Diplomacy and Global Politics

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty According to media reports, around 700 workers, including Indians, who were trafficked to work Chinese mafia-run KK park compound in Myanmar. The present Myanmar authority raided the park last week, which forced workers to flee to Thailand. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said, India planned to plane to take back around 500 Indian citizens, who entered Thailand from Myanmar. A statement from Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Government of India is aware of the situation. The Statement stated that the detained Indian national crossed into Thailand from Myanmar over past few days. Indian Mission in Thailand is working closely to verify their nationality and to bring back Indian citizens. For detail 500 Indians from Myanmar scam hub stranded in Thailand; Delhi trying to help them Official Spokesperson’s response to media queries on Indian nationals detained in Thailand

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Showcasing South Korea’s Soft Power, South Korean boy band and global sensation BTS leader RM will deliver keynote speech at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit. The APEC CEO Summit is going to be held in Gyeongju, South Korea. The Summit includes leaders and business figures from 21 member countries of the forum. This year’s APEC CEO Summit theme is ‘Beyond, Business, Bridge’. BTS RM is going to deliver a speech on Soft Power of K-Culture. The BTS leader is the first K-pop artist to address the APEC CEO Summit. For detail BTS’ RM to make history as first K-pop artist to address APEC CEO summit

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty US President Donald Trump’s ongoing quick Asia tour includes visit of Malaysia to attend the ASEAN Summit. His tour also includes a visit to Japan and South Korea (to attend the APEC Summit). In his quick one-day visit, President Trump took part in the signing of ‘Historic’ peace deal between Cambodia and Thailand. President Trump and White House called it ‘Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord’. According to the Accord, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to establish border observer teams. Moreover, at the request of President Trump Thailand agreed to release 18 Cambodian soldiers, those were detained since July. During the visit, President Trump signed Agreements on Reciprocal Trade with Malaysia and Cambodia. The US also announced framework for trade negotiations with Vietnam and Thailand. During the visit, US and Chinese trade negotiations also met on the sideline of the Summit to de-escalate ongoing trade face off between the two countries. For detail...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Prime Minister Modi attended 22 nd ASEAN-India Summit, virtually . In his opening remarks, PM Modi described 21 st century as the century of India and ASEAN. He also expressed his confidence that ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 will help to build a bright future for all of humanity. Noting strong ASEAN-India partnership, PM Modi pointed that India and ASEAN together represent around one-fourth of world’s population. Expressing India’s confidence on ASEAN, PM Modi noted that ASEAN is the cornerstone of India’s ‘Act East Policy’. Moreover, India always fully supported ASEAN centrality and ASEAN’s outlook in the Indo-Pacific. Pointing the importance of continuous growth of India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, in an era of ‘uncertainties’, PM Modi said that the strong partnership is emerging as a robust foundation for global stability and development. Considering rapid growth of ASEAN-India cooperation in ...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Canadian PM Mark Carney recently announced that considering US tariff on Canadian goods, Canada decided to reduce trade reliance on the US. Currently, the US is the largest trade partner of Canada. Majority of the Canadian export flows to the US market. In his second term, President Trump imposed a number of tariffs on Canada and on other countries. Some of these tariffs hit Canada hard, for example, 35% tariff on all imports, which don’t comply with the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement, 50% tariff on aluminum and steel, 25% tariff on imported cars and trucks, 35% tariff on softwood lumber and 25% tariff on wooden products and kitchen, bathroom cabinets. Sector specific tariffs, like, tariff on softwood lumbers, wooden products, aluminum and steel, resulted job loss. Canadian overall export, foreign investment, jobs, political and economic perspectives – all are heavily reliant on the US. In this context, changing approach of the US put Canada in a co...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty A US-based geo-intelligence firm AllSource Analysis identified a construction activity at the banks of the eastern part of the Pangong Lake in Tibet. The area is around 110 km away from one of the friction points of the 2020 border clashes. The Satellite imagery shows construction site of a Chinese air-defence complex. The area consists of command-and-control buildings, barracks, vehicle sheds, munition storage and radar positions. However, the most interesting feature of this complex is a set of covered missiles launch position. AllSource Analysis said that ‘The covered missile launch positions feature a roof with hatches, allowing the launchers to remain concealed and protected while firing through the hatches when opened.’ The geo-intelligence firm also noted a similar complex at Gar County, around 65 km from Line of Actual Control (LOC). The area is directly opposite India’s recently upgraded Nyoma airfield. The early stage of constru...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Today, MEA released a statement to announce Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan’s upcoming visit to the Republic of Seychelles. He will visit the country from 26-27 October, 2025. At the invitation of the Government of Seychelles, Hon’ble Vice-President of India will attend the swearing in ceremony of newly elected President H.E. Dr. Patrick Herminie . The Hon’ble Vice-President of India will be there on behalf of the Government of India. During his visit, the Hon’ble Vice President will convey India’s warm felicitations to Dr. Herminie. His visit will reaffirm the close, longstanding and time-tested ties between India and Seychelles. The MEA statement stated that Seychelles is a significant partner of India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and India’s commitment to the Global South. The upcoming visit is an example of India’s deep commitment to further strengthen and expand its partnership with Seychelles. For detail Visit of Vice Pr...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty US President Donald Trump announced termination of all trade talks with Canada. He took the decision because of a Canadian television Advertisement featuring former US President Ronald Reagan. The anti-tariff advertisement, created by the Government of Ontario, Canada, used a famous 1987 speech of former US President Ronald Reagan, ‘Radio Address to the Nation on Free and Fair Trade’. Noting the advertisement as ‘egregious behavior’, President Trump accused that Canada is trying to interfere with the decision of the US Supreme Court and other Courts through the Ad campaign. The Ronald Reagan Foundation announced that Canada fraudulently used a 1987 speech delivered by former US President Ronald Reagan. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute said the Ad campaign used selective audio and video of the former US President. The Foundation also accused Canada for not seeking or receiving any permission to use and edit the remar...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Today, PM Modi congratulated PM of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, on Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship. He also conveyed best wishes for the success of upcoming summits. However, PM Modi’s tweet and MEA statement confirmed that PM Modi is going to attend the 22 nd ASEAN-India Summit virtually. The Summit will be held on 26 th October, 2025. The MEA has not provided any reason behind the decision. However, ‘Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim said that PM Modi had cited ongoing Deepavali celebration as the reason for skipping the summit.’   The MEA statement stated that PM Modi and ASEAN leaders will jointly review the progress in ASEAN-India relations and will discuss initiatives for strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The statement also noted that a strong relationship with ASEAN is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. The 20 th East Asia Summit will be also held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 27 th October, 20...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty F rom the beginning of 2025, the US-China relation witnessing severe problems regarding rare earth minerals. Recently, China has begun to impose restriction on its rare earth mineral export. As a response, US president Trump announced to imposed all total 130% tariff on Chinese goods. In this context, it becomes necessary to find out a few answers, they are, 1)       What are rare earth minerals? 2)       What is its importance? And 3)       Its connection with US-China trade face off What are rare earth minerals? ‘Rare earth minerals’ are 17 metallic elements in the periodic table. These metals have unusual amount of conductive and magnetic properties. These qualities make them very useful when alloyed or mixed in small quantities with iron. As the name suggest, ironically, these metals are not rare and are found in many places around the world. Some of them...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to meet in Presidential Summit in Budapest, Hungary. Recently, in a more than two hours long phone call, President Trump and President Putin discussed several bilateral and international issues. During the phone call, the leaders decided to meet face-to-face in a Presidential summit. According to President Trump, it was a productive call. The White House informed that during the phone call, President Putin praised Trump as a peacemaker in the Middle East. President Trump wrote to social media that both the leaders also spent a great deal of time discussing trade between Russian and the US, when the Ukraine War will over. President Trump added in his post that in the upcoming summit both the leader will try to end the ‘inglorious’ war between Russia and Ukraine. Few months ago, both the leaders met in ‘Alaska Su...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Today, MEA released a statement and accepted killing of three Bangladeshi smugglers on Wednesday (15 th October, 2025), within 3 kms inside Indian territory. According to MEA, a group of three criminals from Bangladesh crossed the international border. They attempted to steal cattle from Bidyabil village in Tripura (India). To steal cattle, they attacked and injured local Indian villagers with iron dahs and knives. They killed one villager, though other villagers arrived and resisted the attackers. The MEA statement stated that the Indian authorities rushed to the spot, ‘where two smugglers were found dead; a third succumbed to his injuries in hospital the following day.’ India already handed over the mortal remains of all three, to the Bangladesh side. Police also registered a case. MEA also noted that the ‘incident underscores the need for Bangladesh to undertake necessary measures to uphold the sanctity of the international Boundary a...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Speaking to reporters at the White House, US President Trump said that he had flagged concerns to PM Modi, about India’s continued imports of Russian crude. He also claimed, PM Modi assured him that India will stop buying oil from Russia. President Trump called it a ‘big step’. In a response to the US President Trump’s claim, Russian ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, said that India’s oil imports from Russia is beneficial for Indian economy and Indian people. He, however, appreciates that, India and the US are independent in their decisions and Russia do not interfere in those decisions. He also added that India and Russia maintain a ‘trustworthy dialogue’ on a range of issues. Understanding the significance of the issue, responding media queries MEA stated that, India is a significant importer of oil and gas. Objective, which guided India’s import policies is, to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario. ...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Currently, President of Mongolia, H.E. Mr. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa is on a State Visit to India. This is his first visit to India as Head of State of Mongolia. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Senior officials, business leaders and cultural representatives. 70 years ago, India and Mongolia were established diplomatic relations. In the last seven decades, India and Mongolia developed a close and multifaceted partnership. 10 years ago, India and Mongolia elevated their relationship to Strategic Partnership. Therefore, this year, both the countries celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relationship and 10 years of Strategic Partnership. To mark the occasion, India and Mongolia released a Joint Postal Stamp. Celebrating the spiritual bond between India and Mongolia, India is sending the holy relics of two great disciples of Lord Buddha, Arhant Maudgalyayana and Arhant Sariputra, to Mongol...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty With release of hostages by Hamas and release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, apparently, the two-year long Israel-Hamas war ended. The war was consequence of a horrific terror attack on Israel by Hamas. On 7 th October, 2023, Hamas launched terror attack on Israel. In response, Israel launched a full-scale war on Hamas governed Gaza. In the beginning, the whole world supported Israel and condemned brutal Hamas attack on Israel. After some initial fight, Hamas became helpless in front of Israeli attack and the war turned one sided. Continuous bombing on Gaza devastated the city, killed more than sixty thousand people; thousands were wounded and forced to live their home. In the last few months, global concerns for Gaza, as Israel was continuing bombing on Gaza, was increasing. International community repeatedly requested Israel to stop the war. However, Israel did not listen to anyone. US strongly supports Israel during those times. ...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty The Global Peace Summit is going to start at Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh. About 20 world leaders and their associates are going to attend the Summit. A statement from Egypt stated that ‘The Summit aims to end the war in Gaza Strip, enhance efforts to bring peace and stability to the Middle East, and usher in a new phase of regional security and stability.’ The Summit is going to be co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and US President Donald Trump. The other leaders of the region, who are going to attend the summit are, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, leader of the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas Abbas, Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Kuwait’s Prime Minister Ahmad Al Abdullah Al Sabah and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The leaders from Europe, who are going to attend the summit are, French President Emmanuel Macron, Turkish Presiden...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty According to reports, Hamas released 7 living hostages to International Red Cross in Northern Gaza. After 738 days in Gaza, Eitan Mor, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Omri Miran, Alon Ohel, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Matan Angrest are going to meet their families. Thousands of Israelis gathered at ‘Hostages Square’ to express their emotions for the safe return of the hostages. The International Red Cross is now in Southern Gaza to receive the other 13 hostages. Hamas is going to handover 48 hostages, among whom 20 are still alive. This is the first breakthrough in the US-backed Peace deal between Israel and Hamas. Israel is also expected to release thousands of Palestinian prisoners. The deal also includes release of aid to famine-stricken Gaza. With the beginning of releasing of hostages, it appears that the two years long Israel-Gaza war come to an end. For detail Gaza Peace Summit Live Updates: Netanyahu greets Trump on arrival at Tel Aviv ...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Yesterday, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, Hon’ble Ms. Anita Anand reached India for a two-day visit. During her visit she is going meet with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal. MEA is expecting that this visit will revitalize bilateral mechanisms and will deepen economic cooperation between India and Canada. For detail Official Visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada to India (October 12-14, 2025) https://www.mea.gov.in/

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) proposes a draft Bill to replace the existing Emigration Act, 1983, in the Parliament. The proposed Bill is, the Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2025. The MEA Press release stated that the proposed Bill envisages comprehensive emigration management, institutes regulatory mechanisms by developing a regime for safe and orderly migration governing overseas employment of Indian nationals. It also establishes a framework which creates policies and schemes for incentivizing policy actions for protection and promotion of welfare of emigrants. The Press release stated salient features of the proposed draft Bill, are as follows, (1) It proposes to establish an Overseas Mobility and Welfare Council aims to provide greater convergence between Ministries with respect to policy management. (2) The Bill seeks to strike a balance between promoting opportunities abroad and establishing a regulator...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Today, Prime Minister Modi congratulates Dr. Patrick Herminie on his victory in the Presidential Election in Seychelles. In his social media post, PM Modi wrote, ‘The waters of the Indian Ocean are our shared heritage and nourish the aspirations and needs of our people.’ Indicating, the strong, time-tested and multifaced relations between India and Seychelles, PM Modi expressed his confidence that the bilateral relations will deepen and gain further momentum during Dr. Herminie’s tenure as President. For detail Prime Minister congratulates Dr. Patrick Herminie on his victory in the Presidential Elections in Seychelles

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty On 10 th October, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods. This will make total tariff on Chinese goods to 130%. It will come into effect from 1 st November, 2025. According to President Trump, it is a strong response towards China’s ‘extraordinary aggressive position on trade.’ On Thursday, China expanded its rare earth export control, adding five new elements. It also imposed extra scrutiny for semiconductor users. The latest US-China trade face off is going to affect global supply chain. Indian exporters, however, are delighted by this news. 130% tariff on Chinese goods can increase demands of Indian goods in the US and therefore Indian exports. For detail Trump spikes tariffs on China: Which countries will be worst affected by US President's move? China expands rareearths restrictions, targets defense and chips users

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Nine leading UK universities are going to open their campuses in India. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called it a ‘silent revolution in the field of education that is taking place under the NEP.’ The Vice-Chancellors of those universities also visit India along with British Prime Minister current India visit. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, while answering various questions, named eight UK Universities and their Indian campuses, they are, Southampton University in Gurugram. Queen’s University Belfast, Coventry University and the University of Surrey – all of them are going to open their campus in GIFT City. The Aberdeen University and the University of York is going to open their campus in Mumbai. The University of Liverpool and Lancaster University are going to open their campus in Bengaluru. In July 2025, Southampton University became the first University to open a physical campus in India. it has already taken its first cohort of stud...

By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Today, Afghan Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqui came to India and met with EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar. Both of them hold a detailed discussion on various bilateral issues. They also discussed important issues related to regional developments. On this occasion they released a joint Statement. The Statement clearly expressed growing ties between India and Afghanistan. India is deepening its engagement in various development cooperation projects in Afghanistan, especially, in the sectors of healthcare, public infrastructure and capacity-building. India already established its name in the healthcare sector of Afghanistan. India already working in projects like, establishment of a Thalassemia Centre, a Modern Diagnostic Centre etc. India is determined to extend medical assistance and high-quality healthcare treatment to the people of Afghanistan. India will construct a Thirty-bed hospital in Kabul’s Bagrami district, an Oncology Centre and a Tra...

  By Dr. Somita Chakraborty Yesterday, PM Modi congratulated US President Trump on successful progress of Gaza Peace Plan. PM Modi and President Trump also discussed issues related with Indo-US trade deal. Currently, Israel-Hamas negotiation is going on in Egypt, on the basis of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza Peace Plan. In August 2025, Trump Administration imposed 50% tariff on Indian goods. This tensed overall Indo-US relations and trade talks. Later, trade talks resumed. In the last month, President Trump wished PM Modi on his birthday and discussed several bilateral issues. Last week, PM Modi praised President Trumps Peace initiative in Gaza and reaffirmed India’s support for all initiatives that could bring lasting and just peace in the region. For detail Prime Minister congratulates President Trump on success of Gaza peace plan