Former Additional Solicitor General of India,
Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha),
Union Minister for Law & Justice
Envoy of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Japan
The function was attended by many eminent persons including Smt. Meira Kumar, Dr. Karan
Singh, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Mr. Sitaram Yechury, Mr. D. Raja , Sh. B.S.Hooda, Mr. K.C.Tyagi,
Mr. Anand Sharma, Former Chief Justices of India Justice A.H.Ahmadi, Justice
K.G.Balakrishnan , Justice T.S.Thakur, veteran journalist Sh. Kuldip Nayar, Harish Khare ,
Vikram Chandra in addition to captains of industry.
Read More....
2017 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals
April 29, 2017
Dear Sir/Madam
The Government of Japan has announced the foreign recipients of the 2017 Spring Imperial
Decorations. Dr. Ashwani Kumar, former Union Minister for Law and Justice, has been selected
from India for decoration with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, which is the
highest category of decoration among the Orders of the Rising Sun. The Decoration is
conferred in recognition of distinguished accomplishments of individuals. Mr. Ratan N. Tata
was one of the other Indian recipients of the Decoration in the past.
Dr. Ashwani Kumar served as the Special Envoy of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Japan on
the occasion of the visit of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to India in
December 2013, and significantly contributed to the success of the visit. He was the
Accompanying Minister to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when he visited India in 2007, and was
Chairman of FICCI India-Japan Forum of Parliamentarians established during the visit of the
former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, to India in 2005. Dr. Kumar has also been
contributing to the promotion of Japan-India relations in the field of Science and
Technology, as Council member of the STS Forum.
The Presentation Ceremony for the Investiture of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising
Sun will be held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on 9th May 2017, when the foreign
recipients will be given an audience with His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. Dr. Ashwani
Kumar, Former Minister for Law and Justice, will attend the presentation ceremony to receive
the decoration.
Personal History and Accomplishments of Dr. Ashwani Kumar
Decoration Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun
Services Contributed to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between
Japan and India
Dr. Ashwani Kumar majored in law at prominent institutions such as Delhi University,
Jawaharlal Nehru University and Punjab University. He was appointed as a Senior Counsel by
the Supreme Court of India when he was 34, and as an Additional Solicitor General of India
at the age of 37.Dr. Kumar served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2002-2016.
In 2005, Dr. Kumar assumed the Chairmanship of FICCI India-Japan Forum of Parliamentarians,
which was established during the visit of the former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, to
India. The Forum has become the foundation for promoting parliamentarian exchanges between
Japan and India.
Dr. Kumar served as Accompanying Minister to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when the Prime
Minister visited India in 2007, and also served as a Special Envoy of Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh to Japan, when Prime Minister Abe visited India in January 2014.
Dr. Kumar also served as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy on the occasion of the visit of
Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to India in December 2013. Dr. Kumar
greatly contributed to the success of the visit.
Dr. Kumar has been contributing to the promotion of Japan?India relations in the field of
Science and Technology as well, as a Council Member of the STS Forum.
If you have any questions, please e-mail us at the Japan Information Centre, Embassy of
Japan,jpembjic@nd.mofa.go.jp
Yours sincerely,
Mizuho Hayakawa (Ms)
Director-Japan Information Centre
Embassy of Japan in India
Tel: 011-4610-4810; 011-2412-2970~2
Fax: 011-2410-6976
Constitutional institutions are now weakening - Ashwani Kumar
Read More....
About world famous great economist ex PM of INDIA and soniya ji
Read More....
Manmohan Singh's Contribution Cannot Be Described In Few Minutes
Read More....
Government needs to reassess nature of engagement with Pakistan
Read More....
Statement by Dr. Ashwani Kumar on SCPC's Decision to Commemorate Anniversary of Mrs. Indira
Gandhi's Assasin
Read More....
Allegations against Congress ‘deliberately orchestrated’ – Ashwani Kumar
Read More....
Stand off in Parliament not linked to GST bill - Ashwani Kumar, Congress
Read More....
The Economic Times
Protesting against a politics of intimidation – Ashwani Kumar
Read More....
Law & Order situation deteriorating in Punjab – Ashwani Kumar
Read More....
PM must show leadership. Can He? – Ashwani Kumar
Read More....
The Indian Express
Need for a balance between development and environment: Ashwani Kumar
Read More....
Rajiv Gandhi Assassination case: Congress welcomes SC verdict
Read More....
Jaitley’s remarks on Intolerance an ultimate insult to nation’s intelligence –Ashwani Kumar
Read More....
India sitting on an environmental volcano –Ashwani Kumar
Read More....
To save Taj, Rope in international experts – Ashwani Kumar
Read More....
The Indian Express
Sincerity of parties is essential before 'one country one election - Ashwani Kumar
Read More....
Daily Ajit
STATEMENT BY DR. ASHWANI KUMAR ON HATE CRIMES AGAINST SIKHS IN NEW YORK
August 11, 2014
Dr. Ashwani Kumar, RajyaSabha MP representing Punjab, today raised the issue of hate crimes against Sikhs in the Unites States during the Question Hour in RajyaSabha. He said that this was a grave matter and must be addressed in Parliament considering the forthcoming visit of PM Modi to the US.
PRESS RELEASE BY DR. ASHWANI KUMAR ON THE FUNCTIOING OF HOME MINISTRY
August 11, 2014
Dr. Ashwani Kumar MP participated in the debate on the functioning of the
Home Ministry in the RajyaSabha today. He drew attention to the grave and emergent situation
in Punjab relating to addiction of the youth to drugs. Citing the Tehelka report, BBC report
by Mark Dummett and a report in the New York Times, he said that 7 out of 10 youth in Punjab
are addicted to some drug or the other and that within 40 days of the announcement of the
Model Code of Conduct for elections drugs worth Rs. 700 crore were seized. He said that over
14,564 cases had been lodged against youth and others in Punjab under the Narcotics Act.
Citing a report, Dr. Kumar said that the annual drugs trade is to the extent of Rs. 60,000
crore and could be a plot of Pakistan after the 1971 war to smuggle drugs into Punjab with a
view to destroy a whole generation of Punjab’s youth. He said that the issue of drug
addiction should be dealt with on a bipartisan basis and as a matter of national survival.
Dr. Ashwani Kumar said that although the BJP has won the elections, it has secured only 31%
of the vote share and should not consider its electoral victory as a national endorsement of
communal politics. Dr. Kumar said that communal violence is on the rise and that it is no
coincidence that 200 out of 600 incidents of communal violence are reported to have occurred
in the 12 constituencies from which BJP candidates have been elected. He said that India
could be defined by the idea of secularism and SarvaDharma Sambhava i.e. equal respect for
all religions.
Condemning the government for ‘Snoopgate’, Dr. Ashwani Kumar said that this was a matter
linked to the individuals’ fundamental rights to privacy and personal dignity. Snooping of
Ministers also raises the issue of national security and violation of the oath of
confidentiality of Ministers.
He also drew attention to the trial by media which violates the basic structure of the
Constitution as per a judgment by the Constitution Bench of Supreme Court.
Note: Text of Dr. Ashwani Kumar’s full speech can be accessed from www.rajyasabha.nic.in
STATEMENT BY DR. ASHWANI KUMAR ON RURAL DEBT IN PUNJAB
August 6, 2014
The report in The Tribune today pointing out that 98 per cent households in
rural Punjab are under debt is shocking and tragic. The situation calls for an immediate and
credible response from central and state government towards ameliorating the condition of
the farmers in Punjab. Greater financial inclusion to ensure loans and advances to farmers
on softer terms without oppressive technicalities and conditionalities is
critical.
The solution lies in expanding the banking network in villages and reducing the dependence
of farmers on local moneylenders who charge exorbitant and unconscionable interest from
farmers.
The Prime Minister must personally intervene on an urgent basis and devise a comprehensive
plan for - i) financial inclusion through nationalized banks; ii) lending to farmers on
preferential terms through cooperative societies and nationalized banks without oppressive
conditionalities.
The need for a comprehensive agricultural policy which will make agriculture a productive
enterprise is self-evident.
DR. ASHWANI KUMAR’S INTERVENTION DURING THE CALLING ATTENTION DISCUSSION IN RAJYA
SABHA
August 4, 2014
Dr. Ashwani Kumar, (MP) today intervening in the Calling Attention
discussion on Iraq in RajyaSabha called government attention to the urgent need for the
safety and security of Indians stranded in Iraq. In particular he asked the Minister of
External Affairs Ms.SushmaSwaraj to ensure that the 41 Indians including 31 Punjabis
stranded in Mosul in Iraq are brought back to India at the earliest. He told the Minister
that the families of Indians are undergoing great hardship and agony on account of their
family members being caught in the Iraq crisis.
Dr. Kumar also urged the External Affairs Minister to establish contact with all friendly
powers in Iraq and the world. He also called for urgent steps to strengthen India’s
intelligence system and mass evacuation capabilities.
Responding to Dr. Kumar, Ms.SushmaSwaraj said that government has definitive information
that all Punjabis in Iraq are safe and secure. Ms. Swaraj also said that the government was
in touch with all concerned to forge a joint effort for bringing back the Indians safely
from Iraq.
Allotments can’t be cancelled en masse: Dr. Ashwani Kumar
Read More....
The Times of India, September 2012
Important Bills likely to be passed after Presidential Polls: Dr. Ashwani Kumar
Read More....
The Hindu, July 2012
Poverty is not just about eating… We need to revisit and relook the entire gamut of poverty
Read More....
The Telegraph, October 2011
Even now, the PM is not immune to prosecution
Read More....
The Tribune, August, 2011
S&P's India analysis not objective: Dr. Ashwani Kumar
Read More....
Economic Times, June 2012
Delhi keeps Ulfa talks door open
Read More....
The Telegraph, March 2009
Dr. Ashwani Kumar opposes FM’s price cut call
Read More....
Financial Express, November 2008
Former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar speaks
Read More....
parliamentary legislative business and opposition unity, December 2023
Dr Ashwani Kumar after the launch of his book ‘A Democracy Retreat’
Read More....
says Former Law Minister, December 2023
Ashwini Kumar discusses the three new criminal laws
Read More....
says Former Law Minister, 1th July 2024
Ashwani kumar said on implementation of 3 criminal laws
Read More....
says Former Law Minister, 1th August 2024
Politics over new Crimnal Laws
Read More....
says Former Law Minister, 1th July 2024
Judges' Appointments Row #SupremeCourt warns Centre saying 'won't be quiet next time'
Read More....
Ex- Law Minister, @DrAshwani_Kumar to @ila_kazmi in an MRNExclusive
Falling verbal standard of politicians is a threat to society
Read More....
Giving attention to personal interests in politics is unfortunate: Ashwani
Kumar.
Listen to the interesting interview of senior leader and former minister Ashwani Kumar on
the falling standard of politics!
Read More....
senior leader former minister AshwaniKumar JAGBANI
HON’BLE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INDUSTRY SHRI ASHWANI KUMAR VISITS FINLAND
August 10, 2008
Hon’ble Minister of State for Industry ShriAshwani Kumar met Mr. EskoAho,
President of SITRA, the Finnish Innovation Fund and former Prime Minister of Finland. During
the meeting, Hon’ble Minister of State outlined India’s current industrial and economic
developments and complimented Mr. Aho on the successful ‘India Programme’ implemented by
Sitra. The importance of undertaking collaboration in the areas of ICT, paper industry and
energy sector were highlighted. Shri Kumar also welcomed the establishment of the proposed
innovation Centre by Finland in India.
Hon’ble Minister Shri Kumar will be the Chief Guest at the Find-2008 and Second Global
Innovation Summit being held in Oulu, Finland. The Conference will be covering the areas of
mobile systems and services, automotive engineering and metals, life sciences, clean
technologies, e-health etc. A number of leading Indian and Finnish companies are
participating in this important event with a view to developing technological collaboration
and initiating business contacts. The Conference is being organized by CII in collaboration
with Finpro.
Dr. Ashwani Kumar on India setting a bold goal for manufacturing.
Read More....
Financial Times, May 2008
PRESS RELEASE ON DR. ASHWANI KUMAR’S VISIT TO UGANDA
November 20-22, 2007
Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Minister of State for Industry, presently leading a
high-level business delegation from India to the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF), 2007
addressed the plenary in Kampala, Uganda.
Dr. Kumar spoke on the conference theme “Making globalisation work for All”. Making a
forceful plea for ensuring that globalisation benefits the marginalised all over the world,
Dr. Kumar reminded the audience of the enormity of the global challenge in combating poverty
and satisfying the basic needs of the people. He said that India had gained from integration
of its economy with the global economy and said that this has been possible because the
Indian economic reform process had human face to it. He said that India have succeeded in
raising above extreme poverty 1% of its population every year since 1985 and that in the
last over two decades India had raised 431 million Indians above the poverty line. Dr. Kumar
said that the Indian industry had harnessed the competitive advantages of India to face the
challenges of a highly competitive global economy.
He cautioned however against ignoring the many challenges of globalisation and said that
terrorism and pandemics had acquired a global dimension and required a global cooperative
response. Addressing audience comprising of over 500 business leaders representing over 50
member countries of the Commonwealth, Dr. Kumar said that processes of globalisation in the
service of mankind must respect and recognise the value of identity and the dignity of
difference. He said that India supported the establishment of an equitable multilateral
trading regime and called for salvaging the Doha Development Round negotiations. Emphasising
the urgency of action, Dr. Kumar said that the world stands at the gates of an important
epoch and that it was time to take purposive initiatives to establish a just economic global
order in which the marginalised will not be excluded from the benefit of globalisation.
Dr. Kumar is visiting Uganda as leader of the high powered Indian business delegation in
Uganda in conjunction with the 8th CHOGM being attended by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan
Singh. The conference in Uganda has special significance considering that India has fielded
its nominee for election as the next Secretary General of the Commonwealth. The meet is
significant also because the question of further action against Pakistan following the
developments in that country will also be addressed at the 8th CHOGM.
In the margins of the conference, Dr. Kumar today met Mr. Henry Okello, Uganda’s Minister of
State for Foreign Affairs. Dr. Kumar is scheduled to meet other leaders including Mr. Sam
Kuksa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Uganda, and Dr. Ezra Suruma, Minister of Finance,
Uganda.

![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |