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India and the European Union (EU) are preparing for a decisive round of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) , with the 13th round of talks set to begin in New Delhi on September 8, 2025 . These discussions come as both sides aim to finalise the deal by the end of this year, amid growing concerns over global trade disruptions triggered by U.S. tariff policies. Strategic Importance of the Talks The FTA has gained renewed urgency as tariff wars led by the U.S. are reshaping global trade flows. According to officials, both India and the EU see the deal as a mechanism to “de-risk” supply chains and provide stability for businesses across critical sectors. To give political momentum to the negotiations, EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic and agriculture commissioner Christophe Hansen are expected to visit New Delhi for discussions with commerce minister Piyush Goyal . Progress Achieved So Far The two sides have already closed 11 out of 23 chapters of the agreement, in...

India-China Talks at a Critical Juncture Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a significant bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin , marking Modi’s first visit to China in seven years. The discussions carried immense weight as the two leaders stressed the importance of border peace, strategic autonomy, and mutual cooperation amid ongoing global economic uncertainty and geopolitical shifts. This meeting was the second between the leaders since both nations agreed in October 2024 to end a prolonged standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) , which had begun in April-May 2020 and caused bilateral relations to plummet to their lowest point since the 1962 border war . Border Peace as a Foundation for Progress Modi firmly conveyed India’s position that peace and tranquillity on the border are critical for the further development of bilateral ties . Both leaders expressed satisfaction with t...

Trump: “Russia Lost an Oil Client, Which is India” US President Donald Trump has escalated his criticism of India’s oil trade with Russia, linking it directly to his administration’s tariff and sanctions policy. In an interview with Fox News aboard Air Force One, Trump remarked that Russia had “lost an oil client, which is India,” highlighting New Delhi’s reduction of crude oil purchases from Moscow. He stated that India accounted for around 40% of Russia’s oil trade, but warned that the imposition of secondary sanctions could be “devastating” for Moscow. “If I have to do it, I’ll do it, maybe I won’t have to do it,” Trump said, suggesting that harsher economic penalties remain an option. US Tariffs on Indian Imports Trump’s remarks come on the heels of a sharp increase in tariffs on Indian imports. On August 7, the US imposed an additional 25% tariff , effectively raising the total duty to 50% on Indian goods . The White House justified this action on grounds of national securit...

In a significant development during a defamation case hearing, the Supreme Court of India strongly disapproved of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's comments alleging that China had occupied 2,000 sq. km of Indian territory. The remarks were made during his Bharat Jodo Yatra in December 2022 and are now under legal scrutiny.

Trump's 'Good Step' or Geopolitical Misunderstanding? Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments have reignited international debate on India’s energy policy. Speaking to the media, Trump claimed that India may be halting purchases of Russian oil , calling it “a good step”—a statement that echoed earlier assertions made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. But India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded swiftly, clarifying that no such decision has been made , and reaffirming that India’s energy procurement is guided by national interest and market dynamics . The Background: What's Driving the Noise? On July 31, media reports (including Reuters) claimed that Indian state-owned refineries had suspended Russian oil purchases in response to narrowing discounts and U.S. tariff threats . This fueled speculation in Washington and beyond, culminating in Trump’s Friday remarks. Yet, according to senior Indian officials, this narrative is misleading ...

  Policy, Procurement, and Partnerships Take Centre Stage Introduction: A New Chapter in Bilateral Defence Strategy The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) has released a comprehensive report that outlines a strategic framework for enhancing defence cooperation between the United Kingdom and India . This timely intervention comes at a moment when India’s defence manufacturing sector is booming , guided by national missions such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat . The UKIBC’s recommendations are designed to strengthen both government-to-government (G2G) collaboration and industry-to-industry linkages across critical defence and aerospace domains. UKIBC’s Institutional Role and Strategic Vision As a policy advocacy and strategic consulting non-profit , UKIBC plays a crucial role in advancing trade and investment between the UK and India. The latest report builds upon academic studies, government reports, industry insights, and expert interviews to identify opportunity ...

India’s New Foreign Policy Doctrine: Strategic, Structured, and Sovereign India’s foreign policy has undergone a significant transformation in the past decade—marked by pragmatism, purposeful diplomacy, and an unwavering commitment to strategic autonomy. Whether it is engaging major powers or building coalitions with the Global South, India's diplomacy has grown more structured, forward-looking, and impactful. From high-trust defence partnerships to landmark multilateral summits, India today is no longer just a participant on the world stage—it is a pivotal shaper of global narratives. US-India Relations: From Trust to Trade & Technology India’s relationship with the United States has evolved into a Global Strategic Partnership , anchored in democratic values and economic synergy. The COMPACT initiative (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) underscores this cooperation. Key milestones: Mission 500 aims to double ...

International Defence Conference 2025 Kicks Off Tomorrow in Abu Dhabi Under the esteemed patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan , the International Defence Conference (IDC) 2025 is set to commence tomorrow at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi . This prestigious event will bring together leading global defence and security experts to discuss emerging threats, critical security challenges, and opportunities in the modern defence landscape. A Premier Global Defence Forum Held alongside the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025 and the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2025 , the IDC 2025 is a crucial platform for fostering international cooperation, strategic discussions, and innovation in the defence sector. The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for defence collaboration by hosting this high-profile event. Key Theme: Defence Reimagined Organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the UAE Minis...

Taiwan Slams China’s Sovereignty Claim: Reaffirming Independence and Regional Stability In a recent development, Taiwan has strongly criticized China’s repeated claims of sovereignty over the island nation, restating its status as a sovereign and independent country . This statement from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) comes amid heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait and ongoing geopolitical dynamics between major powers like the US and China. Taiwan’s Response to China’s Claim Taiwan’s MOFA issued a sharp rebuke to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s assertion of sovereignty over Taiwan during a phone call with then-US President-elect Donald Trump. The Ministry emphasized that: Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) are not controlled by one another . This distinction reflects the internationally accepted status quo , which has been observed for decades. Taiwan’s focus remains on strengthening its ties with the US to maintain peace, stability, and prosperit...