Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the India-Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo, asserted that India is poised to become the world's third-largest economy 'very soon'. Amidst trade uncertainties with the U.S., Modi advocated for increased investment in India, highlighting its role as a 'springboard' to the Global South. Japan announced a ¥10 trillion private investment target for India over the next decade. The two nations also launched initiatives like the India-Japan AI Initiative and an Economic Security Initiative, alongside a Joint Credit Mechanism for green energy, reinforcing cooperation in critical sectors and mineral resources.
- Prime Minister Modi declared India would soon become the world's third-largest economy during his visit to Tokyo.
- Japan committed a private investment target of ¥10 trillion for India over the next decade.
- India and Japan launched an AI Initiative and an Economic Security Initiative to bolster supply chain resilience.
The U.S. has eliminated duty-free imports of low-value goods (under $800 threshold), effective August 29, causing logistics disruptions worldwide. This reversal, initially applied to Chinese imports in May, aims to narrow the U.S. trade deficit, prevent intellectual property theft, and block counterfeit products. Opponents argue it will reduce aggregate welfare by $11-$13 billion and disproportionately harm the poor. The de minimis regulation, rooted in the 1930 Tariff Act, was expanded in 2016. The move aligns with previous actions, like Trump's 2019 bargain with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) to hike postal rates for developing nations. The EU has similar reforms, proposing handling fees for direct imports to crack down on illegal goods and protect consumers.
- The U.S. has ended duty-free imports of low-value goods (under $800 threshold), effective August 29, to address trade deficits and prevent IP theft.
- This policy reversal, which initially targeted Chinese imports, is expected to cause global logistics disruptions and impact e-commerce platforms.
- Critics argue the abolition of the de minimis exemption will reduce overall welfare and disproportionately affect lower-income consumers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Japan to meet his counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, aiming to expand economic and investment ties and advance cooperation in new technologies like AI and semiconductors. The visit includes the 15th annual summit, where they are expected to upgrade the 2008 Declaration on Security Cooperation, including defence hardware purchases and an "Economic Security" initiative. Discussions will also cover India-Japan Indo-Pacific plans for the Quad summit and B2B agreements. A key highlight is a bullet train ride to Sendai and inspection of a semiconductor factory, discussing the next steps for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shinkansen project, which Japan is funding.
- Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan aims to strengthen economic, investment, and technological cooperation, including AI and semiconductors.
- The 15th annual summit will upgrade the 2008 Declaration on Security Cooperation and launch an "Economic Security" initiative.
- Discussions will include Indo-Pacific plans for the Quad summit and numerous business-to-business agreements.
The U.S. is implementing 25% additional tariffs on Indian imports, compounded by another 25% penalty for India's oil imports from Russia, totaling 50%. This measure is projected to severely impact Indian exports worth $47-48 billion, rendering them uncompetitive. Key sectors like apparel, textiles, gems, shrimp, carpets, and furniture are expected to face significant declines. India's government deems these tariffs "unfair" and is promoting a "Swadeshi mantra" to reduce export reliance, while China also opposes the U.S. tariffs.
- The U.S. is imposing 25% additional tariffs on Indian imports, plus a 25% penalty for Russian oil imports, totaling 50%.
- These tariffs are estimated to affect over $47 billion worth of Indian goods, making them uncompetitive in the U.S. market.
- Labour-intensive sectors such as apparel, textiles, gems, and furniture are particularly vulnerable, with potential export plunges of up to 70%.
India and Fiji have agreed to deepen defence ties, with India committing to provide training and equipment to upgrade Fiji's maritime security. During a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, both leaders strongly supported a "free, open" Indo-Pacific region. India will also build capacity for Fiji's armed forces and open a defence wing in its High Commission in Suva. The two nations signed seven MoUs, including one for a super-specialty hospital in Fiji and another on migration. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation against terrorism, in UN peacekeeping, military medicine, cybersecurity, and humanitarian assistance, with Fiji welcoming an Indian naval ship's port call to enhance maritime cooperation.
- India and Fiji have committed to strengthening defence cooperation, with India providing training and equipment for Fiji's maritime security.
- Both Prime Ministers reiterated strong support for a "free, open Indo-Pacific region," a stance that signals to China.
- India will establish a defence wing in its High Commission in Fiji's capital, Suva, and enhance capacity-building for Fijian military forces.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Japan, followed by China, highlights India's strategic intent amidst global geopolitical shifts. Japan is set to announce a ¥10 trillion ($68 billion) investment plan in India over the next decade, focusing on infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy, and technology. This visit underscores Japan's long-term stake in India's growth and its willingness to transfer cutting-edge technology. India's engagement with both Tokyo and Beijing in the same week reflects a strategic balancing act, aiming to advance economic security and defence cooperation with Japan while managing tensions with China. The article also touches on the unpredictability of the U.S. under Trump, which makes reliable partners like Japan crucial for India's Indo-Pacific vision.
- PM Modi's visit to Japan and China signifies India's strategic balancing act in a changing global geopolitical landscape.
- Japan is pledging a significant ¥10 trillion investment in India over the next decade, focusing on key sectors like infrastructure and technology.
- The visit aims to deepen economic security, defence cooperation, and Indo-Pacific stability with Japan, while maintaining open channels and managing tensions with China.
The African Union (AU) has endorsed the 'Correct the Map' campaign to replace the Mercator map projection with alternatives like the Equal Earth map. The Mercator projection, designed in 1569 for navigation, distorts landmass sizes, making areas near the poles appear larger (e.g., Greenland) and equatorial regions (like Africa) appear smaller than their actual size. This distortion, critics argue, has subtly reinforced Africa's marginalisation in the global imagination. The Equal Earth projection preserves relative areas but distorts shapes, while the Gall-Peters projection also preserves area but elongates continents. The AU's move aims to restore geographical accuracy and reclaim dignity, though displacing the entrenched Mercator map will be challenging.
- The Mercator map projection, designed in 1569, distorts the true sizes of continents, making Africa appear smaller than it is and reinforcing a perception of marginalisation.
- The African Union (AU) supports replacing Mercator with alternatives like the Equal Earth projection, which accurately represents relative landmass sizes.
- Map projections inherently involve distortions, as flattening a sphere onto a plane requires compromises in area, shape, distance, or direction.
Nepal has voiced strong objections to the recent decision by India and China to resume border trade through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand. Nepal considers this move "unexpected and unacceptable" because the Lipulekh Pass is situated within the contested Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura region, which Nepal claims as its own territory. Despite the strong disapproval from a leading member of Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli's party, Kathmandu has indicated that this development will not be allowed to disrupt ongoing dialogue with India. The decision was made during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent visit to Delhi.
- India and China agreed to restart border trade through the Lipulekh Pass.
- Nepal strongly objects to this decision, as Lipulekh Pass is part of a territory it claims (Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura region).
- Despite the objection, Nepal intends to continue dialogue with India.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent two-day visit to India was deemed productive, signaling a potential reset in bilateral ties. Key outcomes included agreements to resume border trade at three points, restart direct flights, expand Kailash Manasarovar yatra slots, and relax visas. Discussions also covered lifting Chinese export restrictions on fertilizers and rare earth products. Both sides committed to expediting the resolution of the 3,500 km India-China border, building on the 2005 agreement. While India appears ready to move past the Galwan clashes, concerns persist regarding China's deepening ties with Pakistan and its stance on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to India aimed at normalizing relations after a four-year military standoff.
- Agreements were reached on resuming border trade, direct flights, Kailash Manasarovar yatra, and visa relaxation.
- Both nations committed to expediting the boundary resolution process, building on the 2005 agreement.
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) plans to establish a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India, envisioned as a "Silicon Valley for solar," and set up 17 centres of excellence globally by the end of the year. The GCC in India will serve as a hub, providing testing, lab training, and a start-up ecosystem, connecting all these centres. The ISA, co-founded by India and France during the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP), is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, and has approximately 100 member countries. This initiative aims to enhance human capability in solar energy, with many countries looking to India for engineers to implement solar projects. India's cumulative solar capacity reached about 119 gigawatts (GW) by July 2025.
- The International Solar Alliance (ISA) plans to establish a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India, akin to a "Silicon Valley for solar."
- The ISA will also set up 17 centres of excellence globally, with the GCC acting as a central hub for testing, training, and start-up ecosystems.
- The ISA was conceptualized by India and France during the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP).
As India and China commemorate 75 years of diplomatic engagement, this article advocates for reimagining their relationship beyond modern state boundaries, drawing inspiration from ancient Nalanda. Nalanda served as a historical hub for intellectual and cultural exchange, where ideas flowed freely, fostering peace and dialogue. The authors argue that contemporary political complexities have narrowed academic and people-to-people connections, hindering mutual learning in areas like food security, infrastructure, and democratic decentralization. They urge India to adopt a "Nalanda way" – an approach of curiosity, compassion, and dialogue – to overcome current paranoia and build a steadier, more respectful relationship with China.
- The article suggests drawing inspiration from ancient Nalanda to foster deeper India-China relations beyond modern political complexities.
- Nalanda historically facilitated significant intellectual and cultural exchange between India and China, promoting dialogue and mutual learning.
- Current diplomatic engagement is hindered by political complexities, limiting academic and people-to-people connections.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that India-China bilateral relations face an "important opportunity" to reset ties, acknowledging the negative impact of the 2020 Galwan clashes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced he would meet President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's summit in Tianjin, China, aiming for "stable, predictable and constructive ties." National Security Adviser Ajit Doval noted an "upward trend" in recent months. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for troop withdrawal from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and raised the issue of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.
- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed optimism for resetting India-China ties, acknowledging past setbacks like the Galwan clashes.
- Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China.
- India seeks "stable, predictable and constructive ties" with China, which are seen as beneficial for global peace and prosperity.
Global efforts to establish a universal treaty on eliminating plastic pollution are facing significant resistance, with the sixth attempt by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) failing to reach consensus. Disagreement persists among major countries on whether the treaty should mandate eliminating plastic production itself, or focus solely on waste management and recycling. India, generating 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually and recycling only 30%, has seen its plastic consumption rise, despite a ban on single-use plastic items. Globally, over 430 MT of plastic is produced annually, with two-thirds becoming waste and contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Some nations view calls to cut production as trade barriers, highlighting the need for greater trust and open dialogue to overcome the impasse.
- Global negotiations for a plastic pollution treaty, led by UNEP, are stalled due to disagreements over addressing plastic production.
- India generates 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, recycling only 30%, and its consumption is rising.
- Worldwide, 430 MT of plastic is produced annually, with a large portion becoming waste and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for further de-escalation of troops from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) during discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Delhi. He stated that maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas is crucial for positive momentum in bilateral ties, noting that demobilisation and dismantling of infrastructure to restore the pre-April 2020 status quo are still incomplete. The discussions also covered preparations for PM Modi's visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and the upcoming Special Representative talks on boundary disputes. China highlighted global challenges like "unilateral bullying" in trade and expressed readiness to work with India on "peace, tranquility, prosperity, beauty and friendship."
- India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stressed the importance of continued de-escalation at the LAC for improving India-China relations.
- Demobilisation and infrastructure dismantling at the LAC, aiming to restore the pre-April 2020 status quo, remain incomplete.
- Discussions included preparations for PM Modi's visit to China for the SCO summit and upcoming Special Representative talks on boundary disputes.
India is reshaping its engagement with Africa through a quieter, adaptive approach, focusing on shared historical solidarities, pragmatic cooperation, and long-term investments, exemplified by its relationship with Namibia. This contrasts with Western engagement often tied to conditional aid. India's strategy includes targeted investments in capacity-building, like the India-Namibia Centre of Excellence in IT, and promoting knowledge-based cooperation, such as Namibia's adoption of India's UPI. While the recent Indian head of government's visit to Namibia yielded modest outcomes, missing major agreements on critical minerals, India's approach emphasizes trust, inclusive dialogue, and letting African priorities shape the agenda, aiming for sustained investment and institutional coherence.
- India is adopting a new, adaptive, and trust-based approach to engaging African nations, distinct from Western models.
- The strategy involves leveraging shared historical ties, fostering pragmatic cooperation, and making long-term investments.
- Key initiatives include capacity-building in IT and promoting knowledge-based cooperation, such as Namibia's adoption of India's UPI.
A recent summit between US President Trump and Russian President Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, did not yield a breakthrough on the Ukraine war but narrowed gaps on ending the conflict. While Ukraine was the most contentious issue, the summit was significant for global stability and arms control. Russia insists on a comprehensive peace agreement addressing "root causes" and demands recognition of annexed territories (Donbas, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson), Ukraine's neutrality, and demilitarisation. Ukraine, however, refuses to concede land. The challenge is to sustain talks for a workable compromise, ensuring Ukraine's security concerns are credibly addressed for lasting peace in Eastern Europe.
- The US-Russia summit aimed to address the Ukraine war and broader global stability.
- Russia's core demands include recognition of annexed territories, Ukraine's neutrality, and demilitarisation.
- Ukraine has consistently refused to concede land for peace.
International negotiations for a binding treaty to restrict plastic pollution are deadlocked, partly due to disagreements on including health impacts. Plastics, derived from fossil fuels, contain over 16,000 chemicals, many with unknown health effects. Studies link exposure to these chemicals (e.g., bisphenols, phthalates) to thyroid dysfunction, hypertension, and various cancers. Microplastics, found in human blood and organs, also pose unclear health risks. India, while having a ban on single-use plastics and waste management policies, views plastic primarily as a waste management problem, expressing reservations about including health discussions in the global treaty, suggesting these are matters for the WHO.
- International negotiations for a plastic pollution treaty are stalled, partly due to the contentious issue of including health impacts.
- Plastics contain numerous chemicals, including monomers, polymers, and additives, many with uncertain effects on human health.
- Research indicates associative links between exposure to plastic chemicals and various health issues, such as thyroid problems, hypertension, and cancers.
India's digital trade compact, Chapter 12 of the India-U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), marks a new step in global digital economy engagement. The agreement offers "digital wins" like mutual recognition of electronic signatures, paperless trade, and zero customs duties for electronic transmissions, boosting India's software export pipeline (estimated at $30 billion annually). However, critics raise "digital costs," such as India stepping back from source-code checks as a default regulatory tool. While government procurement is excluded, and a general security exception exists, the compact lacks "automatic MFN" for cross-border data flows, instead relying on a forward review mechanism. The agreement reflects India's shift towards strategic engagement but highlights the need for robust domestic regulatory frameworks like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act of 2023 and regular reviews to align with evolving risks.
- The India-U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) includes a significant digital trade compact.
- Key benefits ("digital wins") include recognition of electronic signatures, paperless trade, and zero customs duties for electronic transmissions, boosting software exports.
- Concerns ("digital costs") include India's potential retreat from source-code checks as a default regulatory tool, though case-by-case access is allowed.
India faces significant trade challenges, particularly with the US imposing 25% tariffs on seafood, potentially rising to 50%. The government is exploring adjustments to the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), a multi-Ministry project with a ₹2,250 crore outlay for FY25, aimed at supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing cheaper export credit and overcoming non-trade barriers. Bilateral trade agreement negotiations with the US are deadlocked, prompting a call for India to diversify into other markets and refashion trade ties with neighbours like China. The MSME sector, contributing nearly half of goods exports and employing 28 crore people, requires drastic governmental intervention, with specific demands for credit moratoriums and interest subvention from affected sectors like seafood and textiles.
- India is facing trade challenges, including 25% US tariffs on seafood, which could increase to 50%.
- The government is considering tweaking the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) to support MSMEs with export credit and address non-trade barriers.
- Bilateral trade negotiations with the US are stalled, necessitating a diversification of India's trade markets.
For the second time since October 2024, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.2), comprising about 180 countries, failed to reach a consensus on a legally binding global plastics treaty. The talks, held in Geneva, concluded without reconciling deep differences among nations, primarily concerning whether cutting plastic production should be an integral part of ending plastic pollution. A majority of countries, approximately 80-100, advocated for an "ambitious" treaty with a plastic phase-out plan. Calls were made for toxic-free reuse, refill, repair systems, significant cuts to plastic production, strong chemical controls, and a dedicated article on health, with the European Union leading the push for an ambitious agreement.
- Global talks for a legally binding plastics treaty have again ended in a stalemate, failing to reach a consensus.
- The primary point of contention was whether plastic production cuts should be central to the treaty.
- A majority of participating countries support an "ambitious" treaty that includes a phase-out plan for plastics.
The article provides a historical overview of the Israel-Palestine conflict, tracing its roots from the end of WWII and the British Mandate. It details the UN partition plan of 1947, the 1948 Arab-Israeli war (Israel's 'war of independence' vs. Palestinians' 'Nakba'), and subsequent Israeli occupation of territories after the 1967 Six-Day War. The piece highlights failed peace efforts, including the Oslo Accords, which aimed for a two-state solution but never materialized, and the Camp David summits. It notes Israel's shifting stance, increasingly disowning the two-state plan, and the impact of events like the October 7, 2023 attack, which, while setting back peace prospects, also brought the Palestine question back to global attention.
- The Israel-Palestine conflict originated from the British Mandate's end, the 1947 UN partition plan, and the subsequent 1948 Arab-Israeli war, leading to the displacement of Palestinians (Nakba).
- Israel expanded its control over Palestinian territories after the 1948 and 1967 wars, leading to the current occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.
- Past peace efforts, such as the Oslo Accords and Camp David summits, failed to achieve a lasting resolution, with key issues like Jerusalem's status and refugee return remaining unresolved.
The increasing integral role of drones in modern warfare, highlighted by recent conflicts, presents an opportunity for India to become a significant supplier in the Indo-Pacific drone market. With the U.S. struggling to meet domestic and export demands due to regulations like the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and China/Türkiye being unreliable partners for India, a vacuum exists. India, needing advanced UAVs for its diverse terrains and contested borders, can leverage its technological advancements and existing ties with Israel to develop and supply fixed-wing UAVs. This would not only fulfill its own strategic needs but also boost trade and influence with Indo-Pacific countries facing similar maritime domain awareness and high-altitude border patrol requirements, fostering trust-based relationships in a polarized region.
- Drones have become crucial for precision strikes in modern warfare, as demonstrated by recent conflicts.
- A vacuum exists in the Indo-Pacific drone market due to U.S. export limitations (e.g., MTCR) and India's adversarial relations with China and Türkiye.
- India needs advanced UAVs for maritime domain awareness and high-altitude border patrol across its diverse and contested borders.
African nations are increasingly scrutinizing China's long-standing dominance in their mining sector, demanding greater value addition, transparency, and local benefits. This shift is driven by a new wave of resistance from governments and civil society, challenging the traditional model of raw resource extraction in exchange for infrastructure. Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are renegotiating contracts, while Zimbabwe and Namibia have banned unprocessed lithium exports to force local processing. Although China remains Africa's largest mining partner, its hegemony is no longer guaranteed as African governments reassert sovereignty over natural resources, enforce environmental standards, and redraw engagement terms to foster economic transformation and local participation in the global mineral supply chain.
- African nations are increasingly challenging China's dominance in their mining sector.
- The shift is driven by demands for fairer, more transparent partnerships, local value addition, and economic sovereignty.
- Countries like DRC are renegotiating existing contracts, while Zimbabwe and Namibia have banned unprocessed lithium exports.
The Indian government is modifying its Export Promotion Mission to specifically target sectors most affected by increased U.S. tariffs, such as textiles, organic chemicals, and machinery. This revamped mission, initially allocated ₹2,250 crore in the 2025-26 Union Budget, aims to reduce credit costs for MSME borrowers in these sectors, expedite clearances, and provide export incentives. The effort involves multiple ministries and extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, with a particular focus on revamping a credit guarantee scheme for MSMEs to concentrate on their export activities. This strategic shift seeks to build a resilient trade strategy against global shocks.
- India is revamping its Export Promotion Mission to counter increased U.S. tariffs on Indian imports.
- The mission will specifically target tariff-hit sectors like textiles, organic chemicals, and machinery.
- Key measures include reducing credit costs, expediting clearances, and providing export incentives for MSME exporters.