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News18
17-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Modi's Balkan Masterstroke: How Bharat Redefined Europe's Power Map In Zagreb
Last Updated: The warm reception in Zagreb, as Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković welcomed Modi as the leader of a resurgent global power, set the tone for the visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded his tour de force in Europe and across the pond, culminating in a historic visit to Zagreb. Via the visit, Modi has redrawn the geopolitical map, forging a powerful new era with a relationship with Croatia. The visit was a successful and powerful declaration of Bharat's arrival as a global rule-maker. The warm reception in Zagreb, as Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković welcomed Modi as the leader of a resurgent global power, set the tone for the visit. This was the crowning achievement of a historic tour that saw the Prime Minister command the world stage: He reaffirmed deep civilisational bonds with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, securing an unequivocal ally in the Eastern Mediterranean. He engaged in a frank and forthright discussion at the G7 summit in Canada, making it clear that the Global South would no longer be a silent spectator. He held a pivotal meeting with the President of the European Council, where onlookers noted the palpable shift in dynamic—Europe was listening to India, not the other way around. A Gateway to Europe's Core Croatia's geographic position on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea offers India a vital maritime gateway to Central and Eastern Europe. The country's major ports—Rijeka, Split, and Ploce—are not peripheral outlets but integral components of the European Union's core Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The key pronouncements highlight that Croatia is a 'critical link" in this new trade chain, serving as a distribution hub for goods destined for the heart of Europe. This alignment positions Croatia as a key partner in a powerful repudiation of China's creeping influence in the Balkan. Beyond the steady growth in bilateral trade, which stood at a modest USD 337.68 million in 2023, the visit saw Modi extend a golden invitation to Croatian companies to participate in the revolutionary Sagarmala project. The initiative, focused on port modernisation and coastal development, opens vast opportunities for Croatian maritime expertise and technology, creating a synergistic relationship that links India's domestic infrastructure ambitions with Croatia's established strengths. Strategic Partnership in Defence and Technology In the defence and high-technology sectors, the bilateral talks have moved the India-Croatia relationship resolutely into the strategic domain. The decision to formulate a long-term Defence Cooperation Plan elevates the partnership beyond simple military exchanges. The explicit focus on joint defence production and industry-level partnerships signifies a deep-seated trust and a shared vision for co-development, building upon the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation signed in 2023. The strategic alignment extends to critical technology sectors that are central to India's future economic growth and national security. The leadership have identified specific new areas for enhanced cooperation, including pharmaceuticals, information technology, clean and digital technologies, renewable energy, and, most notably, semiconductors. A standout announcement was the plan for India to share its space expertise with Croatia, marking a new frontier in bilateral cooperation. It reflects India's growing capabilities as a major space-faring nation and its willingness to collaborate with trusted partners on advanced technology. Such an initiative not only opens avenues for joint ventures but also cements a high-technology alliance that is forward-looking and strategically significant. A Reliable Voice within European Institutions As a full member of both the European Union and NATO, Croatia provides India with indirect access and a valuable, friendly voice within two of the world's most influential political and security blocs. This diplomatic leverage is particularly crucial for advancing India's interests on complex issues that require consensus-building, chief among them being the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). During the visit, Croatia reiterated its 'strong support for the early conclusion of the FTA." Croatia's consistent backing provides India with a reliable advocate in a forum where geopolitical and regulatory hurdles have often stalled negotiations. This support is rooted in a shared understanding of the mutual benefits the agreement would bring, which will help strengthen supply chain resilience for both India and the wider European Union. Furthermore, Croatia has consistently backed India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council and, critically, maintained a non-interventionist stance on sensitive internal. A Red Line Drawn on Global Terror For too long, India has had to endure the sanctimonious lectures and hypocritical double standards of Western nations on the issue of terrorism. In Zagreb, Prime Minister Modi put an end to it again. Referencing the recent, horrific Pahalgam terrorist attack, he thanked Croatia for its unwavering and immediate solidarity—a stark contrast to the selective, mealy-mouthed condemnations that often emanated from other Western capitals. He drew a clear red line that left no room for ambiguity. 'There are no 'good terrorists' and 'bad terrorists'," Modi declared. 'Terrorism is the sworn enemy of humanity. Any nation that provides safe havens, funding, or ideological justification to its perpetrators will find itself on the wrong side of history. Bharat will not tolerate it, and the world should not either." It is a much-needed reality check for those who conveniently categorise terror to suit their geopolitical agendas. The message was clear: India's security is non-negotiable, and its friends are those who stand with it unequivocally in this fight. The message from Zagreb is unambiguous, and it couldn't have come at a better time, especially as old alliances fray and global institutions falter. The days of a unipolar or bipolar world are ending soon. A new, confident, and unshakeable pole has risen, and its name is Bharat. The world would do well to listen. About the Author Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. tags : croatia pm narendra modi view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 20, 2025, 11:47 IST News opinion Modi's Balkan Masterstroke: How Bharat Redefined Europe's Power Map In Zagreb Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Corridors of Opportunity: Europe and Africa Pave the Way Together
Paul Riembault | Published 3 hours ago Transport corridors are among the most powerful engines for economic transformation. In Europe, every euro invested in the continent's Trans-European Transport Network has been estimated to return four euros in GDP. The same – or even greater - potential exists in Africa – if investments are focused and coordinated. That's according to Paul Riembault of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) at the European Commission. Speaking at the 43rd Southern African Transport Conference (SATC) on 10 July, Riembault explored how Africa could leverage the European Union's long and complex corridor development experience. He encouraged African institutions, planners and financiers to continue their coordinated approach to corridor development – and to consider Europe's successes as well as challenges in transforming fragmented infrastructure into the backbone of a thriving single market. 'Transport corridors are not just about roads and rails,' Riembault told delegates. 'They're about unlocking integration, intra-African trade, and regional prosperity.' What sets Europe's TEN-T model apart is its data-driven, criteria-based approach. Corridors are not selected arbitrarily or through purely political negotiation. Instead, they are based on criteria or even hard data: e.g. ports handling more than 33 million tonnes of freight annually – corresponding to 1% of total EU freight -, cities with over one million inhabitants, capital cities and strategic industrial zones. These 'core nodes' anchor each multimodal corridor. 'In a Union of 27 Member States, it's natural that national interests may diverge,' Riembault said. 'Hence, a strong common framework serves as protection against shifting political priorities and pet projects ' Currently, TEN-T consists of nine multimodal corridors, supported by harmonised regulations in road safety, rail electrification, axle loads, rail signalling systems, and even ticketing interoperability. Infrastructure is just one layer – governance, standardisation and financing form the others. 'Without harmonisation, corridors become patchworks. We learned that the hard way in Europe. Interoperability should start from day one.' Riembault outlined Europe's difficult past – a continent once divided by war, incompatible rail gauges, and isolated national railway systems. 'Europe's map was built to divide, not connect,' he noted. But from the wreckage of conflict came the political will to unite, and with that will came the need for infrastructure that reflected integration. Corridors in Europe, he explained, were not the starting point but the outcome of political alignment. The EU's single market project created the demand for connectivity, and the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) emerged to meet that demand. Riembault's presentation also highlighted how the EU is applying the approach of concentrating investment through the Global Gateway initiative – the EU's global investment strategy, which prioritises energy, digital and transport infrastructure. Through Global Gateway, the EU has identified a shortlist of African corridors – aligned with African Union (AU) and Regional Economic Community (REC) priorities – where it is focusing its transport funding between 2021 and 2027. 'The goal is not to duplicate Africa's frameworks like the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) or the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),' he said. 'The goal is to support them strategically and at scale.' More than €1.5 billion (about R30 billion) in grants have already been earmarked to African corridor development under the Global Gateway initiative, with many projects supported through blended financing that combines EU grants with loans and private capital. Among the flagship investments is the Maputo–Walvis Bay rail corridor, where upgrades in Mozambique are set to significantly boost freight capacity. In Dakar, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has been rolled out, featuring over 120 electric buses and dedicated lanes to enhance urban mobility and reduce emissions. Meanwhile, in Lagos, the OMI EKO water transport project should improve connectivity along the Abidjan–Lagos corridor by expanding ferry services and infrastructure to better serve the region's rapidly growing population. In addition to physical infrastructure, the EU is funding soft measures such as trade facilitation, customs reform, axle load regulations, and corridor governance frameworks. The session, which brought together representatives and experts from the African Union Commission, Regional Economic Communities, the United Nations, the World Bank, and German cooperation, concluded with a vibrant discussion around a central question: Is it time to develop a more robust, African continental framework for corridor development? This would not replace existing initiatives, but rather add a layer of consistency – shared criteria, common standards, and cross-border monitoring. 'Africa doesn't need to copy Europe,' Riembault said. 'But it can draw on key lessons that fit its context' The EU, he added, stands ready to support African partners in shaping corridors that are modern, multimodal and resilient. 'This is Africa's corridor moment, the continent can transform transport corridors into economic lifelines,' he concluded. Paul Riembault from the European Commission's Directorate-General for International Partnerships
IOL News
14-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Corridors of Opportunity: Europe and Africa Pave the Way Together
Transport corridors are among the most powerful engines for economic transformation. Image: Supplied Transport corridors are among the most powerful engines for economic transformation. In Europe, every euro invested in the continent's Trans-European Transport Network has been estimated to return four euros in GDP. The same – or even greater - potential exists in Africa – if investments are focused and coordinated. That's according to Paul Riembault of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) at the European Commission. Speaking at the 43rd Southern African Transport Conference (SATC) on 10 July, Riembault explored how Africa could leverage the European Union's long and complex corridor development experience. He encouraged African institutions, planners and financiers to continue their coordinated approach to corridor development – and to consider Europe's successes as well as challenges in transforming fragmented infrastructure into the backbone of a thriving single market. 'Transport corridors are not just about roads and rails,' Riembault told delegates. 'They're about unlocking integration, intra-African trade, and regional prosperity.' A criteria-based approach to planning What sets Europe's TEN-T model apart is its data-driven, criteria-based approach. Corridors are not selected arbitrarily or through purely political negotiation. Instead, they are based on criteria or even hard data: e.g. ports handling more than 33 million tonnes of freight annually – corresponding to 1% of total EU freight -, cities with over one million inhabitants, capital cities and strategic industrial zones. These 'core nodes' anchor each multimodal corridor. 'In a Union of 27 Member States, it's natural that national interests may diverge,' Riembault said. 'Hence, a strong common framework serves as protection against shifting political priorities and pet projects ' Currently, TEN-T consists of nine multimodal corridors, supported by harmonised regulations in road safety, rail electrification, axle loads, rail signalling systems, and even ticketing interoperability. Infrastructure is just one layer – governance, standardisation and financing form the others. 'Without harmonisation, corridors become patchworks. We learned that the hard way in Europe. Interoperability should start from day one.' From fragmentation to connectivity Riembault outlined Europe's difficult past – a continent once divided by war, incompatible rail gauges, and isolated national railway systems. 'Europe's map was built to divide, not connect,' he noted. But from the wreckage of conflict came the political will to unite, and with that will came the need for infrastructure that reflected integration. Corridors in Europe, he explained, were not the starting point but the outcome of political alignment. The EU's single market project created the demand for connectivity, and the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) emerged to meet that demand. Global Gateway: Investment approach in Africa Riembault's presentation also highlighted how the EU is applying the approach of concentrating investment through the Global Gateway initiative – the EU's global investment strategy, which prioritises energy, digital and transport infrastructure. Through Global Gateway, the EU has identified a shortlist of African corridors – aligned with African Union (AU) and Regional Economic Community (REC) priorities – where it is focusing its transport funding between 2021 and 2027. 'The goal is not to duplicate Africa's frameworks like the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) or the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),' he said. 'The goal is to support them strategically and at scale.' More than €1.5 billion (about R30 billion) in grants have already been earmarked to African corridor development under the Global Gateway initiative, with many projects supported through blended financing that combines EU grants with loans and private capital. Among the flagship investments is the Maputo–Walvis Bay rail corridor, where upgrades in Mozambique are set to significantly boost freight capacity. In Dakar, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has been rolled out, featuring over 120 electric buses and dedicated lanes to enhance urban mobility and reduce emissions. Meanwhile, in Lagos, the OMI EKO water transport project should improve connectivity along the Abidjan–Lagos corridor by expanding ferry services and infrastructure to better serve the region's rapidly growing population. In addition to physical infrastructure, the EU is funding soft measures such as trade facilitation, customs reform, axle load regulations, and corridor governance frameworks. A call for a common framework The session, which brought together representatives and experts from the African Union Commission, Regional Economic Communities, the United Nations, the World Bank, and German cooperation, concluded with a vibrant discussion around a central question: Is it time to develop a more robust, African continental framework for corridor development? This would not replace existing initiatives, but rather add a layer of consistency – shared criteria, common standards, and cross-border monitoring. 'Africa doesn't need to copy Europe,' Riembault said. 'But it can draw on key lessons that fit its context' The EU, he added, stands ready to support African partners in shaping corridors that are modern, multimodal and resilient. 'This is Africa's corridor moment, the continent can transform transport corridors into economic lifelines,' he concluded. Paul Riembault from the European Commission's Directorate-General for International Partnerships
Euractiv
01-07-2025
- Business
- Euractiv
Europeans would swap planes for trains… if they could
EU citizens believe continental transport links are inadequate and support greater investment in high-speed rail, according to a new survey suggesting most would opt for train travel over flying – if the option existed. Nine out of ten EU citizens are dissatisfied with current transport connections between the bloc's countries, according to a poll of over 5,000 people, commissioned from market research firm Polling Europe by the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER). As cross-border rail travel remains fragmented – due in part to a lack of political will and coordination among member states – the findings highlight a strong public appetite for faster, more accessible train services across the continent. 'These new poll results confirm citizens' climate concerns and show that they are ready to make the necessary changes to their travel habits if they are given the opportunity," CER Executive Director Alberto Mazzola told Euractiv. The survey found that most EU citizens would prefer taking a high-speed train rather than flying for short- to medium-distance journeys, if reliable options were available. A striking 79% of respondents support increased EU investment in high-speed rail. "With a developed network, high-speed rail has the potential to carry over half of all long-distance travellers within Europe by 2070," Mazzola said. EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas is expected to unveil a new high-speed rail action plan in the coming months, aimed at connecting all EU capitals and major urban centres. While the current Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) regulation calls for long-distance passenger trains to travel at speeds of at least 160 km/h, the upcoming proposal will urge governments to go further – targeting speeds above 250 km/h. The plan is also expected to address key technical barriers and missing links that continue to hinder the development of international high-speed routes. (rh, aw)
Indian Express
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : International Relations MCQs on operation carried out by the Indian Government to rescue Indian students, Baja Peninsula and more (Week 115)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on International Relations to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at The Strait of Hormuz connects the: (a) Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman (b) Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (c) Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea (d) Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea Explanation — Iran's Supreme National Security Council will determine whether to close the Strait of Hormuz after the country's parliament approved the move, according to Reuters, citing Iran's public broadcaster Press TV. — The shutdown of the strait, a critical waterway for global oil and gas shipments, is not yet final. Approximately 20% of the world's oil and gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz. — The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, connects the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: 1. This country is strategically located on the Adriatic Sea coastline. 2. It acts as a significant gateway to Europe and offers India a crucial opportunity to engage with the continent. 3. This country has various ports like Rijeka, Split and Ploče. The above mentioned statements refer to: (a) Hungary (b) Serbia (c) Slovenia (d) Croatia Explanation — Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his final visit to Croatia as part of a three-nation tour that also included Cyprus and Canada. This is the Prime Minister's first international tour since Operation Sindoor, and the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Croatia. About Croatia — Croatia, which is strategically placed on the Adriatic Sea coastline and serves as a vital gateway to Europe, provides India with an important opportunity to engage with the continent. — Croatia's ports at Rijeka, Split, and Ploče are strategically located along vital European transportation corridors, including the projected Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). — Croatia's geographic location makes it a possible node in the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which intends to boost Indian trade with Europe via the Mediterranean. The extension of IMEC to the Adriatic will connect India with Central and Eastern European states that are also members of the Three Sea Initiative (3SI), a north-south trade and energy cooperation axis of 12 countries (including Croatia). Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. The 'Baja Peninsula' was in the news. It is part of: (a) United States (b) Canada (c) Mexico (d) Russia Explanation — This month, towns around the United States have seen enormous anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests in response to the Trump administration's sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration, which critics claim targets Hispanics in particular. — These protests began on June 6 in Los Angeles, following military-style ICE raids that resulted in the incarceration of 44 persons, the majority of whom are of Mexican descent. California, specifically the city of Los Angeles, has been the epicentre of these protests. — The Spanish colonisation of the New World began in the late 15th century and lasted until the end of the nineteenth century. At its apex, Spanish territory in the Americas reached as far north as Alaska and south as Tierra del Fuego in South America. — The southern point of the Baja peninsula (now the Mexican states of Baja California and Baja California Sur) was discovered by Conquistadors in the 16th century. — The geography of Mexico's Baja California peninsula is dominated by rugged mountains that drop off to the south. The mountains are an extension of California's Coast Range. The dried-up remains of the Colorado River Delta sit west of the Altar Desert, along the border of Baja and mainland Mexico. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. The Indian Government evacuated 110 students to Armenia from Tehran due to Israel-Iran conflict under: (a) Operation Ganga (b) Operation Devi Shakti (c) Operation All Out (d) Operation Sindhu Explanation — In a big relief to Indian students, the first flight transporting 110 students evacuated to Armenia from Tehran owing to the Israel-Iran crisis landed in Delhi. — Due to the increased tensions between Israel and Iran, Indian students were relocated from Tehran, and 110 of them crossed the border into Armenia through preparations made by the Indian embassy under 'Operation Sindhu'. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. What is the correct chronological order of the following countries in terms of the number of nuclear warheads, as per the latest Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) yearbook? 1. China 2. India 3. Pakistan Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 2—1—3 (b) 1—2—3 (c) 1—3—2 (d) 3—1—2 Explanation — According to the most recent Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) yearbook, India has more nuclear weapons than Pakistan, despite the fact that China has more than three times as many. — According to the SIPRI yearbook 2025, India has 180 nuclear storage weapons as of January 2025, with Pakistan having an estimated 170. As of January 2025, China has 600 nuclear warheads, 24 of which were deployed, either on missiles or on bases with operational forces. — According to the SIPRI research, Russia and the United States have the greatest military stockpiles among the nine nuclear forces, with 5,459 and 5,177, respectively, including retired warheads. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 114) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
