev's vision of education being the foundation of a nation's progress and leadership.

The Indian PM inaugurated the India-Kazakhstan Centre of Excellence in Information and Communication Technology. Prime Ministers of both the countries launched the first exploratory drilling of Satyapev oil block by OVL and KazMunaiGaz.

The Indian PM received by Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov at Astana Airport.

Kazakhstan (7 July, 2015)

HIGHLIGHTS • Following talks with NaMo, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev announced to supply 5,000 tonnes of Uranium to India during 2015-19. • MoU on defence ties were upgraded.

Modi with Kazakhstan PM, CEOs and business leaders of both the countries involved.

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Russia

(8 – 10 July, 2015)

With Russian President Vladmir Putin, at the bilateral meet held by both the countries at the Congress Hall, Ufa.

NaMo, in his three-day visit to Russia, attended the BRICS and SCO summits, along with holding path-breaking talks with Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif and other leaders. The Indian leader tweeted, “I leave Russia, fully satisfied with the ground covered during the BRICS and SCO Summits. The meetings & talks have been productive,” before he left for the fourth leg of his six-nation tour.

The BRICs Summit was attended by the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, President of China, Xi Jinping, and President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma. They discussed on an array of topics, stressing on the New Development Bank formed by them. The bank is created to tend to the economic needs of the member countries.

Modi held delegation level meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

With BRICs leaders and leaders of the invited states.

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The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit saw the inclusion of India as a full member. Modi addressed the group which included the Russian and Chinese Presidents. He promised that India shall take interest in developing infrastructure in the region and forge economic ties with the member nations.

HIGHLIGHTS • In a strategic meeting, NaMo met with Sharif in the city of Ufa. They agreed on a significant cooperation to counter terrorism. Pakistan agreed to speed up the trial of the 26/11 terror attack accused. Their talks were dominated with topics related to economic ties and trade negotiations.

• Modi accepted Pakistan's invitation to attend the SAARC Summit in 2016 to be held in Islamabad.

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Prime Minister Modi unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Ashgabat, visited the mausoleum of the first president of Turkmenistan at Niyazov. In a joint statement issued after the talks, Modi proposed that Turkmenistan become a member of the International North South Transport Corridor. In their comprehensive talks, Modi and President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov resolved to step up efforts against cross-border threats of terrorism, organised crime and illegal drug-trafficking, reconfirming their commitment for a stable Afghanistan. “We have shared interest in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and Central Asia. We have also common purpose in combating terrorism and extremism in our region.”

Signing Ceremony of Agreements between Prime Minister Modi and Turk President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Turkmenistan (10 – 11 July, 2015)

HIGHLIGHTS • India and Turkmenistan signed a total of 7 pacts, including an agreement on cooperation in the field of defence and another on tourism.

• Modi pitched for the early implementation of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) project.

• NaMo inaugurated the Centre for Traditional Medicine and Yoga.

Ceremonial welcome for the Indian PM at Oguzkhan Palace, Ashgabat.

At the inauguration of the Traditional Medicine and Yoga Centre, Ashgabat.

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Kyrgyzstan (12 July, 2015)

Modi unveils a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, along with Kyrgyz Prime Minister Temir Sariyev.

Prime Minister Modi emphasised the need to combat terrorism and extremism, describing it as a threat without borders. Following talks with Kygyzstan President Almazbek Atambayev, he said, “We both seek a peaceful and secure neighbourhood at a time of challenges in our region. And, we have shared interest in combating extremism and terrorism that has become a threat without borders.”

Handing over Certificate of gifts of medical equipment from India to Kyrgyzstan.

He pointed that the bilateral defence ties are strong and said a joint exercise was recently completed. “We have decided to hold joint military exercises on an annual basis.” In a joint statement, the Kyrgyz expressed their appreciation to India for “training Kyrgyz military officers for conducting various UN Peacekeeping Courses.” Both the sides discussed about boosting trade, investment, tourism, culture and human resource development and Modi said the connectivity initiative between India and Central Asia will further boost economic ties.

Both the leaders welcomed the launch of a project to establish tele-medicine links between highly specialised hospitals of India and six medical estabInauguration of the Tele-medicine link at the National lishments of Kyrgyzstan. During his meeting with Centre for Cardiology & Internal Medicine, Bishkek.

Prime Minister Temir Sariyev, Modi gifted medical equipment to Kyrgyzstan's Level II Field Hospital.

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HIGHLIGHTS • Both sides signed four key agreements, including on cooperation in defence and culture fields. Two MoUs were signed on cooperation between the Election Commissions of the two countries, and on cooperation in the sphere of standards.

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Tajikistan (12 – 13 July, 2015)

With President Emomali Rahmon, in Dushanbe.

In his maiden trip to Tajikistan, Prime Minister Modi met with President Emomali Rahmon and Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda. He spoke at a special workshop of agriculture cooperation and unveiled a bust of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. He also presented President Rahmon a specially commissioned miniature painting of the tomb of the 17th century Indian poet Abdul Qadir Bedil. Noting the country was the last stop of his visit to Central Asia, Modi said, “We share deep historical, cultural and civilizational links. Tajikistan is nearest to India among all Central Asian countries. We are separated by a narrow corridor. Our linguistic links are the closest in Central Asia.”

HIGHLIGHTS • Both sides signed two pacts: Programme of Cooperation in the field of Culture for the years 2016-18, and Exchange of Note Verbale on setting up of Computer Labs in 37 schools in Tajikistan.

• The two sides agreed to the setting up of a North-South Transport Corridor.

NaMo takes a selfie with HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and HE Dr. Anwar Gargash at the Shiekh Zayed Grand Mosque, at Abu Dhabi.

At the Indian Community Reception, Dubai Cricket Stadium.

United Arab Emirates (16 – 17 August, 2015) Prime Minister Modi addressed a gathering of 50,000 people in the Dubai Cricket Stadium during his trip to the United Arab Emirates. He spoke about various issues including India's renewed relations with UAE, terrorism, new initiatives for NRIs and relationship with neighbouring countries.

HIGHLIGHTS • Leaders in the UAE promised to invest $ 75 billion in India.

• UAE government agreed to allot land for a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.

• Modi noted the Indian Mission in UAE's e-migrant portal to help Indian migrants and an outline platform 'MADAD' to assist the Indian community.

• UAE backs India for a permanent seat for the UN Security Council.

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Ireland

(23 September, 2015) Children chanted Sanskrit shlokas at NaMo function.

Engaging with Indian community at the Community Reception, Dublin.

The Indian PM arrived in Dublin for a brief, nearly five-hour stopover on his way to the United States. He held talks with Irish counterpart Enda Kenny, asking for support for India's permanent membership of the UN Security Council. He also asked support for India's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group. “India and Ireland share much in common. We can compare notes on our shared colonial history. Our Constitutions have something sacred in common. The Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution are inspired by the Irish Constitution.”

United States (24 - 30 September, 2015)

At the Facebook Headquarters for a Townhall Q & A with CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared space with Pope Francis and Chinese President Xi Jinping in his 2015 visit to the United States. He spoke at the UN and G4 summits in New York, flew to California and met with several CEOs from 42 Fortune 500 companies during a working dinner. He visited the Facebook Headquarters for a Townhall Q & A with CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

In his whirlwind US trip, the PM pitched to bring more investment and jobs to India. He aimed to deepen ties with the US technology sector and boost India's digital infrastructure by promoting his 'Digital India' campaign. “(India) has moved on from scriptures to satellites. The world has started to believe that the 21st century belongs to India.” Speaking in Hindi at San Jose's SAP centre, he praised American-Indians for transforming India's image. “You have forced the world to change the way they look at India. It's the magic of your fingers. You have played and juggled with the computer and you've created a new identity for India.” He met with British counterpart David Cameron, French President Francois Hollande and Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas.

HIGHLIGHTS • Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced to equip 400 of India's busy railway stations with high speed wi-fi.

• Microsoft's Satya Nadella pledged to bring low-cost broadband technology to around 5 lakh villages in India.

• Modi pitched for reform of the UN Security Council.

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I

Brief on India-UK

relations

ndia and the United Kingdom share strong close ties bound by history. The visit of Prime Minister Cameron to India in 2010 laid the foundations for Enhanced Partnership for the Future, which is defined by a high level economic and technological cooperation and close coordination on many regional and global issues. PM Cameron also visited India in February 2013 with a business delegation of over 100 companies and then again in November 2013 enroute to Colombo.

PM Cameron’s visit to India (18-20 February, 2013)

In February 2013, PM Cameron led the largest ever trade delegation to India accompanied by over 100 companies, Minister of UK Trade and Investment, Minister of State for Universities and Science, Minister of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other senior officials. The following three MoUs were signed during the visit: (i) MoU on Co-operation in the field of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Safety (CBRN). (ii) MoU on framework for Skills development under the UK-India Education and Research Initiative 2013-16. (iii) MoU on framework on implementation of community colleges under the UK-India Education and Research Initiative 2013-16 and on framework for implementation of School Leadership Programme under the UK-India Education and Research Initiative 2013-16.

A Joint Statement “India and the UK: A stronger, wider, deeper partnership” was also issued at the end of the visit wherein both the leaders agreed that there were considerable potentials for expanding the relationship further, in particular, in the area of trade and investment.

High level bilateral visits since 2014

High level bilateral visits and interactions continued in 2014 with the new government in India.

Outgoing visits since 2014 • Prime Minister Modi met UK Prime Minister Cameron on the side lines of G20 Summit in November 2014 in Australia.

• Hon’ble External Affairs Minister, Smt. Sushma Swaraj visited UK from October 16-17, 2014 to inaugurate the Regional Pravasiya Bharatiya Diwas where she had bilateral meetings with the then UK Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg and UK Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond; • Hon’ble Minister for Road, Transport and

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Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari paid a visit to the UK during November 17-18, 2014. During the visit, he held bilateral meeting with Mr. Oliver Letwin, UK Minister for Government Policy, Dr. Vince Cable, former Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and Mr. Robert Goodwill, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport.

• Minister of State for External Affairs, Gen. V. K. Singh visited London from December 3-4, 2014 to attend London Conference on Afghanistan.

• Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman visited London from January 18-20, 2015 for the 10th India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO).

• Hon’ble Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley visited London from 13-14 March, 2015 to unveil the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Parliament Square. During his visit, he called on TRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales and UK Prime Minister, David Cameron and held bilateral meeting with his counterpart George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer.

• Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Piyush Goyal visited UK from 22-23 May, 2015 and held meetings with Lord Bourne, UK Parliamentary Under Secretary, Department of Energy and Climate Change(DECC) and Baroness Verma, UK Parliamentary Under Secretary, Department for International Development.

• Department of Biotechnology (DBT) delegation led by Shri Y.S.Chowdary, Hon’ble MoS for Science & technology and Earth Sciences visited the UK during 21-22 May, 2015 during which he countersigned an Letter of Intent between DBT and Cambridge University

Incoming visits in 2015 • Priti Patel, the then Ex-Chequer Secretary to the Treasury and UK Prime Ministers, UK-India Diaspora champion led the UK delegation to the Pravasiya Bhartiya Diwas convention on January 6, 2015.

• Lord Livingston, the then UK Minister for Trade and Investment visited India during January 9-12, 2015. Lord Livingston led a contingent of over 60 British companies and 100 delegates to vibrant Gujarat.

• Baroness Verma, the then UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Energy and Climate led a British Renewable Energy Business delegation from 12-18 February, 2015 to participate at the Global Renewable Energy Investors Summit (RE-Invest) in India.

• UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond visited India from 12-13 March, 2015 to open a new British

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Deputy High Commission in Chandigarh. During his visit, he called on Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Hon’ble External Affairs Minister and Shri Arun Jaitley, Hon’ble Minister of Finance.

• Rt. Hon. Lord Francis Maude, UK’s Minister of State for Trade and Investment visited Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi from 8-11 September, 2015.

• Rt. Hon. Sajid Javid, UK’s Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, visited New Delhi on 11th September to attend the Annual “UK-India Business Convention”, which was also attended by Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman, Hon’ble CIM. • Amber Rudd, UK’s Secretary of state for Energy and Climate Change, visited New Delhi on 2223 September, 2015. During the visit, she met Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to discuss both the country’s ambitions for a climate agreement later this year, and Shri Jitendra Singh, Minister of state in the PMO to discuss the economic ties and opportunities to strengthen these through PM Modi’s upcoming visit.

Bilateral diplomatic presence India has 3 diplomatic posts in the UK - High Commission in London and Consulates General in Birmingham and Edinburgh, and also has two Honorary Consuls at Cardiff and Belfast. UK’s diplomatic presence in India is larger than any other country. UK has ten diplomatic posts in India viz High Commission in Delhi and seven Deputy High Commissions in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, Consular Office in Goa and a Trade Office in Pune. Besides these, there are four British Councils in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai which enjoy diplomatic status.

Institutionalised Bilateral Dialogue Mechanism As Strategic Partners, India and UK increasingly seek to increase their collaboration in foreign policy and have a shared vision for peace, stability, democracy and prosperity. Both sides have institutionalised dialogues covering a wide spectrum of areas including counter terrorism, cyber security, West Asia, Afghanistan, East Asia, UN and multilateral issues, disarmament and non-proliferation and consular and visa matters at Senior Official Level. Besides, Defence Consultative Group meeting at the level of Raksha Mantri, Economic and Financial dialogue at the level of Finance Minister, Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) at the level of Commerce and Industry Minister are also held regularly. Foreign Office Consultations are held between the two sides at the level of Foreign Secretary - Permanent Under Secretary. The last India-UK FOC was held in June 2013 in London.

Inter-Parliamentary Contacts Parliamentary exchanges have taken place under the

banner of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The regular exchanges between the Members of Parliament of two countries help in strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

The former Speaker of Lok Sabha (Lower House of the Indian Parliament), Mrs. Meira Kumar, visited UK from 17 – 19 January 2011. Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow paid a return visit the same year in August 2011.

There are Friends of India Groups in all the major political parties. There are All-Party Parliamentary Groups on India and British Hindus in the UK Parliament. High Commissioner regularly hosts receptions for the Friends of India Groups and the APPG Groups.

Economic relations As on date, UK ranks 18th in the list of India’s top 25 trading partners. The two-way merchandise trade during 2014-15 stood at US$14.34 billion, marking a decrease of 9.37% as compared to 2013-14. India’s merchandise exports to UK declined by about 4.67% from US$ 9.77 billion in 2013-14 to US$ 9.32 billion in 2014-15 and imports from UK declined by 16.97% from US$ 6.04 billion in 2013-14 to US$ 5.01 billion in 2014-15. UK’s share in India’s global trade has gone down from 2.07% in 2013-14 to 1.89% in 2014-15.

UK is the 3rd largest inward investor in India, after Mauritius, and Singapore with a cumulative equity investment of US $ 22.26 billion (April 2000- May 2015). UK ranks first among the G20 and accounts for around 9% of all investment into India for the period April 2000 – March 2015.

India continues to be one of the largest source markets for FDI projects in the UK. According to the latest figures released by the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) in their ‘2014/15 Inward Investment Annual Report’, India undertook 122 FDI projects in 2014-15 in the UK, marking an increase of 65 per cent over last year and making it the UK’s third largest source of FDI, accounting for over 9,000 new jobs.

The UK attracts more Indian investment than rest of the EU put together.

Defence India and the UK have active defence cooperation with dialogue at Defence Secretary and three services level. At the services level, joint exercises and wide ranging exchanges between the three services are conducted on the basis of mutually agreed agenda.

The last India-UK Defence Consultative Group Meeting was held on 11-12 February, 2015 in London.

UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon visited India from October 28-29, 2014. Indian Air Chief Marshal visited UK from September 10-13, 2014. The UK Chief of General Staff visited India from 6-10 February, 2015. The First Sea Lord of UK visited India on 15-19 March, 2015. Chief of Army Staff visited UK on 7-12 June, 2015.

Joint exercises are also held regularly between

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all the three services of defence. The last Army Joint Exercise ‘Ajeya Warrior’ was held in the UK from 7-20 June, 2015. The Indian Air force participated in the Exercise ‘Indradhanush-IV’ in the UK from 21 July – 1 August, 2015. The Joint Navy Exercise ‘Konkan 2015’ was held in September 2015 in the UK.

Science, Technology & Research • The India – UK S&T cooperation started with signing of the inter-governmental S&T agreement in 1996.In 2006, a new orientation was given to S&T cooperation with setting up of the “Science and Innovation Council” (SIC), which is main framework within which the India – UK S&T cooperation operates. The India – UK relationship in Science & Technology has been strengthened by a number of bilateral initiatives under the UKIERI, RCUK – India, the DST – Royal Society Science Networking and Newton – Bhabha Programmes.

• The India-UK cooperation in S&T is based on the principles of co-funding and reciprocity and has resulted in High Quality and High Impact research covering a wide spectrum of basic and applied sciences. The co-investments made by both countries in supporting joint research activities has increased from £1 million in 2009 to over £150 million as on date. In March 2013, the two sides signed India – UK Programme of Cooperation on Industrial Research and Development in March 2013.

• Signing of the Letter of Arrangement (LOA) governing the India – UK collaboration in Defence Research & Technology on 15th September 2011 has enabled defence scientists from both the countries to work together through a series of Collaborative Projects in areas of mutual interest. As on today, four CPs have been signed between DRDO and Defence Science and Technology (DSTL), UK. • An MoU between both countries for NewtonBhabha programme (A UK-India Research and Innovation partnership) was signed at the Indo-UK Science and Innovation Council meeting in November 2014. Further, Bharat Ratna Prof C.N Rao signed a letter of Intent in January 2015 with Director of ISIS (Neutron Source for Research at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory) for access to ISIS facilities for Indian researchers.

• A Department of Biotechnology (DBT) delegation led by Shri Y.S.Chowdary, Hon’ble MoS for Science & technology and Earth Sciences visited the UK during 21-22 May, 2015 during which he countersigned a Letter of Intent between DBT and Cambridge University.

Education • India-UK education links cut across all segments of the sector and a number of bilateral mechanisms have been set up. India-UK Education Forum was set up in 2008 to promote links between premier education institutions in India and UK including collaboration for the establishment of IIT Punjab, Indian Institute of Science and Education, an IIM and one Central

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University. The Forum has met six times at Ministerial level, the last meeting was held in New Delhi in November 2014.

• The UK-India Education and Research Initiative(UKIERI), a multi-stakeholder partnership programme supported by both governments on the core principle of Mutuality of Benefit began in 2006. Since then, UKIERI has supported over 1000 UK-India partnerships in education and research and 25,000 exchanges of academics , researches, staff and students. The second phase, launched in 2011, is due to end in March 2016.

• As of now, India is the second largest source of students in UK. In 2013-14, the number of Indian students in UK was 19,750, down from 39,090 in 2010-11.

Multilateral cooperation India and UK cooperate at the EU, G-20, UN and in other multilateral organisations. UK supports India’s inclusion in UNSC as a Permanent Member. In the Joint Statement issued during PM Cameron’s visit to India in 2013, Prime Minister Cameron reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to a reformed United Nations Security Council with India as a permanent member in the Joint Statement on the India-United Kingdom Summit in February 2013. UK also supports India’s membership to the major export control regimes (Nuclear Suppliers Group, Missile Technology Control Group, Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement).

People to people links • People to people links are central to the relationship between India and the UK. During the visit of Prime Minister Cameron to India in February 2013, both sides reaffirmed to welcome all legitimate travellers; students, tourists, visitors, business people or qualified workers. The two sides have agreed to continue their ongoing discussions on visa, migration and people mobility issues of concern regularly. The two sides regularly discuss issues relating to visa and other matters in the Consular & Visa Dialogue.

• With effect from 15th August, 2015, the Government of India has extended the e-tourist visa facility to UK nationals to boost tourism to India.

• The India diaspora in UK is the largest ethnic minority community in the country. It is estimated that there are approximately 1.5 million people of Indian origin in the UK equating to almost 1.8 percent of the population. The 8th Regional Pravasiya Bharatiya Diwas (RPBD) was organised in London from October 16-18, 2014. It was jointly inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Smt. Sushma Swaraj and Philip Hammond, UK Foreign Secretary and saw participation by around 800 Indian-origin people from around the UK. The High Commission in London remains in continuous touch with the diaspora in seeking their advice on taking India UK relationship forward.

October 2015

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August 1947

August 1947 April 1949

January 1950 March 1955

December 1955

March 1956 April 1956

June 1957 January 1958

January 1959 January 1958 August 1959 June 1960

August 1960 Jan.-Feb. 1961

May 1961

November 1962 June 1963 November 1964

December 1965 February 1966

December 1968 January 1971

India-UK Bilateral Relations Union of India comes into existence after Indian independence from British Rule Signing of Financial Agreement relating to Sterling Balances between Reserve Bank of India and the Bank of England London Declaration adopted whereby India would continue as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations after becoming a Republic Adoption of Indian Constitution whereby India becomes a Republic but continues to remain a Commonwealth member Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden visits India Signing of umbrella agreement for cooperation in development of atomic energy Foreign Secretary Selwyn Lloyd visits India on return from SEATO Conference in Karachi Signing of Agreement on avoidance of double taxation Financial Agreement of 1947 expires and a decision is taken by GOI not to extend the same PM Harold Macmillan is the first British Prime Minister to visit Independent India PM Jawaharlal Nehru announces establishment of Indian Institute of Technology Delhi with aid assistance from the United Kingdom..

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visits India – Lays down Foundation Stone of IIT, Delhi on 29 January 1958 Agreement signed with M/s Hawker Siddley of U.K. for supply Avro-748 aircraft to replace Dakotas in Indian Air Force Signing of Agreement on the import of films Aide Memoire presented by UK High Commission to MEA on Indian immigrants doing unskilled work in the United Kingdom Visit of H.M. Queen Elizabeth-II to India (1st Visit) Signing of Oil Agreement between GOI and Burmah Oil Company for grant to Oil India Ltd. for exploration in North-east Exchange of letters for military assistance and providing arms and equipment against Chinese aggression President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan is the first Head of State of a Commonwealth country to visit the United Kingdom Signing of Agreement on Military Assistance for the rebuilding of Mazagon Dockyard at Bombay for construction of three Leander class frigates for the Indian Navy PM Lal Bahadur Shastri visits U.K. Signing of Indo-British emergency food agreement (£35 million) Foreign Secretary Michael Stewart visits India – a decision is taken to convene bilateral discussions on an annual basis PM Edward Heath visits India

March 1971 April 1971

September 1971

October 1971 December 1971

January 1972 April 1972

March 1973 January 1976

September 1976 July 1977

October 1977 January 1978 March 1978

June 1978 January 1979 September 1979 October 1979 January 1980

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April 1981

March 1982 February 1983 September 1983

UK extends a £11.65 million loan for acquisition of two bulk carriers by the Shipping Corporation India raises its concerns on the UK Immigration Bill UK extends £6.125 million aid for purchase of a cargo ship PM Indira Gandhi visits U.K. UK extends £7.74 million aid for development of fertilizer plant at Tuticorin UK intimates India and asks for termination of India-UK Trade Agreement of 1939 with the proposal to impose 15% duty on textiles UK extends £10.5 million aid for Mangalore Fertilizer project Signing of power generation agreement (£3.3 million) for provision of three steam generation boilers Constitution of Indo-British Joint Economic Committee Conservative Party Leader and Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons Margaret Thatcher visits India Minister for Overseas Development Judith Hart visits India FCO Minister of State E. Luard visits India to discuss Law of the Seas with Law Minister Shanti Bhushan PM James Callaghan visits India – Signing of grants worth £144 million extended by UK Meeting of the Indo-British Economic Committee held in New Delhi between Commerce Minister Mohan Dharia and UK Secretary of State for Trade Edmund Dell PM Morarji Desai visits UK Minister for Overseas Development Peter Preston visits India – Signing of £145 million aid agreements extended by UK GOI issues gazette extraordinary on the tragic death of Lord Louis Mountbatten at sea on August 27, 1979 MOS for Home Timothy Raison visits India Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington visits India Maiden visit of Prince Charles to India President R Venkataraman visits U.K. Meeting of the Indo-British Economic Committee held in New Delhi between Commerce Minister Pranab Mukherjee and UK Secretary of State for Trade John Biffen PM Margaret Thatcher visits India – Signing of five MOUs on cooperation in (i) trade and industries (ii) coal (iii) power (iv) science & technology (v) space and a Convention on Double taxation PM Indira Gandhi visits UK UK extends grants-in-aid of £61 million for development of coal sectors and railways UK extends grant of £30 million for development of Amlori coal mine in Singrauli

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November 1983 January 1984

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coalfields Visit of H.M. Queen Elizabeth-II to India (2nd visit) Meeting of the Indo-British Economic Committee held in New Delhi between Commerce Minister V.P. Singh and UK Secretary of State for Trade Norman Tebitt Signing of Agreement on cooperation in Computer Education Signing of Agreement of Public Officers Pensions UK extends Aid of £36 million for mutually agreed projects (BALCO Power Plant, Orissa Healthcare Project, Amlori coal line, Karnataka Forestry Project, Andhra Pradesh Primary Education project etc.)

Princess Alexandra visits India Defence Secretary George Younger visits India MOS for Energy Peter Morrison visits India Meeting of the Indo-British Economic Committee held in New Delhi between Commerce Minister Dinesh Singh and UK Secretary of State for Trade Lord Young of Graffam Signing of Agreement on Healthcare Prince Charles represents the Queen at the funeral of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi Home Secretary Kenneth Baker visits India Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd visits India Minister for Overseas Development Lynda Chalker visits India Nehru Centre(Cultural Outreach of India) established in London Signing of India-UK bilateral Extradition Treaty PM John Major visits India as Chief Guest at Republic Day Vice President K R Narayanan visits U.K. Signing of India-UK Science & Technology Agreement Visit of H.M. Queen Elizabeth-II to India (3rd visit) Elevation of bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership Establishment of UK-India Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) PM Tony Blair visits India - Launch of UKIndia Education and Research Initiative PM Dr. Manmohan Singh visits UK PM Gordon Brown visits India PM Dr. Manmohan Singh visits UK for G20 Summit President Pratibha Patil visits UK Joint Declaration on Civil Nuclear Cooperation PM David Cameron visits India – Foundations laid for Enhanced Partnership for the Future Signing of MOU on India-UK Cultural Cooperation Establishment of India-UK CEOs Forum and India-UK Infrastructure Group after

PM-level talks in India Defence Secretary Liam Fox visits India Foreign Office Consultations held in London July 2011 Defence Secretary Liam Fox visits India September 2011 Signing of Letter on Arrangement on India-UK collaboration in Defence Research & Technology February 2013 PM David Cameron visits India with a 100-member business delegation March 2013 Launch of India-UK Programme of Cooperation on Industrial Research and Development November 2013 PM David Cameron visits India July 2014 Foreign Secretary William Hague and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne visit India and meet PM soon after new Government takes charge August 2014 Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg visits India September 2014 Air Chief Marshall Arup Raha visits UK October 2014 Defence Secretary Michael Fallon visits India October 2014 EAM Sushma Swaraj visits UK to inaugurate the Regional Prvasiya Bharatiya Divas November 2014 PM Narendra Modi and PM David Cameron meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Canberra November 2014 MOU on Newton-Bhabha programme signed at Indo-UK Science and Innovation Council meeting 18-20 January 2015 Commerce & Industry Ministry Nirmala Sitharaman visits UK for 10th JETCO meeting 6-10 February 2015 Chief of General Staff Nick Carter visits India 13-14 February 2015 UK-India Defence Consultative Group meeting held in London 11-12 March 2015 Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond visits India for bilateral talks 13-14 March 2015 Finance Minister Arun Jaitley visits UK for unveiling of Gandhi statue at the British Parliament 15-19 March 2015 1st Sea Lord of UK visits India 22-23 May 2015 MOS(Independent Charge) for Power, Coal and New Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal visits UK for bilateral meetings 21-22 May 2015 MOS for Science & Technology visits UK and countersigns Letter of Intent between Department of Biotechnology and Cambridge University 7-12 June 2015 Chief of Indian Army Dalbir Singh Suhag visits UK 7-20 June 2015 India-UK Joint Army exercises – ‘Ajeya Warrior’ held 21 July-1 August 2015 India-UK Joint Air exercises – ‘Indradhanush-4’ held 5-11 September 2015 India-UK Joint Navy exercises –‘Konkan5’ held 28 September 2015 PM Narendra Modi and PM David Cameron meet on the sidelines of the 70th UNGA Session in New York 29 September 2015 EAM Sushma Swaraj and Foreign Secretary Hammond meet on the sidelines of the 70th UNGA Session in New York As on October 22, 2015 November 2010 June 2011

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