On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a crucial meeting to analyse and improve the performance of India's tourist industry. The high-level meeting came in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in a significant drop in tourist traffic and prompted safety worries across the country. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi, Union Tourism Secretary V Vidyavathi, and other top officials attended the review session. The discussions were primarily focused on rebuilding tourist confid
French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Vietnam next week, marking the first visit by a French head of state in nearly ten years. Macron's state visit to Hanoi is scheduled for May 25, as part of a larger Southeast Asian tour that will also include visits to Indonesia and Singapore. His visit coincides with heightened worldwide interest in Southeast Asia's growing economic and geopolitical importance. Infrastructure, energy, and satellite technology are among the top priorities, according to officials. France is ready to sign up to 30 agreements with Vietnam, with a probable
The United Kingdom and the European Union have agreed on a comprehensive post-Brexit agreement that addresses defence, security, energy, and fisheries. This significant agreement, unveiled at a big summit in London, is viewed as a turning point in relations following years of political tension. It includes a 12-year extension of EU fishing rights in British waters, a substantial concession by Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government that has elicited both praise and criticism at home. Defence cooperation takes the stage, allowing the United Kingdom to participate in EU procurement initiati
Thailand and Indonesia have committed to increasing trade and investment cooperation while stepping up collaborative efforts to tackle cybercrime and drug trafficking. During Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's first official visit to Bangkok, the two economies in Southeast Asia upgraded their relationship to that of a strategic alliance. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced that Thailand will hold the first joint trade committee meeting later this year to discover specific opportunities for economic cooperation. Both countries intend to pursue new transactions through c
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is gearing up for a critical visit to Washington this week, where he hopes to deepen diplomatic ties with the US by pursuing investment from Elon Musk's companies. According to official sources, Ramaphosa will make a trade and investment proposal to US President Donald Trump during his meeting, to reduce tensions and encourage American enterprise in South Africa. Ties between the two countries have been strained throughout Trump's second term, particularly after his harsh comments about South Africa's land reform programs. Ramaphosa expects that econ
The United Arab Emirates and the United States have reached a groundbreaking agreement to build the largest artificial intelligence campus outside of America. The agreement, announced during former President Donald Trump's visit to Abu Dhabi, marks a major turnaround in US policy, which was previously cautious due to concerns over China's access to advanced technology. Although no specifics about Nvidia or other chip suppliers were given, insiders estimate that the UAE could begin importing 500,000 of Nvidia's top-tier chips per year starting in 2025. The pact includes strong security assu
As a key step towards deepening renewable energy cooperation, the UAE and Kazakhstan have signed an agreement to develop large-scale clean energy and battery storage projects. The agreement was signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) and Kazakhstan's sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna JSC will collaborate on a 24/7 renewable energy plan. This project seeks to provide up to 500MW of continuous renewable power, supplemented by 2GW of battery energy sto
President Donald Trump paid a visit to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, promising to strengthen bilateral ties and unveiling agreements worth more than $200 billion. During his meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to increased collaboration in trade, aviation, energy, and artificial intelligence. The visit's centrepiece was Etihad Airways' $14.5 billion investment in 28 Boeing 787 and 777x aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. Trump also unveiled a new 5gw AI complex in the UAE, which is set to become the larges
Iran has proposed forming a regional uranium enrichment partnership with Saudi Arabia and the UAE to resolve US concerns about its nuclear project. According to a report, the effort aims to create a collaborative Middle Eastern nuclear framework while strengthening Tehran's position that enrichment rights should be retained. The proposed consortium would have shared control and oversight, with enrichment efforts limited to 3.67% purity, with the original provisions of the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The enrichment would take place
The United States has approved a significant arms deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including the sale of military assets worth around $1.45 billion. The declaration comes as former President Donald Trump begins a diplomatic visit to the Middle East, which will include a stop in the UAE. The proposed package includes the sale of six CH-47F Chinook helicopters, as well as related systems and equipment, valued at $1.32 billion. These heavy-lift helicopters are expected to increase the UAE's operational capability in missions such as search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, disaste