This week’s headline features a story from Asia: 

At the India-Japan Forum, EAM S. Jaishankar emphasized leveraging mutual goodwill for deeper collaboration. He highlighted limited Indian tourism to Japan and addressed regional challenges, including China's influence. Notable is Japan's $65 billion semiconductor initiative, fostering G2G and B2B partnerships with India in technology, trade, and talent development.

Europe: The India-Italy conference in Mumbai explored space and maritime collaboration, inaugurated by Italian Ambassador Bartoli, with Indian Ports Minister Sonowal and Italian Enterprise Minister Urso. Panels emphasized technological integration, sustainable seas, and trade growth. Italy’s "Cotton Route" initiative and "Made in Italy 2030" plan aim to deepen bilateral ties, targeting $14 billion trade.

North America: The US Indo-Pacific Strategy: North-Eastern Dialogues fosters India-US cooperation to enhance connectivity, trade, and climate resilience in Northeast India. Through hybrid policy dialogues across five states and two national-level events, including Assam on December 13, 2024, it engages 200 stakeholders, emphasizing sustainable infrastructure, riverine links, and inclusivity. Surveys assess awareness and impact. 

South America: India and Peru, with their shared heritage and vision of "Progress and Sustainability," are deepening bilateral ties. Highlighting Peru’s business-friendly environment, discussions focused on finalizing the India-Peru Free Trade Agreement to boost trade in mining, agriculture, and tourism. Leaders aim to double trade to $8 billion in three years. 

Asia: At the India-Japan Forum, EAM S. Jaishankar emphasized the transformative potential of India-Japan semiconductor collaboration and emerging ties in education and workforce development. Highlighting shared strategic interests, he outlined initiatives like training programs, language skills, and student exchanges, showcasing the alliance’s capacity to reshape geopolitical and technological landscapes. 

Australia: The Australian government, led by Prime Minister Albanese, passed the Online Safety Amendment Bill 2024, setting 16 as the minimum age for social media access. The law aims to protect young users, requiring platforms to block accounts for under-16s without mandating ID verification. 

Africa: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Nigeria highlighted Africa's role in India’s Global South diplomacy. Discussions with President Tinubu focused on defence, energy, trade, and health, promoting sustainable development and countering debt-driven models. Strengthened India-Nigeria ties, marked by Modi’s civilian honour, aimed to boost South-South collaboration in a multipolar world.