This week, India and Qatar will finalise the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a planned free trade deal, marking a significant step forward in their economic relationship. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will begin a two-day visit to Doha to discuss the CEPA, the commerce ministry confirmed. The ToR establish the framework for negotiations, outlining the agreement's objectives, scope, and parameters. Its signing is the first step before formal discussions may start. Goyal will co-chair the Qatar-India Joint Commission on Trade with Qatar's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh
Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a phone conversation with Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman to discuss military cooperation. The Saudi minister acknowledged the call in a post on X, stating that both sides discussed defence ties and expressed views on regional and international issues of common concern. The conversation took place a day after the United States extended Qatar an unprecedented security guarantee. In contrast to NATO's Article 5, the order stated that Washington would treat any armed attack on Qatari territory
France, Sweden, and Germany have increased their efforts to secure Denmark's informal European Union summit in Copenhagen this week, following unexplained drone activity over Danish territory. Following President Emmanuel Macron's command, France dispatched a 35-member anti-drone military unit armed with a Fennec light helicopter and active defence capabilities. The French Armed Forces Ministry confirmed that the unit is already active and coordinating with Danish authorities. Sweden also replied to Denmark's request by sending an anti-drone team and radar devices to increase surveillance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences after the death of Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al AlSheikh. PM Modi took to X and expressed his "deepest condolences on the sad demise of the Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." He also expressed India's thoughts and prayers for the Kingdom and its people during this moment of grief. Sheikh Abdulaziz passed away on September 23 at the age of 82. He was a highly recognised Islamic scholar who led the Council of Senior Scholars, the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, and
Leaders of the United Nations, African Union, and European Union held their sixth trilateral meeting in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, pledging to intensify joint efforts for peace, stability, and development across Africa. In a joint communiqué, they reaffirmed multilateralism as the most effective way to handle global challenges while also expressing serious concern over growing violations of international law and human rights. A large part of the discussion focused on the current African crises. The leaders urged an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan and
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong call to promote 'swadeshi' items, claiming that India's next-generation GST reforms will bring in a new era in the country's economic journey. Speaking to the nation on the eve of reduced GST rates going into effect, he stated that the measures will increase the ease of doing business, boost investor confidence, and benefit all segments of society. PM Modi announced that a "GST bachat utsav," or savings festival, will begin on the first day of Navratri, coinciding with the implementation of lower GST rates for roughly 375 items and services. Essen
At a press conference in Mumbai, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, describing him as the most popular and visionary leader with global recognition. Goyal, who represents North Mumbai, wished the Prime Minister a happy 75th birthday and stated that under his leadership, India has become self-sufficient and strong. He emphasised that the country requires such strong leadership to fulfil its objective of a developed India by 2047. Goyal praised Prime Minister Modi for historic reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), describing it
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar will become India's Electric Vehicle (EV) capital. During Marathwada Mukti Sangram Din at Siddharth Garden, he emphasised the region's growing importance as an industrial hub and preferred investment destination. Fadnavis stated that Hyundai's investment is a major boost for the area and shows that industries have faith in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. He said the city, together with Jalna and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, is quickly emerging as Maharashtra's next industrial magnet. The Chief
The UAE and Oman have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in public fund oversight and anti-corruption efforts. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Sheikh Ghuson Hilal Al Alawi, Chairman of the State Audit Institution of Oman, and Humaid Obaid Abushibs, Chairman of the UAE Accountability Authority, at the authority's headquarters in Abu Dhabi. This MoU emphasises both countries' shared objective of increasing transparency, integrity, and accountability in government. It also demonstrates their shared commitment to protecting public resources and pr
The Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under the Dubai Chambers umbrella, announced that Asia accounted for 58% of all multinational companies (MNCs) drawn to the city in the first half of 2025. This strengthens Dubai's status as a prominent regional and international investment hub for global corporations. Europe ranked second with 16.1% of the MNCs, indicating a consistent interest from the continent. The Middle East and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) together contributed 12.9%, indicating substantial regional connections. Africa and the Americ