This week’s headline features a story from Asia :
During President Prabowo Subianto's visit as Chief Guest for India's 76th Republic Day, India and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and regional cooperation. Prime Minister Modi and President Prabowo discussed ASEAN-India strategic partnerships, Indo-Pacific stability, and trilateral collaboration with Australia. They emphasized maritime security, sustainable development, and people-to-people ties. Both nations reinforced multilateral cooperation within the UN, G20, and IORA, celebrated Indonesia’s inclusion in BRICS, and committed to advancing economic and strategic partnerships for regional growth.
Europe: India and the EU are making significant progress in FTA negotiations, with the 10th round set for March 2025. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic to accelerate talks. Bilateral trade reached $180 billion in 2023-24, with the EU also a key FDI source for India.
North America: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to strengthen US-India ties, discussing regional issues, economic collaboration, and strategic cooperation in technologies, defence, and the Indo-Pacific. Both leaders expressed optimism about advancing the bilateral partnership.
South America: The Indian and Argentine Armies collaborated on a historic Mt. Aconcagua expedition, symbolizing strengthened defence ties and expertise sharing. This initiative underscores India’s growing defence diplomacy in South America, fostering future collaborations in high-altitude warfare, disaster response, and peacekeeping, enhancing bilateral relations and strategic military cooperation.
Asia: India and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties during President Prabowo Subianto's visit, discussing key regional issues like the Indo-Pacific, maritime security, and sustainable development. They agreed to enhance cooperation under the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Australia: A 10-member Australian EdTech delegation visited Chennai in January 2025 to explore partnerships in India’s online education sector. Organized by Austrade, they engaged with Indian EdTech firms and institutions, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and global expansion in digital learning solutions.
Africa: The India-Africa Trade Council hosted the India-Sierra Leone Trade Conference in Kochi, strengthening economic ties. High Commissioner Rashid Sesay highlighted opportunities in pharmaceuticals, IT, and industry. C. Krishna Shankar was appointed Trade Commissioner, and MoUs were signed in education, infrastructure, and healthcare to boost bilateral cooperation.
