Category: Politics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom today, reaffirming the strong ties between India and the UK. Both leaders committed to enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

Strengthening Historic Relations

The discussion highlighted the historic relations between India and the UK. They also exchanged views on the Commonwealth of Nations and deliberated on outcomes from the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.

Focus on Climate Action and Sustainability

Climate action and sustainability featured prominently in their talks. Prime Minister Modi praised King Charles III’s longstanding advocacy for environmental issues. He briefed the King on India’s ambitious climate initiatives, including renewable energy targets and emission reduction goals.

Festive Greetings and Well Wishes

The leaders exchanged greetings ahead of Christmas and the New Year. Prime Minister Modi conveyed his best wishes to King Charles III for his health and well-being, further strengthening the personal rapport between the two leaders.

India and the United States are strengthening their collaboration in space, focusing on innovation, exploration, and commercial partnerships.

Both nations are exploring a new “space innovation bridge” to foster partnerships between US and Indian startups. This initiative will advance space situational awareness, satellite technology, and space launch capabilities.

Advancing Space Collaboration

Officials from both countries have outlined next steps in their space partnership. Key areas include human spaceflight, joint space exploration, and facilitating commercial ties between space companies. These efforts aim to promote shared interests in the expanding space economy.

Key Meeting in Houston

A meeting on December 17 in Houston brought together US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, and Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra. Discussions highlighted actionable steps for collaboration.

Commitment to New Frontiers

The partnership builds on the June 2023 pledge by President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to explore new frontiers in space cooperation. India’s signing of the Artemis Accords marked a pivotal moment, driving joint efforts across civil, security, and commercial space sectors.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Donald Marles highlighted Saudi Arabia as a key partner for Australia. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia is Australia’s second-largest trading partner in the Middle East.

In a statement on Thursday, Marles said his visit to Saudi Arabia aims to boost cooperation within the G20 and other multilateral institutions. He also reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to a rules-based global order.

Marles called Saudi Arabia a pivotal partner in tackling shared global challenges. He stressed the importance of deepening economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations.

“This visit is an opportunity to explore new areas of collaboration and strengthen our relationship with Saudi Arabia,” Marles stated.

He noted that enhanced cooperation could open doors for more trade, investment, and strategic partnerships. His visit reflects Australia’s growing focus on fostering stronger ties with Middle Eastern nations.

Marles’ agenda includes high-level meetings with Saudi officials to discuss shared priorities and explore future opportunities. He aims to strengthen bilateral ties, boost economic growth, and support global stability.

The visit underscores Australia’s effort to reinforce its presence and partnerships within the Middle East region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kuwait on December 21-22 to boost bilateral ties and energy cooperation. This marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Kuwait in 43 years.

Modi’s visit is at the invitation of the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He will hold talks with Kuwait’s leadership and engage with the Indian community, according to the external affairs ministry.

“The visit will further strengthen the multifaceted ties between India and Kuwait,” said the ministry.

The last visit by an Indian prime minister to Kuwait was by Indira Gandhi in 1981. Former vice president Hamid Ansari visited in 2009, while Kuwait’s prime minister visited India in 2013. Modi also met Kuwait’s crown prince at the UN General Assembly in September.

India and Kuwait share close ties based on history, economy, and strong people-to-people connections. India is one of Kuwait’s top trading partners. Bilateral trade reached $10.47 billion in 2023-24. Indian exports grew from $1.56 billion in 2022-23 to $2.1 billion in 2023-24, marking a 34.7% year-on-year increase.

Vietnam aims to expand its international defense cooperation to build trust and prevent wars, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday. He made the statement while opening Vietnam’s second international arms fair.

“This expo sends a message of peace, cooperation, and development,” Chinh said. The fair, held at Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi, runs until Sunday. It features nearly 250 exhibitors from countries like the U.S., China, Russia, Britain, Iran, and Israel.

Chinh reiterated Vietnam’s “four no” policy. The country will not join military alliances, align against another nation, allow foreign military bases, or use force in international relations.

On the expo’s sidelines, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper highlighted opportunities for U.S. defense firms. “We aim to have our defense companies collaborate with Vietnam on joint production and technology transfers,” he said. Senior U.S. defense and military officials supported this message.

The expo offers a platform for Vietnam to strengthen ties with global defense partners. It reflects Vietnam’s focus on self-reliance and peaceful international engagement. The event also highlights potential U.S.-Vietnam cooperation in defense production and technological advancements.

India will supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Sri Lankan power plants, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday. The announcement came during a joint press briefing with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is on a three-day visit to India from December 15-17.  

This is President Dissanayake’s first visit to India since taking office in September. Talks focused on economic cooperation, defence collaboration, and energy connectivity, aiming to strengthen regional stability and development.  

Under the LNG supply plan, India’s state-run Petronet LNG will supply LNG to Colombo-based LTL Holdings for five years through the Kochi terminal. Both countries also agreed to link their power grids and build a multi-product petroleum pipeline to boost energy security.  

In addition to LNG, India and Sri Lanka will jointly develop offshore wind power in the Palk Straits. This move aligns with Adani Green Energy Ltd’s $442 million investment in two wind power stations in the region. The series of initiatives aims to deepen bilateral ties and support Sri Lanka’s energy and economic development.

Thaksin Shinawatra Appointed as Adviser to Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim for ASEAN Role

Kuala Lumpur – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has appointed former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as his personal adviser. Thaksin will support Anwar during his leadership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year.  

Anwar announced the appointment on Monday during Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s visit to Malaysia. Paetongtarn is Thaksin’s youngest daughter and the fourth member of his family to hold Thailand’s top political post.  

Thaksin’s role will be informal, alongside advisers from other ASEAN member states. “Thank you for agreeing to this,” Anwar said, calling Thaksin a “statesman” whose experience will benefit ASEAN.  

Thaksin, 75, is a major figure in Thai politics, influencing multiple administrations over the past 20 years. Although he was found guilty of abuse of power and conflicts of interest, he evaded charges for 15 years in self-imposed exile.  

In August 2023, Thaksin returned to Thailand and was jailed for eight years. However, his sentence was reduced to one year by the Thai king. Despite his legal troubles, Thaksin’s political influence remains strong.

France’s new Prime Minister, Francois Bayrou, will meet with parliamentary group leaders on Monday and Tuesday, starting with Marine Le Pen from the far-right Rassemblement National. Bayrou shared this plan during an interview with La Tribune Dimanche.

Appointed on Friday, Bayrou is the fourth person to serve as French Prime Minister this year. His primary task is to navigate the 2025 budget through a divided parliament — a challenge that led to the downfall of his predecessor, Michel Barnier. Barnier’s three-month term was the shortest in modern French history.

Bayrou will meet party leaders in order of their parliamentary strength. Le Pen’s Rassemblement National holds the most seats after President Emmanuel Macron’s snap election in June, though it failed to secure a majority. The largest bloc, however, is the leftist alliance known as the New Popular Front.

“My first job is to be a builder and, failing that, a repairman,” Bayrou told the newspaper. Barnier had aimed to reduce France’s deficit, projected to hit 6% of GDP this year, by increasing taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals. However, he failed to secure parliamentary support. Le Pen criticized him for not addressing her party’s concerns.

The UK officially became the 12th member of the trans-Pacific trade pact (CPTPP) yesterday, joining countries like Japan, Australia, and Canada. This move aims to strengthen the UK’s trade ties in the Asia-Pacific region and boost global trade connections after Brexit.

Last year, the UK announced its decision to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), marking its biggest trade deal since leaving the EU.

With this accession, the UK can now apply CPTPP trade rules and lower tariffs with eight of the 11 current members – Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. The deal with Australia will take effect next Tuesday, while agreements with Canada and Mexico will begin 60 days after they ratify it.

For the first time, the UK will have free-trade deals with Malaysia and Brunei. While it already had deals with the other members, CPTPP offers more flexible “rules of origin” provisions.

Unlike the EU, CPTPP does not require regulatory harmonization. The UK expects the deal to boost its economy by £2 billion (US$2.5 billion) annually in the long term – a small but notable 0.1% of GDP.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Devin Nunes, CEO of his social media platform, as chairman of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board. Trump also announced that his former intelligence chief, Richard Grenell, will take on the role of “Presidential Envoy for Special Missions,” focusing on hotspots like Venezuela and North Korea.

“Ric will work in some of the hottest spots around the World, including Venezuela and North Korea,” Trump stated on his Truth Social platform. “Ric will continue to fight for Peace through Strength, and always put AMERICA FIRST.” Trump did not mention any other countries, such as Iran, in his announcement.

Grenell, who previously served as acting director of national intelligence during Trump’s 2017-2021 term, also held roles as U.S. ambassador to Germany and a special envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace talks.

Devin Nunes, a former U.S. lawmaker and current CEO of Trump’s Truth Social platform, will now chair the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board. The board provides independent evaluations of intelligence agencies’ performance and planning. Nunes, known as a staunch Trump ally, previously chaired the U.S. House Intelligence Committee during part of Trump’s first term. Despite his new position, he will continue to serve as CEO of Trump Media & Technology Group, Trump confirmed in a separate Truth Social post.