Sarkozy attends as guest of honor to parade Indian Republic Day

New Delhi, Jan 26, 2008. - The main Indian officials today attended the traditional parade on Republic Day, which this year was the guest of honor with French President Nicolas Sarkozy on an official visit, and was chaired for the first time by a woman, President Pratibha Patil.
Sarkozy arrived Friday to India, where he signed several agreements and discussed with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, defense issues, nuclear cooperation, combating terrorism and geopolitics.
Protected by a screen of bulletproof glass, Sarkozy had the opportunity to listen, standing next to President Patil, the exciting Indian hymn, written by Rabindranath Tagore.
After the hymn, Patil got ready to greet the troops, which became the first woman in the history of India to preside over the parade of Republic Day, the Army uses every year for an exhibition.
About 7,000 people, including soldiers, folk dancers and schoolchildren marched to pass through the two miles from downtown boulevard Rajpath in New Delhi, under the watchful gaze of Patil, Sarkozy and other senior officials from India.
Sarkozy, played billion in military cooperation agreements, he saw launchers supersonic missiles, tanks and air defense instruments as well as whole companies of the three armies and special forces.
The traditional regional floats with the cream of different cultures and Indian music gave way to an air show of 30 Sukhoi fighter jets and helicopters Mi-26, to the admiration of thousands of spectators.
The military parade Republic Day commemorates the day the Indian Constitution came into force and established the republican regime on January 26, 1950.
That Jan. 26 was a day chosen in advance, because just 20 years before the Indian Congress Party had declared independence symbolic ("Poorna Swaraj") of the British Empire.
Like every year, however, the party was preceded by a warning about terrorist threats that prompted authorities to order the deployment of some 20,000 members of security forces in the capital alone.
Around India Gate, a monument built in British First World War, roads were closed and the air space was sealed, while dozens of snipers took up positions at strategic points.
The Republic Day was hosted in several Indian regions with protests such as those experienced in Assam (northeast) and Kashmir (north), two separatist regions that are under stress and frequent outbreaks of violence.
Oblivious to these tensions, Sarkozy left the parade he finished and flew to Agra, the city of Taj Mahal, the mausoleum where he looked stunned world's most famous, but without the company of his girlfriend, Carla Bruni.
Although Bruni had ruled in an interview his presence in India, the country's media continued to speculate on a whirlwind tour of the former model to accompany Sarkozy on the unofficial visit.
The "affair" Bruni, in fact, has at times eclipsed Sarkozy meetings held with Prime Minister Singh and the top political leadership of India.
The French president, who will end his visit today, presided over the signing of several agreements on development cooperation, exchange of information of Defense, transfer of prisoners or a laboratory.
But the current interest of France in India lies mainly in regard to upcoming contract position in the military and civil nuclear cooperation.
After the bustle of official meetings on Friday, Sarkozy enjoyed a moment of rest before the Taj Mahal accompanied by 60 businessmen, ministers and 90 journalists, and only then the paparazzi disappointed Indians found that Bruni would not attend.
The Taj Mahal was built between 1632 and 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahan, who died in childbirth.
Years later apprehended in a nearby fortress, Jahan spent the rest of his days gazing at the pristine beauty of the mausoleum, in which 20,000 workers worked, until and after his death, his remains were deposited beside Mumtaz inside.
With this history, guides the complex is not tired of repeating that the Taj is the most beautiful monument to love.

The Sikh advantage Sarkozy's visit to vindicate their right to turban

New Delhi, Jan 26, 2008. - The visit to India of President Nicolas Sarkozy has been used by Indian Sikhs to assert their right to wear turban in France, where the garment is banned in schools because of its religious character.
Sarkozy arrived Friday to India on a visit that has served to strengthen military relations, economic and cooperation relations between both countries, but during which there was ample space to discuss the situation of the turban in France.
Both Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (Sikh religion), as the opposition leader, Mulayam Singh Yadav, called on Sarkozy to lift turban restrictions, to which the French president said that there is no "ban" of the garment at home.
"What Sarkozy said is technically correct, but not in practice. Because we take away the Sikh turban and official photographs for us, especially because children can not wear the Sikh turban to school, "he told Efe the president of the organization" Sikh States, "Mejinderpal Kaur.
The ban on wearing turban in schools was imposed by the French authorities in 2004, holding that a religious symbol is incompatible with the principles of secular education.
The law, which also affects the "hijab" or headscarves, Christian crosses or large Jewish star of David, has contorted the Sikh, unwilling to give up an element considered as part of their identity.
Following the ban, the organization "Sikh States" began six judicial proceedings in France, but the judges rejected, and has now decided to go to the European Court of Human Rights and the Human Rights Committee of the UN.
"We have the right to wear turban. We have nothing against France, but our Prime Minister has to do something to change things, "said Kaur.
For Sikhs, this headdress is an indispensable element of identity, related to the prohibition of a haircut ("kesh") governing all his life and is one of the famous five "kas" of their religion.
The approximately ten million Sikhs in the world men must also carry a wooden comb ("kash"), special underpants ("kaccha"), an iron bracelet ("kara") and a sword at his side ("kirpan" .)
"For a Sikh, the turban is removed as running naked in front of strangers, kept Kaur. It's not just a religious sign, as the French say, but a mandatory requirement. Manmohan Singh never takes it off. "
Manmohan, a veteran and respected politician of 75 years, attends international meetings and public events wearing bearded and wearing no exception in its characteristic blue turban.
But according to Kaur, the Sikh religion Manmohan Singh is less decisive than the fact that he is Prime Minister, "is the leader of this country, where there are 19 million Sikhs, and should protect us," he said.
Although France and India are considered "strategic partners" and these days have had time to strengthen their cooperation in various fields, both countries differ in their way of thinking about secularism.
According to the intellectual and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, Indian secularism predominates in the religious neutrality, while the French secularism, more militant, suggests the absence of religion in state activity.
With an eye on Sarkozy's visit, Indian Sikhs, who represent over 90 percent of worldwide followers of that religion, staged several protests against the ban, which in the words of religious practice Kaur becomes a " part-time. "
"The funny thing is that Sarkozy spoke a few months ago at the UN in defense of religious diversity, concluded Kaur. Tell a child to choose between wearing a turban or not is like saying you can choose between being good and not. Them to know: Sikhs do not take off his turban. "

Sarkozy comes to India with an eye on the nuclear market

New Delhi, 25 Jan 2008. - French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived in India with a full schedule of official meetings, which aim to strengthen cooperation against terrorism and to deal on civilian nuclear cooperation.
Leading a delegation of ministers, 50 businessmen and 90 journalists, Sarkozy is the guest of honor at this year's parade on Republic Day of India, which is celebrated every January 26.
"I expressed to President (Pratibha Patil) and Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh) my warmest thanks for the wonderful welcome you have given us," said Chirac after being welcomed upon arrival at the presidential palace.
But Carla Bruni, who decided to stay in France, Sarkozy made ​​a wreath at the tomb of Gandhi before meeting with Manmohan Singh, who spoke on terrorism, nuclear cooperation and strengthening ties between both countries.
"The meeting was very productive. We talked about trade, defense, education, research, education, technology, aerospace and civilian nuclear energy, among other things, "said Singh.
Singh and Sarkozy presided over the signing of five agreements relating to defense cooperation, exchange of convicts, development aid, the construction of a science laboratory and Indian participation in the nuclear reactor in Cadarache (France).
The current interest of France in India goes through civil nuclear cooperation since the Asian country these days negotiating a safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency, which could open a new market for France.
The India reached an agreement on civil nuclear cooperation with the United States last year, and although it is subject to ratification, Sarkozy and Singh said they had "finalized negotiations for an agreement" similar.
"India has never contributed to nuclear proliferation-Sarkozy defended today, and has separated the civil power of the defense. Respect a moratorium on nuclear weapons and is willing to meet the conditions set by the IAEA. "
France, the French president said in a joint press conference with the media, is ready to be "the lawyer of India to the international community" to end the restrictions on nuclear suffers the Asian country, a possessor of the weapon not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
"Without nuclear power, India should opt for polluting energy. Do not forget that the French nuclear technology is the safest in the world. France is in a position to help India to sustainable development, "said the French president.
The result of their close traditional relations, India considers France a "strategic ally" and get off for it: Sarkozy, his face tired from the trip, he argued that the Asian country enjoys permanent seat on the Security Council of the UN and the G-8.
"The world needs to introduce an organization that matches this new century, 'said the French president. Unable to accept that India, with its 1,000 million people, is not present at the summits. "
The two leaders mentioned Islamic terrorism as one of the greatest challenges of democracy and said "share enemies", so were willing to strengthen cooperation against terrorism and intelligence services.
For both, the challenge is to extend this line to the framework of trade policy, in order to achieve trade worth 12,000 million euros in 2012, twice as far.
After the press conference, Sarkozy left the room to meet Sonia Gandhi, opposition members, Vice President and President of India, before attending a banquet given by Singh and, tomorrow, the parade's Day Republic.
French President could also spend part of his visit, two days, to see the Taj Mahal in Agra city, but this time his love will walk with his girlfriend, Carla Bruni, who dismissed accompany Sarkozy.
India had discussed these days how to receive the Presidential girlfriend without breaking the protocol, to the extent that an official called the situation "a logistical headache."
Although Bruni's decision served to settle the debate, the Republican interest groups, however, continues.
"They are talking Sarkozy and Singh, yes, but where is Carla Bruni?" He said upon leaving the press conference a photographer clueless.

Untouchable leader receives millions of rupees on gifts for his birthday

New Delhi, 15 Jan 2008. - The leading advocates of "Dalit" (untouchable) Mayawati, who governs the most populous region of India, Uttar Pradesh, today celebrated his birthday with a barrage of gifts ranging from ten tons of flowers to an official aircraft, a new twist on the cult of leadership.
Although the leader had asked contention this year, some estimates speak of gifts and expenditure-official and non-worth nearly $ 20 million in the northern Uttar Pradesh, where the streets are plastered with posters awoke with a smile of the leader.
Gifts of Mayawati, who turned 52 years today include, besides the flowers and the airplane, a helicopter officer, a million cupcakes, diamonds courtesy of its officials and government buildings lighting for 48 hours.
"People show respect, affection and love. Everyone should be happy, "he told the television cameras Mayawati, who added:" I have decided to celebrate my birthday with simplicity. "
The leader "Dalit", or jeweled, publicly cut a cake of 52 kilos, presented his autobiography and kicked out the highway project of the Ganges, while meditating give his final leap to national politics.
Until now, Mayawati has complied with Uttar Pradesh, a region with some 166 million-as much as the union of Spain, France, Italy and Portugal, which is among the poorest in India and succumbed for the fourth time its charms in the recent elections of 2007.
"It is very authoritarian and runs her party (Bahujan Samaj Party, BSP) with the iron hand of a dictator," said political analyst on her Sudha Pai.
Mayawati, who focused their speeches on "social justice", has managed lately to transcend caste division still present in Indian politics and has attracted the Brahmins of the region for their cause, with electoral success.
But the core of its ideology remains the "Dalit", which account for 16 percent of the population and the community is discriminated against in the rigid Hindu social scale, although the caste system was abolished by the Constitution in 1951.
Still discriminated against, the "Dalits" were traditionally denied access to holy places and had to engage in tasks considered "impure" by the other castes, who avoided contact with even his shadow "spotted".
In the case of Uttar Pradesh, the untouchables have embraced the message of the BSP and adorn it with a proverbial worship of Mayawati, in whom are the guardian of the quota system that favors the social integration of the lower castes.
"Our crops were destroyed by the last monsoon and the regional government made ​​up for it. So we believe that Mayawati will be happy to receive our gift, "said Santosh Kumar farmer with a check for 40 rupees (1 dollar) to their leader.
But Mayawati combines worship and worship leader of the untouchables as Santosh two other phenomena equally important and widespread in Indian politics: the "sicofantismo" and corruption.
With "sicofantismo" Indian analysts define the cohort of sycophants surrounding the main political leaders waiting for returns in the form of public office, a public works contract or simply a favor.
That is what explains, for example, the initiative of twelve officials have decided to collect a few rupees to buy diamonds Mayawati (worth $ 50,000), or the rush of his ministers in blue paint, the color of the untouchable-the streets of the regional capital, Lucknow.
Besides, Mayawati, charged with the disappearance of 44 million dollars in an infrastructure project, illustrates the corruption and crime that permeate the political class of the country's poorest regions, such as Uttar Pradesh itself.
In the 2002 elections, no less than 206 of the 403 deputies elected in the region had criminal records, the absolute majority of the Regional Chamber.
In 2007, this percentage was reduced to 25 percent of the House, although the elections threw anecdotes like the six candidates who campaigned from prison and gave speeches live via mobile phone black market.
While Mayawati has always denied the charges of corruption, the data revealed by the press in India are the business means being a politician in India: in five years, the untouchable leader has increased 4,600 percent a fortune declared.
The jeweled queen of the untouchables has to Santosh Santosh, thirteen million dollars.

More popular yogi accepts the challenge to prove that yoga can cure cancer

New Delhi, 14 Jan 2008. - Advocates and critics of traditional medicine in India are preparing for a new battle "scientific", after the promise of Yogi country's most popular show in three years that yoga can cure cancer.
"I have cured hundreds of patients and have submitted the medical records of 35 of them in the hospital AIIMS (New Delhi)," Yogi said recently, known as "Swami" (teacher) Ramdev, in a public lecture in front of his "rival", a panel of members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
The "swami" Ramdev is almost an institution in India thanks to a television audience of millions in which, dressed in an orange tunic, teaching yoga postures while advertising their products pharmaceutical empire.
Ramdev said, on TV and the web-that their technique of breathing exercises called "pranayama," cures or alleviates hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, herpes or hair loss.
But what has stirred up the minds of Indian doctors is the insistence of the "swami" regarding the ability of yoga to cure tumors of blood, throat, breast, pituitary glands or prostate.
"It's not a matter of faith. Studies. Cancer cells die in an oxygenated environment. And through yoga, the human body ten times the amount of oxygen available, so that the cancer cure, "the spokesman told Efe the yogi, S. Tigarawala.
The controversy of yoga and was born of a cancer Ramdev statements last week, which claimed that modern medical science is based on ignorance and that doctors intend to actually keep people perpetually sick.
"We believe that such claims can harm society. Do not call cheating in this way. Ramdev is doing a good job with yoga, but has to be responsible and know that many of his followers believe his words blindly ", told EFE today the president of the IMA, Ashok Adhaoo.
Although Ramdev then defended himself saying that conventional medicine recommended for cases of large tumors, arterial blockages, malaria or tuberculosis, his statements have antagonized the medical profession.
"We have asked you to stop making false statements or otherwise, have problems," Adhaoo threatened, he had no objection, on the other hand, to recognize the benefits of yoga as a means of improving the quality of life.
"I agree, 'said the yogi-in that there is no alternative to modern medical science for acute situations or accidents. What I do is point out that, like any other system, also has its limitations. "
Taking advantage of these limitations, Ramdev spends his life going to yoga camps where hundreds of people raise their legs to the beat on the carpet while the "swami" tells the benefits of medical treatments, from herbs to urine cow.
The success of the yogi is based on the fusion of the ancient tradition of yoga with the superstitions present in much of India, where many still flock to holy men, cross themselves with futurology or believe in the magical properties of gems.
Ramdev accompanies the mix with the tribune of his TV show, where the bearded "swami" waves his stomach at full speed and jokingly claims he owes it all to yoga, under the gaze of millions of Indians who punctuate their breathing early-morning the "pranayama."
Supporters and critics of the yogi therapies now have to wait three years to know the true place of his master, although the Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, has not waited so long and has qualified in the past of "junk" positions of Ramdev in cancer.
"What to cure cancer we do not believe, concluded Dr. Adhaoo-So will have to prove it. We proposed to apply a remedy Ramdev their patients, allowing clinical trials of their methods and give us a report within three years. "
And it is Ramdev

India will run out of his bullfighting

New Delhi, 12 Jan 2008. - The inhabitants of the southern Indian city of Madurai, the only bullfighting stronghold of the country, will be left without their traditional shows of bulls by Indian Supreme Court order that the practice today described as "barbaric" and "unconstitutional."
"We will not lift the ban on the show," the judge today sentenced KG Balakrishnan, heading a panel of judges of the Supreme Court of India.
The "runs" Indian, called "Jallikattu" are really a "hunting" and domination of the bull that is celebrated on the fourth day of the Pongal festival southern, just before the harvest: the fans let loose a wild bull and dozens of people trying to catch and tame progressively.
This year, fans of Madurai and surrounding areas in the region of Tamil Nadu, looked forward to the Supreme Court order on the party, to be held on 17 January.
And the Supreme Court was clear: to the dismay of the villagers, there will be "Jallikattu" this year because it is a practice "barbaric" contrary to the Constitution of India, where the rights of the cows are among the guiding principles.
The "bull fighter" in 2007 which claimed the life of one person and injuring another 65, also has opposition from environmental groups and the Animal Welfare Committee of India (AWBI, an acronym in English) , a unique government agency that took the case to court.
"The glorious news is a decision for all animal lovers in India," he told Efe by telephone the secretary of the organization, Rajesh Sekar.
Madurai area, however, many have received the ban though, because they claim that the "Jallikattu" is older than Hispanics bullfights, they say that hunting-III century and, above all, to celebrate is critical to good harvests, according to their beliefs.
"If you do not celebrate the 'Jallikattu', these people will tough times: diseases and stuff," said an angry villager, mustachioed television channel NDTV India.
"Our purpose is not to go against tradition, but against cruelty countered Sekar. Ten types jumping on the bull ... That's not a sport. "
Although Indians bulls die in the "party", Sekar said that attendees will throw pepper in the eyes, drunk with liquor and cut off the horns, while, injecting beef and bravery to lessen the danger involved have "angry".
After releasing the bull, dozens of "brave" unarmed rush to capture, in search of a prize tied between the horns, while the public commitment to one or another competitor and celebrates Pongal little heed to the sacred status for Hindus have cattle.
"As used to be wounded winner declare the person able to take the bull by the horns for 100 meters," said P. Raghupathy, the village mayor sorry Alanganallarur, one of the centers of the party.
Although over time the "Jallikattu" has become a celebration of rural fraternity actually started as a romantic ceremony in which a young marriageable suitors should be done with the bull's horns to get your hand.
Insensitive to "love", the Animal Welfare Committee in 2004 had denounced the suffering of the bull to the High Court of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, which began a long tug of war between the followers of the party and the defenders animal that has ended in the Supreme.
In the end, the people of Madurai will not see the exploits of his hunters, although Indians still can taurófilos console with "reklas", a popular racing bullock carts that have actually passed the test the Supreme.
Either that or be preparing a visit to the summer holidays some Spanish people.
"I can not speak Spanish bull, because I've never seen one," throwing a cloak was inhibited environmentalist Sekar.

India's Tata presents "Nano", the world's cheapest car

New Delhi, 10 Jan 2008. - The Indian company Tata today unveiled the world's cheapest car, which, at a cost of only 100,000 rupees ($ 2,500), aims to revolutionize the commercial sector in emerging markets.
Dubbed "Nano", the "people's car" Indian is a four-door with 30 horsepower and a consumption of 5 liters per hundred kilometers, which raises and comparisons with historical utility, as the Volkswagen "Beetle" and will be marketed within months.
"This car is designed to give the masses a means of transport. This country has 1,000 million people and most do not have portability. We had to give the middle, "he said during the presentation, the company chairman Ratan Tata.
The businessman emerged from a dark area on stage at the Ninth Auto Show New Delhi, where, accompanied by three "Nano"-one red, one silver and one yellow-stated that his development was not easy because the increased project costs with time.
"But a promise is a promise," he said, referring to the 100,000 rupees (or 1 lakh, as they say in India) will cost "Nano", apart from transport costs and taxes.
The "Nano", which will have air conditioning in its 'deluxe', is 8 percent smaller but has 21 percent more interior space than its nearest competitor in India, the Maruti 800, priced at 1.9 lakh.
But competition has not waited for today's presentation to make a move: just two days ago, the company Bajaj Auto filed its response to the model of Tata, a small, low utility consumption, however, cost more than the "Nano ".
"My skepticism about the Tata car is not whether Tata will be able to do, but if he can do it for that price. It is fair to say that a lakh is the factory price. Yet I have heard that will be profitable, "said then the company president, Rajiv Bajaj.
Today, Ratan Tata picked up the glove, unveiled the "Nano" will be profitable in all its versions and asked to talk to competitors in the market, where "the best wins."
The small utility-known until now as "one lakh car" - is named after its "tail" and "high tech" as Tata, who noted that meets all safety standards and complies with Euro emission to ecological IV.
"We have met the required emission standards, with the costs that this entails. No es posible tener todo en un coche de 100.000 rupias. Tomadlo como es: sirve para transportar de un modo seguro y cumple con las normas”, dijo Tata en la posterior rueda de prensa.
Tata recordó, ante no menos de doscientos periodistas, que el apelativo “one lakh car” procede sólo de la prensa, pero que su compañía decidió mantener el coste del coche en 100.000 rupias como un “desafío”.
Después de tres años, Tata quiere introducir el “Nano” en los mercados de América Latina, África y el sureste asiático, pero inicialmente se concentrará en la India, donde cientos de millones de personas podrán ahora, al menos, pensarse el adquirir un automóvil.
“No es un coche pensado para la ciudad o el campo. El 'Nano' estará disponible para todos. Mi esperanza es que cambie la forma de transporte sobre todo en las zonas rurales, que no están bien conectadas”, aseguró Tata, acompañado por la plana mayor del grupo.
El empresario abandonó escenario y salón de prensa junto a sus guardaespaldas, mientras los tres primeros “Nano” fueron objeto de una lluvia de cámaras, “flashes” y curiosos dispuestos a jugar, sin escatimar empujones, a pioneros del coche más esperado en la India.
“Es muy espacioso”, “se va a vender como panecillos calientes” , se escuchaba entre la multitud, ansiosa hasta por tocar el coche, mientras una pequeña delegación de críticos de Tata intentaba “boicotear” el evento y en la planta de Singur (este) se procedía a la quema de una réplica del “Nano”.
El “Nano”, el coche de Bajaj o los Maruti quieren dar cuerpo a un naciente “sueño indio”, en una sociedad que ha compatibilizado en los últimos años un mayor poder adquisitivo con la existencia de cientos de millones de personas que continúan sin acceso a las cuatro ruedas.
El propio Tata recordó hoy que su idea de hacer un coche de 100.000 rupias proviene de una típica imagen en las atestadas carreteras indias: la familia al completo viajando en precario equilibrio en un ciclomotor.
“Hemos cumplido con todo -concluyó el empresario-. Si al consumidor no le gusta un coche, no lo comprará ni por un lakh ni por 1,5 lakhs. Así que dejemos ahora que ellos decidan”.

India needs half a billion dollars to their shattered infrastructure

Nueva Delhi, 8 ene 2008.- Con vistas a solucionar su faraónico déficit de infraestructuras, la India ha asumido que necesita una inversión gigantesca: 100.000 millones de dólares anuales en el próximo quinquenio, el 9 por ciento de su Producto Interior Bruto.
El Gobierno no sólo ha reconocido en numerosas ocasiones la existencia de un cuello de botella en el sector, que lastra su crecimiento, sino que recientemente decidió convocar una reunión del Comité de Infraestructuras para meter prisa a los encargados de los próximos proyectos.
En su voluntad está la idea de lograr que la India crezca por encima del 10 por ciento anual al final del undécimo Plan Quinquenal, entre los años 2007 y 2012.
“El Gabinete ha aprobado recientemente el proyecto quinquenal, que busca un incremento en el gasto de infraestructuras desde un 5 por ciento actual hasta el 9 por ciento”, declaró hace poco el vicepresidente de la Comisión Planificadora, Montek Singh.
Singh, una de las voces que reclama con más insistencia una mayor atención para el sector, ha calculado en 500.000 millones de dólares las “masivas” necesidades de inversión indias en el próximo quinquenio.
Hasta ahora, las limitaciones en materia de infraestructuras han constreñido las metas de la India: las malas condiciones de las carreteras han hecho, por ejemplo, que el 70 por ciento de las mercancías por tráfico rodado utilicen sólo el 3 por ciento de las vías.
Ese mal estado viario y de las comunicaciones no sólo supone un aumento de los costes logísticos (un 13 por ciento del total), sino que deja sin alternativa a cientos de miles de campesinos, que quedan abocados a la subsistencia porque si quisieran colocar sus productos agrícolas en el mercado, estos llegarían podridos.
En la ciudad, los grandes aeropuertos indios viven en una congestión casi permanente, mientras el tráfico aumenta año a año y hay acuerdo unánime sobre la necesidad de construir nuevas terminales y ampliar las existentes.
La insuficiencia de los aeropuertos es extensible a la del transporte fluvial y marítimo: como media, lleva más de 80 horas cargar y descargar un barco en los mayores puertos indios, diez veces más que en Hong Kong.
Y, en materia de energía, la India vive abonada a los constantes cortes de electricidad, que ponen de manifiesto las deficiencias del suministro y la necesidad de invertir entre 120.000 y 150.000 millones de dólares en el próximo quinquenio, según un estudio de la Confederación Industrial de la India (CII).
En una reciente encuesta, el 90 por ciento de los empresarios del norte de la India dijeron recurrir a generadores propios para hacer frente a los cortes, y 75 de cada 100 aseguraron que su “mayor problema” son las malas infraestructuras del sector.
Con este panorama, la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económico (OCDE) ha recomendado a la India un aumento de la inversión pública y la eficacia, así como una reducción de las subvenciones, con el ejemplo del sector de las telecomunicaciones, liberalizadas en el año 1997 con “resultados ejemplares”.
Ese sector, con su organización transparente y la gestión por un organismo regulador, es también el modelo que cita el reformista primer ministro, Manmohan Singh, partidario de las asociaciones entre los sectores público y privado para financiar los proyectos.
Con el objetivo soñado de crecer al ritmo del 10 por ciento, la India se mira en el ejemplo de China, un país cuya economía avanza en dos dígitos, eso sí, gastando siete veces más en materia de infraestructuras.
Pero no sólo China está por delante de la India: en su contexto, más regional, del sur de Asia, el elefante asiático concentra un 80 por ciento de las necesidades de inversión, datos de un informe del Banco Mundial que ponen de manifiesto que otros países han hecho mejor los deberes.
Ahora, dispuesto a afrontar el problema, el Gobierno indio quiere tirar incluso de su reserva de divisas (unos 260.000 millones de dólares) con tal de acelerar un crecimiento hoy en día sustentado en el potencial creciente de su mercado y las reformas de la década de 1990.
“No será por falta de recursos”, dice optimista el planificador Montek Singh.

Gobierno aprueba nuevo plan quinquenal con inversiones de 910.000 millones $

Nueva Delhi, 20 dic 2007.- Con vistas a acelerar el crecimiento y extender sus beneficios a toda la población, la India ha aprobado su undécimo plan quinquenal, que recoge inversiones por un valor de 910.000 millones de dólares hasta el año 2012.
“Estoy contento de que el Consejo Nacional haya dado su visto bueno al Plan Quinquenal”, declaró el vicepresidente de la Comisión de Planificación, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, tras las deliberaciones, lideradas por el primer ministro, Manmohan Singh.
Con el título “Hacia un crecimiento más rápido e incluyente”, el plan quinquenal tiene como mastodónticos objetivos reducir 10 puntos porcentuales la tasa de pobreza, generar 70 millones de empleos y situar el índice de desempleo a un nivel por debajo del 5 por ciento.
El nuevo plan quinquenal, una figura económica que data de los tiempos en que la India se inspiraba de las políticas soviéticas, recoge las prioridades del país entre este año fiscal y el 2012.
El plan recoge 27 objetivos nacionales, entre ellos el fortalecimiento de los ingresos, la reducción de la pobreza y la mortalidad infantil y maternal, y la mejora de la educación y la alfabetización de la población.
Lo que de verdad ha levantado pasiones, sin embargo, es el anuncio del primer ministro Singh de que la India, al final del quinquenio, podría crecer por primera vez a un ritmo superior al 10 por ciento.
Durante el plan quinquenal ya terminado, la economía india creció a una media anual del 7,5 por ciento, y superó de hecho el 9 por ciento los dos últimos años, una tasa apreciable aunque por detrás de su gran vecino, la China.
El nuevo conjunto de normas establece un período inicial de cuatro años en los que la India se propone mantener ese crecimiento del 9 por ciento, y un último año en el que el país debería dar ese simbólico salto adelante hasta los dos dígitos.
A esa posibilidad hizo referencia Singh durante su discurso inaugural del Consejo Nacional, citando como líneas maestras una dedicación extra y un conjunto adecuado de políticas.
“Nuestra economía ha mostrado elasticidad al adaptarse a los desafíos de la globalización. En las últimas dos décadas, nuestra industria -grande y pequeña- se ha reestructurado y se ha hecho globalmente competitiva”, dijo.
“Es posible que con un conjunto adecuado de políticas y un esfuerzo de todos los Gobiernos regionales y central, no sólo mantengamos este momento de alto crecimiento, sino que logremos llevarlo a un 10 por ciento”, añadió el primer ministro.
Aprovechando la cita, Singh pidió también la formación de grupos de trabajo en otras áreas, como educación, agricultura y aceleración de permisos para proyectos industriales y de infraestructuras.
Con esta petición, Singh trazó algunos de los problemas crónicos de la economía india: el escaso crecimiento agrícola, las resistencias a la industrialización de parte de la población, la ausencia de infraestructuras adecuadas o las carencias educativas.
En 2007, la agricultura creció apenas un 2,7 por ciento, lo que ha llevado al Gobierno a dar prioridad presupuestaria al sector y situar ese aumento en el 4 por ciento.
En materia de infraestructuras, tanto Singh como el presidente de la Comisión Planificadora, han reconocido que la India necesita inversiones por valor de más de 450.000 millones de dólares en los próximos cinco años.
Respecto a la educación, la India hace frente a un grave problema de absentismo del profesorado, así como al analfabetismo de un tercio de la población, que repercute en la ausencia de suficientes trabajadores cualificados.
Y, además, la India está sufriendo resistencias a la industrialización y la reconversión hacia una economía de servicios, como lo demuestra el rechazo a las zonas económicas especiales y al establecimiento de supermercados en algunas regiones.
A la aprobación del nuevo plan asistieron los jefes de los gobiernos regionales indios y los ministros del Gobierno central, que discutieron algunos de los puntos antes de dar su aprobación al plan.

Clos anuncia “una ofensiva en todos los frentes” para entrar en mercado indio

Nueva Delhi, 13 dic 2007.- El ministro español de Industria y Comercio, Joan Clos, aseguró hoy a Efe que España ha puesto en marcha “una ofensiva en todos los frentes” para incrementar su presencia en la India, donde se encuentra en visita oficial.
Clos llegó este miércoles a Bombay (oeste) para supervisar la apertura en el corazón financiero del país de un consulado, una oficina comercial española y otra dedicada al turismo para apuntalar la todavía escasa presencia de España en la India.
Aunque durante su visita no está previsto cerrar inversiones concretas, el ministro tiene la mirada puesta en el sector de las infraestructuras, uno de los que tiene mayor potencial.
“Sólo en el área metropolitana de Bombay viven 28 millones de personas que necesitan un espectacular desarrollo de infraestructuras. En cinco años, las autoridades quieren invertir 30.000 millones de dólares”, dijo Clos en entrevista telefónica.
El titular de Comercio considera que las empresas españolas cuentan con experiencia y buenas posibilidades para hacerse con contratos en el sector, fundamentado en la construcción de carreteras, metro y ferrocarril.
La India tiene unas necesidades en infraestructuras estimadas por el Gobierno en 450.000 millones de dólares para los próximos cinco años, y existen algunas empresas españolas, como Abengoa o Dragados, que han comenzado a situarse en el país.
Según Clos, las prioridades fijadas por el Gobierno español en la India son la energía (sobre todo renovable), la gestión de servicios urbanos, los transportes e infraestructuras y, en cuarto lugar, la gestión de la cadena alimentaria.
El ministro incidió en que la India es uno de los diez países que España incluye en sus planes de desarrollo integrado de las exportaciones, y destacó la existencia de un equipo español especializado en el país.
“El problema español es que hay que incrementar nuestra presencia en el país, porque es relativamente baja. Estamos apoyando esa presencia, que en sectores específicos hay que extender”, aseguró Clos.
Respecto al país asiático, España tiene un flujo comercial más bien magro: importa bienes y servicios por un valor de 1.800 millones de euros y exporta sólo unos 550 millones, aunque en 2006 esta última cantidad aumentó un 40 por ciento.
Además, España debe trabajar para atraer turistas indios -actualmente unos 50.000 al año-, que son renuentes al turismo de sol y playa pero sí están interesados en la cultura hispana y las pujantes áreas urbanas como Madrid y Barcelona.
“Tenemos que ponernos a la altura de nuestro peso económico en el mundo en lo referido al mercado indio. Esto requiere un esfuerzo importante y todo debe apuntar en la misma dirección: desde conseguir vuelos directos hasta impulsar las relaciones culturales, comerciales y de inversión”, dijo el ministro.
Clos se entrevistó este miércoles con representantes de la aerolínea india Jet para explorar la posibilidad de que haya vuelos directos entre España y la India, aunque la compañía asiática ha elegido finalmente Bruselas como centro de operaciones en Europa.
El ministro se reunirá con representantes de Tata Motors (“las relaciones están muy bien”) antes de visitar el puerto de Bombay, donde la española Dragados se ha hecho con un proyecto de expansión con un valor inversor de unos 250 millones de dólares, según datos de la Oficina Comercial española.
Según el titular de Comercio, en estos momentos hay ya unas 80 empresas españolas que están desarrollando grandes proyectos en la India, pero su Ministerio se esfuerza ahora por motivar a las compañías españolas a invertir más en el gigante asiático.
La India, donde las empresas españolas invirtieron sólo 55 millones de euros en 2006, está a una gran distancia de China como destino inversor, pero está “más cercana de España culturalmente”.
“La inversión es menor que en China porque hay menos tradición. Además, el sistema administrativo democrático tiene procesos de consulta más extensos. La India exige un conocimiento específico de su realidad, pero la estabilidad y la seguridad de las inversiones son muy altas”, agregó el ministro.
Clos abandonará el país de madrugada, tras participar en un encuentro empresarial indo-hispánico organizado en Bombay por el Instituto Español de Comercio Exterior en cooperación con la Federación de Cámaras Indias de Industria y Comercio.

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