Diplomacy and Global Politics

  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...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty From 16 th February to 20 th February, 2026, the India-AI Impact Summit is going to be held in New Delhi, India. The main three Sutras of the Summit are People, Planet and Progress. These three Sutras also defined India’s approach to cooperation on AI. The Summit is going to bring together a number of global leaders, policy makers, experts and innovators from across the world. According to MEA statement, the leaders, who are going to attend the AI Impact Summit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, are, H. E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, H. E. Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil , H. E. Mr. Sebastien Pillay, Vice President of Seychelles, H. H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, UAE, H. E. Mr. Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, H. E. Mr. Edmand Lara Montano, Vice President of Bolivia, H. E. Mr. Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of Croatia, H. E. Mr. Alar Karis, Pre...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty For late February, 2026, MEA announced two high profile incoming visits. These two highly discussed visits are, 1)      1)  President of the French Republic, H.E. Emmanuel Macron, who will pay visit to India from 17 th to 19 th February, 2026, and 2)      2)  President of Federative Republic of Brazil, H.E. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who will visit India from 18 th to 22 nd February, 2026.   India-France relationship is based on mutual trust and shared commitment. They already elevated their relationship to Strategic Partnership. During his visit, it is expected that, President Macron and Prime Minister Modi will hold discussions to strengthen bilateral cooperation across an extensive range of areas as enshrined in the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. Both the leaders are also expected to discuss various regional and global issues of mutual interests, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Accord...