Diplomacy and Global Politics

By Dr. Somita Chakraborty At the invitation High Representative and Vice President (HRVP) of European Union (EU) Ms Kaja Kallas, EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar paid a two days (15 th and 16 th March) official visit to Brussels, Belgium. It reflects India’s growing and constant high-level engagement with EU. Just one and half months ago, EU leaders visited India as Guests of Honour for India’s 77 th Republic Day celebrations.    During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar met with President of the European Council, Mr. Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ms. Ursula von der Leyen. Dr. Jaishankar conveyed the warm greetings of President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi to the EU leaders. They discussed various issues related to India-EU relations, including identifying priorities in the joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda, early signing of the landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement as well as situations in West Asia, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific. EAM Dr....

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Considering on going conflict in West Asia, MEA took diverse approaches to response inevitable implications of the situation. In a Suo Motu statement in the Parliament of India (both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar briefed the situation. He informed the Parliament that the conflict already caused numerous casualties, including at the leadership level in Iran. The conflict, which started on 28 th February, 2026, already caused severe destruction of infrastructure in the region. He noted that normal life and economic activities in the entire region were not only visibly affected but also, in some cases, have come to a halt. Dr. Jaishankar informed the Parliament that the fighting is going on mainly between Israel and United States in one side and Iran on the other side, though several other Gulf States already confronted attacks. He also stated that Government of India believe that conflicting countries should pursue dialogue and ...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Considering the evolving security situation in the West Asia and Gulf Region, different ministries of the Government of India took some significant measures. As India’s economic growth is highly dependent on continuous flow of shipment through the waterways around this region, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has already introduced precautionary measures to safeguard Indian-flagged vessels and Indian seafarers operating in the region. The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a review meeting to assess the ongoing security situation in the Persian Gulf as well as to examine its implications on Indian maritime assets and personnel. In response to reported threats in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and adjoining sea areas, including missile and drone activity, electronic interference and other maritime security concerns, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) ...

By Dr. Somita Chakraborty The AI Impact Summit 2026, organized by India (18–19 February, 2026), brought together a large number of global leaders, policy makers, experts and innovators from across the world. The Summit concluded successfully with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact. Reflecting a broad-based international consensus on utilizing AI for economic growth and social good, till now, 89 countries and international organizations have been endorsed the Declaration. The Declaration guided by the principle of "Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya” (Welfare for all, Happiness for all). the Declaration highlighted that the benefits of artificial intelligence must be equitably shared across humanity. Marking a noteworthy milestone in global cooperation on AI, the Declaration emphasized on three main issues, Firstly, Strengthening international cooperation and multistakeholder engagement Secondly, Respecting national sovereignty, and Thirdly, Adva...

By Dr. Somita Chakraborty To participate in the AI Impact Summit 2026 , held in India, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is on an official visit to India. He also visited India in September 2024. The visit reaffirmed the tradition of regular leadership-level engagement between India and the UAE. His visit strengthen India-UAE relation mainly in the area of advanced technology. Today, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed met on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit. Both PM Modi and His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed reaffirmed the importance of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which is underpinned by strong political, commercial, cultural, energy and people-to-people ties. In the last few years, India-UAE strong ties reflected in various sectors, such as, defence and security, trade and investment, education and cultural cooperation etc. Four years ago India ...

By Dr. Somita Chakraborty India and France elevated their relationship to Special Global Strategic Partnership. The elevated diplomatic status proves India’s growing strategic partnership with France as well as with Europe. Here we should mention that recently India concluded the historic India-EU Free Trade Agreement. the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council were also attended Republic Day 2026, as chief guests.   At the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, H. E. President Emannuel Macron, President of France visited India (17-19 February, 2026). It was his fourth visit to India. Last February, Prime Minister Modi visited France and co-chaired the AI Action Summit 2025, hosted by France, along with President Macron. This new level of elevated bilateral strategic partnership - Special Global Strategic Partnership, is a new milestone in India-France relation. It reflects a very special and very unique nature of India-France rela...