India and Maldives reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and security in the Indian Ocean during a meeting on Wednesday. Both countries highlighted the significance of respecting international law and a rules-based international order, amid growing concerns about China’s influence in the region. The Indian Ocean is strategically vital as it connects Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Both countries agreed to enhance their cooperation in the area of maritime security.
Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation and engagement in the defense sphere. The talks also focused on boosting air connectivity between the two countries.
In another development, the World Trade Organization (WTO) was urged to consider the issue of farm subsidies with an open mind. India’s Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, said the issue impacts the food security needs of emerging economies, especially in light of the Covid pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
On the diplomatic front, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen is set to visit India next week. The visit is seen as a build-up to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to New Delhi later this year. The visit is expected to further strengthen the growing ties between India and Israel.
In other news, injured Indian mountaineer Anurag Maloo underwent successful tracheostomy surgery in Nepal. His condition is said to be improving, nearly a fortnight after he was found alive by rescuers in Nepal’s Mount Annapurna. And Pakistan’s coalition government and former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party agreed to hold general elections in the entire country on the same day, but they still differ on the date of the polls.
Finally, Buckingham Palace’s arrest on Tuesday evening is not being treated as terror-related, according to the Metropolitan Police. The man was arrested at the gates of the palace, and the incident is still under investigation. And as King Charles III’s Coronation approaches this weekend, a British Indian historian and author highlighted the Indian connection with Britain’s royal ceremonies that dates back to Queen Victoria, who was the Empress of India during the Raj.