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<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword> and <keyword id="19899242" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="france" source="keywords">France</keyword> agreed to adopt the Defence Industrial Roadmap and explore opportunities for partnership in the defence industrial sector and prioritise co-designing, co-development and co-production, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday. In a press briefing regarding French President <keyword id="19912191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="emmanuel-macron" source="keywords">Emmanuel Macron</keyword>'s ongoing state visit to India, Foreign Secretary <keyword id="20344014" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vinay-kwatra" source="keywords">Vinay Kwatra</keyword> said that both countries agreed upon the production and manufacturing to harness the compatibilities and competencies to further strengthen defence cooperation. "The two countries have agreed to adopt a defence production roadmap. Now, the name itself is very clear that the focus and the priority of defence cooperation through this roadmap is to actually identify opportunities for partnership in the defence industrial sector that prioritize co-designing, co-development, coproduction with the whole, and also building the defence supply chains between the two countries," he said. He added, "In terms of the range of domains, including the technology space that the industrial roadmap will aim to achieve, it would include both air and space technologies, maritime technology, including the underwater domain awareness. It's a new space which is coming up naturally, the equipment and the systems related to the land warfare, and also robotics and artificial intelligence as also autonomous vehicles and platforms, and cyber defence." French President Emmanuel <keyword id="19899245" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="macron" source="keywords">Macron</keyword> is on a visit to India and was also the Chief Guest in the Republic Day Parade today. Kwatra also described the details of the third visit of the French President to India and shared that in this visit President Emmanuel Macron is accompanied by a 40-member delegation. He said, "French President is accompanied by a 40-member strong delegation. The delegation includes three ministers, ministers of foreign affairs, defence and culture. As we speak, the external affairs minister is meeting his French counterpart, the newly appointed foreign Minister of France Stephane Sejourne...This is the 6th time that a French leader has come for India's Republic Day, the maximum for any country..." When asked about the Safran-India Shakti jet engines deal, the Indian envoy to France, Jawed Ashraf informed that the issue has always been a discussion between the two leaders and is part of the defence industry roadmap. He said, "This is a subject of ongoing discussions... Now, the issue is really about arriving at a set of specifications that comply with our future fighter jet requirements. So this always features in the conversation between the President and the Prime Minister, because what we are looking for is not just a manufacturing transfer of technology, which essentially keeps you going with the same crutches that you have been going on for the last six decades but to work in the actual design phase, metallurgical aspects, etc." Envoy Jawed Ashraf added, "So Safran is fully willing to do it with 100 per cent transfer of technology in design development, certification, production and so on and so forth. But it's obviously a very complex subject, and it has to fit in with the overall future requirements. So these discussions will continue to take place, and that's also part of the defence industry roadmap." Earlier in the day, a 95-member marching contingent and a 33-member band contingent from France participated in the 75th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday expressed his thanks for the "great honour for France" as his country's troops and aircraft are invited to march in the 75th Republic Parade of India. "A great honor for France. Thank you, India," posted Marcron on X as Kartavya Path witnessed a march past by a combined band and marching contingent of the French Armed Forces. The marching members were drawn from the French Foreign Legion, a well-known and unique corps of about 10,000 men from around the world, including India, who marched on the Kartavya Path. This came a few months after Indian troops and aircraft paraded in Paris for the 2023 Bastille Day. Macron, who arrived in India on Thursday in Jaipur held a bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Modi. PM Modi said that it is a matter of great pride that the French President was participating in the 75th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.

India, France agree to adopt defence production roadmap: Foreign Secretary Kwatra

<keyword id="3089284" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jawed-Ashraf">Jawed Ashraf</keyword>, joint secretary to the Prime Minister since 2012, is planning to step out of the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=PMO">PMO</a>. Wait, he has not parted ways with the government. In fact, he is leaving this existing post to take an overseas position. 
 Ashraf, who has also worked with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, will now be replaced by <keyword id="2212058" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vinay-Kwatra">Vinay Kwatra</keyword>, currently working as the joint secretary (America) in the <keyword id="6374106" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-External-Affairs">Ministry of External Affairs</keyword>. Kwatra, who has served as Modi’s interpreter in 2014, took charge of the Americas division in the MEA from Vikram Doraiswami. 
 
Doraiswami moved last year to Uzbekistan as ambassador, but was moved again to South Korea just before PM's visit in May this year. 
 
Foreign secretary S. Jaishankar, has carried out a major overhaul of the MEA, putting in a whole new set of faces in South Block and in key missions overseas. However, there are some other important ambassadorial positions that will also be up for grabs in a few months in Bhutan, Myanmar and Singapore.

Narendra Modi’s precious speech writer is leaving. Will that make a dent on his great oratory skills?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will depart for a two-nation visit today, beginning with Moscow, <keyword id="19895159" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Russia" source="keywords">Russia</keyword>, where he has been invited by <keyword id="20169727" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="President-Vladimir-Putin" source="keywords">President Vladimir Putin</keyword> to attend the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. Following his engagements in Russia, Prime Minister Modi will proceed to <keyword id="19935217" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Austria" source="keywords">Austria</keyword> on July 9-10. This visit marks a historic occasion, as it will be the first time an <keyword id="20099937" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Prime-Minister" source="keywords">Indian Prime Minister</keyword> has visited Austria in 41 years. Speaking to ANI, EAM S Jaishankar said that this visit will be a great opportunity for <keyword id="19899320" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PM-Modi" source="keywords">PM Modi</keyword> and Russian President Putin to sit and discuss the relationship. "There was a bit of a delay in our annual summits, it is a good tradition, we are two countries which have a strong history of working together. We did value the need for an annual summit. Last year when I went to Moscow, I carried a message from the PM that we are committed to the annual summit and we will do it sooner rather than later...it is a regular recurrence. It is a way of taking stock of any relationship," PM Modi is expected to meet Putin later in the day on Monday. Indian Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar said the visit was a very important one. "Russia is now one of the very important sources of energy resources in India. Also, trade has expanded in other areas. So this visit becomes very important for the leaders to exchange views on all these developments in the bilateral relationship, but also other regional and international issues of mutual interest," he said. Vinay Kumar said that PM Modi during his visit will have a private meeting with Russian President Putin, attend the lunch-on hosted by Putin and visit an exhibition centre. He said that PM Modi will address a gathering of Indian community members in Russia. Elaborating on PM Modi's schedule during his visit to Russia, the Indian envoy said, "The program includes a private meeting with President Putin, delegation-level talks, restricted talks, luncheon hosted by President Putin for Prime Minister and his delegation, visit to an exhibition centre in the VDNKH Complex, Rosatom Pavilion, and also exchange of documents which we are preparing to sign and exchange during the visit." Earlier, sharing details about the PM's visit to Russia, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on July 5 said that both leaders have spoken on the phone multiple times since their unofficial meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2022. "The last, that is the 21st, annual summit, you would recall was held in New Delhi in December 2021. The two leaders thereafter met in September 2022 in Samarkand on the margins of the SCO summit in Uzbekistan. They have also stayed in touch with each other through several telephonic conversations through these years," Kwatra said. As per the Foreign Secretary PM will arrive in Moscow in the late afternoon of July 8. Russian President Putin will host a private dinner for PM Modi on the day of arrival. PM Modi and the Russian President will review the full range of multifaceted ties between India and Russia. "These engagements will be followed by a restricted level talk between the two leaders, which will then be followed by delegation level talks led by the Prime Minister and the Russian President" as per the Foreign Secretary. PM Modi will then travel to Austria as India and Austria celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. The Prime Minister will hold discussions with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on strengthening the bond between the two nations and exploring new avenues of cooperation. 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PM Modi to embark on two-nation tour to Russia and Austria

<ul class="summary-list"><li>In a move likely to anger the US, Modi is visiting Russia.</li><li>It signals strong ties between the two countries and shows that India is pursuing its own agenda.</li></ul>In a move likely to anger the US, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Russia on Monday for his first bilateral trip after winning a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-election-results-complicates-plans-unseat-china-modi-bjp-2024-6">historic third term</a> in office.Modi's two-day visit to Russia — where he is scheduled to meet with President Vladimir Putin — is significant in that it signals strong ties between New Delhi and Moscow. It also shows the world that India is not afraid to pursue its own agenda.Vinay Kwatra, India's foreign secretary, told reporters in New Delhi that issues between Russia and India have "piled up" and "need to be addressed," <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-07/putin-hosts-modi-after-hailing-best-in-history-ties-with-india-rival-china">Bloomberg reported</a>.Russia's relationship with India goes back to the Cold War, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/rise-in-trade-with-russia-not-a-temporary-phenomenon-s-jaishankar-429969-2024-05-17">trade between the two countries</a> has grown since Russia started the war in Ukraine. <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/commodities/russian-oil-india-purchases-us-crude-wti-sanctions-ukraine-war-2024-3">India is a major buyer of Russian oil</a>. Russia is also India's biggest arms supplier.Kwatra underscored that the two countries' trade relationship has remained "resilient."Still, Modi's trip will "rankle many Western observers," Ved Shinde, a researcher and contributor to Australia's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-modi-will-go-moscow">Lowy Institute</a>, wrote in a note on Wednesday."Since the Ukraine war began, India's purchase of cheap oil from Russia has been seen as profiting from troubles in the heart of Europe," Shinde added.<h2 id="05696275-c92a-4ee6-84e4-fd193ca99db2">Modi's visit to Russia will make the US look bad</h2>Just like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/vietnam-russia-putin-visit-us-wary-manufacturing-supply-chain-diplomacy-2024-6">Putin's visit to supply-chain hot spot Vietnam</a>, India's engagement with Russia isn't a good look for the US, as it comes while Washington is trying to isolate Putin.The US has raised "some concerns" about India's relationship with Russia with New Delhi, Kurt Campbell, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.state.gov/special-online-briefing-with-deputy-secretary-of-state-kurt-m-campbell/">US deputy secretary of state</a>, said last month.However, Washington acknowledges that India's ties with Russia are different from its ties with the US."We have many areas of alignment, but it is not surprising that there would be areas where we've had perhaps different perspectives, views, historical ties," Campbell said about America's relationship with India.India, for its part, is looking to balance its relationship with the world's key powerbrokers: the US, Russia, and China."There are different degrees in India's multi-alignment. Make no mistake — the United States and its allies are more consequential for India's future than its relationship with Russia," Shinde wrote.India needs to leverage its historical ties with Russia to secure its economy and security, so Modi isn't just in Russia for a goodwill trip.<h2 id="c79db6fd-b57b-4ff5-8f16-bc16c77b8021">Reducing the trade imbalance</h2>A key agenda item for the visit is to reduce a huge bilateral trade imbalance, Kwatra said.India imports about $60 billion of goods a year from Russia, but Russia buys less than 10% of this amount from India, Bloomberg reported.Modi may also touch on China's activities in the Indo-Pacific region, Kwatra added.India is trying to manage its relationship with China, which has been testy since a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-border-clashes-could-cause-more-indian-ocean-activity-2020-7">border dispute in 2020</a>. Modi skipped the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kazakhstan last week.There's also the matter of Russia's ties with China.At the summit last week, Putin said <a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/video/kazakhstan-china-government-russia-government-russia-5b1c1a8f402c400d8d703543b0562b51">Russia's relationship with China</a> is in the "best period in history."Modi now needs to cozy up to Putin to counter China's advances."The reason for the time-tested stability in India-Russia ties is to maintain a continental balance in the Eurasian heartland. That is, to balance China," Shinde wrote."Or to put it another way, don't go around making new adversaries when there are already two open fronts — China and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-and-china-pick-sides-in-tense-india-pakistan-rivalry-2022-3">Pakistan</a>," he added.

Modi's Russia visit shows India isn't worried about making the US mad

Russia on Wednesday said it is hoping for quick resolution of the issue relating to India's call for return of Indians recruited into the <keyword id="20279961" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Russian-Army" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Russian Army" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Russian Army">Russian Army</keyword> as support staff and asserted their recruitment was purely a commercial matter. In first comments on the issue from the Russian government, Russia's Charge d'affaires Roman Babushkin said Moscow never wanted the Indians to be part of its Army and their number is insignificant in the context of the conflict. "We are on the same side with the Indian government on the issue... We hope that the issue will be resolved soon," he said at a media briefing while responding to a question. Babushkin's remarks came a day after Russia promised to ensure early release and return to home of the <keyword id="19946607" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-nationals" source="keywords">Indian nationals</keyword> working in the <keyword id="19919123" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Russian-military" source="keywords">Russian military</keyword> as support staff after <keyword id="19898052" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Prime-Minister-Narendra-Modi" source="keywords">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</keyword> "very strongly" raised the issue with President <keyword id="19900702" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vladimir-Putin" source="keywords">Vladimir Putin</keyword>. Babushkin noted that the issue should not be politicised. "Let us be very clear, we have never wanted Indians to be part of the Russian Army. You would never see any announcement by Russian authorities on this," he said. The Russian diplomat said most of the Indians were recruited under a commercial framework as they wanted to "make money". The number of Indians -- 50, 60 or 100 people -- does not make any significance in terms of the wider conflict. "They are there purely for commercial reasons and we did not want to recruit them," he said. Babushkin said most of the Indians recruited as support staff are working illegally as they do not have appropriate visas to work. He said most of them came to Russia on tourist visas. Asked if the families of those killed would be given compensation and Russian citizenship, Babushkin said that it "should happen anyway as per the contractual obligations". On Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said in Moscow that the Russian side promised early discharge of all Indian nationals from the service of the Russian Army. "The prime minister strongly raised the issue of early discharge of Indian nationals who have been misled into the service of the Russian Army. This was taken up strongly by the prime minister and the Russian side promised early discharge of all Indian nationals," he said. It is learnt that Modi raised the issue during his informal talks with Putin over dinner at the Russian leader's dacha or country home on Monday evening. Kwatra said the two sides will work on how expeditiously the Indians can be brought back home. Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the issue of Indian nationals serving with the Russian Army remains a matter of "utmost concern" and demanded action from Moscow over it. On June 11, India said two Indian nationals, who were recruited by the Russian Army, had recently been killed in the ongoing <keyword id="20634729" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Russia-Ukraine-conflict" source="keywords">Russia-Ukraine conflict</keyword>, which took the number of such deaths to four. Following the deaths of two Indians, the MEA demanded a "verified stop" to further recruitment of Indian nationals by the Russian Army. In a strongly-worded statement, it said India demanded that there be a "verified stop to any further recruitment of Indian nationals by the Russian Army and that such activities would not be in "consonance with our partnership". In March, 30-year-old Hyderabad resident Mohammed Asfan succumbed to injuries sustained while serving with Russian troops on the frontlines with Ukraine. In February, Hemal Ashwinbhai Mangua, a 23-year-old resident of Surat in Gujarat, died in a Ukrainian air strike while serving as a "security helper" in the Donetsk region. Modi was on a two-day high-profile visit to Russia from Monday to hold the 22nd <keyword id="22301215" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India-Russia-annual-summit" source="keywords">India-Russia annual summit</keyword> with Putin.

We never wanted them: Russia on Indians in Russian Army

India and Britain have reaffirmed their commitment to conclude a mutually beneficial free trade agreement (FTA) at the annual UK-India <keyword id="21710882" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Strategic-Dialogue" source="keywords">Strategic Dialogue</keyword> here, as the two sides reflected the "good progress" on the <keyword id="21710883" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="2030-Roadmap" source="keywords">2030 Roadmap</keyword> since the last review. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, who is on a visit to the UK, held discussions with his counterpart, Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Friday. After their meeting, the FCDO said the two leaders reviewed the progress made on the UK-India 2030 Roadmap since the last strategic dialogue in January last year and looked ahead to the next phase of bilateral cooperation. "The two reflected on good progress on the 2030 Roadmap since the last review, noting key areas where the UK and India have worked together to tackle some of the world's biggest challenges," the FCDO said in a statement. "This included collaborating on the world's first malaria vaccine, working closely on India's successful G20 Presidency and increasing opportunities for students and entrepreneurs under the Migration and Mobility Partnership. Alongside celebrating the milestones since the last review, this year's dialogue included the ongoing commitment to negotiate a mutually beneficial free trade agreement (FTA), and enhance defence cooperation," the statement added. The <keyword id="20016862" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India-UK-FTA" source="keywords">India-UK FTA</keyword> negotiations, which opened in January 2022, are aimed at significantly enhancing bilateral trade - currently worth around 38.1 billion pounds a year as per official statistics from earlier this year. The talks are now in their 14th round of talks, going at a slower pace during the phased Indian general elections. Earlier, the High Commission of India in London said Kwatra also had a "fruitful meeting" with UK Minister of State for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge, during which they discussed ongoing India-UK defence capability cooperation initiatives and avenues for future collaboration. "We are delighted to host Indian Foreign Secretary Kwatra in London to underline the UK's commitment to deepening cooperation with India. I look forward to our relationship going from strength to strength, working together on trade, defence, climate, and health," said Lord Tariq Ahmad, FCDO Minister for South Asia, after his meeting with the Foreign Secretary which his office said covered the FTA, migration and the Commonwealth. The 2030 Roadmap was clinched between India and the UK in 2021 and includes commitments to deepen cooperation on health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence by 2030. As part of the UK-India Strategic Dialogue this week, Foreign Secretary Kwatra held a series of cross-department meetings including talks with the UK Home Office minister Matthew Rycroft, which covered ways to ease legal migration while curbing illegal flows. "They recognised the need to further enhance cooperation in tackling extremism and terrorism," the Indian mission in London said. During his meeting with the UK National Security Adviser (NSA), the senior officials discussed key areas of bilateral ties as well as the broader geopolitical security landscape. There are 26 chapters in the FTA, including goods, services, investments, and intellectual property rights. The Indian industry is demanding greater access for its skilled professionals from sectors like IT and healthcare in the UK market, besides market access for several goods at nil customs duty. On the other hand, the UK is seeking a significant cut in import duties on goods such as scotch whiskey, electric vehicles, lamb meat, chocolates, and certain confectionary items. Britain is also looking for more opportunities for UK services in Indian markets in segments like telecommunications, legal and financial services (banking and insurance). 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India, UK reaffirm FTA commitment at Strategic Dialogue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to travel to <keyword id="19894993" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Italy" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Italy" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Italy">Italy</keyword> this week to attend the annual summit of G7 advanced economies in his first trip abroad after assuming office for the third straight term. The <keyword id="21430934" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="G7-summit" source="keywords">G7 summit</keyword>, to be held in the luxury resort of Borgo Egnazia in Italy's Apulia region from June 13 to 15, is likely to be dominated by the raging war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza. US President Joe Biden, his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are among the top leaders attending the summit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also scheduled for a session on the Russian invasion of his country. People familiar with Modi's planned trip to Italy said he is set to leave for Italy on June 13 and will return late on June 14, adding it will be his first trip abroad after taking charge as the prime minister for the third consecutive term. There is no official announcement on Modi's visit to Italy yet. Modi will be accompanied by a high-level delegation that is likely to include <keyword id="20017412" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="external-affairs" source="keywords">External Affairs</keyword> Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and NSA Ajit Doval, the sources said. The prime minister is set to hold a number of bilateral meetings including with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Modi had attended the previous G7 summit in Hiroshima in May last year. On the sidelines of the summit, he had held talks with Zelenskyy and a number of other leaders. The G7 comprises the US, the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Canada and Japan. Italy is holding the current presidency of the G7 (Group of Seven) and is hosting the summit in that capacity. A key focus of the Italian presidency has been to defend the rules-based international system. Russia's war of aggression on Ukraine has undermined its principles and triggered growing instability, with multiple crises unfolding worldwide, according to Italy. The G7 will give equal importance to the conflict in the Middle East, with its consequences for the global agenda, it says. The bloc expanded into the G8 between 1997 and 2013, with the inclusion of Russia. However, Russia's participation was suspended in 2014 following its annexation of Crimea. In line with its tradition, representatives of a number of countries and international organisations are invited to the summit by the host nation that holds the chair. Besides India, Italy has invited leaders from 11 developing countries in Africa, South America and the Indo-Pacific region to attend the summit. Though the European Union is not a member of the G7, it attends the annual summit.

PM Modi to take new term's first trip abroad this week, travel to Italy for G7 summit

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Indian Prime Minister Modi gave Russian President Putin a bear hug during an official visit to Moscow.</li><li>Modi's visit coincided with a Russian missile strike that hit a Ukrainian children's hospital and ahead of a NATO summit.</li></ul>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made Russia the destination of his first bilateral visit after securing a historic third term in office. On top of that, he gave <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fear-china-behind-india-modi-display-of-friendship-russia-putin-2024-7">Russian President Vladimir Putin a bear hug</a> while he was there.The spectacle involving the two leaders came on the same day Russia hit a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/experts-challenge-russian-narrative-on-kyiv-childrens-hospital-attack-2024-7">Ukrainian children's hospital with a missile strike</a> and ahead of a three-day NATO leaders' summit in Washington DC that started on Tuesday."It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world's largest democracy hug the world's most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1810437647581716707">post on X on Monday.</a>On Monday, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.state.gov/briefings/department-press-briefing-july-8-2024/">US State Department</a> said it has raised concerns with New Delhi about India's relationship with Russia.Modi's advances toward Putin come less than two months after the usually reserved Chinese leader <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/hugs-not-full-socialist-era-kiss-putin-xi-beijing-2024-05-17/">Xi Jinping hugged Putin</a> not once, but twice — dealing another blow to the West's isolation of Russia.<h2 id="390a51d2-9be0-469a-acc9-c9f006ae04ff">What India wants from Russia</h2>Like Xi, Modi has his own agenda for cozying up to Putin during the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/modi-putin-russia-india-relationship-not-worried-us-biden-mad-2024-7">two-day visit.</a>India is an important strategic partner for the US and the rest of the world, which is aiming to diversify supply chains away from China.Over the last two years, India-Russia trade has grown. The relationship is underscored by energy, as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-economy-divert-oil-exports-europe-india-china-circumvent-sanctions-2023-12">India has become a major buyer of Russian oil</a>.But there's a huge trade imbalance that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/modi-putin-russia-india-relationship-not-worried-us-biden-mad-2024-7">Modi is seeking to narrow.</a> India imported about $60 billion of goods a year from Russia in the last fiscal year. In comparison, Russia bought less than $5 billion of goods from India."The structure of trade is highly asymmetric, with India running a chronic large trade deficit with Russia," Rajiv Biswas, an international economist who's also the author of "<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored noindex" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?amazonTrackingID=bi-auto-70656-20&amp;h=2252c62746e53e506c655ce3df395bcea3ecbee5e1b11653f5e13361d3be9338&amp;postID=668deb6674bca98bb4de2ad6&amp;postSlug=russia-economy-india-modi-putin-hug-west-isolation-big-blow-2024-7&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAsian-Megatrends-Rajiv-Biswas%2Fdp%2F1137441887">Asian Megatrends</a>," told Business Insider.To be sure, Russia's import of Indian products — particularly engineering and electronic equipment — has surged by 35% over the last fiscal year, added Biswas. But, it's from a low base.<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-india-modi-putin-fe2b1d0abbb3e67e6f3ff88f02ce658c">Vinay Kwatra,</a> India's Foreign Secretary, said after Modi and Putin's meeting that the two have pledged to boost bilateral trade from nearly $65 billion last year to $100 billion by 2030.In addition to oil, India is looking to import more fertilizers. Russia is looking to import more Indian agricultural and industrial products.On the political front, India — which has been mired in a <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-border-clashes-could-cause-more-indian-ocean-activity-2020-7">border dispute with China since 2020</a> — is also looking to leverage on Beijing's cozy relationship with Moscow."Security is an increasingly important factor driving India's relations with Russia," said Biswas."Due to Russia's close ties with China, India can turn to Russia to help defuse crises when bilateral geopolitical tensions flare up between India and China," he added.After all, Putin chose to head to China — rather than to India — in his first foreign state visit in May after he was sworn in for a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-vladimir-putin-presidential-election-vote-landslide-win-2024-3">fifth presidential term.</a>Xi definitely welcomed Putin; after all, the Chinese leader initiated the hug.

The West's attempts at isolating Russia just took another big blow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is heading to <keyword id="19894993" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Italy" source="keywords">Italy</keyword> on Thursday to attend a Summit of the Group of Seven (G7), marking his first trip abroad after assuming office for the third consecutive term. Scheduled to be held between June 13-14 in the Apulia region and India has been been invited as an Outreach Country to the Summit, which will see participation from the seven member countries, US, UK, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, and France, as well as the <keyword id="19895384" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="European-Union" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="European Union" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="European Union">European Union</keyword>. Indian ambassador to Italy, VRao said that <keyword id="19899320" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PM-Modi" source="keywords">PM Modi</keyword> will play an important role in one of the global platforms, to engage with other world leaders present at the <keyword id="21430934" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="G7-Summit" source="keywords">G7 Summit</keyword> on issues of importance to India, as well as to the Global South. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had invited PM Modi to attend the G7 Summit. It will be India's 11th participation in the G7 Summit and PM Modi's fifth consecutive participation at the G7 Summit. On the sidelines of the Summit, PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings and discussions with the leaders of the G7 and Outreach nations as well as the international organisations. Foreign Secretary Kwatra said that PM Modi is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni and the two leaders are expected to review the entire gamut of bilateral ties. Addressing a special briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said the visit assumes significance as it will be Prime Minister's first overseas travel after assuming office in his third consecutive term. "It will also afford him an opportunity to engage with other world leaders present at the G7 Summit on issues of importance to India, as also to the Global South. This will be India's 11th participation in G7 Summit and Prime Minister Modi's fifth consecutive participation at the G7 Summit," he said. Kwatra said that the focus of the G7 Summit's Outreach Session will be on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. He noted that India's participation at the G7 Summit points to increasing recognition and contribution of the efforts that India has been making in trying to resolve global challenges. "It will be a bloc agenda item where the G7 and the Outreach Countries would share their views and perspective. India's regular participation at the G7 Summit clearly points to increasing recognition and contribution of the efforts that India has been consistently making in trying to resolve global challenges, including those of peace, security, development, and environment preservation." "India's participation at this G7 Summit acquires particular salience in context of India's recently held, not so recent, presidency of the G20, where India took a leading role in building global consensus on a number of contentious issues. As you are also aware, India has so far organized two sessions of the Voice of the Global South Summit, which have been aimed at bringing the interests, priorities, and concerns of the Global South on the global stage. At G7 also, we have always brought the issues of Global South to the forefront," he added. On January 1, Italy assumed the G7 Presidency for the seventh time. Notably, the G7 nations are the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK. Leaders of the seven member States, as well as the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission representing the European Union will attend the G7 Summit. Several States, including India, Turkiye and international organisations like the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), have also been invited by Italy to the Outreach Session of the G7 Summit. In the special briefing, Kwatra said that Italy is also India's partner in several global initiatives launched by India, including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative, Global Biofuel Alliance, and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). On June 12, the Indian ambassador to Italy, Vani Rao said that PM Modi will play an important role in one of the global platforms, to engage with other world leaders present at the G7 Summit on issues of importance to India, as well as to the Global South. Italy, which has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the G7 Summit Outreach Sessions, is India's fourth-largest trading partner in the European Union, with bilateral trade currently standing at USD 15 billion. The two countries have close and friendly relations and celebrated 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations last year. PM Modi visited Italy for the G20 Summit in October 2021 and the Italian PM visited India on a State visit in March 2023 and was Chief Guest at Raisina Dialogue. She also visited India for the G20 Summit held under India's Presidency in September last year. The bilateral relations between India and Italy were upgraded to the level of 'Strategic Partnership' with a focus on defence, science and technology, Indo-Pacific and energy during her visit. There have been several high-level engagements between the two sides since the State visit of the Italian Prime Minister to India. Several ministers from Italy visited India in 2023 for G20-related meetings and held bilateral meetings on the sidelines including the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Finance, Agriculture, Education and Culture Ministers. Speaker and President of the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies participated in the P20 meeting last year. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal visited Italy in November, October and April last year respectively. It is the first time that PM Modi is travelling to a European nation on his first overseas visit after assuming office. After assuming office for the first time in 2014, PM Modi made his first foreign trip to Bhutan and reaffirmed his commitment to enhance bilateral ties. During his visit from June 15-16 in 2014, PM Modi met Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema. He also met his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay. For his visit, PM Modi was accompanied by then-External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and then-Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh. His first visit abroad came days after he was sworn in as PM in New Delhi on May 26 2014. During his visit, he addressed the Joint Sitting of the Parliament and inaugurated the new Supreme Court building which was constructed with assistance from the Government of India assistance. After taking oath for the second time in 2019, PM Modi made his first overseas visit to Maldives. At the invitation of then-Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, PM Modi travelled to Male for a two-day State visit to Maldives from June 8-9 in 2019. After a ceremonial welcome in Male, Solih and PM Modi held one-on-one talks followed by delegation-level talks, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release. The two leaders had reiterated their strong commitment to further strengthening "strong and friendly relations" between India and the Maldives, nurtured by geographical contiguity, and ethnic, historical, socio-economic and cultural ties between the peoples of the two countries, according to MEA release. He also delivered the address in the Maldivian Parliament. PM Modi spoke about India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and called the Maldives a priority for India in the neighbourhood. He had also announced that India will contribute to the conservation of Maldives' Friday Mosque. 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PM Modi heads to Italy today for G7 Summit, first overseas visit after assuming office for third term

Kuwaiti authorities are conducting DNA tests on the bodies of over 40 <keyword id="22038005" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indians-killed" source="keywords">Indians killed</keyword> in the devastating fire in Mangaf area, with an <keyword id="472686" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IAF-aircraft" source="Orion">IAF aircraft</keyword> on standby to bring back the mortal remains, officials said on Thursday. Minister of State for <keyword id="43920" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="External-Affairs" source="Orion">External Affairs</keyword> Kirti Vardhan Singh reached Kuwait to oversee assistance to Indians injured in the fire and to ensure early repatriation of mortal remains. The total number of people killed in the fire incident in the southern Kuwait locality is 49 and 42 of them are learnt to be Indians, the officials said. The IAF aircraft has been kept on stand-by to bring back the mortal remains, officials said. Hours after arriving in Kuwait, Singh met the Gulf nation's foreign minister <keyword id="22043093" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Abdullah-Ali-Al-Yahya" source="Orion">Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya</keyword>. The <keyword id="54656" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-embassy" source="Orion">Indian embassy</keyword> in Kuwait said Al-Yahya assured of full support including for medical care, early repatriation of mortal remains and investigation into the incident. "FM Yahya conveyed his condolences on the tragic incident. He assured full support including for medical care, early repatriation of mortal remains and investigation of the incident," the mission said on X. "MoS conveyed his appreciation for the cooperation being extended by all concerned authorities of Kuwait," it said. Singh also visited Mubarak Al Kabeer hospital where seven injured Indians are admitted. "In an unfortunate and tragic fire incident earlier today in a Labour housing facility in Mangaf area of Kuwait, around 40 Indians are understood to have died and over 50 injured," the Ministry of External Affairs had said in a statement late on Wednesday night. Last night, Prime Minister Modi reviewed the situation at a meeting with <keyword id="5263" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="external-affairs-minister" source="Orion">External Affairs Minister</keyword> S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and Principal Secretary to PM PK Mishra among others. Following the meeting, the prime minister announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased Indian nationals from the PM's Relief Fund and directed that the government should extend all possible assistance. Jaishankar spoke to his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on phone and urged him for the early repatriation of the mortal remains of those killed. "Spoke to Kuwaiti FM Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on the fire tragedy in Kuwait. Apprised of the efforts made by Kuwaiti authorities in that regard. Was assured that the incident would be fully investigated and that responsibility will be fixed," Jaishankar said on X on Wednesday night. "Urged the early repatriation of the mortal remains of those who lost their lives. He emphasized that those injured were getting the requisite medical attention," he said. The officials had said most of the Indian victims are from Kerala. The fire in Al-Mangaf building was reported to authorities in Al-Ahmadi governorate at 4.30 am on Wednesday and most of the deaths were due to smoke inhalation, Kuwaiti media reported, adding the fire started in a kitchen. Construction firm NBTC group rented the building for the stay of more than 195 workers, most of them Indians from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and northern states, the Kuwaiti media said. The NBTC group is partly owned by an Indian, officials said. Interior Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah ordered an investigation into the fire incident and issued directions to apprehend the owner and janitor of Al-Mangaf building.

Kuwait fire: IAF aircraft on standby to bring back mortal remains of Indians

Over 40 Indians were killed and more than 50 others injured after a devastating fire broke out at dawn in a building housing around 195 migrant workers in southern <keyword id="20078631" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kuwait" source="keywords">Kuwait</keyword>'s Mangaf area, officials said on Wednesday. The total number of people killed in the Al-Mangaf building was 49 and 42 of them are learnt to be Indians; the remaining ones are Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian and Nepali nationals, they said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described the fire incident as "saddening", reviewed the situation arising out of it at a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and Principal Secretary to the PM PK Mishra among others. An official statement said Modi expressed deep sorrow at the "unfortunate incident" and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He also announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to each of the families of the deceased Indian nationals from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh is urgently travelling to Kuwait following a direction from the prime minister primarily to oversee assistance to Indians injured in the fire and to ensure early repatriation of mortal remains of those killed. The official statement said Modi wished speedy recovery of those injured and directed that the government of India should extend all possible assistance. "The fire mishap in Kuwait City is saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. The <keyword id="19949899" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Embassy" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Indian Embassy" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="Indian Embassy">Indian Embassy</keyword> in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working with the authorities there to assist the affected," Modi said on X earlier. Jaishankar also expressed deep shock over the incident and said the Indian embassy in the Gulf nation will render the "fullest assistance" to all concerned. Officials said most of the Indian victims are from Kerala. The fire in Al-Mangaf building was reported to authorities in Al-Ahmadi governorate at 4.30 am and most of the deaths were due to smoke inhalation, Kuwaiti media reported, adding the fire started in a kitchen. Kuwait's Interior Ministry in a statement confirmed that the death toll reached 49. "Deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait city. There are reportedly over 40 deaths and over 50 have been hospitalized. Our Ambassador has gone to the camp. We are awaiting further information," Jaishankar said on X. "Deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. Wish early and full recovery to those who have been injured," he said. Indian ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika visited several hospitals including where the injured have been admitted. Construction firm NBTC group rented the building for stay of more than 195 workers, most of them Indians from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and northern states, the Kuwaiti media said. The NBTC group is partly owned by an Indian, officials said. Kuwait's Interior Ministry said criminal evidence department personnel are currently working on identifying the victims and revealing the cause of the fire. It said strict measures will be taken against building owners who violate laid down norms. "Unfortunately, we received a report of a fire at... exactly 6:00 am (0300 GMT) in the Mangaf area," Major General Eid Al-Owaihan, head of the interior ministry's General Department of Criminal Evidence said. Kuwait's health ministry said the injured were admitted to several hospitals, with 21 of them sent to Al-Adan Hospital, six to Farwaniya hospital, one to Al-Amiri and 11 to Mubarak hospital. Officials in Delhi said officials from the Indian embassy are going to the hospitals where the victims were taken to. The number of deaths and injured people will be known after they get the details, one of the officials said. "Amb @AdarshSwaika visited the Al-Adan hospital where over 30 Indian workers injured in today's fire incident have been admitted. He met a number of patients and assured them of full assistance from the Embassy," the Indian embassy said on 'X'. "Almost all are reported to be stable by hospital authorities," it said. Indian ambassador Swaika also visited the site of the fire. The Indian embassy said it is in touch with Kuwaiti law enforcement authorities, fire service and health department for necessary action. Interior minister of Kuwait Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah ordered an investigation into the fire incident and issued directions to apprehend the owner and janitor of Al-Mangaf building. "What happened today is a result of the greed of the company and building owners," Al-Sabah was quoted as saying by Kuwait Times Kuwaiti authorities have started an investigation into the fire. Kuwait's Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah visited the site of the fire and blamed violations of norms and greed by the real estate owners for the incident, reports from Kuwaiti said. 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Over 40 Indians among 49 killed in devastating fire in southern Kuwait

New Delhi, Ahead of the <keyword id="42982" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="G20-Summit" source="Orion">G20 Summit</keyword>, <keyword id="6354814" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Prime-Minister-Narendra-Modi" source="Orion">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</keyword> on Wednesday spelt out a set of dos and don'ts to be observed by ministers during the two-day event to ensure that the visiting dignitaries are not put to any inconvenience, sources said. The ministers have been asked to ditch their official vehicles and use the shuttle service to reach the Bharat Mandapam and other venues of various meetings. At a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers, the prime minister also asked them to download the <keyword id="42981" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="G20" source="Orion">G20</keyword> India mobile app and make best use of its translation and other features while conversing with foreign dignitaries, officials said. The G20 mobile app has an instant translation feature incorporating all Indian languages and that of G20 nations. With nearly 40 world leaders, including those from international organisations, set to attend the summit on September 9-10, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra briefed the ministers in detail about the protocol and related matters. Some of the ministers are expected to be ministers in waiting for the world leaders who have started arriving for the summit. Union Minister of State for Health S P S Singh Baghel received President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his arrival in Delhi on Tuesday. During an informal interaction before the meeting of the Union Cabinet which lasted for nearly one hour, the ministers were informed how important the summit was for India and its global image.

PM spells out dos and don'ts for ministers during G20 meet

Senior diplomats of India and Nepal on Monday held a virtual meeting to review the progress made on various India-aided developmental projects being implemented in the Himalayan nation. The meeting came days after Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli telephoned his Indian counterpart <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> to greet him on India's 74th Independence Day, in the first high-level contact after bilateral ties came under severe strain following issuance of a new political map by Nepal in May. Nepalese Foreign Secretary <keyword id="2609598" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shanker-Das-Bairagi">Shanker Das Bairagi</keyword> and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra are leading the delegations representing their respective countries during the oversight mechanism meeting, according to Nepal Foreign Ministry sources here. The meeting, being held virtually due to the coronavirus outbreak, will assess the progress made on various India aided development projects being implemented in Nepal, the sources said. No further details of the meeting were available. The ties between India and Nepal came under strain after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an 80-km-long strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8. Nepal protested the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through its territory. Days later, Nepal came out with the new map showing Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as its territories. In June, Nepal's Parliament approved the new political map of the country featuring areas which India maintains belong to it. In its reaction, after Nepal's lower house of parliament approved the bill, India termed as untenable the "artificial enlargement" of territorial claims by the neighbouring country. India said Nepal's action violates an understanding reached between the two countries to resolve the boundary issues through talks. Prime Minister Oli has been asserting that Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura belong to Nepal and vowed to "reclaim" them from India. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/tech-mahindra-hcl-tech-wipro-and-likes-are-hoping-global-5g-race-resumes-next-year-bringing-some-large-deals-before-that/articleshow/77583638.cms">Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech, Wipro and likes are hoping global 5G race resumes next year⁠ — bringing some large deals before that</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/gaza-strips-only-power-plant-may-run-out-fuel-in-the-next-24-hours-following-israel-border-shut-warns-expert/articleshow/77584765.cms">Gaza Strip's only power plant may run out fuel in the next 24 hours following Israel border shut, warns expert</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/the-heat-is-on-mark-zuckerberg-in-india-as-facebook-and-whatsapp-incur-the-ire-of-modis-rivals/articleshow/77575358.cms">The heat is on Mark Zuckerberg in India as Facebook and WhatsApp incur the ire of Modi's rivals</a>

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