Category: Politics

The United States is finalizing steps to clear hurdles for a civil nuclear partnership with Indian firms, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced on Monday. This move aims to reinvigorate a landmark deal between the two nations.

Since the mid-2000s, Washington and New Delhi have been discussing the supply of U.S. nuclear reactors to India, which is in need of more energy. A key obstacle has been India’s liability rules, which need to align with global norms. These norms require that any accident costs are borne by the operator, not the plant’s manufacturer.

The deal, initially signed by President George W. Bush in 2007, was a major step towards allowing the U.S. to sell civilian nuclear technology to India. Now, Sullivan says the U.S. is finalizing steps to remove regulations that have hindered this cooperation.

During his two-day visit to New Delhi, Sullivan will also discuss issues like Chinese upstream dams, artificial intelligence, space, military licensing, and economic overcapacity. In 2019, the U.S. and India agreed to build six nuclear power plants in India. However, India’s strict nuclear compensation laws have delayed its goal of adding 20,000 MW of nuclear power by 2030.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced that Russia, the 2024 BRICS chair, confirmed Thailand’s new status. BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded to include nine new members: the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Thailand.

Additionally, 13 countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia from Southeast Asia, have joined as partner nations. The MFA stated that Thailand’s partnership with BRICS builds on its cooperation with the group since 2017, when it joined the BRICS Plus mechanism. This partnership is expected to enhance economic ties in trade, investment, and tourism, and strengthen people-to-people connections between Thailand and other BRICS members and partners.

Thailand has also expressed its readiness to serve as a bridge builder between BRICS and other regions. Thailand’s BRICS partnership also opens doors for expanded collaboration in areas like energy, technology, and sustainable development. The MFA emphasized Thailand’s unique geographic and economic position as a gateway to ASEAN markets, enhancing BRICS’ outreach. Experts believe this alignment will create mutual benefits, boosting Thailand’s global presence and regional influence significantly.

Romania and Bulgaria are now full members of the EU’s border-free Schengen area. They scrapped land border controls at midnight on Wednesday, marking this milestone with celebrations at border posts.

“Welcome to Schengen, Bulgaria and Romania!” the European Parliament announced on X. “No more checks at land borders between Bulgaria, Romania, and other Schengen countries.”

At midnight, Bulgarian and Romanian interior ministers symbolically raised the barrier on the Danube Bridge. This bridge, also known as the Friendship Bridge, connects the two countries and is vital for international trade. Fireworks lit up the sky near Ruse, a Bulgarian town where the bridge enters the country.

Earlier this year, both countries partially joined Schengen by lifting air and sea travel checks. However, discussions over land border controls continued.

Last month, Austria removed its veto, which had delayed full membership due to concerns about irregular migration.

The European Commission praised the expansion, stating it strengthens the EU both internally and globally. This historic step marks a new chapter for Bulgaria, Romania, and the Schengen area.

Economist Lawrence Wong, 51, succeeded Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 72, in May after Lee’s nearly two-decade tenure. Both leaders belong to Singapore’s ruling party, which has driven the nation’s economic progress for over five decades.

India and Singapore are set to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties in 2025. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in September, the two countries elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Indian High Commissioner to Singapore, Shilpak Ambule, described 2024 as an “eventful year for India-Singapore relations.” He said strengthening ties would boost India’s economic growth in the future.

The two nations also announced plans to collaborate in the semiconductor industry. India is eyeing major investments from Singaporean companies to advance its economy.

In August, the 2nd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable brought together four senior Indian ministers and six from Singapore. They explored opportunities in emerging fields.

“This 4+6 meeting was unprecedented,” said Ambule. “The ministers identified digitalisation, skills development, sustainability, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity as key areas for cooperation.”

These initiatives aim to deepen the partnership and create new avenues for mutual growth.

Morocco unveiled major reforms to its family law on Tuesday in Rabat, the first review in 20 years. The changes aim to strengthen women’s rights in child custody, guardianship, and polygamy while addressing societal shifts.

Key amendments include raising the minimum age for child marriage exemptions from 15 to 17. Women will gain shared parental guardianship during and after marriage, and divorced mothers can retain custody even after remarriage. Polygamy will face stricter conditions, requiring the wife’s consent and valid justifications like infertility or illness.

The reforms simplify divorce processes with electronic notifications and propose a non-judicial mediation body for disputes. Custody will become a shared responsibility, with expanded housing rights for children. Alimony and child support will follow new standards to expedite judgments.

Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi stressed the updates close gaps in existing laws. New proposals value a wife’s contributions to marital assets and allow parents to donate to daughters. Spouses of different religions can now exchange wills and donations.

King Mohammed VI initiated these reforms to promote justice, equality, and alignment with Islamic values and human rights. The legislation, which includes 139 updates, awaits parliamentary and royal approval, signaling a significant step forward for women’s rights.

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.