PM Modi and UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum virtually inaugurated Bharat Mart at the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone in Dubai. DP World is constructing the Bharat Mart project. Established with an aim to enhance India-UAE ties, Bharat Mart is anticipated to revolutionise trade relations by capitalising on Jebel Ali Port's strategic location and logistical capabilities. India's exports could be greatly increased by this project, especially those from micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. Bharat Mart wants to strengthen India's position in the international market
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has declared that it will hold talks with India for full membership, recognising the strategic significance of India in tackling global energy and climate issues. Ministers from 31 member nations supported India's request at the IEA's 2024 ministerial conference in Paris, acknowledging its possible influence on global energy policy. India, an IEA association country since 2017, formally applied for full membership in October. If accepted, India's membership would significantly influence global energy dynamics, given its status as the world's most popul
Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, a former general tied to past human rights abuses, claimed victory in Indonesia's presidential election. He positioned himself as an heir to the current president, Joko Widodo, whose son was his running mate. The unofficial results showed Subianto leading with 57–59% of the votes, though election officials hadn't declared a winner and other candidates hadn't conceded. Subianto's background includes service under the cruel Suharto dictatorship, serving as a special forces commander connected to abductions and torture. Despite facing criticism,
PM Narendra Modi engaged in extensive discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to enhance their strategic partnership. The talks encompassed various sectors, including trade, investment, digital infrastructure, fintech, energy, and culture. An agreement was made to link UPI (India) and AANI (UAE) instant payment platforms, and RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE) debit/credit cards, facilitating seamless cross-border transactions. PM Modi expressed gratitude for the UAE’s support in constructing the BAPS Temple in Abu Dhabi, a symbol of UAE-India friendship. Additiona
Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, and Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission, visited the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) construction site in Tamil Nadu. They reviewed the progress of units 3 to 6 construction, expressing satisfaction with units 1 and 2's performance. Discussions included expediting units 3 to 6 construction and enhancing civil nuclear cooperation. They signed an amendment to the 2008 Intergovernmental Agreement on February 8. Likhachev emphasized the deep-rooted strategic partnership between Russia and India in the nuclear fiel
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