This week’s headline features a story from Europe :
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need to elevate India-EU ties, announcing plans for a future ‘Security and Defence Partnership’ similar to those with Japan and South Korea. She highlighted the geopolitical challenges and opportunities for collaboration in trade, technology, security, and connectivity. Amid tensions between the EU and the US, she stressed the urgency of finalizing a free trade agreement, calling it the largest of its kind. Von der Leyen, on a two-day visit to India, affirmed that New Delhi will be a cornerstone of Europe’s foreign policy in the coming decades.
Europe: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met Prime Minister Modi to discuss the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), digital partnerships, and defense cooperation. The visit aims to deepen strategic ties, enhance trade negotiations, and collaborate on emerging technologies amid shifting global geopolitics.
North America: India and the US have begun implementing the Modi-Trump agenda, focusing on defence, technology, energy, and critical minerals. US officials are engaging with Indian institutions to foster research, cooperation, and commercial ties. The initiative aims to strengthen trade and ensure a free, open Indo-Pacific region.
South America: India is strengthening trade ties with Latin America, securing major oil deals with Brazil and Argentina while expanding economic cooperation in energy, minerals, and pharmaceuticals. As a democratic alternative to China, India is fostering strategic autonomy and increasing its presence in the region, with trade reaching $40 billion in 2023.
Asia: Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong announced that India-China relations are entering a "phase of recovery," emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and cooperation. This development follows recent high-level dialogues addressing boundary issues and practical cooperation, creating opportunities to reboot bilateral ties.
Australia: The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) has saved Australian exporters $2 billion in tariffs since December 2022. Over 85% of Australian exports to India are tariff-free, rising to 90% by 2026. Indian exports to Australia also grew, especially in agriculture and industrial goods.
Africa: India is actively seeking to acquire critical mineral assets in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Tanzania, and Australia. This strategic move aims to secure essential resources like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper, which are vital for the nation's clean energy and technological advancement. Both public and private sector companies are involved in these international exploration and mining efforts.
