Diplomacy and Global Politics

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty The United Nations is celebrating 80 th years of its establishment. In this occasion, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held a week-long High-Level conference. A large number of heads of the state are now in New York to attend and to deliver speech at the 80 th session of the UNGA. Indian Prime Minister Mr. Modi is not going to attend this global conference. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is going to lead Indian delegation in the UNGA. He is going to deliver speech at the UNGA. But this is not the end of the surprise . Heads of some other major powers, for example, Russia, China, Egypt, UAE etc. are also going to skip this conference. Are the global powers losing their faith on the UN? UN’s failure in Ukraine and Gaza, especially US’s repeated veto on Gaza ceasefire, proved its inability to handle crisis situation. The age-old organization needs serious structural reforms, especially in the formation, procedures and ...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty In his own social media platform, US President Donald Trump declared that he is going to impose 100% tariff on branded or patented pharmaceutical products from 1 st October, 2025. The announcement exempts generic drugs – though, it is still not clear that how Trump administration is going to interpret the term ‘branded’. President Trump also asks manufacturers to build plants in the US to receive relief. He also indicated to impose tariffs on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and associate products. How it is going to affect India In the immediate nature, the tariff is not going to affect India. India exports generic medicine to America, consisting 40% of US total generic medicine import. For India, it a USD $20 billion business. A number of internationally reputed Indian pharmaceutical companies like Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Sun Pharma, Aurobindo Pharma etc. exports generic drugs to the US. Trump’s 100% tariff, which is going to increase p...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty   Today, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Dmitry Patrushev, called on Prime Minister Modi. They exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in agriculture, fertilizers, food processing and other areas of mutual interest. PM Modi conveyed his warm greetings to Russian President Putin and said that he looked forward to welcoming him to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. For detail Deputy PM of Russia Dmitry Patrushev calls on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty On 25 th September, 2025, India successfully launches Intermediate Range Agni-Prime Missile from a Rail based Mobile Launcher System. Union Defence Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh said, ‘This next generation missile is designed to cover a range up to 2000 km. and is equipped with various advanced features.’ He also said that this is first-of-its-kind launch, carried out from specially designed Rail based Mobile Launcher. This specially designed Launcher has capability to move on Rail network without any pre-conditions. The capability allows User to have a cross-country mobility and launch within a short reaction time with reduced visibility.  For this successful launch, Union Defence Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and the Armed Forces for a successful test. He also added, ‘This successful flight test has put India in the group of select nations having ...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Yesterday, EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered speech at a High-Level Meeting of like-minded Global South countries at New York. In his speech he expressed his concerns for Global South. In a post-Covid world, torn by two major conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, with volatility in trade, uncertainty in investment flows, interest rates – rights and expectations of developing countries are severely challenged. He added, growing ineffectiveness of multilateralism reduced the possibility for Global South to receive solution. In this context, Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs, presented a broad set of principles and concepts, these are,  firstly, Fair and transparent economic practices that democratize production and enhance economic security Secondly, a stable environment for balanced and sustainable economic interactions, including more South-South trade, investment and technology collaborations Thirdly, resilient, reliable and shorter supply chain...

By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Yesterday, US President Trump delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In his speech, again, he blamed India for funding Ukraine War. In the last one month, President Trump and several of his official’s repeatedly accused India for funding Russia to continue war against Ukraine. How? India is one of the largest buyers of Russian oil, though the import comprised only 35% of India’s total import of oil. At the same time, because of its giant refineries, India emerged as one of the prominent exporters in the world oil export map. Since the beginning of the Ukraine war, US and the EU imposed a number of sanctions on Russia. To avoid sanctions and to attract buyers, Russia has begun to sell its oil in cheap price. India, a developing economy with large number of consumers, find buying cheap Russian oil affordable and important for its economic security. The Ukraine War, Russian Oil and Western Hypocrisy Beside India, a number of o...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty On Monday, at the UN, NATO members accused Russia for violating the NATO airspace in Estonia and Poland. According to Estonia, on Friday, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets had entered Estonian airspace without permission and stayed for a total of 12 minutes before they were forced to withdraw. Just one week ago, NATO claimed, more than 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace, prompting NATO jets to shoot some of them down.   At UN, NATO members clearly stated that they are not ready to consider multiple incidents as accident.  Representative from the US also asked Russia to defuse tension.  Russia, however, denied all the accusation and accused EU for making baseless claims backed by no evidence. For detail   West, Russia clash at UN after incidents in NATO air space

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Continuing the trend of hitting India’s interest, on Thursday (18 th September, 2025), the US announced that by 29 th September, 2025, it is going to revoke its waiver of sanctions over the Iranian Chabahar Port. How the decision is going to affect India: India already has invested a considerable amount to develop a part of Chabahar Port. In May, 2024, India also signed a 10 years lease agreement. India developed the Port as an alternative route to do business with Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. Moreover, it will also ruined development plan of International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which runs to Russia. The decision, therefore, economically and strategically is going to be a big blow for India. On Friday (19 th September, 2025), MEA spokesperson said that India is presently examining the implications of the revocation. For detail Chabahar operators to face U.S. sanctions from September 29 Transcript o...

By Dr. Somita Chakraborty The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is celebrating its 80 th session. The session opens on 9 th September, 2025 and will close on 8 th September, 2026. Her Excellency Annalena Baerbock of Germany is the President of the General Assembly at its 80 th session. The theme of the session is, ‘Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights’. On 22 nd September, 2025, UNGA has organized a number of High Level Mettings, including to commemorate the 80 th Anniversary of the United Nations, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Conference for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-State solution, meetings on the 30 th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women etc. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has already reached UNGA to attain the meetings. For detail General Assembly High-level Week 2025

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Recently, the US President Donald Trump signed an executive order and increased the H1B visa fees to USD $100,000. The announcement created tremendous confusion and anxiety among US companies and its employers. The confusion began as the US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that the companies would have to pay the required fee each year for six years. However, later the US Government clarified that the fee would be a one-time payment. Moreover, it is not applicable for any current visa holder to travel to/from the US. The order ‘only applies to future applicants in the February (2026) lottery who are currently outside the US. It does not apply to anyone who participated in the 2025 lottery.’ For detail Trump adds$100,000 fee for skilled worker visa applicants

By Dr. Somita Chakraborty On Sunday evening at 5 p.m., Prime Minister Modi addresses the nation via video conferencing. The address was mainly related to Next Generation GST reforms, which is going to be implemented from Monday, 22 nd September, 2025. His speech was revolved around three terms, Bachat Utsav, Nagarik Devobhava and Swadeshi. The Prime Minister extended heartfelt greetings to all citizens on the commencement of Navratri. At the same time, he also called it the beginning of GST Bachat Utsav. The new GST reforms introduced only 5% and 18% tax slabs. Therefore, most everyday use items will become more affordable. PM Modi noted that in the past eleven years, 25 crore Indians have overcome poverty. They emerged as a significant new middle-class segment. The reduced GST rate, combined with income tax relief, will help everyone, including new middle class, to fulfill their dream. He called the move fulfilling the mantra, ‘Nagarik Devobhava’,   He also noted that to become a...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty On Saturday, MEA official spokesperson issued a statement regarding proposed restrictions on the US H1B visa program. The statement, though, acknowledged that India is still examining the full implication of the measure. The statement indicated that both India and the US have a stake in innovation and creativity. Mobility and exchanges of skilled talent have contributed enormously to technology development, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness and wealth creation in both the countries. The statement also noted that the measure is likely to have ‘humanitarian consequences’ by way of the disruption caused for families. The Government of India expressed its optimisms that the US authorities will address these disruptions suitably. For detail Statement by the Official Spokesperson regarding restrictions to the US H1B visa program https://www.mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/40155/Statement_by_the_Official_Spokesperson_regarding_restrict...

  By  Dr. Somita Chakraborty Today, in a press release, the MEA confirmed that Canadian National Security and Intelligence Adviser Ms. Nathalie G. Drouin visited India and met with NSA Mr. Ajit Doval on 18 th September, 2025. The meeting is extremely significant, as it showcased efforts from both India and Canada to improve bilateral relations. Recently the officials of Ministry of External Affairs of India and Global Affairs Canada also held pre-Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi. In their discussion, both sides acknowledged the importance of rebuilding trust and expanding cooperation at the highest levels of political leadership. They also discussed to advance bilateral relationship in different areas, such as, counter terrorism, combating transnational organized crime and intelligence exchanges. The MEA statement also stated that both sides agreed to strengthen security cooperation and to reinforce existing mechanisms of engagement. In June, 2025, Prime M...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty On September 19, 2025, Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory regarding recent incidents involving Indian Nationals travelling to Iran. The statement considered recent cases involving Indian citizens, who have been lured to travel to Iran either on false promises of employment or false assurances that they would be sent further to third-countries for employment. However, upon reaching Iran, they have been kidnapped by criminal gangs. Later, ransoms have been demanded from their families to secure their release. Considering all these incidents, the MEA cautioned all Indian citizens to ‘exercise strictest vigilance regarding such employment promises or offers.’ The statement also noted that the Government of Iran allows visa-free entry to Indians only for tourism purposes. The statement cautioned, ‘Any agents promising visa-free entry into Iran for employment or other purposes may well be in connivance with criminal gangs.’ The MEA advised, ...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Today, the Ministry of External Affairs of India and Global Affairs Canada held pre-Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi. The pre-consultations is a consequence of the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Carney held in June 2025, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada. In Kananaskis, both the leaders reviewed the state of Indo–Canada bilateral relations. During the discussion, the leaders reaffirmed the importance of Indo–Canada ties, anchored in shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both the leaders appreciated the improvements achieved since June 2025, including the return of High Commissioners to each other’s capital. They also exchanged views on various regional and international issues. In an official statement the Ministry of External Affairs stated that, to restore stability in the relationshi...

  By  Dr. Somita Chakraborty Today, Prime Minister Modi received a phone call from Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis. During the conversation, Prime Minister  Mitsotakis  shared his warm wishes on Prime Minister Modi’s birthday.  Prime Minister Mr. Modi  also expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the gesture. Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Prime Minister Modi, both appreciated developments in bilateral relations across sectors like, trade, investment, defence, technology, shipping, security, connectivity and people-to-people ties. Both the leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the Indo-Greece Strategic Partnership. PM Mitsotakis conveyed Greece’s support for the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He also expressed support for the success of the 2026 AI Impact Summit, going to be hosted by India. They also exchanged their views on various regional a...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Today, Prime Minister Modi held a telephone conversation with Right Honourable Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal, Mrs. Sushila Karki. Mr. Prime Minister congratulated PM Karki on her appointment. He also conveyed best wishes on behalf of the Government and people of India. Recently, Nepal witnessed a violent protest, which took several lives. Mr. Prime Minister extended heartfelt condolences for the tragic loss of life during the protests. During the conversation, PM Modi, conveyed PM Karki about India’s readiness to continue working closely and to strengthen the special ties between the two countries. He also expressed India’s full support to Nepal in its efforts towards restoring peace and stability, as well as for the progress of the people of Nepal. PM Karki thanked Prime Minister Modi for India’s firm support to Nepal. Like PM Modi, PM Karki also shared her desire to further strengthen ties between the two countries. PM M...

  By  Dr. Somita Chakraborty At the invitation of the Govt. of Papua New Guinea, on 16 th September 2025, Shri Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles [MoS (PM)], paid an official visit to the island country to represent PM Modi at the commemorative events marking 50 th anniversary of Independence of Papua New Guinea. During the visit, MoS (PM) called on Hon’ble Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Mr. James Marape, and conveyed warm greetings of the Government of India on the 50th anniversary of Independence of the Island country. In the meeting, the two sides had discussions on various aspects of the bilateral relationship and ways to enhance ties between India and Papua New Guinea. MoS (PM) also attended the Flag Raising Ceremony at Independence Hill. Besides PM Modi, Hon’ble President of India also sent a letter to the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae. The President of India conveyed warm greetings of ...

  Today, on 17 th September, 2025, Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi turned 75 years. When the whole India is celebrating this joyous moment, Diplomacy and Global Politics finds some interesting achievements of PM Modi, which India can celebrate in his 75 th birthday. In last 77 years, independent India witnessed 18 general elections and tenure of 14 Prime Ministers. In a Parliamentary democracy like India, becoming a Prime Minister was never an easy task. The huge size of the country, a vast population, its versatility in culture, language, religion, lifestyle and necessities, only make the procedure more challenging. One instance will be enough to understand the difficulties, that in the history of independent India, only three leaders served consecutive two full terms as Prime Minister of India. These three Prime Ministers are, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Manmohan Singh and Mr. Narendra Modi. After 2024 general election, Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) led National ...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty     Since the beginning, the Ukraine war has remained one of the biggest challenges for western diplomacy. From February 2022, the United States (US) and its allies, like, the UK, the EU, Canada, Australia and Japan have introduced a number of sanctions on Russia. They excluded Russia from SWIFT, a high-speed messaging service for financial institutions, and declared their continuous effort to reduce trade ties with Russia. Despite all these efforts, the West failed to tame Russia. In 2025, Trump administration tried to negotiate between Russia and Ukraine and the process failed. Trump administration immediately has begun to blame India for their own diplomatic blunder. They began to propagate that India is helping Russia to continue the war. Going one step ahead, President Trump’s trade advisor Peter Navarro termed the Ukraine war as ‘Modi’s War’. [i] According to Trump administration, India is buying Russian oil, which indirectly fueli...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Mr. Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles [MOS (PM)] is going to visit Papua New Guinea on 16 th September, 2025, to represent PM Shri Narendra Modi at the commemorative events marking the Island countries 50 th anniversary of   Independence. The official statement of the Ministry of External Affairs stated that ‘he is expected to have   bilateral meetings with the political leadership of Papua New Guinea.’ He is also expected to  interact with the Indian diaspora and the business community of the Papua New Guinea. The visit with help to continue India’s engagement with the leadership in the Pacific Island  Countries (PIC). For detail Visit of MoS(PM) to Papua New Guinea (September 16, 2025)