The European Commission on Wednesday issued a key policy document that aims to strengthen ties with India in key domains, including security. The ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda' focuses on strengthening commercial ties by pushing for finalising India, EU free trade agreement and pitches for launching talks for a Security of Information Agreement, which will facilitate classified information exchange that will support closer security and defence cooperation.India and the EU together account for 25 per cent of the global population and GDP. The EU is India's largest trading partner in goods, and the bilateral trade in goods was worth $120 billion last year. Currently, 6000 European companies are present in India. &nbsp;Among the document's key features are strengthening regional connectivity initiatives, such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), EU-India trilateral cooperation with and in third countries and proposes developing a comprehensive mobility cooperation framework covering study, work, and research.The document, whose release came on the day of Indian PM Modi's 75th Birthday celebration, also proposes the conclusion of the Investment Protection Agreement (IPA), the upgrade of the bilateral Macroeconomic Dialogue and the creation of an EU-India Task Force on Green Hydrogen.The Indian side "appreciated" the adoption of the new Strategic EU-India Agenda by the EU during the telephonic conversation between PM Modi and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. During the talks, the European side congratulated the PM on his birthday as both said "reaffirmed their commitment to a conclusion of the India-EU FTA negotiations before the end of the year", said an Indian readout. The leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine, with the Indian calling for an "early and peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine".The release of the document and talks between PM Modi and President Ursula von der Leyen come a week after the 13th round of FTA talks, &amp; visit of the EU commissioner on Trade and Agriculture. Both sides are now working on the upcoming India-EU summit, expected to happen next year, in Delhi.The EU document released today also called for more counterterror cooperation between India &nbsp;EU. Calling the Pahalgam terror attack a "tragic reminder of terrorism’s human cost", the new strategic plan called for the need to "combat terrorism financing, online propaganda, and risks posed by emerging technologies". The document said, "the EU is committed to further strengthening counterterrorism cooperation to assess global threats, counter extremism and terrorism financing".

India and the EU together account for 25 per cent of the global population and GDP. The EU is India's largest trading partner in goods, and the bilateral trade in goods was worth $120 billion last year. Currently, 6000 European companies are present in India.

The European Commission on Wednesday issued a key policy document that aims to strengthen ties with India in key domains, including security. The ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda' focuses on strengthening commercial ties by pushing for finalising India, EU free trade agreement and pitches for launching talks for a Security of Information Agreement, which will facilitate classified information exchange that will support closer security and defence cooperation. India and the EU together account for 25 per cent of the global population and GDP. The EU is India's largest trading partner in goods, and the bilateral trade in goods was worth $120 billion last year. Currently, 6000 European companies are present in India. Among the document's key features are strengthening regional connectivity initiatives, such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), EU-India trilateral cooperation with and in third countries and proposes developing a comprehensive mobility cooperation framework covering study, work, and research. The document, whose release came on the day of Indian PM Modi's 75th Birthday celebration, also proposes the conclusion of the Investment Protection Agreement (IPA), the upgrade of the bilateral Macroeconomic Dialogue and the creation of an EU-India Task Force on Green Hydrogen. The Indian side "appreciated" the adoption of the new Strategic EU-India Agenda by the EU during the telephonic conversation between PM Modi and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. During the talks, the European side congratulated the PM on his birthday as both said "reaffirmed their commitment to a conclusion of the India-EU FTA negotiations before the end of the year", said an Indian readout. The leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine, with the Indian calling for an "early and peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine". The release of the document and talks between PM Modi and President Ursula von der Leyen come a week after the 13th round of FTA talks, & visit of the EU commissioner on Trade and Agriculture. Both sides are now working on the upcoming India-EU summit, expected to happen next year, in Delhi. The EU document released today also called for more counterterror cooperation between India EU. Calling the Pahalgam terror attack a "tragic reminder of terrorism’s human cost", the new strategic plan called for the need to "combat terrorism financing, online propaganda, and risks posed by emerging technologies". The document said, "the EU is committed to further strengthening counterterrorism cooperation to assess global threats, counter extremism and terrorism financing".

India and the EU together account for 25 per cent of the global population and GDP. The EU is India's largest trading partner in goods, and the bilateral trade in goods was worth $120 billion last year. Currently, 6000 European companies are present in India.

EU issues key policy document that aims to strengthen ties with India

New Delhi: Last week’s ‘Gen Z’ protests that led to the fall of the KP Sharma Oli government in next door Nepal, though shocking, brings a sense of deja vu of a story seen in the region before. Of an economic crisis, fuelling a political crisis, with the fall of governments, led by a sudden “ground” movement, with protestors marching into key government buildings. In the case of Nepal, it was the burning down of the Parliament and key government buildings, in the case of Sri Lanka, pictures of protesters in the president’s swimming pool, and similar pictures seen from Pakistan to Bangladesh in the past few years.&nbsp;The sudden economic crisis seen in many parts of the world, and in India’s neighbourhood in many ways, has its origin in the start of the COVID pandemic in 2019/2020. But while the world was recovering from the economic fallout of COVID, the war in Ukraine starting in 2022, and thereafter the West Asia crisis escalating after the Hamas terror attack in Israel in 2023 meant the worst was yet to come. The worst hit by the economic crisis were countries in the global south, as crisis became a norm rather than an exception.&nbsp;<h2>Sri Lanka (2022)</h2>Sri Lanka, in India’s neighbourhood, was the first to be hit by the economic crisis with debt exceeding 100% of GDP and depleted foreign reserves, triggering 70% inflation and the Aragalaya protests. The crisis, worsened by mismanagement, and COVID-19’s impact on tourism, led to shortages of essentials like fuel and food. The government secured a $3 billion IMF bailout, implementing austerity measures, including steep VAT hikes, to stabilise the economy. India’s role was key, with support exceeding over $4 billion in financial and humanitarian assistance, more than the IMF bailout package.&nbsp;<h2>Pakistan (2022–24)</h2>Pakistan was hit by massive floods in 2022, causing economic losses of $30 billion. Imran Khan’s government struggled with a deteriorating economy, including record inflation (reaching 18% for essentials like fuel and food by late 2021), a 30% depreciation of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar, and debt to 90% of GDP. Khan’s government was out soon, as Islamabad sought a $7 billion bailout from the IMF.&nbsp;<h2>Bangladesh (2023–25)</h2>Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves, a critical buffer against external shocks, plummeted due to high import costs, reduced remittances, and capital outflows. At their peak in August 2021, reserves reached $48.06 billion, providing ample coverage for imports. However, by the end of 2023, they had fallen sharply to around $21.86 billion. August 2024 saw widespread protests leading to the fall of Sheikh Hasina government.&nbsp;<h2>Nepal (2025)</h2>In Nepal too, there is a similar story of the fall of economic or GDP numbers, remittances falling, and a surge in inflation. The economic malaise provided fertile ground for social discontent, erupting into the year’s defining political event, one that dominated global headlines this month.&nbsp;&nbsp;The stories from India’s neighbourhood are similar to the economic crisis faced by Greece from 2010-2015, Argentina in 2001/2018, and in Zambia in 2020-21. Debt crisis, austerity measures, inflation, IMF loans, and a political crisis leading to the toppling of governments. In fact, Zambia was the first African sovereign default in Covid pandemic era. But in a world where jumping from one crisis to another has been happening regularly, the next major worry is expected to be Trump’s tariffs, which are seen destabilizing the global markets and questioning the global political and economic order established since the end of World War 2.&nbsp;<h2>Crystal gazing India</h2>India has also faced similar headwinds, including its share of protests, but what has helped the 4th largest economy is its economic size, institutional depth, democratic safety valve, and stable political climate. The economic shield has been foreign exchange reserves worth over $700 billion, fiscal deficit, tightly managed at around 4.8% of GDP, sustained capital spending growth and GST and digital-tax reforms yields of over ₹22 lakh crore annually. With GDP growth averaging 7%, India maintains moderate external debt, avoiding IMF assistance since 1993.&nbsp;&nbsp;A guarantee on economic stability is not by destiny, but by design. Trump’s tariffs on India, which now cover over $48 billion worth of Indian exports, means focus is now on diversification. Also, as the old saying goes, every crisis is also an opportunity. For India, it’s the mantra of self-reliance and the most populated country has examples from the past: Japan in the 1970s turning to high tech industries amid trade tensions with the US, South Korea in 1997 turning to exports, and China in 2018 making its own technologies amid US tariffs.

India has also faced similar headwinds, including its share of protests, but what has helped the 4th largest economy is its economic size, institutional depth, democratic safety valve, and stable political climate.

New Delhi: Last week’s ‘Gen Z’ protests that led to the fall of the KP Sharma Oli government in next door Nepal, though shocking, brings a sense of deja vu of a story seen in the region before. Of an economic crisis, fuelling a political crisis, with the fall of governments, led by a sudden “ground” movement, with protestors marching into key government buildings. In the case of Nepal, it was the burning down of the Parliament and key government buildings, in the case of Sri Lanka, pictures of protesters in the president’s swimming pool, and similar pictures seen from Pakistan to Bangladesh in the past few years. The sudden economic crisis seen in many parts of the world, and in India’s neighbourhood in many ways, has its origin in the start of the COVID pandemic in 2019/2020. But while the world was recovering from the economic fallout of COVID, the war in Ukraine starting in 2022, and thereafter the West Asia crisis escalating after the Hamas terror attack in Israel in 2023 meant the worst was yet to come. The worst hit by the economic crisis were countries in the global south, as crisis became a norm rather than an exception. Sri Lanka (2022) Sri Lanka, in India’s neighbourhood, was the first to be hit by the economic crisis with debt exceeding 100% of GDP and depleted foreign reserves, triggering 70% inflation and the Aragalaya protests. The crisis, worsened by mismanagement, and COVID-19’s impact on tourism, led to shortages of essentials like fuel and food. The government secured a $3 billion IMF bailout, implementing austerity measures, including steep VAT hikes, to stabilise the economy. India’s role was key, with support exceeding over $4 billion in financial and humanitarian assistance, more than the IMF bailout package. Pakistan (2022–24) Pakistan was hit by massive floods in 2022, causing economic losses of $30 billion. Imran Khan’s government struggled with a deteriorating economy, including record inflation (reaching 18% for essentials like fuel and food by late 2021), a 30% depreciation of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar, and debt to 90% of GDP. Khan’s government was out soon, as Islamabad sought a $7 billion bailout from the IMF. Bangladesh (2023–25) Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves, a critical buffer against external shocks, plummeted due to high import costs, reduced remittances, and capital outflows. At their peak in August 2021, reserves reached $48.06 billion, providing ample coverage for imports. However, by the end of 2023, they had fallen sharply to around $21.86 billion. August 2024 saw widespread protests leading to the fall of Sheikh Hasina government. Nepal (2025) In Nepal too, there is a similar story of the fall of economic or GDP numbers, remittances falling, and a surge in inflation. The economic malaise provided fertile ground for social discontent, erupting into the year’s defining political event, one that dominated global headlines this month. The stories from India’s neighbourhood are similar to the economic crisis faced by Greece from 2010-2015, Argentina in 2001/2018, and in Zambia in 2020-21. Debt crisis, austerity measures, inflation, IMF loans, and a political crisis leading to the toppling of governments. In fact, Zambia was the first African sovereign default in Covid pandemic era. But in a world where jumping from one crisis to another has been happening regularly, the next major worry is expected to be Trump’s tariffs, which are seen destabilizing the global markets and questioning the global political and economic order established since the end of World War 2. Crystal gazing India India has also faced similar headwinds, including its share of protests, but what has helped the 4th largest economy is its economic size, institutional depth, democratic safety valve, and stable political climate. The economic shield has been foreign exchange reserves worth over $700 billion, fiscal deficit, tightly managed at around 4.8% of GDP, sustained capital spending growth and GST and digital-tax reforms yields of over ₹22 lakh crore annually. With GDP growth averaging 7%, India maintains moderate external debt, avoiding IMF assistance since 1993. A guarantee on economic stability is not by destiny, but by design. Trump’s tariffs on India, which now cover over $48 billion worth of Indian exports, means focus is now on diversification. Also, as the old saying goes, every crisis is also an opportunity. For India, it’s the mantra of self-reliance and the most populated country has examples from the past: Japan in the 1970s turning to high tech industries amid trade tensions with the US, South Korea in 1997 turning to exports, and China in 2018 making its own technologies amid US tariffs.

India has also faced similar headwinds, including its share of protests, but what has helped the 4th largest economy is its economic size, institutional depth, democratic safety valve, and stable political climate.

Covid to conflict spurring up debt and political crisis in Global South

New Delhi: India is evaluating the export potential of its High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) as part of its defence exports to markets in Asia, Africa, and the Indo Pacific. The off-road-capable military and tactical vehicles developed by BEML, a company under India’s defence ministry, can be used for mounting superstructures like radars, missile systems, etc. High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) in their different variants—4×4, 6×6, 8×8, 10×10, and 12×12—are the operational backbone of the Indian Army, critical for rapid mobility and deployment across deserts, riverine belts, and high-altitude terrain.&nbsp;Sources told WION that the export potential of the HMVs is part of “India’s expanding defence exports and diplomacy toolkit” and they are “cost competitive, rugged, and simpler to maintain compared to Western peers”. The mobility vehicles have helped both at India’s northern border, where they have helped in the rapid movement of tanks and missiles, and at the western border, where they helped in the quick mobilisation of missile batteries.&nbsp;India’s key focus, under its Make in India policy, has been mandatory indigenous content and more public-private partnership. BEML’s HMV 6x6 and 8x8 platforms are fully indigenous, with recent orders like the ₹293.81 crore contract (July 2025) for 150 HMV 6x6 units. The bid for export comes as the government targets $5 billion in annual defence exports. Besides, some private companies have supplied HMVs in Africa, which is seen as a major upcoming market.

The mobility vehicles have helped both at India’s northern border, where they have helped in the rapid movement of tanks and missiles, and at the western border, where they helped in the quick mobilisation of missile batteries.

New Delhi: India is evaluating the export potential of its High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) as part of its defence exports to markets in Asia, Africa, and the Indo Pacific. The off-road-capable military and tactical vehicles developed by BEML, a company under India’s defence ministry, can be used for mounting superstructures like radars, missile systems, etc. High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) in their different variants—4×4, 6×6, 8×8, 10×10, and 12×12—are the operational backbone of the Indian Army, critical for rapid mobility and deployment across deserts, riverine belts, and high-altitude terrain. Sources told WION that the export potential of the HMVs is part of “India’s expanding defence exports and diplomacy toolkit” and they are “cost competitive, rugged, and simpler to maintain compared to Western peers”. The mobility vehicles have helped both at India’s northern border, where they have helped in the rapid movement of tanks and missiles, and at the western border, where they helped in the quick mobilisation of missile batteries. India’s key focus, under its Make in India policy, has been mandatory indigenous content and more public-private partnership. BEML’s HMV 6x6 and 8x8 platforms are fully indigenous, with recent orders like the ₹293.81 crore contract (July 2025) for 150 HMV 6x6 units. The bid for export comes as the government targets $5 billion in annual defence exports. Besides, some private companies have supplied HMVs in Africa, which is seen as a major upcoming market.

The mobility vehicles have helped both at India’s northern border, where they have helped in the rapid movement of tanks and missiles, and at the western border, where they helped in the quick mobilisation of missile batteries.

India looks for export potential of its high mobility vehicles

Chair of the Political and Security Committee of the European Union, Delphine Pronk has termed India, EU ties at a 'strategic high' as she highlighted how both sides are working on a range of issues like counterterrorism. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Pronk, who is on her first visit to India in the current capacity, condemned the Pahalgam terror attack. She said the EU, "firmly condemned any terrorist attack. We need to engage in dialogue with democracies like India on counterterrorism". Asked if The Resistance Group will be listed as a terror group under EU regulation, she said, "can't preempt.." but "terrorism should be countered".The Political and Security Committee (PSC) of the European Union is a permanent body of member states' ambassadors based in Brussels, responsible for overseeing the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).On Friday, members of the Political and Security Committee (PSC) met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Deputy National Security Adviser Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) Sibi George, and other senior officials. The 30-member PSC delegation, on its first-ever visit to Asia, led by Delphine Pronk, Chair of the Committee, and included PSC Ambassadors of EU Member States along with officials from the European Commission and the European External Action Service.WION: What has been the key highlight of your India visit? Delphine Pronk:&nbsp; I am here on the maiden voyage of the members of the European Political and Security Committee. We are a Brussels-based committee with 27 ambassadors, and I'm bringing them to India because our partnership is strategic, and it's important, and it's at an all-time high. We have met with several officials, including the Secretary of Defence, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. We've met with think tanks, representatives of the defence industry, civil society organizations, and many other partners and friends, and it's really amazing to see the dynamics in our relationship. We are at a strategic high, and we're here to engage, to listen, and then also to take that back to Brussels when we are deciding on next steps.WION: How do you see India-EU relationship? Delphine Pronk: They're strong and they're strategic. And it's not just meetings. It is also important joint exercises, such as the one that we had with our defensive military operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, with our military maritime mission EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, where we work together with the Indian Navy, and it's also engaging in dialogue on matters of security and defence, and that includes counterterrorism, that includes our defence outlook, but also the discussion on the threats that we are jointly facing, such as hybrid threats and security for all of our people.WION: Terrorism is a major concern for India, for the European Union as well. We saw the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistani-trained terrorists. What is the European Union's view? What is your view about it, and how do you plan to strengthen the counterterror cooperation when it comes to India and the EU Delphine Pronk: We firmly condemn any terroristic act, and that is also what we did immediately, and that is why we need to engage in a dialogue with democracies and like-minded partners, such as with India, on a strategic way forward to counterterrorism. And there are many things that we can exchange and learn from each other to make sure that for our democracies and for the safety of our people, we work together and fight terrorism. We also fight against security issues that we're jointly facing on a world stage. So that's also what we are engaging in.WION: Has the EU considered designating The Resistance Group as a terrorist organization, like the US did? Delphine Pronk: I cannot preempt what the decision of 27 sovereign nations is for specific listings. But we are very clear in our firm and principled position that terrorism should be fought. It should be countered. We have on several levels this engagement and dialog. There was a high-level Indian delegation in Brussels last week. So for sure, those conversations will continue, also between diplomats and those who are technical work colleagues, to further that dialogue.WION: War happening in Ukraine, this is something that is on top of the mind of every European policymaker and the people now, how do you see India's position on that? India has been reiterating its stance on dialogue &amp; diplomacy. So how do you see India's stance? What kind of conversation are you having with the Indian side? Delphine Pronk: Well, what is clear is that for the past three and a half years, we have seen a full-fledged, unprovoked and unjustified Russian invasion in Ukraine. We should not forget that this was an invasion into a sovereign nation where territorial integrity is contested and where national sovereignty is not being respected. India and the EU are the biggest democracies in the world, and we are also strong defenders of the UN Charter, which has territorial integrity and national sovereignty at its heart. So we should call out aggression when we see it happening. And this is not just a European issue or Ukrainian issue. This affects the world order and world peace as we want it and as we know it. No one wants peace more than the Ukrainians. They have been under constant attack for the past three and a half years, and also what we witnessed last week was a very serious and gross violation of the European airspace, with the Russian drones entering into our safe and secure skies. So this is something that is not just a particular European issue. It affects our security, and we ask for partners such as India to make sure that we're working towards a just and sustainable peace. The only one who will be able to also show that he is serious about that is President Putin. But up to now, his acts have not shown that he is serious, despite many high level conversations, many high level engagements to ensure a just and sustainable peace for Ukraine and therefore also for our continent, those are conversations that we're having also with Indian high level officials. And I think we're seeing eye to eye that peace security are essential elements of our partnership, and to make sure that we uphold the international rules-based order.WION: Shifting focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific, you're seeing a pivot towards the Indo-Pacific region. How important is India in that context, and to what extent is it a topic of discussion? Delphine Pronk: India is a key partner in our Indo-Pacific strategy and in our policy and dialog. We have had a very firm and committed strategy to the Indo Pacific because all these theatres are extremely interconnected. Our latest military naval operation, Operation Aspides, is also doing just that to secure the safe passage of consumer ships that are going from one part of the world to another part of the world. So we're engaging with partners in the Indo Pacific. Very soon, in Brussels, we will host the fourth ministerial Indo Pacific dialogue. We also hope that the Indian Foreign Minister will accept the invitation of the high representative to be there, because it is important to showcase that we have many interests and many values that bring us together in the Indo Pacific that is such a strategic area of interest and concern for us both.WION: My last question to you is how both sides are cooperating in areas like misinformation, hybrid threats. We've already talked about the maritime domain as well. But what's the future like? And perhaps you can end the interview with your own perspective, given the fact that the next four or five months will be significant for India-EU relationship, culminating in the big summit. Delphine Pronk: It's not just hard military power that we see at our European borders. It is indeed also the hybridity of threats that are destabilising our democracies. It is foreign information and manipulation of information, it is cyberattacks, and it's all of those domains that we see that there is really a momentum now to engage and to take the EU India relationship forward. For that, the 27 EU member states that I also brought to India on this very intense and useful, fruitful working visit, to Brussels, decide on next steps, and that could include a Security of Information Agreement, because trust between partners is essential when we work on sensitive topics like defence and security. And that could then also lead to India's participation in our permanent structured cooperation, but also to what is in the making a Security and Defense Partnership, I cannot preempt the decision of the 27, but our working visit this week and the high level engagements that we have, for sure, will help us also in a better understanding of each other's position.&nbsp;

In an interview with WION, Delphine Pronk, the Chair of the European Union's Political and Security Committee, described EU-India ties as being at a "strategic high." 

Chair of the Political and Security Committee of the European Union, Delphine Pronk has termed India, EU ties at a 'strategic high' as she highlighted how both sides are working on a range of issues like counterterrorism. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Pronk, who is on her first visit to India in the current capacity, condemned the Pahalgam terror attack. She said the EU, "firmly condemned any terrorist attack. We need to engage in dialogue with democracies like India on counterterrorism". Asked if The Resistance Group will be listed as a terror group under EU regulation, she said, "can't preempt.." but "terrorism should be countered". The Political and Security Committee (PSC) of the European Union is a permanent body of member states' ambassadors based in Brussels, responsible for overseeing the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). On Friday, members of the Political and Security Committee (PSC) met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Deputy National Security Adviser Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) Sibi George, and other senior officials. The 30-member PSC delegation, on its first-ever visit to Asia, led by Delphine Pronk, Chair of the Committee, and included PSC Ambassadors of EU Member States along with officials from the European Commission and the European External Action Service. WION: What has been the key highlight of your India visit? Delphine Pronk: I am here on the maiden voyage of the members of the European Political and Security Committee. We are a Brussels-based committee with 27 ambassadors, and I'm bringing them to India because our partnership is strategic, and it's important, and it's at an all-time high. We have met with several officials, including the Secretary of Defence, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. We've met with think tanks, representatives of the defence industry, civil society organizations, and many other partners and friends, and it's really amazing to see the dynamics in our relationship. We are at a strategic high, and we're here to engage, to listen, and then also to take that back to Brussels when we are deciding on next steps. WION: How do you see India-EU relationship? Delphine Pronk: They're strong and they're strategic. And it's not just meetings. It is also important joint exercises, such as the one that we had with our defensive military operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, with our military maritime mission EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, where we work together with the Indian Navy, and it's also engaging in dialogue on matters of security and defence, and that includes counterterrorism, that includes our defence outlook, but also the discussion on the threats that we are jointly facing, such as hybrid threats and security for all of our people. WION: Terrorism is a major concern for India, for the European Union as well. We saw the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistani-trained terrorists. What is the European Union's view? What is your view about it, and how do you plan to strengthen the counterterror cooperation when it comes to India and the EU Delphine Pronk: We firmly condemn any terroristic act, and that is also what we did immediately, and that is why we need to engage in a dialogue with democracies and like-minded partners, such as with India, on a strategic way forward to counterterrorism. And there are many things that we can exchange and learn from each other to make sure that for our democracies and for the safety of our people, we work together and fight terrorism. We also fight against security issues that we're jointly facing on a world stage. So that's also what we are engaging in. WION: Has the EU considered designating The Resistance Group as a terrorist organization, like the US did? Delphine Pronk: I cannot preempt what the decision of 27 sovereign nations is for specific listings. But we are very clear in our firm and principled position that terrorism should be fought. It should be countered. We have on several levels this engagement and dialog. There was a high-level Indian delegation in Brussels last week. So for sure, those conversations will continue, also between diplomats and those who are technical work colleagues, to further that dialogue. WION: War happening in Ukraine, this is something that is on top of the mind of every European policymaker and the people now, how do you see India's position on that? India has been reiterating its stance on dialogue & diplomacy. So how do you see India's stance? What kind of conversation are you having with the Indian side? Delphine Pronk: Well, what is clear is that for the past three and a half years, we have seen a full-fledged, unprovoked and unjustified Russian invasion in Ukraine. We should not forget that this was an invasion into a sovereign nation where territorial integrity is contested and where national sovereignty is not being respected. India and the EU are the biggest democracies in the world, and we are also strong defenders of the UN Charter, which has territorial integrity and national sovereignty at its heart. So we should call out aggression when we see it happening. And this is not just a European issue or Ukrainian issue. This affects the world order and world peace as we want it and as we know it. No one wants peace more than the Ukrainians. They have been under constant attack for the past three and a half years, and also what we witnessed last week was a very serious and gross violation of the European airspace, with the Russian drones entering into our safe and secure skies. So this is something that is not just a particular European issue. It affects our security, and we ask for partners such as India to make sure that we're working towards a just and sustainable peace. The only one who will be able to also show that he is serious about that is President Putin. But up to now, his acts have not shown that he is serious, despite many high level conversations, many high level engagements to ensure a just and sustainable peace for Ukraine and therefore also for our continent, those are conversations that we're having also with Indian high level officials. And I think we're seeing eye to eye that peace security are essential elements of our partnership, and to make sure that we uphold the international rules-based order. WION: Shifting focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific, you're seeing a pivot towards the Indo-Pacific region. How important is India in that context, and to what extent is it a topic of discussion? Delphine Pronk: India is a key partner in our Indo-Pacific strategy and in our policy and dialog. We have had a very firm and committed strategy to the Indo Pacific because all these theatres are extremely interconnected. Our latest military naval operation, Operation Aspides, is also doing just that to secure the safe passage of consumer ships that are going from one part of the world to another part of the world. So we're engaging with partners in the Indo Pacific. Very soon, in Brussels, we will host the fourth ministerial Indo Pacific dialogue. We also hope that the Indian Foreign Minister will accept the invitation of the high representative to be there, because it is important to showcase that we have many interests and many values that bring us together in the Indo Pacific that is such a strategic area of interest and concern for us both. WION: My last question to you is how both sides are cooperating in areas like misinformation, hybrid threats. We've already talked about the maritime domain as well. But what's the future like? And perhaps you can end the interview with your own perspective, given the fact that the next four or five months will be significant for India-EU relationship, culminating in the big summit. Delphine Pronk: It's not just hard military power that we see at our European borders. It is indeed also the hybridity of threats that are destabilising our democracies. It is foreign information and manipulation of information, it is cyberattacks, and it's all of those domains that we see that there is really a momentum now to engage and to take the EU India relationship forward. For that, the 27 EU member states that I also brought to India on this very intense and useful, fruitful working visit, to Brussels, decide on next steps, and that could include a Security of Information Agreement, because trust between partners is essential when we work on sensitive topics like defence and security. And that could then also lead to India's participation in our permanent structured cooperation, but also to what is in the making a Security and Defense Partnership, I cannot preempt the decision of the 27, but our working visit this week and the high level engagements that we have, for sure, will help us also in a better understanding of each other's position.

In an interview with WION, Delphine Pronk, the Chair of the European Union's Political and Security Committee, described EU-India ties as being at a "strategic high."&nbsp;

Our ties with India at 'strategic high' says Chair of top EU security body, Pronk

As Indian educational institutions expand overseas, Thursday (September 11)&nbsp;saw the opening of&nbsp; IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) campus in Dubai. Jointly inaugurated&nbsp;by Dubai crown prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and India's education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, this is the first-ever overseas campus of the IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA).&nbsp;The Indian education minister said, “We have to internationalise education system in India. India is a vibrant economy today. Our fundamentals are very positive.” The opening of the&nbsp;management institute comes two years after IIT Delhi opened its campus in Abu Dhabi. Five private Indian&nbsp;educational institutions have opened campuses in the prosperous Gulf state. India's National educational&nbsp;policy 2020 encourages top Indian institutions to set up campuses abroad to enhance India's global academic influence and promote its educational model, which&nbsp;aligns with the goal of making India a global education hub. The increased educational institution connection is expected to help the large Indian diaspora in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan is on a 2 day visit to the United Arab Emirates. During the visit, he went to IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi Campus and launched BTech and PhD programs in chemical engineering and energy and sustainability. He also inaugurated Atal Incubation Centre,&nbsp;which aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation.&nbsp;&nbsp;India, UAE are working on joint research in critical and emerging areas, capacity building, two-way cultural and academic exchanges, something that was part of talks between Minister Pradhan and UAE's Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar.

Education minister Pradhan, Dubai's Crown Prince inaugurate IIMA Dubai campus

As Indian educational institutions expand overseas, Thursday (September 11) saw the opening of IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) campus in Dubai. Jointly inaugurated by Dubai crown prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and India's education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, this is the first-ever overseas campus of the IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA). The Indian education minister said, “We have to internationalise education system in India. India is a vibrant economy today. Our fundamentals are very positive.” The opening of the management institute comes two years after IIT Delhi opened its campus in Abu Dhabi. Five private Indian educational institutions have opened campuses in the prosperous Gulf state. India's National educational policy 2020 encourages top Indian institutions to set up campuses abroad to enhance India's global academic influence and promote its educational model, which aligns with the goal of making India a global education hub. The increased educational institution connection is expected to help the large Indian diaspora in the country. Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan is on a 2 day visit to the United Arab Emirates. During the visit, he went to IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi Campus and launched BTech and PhD programs in chemical engineering and energy and sustainability. He also inaugurated Atal Incubation Centre, which aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation. India, UAE are working on joint research in critical and emerging areas, capacity building, two-way cultural and academic exchanges, something that was part of talks between Minister Pradhan and UAE's Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar.

The opening of the&nbsp;management institute comes two years after IIT Delhi opened its campus in Abu Dhabi. Five private Indian&nbsp;educational institutions have opened campuses in the prosperous Gulf state

Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Dubai's Crown Prince inaugurate IIMA Dubai campus

India on Wednesday (September 10) asked key Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO anti terror body to "hold accountable the sponsors, organisers and financiers" of the Pahalgam terror attack. Speaking at the 44th&nbsp;meeting of Council of Regional Anti Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, India's deputy National security advisor TV Ravichandran asked member countries to shun double standards and fight terrorism in all its "all forms and manifestations".&nbsp;The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent organ of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), established to coordinate efforts among member states to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, often referred to as the "Three Evils." Headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, RATS was formalized during a 2002 SCO meeting in Saint Petersburg and became operational in 2004. Its primary role is to enhance collective security through intelligence sharing, counterterrorism coordination, and joint initiatives.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-offers-help-to-switzerland-on-racism-rejects-claims-on-minorities-1757517026511">India offers help to Switzerland on racism; rejects claims on minorities</a>&nbsp;The RATS meeting earlier on Wednesday, strongly condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. The body also&nbsp; endorsed the statement on the condemnation of Pahalgam Terror Attack in the Tianjin Declaration signed earlier this month during the SCO Summit in China. SCO is the latest global grouping to condemn the terror attack, after groupings like BRICS, Quad condemned it.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Pahalgam terror attack was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, resulting in the deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists (25 Indians and one Nepali), with many others injured. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack. Terror groups based out of Pakistan, and territories under its occupation have multiple times conducted terror attacks in India in the past. India responded to the Pahalgam terror attack by Operation Sindoor that saw strikes on major terror headquarters in the country.

India asks SCO anti-terror body to hold Pahalgam attack organisers accountable

India on Wednesday (September 10) asked key Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO anti terror body to "hold accountable the sponsors, organisers and financiers" of the Pahalgam terror attack. Speaking at the 44th meeting of Council of Regional Anti Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, India's deputy National security advisor TV Ravichandran asked member countries to shun double standards and fight terrorism in all its "all forms and manifestations". The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent organ of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), established to coordinate efforts among member states to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, often referred to as the "Three Evils." Headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, RATS was formalized during a 2002 SCO meeting in Saint Petersburg and became operational in 2004. Its primary role is to enhance collective security through intelligence sharing, counterterrorism coordination, and joint initiatives. Also Read: India offers help to Switzerland on racism; rejects claims on minorities The RATS meeting earlier on Wednesday, strongly condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. The body also endorsed the statement on the condemnation of Pahalgam Terror Attack in the Tianjin Declaration signed earlier this month during the SCO Summit in China. SCO is the latest global grouping to condemn the terror attack, after groupings like BRICS, Quad condemned it. The Pahalgam terror attack was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, resulting in the deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists (25 Indians and one Nepali), with many others injured. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack. Terror groups based out of Pakistan, and territories under its occupation have multiple times conducted terror attacks in India in the past. India responded to the Pahalgam terror attack by Operation Sindoor that saw strikes on major terror headquarters in the country.

The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent organ of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), established to coordinate efforts among member states to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, often referred to as the 'Three Evils'

India sharply rebuked Switzerland at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday (September 10), dismissing Swiss criticism of its minority rights and media freedoms as “surprising, shallow, and ill-informed. Indian diplomat at India's permanent mission in Geneva, Kshitij Tyagi said that "Switzerland should avoid wasting the Council’s time with narratives that are blatantly false and do not do justice to the reality of India".&nbsp;The Indian diplomat offered to help the country to deal with issues like racism. He pointed out that the European country "should focus on its own challenges such as racism, systematic discrimination, and xenophobia" and as the "world’s largest, most diverse, and vibrant democracy with a civilizational embrace of pluralism, India remains ready to help Switzerland address these concerns".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hold-talks-with-italian-counterpart-meloni-discuss-ukraine-war-push-for-india-eu-trade-pact-1757515762164">PM Modi hold talks with Italian counterpart Meloni; discuss Ukraine war, push for India-EU trade pact</a>&nbsp;Switzerland Diplomat Michael Meier had earlier said that they call on the Indian government to take "effective measures to protect minorities and to uphold the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of the media". The diplomat clubbed India, with Serbia, Turkiye and Syria.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-recycled-falsehood-india-slams-pakistan-at-unhrc-rips-apart-its-stale-propaganda-on-kashmir-1757509764180">'Recycled falsehood': India slams Pakistan at UNHRC, rips apart its 'stale propaganda' on Kashmir</a>&nbsp;The Swiss comments come just ahead of implementation of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) trade agreement. The agreement is between &nbsp;India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein and aims to boost trade, investment, and economic cooperation, with a focus on mutual market access and sustainable development. TEPA eliminates or reduces tariffs on 92.2% of EFTA’s tariff lines and 99.6% of India’s, covering 98% of India’s exports to EFTA.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-gen-z-movement-hijacked-nepal-youth-disassociates-itself-from-violence-and-vandalism-1757512767877">‘Gen Z movement hijacked’: Nepal youth disassociates itself from violence and vandalism</a>

India offers help to Switzerland on racism; rejects claims on minorities

India sharply rebuked Switzerland at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday (September 10), dismissing Swiss criticism of its minority rights and media freedoms as “surprising, shallow, and ill-informed. Indian diplomat at India's permanent mission in Geneva, Kshitij Tyagi said that "Switzerland should avoid wasting the Council’s time with narratives that are blatantly false and do not do justice to the reality of India". The Indian diplomat offered to help the country to deal with issues like racism. He pointed out that the European country "should focus on its own challenges such as racism, systematic discrimination, and xenophobia" and as the "world’s largest, most diverse, and vibrant democracy with a civilizational embrace of pluralism, India remains ready to help Switzerland address these concerns". Also Read: PM Modi hold talks with Italian counterpart Meloni; discuss Ukraine war, push for India-EU trade pact Switzerland Diplomat Michael Meier had earlier said that they call on the Indian government to take "effective measures to protect minorities and to uphold the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of the media". The diplomat clubbed India, with Serbia, Turkiye and Syria. Also Read: 'Recycled falsehood': India slams Pakistan at UNHRC, rips apart its 'stale propaganda' on Kashmir The Swiss comments come just ahead of implementation of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) trade agreement. The agreement is between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein and aims to boost trade, investment, and economic cooperation, with a focus on mutual market access and sustainable development. TEPA eliminates or reduces tariffs on 92.2% of EFTA’s tariff lines and 99.6% of India’s, covering 98% of India’s exports to EFTA. Also Read: ‘Gen Z movement hijacked’: Nepal youth disassociates itself from violence and vandalism

The Swiss comments come just ahead of implementation of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) trade agreement

As India and the United Arab Emirates strengthen their educational ties, the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad's Dubai campus will be inaugurated on Thursday. It will be inaugurated by India's Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, and his Emirati counterpart, Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar. The Indian education minister is on a 2-day visit to the UAE, which aims to "deepen bilateral cooperation in the field of education, fostering academic excellence and Innovations, and exploring new avenues of partnership", an Indian government statement said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The two countries have firmed up education links in a major way in the last few years. Last year, IIT Delhi's Abu Dhabi campus was inaugurated by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The same year saw the opening of the Symbiosis International University in Dubai.&nbsp;In February 2024, during PM Modi’s visit to the UAE, the CBSE Regional Office and Centre of Excellence were inaugurated in Dubai. This office supports over 100 Indian international schools in the UAE following CBSE and Kerala Board curricula, primarily serving the 3.5 million-strong Indian diaspora.&nbsp;&nbsp;UAE, which has one of the largest Indian diaspora, anywhere on the planet, is increasingly positioning itself as an education hub. The increased engagement between the 2 countries is part of the broader Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2017, high-level engagements and a major trade pact, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022.&nbsp;Minister Pradhan's visit will see him engage with UAE leaders, Ministers, policy-makers, academicians, and representatives from Indian and UAE institutions. He will hold a meeting with the Chairperson, Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), Sara Musallam and visit IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi Campus, where he will inaugurate the Atal Incubation Centre (First foreign Centre) and launch the PhD and B.Tech&nbsp;programmes.&nbsp;&nbsp;The minister is also expected to visit the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi and attend the 1st Anniversary of Symbiosis University, Dubai Campus. Other than that, he also attends a round table conference of Indian Higher Education institutions in the UAE and meets CBSE school principals.&nbsp;But the significant aspect remains the opening of the IIM Ahmedabad Dubai campus. This is also part of Indian education institutions increasingly expanding their presence abroad, driven by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines to enhance India’s global educational influence. Africa has been another focus area of Indian institutes.&nbsp;&nbsp;IIT Madras established its first offshore campus in Zanzibar in 2023, offering programs in data science, artificial intelligence, and other fields. National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) India-Africa Campus in Jinja, Uganda was opened in April 2023. &nbsp;

India's Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan to inaugurate the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad's Dubai campus.

As India and the United Arab Emirates strengthen their educational ties, the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad's Dubai campus will be inaugurated on Thursday. It will be inaugurated by India's Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, and his Emirati counterpart, Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar. The Indian education minister is on a 2-day visit to the UAE, which aims to "deepen bilateral cooperation in the field of education, fostering academic excellence and Innovations, and exploring new avenues of partnership", an Indian government statement said. The two countries have firmed up education links in a major way in the last few years. Last year, IIT Delhi's Abu Dhabi campus was inaugurated by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The same year saw the opening of the Symbiosis International University in Dubai. In February 2024, during PM Modi’s visit to the UAE, the CBSE Regional Office and Centre of Excellence were inaugurated in Dubai. This office supports over 100 Indian international schools in the UAE following CBSE and Kerala Board curricula, primarily serving the 3.5 million-strong Indian diaspora. UAE, which has one of the largest Indian diaspora, anywhere on the planet, is increasingly positioning itself as an education hub. The increased engagement between the 2 countries is part of the broader Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2017, high-level engagements and a major trade pact, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022. Minister Pradhan's visit will see him engage with UAE leaders, Ministers, policy-makers, academicians, and representatives from Indian and UAE institutions. He will hold a meeting with the Chairperson, Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), Sara Musallam and visit IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi Campus, where he will inaugurate the Atal Incubation Centre (First foreign Centre) and launch the PhD and B.Tech programmes. The minister is also expected to visit the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi and attend the 1st Anniversary of Symbiosis University, Dubai Campus. Other than that, he also attends a round table conference of Indian Higher Education institutions in the UAE and meets CBSE school principals. But the significant aspect remains the opening of the IIM Ahmedabad Dubai campus. This is also part of Indian education institutions increasingly expanding their presence abroad, driven by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines to enhance India’s global educational influence. Africa has been another focus area of Indian institutes. IIT Madras established its first offshore campus in Zanzibar in 2023, offering programs in data science, artificial intelligence, and other fields. National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) India-Africa Campus in Jinja, Uganda was opened in April 2023.

India's Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan to inaugurate the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad's Dubai campus.

IIM Ahmedabad's Dubai campus to be inaugurated on Thursday

New Delhi: China’s Ambassador Xu Feihong on Monday lauded the role of Indian soldiers and the role they played during World War 2. Indian soldiers, deployed in North Africa, West Asia, and campaigns in Italy, Burma, played a significant role in World War II, serving as part of the British Indian Army. He said, “India deployed more than 2.5 million volunteer soldiers across the China-Burma-India theatre, North Africa, and European battlefields, and continuously supplied strategic resources, thus serving as a solid pillar of the Allied Eastern Theatre.”&nbsp;He was making the comments at the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance. Last week, the Chinese government organised a grand parade in Beijing, attended by Russian President Putin, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and other world leaders.&nbsp;The Chinese ambassador pointed out, “The Chinese people will never forget the heroic assistance of Indians that traversed thousands of miles.” He gave examples of how in 1938, Indian Medical Mission, represented by Dr. Kotnis and Dr. Basu, went to China and provided support during the war. Dr. Kotnis set up medical stations closest to the front lines, where he saved countless Chinese soldiers and civilians, and trained numerous medical personnel. Dr. Basu committed himself in Yan’an for 6 years, introduced acupuncture to India, while devoting “rest of his life to medical exchange and friendship between China and India”, the Chinese ambassador said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The ambassador also spoke about Trump’s tariffs on India. In response to a WION question, the ambassador said, “US has long benefited from free trade, but now it is using tariff as a kind of weapon or political tool, demand exorbitant prices from various countries..”, and that the tariffs on India are “unfair, unreasonable and China firmly opposes them”. Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India, of which 25% tariffs are because India has been importing Russian energy.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Ambassador highlighted that “China and India enjoy close economic and trade relations” and bilateral trade in goods has grown steadily, reaching $88 billion in the first 7 months of this year, with a year-on-year increase of 10.5%. He said, China welcomes more Indian companies to promote their products and invest in China, and “we also hope that India could provide a fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises.”

The ambassador said that the US has long benefited from free trade, but now it is using tariffs as a kind of weapon or political tool to demand exorbitant prices from various countries and that the tariffs on India are unfair and unreasonable, and China firmly opposes them.

New Delhi: China’s Ambassador Xu Feihong on Monday lauded the role of Indian soldiers and the role they played during World War 2. Indian soldiers, deployed in North Africa, West Asia, and campaigns in Italy, Burma, played a significant role in World War II, serving as part of the British Indian Army. He said, “India deployed more than 2.5 million volunteer soldiers across the China-Burma-India theatre, North Africa, and European battlefields, and continuously supplied strategic resources, thus serving as a solid pillar of the Allied Eastern Theatre.” He was making the comments at the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance. Last week, the Chinese government organised a grand parade in Beijing, attended by Russian President Putin, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and other world leaders. The Chinese ambassador pointed out, “The Chinese people will never forget the heroic assistance of Indians that traversed thousands of miles.” He gave examples of how in 1938, Indian Medical Mission, represented by Dr. Kotnis and Dr. Basu, went to China and provided support during the war. Dr. Kotnis set up medical stations closest to the front lines, where he saved countless Chinese soldiers and civilians, and trained numerous medical personnel. Dr. Basu committed himself in Yan’an for 6 years, introduced acupuncture to India, while devoting “rest of his life to medical exchange and friendship between China and India”, the Chinese ambassador said. The ambassador also spoke about Trump’s tariffs on India. In response to a WION question, the ambassador said, “US has long benefited from free trade, but now it is using tariff as a kind of weapon or political tool, demand exorbitant prices from various countries..”, and that the tariffs on India are “unfair, unreasonable and China firmly opposes them”. Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India, of which 25% tariffs are because India has been importing Russian energy. The Ambassador highlighted that “China and India enjoy close economic and trade relations” and bilateral trade in goods has grown steadily, reaching $88 billion in the first 7 months of this year, with a year-on-year increase of 10.5%. He said, China welcomes more Indian companies to promote their products and invest in China, and “we also hope that India could provide a fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises.”

The ambassador said that the US has long benefited from free trade, but now it is using tariffs as a kind of weapon or political tool to demand exorbitant prices from various countries and that the tariffs on India are unfair and unreasonable, and China firmly opposes them.

Chinese Ambassador Feihong lauds the role of Indian soldiers during WW2

Ahead of Mauritius PM Navin Ramgoolam's India visit, Mauritius FM Dhananjay&nbsp;Ramful has emphasised on strong partnership with India and how both countries share 'common interest in the Indian ocean'. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, he said during the visit, 'there is going to be some more advanced and enhanced partnership when it comes to maritime security in this part of the Indian Ocean'. PM Navin travels to India months after PM Modi visited Mauritius. The Indian PM was the chief guest at the country's Independence Day celebrations.&nbsp;&nbsp;How significant is this visit of your Prime Minister?&nbsp;Dhananjay Ramful: It will be a very important visit. Last visit of the current PM Navin Ramgoolam to India was in 2014 for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Narendra Modi. He was the only leader, who was not from SAARC, to be invited by India. Very privileged occasion for us, given also the fact that the Prime Minister is welcoming our prime minister in his constituency in Varanasi, which is considered as a holy place for many Indians. So the visit is very significant in terms of cooperation as well. There is going to be the private sector and the economic development board that is going to form part of the delegation. And we are currently planning to have a business meeting in Mumbai.&nbsp;You pointed out about the Banaras Varanasi, PMs to have bilateral. How do you see this development as and he also travels to Ayodhya as well.&nbsp;Dhananjay Ramful: Maybe to remind you that when PM Modi came to Mauritius on the occasion of our 57th celebration of Independence Day, we signed a new strategic partnership agreement between the two countries. And the visit will also be a follow up on the new vision that we have signed. And also, as you mentioned, there are going to be a few visits to religious sites, including Ayodhya.&nbsp;What are the deliverables expected?&nbsp;Dhananjay Ramful: There are going to be several MOUs that going to be assigned. 2 important MOUs are going to be in relation to the energy sector. Currently, Mauritius is facing some challenges in regard to its energy production. There were experts from India who came to Mauritius last month and they carried out a survey on the energy sector. Some recommendations were made in terms of renewable energy and also liquefied natural gas production. So there is going to be an MOU on the energy sector where we can explore the possibility of getting capacity building and assistance from India. There is going to be also in terms of infrastructure development an MOU on what they call high level community-based development. So, it consists of several projects where India is going to provide some grants to Mauritius, for Mauritius to develop some projects on infrastructure.&nbsp;How India, Mauritius working in Indian ocean region. Also India's support on Chagos issue?&nbsp;Dhananjay Ramful: Yes, both India and Mauritius share common interest when it comes to the Indian Ocean. We also are very thankful to India for the support that they have always given to Mauritius for our fight to get back the Chagos. When PM Modi came for the independence celebration, he initiated a new vision, the Mahasagar, on that issue there is going to be some more advanced and enhanced partnership when it comes to maritime security in this part of the Indian Ocean. &nbsp;

Mauritius FM Dhananjay Ramful speaks to WION ahead of PM Navin's visit to India. He emphasised on 'common interest in the Indian ocean'.

Ahead of Mauritius PM Navin Ramgoolam's India visit, Mauritius FM Dhananjay Ramful has emphasised on strong partnership with India and how both countries share 'common interest in the Indian ocean'. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, he said during the visit, 'there is going to be some more advanced and enhanced partnership when it comes to maritime security in this part of the Indian Ocean'. PM Navin travels to India months after PM Modi visited Mauritius. The Indian PM was the chief guest at the country's Independence Day celebrations. How significant is this visit of your Prime Minister? Dhananjay Ramful: It will be a very important visit. Last visit of the current PM Navin Ramgoolam to India was in 2014 for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Narendra Modi. He was the only leader, who was not from SAARC, to be invited by India. Very privileged occasion for us, given also the fact that the Prime Minister is welcoming our prime minister in his constituency in Varanasi, which is considered as a holy place for many Indians. So the visit is very significant in terms of cooperation as well. There is going to be the private sector and the economic development board that is going to form part of the delegation. And we are currently planning to have a business meeting in Mumbai. You pointed out about the Banaras Varanasi, PMs to have bilateral. How do you see this development as and he also travels to Ayodhya as well. Dhananjay Ramful: Maybe to remind you that when PM Modi came to Mauritius on the occasion of our 57th celebration of Independence Day, we signed a new strategic partnership agreement between the two countries. And the visit will also be a follow up on the new vision that we have signed. And also, as you mentioned, there are going to be a few visits to religious sites, including Ayodhya. What are the deliverables expected? Dhananjay Ramful: There are going to be several MOUs that going to be assigned. 2 important MOUs are going to be in relation to the energy sector. Currently, Mauritius is facing some challenges in regard to its energy production. There were experts from India who came to Mauritius last month and they carried out a survey on the energy sector. Some recommendations were made in terms of renewable energy and also liquefied natural gas production. So there is going to be an MOU on the energy sector where we can explore the possibility of getting capacity building and assistance from India. There is going to be also in terms of infrastructure development an MOU on what they call high level community-based development. So, it consists of several projects where India is going to provide some grants to Mauritius, for Mauritius to develop some projects on infrastructure. How India, Mauritius working in Indian ocean region. Also India's support on Chagos issue? Dhananjay Ramful: Yes, both India and Mauritius share common interest when it comes to the Indian Ocean. We also are very thankful to India for the support that they have always given to Mauritius for our fight to get back the Chagos. When PM Modi came for the independence celebration, he initiated a new vision, the Mahasagar, on that issue there is going to be some more advanced and enhanced partnership when it comes to maritime security in this part of the Indian Ocean.

Mauritius FM Dhananjay&nbsp;Ramful speaks to WION ahead of PM Navin's visit to India. He emphasised on 'common interest in the Indian ocean'.

Share common interest in Indian ocean, says Mauritius FM Ramful ahead of PM Navin's India visit

In a push to deepen ties, India and the European Union are set to significantly elevate their engagement this week, with two high-level ministerial ( EU Commissioner level) visits to New Delhi and the 13th round of negotiations for a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The flurry of diplomatic activity comes even as both sides aim to conclude the FTA by year’s end, building on momentum from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Brussels and visit of European college led by President Ursula von der Leyen to India.This week, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen and Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič will arrive in New Delhi, coinciding with the 13th round of FTA talks. The negotiations, which have made steady progress, have already provisionally closed 11 chapters, covering areas such as Intellectual properties, customs and trade facilitation, &nbsp;transparency, good regulatory practices, mutual administrative assistance, SMEs, sustainable food system, dispute settlement, competition and subsidy, digital trade chapter, and anti-fraud practices.Discussions on capital movement are nearing completion, though both sides have drawn clear red lines, excluding dairy, sugar, and rice from the FTA agreement talks. The focus remains on enhancing market access and addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers, with Indian Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal’s recent trip to Brussels restating the commitment to move forward.The FTA talks are part of a broader strategic alignment between India and EU-2 large economies, amid geopolitical changes and in the shadow of Donald Trump's tariffs. Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held telephonic talks.The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to concluding the FTA swiftly and discussed pressing global issues, including the war in Ukraine and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). PM Modi emphasised India’s support for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, while also extending an invitation to EU leaders for the India-EU Summit next year, expected to set the tone for the new strategic partnership agenda.The coming months promise a packed agenda. This week will also see a 30-member delegation from the EU’s Political and Security Committee visiting India, coinciding with a counter-terrorism dialogue in Brussels on September 9. The counter terror dialogue will be led by key officials from the two sides. India is expected to express its concerns over the issue of cross-border terror as both sides work to deal with the scourge of terrorism.On September 17, the EU Commission will unveil a key vision document outlining its strategic agenda with India—a political offer aimed at strengthening ties across all levels. &nbsp;It will be discussed at every level, from working groups to ministerial and head-of-government. The document is expected to be the bedrock of ties.Looking ahead, the 14th round of FTA talks is slated for early October, followed by a visit from the chair of the EU Parliament’s standing committee on trade matters. In November, EAM Jaishankar was invited to Brussels for the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum as the EU pivots towards the region that is seen as key to global growth. By late November, foreign policy and security consultations at the secretary level will take place in New Delhi, reviewing the broader strategic partnership. Around the same time, a strategic partnership review will take place.Meanwhile, plans are underway for the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting this fall. Launched in February 2023, the TTC—India’s first such initiative with any partner—aims to bolster cooperation in trade, technology, and security, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. The crescendo of this diplomatic blitz this year will likely culminate with a visit by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to India ahead of next year’s summit. Her trip, the first since assuming office, will focus on the EU's commitment to elevating its partnership with India at a time of great geopolitical uncertainty.

This week will also see a 30-member delegation from the EU’s Political and Security Committee visiting India, coinciding with a counter-terrorism dialogue in Brussels on September 9. The counterterror dialogue will be led by key officials from the two sides.

In a push to deepen ties, India and the European Union are set to significantly elevate their engagement this week, with two high-level ministerial ( EU Commissioner level) visits to New Delhi and the 13th round of negotiations for a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The flurry of diplomatic activity comes even as both sides aim to conclude the FTA by year’s end, building on momentum from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Brussels and visit of European college led by President Ursula von der Leyen to India. This week, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen and Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič will arrive in New Delhi, coinciding with the 13th round of FTA talks. The negotiations, which have made steady progress, have already provisionally closed 11 chapters, covering areas such as Intellectual properties, customs and trade facilitation, transparency, good regulatory practices, mutual administrative assistance, SMEs, sustainable food system, dispute settlement, competition and subsidy, digital trade chapter, and anti-fraud practices. Discussions on capital movement are nearing completion, though both sides have drawn clear red lines, excluding dairy, sugar, and rice from the FTA agreement talks. The focus remains on enhancing market access and addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers, with Indian Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal’s recent trip to Brussels restating the commitment to move forward. The FTA talks are part of a broader strategic alignment between India and EU-2 large economies, amid geopolitical changes and in the shadow of Donald Trump's tariffs. Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held telephonic talks. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to concluding the FTA swiftly and discussed pressing global issues, including the war in Ukraine and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). PM Modi emphasised India’s support for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, while also extending an invitation to EU leaders for the India-EU Summit next year, expected to set the tone for the new strategic partnership agenda. The coming months promise a packed agenda. This week will also see a 30-member delegation from the EU’s Political and Security Committee visiting India, coinciding with a counter-terrorism dialogue in Brussels on September 9. The counter terror dialogue will be led by key officials from the two sides. India is expected to express its concerns over the issue of cross-border terror as both sides work to deal with the scourge of terrorism. On September 17, the EU Commission will unveil a key vision document outlining its strategic agenda with India—a political offer aimed at strengthening ties across all levels. It will be discussed at every level, from working groups to ministerial and head-of-government. The document is expected to be the bedrock of ties. Looking ahead, the 14th round of FTA talks is slated for early October, followed by a visit from the chair of the EU Parliament’s standing committee on trade matters. In November, EAM Jaishankar was invited to Brussels for the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum as the EU pivots towards the region that is seen as key to global growth. By late November, foreign policy and security consultations at the secretary level will take place in New Delhi, reviewing the broader strategic partnership. Around the same time, a strategic partnership review will take place. Meanwhile, plans are underway for the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting this fall. Launched in February 2023, the TTC—India’s first such initiative with any partner—aims to bolster cooperation in trade, technology, and security, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. The crescendo of this diplomatic blitz this year will likely culminate with a visit by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to India ahead of next year’s summit. Her trip, the first since assuming office, will focus on the EU's commitment to elevating its partnership with India at a time of great geopolitical uncertainty.

This week will also see a 30-member delegation from the EU’s Political and Security Committee visiting India, coinciding with a counter-terrorism dialogue in Brussels on September 9. The counterterror dialogue will be led by key officials from the two sides.

India and EU to intensify engagement with 2 ministerial visits and FTA talks this week

Canada has raised fresh concerns about Khalistani extremist groups operating within its borders, pointing out how they have been raising funds, including through the abuse of charitable organisations, to support violent activities. The warning, outlined in the Canadian Finance Ministry’s 2025 "Assessment of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risks", highlights the challenge of Khalistani extremism and its implications for both domestic and international security.The report singles out groups like Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation, alongside other organisations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, as entities that have been “observed by law enforcement and intelligence agencies to receive financial support originating from Canada.” These groups, the report notes, are suspected of leveraging networks in Canada to solicit donations, often exploiting nonprofit organisations (NPOs) to funnel funds for their activities. “Khalistani violent extremist groups have been known to use networks to solicit donations from diaspora communities to raise and move funds, including through NPOs (nonprofit organisations),” the report states, highlighting how these activities exploit Canada’s charitable sector.&nbsp;The report acknowledges that Khalistani extremist networks in Canada have shifted from large, organised fundraising operations to smaller, fragmented groups. It said these groups "previously had an extensive fundraising network in Canada but now appear to consist of smaller pockets of individuals with allegiance to the cause but seemingly no particular affiliation to a specific group".India has repeatedly voiced concerns over the activities of Khalistani extremist groups, and India has listed Khalistani terrorists in Canada. Khalistani extremism gained international attention after the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182, a tragedy orchestrated by Canada-based extremists that claimed 329 lives, mostly Canadians of Indian descent. The attack remains one of the deadliest acts of terrorism in Canadian history and continues to shape India’s concerns about the activities of Khalistani extremist elements in Canada.&nbsp;New Delhi has pointed to events like so-called “Khalistan referendums” and rallies in Canada as evidence of unchecked extremist activity. The Canadian finance Ministry’s report findings align with India's concerns. Earlier this year, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) further amplified these concerns in its annual report to Parliament, labelling Canada-based Khalistani extremists (CBKEs) a national security threat.After the fall in ties under former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, both Delhi and Ottawa are working to normalise ties. Last month, both sides reinstated high commissioners in what is seen as sign of recovery in ties.

The warning, outlined in the Canadian Finance Ministry’s 2025 "Assessment of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risks", highlights the challenge of Khalistani extremism and its implications for both domestic and international security.

Canada has raised fresh concerns about Khalistani extremist groups operating within its borders, pointing out how they have been raising funds, including through the abuse of charitable organisations, to support violent activities. The warning, outlined in the Canadian Finance Ministry’s 2025 "Assessment of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risks", highlights the challenge of Khalistani extremism and its implications for both domestic and international security. The report singles out groups like Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation, alongside other organisations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, as entities that have been “observed by law enforcement and intelligence agencies to receive financial support originating from Canada.” These groups, the report notes, are suspected of leveraging networks in Canada to solicit donations, often exploiting nonprofit organisations (NPOs) to funnel funds for their activities. “Khalistani violent extremist groups have been known to use networks to solicit donations from diaspora communities to raise and move funds, including through NPOs (nonprofit organisations),” the report states, highlighting how these activities exploit Canada’s charitable sector. The report acknowledges that Khalistani extremist networks in Canada have shifted from large, organised fundraising operations to smaller, fragmented groups. It said these groups "previously had an extensive fundraising network in Canada but now appear to consist of smaller pockets of individuals with allegiance to the cause but seemingly no particular affiliation to a specific group". India has repeatedly voiced concerns over the activities of Khalistani extremist groups, and India has listed Khalistani terrorists in Canada. Khalistani extremism gained international attention after the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182, a tragedy orchestrated by Canada-based extremists that claimed 329 lives, mostly Canadians of Indian descent. The attack remains one of the deadliest acts of terrorism in Canadian history and continues to shape India’s concerns about the activities of Khalistani extremist elements in Canada. New Delhi has pointed to events like so-called “Khalistan referendums” and rallies in Canada as evidence of unchecked extremist activity. The Canadian finance Ministry’s report findings align with India's concerns. Earlier this year, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) further amplified these concerns in its annual report to Parliament, labelling Canada-based Khalistani extremists (CBKEs) a national security threat. After the fall in ties under former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, both Delhi and Ottawa are working to normalise ties. Last month, both sides reinstated high commissioners in what is seen as sign of recovery in ties.

The warning, outlined in the Canadian Finance Ministry’s 2025 "Assessment of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risks", highlights the challenge of Khalistani extremism and its implications for both domestic and international security.

Canada raises alarm over Khalistani extremist fundraising

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