External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on Sunday, ahead of the 4th India-Bahrain High Joint Commission (HJC) meeting. Jaishankar will co-chair the HJC alongside his Bahraini counterpart on Monday. “Delighted to meet FM Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani today. Look forward to a productive meeting of India-Bahrain High Joint Commission tomorrow,” Jaishankar shared on X. What’s on the Agenda? The High Joint Commission will review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore ways to strengthen the multifac
UK PM Keir Starmer Seeks Stronger Economic and Defense Ties with UAE and Saudi Arabia British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has begun his first multi-day visit to the Gulf region since taking office. His goal is to strengthen economic, defense, and security partnerships with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, two of the UK's most important modern-day partners, according to a government statement. Starmer arrived in the UAE yesterday and is set to meet UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today. Later, he will travel to Saudi Arabia to hold talks with Crown Prince
Japan and the Philippines have taken a major step toward bolstering maritime security. On Thursday, the two nations signed a 1.6 billion yen ($10.65 million) security assistance agreement to enhance the Philippines’ maritime surveillance capabilities amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. As close allies of the United States, both countries have maintained a firm stance against what they perceive as China’s aggressive maritime activities in disputed waters. Under Japan’s Overseas Security Assistance Programme, the Philippine Navy will receive vital equipment, including rigi
India and Bhutan strengthened their cooperation on Thursday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirming India’s support for Bhutan’s Gelephu special administrative region project. During discussions with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, PM Modi assured continued assistance for the initiative. The “Gelephu Mindfulness City,” an economic hub envisioned by King Wangchuck near the Indian border, was a key focus of the talks. The leaders also discussed India’s support for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-29) and the Economic Stimulus Programme. In a joint stat
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
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
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 C
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 jou
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 fo
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.