News articles and essays on the Indian diplomacy at work around the world.
The agreement is being seen as a significant breakthrough because it revives a trade process that first began in 2010 but lost momentum and stalled in 2015. Negotiations were relaunched in March 2025 during New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit to India, and the deal was pushed through five formal rounds of talks in less than a year
The visit will provide an opportunity to review the ongoing defence cooperation initiatives and identify new avenues for collaboration between the defence industries of both countries. Shri Rajnath Singh is also expected to interact with key representatives of the German defence industry, with a view to promoting joint development and co-production under the Make-in-India initiative.
PIB says that with this phase, the total number of houses delivered to Tamil communities will reach 50,000, while 10,000 more are under construction in the fourth phase.
The agreement, signed in Moscow on February 18, 2025 and ratified by Russia in December 2025, lays down the procedures for the movement and support of military personnel, warships and military aircraft in each other’s territory. Under its standard limits, either side may have up to five military ships, ten military aircraft and 3,000 military personnel present simultaneously in the other country’s territory or airspace, unless both governments decide otherwise.
The engagement is notable because it keeps India-Ukraine strategic communication active at a senior level even as New Delhi continues to balance its ties with both Kyiv and Moscow. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Doval reiterated India’s “principled position” and its focus on a peaceful resolution, signalling continuity rather than any abrupt policy shift.
During the discussions, the two sides exchanged views on implementing decisions taken by SCO leaders and on the future direction of the organisation. The MEA said both countries agreed to continue and consolidate mutual cooperation and consultations on SCO-related issues, signalling an effort to keep institutional dialogue active even as the broader relationship remains carefully managed.
A major focus of the talks was the implementation of TEPA and the early opportunities it is creating. India noted that the agreement gives duty-free access in Norway for a range of agricultural and allied products, opening new possibilities for women entrepreneurs, MSMEs, farmers, fishermen, and innovation-driven businesses.
The Russian delegation, which included representatives from industry and allied sectors, joined Indian counterparts for discussions on areas of mutual interest across the steel value chain. According to the government, the interaction served as a platform for constructive engagement and a broader review of ongoing cooperation between the two countries in steel and related industries.
The diplomatic outreach went beyond internal security. In a parallel engagement, Swaika also met Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, where both sides explored cooperation in youth engagement, sports partnerships, skill development and talent exchange.
Highlighting the wider significance of the talks, the Prime Minister said the visit would bring fresh momentum to trade and investment ties. He underlined that Austria’s strengths in advanced engineering and technology could complement India’s scale and speed, helping create more reliable technology partnerships and supply chains.
