Category: Politics

Saudi Arabia and India have agreed to enhance their collaboration in the energy and defence sectors, a significant step forward in their bilateral relationship. This agreement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia, during which the two countries discussed expanding the supply of crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas. Saudi Arabia is already one of India’s leading petroleum exporters, and both countries are looking to expand their collaboration even further.

PM Modi met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss these advancements before cutting short his visit owing to a horrific incident in India’s Jammu and Kashmir region that claimed more than 26 lives.

The two countries are also working on cooperative refinery and petrochemical projects, as well as feasibility studies for electrical grid interconnectivity between India and Saudi Arabia and the rest of the region. In addition to energy, the two sides have committed to strengthening their defence ties, including increased cooperation in defence production.

This cooperation comes as India seeks to increase its defence exports, to double arms-and-equipment exports to $6 billion by 2029. Despite missing the $3.5 billion target for the current fiscal year, India’s arm production output has increased by 62% since 2020.

The UAE and South Korea have taken a significant step towards defence cooperation by signing a letter of intent centred on the KF-21 Boramae fighter aircraft. The agreement was formally signed by the Republic of Korea Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Young-su and UAE Air Force Major General Rashid Mohammed al-Shamsi. It is a significant step forward in bilateral military cooperation, allowing UAE Air Force troops to participate in joint drills and training missions employing South Korea’s indigenously manufactured KF-21 fighters.

During their visit, the UAE delegation saw Korea Aerospace Industries’ facilities to observe the ongoing production of the KF-21 planes. This participation is part of Seoul’s overall strategy to strengthen defence alliances in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

The KF-21 Boramae is a next-generation multirole fighter that can attain speeds of up to 2,200 km/h. It has cutting-edge technology like electronic warfare capability, an upgraded AESA radar, and compatibility with IRIS-T air-to-air missiles. Approximately 40 units are under phased production, with a further 20 scheduled after the completion of crucial system tests. The aircraft project, estimated at $5.9 billion and co-developed by Korea Aerospace Industries and Indonesian Aerospace, demonstrates significant international interest.

According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, President Donald Trump will go to the Middle East for a high-profile diplomatic tour from May 13 to 16. The official itinerary includes visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, his second international trip since taking office. This journey comes after his planned presence at Pope Francis’ burial in Vatican City on Saturday.

The Saudi foreign minister visited Washington earlier this month to prepare for Trump’s arrival. The decision highlights efforts to strengthen ties, similar to Trump’s 2017 visit, when Saudi Arabia was his first international destination. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently restated intentions for a trade and investment deal worth $600 billion with the United States.

Meanwhile, Washington continues to pursue nuclear talks with Iran while remaining solid in its military preparations. Trump also called with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reaffirm their strategic partnership.

Although there has been persistent speculation in the media over the possibility of a visit to Turkey, the White House has maintained its noncommittal stance, and its most recent statement did not make any reference to the country.

The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates have inked a significant security agreement to combat the growing danger of transnational and organised crime. The pact, signed by Philippine Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla and UAE Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, emphasises combating cybercrime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.

Alfonso Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, emphasised the importance of international alliances in combating criminal syndicates that take advantage of current technologies and smooth cross-border mobility. He described the accord as a milestone in bilateral collaboration beyond the normal focus on migration and energy.

This development comes after the two countries celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations last year. In recent years, security collaboration has progressively increased. The Philippines will even station a defence attaché in the UAE in 2021, its only such presence in the Middle East.

The two countries had previously signed treaties on extradition, legal assistance, and prisoner movement, establishing the framework for further collaboration. Ver referred to the new agreement as a “milestone” and emphasised that it provides a clear framework for future strategic engagements.

The agreement is expected to boost intelligence sharing and expertise exchange. Sheikh Saif reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to institutional collaboration to achieve security and regional stability.

The UAE participated in the most recent Council of Arab Ministers on Meteorology and Climate conference, which was held at the League of Arab States’ General Secretariat headquarters. The session was attended by senior members from Arab meteorological organisations, demonstrating a shared commitment to improving regional climate monitoring and mitigation.

The UAE delegation was led by Abdulla Ahmed Al Mandous, Director-General of the National Centre of Meteorology and current President of the World Meteorological Organisation. In his speech, Al Mandous emphasised the serious environmental difficulties confronting the Arab area, with climate-related hazards growing faster than the global average.

He emphasised the alarming rise in temperature trends, which is contributing to more frequent and severe extreme weather events. Long-term droughts, devastating floods, and other climate-related calamities have significantly influenced Arab countries. Al Mandous emphasised that such disasters are no longer isolated incidents, but rather part of a larger regional climate issue.

He also mentioned the escalating water scarcity situation, which continues to put enormous strain on the region’s economic and agricultural stability. Citing United Nations data, he disclosed that climate-related calamities had cost the Arab world an estimated $60 billion in economic losses, as well as significant human casualties.

The UAE and Kenya held high-level talks aimed at improving bilateral relations and promoting regional stability. Her Excellency Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, met with His Excellency Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, on the sidelines of the London Sudan Conference. 

The conference provided an opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation between the two countries, with an emphasis on strengthening people-to-people ties and collaboration across multiple industries.

Both parties also mentioned the ongoing turmoil in Sudan. They gave insights into regional efforts to find a political solution to the conflict. The UAE and Kenya agreed on the importance of constructive interaction with major African stakeholders, such as the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The UAE emphasised the need for African-led solutions in addressing regional concerns.

Her Excellency Nusseibeh reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting an African-led process that might lead to a long-term agreement and the transition to a civilian-led government in Sudan. She also called for more international accountability, urging organisations such as the United Nations to take a harder stand against the misuse of humanitarian aid.

JD Vance, the US Vice President, is scheduled to make his first official visit to India on April 21, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His tour, which runs from April 18 to 24, also includes a visit to Italy. The second family, which includes his wife, Usha Vance, and their three children, will participate in diplomatic and cultural activities throughout the trip.

Usha Vance, the daughter of Indian immigrants, makes history by becoming the first Indian-American to serve as the United States’ second lady. The Vice President’s schedule includes stops in New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. In Delhi, he will take part in bilateral discussions aimed at improving economic and geopolitical relations.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Vance will meet with Prime Minister Modi and attend high-level meetings in the capital. Trade potential will also be discussed, with India hoping to conclude ongoing tariff negotiations within the next six weeks.

Before travelling in India, Vance will meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Vatican officials in Rome.

India and Russia commemorated 78 years of diplomatic relations, reaffirming their commitment to a long-term and growing friendship. On this occasion, the Russian Foreign Ministry sent its congratulations via Telegram, underlining the strength of the bilateral relationship and expressing hope for future collaboration. Moscow restated its strong support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

The Russian side emphasised the continuation of high-level political talks. Two summits between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin are scheduled for 2024 to strengthen mutual trust and strategic alignment. Trade relations were praised, with bilateral trade volumes exceeding $60 billion in the current fiscal year.

Russia also acknowledged India’s involvement in the Kudankulam nuclear power plant and indicated a desire to deepen cooperation in vital areas such as defence, space, technology, and cultural exchange. Both nations’ foreign policies continue to be based on a shared vision of a multipolar world and equitable global governance.

A bike rally was held in New Delhi on Sunday to commemorate this diplomatic achievement. Over 300 people attended the event, which also marked the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Saudi Arabia and the United States are getting closer to finalising a tentative agreement to develop Riyadh’s civil nuclear program. A senior Saudi ambassador based in Pakistan said on Sunday that both countries are working towards official coordination, citing a statement by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

Dr. Naif Al-Otaibi, Saudi Press Attache, shared the update in a post on X. He revealed that the US and Saudi Arabia plan to execute an agreement aimed at investing in civil nuclear and energy technology. Wright recently met with Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman in Riyadh, where they discussed forming a strategic energy relationship.

Wright, who is now travelling to Gulf energy-producing countries, stated that the memorandum’s details will be published later this year. He emphasised that the foundation of this alliance will most likely include a “123 agreement,” which is a required structure under US law for nuclear cooperation.

Section 123 of the United States Atomic Energy Act requires stringent non-proliferation standards before American entities can help in civil nuclear development overseas. These include protections against the abuse of nuclear materials. While negotiations are underway, Wright noted that Saudi Arabia has not yet committed to all of the requirements of the Act.

Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, will make an official visit to India from April 11-12. He will arrive in New Delhi on April 11 and meet with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic and economic connections between the two countries.

During his stay, Tajani will meet with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal to discuss trade and investment opportunities. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the talks would focus on essential sectors such as infrastructure, defence, space, and transportation. Tajani is to meet with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on April 12 before concluding his tour.

India and Italy have been seeking to strengthen their bilateral ties. Earlier in February, Union Minister Piyush Goyal met with Italian authorities, such as Maria Tripodi and Antonio Bartoli, to discuss new areas of partnership. Goyal described the conversations as productive, emphasising shared efforts to strengthen economic participation.

Diplomatic relations between India and Italy date back to 1947. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Italy for the G7 Summit strengthened high-level relations, particularly in trade, military, and clean energy.