According to Sri Lanka's Power and Energy Minister, Kanchana Wijesekera, discussions between India and Sri Lanka on grid connectivity and collaborative renewable energy sources are progressing. After nearly two decades of planning, the two countries are accelerating efforts, aligning with their green energy ambitions. Officials from Sri Lanka's Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), Power Grid Corporation, and India's Central Electricity Authority (CEA) are reviewing technical reports. The grid connection is poised to be a joint venture with India's Power Grid Corporation. Feasibility studies
The head of the European Commission, along with Spain's prime minister, is set to visit Mauritania to address the issue of irregular migration to Europe. During the visit, Ursula von der Leyen and Pedro Sanchez are expected to promise 200 million euros ($215 million) in aid to Mauritania, with a focus on curbing the growing number of departures. Migration is poised to be a key issue in the upcoming European Parliament elections, particularly with the rise of anti-immigration rhetoric from right-wing parties. Mauritania's strategic significance has increased due to mounting migration pressu
Argentina's firebrand President, Javier Milei, has embarked on a groundbreaking diplomatic journey, commencing with a visit to Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Milei is a prominent figure in Argentina's right-wing libertarian movement and an accomplished economist who assumed office in December. Milei will visit Italy, where he will have an intriguing encounter with the pontiff, despite his past contentious remarks regarding the pope. His itinerary includes crucial meetings with Italian conservative Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, along with prominent figures from business and re
South Korea and Saudi Arabia have solidified their defence cooperation by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand defence cooperation. The deal was confirmed by Seoul's Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA). The MoU establishes a joint committee to facilitate collaboration in weapons systems research, development, and production. The agreement was formalised during the visit of South Korea's Defence Minister Shin Won-sik to Riyadh for the World Defence Show where he and his Saudi counterpart, Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, were present during the signing ceremony. S
New Zealand has agreed to formally investigate the possible benefits of joining the Aukus deal. This move indicates Wellington's willingness in the security accord primarily intended to oppose China. Foreign affairs and defence ministers of both nations affirmed that Australia will send delegations to NZ to discuss pillar two of Aukus. It will focus on collaboration in strategically sensitive domains such as quantum computing and AI. Judith Collins, NZ’s defence minister, remarked at a joint news conference that Australian officials have been tasked with collaborating with their New Z
The drone agreement between the United States and India signifies a pivotal milestone in fostering strategic technological collaboration between the two nations. The procurement of MQ-9B drones marks a significant leap in enhancing joint military capabilities. With an impressive maximum flight endurance of 36 hours, these Predators offer unparalleled surveillance capabilities, enabling precise monitoring of designated areas. The acquisition of up to 31 Predator drones, announced during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the United States, highlights the growing partnership between the two coun
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the launch of an exclusive programme called "Classes Internationales" (international classes) for Indian students. On January 26, President Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a joint statement. The programme aims to enhance educational and cultural exchange between the two countries. Starting in September, this special programme will offer Indian students the opportunity to spend a year in France learning French before pursuing their chosen degrees. As per a statement from the French Embassy, students who complete a foundatio
Vietnam and the Philippines have signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in safeguarding the South China Sea to prevent untoward incidents in the region. The announcement came during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s state visit to Hanoi, underscoring the strategic importance of collaboration amid escalating tensions. With China laying claim to nearly all of the $3 trillion in annual shipborne trade passing through the South China Sea, both Southeast Asian nations find themselves in competition over vital maritime territories. The bilateral agreement, consisting of two memoranda of un
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has set the stage for a fresh era of collaboration with Africa during a pivotal one-day summit. In an unveiling of long-awaited plans, Meloni outlined a vision aimed at fortifying economic ties, establishing an energy hub for Europe, and mitigating migration pressures. In a bid to kickstart this ambitious agenda, Meloni committed an initial investment of $5.95 billion, which includes state-backed guarantees. Meloni said, "We are only at the beginning; there is a very long road ahead of us. This day is a restart." She outlined the need for swift action
On Tuesday, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese affirmed that Australia stands as the premier "security ally" for its close neighbour Papua New Guinea (PNG), following revelations that China had initiated discussions for a policing and security arrangement. PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkachenko said that China approached PNG in September with proposals to support its police force through training, equipment provision, and surveillance technology. He emphasised that discussions were in preliminary stages and assured that PNG remained committed to its security relationships with Au