India and Canada are actively working towards signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026. This move comes after a period of strained bilateral relations between the two nations. Both countries believe that a CEPA will significantly boost trade, investment, and overall economic cooperation. The agreement is expected to cover various aspects, including goods, services, investment, and intellectual property rights. Officials from both India and Canada have held several rounds of discussions to iron out the details and address concerns from both sides. The push for CEPA highlights a mutual desire to enhance economic resilience and create new opportunities for businesses and citizens in both India and Canada. This strategic partnership aims to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on other markets, fostering a more robust and integrated economic future for India and Canada.

India-Canada CEPA by 2026: Boosting Economic Ties

The India–Nepal Inter-Governmental Sub-Committee (IGSC) on Trade, Transit and Cooperation to Control Unauthorised Trade held its eighth meeting in New Delhi from June 10-11, 2024. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Vipul Bansal, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The Nepali delegation was led by Dr. Narayan Prasad Regmi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. Both sides reviewed the progress on various trade and transit issues. They discussed ways to improve trade infrastructure, simplify customs procedures, and promote investment. The meeting also focused on strengthening cooperation to control unauthorised trade across the border. This includes smuggling and other illegal activities. The discussions aimed to enhance economic ties and ensure smooth movement of goods between India and Nepal.

India-Nepal Trade Sub-Committee Meets in New Delhi

India observed Ozone Day 2026 by emphasizing its commitment to environmental protection and climate action. The nation highlighted its significant achievements under the Montreal Protocol, which aims to phase out ozone-depleting substances (ODS). India successfully phased out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), carbon tetrachloride (CTC), and halons, and is now working on phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Kigali Amendment. This initiative is crucial as HFCs are potent greenhouse gases. India's strategy involves integrating these efforts with its broader net-zero emissions targets, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint while protecting the ozone layer. The government is promoting sustainable cooling technologies and energy efficiency to achieve these goals. This approach demonstrates India's leadership in addressing both ozone depletion and climate change simultaneously.

Ozone Day 2026: India Links Montreal Protocol to Net Zero

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Bhutan from September 16 to 17. This visit aims to further enhance the special relationship between India and Bhutan. During his trip, EAM Jaishankar will hold discussions with his Bhutanese counterpart and other senior government officials. The talks are expected to cover various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including economic partnership, development assistance, and regional issues. This visit underscores India's commitment to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and its strong bond with Bhutan, a key strategic partner in the Himalayas. Such high-level exchanges are crucial for maintaining the momentum in India-Bhutan relations.

EAM Jaishankar to Visit Bhutan on September 16-17

India and Vietnam have agreed to observe 2027 as the 'Friendship Year'. This decision was made during the 19th Joint Commission Meeting held in Hanoi, Vietnam. The meeting was co-chaired by India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Vietnam's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bui Thanh Son. The two nations aim to expand their strategic ties across various sectors, including defence, trade, and energy. They also discussed cooperation in traditional and non-traditional security areas. Both sides reviewed the progress in implementing the 'Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People' document, adopted in 2020. The 'Friendship Year' will commemorate 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam in 1972. This initiative highlights the growing importance of the India-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.

India, Vietnam to Observe 'Friendship Year' in 2027

BRICS countries have committed to strengthening collaboration in forecasting skills needs. This initiative will analyze labor market trends in digital, green, care, and other priority sectors. The 11-nation grouping of major emerging market economies welcomed "BRICS CONNECT," a new platform designed for technical cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. This platform aims to help member states prepare their workforces for future economic demands. The focus on digital and green sectors highlights the global shift towards technology-driven and sustainable economies. BRICS CONNECT will facilitate sharing best practices and developing joint strategies to address skill gaps within the BRICS bloc. This move is expected to enhance economic resilience and foster inclusive growth among member nations.

BRICS CONNECT Platform Launched for Skills Collaboration

The BRICS Declaration recently welcomed a proposed expert group on traditional medicine. This move signifies a collective recognition among BRICS member states of the value and potential of traditional healing practices. The expert group aims to facilitate cooperation, research, and knowledge sharing in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Unani. By establishing this group, BRICS nations seek to integrate traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare, promote its standardization, and explore its role in achieving universal health coverage. This initiative reflects a broader global trend towards acknowledging and leveraging diverse medical traditions alongside modern medicine. The BRICS group's support will likely boost collaborative efforts in areas such as regulation, quality control, and scientific validation of traditional medicine products and practices.

BRICS Welcomes Expert Group on Traditional Medicine

On September 12, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a BRICS session titled “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism.” The session was part of the ongoing BRICS Summit. During his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need for reforms in international institutions to reflect current global realities. He highlighted that inclusive global governance is essential for addressing complex challenges like climate change, pandemics, and economic instability. The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of multilateralism, advocating for a rules-based international order that respects the sovereignty of all nations. He called upon BRICS member states to work together to promote a more equitable and representative global system. The session saw participation from leaders of all BRICS nations, who discussed strategies to enhance cooperation and coordination on various global issues.

PM Chairs BRICS Session on Inclusive Global Governance and Multilateralism

The BRICS Summit 2026 recently concluded its two-day discussions. The central theme for this year's summit was "Strengthening Cooperation to Promote Fair Competition, including in Renewable Energy Markets." A primary focus of the BRICS leaders was to advance sustainable energy transitions among member countries. During the summit, BRICS nations also voiced significant concern regarding attacks on civilian nuclear facilities. This highlights the group's commitment to global peace and energy security. The BRICS Summit 2026 aimed to foster greater collaboration in economic and political spheres, particularly in areas critical for future global development like renewable energy. The discussions underscored the importance of fair practices in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector.

BRICS Summit 2026: Focus on Renewable Energy and Fair Competition

During the BRICS Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward a four-point proposal aimed at achieving peace and stability in West Asia. Xi Jinping urged all BRICS member nations to uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter. A key part of his plan is supporting a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is widely recognized as a framework for lasting peace in the region. Additionally, President Xi Jinping called for deeper cooperation among BRICS countries in the field of artificial intelligence. This proposal highlights China's growing diplomatic engagement in global affairs and its efforts to play a more significant role in resolving international conflicts, particularly in sensitive regions like West Asia. The BRICS Summit served as the platform for this important diplomatic initiative by Xi Jinping.

BRICS Summit: Xi Jinping Proposes 4-Point Peace Plan for West Asia

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently lauded the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration at the BRICS 2026 Summit. He stated that this declaration reflects the BRICS grouping's shared commitment to fostering a more resilient, innovative, and development-oriented partnership. The Minister emphasized that the BRICS platform is crucial for amplifying the voice of the Global South on international stages. The New Delhi Declaration outlines the collective resolve of BRICS member states to address global challenges and promote inclusive growth. It focuses on strengthening economic cooperation, political dialogue, and cultural exchanges among Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The BRICS summit in New Delhi aimed to further solidify the bloc's role in shaping a multipolar world order and advocating for reforms in global governance institutions.

BRICS New Delhi Declaration 2026: Amplifying Global South Voice

The BRICS nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, issued the New Delhi Declaration, highlighting serious concerns about increasing unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures. These measures, often imposed by individual countries without broader consensus, distort international trade flows. The BRICS declaration stated that such actions conflict directly with the established rules and principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The group emphasized the importance of a rules-based, transparent, non-discriminatory, open, inclusive, and equitable multilateral trading system. This stance reflects BRICS's commitment to fair global trade practices and its opposition to protectionist policies that can harm developing economies. The declaration also touched upon other critical global issues like terrorism and the regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

BRICS New Delhi Declaration: Concerns Over Unilateral Tariffs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently urged the BRICS group of nations to strengthen their economic partnerships. He emphasized the need to reduce trade barriers and deepen investment and business ties among member countries. PM Modi also highlighted the importance of ensuring secure sea lanes for global trade. During his address, the Prime Minister showcased India's capabilities in infrastructure, startups, strategic technologies, and digital public infrastructure. He presented these as potential engines for global growth and collaboration within the BRICS framework. The call aims to leverage BRICS's growing economic influence to foster greater prosperity and stability among its members and globally.

PM Modi Urges BRICS for Stronger Trade and Investment Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. The summit took place in the national capital on Friday. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen India-Iran ties. They also focused on cooperation in multilateral forums. A key point of discussion was the safety of seafarers in West Asia, especially given the ongoing US-Iran tensions. Both leaders emphasized the importance of regional stability and maritime security. This meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Pezeshkian highlights India's continued engagement with Iran on strategic matters. It also shows India's role in promoting peace in the West Asian region.

Modi Meets Pezeshkian: India-Iran Ties, BRICS Cooperation Discussed

The United Nations Security Council convened to commemorate 25 years since the 9/11 attacks. During the meeting, ambassadors reviewed the changing nature of global terrorism since the adoption of Resolution 1373 in 2001, which established the Council's counter-terrorism framework. Experts briefed the Council on the increasing use of advanced technologies by militant groups. These technologies include artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and encrypted communication platforms. Militants are using these tools for recruitment, planning attacks, and spreading propaganda. The Security Council members also adopted a presidential statement, marking the first such statement on terrorism in five years. This statement followed intense discussions, particularly regarding references to specific terrorist groups and the language used for new technologies. The UN Security Council aims to update its approach to combat modern terrorist threats effectively.

UN Security Council Addresses AI, Drones in Counter-Terrorism

During the recent BRICS Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the two leaders reviewed the ongoing cooperation between India and Russia. Discussions covered a wide range of areas, including political ties, economic collaboration, and defence partnerships. Progress in the energy sector, space exploration, and skills mobility was also assessed. Furthermore, the leaders discussed strengthening people-to-people connections. This meeting highlighted the continued strategic partnership between India and Russia, focusing on enhancing existing agreements and exploring new avenues for cooperation within the BRICS framework and beyond. The BRICS Summit provided a crucial platform for these high-level discussions.

Modi-Putin Meeting at BRICS Summit: Bilateral Cooperation Reviewed

India and Russia are reportedly focusing on an ambitious $100 billion bilateral trade target by 2030. This goal signals a strong intent from both nations to expand their economic ties in the coming years. The discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to cover several key areas. These include cooperation in nuclear energy, critical minerals, and other strategic sectors. The report, citing news agency ANI, indicates that both leaders are keen on deepening their partnership across various domains. This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership, enhancing economic resilience and mutual growth.

India-Russia Trade Target: $100 Billion by 2030, Focus on Energy

The BRICS group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, issued a declaration urging 'maximum restraint' in the Middle East. This call comes amid escalating tensions and conflicts in the region. The BRICS declaration emphasized the need for peaceful resolution of disputes and adherence to international law. The group expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation and the potential for wider regional instability. BRICS leaders highlighted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate the situation and protect civilian lives. The declaration reflects a collective stance by BRICS members on a critical global geopolitical issue, aiming to promote stability and prevent further escalation of violence in the Middle East.

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