Air India probe of Boeing 787 fuel control switches finds no issues
Mumbai, India - Air India's inspection of the locking feature on the fuel control switches of its existing Boeing 787 aircraft found no issues, an internal communication circulated within the airline said. The switches have come under scrutiny following last month's crash of an Air India jet, which killed 260 people,...
Blinken ends marathon tour warning ‘more needs to be done’ on Gaza
New Delhi, India - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up a marathon diplomatic push on Friday in India after a whirlwind Middle East trip and G7 talks, saying Israel's pauses in its Gaza offensive would "save lives" but more was needed."Far too many Palestinians have been killed," Blinken said...BCCI yet to hear officially about Saudi interest for stakes in IPL
NEW DELHI, INDIA - Recent reports of Saudi Arabia expressing an interest in buying a stake in the Indian Premier League (IPL) may have kicked up a storm in the media, but the top brass of the Board of Control for Cricket in India claim they are yet to hear anything...Kuwait City is the Middle East’s most polluted, Baghdad is next
Dubai, UAE - As New Delhi once again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities, across the Middle East, cities were also facing their own environmental challenges, with Kuwait City emerging as the region's most polluted city, according to the latest data from Swiss group IQAir.Kuwait City recorded...India pledges to free its ex-navy men on death row in Qatar
India's navy chief, Admiral R. Hari Kumar, told reporters on Monday that "every effort" was being made by the government to "get relief for our personnel".COP28 summit targets 68% cooling emissions cut by 2050
"Without policy intervention, direct and indirect emissions from air conditioning and refrigeration are projected to rise 90 percent above 2017 levels by the year 2050," a UN report warned in 2020.India shocked at Qatar death penalty for 8 ex-naval officers
NEW DELHI, INDIA - India said on Thursday that eight of its citizens had been sentenced to death by Qatar in a case that media reported involved high-ranking ex-naval officers accused of spying.New Delhi said it would "take up the verdict with Qatari authorities" and would continue to "extend all consular...India dispatches 38.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid for Gaza
New Delhi, India--India on Sunday flew 38.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Egypt's Sinai region for Palestinian civilians from the embattled Gaza Strip, the foreign ministry said.An Indian air force Boeing C-17 transport plane "carrying nearly 6.5 tonnes of medical aid and 32 tonnes of disaster relief material for the...Indian firm halts uniform sales to Israel police over Gaza war
Maryan Apparel in the southern state of Kerala said it had supplied around 100,000 uniforms to Israel's police force for every year since 2015. "It is a moral decision," the company's managing director Thomas Olickal told AFP.UAE sourced 30% of its gems and jewelry imports from India
Dubai, UAE - The gem and jewelry trade between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has seen substantial growth, thanks in part to the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). India’s Gem and Jewelry Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) reported that approximately 30% of the gems and jewelry imported by the...World economy resilient, says IMF; keeps growth forecast unchanged
The IMF kept its 2023 global growth forecast unchanged but warned that the economy is "limping along" as inflation remains high and the outlooks for China and Germany were downgraded. The IMF's updated World Economic Outlook still sees growth of 3.0 percent for this year but it cut its forecast...Al Etihad Payments partners with NIPL to develop UAE Domestic Card Scheme
ABU DHABI, UAE – Al Etihad Payments (AEP), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), and NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), have announced a strategic partnership to develop the UAE’s first national Domestic Card Scheme (DCS).The agreement was exchanged between Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor...Saudi Arabia, India ink MoU on electrical interconnectivity, green hydrogen
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - India and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here in electrical interconnection, green/clean hydrogen, and supply chains.The MoU was signed by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and India’s Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy...World reacts to Israel-Gaza war
President Joe Biden said US support for Israel was "rock solid and unwavering". "The United States stands with Israel," Biden said in a televised statement at the White House, flanked by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.UAE as hub will help food security corridor under I2U2 framework: Indian minister
Abu Dhabi, UAE - The UAE as a geographical and business hub will help the proposed ‘food security corridor project in India under the I2U2 framework,’ Piyush Goyal, Indian Commerce Minister told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) in an exclusive interview.“The UAE as a trading hub can cater to the...El Nino forced sugar price to hit 13-year high in September, says FAO
Paris, France - Global sugar prices soared to their highest level in almost 13 years in September as the El Nino weather phenomenon hit production in India and Thailand, the Food and Agriculture Organization said Friday.While world food prices steadied as a whole last month, the FAO's Sugar Price Index jumped...Afghan embassy in India suspends operations
Most foreign nations -- including India -- do not officially recognize Afghanistan's Taliban government but acknowledge them as the de facto ruling authority. This has left many Afghan embassies and consulates in limbo, with diplomats appointed by the former government refusing to cede control of embassy buildings and property to...At $75bn, Saudi defense budget beats several European countries in 2022
Last year, Saudi Arabia led the Middle East in military investments, ranking fifth globally with a defense budget of $75 billion. This surpassed many European nations, emphasizing the strategic defense priorities of Middle Eastern countries amidst global powerhouses. Qatar's military expenditure, meanwhile, reached $15.4 billion last year, ranking close to...India space chief unfazed by Moon mission’s apparent end
New Delhi, India - As hopes dim of further contact with India's Moon rover, the country's space chief has said he was satisfied with the prospect of calling its successful lunar mission to an end.India began exploring the Moon's surface in August after becoming just the fourth nation to land a...US and India discuss India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
Washington, United States - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussions in Washington, highlighting the potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The significant initiative, born out of India's G20 presidency, aims to foster transparent, sustainable, and high-standard infrastructure investments."At the G20...Iran to sign long-term contract with India on Chabahar Port
Tehran, Iran-- Iran will sign a long-term contract with India to develop Chabahar Port, according to the Islamic republic's minister of roads and urban development.Mehrdad Bazarpash emphasized that a long-term contract for the operationalization of Chabahar Port project with the Indians will be signed in the near future.He made the...Top army officials from 30 nations review threats in Asia-Pacific
New Delhi, India - Army chiefs and senior officers from 30 countries including the United States met in India on Tuesday to discuss threats facing the Asia-Pacific region, in the face of concern at an increasingly assertive China.US Army chief Randy George said the region was "critically important", speaking to reporters alongside...UAE and India look to boost ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’
New York, US-- The UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed has held talks with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, and pledged to further develop cooperation as part of the two countries' strategic partnership.The two ministers met on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the United Nations...Hundreds of Sikh Canadians protest against India
Nearly a week after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of being responsible for the killing of a Sikh activist, hundreds of Sikh protesters rallied outside Indian diplomatic missions in Canada on Monday, trampling pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and burning flags. Many protestors said they don't feel...India cancels sports minister’s trip to Asian Games in visa row
China had discriminated against some of the Indian athletes "in a targeted and pre-meditated manner", India's foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said in a statement.Canada seeks India cooperation in murder probe
Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau called on the Indian government to "work with us" in order to establish processes to uncover the truth of the matter. Trudeau, however, refused to provide the evidence that led him to accuse India...India stops processing visas in Canada amid spiralling row over activist’s slaying
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has demanded India treat with "utmost seriousness" allegations that Indian agents played a role in the June murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The fallout prompted tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions and a forceful denial from India, which said any suggestion it played a role in Nijjar's killing...Canada-India row over homicide: White House ‘deeply concerned’
Media reports said that Canada worked closely with the US government and CIA before Prime Minister Justine Trudeau made public the allegation that Indian agents may have been involved in the murder of a Sikh leader in Canada.Indian MPs shift to new parliament, bid adieu to British-era building
"Today India has awakened with a new consciousness," Modi said in the central hall of the old parliament building before leading fellow legislators by foot across to the new complex. Modi's Hindu-nationalist government called a special session of parliament to match the relocation, which coincides with the beginning of a...Canada and India expel diplomats as row over killing heats up
The diplomatic spat has grown fierce in the hours since Canada blamed India for being behind the killing of a Sikh leader last June and expelled its intelligence chief from the country. New Delhi has followed suit, expelling a senior Canadian diplomat. In the meantime, the UK and Australia have...AstraTech to expand across India, Pakistan, and Egypt: founder
Sharjah, UAE -- The UAE-based technology firm AstraTech is seeking to expand across India, Pakistan, and Egypt in the near future as part of its global expansion strategy.“Last month, we acquired a banking company in the Philippines as part of our global expansion, and now we are looking at the...Deals with India add pace to Saudi diversification
Riyadh and New Delhi set a new benchmark in global trade and cooperation with 53 deals across diverse sectors and plans for an economic corridor from India to Europe.Yemen peace push: Houthi delegation to visit Saudi Arabia
The Houthis' visit, expected within the coming days, will raise hopes of a breakthrough in the quagmire conflict that has left hundreds of thousands dead through direct and indirect causes such as famine. It comes five months after Saudi officials held talks in Sanaa, and as a UN-brokered ceasefire continues...India-Middle East-Europe Corridor will change face of Middle East: Netanyahu
Tel Aviv, Israel - Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed the launch of the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as the "largest cooperation project in our history" that will have a profound impact on the Middle East, Israel, and the world.Leaders from the United States, India, Saudi Arabia,...No India-Middle East trade corridor without Turkey: Erdogan
Ankara, Turkey - Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that India-Middle East trade corridor proposed during the G20 summit in India could not be established without Turkey's involvement."We say that there is no corridor without Turkey. Turkey is an important production and trade base,” Erdogan said. “The most convenient...Saudi SME Bank inks pact with SIDBI of India
New Delhi, India - The Small and Medium Enterprises Bank (SMEB) of Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). SMEB acting CEO Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Mansour and SIDBI Deputy Managing Director Sudatta Mandal attended the signing ceremony in the Indian capital, New...India wants to use UAE expertise in smart cities: official
New Delhi, India - India wants to cooperate with the UAE in smart cities and technologies, President and CEO of the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India Abhishek Singh said on Monday. In his statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines...Saudi EXIM, India EXIM ink MoU
Pact was signed on the sidelines of G20 Summit in New Delhi.Investcorp sells stake in Safari
This was Investcorp's fourth exit in India in just a few years.Brazil’s president walks back comments on Putin’s safety at Rio G20
New Delhi, India--Brazil's leader withdrew on Monday his personal assurance that Russia President Vladimir Putin would not be arrested if he attends next year's G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, saying it would be up to the judiciary to decide.Putin missed this year's gathering in the Indian capital New Delhi,...Saudi national stopped at Delhi hotel lobby while trying to meet UAE President
New Delhi, India - A Saudi Arabian national attempted to gain access to a five-star hotel in Delhi where UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was staying, the Indian newspaper, The Indian Express reported on Monday. The individual was promptly intercepted by vigilant security personnel while trying to approach...Saudi Arabia, India boost alliance with multiple MoUs
India and Saudi Arabia held their first Strategic Partnership Council meeting, emphasizing the strengthening of defense and security partnerships between the two nations.Keen on promoting digital payments in India, UAE, says RBI
NEW DELHI, INDIA – The Chief General Manager of the Reserve Bank of India's Department of Payment and Settlement Systems, said that the country is looking forward to more meaningful cooperation with the UAE in the field of digital payments.Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of...G20 summit ends with India, Brazil and Russia boasting success
G20 leaders have been deeply riven over the Ukraine war since Moscow's invasion last year, with Russian President Vladimir Putin skipping the summit entirely to dodge political opprobrium. Leaders of the Group of 20, which brings together Russia and China as well as some of Ukraine's most ardent backers, have...IMF head urges G20 leaders to deliver promised US$100bn for climate finance
New Delhi, India-- Appealing to G20 members to lead by example in delivering on the promise of US$100 billion per year for climate finance, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has underscored the need for cohesive effort to prevent grave risks to economic well-being and macro-financial stability from...Partnership deals help UAE and India strengthen ties
"The UAE and India have robust, deep-rooted bilateral relations. The signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2017 and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022 reflects both countries' eagerness to strengthen and elevate these relations," Al Sayegh points out on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.‘Historic’ EU-Middle East-India trade plan launched
At the G20 Summit in New Delhi, the US, EU, Saudi Arabia, and UAE have launched an ambitious trade initiative to connect railways, ports, and energy networks globally.G20 adopts Leader’s Summit declaration, says Indian PM Modi
NEW DELHI, INDIA- Indian prime minister and G20 host Narendra Modi said on Saturday the body had reached consensus on its leaders' declaration and announced its adoption."Because of our team's hard work, and with your support, there is a consensus on the New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit declaration," he said."I...UAE President, Indian Prime Minister discuss strengthening bilateral, trade ties
NEW DELHI, INDIA - UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met to discuss the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Comprehensive Economic Partnership between the two countries. The two leaders also discussed sustainable development and strengthening ties between the countries and their people. The...Data, rail, electricity key focus as G20 eyes EU-Middle East-India trade plan
Major G20 partners are set to unveil ambitious plans on Saturday to enhance trade among India, the Middle East, and Europe. This modern-day Spice Route aims to integrate regions that represent about a third of the global economy. Washington, Saudi Arabia, the EU, the UAE, and other nations plan to...African Union set to become G20 member with US, EU backing
"I look forward to welcoming the AU as a permanent member of the G20", European Council president Charles Michel told reporters in New Delhi, where the two-day G20 summit begins on Saturday. In December, US President Joe Biden said he wanted the AU "to join the G20 as a permanent...