At the 18th India-Iraq Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), which took place in New Delhi today, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, hosted H.E. Mr. Hayan Abdul Ghani Abdul Zahra Al Sawad, Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil of the Republic of Iraq.
On June 19, 2023, the Confederation of Indian Industry organized a roundtable discussion amongst the business leaders of the two nations.
In his opening remarks at the Joint Commission Meeting on June 20, 2023, Shri Hardeep Puri emphasized the natural and historical synergies between the two nations because of India’s status as the global hub for rising energy demand. He urged the two sides to improve their ties, particularly in the oil and gas industry, capacity building, and diversification of commerce between the two nations. He emphasized Indian firms’ preparedness to investigate investment prospects in Iraq, their willingness to upgrade oil and gas infrastructure facilities, and their willingness to source more crude oil from Iraq under the right pricing system.
H.E. In his remarks, Mr. Hayan Abdul Ghani Abdul Zahra Al Sawad acknowledged the significance of the JCM’s top institution for fostering faster bilateral cooperation. He highlighted the willingness of the Iraqi government to invite Indian businesses to invest in Iraq, notably in project rehabilitation.
The conference resulted in an agreement between the two nations to transition from a buyer-seller relationship to an energy partnership encompassing investments, commerce, and EPC services. Water resource management and healthcare cooperation were two other significant topics of sectoral discussion. The Iraqi delegation complimented India for organizing the Jaipur Foot Camp for 1000 combat veterans during the latter. The Deputy Prime Minister also recognized the significant contribution India was making in terms of offering top-notch medical services to Iraqi citizens as well as the numerous scholarships the Indian government was offering, which were crucial in helping Iraq develop its potential.
The conclusion of the 18th JCM was the signing of a protocol between the two nations.
On June 19, 2023, H.E. Mr. Hayan Abdul Ghani also spoke with Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice President of India.
H.E. Later on today, Mr. Hayan Abdul Ghani will also meet with Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, and Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry.