EUROPEAN UNION SUMMIT
As Iran war strains ties with Trump's US, UK looks to Europe
Britain's government is set to announce legislation next month to move the country closer to the European Union, as the Iran war sours the UK's so-called special relationship with the United States. "When the relationship with the United States is fracturing, it means there's reduced opposition to a closer relationship with the EU among the public," said Aspinall. pdh/jkb/rmb/jhb
Franco-German FCAS fighter jet talks stall as mediators fail to resolve dispute
Dispute resolution efforts for the Franco-German FCAS fighter jet project have failed. Mediators from France and Germany will submit separate reports. A German mediator reportedly believes a joint fighter jet is no longer feasible. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will be briefed soon. Leaders may intervene to salvage the crucial European defense initiative amid global threats.
With a handshake, Spain and Mexico put diplomatic tussle over their colonial past behind them
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have struck a reconciliatory note, bringing closure to a diplomatic spat rooted in Spain's colonial legacy. The breakthrough came with King Felipe VI's admission of historical injustices, vital for mending relations.
Albanian PM Edi Rama kneels again before Italy’s Giorgia Meloni — third time this year, video goes viral
A viral diplomatic moment has once again placed Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in the global spotlight after a video showed him kneeling while greeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The gesture, widely circulated on social media, has sparked debate about whether it reflects personal friendship, political symbolism, or Rama’s well-known theatrical style in international diplomacy. Reports suggest this is the third such instance between the two leaders this year, further fueling public curiosity.
EU firms rethinking China operations over rare earths curbs: Lobby
China's strict export controls on rare earths are making European companies reconsider their business in China. These controls are seen as a major risk. Businesses are now actively planning for alternatives. This shift is expected to have a significant economic impact. The use of export curbs as a tool in international disputes is likely to continue.
Trump and Putin's ‘useful idiot’ Viktor Orbán faces a tough election in Hungary; the EU bashing leader could lose its 16-year grip, opinion polls suggest
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's long rule may end Sunday. Economic woes and rising costs fuel discontent. Orban's "informational autocracy" and smear campaigns draw criticism. Despite this, he retains support from some US political circles. Orban has also maintained ties with Russia's Vladimir Putin. Hungarians largely favor better relations with the European Union.
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China aims to show global leadership with Iran war diplomacy. US appears uninterested
China is actively pursuing a diplomatic role in the Iran war. It has proposed a five-point plan with Pakistan and is seeking support from Gulf nations. China opposes a UN proposal for military action to open Strait of Hormuz. The United States have shown little interest in China's mediation efforts.
Trump's anger over Iran thrusts NATO into fresh crisis
The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has severely strained NATO, with President Trump threatening withdrawal over European navies' refusal to open the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts and diplomats believe the alliance is at its weakest point, fraying the core mutual defense agreement and prompting European nations to consider defense without U.S. involvement.
UK PM Keir Starmer says ‘this is not our war’, calls for de-escalation in Iran war
Britain will not join the conflict involving Iran. Keir Starmer stated the nation's focus is on diplomacy to reduce tensions. Efforts are underway to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route. This aims to stabilize global energy prices and ease cost-of-living pressures in Britain. A coalition of 35 nations is coordinating maritime security in the Gulf.
The war with Iran may be ushering in a new nuclear age
Global tensions are rising as nations consider developing nuclear weapons. Donald Trump's policies are prompting countries like Germany and Poland to explore their own nuclear deterrents. Meanwhile, China and Russia are concerned about proliferation in Japan and South Korea. The United States is also assessing a return to atomic bomb tests.
At G7 meet, Jaishankar flags Global South's concerns over food, fuel and energy
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted Global South concerns on energy, food, and fuel security at a G7 meeting in France. He emphasized the need for global governance reforms and resilient trade corridors amidst West Asian conflict uncertainties. Jaishankar also stressed UN Security Council reforms and freedom of navigation.
India, EU sign aviation production pact to boost safety; Airbus helicopter assembly in Karnataka lined up
India and the European Union have signed a significant working arrangement for industrial aviation production. This pact aims to boost collaboration and ensure manufacturing meets global safety benchmarks. It will support initiatives like the assembly of Airbus Helicopters in Karnataka. The agreement follows a summit where aviation safety was a key priority.
India seeks steelmaking raw material from Argentina, Indonesia, Oman, sources say
India is set to hold talks with Argentina, Indonesia, and Oman next month to secure vital steelmaking raw materials like coking coal and iron ore, alongside accessing new technologies. These discussions aim to bolster supplies for its growing steel industry and support its transition to cleaner energy sources.
'Paper tiger': Trump calls NATO 'cowards' over lack of support in Iran war
President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for their perceived lack of support in the U.S.-Israel conflict against Iran, labeling them "cowards." He stated that without U.S. involvement, NATO is ineffective and allies are unwilling to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, despite complaining about oil prices. Trump vowed to remember their inaction.
Israel-Iran War Day 21: Mojtaba Khamenei strikes back, Trump eyes Kharg move; oil tops $119 as Gulf strikes intensify
US Israel Iran News Updates Day 21: The Iran war intensifies as drone strikes hit Kuwait's Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery. Global oil prices surge past $119 per barrel amid fears of supply disruptions. The US is reportedly considering a blockade of Iran's Kharg Island. Regional tensions rise with attacks across the Gulf and Israel opening new fronts. The EU urges de-escalation while allies remain divided on military involvement.
EU leaders call for moratorium on strikes against energy and water facilities in Middle East
European Union leaders are urging a halt to military strikes on energy and water infrastructure in the Middle East. This call comes as the Iran war raises global economic worries. The EU also plans to bolster its naval missions in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa.
Iran war: Gas fields become the battlefield. What happens now?
The Iran war has entered a dangerous new phase. Energy infrastructure is now a direct target. Attacks on gas fields and refineries are disrupting global supply chains. Brent crude prices have surged. European gas prices have spiked. India faces significant energy security challenges. The world economy is held hostage by this conflict.
Japan, US to discuss joint rare earths development, says Sanae Takaichi
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will discuss joint deep-sea rare earth development with US President Donald Trump. Japan recently retrieved rare earth sediment from ocean depths. This effort aims to reduce dependence on China for these vital minerals. Discussions on cooperation for marine mineral resource development are ongoing between Japan and the United States.
Jaishankar pushes India-EU ties amid West Asia crisis
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with European Union foreign ministers in Brussels. Discussions focused on the West Asia conflict and its impact on global energy security. Both sides emphasised dialogue and diplomacy for resolution. The talks also covered Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific. India and the EU aim to strengthen their comprehensive strategic agenda and trade ties.
EU, India focus on implementing FTA, defence deal: Ursula von der Leyen
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sat down with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for an important discussion on the implementation of a fresh free trade deal and a robust security partnership. This landmark agreement is set to yield significant returns for both Europe and India.
India-EU ties in focus as Jaishankar starts 2-day visit to Brussels
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Brussels for crucial talks with European Union foreign ministers. This visit follows a significant Free Trade Agreement between India and the EU. Discussions will focus on deepening the strategic partnership. The ongoing Iran-US conflict and its impact on energy supplies are also on the agenda.
EAM S. Jaishankar to embark on two-day visit to Brussels
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Brussels for crucial talks with EU Foreign Ministers. This visit aims to strengthen India's strategic partnership with the European Union. Meanwhile, Jaishankar also engaged in discussions with his Iranian counterpart. These conversations focused on bilateral matters and BRICS-related issues. The dialogue also addressed the safety of shipping and energy security.
Trust, trade and the slow architecture of India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
Launched in 2024, the Indo-Mediterranean Initiative, embodied by the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), is evolving as a strategic, layered process. Despite regional conflicts, IMEC is being built through trade agreements, defense cooperation, and infrastructure partnerships, prioritizing trust and resilience over mere connectivity.
ETtech Explainer: Karnataka ban spotlights growing list of countries restricting social media for children
Karnataka social media ban: Karnataka’s plan to ban children under 16 from social media comes in the background of governments around the world tightening rules for young users. Countries across Europe and Asia are exploring bans, age verification systems, and parental consent frameworks as concerns rise about addiction, cyberbullying, and harmful content.
India, Finland sign MoUs as PM Modi and Alexander Stubb elevate ties to strategic partnership
India and Finland are on the path to an enhanced alliance, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Alexander Stubb embrace a strategic partnership tailored for the future. Their focus on digital innovation and sustainability holds promise for transformative projects in high-tech realms like AI, next-generation 6G networks, renewable energy, and quantum mechanics.
India–Finland ties in focus as PM Modi meets Finland President Stubb at Hyderabad House
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Finnish President Alexander Stubb arrives in New Delhi. During his visit, he had a substantial meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the iconic Hyderabad House. The discussions were complemented by a dialogue with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Gap in core chip manufacturing, equipment capabilities: Industry executives
At the IESA Vision Summit, Radhika Viswanathan of Applied Materials said India has strong chip design skills but lacks core semiconductor manufacturing and equipment capabilities. Rangesh Raghavan of Lam Research highlighted a $50 billion supply chain opportunity and rising R&D investment. He added that the semiconductor industry is nearing the trillion-dollar mark, with major equipment makers together exceeding a trillion dollars in market capitalisation.
Delhi declaration urges democratic AI for social good
The 86 signatories included the European Union as well the US and the UK, two key nations that had opted out of a global pact on AI at the previous year's summit in Paris. Other major participants include China, Germany, Japan, France, Italy, Russia and Canada. All the shared priorities mentioned in the declaration are voluntary and represent non-binding guidelines and principles.
EU opens legal gateway office in India for migration support
The European Union has launched its first European Legal Gateway Office in India, aiming to facilitate safe and legal migration for ICT professionals. The office will provide crucial information on mobility pathways and skill requirements across all 27 EU Member States, supporting both Indian talent and EU employers.
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