Category: Politics

On Monday, Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said that the UK and India have decided to resume negotiations on a long-standing trade pact. The two nations intend to expedite negotiations and finalise important trade measures.

Goyal made the announcement during a joint press briefing with UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. Reynolds is in India to restart conversations that were stopped last year owing to general elections in both nations.

With global trade facing increasing uncertainty, including potential retaliatory tariffs from the US, the resumption of discussions is viewed as critical. Both governments intend to sign a bilateral free trade agreement and an investment treaty.

This was the first trade talk between India and the UK since the Labour Party took administration in July 2024. Reynolds emphasised that reaching an agreement is a “top priority” for his administration.

Meanwhile, UK Investment Minister Poppy Gustafsson plans to visit Mumbai and Bengaluru. She will meet with Indian investors and encourage them to consider prospects in the UK.

Trade between India and the UK has been steadily increasing. According to UK official estimates, bilateral trade in commodities and services totalled $52 billion in the 12 months preceding September 2024.

With several cultural and commercial events aimed at enhancing bilateral ties, Thailand and Singapore commemorated 60 years of diplomatic relations. The collaboration has expanded to include technology development, travel, and cultural exchange in addition to conventional diplomacy.

The PromptPay-PayNow cross-border payment system, which has transformed financial transactions between the two countries, is one of the major advancements. In addition to improving ease, this smooth integration establishes a standard for digital financial cooperation throughout Southeast Asia.

Another highlight was the cultural festivals. The captivating Khon puppet show by the Aksara Theatre enthralled audiences and highlighted Thailand’s rich creative legacy. The concert, which Thailand’s Tourism Authority sponsored, demonstrated the nation’s dedication to conserving traditional art.

Over 60 orchid species were on display at the Thai Embassy’s “Orchids from the Land of Smiles” exhibition at Gardens by the Bay. Long-lasting friendship was symbolised by a special planting ceremony. Indranee Rajah, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, was present, highlighting the event’s importance.

Up to 2025, commemorative activities will take place, such as scholarly conferences and displays examining the development of Thailand-Singapore ties.

India and Malaysia have agreed to improve their defence ties by increasing cooperation in critical sectors such as maritime security, defence production, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The decision was made during the 13th meeting of the Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee, which was held in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, India’s defence secretary, and Lokman Hakim Bin Ali, Malaysia’s defence secretary-general, co-chaired the meeting. Both parties engaged in comprehensive discussions about practical steps to strengthen bilateral defence engagements, as well as exchanging perspectives on regional and global security issues.

A notable outcome of the talks was the completion of the ‘Terms of Reference (ToR)’ for the establishment of a cooperative forum on Sukhoi-30 fighter jets. Both India and Malaysia employ Russian-made aircraft, and India has trained Malaysian pilots to fly them. The new forum will foster closer collaboration between the two air forces by sharing best practices in maintenance and operational expertise.

The two countries also agreed to look into new areas of defence partnership, particularly in defence industries and international initiatives. Furthermore, a joint focus group will be formed to address non-traditional maritime security issues, demonstrating their commitment to regional stability.

Qatar pledged to spend USD 10 billion in India, ushering in a new chapter in the two countries’ economic partnership. This statement followed Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s visit to India, during which both countries took important steps to strengthen bilateral ties.

The investment will largely target infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, logistics, and hospitality. Furthermore, India and Qatar have set an ambitious goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030, with talks on a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA) ongoing.

To boost financial cooperation, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) will open an office in India. In a significant fintech development, India’s UPI payment system will be made available at Qatar National Bank (QNB) points of sale. QNB will also increase its presence in India by opening an office in GIFT City.

Both nations have signed important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on finance, sports, youth, cultural exchanges, and economic cooperation. A bilateral strategic partnership agreement has also been signed.

Qatari nationals can now use India’s e-Visa service, thereby enhancing people-to-people links. Furthermore, the two countries will commemorate a “Year of Culture, Friendship, and Sports” to foster greater collaboration.

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.