#defence-cooperation

#defence-cooperation

The rhetoric and optics of the Russian president Vladimir Putin's visit to India last week allude to the strength of the bilateral relationship: Narendra Modi greeted Putin at the airport with a hug, and the leaders shared a car journey (echoing the limo diplomacy when Putin and Donald Trump met in Alaska earlier this year). In his remarks, Modi referred to Putin as my friend and the India-Russia relationship as a guiding star, built on mutual respect and deep trust that had stood the test of time.

Germany and the UK signed landmark deals aimed at enhancing defense ties and combating migrant smuggling. These agreements are part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's first official visit to the UK.

The Kensington treaty represents the first formal pact between the UK and Germany since World War II, focusing on migration, defence, trade, and education.

"A reset in Franco-German relations is vital to help Europe become more secure, competitive, and unified to overcome enormous security and economic challenges," said Merz.