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New
Delhi, 3 December, 2008
“Recent Developments in the Latin American and Caribbean region, with
special reference to India”
Prof. B. B. Bhattacharya, Vice Chancellor of the
Jawaharlal Nehru University,
Prof. O.P. Mishra, Acting Vice Chancellor of the Indira Gandhi National Open University,
Prof. Won-Ho Kim, President of CELAO,
Ambassadors and Diplomatic Representatives,
Distinguished Professors and Scholars from all countries,
Ladies and Gentlemen!
At the outset, I would like to congratulate the
Jawaharlal
University and Indira Gandhi Open University, New Delhi for taking the
initiative to organize the Third International Conference of the Latin
American Studies Council of Asia and Oceania in New Delhi. We are meeting in
the backdrop of the dastardly terror attacks in Mumbai on November 26, which
led to a loss of about 200 lives and 300 injured, including 26 foreigners
dead and 22 injured, and which were intended to create a sense of panic. The
attacks are perhaps the most vicious in the history of independent India. Public opinion in India is demanding
concrete action. We are determined to take the strongest possible measures to
ensure that there is no repetition of such acts. In this context, we expect Pakistan to honour its
solemn commitments not to permit the use of its territory for terrorism
against India. We hope that the
Government of Pakistan will take immediate action. While Pakistan has said that it
wants a leap forward in our bilateral relations, outrages such as the attack
on Mumbai are intended to make this impossible.
We call on
the international community to act unitedly with us
to root out international terrorism, by tackling and countering this menace
at its very source and genesis. Any ambiguity in our approach or weakening of
our resolve will only send out a signal to terrorists that we are not serious
about taking our fight with them to the logical end. In this context, we are
grateful for the enormous outpouring of support and solidarity from the
international community, including from countries of the Latin American
region.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Momentous changes are taking place in the Latin American and Caribbean region. The strong
emphasis on people’s participation in political governance mechanisms in Latin America and major business
alliances being forged by these countries with global markets, are symbolic
of the significant transformation which is gradually sweeping across this
region. Increasingly, political leaders, foreign policy analysts, the
business community and members of civil society will need to factor these
developments into their analyses. It is very heartening therefore, that the
wide galaxy of intellectuals and thinkers assembled here from all over the
world, will focus on important themes such as integration in LAC countries,
governance, business prospects, security and other related issues in their
conference deliberations.
2. The LAC region is destined to play a very important role in the global
economy. As we see it, the LAC region comprises 39 countries including
dependent territories in the Caribbean, and accounts for a
combined GDP of US$ 3.44 trillion and a trade turnover of US$ 1.65 trillion
and a population of 562 million people. It also includes five of the world’s
most bio-diverse countries - Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru – as well as the
single most biologically diverse area in the world – the eastern slope of the
Andes.
Latin America is home to 40% of
all the species found in tropical forests throughout the world. 40% of the
plant life found in the Caribbean does not exist in
any other part of the world. Apart from providing a social safety net for the
Latin American population, this biodiversity has an important economic value.
It is not surprising that the equatorial rain forests of the Amazon and in
countries like Suriname and Guyana, which contribute
significantly in maintaining ecological balance and in combating climate
change, are often called “the lungs of the world”.
Latin America and the Caribbean countries are
endowed with immense supplies of natural resources such as fresh water and arable
land. The local population relies on such water resources not only for
drinking water but also values them because of their utility in facilitating
transportation, energy, food production, industry and recreation. Owing to
its vast variety of rivers, various species of fish also flourish in the
region. The Amazon basin alone is estimated to contain between 3000 and 9000
species. Given the burgeoning populations and dwindling land resources of
developing countries in other parts of the world, there is excellent
potential for collaborating with agriculturists in these countries for
diversifying agricultural production and procurement operations.
Similarly, some of the richest mineral centres in the world are located in
the LAC region. These countries are significant suppliers of copper, nickel,
iron ore, hydrocarbons, bauxite and other important minerals which not only
feed industries in developed countries but also in the developing world.
Besides minerals, the LAC region also supplies large quantities of gems and
semi-precious stones to world markets.
Located in the heart of such a unique habitat, it is
only natural that these countries should be strenuously working for
preserving the pristine beauty of the Amazon region and other such
surroundings in the region. In this regard, as in the case of conserving
fossil fuels through pioneering research and development of alternative
energy resources like bio fuels and in addressing the essential needs of the
poor through social programmes such as the Bolsa Familia in Brazil, these countries
have set examples for others to follow.
3. Sustained by their rich and diverse cultural heritage, which goes back to
the days of the Olmec, Maya, Aztec and Inca
civilizations, Latin American and Caribbean citizens now seek greater
self-expression and participation in their governance processes. The
resurgence of democracy in this part of the world has many positive
implications, not only for the LAC countries, but also for the rest of the
world. First, within the LAC region itself, it enables governments to tap
into better, wider and more versatile talent. Secondly, being structured on
the basis of well-established institutions and norms, LAC governments are now
more accountable to their constituents. Their commitment is to the long-term
welfare and prosperity of their citizens. Thirdly, it also ensures that the
rights of all sections of society are suitably addressed. Fourthly, in the
long-term, these democratic processes and institutions herald peace,
stability and sound economic policies in these countries. Finally, owing to
people’s participation in governance mechanisms, all these countries now
strive to achieve balanced and inclusive growth, while also collaborating
with other developing countries. In doing so, they are better geared for
implementing South-South cooperation initiatives.
4. At the international level, the environment of
stability and security promoted because of democratic institutions has a
positive effect on the cause of international peace and understanding.
5. The processes of regional integration in Latin America are another feature
of great interest to us. In recent years, regional groupings such as the
Andean Community, UNASUR, MERCOSUR, CARICOM are
increasingly beginning to discuss and coordinate positions on important
political and economic matters of mutual concern in international
organizations. Of these groupings, the CARICOM countries have already
established a common court of justice. The Central American countries, under
SICA are also taking active steps to synchronize their developmental efforts.
This was clear during my discussions with SICA Foreign Ministers in
New Delhi in June 2008.
Similarly, the ANDEAN Pact and MERCOSUR countries are also taking various
steps for regional cooperation. Their efforts are, we understand, now
increasingly being subsumed within the larger UNASUR grouping which was set
up in 2004 and is supported by 12 LAC countries. At the Third UNASUR Summit
held in Brasilia on 23 May, 2008, all participating Heads of Government
signed the UNASUR Constitutive Treaty which stipulates establishment of a
South American Community, modelled on the European Union and seeks to provide
for a common currency, single market, parliament, free movement of people for
90 days, common passport and integrated development of infrastructure and
energy. This is an initiative of much significance.
6. LAC countries are now also looking at regional
governance and security issues. The recently-mooted proposal for creating the
South American Defence Council [CSD] under UNASUR, if implemented, could have
lasting impact on regional security issues. At the UNASUR Summit held in
Santiago in September 2008,
the Summit Declaration made bold pronouncements on the need to uphold
constitutional processes in Bolivia. Likewise, the Rio Group
Summit held in
Santo Domingo in March 2008
brokered peace and understanding among Ecuador, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Colombia. All such ongoing
efforts indicate that LAC countries are now acutely sensitive to the need to unify
their position on important issues of common concern. It is good that these
discussions also focus on issues such as drug-trafficking and drug-related
crimes and terrorism, as these could have a significant bearing on the
economic security and prosperity of this region. I am glad to know that this
learned assembly will also be examining these aspects during its
deliberations in the session pertaining to LAC Security issues.
7. The rich cultural background of these countries
provides a sound foundation for the diverse talent blossoming in LAC
universities and academic centres today. The handsome haul of Nobel Prizes by
intellectuals, scientists and academics of this region bears testimony to the
significant contribution being made by these countries to the progress, peace
and well-being of humanity. We have all been influenced by the legendary
contribution of stalwarts like Octavio Paz,
Gabriela Mistral, Pablo Neruda [for literature],
Cesar Milstein and Bernardo A.Houssay [for
physiology and medicine], Luis F. Leloir [for
Chemistry] and Rigoberta Menchu,
Alfonso Garcia Robles, Adolfo Perez Esquivel and Carlos de Saavedra Lamas [for international peace]. Equally
important are the achievements of Maradona, Pele, Kaka in the world of
football and of Anthony Nesty and Cesar Filho in the field of swimming. It is not surprising that
in the recent Beijing Olympics, sportsmen from these countries walked away with as many as 16 gold, 24 silver and 28 bronze medals.
Blessed with a particularly warm and festive spirit, the people of Latin America have made good
friends in all parts of the world. Indeed it would be good if we could
emulate their example and learn to play good football and dance a few steps
of the Samba to ward off these stressful times!
8. In short, the time has come for the world and Latin America to re-discover each
other. India has already
embarked on this journey. Our bilateral dialogue with these countries is
progressing very well. Being endowed with diverse resources and lesser
populations, the countries of the region are relatively more prosperous.
However, the basic model of development, founded on inclusive growth, is the
same. Based on these complementarities, India has initiated
cooperation with these countries in fields as diverse as agriculture,
S&T, hydrocarbons, mining, defence, space, ICT and infrastructure.
Cooperation with these countries is being pursued through bilateral
agreements and MoUs and through interaction between
experts from both sides. With better air and maritime connectivity in future
years, linkages between centres of excellence and academic institutions will
also strengthen thus leading to a varied and multi-sectoral
dialogue between the citizens of both sides. In the light of these
developments, India has, to start with,
already established a Strategic Partnership with Brazil and a Privileged
Partnership with Mexico. A special
dimension of our cooperation with this region pertains to the IBSA Trilateral
Cooperation, which brings together three very large developing country
democracies from three different continents, including Brazil from Latin America, which are determined to work together to mutual benefit and
reinforce South-South cooperation.
9. Our economic and commercial linkages with this region
are also being strengthened. In this new era of economic interdependence and
globalization, Indian multinationals from the ICT, auto industry,
infrastructure, iron & steel, banking, pharma,
mining and other industries are fast investing in these markets and setting
up active business operations in these countries. Our bilateral trade during
April 2007- March 2008 was to the tune of US$ 11.63 billion [imports- 6.5
billion and exports- US$ 5.13 billion]. Indian companies, excluding those
owned by Non-Resident or Overseas Indians, have either already invested or
committed to invest US $ 9.73 billion in LAC countries. Given the economic
strengths of these countries, there are excellent opportunities for enhancing
this relationship. The process has already begun. Indian Business Conclaves
are being held in Latin America by apex Indian chambers of commerce
and industry. Trade missions are also being organized and increased
participation in trade events is being encouraged. Government of India’s FOCUS LAC
programme, which commenced in 1998, has been extended. Trade and investment
missions from these countries are also being organized. The trade agreements
signed with the MERCOSUR group of countries and individually with Chile will promote such
initiatives. Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements and
Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements have been signed with some countries
and are being processed with others.
10. At the political level too, our interaction with Latin America is proceeding very
well. In recent years, we have had the privilege of receiving the Presidents
of Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Venezuela. From our side, our
Prime Minister has visited Cuba and Brazil in late 2006. Hon’ble President of India,
visited Brazil, Mexico and Chile in April 2008. I
myself visited Brazil in February 2008.
My colleague, Mr. Anand Sharma, Minister of State
for External Affairs, has also been visiting LAC countries for holding
dialogue with their dignitaries. On 10
June 2008, I hosted the second India-SICA Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in
New Delhi]. I also met with
some of my colleagues from these countries on the sidelines of the UNGA
meetings in September-October 2008. Only a few weeks ago, we received the
Foreign Minister of Ecuador with whom I had fruitful discussions. We look
forward to receiving the Presidents of Chile and Argentina in India early next year.
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, and Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa too are expected
to visit India in the second half
of 2009. Interaction with the LAC is also being pursued at other levels,
through the mechanism of Joint Commission meetings, Foreign Office
Consultations and Joint Working Groups.
11. As part of its commitment to promoting South-South
cooperation, India has been
participating in capacity-building and development partnership initiatives in
these countries. Indian Lines of Credit are being extended to some of these
countries for developmental projects. Disaster relief assistance is also
periodically extended to them. Under the Indian Technical Economic
Cooperation, scholarships are being extended to candidates from these
countries for pursuing short-term training courses in various disciplines.
Indian experts are also being deputed under ITEC for providing guidance in
key sectors. Similarly, our government is also funding establishment and
running of IT centers in some of these countries.
12. At this critical juncture, when the financial crisis in the developed
world has impacted the world economy, such South-South cooperation between India and LAC, within the
LAC countries and between LAC nations and developing countries in other parts
of the world, needs to be intensified. By cooperating with each other in
economic development projects and for upgrading their infrastructure, our
economies will be providing vital business opportunities to each other. Such
cooperation has many benefits. It will help keep our economies growing, check
recessionary trends, make technology and talent available at economical
costs, upgrade infrastructure and other key facilities and prepare our
economies for fuller international economic engagement when this difficult
economic phase ends.
The
rationale for such cooperation is also reinforced by the common challenges we
face. Despite our varying cultures and backgrounds, our countries face
similar developmental problems. We all seek to provide equal and fair
opportunity for the poorest of the poor in our countries to fulfill their aspirations. To address these challenges,
we must continue to unitedly position ourselves
during the deliberations of the WTO and other such bodies. We must also
actively continue to collaborate with each other on issues such as Climate
Change, International Terrorism, reform of the United Nations, restructuring
of the international financial architecture and other such critical matters.
13. I am confident that from the deliberations of this distinguished and
learned gathering, we will benefit by receiving concrete proposals that will
help strengthen and diversify India’s growing
engagement with Latin America.
14. I now formally declare this Conference open and wish participating
scholars all success in their deliberations.
Thank you
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