Ukraine Or West Asia, India Backs All Meaningful Peace Efforts: PM, Pg5

Key Highlights:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India's consistent support for all meaningful peace efforts in conflicts, specifically mentioning Ukraine and West Asia.
• India and Switzerland signed a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement and a Young Professionals Agreement to facilitate visas and professional exchanges.
• The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), signed on March 10, 2024, and effective from October 1, 2025, aims to attract $100 billion in investment and create one million direct jobs in India over 15 years.
• India is actively engaged in discussions with Russia and Ukraine to assist with the safety of Black Sea shipping, grain and energy exports, and "non-attack possibilities."

Detailed Insights:

• PM Modi's statement on peace efforts followed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's remarks indicating India's increased involvement beyond mere advocacy in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha had previously acknowledged India's "comprehensive" and "broad" proposal to end the war.
• The Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement offers multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years, allowing stays of up to six months per visit, and renewable one-year student permits.
• The Young Professionals Agreement facilitates an annual exchange of 300 professionals per country, with potential to increase to 500, and streamlines verification timelines.
• India and Switzerland also agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, nuclear energy, and explore new avenues in military exchanges and defence production.
• The TEPA is India's first Free Trade Agreement with any European economic bloc, designed to expand market access for Indian exports like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods.
• Switzerland expressed interest in concluding an investment protection agreement and emphasized intellectual property protection to further boost investment in India.
• Joint research projects in health, clean energy, and space are planned, alongside inviting Swiss companies to invest in Indian infrastructure projects.
• India's efforts regarding Black Sea shipping and grain exports are related to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed safe passage for grain from Ukrainian ports but was terminated by Russia in July 2023.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA): A comprehensive free trade agreement between India and the European Free Trade Association states aimed at boosting trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
• European Free Trade Association (EFTA): An intergovernmental organization promoting free trade among its four member states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
• Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement: A bilateral pact designed to streamline visa processes, prevent irregular migration, and facilitate the legal movement of people between countries.
• Black Sea Grain Initiative: An agreement brokered by the UN and Turkey, involving Russia and Ukraine, to ensure safe maritime passage for grain and foodstuff exports from Ukrainian Black Sea ports.