New Delhi, July 18

Climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital by the Delhi Police early Saturday after completing 21 days of an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, triggering a major political controversy ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Wangchuk, who has been fasting since June 28 over the alleged NEET paper leak and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, was removed from the protest site in the pre-dawn hours following concerns over his deteriorating health. Delhi Police said the action was taken on medical advice and in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court.

The move has sparked sharp criticism from Opposition parties, which accused the Centre of suppressing peaceful democratic protest instead of addressing the concerns of students over examination irregularities. The BJP-led government, however, maintained that the decision was taken solely to safeguard Wangchuk's health.

Health condition stable but dehydrated

According to a medical bulletin issued by Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday evening, the 59-year-old activist remains conscious and haemodynamically stable. His pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation are within normal limits, but doctors have observed clear signs of dehydration resulting from the prolonged fast.

The hospital said an independent expert from AIIMS examined Wangchuk and agreed that immediate oral or intravenous fluids and electrolyte therapy were medically necessary. However, Wangchuk has declined intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution and medications despite repeated counselling by doctors. His family has also not yet consented to the recommended treatment.

Doctors stated that he remains under close observation and that continuous efforts are being made to persuade both Wangchuk and his family to accept medical intervention before serious complications arise.

Medical reports released earlier had shown that Wangchuk had lost more than nine kilograms since beginning his fast, with his weight dropping to around 56.6 kg. Doctors monitoring him before his hospitalisation had warned that prolonged fasting could begin affecting vital organs if treatment was delayed.

Wife appeals for family consent

Following his admission, Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, appealed through social media that no medicine or medical procedure be administered without the consent of his family and the doctors who had been monitoring his condition throughout the hunger strike.

She requested that all treatment decisions be taken only after consultation with family members, emphasising the trust they had placed in the medical team overseeing his fast.

Opposition mounts attack on Centre

The police action immediately triggered strong political reactions across Opposition parties, which accused the Narendra Modi government of choosing coercion over dialogue.

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar termed the Centre's response "apathetic" and said the government had merely acted as a spectator while the protest intensified. He asserted that the movement would continue despite Wangchuk's removal and announced that the issue would be raised during the Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning July 20.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the government of suppressing peaceful dissent and ignoring critical issues affecting students, including examination paper leaks, rising education costs and student suicides. He said no amount of force could prevent students and those supporting them from continuing to raise these concerns.

Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal alleged that Wangchuk had been forcibly removed by police personnel in plain clothes and accused the government of attempting to crush a peaceful youth movement instead of reforming the education system. Comparing the incident with Mahatma Gandhi's hunger strikes during the freedom movement, Kejriwal claimed even the British had not treated Gandhi in such a manner. He appealed to citizens across the country to join the protest at Jantar Mantar.

West Bengal Ex Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep concern over Wangchuk's health and urged the Centre to initiate dialogue instead of remaining silent. She argued that peaceful democratic dissent deserved engagement and transparency and suggested that Wangchuk be allowed to shift to a private hospital if necessary.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav condemned Wangchuk's removal as "highly condemnable" and demanded that his medical treatment be conducted under judicial supervision. He also sought disclosure of the identities of those involved in the operation and accused the BJP government of damaging India's democratic image internationally.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray questioned why Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan continued in office despite repeated controversies surrounding competitive examinations. He alleged that the government had failed both in conducting the NEET examination properly and in responding to the resulting public anger.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also criticised the Centre, calling it "the most insensitive government" and arguing that instead of engaging with protesters, it had used state power to suppress dissent.

Congress Legislature Party leader in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Satej Patil, alleged that the police action formed part of a larger conspiracy to weaken the movement before a planned protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20. He reiterated the Opposition's demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Police defend action

Delhi Police maintained that Wangchuk's removal was carried out strictly on medical grounds after expert advice indicated that his health had significantly deteriorated. Authorities said the operation was conducted in compliance with court directions and emphasised that maximum restraint was exercised despite some protesters attempting to obstruct the transfer.

Police also appealed to demonstrators to vacate Jantar Mantar peacefully, stating that ensuring Wangchuk received immediate medical care was their primary responsibility.

Political issue set for Parliament

With the Monsoon Session of Parliament scheduled to begin on July 20, Wangchuk's hospitalisation has emerged as a fresh flashpoint between the government and the Opposition. Opposition parties are expected to jointly raise questions over the handling of the protest, alleged examination irregularities and demands for greater accountability in the education system.

While the government continues to defend its intervention as a life-saving measure, the Opposition insists that the episode reflects an unwillingness to engage with peaceful protest and student concerns, ensuring that the controversy is likely to dominate political discourse in the days ahead.

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New Delhi, July 14

India on Tuesday said its position on the South China Sea issue remains “clear and well-known,” stressing the importance of freedom of navigation, overflight and peaceful resolution of maritime disputes in accordance with international law.

Responding to media queries during the weekly press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the principles of international law reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) should guide the resolution of maritime disputes.

“Regarding the issue concerning the South China Sea, our position is clear and well-known. We emphasise the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea, and unimpeded commerce, in accordance with international law as reflected in UNCLOS (the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). This has always been our consistent position,” Jaiswal said.

“Maritime disputes should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with UNCLOS. The ruling delivered by the Arbitral Tribunal ten years ago is a significant milestone and a basis for the peaceful resolution of disputes among the concerned parties,” he added.

The comments came on the tenth anniversary of the July 12, 2016 ruling issued by the Arbitral Tribunal constituted under Annex VII of UNCLOS in the South China Sea case.
The United States, the United Kingdom and a dozen other Western and Asian countries reasserted on Sunday that

China's expansive claims in the South China Sea are illegal based on a 2016 arbitration ruling. A joint statement issued by the 14 nations said they rejected "destabilizing" actions in the disputed waters that threaten regional stability. The 27-nation European union released a separate statement, reaffirming the ruling as a "landmark decision in the peaceful settlement of disputes."

A group of 14 countries, including the United States and Japan, recently reaffirmed the 2016 arbitral award, stating that China’s broad claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis under international law.

The joint statement issued by Japan, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, the Philippines, Romania, Slovenia, the United Kingdom and the United States reiterated support for a “free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable and rules-based.”

The countries said the 2016 decision remains “final, legally binding and definitive” between China and the Philippines regarding the maritime claims and entitlements covered by the case. They also reaffirmed the tribunal’s conclusion that there is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims, including those based on alleged “historic rights.”

The countries called on all parties to respect the arbitral award and resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue and other lawful mechanisms consistent with international law.

The European union also urged parties involved in the South China Sea dispute to fully implement the 2016 ruling, describing it as final and legally binding on China and the Philippines.

China, however, has consistently rejected the tribunal’s decision and refused to recognise the ruling despite repeated calls from the Philippines and other international partners.

On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague issued a unanimous verdict in the case filed by the Philippines against China. It marked the first time an international tribunal ruled on the legal validity of competing maritime claims in the South China Sea.

A key aspect of the ruling involved China’s “Nine-Dash Line” claim, which covers a large portion of the South China Sea. Beijing had argued that it possessed historic rights over resources within the area.

The tribunal concluded that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within areas covered by the Nine-Dash Line where such claims were incompatible with maritime zones established under UNCLOS.

In Beijing, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the arbitration tribunal and its ruling "seriously contravene the general practice of international arbitration" and "gravely infringe upon China's legitimate rights as a sovereign state and state party to UNCLOS and are unjust and unlawful."

"China opposes and will never accept any claim or action based on those awards," the Chinese foreign ministry said, adding that Beijing "does not accept any means of third-party dispute settlement or any solution imposed on China."

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Mumbai, Jul 13

In a blistering attack on the union Government, Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray has accused the administration of "apathy" toward the nation's youth, asserting that the government is more interested in "toppling political parties" than addressing the educational crisis caused by the NEET paper leak.

Thackeray expressed deep concern over the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, led by the 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP) and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 15 days.
Thackeray did not mince words while criticizing union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. "If a person is incapable of managing their responsibilities and their incompetence leads to the destruction of the future of millions, why should they remain in office? The government's refusal to replace the Education Minister shows a shocking lack of accountability," Thackeray declared.

He drew a grim parallel between the current situation and the death of GD Agarwal, who died during a 115-day fast for the Ganga river in 2018. "It seems the government is waiting for Sonam Wangchuk and these students to perish before it even considers taking notice," he added.

With the Monsoon Session of Parliament set to commence on July 20, Thackeray issued an emotional appeal to MPs across the political spectrum—including those from the BJP—to transcend party lines and support the students.
"I am not asking for a political stand; I am asking for insaniyat (humanity). This is a struggle for the nation's youth. I urge leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, and Akhilesh Yadav to stand with these students. This is a non-partisan movement that needs our collective strength," Thackeray urged.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also condemned reports from CJP youth leader Abhijeet Dipke, who claimed that there were attempts to incite violence at the protest site to sabotage the agitation. "This is a sign of a cowardly and regressive mindset. Attempting to suppress a peaceful protest by students with violence is the lowest point a government can reach," he warned.

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New Delhi, Jul 13

Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will undertake a two-day visit to West Bengal, during which he will hold high-level discussions with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on agriculture, rural infrastructure and farmers’ welfare initiatives.

The visit will focus on strengthening coordination between the Centre and the State for effective implementation of key government schemes and accelerating growth in the agriculture and rural development sectors.

During the visit Chouhan is slated to meet the chief minister. The discussions are expected to focus on agriculture development, farmers’ welfare schemes, rural roads, housing, employment generation and other key issues concerning rural areas.

A high-level review meeting will be held on July 14 at the New Secretariat Building in Kolkata, which will be attended by the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, senior officials of various State departments and representatives from the Government of India.

The union Minister will be accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Rural Development and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

During the meeting, the Centre will review the progress of several flagship programmes, including the PM-KISAN scheme, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, Minimum Support Price (MSP) operations, Viksit Bharat–GRAM G initiative, rural roads and housing schemes, along with funds allocated to Panchayati Raj Institutions.

The discussions will also include a roadmap for boosting agricultural productivity, improving rural infrastructure and enhancing the livelihood opportunities of farmers in West Bengal.

Later in the day, Chouhan will visit the ICAR–Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres (ICAR-CRIJAF) at Barrackpore, where he will interact with jute farmers, agricultural scientists and women members of Self-Help Groups.

During his interaction with farmers, the Minister will take feedback on issues related to jute cultivation, including retting facilities, water availability, pest and disease management, production costs and market challenges. The discussions will also focus on improving farmers’ participation in the jute value chain and increasing their income.
Scientists from ICAR-CRIJAF will demonstrate improved jute varieties, modern retting techniques, water conservation practices and advanced processing and marketing technologies aimed at improving productivity and reducing cultivation challenges.

Women Self-Help Groups will also showcase opportunities in jute-based products and value-added activities, highlighting the potential for rural entrepreneurship, income generation and sustainable employment.

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New Delhi, Jul 13

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal rejected a media outlet Reuters report claiming that India rejected a quick trade agreement with US in recent talks.

Sharing a Reuters report on X, the Minister posted, “This news is completely false, baseless and misleading. I had fantastic meetings with USTR Jamieson Greer, @USTradeRep, when he visited Delhi in June.”

“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to an agreement that is balanced, commercially meaningful, and delivers tangible benefits for businesses, farmers, workers, and consumers in both countries. Our teams remain fully engaged in achieving this objective,” the social media post added.

The original Reuters post said, “India rejected a quick trade agreement with the US in recent talks and is holding out for a better deal as Prime Minister Narendra Modi draws confidence from new trading partners, eased economic risks and political gains at home.”

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Bengaluru, July 13 

Ending months of political suspense over the long-pending Karnataka cabinet expansion, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday indicated that the exercise is set to be completed before the Monsoon Session of the State Legislature beginning August 6, with the final green signal expected from the Congress high command after his visit to New Delhi.

The Chief Minister's statement is the clearest indication yet that the Congress leadership is moving towards resolving the politically sensitive issue that has fuelled intense lobbying, speculation and growing impatience among ruling party legislators aspiring for ministerial berths.

"The Legislature session has been convened from August 6. I will travel to Delhi for official work. Our leaders will fix the date within three to four days. The cabinet expansion will be completed before the session," Shivakumar told reporters at his official residence, Krishna.

His remarks come amid sustained pressure from Congress MLAs seeking induction into the ministry and reports of hectic consultations within the party over balancing regional, caste and factional equations in the government.
Party sources expect Shivakumar to hold crucial discussions with the Congress high command in New Delhi, where the final contours of the cabinet expansion are likely to be approved.

On the contentious Cauvery water-sharing issue, the Chief Minister said Karnataka would firmly defend the interests of its farmers while honouring judicial directions.

"Our foremost responsibility is to protect farmers and ensure drinking water. At the same time, we must comply with the court's directions regarding the release of water to Tamil Nadu. The Cauvery Water Management Authority will meet on July 15, where Karnataka will strongly present its case. The government's decision will be announced thereafter," he said.

Referring to representations made by legislators from the Cauvery basin, including Mandya and Srirangapatna, Shivakumar said their concerns had been conveyed to the government and a decision would be communicated after the Authority's deliberations.

On the suspension of Karnataka Public Service Commission Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar, the Chief Minister said the Governor had issued the order and the government had instructed that the senior-most member of the Commission should discharge the responsibilities until further arrangements were made.

Shivakumar also announced that Karnataka would facilitate the centuries-old tradition of the state's representatives receiving the first aarti at the Tirumala temple.

"This is a historical privilege enjoyed by Karnataka since the days of the Mysore Maharajas. People's representatives, judges, officials, MPs, mayors, tahsildars and other eligible dignitaries from Karnataka will be able to avail of this opportunity as per the prescribed guidelines. It is not reserved for any particular political party, and the rules of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams will continue to prevail," he said.

Paying tributes to former Rajya Sabha member H Hanumanthappa, Shivakumar described him as a towering Congress leader and parliamentarian who made significant contributions to both Karnataka and the nation.

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Solan, Arvind Kashyap

In a stinging blow to the ruling Congress party in Himachal Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clean-swept the high-stakes Solan Zila Parishad elections on Monday, consolidating its hold on both the Chairperson and Vice-Chairman posts.

Senior BJP leader Sheila Kumari was elected to helm the top district body, while party colleague Pankaj Sharma comfortably secured the Vice-Chairman mantle.

Kumari brings seasoned administrative weight to the office, having previously served a successful tenure as the Zila Parishad Chairperson.

Political observers note that her extensive grassroots experience will be a formidable asset for the BJP in the region. The victory was largely a foregone conclusion for the saffron party, which already held a commanding majority with 10 seats in the 17-member Solan Zila Parishad house, making Monday's voting a swift formality.

This political shift comes at a critical juncture for the Congress party. The loss of the Zila Parishad closely follows another embarrassing defeat where the BJP wrested control of the Solan Municipal Corporation (MC).
Losing both the urban civic body and the rural district council within a short span signals deep structural vulnerabilities for Congress in the district.

"These consecutive high-profile defeats at the district level are bound to demoralize the Congress grassroots cadre. Coming right before the crucial state assembly elections, this loss shatters the party's momentum and gives the BJP an immense psychological edge," said a Congress leader.

The writing on the wall is clear for the Congress leadership. If the party harbors any ambitions of mounting a strong comeback in the upcoming assembly elections, a radical overhaul of its current operational strategy is paramount. Insiders suggest that party leaders must abandon "closed-room politics" and transition back to aggressive grassroots campaigning.

To regain its eroding voter base, the leadership will need to initiate direct, one-on-one dialogues with the public, failing which the road ahead could prove perilous for the party.

While victory rallies, firecrackers, and celebrations dominated the BJP camp today, an uncomfortable phase of introspection and damage control has officially begun behind closed doors for the Congress.

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Kolkata, Correspondent

The internal rebellion within West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has taken a dramatic turn, with senior party leader and former North Bengal Development Minister Rabindranath Ghosh setting a major condition for the return of rebel leaders to the party.

After joining the rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee, Ghosh claimed that disgruntled leaders and workers would be willing to rejoin the TMC if Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee temporarily sidelines her nephew and the party's National General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, from active politics.

Rebels Blame Abhishek Banerjee for Party Crisis

Speaking to reporters, Ghosh alleged that Abhishek Banerjee lacks political experience and did not emerge through grassroots movements. He accused Abhishek's leadership of alienating senior party members by denying election tickets to more than 80 sitting MLAs and ministers while removing several veteran leaders from key organisational posts.

Ghosh also criticised political consultancy firm I-PAC, claiming that the organisation disrupted the party's traditional structure.

"I-PAC did not exist during the 2011 or 2016 elections. Suddenly, a group of young consultants began dictating how the party should function. They weakened the organisation built through years of struggle and then walked away," he said.

Questions Raised Over Mamata Banerjee's Authority

A longtime TMC district president, Ghosh questioned whether Mamata Banerjee still exercises full control over the party, suggesting that crucial decisions are now being taken by others.

According to the rebel camp, parallel committees have already been formed across several districts and at the state level. Ghosh claimed that a majority of leaders and MLAs in North Bengal have aligned with the dissident faction in what they describe as an effort to protect party workers' interests.

Mamata Banerjee Refuses to Yield

Mamata Banerjee has recently maintained that she will not bow to pressure from rebel leaders, arguing that doing so would weaken both the party and its organisational structure.

At the same time, reports indicate that the TMC leadership has kept communication channels open through its core committee in an effort to preserve party unity and maintain its legislative majority.

A representative of the rebel faction said the group remains open to dialogue but insists that any reconciliation must be based on "respect and principles."

Abhishek Banerjee's Reform Agenda

Supporters of Abhishek Banerjee argue that the party requires organisational reforms, greater professionalism and the induction of new faces to remain politically competitive. Accepting all the rebels' demands, they believe, would reverse those reforms.

Political observers say any resolution is likely to require a compromise, with both camps expected to negotiate a middle path as the TMC prepares for future electoral battles.

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Pune, July 12

The Constitution Dindi (procession) organized by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI) was inaugurated in a spirited atmosphere by the institute's Registrar, Dr. Suchita Shinde. The event was attended by Dr. Baban Jogdand (Head, Extension and Services Department), department heads Ravindra Kadam and Shubhangi Patil-Kadam, Pune's Assistant Commissioner of Social Welfare Vishal Londhe, along with a large number of officials, staff, and citizens who value the Constitution.

The Dindi began from Nana Peth in Pune, with the aim of widely promoting the Constitution's core values — equality, fraternity, liberty, and justice.

During the procession, various public-awareness activities are planned, including street plays, a collective reading of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution, free distribution of copies of the Preamble, and a "Walking-Talking Constitution" initiative.

For the past five years, BARTI has regularly organized this Constitution Dindi, which travels along the Dehu-Alandi to Pandharpur route. This year too, a decorated chariot carries the Preamble, along with the thoughts of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and other saints and reformers, as well as the Constitution's fundamental values.

In his introductory remarks, Dr. Jogdand said the main objective of the Dindi is to spread the message of the Constitution to every section of society and strengthen democratic values. In her inaugural address, Registrar Dr. Suchita Shinde said the Dindi would inspire people to internalize constitutional values. Under the guidance of BARTI's Director General, Deepa Mudhol-Munde, the Dindi will culminate at Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi with an educational program marking its conclusion.

After the Pune inauguration event, folk singer Anand Kirtane and his troupe performed devotional and constitution-themed songs. BARTI's "Samata Doot" (Equality Ambassadors) team will play a special role in the procession, distributing copies of the Constitution to pilgrims (warkaris) along the route.

The event was made possible through the efforts of Samata Doot Project Officer Shital Bandgar and team members including Kirti Akhade, Tejaswini Kamble, Usha Kamble, Sangeeta Shahade, Prashant Kulkarni, Anita Dahikamble, Bharati Avghade, and Shashikant Jadhav, along with a large turnout of BARTI officials and staff.

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New Delhi, Jul 2

India and Japan on Thursday charted an ambitious future-oriented agenda for their Special Strategic and Global Partnership by announcing a 16-point package of initiatives spanning artificial intelligence, economic security, clean energy, critical minerals, mobility, pharmaceuticals and scientific research following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Premier Sanae Takaichi.

The decisions, unveiled after the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit, are aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in next-generation technologies while reinforcing resilient supply chains, innovation-led growth and India's long-term strategic capabilities amid an evolving global geopolitical landscape.

At the heart of the announcements was a Joint Declaration on Economic Security, under which both countries committed to intensifying collaboration in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, clean energy and pharmaceutical supply chains. The declaration underscores the shared objective of building trusted and diversified supply chains to address emerging global economic and strategic challenges.

Recognising AI as a key pillar of future cooperation, India and Japan agreed to establish an expanded framework covering research and development, resilient digital infrastructure, industry-academia collaboration, talent exchanges and deployment of advanced AI technologies.

Among the major outcomes were multiple Memoranda of Understanding involving the IndiaAI Mission, IIT Bombay's BharatGen initiative, SarvamAI, Japan's RIKEN research institute and the National Institute of Informatics (NII). These collaborations are expected to boost researcher exchanges, improve access to AI computing resources, advance large language model development and strengthen scientific reasoning capabilities while nurturing skilled AI talent.

The two sides also announced fresh measures to enhance energy resilience through strategic reserves, secure maritime transportation of energy supplies and long-term cooperation in the energy sector.

With electric mobility emerging as a major area of collaboration, Japan pledged greater investment and technological cooperation to support India's battery manufacturing ecosystem and accelerate the country's transition towards cleaner transportation.

The leaders further agreed to deepen engagement in pharmaceuticals and medical devices by promoting joint research, business partnerships, technology collaboration and resilient supply chains for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and key starting materials.

Critical minerals and geological cooperation also figured prominently in the discussions, with both nations agreeing to strengthen upstream exploration capabilities and ensure reliable long-term access to strategically important mineral resources required for advanced manufacturing.

Another significant initiative focuses on promoting Compressed Biogas (CBG), with cooperation aimed at supporting rural clean energy, organic fertiliser production and carbon-credit generation.

Marking 75 years of diplomatic ties in 2027, Prime Ministers Modi and Takaichi jointly declared the year as the "India-Japan Year of Shared Horizons", which will feature expanded exchanges among youth, businesses, scholars, cultural organisations and sporting communities to further deepen people-to-people ties.

The summit also produced a Next-Generation Mobility Partnership covering railways, urban transport, ports, aviation and logistics while supporting the "Make in India for the World" initiative to strengthen India's manufacturing competitiveness.

Additional agreements included cooperation between the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and the Japan Network Information Center (JPNIC) on internet governance, collaboration between the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) and the Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA) in fintech regulation, and expanded partnerships in biotechnology and life sciences research.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the broad package of agreements reflects the increasing strategic convergence between India and Japan in technology, innovation and economic security while reaffirming their shared commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed that the India-Japan partnership would continue to serve as a cornerstone of regional stability, trusted global supply chains and innovation-driven economic growth while addressing shared regional and global challenges through closer strategic cooperation.

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