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Context: 18th India-Iraq Joint Commission Meeting.
Details
- Shri Hardeep Singh Puri hosts H.E. Mr. Hayan Abdul Ghani Abdul Zahra Al Sawad at the 18th India-Iraq Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in New Delhi.
- The Confederation of Indian Industry organizes a Business Roundtable between business leaders of both countries on June 19, 2023.
Opening Remarks by Shri Hardeep Puri
- Emphasizes natural synergies between India and Iraq due to India's growing energy demand.
- Calls for strengthening relations in the Oil & Gas Sector, Capacity Building, and trade diversification.
- Highlights readiness of Indian companies to explore investment opportunities in Iraq.
- Focuses on upgrading infrastructure facilities in the oil & gas sector and sourcing increased quantities of crude oil from Iraq.
Remarks by H.E. Mr. Hayan Abdul Ghani Abdul Zahra Al Sawad
- Recognizes the importance of the JCM for accelerating bilateral cooperation.
- Expresses the desire to welcome Indian companies to invest in Iraq, including rehabilitation projects.
Transition to Energy Partnership
- Agreement to move from a buyer-seller relation to an energy partnership.
- Covers investments, trade, and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services.
Sectoral Discussions
- Water Resource Management cooperation.
- Cooperation in Healthcare, including gratitude for the Jaipur Foot Camp organized by India for war veterans.
- Appreciation for India's role in providing high-quality medical facilities to Iraqi nationals.
- Acknowledgment of Government of India scholarships contributing to capacity building in Iraq.
Conclusion of the 18th JCM
- Signing of Protocol between India and Iraq.
About Iraq
- Located in Western Asia, bordered by several countries including Iran, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.
- Capital: Baghdad
- Population: Approximately 40 million people
- Diverse ethnic and religious composition, with Arab Muslims forming the majority.
Historical Significance
- Ancient Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization, was located within modern-day Iraq.
- Rich historical and cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Babylon and Samarra.
Political Structure
- Iraq is a federal parliamentary republic.
- The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government.
- Parliament consists of the Council of Representatives, with members elected through a proportional representation system.
Economy
- Iraq possesses significant oil reserves, making it one of the world's largest oil producers.
- Oil exports play a vital role in the economy, accounting for a significant portion of government revenue.
- Efforts have been made to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment in sectors beyond oil, such as agriculture and infrastructure.
Challenges and Reconstruction
- Iraq has faced challenges related to political instability, security issues, and regional conflicts.
- Post-conflict reconstruction efforts have been underway to rebuild infrastructure, enhance governance, and stimulate economic development.
About India-Iraq Relations
- India and Iraq share historical and cultural connections dating back centuries.
- Ancient trade routes, cultural exchanges, and historical interactions have contributed to a shared heritage.
Bilateral Cooperation
- Energy Sector: India is one of Iraq's major oil importers, with a significant share of its crude oil imports coming from Iraq.
- Infrastructure Development: Indian companies have shown interest in investing in Iraq's infrastructure projects, including the oil and gas sector.
- Trade and Commerce: Efforts are underway to diversify bilateral trade and explore opportunities in non-oil sectors.
- Healthcare: India has played a role in providing medical facilities and organizing camps, such as the Jaipur Foot Camp, for war veterans in Iraq.
- Capacity Building: The Indian government offers scholarships to Iraqi students, contributing to capacity building in Iraq.
Joint Commission Meetings (JCM)
- The India-Iraq Joint Commission Meeting serves as a crucial platform for bilateral cooperation and engagement.
- JCM meetings facilitate discussions and agreements on various sectors, including energy, trade, infrastructure, and healthcare.
Transition to Energy Partnership
- Both countries aim to move beyond a traditional buyer-seller relationship to an energy partnership.
- The energy partnership encompasses investments, trade, and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services.
Strengthening Economic Ties
- Efforts are being made to enhance economic cooperation by diversifying trade baskets and expanding business engagements.
- Focus sectors include agriculture, information technology, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure development.
Mutual Assistance and Cooperation
- India has extended assistance to Iraq in various forms, including medical aid, capacity building programs, and infrastructure development.
- India's support in the healthcare sector, scholarships, and providing high-quality medical facilities has been appreciated by Iraq.
People-to-People Exchanges
- Cultural exchanges, tourism, and academic collaborations contribute to strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Iraq.
- The presence of a large Indian diaspora in Iraq fosters cultural understanding and promotes bilateral relations.
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PRACTICE QUESTION
Q) Analyze the challenges and opportunities for India and Iraq in strengthening their partnership and diversifying their engagement beyond the oil sector. (150 words)
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https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1933793
