India has dispatched its fifth aircraft carrying an 11-member specialised rescue team, search-and-rescue equipment and 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines to support Nepal's ongoing relief operations after devastating floods.

 India has stepped up its humanitarian assistance to flood-hit Nepal, with a fifth aircraft carrying an 11-member specialised rescue team and 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines departing for the neighbouring country on Wednesday.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the latest assistance in a social media post, saying the aircraft was carrying the rescue team along with specialised equipment and essential medicines. 

The latest deployment comes as Nepal continues large-scale search, rescue and relief operations following devastating flash floods that struck the country last week.

11-member rescue team joins relief effort

The specialised team has been sent with search-and-rescue equipment to strengthen ongoing operations in flood-affected areas.

The assistance is aimed at supporting Nepalese authorities in locating and rescuing people still trapped or missing following the disaster, while helping relief agencies respond to the continuing humanitarian needs.

Nepal has suffered extensive damage from the floods, with authorities reporting more than 1,000 deaths and thousands of people still missing. More than 12,000 people have been rescued, according to reports citing Nepalese authorities. 

5.5 tonnes of essential medicines sent

Alongside the rescue personnel and equipment, the aircraft is carrying 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines.

The medical supplies are intended to support healthcare requirements in areas affected by the floods, where local health infrastructure and access to medical services have been disrupted.

The latest consignment follows earlier Indian assistance, including medical teams, relief material and technical support for search-and-rescue operations. 

India's relief assistance reaches 68.5 tonnes

With the latest effort, India has so far supplied 68.5 tonnes of relief material to Nepal, according to reports. New Delhi has also sent doctors, paramedics and technical personnel to assist with the response. 

India's assistance is being provided as part of its humanitarian response to the disaster and reflects its broader Neighbourhood First approach towards regional cooperation and disaster relief. 

The first Indian relief assistance was sent shortly after the floods struck on August 26. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and assured him of India's support following the disaster. 

Nepal faces major infrastructure damage

The floods have also damaged critical infrastructure across Nepal.

Reports citing local authorities said 35 motorable bridges, 45 suspension bridges and around 40 km of black-topped roads have been affected, particularly in central Nepal. 

The damage to roads and bridges has complicated access to affected communities and increased the importance of specialised rescue teams and emergency supplies.

With search operations still underway and thousands of people unaccounted for, India's latest aircraft is expected to add further capacity to Nepal's ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Ukraine and Poland from September 3 to 5, with talks expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations, regional developments and issues of mutual interest.

 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will undertake an official visit to Ukraine and Poland from September 3 to 5, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday.

During the visit, Jaishankar will hold bilateral consultations with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. The discussions will focus on strengthening India's bilateral relations with both European countries and exchanging views on regional developments and issues of mutual interest. 

The visit comes as India continues to maintain diplomatic engagement with Ukraine while also stressing dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Jaishankar's Ukraine visit

Jaishankar's talks with Sybiha are expected to cover the broader India-Ukraine relationship as well as developments surrounding the ongoing war.

The two ministers had spoken by phone on August 26. According to Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, Sybiha briefed Jaishankar about the situation in the Black Sea, including intensified attacks on Ukrainian ports and maritime routes. They also discussed freedom of navigation and ways to advance bilateral cooperation.

The upcoming visit also follows recent discussions between Ukrainian officials and India's ambassador in Kyiv on India's potential role in efforts aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian officials have indicated that Kyiv wants continued dialogue with New Delhi on the peace process.

India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict, while maintaining relationships with both Moscow and Kyiv.

Focus on India-Poland ties

Jaishankar will also travel to Poland for discussions with Sikorski. The visit comes amid efforts to further expand India's engagement with Poland following the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries in 2024.

India and Poland have identified areas including trade and investment, technology, agriculture, connectivity, mining, energy, environment, digital cooperation and defence as areas for deeper bilateral engagement.

The Poland leg also comes ahead of an expected visit to India by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, with preparations for the visit already under discussion between the two countries. 

Wider European engagement

Jaishankar's two-country visit comes at a time of significant geopolitical changes in Europe, with the Russia-Ukraine conflict continuing to affect regional security, energy and food supplies.

For New Delhi, the visit provides an opportunity to maintain high-level political engagement with both Ukraine and Poland while advancing India's economic and strategic interests in Europe.

The MEA has described the visit primarily as an opportunity to enhance bilateral relations and exchange views on regional developments and issues of mutual interest.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow on Monday and conveyed a personal message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as India and Russia discussed bilateral cooperation and preparations for upcoming high-level engagements.

Jaishankar, who was on a two-day visit to Russia, also briefed Putin on the outcome of the 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC). The meeting comes ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and the BRICS Summit, where Modi and Putin are expected to meet.

Modi looks forward to Putin meeting

During the Kremlin meeting, Jaishankar conveyed Modi’s greetings to Putin and said the Indian prime minister was looking forward to meeting the Russian president at the upcoming SCO Summit.

Jaishankar also conveyed Modi’s invitation to Putin to visit India for the BRICS Summit.

“Prime Minister Modi looks forward to meeting you at the SCO Summit, then welcoming you to India for the Brics Summit,” Jaishankar said, according to ANI.

Putin, in response, asked Jaishankar to convey his best wishes to Modi and expressed hope of meeting the Indian prime minister at the SCO Summit. He also indicated that another meeting between the two leaders could take place later this year.

Trade and economic ties discussed

The talks also focused on the growing economic relationship between India and Russia.

Jaishankar highlighted developments in bilateral cooperation following the recent intergovernmental commission meeting. Areas discussed included trade, energy, fertilisers, nuclear energy and high-technology cooperation.

Putin pointed to the rise in bilateral trade and said Moscow was working to maintain and increase fertiliser supplies to India.

Fertilisers remain an important area of cooperation for India, particularly given the role of imported supplies in supporting the country’s agricultural sector.

Energy remains key priority

Energy cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions.

India and Russia have maintained significant energy ties, while both sides have continued to explore opportunities for expanding cooperation across the broader energy sector. Nuclear energy was also identified as an area of continued bilateral engagement.

The discussions come as New Delhi and Moscow seek to deepen economic and strategic cooperation while navigating an increasingly complex global geopolitical environment.

Jaishankar also meets Lavrov

During his Moscow visit, Jaishankar also held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The two ministers discussed bilateral cooperation as well as regional conflicts, global challenges and issues on the multilateral agenda.

The meetings are part of continued high-level diplomatic engagement between India and Russia, with both countries maintaining regular communication on bilateral and international issues.

SCO and BRICS meetings ahead

The upcoming SCO and BRICS summits are expected to provide opportunities for Modi and Putin to discuss bilateral ties as well as wider regional and global developments.

The possibility of another meeting between the two leaders also comes at a time when India is seeking to strengthen economic cooperation with Russia across trade, energy, fertilisers, technology and other sectors.

Jaishankar’s meeting with Putin therefore assumes significance as New Delhi prepares for a series of high-level engagements involving key international partners.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said India’s relationship with Bangladesh can move forward only when it serves the interests of both countries, as bilateral ties remain under strain over several issues, including Dhaka’s demand for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum on Saturday, Jaishankar said India takes a realistic approach to its neighbourhood and does not expect other countries to always act according to New Delhi’s interests. He stressed that both sides must recognise each other’s concerns and find common ground to move the relationship forward.

Jaishankar stresses mutual interest

Asked about Bangladesh’s demand for Hasina’s extradition, Jaishankar did not comment on the details of the ongoing discussions. Instead, he emphasised the broader principle governing India’s relations with its neighbours.

“For any relationship to work, it has to meet the test of mutual interest. It has to work for them, it has to work for us,” he said.

Jaishankar added that India understands that neighbouring countries have their own priorities and interests. According to him, sustainable bilateral relations require both sides to respect those concerns before reaching a workable “landing point”.

Tarique Rahman visit in focus

Jaishankar’s remarks come as India and Bangladesh are also discussing a possible visit by Tarique Rahman to New Delhi.

India has invited Rahman for a bilateral visit and for the upcoming BRICS Summit in his capacity as chair of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

A proposed visit next week was reportedly postponed, with the two sides now discussing possible dates later this month or in early September.

Rahman’s possible visit is being viewed as an opportunity for New Delhi and Dhaka to reset ties after months of tensions.

Sheikh Hasina remains key issue

The presence of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India remains one of the major points of friction between the two countries.

Dhaka has sought her extradition, while New Delhi has continued to engage with Bangladesh on the wider bilateral relationship.

Jaishankar’s comments suggest that India is seeking to keep the broader relationship focused on mutual interests while discussions on individual contentious issues continue through diplomatic channels.

Jaishankar targets Pakistan over terrorism

During the interaction, Jaishankar also spoke about India’s relations with Pakistan and said New Delhi could not ignore public sentiment, particularly on terrorism.

He described Pakistan as “unique” among India’s neighbours, alleging that no other country uses terrorism “so systematically and in such a sustained manner” against a neighbouring country.

Jaishankar also played down suggestions that improving Pakistan-US relations would significantly alter India’s assessment of Islamabad, noting that the United States and Pakistan have maintained relations for decades.

India watching Pakistan-Saudi-Turkey pact

The External Affairs Minister also discussed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Jaishankar said India would take the agreement into account as part of its broader strategic and security assessment. He stressed that developments involving countries that are not well disposed towards India would form part of New Delhi’s calculations.

“In my calculus, everything counts, everything will have a weight,” he said.

Peace with China remains priority

On China, Jaishankar said peace and stability along the India-China border would remain essential for improving bilateral relations.

He noted that both countries are major economies with significant economic ties and participation in global supply chains and markets. However, relations went through a particularly difficult period between 2020 and 2024, largely because of developments along the border.

Jaishankar said peace and tranquillity in border areas remain a prerequisite for better relations.

He also acknowledged reports of Indian businesspeople facing difficulties in obtaining Chinese visas and said India had raised the matter with Beijing.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held bilateral talks with Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti in New Delhi on Thursday, with both sides discussing ways to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of sectors.

Nyanti's visit to India comes as the two countries seek to expand their bilateral engagement in areas including technology, agriculture, healthcare, mining, energy, trade and investment, education and capacity building.

India-Liberia Ties Reviewed

During the meeting, Jaishankar and Nyanti reviewed the broader India-Liberia relationship and exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

The discussions covered both economic and developmental cooperation, with particular attention to areas where India and Liberia can expand partnerships and share expertise.

Jaishankar later described his conversation with Nyanti as “productive”, highlighting cooperation on commercial shipping, mining, healthcare, agriculture, water and training.

Focus on Commercial Shipping

Safety and security of commercial shipping emerged as one of the issues discussed by the two ministers.

Maritime security remains an important concern for international trade, particularly amid disruptions and security challenges affecting major shipping routes.

India and Liberia also have potential areas of cooperation linked to maritime trade, given Liberia's role in global shipping and India's expanding focus on secure international supply chains.

New Liberian Embassy in New Delhi

Jaishankar also congratulated Nyanti on the inauguration of the new Embassy of Liberia in New Delhi.

The opening of the diplomatic mission is expected to strengthen institutional engagement between the two countries and provide a greater platform for expanding bilateral cooperation.

The embassy is likely to facilitate closer diplomatic, commercial and people-to-people ties between India and Liberia.

Cooperation in Key Sectors

The talks covered several sectors considered important for Liberia's development and India's engagement with African countries.

These included technology, agriculture, healthcare, mining, energy, trade and investment, education and capacity building.

Water management and training were also discussed during the meeting.

India has increasingly focused on development partnerships with African countries through capacity building, technical cooperation, education and skill development.

UNSC Reforms Discussed

The two ministers also discussed reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Jaishankar said the meeting focused on the need for long-pending reforms at the global body.

India has consistently called for an expansion of the UNSC's permanent and non-permanent membership, arguing that its composition should better reflect contemporary global realities.

Liberia, as an African country, also has an interest in broader representation of the continent in global decision-making institutions.

Strengthening South-South Cooperation

Jaishankar said India remains committed to strengthening South-South cooperation with Liberia.

The two countries are expected to continue exploring opportunities for collaboration in development, trade, technology and capacity building.

The meeting comes at a time when India is seeking to deepen its engagement with African nations through economic partnerships, development assistance and cooperation in emerging sectors.

The inauguration of Liberia's new embassy in New Delhi and the ministerial-level discussions are likely to provide further momentum to India-Liberia relations.

Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich has arrived in India on a four-day official visit aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. The visit, scheduled from August 2 to August 5, will focus on expanding cooperation in trade, connectivity, investment, technology and regional security under India's Connect Central Asia policy.

The high-level visit comes as New Delhi and Tashkent seek to deepen economic and strategic engagement across multiple sectors.

High-Level Meetings Scheduled

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visiting foreign minister reached New Delhi on Sunday.

During the visit, he will call on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hold delegation-level talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House.

The discussions are expected to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and identify new areas for collaboration.

Trade and Investment in Focus

A key highlight of the visit will be participation in a business forum in New Delhi, where the Uzbek foreign minister will interact with Indian industry leaders.

The forum is expected to promote greater investment and private-sector partnerships in sectors including:

• Pharmaceuticals

• Information Technology

• Manufacturing

• Emerging technologies

Both countries are looking to expand economic cooperation by encouraging greater business-to-business engagement.

Connectivity to Top Agenda

Improving connectivity between India and Central Asia is expected to be a major focus of the bilateral discussions.

The two sides are likely to explore ways to enhance regional trade through strategic connectivity projects such as:

• International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)

• Chabahar Port in Iran

Strengthening these transport links is expected to improve access between India and Central Asian markets while boosting regional trade.

Strategic Cooperation

Apart from economic ties, India and Uzbekistan are expected to discuss cooperation in several strategic sectors, including:

• Critical minerals

• Digital public infrastructure

• Defence collaboration

• Counter-terrorism

• Regional security

The discussions reflect growing strategic convergence between the two countries amid evolving geopolitical and economic developments in the region.

Growing Bilateral Engagement

The visit follows a series of high-level interactions between New Delhi and Tashkent over the past year.

The two foreign ministers have already met on the sidelines of several international forums earlier in 2026, underlining the growing momentum in bilateral relations.

The latest visit is expected to further strengthen cooperation under India's broader engagement with Central Asia.

Terror Funding Priority

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday called for coordinated international action to choke terror funding and protect global shipping routes from attacks and disruption. He delivered the message at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting in Manila, where ministers discussed political and security challenges facing the Indo-Pacific.

Jaishankar said countries must deny terrorist groups access to financial resources, networks and institutional support. He also argued that the international community must impose consequences for acts of terrorism rather than limit its response to statements of condemnation.

Zero Tolerance Message

“There must be zero tolerance for terrorism,” Jaishankar said, while stressing that terrorist attacks must carry consequences. He identified terror funding as a priority area for regional and global cooperation.

India and Malaysia currently co-chair the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Counter-Terrorism. Jaishankar said India was leading work on a compendium of global best practices to strengthen counter-terrorism coordination among participating countries.

Shipping Routes Must Stay Open

The minister also condemned attacks on merchant vessels and civilian infrastructure. He said international waterways must remain safe, secure and open so that trade can move without interruption.

His remarks came as conflict in West Asia, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks involving oil tankers created fresh risks for energy supplies and commercial shipping. ASEAN economies depend heavily on imported energy, making disruption along major sea routes a central concern at the Manila meetings.

India Details Maritime Role

Jaishankar highlighted India’s contribution to maritime security through the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative. He also referred to Indian deployments stretching from the North Arabian Sea to the Western Pacific.

According to the minister, these efforts help countries counter piracy, trafficking and narcotics smuggling while protecting maritime commerce. India’s emphasis on safe shipping reflects its wider objective of maintaining a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific with ASEAN at its centre.

South China Sea Code

Jaishankar backed a substantive, effective and legally binding Code of Conduct for the South China Sea. He said the proposed framework must comply fully with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and protect the legitimate rights of all users.

The issue carried added urgency after fresh confrontations between China and the Philippines in disputed waters. The South China Sea remains a major commercial route as well as a strategic flashpoint involving overlapping territorial and maritime claims.

Wider Security Agenda

The External Affairs Minister welcomed the Manila Plan of Action and said its five pillars aligned with India’s Indo-Pacific approach. He sought closer cooperation on disaster relief, common operating procedures, field exercises and the sharing of best practices.

Jaishankar also urged countries to remain alert to efforts that weaken non-proliferation and disarmament frameworks. On technology, he supported a responsible, human-centric approach to artificial intelligence and stronger cross-border cooperation against cybercrime.

The address featured prominently in Latest News Today, India News Update and National and International News coverage because it connected terrorism, maritime trade and regional stability. It also emerged as an important Public Interest Story in Trending News India coverage.

What Comes Next

The forum’s discussions could shape cooperation on counter-terrorism, shipping security, disaster response and regional maritime rules. However, participating countries will need stronger intelligence-sharing, financial tracking and coordinated enforcement to translate political commitments into measurable action. This assessment follows from the priorities outlined by India at the meeting.

The Quad foreign ministers on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific, underscoring the importance of international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity during a high-level meeting in Manila, Philippines. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, came amid renewed tensions in the South China Sea following a fresh confrontation between Chinese and Philippine forces.

Although the joint discussions did not explicitly mention China, the repeated emphasis on respecting sovereignty and maintaining the rules-based international order was widely viewed as a diplomatic message directed at Beijing's growing maritime activities in the Indo-Pacific.

Quad Reviews Regional Security

The meeting brought together India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and their counterparts from Japan and Australia to review recent developments affecting regional security.

Following the discussions, Jaishankar said the ministers reviewed the evolving Indo-Pacific landscape and assessed progress on decisions taken during the previous Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in New Delhi.

He reiterated that the four countries remain committed to promoting a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific, while recognizing ASEAN's central role in the region's security architecture.

Rule of Law at the Centre

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the group's shared vision, stating that India, the United States, Japan and Australia remain united in supporting an Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Rubio said the Quad continues to be a strategic priority for Washington and confirmed that the four nations are expected to meet again later this year to advance cooperation across security, economic resilience, critical technologies and regional stability.

Diplomatic observers noted that the ministers deliberately avoided directly naming China, but the language used closely reflected long-standing concerns over Beijing's activities in disputed maritime regions.

South China Sea Tensions

The meeting took place just a day after a fresh confrontation between China and the Philippines near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

According to Philippine authorities, personnel from both sides engaged in a physical clash involving oars and batons during a maritime encounter. Manila alleged that a Chinese Coast Guard officer injured a Filipino sailor during the incident.

China rejected the allegations, accusing Philippine personnel of provoking the confrontation and claiming that Manila's account distorted the facts.

The incident has further heightened tensions between the two countries, both of which have summoned each other's ambassadors following the clash.

Strategic Message Without Naming China

While the Quad's official statements avoided directly referring to Beijing, analysts believe the meeting reflected growing concern over attempts to alter the regional status quo through coercion or unilateral actions.

The emphasis on territorial integrity, freedom of navigation, and respect for international law aligns with the group's longstanding position on maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific.

The latest developments also highlight the Quad's expanding role as a strategic platform for coordination among four major democracies amid increasing geopolitical competition in the region.

India's Expanding Indo-Pacific Role

For India, the Manila meeting reinforced its commitment to strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific while continuing to advocate dialogue, adherence to international law and peaceful resolution of disputes.

New Delhi has consistently maintained that peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific are essential for regional prosperity and global trade, particularly as vital international shipping routes pass through the South China Sea.

With maritime security becoming an increasingly prominent issue, the Quad is expected to deepen cooperation in areas including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, cyber security, critical technologies, supply chain resilience and maritime domain awareness.

PM Modi, French President Macron Inaugurate India's Largest Deep-Tech Showcase, Calls India a 'Solutions Provider' to the World

Global Tech Showcase Begins

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated "Bharat Innovates 2026" in Nice on Sunday, marking one of the most ambitious cross-border technology initiatives undertaken between the two nations. The event, organised by India's Union Ministry of Education, has been described as a landmark moment in the ongoing India-France Year of Innovation, a partnership the two leaders had formally launched in Mumbai earlier this year.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said India is steadily transforming its global identity—from being seen primarily as a market to being recognised as a contributor of solutions to the world. He emphasised that the country's growing innovation ecosystem is now positioned to offer practical, scalable technologies that can address challenges faced by economies worldwide.

A Platform Built for Scale

According to officials associated with the event, Bharat Innovates 2026 has been designed as a high-impact matchmaking platform connecting India's deep-tech ecosystem with global capital, corporate buyers and research institutions. The scale of participation reflects the ambition behind the initiative.

The Indian delegation includes 120 vetted innovators selected through a rigorous screening process overseen by a Technical Oversight Committee led by Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Kumar Sood. Alongside them, more than 15 premier higher education institutions are showcasing research with strong commercialisation potential.

On the investment side, organisers said over 500 global investors—including venture capital firms, corporate venture arms and international CEOs—are attending in search of cross-border opportunities, underlining the scale of interest in India's technology landscape.

Focus Areas Span 13 Sectors

The exhibition spans 13 strategic sectors, ranging from advanced computing, semiconductors and space technology to biotechnology, healthcare, energy and advanced manufacturing. Officials said the breadth of sectors reflects India's attempt to position itself across both frontier technologies and applied industrial innovation.

Sources familiar with the planning said the sectoral spread was deliberately designed to attract a diverse investor base, rather than concentrating attention on a single high-profile domain.

Strong Political Backing From Delhi

The presence of senior cabinet ministers alongside PM Modi signals the strategic weight India is placing on the event. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal are part of the high-level delegation, reflecting the intersection of trade diplomacy and technology policy at this year's summit.

Analysts tracking the visit said such high-powered representation is unusual for an innovation-focused event, pointing to India's intent to convert diplomatic engagement into tangible commercial outcomes.

Investors, Officials Expect Early Outcomes

According to the Ministry, the summit is expected to conclude with formal collaboration frameworks covering research and development partnerships, startup scaling support, and smoother cross-border investment pathways. Initial reports indicate that several memoranda of understanding could be signed during the course of the event, though final details are yet to be confirmed.

Market observers said the announcements could have ripple effects across India's startup financing environment, particularly for deep-tech ventures that often struggle to access long-term patient capital domestically.

Building a Long-Term India-France Tech Corridor

Beyond the immediate funding push, Bharat Innovates 2026 is being viewed as a step toward institutionalising long-term cooperation between the Indian and French innovation ecosystems. Officials said the broader objective is to create durable pathways for technology absorption, joint manufacturing collaborations and pilot projects that could help Indian startups scale into European and global markets.

With both governments emphasising continuity beyond a single event, the initiative is expected to shape future editions of the India-France innovation dialogue, as authorities continue to assess the outcomes of this year's summit.

The Quad foreign ministers’ meeting concluded in the national capital on Tuesday with a strong emphasis on deepening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region amid growing maritime and economic challenges. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, along with his counterparts from the US, Japan, and Australia, reviewed progress on multiple fronts including supply chain resilience and regional stability.

Key Outcomes from the Meeting

The ministers announced several concrete initiatives that signal the grouping’s shift towards action-oriented collaboration. A major highlight was the launch of the Quad Critical Minerals Framework, aimed at boosting investment in mining, processing, recycling, and building resilient supply chains for critical minerals and rare earth elements.

In a significant bilateral development, India and the United States signed a framework agreement to secure supplies of critical minerals. Officials described the pact as a step towards strengthening strategic and economic ties between the two countries.

Focus on Energy and Maritime Security

Energy security emerged as another key area of convergence. The Quad nations agreed to establish a Fuel Security Forum and expand regional energy cooperation to reduce vulnerabilities in the Indo-Pacific. 

On the maritime front, the grouping decided to enhance surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean and broader Indo-Pacific through greater sharing of satellite data. This initiative is expected to help combat illegal fishing, smuggling, and support humanitarian and disaster relief operations. 

The ministers also announced the “Ports of the Future” project in Fiji, which aims to strengthen port infrastructure and improve connectivity across island nations in the region.

Jaishankar Highlights Regional Challenges

According to officials, Jaishankar raised concerns over growing challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including maritime security and disruptions in global supply chains. He also stressed the need for zero tolerance against terrorism. Rising tensions in West Asia and the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for navigation figured prominently in the discussions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who concluded his India visit after the meeting, emphasised that the Quad is evolving from a dialogue platform into an action-driven partnership. “We are beginning to do that very aggressively and very impressively,” he said, noting the group’s relevance amid ongoing global crises.

Rubio specifically called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open without restrictions, reflecting broader concerns over energy routes.

Japan and Australia Back Stronger Cooperation

Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi described the meeting as sending a “firm message” on maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. Australia’s Penny Wong highlighted energy security concerns and reiterated support for the freedom of choice of Indo-Pacific nations.

The meeting comes at a time when the Quad is navigating some underlying strains. The expected 2025 leaders’ summit in India was delayed amid reported differences between Washington and New Delhi, including trade tariffs and other bilateral issues. However, sources said the foreign ministers’ engagement helped reinforce commitment to the forum.

Significance for Regional Stability

Analysts view these outcomes as an attempt to build tangible cooperation in critical areas like technology, minerals, and maritime domain awareness. The initiatives are expected to benefit smaller nations in the Indo-Pacific by improving resilience against economic coercion and security threats.

Local diplomatic circles in Delhi described the meeting as productive, coming shortly after bilateral engagements. Rubio, accompanied by his wife Janet D. Rubio, also visited key sites in the city before departing for Armenia.

As global attention remains fixed on West Asia and other hotspots, the Quad’s focus on practical deliverables — from critical minerals to port development — reflects an effort to translate shared strategic interests into measurable progress.

The next major Quad engagement is expected later this year, with Australia slated to host the leaders’ summit towards the end of 2026.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the United States; talks covered defence, trade, energy and Indo‑Pacific cooperation

Marco Rubio met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Seva Teerth in New Delhi on Saturday and extended an invitation from US President Donald Trump for a state visit to the United States, officials said. The meeting — held in the morning at the prime minister’s residence complex — came days after Mr. Trump’s high-profile trip to China and was framed by some US outlets as an effort to shore up relations in Asia.

What happened
According to government sources and news agency reports, the bilateral session brought together senior officials from both sides, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and US Under Secretary Allison Hooker. Discussions covered defence cooperation, trade, energy, strategic technologies and coordination on Indo‑Pacific issues, officials familiar with the talks said.

Ground cues and timing
Rubio’s visit to India began in Kolkata earlier in the week, where he visited Mother Teresa House and met local stakeholders. He arrived in New Delhi on Saturday evening for the meeting with the prime minister and will remain in the country for several more days. His stopover precedes a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in the capital, scheduled for Tuesday, which Rubio will attend alongside counterparts from Australia and Japan.

Officials’ input
“Productive discussions focused on deepening cooperation in security, trade and critical technologies,” US Ambassador Sergio Gor said in a statement after the meeting. He added that stronger collaboration would support “a free and open Indo‑Pacific,” and called India a vital partner for the United States. Indian officials described the exchange as constructive but declined to disclose details on timelines or specific agreements.

Context: Trump’s China trip
Rubio’s outreach follows Mr. Trump’s visit to Beijing last week, during which the US president publicly praised Chinese President Xi Jinping. Several US media outlets portrayed Rubio’s trip as partly a damage‑control measure meant to reassure regional allies unsettled by Washington’s warmer tone toward Beijing. “The visit appears aimed at reaffirming commitment to partners in Asia,” one US analyst told local reporters on condition of anonymity.

Indo‑Pacific and Iran
Sources said the two sides reviewed developments in West Asia, including the evolving Iran situation, and explored options for coordination. Indian and US officials plan to keep lines of communication open on regional security, according to people briefed on the meetings. The Quad session next week is expected to further discuss shared strategic priorities in the Indo‑Pacific and coordinate on ongoing projects.

Economic and tech strands
Trade and critical technologies were central to the talks, with both sides signalling interest in accelerating cooperation in semiconductors, clean energy and defence manufacturing. Discussions also touched on energy security and avenues to expand bilateral investment, particularly in green technology and supply‑chain resilience.

Public impact and local reaction
In New Delhi, reactions were muted and cautious. Diplomatic observers said an invitation for a state visit is significant symbolically but noted that follow‑up — scheduling, protocol and agendas — will determine the diplomatic payoff. Business groups tracking US‑India ties welcomed continued engagement, saying clearer roadmaps on trade and technology would help investors.

Next steps and outlook
Rubio is slated to deliver remarks at the US Embassy Support Annex Building dedication and attend a reception at Roosevelt House hosted by Ambassador Gor. On Sunday he will hold talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and participate in the US Embassy’s Independence Day events. He will then travel to Agra and Jaipur before returning to New Delhi for the Quad meeting.

For now, officials from both capitals emphasised sustained dialogue. Whether Rubio’s outreach translates into concrete timelines for a Modi visit to Washington or new bilateral pacts will depend on follow‑up negotiations and calendar coordination in coming weeks.

Jaishankar Urges BRICS to Deepen Cooperation, Push Reforms

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday called upon BRICS nations to find practical ways to deal with the fallout of ongoing global conflicts, economic volatility, and trade disruptions, even as India advances institutional reforms to accommodate the grouping’s expanded membership.

Opening the two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting here, Jaishankar emphasised that the bloc must play a constructive and stabilising role amid growing uncertainty in international relations. The meeting at Bharat Mandapam brought together foreign ministers from core members including Russia, Brazil, and Iran, along with partner countries.

Time of considerable flux

“We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks. “Ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties, and challenges in trade, technology, and climate are shaping the global landscape.”

He noted that developing nations and emerging markets are increasingly looking to BRICS for stability and workable solutions. The minister stressed the need to reflect on global and regional developments and explore concrete steps to strengthen cooperation.

Institutional reforms under Indian chair

As the current chair, India has prioritised building a more inclusive and effective framework. Jaishankar highlighted progress in discussions on institutional development, including updating mechanisms to better integrate new members.

“It is essential for the smooth advancement of BRICS that later members fully appreciate and subscribe to BRICS’ consensus on various important issues,” he said.

Officials indicated that India’s chairmanship has already facilitated over 80 BRICS meetings involving all member states since January. This is India’s fourth stint at the helm, following previous summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021.

Development challenges in focus

Ministers are expected to address pressing issues affecting many countries, particularly in energy, food, fertiliser, and health security, as well as access to finance. Jaishankar said BRICS can help members respond more effectively to these challenges.

He also underlined the importance of reliable supply chains and diversified markets for building economic resilience in the face of global disruptions.

Climate, tech and equitable growth

Climate change figured prominently in the discussions. The minister called for sustainable development efforts guided by principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.

On technology, Jaishankar pointed to the rapid pace of change and the need to harness innovations for inclusive growth and better governance.

Peace, security and counterterrorism

Peace and security issues remained central to the conversations. Recent conflicts have reinforced the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, Jaishankar noted. There was also strong emphasis on strengthening cooperation against terrorism, an area of shared interest among members.

The presence of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Russia’s Sergey Lavrov added weight to discussions on geopolitical challenges.

Looking ahead

The two-day meeting, scheduled for May 14 and 15, forms part of broader consultations on global economic governance, development priorities, and current geopolitical realities. Outcomes are expected to feed into further BRICS processes under India’s presidency.

Analysts see the gathering as an opportunity for the expanded bloc to demonstrate its relevance in a fragmented world order. With multiple partner countries participating, the focus remains on practical coordination rather than grand declarations.

Local diplomatic circles in New Delhi described the meeting as business-like, with delegations working through detailed agendas on multilateral reform and economic cooperation. Many observers believe successful institutional adjustments will determine how effectively BRICS can deliver on expectations of emerging economies.

As global attention remains fixed on multiple conflict zones and economic headwinds, India’s push for pragmatic cooperation reflects its longstanding approach of seeking inclusive solutions through platforms like BRICS.