The UAE and Egypt have formed a strategic cooperation through the Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA) to promote clean industrial development in the MENA region. This collaboration, established under a memorandum of understanding between the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and Egypt's Industrial Modernisation Centre, aims to expedite decarbonisation in high-emission sectors such as cement, aluminium, steel, chemicals, aviation, and shipping. The agreement was signed in the presence of key officials, including UAE Minister Dr. Sultan Al Jaber and Egyptian Minister Kamel
The UAE and France have signed a strategic agreement to create a 1-gigawatt artificial intelligence data centre, which is expected to be the largest of its kind in Europe. The venture was announced during an international AI conference in Paris and is supported by a multibillion-euro investment from the UAE. The project represents a big step forward in the two countries' technological collaboration. The concept arose from discussions in February between French President Emmanuel Macron and senior Emirati officials. Leaders from both countries emphasised the need to promote innovation throu
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam highlighted India’s Aspirational Districts Programme as a strong example of grassroots empowerment during his address at the Philanthropy Asia Summit (PAS) 2025. The conference, titled 'Priming Asia for Good', will be held from May 5 to 7 and will focus on collaborative innovations to address global concerns in health, climate, and education. President Shanmugaratnam lauded India's program as a unique approach that blends local agency with central support. He stated that the plan, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, aims to accel
During a meeting in Hà Nội, Party General Secretary Tô Lâm expressed Vietnam's willingness to support and collaborate with Sri Lanka in accomplishing socio-economic development goals. He welcomed Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is visiting Vietnam until Tuesday, to attend the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations. This visit commemorates the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. General Secretary Tô Lâm praised President Dissanayake's involvement in the Vesak ceremonies and his letter commemorating Vietnam's 50th reunification
Angola's President, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, has publicly encouraged Indian corporations to explore strategic trade and investment opportunities in Angola, positioning the country as a significant export centre for Indian companies looking to join African markets. President Lourenco, speaking at the India-Angola Business Forum on his official visit to India, emphasised Angola's growing importance in global trade and identified possibilities for bilateral cooperation. He emphasised Angola's geographic advantage, citing its close ties to the Southern African Development Community a
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong led the People's Action Party (PAP) to an overwhelming win in the 14th general election since independence. The incumbent party won 87 out of 97 parliamentary seats and 65.6% of the total vote share, a significant improvement on its 2020 showing. This is Wong's first election test since taking over as Prime Minister in May 2024. India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was among the first to congratulate Wong. PM Modi posted on social networking site X, "Heartiest congratulations @LawrenceWongST on your resounding victory in the general elections." He
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a USD 200 million defence credit line for Angola to help modernise its armed forces. This crucial step was announced on Saturday, following intensive consultations with Angolan President João Manuel Goncalves Laurenco. PM Modi's declaration comes amid India's increased commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with African countries, particularly in the military, digital infrastructure, and space technology. During the meeting, the two leaders addressed several projects aimed at strengthening cooperation, including the repair, overhaul, and supp
India has inked a defence deal with France to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Navy, with an estimated cost of ₹63,000 crore. The two nations reached an agreement on Monday, marking another step forward in their strengthening strategic ties. Dassault Aviation, a leading French aerospace company, will supply the aircraft. The Rafale fighters, particularly the naval variants, would be stationed on India's aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, greatly increasing its operational capabilities. Out of the 26 aircraft, 22 will be single-seat Rafale M fighters, with four serving as twin-s
Sri Lanka aims to begin working on a new energy hub next month in collaboration with India and the UAE. Sri Lanka's Energy Minister announced on Friday, outlining a deliberate approach to boost the country's post-crisis economic recovery. An initial agreement for the energy hub was reached earlier this month during Indian Prime Minister Modi's visit to Sri Lanka. Modi's visit was the first by a world leader since Anura Kumara Dissanayake became president in September 2024. President Dissanayake was elected on a promise of stability following the island's severe financial crisis, and is
On National Panchayati Raj Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched projects worth ₹13,480 crore in Madhubani, Bihar, including power, railroads, housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. He emphasised that these actions will increase jobs and empower rural communities. Paying respect to poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, Modi stated that Panchayati Raj enhances democracy and women's representation. He lauded Bihar for being the first to implement 50% reservation for women in Panchayats, as well as the 33% reservation law in Parliament and State Assemblies. Over the past decade, ₹2 lakh c