INDIA AFRICA TODAY

The India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) organized a special visit for foreign delegates from Election Management Bodies and International Organizations at its upcoming state-of-the-art campus in Dwarka, Delhi. Participating Dignitaries from Australia, Bhutan, Guinea, Moldova, Zambia and representatives from International IDEA and IFES visited the campus and learnt about the various facilities provided by IIIDEM. Delegates at the new IIIDEM campus, New Delhi  Deputy Election Commissioner Mr. Sudeep Jain gave an overview of the new IIIDEM campus to the delegates. Highlighting the features and facilities, Mr. Jain said that the Institutional Block of the campushas a capacity to hold trainings for 1,000 people in 12 batches simultaneously. The campus has an AuditoriumBlock with a capacity of 450 persons and also comprises of a Hostel Block with an accommodation of100 rooms.Mr. Jain also shared the vision, mission, and various activities of

Hon’ble Wavel Ramkalawan, Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly of Seychelles, called on President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 9, 2018. During the conversation, the President said that he was happy to note that Mr Wavel Ramkalawan is in India to participate in the PIO Parliamentary Conference. He stated that through the PIO Parliamentary Conference, we hope to reach out to the larger Indian community overseas. This also provides us a platform to engage and connect with parliamentarians of Indian origin the world over. The President said that India and Seychelles enjoy warm and friendly ties. Our bonds of friendship are rooted in history. Strong people to people and cultural linkages are the bedrock of our relations. He expressed hope that the visit of Mr Ramkalawan to India will further strengthen ties between the two democracies.

While inaugurating the First  PIO-Parliamentarian Conference in New Delhi, t he Prime Minister said that PIOs are like permanent ambassadors of India, wherever they reside, and he always attempts to meet them when he is travelling abroad. The Prime Minister praised External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for continuously keeping an eye on issues being faced by Indian citizens abroad. In this context, he mentioned the “MADAD” portal for real time monitoring and response of consular grievances. The Prime Minister said that the Government believes that NRIs are partners for India’s development. He said that NRIs have an important position in the Action Agenda till 2020, drafted by the NITI Aayog. The Prime Minister said that the values of Indian civilization and culture can provide guidance to the entire world, in an era of instability. The Prime Minister said that India has very close ties with ASEAN countries, which will be showcased during Republic Day, a few days

South Africa will be represented at the PIO Parliamentary Conference on 9 January, 2018 on the occasion of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, through the presence of a delegation of Parliamentarians representing the broad political spectrum of the country. The Conference is a historic first, being organized by the Government of India. The aim of the Conference is to strength the linkage with Diaspora Parliamentarians and recognize their achievements in a befitting manner. The Conference would provide a valuable platform to comprehensively engage with the PIO Parliamentarians and elevate the relationship with them to a higher plane.  The one day Conference will have inaugural and valedictory sessions and two thematic sessions in a plenary format. Indian dignitaries at the highest level, Diaspora Parliamentarians as well as select Members of Indian Parliament, Members of Parliamentary Committees on External Affairs and the Hindi Advisory Committee are expected to participate in the Conferenc

(King Letsie III and Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho with the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind) His Majesty King Letsie III and Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho, called on the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (January 2, 2018).  Welcoming the King and Queen to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President said that India and Lesotho share close and cordial ties. India cherishes its partnership with Lesotho. India is strongly committed to its developmental partnership with Lesotho. We have established an IT Center in Lesotho and look forward to its success in training and skilling youth.  The President said that India has extended an LOC for setting up a vocational training centre at Maseru to train women and youth of Lesotho. He noted that India’s capacity building partnership with Lesotho under the ITEC programmes and ICCR scholarship scheme is progressing well.  The President appreciated Lesotho for its continuous suppo