The Indian Union Cabinet chaired by the Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for creation of National Recruitment Agency (NRA), paving the way for a transformational reform in the recruitment process for central government jobs.

Recruitment Reform – a major boon for the youth

At present, candidates seeking government jobs have to appear for separate examinations conducted by multiple recruiting agencies for various posts, for which similar eligibility conditions have been prescribed. Candidates have to pay fee to multiple recruiting agencies and also have to travel long distances for appearing in various exams. These multiple recruitment examinations are a burden on the candidates, as also on the respective recruitment agencies, involving avoidable/repetitive expenditure, law and order/security related issues and venue related problems. On an average, 2.5 crore to 3 crore candidates appear in each of these examinations. A common eligibility Test would enable these candidates to appear once and apply to any or all of these recruitment agencies for the higher level of examination. This would indeed be a boon to all the candidates.

National Recruitment Agency (NRA)

A multi-agency body called the National Recruitment Agency (NRA) will conduct a Common Eligibility Test (CET) to screen/shortlist candidates for the Group B and C (non-technical) posts. NRA will have representatives of Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Finance/Department of Financial Services, the SSC, RRB & IBPS. It is envisioned that the NRA would be a specialist body bringing the state-of-the-art technology and best practices to the field of Central Government recruitment.

Access to Examination Centres

Examination Centres in every District of the country would greatly enhance access to the candidates located in far-flung areas. Special focus on creating examination infrastructure in the 117 Aspirational Districts would go a long way in affording access to candidates at a place nearer to where they reside. The benefits in terms of cost, effort, safety and much more would be immense. The proposal will not only ease access to rural candidates, it will also motivate the rural candidates residing in the far-flung areas to take the examination and thereby, enhance their representation in Central Government jobs. Taking job opportunities closer to the people is a radical step that would greatly enhance ease of living for the youth.

Major Relief to poor Candidates

Presently, the candidates have to appear in multiple examinations conducted by multiple agencies. Apart from the examination fees, candidates have to incur additional expenses for travel, boarding, lodging and other such. A single examination would reduce the financial burden on candidates to a large extent.

Women candidates to benefit greatly

Women candidates especially from rural areas face constraints in appearing in multiple examinations as they have to arrange for transportation and places to stay in places that are far away. They sometimes have to find suitable persons to accompany them to these Centres that are located far away. The location of test centres in every District would greatly benefit candidates from rural areas in general and women candidates in particular.

Bonanza for Candidates from Rural Areas

Given the financial and other constraints, the candidates from rural background have to make a choice as to which examination they want to appear in. Under the NRA, the candidates by appearing in one examination will get an opportunity to compete for many posts. NRA will conduct the first-level /Tier I Examination which is the stepping stone for many other selections.

CET Score to be valid for three years, no bar on attempts

The CET score of the candidate shall be valid for a period of three years from the date of declaration of the result. The best of the valid scores shall be deemed to be the current score of the candidate. There shall be no restriction on the number of attempts to be taken by a candidate to appear in the CET subject to the upper age limit. Relaxation in the upper age limit shall be given to candidates of SC/ST/OBC and other categories as per the extant policy of the Government. This would go a long way in mitigating the hardship of candidates who spend a considerable amount of time, money and effort preparing and giving these examinations every year.

Standardised Testing

NRA shall conduct a separate CET each for the three levels of graduate, higher secondary (12th pass) and the matriculate (10th pass) candidates for those non-technical posts to which recruitment is presently carried out by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) and by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). Based on the screening done at the CET score level, final selection for recruitment shall be made through separate specialised Tiers (II, III etc) of examination which shall be conducted by the respective recruitment agencies. The curriculum for this test would be common as would be the standard. This would greatly ease the burden of candidates who are at present required to prepare for each of the examinations separately as per different curriculum.

Scheduling Tests and choosing Centres

Candidates would have the facility of registering on a common portal and give a choice of Centres. Based on availability, they would be allotted Centres. The ultimate aim is to reach a stage wherein candidates can schedule their own tests at Centres of their choice.

OUTREACH ACTIVITIES BY NRA

Multiple languages

The CET would be available in a number of languages. This would greatly facilitate people from different parts of the country to take the exam and have an equal opportunity of being selected.

Scores – access to multiple recruitment agencies

Initially the scores would be used by the three major recruitment agencies. However, over a period of time it is expected that other recruitment agencies in the Central Government would adopt the same. Further, it would be open for other agencies in the public as well as private domain to adopt it if they so choose. Thus, in the long run, the CET score could be shared with other recruiting agencies in the Central Government, State Governments/Union Territories, Public Sector Undertaking and Private Sector. This would help such organizations in saving costs and time spent on recruitment.

Shortening the recruitment cycle

A single eligibility test would significantly reduce the recruitment cycle. Some Departments have indicated their intention to do away with any second level test and go ahead with recruitment on the basis of CET scores, Physical Tests and Medical examination. This would greatly reduce the cycle and benefit a large section of youth.

Financial Outlay

The Government has sanctioned a sum of Rs. 1517.57 crore for the National Recruitment Agency (NRA). The expenditure will be undertaken over a period of three years. Apart from setting up the NRA, costs will be incurred for setting up examination infrastructure in the 117 Aspirational Districts.

As the country tackles the spread of COVID-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advocated a push towards making India self-reliant through a series of measures and economic relief packages.

With the advent of the Novel Coronavirus pandemic, a new world economic order is emerging and nations are just coming to terms with it. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has been quick in this realisation and has accordingly altered existing policies and introduced several muti-sectoral initiatives to further the vision of a thriving economy for India. Reaffirming his belief, in a recent address, he said, “Howsoever big the crisis might be, India is determined to turn it into an opportunity.” He then called upon the nation for its support in this regard by making India “Aatma Nirbhar” or Self Reliant.  PM Modi also announced a relief package of INR 20 Trillion (equivalent to 10 per cent of India’s GDP) that will steer the country onto the path of rapid development and growth, and create a robust local supply chain. 

India’s plan for self-reliance is intended to be a two pronged approach. The first step will be the undertaking of interim measures such as liquidity infusion and direct cash transfers to migrant workers and daily-wage earners. The second facet would be long-term reforms in growth-critical sectors that will make them globally competitive and attractive.

According to the Prime Minister’s vision, a self-reliant India will stand on five pillars: ‘economy’, that introduces quantum jump; ‘infrastructure’ intune with the new India, a ‘system’ based on 21st century technology; India’s ‘vibrant demography’; and ‘demand’, which will utilise our requirement and supply chain to full capacity. 

Starting right 

PM Modi’s vision of a capable, efficient and self-reliant nation, has quickly been realised and introduced as the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) initiative. Some immediate reforms are now being factored into policy making decisions to bolster domestic capabilities and upscale production. 

The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (ANBA) is focussed towards building entire value chains for domestic products that will enable local manufacturers to thrive and reduce the need for imports. The Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has already identified key sectors followed by measures to boost competitiveness, simplify procedures and encourage direct investments.

Holistic approach

The ANBA has identified the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) sector, with its significant contributions to the GDP, exports and employment ratio as the core area for economic revival and competence.

As a start, a more inclusive definition has been announced to bring a larger group of small-scale industries under the purview of the beneficial reforms and extend the cover for existing businesses allowing them to grow under the same canopy.

Over 500 million entities will be empowered to restart operations and get back on their feet with momentous reforms for the MSME sector. These include the introduction of collateral free loans (total of INR 3,000 billion), INR 200 Billion in subordinate loans for reviving businesses and a significant infusion of almost INR 500 billion in the sector through several new funds being set up. 

Equal opportunities

With an aim to boost domestic production and expand quality exports, the MEIS (Merchandise Exports from India) scheme is poised to be replaced by the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exports scheme (RDTEP), to offset infrastructural inefficiencies and costs associated with exporting goods produced in India. The government aims to extend these benefits to entities with a capability of generating employment in the country as well. 

The export sector and domestic production will also benefit from the proposed reenvisioning of the existing costs associated with manufacturing. The lowered taxes on exporting goods across borders in addition to the imposition of anti-dumping duties on imports will provide a level playing field to domestic manufacturers. A reform aimed towards increasing production potential locally and to ease the process of exports while simultaneously reducing the dependence on foreign products.  

The new vision

The start-up segment of the Indian space sector has been added as a direct beneficiary for the use of facilities and premier infrastructure of the ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), India’s state-run space agency. The move has come as an addition to ISRO’s ‘technology transfer’ initiative that provides new-age tech to private and state-run entities towards the betterment of Indian industry.   

The defense industry will also benefit from the freeing-up of the space sector. When it comes to innovative advances towards new-age technology, the pandemic, and the new reforms, will act as a catalyst for development. Moreover, this move will also allow for an opportunity for DSRO (Defence Space Research Organisation), India’s new defence oriented space agency, to become a nodal authority for positive outreach with space start-ups.

The government has also drawn up a new policy for privatisation of Public Sector Enterprise (PSEs) to boost public-private partnerships, which will soon be notified to the concerned sectors.

A stoic defence

In a major highlight, the ANBA has also been extended to India’s defence sector. The FDI (foreign direct investment) cap has been raised to 74% from the existing 49%. This will enable domestic manufacturers to source and utilise critical technologies that will help in the much needed modernisation and revamp of the production process. 

The OFB (Ordinance Factory Board), a 200-year-old organisation will undergo corporatisation to make manufacturing autonomous, boost efficiency and increase accountability. In this reconstruction, one or multiple corporations will be added into the 41 factories currently falling under the OFB. 

Back to basics 

Special attention has been paid to the agriculture sector with its position as India’s largest livelihood provider and a significant contributor to the country’s GDP.  In a first, the sector has been considered at par with the industries in India, and the government, under the ANBA has announced a stream of pioneering reforms aimed towards empowering farmers across India.

Going forward, there will be minimal hindrance arising from trade and licensing agreements, thereby allowing farmers to easily accomplish business transcending state lines. 

Millions of farmers will directly benefit from the INR 300 billion additional emergency working capital to stabilise production in these testing times. With a INR 100 billion capital infusion, Mirco Food Enterprises will now be provided technological benefits in clusters (mango in UP, saffron in J&K, bamboo shoots in the Northeast, chilli in Andhra Pradesh etc.) to standardised quality and production as per FASSAI norms. The products will then be marketed to promote an increase in demand.  

The list of reforms are also aimed towards utilising the surplus of agricultural commodities with amendments to the Essential Commodities Act, made to ensure adequate supply in times of scarcity. These amendments, by utilising the surplus and by providing a subsidy for the transport to deficient markets will create a secure supply/demand chain and protect the interest of Indian farmers.

PM Modi had very recently quoted Swami Vivekananda and urged Indians to use indigenous products and to promote Indian products in global markets, furthering his idea of ‘Vocal for Local’. 

India needs to simultaneously boost authentic exports in order to carve a niche out for itself in the emerging world order. An effort which will not only fast track our journey to become a USD 5 trillion economy, but will also ensure that Indian interests are safeguarded in the years to come. 

Immediate effect

To boost domestic production, the government has imposed an import ban on radial and pneumatic tyres used in two and four wheelers. 

Global tenders of upto INR 2 billion will be restricted to boost production through MSMEs.

INR 20 billion for fishermen through Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). 

The Garib Kalyan Rojgar Yojana (PMGKRY), an INR 50 billion scheme to create jobs for the thousands of migrant workers affected due to the COVID-19 crisis. 

Restrictions on import of incense sticks, bamboo products and odoriferous preparations.

An import ban on specific lists of weapons/platforms to be notified on year-wise timelines to boost indigenisation and domestic production. 

The imposition of an anti-dumping duty on specific steel products to ensure cheap imports does not disrupt domestic production.

About the author: 

Vinayak Surya Swami is a Delhi-based journalist. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering and has worked as an apprentice Shipbuilder with the Indian Navy. A part-time writer since his teenage years, he switched to journalism to pursue his prurience for writing and travel.

India has been restoring several ancient temples and monuments across South-East Asian countries as a part of its development partnership initiatives. The recent conservation projects of the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India and partner countries has brought forth a rich cultural heritage.

The Southern Asiatic region has been historically heralded as Suvrnabhumi, or the golden land, in ancient Indian literature a title that is true for the immense wealth and more importantly for a vibrant and friendly mix of cultures that is evident in ancient monuments across the countries in this region. India has had an important role to play in preserving this shared cultural heritage. 

The recent discovery of a 9th-century monolithic sandstone Shiv Lingam (representation of Lord Shiva) was made by Archeological Survey of India (ASI) during the ongoing conservation project at Cham Temple Complex, a part of the UNESCO world heritage site, in the Quang Nam province of Vietnam. The project, part of the India’s development partnership with Vietnam though conservation of shared heritage, is being supported by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. India has been actively involved in large-scale restoration and conservation projects which have reaffirmed the existence of strong cultural connection that thrived throughout the region in ancient times.   

The conservation work of ASI is being carried out at several heritage sites beyond the national boundaries. India has been at the forefront of restoring heritage sites across South-East Asia, be it the Angkor Wat temples in Cambodia or the My Son monuments in Vietnam. These initiatives can be attributed to the country’s policy of promoting a healthy and mutually beneficial diplomatic outreach and bringing numerous facets of Indian cultural and civilizational heritage to the public at large.  

The projects, funded by the MEA with ASI acting as the execution agency, have reaffirmed the ancient albeit strong connections across Southern Asia. Here are a some of large-scale undertakings:

Angkor Wat, Cambodia 

Also known as funan in the ancient texts of India, this city reached its zenith under the leadership of Jayavarmana II. With the beliefs of Vaishnavism, Saivism and Mahayana Buddhism, the prominent archaeological site of Angkor Wat was built by king Suryavaramana II in the 12th century. It consists of magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. The MEA with the ASI undertook its conservation on a grand scale in collaboration with the Government of Cambodia and have made tremendous efforts to preserve the beauty of these temples. In fact, in 1980, India was the first country to respond to an appeal made by Cambodia to the world community to come forward to help save the Angkor Wat, the centre of the Khmer kingdom for several centuries. The ASI team worked for seven years at the complex, restoring the northern embankment of a moat, a gateway, the grand Samudra Manthana Gallery, the northern library and the central tower of the Angkor Wat temple among other sections. The temples’ extraordinary bas reliefs, decorated panels of folklore and notable iconography have been restored to their former prime. 

Ta Prohm Temple, Cambodia

After Angkor Wat, ASI started restoration of the Ta Prohm temple located in the Angkor World Heritage Site. The temple of Ta Prohm was built by King Suryavaramana VII and is an epicentre of the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism. This particular temple is an ancient monastery and a university, this rajvihara (royal residence) was built by the king in memory of his beloved mother. With the passage of time, Ta Prohm encountered extensive growth of trees and bushes, which grew haphazardly threatening the original structure. The temple was also littered with excessive boulders and mounds that needed removal to form a clear passageway. The conservation project was taken partly under the expertise of ASI permitted by International Coordination Committee and Authority For The Protection And Management Of Angkor And The Region Of Siem Reap (APSARA). The ancient walls adorning the magnificent motifs of Buddhist beliefs and Bodhisattvas are in process of being restored to their original quality.

Ananda temple, Myanmar

The Ananda temple of Myanmar is considered to be one of the most beautiful temples preaching the teachings of Theravada Buddhism. Built by King Kyansittha of Pagan dynasty, this elegant pagoda style temple is an exquisite example of Mon architecture and houses four colossal figures of Lord Buddha. The wall plaques portray his early life forms, the jatakas and their enigmatic stories. The region was devastated by intense seismic activity and the temple frequently requires structural and chemical restoration. The ASI and the MEA with the local authorities of Bagan have taken the restoration responsibilities. 

Vat Phou Temple, Laos 

India shares a strong relationship with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The ASI has undertaken the project to restore Laos’ temple of Vat Phou. An ancient structure dating back to the 11th and 13th century, part of an important city of the Khmer empire, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, which later was transformed into a Buddhist centre. The ASI has been working on structural and drainage analysis, restoration as well as documentation that needs to be done for the restoration work of the temple. 

The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi also highlighted India’s historic and cultural links with Laos and expressed satisfaction at being involved in the restoration of the World Heritage Site at Vat Phou over a telephonic conversation with Dr Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister of Laos in June this year. 

My Son Temple, Vietnam

One of the most prominent temples dedicated to the Bhadreswar form of Lord Shiva, this one-of-a-kind monument and its subsidiary shrines were constructed by the kings of Champa dynasty between the 4th and 14th century.

Archaeological Survey of India has been successfully carrying forward with the conservation work to restore this temple premises. An MoU has been signed between the two countries and with the MEA’s support. Currently, the restoration covers three prominent temple groups falling within the complex. 

Nepal, Indonesia and Sri Lanka

The ASI has been actively involved in the conservation of the Pashupatinath temple in Nepal; the Borobudur temple in Indonesia and the Thirukuteeshwara temple in Sri Lanka. Under ASI’s skillful expertise these temples are being conserved with immense care to their former glory.

As ASI’s experts keep restoring these ancient structures, not only is history being preserved but it is also aiding bilateral relations. It is showing how this cross-pollination of various culturally impacted beliefs, customs and rituals has become an integral part of India’s vision to promote global peace and prosperity. The ideology of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) seems fairly appropriate as these conservation projects have helped us take a united stand on a global platform, which is only growing stronger with time.

Conservation projects over the years

Bahrain

A team of ASI archaeologists excavated burial mounds in Bahrain in 1983. It excavated 70 graves, six Indus seals and a circular steatite seal with Indus script.

Angola

An ASI team restored and reorganised the Museum of the Armed Forces located inside the 17th century fortress of Sao Miguel in Luanda in 1988-89.

Nepal

In the early 1960s, ASI teams excavated Buddhist archaeological sites in Sidharthanagar, Kapilvastu, Tilaurakot and Lumbini. In the same decade, another team carried out an iconographical survey to discover rare images like Shiva as Ekpada-Trimurti, Chandra riding on a chariot of geese, Mahesha-samhara, etc.

AfgHanistan 

The ASI conserved and restored the 6th century Buddhas of Bamiyan and the 15th century mosque at Balkh of Sufi leader Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa in the 1960s and explored Harappan, Buddhist and Asokan sites.

Maldives

ASI teams have excavated sites in Kuramathi, Todd and Nilandhe atolls that revealed Buddhist traits. 

Bhutan

The ASI teams carried out preservation of murals of Do de Drak, Nekhang-Lhakhange and Mithragpe-Lhakhang of Tongsa Dzong in the late 1980s. 

Egypt

In the early 1960s, an ASI team visited Nubia to explore, excavate and salvage any ancient artefacts around Afyeh and Tumus and discovered middle and late stone age tools in the process.
About the Author 

Juhi Mirza holds a master’s degree in Archaeology and is a keen enthusiast for all things ancient. The Lucknow-based writer has a deep interest in cultures and traditions of India and the world. She has travelled extensively to document ancient ruins and cultures across the world

A crisis can trigger ruin and catastrophe, but it also sometimes brings out the best in people and nations. More than any other country in the world, India has shown vividly how to creatively and resolutely harness challenges thrown by the ongoing coronavirus crisis to script its own resurgence as well as contribute to global recovery. Amid apocalyptic death, destruction and dislocation unleashed by a rampaging pandemic, India, the world’s fifth largest economy and an emerging global power, has managed to keep its recovery rate high as well as keep the fatality rate less than 2% – one of the lowest in the world. This has been achieved through multi-pronged efforts and initiatives by the Indian government, including a far-sighted initiative to order a nation-wide lockdown in the early stage of the pandemic when there were barely 600 cases in the country. 

World is one Family 

For a country of over 1.3 billion people, managing an epidemic that requires social distancing is an incredibly onerous task, but on balance, India has not only taken care of its own people infected by the virus, but has also complemented domestic efforts with timely international assistance to many countries. This trait of empathy and solidarity with friends and partners in the world is deeply embedded in India’s civilisational ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and reflects the country’s rising reputation as a global care-giver and first responder in crises, in the exalted spirit of “the world is one family”. India has been prompt to provide essential drugs and medical items to over 150 countries. This medical assistance was provided quietly, without any fanfare, earning India heartfelt gratitude and admiration of countries, big and small. From US President Donald Trump to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, leaders around the world have appreciated India’s timely assistance against a merciless pandemic. 

First Responder 

The pandemic-related assistance also reaffirmed India’s credentials as the first responder to humanitarian crises and a net security provider in the region. In a journey spanning over 7,500 nautical miles over 55 days, Indian Naval Ship Kesari travelled to the Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles and delivered assistance to India’s maritime neighbours. A part of Mission SAGAR, which crystalizes Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR),India’s humanitarian assistance included supplies of essential food items, medicines, Ayurvedic medicines and deployment of Medical Assistance Teams (MAT) to Mauritius and Comoros. India also sent medical teams to Maldives, Mauritius, Comoros and Kuwait to support them deal with the pandemic. 

Self-reliant India 

The Covid-19 crisis has sown the seeds of an economic renaissance pivoted around “Atmanirbhar Bharat” that promises to revolutionise domestic manufacturing, and make India the hub of global supply chains. The quest for self-reliance has produced tangible results, with India moving from being a net importer of Covid-19-related medical items to a net exporter. Currently, India is manufacturing over 500,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and over 300,000 N-95 masks every day. India is playing the role as the pharmacy of the world during the Covid-19 pandemic with its vast experience and deep knowledge in medicine, setting the tone for many regional and global initiatives, observed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary-General Vladimir Norov. 

Diplomatic Outreach 

Given the transnational spread of the coronavirus pandemic, India launched an unprecedented diplomatic outreach to forge a coherent global response to the crisis. Prime Minister Modi displayed global leadership as he participated in various virtual multilateral summits and spoke to his counterparts from 61 countries. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke to foreign ministers from 77 countries. Showcasing India’s Neighbourhood First policy, PM Modi hosted a virtual conference of the leaders of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and pledged $10 million SAARC Emergency Fund to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the region. At the first virtual G20 summit, PM Modi underlined the imperative for a new kind of humane globalization, which goes beyond economic and financial calculations. India’s advocacy for people-centric globalisation was reflected the G-20’s decision on debt service suspension for developing countries. 

India’s Positive Global Role 

The rising global stature of India has been recognised and reaffirmed by the international community in many ways, especially during the last few months of the pandemic. 

India has been elected as the chair of the executive board of the World Health Organisation (WHO) at a time when the world is rooting for reforming the global health body. Underlining India’s rising global stock, US President Donald Trump has proposed the expansion of the G7 grouping of the world’s wealthiest countries to include India, Australia, South Korea and Russia. To cap it all, India was overwhelmingly elected as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council for a two-year term on June 17. In a record of sorts, India won 184 of the 192 ballots cast in the elections for the five non-permanent UNSC seats. It was a vote of confidence in India’s capability to shape the global agenda. India’s two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC will begin from January 1, 2021.

Setting the tone for the eighth stint of India in the UNSC, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underscored that India “can play a positive global role,” in the extraordinary situation spawned by the pandemic and stressed that India seeks to move toward NORMS, a ‘New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System. Outlining India’s priorities in the UNSC, he said: “We have always been a voice of reason and a votary of international law. We advocate dialogue, consultation and fairness in our approach to global issues. And we emphasize global development, addressing climate change and eradicating of poverty as central to planet’s future.”

India’s work in the UNSC will be guided by 5Ss, in Prime Minister Modi’s words. This included Sammaan – Respect; Samwad – Dialogue; Sahyog – Cooperation; Shanti – Peace, to create conditions for universal;and Samriddhi (Prosperity). This 5S vision of India’s foreign policy, which can be called “The India Way” is finding an increasing global resonance as a Covid-afflicted world searches for lasting solutions to a range of cross-cutting problems and challenges. India is poised to shape a proactive and constructive agenda for global renewal and remapping the world order, in sync with shifting contemporary realities. 

(Manish Chand is CEO & Editor-in-Chief of India Writes Network and India and the World, a pioneering magazine focused on global affairs)

The Embassy of India would like to inform that Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is organizing an event in the memory of late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, former Prime Minister of India on 16 August, 2020 by unveiling Shri Vajpayee’s portrait at ICCR premises. The event is being organized on Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji’s 2^nd death anniversary remembering him and his contributions towards the building of Nation.

The event on 16 August will commence with the unveiling of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji’s painting by Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Hon’ble President of India in a virtual mode in the presence of Shri V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs and Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President of ICCR and Member of Parliament. The painting has been created in oil-on- canvas by Shri Vasudeo Kamath, an eminent and well-known painter in Mumbai, a gold medalist who has received several awards both nationally and internationally. 

Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as the ex-officio President of ICCR from March 1977 to August 1979 when he was Foreign Minister in the post-Emergency Janata government. During his tenure as Foreign Minister, Vajpayee ji became the first person in 1977 to deliver a speech to the United Nations General Assembly in Hindi. It was his vision and guidance which saw ICCR further expand and propagate Indian culture worldwide. As Member of Parliament, as Minister of External Affairs and finally as Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee left a distinguishing and lasting impression on ICCR’s activities. 

ICCR was established on 9 April 1950 to actively participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes pertaining to India’s external cultural relations; to foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries and to promote cultural exchanges with other foreign countries and people. ICCR has 19 Regional Offices in various states in India and 38 Cultural Centres abroad to implement its programme globally. Over the years, ICCR has grown in size and its activities, and is today the Cultural Diplomacy arm of the Ministry of External Affairs with a mandate to project India’s soft power abroad.  

Brian Hook, the U.S. State Department Special Representative for Iran, said in a press conference on Thursday that the United States is going to ensure that the arms embargo on Iran is extended “one way or the other”.

The U.S. sent a revised version of the Iran arms embargo to the members of the U.N. Security Council on Thursday, with the embargo previously set to expire on October 18.

The proposed resolution is “a clean rollover of the existing arms embargo the Security Council put in place thirteen years ago [in 2007], and has voted to keep it in place several times since,” Hook told reporters, adding, “Our proposal’s main theme is an arms embargo for an indefinite period.”

“Letting the arms embargo expire was a big deficiency of the Iran nuclear deal,” Hook said, calling the new proposal “a compromise text” with the U.S. that includes provisions supported by all permanent members of the council. “Its expiration should never have been based on an artificial timeline of five years. It was an irresponsible concession.”

Should the proposed resolution fail to pass, the United States has threatened to invoke the “trigger mechanism” included in the Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which would reinstate all sanctions on Iran if the embargo is lifted.

Hook also urged Security Council members to vote for the extension out of respect for the Middle East nations that “live in Iran’s dark shadow,” saying, “Abstaining may carry a certain appeal for those who want to have it both ways, to express concern without addressing the concern. But abstentions will not be forgotten by nations in the region who are counting on council members to vote yes.”

Below is a full rush transcript of the Briefing with Brian Hook Special Representative for Iran and Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State.

Mr. Hook:  Thanks very much, The United States has now circulated to Security Council members our resolution extending the Iran arms embargo, and we expect a vote very soon.  I want to make two points: the first on substance and the second on process. 

First, on substance.  The United States has tabled a clean rollover of the existing arms embargo.  The Security Council put this in place 13 years ago and has voted to keep it in place several times since.  Our proposal maintains the arms embargo for an indefinite period.  This was the case prior to the adoption of Resolution 2231.  The arms embargo should stay in place until Iran’s behavior changes.  Its expiration should never have been based on an artificial timeline of five years.

Taking a step back, letting the arms embargo expire was a big deficiency of the Iran nuclear deal.  It was an irresponsible concession.  We are doing our best to fix the mistake.

The resolution we have tabled is significantly different from the one we initially circulated in June.  We listened to the Security Council members and created a new text that is both reasonable and necessary.  So this is a compromise text.

What we are proposing enjoys ample precedent.  In fact, the Permanent Members of the Council have all supported the same provisions we are now proposing, and they have done it several times in the past.

It is not just the Trump administration and the U.S. Congress that supports extending the arms embargo.  Countries in the Middle East that live in Iran’s dark shadow strongly support our resolution.

In the last month, I traveled to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain to hear their views.  This weekend, this last weekend, the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, in the middle of a rift entering its fourth year, came together to firmly ask the Security Council to extend the arms embargo.  They want it extended until Iran is at peace with its neighbors.  These Middle East nations, more than anyone else on the Council, know firsthand the dangers of lifting the arms embargo.  Not only do they want it extended indefinitely, they asked the Council to impose new measures to stop Iran from proliferating weapons.  I want to quote a few sentences from the GCC letter dated August 8th:

“Iran has not demonstrated its commitment – Iran has not demonstrated its respect for international law…that would justify the lifting of current UN restrictions.  It has continued to proliferate weapons across the region as an integral part of its expansionist regional policy and longstanding interference in the internal affairs of Arab States, including GCC member states, in clear violation of the UN Charter.  We have stressed that Iran has been a state sponsor of terrorism in our region and has actively incubated, trained, equipped, and directed violent armed terrorists throughout the region…”

The letter also states that “UN restrictions are foundational to international efforts to block the supply of weapons to Iran and its proxies…We call on the members of the UN Security Council to uphold your mandate…and to act to maintain UN restrictions on Iran’s ability to purchase or provide arms.”

I also traveled to Israel in the last month.  Arab Nations and Israel have the same message to the international community: the Middle East needs fewer Iranian weapons, not more.  

So many nations around the world have had their own citizens killed by Iranian weapons.  This includes the United States.  In Iraq alone, 603 Americans were murdered with Iranian weapons and thousands were injured, many permanently.  Iran midwifed Hezbollah, a group that had killed more Americans than any other terrorist group before 9/11.  Who in 2015 thought it was a good idea to give Iran more weapons?

So the question today is this:  Will the Security Council listen to nations in the region?  Will it respect the wishes of those closest to the conflict – or will it ignore them?  This is a simple yes or no question when it comes time to vote.  Abstaining may carry a certain appeal for those who want to have it both ways, to express concern without addressing the concern.  But abstentions will not be forgotten by nations in the region who are counting on Council members to vote yes.

The second point I want to make relates to process.  The United States has been committed to a fair and open diplomatic process to fix the problem.

We have been transparent about our objectives while prioritizing dialogue and engagement at every step.  Secretary Pompeo first raised extending the arms embargo when he spoke at the Security Council in December of 2018.  It is now August of 2020.  We have heard the feedback of Security Council members and adjusted our approach accordingly – the text we have tabled underscores this. 

I make this second point about process because some have said we are rushing things.  State Department diplomats have spent 19 months engaging leaders around the world in discussions on the embargo.  It expires in 66 days.  We have given the time, and we are now short on time.    

When it comes to national security, this administration does not base its decisions on a whip count.  We also do not promote multilateralism for the sake of multilateralism.  We make decisions based on advancing the security of the American people and our allies and partners.  For those who see it the same way, there is no better friend than the United States.  For those who object to our proposal, we answer, “Please show us yours.”  It has been almost two years and only the United States has tabled a proposal to deal with the arms embargo expiring.

If the Security Council fails to uphold its mission and extend the embargo, then the United States will keep this process moving forward under the terms of 2231.  If geopolitical confusion and fear of Iranian retaliation paralyzes multilateralism, the Trump administration will do as we have always done and keep moving forward to advance peace and security. 

Question:  What is the mechanism that the U.S. will be using for dispersing this aid and how will it be spent?  Also, how does the Trump administration view resolving the crisis in Lebanon?  Do they see it as requiring government change or accountability?

Mr. Hook:  Well, this is a call to discuss the arms embargo on Iran.  What I can say is Secretary Pompeo has had a number of discussions about Lebanon.  He is committed to supporting the Lebanese people, who have not been well served by Hizballah.  I think the people of Lebanon are tired of the corruption, the lack of transparency, the lack of accountability.  And on specific questions of aid, I refer you to prior question – prior statements by the Secretary and people in NEA.

Question:  Bloomberg’s reporting that there are Iran is transferring new generations of advanced centrifuges into Natanz following the explosion there.  Can you confirm that? And on the Security Council, as you said, “Please show us yours.”  The Europeans, as you know, are working with the Chinese and Russians to get an extension of six months – obviously, that’s not what you want.  Would you support that if the rest of the Council supports that?  

Mr. Hook:  I can’t confirm that.  I haven’t taken a look at that story.  If it is true, it again demonstrates the problem of the Iran nuclear deal is that Iran retained most of its nuclear infrastructure.  And the fact that they are able to increase their purity and increase the stockpile is another example of how this problem fell well short of its – of how this plan fell well short of its goals.

On the second one, we have not received any proposal on addressing the expiration of the arms embargo.  And so I don’t have any comment on something that doesn’t exist.  

Question:  You said that the resolution you’re introducing is a compromise.  Could you talk a little bit about how it is a compromise?  Who did you reach out to to find a compromise?  Did you reach out to countries like – to members like Germany, and in what way did you take into account what those countries are proposing?  

Mr. Hook:  I remember making trips to the UN Security Council for private consultations back in November and December and had consultations with the E3 in – it was January or February.  I was in Paris for hours of discussions with the E3 political directors.  I’m in regular touch with my European counterparts.  There were concerns that the resolution that we had circulated, which had a very strong – very strong sort of structure for monitoring and enforcing sanctions compliance, and there were some concerns expressed that this text would make it harder and not easier to pass through the Council.  And so the – this text that we have put into blue yesterday is exactly four paragraphs long and it has ample precedent in the Security Council.  

This is a clean rollover of the existing arms embargo, which has served the international community well.  It was the right thing to do back in 2007 and we have not seen any change of heart by the Iranian regime to be at peace with its neighbors that would justify letting it expire.  And so we have presented a concrete and realistic proposal, and we hope others see it that – the same way.

Question:  You mentioned in the call that there’s a unanimous support from the GCC for the arms embargo extension, but a Qatari foreign ministry official told Al Jazeerathat Qatar does not think that Qatar did not necessarily support the GCC letter.  So I just wanted to see what your response to that would be ?

Mr. Hook:  I don’t know who the official is.  What I do know is that on a letter dated August 8th, in the first paragraph, it says that this letter is on behalf of the UAE, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, and the State of Kuwait.  They have formally approved this letter and that was the product of a lot of discussions in the region.  And this rift is entering its fourth year.  And I think when – I think this is the only significant political statement that the GCC has issued since – certainly since June of 2017 when the rift started.  And so I think it’s important for people to recognize the significance of this statement.  And I encourage people to read it, because it is a two-page, very detailed analysis and it is a correct analysis.  It describes exactly Iran’s threats to its neighbors in the region.

Question: How will the decision to extend the arms embargo affect Iran in light of Iran’s China agreement?  And relatedly, What efforts are you making to mobilize support for the decision to extend the arms embargo?

Mr. Hook:  Well, on the first question, I published an editorial in The Wall Street Journal about two weeks ago, maybe three, that analyzes the purported U.S. – the reported China-Iran partnership.  And so I’d refer you to my comments and my analysis in that op-ed. 

I think I explained in my opening remarks that it was in December of 2018 when Secretary Pompeo went to the Security Council.  I was there for that trip.  I remember him ringing the bell and sounding the alarm at the Security Council that the arms embargo on the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism was going to expire and we should start working on it now.  So I think we have taken all the necessary diplomatic steps.  Secretary Pompeo and I and others have been through the region and through Europe many times, and we are now 66 days away from this embargo expiring, so the time to take action is upon us. 

Question:  What do you think your successor, Elliott Abrams, is bound to bring to the table?

Mr. Hook:  Well, that’s probably a question for Elliott.  I don’t want to speak on his behalf.  Elliott’s an old friend, and he’s an able colleague.  So I’ll be turning over the file to him in the next week or two.  I think people are getting an upgrade.  He’s been working on Middle East issues for decades, very well known to the State Department, and also his service across many administrations.  So he will do a great job on this file. 

Question:  My question is about snapback and 2231.  What do you say to critics who say that the U.S. pulled out of the JCPOA and so are legally unable to trigger this mechanism? 

Mr. Hook:  Later today we’ll be circulating to Council members a six-page legal memo that would answer the question that you asked.  It will explain our rights under 2231.  It was prepared by the State Department’s Office of the Legal Advisor.  The State Department has some of the best legal minds in the world.  The arguments that we have seen on this question of standing are long on emotion and short on substance.

The memo that we are going to circulate is going to look at a number of issues.  Just to preview some of it, Resolution 2231 establishes a fixed term, “JCPOA participants.”  That expressly includes the United States in its definition.  Resolution 2231 places no other conditions on the eligibility of states that are among the named JCPOA participants.  Developments beyond the four corners of Resolution 2231 did not and could not change the United States’ right to initiate snapback.  I think this is probably more specific to the question you’ve answered.  

The JCPOA is a nonbinding political arrangement.  It is not a – it has no binding commitments.  There are nonbinding political commitments, but it is not an international agreement that imposes binding obligations.  And Resolution 2231 did not transform the JCPOA from a nonbinding political arrangement despite some of the claims that I think you’ve heard people make.  So we will be explaining this and how 2231 works.  Our reimposition of sanctions on Iran didn’t change our legal rights and obligation under 2231.  

One of the points I think it’s important for people to understand is, JCPOA participants are free to stop performing nonbinding political commitments at any time without violating international law.  Now, they still have to comply with international obligations that are independent of the Iran nuclear deal, and that includes their legal obligations under 2231.  The United States is in full compliance with its legal obligations under 2231, and specifically, that means the measures in Annex B to the resolution that the Council rendered legally binding through operative paragraph 7(b).  That places restrictions on nuclear- and missile-related transfers to Iran, and it established a target – a targeted asset freeze and travel ban. 

So those who argue that a state cannot avail itself of legal rights if it is in violation of corresponding legal obligations don’t know how to read 2231, or they are applying a reading of the text that has no basis in precedent.  If this issue about – I can just – I mention this because you mentioned about the legal piece.  You should take a look at operative paragraph 1 of 2231.  It makes it very clear that the 2231 endorses the Iran nuclear deal, but it does not make it legally binding.  

So it’s important for people to define their terms.  The Iran deal is a political arrangement consisting of nonbinding political commitments.  That was stated by the Obama administration itself.  So we’ll circulate our memo today, and that will be our statement on – on the – on the matter. 

Question:  If, this arms embargo resolution fails, as most people expect it to, how quickly then do you think we will move to snapback?  And if then there is opposition to the U.S. snapback move from Russia, China, and maybe Europeans, what will the U.S. do?  Will you simply declare that snapback has been activated and that it’s – declare it’s done?  How will it work from this point of view for you? 

Mr. Hook:  Well, we have always tried to take this one step at a time.  And right now we’re focused on the arms embargo and ensuring that it passes.  As I said earlier, national security is not a – it’s not a popularity contest.  We don’t make our decisions based on a whip count.  It is clear that letting the arms embargo expire would be very bad for promoting peace and security in the region and beyond the region.  Letting the arms embargo has consequences beyond the region because the Iranian regime has conducted terrorism across five continents.  And so I – and much of that has been in Europe. 

And so allowing the arms embargo to expire on a terrorist regime would be negligence.  It would be an act of gross irresponsibility.  So that’s how we see it.  We certainly made the case on the merits for why it needs to be extended, and we’ll see how the Council lines up.  But I remember I said this in a Wall Street Journal editorial a few months ago:  There are – one way or the other, we are going to ensure that the arms embargo is extended. 

Question:  Some reports in Washington say that the shakeup in the Iranian office at the State Department happened after the U.S. sanctions and strategy on Iran have failed.  Do you agree on that?  And why did you resign at this time?

Mr. Hook:  Well, we’ve run a very successful foreign policy.  We have been very effective.  There’s a great deal of pride in the results that we’ve been able to accomplish.  We’ve achieved historic results countering the Iranian regime.  And so anybody who is claiming what you quoted is, I think, motivated because they simply don’t like our strategy.  

In terms of my departure, as we say in Iowa, it’s time to rotate the crops.  I very much believe in public service, but I also enjoy life in the private sector.  I’ve served for three and a half years at State.  It’s been a great honor to be an American diplomat.  This is my second tour at the State Department.  I enjoy working with my colleagues.  I’ve enjoyed all of the work.  We’ve been, I think, very successful in the Iran Action Group because President Trump enforces his red lines, and he understands the importance of restoring and maintaining deterrence.  Secretary Pompeo has been a great boss.  And I’m turning the Iran file over to a very capable diplomat, Elliott Abrams.  And so that’s largely the background on my departure.