Two senior US officials will arrive in the Indian capital this week, in what will be seen as a carefully calibrated push to strengthen ties with Delhi, with a focus on firming up political &amp; trade ties. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker will begin her five-day India visit from today, during which she will travel to both New Delhi and Bengaluru. A State Department statement described the trip as intended to “advance the U.S.-India strategic partnership, deepen economic and commercial ties, including increasing American exports, and foster collaboration in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and space exploration.”Hooker is scheduled to hold Foreign Office Consultations with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and will discuss “regional security, economic cooperation, and shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific”. In Bengaluru, she will visit the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and meet private-sector leaders. The statement explicitly linked the visit to “President Trump’s priorities for a strong U.S.-India partnership and a free and open Indo-Pacific.”The timing of this visit is key, coming just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a two-day state visit to India. During the visit, President Putin and PM Modi set an ambitious target of $100 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030 and pledged to rebalance a trade heavily skewed in Moscow’s favour because of India's import of discounted Russian oil. India-Russia trade has surged from $8.1 billion in 2020 to $68.7 billion in the current financial year, largely driven by Indian purchases of Russian crude.Washington has responded with tariffs: a 50% levy on many Indian exports, which is seen as a penalty linked to Russian oil imports. A separate trade delegation led by Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer arrives this week for talks aimed at concluding the long-delayed first phase of a bilateral trade agreement. Indian negotiators will be headed by Commerce Ministry Joint Secretary Darpan Jain. &nbsp;Despite the trade friction, the US remains India’s largest trading partner, though Indian exports to the US have seen a slowdown even as Delhi looks for diversification.The visits follow weekend's of the India-US Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, where both sides condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu &amp; Kashmir and near the Red Fort. A joint statement demanded “additional designations of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and their proxy groups, supporters, sponsors, financiers and backers, under the UN 1267 sanctions regime”. India welcomed Washington’s recent designation of The Resistance Front (TRF), widely seen as a proxy of LeT, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation.The US officials' visit, likely planned days in advance, shows India's continued engagement with both Washington and Moscow. But the choreography of high-level American visits immediately after President Putin’s trip will be widely interpreted as a clear signal from the Trump administration that it expects tangible movement on both economic and strategic fronts.

The timing of this visit is key, coming just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a two-day state visit to India. 

Two senior US officials will arrive in the Indian capital this week, in what will be seen as a carefully calibrated push to strengthen ties with Delhi, with a focus on firming up political & trade ties. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker will begin her five-day India visit from today, during which she will travel to both New Delhi and Bengaluru. A State Department statement described the trip as intended to “advance the U.S.-India strategic partnership, deepen economic and commercial ties, including increasing American exports, and foster collaboration in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and space exploration.” Hooker is scheduled to hold Foreign Office Consultations with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and will discuss “regional security, economic cooperation, and shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific”. In Bengaluru, she will visit the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and meet private-sector leaders. The statement explicitly linked the visit to “President Trump’s priorities for a strong U.S.-India partnership and a free and open Indo-Pacific.” The timing of this visit is key, coming just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a two-day state visit to India. During the visit, President Putin and PM Modi set an ambitious target of $100 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030 and pledged to rebalance a trade heavily skewed in Moscow’s favour because of India's import of discounted Russian oil. India-Russia trade has surged from $8.1 billion in 2020 to $68.7 billion in the current financial year, largely driven by Indian purchases of Russian crude. Washington has responded with tariffs: a 50% levy on many Indian exports, which is seen as a penalty linked to Russian oil imports. A separate trade delegation led by Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer arrives this week for talks aimed at concluding the long-delayed first phase of a bilateral trade agreement. Indian negotiators will be headed by Commerce Ministry Joint Secretary Darpan Jain. Despite the trade friction, the US remains India’s largest trading partner, though Indian exports to the US have seen a slowdown even as Delhi looks for diversification. The visits follow weekend's of the India-US Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism, where both sides condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir and near the Red Fort. A joint statement demanded “additional designations of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and their proxy groups, supporters, sponsors, financiers and backers, under the UN 1267 sanctions regime”. India welcomed Washington’s recent designation of The Resistance Front (TRF), widely seen as a proxy of LeT, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. The US officials' visit, likely planned days in advance, shows India's continued engagement with both Washington and Moscow. But the choreography of high-level American visits immediately after President Putin’s trip will be widely interpreted as a clear signal from the Trump administration that it expects tangible movement on both economic and strategic fronts.

The timing of this visit is key, coming just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a two-day state visit to India.&nbsp;

Senior US officials on India visit this week to push for deeper trade and strategic ties

A striking 23-foot Christmas tree constructed from 300 kilograms of discarded electronics is becoming the showstopper in Delhi as the Christmas season ushers in. Old circuit boards, tangled cables, broken keyboards and obsolete mobile phones, all processed by certified recyclers to remove toxic elements, have been transformed into a jagged, metallic sculpture that glows softly at the Delhi hotel, welcoming visitors. The tree was officially lit last week by Finland’s Ambassador to India, Kimmo Lähdevirta, accompanied by his wife. Speaking at the ceremony, the ambassador welcomed the focus on e-waste. “Over the centuries, decorating the Christmas tree has evolved from using fresh flowers, to paper flowers, apples, and gingerbread cookies, and finally to the ornaments we know today, and the decoration of the Christmas tree continues to evolve” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indigo-disruptions-95-network-connectivity-restored-on-way-to-operate-1500-flights-today-says-airline-airlines-1765038513484">IndiGo disruptions: 95% network connectivity restored, on way to operate 1500 flights today, says airline</a>&nbsp;He noted that Finland’s Christmas traditions remain rooted in nature and remembrance, from the medieval Declaration of Christmas Peace read every 24 December in Turku, the oldest unbroken tradition of its kind in Europe, to children in Lapland sometimes receiving gifts in person from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Estonia's Ambassador to India, Marje Luup, was also present at the occasion. Meena Bhatia, vice president and general manager of Le Méridien New Delhi, said the project was intended to prompt reflection rather than just admiration. “Each year, our Christmas tree becomes a canvas for sustainability, design, and craftsmanship. By upcycling materials and collaborating with artisans, we create not just beauty but meaning.” As per the Ministry of Environment data tabled in Rajya Sabha, India generated 1.751 million metric tonnes of e-waste in 2023-24, marking a 73% increase from 1.01 million tonnes in 2019-20. 43% of the 2023-24 e-waste was recycled through formal channels. &nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-and-us-to-begin-3-day-trade-talks-in-new-delhi-from-10-december-1765035128550">India, US to begin 3-day trade talks in New Delhi from 10 December</a>&nbsp; The installation clearly is a message in itself, as visitors pause beneath the unusual tree, some taking selfies, others reading the small explanatory plaques. The e-waste tree will stay on display through the festive season before its components are returned to authorised recyclers. For now, in a city preparing for winter weddings and year-end parties, it offers a quiet "renewable" twist on Christmas sparkle, courtesy of a diplomatic guest from the land Santa calls home. &nbsp;

Finnish ambassador to India, Kimmo Lähdevirta noted that Finland’s Christmas traditions remain rooted in nature and remembrance, from the medieval Declaration of Christmas Peace read every 24 December in Turku, the oldest unbroken tradition of its kind in Europe,

A striking 23-foot Christmas tree constructed from 300 kilograms of discarded electronics is becoming the showstopper in Delhi as the Christmas season ushers in. Old circuit boards, tangled cables, broken keyboards and obsolete mobile phones, all processed by certified recyclers to remove toxic elements, have been transformed into a jagged, metallic sculpture that glows softly at the Delhi hotel, welcoming visitors. The tree was officially lit last week by Finland’s Ambassador to India, Kimmo Lähdevirta, accompanied by his wife. Speaking at the ceremony, the ambassador welcomed the focus on e-waste. “Over the centuries, decorating the Christmas tree has evolved from using fresh flowers, to paper flowers, apples, and gingerbread cookies, and finally to the ornaments we know today, and the decoration of the Christmas tree continues to evolve” he said. Also Read: IndiGo disruptions: 95% network connectivity restored, on way to operate 1500 flights today, says airline He noted that Finland’s Christmas traditions remain rooted in nature and remembrance, from the medieval Declaration of Christmas Peace read every 24 December in Turku, the oldest unbroken tradition of its kind in Europe, to children in Lapland sometimes receiving gifts in person from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Estonia's Ambassador to India, Marje Luup, was also present at the occasion. Meena Bhatia, vice president and general manager of Le Méridien New Delhi, said the project was intended to prompt reflection rather than just admiration. “Each year, our Christmas tree becomes a canvas for sustainability, design, and craftsmanship. By upcycling materials and collaborating with artisans, we create not just beauty but meaning.” As per the Ministry of Environment data tabled in Rajya Sabha, India generated 1.751 million metric tonnes of e-waste in 2023-24, marking a 73% increase from 1.01 million tonnes in 2019-20. 43% of the 2023-24 e-waste was recycled through formal channels. Also Read: India, US to begin 3-day trade talks in New Delhi from 10 December The installation clearly is a message in itself, as visitors pause beneath the unusual tree, some taking selfies, others reading the small explanatory plaques. The e-waste tree will stay on display through the festive season before its components are returned to authorised recyclers. For now, in a city preparing for winter weddings and year-end parties, it offers a quiet "renewable" twist on Christmas sparkle, courtesy of a diplomatic guest from the land Santa calls home.

Finnish ambassador to India, Kimmo Lähdevirta noted that Finland’s Christmas traditions remain rooted in nature and remembrance, from the medieval Declaration of Christmas Peace read every 24 December in Turku, the oldest unbroken tradition of its kind in Europe,

Christmas tree made from e-waste lit by Finnish ambassador

New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to travel to Oman and Jordan later this month, in the latest sign of New Delhi’s deepening engagement with the strategically vital West Asia region. The visits, expected in mid-December, will mark PM Modi’s second trip to Oman and his first full-fledged bilateral visit to Jordan since assuming office in 2014, although he made a brief transit stop in Amman in February 2018 during his official visit to Palestine&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-india-a-critical-partner-says-trump-admin-in-new-national-security-strategy-document-1764955604501">‘India a critical partner,’ says Trump admin in new national security strategy document</a>&nbsp;In Muscat, the centrepiece of discussions is likely to be the long-pending India-Oman Free Trade Agreement. The two sides concluded negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) earlier this year. Oman, a key Indian Ocean neighbour, has emerged as one of India’s closest partners in the Gulf. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq paid a state visit to New Delhi in December 2023, the first by an Omani ruler in over two decades. The two countries conduct regular joint military exercises and India enjoys close strategic ties with Muscat for years.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-admin-says-europe-faces-civilizational-erasure-pledges-support-to-correct-trajectory-1764948151659">Trump admin says Europe faces ‘civilizational erasure’, pledges US support to ‘correct its trajectory’</a>&nbsp;Bilateral ties are underpinned by centuries-old people-to-people links. More than 676,000 Indian nationals live in Oman, and some families trace their presence back to 150-200 years. Annual two-way trade stood at around $12 billion in the last financial year, with India importing crude oil and LPG while exporting petroleum products, machinery and foodstuffs.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-working-on-fta-moving-towards-mutual-settlements-in-national-currencies-says-putin-1764931650076">‘Working on FTA, moving towards mutual settlements in national currencies,’ says Putin</a>&nbsp;In the 2 nation visit, PM Modi will travel to Amman, where King Abdullah II will host him for talks focused on trade, investment and regional security. Jordan has quietly strengthened its economic relationship with India in recent years. Bilateral trade reached $2.875 billion in 2023-24, making India Jordan’s fourth-largest trading partner. Indian firms have invested approximately $1.5 billion in Jordan’s phosphate and textile sectors, and New Delhi sees scope for further collaboration in fertilisers, IT and pharmaceuticals. King Abdullah II last visited India in February-March 2018.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-radical-islam-poses-a-grave-threat-to-the-us-and-the-entire-world-marco-rubio-1764786437365">‘Radical Islam poses grave threat to the US and entire world’: Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;The back-to-back visits come against the backdrop of India’s broader West Asia policy, as it ups the engagement with Israel, Gulf Arab states, and restates its support to the Palestinian cause. In January, Delhi could host an India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministerial meet.&nbsp;In 2024, EAM Dr S Jaishankar travelled to Riyadh for the 1st India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue.

Oman, a key Indian Ocean neighbour, has emerged as one of India’s closest partners in the Gulf. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq paid a state visit to New Delhi in December 2023, the first by an Omani ruler in over two decades.

New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to travel to Oman and Jordan later this month, in the latest sign of New Delhi’s deepening engagement with the strategically vital West Asia region. The visits, expected in mid-December, will mark PM Modi’s second trip to Oman and his first full-fledged bilateral visit to Jordan since assuming office in 2014, although he made a brief transit stop in Amman in February 2018 during his official visit to Palestine Also Read: ‘India a critical partner,’ says Trump admin in new national security strategy document In Muscat, the centrepiece of discussions is likely to be the long-pending India-Oman Free Trade Agreement. The two sides concluded negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) earlier this year. Oman, a key Indian Ocean neighbour, has emerged as one of India’s closest partners in the Gulf. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq paid a state visit to New Delhi in December 2023, the first by an Omani ruler in over two decades. The two countries conduct regular joint military exercises and India enjoys close strategic ties with Muscat for years. Also Read: Trump admin says Europe faces ‘civilizational erasure’, pledges US support to ‘correct its trajectory’ Bilateral ties are underpinned by centuries-old people-to-people links. More than 676,000 Indian nationals live in Oman, and some families trace their presence back to 150-200 years. Annual two-way trade stood at around $12 billion in the last financial year, with India importing crude oil and LPG while exporting petroleum products, machinery and foodstuffs. Also Read: ‘Working on FTA, moving towards mutual settlements in national currencies,’ says Putin In the 2 nation visit, PM Modi will travel to Amman, where King Abdullah II will host him for talks focused on trade, investment and regional security. Jordan has quietly strengthened its economic relationship with India in recent years. Bilateral trade reached $2.875 billion in 2023-24, making India Jordan’s fourth-largest trading partner. Indian firms have invested approximately $1.5 billion in Jordan’s phosphate and textile sectors, and New Delhi sees scope for further collaboration in fertilisers, IT and pharmaceuticals. King Abdullah II last visited India in February-March 2018. Also Read: ‘Radical Islam poses grave threat to the US and entire world’: Marco Rubio The back-to-back visits come against the backdrop of India’s broader West Asia policy, as it ups the engagement with Israel, Gulf Arab states, and restates its support to the Palestinian cause. In January, Delhi could host an India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministerial meet. In 2024, EAM Dr S Jaishankar travelled to Riyadh for the 1st India-GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue.

Oman, a key Indian Ocean neighbour, has emerged as one of India’s closest partners in the Gulf. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq paid a state visit to New Delhi in December 2023, the first by an Omani ruler in over two decades.

Indian PM Modi to visit Oman and Jordan this month

Abhay Singh, a Bihar-born doctor-turned-politician who now serves as an MLA (Deputat) in the Kursk city legislature, has described President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing visit to India as “very important” for both nations and a signal to the world of strengthening ties in a multipolar order. Speaking to the WION, the United Russia party member said: “The visit is very important for India, Russia. Other countries are also watching this visit. A very important visit for a multipolar world. A number of pacts will be signed.”Among the agreements expected is a new labour mobility pact that Singh believes will benefit thousands of Indian workers in Russia. “Lots of Indians working in Russia. New things will come out in the health sector, work permits for Indians. Indians will get a big quota for that,” he said.&nbsp;Singh’s own journey reflects the India, Russia ties. Arriving several decades ago to study medicine, he never imagined a political career in his adopted country. “When I went for medicine studies, never knew I will settle in Russia. I believe in good. I studied, joined politics, now I am with you,” he laughed.&nbsp;He dismissed American criticism of India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil despite Western sanctions, calling U.S. tariff threats inappropriate. “Not a good thing. Pressure should not be put on countries. America is strong country, but not dictate with other countries should do. Every country decides what to do. India is a strong country, knows what to do,” Singh said firmly.The Kursk MLA insisted that mutual respect underpins India-Russia relations. “Indians respect Russians, Russians also respect Indians. Big or small, Indians are respected. Now many Indians moving to Russia,” he noted, adding that cultural ties remain strong decades after the Soviet era. “Raj Kapoor songs are very famous. Jimmy Jimmy aja aja very famous in Russia,” he smiled.Singh argued that Moscow is actively courting deeper economic partnership with New Delhi on terms similar to its booming trade with China. “Russia is offering, giving hand to India. Russia has big business with China, offering same to India. India should offer same to Russia,” he urged.&nbsp;For Indian entrepreneurs eyeing opportunities, his advice is straightforward: “Adopt the Russian Market. Indian business must learn Russian style of working. Welcome to Russia to invest.”

Singh dismissed American criticism of India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil despite Western sanctions, calling U.S. tariff threats inappropriate. “Not a good thing. Pressure should not be put on countries. America is strong country, but…"

Abhay Singh, a Bihar-born doctor-turned-politician who now serves as an MLA (Deputat) in the Kursk city legislature, has described President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing visit to India as “very important” for both nations and a signal to the world of strengthening ties in a multipolar order. Speaking to the WION, the United Russia party member said: “The visit is very important for India, Russia. Other countries are also watching this visit. A very important visit for a multipolar world. A number of pacts will be signed.”Among the agreements expected is a new labour mobility pact that Singh believes will benefit thousands of Indian workers in Russia. “Lots of Indians working in Russia. New things will come out in the health sector, work permits for Indians. Indians will get a big quota for that,” he said. Singh’s own journey reflects the India, Russia ties. Arriving several decades ago to study medicine, he never imagined a political career in his adopted country. “When I went for medicine studies, never knew I will settle in Russia. I believe in good. I studied, joined politics, now I am with you,” he laughed. He dismissed American criticism of India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil despite Western sanctions, calling U.S. tariff threats inappropriate. “Not a good thing. Pressure should not be put on countries. America is strong country, but not dictate with other countries should do. Every country decides what to do. India is a strong country, knows what to do,” Singh said firmly. The Kursk MLA insisted that mutual respect underpins India-Russia relations. “Indians respect Russians, Russians also respect Indians. Big or small, Indians are respected. Now many Indians moving to Russia,” he noted, adding that cultural ties remain strong decades after the Soviet era. “Raj Kapoor songs are very famous. Jimmy Jimmy aja aja very famous in Russia,” he smiled. Singh argued that Moscow is actively courting deeper economic partnership with New Delhi on terms similar to its booming trade with China. “Russia is offering, giving hand to India. Russia has big business with China, offering same to India. India should offer same to Russia,” he urged. For Indian entrepreneurs eyeing opportunities, his advice is straightforward: “Adopt the Russian Market. Indian business must learn Russian style of working. Welcome to Russia to invest.”

Singh dismissed American criticism of India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil despite Western sanctions, calling U.S. tariff threats inappropriate. “Not a good thing. Pressure should not be put on countries. America is strong country, but…"

Indian-origin Russian politician Abhay Singh hails Putin’s India visit as key for multipolar world

Thailand has formally expressed its ambition to join BRICS and is seeking India’s backing ahead of New Delhi’s chairmanship of the grouping in 2026, Thai Ambassador Chavanart Thangsumphant announced at a sombre National Day reception in the Indian capital on Wednesday. &nbsp;“In this spirit of deeper cooperation, Thailand has also expressed its intention to become a member of BRICS, underscoring our commitment to contributing to inclusive multilateralism and enhanced South–South cooperation, an aspiration we look forward to pursuing alongside India,” Ambassador Chavanart said.As the chair of the BRICS grouping, India will host the summit next year. A founding member of BRICS, India has seen the organisation attract growing global interest, with numerous countries expressing eagerness to join.In her address, Ambassador Chavanart highlighted the rapid elevation of India-Thailand relations, pointing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit earlier this year that upgraded ties to a Strategic Partnership.“Our two nations are bound by centuries of cultural and spiritual heritage. This year saw transformative progress. The official visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Thailand elevated our relations to a Strategic Partnership,” she said.The ambassador also noted the recent visit of Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow to India from 29 November to 2 December, which “further energised our cooperation in connectivity, trade, security, and regional frameworks—reflecting a clear, forward-looking vision for a more prosperous and interconnected future.” She quoted India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, who during the talks described Thailand as a “very important maritime neighbour,” underscoring “genuine trust and shared strategic outlook” between the two countries. It was during this visit that Thailand raised the matter of its BRICS membership with India.Marking the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, which is Thailand's national day on 5th December, the event was subdued as Thailand continues a period of national mourning following the death of Queen Mother Sirikit on 24 October. Guests dressed in black observed a minute’s silence and watched a video tribute to Her Majesty’s lifelong dedication to her country. India’s Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, who was the chief guest, welcomed the growing convergence and paid tribute to the late Queen Mother. At the entrance, the embassy displayed portraits of Her Majesty in the eight traditional Chud Thai Phra Rajaniyom dresses.

As the chair of the BRICS grouping, India will host the summit next year. A founding member of BRICS, India has seen the organisation attract growing global interest, with numerous countries expressing eagerness to join.

Thailand has formally expressed its ambition to join BRICS and is seeking India’s backing ahead of New Delhi’s chairmanship of the grouping in 2026, Thai Ambassador Chavanart Thangsumphant announced at a sombre National Day reception in the Indian capital on Wednesday. “In this spirit of deeper cooperation, Thailand has also expressed its intention to become a member of BRICS, underscoring our commitment to contributing to inclusive multilateralism and enhanced South–South cooperation, an aspiration we look forward to pursuing alongside India,” Ambassador Chavanart said. As the chair of the BRICS grouping, India will host the summit next year. A founding member of BRICS, India has seen the organisation attract growing global interest, with numerous countries expressing eagerness to join. In her address, Ambassador Chavanart highlighted the rapid elevation of India-Thailand relations, pointing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit earlier this year that upgraded ties to a Strategic Partnership.“Our two nations are bound by centuries of cultural and spiritual heritage. This year saw transformative progress. The official visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Thailand elevated our relations to a Strategic Partnership,” she said. The ambassador also noted the recent visit of Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow to India from 29 November to 2 December, which “further energised our cooperation in connectivity, trade, security, and regional frameworks—reflecting a clear, forward-looking vision for a more prosperous and interconnected future.” She quoted India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, who during the talks described Thailand as a “very important maritime neighbour,” underscoring “genuine trust and shared strategic outlook” between the two countries. It was during this visit that Thailand raised the matter of its BRICS membership with India. Marking the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, which is Thailand's national day on 5th December, the event was subdued as Thailand continues a period of national mourning following the death of Queen Mother Sirikit on 24 October. Guests dressed in black observed a minute’s silence and watched a video tribute to Her Majesty’s lifelong dedication to her country. India’s Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, who was the chief guest, welcomed the growing convergence and paid tribute to the late Queen Mother. At the entrance, the embassy displayed portraits of Her Majesty in the eight traditional Chud Thai Phra Rajaniyom dresses.

As the chair of the BRICS grouping, India will host the summit next year. A founding member of BRICS, India has seen the organisation attract growing global interest, with numerous countries expressing eagerness to join.

Thailand seeks BRICS membership with India’s support

Russia’s space agency Roscosmos is poised to deepen its longstanding partnership with India through a new agreement on rocket engine technology, signalling a major step forward in bilateral space collaboration amid a competitive global market. Dmitry Bakanov, Director General of Roscosmos, speaking to WION said that the contract for the licensed production of rocket engines in India is expected imminently. “India is our great partner in space, and in the near future we have to co-operate in engines,” Mr Bakanov said. “We will sign a contract on the engine programme. We give some engines to India and, by licence, make production here. Then orbit interaction.”&nbsp;Asked about the focus when it comes to rocket engines, Mr Bakanov did not give the detail of the models involved. This engine collaboration stands apart from other joint efforts, including Russia’s support for India’s ambitious space initiatives.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-russia-summit-2025-armoured-convoy-ai-surveillance-snipers-delhi-turns-into-a-fortress-for-russia-president-vladimir-putin-1764754678340">India-Russia Summit 2025: Armoured convoy, AI surveillance, snipers — Delhi turns into a fortress for Russia President Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;Separately, on the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, India’s bid to send astronauts into orbit, Bakanov confirmed ongoing work with Indian counterparts. “We are working together with Indian partners on seats and special equipment,” he said, referring to customised crew accommodations and life-support gear drawing on Russia’s decades of manned mission expertise.&nbsp;Praising India’s swift advancements, the Roscosmos chief added: “The Indian programme is great. You are going very fast… you have all types of rockets, satellites. The space market is very competitive. In space, we have great potential.”Indo-Russian space ties trace back to the 1970s, with Moscow launching India’s Aryabhata satellite in 1975 and training &amp; sendoff to space of its first cosmonaut in 1984. The comments come ahead of President Putin's India visit starting tomorrow. This will be his first visit to India&nbsp;since&nbsp;2021.

Clarifying that the focus is on rocket engines, specifically liquid-propellant types essential for launch vehicles, Mr Bakanov did not detail the models involved

Russia’s space agency Roscosmos is poised to deepen its longstanding partnership with India through a new agreement on rocket engine technology, signalling a major step forward in bilateral space collaboration amid a competitive global market. Dmitry Bakanov, Director General of Roscosmos, speaking to WION said that the contract for the licensed production of rocket engines in India is expected imminently. “India is our great partner in space, and in the near future we have to co-operate in engines,” Mr Bakanov said. “We will sign a contract on the engine programme. We give some engines to India and, by licence, make production here. Then orbit interaction.” Asked about the focus when it comes to rocket engines, Mr Bakanov did not give the detail of the models involved. This engine collaboration stands apart from other joint efforts, including Russia’s support for India’s ambitious space initiatives. Also Read: India-Russia Summit 2025: Armoured convoy, AI surveillance, snipers — Delhi turns into a fortress for Russia President Vladimir Putin Separately, on the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, India’s bid to send astronauts into orbit, Bakanov confirmed ongoing work with Indian counterparts. “We are working together with Indian partners on seats and special equipment,” he said, referring to customised crew accommodations and life-support gear drawing on Russia’s decades of manned mission expertise. Praising India’s swift advancements, the Roscosmos chief added: “The Indian programme is great. You are going very fast… you have all types of rockets, satellites. The space market is very competitive. In space, we have great potential.” Indo-Russian space ties trace back to the 1970s, with Moscow launching India’s Aryabhata satellite in 1975 and training & sendoff to space of its first cosmonaut in 1984. The comments come ahead of President Putin's India visit starting tomorrow. This will be his first visit to India since 2021.

Clarifying that the focus is on rocket engines, specifically liquid-propellant types essential for launch vehicles, Mr Bakanov did not detail the models involved

'Russia and India set to ink rocket engine deal', says Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Bakanov

Russian President Vladimir Putin will land in Indian national capital, New Delhi on Thursday &nbsp;for a tightly packed&nbsp;two-day state visit, his first trip to India since 2021. The visit, heavy with ceremony and substantive talks, shows the enduring strategic partnership between the world’s largest democracy and a Russia increasingly looking to Asia amid Western sanctions over Ukraine.&nbsp; Putin will be received at the airport by top Indian officials before heading to his hotel. Who exactly will welcome the Russian President is yet to be disclosed. In a now-familiar ritual that has come to symbolise the personal chemistry between the two leaders, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting a private dinner for the Russian president on Thursday night, away from cameras and delegations. Friday will follow the full protocol of a state visit. President Putin will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, complete with a Guard of Honour presented by all three Indian armed services. After inspecting the guard and being introduced to members of PM Modi’s cabinet, the Russian leader will pay homage at Raj Ghat, laying a wreath at the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, a mandatory stop for virtually every visiting head of state or government.&nbsp;The core of the visit unfolds at Hyderabad House. Restricted-format talks, limited to just six to eight members on each side, will allow the top Indian, &amp; Russian leaders to speak frankly before larger delegation-level discussions begin. Indian officials say pacts will be signed in trade, economic, health care, media sectors with key focus on a mobility pact that will allow Indians to travel to Russia. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin Spokesman in an online briefing said focus will be on firming up trade and defence ties.&nbsp;&nbsp;A joint statement and press statement by the two leaders will follow a working lunch hosted by PM Modi. Business leaders from both countries will hold parallel meetings, with Indian firms keen to deepen investments in Russia’s resource-rich east and Russian companies looking for new markets amid western sanctions on Russia. The day will conclude on a formal note. President Putin will call on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan before attending a state banquet in his honour. A departure ceremony will mark the end of the visit, with the Russian president flying back to Moscow late Friday night.&nbsp;For New Delhi, the visit is as much about securing energy and defence supplies as it is about signalling strategic autonomy in an increasingly polarised world impacted by Trump's tariffs. For the Kremlin, every handshake in Delhi is a reminder that Russia still has friends in high places.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi on Thursday (Dec 4) for his first India visit since 2021. His two-day trip includes talks with PM Modi, a private dinner, ceremonial welcome, Raj Ghat tribute, and agreements on trade, defence and mobility, signalling deepening ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin will land in Indian national capital, New Delhi on Thursday for a tightly packed two-day state visit, his first trip to India since 2021. The visit, heavy with ceremony and substantive talks, shows the enduring strategic partnership between the world’s largest democracy and a Russia increasingly looking to Asia amid Western sanctions over Ukraine. Putin will be received at the airport by top Indian officials before heading to his hotel. Who exactly will welcome the Russian President is yet to be disclosed. In a now-familiar ritual that has come to symbolise the personal chemistry between the two leaders, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting a private dinner for the Russian president on Thursday night, away from cameras and delegations. Friday will follow the full protocol of a state visit. President Putin will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, complete with a Guard of Honour presented by all three Indian armed services. After inspecting the guard and being introduced to members of PM Modi’s cabinet, the Russian leader will pay homage at Raj Ghat, laying a wreath at the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, a mandatory stop for virtually every visiting head of state or government. The core of the visit unfolds at Hyderabad House. Restricted-format talks, limited to just six to eight members on each side, will allow the top Indian, & Russian leaders to speak frankly before larger delegation-level discussions begin. Indian officials say pacts will be signed in trade, economic, health care, media sectors with key focus on a mobility pact that will allow Indians to travel to Russia. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin Spokesman in an online briefing said focus will be on firming up trade and defence ties. A joint statement and press statement by the two leaders will follow a working lunch hosted by PM Modi. Business leaders from both countries will hold parallel meetings, with Indian firms keen to deepen investments in Russia’s resource-rich east and Russian companies looking for new markets amid western sanctions on Russia. The day will conclude on a formal note. President Putin will call on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan before attending a state banquet in his honour. A departure ceremony will mark the end of the visit, with the Russian president flying back to Moscow late Friday night. For New Delhi, the visit is as much about securing energy and defence supplies as it is about signalling strategic autonomy in an increasingly polarised world impacted by Trump's tariffs. For the Kremlin, every handshake in Delhi is a reminder that Russia still has friends in high places.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi on Thursday (Dec 4) for his first India visit since 2021. His two-day trip includes talks with PM Modi, a private dinner, ceremonial welcome, Raj Ghat tribute, and agreements on trade, defence and mobility, signalling deepening ties

Putin arrives in Delhi tomorrow for high-stakes India visit amid strengthening ties

With Russian President Vladimir Putin set to visit India this week, on 4th-5th December 2025, for a bilateral summit, focus will be aimed at deepening economic ties and addressing a growing trade imbalance, officials from both sides have confirmed. At the heart of the visit is a newly finalised agreement on the mobility of skilled and semi-skilled workers. &nbsp;Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officials told reporters on Tuesday, that the document “has been finalised” and is now going through internal processes before formal signing.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Finalised agreement on mobility of skilled &amp; semi-skilled people. Document has been finalised. Going through internal processes,” officials said. The pact is seen in New Delhi as a practical step to facilitate greater movement of Indian professionals to Russia while encouraging Russian expertise in sectors where India has shortages.&nbsp;Economic ties will be key focus but trade figures have ballooned in recent years, largely driven by Indian purchases of discounted Russian oil, pushing bilateral trade over $65 billion. Yet the relationship remains heavily skewed as India’s exports to Russia are far less than Russian exports to India. Both sides now say they want to correct the imbalance. “We know our Indian friends are concerned about disbalance in trade. We want to buy more from India. We are looking for joint efforts,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said ahead of the visit, addressing Indian journalists in a Sputnik media organised event. He revealed that Russian and Indian business leaders will meet in the run-up to the summit to identify new export opportunities.&nbsp;Indian officials echoed the sentiment. “Aim is to bridge the trade deficit between India, Russia,” MEA officials said, highlighting ongoing discussions on exporting marine products, potatoes, pomegranates, pharmaceuticals, processed food, and consumer goods from India to Russia. Peskov was upbeat about longer-term ambitions despite Trump imposing tariffs on India for importing Russian crude oil. “Before 2030, I hope to reach trade at $100 bn. Our trade should not be impacted by the 3rd country. Almost all volumes of trade are in national currencies now,” he said, noting the rapid shift away from the US dollar in bilateral transactions.&nbsp;Several agreements are expected to be signed in trade, economic cooperation, healthcare, and media sectors, though, as is customary, defence-related pacts will not be publicly announced during the visit. On energy, Peskov stressed continuity despite Western sanctions. “We are an important source of energy supplies to India. It is of mutual benefit,” he said, adding that any short-term dips in oil volumes were being managed. Indian officials took a similar market-driven line, saying private companies make purchasing decisions “based on dynamics in the international market”.&nbsp;The visit will also touch on broader geopolitical issues, including counter-terrorism cooperation and the Ukraine conflict. Peskov praised India’s stance on the conflict, saying, “we do appreciate the stand of India. The readiness of Delhi to search for a peaceful solution… The Indian side listens to us. India wants to listen to us. India hears us. It’s a mutual understanding.” For New Delhi, the summit underlines what MEA officials describe as “one of the most stable relationships in modern time”.&nbsp;With new Indian consulates opening in Kazan and soon Yekaterinburg and talks underway for a free-trade agreement with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union, both capitals appear determined to place economics at the centre of a partnership that has endured for decades. As one senior Indian official put it: “Focus of the visit is growing trade &amp; economic ties. Russia has been a partner, including during the Cold War years. In the last few years, significant growth in bilateral trade &amp; economic ties. Growing interest to deepen it.”

India, Russia to sign mobility pact as Moscow pledges to cut trade deficit ahead of Putin visit

With Russian President Vladimir Putin set to visit India this week, on 4th-5th December 2025, for a bilateral summit, focus will be aimed at deepening economic ties and addressing a growing trade imbalance, officials from both sides have confirmed. At the heart of the visit is a newly finalised agreement on the mobility of skilled and semi-skilled workers. Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officials told reporters on Tuesday, that the document “has been finalised” and is now going through internal processes before formal signing. “Finalised agreement on mobility of skilled & semi-skilled people. Document has been finalised. Going through internal processes,” officials said. The pact is seen in New Delhi as a practical step to facilitate greater movement of Indian professionals to Russia while encouraging Russian expertise in sectors where India has shortages. Economic ties will be key focus but trade figures have ballooned in recent years, largely driven by Indian purchases of discounted Russian oil, pushing bilateral trade over $65 billion. Yet the relationship remains heavily skewed as India’s exports to Russia are far less than Russian exports to India. Both sides now say they want to correct the imbalance. “We know our Indian friends are concerned about disbalance in trade. We want to buy more from India. We are looking for joint efforts,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said ahead of the visit, addressing Indian journalists in a Sputnik media organised event. He revealed that Russian and Indian business leaders will meet in the run-up to the summit to identify new export opportunities. Indian officials echoed the sentiment. “Aim is to bridge the trade deficit between India, Russia,” MEA officials said, highlighting ongoing discussions on exporting marine products, potatoes, pomegranates, pharmaceuticals, processed food, and consumer goods from India to Russia. Peskov was upbeat about longer-term ambitions despite Trump imposing tariffs on India for importing Russian crude oil. “Before 2030, I hope to reach trade at $100 bn. Our trade should not be impacted by the 3rd country. Almost all volumes of trade are in national currencies now,” he said, noting the rapid shift away from the US dollar in bilateral transactions. Several agreements are expected to be signed in trade, economic cooperation, healthcare, and media sectors, though, as is customary, defence-related pacts will not be publicly announced during the visit. On energy, Peskov stressed continuity despite Western sanctions. “We are an important source of energy supplies to India. It is of mutual benefit,” he said, adding that any short-term dips in oil volumes were being managed. Indian officials took a similar market-driven line, saying private companies make purchasing decisions “based on dynamics in the international market”. The visit will also touch on broader geopolitical issues, including counter-terrorism cooperation and the Ukraine conflict. Peskov praised India’s stance on the conflict, saying, “we do appreciate the stand of India. The readiness of Delhi to search for a peaceful solution… The Indian side listens to us. India wants to listen to us. India hears us. It’s a mutual understanding.” For New Delhi, the summit underlines what MEA officials describe as “one of the most stable relationships in modern time”. With new Indian consulates opening in Kazan and soon Yekaterinburg and talks underway for a free-trade agreement with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union, both capitals appear determined to place economics at the centre of a partnership that has endured for decades. As one senior Indian official put it: “Focus of the visit is growing trade & economic ties. Russia has been a partner, including during the Cold War years. In the last few years, significant growth in bilateral trade & economic ties. Growing interest to deepen it.”

Economic ties will be key focus but trade figures have ballooned in recent years, largely driven by Indian purchases of discounted Russian oil, pushing bilateral trade over $65 billion

Finland is stepping up efforts to attract Indian students by highlighting its world-class English-taught programmes, straightforward visa process and generous post-study work rights, at a time when some traditional destinations tighten immigration rules. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Outi Hakanen, Finland’s Ambassador for Education, said the Nordic country offers over 600 bachelor’s and master’s degrees fully in English, competitive tuition fees for non-EU students and a society consistently ranked among the safest and happiest in the world.&nbsp;“Finland is a welcoming and stable country with clear immigration policies. International students are valued here,” Hakanen told WION. A key draw is the two-year post-study residence permit that graduates automatically receive to search for jobs or launch startups – a benefit that has become rarer elsewhere. Hakanen stressed that the student residence permit application is largely digital and, once accepted by a Finnish institution, can cover the entire duration of studies. The Finnish Embassy in New Delhi already processes the highest number of such applications globally.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Why should Indians choose Finland for their studies? Outi Hakanen: Finland offers world-class education with over 600 bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes taught in English. Our universities and universities of applied sciences are known for high-quality teaching, cutting-edge research, and strong links to innovation. Students enjoy a flexible study environment, approachable teachers, and a low-hierarchy culture that encourages collaboration. Finland is also one of the safest and most functional societies in the world, which makes it an excellent place to live and study. Tuition fees for non-EU students are competitive, and some scholarships are also available. Plus, the quality of life here is exceptional—with a good work-life balance and plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature. Sidhant Sibal: How can Finland be a good option for Indians in light of Trump’s anti-immigration policy? Outi Hakanen: Finland is a welcoming and stable country with clear immigration policies. International students are valued here, and the process of applying for a residence permit is straightforward, although it of course takes its time. What’s more, after graduation, students can apply for a two-year post- study residence permit to look for work or start a business. This is a major advantage compared to countries where immigration rules have become restrictive. Sidhant Sibal: What opportunities are available for Indians after studying in Finland—can they find jobs there? Outi Hakanen: Finding a job in Finland can require some effort, as the job market is challenging at the moment. Many positions require knowledge of Finnish or Swedish, so learning Finnish or Swedish significantly improves employability and helps you integrate into the local job market. However, there are also some opportunities—especially in technology, research, and international companies—where English is the working language. After graduation, students can apply for a two-year post-study residence permit, which gives them time to look for work or start a business. Universities also provide career services and networking support. The Finnish government also offers funding and services for innovative early-stage companies, so starting your own business is an option. In the long term, Finland is definitely looking for skilled international workers to make up for the aging population in Finland. Sidhant Sibal: Is it easy for Indian students to get a student visa for Finland? Outi Hakanen: The process is straightforward and largely digital, and is clearly described on the Finnish Immigration Service website and also on the website of the embassy of Finland in Delhi. You can apply for a student residence permit for the whole duration of your studies once you have secured admission. Of all the Finnish embassies around the world, the one in Delhi handles the most applications, so students should get the application process started as soon as they have been accepted to study in Finland Sidhant Sibal: Are there any plans for Finnish universities to open campuses in India? Outi Hakanen: At the moment, there are no concrete plans for Finnish universities to establish campuses in India– this has traditionally not been an approach taken by Finnish universities. Our focus is on offering high-quality programmes in Finland and attracting international students to experience our education system and society firsthand.

Finland pitches itself as safe, high-quality alternative for Indian students amid global uncertainty

Finland is stepping up efforts to attract Indian students by highlighting its world-class English-taught programmes, straightforward visa process and generous post-study work rights, at a time when some traditional destinations tighten immigration rules. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Outi Hakanen, Finland’s Ambassador for Education, said the Nordic country offers over 600 bachelor’s and master’s degrees fully in English, competitive tuition fees for non-EU students and a society consistently ranked among the safest and happiest in the world. “Finland is a welcoming and stable country with clear immigration policies. International students are valued here,” Hakanen told WION. A key draw is the two-year post-study residence permit that graduates automatically receive to search for jobs or launch startups – a benefit that has become rarer elsewhere. Hakanen stressed that the student residence permit application is largely digital and, once accepted by a Finnish institution, can cover the entire duration of studies. The Finnish Embassy in New Delhi already processes the highest number of such applications globally. Sidhant Sibal: Why should Indians choose Finland for their studies? Outi Hakanen: Finland offers world-class education with over 600 bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes taught in English. Our universities and universities of applied sciences are known for high-quality teaching, cutting-edge research, and strong links to innovation. Students enjoy a flexible study environment, approachable teachers, and a low-hierarchy culture that encourages collaboration. Finland is also one of the safest and most functional societies in the world, which makes it an excellent place to live and study. Tuition fees for non-EU students are competitive, and some scholarships are also available. Plus, the quality of life here is exceptional—with a good work-life balance and plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature. Sidhant Sibal: How can Finland be a good option for Indians in light of Trump’s anti-immigration policy? Outi Hakanen: Finland is a welcoming and stable country with clear immigration policies. International students are valued here, and the process of applying for a residence permit is straightforward, although it of course takes its time. What’s more, after graduation, students can apply for a two-year post- study residence permit to look for work or start a business. This is a major advantage compared to countries where immigration rules have become restrictive. Sidhant Sibal: What opportunities are available for Indians after studying in Finland—can they find jobs there? Outi Hakanen: Finding a job in Finland can require some effort, as the job market is challenging at the moment. Many positions require knowledge of Finnish or Swedish, so learning Finnish or Swedish significantly improves employability and helps you integrate into the local job market. However, there are also some opportunities—especially in technology, research, and international companies—where English is the working language. After graduation, students can apply for a two-year post-study residence permit, which gives them time to look for work or start a business. Universities also provide career services and networking support. The Finnish government also offers funding and services for innovative early-stage companies, so starting your own business is an option. In the long term, Finland is definitely looking for skilled international workers to make up for the aging population in Finland. Sidhant Sibal: Is it easy for Indian students to get a student visa for Finland? Outi Hakanen: The process is straightforward and largely digital, and is clearly described on the Finnish Immigration Service website and also on the website of the embassy of Finland in Delhi. You can apply for a student residence permit for the whole duration of your studies once you have secured admission. Of all the Finnish embassies around the world, the one in Delhi handles the most applications, so students should get the application process started as soon as they have been accepted to study in Finland Sidhant Sibal: Are there any plans for Finnish universities to open campuses in India? Outi Hakanen: At the moment, there are no concrete plans for Finnish universities to establish campuses in India– this has traditionally not been an approach taken by Finnish universities. Our focus is on offering high-quality programmes in Finland and attracting international students to experience our education system and society firsthand.

Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Outi Hakanen, Finland’s Ambassador for Education, said the Nordic country offers over 600 bachelor’s and master’s degrees fully in English, competitive tuition fees for non-EU students and a society consistently ranked among the safest and happiest in world

New Delhi: In a significant humanitarian gesture amid tense bilateral ties, India on Monday granted permission to Pakistani relief aircraft carrying aid for cyclone-hit Sri Lanka to cross its airspace. Pakistan had submitted the formal request at around 13:00 IST on 1 December 2025. Indian authorities processed it on priority and granted clearance by 17:30 IST the same day, completing the entire procedure in approximately four hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;The decision was taken solely on humanitarian considerations, despite the continuing mutual closure of airspace that has been in place since the sharp escalation in April-May following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent counter-terrorism Operation Sindoor, Pakistan's attack. Some Pakistani media reports that carried claims of denial were inaccurate.&nbsp;India has mounted a major disaster-relief effort named Operation Sagar Bandhu to support Sri Lanka. The aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, frigate INS Udayagiri and offshore patrol vessel Sukanya were involved in the operation, extending relief supplies.&nbsp;Chetak helicopters operating from Vikrant and Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters, in coordination with the Sri Lankan Air Force, have airlifted hundreds of stranded people, including pregnant women, infants and the critically injured. Several foreign nationals, among them one Pakistani citizen, were also rescued. India has delivered 53 tonnes of relief material so far.&nbsp;"Rescued persons included nationals of Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. NDRF teams continue to carry out search-and-rescue operations in various severely affected and isolated regions of Sri Lanka", MEA Statement said.&nbsp;Pakistan has contributed as well. A Pakistan Navy helicopter took part in search-and-rescue missions, while the frigate PNS Saif docked at Colombo and handed over relief supplies through the Sri Lankan Navy. Cyclone Ditwah has caused extensive flooding across Sri Lanka’s eastern and southern provinces, displacing tens of thousands and wrecking homes and infrastructure. International assistance, including substantial support from India continues to reach the affected areas as the Sri Lankan government provides shelter, water and medical care.

India has mounted a major disaster-relief effort named Operation Sagar Bandhu to support Sri Lanka. The aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, frigate INS Udayagiri and offshore patrol vessel Sukanya were involved in the operation, extending relief supplies. 

New Delhi: In a significant humanitarian gesture amid tense bilateral ties, India on Monday granted permission to Pakistani relief aircraft carrying aid for cyclone-hit Sri Lanka to cross its airspace. Pakistan had submitted the formal request at around 13:00 IST on 1 December 2025. Indian authorities processed it on priority and granted clearance by 17:30 IST the same day, completing the entire procedure in approximately four hours. The decision was taken solely on humanitarian considerations, despite the continuing mutual closure of airspace that has been in place since the sharp escalation in April-May following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent counter-terrorism Operation Sindoor, Pakistan's attack. Some Pakistani media reports that carried claims of denial were inaccurate. India has mounted a major disaster-relief effort named Operation Sagar Bandhu to support Sri Lanka. The aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, frigate INS Udayagiri and offshore patrol vessel Sukanya were involved in the operation, extending relief supplies. Chetak helicopters operating from Vikrant and Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters, in coordination with the Sri Lankan Air Force, have airlifted hundreds of stranded people, including pregnant women, infants and the critically injured. Several foreign nationals, among them one Pakistani citizen, were also rescued. India has delivered 53 tonnes of relief material so far. "Rescued persons included nationals of Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. NDRF teams continue to carry out search-and-rescue operations in various severely affected and isolated regions of Sri Lanka", MEA Statement said. Pakistan has contributed as well. A Pakistan Navy helicopter took part in search-and-rescue missions, while the frigate PNS Saif docked at Colombo and handed over relief supplies through the Sri Lankan Navy. Cyclone Ditwah has caused extensive flooding across Sri Lanka’s eastern and southern provinces, displacing tens of thousands and wrecking homes and infrastructure. International assistance, including substantial support from India continues to reach the affected areas as the Sri Lankan government provides shelter, water and medical care.

India has mounted a major disaster-relief effort named Operation Sagar Bandhu to support Sri Lanka. The aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, frigate INS Udayagiri and offshore patrol vessel Sukanya were involved in the operation, extending relief supplies.&nbsp;

India grants Pakistan overflight clearance for Sri Lanka flood relief supplies

India and the United Arab Emirates have reaffirmed their close strategic and cultural ties at a glittering reception in the Indian capital to mark the UAE’s 54th National Day, known as Eid Al Etihad. Eid Al Etihad, the UAE's National Day or "Festival of the Union," commemorates the historic unification of seven emirates into the UAE on December 2, 1971.&nbsp;UAE Ambassador Dr Abdulnasser Alshaali told diplomats, business leaders and others gathered in Delhi that the relationship between the two countries was “grounded in trust, friendship and shared ambition”, pointing to deepening economic links and growing people-to-people contacts.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-summit-2025-operation-sindoor-highlights-strength-of-strategic-military-partnership-ahead-of-putin-s-visit-to-india-1764591622427">India-Russia Summit 2025: Operation Sindoor highlights strength of strategic military partnership ahead of Putin's visit to India</a>&nbsp;“Trust sits at the heart of the relationship; that is the foundation of the relationship,” Dr Alshaali said. He revealed plans for a new “India House” cultural centre in Abu Dhabi, describing it as a platform to “showcase India’s cultural excellence at the heart of our capital”.&nbsp;&nbsp;The ambassador paid tribute to the millions of Indian nationals living in the UAE, saying their contribution “has been woven into our national story”. “Just as Indians feel at home in the UAE, I meet many Emiratis who feel at home in India, the comfort, familiarity of India,” he added. “Few countries are connected to the UAE’s story, to its progress, as India has been and continues to be.”&nbsp;India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, the chief guest at the event in Delhi, described the UAE as “an oasis in the desert, a global hub for innovation, tolerance and economic excellence”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-israeli-president-pardon-benjamin-netanyahu-in-corruption-cases-here-is-what-herzog-said-gaza-palestine-trump-israel-lebonan-herzog-1764595138545">Will Israeli president pardon Benjamin Netanyahu in corruption cases? Here is what Herzog said</a>&nbsp;Mr Goyal said the UAE “doesn’t wait for the future, it designs the future”, and stressed centuries-old ties. “We have been part of each other’s histories for centuries. This relationship reflects true economic excellence,” he told the audience.&nbsp;He highlighted the personal chemistry between the leaderships, noting that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the UAE seven times since 2014 , an unusually high number that reflects the priority both sides attach to the partnership.&nbsp;Bilateral trade has surged since the two countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022, with non-oil trade reaching nearly $50bn in the last financial year. Indian firms are also involved in major UAE infrastructure projects, while Emirati sovereign funds have invested billions of dollars in Indian technology, renewable energy and logistics. Focus is also on start-ups.&nbsp;The UAE-India Startup Series, launched under CEPA, selects 5 high-potential Indian startups annually for a fully-sponsored soft-landing in the UAE with investors, and market access. The 2025 edition received 10,000+ applications, with winners starting their UAE journey in January 2026.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, the chief guest at the event in Delhi, described the UAE as ‘an oasis in the desert, a global hub for innovation, tolerance and economic excellence’. 

India and the United Arab Emirates have reaffirmed their close strategic and cultural ties at a glittering reception in the Indian capital to mark the UAE’s 54th National Day, known as Eid Al Etihad. Eid Al Etihad, the UAE's National Day or "Festival of the Union," commemorates the historic unification of seven emirates into the UAE on December 2, 1971. UAE Ambassador Dr Abdulnasser Alshaali told diplomats, business leaders and others gathered in Delhi that the relationship between the two countries was “grounded in trust, friendship and shared ambition”, pointing to deepening economic links and growing people-to-people contacts. Also Read: India-Russia Summit 2025: Operation Sindoor highlights strength of strategic military partnership ahead of Putin's visit to India “Trust sits at the heart of the relationship; that is the foundation of the relationship,” Dr Alshaali said. He revealed plans for a new “India House” cultural centre in Abu Dhabi, describing it as a platform to “showcase India’s cultural excellence at the heart of our capital”. The ambassador paid tribute to the millions of Indian nationals living in the UAE, saying their contribution “has been woven into our national story”. “Just as Indians feel at home in the UAE, I meet many Emiratis who feel at home in India, the comfort, familiarity of India,” he added. “Few countries are connected to the UAE’s story, to its progress, as India has been and continues to be.” India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, the chief guest at the event in Delhi, described the UAE as “an oasis in the desert, a global hub for innovation, tolerance and economic excellence”. Also Read: Will Israeli president pardon Benjamin Netanyahu in corruption cases? Here is what Herzog said Mr Goyal said the UAE “doesn’t wait for the future, it designs the future”, and stressed centuries-old ties. “We have been part of each other’s histories for centuries. This relationship reflects true economic excellence,” he told the audience. He highlighted the personal chemistry between the leaderships, noting that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the UAE seven times since 2014 , an unusually high number that reflects the priority both sides attach to the partnership. Bilateral trade has surged since the two countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022, with non-oil trade reaching nearly $50bn in the last financial year. Indian firms are also involved in major UAE infrastructure projects, while Emirati sovereign funds have invested billions of dollars in Indian technology, renewable energy and logistics. Focus is also on start-ups. The UAE-India Startup Series, launched under CEPA, selects 5 high-potential Indian startups annually for a fully-sponsored soft-landing in the UAE with investors, and market access. The 2025 edition received 10,000+ applications, with winners starting their UAE journey in January 2026.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, the chief guest at the event in Delhi, described the UAE as ‘an oasis in the desert, a global hub for innovation, tolerance and economic excellence’.&nbsp;

India and UAE hail ‘natural partnership’ at Eid Al Etihad celebrations in Delhi

Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has described bilateral relations with India as “excellent” and “robust”, with both countries determined to expand cooperation in trade, defence and tackling transnational cyber-scams. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, the minister highlighted the growing menace of cross-border online scam syndicates operating along Thailand’s borders with Myanmar and Cambodia. He revealed that Bangkok recently repatriated around 1,000 Indian victims and announced an international conference on 17 December in Bangkok to galvanise global action. “This is a grave threat to all of us… We must demonstrate political will and mobilise international efforts,” he said, calling for greater intelligence-sharing to dismantle criminal networks.&nbsp;On the economic front, FM Sihasak expressed confidence that the $30 billion bilateral trade target by 2030 is achievable, citing India’s rapid growth and opportunities in food security, health, wellness and green technology. He urged India to reconsider joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and stressed the need for upgraded connectivity projects, including the stalled India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.&nbsp;Defence ties are also deepening, with Thailand already procuring Indian armoured vehicles and munitions, and both navies conducting joint exercises to ensure maritime security in the wider Indo-Pacific region. The minister underlined shared Buddhist heritage and booming Indian tourism, with over two million visitors annually, as enduring pillars of the relationship. Full interview<h2>Your Excellency, how would you characterise the current state of India-Thailand relations?</h2>The relationship is excellent, and I think it's going forward with opportunities for closer cooperation in many areas. We have a strategic partnership. A strategic partnership means that it's not just the bilateral issues, bilateral relations, but we're working together to promote regional peace and stability and prosperity, also working together to address common global challenges like climate change, pandemics, human trafficking, and so many other issues. So it's a very robust relationship, and I see there's a lot of potential for cooperation and partnership going forward.<h2>On the issue of cross-border online scam syndicates, Thailand has helped repatriate many Indian victims; what has been Thailand’s role and what remains the biggest concern regarding these cyber-scam centres?</h2> Well, it's not just a problem for any particular country. It's become a problem with regional and international dimensions, and we see you know these scam operations operating along the Thai-Myanmar border, along the Thai Cambodian border, and this particular regard to Myanmar, it is due to the instability in the country. Unfortunately, we have people who have been lured into working for these operations, some of course, knowingly, have gone there in the hope of making money. But, these operations are a grave threat to all of us. People are being robbed of their life savings by this scam and scammers, so we really have to do something about it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thailand believes that it's time that we demonstrate the political will, and mobilise international efforts to deal with this problem. We are hosting a major international conference on the 17th of December in Bangkok. So we hope that at that meeting, we can discuss this at the highest level, and hopefully, we can work on what we can. We must ensure that these frameworks and processes are consolidated and work together. So this is what we're hoping for. But the point is that we have victims from many countries. Indians are among the victims. We have a large number of them. We just helped recently with the repatriation of about 1000 Indians back to where they came from in India.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-air-force-evacuates-over-50-people-from-flood-hit-sri-lanka-including-pakistani-and-bangladeshi-nationals-1764509596752">Indian Air Force evacuates over 50 people from flood-hit Sri Lanka, including Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals</a>&nbsp;<h2>What kind of conversations have both sides had on this particular issue? We know that the Indian ambassador has met you on this particular issue, and also perhaps you've invited India to the upcoming meeting which you're going to host.</h2>Immediate concern is to provide assistance to help them return to wherever they came from. But also, we need information on who the perpetrators are. What kind of networks have they been able to utilise? So what is important is that we should have more information sharing, sharing of intelligence, so that we really can get to the bottom of all this.<h2>And who do you think is the perpetrator in this particular case, any group which you are worried about?</h2> Well, I don't want to assign any particular nationality, because these are criminals. And we have criminals in every country, and so criminals are working together to make these scams and scam operations possible.<h2>How do Thailand, India plan to increase their trade at a time when we have seen changes when it comes to global trading arrangements?</h2> Well, we first have to do more bilaterally. Bilateral means having more exchange visits between the private sector. We also have to work together to see where the impediments are, and then we have to work together in terms of promotional activities. I see enormous potential in trading relationships; in our economic ties, we just have to work harder at it. But having said that, not just working bilaterally right now, we should also work to promote regional free trade at a time when the multilateral trading system is being challenged. You know what these challenges are: challenges of unilateralism, protectionism, and unilateral tariffs. Thailand and India should not just be working bilaterally for more trade, more investment, but also we should be working at the regional level to ensure that trade remains free.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are many ways that we can work together regionally. There's the India ASEAN Free Trade Agreement. Let's see what we can do to upgrade it. We also have the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, RCEP. India took part in negotiations throughout, but at the end, decided to opt out. We don't question India's intention. Of course, it's a decision for India to make. We do hope that India will join RCEP, because it's something that will benefit the region and definitely benefit India. We understand the concern of India, but still, India is such an important economic powerhouse in the region, and so there is much that we can do bilaterally, a lot that we can do regionally, at a time when we're facing the common challenge of the decline of the multilateral trading system under the WTO.<h2>Plans to have the trade to $30 billion by 2030, I believe. Are you hopeful that India and Thailand will be able to achieve that?</h2> Given the growth of India, the economic growth rate of India, and the size of your economy, I think we can achieve that goal. Again, let's look at where the impediments are, and where the opportunities are for us to trade more. &nbsp;I see that the target that we have set is not beyond reach, but trade is only part of the economic relations. I'd like to see more investment. Investment also helps to create more trade between our two countries. Thailand has an economy that is in transition. We want to go towards more innovation, more digitalisation, and a greener economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are many areas where we can work together, such as, first is Thailand wants to be a food hub, and this is where there's a tremendous demand for food products. So maybe we can work together in this area. Another area where Thailand and India can work together is in the health and wellness. Thailand has some of the best hospitals in the world. You are very strong in the pharmaceutical industry, why not look at opportunities for closer collaboration? Connectivity is also another area. There is much more that we can do in terms of connectivity, and connectivity will enhance trade.<h2>Any update on the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway?</h2> The segment in Thailand is completed. We have financed a certain segment within Myanmar. India's part has been done. India is helping also to finance part of this segment in Myanmar, but the project has been stalled because we know why, because of the situation. So that's why we're hoping that the situation will return to normalcy soon, and so that we can continue to work on the trilateral highway project, so that it can be completed. And another project is the coastal shipping project, connecting the various main ports along the course from Thailand to Myanmar to Bangladesh to India.<h2>Moving forward to the defence relationship, what's your view on that?</h2>The defence cooperation helps us to ensure that we are prepared in terms of defence, and we also look to India as a source of defence supplies, of defence equipment, weapons, and also these joint exercises, whether it's between our armed forces, our naval forces. I think it serves to enhance our preparedness in terms of defence and security. Another area is maritime security; we share a common interest in ensuring that the sea lanes of communication and transport and commerce, connecting the Pacific Ocean with the Indian Ocean, are kept free and open.<h2>Any specific assets you are looking to import from India?</h2>Well, we always think in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and cost. Up to now, I think the weapons that we have purchased from India, mainly military vehicles, armoured vehicles, and maybe some munitions.<h2>Where do you see the future of the India-Thailand tourism relationship?&nbsp;</h2>Well, tourism is a very important sector of the Thai economy. The Thai economy is driven by two important sectors, the trade exports in particular, and also tourism. India has been an important source of tourism for Thailand. We have over 2 million tourists from India coming to enjoy the various sites in Thailand each year, and we are very happy that the number is growing. And I'm always amazed by the size of the Indian weddings held in Thailand. You know, it's not just the bride and bridegroom. You have the whole family, not from one side, but both sides, coming to celebrate Thailand, and so we hope that there'll be more of this kind of tourism in addition to the regular tourism that we have from India.<h2>How do you see India's Act East Policy working in terms of India's growing engagement with ASEAN countries, especially Thailand?&nbsp;</h2> Well, it was "Look east". Now it's "Act East". And for us, it is "Act West" before we "Look West". So we have to act in terms of concrete actions on what to do. And again, it's not just bilaterally. First of all, we welcome the engagement of India, economically, strategically in the ASEAN region, and India is a very important dialogue partner. There is another framework that brings about the convergence of India's Look East policy and Thailand's Look West policy, which is BIMSTEC. And with regard to BIMSTEC, it has a lot of potential, but we still have a long way to go. So I think that Thailand and India should be working together more under our respective Act East and Thailand's act West policy.<h2>How hopeful are you about BIMSTEC?</h2>Well, to be very frank, I think we have to really try to quicken the pace, broaden the cooperation, and also make sure that real progress is achieved. I think BIMSTEC has not realised its potential yet. I think South Asia is getting its act together, and Southeast Asia, I think, we remain one of the highest growth areas in the world. And actually, BIMSTEC is not just about the member countries alone. It's about linking South and Southeast Asia. So we really have to do much more. There's been a lot that we've agreed to, such as we have a master plan on connectivity, we have to do more in terms of connectivity, rail, air, land, sea, and also promoting free trade.<h2>One element that combines tourism and connectivity is digital connectivity, the connectivity between India's UBI and Thailand's Prompt Pay. Can we see a day when an Indian tourist, or perhaps a Thai tourist, comes to India and uses their QR code to pay?</h2> Yes, I say that. I hope it will be done very quickly, because, you know, digital payment is going to really promote economic ties and help tourism, and Thailand is already doing that, with countries like Singapore.<h2>Buddhism connect between the two countries. How important is it to both countries?</h2> Yes, I think tourism is one of the pillars of our relationship, the fact that we share so much in common in terms of religion and many Thais come to India for religious pilgrimage. We appreciate that you have kindly offered the relics of the Lord Buddha to allow the people in Thailand be able to show their respect. That is very much appreciated. So Buddhism will be at the core of our relationship. It will remain an important pillar of ties.<h2>The conflict we saw with Cambodia, if you can perhaps brief to the Indian viewers, about the reason for the conflict, and also what is the current status as well, especially after the mediation, which we saw by the US President Donald Trump</h2>Well, it has to do with the border. Borders that have not been clearly demarcated. It has to do with the existence of mines along the border. It has to do with the spread of these illegal crimes, the scam operations. It has to do with encroachment into other territories. And, you know, relations with neighbouring countries, there's a lot of potential, but there always will be problems, and we have to resolve them peacefully, bilaterally. And I guess the issue for us is that sometimes the Cambodians prefer to take many of these bilateral issues internationally, and so we really believe that our two countries should sit down and try to work things out bilaterally. Some of the recent incidents have not helped. They planted a lot of mines along the border. They say that these are old mines, but clearly the evidence proves that they are new mines, and our soldiers have been severely injured by these land mines despite both sides agreeing to do the de-mining.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-and-uk-armies-deepen-ties-as-ajeya-warrior-25-ends-in-rajasthan-1764515748237">India and UK armies deepen ties as Ajeya Warrior-25 ends in Rajasthan</a><h2>But is the ceasefire, which was mediated by the US president, holding or has it been violated?</h2> Right now, it's holding. We don't have any clashes, but when you talk about a ceasefire, it includes the issue of landmines, and the landmines, you know, it's been breached by the Cambodians because they've planted new mines, and these new mines have injured Thai soldiers.<h2>And when you meet with your counterpart, the Indian External Affairs Minister, tomorrow, all these issues will be discussed. Any particular focus area?</h2>We will try to discuss all the issues that we consider to be important, bilaterally, regionally, and internationally. One issue we have to discuss, this issue of the situation in Myanmar, because both of our countries share a common border with Myanmar, and we're concerned about instability in Myanmar. We want to see peace, stability and unity return to the country. &nbsp;Both countries, as neighbouring countries, together with other neighbouring countries, China, Bangladesh and ASEAN, the ASEAN countries, we have to work more closely. We have to align our efforts to ensure that our efforts are going in the same direction towards peace and stability in Myanmar.

Thai FM Sihasak expressed confidence that the $30 billion bilateral trade target by 2030 is achievable, citing India’s rapid growth and opportunities in food security, health, wellness and green technology. He urged India to reconsider joining the RCEP.

Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has described bilateral relations with India as “excellent” and “robust”, with both countries determined to expand cooperation in trade, defence and tackling transnational cyber-scams. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, the minister highlighted the growing menace of cross-border online scam syndicates operating along Thailand’s borders with Myanmar and Cambodia. He revealed that Bangkok recently repatriated around 1,000 Indian victims and announced an international conference on 17 December in Bangkok to galvanise global action. “This is a grave threat to all of us… We must demonstrate political will and mobilise international efforts,” he said, calling for greater intelligence-sharing to dismantle criminal networks. On the economic front, FM Sihasak expressed confidence that the $30 billion bilateral trade target by 2030 is achievable, citing India’s rapid growth and opportunities in food security, health, wellness and green technology. He urged India to reconsider joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and stressed the need for upgraded connectivity projects, including the stalled India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. Defence ties are also deepening, with Thailand already procuring Indian armoured vehicles and munitions, and both navies conducting joint exercises to ensure maritime security in the wider Indo-Pacific region. The minister underlined shared Buddhist heritage and booming Indian tourism, with over two million visitors annually, as enduring pillars of the relationship. Full interview Your Excellency, how would you characterise the current state of India-Thailand relations? The relationship is excellent, and I think it's going forward with opportunities for closer cooperation in many areas. We have a strategic partnership. A strategic partnership means that it's not just the bilateral issues, bilateral relations, but we're working together to promote regional peace and stability and prosperity, also working together to address common global challenges like climate change, pandemics, human trafficking, and so many other issues. So it's a very robust relationship, and I see there's a lot of potential for cooperation and partnership going forward. On the issue of cross-border online scam syndicates, Thailand has helped repatriate many Indian victims; what has been Thailand’s role and what remains the biggest concern regarding these cyber-scam centres? Well, it's not just a problem for any particular country. It's become a problem with regional and international dimensions, and we see you know these scam operations operating along the Thai-Myanmar border, along the Thai Cambodian border, and this particular regard to Myanmar, it is due to the instability in the country. Unfortunately, we have people who have been lured into working for these operations, some of course, knowingly, have gone there in the hope of making money. But, these operations are a grave threat to all of us. People are being robbed of their life savings by this scam and scammers, so we really have to do something about it. Thailand believes that it's time that we demonstrate the political will, and mobilise international efforts to deal with this problem. We are hosting a major international conference on the 17th of December in Bangkok. So we hope that at that meeting, we can discuss this at the highest level, and hopefully, we can work on what we can. We must ensure that these frameworks and processes are consolidated and work together. So this is what we're hoping for. But the point is that we have victims from many countries. Indians are among the victims. We have a large number of them. We just helped recently with the repatriation of about 1000 Indians back to where they came from in India. Also Read: Indian Air Force evacuates over 50 people from flood-hit Sri Lanka, including Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals What kind of conversations have both sides had on this particular issue? We know that the Indian ambassador has met you on this particular issue, and also perhaps you've invited India to the upcoming meeting which you're going to host. Immediate concern is to provide assistance to help them return to wherever they came from. But also, we need information on who the perpetrators are. What kind of networks have they been able to utilise? So what is important is that we should have more information sharing, sharing of intelligence, so that we really can get to the bottom of all this. And who do you think is the perpetrator in this particular case, any group which you are worried about? Well, I don't want to assign any particular nationality, because these are criminals. And we have criminals in every country, and so criminals are working together to make these scams and scam operations possible. How do Thailand, India plan to increase their trade at a time when we have seen changes when it comes to global trading arrangements? Well, we first have to do more bilaterally. Bilateral means having more exchange visits between the private sector. We also have to work together to see where the impediments are, and then we have to work together in terms of promotional activities. I see enormous potential in trading relationships; in our economic ties, we just have to work harder at it. But having said that, not just working bilaterally right now, we should also work to promote regional free trade at a time when the multilateral trading system is being challenged. You know what these challenges are: challenges of unilateralism, protectionism, and unilateral tariffs. Thailand and India should not just be working bilaterally for more trade, more investment, but also we should be working at the regional level to ensure that trade remains free. There are many ways that we can work together regionally. There's the India ASEAN Free Trade Agreement. Let's see what we can do to upgrade it. We also have the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, RCEP. India took part in negotiations throughout, but at the end, decided to opt out. We don't question India's intention. Of course, it's a decision for India to make. We do hope that India will join RCEP, because it's something that will benefit the region and definitely benefit India. We understand the concern of India, but still, India is such an important economic powerhouse in the region, and so there is much that we can do bilaterally, a lot that we can do regionally, at a time when we're facing the common challenge of the decline of the multilateral trading system under the WTO. Plans to have the trade to $30 billion by 2030, I believe. Are you hopeful that India and Thailand will be able to achieve that? Given the growth of India, the economic growth rate of India, and the size of your economy, I think we can achieve that goal. Again, let's look at where the impediments are, and where the opportunities are for us to trade more. I see that the target that we have set is not beyond reach, but trade is only part of the economic relations. I'd like to see more investment. Investment also helps to create more trade between our two countries. Thailand has an economy that is in transition. We want to go towards more innovation, more digitalisation, and a greener economy. There are many areas where we can work together, such as, first is Thailand wants to be a food hub, and this is where there's a tremendous demand for food products. So maybe we can work together in this area. Another area where Thailand and India can work together is in the health and wellness. Thailand has some of the best hospitals in the world. You are very strong in the pharmaceutical industry, why not look at opportunities for closer collaboration? Connectivity is also another area. There is much more that we can do in terms of connectivity, and connectivity will enhance trade. Any update on the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway? The segment in Thailand is completed. We have financed a certain segment within Myanmar. India's part has been done. India is helping also to finance part of this segment in Myanmar, but the project has been stalled because we know why, because of the situation. So that's why we're hoping that the situation will return to normalcy soon, and so that we can continue to work on the trilateral highway project, so that it can be completed. And another project is the coastal shipping project, connecting the various main ports along the course from Thailand to Myanmar to Bangladesh to India. Moving forward to the defence relationship, what's your view on that? The defence cooperation helps us to ensure that we are prepared in terms of defence, and we also look to India as a source of defence supplies, of defence equipment, weapons, and also these joint exercises, whether it's between our armed forces, our naval forces. I think it serves to enhance our preparedness in terms of defence and security. Another area is maritime security; we share a common interest in ensuring that the sea lanes of communication and transport and commerce, connecting the Pacific Ocean with the Indian Ocean, are kept free and open. Any specific assets you are looking to import from India? Well, we always think in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and cost. Up to now, I think the weapons that we have purchased from India, mainly military vehicles, armoured vehicles, and maybe some munitions. Where do you see the future of the India-Thailand tourism relationship? Well, tourism is a very important sector of the Thai economy. The Thai economy is driven by two important sectors, the trade exports in particular, and also tourism. India has been an important source of tourism for Thailand. We have over 2 million tourists from India coming to enjoy the various sites in Thailand each year, and we are very happy that the number is growing. And I'm always amazed by the size of the Indian weddings held in Thailand. You know, it's not just the bride and bridegroom. You have the whole family, not from one side, but both sides, coming to celebrate Thailand, and so we hope that there'll be more of this kind of tourism in addition to the regular tourism that we have from India. How do you see India's Act East Policy working in terms of India's growing engagement with ASEAN countries, especially Thailand? Well, it was "Look east". Now it's "Act East". And for us, it is "Act West" before we "Look West". So we have to act in terms of concrete actions on what to do. And again, it's not just bilaterally. First of all, we welcome the engagement of India, economically, strategically in the ASEAN region, and India is a very important dialogue partner. There is another framework that brings about the convergence of India's Look East policy and Thailand's Look West policy, which is BIMSTEC. And with regard to BIMSTEC, it has a lot of potential, but we still have a long way to go. So I think that Thailand and India should be working together more under our respective Act East and Thailand's act West policy. How hopeful are you about BIMSTEC? Well, to be very frank, I think we have to really try to quicken the pace, broaden the cooperation, and also make sure that real progress is achieved. I think BIMSTEC has not realised its potential yet. I think South Asia is getting its act together, and Southeast Asia, I think, we remain one of the highest growth areas in the world. And actually, BIMSTEC is not just about the member countries alone. It's about linking South and Southeast Asia. So we really have to do much more. There's been a lot that we've agreed to, such as we have a master plan on connectivity, we have to do more in terms of connectivity, rail, air, land, sea, and also promoting free trade. One element that combines tourism and connectivity is digital connectivity, the connectivity between India's UBI and Thailand's Prompt Pay. Can we see a day when an Indian tourist, or perhaps a Thai tourist, comes to India and uses their QR code to pay? Yes, I say that. I hope it will be done very quickly, because, you know, digital payment is going to really promote economic ties and help tourism, and Thailand is already doing that, with countries like Singapore. Buddhism connect between the two countries. How important is it to both countries? Yes, I think tourism is one of the pillars of our relationship, the fact that we share so much in common in terms of religion and many Thais come to India for religious pilgrimage. We appreciate that you have kindly offered the relics of the Lord Buddha to allow the people in Thailand be able to show their respect. That is very much appreciated. So Buddhism will be at the core of our relationship. It will remain an important pillar of ties. The conflict we saw with Cambodia, if you can perhaps brief to the Indian viewers, about the reason for the conflict, and also what is the current status as well, especially after the mediation, which we saw by the US President Donald Trump Well, it has to do with the border. Borders that have not been clearly demarcated. It has to do with the existence of mines along the border. It has to do with the spread of these illegal crimes, the scam operations. It has to do with encroachment into other territories. And, you know, relations with neighbouring countries, there's a lot of potential, but there always will be problems, and we have to resolve them peacefully, bilaterally. And I guess the issue for us is that sometimes the Cambodians prefer to take many of these bilateral issues internationally, and so we really believe that our two countries should sit down and try to work things out bilaterally. Some of the recent incidents have not helped. They planted a lot of mines along the border. They say that these are old mines, but clearly the evidence proves that they are new mines, and our soldiers have been severely injured by these land mines despite both sides agreeing to do the de-mining. Also Read: India and UK armies deepen ties as Ajeya Warrior-25 ends in Rajasthan But is the ceasefire, which was mediated by the US president, holding or has it been violated? Right now, it's holding. We don't have any clashes, but when you talk about a ceasefire, it includes the issue of landmines, and the landmines, you know, it's been breached by the Cambodians because they've planted new mines, and these new mines have injured Thai soldiers. And when you meet with your counterpart, the Indian External Affairs Minister, tomorrow, all these issues will be discussed. Any particular focus area? We will try to discuss all the issues that we consider to be important, bilaterally, regionally, and internationally. One issue we have to discuss, this issue of the situation in Myanmar, because both of our countries share a common border with Myanmar, and we're concerned about instability in Myanmar. We want to see peace, stability and unity return to the country. Both countries, as neighbouring countries, together with other neighbouring countries, China, Bangladesh and ASEAN, the ASEAN countries, we have to work more closely. We have to align our efforts to ensure that our efforts are going in the same direction towards peace and stability in Myanmar.

Thai FM Sihasak expressed confidence that the $30 billion bilateral trade target by 2030 is achievable, citing India’s rapid growth and opportunities in food security, health, wellness and green technology. He urged India to reconsider joining the RCEP.

India is an ‘important economic powerhouse’, says Thai FM amid deepening defence ties and cross-border cyber-scam crackdown

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