Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in China on Monday, marking the second leg of his first overseas tour since taking office in February. The visit is being closely watched across South Asia as Dhaka seeks to deepen economic and strategic engagement with Beijing while reshaping its foreign policy priorities.

Rahman landed in the Chinese city of Dalian after concluding a two-day official visit to Malaysia, where he held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements. Upon arrival in China, he was welcomed by senior Chinese and Bangladeshi officials, including Liaoning Province Vice Governor Bai Ying, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, and Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md. Nazmul Islam.

The Bangladeshi Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, commonly known as the Summer Davos Forum, organized by the World Economic Forum. During the event, Rahman is expected to address a session on climate leadership and hold meetings with global business executives, policymakers, and international organizations.

According to Bangladeshi officials, the primary focus of the visit will be strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, and development financing. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam has indicated that the two countries are working toward signing between 15 and 17 bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding during the visit.

Among the key issues expected to feature in discussions is the long-pending Teesta River project, which has significant implications for regional development and water management. Rahman is also scheduled to travel to Beijing, where he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on June 26. The meeting is expected to review the full spectrum of Bangladesh-China relations and explore opportunities for deeper strategic cooperation.

The visit comes at a time when China remains one of Bangladesh's largest trading partners and development financiers. Recently, Dhaka approved a 41.89 billion taka infrastructure project linked to the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chittagong, supported through concessional Chinese financing. Officials view such projects as critical to boosting industrial growth, exports, and employment opportunities.

Analysts say the visit carries significance beyond economics. Bangladesh and China are celebrating what both sides describe as the "Golden 50 Years" of diplomatic relations, and the current engagement is being presented as the beginning of a new phase in bilateral cooperation.

The diplomatic outreach has also attracted attention because Rahman chose Malaysia and China for his first official foreign visits after becoming Prime Minister, despite receiving an early invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Regional observers believe the move reflects Dhaka's efforts to diversify partnerships while maintaining a balanced approach toward major powers.

Officials from both countries expect the visit to produce concrete outcomes in investment, infrastructure, climate cooperation, and trade. The agreements expected during the trip could shape the trajectory of Bangladesh-China relations for years to come and provide fresh momentum to one of South Asia's most important bilateral partnerships.

PM Modi Arrives in Norway for Historic First Visit by Indian Prime Minister in 43 Years

Modi meets Norwegian counterpart Støre ahead of third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Oslo on Monday afternoon, marking the first visit by an Indian head of government to Norway in more than four decades. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre received him at the airport, with officials describing the moment as a significant step in bilateral relations.

The last such visit by an Indian Prime Minister took place in 1983.

Warm Welcome at Oslo Airport

Modi, dressed in a dark blue bandhgala, was greeted by Støre on the tarmac. The two leaders shook hands briefly before heading into discussions. In a social media post shortly after landing, Modi expressed gratitude for the reception.

"I have arrived in Norway. Thank you Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre for the warm welcome," he wrote. He added that the visit, the first in 43 years, would give "new momentum to India-Norway friendship."

Bilateral Talks and Royal Meeting

The two leaders held a bilateral meeting later in the evening. Official sources said the discussions covered trade, green energy, and maritime cooperation. Modi is also scheduled to meet King Harald V and Queen Sonja during the evening.

Photographs released by the Prime Minister's Office showed Modi and Støre seated across from each other, with delegations from both sides in attendance.

Diaspora Greets PM with Dance

Outside the hotel where Modi is staying, members of the Indian community gathered in large numbers. Some waved tricolours while others performed traditional dance routines.

Shilpi, a Kathak dancer from the diaspora, performed before the Prime Minister. "It was an honour to perform Kathak in front of PM Modi. I will never forget this experience," she said.

Modi later attended a cultural show, praising a Bharatanatyam performance and saying he was proud of the diaspora for "keeping India's culture alive."

Nordic Summit on Tuesday

The third India-Nordic Summit will take place in Oslo on May 19. Leaders from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland will join Modi and Støre. The first such summit was held in Stockholm in 2018, followed by Copenhagen in 2022.

Sources indicated that this year's agenda will focus on green energy, digitalisation, defence cooperation, climate change, and Arctic policy. The Nordic region has emerged as a key partner for India in clean technology and sustainable urban development.

Trade and Economic Ties

Bilateral trade between India and Norway stands at approximately $2.73 billion. Norway's sovereign wealth fund has invested nearly $28 billion in Indian markets. India's total trade with the entire Nordic region is estimated at around $19 billion.

The visit follows the India-EFTA trade agreement signed in March 2024, which granted Indian exports duty-free access to over 99 per cent of tariff lines in EFTA countries.

Part of Five-Nation Tour

Modi's Norway stop is the fourth leg of a five-country tour. He has already visited the UAE, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The final destination will be Italy.

India-Brazil Trade Crosses ₹1 Lakh Crore as PM Narendra Modi, Lula da Silva Hold Key Talks in New Delhi

India-Brazil trade has crossed the ₹1 lakh crore mark, marking a major milestone in economic ties between the two emerging powers. The development comes as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva began his five-day India visit on February 18, 2026, holding high-level bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

With global alliances shifting and emerging economies strengthening cooperation, the surge in India-Brazil trade signals a deepening partnership between two leading voices of the Global South.

India-Brazil Trade Jumps 92% in Five Years

Official data shows that bilateral trade between India and Brazil rose from ₹53,705 crore in FY21 to ₹1,03,349 crore in FY25 — an impressive 92% increase.

In FY25 alone:

 India’s exports to Brazil increased 15% year-on-year to ₹57,219 crore.

 Imports from Brazil declined 10% YoY to ₹46,130 crore.

 India maintained a positive trade balance with Brazil.

Brazil now accounts for 1.05% of India’s total global trade. While the percentage may appear modest, the consistent upward trajectory reflects strategic economic alignment.

Experts say this positive trade balance strengthens India’s position in Latin America, where Brazil remains the largest economy.

What India Exports to Brazil

India’s export basket to Brazil is diversified and high-value driven. Key exports include:

 Refined petroleum products (diesel)

 Organic chemicals and pharmaceuticals

 Agro-chemicals like insecticides and fungicides

 Engineering goods, boilers and electrical machinery

 Automotive components

 Iron and steel products

Trade analysts note that India’s pharmaceutical and chemical exports have gained strong traction in Brazil due to competitive pricing and quality standards.

What India Imports from Brazil

Brazil plays a crucial role in supplying agricultural and mineral commodities to India. Major imports include:

 Crude oil

 Soy oil

 Raw cane sugar

 Gold

 Cotton

 Iron ore

 Timber

Brazil’s role as a supplier of edible oils and energy inputs remains strategically important for India’s food and energy security.

Strategic Talks Beyond Trade

President Lula is also participating in the India AI Impact Summit, where global tech leaders are discussing artificial intelligence regulations, investments and societal impact.

During bilateral discussions, both sides are expected to expand cooperation in:

 Defence manufacturing

 Renewable energy

 Artificial intelligence

 Global South representation in multilateral forums

An expert in international trade policy noted that India and Brazil are aligning not just economically but geopolitically, especially in platforms like BRICS and G20.

Why India-Brazil Trade Matters Now

The timing of this trade milestone is significant. As global supply chains diversify and nations reduce dependency on traditional Western markets, India and Brazil are positioning themselves as alternative growth engines.

For Indian businesses, Brazil offers access to Latin American markets. For Brazil, India provides scale, technology and pharmaceutical strength.

Practical takeaways for businesses:

 Exporters in chemicals and pharma should explore Brazil-focused strategies.

 Agro-importers can leverage stable sourcing channels from Brazil.

 Investors should track policy announcements emerging from Lula-Modi talks.

The crossing of ₹1 lakh crore in India-Brazil trade underscores a maturing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Brasilia. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Lula da Silva deepening cooperation across trade, technology and global governance, bilateral ties appear set for a new phase of expansion.

As both nations navigate a rapidly changing global order, India-Brazil trade is emerging as a pillar of South-South economic collaboration — one that could reshape global commerce dynamics in the years ahead.

In a major boost for bilateral ties, the US cuts India tariffs on goods from 25% to 18%, President Donald Trump announced Monday after a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move ends months of trade tensions, signaling stronger India-US partnership amid global energy shifts.

Trump-Modi Call Sparks Trade Breakthrough

Trump shared details on Truth Social late Monday, revealing discussions on the Russia-Ukraine war. "PM Modi agreed to stop purchasing oil from Russia. India will now buy more oil from the United States," he posted. He added flexibility for Venezuela oil imports if needed, aiming to pressure Russia and aid Ukraine.

The deal slashes the 2019 reciprocal 25% tariff—plus an extra 25% penalty for India's Russian oil buys—to a flat 18%. A White House official confirmed the Russian oil penalty ends immediately. Trump highlighted India's "Buy American" commitment: over $500 billion (₹46 lakh crore) in US energy, tech, agriculture, and coal.

PM Modi responded swiftly on X: "Thank you, President Trump, on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians." He praised the tariff cut on "Made in India" products, noting it opens opportunities between the world's top economies and democracies.

Why This Matters Now for India-US Ties

This India-US trade deal arrives amid volatile global oil markets and US election-year focus on "America First." With Russia supplies strained by sanctions, India's shift reduces energy costs and aligns with Western allies. US Ambassador Sergio Gor called it "almost final," with technical papers pending. He noted India's tariffs now rank among the world's lowest, reflecting Modi-Trump friendship.

• Key Wins for India: Lower export barriers boost textiles, pharma, and gems amid slowing global growth.
  
  

• US Gains: Massive "Buy American" purchases create jobs; Venezuela option eases Ukraine war pressures.
  
  

• Global Ripple: Eases India-Russia ties strain, stabilizes oil prices.
  
  

Trump hyped the mood pre-call with Truth Social posts: India Gate photos and a Modi cover. He teased his "Arc de Trump" arch in Washington, inspired by triumphs like India's.

Road Ahead for Stronger Partnership

Modi emphasized eagerness to "strengthen India-US partnership to new heights." Experts see this as a template for zero tariffs and non-tariff barriers. For Indian exporters, it's timely relief—trade with the US hit $120 billion last year.

As technical signings loom, this deal underscores personal diplomacy's power. Stay tuned for implementation details.