Category: Politics

The UAE and France have signed a strategic agreement to create a 1-gigawatt artificial intelligence data centre, which is expected to be the largest of its kind in Europe. The venture was announced during an international AI conference in Paris and is supported by a multibillion-euro investment from the UAE. The project represents a big step forward in the two countries’ technological collaboration.

The concept arose from discussions in February between French President Emmanuel Macron and senior Emirati officials. Leaders from both countries emphasised the need to promote innovation through advanced AI infrastructure and collaborative research. The facility will serve as the centrepiece of a larger AI complex dedicated to fostering global technological developments.

Advanced computing systems, including high-performance AI chips, will be installed at the centre. Along with infrastructure development, the plan prioritises education and workforce development to cultivate AI competence locally and worldwide.

Another important component of the deal is the establishment of virtual data embassies, which will ensure secure and sovereign cloud services in both nations. France cited the partnership as an example of international collaboration in developing technologies. The agreement shows the increasing momentum in bilateral collaboration and seeks to determine the future of AI innovation and digital sovereignty.

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam highlighted India’s Aspirational Districts Programme as a strong example of grassroots empowerment during his address at the Philanthropy Asia Summit (PAS) 2025. The conference, titled ‘Priming Asia for Good’, will be held from May 5 to 7 and will focus on collaborative innovations to address global concerns in health, climate, and education.

President Shanmugaratnam lauded India’s program as a unique approach that blends local agency with central support. He stated that the plan, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, aims to accelerate development in 112 of India’s most disadvantaged regions. He attributed its success to its ability to empower communities by promoting health workers, data-driven systems, and locally led solutions, particularly in maternal and child health.

He cited philanthropic organisations such as the Gates Foundation, Tata Trusts, and Piramal Foundation. Delhi-based researcher Shriti Pandey, who was also present at the summit, echoed this sentiment. She observed women taking on leadership roles in village clinics and Anganwadis as part of the scheme.

Temasek Trust also announced projects at the summit to address Asia’s health and climate problems.

During a meeting in Hà Nội, Party General Secretary Tô Lâm expressed Vietnam’s willingness to support and collaborate with Sri Lanka in accomplishing socio-economic development goals. He welcomed Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is visiting Vietnam until Tuesday, to attend the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations.

This visit commemorates the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. General Secretary Tô Lâm praised President Dissanayake’s involvement in the Vesak ceremonies and his letter commemorating Vietnam’s 50th reunification anniversary. He also congratulated the president and the JVP-led National People’s Power alliance on their electoral victory in 2024, citing the people’s confidence in his leadership.

President Dissanayake lauded Vietnam’s quick economic growth and indicated a desire to learn from its experiences in governance, anti-corruption, and reform. He hailed Vietnam’s 1975 win as a triumph for global peace-loving communities.

Both leaders agreed to strengthen their comprehensive collaboration through increased political discussion, defence cooperation, and commercial linkages. They committed to strengthening cooperation in trade, agriculture, tourism, education, and religious exchange. To improve connectivity, plans for direct flights were proposed. They also promised improved coordination in multilateral forums and ASEAN activities. President Dissanayake invited General Secretary Tô Lâm to visit Sri Lanka.

Angola’s President, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, has publicly encouraged Indian corporations to explore strategic trade and investment opportunities in Angola, positioning the country as a significant export centre for Indian companies looking to join African markets. President Lourenco, speaking at the India-Angola Business Forum on his official visit to India, emphasised Angola’s growing importance in global trade and identified possibilities for bilateral cooperation.

He emphasised Angola’s geographic advantage, citing its close ties to the Southern African Development Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area. This, he claims, gives Indian enterprises preferential access to a vast network of regional markets, ensuring logistical simplicity and greater export possibilities throughout Africa.

The President emphasised that Angola-India ties are based on long-standing cooperation, which is supported by a network of bilateral agreements in sectors such as health, energy, finance, and diplomatic mobility.

President Lourenco mentioned pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and renewable energy as key areas for increased collaboration. Meanwhile, Sanjiv Puri, President of the Confederation of Indian Industry, highlighted Angola’s mining capabilities, emphasising the country’s status as Africa’s third-largest diamond producer. He pushed Indian companies to form joint ventures in diamond processing and crucial mineral extraction to help with sustainable energy and electric vehicle manufacturing ambitions.

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong led the People’s Action Party (PAP) to an overwhelming win in the 14th general election since independence. The incumbent party won 87 out of 97 parliamentary seats and 65.6% of the total vote share, a significant improvement on its 2020 showing. This is Wong’s first election test since taking over as Prime Minister in May 2024.

India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was among the first to congratulate Wong. PM Modi posted on social networking site X, “Heartiest congratulations @LawrenceWongST on your resounding victory in the general elections.” He emphasised India’s long-standing partnership with Singapore and indicated a desire to work closely with Wong’s administration.

Wong highlighted the victory as a demonstration of popular trust and a mandate to accelerate progress. “We will do our best to serve and uplift all Singaporeans,” he stated. He acknowledged the complexity of the global scene and emphasised the importance of resilience in the face of economic and geopolitical developments.

Over 2.4 million people showed up at 1,240 polling stations. Singapore’s biggest opposition, the Workers’ Party, retained its 10 seats, but other parties engaged actively. The PAP competed in all 92 constituencies, winning one five-member GRC unopposed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a USD 200 million defence credit line for Angola to help modernise its armed forces. This crucial step was announced on Saturday, following intensive consultations with Angolan President João Manuel Goncalves Laurenco. PM Modi’s declaration comes amid India’s increased commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with African countries, particularly in the military, digital infrastructure, and space technology.

During the meeting, the two leaders addressed several projects aimed at strengthening cooperation, including the repair, overhaul, and supply of defence platforms. India also offered to help Angola improve its digital public infrastructure and capacity-building operations. Prime Minister Modi underlined India’s commitment to sharing its expertise in a variety of fields, including space technology, healthcare, and vital minerals, to strengthen their collaboration.

In a broader perspective, PM Modi restated India’s strong position against terrorism, adding that the country would take serious action against terrorists and their supporters. He underlined the need to improve India-Africa relations, pointing out that both India and the African Union are critical pillars of the Global South. President Laurenco’s visit begins a new chapter in India-Angola relations, with new potential for growth and partnership.

India has inked a defence deal with France to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Navy, with an estimated cost of ₹63,000 crore. The two nations reached an agreement on Monday, marking another step forward in their strengthening strategic ties. Dassault Aviation, a leading French aerospace company, will supply the aircraft.

The Rafale fighters, particularly the naval variants, would be stationed on India’s aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, greatly increasing its operational capabilities. Out of the 26 aircraft, 22 will be single-seat Rafale M fighters, with four serving as twin-seat trainers.

This contract was approved earlier this month by the Cabinet Committee on Security, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The acquisition is viewed as a stopgap measure to meet the Navy’s immediate requirements until India successfully develops its own twin-engine deck-based fighter aircraft.

The acquisition package comprises a full array of weapons, simulators, spares, crew training, logistics support, and supplementary equipment.

In July 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the Navy’s plan to purchase these jets.

Sri Lanka aims to begin working on a new energy hub next month in collaboration with India and the UAE. Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister announced on Friday, outlining a deliberate approach to boost the country’s post-crisis economic recovery.

An initial agreement for the energy hub was reached earlier this month during Indian Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka. Modi’s visit was the first by a world leader since Anura Kumara Dissanayake became president in September 2024.

President Dissanayake was elected on a promise of stability following the island’s severe financial crisis, and is currently leading attempts to rebuild economic strength after currency devaluation, high inflation, and a $25 billion debt default.

The energy hub will be built in the eastern port city of Trincomalee. It will include a multiproduct pipeline, enlarged bunkering facilities, and possibly a new refinery. There are also proposals to upgrade a World War II-era storage tank farm, which is partially controlled by Indian Oil’s Sri Lankan business.

Officials from Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Indian Oil, and AD Ports Group will meet in late May to develop a thorough business plan. A collaborative monitoring committee has been established to oversee project progress and finalise development recommendations.

On National Panchayati Raj Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched projects worth ₹13,480 crore in Madhubani, Bihar, including power, railroads, housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. He emphasised that these actions will increase jobs and empower rural communities.

Paying respect to poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, Modi stated that Panchayati Raj enhances democracy and women’s representation. He lauded Bihar for being the first to implement 50% reservation for women in Panchayats, as well as the 33% reservation law in Parliament and State Assemblies.

Over the past decade, ₹2 lakh crore has been allocated to Panchayats. He also highlighted the digital transformation of rural India through Gram Panchayats and Common Service Centres. PM Modi unveiled AIIMS Darbhanga, new railway lines, the Amrit Bharat train to Mumbai, metro projects, and airport expansions.

He complimented Bihar’s makhana sector, establishing a Makhana Board and granting national recognition to its research centre. Flood mitigation initiatives totalling ₹11,000 crore for rivers such as Kosi and Bagmati have been announced.

Additionally, PM Modi condemned the horrific assault in Pahalgam, expressing anguish and threatening stern retaliation.

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.