The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil receiving the Honorary Doctorate at Santiago, Chile on April 22, 2008

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil with the Rector, University of Chile, Prof. Victor Perez Vera along with the other dignitaries after the conferment of the Hon. Doctorate by the University of Chile on April 22, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil receiving the Honorary Doctorate from the Rector of the University of Chile, Prof. Victor Peres Vera at Santiago, Chile on April 22, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil Visit to Escuela Republica de la India, Santiago, Chile on April 22, 2008

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil presenting a memento to the Principal of Escuela Republica de la India in Santiago, Chile during her visit to the school on April 22, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil addressing at the gathering of Escuela Republica de La India, during her visit to the school in Santiago, Chile on April 22, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil unveiled the plaque of the Jawaharlal Nehru Science Laboratory in the Escuela Republica de la India School, Santiago, Chile on April 22, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil with the students and the officials of Escuela Republica de la India during her visit to the school at Santiago, Chile on April 22, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil presenting the Sweet Box to the Students of Escuela Republica de la India during her visit to the school at Santiago, Chile on April 22, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil receiving the copy of the programme of her visit from a student of Escuela Republica de la India, Santiago, Chile on April 22, 2008

The President of Chile, Mrs. Michelle Bachelet with the President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil at Santiago

The President of Chile, Mrs. Michelle Bachelet with the President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil during her return call to the President at Santiago on April 22, 2008.The Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Vilas Muttemwar and the Ambassador of India in Chile, Smt. Sushmita G. Thomas are also are seen.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil addressing at the return Banquet hosted in honour of the President of Chile, Mrs. Michelle Bachelet at Santiago, Chile on April 22, 2008

The President of Chile, Mrs. Michelle Bachelet presenting an Album containing the Photographs of the visit of the President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil at Santiago, Chile on April 22, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil paying floral tribute at the statues of GandhiJi, NehruJi & Rabindranath Tagore in Santiago on April 21

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil paying floral tribute at the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru and Rabindranath Tagore at the Plaza de la India in Santiago, Chile on April 21, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil presenting a plaques to the President of the Indian Association, Mr. Bharat Dadiani and the Mayor of the Providenta, Mr. Christian Babr after paying floral tribute at the three statues, in Santiago, Chile on April 21, 2008.
ADDRESS BY HON'BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA AT PLAZA DE LA INDIA
Santiago, Chile, 21st April 2008

Mayor of Providencia Mr. Labbe,
President of the Indian Association of Santiago,
It gives me great pleasure to be here with you in Santiago, Chile, at this special Plaza de la India which was inaugurated in 1968 by the then Prime Minister of India -Mrs. Indira Gandhi.
It is indeed auspicious that the programme of my State visit to this beautiful country commences with salutations to the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and to our deeply respected national leaders - Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and Rabindra Nath Tagore. The values and principles that these great leaders of India expounded, namely truth, non-violence, democracy, humaneness, and compassion, bind our two countries together.
I would like to convey my sincere appreciation and thanks to the Mayor of Providencia, Mr. Labbe for his courtesy and support in ensuring the maintenance of this memorial dedicated to our leaders.
Our two countries, as democracies across the globe, have maintained friendly relations for over fifty years. We are both developing countries. My visit is intended to demonstrate the importance that India accords to improving and strengthening our bilateral ties.
I would also like to take this opportunity to convey my good wishes to the members of the Indian community here in Chile who since 1905 have worked tirelessly for creating better business links and greater mutual understanding between our two countries. I call upon you to continue with your efforts for building stronger ties of friendship and understanding between India and Chile.
Muchas Gracias.
********

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil at the office of the Mayor in Santiago, Chile on April 21, 2008

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil and the Mayor of Santiago, Mr. Raul Alcaino Lin with the Traditional Dancer in the office of the Mayor in Santiago, Chile on April 21, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil addressing at the office of the Mayor after receiving the Key of the City and the Citation from the Mayor of Santiago, in Santiago, Chile on April 21, 2008.

The Mayor of Santiago, Mr. Raul Alcaino Lin handing over the Key of the City to the President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil at a special Ceremony in Santiago, Chile on April 21, 2008.

The Mayor of Santiago, Mr. Raul Alcaino Lin presenting the Citation to the President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil at a special Ceremony in Santiago, Chile on April 21, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil greetings public standing at the office of the Mayor in Santiago, Chile on April 21, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil during the agreement signing ceremony in Santiago, Chile on April 21, 2008

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil and the President of Chile, Mrs. Michelle Bachelet after addressing at the Joint Press Conference at Presidential Palace in Santiago, Chile on April 21, 2008.

The Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Vilas Muttemwar and the Foreign Minister of Chile, Mr. Alefandra Faxleg signing the agreements on Civil Aviation, Science and Technology and Research in Antarctica in the presence of the President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil and the President of Chile, Mrs. Michelle Bechelet, in Santiago, Chile on April 21, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil and the President of Chile, Mrs. Michelle Bachelet during the agreement signing ceremony at the Pation de la Camellias in Santiago, Chile on April 21, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil at the President's Palace in Santiago, Chile on April 21, 2008

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil and the President of Chile, Mrs. Michelle Bachelet at a delegation level talk at the President's Palace in Santiago, Chile on April 21, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil and the President of Chile, Mrs. Michelle Bechelet inspecting a Guard of Honour at a ceremonial reception at President's Palace in Santiago, Chile on April 21, 2008.
STATEMENT TO THE PRESS BY THE HON'BLE PRESIDENT 21-04-2008 : Santiago, Chile
I am delighted to be in this beautiful country on my very first State Visit abroad after assuming the office of the President of the Republic of India. My visit here has been a rewarding experience.
On behalf of my delegation, I would like to thank President Bachelet, the Government and people of Chile for the warmth of their hospitality. During my talks with her, we reviewed the full gamut of our relations. We are in agreement that there is excellent scope for intensifying the level of our engagement.
The four agreements signed earlier today on civil aviation, Science and Technology, sports and research in the Antarctica will help further diversify the institutional structure of our cooperation and give further impetus to developing our ties.
India and Chile share many complementarities. Our common commitment to inclusive economic development through pluralistic democratic governance makes us natural partners.
Our bilateral trade is growing well and there are many more opportunities to diversify our trade and investment basket.
Given the strong credentials of both our economies and the growing outreach of our business houses, the time is now opportune for a substantial intensification of our economic engagement.
As you know, my delegation is accompanied by a separate business delegation which is looking for concrete partnerships in Chile.
My discussions with President Bachelet, covering the ongoing processes of socio-economic development in our respective countries as well as the entire gamut of our bilateral relations and our cooperation on multilateral issues were meaningful and constructive, and were held in a very warm and friendly atmosphere.
We exchanged views on the special programmes that we have in our countries for the poor and the marginalized sections of society and for the empowerment of women and the girl child. These are causes that have a fundamental bearing on the future development of our societies.
I availed of the opportunity to compliment President Bachelet on the distinction of being the first executive woman President of this great country. Her commitment to democracy and social justice stands out. I have conveyed an invitation for her to visit India and I am very pleased that she has accepted.
I am confident that my visit to Chile will contribute meaningfully to the further enhancement of our bilateral relations and our cooperation on international issues. I would like to take this opportunity to convey to the friendly people of Chile, greetings and good wishes from the people of India.
*******

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil arrives at Santiago, Chile on April 20, 2008

The Indian Ambassador to Chile, Smt. Susmita G. Thomas welcoming the President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil on her arrival at the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, in Santiago, Chile on April 20, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil being welcomed by the Chilean officials on her arrival at the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, in Santiago, Chile on April 20, 2008.The Ambassador of India to Chile, Smt. Susmita G. Thomas and the Chilean Chief of Protocol are also seen.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil arriving at the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, Santiago, Chile on April 20, 2008. The Ambassador of India to Chile, Smt. Susmita G. Thomas and the Chilean Chief of Protocol are also seen.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil's Visit to the State of Jalisco, Mexico

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil visiting historic building in the Historic City Centre at Guadalajara, Mexico on April 19, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil addressing at the Banquet hosted by the Governor of the State of the Jalisco, Mr. Emilio Gonzalez Marquez, at Guadalajara International Airport, Maxico on April 19, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil at a delegation level meeting with the Governor of the State of Jalisco, Mr. Emilio Gonzalez Marquez at Governor’s palace in Guadalajara, Mexico on April 19, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil shaking hands with the Governor of the State of the Jalisco, Mr. Emilo Gonzalez Marquez after signing the visitor’s book the at Governor's Palace, in Gguadalahar, Mexico on April 19, 2008.The Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Vilas Muttemwar and Dr. Devising Ramsingh Shekhawat are also seen.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil being received by the Governor of the State of Jalisco, Mr. Emilio Gonzalez Marquez on her arrival at Guadalajara International Airport, Mexico on April 19, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil meeting with the Software Engineers of Tata Consultancy Services at Guadalajara, Mexico on April 19, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil at the Business Meeting by the India-Mexico Chamber of Commerce

The President of the Mexican External Trade, Investment and Technology Business Council, Srhir Vlentin Diex Morodo and the CII representative, Shri Madhur Bajaj exchanging the document of MOU on the investment among the two countries at the meeting of CII & COMECA (Mexico Chamber of Commerce) in presence of the President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, at Mexico on April 18, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil addressing at the Business Meeting by the India-Mexico Chamber of Commerce at Mexico City on April 18, 2008.

Mexican artists wrap Gandhi in fusion music for children

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil with member of the delegation posing for a photo session in front of the Statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Mexico City on April 18, 2008. The Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Vilas Muttemwar is also seen.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil addressing a gathering of the people of Mexico City after paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi during her visit to Mexico on April 18, 2008.

ZeeNews.com, International Edition, Saturday, April 19, 2008
Mexico City, April 19: Ravi Shankar introduced Indian classical music to the West, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi took transcendental meditation across the Atlantic, and now Latin American fusion music is being used to introduce Mahatma Gandhi to the young generation of Mexico. A Mexican music troupe sang Indian verses accompanied by pre-Hispanic musical instruments at the Mahatma Gandhi statue on the side of a busy road here when visiting Indian President Pratibha Patil arrived to pay her tributes. The music from the instruments - Inckus Utop Chec (flower of Maguer tree) and Ocarina, the chanting of 'Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu' (may god bless the whole world with eternal peace and goodwill) and Gandhi's famous hymn 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' set the perfect mood for the Indian President to speak about the Father of the Nation. 'Though he was born in India, Gandhiji belongs to the entire humanity. He belongs to every nook and corner of the world and those who are seeking peace. It was a spirit that crossed mountains, rivers, trees and touched each and every heart,' Patil said. The ambience seemed to have touched the otherwise reticent Patil, who reached out to schoolchildren assembled at the venue and invited musicians to be photographed with her. 'By installing his statue at such a prominent location in this huge metropolis, the people of Mexico have specially honoured his memory and the values he stood for. This is a gesture that will be deeply appreciated by all those (who) are committed to peace in the world,' Patil said, addressing the small crowd gathered around the statue. The programme, organized by OraWorld Mandala, a group that promotes reconciliation through art, was an attempt to keep Gandhi's messages alive, said the organizers. 'India is the other side of the world, but we feel connected to Gandhi and his principles. It is the source of inspiration for us,' said organizer Sonia Deotto. 'But we want this to be inculcated in our children. Gandhian principles are disappearing and we should not allow it,' Deotta told. Patil echoed the same view. 'I am glad to see young children in the ceremony. The future belongs to them, and it is our responsibility to inculcate in them values of tolerance and compassion,' she said.
Bureau Report

PRESIDENT'S AT MEETING HOSTED BY MEXICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL FOR FOREIGN TRADE, INVESTMENT & TECHNOLOGY (COMCE) & INDIA-MEXICO BUSINESS COUNCIL (IMBC)

The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, receiving a memento after addressing the India-Mexico Chambers of Commerce in Mexico City on April 18, 2008.

PRESIDENT'S STATEMENT TO THE BUSINESS MEETING HOSTED BY MEXICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL FOR FOREIGN TRADE, INVESTMENT AND TECHNOLOGY (COMCE) AND INDIA-MEXICO BUSINESS COUNCIL (IMBC)
Mexico City, 18th April 2008

Senor Valentin D Morodo, President of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology,
Senor Jose Luis Uriegas, President of the India-Mexico Business Chamber,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted to be in your midst today. Economic and commercial relations between India and Mexico provide an important underpinning to our bilateral relations. I am happy that in recent years bilateral trade has grown steadily. It crossed US$2 billion last year. But this is just the beginning. We need to do much more.
Businesspersons and entrepreneurs of the two countries need to explore ways to fully exploit the real potential. There is general agreement on both sides that there are extensive synergies in our economies. Both of us enjoy near and offshore advantages to the larger markets of North America and Asia. While Mexico has an extended market into NAFTA and Latin America, India is a huge market in itself, not to speak of the extension to South and South East Asia and Africa. There are areas where Indian technology has proved its competence, such as IT, pharmaceuticals and non-conventional Energy. Mexican competence is visible in fields like food processing, energy, high yield crops and housing. It is for businesses on both sides to identify and exploit new complementarities to mutual benefit. I am glad that an MoU has been signed between COMSE and CII.
I am happy to note that Indian companies such as Mittal Steel, Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Ranbaxy, Reddy Labs and Solara have invested in Mexico. Other companies are looking for opportunities and possibilities of investment. Being a developing country, India recognizes the importance of the social dimension of foreign investment. I am happy to have learnt that Indian investments are being welcomed from this perspective in Mexico. For economic interaction between the two countries to be sustainable, it is important that its benefits percolate to the people and transform their lives for the better. I am confident that Indian and Mexican businesses will meet these expectations.
Likewise, I encourage Mexican investors to explore the Indian market. It offers an attractive combination of demand, availability of high quality management and technical manpower as well as cheap unskilled labour, transparent legal system, a huge capacity to profitably and productively absorb capital.
We have a long journey ahead of us. Governments can only play a coordinating role and help create a conducive political and economic environment. But you are the actual players on the field. The Governments have already declared their intention by elevating the bilateral ties to a 'Privileged Partnership'. They have also set the target for trade at US $ 5 billion by the year 2010. A Bilateral Investment & Protection Agreement and the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement are already in place. An Air Services Agreement has been signed providing the framework for connectivity through air services, both in passenger and cargo segments. The institutional infrastructure is thus in place.
Similarly, the Governments have liberalized visa regimes considerably, especially for business travel.
The Business Council can also exchange views on any remaining irritants in economic cooperation and bring those to the knowledge of the Governments. The India-Mexico High Level Group on Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation is scheduled to meet again in June this year. Your suggestions and recommendations will be valuable inputs into that Group's efforts to define the course of future economic engagement between our two countries.
I thank the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology and India-Mexico Business Chamber for organizing this event and for extending an invitation to me. It is always rewarding to interact with key business players.
I congratulate all the participants, both from India and Mexico, and wish them success in their every endeavours.
The MoU signed between COMCE and CII for enhancing trade and business relationship and investment will help in providing regular mechanisms for business interactions.
I am confident that the MoU will lead to a significant growth in commercial activities between the two countries.
Muchas Gracias.
(Thank You.)
********

Provided By President’s Secretariat

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil visits in Mexico

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil viewing the image of Guadalope during her visit to Duadalope Church at Mexico on April 18, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil meeting with the President of Supreme Court Justice Guillermo Iberio Ortiz, in Mexico on April 18, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh coming out after visiting one of the pyramids at the Teotihuacan Pyramids during her visit to Mexico on April 18, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil visiting the exhibition in the National Anthropology Museum at Mexico City on April 18, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil receiving a memorial memento from the representative of the National Hero’s Memorial, during her visit to memorial, in Mexico City on April 17, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil paid tributes at the National Hero’s Memorial, at Mexico City on April 17, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil called on the President of Mexico Mr. Felipe Calderon Hinojosa

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil and the President of Mexico, Shri Filipe Calderon Hinojosa addressing at the Joint Press Statement, at Los Pinos, in Mexico City on April 17, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil called on the President of Mexico Mr. Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, at the Los Pinos in Mexico on April 17, 2008.

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil with the President of Mexico Mr. Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, at the delegation level talks, at the Los Pinos in Mexico on April 17, 2008.

STATEMENT TO THE PRESS BY THE HON'BLE PRESIDENT AFTER MEETING WITH HON'BLE PRESIDENT CALDERON OF MEXICO 17-04-2008 : Mexico City, Mexico

Buenos Dias. Es un gran honor estar aqui en Mexico.
(Good Morning. It is an honour to be here in Mexico)
Our two countries are ancient civilizations that have had very useful and productive contact in the past. We remember with great appreciation the important role that Mexican wheat played in India's 'Green Revolution' in the 1960s.
My visit to this beautiful country is in response to an invitation conveyed to me by President Calderon when he paid a State Visit to India in September last year. The importance that our two countries attach to our bilateral relations was underlined during his visit by our decision to enter into a 'Privileged Partnership'. My current visit is in pursuance of this new partnership and I am confident that our cooperation in coming months and years will significantly develop and diversify.
I have had extended discussions with President Calderon, on the state of our bilateral relations and our cooperation in international fora. As two vibrant democracies that are multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural, we face similar situations and challenges. It is, therefore, no surprise that our points of view, objectives and approaches are similar on most issues.
The trade and economic aspect of our partnership provides a critical underpinning to the overall edifice of our relations. We have agreed that bilateral trade and investment needs to grow. This is a challenge that we have placed before our businessmen and industrialists. The opportunities are enormous and we will, no doubt, achieve further success in this endeavour.
A number of useful agreements have been signed earlier today. These will help develop our cooperation in practical terms.
Regular interaction at the highest political level is an important component of our evolving Privileged Partnership. I have invited President Calderon and Madam Margarita Zavala de Calderon to pay an official visit to India.
Before I conclude, I must thank President Calderon, the Government and people of Mexico for the friendship and very warm hospitality that my delegation has received since our arrival. We feel completely at home in Mexico. I would also like to take this opportunity to convey, greetings and best wishes from the people of India to the people of Mexico, y deseo paz, prosperidad y exito para Mexico.
( and I wish peace, prosperity and success to Mexico)

Press Release, Provided By President’s Secretariat, Govt. Of India