The UN Secretary-General plans to initiate consultations for appointing a UN envoy to coordinate engagement between Afghanistan’s Taliban government and the global community. Antonio Guterres revealed that Taliban representatives declined an invitation to a recent meeting in Doha, expressing hope for their participation in future gatherings. He criticized the unilateral approach of the international community, urging for more constructive engagement with the Taliban. The envoy aims to enhance collaboration with the Taliban, potentially fostering their involvement in upcoming meetings.
UN Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stands on the brink of solidifying a pivotal agreement between the UK and the EU's border protection agency, Frontex, marking a significant step in thawing post-Brexit relations. Expected to echo Frontex's existing accords with "third country" states such as Albania, the agreement focuses on intelligence sharing regarding migration trends. However, it notably sidesteps the pressing issue of the small boat crisis, which sees individuals crossing the Channel through irregular means. The agreement is being negotiated, driven by shared interests, and is expected t
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