Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Lands in Delhi for Crucial Bilateral Discussions
Russia's first deputy prime minister, Denis Manturov, arrived in New Delhi early on Thursday for a series of high-level meetings aimed at bolstering defence, energy, trade, and security cooperation between the two nations. His visit is part of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission, co-chaired by both countries, and follows recent foreign office consultations that reviewed bilateral ties amidst ongoing tensions in West Asia.
Strategic Agenda and Key Participants
Manturov is scheduled to hold discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The talks will assess progress from the bilateral summit held last December and address global energy disruptions, particularly as Russia has recently returned as India's top crude oil supplier after a waiver from US sanctions.
Other Significant Global Developments
In a separate development, a Sydney court rejected a plea by Naveed Akram, the accused in the Bondi Beach Hanukkah shooting, to suppress his family's identities. Judge Hugh Donnelly cited unprecedented public outrage and the global spread of family details on social media as reasons for the decision. Akram faces charges including terrorism, 15 murders, and explosives-related offenses.
Meanwhile, Mahavir Singhvi has been appointed as India's new consul general in Toronto. With a diverse background as a diplomat, lawyer, Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, MBA, and Cost & Management Accountant, Singhvi aims to strengthen India-Canada ties in areas such as trade, technology, education, and innovation, focusing on building mutual trust and expanding partnerships.
Regional Updates and Warnings
Following an earthquake in Indonesia, tsunami warnings have been issued for several coastal regions. The US tsunami warning system forecasts waves under 0.3 meters for areas including Guam, Japan, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Taiwan, while Indonesia may experience waves of 0.3 to 1 meter in some locations. Japan's meteorological agency has noted possible slight sea level changes but expects no significant damage.
In geopolitical news, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Armenia that it cannot simultaneously join both the European Union and the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union due to incompatible market rules. During talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Putin emphasized Russia's calm stance on Yerevan's EU ambitions but highlighted the benefits of cheap Russian gas, which is unavailable in Europe. Pashinyan affirmed that Armenia's ties with Russia remain deep and important while pursuing EU cooperation.
