Kiran Sharma

The Quad grouping, comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, marked a significant milestone on December 31, 2024, as it commemorated 20 years of cooperation. On this occasion, the Foreign Ministers of the member nations reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to ensuring a free, open, and peaceful Indo-Pacific. This pledge comes against the backdrop of China's increasing military activities and territorial assertions in the region. A Legacy of Collaboration Formed in 2004 in response to the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, the Quad initially began as a loose partnership aimed at coordinating humanitarian and disaster relief efforts. Over the years, it has evolved into a robust framework addressing shared strategic, economic, and security challenges. The 20th anniversary marks not only two decades of collaboration but also the deepening of ties among the member nations, united by shared democratic values and a vision for regional stability. Key Highlights of the Joi...

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) continues to raise the bar for space exploration and innovation. Under the visionary leadership of Chairman S. Somanath, ISRO marked another stellar milestone with the successful launch of the PSLV-C60 mission, which carried the twin #SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) satellites. This achievement not only underscores India’s growing prowess in space technology but also paves the way for groundbreaking advancements in space science. The PSLV-C60 Launch: A Perfect Success The PSLV-C60 mission was executed flawlessly, with the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) delivering the #SpaDeX satellites into their targeted orbits. The launch, which took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, once again showcased ISRO’s unmatched precision and technical excellence. This mission further cements the PSLV's reputation as one of the most reliable workhorses in the global space community. The #SpaDeX Mission: A Leap Towards A...

In a major boost to India's higher education landscape, two prominent UK universities—Queen’s University Belfast and Coventry University—have formally applied to establish international campuses at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). This marks a significant step in transforming India into a global education hub while strengthening ties between India and the UK in the fields of knowledge exchange and research collaboration. Why GIFT City? GIFT City, located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is India’s first operational smart city and international financial services hub. Designed as a global business district, it offers world-class infrastructure, tax incentives, and regulatory benefits. Its focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology aligns perfectly with the academic ambitions of these universities. By setting up campuses in GIFT City, these universities aim to tap into the growing demand for international-standard education in India and attract students from across A...

The UAE continues to pave the way for future growth and global leadership in 2024 through a series of strategic and forward-looking initiatives. From enhancing the national infrastructure to bolstering economic growth, the country has embraced a visionary approach to ensure its long-term sustainability, growth, and global influence. Pioneering Data and Statistical Advancements with the "Unified UAE Numbers" Project One of the standout initiatives in 2024 is the launch of the "Unified UAE Numbers" project, a national initiative designed to advance the country's statistical framework. This effort seeks to transform how data and statistics are harnessed across economic, demographic, social, and environmental sectors, enhancing decision-making and ensuring the UAE remains at the forefront of global development. Empowering Young Leaders with the "Young Government Leaders Programme 2024" The UAE continues to champion its youth, with the launch of the "Y...

The UAE has become a vibrant hub for millions of Indians seeking better opportunities, creating a thriving community that has truly made this Arabian peninsula their second home. But what makes the UAE such a sought-after destination? Here are 8 compelling reasons why Indians are flocking to the UAE to build their lives, careers, and businesses. Booming Job Market Once dominated by oil, the UAE has expanded into sectors like technology, healthcare, real estate, and tourism, providing a wide range of employment opportunities. Indians are finding well-paying jobs with attractive perks, a favorable work environment, and a strong focus on professional growth. Business-Friendly Environment The UAE’s free zones allow businesses to operate with 100% foreign ownership, offering tax exemptions, minimal bureaucracy, and simplified licensing processes. This makes it a prime destination for Indian entrepreneurs seeking to start or grow their ventures. Financial Benefits One of the major attraction...

Dubai continues to solidify its position as a global business hub, with Indian investors and entrepreneurs at the forefront of its growing economic landscape. According to a recent analysis by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Indian companies topped the list of new non-Emirati members joining the Chamber during the first nine months of 2024, with a remarkable 12,142 new registrations. This surge in Indian businesses highlights Dubai’s continued appeal as a thriving market for investment and entrepreneurship, offering a vibrant business ecosystem and strategic location for global expansion. The number of new companies from Pakistan (6,061), Egypt (3,611), and Syria (2,062) further underscores Dubai's attraction for investors from across the region. The sectoral breakdown of new members reveals that trade and services remain dominant, accounting for 41.5% of all new registrations, followed by the real estate, renting, and business services sector at 33.3%. The construction sector also...

Bangladesh is grappling with an acute food crisis , driven by dwindling cereal reserves and rising inflation. In this critical juncture, the country has reached out to India, requesting 50,000 tonnes of rice at a discounted price to stabilize its food supplies and address the looming crisis. This development highlights not only the interconnected nature of the South Asian region but also the critical role India plays in ensuring food security for its neighbors. Context: Food Reserves and Inflation in Bangladesh The food security situation in Bangladesh has taken a dire turn due to a combination of factors. Erratic weather patterns, including floods and cyclones, have disrupted agricultural production, significantly reducing domestic food reserves. Compounding this is the global surge in food prices, which has further strained Bangladesh’s ability to procure essential commodities from international markets. With cereal stocks reaching critically low levels, the government of Bangladesh ...

Dubai has officially launched its first drone delivery services, marking a groundbreaking milestone in the integration of advanced technologies into urban logistics. This innovative initiative aims to redefine how goods and essential items like medicines are delivered, offering a faster, safer, and more sustainable solution to meet the city's growing logistical needs. Pioneering Licensing and Operations The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has awarded the first drone delivery license to Keeta Drone, a leading player in the industry. Operations have already commenced at Dubai Silicon Oasis, one of the city’s most technologically advanced hubs. This strategic location serves as the launchpad for an ambitious plan to expand drone delivery services across the city. Initial Routes and Coverage Goals Currently, four initial delivery routes have been established, connecting key locations including the Rochester Institute of Technology and Dubai Digital Park. These routes represent t...

The relationship between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India has evolved into a dynamic partnership that extends far beyond traditional economic ties. While trade and investment have long been key pillars, the UAE-India collaboration now spans a wide range of sectors, including culture, technology, defense, and sustainability. This multifaceted relationship is a testament to the growing strategic importance of both nations on the global stage. Let’s explore why the UAE-India relationship is far more than just bilateral economic engagement. A Strong Economic Partnership with Global Impact India views the UAE as a crucial partner in its economic growth, with both nations benefiting from strong trade and investment links. The UAE is one of India’s largest trading partners in the Middle East, and India is one of the UAE’s most important trading partners globally. The economic relationship thrives in areas like energy, infrastructure, and technology. The UAE has been a key source of in...

The India-Sri Lanka bilateral relationship witnessed a significant boost as the delegations of both nations engaged in wide-ranging discussions led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake. The high-level meeting served as a cornerstone for reviewing and advancing the comprehensive partnership between the two neighboring nations. Strengthening Bilateral Ties During the talks, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a robust and multi-dimensional partnership. Recognizing the historical and cultural ties that bind the two countries, the leaders agreed on a detailed roadmap to deepen collaboration across a wide range of sectors. This roadmap emphasizes mutual benefits and aims to contribute to regional stability and growth. Key Areas of Cooperation The discussions spanned several pivotal areas: Economic and Trade Relations: Both sides reiterated the importance of enhancing bilateral trade and investment. Proposals were discussed to simp...

The 4th India-UAE Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan ( @ABZayed ), took place in New Delhi, marking another milestone in the growing partnership between the two nations. This event highlights the mutual commitment to furthering cooperation across various strategic sectors. A Platform for Leadership and Collaboration The Strategic Dialogue serves as a vital platform to transform the guidance provided by the leadership of both nations into tangible outcomes. Through this dialogue, India and the UAE aim to enhance bilateral relations, build on shared values, and explore new avenues of collaboration that will benefit both countries in the long run. In his remarks, Dr. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of the dialogue in realizing the shared aspirations of India and the UAE, noting that the discussions were an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in key sectors...

The recently concluded inaugural Founders’ Retreat , held from December 6 to 8 in the UAE, stands as a defining moment in the growing economic and entrepreneurial partnership between India and the UAE. Co-organized by the UAE Embassy in Delhi , Offline , and the UAE-India CEPA Council , this first-of-its-kind event brought together over 60 of India’s top startup founders alongside key business leaders, investors, and policymakers from the UAE. The event marked a significant milestone in the collaboration between the two nations, showcasing the shared commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth. A Gathering of Visionaries and Trailblazers The Founders’ Retreat was not just a typical business conference—it was a convergence of the brightest minds and most promising ventures from India and the UAE. With participating ventures averaging a valuation of USD 3.5 billion , the event set the stage for groundbreaking collaborations that will likely shape the future of business and te...

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been recognized for its significant contributions to global humanitarian efforts. With foreign aid totaling AED 360 billion (USD 98 billion) since its founding in 1971, the UAE has consistently prioritized fostering economic growth, social development, and emergency relief. However, beyond disaster response and infrastructure projects, a significant part of the UAE's humanitarian legacy is rooted in its commitment to global education and community empowerment. A Vision for Sustainable Development Through Education Education has always been a cornerstone of the UAE's foreign aid philosophy. As part of its ongoing efforts to invest in human capital, the UAE has played a pivotal role in improving educational access in developing countries. From building schools to providing scholarships, the country is making significant strides in reducing educational inequality across the globe. In 2024, the UAE continued its strong focus on educational em...