Category: Politics

Brazil is strengthening its agricultural connections with the UAE through a high-profile trade delegation organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. The visit is intended to strengthen trade connections and reinforce Brazil’s position as a major food supplier to the UAE.

Vice-Minister Iraja Rezende de Lacerda leads the mission, which includes top officials with expertise in trade, agricultural defence, and policy planning. This project emphasises the importance of Brazil’s agribusiness sector in ensuring food security in the UAE.

Trade between Brazil and the UAE has increased significantly in recent years, with the UAE becoming one of the top importers of Brazilian agricultural products. To increase exports, Brazil is actively participating in Gulfood 2025, one of the world’s major food trade fairs, which is held in Dubai. The delegation is also meeting with Emirati officials and touring significant agro-industrial sites.

Sustainability remains a top issue, particularly as Brazil prepares to host COP30 later this year. Officials emphasised their commitment to environmentally responsible food production while also strengthening trade partnerships.

Brazil promotes organic and specialist items like açaí, mango, and Brazil nuts, alongside conventional exports like cattle, poultry, and sugar. UAE consumers are increasingly seeking diverse and sustainable food options, as these items gain popularity.

In a strategic move to strengthen academic and research connections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited American universities and educational institutions to build offshore campuses in India. He emphasised the need to improve people-to-people relations between the two countries and announced plans to establish new Indian consulates in Los Angeles and Boston.

Speaking at a joint press conference, PM Modi emphasised the importance of the Indian diaspora in the US, which continues to create stronger ties. He argued that bringing American universities to India would improve knowledge sharing and give students worldwide learning chances.

PM Modi and US President Donald Trump held a key discussion at the White House to discuss technical developments, innovation, and artificial intelligence. They announced significant initiatives such as the US-India TRUST program and the INDUS Innovation initiative, which aim to increase cooperation in AI infrastructure and new technologies.

The INDUS Innovation platform will foster industry-academic collaboration and encourage investment in fields such as space, energy, and cutting-edge research. Both leaders also acknowledged the efforts of almost 300,000 Indian students in the US, who produce $8 billion yearly for the American economy.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level bilateral meeting with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The discussions centred on boosting diplomatic ties and expanding cooperation across sectors. The meeting comprised delegation-level talks during which both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to developing India-Qatar relations.

When the Emir arrived, Prime Minister Modi greeted him with a handshake and exchanged pleasantries before the discussion began. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and other senior Indian ministers followed Prime Minister Modi. Sheikh Tamim was accompanied by a high-level Qatari delegation, which included senior officials and ministers.

Earlier in the day, the Emir received a ceremonial greeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He was greeted by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, who presented him with a Guard of Honour. The Qatari delegation also met with Indian ministers during the ceremony.

The emir arrived in Delhi on Monday for a two-day state visit. In a rare gesture, PM Modi personally greeted him at Palam Technical Airport, addressing him as a brother and wished him a fruitful visit. The team also includes corporate representatives, highlighting India-Qatar’s growing economic relationship.

On February 14, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the fourth edition of SAMVAD (the Global Hindu-Buddhist Initiative for Conflict Avoidance and Environmental Consciousness). He attended the event from the United States, where he was on an official visit from February 12 to 13 (February 14 in India).

The SAMVAD conference will be held from February 14 to 17 in Bangkok and Ayutthaya, Thailand. Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has strong cultural ties with India, as its name is derived from Ayodhya. It was established in 1350 CE by King Uthong, who eventually took the title Ramathibodi I in honour of Lord Rama. The city has been an important centre for both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and here is where the Thai version of the Ramayana, Ramakien, was written.

SAMVAD, founded in 2015 by Prime Minister Modi and the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, promotes interaction between Hindu and Buddhist civilisations. Its goal is to replace conflict resolution with conflict avoidance, and environmental control with environmental awareness.

The topic for this year’s event is “Asian Century of Dharma—Dhamma,” which emphasises the shared spiritual history and teachings of Lord Buddha.

The Assam government plans to sign two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Japan and Singapore at the Advantage Assam 2.0 investors’ meeting, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Saturday.

Speaking at a news conference in Guwahati, CM Sarma said that Japan is interested in hiring over 50,000 qualified professionals from Assam. Meanwhile, Singapore is eager to attract nurses from the state, expanding its employment chances abroad.

Reflecting on Advantage Assam 1.0’s achievements, he highlighted two key infrastructure projects: the Paradeep to Numaligarh crude pipeline and the Gas Grid, both of which are funded by the Union government.

Bhutan has also shown interest in creating Gelephu My Fullness City. CM Sarma requested Bhutan to consider setting up a special industrial economic zone in Assam.

The forthcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, held on February 25-26, will focus on recruiting investments in important areas such as tourism, renewable energy, semiconductors, aerospace, military manufacturing, and bamboo-based industries.

The meeting is scheduled to bring together ambassadors from 31 countries, top industrialists, and global business councils. Assam will also commemorate 200 years of its tea industry with a big Jhumur dance spectacle involving 8,000 performers.

Malaysia and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to increasing bilateral and regional cooperation in agricultural and food security. In a statement issued today, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security emphasised the importance of bilateral collaboration.

The debate occurred during a courtesy visit by Indonesia’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Arif Havas Oegroseno, to Malaysia’s Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup. Both sides looked into methods to improve food security efforts and agricultural alliances to ensure long-term viability.

Malaysia and Indonesia have close diplomatic and economic relations, therefore agricultural cooperation is a crucial area of mutual interest. Arthur emphasised that Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair this year, is in charge of one of the Priority Economic Deliverables under the ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry. The PEDS will be presented at the 47th AMAF meeting in September, and Arthur asked ASEAN members to promote a strong agricultural future.

Arthur also asked Indonesia to participate in the Mini Malaysia Agricultural, Horticulture, and Agrotourism Exhibition, which will be held in coinciding with the 47th ASEAN Summit later this year.

In 2023, Indonesia was Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner for agri-food and agricultural products, with a trade value of RM18.88 billion.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated India’s new Consulate General in Marseille, a significant step towards boosting bilateral relations. PM Modi dubbed it a “historic moment” and emphasised the longstanding ties between Marseille and India.

Marseille was an important part of India’s history, acting as a major base for Indian troops during World War I and having close ties to freedom warrior Veer Savarkar. The decision to create the consulate was made during Prime Minister Modi’s July 2023 visit to France. The new mission will offer consular services in four French regions: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Corsica, Occitanie, and Auvergne-Rhône–Alpes.

A magnificent welcome with traditional Indian dhol beats was held to honour the inauguration. PM Modi and President Macron met with Indian diaspora members, who were enthusiastic about the new consulate.

Earlier in the day, both leaders paid respects to Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery. “Their sacrifice binds France and India forever,” Macron stated. PM Modi echoed the sentiment, praising the courage of over 100,000 Indian soldiers who fought for France in 1914. The new consulate in France’s second-largest city will strengthen trade, industry, energy, and cultural connections between the two nations.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is in Singapore for a two-day visit, where he will engage in high-level discussions to deepen economic and strategic partnerships. On Tuesday, he met with Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to discuss potential new alliances in semiconductors, urban planning, and green energy.

Sarma emphasised Assam’s rising contribution to India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Singapore. He emphasised Assam as a vital hub for trade, business, and technology. In a post on X, he recalled Singapore’s close relationship with Assam and fondly remembered the President’s visit in 2022.

During the visit, CM Sarma met with Low Cher Ek, CEO of Surbana Jurong, to discuss current urban planning initiatives. He showed a desire to utilise Singapore’s expertise to create sustainable cities, and modern industrial zones, and boost Assam’s Ease of Living index.

Meetings with semiconductor sector leaders were a significant feature of his trip. He encouraged them to work together on Assam’s future Electronic City in Jagiroad.

Singapore has been named the first partner country for Advantage Assam 2.0. Sarma’s visit is intended to spur additional investments, technological developments, and strategic collaborations, establishing Assam as an emerging economic powerhouse in India.

Singapore and Indonesia have renewed their commitment to maritime excellence by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for another two years. This agreement aims to train government marine authorities, improve sea safety, and increase environmental protection activities.

The extension, signed on February 7, 2025, marks the 20th anniversary of the fruitful collaboration between Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) and Indonesia’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation (DGST). Over the last two decades, this relationship has been critical in training marine officials and improving regional maritime operations.

Since its start in 2005, the MOU has organised over 120 seminars and workshops for more than 1,800 officials. These training courses have helped to implement International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conventions, resulting in increased navigational safety and maritime environmental protection. Senior officers have learnt crucial information to manage emerging industry concerns, resulting in more efficient maritime operations.

Teo Eng Dih, MPA’s Chief Executive, emphasised the significance of the renewed commitment and the importance of robust bilateral collaboration. Capt Antoni Priadi, Director General of DGST, reiterated this sentiment, stating that the relationship would evolve in tandem with global marine advancements. Both presidents expressed hope about future attempts to improve regional marine capabilities.

According to Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, the UAE and Japan plan to finish discussions for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2025.

According to Dr. Al Zeyoudi, the agreement represents both countries’ strong commitment to strengthening economic ties, expanding trade relations, and opening up new possibilities for investment and commercial partnerships.

The UAE is Japan’s most important trading partner in the Arab world, accounting for almost 37% of overall exports to the area. Meanwhile, Japan is one of the UAE’s top ten trading partners, demonstrating the importance of their bilateral economic relationship.

The CEPA negotiations began in September 2024, with discussions spanning a wide range of topics, including trade in goods, investment, customs processes, intellectual property, and economic cooperation. The first round of negotiations was held in Tokyo in November 2024, with an emphasis on regulatory frameworks and trade facilitation.

This deal is expected to improve collaboration in critical industries including energy, semiconductors, and technology. Both countries have also agreed to cooperate on climate change measures and energy security.

Once finalised, the CEPA will improve UAE-Japan economic connections, opening up new business prospects and consolidating their strategic cooperation.