News articles and essays on the Indian diplomacy at work around the world.
The message from Indian authorities is clear: travellers should exercise extreme caution, know exactly what they are carrying, and avoid any conduct that could expose them to prosecution under Maldivian law.
According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the new arrangement took effect on April 10, 2026. He said Indian passport holders passing through mainland French airports solely for air transit will now be exempt from the transit visa requirement, easing travel for passengers using France as a connecting point to other international destinations.
India and Egypt have moved to expand their defence partnership after the 11th Joint Defence
At the core of the new system is the creation of the Online Gaming Authority of India, which will function as an attached office of MeitY with its head office in Delhi.
According to the official release, the exercise is designed to improve interoperability, cohesion, and the exchange of best practices between the two navies. The visit began with a ceremonial welcome by the Sri Lanka Navy, and Commander Sailesh Tyagi, Commanding Officer of INS Nireekshak, also met Rear Admiral SJ Kumara, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Area, to discuss matters of mutual interest.
A major outcome of the meeting was the signing and exchange of two key documents: a Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and an Implementing Arrangement for Cooperation in UN Peacekeeping Training. The Indian side described the visit as a sign of growing trust and momentum in the bilateral relationship, which has gathered pace in recent years.
During the trip, General Chauhan held talks with Luke Pollard, where discussions centred on the changing nature of global conflict and the need for closer military collaboration. Senior officials from both sides participated, reaffirming their shared commitment to deepening bilateral defence ties.
At the same time, India renewed its call for long-pending UNSC reforms during Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN), pointing out that the current composition—especially in terms of permanent membership—fails to represent developing nations. It advocated for greater inclusion of the Global South and noted alignment between its position and the African model for reform.
Rajnath Singh praised Germany’s strong industrial base and its “Mittelstand” ecosystem, while also pointing to India’s growing network of startups and private enterprises that are strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.
India outlined its long-term maritime vision under “Maritime Amrit Kaal 2047,” emphasizing major opportunities for Korean participation. These include developing large greenfield shipbuilding clusters, supported by government incentives and financing schemes. Korea expressed interest in contributing through its advanced expertise in ship design, manufacturing, and operations.
