Author: Akancha Mishra

India’s balanced and pragmatic approach in the Middle East is set to further strengthen its strategic partnership with Israel, according to a report by the Middle East Forum. The report notes that over the past three decades, India-Israel relations have evolved from limited diplomatic engagement into a robust partnership spanning defence, technology, and security cooperation. Shared concerns over terrorism, regional instability, and evolving security challenges have brought the two countries closer. Israel has emerged as a reliable partner for India, particularly in defence and advanced technology, even as New Delhi continues to maintain strong ties with Arab nations as part…

India and Norway are strengthening their strategic partnership through high-level discussions focused on addressing global challenges and expanding cooperation in future-oriented sectors. The dialogue covered key areas such as climate action, sustainability, digital transformation, maritime industries, tunneling technologies, and Arctic engagement, reflecting a shared vision for long-term collaboration. The discussions were led by Pooja Kapur, Additional Secretary at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik from Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, Kravik highlighted India’s growing role as a reliable partner in addressing complex global issues, referencing his participation in the Raisina Dialogue. Both sides explored…

India continues to strengthen its position as the most cost-competitive office fit-out market in the Asia Pacific region, offering global occupiers an attractive mix of affordability, scale, and quality, according to a recent report. The study by Cushman & Wakefield highlights that office fit-out costs across India’s major cities range between $65 and $73 per square foot. This is significantly lower compared to other key regional markets such as Tokyo ($215), Sydney ($161), and Singapore ($140). This cost advantage reinforces India’s appeal as a preferred destination for companies seeking to build high-quality, collaborative workspaces at scale while maintaining cost efficiency.…

During a special session at the Ananta Centre on March 24, US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby emphasized the United States’ deep respect for India, highlighting the country’s rich strategic heritage and its growing influence over the Indo-Pacific’s future. Colby noted that while the US and India differ in history, geography, and perspective, both nations share a fundamental belief that Asia’s future should be shaped by sovereign nations charting their own course. Colby, currently visiting New Delhi to engage with senior Indian officials, stressed that India is not only a key partner for the US but also…

Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff of India, held a high-level meeting with Harvey Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff of the Royal Air Force, to review the progress of bilateral defence cooperation between India and the United Kingdom. The discussions focused on advancing intelligence collaboration, expanding training exchanges, and strengthening integrated military engagement between the two nations. According to official statements, both sides reviewed ongoing initiatives and highlighted the importance of building a future-ready defence partnership. The talks also emphasised enhancing interoperability and operational coordination between the armed forces of both countries. General Chauhan commended the successful conduct of…

The growing partnership between India and Israel is emerging as a key pillar in shaping a value-based alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) gaining strategic importance. According to an analysis published in The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent engagement with Israel highlights a deeper alignment between the two nations as part of a broader geo-economic strategy. The article notes that India is increasingly focusing on building strong, issue-based partnerships rather than following traditional non-alignment policies. This shift reflects New Delhi’s effort to strengthen its strategic autonomy while countering…

Indian Railways has approved two key infrastructure projects in Gujarat and Bihar with a total investment of ₹6,475.8 million, aimed at improving connectivity, reducing congestion, and enhancing operational efficiency. According to the Railway Ministry, the projects include the construction of a Rail Over Rail (RoR) flyover in Gujarat and a new rail bypass in Bihar. In Gujarat, a ₹3,443.8 million project has been sanctioned to build a Rail Over Rail flyover at Kosamba. The structure will provide seamless connectivity to the Kosamba–Umrapada gauge conversion section, which spans 9.20 km under the Western Railway zone. The section lies along the busy…

The US government has introduced a comprehensive national strategy on artificial intelligence, outlining its ambition to dominate the global AI landscape. This policy blueprint is expected to influence international technology ecosystems, particularly Indian professionals and IT companies that play a major role in supporting US-based digital infrastructure. The six-part framework focuses on accelerating innovation, ensuring citizen safety, and strengthening national security. Officials emphasized the importance of winning the AI race to unlock economic growth and long-term competitiveness. Lawmakers have been urged to formalize the plan into legislation, signaling a strong push toward structured AI governance. The proposed roadmap highlights several…

India’s growing digital partnership with Nigeria is being seen as a transformative step that could help the African nation accelerate its development across governance, education, and job creation, according to a recent report. The collaboration is based on key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed in New Delhi between Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, and India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), along with the Central Square Foundation. These agreements focus on sharing India’s successful digital public infrastructure, including e-governance systems, digital identity frameworks, and technology-driven education models. According to the report, India’s experience in…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on the nation to remain prepared, united, and alert as the ongoing conflict in West Asia continues to create prolonged global uncertainty. Addressing Parliament, he stated that the effects of the crisis are likely to persist for a long time, making it essential for citizens and authorities to respond with patience and determination. He drew comparisons to the pandemic period, emphasizing that unity and collective strength helped the country navigate difficult times before and will be equally important now. He cautioned that such crises often give rise to individuals or groups seeking to exploit…