Those who had hoped that PM Modi’s friendship with Trump would help India stave off severe tariffs should wake up to reality. The notion that the relations between nations can be shaped by personal sentiment at the highest levels now flies alongside flying carpets.
In an increasingly multipolar world, India has been making a name for itself in the realm of global humanitarian aid. From its vaccine diplomacy under the “Vaccine Maitri” initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic to dispatching rescue teams under “Operation Dost” to Turkey and Syria after the 2023 earthquake. India’s commitment to global solidarity has gained popularity. A key addition to this humanitarian mission is the Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube, launched on February 27, 2024, during the Voice Of Global South Summit. The cube is part of the “Project BHISHM”- Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and and Maitri, this represents India’s effort to provide emergency medical support to developing nations, especially those in the global South.
The number of Indian students pursuing higher education programs abroad is estimated to stand at nearly 10.9 lakhs as of July 2019 (Student Registration Portal, MEA). In order to collect data about the number of Indian students abroad and the courses they are pursuing, and to enable a more effective grievance redressal mechanism, the ministry launched in July 2015 a portal (madad.gov.in/appconsular/welcomelink) for voluntary registration of Indian students abroad.
Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in the 21st century, as the region is becoming a chessboard for major powers.
The International Science and Technology (S&T) Cooperation Policy is an effort set forth by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to build India’s research partnerships worldwide and to enhance innovation capabilities. The policy is implemented through the International Cooperation (IC) Division that works towards bilateral, multilateral, and thematic collaborations, and unites science with diplomacy to further improve the access to higher-end technologies. India currently has S&T cooperation agreements with 83 countries in the world, including major strategic partners like the United States, Germany, France, Japan, and Australia.
The India-Europe Connectivity Partnership is a flagship program launched in 2021, marking a strategic collaboration between India and Europe. The partnership aims to connect India and Europe through transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability in response to the gap between global infrastructure and connectivity.
India has renewed its call for increased and reliable climate finance from the developed nations in the lead-up to COP30 (Brazil, 2025), framing it as essential for meeting domestic and global climate goals. While the Loss and Damage Fund, operationalized at COP28, was a diplomatic breakthrough, actual contributions remain far below requirements.