Category: Politics

India inked major agreements under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States. The agreements are aimed at creating a clean and fair economy, supporting India’s goal of self-reliance, and strengthening collaboration with other IPEF members.

IPEF, a US-led project begun two years ago, has 14 members, including Australia, Japan, Korea, and the United States. India had already approved the supply chain resilience agreement and has recently signed agreements on a clean economy (Pillar III) and fair economy (Pillar IV).

The Clean Economy Agreement promotes investments, joint projects, and workforce development in sustainable energy, whereas the Fair Economy Agreement seeks to combat corruption, increase tax transparency, and reinforce India’s fight against money laundering and terror funding.

India’s participation in these accords is intended to further integrate its businesses into global value chains and drive innovation. The Union Cabinet approved the deals earlier this month, but they were delayed owing to domestic approval requirements. Concerns exist about the potential reliance on imports for renewable energy technologies, but India intends to protect local businesses during the transition.

The Union Cabinet has approved a report by a committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind on the “One Nation, One Election” notion, which is an essential part of the BJP’s 2024 manifesto. The research describes a legally sound framework for holding simultaneous polls across India, with the goal of streamlining the process and lowering expenses.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the report was widely supported and unanimously approved by the Cabinet. He stated that an implementation group would be formed to carry out the panel’s recommendations and foster talks around the country. He further added, “Many political parties have already expressed support for simultaneous elections, and we will work to build a broader consensus over the next few months.”

Sanjay Jha, working president of the BJP’s ally JD(U), stated that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar supports synchronised elections, with the notion of excluding Panchayat polls from general and state elections.

Vaishnaw further stated that a sizable segment of the Indian public, particularly the youth, reacted enthusiastically to the idea of simultaneous elections. More over 80% of respondents voiced support, bolstering the government’s campaign for the “One Nation, One Election” project.

On Monday, British trade ministers began their first combined travel to the Gulf, to explore a new trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Trade Policy Minister Douglas Alexander are leading conversations with their GCC counterparts.

Trade has been a difficult sector for the UK recently, with Brexit frequently identified as a contributing cause. The administration, founded following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party’s majority victory in July, is eager to obtain trade agreements as part of its overall economic agenda. Along with the Gulf, the UK is pursuing agreements with India, Switzerland, and South Korea to boost economic growth.

“I’m focused on securing a high-quality trade deal that supports jobs, boosts UK companies, and increases consumer choice,” Reynolds said in an interview.

The UK Business and Trade Department predicts a potential free trade agreement with the GCC may boost the economy by £1.6 billion ($2.10 billion) over time. Despite its efforts, Britain has ranked last among the Group of Seven (G7) advanced economies in export growth for goods and services since 2019, even after accounting for its considerable precious metals trade.

On Monday, the British Foreign Office announced the launch of three strategic assessments aimed at increasing the country’s worldwide impact and international position. By the end of the year, the external expert-led reviews should be complete. They are part of the UK’s broader efforts to rebalance its foreign policy in response to changing global dynamics.

These studies will look at major issues crucial for Britain’s future on the global stage. The first priority will be to reinforce Britain’s diplomatic partnerships to better adapt to geopolitical shifts. The second assessment will look at how to improve the nation’s aid and development efforts, ensuring that its contributions are effective.

Finally, the final review will look into how to better align Britain’s foreign policy with its economic and trade goals, maximising gains across all sectors.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, said: “These reviews will help us shape a comprehensive strategy that increases the UK’s global impact, fosters international growth, and ensures that development and diplomacy work together seamlessly.”

Since taking office in July, the Labour government has emphasised long-term peace and security in the Middle East as a top foreign policy goal.

On Tuesday, Turkey will discuss the Israeli war in Gaza and regional relations during the Arab League ministerial meeting in Cairo for the first time in 13 years. While Turkey has condemned Israel’s conduct in Gaza and supported efforts to accuse Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice, its relationship with the Arab League has been strained.

Despite better relations with Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, Ankara remains at odds with other members, most notably Syria. Turkey’s participation in a joint contact group formed by the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) attempts to bring an end to the Gaza conflict. The invitation issued to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan demonstrates increased interest in Turkey’s regional role and the deepening of ties with Arab League countries, according to the source.

To address ongoing regional difficulties, Turkey aspires to strengthen institutional ties and promote collaboration with the Arab League.

Meanwhile, Ankara and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are in talks to finalise a free-trade agreement by the end of the year. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on Islamic nations to form a united front against Israel’s “expansionism.”

Turkey last attended an Arab League conference in 2011, when then-Prime Minister Erdogan addressed the organisation in Cairo.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong visited AEM Holdings Ltd., a renowned semiconductor business, to explore partnerships in the semiconductor and electronics industries. Modi emphasised India’s growing presence in the sector and expressed his commitment to increasing possibilities for young people.

“Semiconductors and technology are critical for India-Singapore cooperation. “I look forward to working with you to grow this industry,” PM Modi said on X. Both leaders were briefed on AEM’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain, and they discussed strategies to increase India-Singapore cooperation in advanced manufacturing.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two prime ministers also met with Indian and Singaporean interns from the CII-Enterprise Singapore India Ready Talent Programme, as well as Indian engineers employed by AEM. Modi emphasised the need to promote human potential and creativity through such initiatives.

The Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association presented its ecosystem, highlighting possible collaborations with India. During the second India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable, both countries decided to strengthen cooperation in semiconductor manufacturing. A Memorandum of Understanding for the India-Singapore Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership was also inked.

Modi encouraged Singaporean firms to join SEMICON India 2024, which will be held in Greater Noida in September, highlighting India’s commitment to the sector.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Singaporean CEOs and other prominent business leaders to explore opportunities to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. He asserted that he believes India’s reforms to boost investment and innovation will strengthen bilateral ties.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Interacted with top business leaders and CEOs in Singapore. We discussed ways to enhance economic linkages, focusing on reforms that will encourage investment and innovation.”

Goh Chok Tong, Singapore’s Emeritus Senior Minister and former prime minister was also a guest of honour during Prime Minister Modi’s visit. They discussed the potential for increased cooperation between India and Singapore in length. To ignite the “India Fever” in Singapore, PM Modi praised Goh’s expertise and acknowledged his value to the country.

The most important result of the visit was the opening of an Invest India Office in Singapore, which will assist investors from Singapore in a variety of industries. The program, according to Jaideep Mazumdar, MEA Secretary East, is well-timed because it gives CEOs a better understanding of the investment climate in India.

In addition, four MOUs were inked, addressing collaboration in the areas of digital technologies, education, healthcare, talent development, and semiconductors.

Thailand received a new cabinet after King Maha Vajiralongkorn confirmed 35 members led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Wednesday. Paetongtarn took office on August 16, following Srettha Thavisin’s removal after a court determined that he broke ethical regulations by choosing a Cabinet member with a criminal record. Paetongtarn is the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in 2006 but remains prominent in politics.

Paetongtarn leads the Pheu Thai Party, which took power after the Senate rejected the Move Forward Party’s prime minister nominee despite having a majority in last year’s election. The new Cabinet includes Deputy Prime Ministers Anutin Charnvirakul, Pichai Chunhavajira, and Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, all of whom were part of Srettha’s ministry.

After the pro-military Palang Pracharath Party left the government, there was discussion about the next cabinet’s composition. The Democrat Party, Pheu Thai’s long-time opponent, has entered the government, with leader Chalermchai Sri-on designated Natural Resources Minister. Thaksin’s ousting in 2006 sparked a protracted political battle between his loyalists and conservative groups.

Srettha’s demise necessitated a thorough screening of Paetongtarn’s selections. Notably, Srettha’s Deputy Interior Minister, who was previously accused of murder, was replaced by his daughter, and Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao, a convicted drug trafficker, also lost his seat.

During his first bilateral visit to Brunei, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that relations between the two countries will be elevated to an “Enhanced Partnership.” At a banquet celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Brunei’s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah invited PM Modi to highlight the strong historical ties between the two countries.

PM Modi emphasised the importance of increasing economic, scientific, and strategic collaboration. He and the Sultan discussed long-term LNG cooperation and agreed to strengthen partnership in the space sector through satellite development and remote sensing. They also announced the start of direct flights between the two countries to increase connectivity.

PM Modi also discussed future cooperation in agriculture, industry, pharmaceuticals, technology, and cybersecurity. Training and capacity building will be the primary emphasis of partnership in the defence sector. The Prime Minister commended Brunei’s “Vision 2035” growth strategy and recognised the Indian community’s substantial contributions.

During his visit, he underlined India’s commitment to ASEAN centrality and the Indo-Pacific agenda, emphasising compliance with international norms such as UNCLOS. PM Modi also inaugurated the Indian High Commission’s new Chancery in Bandar Seri Begawan and paid a visit to the Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi visited Ankara on Wednesday for the first time in 12 years to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, marking a significant step towards normalising relations between Egypt and Turkey after a decade of conflict. The leaders will co-chair the inaugural session of the High-Level Strategic Collaboration Council, which aims to improve bilateral collaboration.

According to the Turkish presidency, the summit would evaluate all aspects of Egypt-Turkey relations and discuss new ways to strengthen the partnership. Several agreements are expected to be reached throughout the negotiations. In addition to bilateral talks, the leaders will discuss major regional and global concerns, such as Israeli attacks in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

This visit follows Erdogan’s journey to Cairo in February, which signalled a thaw in relations after years of enmity. Tensions between the two countries rose in 2013 following the ouster of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, a close friend of Turkey’s government. Both countries expelled their ambassadors as relations deteriorated.

Efforts to repair ties began in 2020 when Turkey sought to improve relations with regional rivals such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The warming in relations reflects broader regional realignments, as both governments seek greater stability and collaboration.