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Showing posts with the label International Relations

India-EU Free Trade Agreement Talks Enter Crucial Phase

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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...

PM Modi and Xi Jinping Emphasize Border Peace, Global Stability in Landmark Meeting

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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...

Belarus Expresses Gratitude to India for Supporting Full Membership in SCO, Says Ambassador Mikhail Kasko

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Belarus Expresses Gratitude to India for Supporting Full Membership in SCO, Says Ambassador Mikhail Kasko Belarusian Ambassador to India, Mikhail Kasko, expressed gratitude towards India for its support in Belarus's endeavor to become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Ambassador Kasko emphasized Belarus's readiness to actively collaborate within the SCO framework, contributing significantly to various spheres of cooperation within the organization. Strengthening Cooperation within SCO Ambassador Kasko highlighted Belarus's strategic importance and its readiness to enhance interaction in political, economic, trade, scientific, cultural, and other areas as a full member of the SCO. He acknowledged India's support for Belarus's application for full-fledged membership in the organization, noting Belarus's willingness to contribute to the development of SCO cooperation, particularly in economics and security. Initiatives and Contributions ...

UN Secretary-General Urges Restraint Amid Escalating Tensions in the Middle East

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UN Secretary-General Urges Restraint Amid Escalating Tensions in the Middle East Concern Over Escalating Tensions Addressing an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East. He emphasized the urgent need for peace and stability in the region, highlighting the imminent danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Call for Maximum Restraint Guterres called for maximum restraint from all parties involved and immediate de-escalation to prevent further conflict. He stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford more war, underscoring the shared responsibility of all parties to work towards peace. Condemnation of Iranian Attacks The UN Secretary-General condemned the recent Iranian attacks on Israel, launched in retaliation for an attack on its embassy in Syria. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and reminded all member states of the UN Charte...

India and Kazakhstan Strengthen Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

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India and Kazakhstan Strengthen Counter-Terrorism Cooperation Introduction: India and Kazakhstan recently held a joint working group meeting to discuss counter-terrorism challenges and enhance cooperation in addressing security threats. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement summarizing the key outcomes of the meeting, which took place in Astana. Key Points Discussed: During the meeting, led by Joint Secretary (CT) KD Dewal from the Ministry of External Affairs and Ambassador-at-Large Talgat Kaliyev from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, both delegations engaged in comprehensive discussions on various aspects of counter-terrorism. Assessment of Threats: One of the primary focuses was assessing terrorist threats in their respective regions, particularly state-sponsored and cross-border terrorism in South Asia. The discussions also encompassed terror activities in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to address th...