Category: Politics

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.

At the request of French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for France on Monday, February 10–12, 2025, for a three-day visit. This visit, which will focus on important topics including commerce, defence, nuclear energy, and AI, is important for enhancing India-France ties.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasised during a press briefing in New Delhi that PM Modi and President Macron will co-chair the AI Action Summit on February 11 as a key event during the visit. The summit’s main focus will be AI governance, which guarantees the development of AI responsibly and safely.

The two leaders will also have bilateral discussions during the visit, with an emphasis on sustainable energy, commerce, and space cooperation. As part of his efforts to improve business relations, PM Modi will also speak at the India-France CEOs Forum.

To commemorate Indian soldiers who served in World War I, PM Modi and President Macron will travel to Marseille’s Mazargues War Cemetery on February 12. The opening of a new Indian consulate in Marseille to service the Indian diaspora is another important item on the agenda. Talks about the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant and developments in modular nuclear reactors are also anticipated.

On February 5, the military forces of Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States conducted a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. This collaborative endeavour demonstrates a common commitment to regional security and strengthens international collaboration for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Building on past MCAs, this exercise improves the interoperability of the participating nations’ defence forces. It improves cooperation in doctrines, tactics, techniques, and processes, resulting in seamless joint operations for marine defence. The MCA was carried out in accordance with international law, with a focus on safety and respect for navigational rights and freedoms.

The drill included various naval assets, including the US Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) and a P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft. Australia sent the Hobart-class air warfare destroyer HMAS Hobart (DDG 39) and an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter. The Philippine Navy sent the guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF 150), while Japan provided the Akizuki-class destroyer JS Akizuki (DD 115) and an SH-60K helicopter.

These coordinated drills underscore the allied nations’ commitment to sustaining peace, ensuring freedom of passage, and fostering security in the Indo-Pacific area. The US and its partners are committed to preserving international maritime regulations and regional stability.

Argentina and the UAE used a high-level economic seminar in Abu Dhabi as a forum to discuss potential new trade and investment opportunities. Prominent government representatives and corporate executives from both countries attended the event, which was co-organized by the UAE Ministry of Economy and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Talks focused on Argentina’s recently implemented Incentive Regime for Large Investments, a calculated move to draw in foreign investment, especially from investors in the UAE. Tax incentives, regulatory stability, and long-term predictability are just a few of the advantages this program provides to foreign investors, fostering an atmosphere that is conducive to economic success.

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi highlighted the UAE’s dedication to strengthening commercial relations with Argentina, acknowledging the South American country as an essential ally in its quest for future expansion. For Argentinian companies looking to grow internationally, he emphasized the UAE’s advantageous location, cutting-edge infrastructure, and pro-business atmosphere.

Gerardo Werthein, the foreign minister of Argentina, echoed this view and emphasized the significance of expanding commercial and economic ties with the UAE.

He encouraged Emirati companies to investigate prospects in important industries including mining, energy, infrastructure, and technology.

According to an official source, India and the United Kingdom will continue negotiations on the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) beginning February 24. The UK trade minister is set to visit New Delhi soon to speed up discussions. The talks began in January 2022 but stalled as both countries entered their general election cycles.

The pact seeks to boost bilateral trade and investment by removing or lowering duties on most commodities. It would also simplify restrictions to encourage trade in services and investments. Indian industries are advocating for increased access for qualified professionals, particularly in IT and healthcare, as well as duty-free market access for a variety of goods.

In exchange, the UK wants cheaper import levies on Scotch whisky, electric vehicles, lamb meat, chocolates, and confectionery. Britain also pursues new chances in telecommunications, law, and financial services, such as banking and insurance.

The talks may gain traction following FM Nirmala Sitharaman’s recent proposal to increase FDI quota in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%. India and the UK are also negotiating a bilateral investment treaty (BIT).

Bilateral trade increased to $21.34 billion in 2023-24, from $20.36 billion in 2022-23.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty is scheduled to visit India this week for the first-ever bilateral strategic engagement between the countries. Abdelatty’s journey to India is his first since being appointed last year. The talks will cover a wide range of bilateral issues, including trade, security, and West Asian developments, according to sources on Monday.

The strategic dialogue with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is part of attempts to elevate Indo-Egyptian relations to a strategic partnership, as decided in 2023. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s visit to India last year as the Republic Day chief guest substantially boosted bilateral ties. During the visit, both parties set an ambitious objective of increasing trade volume from $7 billion to $12 billion in five years.

Aside from evaluating significant agreements reached during Sisi’s visit and PM Modi’s trip to Egypt in 2023, the ministers will address West Asian stability following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire accord.

Investment and commerce will be key issues, with Egypt establishing a special zone for Indian industry in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. Talks will also cover ICT, medicines, green hydrogen, higher education, and direct flights between Cairo and New Delhi.

The UAE-India Business Council-UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC) and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) have signed an MoU to boost trade and investment. The agreement was signed during the “UAE-India: Partnership for Enduring Prosperity” event at the Waldorf Astoria in Ras Al Khaimah, as part of India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations.

His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, attended the ceremony, as did key authorities and business executives. The MoU intends to boost investment between the UAE and Maharashtra, streamline business operations for UAE companies, and attract Emirati investors. UIBC-UC’s 18 members, who manage assets worth over $1 trillion, are expected to play an important role in economic growth.

A yearly exchange of business delegations is intended to strengthen commercial connections. The MoU was signed by UIBC-UC’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Kshitij Korde, and MIDC’s CEO, P. Velrasu. It was exchanged by Major General (Retd.) Sharafuddin Sharaf, VC of UIBC-UC, and Velrasu in the presence of dignitaries.

Faizal Kottikollon, Chairman of UIBC-UC, described the deal as a significant step in UAE-India economic relations. Major General (Retd.) Sharaf indicated that Indian investments in the UAE had increased from $40 billion to $80 billion, with a target of $100 billion.