Cabinet okays Air Services Agreement with Maldives

New Delhi, Sep 18 (UNI) The Union Cabinet today gave the go-ahead for signing of an Air Services Agreement between India and the Maldives.

"The revised agreement signifies an important landmark in the civil aviation relations between the two countries and has the potential to spur greater bilateral trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange," Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters after the meeting.

The Cabinet, which met here this morning, also approved signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and Bahrain on labour and manpower development which will benefit the Indian emigrant workers, especially the unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled workers and housemaids, he said.

In another decision, the Cabinet cleared signing of a social security agreement between India and France. The Social Security Agreement provides Indian nationals working in France the following benefits -- "of avoidance of double social security contribution by the detached Indian workers in France, portability of social security benefits on relocation as also totalisation of period of contribution in the second contracting state for determining the eligibility for social security benefits," the minister added.

Further, approval has been given for signing of the agreement between India and Latvia for Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income The agreement will stimulate the flow of capital, technology and personnel from India to Latvia and vice-versa. It will provide tax stability and reduce any obstacles in providing mutual cooperation.

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