INDIA IRAQ RELATIONS

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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.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1933793