Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin made headlines during the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin with an unexpected yet important gesture. The two leaders took a journey in a Russian-made Aurus car from the summit location to the Ritz-Carlton hotel, where they held bilateral meetings. PM Modi shared the experience on X, describing his meetings with Putin as "always insightful." According to officials, Putin proposed travelling together and waited over 10 minutes for PM Modi before departing. The discussions began on the drive and la
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day visit to Japan with a focus on technology cooperation and stronger people-to-people ties. The visit concluded with a tour of Tokyo Electron Miyagi Ltd in Sendai, a key player in the semiconductor industry, where he was accompanied by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. PM Modi arrived in the city by bullet train, bringing a symbolic end to a trip that promoted innovation and speed. He learnt about TEL Miyagi's advanced manufacturing capabilities and its global significance in semiconductor production. PM Modi emphasised the synergies b
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and New Zealand has officially entered into force, increasing trade and investment links between the two countries. The agreement, signed in January 2025, creates a platform for stronger economic collaboration across sectors. Officials expect the CEPA to considerably expand yearly bilateral trade, with projections of more than $5 billion by 2032, up from the $1.5 billion average reported between 2019 and 2023. The deal will reduce or eliminate tariffs, speed up customs procedures, and promote greater private-sector col
India and South Africa recently conducted their fifth Joint Working Group on Agriculture, confirming their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in farming, research, and commerce. The discussions took place under the framework of the India-South Africa Agricultural Partnership, with senior officials from both countries emphasising the significance of collaborating in important areas. The meeting placed special emphasis on research and innovation, including advancements in crop improvement, animal husbandry, food security, and climate-resilient farming practices. Both co
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that India will assist Fiji with disaster response measures in the face of growing climate change threats, demonstrating that, despite their geographical distance, the two countries have the same vision. PM Modi made these statements while speaking with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, who is now on a three-day visit to India, his first official visit since taking office. PM Modi highlighted that India and Fiji are still dedicated to creating a region that is free, inclusive, open, secure, and prosperous. The leaders committed to e
Cambodia and Saudi Arabia took a significant step towards developing their tourism collaboration on August 22, 2025, at a high-level conference in Phnom Penh. Huot Hak, Cambodia's Minister of Tourism, welcomed Saudi Ambassador Mohammed Ismaeil A Dahlwy to discuss methods to strengthen tourism cooperation. The summit aimed to attract investment, promote cultural exchanges, and create tourism incentives during Cambodia's less-explored green season. Officials emphasised that tourism is essential for strengthening people-to-people connections. They emphasised that travellers serve as informal
India is aggressively negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with several major economies, including the European Union, the United States, Chile, and Peru. Speaking at the Entrepreneur and Traders Leadership Summit, Goyal emphasised that negotiations are proceeding quickly, with Indian officials coordinating across time zones to ensure that discussions progress without pause. He noted that dialogues begin early with Australia and Japan, extend into the afternoon with Europe, and continue in the evening with the US, Chile, and Peru, reflecting India's worldwide commercial outreach. Th
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit New Delhi by the end of the year to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to the Russian embassy in India. An official confirmed that, while preparations are underway, the visit's exact dates have yet to be decided. According to Roman Babushkin, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Russian Embassy, both leaders will meet on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit later this month in Tianjin. The planned trip comes shortly after Modi and Putin spoke on the phone about Putin's recent meeting with US Presi
India handed over a set of defence and medical equipment to Nepal's army, strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri delivered the goods to Nepal's Chief of Army Staff, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, during a ceremony at the Nepal Army headquarters in Kathmandu, according to the Indian Embassy in Nepal. The assistance package comprised Light Strike Vehicles, critical care medical equipment, and military animals, demonstrating the depth of defence cooperation between the two countries. According to the Indian Embassy, the gesture represents the
Bilateral trade between India and the Maldives has grown significantly during the last seven years. Official figures reveal that trade volume increased from 223 million dollars in 2017-18 to 680 million dollars in 2024-25, a more than threefold increase. India's exports to the Maldives increased significantly, rising from $217 million in 2017-18 to $561 million in 2024-25. Imports from the Maldives also increased sharply, rising from $6 million to $119 million during the same period. This steady growth highlights the strengthening of economic ties between the two nations. During his rec