Category: Politics

South America’s Mercosur trade bloc is set to meet in Uruguay on Thursday, with a chance they could announce a long-delayed trade deal with the European Union. Last-minute negotiations are ongoing to finalize the agreement.

The deal, backed by most South American countries and strongly supported by Germany and Spain, faces resistance from France. French leaders worry that increased agricultural imports could harm their powerful farming sector.

Negotiators from all sides met in Brazil last week, according to senior diplomatic and government sources. Virtual talks have continued this week, and there are plans for delegations to travel to Montevideo if they reach an agreement.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen might attend the Dec. 5-6 summit in Uruguay’s capital, two European sources revealed. One source noted that she has even reserved a plane ticket, although most officials caution that no deal is expected to be signed yet.

“The last round of negotiations ended with important progress,” said Mauricio Lyrio, secretary of economic affairs at Brazil’s foreign ministry. “We’re hopeful. Pending issues are being submitted to the leaders to be finalized.”

The outcome remains uncertain, but the involved parties appear committed to pushing the deal forward.

As South Africa prepares to assume the G20 presidency in December, it has pledged to carry forward Brazil’s agenda for the group, which represents the world’s largest economies, including 19 countries and the European and African Unions. Zane Dangor, South Africa’s G20 sherpa, confirmed the country will align closely with Brazil’s priorities while leading negotiations next year.

South Africa plans to focus on global solidarity, sustainable development, and tackling inequality. “We need to move away from an approach solely focused on economic growth and address inequality and its associated challenges,” said Mr. Dangor, who also serves as the director-general of South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

South Africa will formally take over G20 leadership on December 1, with a handover ceremony set for the conclusion of the G20 Leaders’ Summit on November 18–19. Mr. Dangor emphasized continuity, stating there would be “no major departure from what Brazil has done.”

Key priorities, such as reforming global governance, will remain central under South Africa’s leadership, with an emphasis on debt relief for developing nations.

Mr. Dangor highlighted the importance of giving these countries “a stronger voice in policies that shape the global economy.”

Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, will visit Britain for a two-day state visit starting Tuesday. Hosted by King Charles, the trip includes meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other key figures, aiming to strengthen ties between Britain and Qatar.

Accompanied by an official delegation, including Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Emir’s visit highlights Britain’s push for co-investors in infrastructure projects, particularly clean energy systems. Starmer is also looking to finalize a trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a move projected to boost the UK economy by £1.6 billion ($2.03 billion) in the long term.

The Emir will meet Starmer on Wednesday at 10 Downing Street to discuss investment opportunities and trade collaboration. Britain’s Labour government, in power since July, sees this partnership as a step towards deepening economic relations with Gulf states.

Ahead of the bilateral talks, Prince William and Princess Kate will welcome the Emir on Tuesday morning. King Charles and Queen Camilla will then host a formal reception at Horse Guards Parade, followed by a ceremonial carriage procession. The Emir’s itinerary includes a visit to Westminster Abbey and a state banquet before his departure on Wednesday evening.

Qatar, known for significant UK investments through its sovereign wealth fund, holds stakes in Barclays, Sainsbury’s, and Canary Wharf. This visit, the Emir’s ninth since 2014, underscores ongoing collaboration between the two nations, with both leaders last meeting at COP28 in Dubai in December.

India’s ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ (ONOS) plan, approved on November 25, aims to improve public access to research by negotiating a single national subscription fee for journals. First proposed in the 2020 draft National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, ONOS addresses the high costs journals charge for access. It replaces consortium-based negotiations with a centralized approach, allowing even underfunded government institutes access to expensive journals.

However, ONOS is limited to publicly funded institutes and perpetuates reliance on commercial publishers. Many journals profit from publicly funded research while charging for access. Though ONOS reduces these fees, the ₹6,000 crore allocation over three years for 30 publishers raises concerns, especially given stagnant research and development spending as a share of GDP.

Critics argue the government could have promoted open-access models like ‘green’ or ‘diamond’ to ensure free public access or supported Indian journals better attuned to local scholars’ needs. Additionally, ONOS overlooks India’s potential to influence global research access norms and lacks transparency regarding journal selection and monitoring.

With many journals adopting ‘gold’ open-access and preprints gaining popularity, ONOS appears misaligned with evolving trends. The absence of consultation with institutes further weakens its case, making celebrations premature.

India has the lowest per capita emissions among G20 countries, making it a leader in climate efforts. As G20 President, India is using this position to push for global climate action.

The challenge is urgent. The IPCC warns that global warming will exceed 1.5°C this century if action is delayed. Developing nations, especially in the Global South, face the biggest risks due to fewer resources and existing problems. Since G20 nations produce 80% of global emissions, their actions can change the course.

India Leads by Example

India is the only G20 country meeting its climate targets for limiting warming to 2°C. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, the Green Hydrogen Mission, and increased use of renewable energy show India’s commitment to sustainable growth.

A Key Moment for Action

India’s G20 leadership comes at the right time. Climate goals align with India’s G20 priorities, such as improving infrastructure, advancing technology, and supporting global trade. India is focusing on “disruptive innovation” to promote low-carbon growth and fair resource use.

Lessons from the Past

Past G20 summits have supported climate talks, but progress has been slow. Current commitments will only reduce emissions by 10% by 2030. Renewable energy makes up just 30% of the G20’s energy, and much of this comes from nuclear and hydro, which have their own environmental challenges.

India is stepping up to show how nations can balance growth and climate responsibility. It’s a chance for the G20 to act together and secure a sustainable future.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Kuwait on Thursday for the Gulf Cooperation Council ministerial meeting.

The meeting will finalize the agenda for the Supreme Council’s 45th session, scheduled for Sunday in Kuwait City.

Leaders from across the Gulf are expected to attend the session.

Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya personally welcomed Faisal bin Farhan upon his arrival.

India and France have immense potential for partnerships in renewable energy, said Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday. He highlighted the success of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-led by the two countries, calling it a “runaway success.” Speaking at the Asia Pacific Commission (APAC) 2024 Forum organized by the French Foreign Trade Advisors, Goyal noted that over 100 countries have joined the ISA.

Goyal elaborated on the alliance’s mission to bring clean and renewable energy to emerging and less-developed nations. He emphasized that sustainable practices could help mitigate climate change and its global impacts.

The minister also pointed out opportunities in agricultural and food processing sectors. “India and France can collectively expand agricultural and food processing for the world’s food security using innovative sustainable practices,” he stated.

India’s partnership with France has grown into a strong framework, covering areas like space exploration, defense, civil nuclear energy, digitalization, and a shared Indo-Pacific vision. Goyal mentioned the adoption of the Horizon 2047 roadmap, which outlines a 25-year shared vision for cooperation.

He invited French collaboration in India’s infrastructure projects, including industrial cities across 20 locations, to create world-class connectivity and urban ecosystems.

On the aerospace sector, Goyal noted that India is the world’s largest aviation market, with 1,500 planes ordered and potential for up to 2,000. He urged French aviation companies to establish manufacturing facilities in India. “For the next three decades, the Indian aviation market will be the largest demand aggregator,” he said. He also highlighted India’s rapid airport expansion, growing from 74 airports in 2014 to 125 today, with plans for 75 more by 2029.

Goyal stressed India’s growing defense sector, inviting global companies, including French firms, to manufacture in India. He assured that India’s robust patent regime does not insist on technology transfer and offers 100% ownership for foreign companies.

Discussing automobiles and electric vehicles (EVs), he said India and France could co-develop technologies for a sustainable mobility revolution. “India has a large pool of first-time vehicle owners, and providing them sustainable options will be easier,” Goyal added.

On digital technology, he encouraged both nations to support startups in cybersecurity, AI, e-commerce, and quantum technologies. He announced that the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 would boost technology-driven growth through joint projects in IT, healthcare, renewable energy, and smart cities.

“The true strength of the India-France partnership lies in trust,” Goyal said. He emphasized that mutual trust would enhance investments in manufacturing and services. Highlighting the role of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India, he said both countries could co-innovate and foster academic partnerships to improve the innovation landscape.

Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, said the Keir Starmer government is ready to restart Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with India. He described the FTA as an “ongoing process” and noted that the UK completed its internal review in July.

After meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G20 Summit in Brazil, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that FTA talks between the UK and India would relaunch in 2025.

Speaking to ANI, Doraiswami said, “The FTA is an ongoing process. The government that came to power here in the UK in July completed their internal review and is now ready to restart negotiations. We welcome that. Let’s not prejudice what happens in the negotiations because the negotiations have to restart. Let’s see what happens beyond that.”

He highlighted the growing bilateral trade between the two nations and expressed optimism about the negotiations. “The movement of goods and services between us continues to grow and our investments continue to be significant in each other’s economies,” he added.

On November 22, Richard Heald, Chair of the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC), spoke about the transformative potential of the FTA for businesses and trade. He emphasized its role in simplifying processes between the two countries.

“If you look at those companies who are not here (India), then the FTA will make a difference. It (FTA) will make it easier and more comforting to come here to India and to get embedded,” Heald stated.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba urged U.S. President Joe Biden to approve Nippon Steel’s $15 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel, highlighting the deal’s importance to bilateral relations, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Biden expressed his opinion against the purchase, stating possible threats to national security, along with a major effect on U.S. labor organizations. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States has been asked to review the deal and provide a recommendation before President-elect Trump takes office on January 20.

 Government agency CFIUS, responsible for evaluating foreign investments for security concerns, might accept the agreement. However, there would be restrictions and the assessment process might get prolonged. If none of this happens, it might suggest a rejection. The panel had already raised concerns about the vulnerability of the steel supply chain resulting from the proposed deal.

Emphasizing the geopolitical and financial advantages of the purchase, Ishiba addressed in a letter dated November 20 the reflection of Japan’s position as the biggest foreign investor in the United States. He noted that enhancing the economic cooperation fits the “unprecedented strength” of the Japan-U.S. relationship under Biden’s leadership. Nippon Steel has promised to invest in modern technologies and safeguard employment in line with American concerns. In the letter, Ishiba said, “The proposed acquisition will enable Japanese and U.S. steel companies to combine advanced technologies and increase competitiveness and will contribute to enhancing steel production capacity and employment in the United States.

Italy and Japan have strengthened their defence sector collaboration by signing a bilateral deal in Rome, the Italian government announced on Monday. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya formalised the agreement, named the Acquisition and Cross-Service Agreement (ACSA).

The agreement streamlines acquisitions, supplies, and exchanges in military operations and ensures rapid mobilization of aid during emergencies and natural disasters. Both nations also collaborate with Britain on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a project to develop an advanced front-line fighter jet set to enter service by the mid-2030s.

Italy emphasized that the GCAP program demonstrates how nations with shared values can unite to address contemporary global challenges. Later on Monday, Foreign Minister Iwaya will join a G7 Foreign Ministers meeting in Italy.