Canada is looking across the Atlantic, Europe is holding open the door, and Donald Trump is warning that the emerging relationship could amount to a “hostile act.”European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed making Canada the European Union's first-ever associate member, an unprecedented arrangement designed to take relations between Ottawa and Brussels well beyond their existing trade agreement.The proposed partnership could encompass defence production, technology, artificial intelligence, energy, critical minerals, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and the Arctic. Von der Leyen says EU–Canada trade in goods has already grown 75 per cent in less than a decade under CETA.But there is an important caveat: Canada is not joining the European Union.“Associate membership” currently has no established legal status in the EU. The proposal remains undefined, would require the backing of member states and has already prompted questions from European diplomats about how such an arrangement would actually work.Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney nevertheless welcomed the ambition while addressing the European Parliament on Thursday. He argued that deeper cooperation would strengthen Canadian resilience and independence rather than create another global power bloc.Washington's response has been considerably less enthusiastic.Trump called the proposal “laughable” and warned that if he considers it hostile, the United States could impose heavy tariffs or restrict trade with Europe.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/RaceToPower?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RaceToPower</a> | Canada-EU ties &#39;irk&#39; Donald Trump Mark Carney addresses EU lawmakers <a href="https://x.com/eriknjoka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eriknjoka</a> and <a href="https://x.com/ShivanChanana?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShivanChanana</a> tell you more <a href="https://t.co/XF3g3KvpFI">pic.twitter.com/XF3g3KvpFI</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2100618312040567021?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

France pushed back, saying Washington cannot determine Europe's geopolitical choices. The European Commission insists the proposed partnership is not directed against anybody.That leaves a striking contradiction.Relations between Canada and the United States have deteriorated amid tariffs and broader disputes. Ottawa has consequently sought to reduce its economic dependence on its southern neighbour and deepen relationships elsewhere. Roughly 70 per cent of Canadian exports currently go to the United States.Now Canada's attempt to diversify those relationships is itself provoking another tariff threat.The dispute therefore reaches beyond trade.It raises a larger question about sovereignty and alliances in an increasingly transactional international order: can major powers expect their allies to become more independent while objecting when those allies exercise that independence?Geography will not change.America will remain Canada's neighbour.But being somebody's neighbour does not make you their property.And if Washington pushes traditional partners to look elsewhere, it cannot be surprised when they begin finding each other.

The proposed partnership could encompass defence production, technology, artificial intelligence, energy, critical minerals, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and the Arctic. 

Canada is looking across the Atlantic, Europe is holding open the door, and Donald Trump is warning that the emerging relationship could amount to a “hostile act.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed making Canada the European Union's first-ever associate member, an unprecedented arrangement designed to take relations between Ottawa and Brussels well beyond their existing trade agreement. The proposed partnership could encompass defence production, technology, artificial intelligence, energy, critical minerals, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and the Arctic. Von der Leyen says EU–Canada trade in goods has already grown 75 per cent in less than a decade under CETA. But there is an important caveat: Canada is not joining the European Union. “Associate membership” currently has no established legal status in the EU. The proposal remains undefined, would require the backing of member states and has already prompted questions from European diplomats about how such an arrangement would actually work. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney nevertheless welcomed the ambition while addressing the European Parliament on Thursday. He argued that deeper cooperation would strengthen Canadian resilience and independence rather than create another global power bloc. Washington's response has been considerably less enthusiastic. Trump called the proposal “laughable” and warned that if he considers it hostile, the United States could impose heavy tariffs or restrict trade with Europe.

The proposed partnership could encompass defence production, technology, artificial intelligence, energy, critical minerals, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and the Arctic.&nbsp;

The Verdict | Hostile to whom? Canada looks to Europe — and Trump threatens tariffs

A drone approaching Islam's holiest city has brought an old war dangerously close to one of Saudi Arabia's most sensitive red lines.Saudi Arabia says its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered the city's prohibited airspace. Riyadh described the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims as a “red line.”The Houthis deny targeting Mecca.That dispute matters. But behind it lies a much larger question: after more than a decade of military pressure, why are Yemen's Houthis still capable of putting Saudi Arabia on alert?Since Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemen's civil war in 2015, the Houthis have faced military action involving a remarkable collection of regional and global powers.Yet their military capabilities have expanded.The Associated Press reports that their arsenal now includes ballistic and cruise missiles, drones, anti-ship missiles and naval drones. A 2024 UN experts' report estimated Houthi manpower had increased from around 30,000 in 2015 to as many as 350,000 by 2024. Iran denies arming the Houthis, while UN experts and intercepted weapons shipments have documented extensive military links.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/RaceToPower?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RaceToPower</a> | Saudi Arabia VS Houthi conflict reaches the doorstep of the holy city Air raid alerts sound in Mecca, birthplace of Prophet Muhammad; Houthis deny attack on the holy city<a href="https://x.com/eriknjoka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eriknjoka</a> and <a href="https://x.com/ShivanChanana?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShivanChanana</a> have more <a href="https://t.co/KBkf2UKs1l">pic.twitter.com/KBkf2UKs1l</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2100255999462666536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The consequences now extend far beyond Yemen.The Houthis have advanced toward the Bab el-Mandeb, the narrow maritime gateway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Saudi oil infrastructure has also come under attack, including disruption to the kingdom's strategically important East-West Pipeline.Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman travelled to Egypt as Riyadh sought regional support. During talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, both leaders stressed the importance of securing navigation through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.But perhaps the most revealing development is diplomatic.U.S. officials reportedly met Houthi representatives in Oman over the weekend, according to Reuters reporting cited by multiple outlets.That creates an extraordinary picture.Saudi Arabia is talking about deterrence. The Houthis are demonstrating military reach. Washington is exploring diplomacy. And global commerce remains exposed to whatever happens around the Red Sea.Saudi Arabia's warning over Mecca therefore carries significance far beyond one intercepted drone.Because declaring a red line is the easy part.The harder question is what happens when an adversary decides to test it.

The Houthis have advanced toward the Bab el-Mandeb, the narrow maritime gateway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Saudi oil infrastructure has also come under attack, including disruption to the kingdom's strategically important East-West Pipeline.

A drone approaching Islam's holiest city has brought an old war dangerously close to one of Saudi Arabia's most sensitive red lines. Saudi Arabia says its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered the city's prohibited airspace. Riyadh described the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims as a “red line.” The Houthis deny targeting Mecca. That dispute matters. But behind it lies a much larger question: after more than a decade of military pressure, why are Yemen's Houthis still capable of putting Saudi Arabia on alert? Since Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemen's civil war in 2015, the Houthis have faced military action involving a remarkable collection of regional and global powers. Yet their military capabilities have expanded. The Associated Press reports that their arsenal now includes ballistic and cruise missiles, drones, anti-ship missiles and naval drones. A 2024 UN experts' report estimated Houthi manpower had increased from around 30,000 in 2015 to as many as 350,000 by 2024. Iran denies arming the Houthis, while UN experts and intercepted weapons shipments have documented extensive military links.

The Houthis have advanced toward the Bab el-Mandeb, the narrow maritime gateway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Saudi oil infrastructure has also come under attack, including disruption to the kingdom's strategically important East-West Pipeline.

The Verdict | Mecca, a 'red line' and the Houthis who refuse to go away

Donald Trump wants Americans to believe several things at once.The Iran war — or “military conflict,” as he has also called it — will end immediately after the November midterms. Iran cannot hold out much longer. Republicans must retain Congress. And if they do, every American adult could receive a $5,000 “Trump dividend.”There is only one problem.The arithmetic, the battlefield and even some of Trump's own advisers appear to be telling a different story.A war with two deadlinesTrump says Iran will not be able to sustain its resistance beyond the midterm elections.Yet the Wall Street Journal reports that senior advisers including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have privately discussed with Trump the possibility that Tehran could withstand American pressure through the remainder of his presidency — potentially beyond January 2029.That is not a minor difference.It is the difference between weeks and years.It also exposes the strange ambiguity surrounding America's confrontation with Iran. Trump himself has played down the terminology, describing it as a “military conflict” and “small potatoes” for the United States.But terminology cannot alter consequences.Americans are dead. Military assets are deployed. Oil markets have been disrupted. Fuel prices have become a political liability. And Washington is threatening further strikes against Iran.Call it a war or call it a military conflict. Americans ultimately experience its consequences through lives, prices and public money.Welcome to the Trump showThen came Dallas.Republicans staged their first-ever midterm convention, an unusual spectacle designed to energise a party facing a difficult November election.Trump made clear who the central character was.“I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” he told supporters.The convention became so centred on the president that Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters informally called it “Trumpapalooza.”But the spectacle also exposed the risk of building an entire congressional election around one man.Several Republicans facing difficult races stayed away. Trump described the arena as packed, although reporters observed largely empty sections in the upper levels. Online viewership was modest.The show was enormous.Whether the enthusiasm matched it is another question.$5,000 for a Republican victoryThen came Trump's biggest promise.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/RaceToPower?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RaceToPower</a> | A war that ends after an election. A $5,000 cheque if Republicans win. A bill that could hit $1.35 TRILLION. Trump says: pretend he&#39;s on the ballot. But who pays for the promises? Tonight&#39;s <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TheVerdict?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheVerdict</a> with <a href="https://x.com/eriknjoka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eriknjoka</a> <a href="https://t.co/JZTgjHxqHB">pic.twitter.com/JZTgjHxqHB</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2098081923126141031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If Republicans retain the House and Senate, Trump says he will issue a $5,000 dividend to every American adult.It is an extraordinary proposition.With roughly 270 million American adults, distributing $5,000 to each would cost approximately $1.35 trillion.And that follows Trump's earlier proposal for a $2,000 tariff dividend — another cash promise that never materialised.Critics immediately asked the obvious question: is promising voters money if your party wins effectively buying political support?Legally, the answer is more complicated than the accusation. The proposed payment is not directly conditioned on an individual casting a Republican vote, and any actual distribution would require congressional approval.Politically, however, the optics are extraordinary.Vote Republican, Trump says, and there could be $5,000 waiting on the other side.But where does $1.35 trillion come from?That is the question the spectacle could not answer.The United States is already running enormous annual deficits and carrying a colossal national debt.American households remain concerned about affordability. The Iran conflict has put additional pressure on energy prices. Tariffs have created their own costs.Trump's answer to economic anxiety is now another enormous cheque.But governments cannot create $1.35 trillion without consequences.Either the money must come from additional revenue, spending cuts, borrowing — or some combination of all three.A dividend without a credible funding mechanism is not an economic programme.It is a promise.The Democrat at the Republican conventionThere was another extraordinary moment in Dallas.Democratic Senator John Fetterman appeared by video to introduce Republican Senator Dave McCormick, describing him as a friend and promising cooperation with Trump to protect Pennsylvania's steel industry.For Democrats, the optics were uncomfortable.But suggestions that Fetterman had somehow been “bought” go beyond the available evidence. He subsequently reaffirmed that he remains a Democrat.What his appearance demonstrated instead was something more politically interesting: the ideological fractures inside America's parties are becoming increasingly difficult to conceal.And then there is VenezuelaBehind the spectacle and the cheques sits another extraordinary economic gamble.Washington has taken a 35% position, structured through warrants, in a Venezuelan oil venture as the Trump administration attempts to turn access to Venezuela's enormous petroleum reserves into an American strategic asset.Trump has promoted the Venezuelan arrangement as a route toward greater energy security and lower fuel prices.The attraction is obvious.A prolonged confrontation with Iran threatens energy flows through the Gulf. Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves. Washington therefore has powerful incentives to diversify where its energy security comes from.But this too raises questions.The Venezuelan arrangement has already attracted scrutiny over its structure, legality and the extraordinary involvement of the Pentagon in a commercial oil venture.America is therefore fighting — or conducting a “military conflict” — against one major oil power while simultaneously deepening its economic leverage over another.That may prove strategic foresight.It may also demonstrate just how complicated and expensive America's new geopolitical order is becoming.Reality versus spectacleThis was ultimately the contradiction running through Dallas.Trump spoke about American greatness while voters worry about affordability.He promised $5,000 cheques while the government is already deeply in deficit.He predicted an imminent end to the Iran conflict while his own advisers reportedly contemplate a struggle lasting years.He asked Americans to pretend that his name is on the ballot.Perhaps that was the most revealing statement of the convention.Because November increasingly appears to be about Donald Trump — his war, his economy, his promises and his political survival.But Americans cannot pay grocery bills with political theatre.They cannot fill their tanks with applause.And before Washington writes a $1.35 trillion cheque, voters are entitled to ask the simplest question of all:Who is going to pay for it?

Republicans staged their first-ever midterm convention, an unusual spectacle designed to energise a party facing a difficult November election. Trump made clear who the central character was.

Donald Trump wants Americans to believe several things at once. The Iran war — or “military conflict,” as he has also called it — will end immediately after the November midterms. Iran cannot hold out much longer. Republicans must retain Congress. And if they do, every American adult could receive a $5,000 “Trump dividend.” There is only one problem. The arithmetic, the battlefield and even some of Trump's own advisers appear to be telling a different story. A war with two deadlines Trump says Iran will not be able to sustain its resistance beyond the midterm elections. Yet the Wall Street Journal reports that senior advisers including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have privately discussed with Trump the possibility that Tehran could withstand American pressure through the remainder of his presidency — potentially beyond January 2029. That is not a minor difference. It is the difference between weeks and years. It also exposes the strange ambiguity surrounding America's confrontation with Iran. Trump himself has played down the terminology, describing it as a “military conflict” and “small potatoes” for the United States. But terminology cannot alter consequences. Americans are dead. Military assets are deployed. Oil markets have been disrupted. Fuel prices have become a political liability. And Washington is threatening further strikes against Iran. Call it a war or call it a military conflict. Americans ultimately experience its consequences through lives, prices and public money. Welcome to the Trump show Then came Dallas. Republicans staged their first-ever midterm convention, an unusual spectacle designed to energise a party facing a difficult November election. Trump made clear who the central character was. “I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” he told supporters. The convention became so centred on the president that Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters informally called it “Trumpapalooza.” But the spectacle also exposed the risk of building an entire congressional election around one man. Several Republicans facing difficult races stayed away. Trump described the arena as packed, although reporters observed largely empty sections in the upper levels. Online viewership was modest. The show was enormous. Whether the enthusiasm matched it is another question. $5,000 for a Republican victory Then came Trump's biggest promise.

Republicans staged their first-ever midterm convention, an unusual spectacle designed to energise a party facing a difficult November election. Trump made clear who the central character was.

The Trump Show: A $5,000 promise, a war without an end and a trillion-dollar question | The Verdict

Donald Trump's military strategy is facing renewed scrutiny as concerns grow over U.S. weapons stockpiles and defense production. Questions are mounting over whether Washington can simultaneously support Ukraine, maintain pressure on Iran, deter China, and reassure allies without overstretching its military resources. As debates intensify over Patriot missile supplies, logistics, and industrial capacity, analysts warn that inventory shortages could become a major strategic challenge for the United States.

Trump's War Strategy Under Fire | U.S. Weapons Shortage Raises Questions Over Ukraine, Iran & China

All eyes are on France as National Rally leader Marine Le Pen awaits a crucial verdict that could have far-reaching consequences for her political future. The decision is being closely watched by supporters, opponents, and political observers across Europe. In this edition of Race To Power, we explore the case, its significance for French politics, and what the ruling could mean for the future of the country's right-wing movement.

France's national rally leader Marine Le Pen awaits a defining verdict

Armenian voters have backed Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, reinforcing the country's apparent shift toward closer ties with Europe. The outcome has drawn criticism from Moscow and intensified debate over Armenia's geopolitical future. This episode explores the election results, regional reactions, and the strategic implications for the South Caucasus.

Armenia Votes For Pro-EU Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Moscow Cries Foul 

Popularity Of Major European Heads Of States Goes Down, What Is Driving The Outrage? 

After 20 years in power Singapore's Prime Minister will leave the chair for his successor. The office of the Prime Minister issued a statement saying that Lee will officially relinquish the post on May 15th. Watch in for more details!

Singapore: 20-year-rule comes to an end for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

Chad is also gearing up for an election next month that will end three years of military rule. Interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby kicked off the Presidential campaign with a promise to strengthen security and boost the economy. Watch in for more details!

Chad Presidential Elections: Interim President Deby kicks off campaign

Senegal went to polls yesterday with the runup to election day marked by violence and anti-government demonstrations. The outgoing president Macky Sall has wowed to peacefully hand over office to his successor this comes after the country's top Court blocked his attempts to delay the elections for 10 months.

Senegal Election 2024: Two tax inspectors emerge as frontrunners in Senegal polls

Senegal to vote in Presidential polls on Sunday. The African nation that is usually known for its stability in an otherwise turbulent region it's now facing a 10th presidential election. The vote originally scheduled for February was delayed by President Saul sparking protests and raising concerns about Democratic backsliding in the country.

Will Senegal see fourth democratic transition?

National Democratic Alliance partners are announcing seat-sharing for the upcoming General Elections.

India elections: Battle for Bihar's 40 Lok Sabha seats

Senegal's standing as a stable democracy in a volatile area. It is in jeopardy after lawmakers passed a controversial bill. To extend President Macky Sall's tenure and delay the elections further. Protests broke out after President Sall called off the election just three weeks before the due date.

US urges Senegalese President to restore electoral calendar | Race To Power

On January 15, Iowa Republicans will kick off the season by holding their version of a primary election – the Iowa caucuses. Iowa has traditionally been the first state every four years to hold a presidential nominating contest of any kind. Here’s how votes at the Iowa caucuses will help determine the Republican Party’s choice for a presidential candidate:

What is a caucus? How are caucuses important in US Presidential polls

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley was asked Wednesday by a New Hampshire voter about the reason for the Civil War, and she didn’t mention slavery in her response — leading the voter to say he was “astonished” by her omission.

Asked about US civil war, Haley leaves out mention of slavery

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Dec 27) referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "friend" whom he wishes "every success" in reference to India's upcoming general elections in the summer of 2024.&nbsp;

Putin said that the "traditional conventional friendly ties" will persist between India and Moscow "no matter what the alignment of political forces" is.&nbsp;

The outcome of upcoming Lok Sabha polls, in which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party will be seeking a third consecutive term in power, remains very important for India’s foreign policy posture.&nbsp;

But Putin's comment that friendly ties will persist between India and Russia "no matter the alignment of political forces", reflects the depth of Moscow-Delhi ties. This geopolitical depth between the two countries, Putin indicated, remains immune to the developments elsewhere in the world, especially during ongoing war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-invites-pm-modi-to-russia-during-his-meeting-with-eam-jaishankar-674148">Putin invites PM Modi to Russia during his meeting with EAM Jaishankar</a>

Putin's comment came hours after India's Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar during his visit to Moscow referred to India-Russia ties as the "only constant" in world politics.&nbsp;

<h2>Reading into Putin wishing well for Modi: What does it mean?</h2>

In the recent weeks, Putin has expressed notes of praise for Indian Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp; Modi.

"Let me say that the relations between Russia and India are consistently developing in all areas, and the main guarantor for that is the policy led by Prime Minister Modi," Putin had said on December 7 in St. Petersburg.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-putin-praises-india-says-pm-modi-guarantor-of-stronger-moscow-delhi-ties-667297">Putin praises India, says PM Modi 'guarantor' of stronger Moscow-Delhi ties</a>

"I cannot imagine His Excellency Modi getting intimidated or being forced to take any steps or actions that would go against the national interests of India and the people of India," Putin said, in an indirect reference to India buying Russian oil despite war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

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Russian President Vladimir Putin praises India. Says, PM Modi despite pressure on him, took action which are in interest of India (buying Russian Oil). 
 
Vdo ctsy: Sputnik <a href="https://t.co/C6cQ1Eh28Z">pic.twitter.com/C6cQ1Eh28Z</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1732753535534821720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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New Delhi has staunchly defended its purchase of Russian oil when accused by the West of ‘funding the war in Ukraine’.

Just two months before launching an offensive on Ukraine in February 2022, Putin visited New Delhi in December 2021 for annual India-Russia summit.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/putins-actions-in-ukraine-do-not-make-indians-anti-russia-heres-why-613578">Putin’s actions in Ukraine do not make Indians anti-Russia. Here’s why</a>

Besides, if the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance returns to power with an&nbsp;as strong or stronger-than-before mandate, India's position of its evolving ties with various countries of the world is expected to remain consistent, if not sharper than now.&nbsp;

<h2>India-Russia ties: What is the bottom-line ahead of 2024 polls?</h2>

The consistency in ties with New Delhi, at a time when Russia is facing isolation from the collective West due to war in Ukraine, remains a geopolitical asset for Moscow's corridors of power. An asset Putin would least want to lose.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Dec 27) referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "friend" whom he wishes "every success" in reference to India's upcoming general elections in the summer of 2024.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (Dec 27) referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "friend" whom he wishes "every success" in reference to India's upcoming general elections in the summer of 2024. Putin said that the "traditional conventional friendly ties" will persist between India and Moscow "no matter what the alignment of political forces" is. The outcome of upcoming Lok Sabha polls, in which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party will be seeking a third consecutive term in power, remains very important for India’s foreign policy posture. But Putin's comment that friendly ties will persist between India and Russia "no matter the alignment of political forces", reflects the depth of Moscow-Delhi ties. This geopolitical depth between the two countries, Putin indicated, remains immune to the developments elsewhere in the world, especially during ongoing war in Ukraine. Also read | Putin invites PM Modi to Russia during his meeting with EAM Jaishankar Putin's comment came hours after India's Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar during his visit to Moscow referred to India-Russia ties as the "only constant" in world politics. Reading into Putin wishing well for Modi: What does it mean? In the recent weeks, Putin has expressed notes of praise for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Let me say that the relations between Russia and India are consistently developing in all areas, and the main guarantor for that is the policy led by Prime Minister Modi," Putin had said on December 7 in St. Petersburg. Also read | Putin praises India, says PM Modi 'guarantor' of stronger Moscow-Delhi ties "I cannot imagine His Excellency Modi getting intimidated or being forced to take any steps or actions that would go against the national interests of India and the people of India," Putin said, in an indirect reference to India buying Russian oil despite war in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin praises India. Says, PM Modi despite pressure on him, took action which are in interest of India (buying Russian Oil). Vdo ctsy: Sputnik pic.twitter.com/C6cQ1Eh28Z — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 7, 2023 × New Delhi has staunchly defended its purchase of Russian oil when accused by the West of ‘funding the war in Ukraine’. Just two months before launching an offensive on Ukraine in February 2022, Putin visited New Delhi in December 2021 for annual India-Russia summit. Also read | Putin’s actions in Ukraine do not make Indians anti-Russia. Here’s why Besides, if the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance returns to power with an as strong or stronger-than-before mandate, India's position of its evolving ties with various countries of the world is expected to remain consistent, if not sharper than now. India-Russia ties: What is the bottom-line ahead of 2024 polls? The consistency in ties with New Delhi, at a time when Russia is facing isolation from the collective West due to war in Ukraine, remains a geopolitical asset for Moscow's corridors of power. An asset Putin would least want to lose.

Putin wished Modi well for Lok Sabha elections. Here’s what it means for India-Russia ties

In a statewide plebiscite, Chileans chose to reject the current version of the constitution in favor of a new, conservative one, with the "against" option garnering more than 55% of the vote.

Chile: 55.56% Chileans reject conservative Constitution, 44.24% vote in favour | Race To Power

As the three-way race to Indonesia's Presidency heats up, the candidates faced off in what was the first of five election debates leading up to the February polls. The debate tackled questions on law, human rights and rising corruption and offered Presidential hopefuls the chance to detail their policies and address recent political controversies.

Indonesia: Presidential candidates face off in first election debate

The general elections in Bangladesh will be held on January 7, 2024, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal announced on Wednesday (Nov 15).The announcement was made in a televised speech for the first time in the history of Bangladesh. Earlier, the chief election commissioners used to air the recorded version of the polls schedule to address the nation, Dhaka Tribune reports.

Bangladesh elections: Opposition announces fresh blockade

After securing the backing of Catalan separatists with a contentious amnesty, Pedro Sánchez emerged victorious in an ill-tempered investiture vote and was re-elected to a second term as prime minister of Spain. The vote on Thursday was held nearly four months after a close snap election in July that saw conservative opponents of President Sánchez's Spanish Socialist Workers' party (PSOE), the People's party (PP), narrowly beat the party.

Pedro Sanchez secures another term as Spain's Prime Minister

Bangladesh election date announced

Why opposition want Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to step down?

Two of India's five poll-bound states carried out voting for assembly elections. Chhattisgarh and Mizoram saw a significant voter turnout. Who will pass this litmus test before the general elections in 2024?

India elections: Polling held in Chhattisgarh, Mizoram

After days of violence in Bangladesh over minimum wage for garment factory workers, the Sheikh Hasina govt has raised the minimum wage by 56.25%. But worker unions have rejected this hike, calling for officials to triple the raise. Will the government bow down to the demands, just months away from elections in January?

Bangladesh announces minimum wage increase for factory workers | Race to Power

US presidential elections are exactly 1 year away. As Republican poster boy Donald Trump faces off with Incumbent Joe Biden, here's a look at what the latest polls say about who America will pick as its next president.

US Presidential Elections: Can Joe Biden make a comeback?

US Presidential Elections: How will swing states perform?

If Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina does not step down, the major opposition parties in Bangladesh may boycott the impending national elections. A Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) official has issued a warning for the boycott in light of the violent turn of events during the nation's political protests.

Bangladesh: Opposition party threatens to boycott elections

Bangladesh gets into election mode. Opposition BNP has staged a string of protests against the ruling Sheikh Hasina government demanding it step down and make way for an interim non-political party administration that will ensure a free and fair election. The pre-poll caretaker government issue has remained a contentious one for years, with the BNP alleging massive rigging over successive elections in its absence.

Bangladesh political protests turn violent | Race to Power

US Elections: Do citizens have the right to know | Race to Power

US Elections: Do citizens have the right to know

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