India fully committed to making constructive contributions together with BRICS countries: PM
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First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
Macron's London visit is less about Starmer or UK-France ties and more about Europe, rest of the world
The significance of this visit extends beyond bilateral relations. As Europe's only nuclear-armed powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council, the UK and France hold unique influence read more French President Emmanuel Macron gestures after a meeting with European leaders on Ukraine and European security at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France. File image/Reuters French President Emmanuel Macron will begin his three-day visit to London today (July 8), marking the first such occasion by an EU leader since 2020 Brexit. The visit begins with a warm reception from King Charles, who has extended a royal invitation, highlighting the renewed commitment to strengthen UK-France relations. Macron will engage in high-level talks with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, with the agenda spanning critical global issues. King Charles will host a banquet at Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening—chosen as Buckingham Palace undergoes renovations—where he will emphasise the need for collaborative action on military threats and climate change. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In his address, he is expected to say, 'For centuries our citizens have admired each other, amused each other, and imitated each other,' underscoring the deep historical ties between the two nations. More from World Macron beats Trump with a royal invite to UK, but Starmer may not dump US prez for French bromance Soft power opportunity This state visit serves as a 'soft power' opportunity to bolster partnerships in trade, diplomacy, and defence, especially amid uncertainties over the US stance on supporting Ukraine militarily. The visit kicks off with ceremonial spectacles on Tuesday, featuring senior royals greeting Macron and celebrating the 'entente cordiale'—a nod to the 1904 Anglo-French agreement—marking the first French state visit since 2008. On Thursday, a UK-France summit at Downing Street, hosted by Starmer, will likely address the pressing issue of curbing illegal migration via small boats crossing the Channel, a persistent challenge for both nations. Ties between the two European powers nosedived since Brexit unfolded five years ago. The situation turned from bad to worse in coming years due to a series of developments. The 2021 AUKUS submarine deal—where the UK, US, and Australia formed a security pact, cancelling a prior $90 billion France-Australia submarine contract—strained ties between the two countries. The AUKUS announcement prompted the French defence minister to cancel talks with her UK counterpart following the deal's revelation. Additionally, former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss famously declined to classify Macron as a 'friend or foe,' a remark that deepened the rift and bruised Franco-British diplomacy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Efforts to mend relations The efforts to mend the ties began in 2023 with the resumption of bilateral meetings after a five-year hiatus under prime minister Rishi Sunak. Starmer, who campaigned against Brexit during his political rise, met Macron prior to the UK election, further laying the groundwork for a thaw. This visit builds on that momentum, reflecting a shared intent to move past post-Brexit discord. Why It Matters for Europe The significance of this visit extends beyond bilateral relations. As Europe's only nuclear-armed powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council, the UK and France hold unique influence. Their discussions will likely focus on defence ties and support for Ukraine, especially as geopolitical uncertainties—particularly from the US—require a united European front. This collaboration could shape the continent's security landscape at a critical juncture. Macron's three-day visit, concluding on July 10, underscores a pivotal moment for UK-France relations, aiming to reset ties and address evolving challenges.
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- New Indian Express
China in sight, PM Modi urges BRICS to thwart 'weaponisation' of critical minerals
NEW DELHI: With China's dominance over global rare earth supplies looming large, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday issued a pointed call for BRICS nations to ensure that critical mineral supply chains remain secure, reliable, and free from geopolitical coercion. Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Modi warned against the weaponisation of strategic resources, stating: 'It's important to ensure that no country uses these resources for its own selfish gain or as a weapon against others.' The statement, delivered during a session on multilateralism, economic governance, and artificial intelligence, could be seen as a veiled reference to China, which currently controls over 90% of the world's rare earth processing capacity. However, the Prime Minister did not name any country. Modi's remarks come amid rising global concerns over China's recent export controls on rare earth metals — critical components for clean energy, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics — which many view as a geopolitical tool to exert economic pressure. India, alongside Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa, is a founding member of the expanded 11-nation BRICS bloc. The Prime Minister urged the alliance to work collectively to de-risk supply chains and foster greater technological cooperation: 'We need to work together to make supply chains for critical minerals and technology secure and reliable.' Beyond minerals, Modi also pressed for sweeping reforms to global governance institutions, calling on bodies such as the United Nations Security Council, IMF, World Bank, and WTO to reflect the shifting power balance and aspirations of the Global South. 'It's time that international institutions mirror 21st-century realities and give a stronger voice to developing nations,' Modi asserted. India has been actively seeking alternatives to reduce dependency on Chinese mineral supply lines, viewing Beijing's control as both a strategic vulnerability and a catalyst for economic realignment among like-minded nations. The summit concluded Monday evening with consensus on enhancing multilateral cooperation, though divisions on critical minerals and trade controls remain under the surface.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Dramatic Inside Video: Chaos Aboard Ship ‘Magic Seas' After Houthi Attack
BRICS Rejects Double Standards On Terror After PM Modi Blasts Pak Over Pahalgam Attack, China Backs PM Narendra Modi issued a bold and emotional call to end global double standards on terrorism at the 17th BRICS Summit held in Brazil. Citing the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, Modi declared the assault as "an attack on all humanity" and demanded unified global action against terrorism in all forms. What shocked many was the unanimous support from BRICS, including China, for India's stance—a sharp contrast to the SCO Defence Meet, where India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign a joint statement lacking reference to the same attack. Modi warned that nations silently supporting terrorism must pay a price, and called for sanctions, not silence. The joint BRICS declaration backed India, slamming terror financing, safe havens, and urging zero tolerance.#brics #pahalgamattack #pmmodi #narendramodi #modiinbrics #modispeech #india #pakistan #china #indiachina #unitednations #terrorism #iranattack #rajnathsingh #sco #geopolitics #toi #toibharat #bharat #trending #breakingnews #indianews 27.7K views | 22 hours ago
