On Monday, India delivered two Dornier-228 aircraft to Guyana as part of a Line of Credit Agreement, marking a new phase in their partnership. The Indian Air Force team facilitated the delivery, initiated by diplomatic efforts led by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and High Commissioner Dr KJ Srinivasa. This demonstrates India's commitment to enhancing Guyana's defence capabilities, with President Ali's visit to HAL in 2023 being a starting point. Guyana's government, represented by Dr Ashni K Singh, expressed gratitude for India's support and emphasised the importance of advanced t
According to Japanese media outlets, the United States government is arranging a significant summit set to take place in July. The summit is likely to occur on the sidelines of a NATO gathering in Washington and will feature President Joe Biden alongside his counterparts from Japan and South Korea. As per a report, the anticipated discussions during this summit are expected to encompass a wide array of pressing issues, ranging from fortifying deterrence measures against China to addressing North Korea's persistent nuclear threat. Additionally, concerns regarding North Korea's increasingly
On Monday, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) appointed Judith Suminwa Tuluka as the country's first female prime minister, marking a historic moment in Congolese politics. President Tshisekedi made a promise during his campaign, and the announcement represents a significant advancement in gender equality under the country's leadership. Former planning minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka steps into her new role at a crucial time for the nation, particularly in the conflict-ridden eastern region. Rich in minerals and resources, this region has been plagued b
India has continued its steadfast support of the bilateral development partnership by providing the second tranche of five billion Indian rupees (INR) or Ngultrum (Nu) to Bhutan for the GyalSung Project. India’s Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela presented the amount to Bhutan's Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Lyonpo DN Dhungyel, on March 26, 2024. The King of Bhutan has endorsed the GyalSung Project, which aims to empower Bhutanese youth through thorough skill development and encourage active participation in the country's development. This second instalment brings India's to
Indian EAM S. Jaishankar met with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad bin Haji Hasan in Kuala Lumpur as part of his tour across Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The discussions aimed to bolster collaboration across political, economic, defence, and people-to-people connections between the two nations. They also delved into regional and international concerns of mutual interest. Jaishankar expressed satisfaction with the talks, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of Malaysia-India relations and the importance of enhancing cooperation in various sectors such as politics, economics, d
On Tuesday, Brazil and France initiated a joint investment programme aimed at safeguarding the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and Guyana, committing 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) from public and private sources over four years. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the initiative during his visit to Brazil, where he met with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Belem. In a joint statement, both leaders pledged to collaborate in protecting tropical forests, aiming to halt Amazon deforestation by 2030 to mitigate global warming. This commitment precedes Brazil's hosting o
On Tuesday, the Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar, a specialised Pollution Control Vessel stationed in Manila Bay, Philippines, participated in a bilateral maritime cooperation initiative. The vessel is equipped with advanced marine pollution control gear and a Chetak Helicopter. This deployment will be from March 25 to April 12 and will address marine pollution concerns and enhance cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). This step marks the third consecutive mission to ASEAN countries. Earlier, it visited Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia in 2023.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praises the significant growth in defence cooperation with the Philippines, reaffirming the US commitment to protect the Philippines against aggression in the South China Sea. Blinken's visit to Manila highlights US support for regional allies. Amidst China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, Blinken's visit aims to reinforce solidarity with the Philippines, particularly following recent incidents involving Philippine and Chinese vessels. Blinken emphasises the security and economic interests of the Philippines, stressing the region's strategi
On Monday, Mexico's top presidential contender, Claudia Sheinbaum, pledged continued support for state-owned Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) while advocating for renewable energy. In contrast to the perspective of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Sheinbaum is committed to strengthening Mexico's renewable energy capabilities. Additionally, she plans to maintain Pemex's daily crude production at approximately 1.8 million barrels, meeting additional demand for renewable energy. She confirms that Pemex and the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) will continue to operate as public entitie
On Tuesday, Hong Kong's legislature passed a new national security law, known as Article 23, unanimously within two weeks of its proposal. This legislation targets offences like treason, sabotage, and espionage, imposing sentences ranging from years to life imprisonment. The leader of Hong Kong has hailed the law as a historic moment, and it is soon to go into effect. Despite concerns about potential consequences, including sanctions and international criticism, lawmakers expressed their determination to prioritise national security. After a brief period of public consultation, the pro-Bei