Germany’s Envoy to India Ambassador Philip Ackermann asserted recently that for Germany, the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a game changer, which will funnel more investments into India. Last month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited India for dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi where the two leaders agreed to finalise the FTA by the end of 2025.
View More India-Eu Free Trade Agreement: Opening New Frontiers
The Waqf system, which manages Islamic endowments, is pivotal in administering charitable assets in India. Issues of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency and potential abuse of Waqf properties have raised concerns and prompted various revisions in Waqf laws. In the past few years, security agencies have issued warnings about the diversion of Waqf funds for nefarious undertakings, like financing terror.
View More Waqf Board Amendments and National Security: Addressing Concerns of Misuse and Oversight
In the aftermath of the devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas that erupted on October 7, 2023, resulting in the widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip, the international community has been grappling with proposals for Gaza’s reconstruction and future governance.
View More U.S. Rejects Egypt’s Gaza Plan Amid Palestine Future Clash
This is an exclusive interview of Professor Wafula Okumu by Journalist & Columnist Seema Sengupta. Prof. Okumu is an expert on territorial disputes and Executive Director of The Borders Institute. He served in the African Union Border Programme and has authored several books on the challenges of peace, security and governance in Africa.
View More Will Congo Crisis Lead To Redrawing Of African Borders?
As urbanisation accelerates, Indian cities face growing threats of terrorism. Densely populated areas, critical infrastructure and symbolic landmarks make them prime targets for asymmetric warfare. The anonymity offered by urban sprawl and the rise of modern threats like cyber-terrorism further exacerbate these risks, demanding a robust and multi-pronged security approach.
View More Urban Security: Preparing Indian Cities for Terror Threats
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is on an official visit to India. While welcoming him warmly, his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi referred to the terrorist attacks in Christchurch and Mumbai. The two sides agreed that terrorism in any form is unacceptable and vowed to cooperate in combating the scourge of extremism.
View More The Christchurch Attack and Extremism in the Far East
France’s bold proposal for a European nuclear umbrella is catalysing a surge in AI-driven defence technologies, including autonomous drones and advanced surveillance systems. Defence giants Dassault Aviation and Safran are leading the charge, backed by a €500 million contract tender, as France aims to cement its role as a technological powerhouse in European security.
View More France’s AI-Drone Revolution: Nuclear Deterrence Meets Next-Gen Defence Tech
Last December Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Ken-Betwa River Link Project to solve water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region, covering parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The project will link the supposed water surplus Ken River with Betwa in drought-stricken Bundelkhand and involves construction of a dam located within the Panna Tiger Reserve, raising concerns about its submergence.
View More Is River Interlinking The Only Panacea For Water Management?
Bangladesh is stuck at a crossroads, six months after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. This exclusively Bengali-speaking nation finds itself trapped in a state of lawlessness, political turmoil and deepening societal fissures. The interim government led by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus has been literally struggling to restore order and implement vital reforms, necessary to guide the country toward political stability.
View More Bangladesh in Disarray
India finds itself in a diplomatic and strategic bind as Bangladesh formally requests the extradition of its ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India during political unrest in August 2024. Accused of crimes against humanity, Hasina’s extradition poses a complex challenge for India. Her tenure was marked by strong bilateral ties that advanced India’s economic and security interests and her removal has disrupted this equilibrium. Extraditing her could jeopardise India’s national interests, regional stability and its role as a protector of human rights.
View More Extradition Demand Risks India’s Interests in Sheikh Hasina Case