Q. 169 Assistance for projects in neighbouring countries

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether National Security Advisor had called a meeting of Indian envoys posted in neighbourhood countries to strengthen bilateral ties and increase stakes in infrastructure development in the region to counter China’s diplomatic and economic leverage;

(b) whether China is assisting a number of major projects in neighbouring countries;

(c) whether the progress of all bilateral projects would be reviewed to ensure that they are completed on time;

(d) whether a Development Partnership Agency (DPA) is created in the Ministry on the lines of such agencies in the UK and US; and

(e) the outcome of the meeting and the status of the projects undertaken by India?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a) In July 2012, the National Security Adviser chaired separate Inter-Ministerial meetings to take stock of India’s relations with some neighbouring countries. The Indian Ambassadors/High Commissioners to these countries attended the meetings.

(b) Yes.

(c) Such meetings are part of regular reviews of India’s foreign policy initiatives, programmes and actions.

(d) On January 18, 2012, the Ministry of External Affairs established a Development Partnership Administration (DPA) with the primary responsibility of ensuring speedy and efficient implementation of Government of India’s aid commitments and assistance programmes through the stages of their conception, launch, execution and completion.

(e) During the course of these meetings, a holistic analysis of recent developments in our relations was undertaken including progress in implementation of key projects.

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