This week’s headline features a story from North America :
The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) praised PM Modi and President Trump for their successful meeting, reaffirming strong bilateral ties. Key outcomes included plans for a Bilateral Trade Agreement by Fall 2025 and "Mission 500" to boost trade to $500 billion by 2030. Defence cooperation saw increased military sales and co-production agreements. Energy security and counterterrorism efforts were emphasized, including the extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana. Modi invited Trump to India ahead of the 2025 Quad Leaders’ Summit.
Europe: India and the EU will hold the next round of FTA talks from March 10-14, with the European Commission delegation visiting India from February 28. Meanwhile, UK's Minister Douglas Alexander will meet Piyush Goyal on February 24, followed by India-UK FTA talks resuming on February 25 after 14 previous rounds.
North America: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump met in Washington, D.C., reaffirming the strength of the U.S.-India partnership. Discussions focused on enhancing economic growth, defence cooperation, and technological collaboration, setting the agenda for the next four years.
South America: Brazil’s Governor of Goias, Ronaldo Caiado, met India’s Agriculture Minister Bhagirath Choudhary to strengthen bilateral ties in agriculture, focusing on sugarcane, ethanol, pulses, R&D, and digital farming. Both sides discussed collaboration, technology exchange, and policy initiatives to enhance agricultural productivity and food security in both nations.
Asia: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with leaders from Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and regional cooperation. Discussions emphasized economic collaboration, defence partnerships, and addressing shared challenges. These meetings underscore India's commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.
Australia: India and Australia held senior officials' consultations on Antarctica, focusing on scientific research collaboration, environmental protection, and logistics support. The discussions aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation under the Antarctic Treaty System, enhancing joint efforts in polar science and conservation.
Africa: India is expanding its global port operations, focusing on Africa, West Asia, and Myanmar. Plans include scaling up Chabahar Port's capacity to 100,000 TEUs by FY26 and developing Sittwe and Kankesanthurai ports. India is also exploring greenfield port projects, aiming to strengthen maritime influence and trade connectivity worldwide.
