India and the US are engaged in high-level negotiations in New Delhi to finalise an interim trade deal, with the focus on tariff reductions in agriculture and automobiles. A senior US delegation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative began two days of closed-door discussions with Indian trade officials, led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal, according to government sources. Talks are centred on tariff cuts and proposed benefits for Indian businesses, with an announcement expected by the end of the month, ahead of President Trump's July 9 deadline, according to one offic
The UAE has strengthened its position in the regional defence industry by negotiating a contract for AED 9 billion ($2.45 billion) with Kuwait's Ministry of Defence. EDGE, the UAE's advanced technology and defence group, announced an agreement to supply Kuwait with Falaj 3 class 62-meter missile boats, increasing Kuwait's naval capabilities. Although the exact number of vessels is unknown, EDGE confirms it is the region's largest-ever naval shipbuilding export. As the prime contractor, EDGE will be in charge of the whole project, from design and construction to sea trials and delivery. The
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in Abu Dhabi, renewing their call for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. During high-level discussions at Qasr Al Shati, they emphasised the significance of stepping up efforts to achieve a "just and comprehensive peace" based on a two-state solution, highlighting the international community's essential role in advancing this aim. Sheikh Mohamed and President El Sisi also discussed ways to strengthen the UAE's long-standing collaboration with Egypt, demonstrating their commitment to preserving strong
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, to discuss ways to boost bilateral trade ties. The conversation focused on capitalising on India's tremendous prospects in the maritime sector, which has been designated as a significant growth area. Goyal emphasised that improving commercial connections with Singapore is consistent with India's overall aims of global economic integration and sectoral growth. The minister, who is now on an official visit to France, is meeting with European leaders and bus
Thailand has strengthened its medical ties with Bahrain and Indonesia through strategic Memorandums of Understanding. The Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital at Mahidol University recently signed an agreement with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain). The agreement, inked on May 23rd, aims to expand educational, research, and clinical prospects for the two major institutions. Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Bahrain, and Clinical Professor Artit Ungkanont, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, both suppo
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address at the International Air Transport Association (IATA)'s 81st Annual General Meeting, which took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This significant occasion marks the return of the IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) to India after 42 years, the last being held in 1983. The summit, which runs from June 1 to June 3, has drawn over 1,600 people, including global aviation CEOs, top officials, and members of the international media. In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasised India's position as the world's third-lar
Malaysia Madani Artificial Intelligence (MMAI Technologies SDN. BHD.), a 100% government-owned Malaysian organisation, has struck a landmark partnership with Presight, a premier AI and big data analytics company based in the UAE. The alliance intends to accelerate Malaysia's digital transformation by using sophisticated AI and sovereign cloud infrastructure. The deal was formally signed at the ASEAN-GCC Economic Forum 2025, which was attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, and G42 Group CEO Peng Xiao. The collabor
MY E.G. Services Berhad (MYEG) and Singapore Trade Data Exchange Services (SGTraDex) have formed a strategic cooperation to boost cross-border digital trade. This collaboration focuses on developing interoperable digital systems that allow for the easy, secure, and paperless interchange of trade-related information between the two countries. The partnership's goal is to align digital infrastructures to facilitate easier economic flows and increase regional connectivity. The project thus adds to the larger goals of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which promotes mutual
During French President Emmanuel Macron's historic visit to Hanoi, the two countries inked multiple important agreements, including a big purchase of 20 Airbus aeroplanes. This is the French president's first official visit to Vietnam in nearly a decade. The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic and economic connections while also reinforcing France's strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific region. The trip comes amid rising trade tensions between the United States and the European Union. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 50% tariff on EU imports, raising European fears. Vie
The United States has received a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft from Qatar, which will be used as part of the Air Force One fleet. The Pentagon said on Wednesday that U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth accepted the aircraft, valued at around $400 million, as a gift from the Qatari royal family. Sean Parnell, the Chief Pentagon spokesperson, claimed that the jet was accepted in accordance with all federal requirements. The Defence Department is currently trying to upgrade the plane's security systems and mission-ready configurations to suit the president's operational requirements. The