<p>As Minnesota’s anti-immigration drive and the resultant protests reached a violent crescendo earlier this month, US Border Patrols commander-at-large Gregory Bovino made an appearance wearing a long coat. The army-green greatcoat was eerily similar to the costumes of Hitler’s Nazi officers, particularly the leaders of the SS and the Gestapo, and a ubiquitous part of Nazi Germany iconography and historical imagery. Whether deliberate or unfortunately coincidental, his alleged ‘Nazi cosplay’ became a symbol of the conflict between Minnesotans and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents that Bovino led. Now, Bovino has been given the marching orders by US President Donald Trump to get out of Minnesota and is replacing him with his border czar Tom Homan. There are unconfirmed reports that he might also lose his ‘commander-at-large’ designation as he returns to his home base of California. Here is the story of how Bovino’s coat became part of the controversy:</p><h2>Symbolism is everything, sometimes: How Gregory Bovino’s sartorial choices became a hot topic</h2><p>Between two fatal shootings — of Renee Good and Alex Pretti — and amid the street fights between locals and ICE, Bovino appeared with a group of men. His dress was in sharp contrast to the others, who were sporting bomber jackets or tactical vests, covering their faces with balaclavas or neck gaiters. From their civilian appearance, some of them could have been plainclothes enforcement officers, right-wing anti-immigration supporters, or bystanders. Among them, Bovino’s clothing stood out.</p><p>His greatcoat was described in a New York Times report as “the long, double-breasted army-green coat with wide lapels, big metallic buttons, epaulettes and insignia on the arms”. Bovino accessorised it with black leather shoes and gold-trimmed patches, in what an expert described as “a look intended to intimidate and provoke”. It was eye-catching and caused a social media maelstrom when videos and images of Bovino from the scene were shared online.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-greg-bovino-trump-s-controversial-immigration-officer-at-centre-of-chaos-after-alex-pretti-shooting-1769490753187/1769490753189">Who is Greg Bovino? Trump's controversial border patrol officer at centre of Alex Pretti shooting row — Has be been fired?</a></p><h2>ICE uniforms are already being compared to Nazis</h2><p>For context, the SS, or Schutzstaffel, was the elite ideological, paramilitary and security organisation of Nazi Germany, while the Gestapo was the plainclothes secret police force designed to hunt down Hitler’s opponents.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/far-right-activists-ousted-by-anti-ice-demonstrators-in-minneapolis-1768728054133/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/far-right-activists-ousted-by-anti-ice-demonstrators-in-minneapolis-1768728054133/embed</a></p><p>In the past few years, ICE officers’ clothing became a contentious symbol of enforcement, including the fact that many agents covered their identities with facemasks or scarves.</p><p>Bovino's' greatcoat in Minneapolis was not the first time he wore it. In 2025, as Bovino led ICE operations in Los Angeles and Chicago, the Department of Homeland Security posted a video of him in action with the caption, “We Will Not Be Stopped”, set against the Coldplay song "Viva la Vida". The video also featured several photos of Bovino wearing the greatcoat. That was when he was compared online to the Gestapo or the SS chiefs.</p><p>“If you think the calls of fascism and authoritarianism are hyperbole, pause and watch this video,” California’s Democratic governor Gavin Newsom posted on X while sharing the DHS video.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blinks-on-ice-crackdown-after-backlash-on-alex-pretti-killing-pulls-some-agents-from-minnesota-will-controversial-bovino-leave-1769471315493">Trump pulls some ICE agents from Minnesota after backlash on Alex Pretti killing — Will controversial Bovino leave?</a></p><h2>Bovino’s greatcoat: SS getup or standard uniform?</h2><p>As criticism mounted, the government stepped in to explain, with Tricia McLaughlin of the Homeland Security department saying Bovino’s coat was a “standard-issue Border Patrol winter dress uniform”. Bovino has worn it since 1999, wrote the assistant secretary for public affairs.<br>“Manufacturing fake outrage and likening law enforcement to the Nazis or Gestapo is incredibly dangerous,” she added.</p><p>McLaughlin's claim may not be accurate. The New York Times report noted that a document detailing the Border Patrol’s Uniform and Grooming Standards in 2025 did not include a greatcoat as part of the official uniform.</p><p>Bovino’s hairstyle did not help either. While it is technically a version of the standard crew cut, his tightly cropped hair and dark clothing “give the unmistakable whiff of dictators and of the 1930s,” said Harold James, a professor of history at Princeton University, as quoted in the NYT report.</p><h2>Why the Department of Homeland Security attracts Nazi Germany comparisons</h2><p>Curbing and “cleansing” immigrants was one of the main tasks of Hitler’s Nazi apparatus. Besides millions of Jews, the Gestapo and the German military rounded up thousands of migrants and sent them to concentration camps, many of whom were later executed. Such historical memories have led to comparisons between the US Department of Homeland Security and Nazi Germany.</p>

US Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino sparked off debate after appearing in Minnesota wearing a greatcoat likened to Nazi Germany attire. This came amid violent ICE protests and debate over his role. He is getting out of Minnesota now

As Minnesota’s anti-immigration drive and the resultant protests reached a violent crescendo earlier this month, US Border Patrols commander-at-large Gregory Bovino made an appearance wearing a long coat. The army-green greatcoat was eerily similar to the costumes of Hitler’s Nazi officers, particularly the leaders of the SS and the Gestapo, and a ubiquitous part of Nazi Germany iconography and historical imagery. Whether deliberate or unfortunately coincidental, his alleged ‘Nazi cosplay’ became a symbol of the conflict between Minnesotans and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents that Bovino led. Now, Bovino has been given the marching orders by US President Donald Trump to get out of Minnesota and is replacing him with his border czar Tom Homan. There are unconfirmed reports that he might also lose his ‘commander-at-large’ designation as he returns to his home base of California. Here is the story of how Bovino’s coat became part of the controversy: Symbolism is everything, sometimes: How Gregory Bovino’s sartorial choices became a hot topic Between two fatal shootings — of Renee Good and Alex Pretti — and amid the street fights between locals and ICE, Bovino appeared with a group of men. His dress was in sharp contrast to the others, who were sporting bomber jackets or tactical vests, covering their faces with balaclavas or neck gaiters. From their civilian appearance, some of them could have been plainclothes enforcement officers, right-wing anti-immigration supporters, or bystanders. Among them, Bovino’s clothing stood out. His greatcoat was described in a New York Times report as “the long, double-breasted army-green coat with wide lapels, big metallic buttons, epaulettes and insignia on the arms”. Bovino accessorised it with black leather shoes and gold-trimmed patches, in what an expert described as “a look intended to intimidate and provoke”. It was eye-catching and caused a social media maelstrom when videos and images of Bovino from the scene were shared online. Also read: Who is Greg Bovino? Trump's controversial border patrol officer at centre of Alex Pretti shooting row — Has be been fired? ICE uniforms are already being compared to Nazis For context, the SS, or Schutzstaffel, was the elite ideological, paramilitary and security organisation of Nazi Germany, while the Gestapo was the plainclothes secret police force designed to hunt down Hitler’s opponents. https://www.wionews.com/videos/far-right-activists-ousted-by-anti-ice-demonstrators-in-minneapolis-1768728054133/embed In the past few years, ICE officers’ clothing became a contentious symbol of enforcement, including the fact that many agents covered their identities with facemasks or scarves. Bovino's' greatcoat in Minneapolis was not the first time he wore it. In 2025, as Bovino led ICE operations in Los Angeles and Chicago, the Department of Homeland Security posted a video of him in action with the caption, “We Will Not Be Stopped”, set against the Coldplay song "Viva la Vida". The video also featured several photos of Bovino wearing the greatcoat. That was when he was compared online to the Gestapo or the SS chiefs. “If you think the calls of fascism and authoritarianism are hyperbole, pause and watch this video,” California’s Democratic governor Gavin Newsom posted on X while sharing the DHS video. Also read: Trump pulls some ICE agents from Minnesota after backlash on Alex Pretti killing — Will controversial Bovino leave? Bovino’s greatcoat: SS getup or standard uniform? As criticism mounted, the government stepped in to explain, with Tricia McLaughlin of the Homeland Security department saying Bovino’s coat was a “standard-issue Border Patrol winter dress uniform”. Bovino has worn it since 1999, wrote the assistant secretary for public affairs. “Manufacturing fake outrage and likening law enforcement to the Nazis or Gestapo is incredibly dangerous,” she added. McLaughlin's claim may not be accurate. The New York Times report noted that a document detailing the Border Patrol’s Uniform and Grooming Standards in 2025 did not include a greatcoat as part of the official uniform. Bovino’s hairstyle did not help either. While it is technically a version of the standard crew cut, his tightly cropped hair and dark clothing “give the unmistakable whiff of dictators and of the 1930s,” said Harold James, a professor of history at Princeton University, as quoted in the NYT report. Why the Department of Homeland Security attracts Nazi Germany comparisons Curbing and “cleansing” immigrants was one of the main tasks of Hitler’s Nazi apparatus. Besides millions of Jews, the Gestapo and the German military rounded up thousands of migrants and sent them to concentration camps, many of whom were later executed. Such historical memories have led to comparisons between the US Department of Homeland Security and Nazi Germany.

<p>US Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino sparked off debate after appearing in Minnesota wearing a greatcoat likened to Nazi Germany attire. This came amid violent anti-ICE protests and debate over his role. He is getting out of Minnesota now</p>

Gregory Bovino, the ‘Nazi’: Did ‘SS greatcoat’ cost border patrol top dog his Minnesota job?

<p>Unconfirmed and often speculative reports are claiming that a son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has “taken charge” as the Iranian Supreme Leader is being protected by the Islamic Republic amid threats of possible US military action against the regime. Some reports say it's Mojtaba Khamenei, while others say it's Masoud Khamenei. The claims originate largely from opposition-aligned and predominantly online media outlets, and there is no official confirmation at the time of writing. Attention has nevertheless shifted sharply to who could fill the power vacuum in the possible absence of Khamenei, who is aged 90. His sons Mojtaba and Masoud are considered the most prominent among his children. Here is what is known about them. Khamenei has four sons and two daughters.</p><h2>Who is Masoud Khamenei, who has reportedly taken charge in Iran?</h2><p>While much remains unclear, there have been reports of US Navy deployments, particularly the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, alongside speculation about possible Israeli–US actions targeting Iran, with the aim of a possible regime change. There were also reports, rejected by the Iranian regime, that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has relocated to a fortified underground bunker in Tehran for security reasons.&nbsp;</p><p>That's when the names of Masoud and Mojtaba started floating in media reports.&nbsp;</p><p>Seyyed Masoud Hosseini Khamenei is the third son of Iran’s Supreme Leader and his wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh. Opposition-affiliated outlets such as Iran International, amplified by US and Western media, have claimed that amid heightened fears of US military strikes, Masoud has assumed an expanded role.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/khamenei-not-hiding-in-bunker-india-stands-with-iran-at-un-despite-regime-s-brutal-crackdown-what-s-latest-in-iran-protest-1769302598607">India stands with Iran at UN despite regime's brutal crackdown, diplomat says 'Khamenei not hiding in bunker': What's latest from Iran protest</a></p><p><br>According to the reports, Masoud has assumed temporary day-to-day management of the Supreme Leader’s office, acting as the primary liaison between the leader who is allegedly operating from the bunker, and regime authorities, executive structures, the military-security machinery and key institutions. The stated aim is to ensure continuity of command and operations.</p><p>Some reports went further, claiming that Masoud is “taking over leadership of the country” temporarily or “acting as the Supreme Leader”. This is most likely meant in a managerial or proxy sense during a crisis period, rather than indicating any formal transfer of power.</p><p>It is highly unlikely that this represents a constitutional succession or formal handover either. Rather, it appears to be a precautionary and interim arrangement linked to immediate security threats, not a permanent shift.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-tensions-iran-judicial-chief-says-protests-instigators-to-face-harsh-punishment-1769406658657/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-tensions-iran-judicial-chief-says-protests-instigators-to-face-harsh-punishment-1769406658657/embed</a></p><p>Masoud has long been part of the Supreme Leader’s inner circle, although little is publicly known about him due to his low profile. He &nbsp;remained largely obscure outside elite regime circles, as well as opposition networks and international observers focused on the Khamenei family. The 53-year-old Shia cleric makes very few official appearances or public statements.</p><p>He has largely been involved in managing aspects of his father’s communications operations and is often described as a key figure behind Khamenei’s official website khamenei.ir, which disseminates the Supreme Leader’s messages, speeches and propaganda.</p><p>Reports suggest Masoud handles communications, media and administrative roles within the Supreme Leader’s office, known as Beit-e Rahbari. He reportedly acts as a behind-the-scenes coordinator rather than a frontline political or security operator, unlike his brother Mojtaba.</p><h2>The prominent son: Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei</h2><p>The second son of Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei, is more prominent within family and regime dynamics. The mid-ranking Shia cleric is often titled Hojjatoleslam, although some reports refer to him as an ‘ayatollah.’</p><p>Mojtaba studied theology under his father and other prominent clerics at the Qom seminary, where he later taught. He served during the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s with the Basij, the paramilitary force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He reportedly has deep ties to the IRGC, Basij paramilitary units and Iran’s intelligence structures, developed over several decades.</p><p>Married to Zahra Haddad-Adel, the daughter of a former parliamentary speaker, Mojtaba has three children. He also maintains a very low public profile and rarely appears in public or speaks openly.</p><p>Various reports have described him as “shadowy”, “enigmatic”, or a “backroom figure” who acts as a gatekeeper to his father.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/can-iran-attack-us-mainland-if-trump-strikes-tehran-first-1769376292186">Can Iran attack US mainland if Trump strikes Tehran first?</a></p><p><br>Mojtaba is accused of playing a key role in the 2009 post-election crackdown and the suppression of the Green Movement. According to Western media narratives, he allegedly helped manipulate election results in favour of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad by directing Basij forces. He has also been linked to security and intelligence operations suppressing protests at various times, including during the 2022–2023 unrest. The US Treasury has sanctioned Mojtaba for alleged human rights abuses and repression.</p><p>He has further been linked, in unconfirmed reports, to regime efforts to move funds out of Iran via cryptocurrency amid protests and external threats.</p><h2>Who will succeed Khamenei?</h2><p>The selection of Iran’s Supreme Leader does not follow a hereditary line but is constitutionally decided by the Assembly of Experts. The Supreme Leader must possess high clerical credentials, management experience and broad public recognition.</p><p>Mojtaba is generally considered to fall short in clerical rank and formal governance experience compared with senior ayatollahs already within the system, although reports over the years have suggested he was being groomed for a higher role. Ali Khamenei himself has publicly opposed dynastic succession. Reports in 2025 indicated that he had identified three other senior clerics as contingency options amid Israel–US tensions, notably excluding Mojtaba.</p><p>However, if Khamenei were to be removed through a US military operation or intense American pressure, an orderly succession might not occur. Regime instability and political chaos could follow, rather than a smooth transition. If Mojtaba were to become Supreme Leader, it would widely be viewed as establishing dynastic rule, contradicting the Islamic Republic’s founding anti-monarchical principles that emerged from the 1979 revolution and the overthrow of the Shah’s dynasty.</p>

Reports are claiming that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei may be operating under heightened security. Are his sons Masoud or Mojtaba managing affairs? Is it going to be family rule in Iran? Let's sift reality from claims and propaganda

Unconfirmed and often speculative reports are claiming that a son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has “taken charge” as the Iranian Supreme Leader is being protected by the Islamic Republic amid threats of possible US military action against the regime. Some reports say it's Mojtaba Khamenei, while others say it's Masoud Khamenei. The claims originate largely from opposition-aligned and predominantly online media outlets, and there is no official confirmation at the time of writing. Attention has nevertheless shifted sharply to who could fill the power vacuum in the possible absence of Khamenei, who is aged 90. His sons Mojtaba and Masoud are considered the most prominent among his children. Here is what is known about them. Khamenei has four sons and two daughters. Who is Masoud Khamenei, who has reportedly taken charge in Iran? While much remains unclear, there have been reports of US Navy deployments, particularly the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, alongside speculation about possible Israeli–US actions targeting Iran, with the aim of a possible regime change. There were also reports, rejected by the Iranian regime, that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has relocated to a fortified underground bunker in Tehran for security reasons. That's when the names of Masoud and Mojtaba started floating in media reports. Seyyed Masoud Hosseini Khamenei is the third son of Iran’s Supreme Leader and his wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh. Opposition-affiliated outlets such as Iran International, amplified by US and Western media, have claimed that amid heightened fears of US military strikes, Masoud has assumed an expanded role. Also read: India stands with Iran at UN despite regime's brutal crackdown, diplomat says 'Khamenei not hiding in bunker': What's latest from Iran protest According to the reports, Masoud has assumed temporary day-to-day management of the Supreme Leader’s office, acting as the primary liaison between the leader who is allegedly operating from the bunker, and regime authorities, executive structures, the military-security machinery and key institutions. The stated aim is to ensure continuity of command and operations. Some reports went further, claiming that Masoud is “taking over leadership of the country” temporarily or “acting as the Supreme Leader”. This is most likely meant in a managerial or proxy sense during a crisis period, rather than indicating any formal transfer of power. It is highly unlikely that this represents a constitutional succession or formal handover either. Rather, it appears to be a precautionary and interim arrangement linked to immediate security threats, not a permanent shift. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-tensions-iran-judicial-chief-says-protests-instigators-to-face-harsh-punishment-1769406658657/embed Masoud has long been part of the Supreme Leader’s inner circle, although little is publicly known about him due to his low profile. He remained largely obscure outside elite regime circles, as well as opposition networks and international observers focused on the Khamenei family. The 53-year-old Shia cleric makes very few official appearances or public statements. He has largely been involved in managing aspects of his father’s communications operations and is often described as a key figure behind Khamenei’s official website khamenei.ir, which disseminates the Supreme Leader’s messages, speeches and propaganda. Reports suggest Masoud handles communications, media and administrative roles within the Supreme Leader’s office, known as Beit-e Rahbari. He reportedly acts as a behind-the-scenes coordinator rather than a frontline political or security operator, unlike his brother Mojtaba. The prominent son: Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei The second son of Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei, is more prominent within family and regime dynamics. The mid-ranking Shia cleric is often titled Hojjatoleslam, although some reports refer to him as an ‘ayatollah.’ Mojtaba studied theology under his father and other prominent clerics at the Qom seminary, where he later taught. He served during the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s with the Basij, the paramilitary force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He reportedly has deep ties to the IRGC, Basij paramilitary units and Iran’s intelligence structures, developed over several decades. Married to Zahra Haddad-Adel, the daughter of a former parliamentary speaker, Mojtaba has three children. He also maintains a very low public profile and rarely appears in public or speaks openly. Various reports have described him as “shadowy”, “enigmatic”, or a “backroom figure” who acts as a gatekeeper to his father. Also read: Can Iran attack US mainland if Trump strikes Tehran first? Mojtaba is accused of playing a key role in the 2009 post-election crackdown and the suppression of the Green Movement. According to Western media narratives, he allegedly helped manipulate election results in favour of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad by directing Basij forces. He has also been linked to security and intelligence operations suppressing protests at various times, including during the 2022–2023 unrest. The US Treasury has sanctioned Mojtaba for alleged human rights abuses and repression. He has further been linked, in unconfirmed reports, to regime efforts to move funds out of Iran via cryptocurrency amid protests and external threats. Who will succeed Khamenei? The selection of Iran’s Supreme Leader does not follow a hereditary line but is constitutionally decided by the Assembly of Experts. The Supreme Leader must possess high clerical credentials, management experience and broad public recognition. Mojtaba is generally considered to fall short in clerical rank and formal governance experience compared with senior ayatollahs already within the system, although reports over the years have suggested he was being groomed for a higher role. Ali Khamenei himself has publicly opposed dynastic succession. Reports in 2025 indicated that he had identified three other senior clerics as contingency options amid Israel–US tensions, notably excluding Mojtaba. However, if Khamenei were to be removed through a US military operation or intense American pressure, an orderly succession might not occur. Regime instability and political chaos could follow, rather than a smooth transition. If Mojtaba were to become Supreme Leader, it would widely be viewed as establishing dynastic rule, contradicting the Islamic Republic’s founding anti-monarchical principles that emerged from the 1979 revolution and the overthrow of the Shah’s dynasty.

<p>Reports are claiming that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei may be operating under heightened security. Are his sons Masoud or Mojtaba managing affairs? Is it going to be family rule in Iran? Let's sift reality from claims and propaganda</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Will Khamenei’s sons take charge if Iran’s Supreme Leader is forced to exit? Who are they and what do reports say?

<p>Gold prices hit $5,000 per ounce for the first time ever in history, even as silver prices breached another all-time record. For two assets long known fore for their store of value than real-world usage, gold and silver’s unprecedented rally is raising questions as to whether this is irrational exuberance. Geopolitical uncertainties, central bank purchases, and the use of silver in emerging technologies like electric vehicles may be some reasons. But how far can this rally be sustained? Here are the factors to consider.</p><h2>Gold and silver: How have prices risen in past year?</h2><p>Gold spot prices breached the $5,000 mark for the first time ever, trading in spot markets at around $5,074.48 per ounce on Monday (Jan 26) after hitting an all-time high of $5,091.14. The bull run is because gold is enjoying strong momentum, up roughly 85 per cent year-on-year, having risen 17 per cent in the past month alone.&nbsp;</p><p>Silver, meanwhile, is growing more explosively, having hit $108.17 per ounce on Monday after an all-time high of over $100 for the first time on January 23. In percentage terms, this represents higher growth than gold, a surge of over 258 per cent on the year and a rise of 50 per cent in the past month alone.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gold-hits-5-000-an-ounce-for-the-first-time-world-business-watch-1769403964264/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/gold-hits-5-000-an-ounce-for-the-first-time-world-business-watch-1769403964264/embed</a></p><h2>What is driving the precious metals rally?</h2><p>The growth is mainly because of risk aversion in the market, causing safe-haven flows to the metals. In a world where news flow is virtually led by Donald Trump, heightened geopolitical and policy uncertainties are making investors opt for safer bets. It started with various tariff threats by the Trump administration amid the Ukraine–Russia war. Trade frictions pitting the US on one side and virtually all friends and foes on the other — including China, India and the European Union — continued over the past year. Conflicts and regime-change risks involving nations particularly active in oil trade — Venezuela, Russia and Iran — have indicated broader instability.</p><p>At the domestic level in the US, expectations of accommodative Federal Reserve monetary policy amid potential rate cuts were another reason, as the dollar became less attractive as an asset. Central banks across the world are now accumulating more gold too.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pot-of-gold-buried-900-years-ago-unearthed-in-a-karnataka-village-now-there-is-a-fuss-over-who-owns-it-1768376950848">Pot of gold buried 900 years ago unearthed in a Karnataka village. Now there is a fuss over who owns it</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>There is strong demand for gold in Asia, particularly in nations like India, with higher inflows into exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and investments by both retail and institutional investors.</p><p>There are also supply-side issues, contributed to by geopolitical tensions. There is an acute shortage of silver due to mining deficits. Silver now has a newfound utility in sunrise industries like solar energy, electric vehicles, electronics, and artificial intelligence.</p><h2>But is it irrational exuberance?</h2><p>Investors are hedging against fiscal risks by increasing their gold and silver holdings. Concerns over rising inflation and a lack of confidence in traditional fiat systems like the dollar are contributing to this bull run. There are higher forecasts for gold by Goldman Sachs, which pegged it to hit $5,400 per ounce in 2026, citing sustained demand from investors and central banks.</p><p>It is not clear if this is a case of irrational exuberance, particularly for gold. Gold derives most of its value as a non-yielding store of value and hedge. It has limited practical utility beyond jewellery, investment, and minor applications in electronics and dentistry.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/can-silver-outperform-gold-in-future-due-to-rise-in-demand-1766396593842">Can Silver outperform Gold in future due to rise in demand?</a></p><p>Silver, as mentioned earlier, is more useful in current industries.&nbsp;</p><p>There are reasons to believe that current price trends match those of bubble-like characteristics seen in the past. Most of the ETF premiums are driven by fear of missing out, meaning some investors are flocking to the asset because everyone else is. This amounts to what could be called ‘herd momentum’. It is similar to speculative pricing seen in the past.</p><p>There is a strong chance that price corrections could be very sharp whenever they occur.</p><p>If the risk of global wars and conflicts ease suddenly, the fall in prices could happen even before 2026 closes.</p><p>But some analysts, such as those at JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs, argue that the fundamentals are strong for the metals, particularly given asset diversification by central banks and dwindling supply, especially for silver.</p>

Are we seeing a bubble in gold and silver prices that would inevitably burst? Gold crossed $5,000 per ounce for the first time ever, while silver hit new highs above $100. What are the factors driving this, and are we in ‘irrational exuberance’ territory?



Gold prices hit $5,000 per ounce for the first time ever in history, even as silver prices breached another all-time record. For two assets long known fore for their store of value than real-world usage, gold and silver’s unprecedented rally is raising questions as to whether this is irrational exuberance. Geopolitical uncertainties, central bank purchases, and the use of silver in emerging technologies like electric vehicles may be some reasons. But how far can this rally be sustained? Here are the factors to consider. Gold and silver: How have prices risen in past year? Gold spot prices breached the $5,000 mark for the first time ever, trading in spot markets at around $5,074.48 per ounce on Monday (Jan 26) after hitting an all-time high of $5,091.14. The bull run is because gold is enjoying strong momentum, up roughly 85 per cent year-on-year, having risen 17 per cent in the past month alone. Silver, meanwhile, is growing more explosively, having hit $108.17 per ounce on Monday after an all-time high of over $100 for the first time on January 23. In percentage terms, this represents higher growth than gold, a surge of over 258 per cent on the year and a rise of 50 per cent in the past month alone. https://www.wionews.com/videos/gold-hits-5-000-an-ounce-for-the-first-time-world-business-watch-1769403964264/embed What is driving the precious metals rally? The growth is mainly because of risk aversion in the market, causing safe-haven flows to the metals. In a world where news flow is virtually led by Donald Trump, heightened geopolitical and policy uncertainties are making investors opt for safer bets. It started with various tariff threats by the Trump administration amid the Ukraine–Russia war. Trade frictions pitting the US on one side and virtually all friends and foes on the other — including China, India and the European Union — continued over the past year. Conflicts and regime-change risks involving nations particularly active in oil trade — Venezuela, Russia and Iran — have indicated broader instability. At the domestic level in the US, expectations of accommodative Federal Reserve monetary policy amid potential rate cuts were another reason, as the dollar became less attractive as an asset. Central banks across the world are now accumulating more gold too. Also read: Pot of gold buried 900 years ago unearthed in a Karnataka village. Now there is a fuss over who owns it There is strong demand for gold in Asia, particularly in nations like India, with higher inflows into exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and investments by both retail and institutional investors. There are also supply-side issues, contributed to by geopolitical tensions. There is an acute shortage of silver due to mining deficits. Silver now has a newfound utility in sunrise industries like solar energy, electric vehicles, electronics, and artificial intelligence. But is it irrational exuberance? Investors are hedging against fiscal risks by increasing their gold and silver holdings. Concerns over rising inflation and a lack of confidence in traditional fiat systems like the dollar are contributing to this bull run. There are higher forecasts for gold by Goldman Sachs, which pegged it to hit $5,400 per ounce in 2026, citing sustained demand from investors and central banks. It is not clear if this is a case of irrational exuberance, particularly for gold. Gold derives most of its value as a non-yielding store of value and hedge. It has limited practical utility beyond jewellery, investment, and minor applications in electronics and dentistry. Also read: Can Silver outperform Gold in future due to rise in demand? Silver, as mentioned earlier, is more useful in current industries. There are reasons to believe that current price trends match those of bubble-like characteristics seen in the past. Most of the ETF premiums are driven by fear of missing out, meaning some investors are flocking to the asset because everyone else is. This amounts to what could be called ‘herd momentum’. It is similar to speculative pricing seen in the past. There is a strong chance that price corrections could be very sharp whenever they occur. If the risk of global wars and conflicts ease suddenly, the fall in prices could happen even before 2026 closes. But some analysts, such as those at JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs, argue that the fundamentals are strong for the metals, particularly given asset diversification by central banks and dwindling supply, especially for silver.

<p>Are we seeing a bubble in gold and silver prices that would inevitably burst? Gold crossed $5,000 per ounce for the first time ever, while silver hit new highs above $100. What are the factors driving this, and are we in ‘irrational exuberance’ territory?</p>

Gold breaches $5,000 per ounce for first time in history, silver at new high. Are we in ‘irrational exuberance’ territory?

<p>The United States is formally out of the World Health Organization, with the end of the one-year notice period initiated by President Donald Trump’s executive order on January 20, 2025 coming into effect. The WHO’s governing bodies will consider the US withdrawal and look into its outstanding membership dues for 2024–2025, reportedly estimated between $260 million and $278 mn. Failure to pay the dues would be a violation of the 1948 US joint resolution authorising its membership of the UN health body. The Trump administration has said it has no intention of paying the dues. WHO member states are scheduled to discuss the matter at an executive board meeting in February. The funding of WHO – traditionally dominated by the US – is an aspect in the tussles between Trump and the UN health body. Here is a look at what led Trump to exit, how the WHO meets its budget requirements, and why exit of the US could only bolster the influence of China in the body, even when China was a key factor in Trump’s decision.</p><h2>Why did Trump pull the US out of WHO?</h2><p>The main trigger was Trump’s complaints about WHO’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic – from response to perceived favouritism towards China. When the pandemic hit in late 2020, there were doubts that the Coronavirus escaped from a lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan. The US also accused WHO of failure to implement reforms for accountability and transparency, lack of independence, and the disproportionate financial burden on the US. The US had provided between 15 to 20 per cent of the WHO’s budget through assessed and voluntary contributions. This had made the US one of the top funders of the world body. That could change now.</p><h2>What happened to the first withdrawal of Trump from WHO?</h2><p>In the first Trump administration, Trump withdrew from the WHO at the fag end of his first term, on 6 July 2020, which was set to take effect on July 6, 2021. But by then, he was out of power, having lost the re-election bid to Democrat Joe Biden. On January 20, 2021, his first day in office, President Biden reversed Trump's decision by rescinding the withdrawal notice. The US funding was restored, with the nation re-engaging in WHO activities with American leadership back in global health and pandemic preparedness.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-nation-become-the-1st-to-eliminate-mother-to-child-transmission-of-hiv-hepatitis-b-and-syphilis-who-1760419571926">THIS nation become the 1st to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B, and&nbsp;Syphilis</a></p><h2>Vaccine naysayers are key to why Trump withdrew from WHO. Vaccine advocates are among its top funders</h2><p>A reason why Trump withdrew from the WHO might lie in how many vaccine advocates are funding the UN health body, as opposed to the vaccine deniers in his administration, including US health secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. Out of WHO’s 2024–2025 biennium budget of around $7 billion, some of the biggest chunks come from advocates of vaccination for various diseases. Let us break it down (Note that most of these figures - taken mainly from the WHO website- are estimates and/or in a range, as funding varies due to different factors).</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/davos-2026-how-kerala-is-building-the-future-of-healthcare-wion-at-davos-1768629985560/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/davos-2026-how-kerala-is-building-the-future-of-healthcare-wion-at-davos-1768629985560/embed</a></p><p>The budget includes ‘assessed contributions’ of around $880–900 million, accounting for roughly 18–19 per cent of the total. These are mandatory dues from 196 member states, assessed based on their GDP and other factors. The larger portion, up to around $6.044 bn or 84 per cent of the budget, comes from voluntary contributions from governments, foundations, organisations, and donors.</p><p>In the period mentioned above, the US contribution is estimated to be around $486.7 million, all from voluntary contributions, which is roughly around 6.8 per cent of the overall budget. Note that the US did not pay its assessed contributions of nearly $264 mn for this period, as part of the withdrawal process ordered by Trump.</p><h2>Who are the top voluntary contributors of the WHO budget?&nbsp;</h2><p>When one looks at total contribution amounts, including countries and non-state donors, it is the voluntary contributions that dominate the WHO budget. Gates Foundation (formerly Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation), &nbsp;a key advocate of vaccinations, tops the overall list, giving $739.8 million in voluntary contributions. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, gives $640.4 mn.<br>The European Commission gives $459.8 million, while the World Bank gives $240.1 mn (all voluntary).&nbsp;</p><p>When one combines the assessed and voluntary contributions, the US has traditionally topped the list before Trump’s withdrawal from WHO. For 2024–2025, the amount is $650–700 million.&nbsp;</p><p>When one looks at governments only, the US had topped assessed contributions in the past, followed by China, Japan, Germany, France and the UK.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/argentina-follows-donald-trumps-lead-withdraws-from-world-health-organization-covid-19-covid-pandemic-us-covid-pandemic-handling-covid-lockdowns-8694529">Argentina follows Trump's lead, withdraws from World Health Organization</a></p><h2>Could US withdrawal from WHO be an advantage for China?</h2><p>China has been rising as a key contributor to WHO over the years. Its assessed contributions were around $87–88 million for the 2024–2025 biennium. This makes China the second-largest assessed contributor to WHO after the US.</p><p>China’s voluntary contribution to WHO has been growing too, though the overall amount is still low, at around $14 million. Assessed contributions are made on the basis of GDP, so they will grow for China, even as it has been increasing voluntary contributions and emerging as a key player in the decision-making of WHO.</p>

The US has formally exited the World Health Organization under Trump, leaving unpaid dues and a funding gap. The exit has much to do with China, but as the top government contributor after the US, Beijing could have greater influence on WHO 

The United States is formally out of the World Health Organization, with the end of the one-year notice period initiated by President Donald Trump’s executive order on January 20, 2025 coming into effect. The WHO’s governing bodies will consider the US withdrawal and look into its outstanding membership dues for 2024–2025, reportedly estimated between $260 million and $278 mn. Failure to pay the dues would be a violation of the 1948 US joint resolution authorising its membership of the UN health body. The Trump administration has said it has no intention of paying the dues. WHO member states are scheduled to discuss the matter at an executive board meeting in February. The funding of WHO – traditionally dominated by the US – is an aspect in the tussles between Trump and the UN health body. Here is a look at what led Trump to exit, how the WHO meets its budget requirements, and why exit of the US could only bolster the influence of China in the body, even when China was a key factor in Trump’s decision. Why did Trump pull the US out of WHO? The main trigger was Trump’s complaints about WHO’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic – from response to perceived favouritism towards China. When the pandemic hit in late 2020, there were doubts that the Coronavirus escaped from a lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan. The US also accused WHO of failure to implement reforms for accountability and transparency, lack of independence, and the disproportionate financial burden on the US. The US had provided between 15 to 20 per cent of the WHO’s budget through assessed and voluntary contributions. This had made the US one of the top funders of the world body. That could change now. What happened to the first withdrawal of Trump from WHO? In the first Trump administration, Trump withdrew from the WHO at the fag end of his first term, on 6 July 2020, which was set to take effect on July 6, 2021. But by then, he was out of power, having lost the re-election bid to Democrat Joe Biden. On January 20, 2021, his first day in office, President Biden reversed Trump's decision by rescinding the withdrawal notice. The US funding was restored, with the nation re-engaging in WHO activities with American leadership back in global health and pandemic preparedness. Also read: THIS nation become the 1st to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis Vaccine naysayers are key to why Trump withdrew from WHO. Vaccine advocates are among its top funders A reason why Trump withdrew from the WHO might lie in how many vaccine advocates are funding the UN health body, as opposed to the vaccine deniers in his administration, including US health secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. Out of WHO’s 2024–2025 biennium budget of around $7 billion, some of the biggest chunks come from advocates of vaccination for various diseases. Let us break it down (Note that most of these figures - taken mainly from the WHO website- are estimates and/or in a range, as funding varies due to different factors). https://www.wionews.com/videos/davos-2026-how-kerala-is-building-the-future-of-healthcare-wion-at-davos-1768629985560/embed The budget includes ‘assessed contributions’ of around $880–900 million, accounting for roughly 18–19 per cent of the total. These are mandatory dues from 196 member states, assessed based on their GDP and other factors. The larger portion, up to around $6.044 bn or 84 per cent of the budget, comes from voluntary contributions from governments, foundations, organisations, and donors. In the period mentioned above, the US contribution is estimated to be around $486.7 million, all from voluntary contributions, which is roughly around 6.8 per cent of the overall budget. Note that the US did not pay its assessed contributions of nearly $264 mn for this period, as part of the withdrawal process ordered by Trump. Who are the top voluntary contributors of the WHO budget? When one looks at total contribution amounts, including countries and non-state donors, it is the voluntary contributions that dominate the WHO budget. Gates Foundation (formerly Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), a key advocate of vaccinations, tops the overall list, giving $739.8 million in voluntary contributions. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, gives $640.4 mn. The European Commission gives $459.8 million, while the World Bank gives $240.1 mn (all voluntary). When one combines the assessed and voluntary contributions, the US has traditionally topped the list before Trump’s withdrawal from WHO. For 2024–2025, the amount is $650–700 million. When one looks at governments only, the US had topped assessed contributions in the past, followed by China, Japan, Germany, France and the UK. Also read: Argentina follows Trump's lead, withdraws from World Health Organization Could US withdrawal from WHO be an advantage for China? China has been rising as a key contributor to WHO over the years. Its assessed contributions were around $87–88 million for the 2024–2025 biennium. This makes China the second-largest assessed contributor to WHO after the US. China’s voluntary contribution to WHO has been growing too, though the overall amount is still low, at around $14 million. Assessed contributions are made on the basis of GDP, so they will grow for China, even as it has been increasing voluntary contributions and emerging as a key player in the decision-making of WHO.

<p>The US has formally exited the World Health Organization under Trump, leaving unpaid dues and a funding gap. The exit has much to do with China, but as the top government contributor after the US, Beijing could have greater influence on WHO. Here is what you should know&nbsp;</p>

US officially exits World Health Organization, for second time under Trump. Can China's influence on UN body grow? A look at budgets and funding

<p>At the start of the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, China warned the international community against return to the 'law of the jungle'. Donald Trump might want to make WEF all about himself and America, but the US president might take note of the quiet progress made by China in all areas of competition: trade, technology, warfare and climate. One recurring story in the current world order is the increasing territorial ambitions of both nations, one which assumes American supremacy and exceptionalism, and the other stressing a multipolar world. China’s slowly warming relations with European nations, Canada, India and the Arab world sharply contrast with the renewed conflict-mongering of Trump, from Greenland to Iran and further afield. Trump wants to thrust America into the centre of everything, be it the pursuit of peace in Gaza or the technology-trade rivalries involving semiconductors. But it appears China is smiling as Trump destroys alliances and friendships that took American leaders decades to build. Here is how the rivalry is shaping up.</p><h2>World Economic Forum: An annual 'do' turns into a crisis meeting</h2><p>Geopolitical tensions and trade and tariff wars form the backdrop for this year’s WEF, taking place on January 19–23, under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue" with the aim of fostering cooperation amid global fractures. &nbsp;The WEF’s Global Risks Report 2026 identified geoeconomic - not geopolitical- confrontation as the most significant short-term threat to global stability. This includes the use of sanctions, tariffs, export controls and trade restrictions as instruments of state power. Most of it actually applies to the Trump administration.<br>Cooperative mechanisms are crumbling, and multilateralism is in retreat. China–US rivalries are at the core of this global uncertainty.</p><p>The WEF's session names are also ominous. One is titled "Is the World at a Breaking Point?", an example of the forum's shift from optimism to panic-mode realism. That's because trade, technology and finance are increasingly being weaponised in a global order where economic tools are central to strategic influence.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/davos-2026-economic-development-trade-minister-of-maldives-mohamed-saeed-speaks-to-wion-1768971956455/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/davos-2026-economic-development-trade-minister-of-maldives-mohamed-saeed-speaks-to-wion-1768971956455/embed</a></p><h2>Trade, a new frontline pitting America against China</h2><p>China is working hard to appear as a stable and predictable trade partner, and has had a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025 as evidence. Vice-Premier He Lifeng highlighted China’s role in defending globalisation, touting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a tool for global stability and investment. Remember, only a few years ago, there was a lot of pessimism about BRI.<br>US actions, on the other hand, prioritised protectionism and unilateral action under Trump’s so-called "Donroe doctrine".</p><p>Tariffs, export controls on high-tech items like chips, and trade restrictions are framed as necessary to counter China’s industrial dominance. This approach risks the US being seen as a "bully".</p><p>Both US allies and emerging powers are now exploring independent or China-aligned strategies.<br>Global trade, which used to be largely immune to geopolitical tensions, is now fragmenting into geopolitical zones. This is leading several companies to adopt the "China +1" supply-chain strategy, hedging by diversifying production to India, South-East Asia, Mexico and Europe. India, Brazil and Gulf states are seeking more autonomy in global relations, but still face pressure from the US in the form of tariffs, sanctions or disincentives, making some of them tilt more towards China.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wef-davos-2026-opens-without-founder-after-whistleblower-flags-financial-and-ethical-misconduct-1768897765147">WEF Davos 2026 opens without founder after whistleblower flags 'financial and ethical misconduct'</a></p><h2>Technology rivalry to the forefront: AI race, semiconductors</h2><p>Perhaps the fiercest arena of US–China competition is technology. AI acceleration and industrial innovation are dominating the Davos discussions. While the US has leadership in frontier AI research, proprietary ecosystems and advanced semiconductors, it is also employing export controls on critical chips to stay at the top of the race. But China enjoys advantages in scaling, deployment and industrial ecosystems. It is already leading the world in electric vehicles, &nbsp;renewable energy, robotics, 5G infrastructure and batteries. China has perfected this through decades of state-backed strategic investment, process knowledge and ferocious market competition.</p><p>Low electricity costs in China, at $0.04–0.08/kWh, enable massive AI computing deployment compared to $0.15/kWh in the US. State-backed industrial policy and alternative chip quests position China to compete effectively despite US export restrictions.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/davos-2026-kerala-pavilion-inaugurated-at-wef-davos-as-global-investors-line-up-1768970543478">Davos 2026: Kerala Pavilion inaugurated at WEF Davos as global investors line up</a></p><h2>China vs US: A tussle between hegemony and multipolarity</h2><p>Davos 2026 reflects a broader power struggle over global governance, with China and the US at the two ends of the spectrum. China challenges US dominance in covert, overt or subtle manners, advocating a multipolar world through the Global Development Initiative and leadership in AI and clean energy standards. This is an approach that developing nations, particularly in regions like Africa, appear to embrace. China continues to be one of the key contributors to global GDP growth, more than 22 per cent of the total as per some estimates for 2026.</p><p>The US, on the other hand, appears to be operating in chaos, controlled or otherwise. Under Trump, it is showing inconsistent diplomacy, reliance on sanctions, and choreographed rhetoric regarding actual conflicts and wars.<br>Under such leadership, globalisation is fragmenting, and companies and nations are navigating these dual blocs or adopting hedging strategies.</p><p><i><strong>Disclaimer: The writer's views do not represent those of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.</strong></i><br>&nbsp;</p>

Davos 2026 is taking place amid intensifying US–China rivalry across geopolitics, trade and technology. China projects stability and multipolarity in spite of its domestic issues, while Trump’s America disrupts alliances and global cooperation.

At the start of the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, China warned the international community against return to the 'law of the jungle'. Donald Trump might want to make WEF all about himself and America, but the US president might take note of the quiet progress made by China in all areas of competition: trade, technology, warfare and climate. One recurring story in the current world order is the increasing territorial ambitions of both nations, one which assumes American supremacy and exceptionalism, and the other stressing a multipolar world. China’s slowly warming relations with European nations, Canada, India and the Arab world sharply contrast with the renewed conflict-mongering of Trump, from Greenland to Iran and further afield. Trump wants to thrust America into the centre of everything, be it the pursuit of peace in Gaza or the technology-trade rivalries involving semiconductors. But it appears China is smiling as Trump destroys alliances and friendships that took American leaders decades to build. Here is how the rivalry is shaping up. World Economic Forum: An annual 'do' turns into a crisis meeting Geopolitical tensions and trade and tariff wars form the backdrop for this year’s WEF, taking place on January 19–23, under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue" with the aim of fostering cooperation amid global fractures. The WEF’s Global Risks Report 2026 identified geoeconomic - not geopolitical- confrontation as the most significant short-term threat to global stability. This includes the use of sanctions, tariffs, export controls and trade restrictions as instruments of state power. Most of it actually applies to the Trump administration. Cooperative mechanisms are crumbling, and multilateralism is in retreat. China–US rivalries are at the core of this global uncertainty. The WEF's session names are also ominous. One is titled "Is the World at a Breaking Point?", an example of the forum's shift from optimism to panic-mode realism. That's because trade, technology and finance are increasingly being weaponised in a global order where economic tools are central to strategic influence. https://www.wionews.com/videos/davos-2026-economic-development-trade-minister-of-maldives-mohamed-saeed-speaks-to-wion-1768971956455/embed Trade, a new frontline pitting America against China China is working hard to appear as a stable and predictable trade partner, and has had a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025 as evidence. Vice-Premier He Lifeng highlighted China’s role in defending globalisation, touting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a tool for global stability and investment. Remember, only a few years ago, there was a lot of pessimism about BRI. US actions, on the other hand, prioritised protectionism and unilateral action under Trump’s so-called "Donroe doctrine". Tariffs, export controls on high-tech items like chips, and trade restrictions are framed as necessary to counter China’s industrial dominance. This approach risks the US being seen as a "bully". Both US allies and emerging powers are now exploring independent or China-aligned strategies. Global trade, which used to be largely immune to geopolitical tensions, is now fragmenting into geopolitical zones. This is leading several companies to adopt the "China +1" supply-chain strategy, hedging by diversifying production to India, South-East Asia, Mexico and Europe. India, Brazil and Gulf states are seeking more autonomy in global relations, but still face pressure from the US in the form of tariffs, sanctions or disincentives, making some of them tilt more towards China. Also read: WEF Davos 2026 opens without founder after whistleblower flags 'financial and ethical misconduct' Technology rivalry to the forefront: AI race, semiconductors Perhaps the fiercest arena of US–China competition is technology. AI acceleration and industrial innovation are dominating the Davos discussions. While the US has leadership in frontier AI research, proprietary ecosystems and advanced semiconductors, it is also employing export controls on critical chips to stay at the top of the race. But China enjoys advantages in scaling, deployment and industrial ecosystems. It is already leading the world in electric vehicles, renewable energy, robotics, 5G infrastructure and batteries. China has perfected this through decades of state-backed strategic investment, process knowledge and ferocious market competition. Low electricity costs in China, at $0.04–0.08/kWh, enable massive AI computing deployment compared to $0.15/kWh in the US. State-backed industrial policy and alternative chip quests position China to compete effectively despite US export restrictions. Also read: Davos 2026: Kerala Pavilion inaugurated at WEF Davos as global investors line up China vs US: A tussle between hegemony and multipolarity Davos 2026 reflects a broader power struggle over global governance, with China and the US at the two ends of the spectrum. China challenges US dominance in covert, overt or subtle manners, advocating a multipolar world through the Global Development Initiative and leadership in AI and clean energy standards. This is an approach that developing nations, particularly in regions like Africa, appear to embrace. China continues to be one of the key contributors to global GDP growth, more than 22 per cent of the total as per some estimates for 2026. The US, on the other hand, appears to be operating in chaos, controlled or otherwise. Under Trump, it is showing inconsistent diplomacy, reliance on sanctions, and choreographed rhetoric regarding actual conflicts and wars. Under such leadership, globalisation is fragmenting, and companies and nations are navigating these dual blocs or adopting hedging strategies. Disclaimer: The writer's views do not represent those of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

<p>Davos 2026 is taking place amid intensifying US–China rivalry across geopolitics, trade and technology. China projects stability and multipolarity in spite of its domestic issues, while Trump’s America disrupts alliances and global cooperation.</p>

Davos 2026 is also about US-China rivalry in geopolitics, trade and tech. And China is quietly winning

<p>If no deal is struck between US President Donald Trump and the governments of Denmark and its semi-autonomous region Greenland, a limited armed confrontation is likely to follow. Both sides have ramped up their troop deployment or readiness. For a peaceful region, the current levels of committed troops or planned deployments are unusual. NORAD is sending troops, Danish military has send reinformcements, and NATO is getting involved more. An all-out war is highly unlikely if a stopgap arrangement is reached at Davos or afterwards on Trump's desire to control Greenland. But at the time of writing, practically all sides appear to be preparing for war while denying that anything is out of the ordinary. Here is a roundup.</p><h2>For Minnesota or Arctic? Pentagon has placed 1,500 active-duty solders on standby</h2><p><br>The US defence department has given 'prepare-to-deploy' orders to 1,500 active-duty soldiers from two infantry battalions of the 11th Airborne Division. &nbsp;The Arctic-warfare trained soldiers are based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Fort Wainwright in Alaska. The 11th Airborne Division is the US Army’s primary Arctic and cold-weather formation. While the official version is for possible domestic deployment to Minnesota amid fighting between locals and immigration officials of ICE, there are doubts in defence news outlets that the standby could be for Greenland. The stated mission is to back federal authorities and protect federal facilities if unrest escalates in Minnesota, but note that such duties are usually handled by the National Guard.&nbsp;</p><p>The Insurrection Act of 1807 could be invoked if state authorities are deemed unable to restore order. Pentagon spokespeople insisted there is no connection between the standby order and any overseas military operation, but it could also be a pressure tactic by the US on Greenland.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-stop-using-so-called-threat-russia-china-lash-out-at-trump-over-greenland-text-to-norway-pm-1768883597880">'Stop using so-called threat...’: Russia, China lash out at Trump over 'Greenland' text to Norway PM</a></p><h2>Danish authorities increase military presence and readiness</h2><p>Denmark has dispatched more than 100 combat soldiers to Greenland, with the chief of the Royal Danish Army, Peter Boysen, leading a "substantial contribution" of troops landing in Kangerlussuaq. At least 58 Danish troops have joined about 60 others already there to participate in Operation Arctic Endurance exercise. This includes guarding critical infrastructure and providing assistance to local authorities.<br>The Danish military deployments include personnel, patrol assets, and airfield security elements. These so-called ‘defensive’ deployments are focused on sovereignty and surveillance. &nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-25th-amendment-be-used-against-trump-over-greenland-letter-to-norway-pm-here-s-what-we-know-1768886121162">Can 25th Amendment be used against Trump over Greenland letter to Norway PM? Here's what we know</a></p><h2>NORAD arrives amid NATO's increased involvement in Arctic defence</h2><p>NATO allies are conducting or have planned Arctic exercises involving cold-weather operations, air defence, and logistics. European NATO countries, such as Germany, Sweden, France, Norway, the Netherlands, Finland, and the UK, are deploying small numbers of military personnel to Greenland for joint exercises with Denmark. This is largely to show solidarity with Greenald, moslty described as reconnaissance and preparatory missions.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-greenland-takeover-trump-says-he-feels-no-obligation-to-pursue-peace-after-nobel-snub-1768884641639/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-greenland-takeover-trump-says-he-feels-no-obligation-to-pursue-peace-after-nobel-snub-1768884641639/embed</a></p><p>Meanwhile, NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, has continued its 'routine' operations in Greenland from Pituffik Space Base. These ops include air defence, missile warning, and surveillance missions. &nbsp;NORAD exercises are also being described as planned and recurring. NORAD Aircraft are arriving to support 'long-planned activities' coordinated with Denmark.</p><p>The US already maintains about 200 troops in Pituffik permanently. It also has a plan for airfield upgrades worth up to $25 million.</p><p>All this military buildup is unusual for a so-far peaceful region, while everyone is insisting that it is 'routine' or 'planned/scheduled'.</p>

US, Danish, NATO and NORAD forces are increasing readiness in Greenland amid rising tensions over Trump's ambitions to take over or control the semi-autonomous region of Denmark. Officials call the moves routine, but the unusual troop buildups raise fears of limited conflict if talks fail

If no deal is struck between US President Donald Trump and the governments of Denmark and its semi-autonomous region Greenland, a limited armed confrontation is likely to follow. Both sides have ramped up their troop deployment or readiness. For a peaceful region, the current levels of committed troops or planned deployments are unusual. NORAD is sending troops, Danish military has send reinformcements, and NATO is getting involved more. An all-out war is highly unlikely if a stopgap arrangement is reached at Davos or afterwards on Trump's desire to control Greenland. But at the time of writing, practically all sides appear to be preparing for war while denying that anything is out of the ordinary. Here is a roundup. For Minnesota or Arctic? Pentagon has placed 1,500 active-duty solders on standby The US defence department has given 'prepare-to-deploy' orders to 1,500 active-duty soldiers from two infantry battalions of the 11th Airborne Division. The Arctic-warfare trained soldiers are based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Fort Wainwright in Alaska. The 11th Airborne Division is the US Army’s primary Arctic and cold-weather formation. While the official version is for possible domestic deployment to Minnesota amid fighting between locals and immigration officials of ICE, there are doubts in defence news outlets that the standby could be for Greenland. The stated mission is to back federal authorities and protect federal facilities if unrest escalates in Minnesota, but note that such duties are usually handled by the National Guard. The Insurrection Act of 1807 could be invoked if state authorities are deemed unable to restore order. Pentagon spokespeople insisted there is no connection between the standby order and any overseas military operation, but it could also be a pressure tactic by the US on Greenland. Also read: 'Stop using so-called threat...’: Russia, China lash out at Trump over 'Greenland' text to Norway PM Danish authorities increase military presence and readiness Denmark has dispatched more than 100 combat soldiers to Greenland, with the chief of the Royal Danish Army, Peter Boysen, leading a "substantial contribution" of troops landing in Kangerlussuaq. At least 58 Danish troops have joined about 60 others already there to participate in Operation Arctic Endurance exercise. This includes guarding critical infrastructure and providing assistance to local authorities. The Danish military deployments include personnel, patrol assets, and airfield security elements. These so-called ‘defensive’ deployments are focused on sovereignty and surveillance. Also read: Can 25th Amendment be used against Trump over Greenland letter to Norway PM? Here's what we know NORAD arrives amid NATO's increased involvement in Arctic defence NATO allies are conducting or have planned Arctic exercises involving cold-weather operations, air defence, and logistics. European NATO countries, such as Germany, Sweden, France, Norway, the Netherlands, Finland, and the UK, are deploying small numbers of military personnel to Greenland for joint exercises with Denmark. This is largely to show solidarity with Greenald, moslty described as reconnaissance and preparatory missions. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-greenland-takeover-trump-says-he-feels-no-obligation-to-pursue-peace-after-nobel-snub-1768884641639/embed Meanwhile, NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, has continued its 'routine' operations in Greenland from Pituffik Space Base. These ops include air defence, missile warning, and surveillance missions. NORAD exercises are also being described as planned and recurring. NORAD Aircraft are arriving to support 'long-planned activities' coordinated with Denmark. The US already maintains about 200 troops in Pituffik permanently. It also has a plan for airfield upgrades worth up to $25 million. All this military buildup is unusual for a so-far peaceful region, while everyone is insisting that it is 'routine' or 'planned/scheduled'.

<p>US, Danish, NATO and NORAD forces are increasing readiness in Greenland amid rising tensions over Trump's ambitions to take over or control the semi-autonomous region of Denmark. Officials call the moves routine, but the unusual troop buildups raise fears of limited conflict if talks fail</p>

War over Greenland soon? America's Arctic-trained 11th airborne division on standby as more Danish troops arrive

<p>Despite the recent thaw in US-Canada ties since Mike Carney became Canadian prime minister after the disastrous show of Justin Trudeau, President Donald Trump has still not fully abandoned ambitions of making Canada the 51st state of the US, something he had threatened for months. If new reports are to be believed, there is still a 'secret plan' for a Canada land grab, with officials citing the same reasons attributed to Trump's moves for 'acquiring' Greenland: Arctic security, Russia and China. Citing officials, NBC News and other outlets reported that discussions on Canada gathered steam amid the recent visit of Carney to China. Will Trump act on his threat to take over its northern neighbour, or station US troops along its Arctic region?</p><h2>What US officials said about Canada and Arctic security</h2><p>Several unnamed current and former American officials told NBC News New York that Trump has privately ‘expressed concern’ to his aides about Canada’s ability to defend its northern border (in the Arctic region) against Russia and China. In the article titled <i>Trump's latest Western Hemisphere fixation: Canada</i>, NBC said Trump is "privately ramping up his focus on another target in the Western Hemisphere", Canada.</p><h2>Canada’s northern border, a key part of Trump’s vision of “solidifying” the Western Hemisphere</h2><p>Trump's push on Greenland has increased internal discussions about a broader 'Arctic strategy' that also includes Canada. The worry among American officials appears to be that, like Denmark—whose autonomous territory is Greenland—Canada would be unable to defend its borders against encroachment from Russia or China.</p><p>Specific arguments include that Canada needs to spend more on defence. "The world doesn’t see Canada as a major force when it comes to defence,” one official told NBC.</p><p>Addressing this gap could include potentially reaching an agreement with Canada to fortify its northern border, said the report.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-and-canada-bat-for-new-world-order-announce-mutual-tariffs-relief-1768571722417">China and Canada bat for ‘new world order’, announce mutual tariffs relief</a></p><h2>But will Trump actually invade Canada over Arctic security?</h2><p>The objective discussed by officials cited in the NBC report is more about strengthening the focus on Arctic defences and cooperation, not annexation or takeover of Canada.<br>But extrapolating from the NBC news report, Trump-aligned media went on to claim that the president may be planning a 'land grab' in Canada. The Daily Beast, for instance, said in a report: "With 3.85 million square miles and 40 million residents, Canada is the largest target on Trump’s growing list of potential land grabs."</p><h2>Countering Russia and China: The US Arctic strategy</h2><p>NBC quoted an official as saying that Canada stands to benefit from the US having Greenland, adding: “At the end of the day, this is to stop Russia and China from having a further presence in the Arctic.”&nbsp;</p><p>The reports came as Canadian PM Carney said on Friday (Jan 16) that Canada stands behind Denmark as a NATO ally over the Greenland dispute.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-turning-point-canada-s-mark-carney-meets-xi-jinping-for-top-level-talks-in-beijing-after-eight-year-freeze-1768533653920">‘Turning point’: Canada's Mark Carney meets Xi Jinping for top level talks in Beijing after eight-year freeze</a></p><h2>Trump's longstanding desire for Canada</h2><p>At least since 2024, Trump often threatened to use economic force against Canada and joked about making it the 51st state of the US. In fact, the last general election was won by Carney partly on a campaign focused against these moves by Trump. For much of 2025, Trump engaged in a tariff and trade war with Canada, openly sparring with its government and leaders.</p><p>Behind the scenes meanwhile, US officials have been holding talks with Canadian counterparts on how to increase defence cooperation in the Arctic.</p><p>The NBC report said the discussions do not include stationing US troops on Canadian soil.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-china-trade-deal-slashes-canola-tariffs-1768629050473/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-china-trade-deal-slashes-canola-tariffs-1768629050473/embed</a></p><h2>Carney's China play is adding to the tensions</h2><p>Carney, for his part, received a red carpet welcome in China on Friday. This is an effort to improve ties which went south since the arrest of Huawei CFO’s daughter, Meng Wanzhou, and further strains over the jailing of Canadian citizens in China. Carney, who met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, became the first Canadian leader to visit China since 2017.</p><h2>Will Trump really invade Canada or deploy American military there?</h2><p>Trump himself had said earlier that it’s highly unlikely he would use military force against Canada. But now we have the case of Venezuela, which US forces attacked to extract its then-president Nicolás Maduro on January 3. Besides the threats to Greenland, Trump has also not ruled out US military deployment in Colombia and Mexico.&nbsp;</p><p>So one cannot predict what will happen to Canada.</p>

Trump has privately expressed concerns about Canada’s ability to provide Arctic security amid China and Russia threats. But is this a precursor to a “land grab” of America's northern neighbour?

Despite the recent thaw in US-Canada ties since Mike Carney became Canadian prime minister after the disastrous show of Justin Trudeau, President Donald Trump has still not fully abandoned ambitions of making Canada the 51st state of the US, something he had threatened for months. If new reports are to be believed, there is still a 'secret plan' for a Canada land grab, with officials citing the same reasons attributed to Trump's moves for 'acquiring' Greenland: Arctic security, Russia and China. Citing officials, NBC News and other outlets reported that discussions on Canada gathered steam amid the recent visit of Carney to China. Will Trump act on his threat to take over its northern neighbour, or station US troops along its Arctic region? What US officials said about Canada and Arctic security Several unnamed current and former American officials told NBC News New York that Trump has privately ‘expressed concern’ to his aides about Canada’s ability to defend its northern border (in the Arctic region) against Russia and China. In the article titled Trump's latest Western Hemisphere fixation: Canada, NBC said Trump is "privately ramping up his focus on another target in the Western Hemisphere", Canada. Canada’s northern border, a key part of Trump’s vision of “solidifying” the Western Hemisphere Trump's push on Greenland has increased internal discussions about a broader 'Arctic strategy' that also includes Canada. The worry among American officials appears to be that, like Denmark—whose autonomous territory is Greenland—Canada would be unable to defend its borders against encroachment from Russia or China. Specific arguments include that Canada needs to spend more on defence. "The world doesn’t see Canada as a major force when it comes to defence,” one official told NBC. Addressing this gap could include potentially reaching an agreement with Canada to fortify its northern border, said the report. Also read: China and Canada bat for ‘new world order’, announce mutual tariffs relief But will Trump actually invade Canada over Arctic security? The objective discussed by officials cited in the NBC report is more about strengthening the focus on Arctic defences and cooperation, not annexation or takeover of Canada. But extrapolating from the NBC news report, Trump-aligned media went on to claim that the president may be planning a 'land grab' in Canada. The Daily Beast, for instance, said in a report: "With 3.85 million square miles and 40 million residents, Canada is the largest target on Trump’s growing list of potential land grabs." Countering Russia and China: The US Arctic strategy NBC quoted an official as saying that Canada stands to benefit from the US having Greenland, adding: “At the end of the day, this is to stop Russia and China from having a further presence in the Arctic.” The reports came as Canadian PM Carney said on Friday (Jan 16) that Canada stands behind Denmark as a NATO ally over the Greenland dispute. Also read: ‘Turning point’: Canada's Mark Carney meets Xi Jinping for top level talks in Beijing after eight-year freeze Trump's longstanding desire for Canada At least since 2024, Trump often threatened to use economic force against Canada and joked about making it the 51st state of the US. In fact, the last general election was won by Carney partly on a campaign focused against these moves by Trump. For much of 2025, Trump engaged in a tariff and trade war with Canada, openly sparring with its government and leaders. Behind the scenes meanwhile, US officials have been holding talks with Canadian counterparts on how to increase defence cooperation in the Arctic. The NBC report said the discussions do not include stationing US troops on Canadian soil. https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-china-trade-deal-slashes-canola-tariffs-1768629050473/embed Carney's China play is adding to the tensions Carney, for his part, received a red carpet welcome in China on Friday. This is an effort to improve ties which went south since the arrest of Huawei CFO’s daughter, Meng Wanzhou, and further strains over the jailing of Canadian citizens in China. Carney, who met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, became the first Canadian leader to visit China since 2017. Will Trump really invade Canada or deploy American military there? Trump himself had said earlier that it’s highly unlikely he would use military force against Canada. But now we have the case of Venezuela, which US forces attacked to extract its then-president Nicolás Maduro on January 3. Besides the threats to Greenland, Trump has also not ruled out US military deployment in Colombia and Mexico. So one cannot predict what will happen to Canada.

<p>Trump has privately expressed concerns about Canada’s ability to provide Arctic security amid China and Russia threats. But is this a precursor to a “land grab” of America's northern neighbour?</p>

Canada next on Trump 'land grab' list? China may have something to do with it. Reports claim...

<p>The European Union is planning countermeasures worth €93 billion (around $100 billion) of American goods in retaliation for US President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs on European nations supporting Greenland, over his alleged plans to take control of the Danish autonomous territory. According to reports in Western media, EU officials drew up the measures to provide leverage ahead of meetings with Trump during the World Economic Forum in Davos starting on Monday (Jan 19). There could be more, as there's talk of EU invoking the Anti-Coercion Instrument against the US. Here is what you should know:</p><h2>Trump plan to impose EU tariffs</h2><p>Over the weekend, the Trump administration announced plans to impose tariffs on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland over their support for Greenland, which the US seeks to annex, citing national security concerns. The tariffs would go into effect on 1 February unless progress is made towards an agreement on Greenland transferring to US control.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/so-much-for-greenland-defence-by-nato-german-soldiers-quietly-exit-territory-amid-trump-invasion-talk-claims-report-1768805096468">So much for Greenland defence by NATO: German soldiers quietly exit territory amid Trump invasion talk, claims report</a></p><h2>Going beyond tariffs? European Union might invoke the Anti-Coercion Instrument</h2><p>The EU is also mulling to invoke its Anti-Coercion Instrument which had been established in 2023. The instrument allows EU to respond to economic coercion by third countries through measures including tariffs, restrictions on public procurement, limits on services and investment, and curbs on intellectual property rights. Some EU governments are seeking to delay such a retaliation and instead allow for more negotiations. Others, including France, advocate immediate countermeasures if the US acts on its tariff threats.</p><p>The US appears to be calibrating the tariff punishment, with a 10 per cent rate starting from February 1. If no agreement is reached, the rates could go up to 25 per cent by June.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-greenland-dispute-deepens-as-trump-threatens-europe-with-tariffs-1768708241266/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-greenland-dispute-deepens-as-trump-threatens-europe-with-tariffs-1768708241266/embed</a></p><h2>Clear retaliation measures at hand: EU responds to Trump tariff theats over Greenland</h2><p>A EU diplomat cited in the Financial Times said the bloc has “clear retaliation instruments at hand if this continues”.</p><p>Calling the Trump administration’s threats “pure mafioso methods”, the diplomat said European leaders still wanted to give the US president “an opportunity to climb down the ladder”.</p><p>A joint statement from the affected countries said the US tariff threat “undermines transatlantic relations and risks a dangerous downward spiral.”&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-now-it-is-time-trump-s-fresh-warning-to-denmark-greenland-over-russian-threat-1768800160244">‘Now it is time…’: Trump’s fresh warning to Denmark, Greenland over ‘Russian threat’</a></p><h2>What is the Greenland puzzle roiling transatlantic unity?</h2><p>Trump is seeking greater US leverage over Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark with strategic importance in the Arctic amid the growing military presence of Russia and the rising influence of China.</p><p>Several European NATO members – of which the US is a prominent partner – have participated in symbolic military deployments to Greenland under Operation Arctic Endurance. The confrontation is one of the most serious transatlantic disputes in decades. It raises concerns about the future of EU–US trade ties and cohesion within the NATO defence alliance.</p>

European Union is reportedly preparing tariffs worth $100 billion on US goods in retaliation for Trump’s Greenland tariff threat. There could be more, as there's talk of EU invoking the Anti-Coercion Instrument against the US

The European Union is planning countermeasures worth €93 billion (around $100 billion) of American goods in retaliation for US President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs on European nations supporting Greenland, over his alleged plans to take control of the Danish autonomous territory. According to reports in Western media, EU officials drew up the measures to provide leverage ahead of meetings with Trump during the World Economic Forum in Davos starting on Monday (Jan 19). There could be more, as there's talk of EU invoking the Anti-Coercion Instrument against the US. Here is what you should know: Trump plan to impose EU tariffs Over the weekend, the Trump administration announced plans to impose tariffs on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland over their support for Greenland, which the US seeks to annex, citing national security concerns. The tariffs would go into effect on 1 February unless progress is made towards an agreement on Greenland transferring to US control. Also read: So much for Greenland defence by NATO: German soldiers quietly exit territory amid Trump invasion talk, claims report Going beyond tariffs? European Union might invoke the Anti-Coercion Instrument The EU is also mulling to invoke its Anti-Coercion Instrument which had been established in 2023. The instrument allows EU to respond to economic coercion by third countries through measures including tariffs, restrictions on public procurement, limits on services and investment, and curbs on intellectual property rights. Some EU governments are seeking to delay such a retaliation and instead allow for more negotiations. Others, including France, advocate immediate countermeasures if the US acts on its tariff threats. The US appears to be calibrating the tariff punishment, with a 10 per cent rate starting from February 1. If no agreement is reached, the rates could go up to 25 per cent by June. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-greenland-dispute-deepens-as-trump-threatens-europe-with-tariffs-1768708241266/embed Clear retaliation measures at hand: EU responds to Trump tariff theats over Greenland A EU diplomat cited in the Financial Times said the bloc has “clear retaliation instruments at hand if this continues”. Calling the Trump administration’s threats “pure mafioso methods”, the diplomat said European leaders still wanted to give the US president “an opportunity to climb down the ladder”. A joint statement from the affected countries said the US tariff threat “undermines transatlantic relations and risks a dangerous downward spiral.” Also read: ‘Now it is time…’: Trump’s fresh warning to Denmark, Greenland over ‘Russian threat’ What is the Greenland puzzle roiling transatlantic unity? Trump is seeking greater US leverage over Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark with strategic importance in the Arctic amid the growing military presence of Russia and the rising influence of China. Several European NATO members – of which the US is a prominent partner – have participated in symbolic military deployments to Greenland under Operation Arctic Endurance. The confrontation is one of the most serious transatlantic disputes in decades. It raises concerns about the future of EU–US trade ties and cohesion within the NATO defence alliance.

<p>European Union is reportedly preparing tariffs worth $100 billion on US goods in retaliation for Trump’s Greenland tariff threat. There could be more, as there's talk of EU invoking the Anti-Coercion Instrument against the US</p>

$100 billion tariffs on US goods: That’s what Europe is planning in retaliation for Trump's Greenland tariff threat. There could be more...

<p>A reconnaissance team of Bundeswehr, the German Armed forces, departed from Greenland over the weekend after their reconnaissance mission was cancelled, the newspaper BILD claimed. The report came amid US President Donald Trump’s continuous public threats to Greenland, hinting at invading the territory due to its ‘national security’ importance and threat posed by Russia.&nbsp;</p><h2>NATO wobbling on Greenland defence</h2><p>Some NATO nations are being mocked for having sent only small contingents, sometimes just one or two soldiers, to support Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, which is covered under NATO defence obligations of ‘one for all, all for one’. The situation is panning out to be a case of ‘ally versus ally’ within the Western defence bloc, of which the US is a prominent member.&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-now-it-is-time-trump-s-fresh-warning-to-denmark-greenland-over-russian-threat-1768800160244">‘Now it is time…’: Trump’s fresh warning to Denmark, Greenland over ‘Russian threat’</a></p><h2>German federal defence's reconnaissance team leaves Greenland</h2><p>The 15 soldiers from Bundeswehr's Army, Air Force and Navy had arrived in Greenland on Friday as part of a reconnaissance mission by NATO states at Denmark’s invitation. The aim was to conduct an exercise and to explore possible future training and stationing options. The deployment was launched after the collapse of a planned meeting of top foreign officials of the US, Denmark and Greenlandin Washington.</p><p>The BILD report claimed that the Bundeswehr reconnaissance team departed Greenland after just two days there. It said the soldiers, led by Rear Admiral Stefan Pauly, Inspector of the German Navy, left on Sunday afternoon (Jan18), shortly before departure at Nuuk Airport.&nbsp;</p><p>The order to pull out was reportedly sent from Berlin early that morning. The departure aircraft had to be de-iced before take-off, causing a delay.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-star-wars-why-a-us-takeover-of-greenland-saves-europe-from-china-1768771288821">'Star Wars': Why a US takeover of Greenland saves Europe from China</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, the German Defence Ministry said that a flight had originally been planned to the Danish military base at Kangilinnguit, where reconnaissance activities were scheduled. These plans were affected by poor weather conditions and were subsequently changed, leading to the decision to depart Greenland, as per the report.</p><p>On Friday, a Defence Ministry spokesperson, Michael Stempfle, said he did not want to go into detail about the departure date.</p><p>The soldiers had landed in Greenland a day later than originally planned. They were initially scheduled to fly directly to Greenland aboard a Bundeswehr Airbus A400M between 15 and 17 January. Instead, they travelled via Denmark and only reached Greenland on 16 January using a Danish aircraft, the report said.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-us-lawmakers-now-call-greenland-a-national-security-asset-1768769129607">Why US lawmakers now call Greenland a national security asset</a></p><h2>Is Berlin reacting to Trump’s tariff and takeover rhetoric?</h2><p>On Saturday, Rear Admiral Pauly said that discussions had been held with Danish forces and other allies about possibilities for further cooperation on the island, including the option of a larger joint military exercise. He said they were awaiting approval from Berlin on what activities would be authorised. Within only a few hours of those remarks, Bundeswehr personnel were already at the airport with all their equipment, preparing to depart. Coincidentally, Trump warned of tariff hikes of up to 25 per cent on countries defending Greenland, which appears to have created a change of heart in some European defence headquarters.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-s-future-in-nato-under-scanner-as-greenland-crisis-fuels-divisions-within-1768746988178/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-s-future-in-nato-under-scanner-as-greenland-crisis-fuels-divisions-within-1768746988178/embed</a></p><h2>Why is Greenland pitting NATO allies US against Europe?</h2><p>Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Denmark is a NATO member state. Greenland’s defence falls under NATO’s collective defence framework. Greenland’s government has repeatedly rejected any notion of a US takeover, insisting that Greenlanders would decide its future.</p><p>Trump reiterated his view that Greenland is of major strategic importance to the US, citing Arctic security, Russian military positioning and rising Chinese influence in the region.&nbsp;</p><h2>Small troop size in Greenland exercises raise criticism</h2><p>Over the past few days, several NATO countries, including Germany, the UK and France, &nbsp;participated in Arctic and Greenland-related exercises under Danish leadership. But they often deployed very small units focused on reconnaissance, logistics and cooperation rather than permanent stationing. Reports of some of these nations sending only one or two soldiers each caused widespread mockery.</p><p>Germany’s defence ministry, meanwhile, insisted that the departure of its reconnaissance team from Greenland was carried out according to revised operational planning, and bad weather. It maintained that the exit does not signal a withdrawal from NATO’s broader commitment to Arctic security.</p>

German Bundeswehr troops on a NATO recon mission reportedly left Greenland abruptly. Bad weather is being blamed, but could it be because Trump is raising invasion rhetoric and slapping tariffs on European nations backing the territory? 

A reconnaissance team of Bundeswehr, the German Armed forces, departed from Greenland over the weekend after their reconnaissance mission was cancelled, the newspaper BILD claimed. The report came amid US President Donald Trump’s continuous public threats to Greenland, hinting at invading the territory due to its ‘national security’ importance and threat posed by Russia. NATO wobbling on Greenland defence Some NATO nations are being mocked for having sent only small contingents, sometimes just one or two soldiers, to support Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, which is covered under NATO defence obligations of ‘one for all, all for one’. The situation is panning out to be a case of ‘ally versus ally’ within the Western defence bloc, of which the US is a prominent member. Also read: ‘Now it is time…’: Trump’s fresh warning to Denmark, Greenland over ‘Russian threat’ German federal defence's reconnaissance team leaves Greenland The 15 soldiers from Bundeswehr's Army, Air Force and Navy had arrived in Greenland on Friday as part of a reconnaissance mission by NATO states at Denmark’s invitation. The aim was to conduct an exercise and to explore possible future training and stationing options. The deployment was launched after the collapse of a planned meeting of top foreign officials of the US, Denmark and Greenlandin Washington. The BILD report claimed that the Bundeswehr reconnaissance team departed Greenland after just two days there. It said the soldiers, led by Rear Admiral Stefan Pauly, Inspector of the German Navy, left on Sunday afternoon (Jan18), shortly before departure at Nuuk Airport. The order to pull out was reportedly sent from Berlin early that morning. The departure aircraft had to be de-iced before take-off, causing a delay. Also read: 'Star Wars': Why a US takeover of Greenland saves Europe from China Earlier, the German Defence Ministry said that a flight had originally been planned to the Danish military base at Kangilinnguit, where reconnaissance activities were scheduled. These plans were affected by poor weather conditions and were subsequently changed, leading to the decision to depart Greenland, as per the report. On Friday, a Defence Ministry spokesperson, Michael Stempfle, said he did not want to go into detail about the departure date. The soldiers had landed in Greenland a day later than originally planned. They were initially scheduled to fly directly to Greenland aboard a Bundeswehr Airbus A400M between 15 and 17 January. Instead, they travelled via Denmark and only reached Greenland on 16 January using a Danish aircraft, the report said. Also read: Why US lawmakers now call Greenland a national security asset Is Berlin reacting to Trump’s tariff and takeover rhetoric? On Saturday, Rear Admiral Pauly said that discussions had been held with Danish forces and other allies about possibilities for further cooperation on the island, including the option of a larger joint military exercise. He said they were awaiting approval from Berlin on what activities would be authorised. Within only a few hours of those remarks, Bundeswehr personnel were already at the airport with all their equipment, preparing to depart. Coincidentally, Trump warned of tariff hikes of up to 25 per cent on countries defending Greenland, which appears to have created a change of heart in some European defence headquarters. https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-s-future-in-nato-under-scanner-as-greenland-crisis-fuels-divisions-within-1768746988178/embed Why is Greenland pitting NATO allies US against Europe? Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Denmark is a NATO member state. Greenland’s defence falls under NATO’s collective defence framework. Greenland’s government has repeatedly rejected any notion of a US takeover, insisting that Greenlanders would decide its future. Trump reiterated his view that Greenland is of major strategic importance to the US, citing Arctic security, Russian military positioning and rising Chinese influence in the region. Small troop size in Greenland exercises raise criticism Over the past few days, several NATO countries, including Germany, the UK and France, participated in Arctic and Greenland-related exercises under Danish leadership. But they often deployed very small units focused on reconnaissance, logistics and cooperation rather than permanent stationing. Reports of some of these nations sending only one or two soldiers each caused widespread mockery. Germany’s defence ministry, meanwhile, insisted that the departure of its reconnaissance team from Greenland was carried out according to revised operational planning, and bad weather. It maintained that the exit does not signal a withdrawal from NATO’s broader commitment to Arctic security.

<p>German Bundeswehr troops on a NATO recon mission reportedly left Greenland abruptly. Bad weather is being blamed, but could it be because Trump is raising invasion rhetoric and slapping tariffs on European nations backing the territory?&nbsp;</p>

So much for Greenland defence by NATO: German soldiers quietly exit territory amid Trump invasion talk, claims report

<p>India appears to be slowly losing the strategic heft and influence in the Gulf region and Iran as China and Pakistan assert their economic, military and cultural footprint in member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). India’s balancing act of mixing transactional trade ties and diaspora presence with non-commitment or non-alignment in the region's conflicts has frequently come to the fore, most recently in the US–Iran–Israel tensions and the Gaza conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. India took decades to build trade and economic partnerships with Iran and GCC heavyweights like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, on the strong foundations of migration that resulted in large expatriate populations in most of these nations. But in practically all aspects of bilateral ties, China and Pakistan are slowly edging India out, or filling vacuums. Here are the facts.</p><h2>China, Pakistan approaches differ from India's pragmatic, non-interventionist stance&nbsp;</h2><p>The GCC—comprising mainly the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman—is a key region for Indian foreign policy, given energy security, trade and the diaspora. But India’s influence remains largely economic and transactional, with limited geopolitical leverage. Its approach is defined by pragmatism and non-intervention, similar to its Iran policy. By contrast, China has scaled up investments and strategic mediation in the region and is no longer just a business partner or a spectator to unfolding geopolitical events. Pakistan, despite its economic weakness and dependence on GCC aid, retains influence through long-standing military and security partnerships, particularly with Saudi Arabia.</p><h2>India's hedging strategy: Stay relevant but don’t overextend influence</h2><p>India’s overarching strategy in the Gulf appears to have been to remain relevant without overextending itself militarily or politically. This ‘hedging approach’ prioritises economic engagement and diplomatic neutrality while avoiding security entanglements that could jeopardise energy flows or diaspora interests.</p><h2>India's robust economic ties with GCC nations</h2><p>Even as its geopolitical engagement remains measured, India’s economic ties with GCC nations remain strong. Bilateral trade with the GCC is estimated in the range of $170 billion. Gulf nations enjoy a sizeable trade surplus with India, with Indian exports estimated at about $56–57 billion and imports—mostly energy—at around $121–122 billion.</p><p>The UAE and Saudi Arabia are standout partners. India–UAE trade reached an estimated $100 billion in 2025. India–Saudi trade stood at roughly $41–43 billion in 2023–24, with new energy cooperation agreements in 2025 covering crude oil, LPG, petrochemicals and green hydrogen.</p><p>Energy remains the central pillar of the relationship, as the GCC supplies roughly 35 to 40 per cent of India’s crude oil imports and close to 70 per cent of its LNG requirements, making the region indispensable to India’s energy security.</p><h2>India's diaspora and remittances footprint in the GCC</h2><p>An estimated 9–10 million Indians reside in GCC nations, sending between $38 billion and $50 billion annually in remittances, with a strong post-pandemic rebound in recent years. These people-to-people ties reinforce economic and cultural links. Indian entrepreneurship is increasingly visible across the Gulf. For example, 9,038 new Indian members joined Dubai’s Chamber of Commerce in the first half of 2025 alone.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/saudi-arabia-is-pak-saudi-u-s-defence-nexus-a-threat-to-india-1763486610172/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/saudi-arabia-is-pak-saudi-u-s-defence-nexus-a-threat-to-india-1763486610172/embed</a></p><h2>GCC's foreign direct investment links and connectivity initiatives</h2><p>GCC foreign direct investment in India crossed $28.28 billion by December 2024. Connectivity and trade facilitation initiatives also gained prominence. The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), launched in 2023, aims to link Indian ports to Europe through the Gulf, positioning itself as a counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).</p><p>India has also entered into Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with the UAE in 2022 and Oman in 2025 to boost non-oil trade in technology, infrastructure and renewable energy.</p><p>The first India–GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting in September 2024 adopted a 2024–2028 Action Plan covering health, trade, security, energy and culture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2025 visit to Saudi Arabia and other high-level exchanges expanded defence cooperation and counterterrorism engagement.</p><h2>India's aversion to direct intervention in GCC conflicts</h2><p>Despite these advances, India’s influence in the Gulf that peaked in the mid-2010s is now under strain. India has consistently avoided direct intervention in regional conflicts, choosing neutrality even during periods of intense tensions. It remained diplomatically cautious during the Israel–Hamas war in Gaza, the Israel–Yemen conflict involving the Houthis, Iran-related tensions involving Qatar, and the Iran–Israel escalations accompanied by US threats and strikes on Iran. During the Iran–Israel crisis, India limited itself to calls for de-escalation without military support to either side.</p><p>While this approach protects India’s immediate interests, it has also drawn criticism for not being a “friend in need” during moments of crisis.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/could-india-sanction-saudi-arabia-if-it-sides-with-pakistan-in-war-due-to-defence-pact-1758183642802">Could India sanction Saudi Arabia if it sides with Pakistan in war due to defence pact?</a></p><h2>The competition from China in the Gulf region</h2><p>China’s growing presence has amplified the relative limits of India’s Gulf strategy. China has moved well beyond transactional trade and now combines economic scale with diplomatic activism.</p><p>China has far outperformed India in GCC energy and trade through larger investments and proactive diplomacy. The world’s largest oil importer, China accounted for about 19 per cent of GCC energy exports in 2024. While the GCC runs a trade surplus of roughly $60 billion with India, China’s trade imbalance with the region is significantly lower, estimated at around $25 billion. This reflects China’s investment-led model: even as it imports vast quantities of energy, it reinvests heavily in the region.</p><p>Gulf–China trade is projected to reach around $375 billion by 2028, comfortably outpacing India. China has also emerged as a preferred partner for long-term energy cooperation through BRI-linked downstream investments such as the $3.95 billion Sinopec–Aramco Fujian refinery joint venture.</p><h2>China is helping the GCC’s green energy transition</h2><p>China plays a leading role in supporting the GCC’s green transition. As a nation that dominates global solar manufacturing with over 80 per cent of key components, China supplies the bulk of solar equipment used across the Gulf. Between 2018 and 2023, Chinese firms invested an estimated $9.5 billion in green energy projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia alone.</p><p>In the first half of 2025, China added more solar and wind capacity than the rest of the world combined. At the same time, it enabled rapid GCC solar expansion through low-cost exports and manufacturing partnerships.</p><p>India, by contrast, remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels from the Gulf, which still account for around two-thirds of its energy needs. Compared to China, India lacks reciprocal investments of similar scale in GCC energy and infrastructure.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-qatar-to-bahrain-us-military-bases-iran-could-attack-in-case-of-war-1768393403698">From Qatar to Bahrain: US military bases Iran could attack in case of war</a></p><h2>China’s mediation role in the Gulf crises</h2><p>Unlike India, China has positioned itself as a mediator in regional tensions. Its role in facilitating the 2023 Saudi–Iran rapprochement significantly enhanced its political credibility in the Gulf.</p><p>China has actively appealed to GCC states seeking to diversify away from dependence on the United States.&nbsp;</p><p>While India continues negotiations for a free trade agreement with the GCC, talks have stalled due to concerns over rising imports without matching export gains. China’s FTA discussions, meanwhile, are advancing, including in digital transition and green energy.</p><p>Overall, China’s Gulf strategy combines economic heft with geopolitical assertiveness and selective mediation, making it more effective than India’s cautious, risk-averse approach.</p><h2>Pakistan, the X factor in India–GCC ties</h2><p>Pakistan represents a different but significant challenge to India’s Gulf positioning. Despite economic troubles and political instability at home, Pakistan has retained influence by leveraging its historical military ties with Gulf states, and playing on the Islamic conscience. Pakistan often projects itself as a “Muslim power”, drawing on relationships that date back to the 1960s. For decades, the Pakistani military trained GCC forces and provided security assistance. It deployed around 20,000 troops to Saudi Arabia during the 1991 Gulf War and maintained advisory roles since.</p><p>Remittances from Pakistanis working in the GCC form a major share of Pakistan’s inflows, often estimated to excceed $38 billion.</p><h2>Pakistan’s expanding security footprint in the Gulf region</h2><p>The September 2025 Saudi–Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) marked a major shift. The pact treats aggression against one as aggression against both, similar to NATO’s Article 5. Pakistan is reportedly exploring similar arrangements with Qatar and the UAE, potentially turning SMDA into a framework for the entire GCC region.&nbsp;</p><p>The SMDA builds on Pakistan’s 1967 security arrangement with Saudi Arabia and consolidates Islamabad’s role in Gulf security architecture. Pakistan supported Saudi Arabia with troop deployments between 1982 and 1987 and continues to conduct joint naval, army and air force exercises with the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain.</p><p>It's interesting to note here that Iran, despite its historically tense relations with both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, has welcomed the SMDA, possibly viewing it as a foundation for a broader regional security framework.</p><p>Having witnessed the Israel–Hamas tensions and US interventions in Iran, Saudi Arabia appears to be diversifying its security guarantees beyond the US.</p><p>Saudi–Pakistan ties now extend to intelligence sharing, troop training and elements of strategic cooperation, and growing specutions on potential nuclear cooperation.</p><p>Pakistan is also expanding its defence footprint elsewhere in the region, pursuing arms deals worth several billion dollars with countries such as Libya and Sudan. Army chief General Asim Munir’s visits to Libya and Jordan underpin this growing outreach.</p><h2>Pakistan’s possible role in Gaza peace force: A chance to rise as a security player in the region</h2><p>Pakistan reportedly brokered aspects of the 2025 Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and has positioned itself as a potential contributor to a stabilisation force in the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan has expressed willingness to deploy up to 3,500 troops to a Gaza stabilisation force, subject to the mandate excluding disarmament of Hamas or direct enforcement operations, though the final scope of such a force is still under discussion.</p><p>What Pakistan lacks in economic might, it compensates for by adding security layers to its Gulf relationships—an area India deliberately avoids.</p><h2>A more multipolar Gulf is emerging, and India could lose the race for influence</h2><p>India has carefully stayed away from military interventions and security entanglements in the Gulf to preserve strategic autonomy and protect vital energy flows and diaspora interests. While India's ties with the Gulf remain resilient, China currently outperforms it in trade, investment and mediation, while Pakistan fills selective security gaps.</p><p>This is a new Gulf—one that is diversifying beyond exclusive US dependence and embracing a more multipolar world order. India’s pragmatism may ensure stability, but bolder steps may be required if it is to match the growing assertiveness and advantages of its competitors.</p><p><i><strong>Disclaimer: The writer's views do not represent those of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.</strong></i></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

India’s Gulf influence is under strain as China deepens trade, energy and mediation ties and Pakistan expands its military partnerships. India's transactional approach is facing limitations as the region beset with conflicts diversifies its partners and friendships. Here are the facts

India appears to be slowly losing the strategic heft and influence in the Gulf region and Iran as China and Pakistan assert their economic, military and cultural footprint in member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). India’s balancing act of mixing transactional trade ties and diaspora presence with non-commitment or non-alignment in the region's conflicts has frequently come to the fore, most recently in the US–Iran–Israel tensions and the Gaza conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. India took decades to build trade and economic partnerships with Iran and GCC heavyweights like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, on the strong foundations of migration that resulted in large expatriate populations in most of these nations. But in practically all aspects of bilateral ties, China and Pakistan are slowly edging India out, or filling vacuums. Here are the facts. China, Pakistan approaches differ from India's pragmatic, non-interventionist stance The GCC—comprising mainly the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman—is a key region for Indian foreign policy, given energy security, trade and the diaspora. But India’s influence remains largely economic and transactional, with limited geopolitical leverage. Its approach is defined by pragmatism and non-intervention, similar to its Iran policy. By contrast, China has scaled up investments and strategic mediation in the region and is no longer just a business partner or a spectator to unfolding geopolitical events. Pakistan, despite its economic weakness and dependence on GCC aid, retains influence through long-standing military and security partnerships, particularly with Saudi Arabia. India's hedging strategy: Stay relevant but don’t overextend influence India’s overarching strategy in the Gulf appears to have been to remain relevant without overextending itself militarily or politically. This ‘hedging approach’ prioritises economic engagement and diplomatic neutrality while avoiding security entanglements that could jeopardise energy flows or diaspora interests. India's robust economic ties with GCC nations Even as its geopolitical engagement remains measured, India’s economic ties with GCC nations remain strong. Bilateral trade with the GCC is estimated in the range of $170 billion. Gulf nations enjoy a sizeable trade surplus with India, with Indian exports estimated at about $56–57 billion and imports—mostly energy—at around $121–122 billion. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are standout partners. India–UAE trade reached an estimated $100 billion in 2025. India–Saudi trade stood at roughly $41–43 billion in 2023–24, with new energy cooperation agreements in 2025 covering crude oil, LPG, petrochemicals and green hydrogen. Energy remains the central pillar of the relationship, as the GCC supplies roughly 35 to 40 per cent of India’s crude oil imports and close to 70 per cent of its LNG requirements, making the region indispensable to India’s energy security. India's diaspora and remittances footprint in the GCC An estimated 9–10 million Indians reside in GCC nations, sending between $38 billion and $50 billion annually in remittances, with a strong post-pandemic rebound in recent years. These people-to-people ties reinforce economic and cultural links. Indian entrepreneurship is increasingly visible across the Gulf. For example, 9,038 new Indian members joined Dubai’s Chamber of Commerce in the first half of 2025 alone. https://www.wionews.com/videos/saudi-arabia-is-pak-saudi-u-s-defence-nexus-a-threat-to-india-1763486610172/embed GCC's foreign direct investment links and connectivity initiatives GCC foreign direct investment in India crossed $28.28 billion by December 2024. Connectivity and trade facilitation initiatives also gained prominence. The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), launched in 2023, aims to link Indian ports to Europe through the Gulf, positioning itself as a counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India has also entered into Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with the UAE in 2022 and Oman in 2025 to boost non-oil trade in technology, infrastructure and renewable energy. The first India–GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting in September 2024 adopted a 2024–2028 Action Plan covering health, trade, security, energy and culture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2025 visit to Saudi Arabia and other high-level exchanges expanded defence cooperation and counterterrorism engagement. India's aversion to direct intervention in GCC conflicts Despite these advances, India’s influence in the Gulf that peaked in the mid-2010s is now under strain. India has consistently avoided direct intervention in regional conflicts, choosing neutrality even during periods of intense tensions. It remained diplomatically cautious during the Israel–Hamas war in Gaza, the Israel–Yemen conflict involving the Houthis, Iran-related tensions involving Qatar, and the Iran–Israel escalations accompanied by US threats and strikes on Iran. During the Iran–Israel crisis, India limited itself to calls for de-escalation without military support to either side. While this approach protects India’s immediate interests, it has also drawn criticism for not being a “friend in need” during moments of crisis. Also read: Could India sanction Saudi Arabia if it sides with Pakistan in war due to defence pact? The competition from China in the Gulf region China’s growing presence has amplified the relative limits of India’s Gulf strategy. China has moved well beyond transactional trade and now combines economic scale with diplomatic activism. China has far outperformed India in GCC energy and trade through larger investments and proactive diplomacy. The world’s largest oil importer, China accounted for about 19 per cent of GCC energy exports in 2024. While the GCC runs a trade surplus of roughly $60 billion with India, China’s trade imbalance with the region is significantly lower, estimated at around $25 billion. This reflects China’s investment-led model: even as it imports vast quantities of energy, it reinvests heavily in the region. Gulf–China trade is projected to reach around $375 billion by 2028, comfortably outpacing India. China has also emerged as a preferred partner for long-term energy cooperation through BRI-linked downstream investments such as the $3.95 billion Sinopec–Aramco Fujian refinery joint venture. China is helping the GCC’s green energy transition China plays a leading role in supporting the GCC’s green transition. As a nation that dominates global solar manufacturing with over 80 per cent of key components, China supplies the bulk of solar equipment used across the Gulf. Between 2018 and 2023, Chinese firms invested an estimated $9.5 billion in green energy projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia alone. In the first half of 2025, China added more solar and wind capacity than the rest of the world combined. At the same time, it enabled rapid GCC solar expansion through low-cost exports and manufacturing partnerships. India, by contrast, remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels from the Gulf, which still account for around two-thirds of its energy needs. Compared to China, India lacks reciprocal investments of similar scale in GCC energy and infrastructure. Also read: From Qatar to Bahrain: US military bases Iran could attack in case of war China’s mediation role in the Gulf crises Unlike India, China has positioned itself as a mediator in regional tensions. Its role in facilitating the 2023 Saudi–Iran rapprochement significantly enhanced its political credibility in the Gulf. China has actively appealed to GCC states seeking to diversify away from dependence on the United States. While India continues negotiations for a free trade agreement with the GCC, talks have stalled due to concerns over rising imports without matching export gains. China’s FTA discussions, meanwhile, are advancing, including in digital transition and green energy. Overall, China’s Gulf strategy combines economic heft with geopolitical assertiveness and selective mediation, making it more effective than India’s cautious, risk-averse approach. Pakistan, the X factor in India–GCC ties Pakistan represents a different but significant challenge to India’s Gulf positioning. Despite economic troubles and political instability at home, Pakistan has retained influence by leveraging its historical military ties with Gulf states, and playing on the Islamic conscience. Pakistan often projects itself as a “Muslim power”, drawing on relationships that date back to the 1960s. For decades, the Pakistani military trained GCC forces and provided security assistance. It deployed around 20,000 troops to Saudi Arabia during the 1991 Gulf War and maintained advisory roles since. Remittances from Pakistanis working in the GCC form a major share of Pakistan’s inflows, often estimated to excceed $38 billion. Pakistan’s expanding security footprint in the Gulf region The September 2025 Saudi–Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) marked a major shift. The pact treats aggression against one as aggression against both, similar to NATO’s Article 5. Pakistan is reportedly exploring similar arrangements with Qatar and the UAE, potentially turning SMDA into a framework for the entire GCC region. The SMDA builds on Pakistan’s 1967 security arrangement with Saudi Arabia and consolidates Islamabad’s role in Gulf security architecture. Pakistan supported Saudi Arabia with troop deployments between 1982 and 1987 and continues to conduct joint naval, army and air force exercises with the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain. It's interesting to note here that Iran, despite its historically tense relations with both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, has welcomed the SMDA, possibly viewing it as a foundation for a broader regional security framework. Having witnessed the Israel–Hamas tensions and US interventions in Iran, Saudi Arabia appears to be diversifying its security guarantees beyond the US. Saudi–Pakistan ties now extend to intelligence sharing, troop training and elements of strategic cooperation, and growing specutions on potential nuclear cooperation. Pakistan is also expanding its defence footprint elsewhere in the region, pursuing arms deals worth several billion dollars with countries such as Libya and Sudan. Army chief General Asim Munir’s visits to Libya and Jordan underpin this growing outreach. Pakistan’s possible role in Gaza peace force: A chance to rise as a security player in the region Pakistan reportedly brokered aspects of the 2025 Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and has positioned itself as a potential contributor to a stabilisation force in the Palestinian enclave. Pakistan has expressed willingness to deploy up to 3,500 troops to a Gaza stabilisation force, subject to the mandate excluding disarmament of Hamas or direct enforcement operations, though the final scope of such a force is still under discussion. What Pakistan lacks in economic might, it compensates for by adding security layers to its Gulf relationships—an area India deliberately avoids. A more multipolar Gulf is emerging, and India could lose the race for influence India has carefully stayed away from military interventions and security entanglements in the Gulf to preserve strategic autonomy and protect vital energy flows and diaspora interests. While India's ties with the Gulf remain resilient, China currently outperforms it in trade, investment and mediation, while Pakistan fills selective security gaps. This is a new Gulf—one that is diversifying beyond exclusive US dependence and embracing a more multipolar world order. India’s pragmatism may ensure stability, but bolder steps may be required if it is to match the growing assertiveness and advantages of its competitors. Disclaimer: The writer's views do not represent those of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

<p>India’s Gulf influence is under strain as China deepens trade, energy and mediation ties and Pakistan expands its military partnerships. India's transactional approach is facing limitations as the region beset with conflicts diversifies its partners and friendships. Here are the facts</p>

India losing the Gulf? How China, Pakistan fill strategic and economic space amid Delhi's transactional balancing act

<p>Amid global conflicts and turbulence, China quietly managed to achieve two records in 2025: a historic trade surplus nearing $1.2 trillion, and improved status as the world’s top automaker by both production and sales volume. The overall trade volume reached nearly $6.48–6.51 trillion, aided by manufacturing strength and strategic diversification of markets. These economic milestones indicate that China continues to dominate global production, even as it adapts its exports to changing market conditions caused by conflicts and trade wars. These feats were achieved in a tense environment that also involves its rivalries with the West over Taiwan and the South China Sea. Here is how China fared in 2025, based on the latest official data.</p><h2>China posts largest annual trade surplus in its history</h2><p>The Asian giant showed resilience in manufacturing and exports amid various challenges, including the tariff war unleashed by US President Donald Trump. It posted a record trade surplus of $1.189 trillion for the full year 2025, showed data from the country’s General Administration of Customs on Wednesday (Jan 14). This is the first time that the annual surplus exceeded $1 trillion, and breaks the previous record of around $992–993 billion in 2024 by about 20 per cent. China’s exports totalled around $3.77 trillion, up 5.5 per cent on year, while imports remained relatively flat at around $2.58 trillion.</p><p>The surplus had crossed the $1 trillion mark by November 2025 already, and widened further in December, with the final month of 2025 alone showing a surplus of $114.14 billion. December saw exports grow 6.6 per cent year on year, while imports were also up 5.7 per cent year on year.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-lauds-india-for-surpassing-japan-becoming-world-s-fourth-largest-economy-1767177928026">China lauds India for surpassing Japan, becoming world's fourth largest economy</a></p><h2>Chinese exporters pivoted aggressively to non-US markets</h2><p>Trade ressures mainly from the US led Chinese exporters to aggressively seek out new markets in the European Union, ASEAN countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. A surge in exports to these regions helped offset declines in shipments to the US. China managed to post monthly trade surpluses exceeding $100 billion at least seven times in 2025, compared to just once in 2024.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/byd-overtakes-tesla-as-the-top-ev-maker-in-2025-1767417674001/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/byd-overtakes-tesla-as-the-top-ev-maker-in-2025-1767417674001/embed</a></p><h2>China retains and improves top automaker status on the back of electric vehicles</h2><p>This is the 17th straight year in which China ranked top in global auto production and sales. China has held the status of the world’s top auto exporter since 2023. According to China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) data, vehicle production in China reached 34.53 million units in 2025, a growth of 10.4 per cent year on year. Vehicle sales hit 34.4 million units, up 9.4 per cent year on year. These figures are also new records.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/byd-overtakes-tesla-in-europe-ev-sales-for-the-first-time-1747988684157">BYD overtakes Tesla in Europe EV sales for the first time</a></p><h2>How is China retaining its top automaker position?</h2><p>The bulk of the growth came from new energy vehicles (NEVs), which include electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. More than 16 million such units were manufactured and sold in 2025, accounting for more than 50 per cent of the total market. Projections by outlets such as Nikkei Asia showed that Chinese vehicle brands like BYD overtook Japanese rivals in global sales for the first time in 2025, selling around 27 million units worldwide, a 17 per cent annual growth, compared with Japan’s 25 million.</p><p>Chinese vehicles, particularly EVs, were competitively priced and marketed abroad aggressively.&nbsp;</p><p>BYD overtook Tesla as the world’s largest seller of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), selling more than 2.25 million units in 2025, an annual growth of nearly 28 per cent. Tesla, meanwhile, sold around 1.64 million units.</p>

China has made history with a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025. It also retained and improved its position as the world’s top automaker. Both these feats were achieved amid headwinds of tariffs and trade wars with the US. Just how did China manage this?

Amid global conflicts and turbulence, China quietly managed to achieve two records in 2025: a historic trade surplus nearing $1.2 trillion, and improved status as the world’s top automaker by both production and sales volume. The overall trade volume reached nearly $6.48–6.51 trillion, aided by manufacturing strength and strategic diversification of markets. These economic milestones indicate that China continues to dominate global production, even as it adapts its exports to changing market conditions caused by conflicts and trade wars. These feats were achieved in a tense environment that also involves its rivalries with the West over Taiwan and the South China Sea. Here is how China fared in 2025, based on the latest official data. China posts largest annual trade surplus in its history The Asian giant showed resilience in manufacturing and exports amid various challenges, including the tariff war unleashed by US President Donald Trump. It posted a record trade surplus of $1.189 trillion for the full year 2025, showed data from the country’s General Administration of Customs on Wednesday (Jan 14). This is the first time that the annual surplus exceeded $1 trillion, and breaks the previous record of around $992–993 billion in 2024 by about 20 per cent. China’s exports totalled around $3.77 trillion, up 5.5 per cent on year, while imports remained relatively flat at around $2.58 trillion. The surplus had crossed the $1 trillion mark by November 2025 already, and widened further in December, with the final month of 2025 alone showing a surplus of $114.14 billion. December saw exports grow 6.6 per cent year on year, while imports were also up 5.7 per cent year on year. Also read: China lauds India for surpassing Japan, becoming world's fourth largest economy Chinese exporters pivoted aggressively to non-US markets Trade ressures mainly from the US led Chinese exporters to aggressively seek out new markets in the European Union, ASEAN countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. A surge in exports to these regions helped offset declines in shipments to the US. China managed to post monthly trade surpluses exceeding $100 billion at least seven times in 2025, compared to just once in 2024. https://www.wionews.com/videos/byd-overtakes-tesla-as-the-top-ev-maker-in-2025-1767417674001/embed China retains and improves top automaker status on the back of electric vehicles This is the 17th straight year in which China ranked top in global auto production and sales. China has held the status of the world’s top auto exporter since 2023. According to China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) data, vehicle production in China reached 34.53 million units in 2025, a growth of 10.4 per cent year on year. Vehicle sales hit 34.4 million units, up 9.4 per cent year on year. These figures are also new records. Also read: BYD overtakes Tesla in Europe EV sales for the first time How is China retaining its top automaker position? The bulk of the growth came from new energy vehicles (NEVs), which include electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. More than 16 million such units were manufactured and sold in 2025, accounting for more than 50 per cent of the total market. Projections by outlets such as Nikkei Asia showed that Chinese vehicle brands like BYD overtook Japanese rivals in global sales for the first time in 2025, selling around 27 million units worldwide, a 17 per cent annual growth, compared with Japan’s 25 million. Chinese vehicles, particularly EVs, were competitively priced and marketed abroad aggressively. BYD overtook Tesla as the world’s largest seller of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), selling more than 2.25 million units in 2025, an annual growth of nearly 28 per cent. Tesla, meanwhile, sold around 1.64 million units.

<p>China has made history with a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025. It also retained and improved its position as the world’s top automaker. Both these feats were achieved amid headwinds of tariffs and trade wars with the US. Just how did China manage this?<br>&nbsp;</p>

China's economic wins: Largest-ever trade surplus of $1.2 trillion, consolidation of top automaker status

<p>Copper prices have hit an all-time high, close on the heels of gold and silver. The surge in interest for metals like copper, silver and gold is coming from a number of factors: macroeconomic, geopolitical and industrial. Precious metals such as gold and silver are serving as safe-haven assets amid global uncertainties like trade war and US tariff tensions, as well as policy risks from potential US fiscal deficits. A “debasement trade” is also taking place, wherein investors hedge against currency weakening and inflation through hard assets.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gold-silver-plunge-gold-surges-to-multiple-record-highs-in-2025-1767188159738/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/gold-silver-plunge-gold-surges-to-multiple-record-highs-in-2025-1767188159738/embed</a></p><h2>What is the latest price of gold, silver, copper and other metals?</h2><p>At the time of writing, gold is trading on the spot market near 4,475 US dollars per ounce. Silver is around 78.9 US dollars per ounce, ready to breach the 80-dollar record. Copper is trading near 13,300 US dollars per metric tonne on the London Metal Exchange, or around 6.06 US dollars per pound, marking a record high.<br>Other metals are also elevated, including all-time highs. &nbsp;Platinum and palladium remain strong at over 2,300 and around 1,700 US dollars per ounce respectively, while nickel prices are also elevated compared with historical averages.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-attacks-venezuela-what-does-it-mean-for-gold-silver-and-crude-oil-prices-1767439050212">US attacks Venezuela: What does it mean for gold, silver, and crude oil prices</a></p><h2>Why is gold surging?</h2><p>Gold is a safe-haven asset and markets are factoring in geopolitical and supply chain risks, leading investors to hoard the yellow metal. Central banks across the world, from the US Federal Reserve to the Reserve Bank of India, are making aggressive gold purchases as part of diversification away from the US dollar. Around 755 tonnes of central bank purchases are projected for 2026, much higher than pre-2022 levels.</p><p>The likely Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026 is lowering real yields on the dollar, making gold more attractive to investors. Persistent inflation is further bolstering the appeal of precious metals.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/can-silver-outperform-gold-in-future-due-to-rise-in-demand-1766396593842">Can Silver outperform Gold in future due to rise in demand?</a></p><h2>Why are other metal prices increasing?</h2><p>Robust industrial demand for these metals amid the clean energy transition is creating a squeeze on prices. Most of the metals seeing price increases are used in electric vehicles, solar panels and renewables, AI infrastructure and data centres. This sudden and ever-growing demand is propelling copper and silver prices, as these metals are essential components in electronics, wiring and batteries.</p><p>Supply-side pressures are adding to the rally in prices. Mining disruptions in key regions such as Chile, Peru and Indonesia are contributing to metal shortages, alongside declining ore grades. Environmental restrictions and limited new production capacity for metals like copper, silver, aluminium and tin are adding to structural tightness in the market. This is expected to persist, keeping metal prices high in 2026 and beyond.</p>

Copper price is at all-time high as silver is set to hit another record. Gold remains strong on safe-haven demand as central bank are on a buying spree. Just what is happening to metal prices?

Copper prices have hit an all-time high, close on the heels of gold and silver. The surge in interest for metals like copper, silver and gold is coming from a number of factors: macroeconomic, geopolitical and industrial. Precious metals such as gold and silver are serving as safe-haven assets amid global uncertainties like trade war and US tariff tensions, as well as policy risks from potential US fiscal deficits. A “debasement trade” is also taking place, wherein investors hedge against currency weakening and inflation through hard assets. https://www.wionews.com/videos/gold-silver-plunge-gold-surges-to-multiple-record-highs-in-2025-1767188159738/embed What is the latest price of gold, silver, copper and other metals? At the time of writing, gold is trading on the spot market near 4,475 US dollars per ounce. Silver is around 78.9 US dollars per ounce, ready to breach the 80-dollar record. Copper is trading near 13,300 US dollars per metric tonne on the London Metal Exchange, or around 6.06 US dollars per pound, marking a record high. Other metals are also elevated, including all-time highs. Platinum and palladium remain strong at over 2,300 and around 1,700 US dollars per ounce respectively, while nickel prices are also elevated compared with historical averages. Also read: US attacks Venezuela: What does it mean for gold, silver, and crude oil prices Why is gold surging? Gold is a safe-haven asset and markets are factoring in geopolitical and supply chain risks, leading investors to hoard the yellow metal. Central banks across the world, from the US Federal Reserve to the Reserve Bank of India, are making aggressive gold purchases as part of diversification away from the US dollar. Around 755 tonnes of central bank purchases are projected for 2026, much higher than pre-2022 levels. The likely Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026 is lowering real yields on the dollar, making gold more attractive to investors. Persistent inflation is further bolstering the appeal of precious metals. Also read: Can Silver outperform Gold in future due to rise in demand? Why are other metal prices increasing? Robust industrial demand for these metals amid the clean energy transition is creating a squeeze on prices. Most of the metals seeing price increases are used in electric vehicles, solar panels and renewables, AI infrastructure and data centres. This sudden and ever-growing demand is propelling copper and silver prices, as these metals are essential components in electronics, wiring and batteries. Supply-side pressures are adding to the rally in prices. Mining disruptions in key regions such as Chile, Peru and Indonesia are contributing to metal shortages, alongside declining ore grades. Environmental restrictions and limited new production capacity for metals like copper, silver, aluminium and tin are adding to structural tightness in the market. This is expected to persist, keeping metal prices high in 2026 and beyond.

<p>Copper price is at all-time high as silver is set to hit another record. Gold remains strong on safe-haven demand as central bank are on a buying spree. Just what is happening to metal prices?</p>

Now, Copper price at all-time high as silver set to breach another record. Why are metal prices soaring?

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Vinod Janardhanan

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.