The United States is finalizing steps to clear hurdles for a civil nuclear partnership with Indian firms, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced on Monday. This move aims to reinvigorate a landmark deal between the two nations. Since the mid-2000s, Washington and New Delhi have been discussing the supply of U.S. nuclear reactors to India, which is in need of more energy. A key obstacle has been India's liability rules, which need to align with global norms. These norms require that any accident costs are borne by the operator, not the plant's manufacturer. The deal, init
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced that Russia, the 2024 BRICS chair, confirmed Thailand's new status. BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, recently expanded to include nine new members: the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Thailand. Additionally, 13 countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia from Southeast Asia, have joined as partner nations. The MFA stated that Thailand's partnership with BRICS builds on its cooperation with the group since 2017, when it joined the
Romania and Bulgaria are now full members of the EU’s border-free Schengen area. They scrapped land border controls at midnight on Wednesday, marking this milestone with celebrations at border posts. “Welcome to Schengen, Bulgaria and Romania!” the European Parliament announced on X. “No more checks at land borders between Bulgaria, Romania, and other Schengen countries.” At midnight, Bulgarian and Romanian interior ministers symbolically raised the barrier on the Danube Bridge. This bridge, also known as the Friendship Bridge, connects the two countries and is vital for inter
Economist Lawrence Wong, 51, succeeded Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 72, in May after Lee’s nearly two-decade tenure. Both leaders belong to Singapore’s ruling party, which has driven the nation’s economic progress for over five decades. India and Singapore are set to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties in 2025. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in September, the two countries elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Indian High Commissioner to Singapore, Shilpak Ambule, described 2024 as an "eventful year for India-Singapore relations.
Morocco unveiled major reforms to its family law on Tuesday in Rabat, the first review in 20 years. The changes aim to strengthen women’s rights in child custody, guardianship, and polygamy while addressing societal shifts. Key amendments include raising the minimum age for child marriage exemptions from 15 to 17. Women will gain shared parental guardianship during and after marriage, and divorced mothers can retain custody even after remarriage. Polygamy will face stricter conditions, requiring the wife’s consent and valid justifications like infertility or illness. The reforms sim
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom today, reaffirming the strong ties between India and the UK. Both leaders committed to enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. Strengthening Historic Relations The discussion highlighted the historic relations between India and the UK. They also exchanged views on the Commonwealth of Nations and deliberated on outcomes from the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. Focus on Climate Action and Sustainability Climate action and sustainabil
India and the United States are strengthening their collaboration in space, focusing on innovation, exploration, and commercial partnerships. Both nations are exploring a new "space innovation bridge" to foster partnerships between US and Indian startups. This initiative will advance space situational awareness, satellite technology, and space launch capabilities. Advancing Space Collaboration Officials from both countries have outlined next steps in their space partnership. Key areas include human spaceflight, joint space exploration, and facilitating commercial ties between space c
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Donald Marles highlighted Saudi Arabia as a key partner for Australia. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia is Australia’s second-largest trading partner in the Middle East. In a statement on Thursday, Marles said his visit to Saudi Arabia aims to boost cooperation within the G20 and other multilateral institutions. He also reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to a rules-based global order. Marles called Saudi Arabia a pivotal partner in tackling shared global challenges. He stressed the importance of deepening economic and diplo
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kuwait on December 21-22 to boost bilateral ties and energy cooperation. This marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Kuwait in 43 years. Modi’s visit is at the invitation of the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He will hold talks with Kuwait’s leadership and engage with the Indian community, according to the external affairs ministry. “The visit will further strengthen the multifaceted ties between India and Kuwait,” said the ministry. The last visit by an Indian prime minister to Kuwait was by Ind
Vietnam aims to expand its international defense cooperation to build trust and prevent wars, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday. He made the statement while opening Vietnam’s second international arms fair. “This expo sends a message of peace, cooperation, and development,” Chinh said. The fair, held at Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi, runs until Sunday. It features nearly 250 exhibitors from countries like the U.S., China, Russia, Britain, Iran, and Israel. Chinh reiterated Vietnam’s “four no” policy. The country will not join military alliances, align against anothe