Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday conferred Indonesia's highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, as India and Indonesia elevated their strategic partnership by signing 20 agreements spanning defence, technology, education, healthcare and maritime cooperation.

The honour was presented by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during an official ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. President Prabowo said the award recognises Modi's contribution to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation between the two countries.

Defence cooperation emerged as the centrepiece of the visit. Indonesia agreed to procure additional units of India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, becoming the third foreign country after the Philippines and Vietnam to acquire the missile system. Jakarta also decided to purchase India's indigenous Astra air-to-air missile, further deepening defence ties between the two nations.

The agreements were signed during delegation-level talks between the two leaders, reflecting growing strategic convergence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Defence Partnership Expands

Prime Minister Modi described the bilateral relationship as entering a "golden chapter", saying the growing trust between the two countries would strengthen cooperation in defence, maritime security, disaster management and industrial collaboration.

Both sides agreed to enhance defence exchanges, expand coast guard cooperation and work jointly to improve maritime security across the Indian Ocean. The leaders also discussed increasing collaboration in the blue economy, port development and maritime trade.

India and Indonesia are also expected to jointly develop the strategically significant Sabang Port, located near the Strait of Malacca, a key global shipping route close to India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Technology, Education and Healthcare Cooperation

Beyond defence, the two countries announced several initiatives focused on technology and human resource development.

India will support Indonesia in developing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), marking another step in institutional cooperation between the world's two largest democracies. Both countries also signed agreements covering artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, telecommunications and startup collaboration.

Prime Minister Modi announced that a campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore will be established in Indonesia, aimed at benefiting students across the ASEAN region.

In healthcare, India pledged to improve access to affordable Indian medicines in Indonesia while extending training and capacity-building support for Indonesian doctors and healthcare professionals.

Support for Regional Stability

Addressing a joint press conference, Modi reiterated India's support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective path towards lasting peace.

He also reaffirmed India's commitment to ASEAN centrality and highlighted that democratic values and diversity continue to form the foundation of India-Indonesia relations.

President Prabowo praised several of Modi's governance initiatives, saying Indonesia has studied and adopted a number of Indian development programmes because of their success in improving public welfare.

Cultural and Historic Links

India and Indonesia share centuries-old civilisational ties dating back nearly 2,000 years. Hindu and Buddhist traditions have significantly influenced Indonesian culture, particularly in Bali and Java.

Later during his visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address the Indian diaspora in Jakarta before visiting Prambanan Temple, Indonesia's largest Hindu temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking his first visit to the historic complex.

The visit is expected to further reinforce India's Act East policy while expanding strategic, economic and cultural engagement with one of Southeast Asia's most important partners.

A brief gesture between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump has become one of the most-discussed visuals from the 52nd G7 Summit, as the two leaders met face-to-face on Tuesday for the first time in 16 months.

The moment unfolded during the traditional G7 family photograph session, held on the terraces overlooking the lake in Évian-les-Bains. As leaders climbed onto the elevated podium for the group image, PM Modi was seen extending a hand to help Trump step up.

It lasted only seconds, but cameras caught it clearly, and the clip has since been widely shared online.

The gesture drew attention partly because of the backdrop against which it occurred. Ties between New Delhi and Washington have gone through a rocky patch in recent months, with trade disagreements and broader geopolitical friction occasionally spilling into public view. Against that setting, the small act of assistance was read by many observers as an informal icebreaker ahead of more substantive talks between the two leaders.

During the photo session, Modi and Trump stood alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, among other G7 leaders and invited partners.

Once the photograph was taken, the leaders moved towards the outreach session. Modi and Trump were seen shaking hands and exchanging a few words, a brief interaction that again caught the attention of delegates and reporters present at the venue.

The real substance of the engagement, though, is expected on Wednesday, when Modi and Trump are scheduled to hold a formal bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit. According to officials from India's Ministry of External Affairs and the White House, cited by news agency ANI, the talks are expected to cover a long-pending trade agreement, deeper cooperation in defence manufacturing, maritime security arrangements, and collaboration in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence.

The timing matters. The meeting comes amid heightened regional tension, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that carries a significant share of the world's seaborne oil trade. Any disruption there has direct implications for energy prices and supply chains that both India and the US have an interest in stabilising.

Trade is likely to dominate Wednesday's conversation. Negotiators on both sides have been working through outstanding issues for months, and officials suggest the G7 sidelines could provide an opportunity to push the talks closer to a conclusion, though no timeline has been confirmed. Further details on what specifically will be signed or announced are awaited, with officials describing the discussions as still evolving.

For now, it is the podium moment that has captured public attention, even as the more consequential conversations between the two leaders are still to come.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held a bilateral meeting in Nice on Sunday, where they launched the “Bharat Innovates 2026” programme and discussed deeper cooperation in defence, technology and energy, officials said. The two leaders also visited Villa Kérylos, a historic seaside villa near Nice, underscoring the cultural and strategic warmth between New Delhi and Paris.

Quick summit in Nice

Modi arrived in Nice on the evening of June 13 for a six-day state visit to France and Slovakia. The bilateral meeting with Macron took place on Sunday morning at a government venue in Nice, with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri accompanying the Prime Minister, government sources said. Macron greeted Modi with a warm hug before the talks, and later shared a selfie from their visit on social media.

Agenda and agreements

According to officials, the leaders focused on boosting cooperation across defence, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, space technology, health-tech and investment. They jointly launched Bharat Innovates 2026 — a platform intended to connect Indian startups, research institutions and universities with French and other global investors and partners. The programme will run from June 14–16 at the Palais des Expositions in Nice and features over 100 Indian startups alongside venture capital funds from Europe.

“Bharat Innovates aims to turn India’s talent into global partnerships,” a source familiar with the matter said, describing the event as an effort to channel European capital and expertise into India’s fast-growing innovation ecosystem.

Ground-level scenes

A cultural programme and receptions for members of the Indian diaspora followed the formal events at Modi’s hotel in Nice. Local reports from Nice said a visible Indian community turnout greeted the Prime Minister, with delegations of women community leaders meeting him during the day. Late in the afternoon, Macron escorted Modi to Villa Kérylos, one of the Mediterranean coast’s well-known historic houses.

Technology and AI cooperation

Macron reiterated France’s support for open, multilingual and collaborative AI models, officials said. The two sides discussed a framework for research collaboration in quantum computing, biotechnology and AI safety standards. France and India also signalled interest in joint projects on semiconductors and critical technologies, reflecting shared concerns over supply chains and technological sovereignty.

Defence and energy ties

Defence cooperation — a longstanding pillar of India-France relations — was another focus. France remains one of India’s top suppliers of defence equipment, having provided platforms such as Mirage fighters and Scorpene submarines. Officials suggested discussions covered technology transfers and joint development projects. Macron highlighted joint work through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and projects including civil nuclear cooperation, pointing to energy and climate goals as an area of growing convergence.

Regional security and Hormuz

Sources said the question of security in the Strait of Hormuz, amid tensions in the Gulf, featured in talks. New Delhi has expressed preference for multilateral security mechanisms under United Nations frameworks rather than single-country initiatives. Officials indicated that India could consider participation in a coalition aligned with France and Britain if arrangements adhere to international law and multilateral norms.

Looking ahead: G7 and bilateral meetings

Modi’s short French leg precedes his participation in the G7 Summit at Evian on June 17, where he is scheduled to meet other leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, officials confirmed. The Nice meetings set a tone for Modi’s engagement in Evian, where geopolitical crises, energy security and AI will dominate the agenda.

Context and significance

This visit is Modi’s seventh to France since becoming Prime Minister and comes at a time when New Delhi is pitching itself as a solutions provider rather than a consumer of technology. In his address in Nice, Modi emphasised India’s vast startup base — more than 200,000 companies by his count — and framed Bharat Innovates as a bridge between Indian innovators and global capital. Macron, for his part, praised India’s growing role in global research and said many countries now want to partner with India on innovation.

Next steps

Bharat Innovates will continue through mid-June in Nice, with further sessions planned in Evian and Paris. New announcements on joint projects and investment commitments are expected during the G7 meetings and at the VivaTech conference in Paris later in the visit.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described India's economic trajectory as remarkable, predicting the country will become the world's third-largest economy before the end of this decade. Speaking in Parliament in Canberra, Albanese said the rise presents a major opportunity for the entire Indo-Pacific region.

He recalled his first visit to India as a backpacker in 1991, noting that he has returned several times since, including twice in his current capacity as Prime Minister.

Train travel remark draws attention

Sharing his personal experiences, Albanese remarked that travelling across India by bus or train remains the most authentic way to grasp the country's essence. "Travelling by train is the best way to understand India," he said, pointing to the nation's diversity, pace of development, and growing global influence.

His comments come at a time when India-Australia relations have seen significant deepening across multiple sectors, including trade, defence, education, and cultural exchange.

Growing strategic partnership

Albanese emphasised that Australia's geographic position as both a Pacific and Indian Ocean nation makes its partnership with India strategically vital. He noted that ties between Canberra and New Delhi have strengthened considerably in recent years, with cooperation expanding beyond traditional areas into newer domains such as critical technologies and renewable energy.

The Australian PM also highlighted sporting links, particularly cricket, as an area that continues to bring the two countries closer.

Modi likely to visit in July

According to sources familiar with the schedule, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to Australia in early July. Albanese confirmed he looks forward to hosting Modi again, their second meeting in Australia following the Prime Minister's previous visit in May 2023.

Officials indicated that the upcoming visit would focus on further cementing economic and strategic ties, with several agreements expected to be finalised.

Defence ministers to meet next week

Meanwhile, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles will arrive in New Delhi next week for the second India-Australia Defence Ministers' Dialogue. He is scheduled to hold talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Marles described Australia and India as now being "top security partners", noting that defence relations between the two countries have witnessed unprecedented progress. The discussions are expected to cover maritime security, joint exercises, and deeper operational cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

Initial reports indicate that both sides are likely to announce new initiatives aimed at enhancing military interoperability. Local authorities in New Delhi have begun preparatory arrangements for the high-level engagements scheduled over the coming weeks.

PM Modi Concludes UAE Visit, Departs for Netherlands After Key Deals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his brief but significant visit to the United Arab Emirates on Friday and departed for the Netherlands, the next leg of his multi-nation tour. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally saw off the Prime Minister at the airport, reflecting the deep warmth and strategic closeness between the two countries.

The visit, though short, yielded concrete outcomes in energy, defence, and investment. Officials described it as highly productive, coming at a time when West Asia faces ongoing challenges and global energy markets remain sensitive.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister Modi and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held detailed bilateral discussions covering energy security, trade, investment flows, and the broader situation in West Asia. India and the UAE signed an agreement on the supply of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), along with MoUs on strategic petroleum reserves, defence cooperation, and the development of a ship repair cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat.

Major Investment Announcement

The UAE announced a $5 billion investment commitment in Indian infrastructure, including stakes in RBL Bank and Sammaan Capital. This move is expected to further boost economic linkages between the two nations, which already enjoy a comprehensive strategic partnership.

PM Modi, who arrived in Abu Dhabi earlier, received a ceremonial welcome complete with a guard of honour. In a notable gesture, UAE Air Force F-16 fighter jets escorted the Prime Minister’s aircraft, a visible symbol of the respect extended to India and its leadership.

Regional Concerns and Solidarity

During the talks, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the need for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open and secure, noting that disruptions in West Asia affect global trade and energy flows. He reiterated India’s long-standing position favouring dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law for resolving regional disputes. Modi also expressed solidarity with the UAE, stating that India stands “shoulder-to-shoulder” with the country in all situations.

The Prime Minister thanked the UAE leadership for its support to the Indian diaspora during difficult times and for condolences extended after a recent natural disaster in India. He described the UAE as feeling like his “second home,” underlining the people-to-people bonds that complement the strong government-level ties.

Local observers and former diplomats noted the timing of the visit as particularly important. Former Indian Ambassador Sanjay Sudhir told ANI that the engagement sends a strong signal of India’s support amid evolving dynamics in West Asia. The UAE’s recent decision to exit OPEC and its plan to ramp up crude oil production to 5 million barrels per day by 2027 are also expected to open new avenues for long-term energy cooperation with Indian firms.

Productive Outcomes

PM Modi later termed the visit “short but highly productive.” Among other exchanges, the UAE President presented a Cerebras chip to the Prime Minister, highlighting growing cooperation in advanced technology sectors as well.

The two sides finalised around seven key outcomes during the visit, spanning defence, energy, and economic domains. These agreements build on years of steadily deepening partnership, with the UAE being one of India’s most important partners in the Gulf region for trade, investment, and energy imports.

As Prime Minister Modi heads to the Netherlands to continue his tour, officials indicated that the momentum gained in the UAE would feed into broader diplomatic and economic engagements ahead. The developments are being closely watched by industry circles in both countries for their potential to create new opportunities in infrastructure, energy security, and strategic collaboration.

For millions of Indians with connections to the Gulf, such high-level visits also reinforce a sense of reassurance about the strong bilateral relationship that directly impacts diaspora welfare and economic opportunities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United Arab Emirates on an official visit where he held bilateral discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During the meeting, India and the UAE signed several important agreements, including a major pact related to LPG supply and energy cooperation. The visit has emerged as a significant India News Update amid growing global concerns over energy security and geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial guard of honour upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi. According to reports, fighter jets of the UAE Air Force escorted the Prime Minister’s aircraft while entering the country’s airspace, reflecting the close strategic ties between the two nations. During the bilateral talks, both leaders discussed issues related to energy security, trade, investment, defence cooperation and regional stability in West Asia.

Officials said India and the UAE signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding covering LPG supply, strategic petroleum reserves, defence collaboration and development of a ship repair cluster at Vadinar. The agreements are being viewed as part of broader efforts by both countries to strengthen long-term energy and economic cooperation.

Sources indicated that the LPG supply agreement is expected to support India’s growing energy requirements while also helping diversify long-term supply arrangements. Apart from energy cooperation, the UAE also announced investments worth five billion US dollars in India. According to officials, the proposed investments will include sectors such as infrastructure, financial services and capital markets.

The UAE investment commitments reportedly include funding in Indian infrastructure projects, RBL Bank and Samman Capital. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the two leaders reviewed the progress of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed ways to expand cooperation in several sectors.

Officials added that the discussions also focused on recent developments in West Asia and their possible impact on regional stability and global energy markets. India and the UAE have significantly strengthened bilateral relations over the past decade through growing trade, defence ties and strategic investments. The UAE remains one of India’s key partners in the Gulf region and is among the country’s largest trading partners. Energy imports from the Gulf continue to play a critical role in India’s economic and industrial growth.

Experts believe the latest agreements could further deepen economic integration between the two countries at a time when global energy markets remain volatile. The strategic petroleum reserve agreement is also being seen as an important step for strengthening India’s energy preparedness during international supply disruptions.

Officials present during the meeting exchanged documents related to the agreements in the presence of Prime Minister Modi and President Al Nahyan. Photographs released from the event showed senior officials from both countries participating in formal signing ceremonies and bilateral delegation-level discussions.

Diplomatic observers said the visit underlines the importance of India-UAE ties in areas ranging from trade and logistics to technology and defence partnerships. The defence cooperation component of the agreements is expected to enhance coordination in maritime security and regional strategic affairs.

India has steadily expanded cooperation with Gulf countries over the years through investment partnerships, energy agreements and diaspora engagement. The UAE is also home to a large Indian community, making people-to-people relations an important pillar of bilateral engagement.

Analysts noted that the latest announcements come at a time when countries across the world are seeking stronger energy partnerships due to instability in international crude oil markets. The visit and agreements signed during the meeting are likely to strengthen India’s position in securing long-term energy resources and attracting foreign investment.

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