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Is French President Emmanuel Macron’s victory beneficial for India?
The French presidential elections for 2022 were conducted on April 24, and Emmanuel Macron has won the French elections over rival Marine Le Pen once again. Moreover, he will hold the Presidential office for five more years. Macron secured a 56 per cent vote, while his rival Marine Le Pen, who follows a conflicting ideology, secured a 44 per cent vote share.
Leaders worldwide congratulated Macron on their social media on his victory in the French elections, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said he looks forward to deepening the ties between France and Russia. PM Modi wrote on his Twitter, “Congratulations to my friend Emmanuel Macron on being re-elected as the President of France! I look forward to continuing working together to deepen the India-France Strategic Partnership”.
The re-election of Macron will deepen the already-good ties between India and France, as the French President is already a “good friend” of the country. The trade relationship between India and France is also expected to improve. Furthermore, the defence deals between India and France will likely lead to better ties. All-in-all, Macron’s win in the French elections is a piece of good news for India. PM Narendra Modi is also expected to meet Macron soon to deepen the friendship between India and France.
By Deeplaxmi Patil - Batch 20-22
EU and India declare Trade and Tech Council
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/thumb/msid-91076788,width-1600,height-900,resizemode-4/news/india/india-eu-ties-key-priority-for-this-decade-eu-chief-ursula-von-der-leyen-at-a-meet-with-pm-modi.jpg
Earlier this week, the European Union (EU) and India have agreed to establish a Trade and Technology Council during the EU’s Chief meeting with India’s PM in New Delhi. The decision to set up such a body will be first for India with any of its partners and second for the EU, following the first one with the United States. Both sides have reiterated that geopolitical changes highlight the need for strategic engagement. The council will address the challenges of ensuring trusted technology and security; it will also deepen the strategic relationship between India and the EU. The leaders also restarted the discussions over the comprehensive free trade deal and investment agreement, which is expected to be doubled in the coming years from the existing $ 110 billion.
During the meeting, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that “Strengthening the EU-India partnership is a key priority for this decade. We will step up cooperation in trade, technology, climate and security.” The next round of talks is scheduled for the month of June.
By Priyanka Rane - Batch 20-22
Boris Johnson visits India- A New Era of UK-India Friendship
Source: India TV news
Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, recently concluded an official visit to India from 21-22 April. PM Johnson was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan. There were bilateral consultations between PM Modi and PM Johnson, along with a banquet. However, along with the optics of a close relationship, the trip had clear consequences. Clear progress was made on FTA negotiations and the implementation of the Enhanced Trade Partnership, which would pave the way for a doubling of bilateral trade by 2030. Defence and security cooperation was clearly highlighted in joint statements stating cooperation in areas of common interest- cyber governance, cyber-deterrence and countering the persistent threat of terrorism and extremism. Clear agreement regarding the Indo- Pacific as well as the Ukraine conflict was apparent. There was also wide synergy seen between the two countries in the area of climate action, with both leaders agreeing to enhance cooperation on the rapid deployment of clean energy. The visit ended with goodwill gestures as PM Johnson invited PM Modi to visit the UK, and PM Modi invited PM Johnson to India in 2023 for the G-20 summit under India’s Presidency.
By Rishav Gupta - Batch 21-23
China-Solomon Islands Security Deal
Amid the rising chaos surrounding the Russia- Ukraine crisis, the “secret deal” inked between China and Solomon Islands has come as an unpleasant surprise for many countries. While the Chinese government made the official announcement on 19 April 2022, the details of the security pact remain shrouded in mystery and suspicion. The document enlists seven articles that enable the Chinese government to send its police, armed police and military force to the Solomon Islands for the maintenance and protection of social order (among other things).
Further, China can carry out ship visits and logistical exercises to safeguard Chinese projects and personnel in the Solomon Islands. Despite the assurances made by Prime minister Manasseh Sogavare that the security agreement would not sabotage regional peace and harmony, countries like Australia, New Zealand and the United States remain concerned about the geostrategic implications of China’s naval presence in the southern Pacific. This move unequivocally indicates China’s burgeoning desire to establish overseas military and naval bases in the Indo-Pacific region. Since the establishment of its first foreign base in Djibouti (2017), China has been vying for arrangements that would be instrumental in making it realize the ambition of a blue water navy across the waters of the Asia-Pacific.
By Amba Wattal - Batch 20-22
Further downslide in Russia-Japan relations
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/the-quarrel-over-kuril-islands/article65353309.ece
The dispute over the Kuril Islands between Japan and Russia has been raising greater concern ever since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Northern Territories or the Kuril Islands are a set of four islands between the Sea of Okhotsk and Hokkaido, which is located in the northernmost prefecture in the north of Japan. Russia and Japan both claim sovereignty over these islands that the USSR seized at the end of World War II, and Japan claims that these islands have been a part of Japan since the 19th century. Due to persisting disagreements, both parties have failed to reach a consensus despite multiple attempts at resolving and signing a peace treaty. The USSR’s hard stand of refusal in even recognizing the territorial dispute resulted in greater insecurity for the Japanese.
Japan has tried to grow ties with Russia on the grounds of energy. However, its recent denouncement of Russia’s aggression and imposing sanctions with a recent statement in its Diplomatic Bluebook has further damaged relations between the two nations. Japan’s reaction was backed by the Russia-China alliance and already existing territorial disputes with China. Japan read the Russia-Ukraine situation as an opportunity to highlight further Russia’s tendency to be a “habitual offender” of international law, and the Kuril Islands could be Russia’s next conquest.
By Akshata Salvekar - Batch 20-22
Elon Musk buys Twitter for $44 billion
Source: Getty Images
In one of the world's biggest deals in the tech world, billionaire Elon Musk has taken control of Twitter. The deal will see Musk acquire the social network for approximately $44 billion, with shares valued at $54.20. Musk had announced his takeover bid on April 14, calling it his 'best and final offer'. This announcement comes as a surprise to many, especially after Twitter's reluctance to hand over more than 15% stake of the company to Musk. Recently, the company board used its "poison pill" tactic to avoid a hostile takeover. According to Wall Street Journal, on Friday, Musk met "privately with several shareholders of the company" and made video calls to them to push for his case.
In a press statement posted on his Twitter account once the deal was confirmed, Musk said, "Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy… I want to make Twitter better than ever by enhancing the product with new features, making the algorithms open source to increase trust, defeating the spambots, and authenticating all humans… I look forward to working with the company…"
With the internet being abuzz with what this entails for the current Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal, he indicated that there was no cause for worry and "what matters most is the service and the people improving it." What remains to be seen is if Twitter shall remain an arena for free speech, or is that sold too?
By Samanya Sharma - Batch 20-22
