“Khwaja Moiunuddin Chishti, the first of the Chishti saints in India, said that human beings must have the affection of the sun, the generosity of the river and the hospitality of the earth”.
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Leaders from both sides welcomed exchanges and dialogue between religious scholars and intellectuals from both the countries and the organisation of conferences and seminars to promote values of peace, tolerance, inclusiveness and welfare, inherent in all religions.
Modi will hold talks with President of the Swiss Confederation Johann Schneider-Amman on Monday during which the issues of black money and India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) are likely to figure.
India and Qatar on Sunday signed seven agreements, including on investment and tourism promotion, as the two sides discussed ways to take bilateral ties beyond the current normal trading relationship.
An MoU was also signed between Qatar Investment Authority and External Affairs Ministry for investment in National Investment and Infrastructure Fund between the two countries that would facilitate foreign investment from the gas-rich Gulf state, the statement said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed India’s progress despite economic challenges.
Expressing appreciation of their ongoing bilateral cooperation in the area of security, the two leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence-sharing, developing best practices and technologies, capacity-building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes.
The reproduction of the story/photograph in any form will be liable for legal action. An MoU was signed between the Finance Intelligence Unit -India (FIU) and Qatar Financial Information Unit to share intelligence on illegal movement of money, termed as “hawala”.
India also invited Qatar to invest in the country’s exploration and production sector by bidding for the blocks under the new “Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing” Policy and take part in disinvestment of Indian PSUs. There is tremendous enthusiasm towards India across the world.
In the field of sports, the two sides will draw an action plan for cooperation, particularly in run up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Qatar.
Mr. Modi highlighted the major initiatives taken by the Government of India for “Ease of Doing Business” through simplification and rationalization of existing rules and relaxing of foreign direct investment caps in key areas, including interalia, railways, defence and insurance.
According to Swarup, during the meeting, the Qatari Emir said, “India is closest to us, nearest to us”.
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Monday’s discussions may also veer around renewable energy and vocational education, sectors Switzerland is strong in.
