France and Germany have agreed to deepen defence cooperation, strengthen Europe's military capabilities and coordinate efforts to address economic challenges posed by China, as both countries push for greater strategic autonomy amid shifting global security dynamics. In a joint cabinet session in Bruehl, Germany, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz outlined plans to expand collaboration on missile defence, long-range strike systems and other defence initiatives. The leaders said the partnership will enhance Europe's collective security while complementing
Andy Burnham is set to become the United Kingdom's next prime minister on Monday after Keir Starmer announced his resignation, triggering a leadership transition within the ruling Labour Party. Burnham, who currently serves as Mayor of Greater Manchester, was elected Labour leader after the special party conference on Friday. With Labour holding a majority in the House of Commons, the party leader was invited by King Charles III to form a government without the need for a general election. The transfer of power will follow Britain's constitutional process. Starmer will formally resign a
Japan is preparing to establish a new intelligence agency as part of a broader effort to strengthen its national security capabilities in response to growing regional tensions and evolving security threats. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba recently announced plans to introduce a National Intelligence Council with a National Intelligence Office, bringing together intelligence gathering and analysis under a more coordinated framework. The proposal is for the country's broader push to modernise its national security architecture. According to experts, Japan's current intelligence functions ar
India has declared one day of national mourning following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the former Emir of Qatar and father of the country's current ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that the national mourning will be observed across India on July 13. During the mourning period, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings where it is regularly displayed, and there will be no official entertainment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to Sheikh Hamad, describing him as a p
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in New Zealand for the final leg of his three-nation tour after concluding his visit to Australia, where they expanded cooperation across defence, clean energy, trade, and critical minerals. During his two-day visit to Auckland, Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, meet senior leaders, and address members of the Indian diaspora. The visit is expected to focus on strengthening economic and commercial ties following the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. Before depart
India and Indonesia have signed a series of landmark agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jakarta, the first stop of his three-nation tour of Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand, covering the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, Astra air-to-air missile systems, critical minerals, defence technology, maritime security, and digital connectivity. The agreements were finalised following bilateral talks between PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, marking a significant step in strengthening the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established
The India-France defence deal is emerging as one of the most significant milestones in India's push for defence self-reliance, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron expected to deepen strategic cooperation across military manufacturing and advanced technology. At the centre of the discussions is India's reported plan to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets, a deal estimated at nearly $39 billion (₹3.3 lakh crore). Unlike previous acquisitions, only 18 aircraft are expected to be delivered directly from France, while the remaining 96 jets
NATO members announced a series of major arms deals ahead of the alliance's summit in Ankara, as leaders prepare to discuss defence spending, military readiness, and long-term security priorities with US President Donald Trump. Speaking ahead of the summit, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said European allies have significantly increased defence investment and military procurement since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He described the latest agreements as part of NATO's broader effort to strengthen its defence industrial base and expand weapons production. The allianc
Egypt has unveiled the Octagon, a vast new world's largest military headquarters that has surpassed the Pentagon to become the world's largest defence headquarters. Located within Egypt's New Administrative Capital, around 45 kilometres east of Cairo, the 22,000-acre Octagon serves as the headquarters of the Egyptian Strategic Command. The sprawling complex forms a key part of the country's broader military modernisation programme. Designed as a highly integrated defence command centre, the Octagon comprises headquarters, all major branches of the Egyptian Armed Forces, including the ar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in New Delhi on Friday, acknowledging Qatar's mediation efforts between the United States and Iran and reaffirming the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. During the meeting, Jaishankar appreciated Qatar's role in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran, describing its diplomatic engagement as a crucial contribution to regional stability, noting that India values Qatar's efforts to promote peace and de-escalation in West Asia. The discussions reviewe