Days after signing a ‘Letter of Intent’ for a Strategic Defence Partnership with the United Arab Emirates, India, on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026, held a security dialogue with Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. Senior officials from both countries conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing security cooperation and discussed global and regional threats posed by terrorist groups. The 3rd India-Saudi Arabia Security Working Group was co-chaired by Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Ahmed Al-Eissa, Director General of Legal Affairs and
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026, said that India will play a decisive role in shaping the global energy demand-supply balance, as he interacted with chief executive officers of leading global and Indian energy companies during India Energy Week (IEW) 2026. The interaction was held at Lok Kalyan Marg, where global energy leaders expressed strong confidence in India’s economic growth and showed keen interest in expanding their business footprint in the country. Addressing the roundtable, the Prime Minister said such engagements have become a vital platform fo
Qatar, on Monday, January 26th, 2026, launched Arabian Gulf Security 4, a joint tactical exercise bringing together security agencies from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with the participation of specialised units from the United States. The exercise was inaugurated under the patronage of Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force “Lekhwiya,” in the presence of senior security officials from GCC member states. Representatives included heads of higher committees overseeing the exercise, as well as comma
President Droupadi Murmu, on Monday, January 26th, 202,6 conferred the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, on Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for his role in the historic Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS). The award was presented during the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, in recognition of Shukla’s “indomitable courage and outstanding valour” in successfully executing the mission. In June last year, Shukla became the first Indian to visit the ISS and the second Indian to travel to
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Republic Day, calling it a symbol of India’s pride and honour. In a post on X, Modi said the national festival should infuse “new energy and enthusiasm”, strengthening the country’s collective resolve towards building a Viksit Bharat. Republic Day, observed annually on January 26, commemorates the adoption of the Constitution in 1950, marking India’s transformation into a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the main celebrations at Kartav
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, January 25th, 2026, highlighted the central role of family in Indian society, saying India’s family system is deeply rooted in tradition and admired globally. Addressing the nation in the 130th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi said many countries view India’s family structure with “great curiosity” and hold it in “high regard”. Recalling the recent visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Modi praised the UAE’s decision to designate 2026 as the ‘Year of Family’, calling it a commendable ste
Former US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “fantastic leader” during remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, saying a “good deal” was possible for India and the United States, signalling prospects for closer economic ties. Addressing business and policy leaders, Trump said he shared a strong rapport with Modi and believed bilateral cooperation could expand across trade, investment and strategic sectors. He described India as a rapidly growing economy with a large consumer base and increasing influence in global supply chains. Trump highlight
The Indian government has delivered 30 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to the Philippines for provinces severely affected by earthquakes and deadly cyclones that struck the country last year. The aid was formally handed over by Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shri Harsh Kumar Jain to Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe during a ceremony at Clark Air Base on Tuesday. The assistance included 6.5 tonnes of essential medicines and medical equipment, along with dignity kits, sleeping mats, heavy-duty tarpaulins, and shelter materials. A ke
India and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to deepen their strategic partnership, setting a target of doubling bilateral trade to $200bn by 2032, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New Delhi. The announcement followed Sheikh Mohamed’s visit on 19 January, his fifth visit in a decade and third since becoming President. Both leaders said the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership had strengthened over past ten years, driven by trade, defence, energy, and technology cooperation. Bilateral trade reached $100bn in 2024
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday held discussions with US Senator Steve Daines and the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, focusing on the state of bilateral relations between the two countries. Taking to social media platform X, Goyal described the interaction as constructive, stating, “Delighted to again meet my good friends US Senator Steve Daines and the US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Had a productive exchange of views on our bilateral relationship.” The meeting comes amid ongoing negotiations between India and the United States on a proposed bilatera