Experts at a discussion on "India's Diplomacy in West Asia" urged India to step into the geopolitical vacuum created by the U.S.'s reduced engagement in the region. Former Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti emphasized that India's policy in West Asia should be "multi-vector" and "multi-aligned," focusing on its own interests rather than choosing sides. He highlighted the region's importance for India's energy security, trade, and diaspora. The panel also discussed the challenges posed by the ongoing West Asia crisis and the need for India to play a more proactive role in ensuring regional stability, leveraging its historical ties and economic influence. The consensus was that India's approach should be pragmatic and focused on its strategic autonomy.
- Experts advocate for India to fill the geopolitical vacuum left by the U.S. in West Asia.
- Former Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti stressed a "multi-vector" and "multi-aligned" policy for India in the region.
- West Asia is crucial for India's energy security, trade, and large diaspora.
The India-Sri Lanka Business Forum, organized by CII and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, has identified six key areas for bilateral cooperation: ports, transport and logistics, pharmaceuticals, online payments, travel, and the existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA). These sectors offer immediate investment and trade opportunities, aiming to strengthen economic engagement and explore new avenues. Specific proposals include joint ventures for warehousing, sourcing generic drugs from India's pharma clusters, and exploring cross-border digital payment links. The forum also discussed reviewing the existing FTA to add more products like pharmaceutical raw materials and logistics equipment, with a joint working group on trade facilitation scheduled to meet in August 2026.
- The India-Sri Lanka Business Forum identified six key sectors for bilateral cooperation: logistics, pharma, online payments, travel, ports, and FTA review.
- The initiative aims to strengthen economic engagement and explore new trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.
- Specific proposals include joint ventures in warehousing, sourcing generic drugs, and implementing UPI-like digital payment systems.
China's economic strength has dramatically grown to rival that of the U.S., as evidenced by various economic indicators. Its GDP, once 15 times smaller than the U.S. in 1990, is projected to be only 1.5 times smaller by 2025. China has maintained a strong GDP growth rate and significantly higher labour productivity growth compared to the U.S. China has also increased its share in global exports across key sectors and surpassed the U.S. in R&D expenditure by 2024. This economic rise has translated into increased diplomatic influence, with China becoming the world's largest official creditor in 2023 and ranking higher than the U.S. in diplomatic influence and economic relations for 2025.
- China's GDP is projected to be only 1.5 times smaller than the U.S. by 2025, a significant reduction from 15 times in 1990.
- China consistently shows higher GDP growth rates and labour productivity growth compared to the U.S.
- China has increased its global export share in sectors like electronics and minerals and surpassed the U.S. in R&D expenditure by 2024.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is likely to be implemented by June 1, 2026, following a productive meeting with the Omani negotiating team. This agreement, signed in December 2025, aims to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, connectivity, and trade flows. However, negotiations for the India-Chile Free Trade Agreement have encountered hurdles due to significant differences in the sizes of their economies and opportunities. Goyal indicated that innovative solutions are being sought, contingent on critical minerals and concessions from Chile.
- The India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is expected to be implemented by June 1, 2026.
- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed this after a meeting with the Omani team.
- The CEPA aims to strengthen India-Oman economic cooperation, connectivity, and trade flows.
Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran highlighted a "substantial" gap between the promises of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the realities of regulatory frameworks. He stated that FTAs create value only upon implementation, not just signing. India has entered into nine trade agreements in the last five years, representing a significant burst of trade diplomacy aimed at diversifying economic relationships and reducing dependence on single markets. However, the CEA stressed the need to address regulatory standards and procedural barriers on both sides with urgency to fully realize the benefits of these agreements.
- CEA V. Anantha Nageswaran noted a significant gap between FTA promises and actual regulatory permissions.
- FTAs generate value only when effectively implemented, not merely upon signing.
- India has signed nine trade agreements in the last five years, aiming to diversify its economic footprint.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged "responsible nations" to reflect on the implications of supporting terrorist infrastructure, following reports that China provided "on-site" technical support to the Pakistan Air Force during "Operation Sindoor." MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated these reports corroborate India's existing knowledge. Operation Sindoor, which occurred from May 7-10, 2025, was a targeted response to terrorist attacks in Pahalgam. The MEA's statement implicitly criticizes China's actions, emphasizing that such support affects a nation's reputation and standing.
- India's MEA called on "responsible nations" to consider the impact of supporting terrorist infrastructure.
- The statement followed reports of China providing technical support to Pakistan Air Force during "Operation Sindoor."
- MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that these reports corroborate India's prior knowledge.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi will not attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting in New Delhi on May 14-15, citing "scheduling reasons." The meeting coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China. Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, will represent Wang Yi. Despite the absence, China emphasized its commitment to deepening BRICS cooperation and supporting India as the Chair. The meeting will address global and regional issues, group evolution, and reforms of global governance, but previous BRICS gatherings have faced challenges in issuing joint statements due to internal divisions.
- China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi will not attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting in New Delhi.
- The absence is due to "scheduling reasons," coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China.
- Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, will represent China at the meeting.
A paper in BMJ Global Health argues that structural adjustment programmes (SAPs) imposed by the IMF and World Bank in the 1980s caused severe economic and social damage to countries in the global South. These SAPs, triggered by debt crises and U.S. interest rate hikes, mandated austerity, privatization, and deregulation, reversing post-independence development gains. This led to stagnant incomes, weak public health systems, and increased poverty, with the global South losing an estimated $480 billion annually in potential national income. The authors advocate for reparations and systemic changes, including abolishing SAP conditions and democratizing these institutions, or replacing them with alternatives like the BRICS New Development Bank.
- Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) by IMF and World Bank in the 1980s significantly harmed the global South.
- SAPs mandated austerity, privatization, and deregulation, reversing post-independence development.
- These policies led to stagnant incomes, weak public health systems, and increased poverty in affected regions.
Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri indicated a potential fuel price hike, citing mounting losses for oil-marketing companies (OMCs) due to the prolonged West Asia crisis. OMCs are currently bleeding losses by holding petrol, diesel, and LPG prices firm, with under-recoveries projected to reach up to ₹2 lakh crore this quarter. Puri emphasized that one quarter of losses could wipe out net profits from the previous financial year. He reassured consumers about adequate retail fuel supply but urged diligent use of fuel, echoing PM Modi's call for austerity.
- Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri suggested a potential fuel price hike due to OMCs' mounting losses.
- OMCs are incurring significant under-recoveries by keeping petrol, diesel, and LPG prices firm amidst the West Asia crisis.
- Under-recoveries for OMCs are estimated to reach up to ₹2 lakh crore this quarter.
China is unlikely to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an India-led global initiative focused on big cat conservation, according to Environment Ministry officials. Despite India's invitation, there has been no development from China. The IBCA aims to coordinate international action for habitat improvement, prey protection, conservation, research, and information sharing for big cat protection. The alliance includes seven major big cat species: tigers, lions, leopards, cheetahs, pumas, jaguars, and snow leopards. Independent scientific assessments indicate China has a very small wild tiger population, primarily Amur tigers near the Russian border, contrasting with India's significant Bengal tiger population. Saudi Arabia has confirmed its membership.
- China is unlikely to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an India-led global initiative for big cat conservation.
- The IBCA aims to coordinate international efforts for habitat improvement, prey protection, and research related to big cats.
- China's wild tiger population is small, mainly Amur tigers near the Russian border, unlike India's large Bengal tiger population.
Vietnamese President Tô Lâm's recent visit to India marks a significant moment in deepening India-Vietnam ties, elevating their relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This shift, encompassing defence, technology, finance, and energy agreements, is driven by heightened geopolitical flux in the Indo-Pacific. Vietnam navigates China's assertiveness, while India consolidates its Act East policy. Defence cooperation, including military transfers and training, forms a core pillar. Economic ties are expanding with ambitious trade targets and a focus on supply chain resilience and critical minerals. The partnership contributes to minilateral balancing in the Indo-Pacific and underscores ASEAN's centrality to India's foreign policy, reflecting a mature, multifaceted relationship.
- Vietnamese President Tô Lâm's visit elevated India-Vietnam ties to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- The partnership is crucial amidst Indo-Pacific geopolitical flux, driven by converging threat perceptions like maritime coercion and supply chain vulnerabilities.
- Defence cooperation, including military transfers and training assistance, forms a backbone of the bilateral relationship.
Gopalkrishna Gandhi's article discusses King Charles III's speech to the U.S. Congress, highlighting the enduring democratic message of the Magna Carta. He emphasizes the charter's historical role in establishing the rule of law, protecting citizens' rights, and asserting the supremacy of ethics over politics. The Magna Carta limited arbitrary power, making the monarch subservient to law. Gandhi traces its influence through history, noting its citation by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Eleanor Roosevelt, and its continued relevance for modern democracies in upholding checks and balances, ensuring fair legal processes, and promoting accountability of elected executives, even in contemporary India.
- King Charles III's reference to the Magna Carta in his U.S. Congress speech underscored its enduring democratic principles.
- The Magna Carta established the foundational principle of the rule of law, limiting arbitrary power and making the monarch subservient to legal processes.
- Historical figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Eleanor Roosevelt cited the Magna Carta as a significant document for human rights and governance.
An editorial critically examines Prime Minister Narendra Modi's seven-point call to action for citizens, suggesting it reveals the severe economic implications of the West Asia crisis. The author questions the timing and content of Modi's message, noting its belated nature after election campaigns and its contradiction of earlier government reassurances. Suggestions like working from home and reducing fuel usage are deemed problematic. The article argues that the government's pre-election decision to maintain stable fuel prices, while welcome, failed to encourage consumption curtailment. Coordinated messaging with industry bodies further indicates a dire economic situation, with some suggestions potentially having negative impacts.
- PM Modi's seven-point call to action suggests a serious economic impact from the West Asia crisis.
- The timing of the Prime Minister's message is criticized for being belated and inconsistent with prior government reassurances.
- Suggestions such as reducing fuel usage and avoiding foreign travel are viewed as potentially ineffective or problematic.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the primordial importance of maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) for peace, energy security, and livelihoods. He highlighted the region's vulnerability to challenges like piracy, terrorism, and weapons proliferation, stressing the need for a rules-based order and enhanced cooperation among IORA member states. The minister called for collective efforts to address these threats and ensure stability, recognizing the IOR as central to India's strategic interests and global trade, and crucial for regional economic development.
- Maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is crucial for global peace, energy security, and economic livelihoods.
- The IOR faces significant threats including piracy, maritime terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons.
- A rules-based international order and enhanced cooperation among littoral states are essential to address these challenges.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced an archival cooperation agreement between India and Trinidad and Tobago. This pact aims to help the Indian diaspora, particularly descendants of Girmitiya indentured labourers, trace their ancestral roots and reconnect with families. The initiative underscores India's commitment to preserving the legacy of its diaspora and strengthening cultural ties, while also noting the increasing number of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card applications from the Caribbean region, reflecting a growing desire for stronger connections with India.
- India and Trinidad and Tobago have signed an archival cooperation agreement to assist the Indian diaspora.
- The agreement specifically targets descendants of Girmitiya indentured labourers to trace their ancestral roots.
- The initiative aims to preserve the cultural and historical legacy of the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean.
India and South Korea have launched the Korea-India Defence Accelerator (KIND-X) to deepen bilateral defence innovation. Building on decades of cooperation, KIND-X aims to foster R&D, co-development, and co-production of deep-tech and dual-use technologies. It will connect businesses, startups, universities, and investors from both countries, facilitating access to testing facilities, joint certification, and workshops to navigate market systems, export controls, and intellectual property. This initiative aligns with both countries' defence strategies and seeks to create tangible deliverables in key areas.
- KIND-X (Korea-India Defence Accelerator) is a new platform to boost defence innovation between India and South Korea.
- The initiative builds on existing defence cooperation agreements, including MoUs from 2005, 2010, and the 2020 Roadmap for Defence Industries Cooperation.
- KIND-X aims to facilitate R&D, co-development, and co-production in deep-tech and dual-use technologies, involving diverse stakeholders.
The Union Health Ministry confirmed that two Indian nationals aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, which reported hantavirus infection cases, are currently asymptomatic and under observation. This monitoring is in accordance with international health protocols. The Ministry is coordinating closely with the World Health Organization and other international partners to undertake necessary public health measures to safeguard Indian citizens. Eight probable cases of hantavirus infection were reported on the vessel, with five confirmed cases and three deaths globally, but the Indian nationals are not among the confirmed cases or deaths, and their health is being closely monitored.
- Two Indian nationals on the MV Hondius cruise ship, where hantavirus cases were reported, are asymptomatic and under observation.
- The Union Health Ministry is coordinating with international health bodies like WHO to implement necessary public health measures.
- Eight probable cases of hantavirus infection were reported on the vessel, with five confirmed cases and three deaths globally.
Operation Sindoor, conducted from May 1-5, 2025, successfully targeted selected terrorist infrastructure and cross-border elements, marking a significant shift in India's counter-terrorism approach. The operation demonstrated India's capability to project power beyond its borders, achieving strategic surprise and minimal collateral damage. It highlighted improved coordination between civil and military institutions and effective use of intelligence and network-centric warfare. While successful, the article emphasizes the need for continuous adaptation, robust intelligence, and sustained political will to counter evolving threats and maintain credible deterrence, moving towards a 'whole-of-nation' approach for national security.
- Operation Sindoor, conducted in May 2025, successfully targeted terrorist infrastructure, signaling a proactive shift in India's counter-terrorism strategy.
- The operation showcased enhanced civil-military coordination and advanced network-centric warfare capabilities.
- Despite its success, the article stresses the importance of continuous adaptation, robust intelligence, and sustained political will for future security.
The EU's Ambassador to India, Hervé Delphin, lauded the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the "mother of all deals," creating a massive joint market. However, he cautioned that burdensome compliance norms and administrative procedures could derail its benefits. Delphin emphasized the need for both sides to ensure smooth implementation with a pro-FTA mindset, preventing customs procedures or conformity requirements from acting as trade barriers. He also noted the FTA's shortcoming in not covering investment liberalization in non-services sectors, which could have provided greater assurance and predictability for investors. The deal is expected to be implemented by early 2027.
- The India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is hailed as the "mother of all deals," creating a significant joint market.
- EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin warned that burdensome compliance norms and administrative procedures could undermine the FTA's benefits.
- Both India and the EU must ensure smooth implementation with a pro-FTA mindset, avoiding trade barriers disguised as conformity requirements.
India has reiterated its call for Canada to take effective action against "anti-India extremist elements," particularly Khalistani groups, operating from Canadian soil. This demand follows a Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) report for 2025, which highlighted that Canada-based Khalistani extremist groups pose a national security threat to Canada itself. India has consistently expressed concerns about the use of Canadian territory as a "safe haven" for elements involved in glorifying violence, threatening Indian diplomats, vandalizing places of worship, and promoting secessionism through "referendums." India also rejected any "baseless imputations" in the CSIS report linking India to foreign interference.
- India has urged Canada to take effective action against anti-India extremist elements, specifically Khalistani groups, operating from its territory.
- The demand follows a 2025 CSIS report acknowledging that Canada-based Khalistani extremists pose a national security threat to Canada.
- India has consistently raised concerns about the use of Canadian soil as a "safe haven" for activities like glorifying violence and promoting secessionism.
The article argues that openness, collaboration, and the ability to attract talent are fundamental to the West's progress, not isolation. It critiques the idea of a "Western civilisation" as a static concept, emphasizing that its strength lies in its dynamic evolution through continuous interaction and adaptation. The author highlights the importance of open systems for innovation, economic growth, and addressing global challenges, contrasting this with the risks of protectionism and isolation. The piece suggests that maintaining leadership requires embracing diversity, fostering collaboration, and upholding institutional openness rather than retreating into a defensive posture.
- Openness, collaboration, and attracting global talent are crucial for the West's continued progress and innovation.
- The concept of "Western civilisation" is dynamic, evolving through interaction and adaptation, not isolation.
- Protectionism and isolation pose significant risks to economic growth and the ability to address complex global challenges.
Tensions between the US and Iran have escalated following a drone attack on a US base in Jordan, killing three American soldiers. The US retaliated with strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, but avoided direct confrontation with Iran. This cycle of violence, fueled by the Gaza conflict, risks a wider regional war. Iran's actions, often through proxies, aim to challenge US influence and pressure for sanctions relief, while the US seeks to deter further attacks without full-scale war. The situation remains volatile, with both sides needing de-escalation to prevent catastrophic outcomes for the region and global economy.
- Tensions between the US and Iran have intensified after a drone attack killed three US soldiers in Jordan.
- The US responded with retaliatory strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, but avoided direct attacks on Iran.
- The ongoing Gaza conflict is a major catalyst for the escalating regional violence involving Iran and its proxies.
India will host the inaugural International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit from June 1-3, with 95 countries participating to adopt the 'Delhi Declaration' on big cat conservation. This declaration aims to articulate shared priorities, strengthen trans-boundary cooperation, and promote a landscape-based conservation approach. Launched in 2023 by PM Narendra Modi, the IBCA is an alliance of big cat range countries, observer countries, and international organizations. It focuses on addressing conservation challenges, sharing knowledge, and providing mutual support for the seven major big cat species, with the summit theme being "Save big cats, save humanity, save ecosystem."
- India will host the inaugural International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit from June 1 to 3, with 95 countries participating.
- The summit aims to adopt the 'Delhi Declaration,' a global statement on big cat conservation, focusing on shared priorities and trans-boundary cooperation.
- The IBCA, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, is an alliance dedicated to the conservation of seven major big cat species.
India and Vietnam have elevated their bilateral relationship to an "enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership," with PM Narendra Modi calling Vietnam a major pillar of India's Act East Policy and Vision MAHAsagar. During Vietnamese President To Lam's visit, 13 documents were signed, including MoUs on critical minerals and digital payments. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in maritime security, defense industry collaboration, and joint research. Both sides acknowledged progress in implementing defense Lines of Credit from India, enhancing Vietnam's defense capabilities. The leaders reaffirmed their shared outlook on the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing rule of law, peace, and stability.
- India and Vietnam have elevated their relationship to an "enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership."
- Prime Minister Modi identified Vietnam as a key pillar of India's Act East Policy and Vision MAHAsagar.
- During Vietnamese President To Lam's visit, 13 documents were signed, including MoUs on critical minerals and digital payments.