NOIDA, India: Reliance Industries Ltd., one of India's top business conglomerates, hopes its recent entry into the retail business will bring in 1 trillion rupees (US$22 billion, €17 billion) in sales over the next four to five years.
The forecast came Monday as the company opened nine stores in the five satellite towns around India's capital, New Delhi, mostly selling vegetables and groceries.
Around the country, Reliance has opened 49 stores so far. By December, it aims to open 1,000 stores in India, where the booming retail market — estimated at about US$200 billion (€155 billion) per year_ is currently dominated by more than 12 million mom-and-pop shops.
"By 2010-11, our total revenue should be in the region of 1 trillion rupees," said Raghu Pillai, chief executive of the company's retail business.
Large, air-conditioned stores remain a rarity in India, even as rising middle-class incomes and an increase in demand for branded products are driving a retail surge in India. Selling through company-owned stores — also called organized retailing — currently totals just US$8 billion (€6.3 billion).
In recent years though, the share of organized retailing has grown with many Indian companies entering the lucrative trade.
Reliance plans to invest about 250 billion rupees (US$5.5 billion; €4.3 billion) in building a nationwide network of procurement centers, cold storage centers and stores. The first of the company's stores opened in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad in November.
Its plans are by far the most aggressive among the domestic players, but Reliance faces tough competition from U.S. retail giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which recently tied up with a local company Bharti Enterprises to enter the Indian retail business. The first store from their joint venture is expected to open by August this year.
"We will be a formidable competitor to Wal-Mart," Pillai said.
Reliance insists its knowledge and understanding of the Indian market gives the company an edge over Wal-Mart. Also, the company is confident keeping prices of products at its stores competitive.
"It will be a combination of price and how well we will execute our model," which includes services such as home delivery, shop-on-phone and engaging small traders in the management of its supply chain, Pillai said.
"Our stores will have a non-intimidating environment with products available at affordable prices."
The company has so far opened 49 stores, mostly selling fruits, vegetables, grocery and diary products.
Monday, January 29, 2007
India's ace pacer Pathan joins team for last one-dayer against Windies
Ace pace bowler Irfan Pathan joined the Indian team on Monday for the fourth and final limited-overs international against the West Indies, a month after he was sent back from the tour of South Africa to regain his bowling rhythm.
Pathan was included in the Indian squad for the last one-dayer as the national selectors are seeking to try out several candidates before picking the World Cup team.
India leads 2-1 going into the final game of the four-match series Wednesday, which will be the last international fixture for the West Indies cricketers ahead of the World Cup, to be played in the Caribbean islands during March and April.
West Indies will take a break after this series and later regroup for a training camp ahead of the World Cup.
India is looking to avenge its humiliating 4-1 loss in the one-dayers when it toured the West Indies last year.
Pathan had a workout at the nets Monday with the few Indian players who had reached the western city of Baroda, even as other cricketers took time to visit their families after Saturday's match in Chennai.
Going through a lean patch, Pathan was sent back from South Africa ahead of the third and final test match as chief selector Dilip Vangsarkar advised the left-arm pace bowler to play some domestic matches.
India's sports scientist, Ian Fraser said Pathan seemed to have rediscovered his rhythm.
"Irfan seems to have got his bowling rhythm back. There was fluidity in his motion, the run-up was fluent and the ball-delivery action smooth," Fraser told reporters after the net session.
Beside Pathan, who is expected to open the Indian attack in the final one-dayer against the West Indies, the team management also summoned pace bowler Munaf Patel to gauge his recovery from injury.
Patel's injury during the South African sojourn restricted his appearances. Even after inclusion in the Indian side for the third test match, Patel appeared short of match-fitness and was dropped from the squad for the ongoing limited-overs series.
Patel bowled for an extended spell in the nets despite using a shortened run-up. Observing him was the team's physiotherapist, John Gloster who is to submit a report on the fitness of all players to the Indian cricket board before the selectors pick the team for next month's four limited-overs internationals against Sri Lanka.
"We wanted to have a look at Munaf's bowling ahead of the series against Sri Lanka," Indian captain Rahul Dravid said, implying that the selectors were still considering Patel for inclusion in the World Cup team.
India's World Cup squad will be announced midway through the one-day series against Sri Lanka.
Pathan was included in the Indian squad for the last one-dayer as the national selectors are seeking to try out several candidates before picking the World Cup team.
India leads 2-1 going into the final game of the four-match series Wednesday, which will be the last international fixture for the West Indies cricketers ahead of the World Cup, to be played in the Caribbean islands during March and April.
West Indies will take a break after this series and later regroup for a training camp ahead of the World Cup.
India is looking to avenge its humiliating 4-1 loss in the one-dayers when it toured the West Indies last year.
Pathan had a workout at the nets Monday with the few Indian players who had reached the western city of Baroda, even as other cricketers took time to visit their families after Saturday's match in Chennai.
Going through a lean patch, Pathan was sent back from South Africa ahead of the third and final test match as chief selector Dilip Vangsarkar advised the left-arm pace bowler to play some domestic matches.
India's sports scientist, Ian Fraser said Pathan seemed to have rediscovered his rhythm.
"Irfan seems to have got his bowling rhythm back. There was fluidity in his motion, the run-up was fluent and the ball-delivery action smooth," Fraser told reporters after the net session.
Beside Pathan, who is expected to open the Indian attack in the final one-dayer against the West Indies, the team management also summoned pace bowler Munaf Patel to gauge his recovery from injury.
Patel's injury during the South African sojourn restricted his appearances. Even after inclusion in the Indian side for the third test match, Patel appeared short of match-fitness and was dropped from the squad for the ongoing limited-overs series.
Patel bowled for an extended spell in the nets despite using a shortened run-up. Observing him was the team's physiotherapist, John Gloster who is to submit a report on the fitness of all players to the Indian cricket board before the selectors pick the team for next month's four limited-overs internationals against Sri Lanka.
"We wanted to have a look at Munaf's bowling ahead of the series against Sri Lanka," Indian captain Rahul Dravid said, implying that the selectors were still considering Patel for inclusion in the World Cup team.
India's World Cup squad will be announced midway through the one-day series against Sri Lanka.
Russia's president calls on India
President Vladimir Putin of Russia may have been the man of the moment at India’s grandest annual parade, but there weren’t many fireworks when it came to talking business as both sides nudged each other to make more concessions in the road to renewing once tight ties.
Putin, who flew into New Delhi last week, was the guest of honor at the 58 th Republic Day Parade, where much of the military arsenal on display was Soviet-made, a reminder of the close defense and economic ties between the countries in the 1970s and 1980s.
Putin, 55, offered to build four nuclear reactors in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Russia is already building two reactors in India. But though both leaders shook hands on the issue, there’s not much that can be done until the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal is approved by the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group, which regulates nuclear energy trade globally. The recent arrangement with the United States ended a longstanding ban on American exports of nuclear technology to India.
Putin's visit saw India and Russia sign a $250 million contract to jointly produce jet engines, a fraction of the billions of dollars totaled in military trade between the countries before India opened its doors to markets in the West, especially the United States.
Overall, a mere 0.7% of India’s exports went to Russia last year, worth $733.15 million, and 1.4% of its imports came from Russia--$2.02 billion’s worth, according to government figures.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh acknowledged the reduction in business ties. “Both of us agree that our economic relationship is far below what is consistent with the demands of our strong strategic partnership and the growth profiles,” he said Thursday.
Indian businessmen wanted Putin’s government to relax visa rules to help their ventures into lucrative Russian markets. But Putin said New Delhi should first limit illegal immigration into Europe.
India is also looking to Russia to help meet its growing energy needs. India's Oil and Natural Gas and the Russian state oil major Rosneft have agreed to jointly bid for exploration and refining projects in India, Russia and other nations. The firms are already partners in Russia's huge Sakhalin-1 oil and gas field. But Oil and Natural Gas is looking for a lot more.
Prime Minister Singh called energy security “the most important of the emerging dimensions of our strategic partnership.” And he made it a point to go to the airport to personally receive Putin—a courtesy that has so far been extended only to President George W. Bush of the United States and Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah.
This was Putin’s fourth visit to India since he became president, and it’s seen as an indication that despite the new warmth in ties between India and the U.S., Russia will get its share of the pie when India goes shopping globally for needs ranging from defense to energy.
Putin, who flew into New Delhi last week, was the guest of honor at the 58 th Republic Day Parade, where much of the military arsenal on display was Soviet-made, a reminder of the close defense and economic ties between the countries in the 1970s and 1980s.
Putin, 55, offered to build four nuclear reactors in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Russia is already building two reactors in India. But though both leaders shook hands on the issue, there’s not much that can be done until the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal is approved by the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group, which regulates nuclear energy trade globally. The recent arrangement with the United States ended a longstanding ban on American exports of nuclear technology to India.
Putin's visit saw India and Russia sign a $250 million contract to jointly produce jet engines, a fraction of the billions of dollars totaled in military trade between the countries before India opened its doors to markets in the West, especially the United States.
Overall, a mere 0.7% of India’s exports went to Russia last year, worth $733.15 million, and 1.4% of its imports came from Russia--$2.02 billion’s worth, according to government figures.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh acknowledged the reduction in business ties. “Both of us agree that our economic relationship is far below what is consistent with the demands of our strong strategic partnership and the growth profiles,” he said Thursday.
Indian businessmen wanted Putin’s government to relax visa rules to help their ventures into lucrative Russian markets. But Putin said New Delhi should first limit illegal immigration into Europe.
India is also looking to Russia to help meet its growing energy needs. India's Oil and Natural Gas and the Russian state oil major Rosneft have agreed to jointly bid for exploration and refining projects in India, Russia and other nations. The firms are already partners in Russia's huge Sakhalin-1 oil and gas field. But Oil and Natural Gas is looking for a lot more.
Prime Minister Singh called energy security “the most important of the emerging dimensions of our strategic partnership.” And he made it a point to go to the airport to personally receive Putin—a courtesy that has so far been extended only to President George W. Bush of the United States and Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah.
This was Putin’s fourth visit to India since he became president, and it’s seen as an indication that despite the new warmth in ties between India and the U.S., Russia will get its share of the pie when India goes shopping globally for needs ranging from defense to energy.
India becomes 10th largest trading partner of china
With European Union maintaining its position as China's top trading partner, trade between China and India reached a record $24.9 billion last year to make India the 10th largest trading partner of China, reports the latest Chinese foreign trade statistics.
The buoyant trade has exceeded the $20 billion goal two years ahead of target.
China's total bilateral trade with the EU rose 25.3 per cent to hit $272.3 billion.
The two Asian countries had signed an agreement in 2005 to raise bilateral trade volume to $20 billion by 2008.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to India in 2005 and that of President Hu Jintao’s in 2006 have reinforced Sino-Indian trade and economic cooperation, reports Chinese Commerce Ministry.
China's major exports to India are mobile phones, antibiotics, coal, coke, textile machinery and spare parts. China's major imports from India are iron ore and concentrate, steel products, primary plastics, alumina and diamond.
China signed economic and technical contract worth $7.012 billion with India which resulted into achieving a turnover of $2.108 billion by end of 2006.
Chinese companies won project contracts worth $3.298 billion in 2006, making India one of China's most important overseas project contracting market.
The buoyant trade has exceeded the $20 billion goal two years ahead of target.
China's total bilateral trade with the EU rose 25.3 per cent to hit $272.3 billion.
The two Asian countries had signed an agreement in 2005 to raise bilateral trade volume to $20 billion by 2008.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to India in 2005 and that of President Hu Jintao’s in 2006 have reinforced Sino-Indian trade and economic cooperation, reports Chinese Commerce Ministry.
China's major exports to India are mobile phones, antibiotics, coal, coke, textile machinery and spare parts. China's major imports from India are iron ore and concentrate, steel products, primary plastics, alumina and diamond.
China signed economic and technical contract worth $7.012 billion with India which resulted into achieving a turnover of $2.108 billion by end of 2006.
Chinese companies won project contracts worth $3.298 billion in 2006, making India one of China's most important overseas project contracting market.
Friday, January 12, 2007
India's Mukherjee to Visit Pakistan for Peace Process
India's Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee begins a two-day visit to Pakistan today as the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbors seek to advance a 44-month- old peace process.
Singh will review progress made in the third round of the peace dialogue that was concluded in November in New Delhi with his counterpart Khurshid Kasuri, besides planning for next round of talks, Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam told reporters in Islamabad on Jan. 8.
``This is a just a continuation of the formal diplomatic process,'' said Ajai Sahni, executive director of the Institute for Conflict Management, a New Delhi-based policy research group. `` There will be the usual announcement of better cooperation, more talks scheduled for the future, because you cannot expect any radical changes to emerge from the meeting, as the fundamentals are same.''
India and Pakistan have been seeking to improve ties since 2003, restoring diplomatic, transport and sporting links, after they came close to fighting a fourth war in 2002. The two countries are holding a series of discussions on the various issues dividing them, including control over the Himalayan territory of Kashmir, which is claimed in full by both.
The visit of Mukherjee, the first trip to the neighboring country after he became foreign minister in October is also to extend an invitation to Pakistani leaders for the South Asian regional summit in New Delhi in April, Aslam has said.
The two nations resumed talks in November stalled by July's Mumbai commuter train blasts that killed 184 people.
Peace Hopes
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh raised peace hopes by saying earlier this week that the two countries would eventually be able to sign a peace and friendship treaty.
``I earnestly hope that relations between our two countries become so friendly that we can generate an atmosphere of trust between each other and that the two nations are able to agree on a treaty of peace, security and friendship,'' Singh said in New Delhi on Jan. 8.
Khalid Mahmud, a research analyst at Institute of Regional Studies in Islamabad, said the peace process may not advance on resolving any key dispute, as both the countries seem stuck on their respective positions. Still, they will keep holding such meetings, as neither wants to derail the process, he said.
``India is calling for lasting peace, while Pakistan wants to settle the Kashmir dispute first,'' Mahmud said. ``Peace talks won't move forward if they stick to their positions.''
The two sides may sign accords on easing visa restrictions and avoiding nuclear confrontation to show that talks are not stalled, Mahmud said.
Procedural Requirements
There is nothing definitive about the signing of any agreements between the two nations, Pakistani spokeswoman Aslam said. A number of agreements are in the works and some of them await completion of procedural requirements, she said.
India and Pakistan have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947, including two over Kashmir. A 17-year insurgency in India's only Muslim-majority state of Jammu and Kashmir has left at least 50,000 people dead.
India has accused Pakistan of supporting the insurgency, a charge Pakistan denies.
Officials of the two sides have been holding a series of talks on issues such as the control of Kashmir, economic and commercial cooperation, terrorism and drug trafficking -- known as the ``composite dialogue.''
Singh will review progress made in the third round of the peace dialogue that was concluded in November in New Delhi with his counterpart Khurshid Kasuri, besides planning for next round of talks, Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam told reporters in Islamabad on Jan. 8.
``This is a just a continuation of the formal diplomatic process,'' said Ajai Sahni, executive director of the Institute for Conflict Management, a New Delhi-based policy research group. `` There will be the usual announcement of better cooperation, more talks scheduled for the future, because you cannot expect any radical changes to emerge from the meeting, as the fundamentals are same.''
India and Pakistan have been seeking to improve ties since 2003, restoring diplomatic, transport and sporting links, after they came close to fighting a fourth war in 2002. The two countries are holding a series of discussions on the various issues dividing them, including control over the Himalayan territory of Kashmir, which is claimed in full by both.
The visit of Mukherjee, the first trip to the neighboring country after he became foreign minister in October is also to extend an invitation to Pakistani leaders for the South Asian regional summit in New Delhi in April, Aslam has said.
The two nations resumed talks in November stalled by July's Mumbai commuter train blasts that killed 184 people.
Peace Hopes
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh raised peace hopes by saying earlier this week that the two countries would eventually be able to sign a peace and friendship treaty.
``I earnestly hope that relations between our two countries become so friendly that we can generate an atmosphere of trust between each other and that the two nations are able to agree on a treaty of peace, security and friendship,'' Singh said in New Delhi on Jan. 8.
Khalid Mahmud, a research analyst at Institute of Regional Studies in Islamabad, said the peace process may not advance on resolving any key dispute, as both the countries seem stuck on their respective positions. Still, they will keep holding such meetings, as neither wants to derail the process, he said.
``India is calling for lasting peace, while Pakistan wants to settle the Kashmir dispute first,'' Mahmud said. ``Peace talks won't move forward if they stick to their positions.''
The two sides may sign accords on easing visa restrictions and avoiding nuclear confrontation to show that talks are not stalled, Mahmud said.
Procedural Requirements
There is nothing definitive about the signing of any agreements between the two nations, Pakistani spokeswoman Aslam said. A number of agreements are in the works and some of them await completion of procedural requirements, she said.
India and Pakistan have fought three wars since independence from Britain in 1947, including two over Kashmir. A 17-year insurgency in India's only Muslim-majority state of Jammu and Kashmir has left at least 50,000 people dead.
India has accused Pakistan of supporting the insurgency, a charge Pakistan denies.
Officials of the two sides have been holding a series of talks on issues such as the control of Kashmir, economic and commercial cooperation, terrorism and drug trafficking -- known as the ``composite dialogue.''
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
India and Pakistan Step Closer to Group Tourism
India and Pakistan have inched closer to introducing, for the first time, a category of tourist visa for travel between both countries with the latter agreeing to a two-year-old suggestion by New Delhi for permitting group tourism between both countries. As of now, there can be no travel without a formal invitation letter in hand.
Pakistan responded a couple of weeks ago to this Indian proposal in the form of a revised draft agreement that is being actively considered ahead of External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to Islamabad.
According to this, tourists will be permitted in groups handled by identified tour operators and agents for a period of 14 days. While there are no objections from any quarter — security agencies included — this proposal needs the clearance of the Cabinet before being signed. Alternatively, the two foreign ministers can agree on this and enter into an agreement later.
Though Mukherjee will be in Islamabad to deliver an invitation to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Pakistan PM Shaukat Aziz for the SAARC Summit in April at Delhi, the two foreign ministers will conduct a proper review of the progress made in the last round of the composite dialogue process. All issues, including terrorism, Kashmir, Siachen and Sir Creek will be on the agenda for talks.
Pakistan is also keen on signing some other agreements during the visit like the one on nuclear risk reduction measures that has already been initialed by both countries, on quarterly flag meetings between sector commanders along the Line of Control and on speedy return of inadvertent line-crossers. However, these agreements are still being examined by New Delhi.
Both sides have shown intent recently to liberalise visa procedures and in this context, stress is on adding new categories to the 1974 visa agreement. To promote business interaction, India is also keen on multiple-entry visas for businessmen.
Already, India has made several unilateral moves like allowing visa on arrival for those below 12 and over the age of 65. New Delhi has also extended student visas to Pakistan and, in fact, a dozen Pakistani students have made avail of this facility.
Pakistan responded a couple of weeks ago to this Indian proposal in the form of a revised draft agreement that is being actively considered ahead of External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to Islamabad.
According to this, tourists will be permitted in groups handled by identified tour operators and agents for a period of 14 days. While there are no objections from any quarter — security agencies included — this proposal needs the clearance of the Cabinet before being signed. Alternatively, the two foreign ministers can agree on this and enter into an agreement later.
Though Mukherjee will be in Islamabad to deliver an invitation to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Pakistan PM Shaukat Aziz for the SAARC Summit in April at Delhi, the two foreign ministers will conduct a proper review of the progress made in the last round of the composite dialogue process. All issues, including terrorism, Kashmir, Siachen and Sir Creek will be on the agenda for talks.
Pakistan is also keen on signing some other agreements during the visit like the one on nuclear risk reduction measures that has already been initialed by both countries, on quarterly flag meetings between sector commanders along the Line of Control and on speedy return of inadvertent line-crossers. However, these agreements are still being examined by New Delhi.
Both sides have shown intent recently to liberalise visa procedures and in this context, stress is on adding new categories to the 1974 visa agreement. To promote business interaction, India is also keen on multiple-entry visas for businessmen.
Already, India has made several unilateral moves like allowing visa on arrival for those below 12 and over the age of 65. New Delhi has also extended student visas to Pakistan and, in fact, a dozen Pakistani students have made avail of this facility.
Richard Gere promotes AIDS awareness in India
MUMBAI, India — Richard Gere urged thousands of sex workers in Mumbai on Wednesday to insist their clients use condoms to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.
"No condoms, no sex!" the 57-year-old actor shouted at an AIDS awareness event in Mumbai, the country's financial and entertainment hub. Gere urged the crowd of more than 15,000 sex workers from Mumbai and neighboring Thane district to repeat the chant after him.
Gere and Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu presented awards to those spearheading HIV prevention campaigns. The crowd's loudest cheers were reserved for Basu, who performed a song-and-dance number, "Atmavishwas (Faith Within)."
Earlier, Gere met sex workers who explained how they use pictures and books to persuade fellow prostitutes to insist on safe sex. But they said it was difficult getting regular customers to use condoms.
Gere, a vocal fighter against HIV and AIDS, launched the "Heroes Project" four years ago to spread the message of prevention to the average Indian.
India, with 5.7 million infections, has the world's largest number of people living with HIV and AIDS. Campaigns aimed at prostitutes and truck drivers _ both high-risk groups _ have helped increase knowledge about the disease.
"Before, there was a total lack of knowledge among sex workers about HIV and even about their own bodies," Gere told The Associated Press. "Now there is a radical change. When sex workers speak of condoms as a norm, it is a powerful statement, it empowers them."
Aid workers estimate Mumbai has 10,000 sex workers. Ashok Alexander, director of Avahan _ an initiative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation _ said it was vital to make the workers the focus of awareness campaigns.
"Our strategy is prevention in the most vulnerable groups," he said. "Their involvement is key, since they are the architects of HIV prevention."
"No condoms, no sex!" the 57-year-old actor shouted at an AIDS awareness event in Mumbai, the country's financial and entertainment hub. Gere urged the crowd of more than 15,000 sex workers from Mumbai and neighboring Thane district to repeat the chant after him.
Gere and Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu presented awards to those spearheading HIV prevention campaigns. The crowd's loudest cheers were reserved for Basu, who performed a song-and-dance number, "Atmavishwas (Faith Within)."
Earlier, Gere met sex workers who explained how they use pictures and books to persuade fellow prostitutes to insist on safe sex. But they said it was difficult getting regular customers to use condoms.
Gere, a vocal fighter against HIV and AIDS, launched the "Heroes Project" four years ago to spread the message of prevention to the average Indian.
India, with 5.7 million infections, has the world's largest number of people living with HIV and AIDS. Campaigns aimed at prostitutes and truck drivers _ both high-risk groups _ have helped increase knowledge about the disease.
"Before, there was a total lack of knowledge among sex workers about HIV and even about their own bodies," Gere told The Associated Press. "Now there is a radical change. When sex workers speak of condoms as a norm, it is a powerful statement, it empowers them."
Aid workers estimate Mumbai has 10,000 sex workers. Ashok Alexander, director of Avahan _ an initiative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation _ said it was vital to make the workers the focus of awareness campaigns.
"Our strategy is prevention in the most vulnerable groups," he said. "Their involvement is key, since they are the architects of HIV prevention."
Monday, January 8, 2007
India Hopes To Sign Peace Agreement With Pakistan
Indian Prime Minister Manhmohan Singh on Monday said that he hopes his country would conclude a lasting peace agreement with rival Pakistan.
According to AFP, Singh said at a conference of the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries, "I earnestly hope that relations between our two countries become so friendly that we can generate an atmosphere of trust between each other and that the two nations are able to agree on a treaty of peace, security and friendship."
The premier's statement came ahead of a two-day visit by Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Pakistan planned for January 13. Singh was also scheduled to invite Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to New Delhi for a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation conference in April 2007.
The visit will also be used to review the peace process the two countries initiated in January 2004.
Singh said, "India cannot be a prosperous, dynamic economy and a stable polity if our neighborhood as a whole is also not economically prosperous and politically stable.
"And similarly, our neighbors cannot prosper if India does not do so as well. There are enormous opportunities for promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in South Asia. To exploit these opportunities, the nations of South Asia have to work sincerely to control the scourge of terrorism and extremism."
According to AFP, Singh said at a conference of the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries, "I earnestly hope that relations between our two countries become so friendly that we can generate an atmosphere of trust between each other and that the two nations are able to agree on a treaty of peace, security and friendship."
The premier's statement came ahead of a two-day visit by Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Pakistan planned for January 13. Singh was also scheduled to invite Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf to New Delhi for a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation conference in April 2007.
The visit will also be used to review the peace process the two countries initiated in January 2004.
Singh said, "India cannot be a prosperous, dynamic economy and a stable polity if our neighborhood as a whole is also not economically prosperous and politically stable.
"And similarly, our neighbors cannot prosper if India does not do so as well. There are enormous opportunities for promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in South Asia. To exploit these opportunities, the nations of South Asia have to work sincerely to control the scourge of terrorism and extremism."
Indian Americans still has miles to go
New Jersey state legislator Upendra Chivukula has seen some progress since the Indian-baiting Dotbusters in the 1980s to the energised community on view now. But he still felt the community had problems to address, goals to accomplish.
At the Indian American Forum for Political Education convention it was a trip down memory lane for Chivukula, who reminisced about his decades-long association with the Forum, going back to the time he was the secretary of the IAFPE chapter in New Jersey.
Chivukula said the IAFPE founded by Joy Cherian, was "the first Indian American political organisation that provided education as to why we should as a community get involved in the political process." Cherian had gone on to become the first Indian American to hold a sub-cabinet level position in the Ronald Reagan administration as a commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Chivukula, the lead panelist on a session on the experiences of Indian-American lawmakers and candidates told an audience that comprised several dozens of students from Harvard, Boston University, MIT and other local colleges in the greater Boston area, how "we should not let names stop us, or our appearance stop us, or our accents stop us." He recalled the sacrifices of the first generation of Indian Americans and the sacrifices they made to get to where they are today."
He said "as a first-generation immigrant, a Telugu accent didn't stop me. I have not lost my identity. People respect you when you retain your identity. I am a practicing Hindu. I am a vegetarian."
Chivukula said it was his grassroots activism and his interest in working with people that stood him in good stead in a political career that now spans more than a decade and a half.
"There are no short cuts to running and winning. It's not simply going around the country collecting money from the Indian-American community," he said, asserting, "You don't abandon your community even though sometimes it hurts when you don't get much money from your own community."
Chivukula also pointed out that not all Indian Americans are affluent, pointing out that in Edison, New Jersey -- a district with perhaps one of the highest concentrations of Indians in the US -- there were several issues to be discussed, including undocumented immigrants, and how the police treats them.
He said it's also imperative to address the long-term care issues of senior citizens "and also the health disparities" as it affects indigent South Asians in these areas.
"This is how we have to energise the community," Chivukula said. "It's nice to have nice homes and nice cars, but we need to think about people who don't have them, and not only in the Indian-American community� The idea here is to make a difference."
Ramesh Advani, who was recently re-elected Selectman in the small town of Norfolk, Massachusetts, for a second three-year term, echoed Chivukula's sentiments, saying, "Don't think all Indian Americans are rich. There are a lot of Indian Americans who are not investment bankers, doctors, engineers. There are a lot of Indian Americans driving cabs and they need your help." Advani made history in 2003 by becoming the first non-white to be elected in the conservative, white-collar community 25 miles southeast of Boston with a population of about 11,000.
He spoke of the "rich culture and heritage" Indian Americans bring to the table and exhorted the audience, particularly the second generation, "Don't ever be apologetic. You've got to mingle and meld and be out there as leaders."
Like Chivukula, Advani too provided insights into how his involvement in politics. He leavened his speech with humor, discussing how one beefy man stopped in his pick-up truck and, looking at the 'Vote for Advani,' campaign signs being put up, said, 'Advani. You're Italian, aren't you? I like Italian Americans, I am going to vote for you." A Selectman is a small-town equivalent of a mayor.
Jay Chaudhuri, president of the Indian American Leadership Initiative, who is also the senior counsel in the Office of the Attorney General of North Carolina, underscored what both Chivukula and Advani had said -- that there is no substitute to being at the table.
"How we define success is not by the number of Indian Americans who run for Congress, but by the number of local and state representatives we have," he said.
"Community roots are important," he said, adding that a candidates' success did not depend on how long they were in the country.
He also said endorsements did not make much of a difference, pointing out how Subodh Chandra, who was running for attorney general in Ohio, and Shyam Reddy, running for secretary of state in Georgia,, lost, despite endorsements from major newspapers.
Chaudhuri, who has run and worked in several campaigns, said, "Money can help level the playing field," and emphasised that "the money we put in at the local level can make a big difference."
He pointed out that Rajiv Goyle had won because he had the funds to out-spend his opponent in a media blitz
At the Indian American Forum for Political Education convention it was a trip down memory lane for Chivukula, who reminisced about his decades-long association with the Forum, going back to the time he was the secretary of the IAFPE chapter in New Jersey.
Chivukula said the IAFPE founded by Joy Cherian, was "the first Indian American political organisation that provided education as to why we should as a community get involved in the political process." Cherian had gone on to become the first Indian American to hold a sub-cabinet level position in the Ronald Reagan administration as a commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Chivukula, the lead panelist on a session on the experiences of Indian-American lawmakers and candidates told an audience that comprised several dozens of students from Harvard, Boston University, MIT and other local colleges in the greater Boston area, how "we should not let names stop us, or our appearance stop us, or our accents stop us." He recalled the sacrifices of the first generation of Indian Americans and the sacrifices they made to get to where they are today."
He said "as a first-generation immigrant, a Telugu accent didn't stop me. I have not lost my identity. People respect you when you retain your identity. I am a practicing Hindu. I am a vegetarian."
Chivukula said it was his grassroots activism and his interest in working with people that stood him in good stead in a political career that now spans more than a decade and a half.
"There are no short cuts to running and winning. It's not simply going around the country collecting money from the Indian-American community," he said, asserting, "You don't abandon your community even though sometimes it hurts when you don't get much money from your own community."
Chivukula also pointed out that not all Indian Americans are affluent, pointing out that in Edison, New Jersey -- a district with perhaps one of the highest concentrations of Indians in the US -- there were several issues to be discussed, including undocumented immigrants, and how the police treats them.
He said it's also imperative to address the long-term care issues of senior citizens "and also the health disparities" as it affects indigent South Asians in these areas.
"This is how we have to energise the community," Chivukula said. "It's nice to have nice homes and nice cars, but we need to think about people who don't have them, and not only in the Indian-American community� The idea here is to make a difference."
Ramesh Advani, who was recently re-elected Selectman in the small town of Norfolk, Massachusetts, for a second three-year term, echoed Chivukula's sentiments, saying, "Don't think all Indian Americans are rich. There are a lot of Indian Americans who are not investment bankers, doctors, engineers. There are a lot of Indian Americans driving cabs and they need your help." Advani made history in 2003 by becoming the first non-white to be elected in the conservative, white-collar community 25 miles southeast of Boston with a population of about 11,000.
He spoke of the "rich culture and heritage" Indian Americans bring to the table and exhorted the audience, particularly the second generation, "Don't ever be apologetic. You've got to mingle and meld and be out there as leaders."
Like Chivukula, Advani too provided insights into how his involvement in politics. He leavened his speech with humor, discussing how one beefy man stopped in his pick-up truck and, looking at the 'Vote for Advani,' campaign signs being put up, said, 'Advani. You're Italian, aren't you? I like Italian Americans, I am going to vote for you." A Selectman is a small-town equivalent of a mayor.
Jay Chaudhuri, president of the Indian American Leadership Initiative, who is also the senior counsel in the Office of the Attorney General of North Carolina, underscored what both Chivukula and Advani had said -- that there is no substitute to being at the table.
"How we define success is not by the number of Indian Americans who run for Congress, but by the number of local and state representatives we have," he said.
"Community roots are important," he said, adding that a candidates' success did not depend on how long they were in the country.
He also said endorsements did not make much of a difference, pointing out how Subodh Chandra, who was running for attorney general in Ohio, and Shyam Reddy, running for secretary of state in Georgia,, lost, despite endorsements from major newspapers.
Chaudhuri, who has run and worked in several campaigns, said, "Money can help level the playing field," and emphasised that "the money we put in at the local level can make a big difference."
He pointed out that Rajiv Goyle had won because he had the funds to out-spend his opponent in a media blitz
Pakistan warns india of longstanding issues before agreeing to friendship treaty
Islamabad, Jan 8 (ANI): The Foreign Office of Pakistan on Monday said that India should settle all "longstanding issues" with them before entering into a bilateral agreement of friendship.
The comment from Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam comes in the wake of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's statement that he made today calling for a "Treaty of Peace, Security and Friendship" with Pakistan.
Aslam said that this was nothing "new" from India, and that Dr. Singh has not referred to have such pact 'immediately'.
"However he did not mention any such immediate pact," The News quoted Aslam as saying.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Singh had said, "I earnestly hope that relations between our two countries become so friendly, and that we generate such an atmosphere of trust and confidence between each other, that the two nations would be able to agree on a Treaty of Peace, Security and Friendship."
On the impending visit of External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Islamabad this week, Aslam said, "Three to four agreements between Pakistan and India are expected to be signed."
Pakistan has called for softening visa policy between the two countries and expressed hope that a pact on this issue will finalized as soon as possible.
During his visit, Mukherjee will invite Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf for the 14th SAARC Summit to be held in New Delhi in April this year.
Mukherjee's visit is being seen as 'crucial' by analysts, as he is likely to sign three agreements with Pakistan. It has also been reported that during this visit, the date for Manmohan Singh's visit to Pakistan may get finalised.
Mukherjee's visit will be quickly followed by a week-long visit of the moderate section of the Hurriyat led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq to Islamabad.
Talks on the Kashmir issue has got a renewed thrust with the Prime Minister and Kashmiri leaders having welcomed Musharraf's four-point peace proposal for peace. (ANI)
The comment from Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam comes in the wake of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's statement that he made today calling for a "Treaty of Peace, Security and Friendship" with Pakistan.
Aslam said that this was nothing "new" from India, and that Dr. Singh has not referred to have such pact 'immediately'.
"However he did not mention any such immediate pact," The News quoted Aslam as saying.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Singh had said, "I earnestly hope that relations between our two countries become so friendly, and that we generate such an atmosphere of trust and confidence between each other, that the two nations would be able to agree on a Treaty of Peace, Security and Friendship."
On the impending visit of External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Islamabad this week, Aslam said, "Three to four agreements between Pakistan and India are expected to be signed."
Pakistan has called for softening visa policy between the two countries and expressed hope that a pact on this issue will finalized as soon as possible.
During his visit, Mukherjee will invite Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf for the 14th SAARC Summit to be held in New Delhi in April this year.
Mukherjee's visit is being seen as 'crucial' by analysts, as he is likely to sign three agreements with Pakistan. It has also been reported that during this visit, the date for Manmohan Singh's visit to Pakistan may get finalised.
Mukherjee's visit will be quickly followed by a week-long visit of the moderate section of the Hurriyat led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq to Islamabad.
Talks on the Kashmir issue has got a renewed thrust with the Prime Minister and Kashmiri leaders having welcomed Musharraf's four-point peace proposal for peace. (ANI)
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Jay Hind - long live india
GUWAHATI, India (AFP) - Suspected militants have killed two vegetable sellers in India's northeast Assam state, taking the death toll from three days of attacks on Hindi-speaking migrants to 68.
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"The death toll has now mounted to 68, a majority of them Hindi-speaking migrant workers," Himanta Biswa Sarma, an Assam government spokesman, told AFP Monday.
In the latest attack Monday evening, heavily-armed militants gunned down two Hindi-speaking vegetable sellers and wounded five others in eastern Golaghat district, about 320 kilometres (200 miles) from the state's main city Guwahati.
Of the 66 people already killed, at least 57 were Hindi-speaking migrants to the state, while five policemen, two government officials and two militants were also killed, officials said.
The violence, which began late Friday, has been blamed on separatists fighting for an independent homeland, primarily from the outlawed United Libertion Front of Asom (ULFA).
Most of the victims were from the eastern state of Bihar and had made Assam their home for decades, doing odd jobs in brick kilns, fishing and construction. Militants claim the migrant workers have taken away their jobs.
The recent violence marks the worst attacks against migrant workers in the state since ULFA militants killed 100 Hindi-speaking people in 2000 after vowing to free Assam of all "non-Assamese migrant workers".
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"The death toll has now mounted to 68, a majority of them Hindi-speaking migrant workers," Himanta Biswa Sarma, an Assam government spokesman, told AFP Monday.
In the latest attack Monday evening, heavily-armed militants gunned down two Hindi-speaking vegetable sellers and wounded five others in eastern Golaghat district, about 320 kilometres (200 miles) from the state's main city Guwahati.
Of the 66 people already killed, at least 57 were Hindi-speaking migrants to the state, while five policemen, two government officials and two militants were also killed, officials said.
The violence, which began late Friday, has been blamed on separatists fighting for an independent homeland, primarily from the outlawed United Libertion Front of Asom (ULFA).
Most of the victims were from the eastern state of Bihar and had made Assam their home for decades, doing odd jobs in brick kilns, fishing and construction. Militants claim the migrant workers have taken away their jobs.
The recent violence marks the worst attacks against migrant workers in the state since ULFA militants killed 100 Hindi-speaking people in 2000 after vowing to free Assam of all "non-Assamese migrant workers".
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