India Trade Deal Opens Fresh Export Opportunities For Scottish Food And Drink Firms

Scottish food and drink producers are being given direct support to expand their presence in India as a senior UK Government trade mission visits Delhi and Mumbai. The delegation includes Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, senior Cabinet ministers, leading industry bodies and businesses seeking to capitalise on the opportunities created by the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.

Representatives from Salmon Scotland, the Scotch Whisky Association and well-known firms such as Walker’s Shortbread are participating in the mission. They are joined by Scottish entrepreneur and Apprentice star Mike Soutar, seven mayors from Northern England and a broad range of businesses from across the UK.

The visit follows the implementation of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement on 15 July 2026. The agreement is expected to deliver a £190 million boost to Scotland’s economy and significantly improve market access for key Scottish exports.

One of the most significant changes is the reduction in Indian tariffs on Scotch whisky, which will fall from 150% to 40% over a ten-year period. The agreement also lowers tariffs on products including salmon and soft drinks, helping Scottish exporters become more competitive in one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.

The UK Government is using the trade mission to help businesses translate the benefits of the agreement into commercial success. Support includes facilitating access to regulators, providing market intelligence, creating networking opportunities and arranging introductions with senior Indian decision-makers.

India remains the largest whisky market in the world by volume. According to industry figures, more than 220 million bottles of Scotch whisky are exported annually. The sector supports around 41,000 jobs in Scotland and a further 25,000 across the UK through farming, distilling, manufacturing and logistics activities.

During the three-day visit, Douglas Alexander is scheduled to meet Indian ministers, regulators and business leaders to strengthen trade links and encourage greater commercial engagement between Scottish and Indian companies.

Alexander said the UK Government had secured practical gains for Scottish exporters by reducing tariffs through the India trade deal and that the next priority was ensuring businesses convert those advantages into investment, contracts and long-term growth.

He also argued that Scotland benefits from the UK’s diplomatic reach and economic influence in major overseas markets, with export growth and inward investment helping to support jobs and economic expansion at home.

Mike Soutar, a member of the UK Government’s Board of Trade, highlighted Scotland’s internationally recognised products, including salmon, whisky and shortbread, and said direct engagement with Indian businesses could help unlock new export opportunities and support communities across Scotland.

The ministerial delegation also includes Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Angela Eagle, underlining the UK Government’s wider economic and trade priorities in India.

Alongside food and drink, the mission is promoting collaboration in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and defence-related industries.

Alexander is expected to meet representatives from Scottish life sciences business Microbira, which maintains a substantial presence in India and forms part of the growing scientific and innovation links between the two countries.

He will also engage with Piramal Pharma, the Indian pharmaceutical company that employs more than 300 people at its drug development and manufacturing facility in Grangemouth. The company invested £45 million in the site in 2023, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Scotland.

The visit will additionally include discussions with Rolls-Royce, which operates significant aerospace and defence manufacturing activities in Scotland and works with India’s military on advanced defence equipment programmes.

The trade mission reflects the UK Government’s broader strategy of converting the new UK-India trade agreement into tangible commercial outcomes, while strengthening economic ties with one of the world’s largest and fastest-expanding markets.

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Dutch Minister For Food Security To Visit India For Agrifood, Innovation Ties

The Dutch Minister for Food Security, Fisheries and Horticulture, Silvio Erkens, is conducting an official visit to India from 27th September to 2nd October to bolster trade ties and elevate bilateral cooperation across agriculture, horticulture, sustainable food processing, and innovative value chains.

This diplomatic mission is the first by a Dutch government minister since the Strategic Partnership was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands in May, and it is also the first visit by a minister from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature since 2018.

The visit comes after the conclusion of negotiations on the European Union–India trade agreement in January 2026, which the Dutch government identified as vital from both geopolitical and economic angles for the Netherlands, the European Union, and India.

Underlining the economic prospects, Minister Erkens stated that India is expanding rapidly, with its agricultural sector holding immense economic weight and its Agrifood innovation quickly establishing it as a global player.

He noted that India’s massive scale creates commercial opportunities for the Netherlands, particularly through Dutch expertise in seed improvement and greenhouse technologies, adding that the goal is to deepen broad partnership ties and open doors for Dutch enterprises.

The overall partnership centres on sustainability, innovation, and commerce, with over 350 Dutch businesses already active in India across the potato, seed, poultry, dairy, and horticulture sectors.

A delegation of 18 Dutch firms and organisations is taking part in the trade mission to explore commercial opportunities in key areas such as seeds, sustainable crop protection, logistics, technology, and knowledge exchange.

The official itinerary spans several major economic hubs, starting on Monday, 28th September, with a structured program at the official residence of the Dutch ambassador in Delhi, featuring meetings with India's Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare alongside officials from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

On Tuesday, 29th September, Minister Erkens visits Mumbai for a round-table breakfast with leading executives, the inauguration of the Anuga FoodTec expo, engagements with the seed sector, and discussions with the state government of Maharashtra.

On Wednesday, 30th September, the delegation travels to Bangalore for a trade visit alongside the 18 participating Dutch businesses and an informal meeting with the Minister of Horticulture of Karnataka.

On Thursday, 1st October, Minister Erkens will inaugurate the Agricon HortiConnect Expo and the Dutch pavilion in Bangalore.

His itinerary includes a site visit to Breda-based cold chain logistics firm NewCold, which is working to professionalise cold chain transport in India, before wrapping up the mission with an Agrifood innovation event alongside local start-ups and scale-ups.

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India Extends Tech Support To Fiji Sugar Sector With Gift of Twelve Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

In a significant diplomatic gesture aimed at fostering modern, sustainable, and technology-driven farming practices across the island nation, India’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, presented 12 state-of-the-art agricultural drones to Fiji's Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Tomasi Tunabuna, during a formal handover ceremony organised in the city of Lautoka.

The high-tech agricultural equipment was gifted by the Indian government directly to the Fiji Sugar Corporation to promote more efficient, technology-enabled, and environmentally sustainable sugarcane cultivation.

This formal distribution of high-tech machinery effectively fulfills a official pledge made by New Delhi during Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s high-profile bilateral visit to India in August last year.

Confirming the successful diplomatic development, the Indian High Commission in Fiji published an official announcement on social media platform X, detailing that High Commissioner Suneet Mehta officially transferred the ownership of the 12 modern drones to Minister Tomasi Tunabuna in Lautoka for immediate operational integration by the Fiji Sugar Corporation.

The diplomatic mission underscored that this official delivery honours the bilateral commitment announced during Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s New Delhi tour in August 2025, mirroring the deep-rooted and multi-dimensional friendship between India and Fiji in agricultural development and industrial sugarcane production.

The diplomatic statement highlighted that India’s holistic developmental assistance package combines cutting-edge technology, expert knowledge sharing, and capacity-building measures, which range from high-yielding seeds and mobile soil testing laboratories to dedicated technical training initiatives.

Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program, specialised training programs are being extended to Fijian sugarcane cultivators and sugar industry personnel at the renowned National Sugar Institute situated in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

As part of this comprehensive knowledge exchange, fifteen Fijian participants are slated to commence a specialized virtual training program on the Indian sugar sector, focusing on modern agronomic practices, farm automation, and industrial processing.

The newly gifted fleet of 12 agricultural drones is expected to drastically optimize farm management by streamlining the precise application of essential chemical fertilizers, soil nutrients, and protective pesticides across sugarcane plantations.

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Fiji Sugar Corporation will jointly oversee the field deployment of these advanced aerial vehicles, while simultaneously conducting rigorous technical workshops, safety compliance drills, and operational training for local farm workers and agricultural extension officers.

Minister Tomasi Tunabuna formally accepted the equipment on behalf of the Fijian government, emphasizing that integrating modern drone technology with adequate safety protocols and field support will significantly boost field productivity, reduce input wastage, and strengthen long-term agricultural resilience.

This technological assistance aligns with earlier high-level diplomatic dialogues, including a comprehensive meeting on September 8 between High Commissioner Suneet Mehta and Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who also serves as the Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises.

Their strategic dialogue covered key bilateral avenues aimed at deepening long-standing economic cooperation across core socio-economic domains such as agriculture, public health, bilateral trade, commercial ventures, and national business development.

The strategic push in agriculture builds upon another vital diplomatic interaction last month, wherein High Commissioner Suneet Mehta met Fiji's Minister of Land and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, to review cooperation in the critical mineral sector, capacity building, technical assistance, and general bilateral ties.

These continuous engagement initiatives demonstrate New Delhi's commitment to advancing agricultural innovation, boosting crop yields, and supporting localized community prosperity across the Pacific region.

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Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal Urges BRICS To Link Payment Systems And Boost Local Currency Trade

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday urged BRICS member and partner countries to integrate their payment systems, expand trade in local currencies and strengthen cooperation in digital commerce and emerging technologies.

Speaking at the opening session of the BRICS Business Forum 2026, he underscored India’s digital public infrastructure and the rapid growth of the Unified Payments Interface.

He noted that UPI now processes more than ₹2,08,33,333 crores worth of transactions annually, accounting for over half of global transaction volumes.

Goyal emphasised that UPI is already accepted in 11 countries and called on BRICS members and partners to explore greater integration of their payment networks. He argued that stronger payment connectivity would help deepen economic ties among BRICS economies.

The BRICS Business Forum was convened ahead of the two-day BRICS summit hosted by India from Saturday. The discussions took place against the backdrop of heightened uncertainty in global trade and supply chains, driven by geopolitical conflicts, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and tariff measures introduced by the Trump administration.

Goyal highlighted the need for BRICS economies to build deeper and more resilient trade relationships supported by diversified supply chains. He stressed that trade should serve as a driver of economic growth and improve people’s well-being rather than act as a constraint.

He also called for greater market access among BRICS members and partner countries, particularly for raw materials and critical minerals. He pointed out that supply chains could only become genuinely resilient when trade flows in both directions.

The minister flagged the impact of non-tariff measures on exporters, noting that such restrictions can increase export costs more than tariff barriers. He urged BRICS countries to simplify regulatory processes and accelerate the clearance of consignments to enable smoother trade.

Goyal further proposed enhanced cooperation in agricultural technology, particularly through partnerships among agri-tech Start-Ups.

He suggested that Start-Ups across BRICS economies could jointly develop solutions for farmers while contributing to food security.

He also called for stronger integration of services markets and easier movement of professionals across member countries. He proposed mutual recognition of professional qualifications to facilitate cross-border services.

Goyal identified agriculture, pharmaceuticals, engineering, electronics, automobiles, auto components and services as sectors offering significant scope for deeper cooperation between BRICS economies.

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India Eyes Long-Term Mineral Supply Pacts As PM Modi Heads To Uzbekistan

Indian Ambassador Smita Pant has underlined that India and Uzbekistan are expected to explore the possibility of long-term supply arrangements for critical minerals during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming state visit to Uzbekistan.

She emphasised that critical minerals and energy cooperation are “very, very important” for both countries, given Uzbekistan’s resource base and India’s growing requirements. Pant noted that Uzbekistan is a resource-rich nation and India’s requirements of critical minerals are huge, making long-term supply pacts a natural subject of discussion.

The Prime Minister’s visit, scheduled for 29–30 August, comes after an 11-year gap since his last bilateral visit in 2015. It is expected to further consolidate the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Pant highlighted that bilateral economic ties have expanded significantly since 2015, with trade increasing by 300 per cent and investments in Uzbekistan rising by more than 700 per cent. People-to-people exchanges and tourism have also grown steadily, adding depth to the relationship.

She described the agenda as extremely comprehensive, noting that the visit would cement an already strong strategic partnership. On trade and investment, Pant said discussions were already underway, including the possibility of conducting a feasibility study for a preferential trade agreement.

She recalled that the Uzbek Commerce Minister’s recent visit to India included extensive discussions with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on expanding bilateral trade. The feasibility study remains at a conceptual stage but reflects the ambition of both sides.

Pant acknowledged that connectivity remains a major bottleneck in expanding commercial ties. She stressed that both India and Uzbekistan are natural markets with potential to import and export much more, but connectivity challenges must be addressed to unlock this potential.

She also pointed to the bilateral investment treaty signed two years ago, which has already come into force, providing comfort and cushion to business communities on both sides.

Trade and investment will form part of a broader agenda that includes multilateral cooperation, development partnership, culture, pharmaceuticals, health, traditional medicine, agriculture and FinTech. Pant confirmed that consultations on multilateral matters will be held, with stronger cooperation expected at the United Nations and other forums.

Development cooperation, particularly India’s capacity-building and training programs in Uzbekistan, will also receive attention. Several Memoranda of Understanding are expected to be signed during the visit to concretise cooperation in culture and other areas.

Pant described Uzbekistan as a pivotal country for India’s engagement with Central Asia, citing its geographical position and historical role along the ancient Silk Road. She noted that Uzbekistan borders all Central Asian countries as well as Afghanistan, making it central to India’s access to the region. 

Defence and security cooperation has also been expanding, with military exchanges, capacity-building initiatives and training programs forming an important component of the relationship.

Pant recalled that the Chief of Army Staff visited Uzbekistan in 2024 and that numerous exchanges have taken place since. India also has a technical team deployed at the University of Military Security, imparting courses on cyber security and artificial intelligence, reflecting the upswing in cooperation.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi will undertake the visit at the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The two leaders will hold delegation-level talks and review cooperation in trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties.

They will also exchange views on advancing the shared developmental visions of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Uzbekistan-2030. PM Modi is expected to visit the Shastri Memorial in Tashkent and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, where Hindi has been taught since 1947 and which has a longstanding tradition of Indology studies.

The Uzbekistan visit will be followed by PM Modi’s trip to the Kyrgyz Republic from 31 August to 1 September to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek.

This sequence of visits underscores India’s deepening engagement with Central Asia and its commitment to strengthening regional partnerships.

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India’s Space Start-Ups Poised To Challenge Global Giants

The global space race is undergoing a transformation at a pace unimaginable a decade ago. Space exploration is no longer the exclusive preserve of Governments and national agencies. It is being reshaped by private enterprise, commercial capital and rapid technological innovation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call during his interaction with the founders of 20 space start-ups on National Space Day for India to build a global aura around its private space sector comes at the right moment.

The next phase of India’s space journey must rest not merely on national prestige but on a genuine commercial space ecosystem capable of competing with the world’s best.

This transformation is most visible in the United States, where NASA no longer holds a monopoly over access to space. Private companies have become dominant forces in launch technology, satellite systems, reusable rockets and space-based communications.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has redefined what private enterprise can achieve beyond the atmosphere. The lesson is clear: the future of space will belong as much to nimble companies as to traditional state agencies.

This matters because space technology is becoming the backbone of everyday life. Satellites underpin navigation, broadcasting, disaster response, weather forecasting and strategic communication. The next leap is wireless, satellite-delivered connectivity that reduces reliance on vast physical cabling networks stretching across lakhs of kilometres.

Starlink has demonstrated that high-speed connectivity can be beamed from orbit, particularly to remote terrain where laying conventional infrastructure is costly or impractical.

The applications extend well beyond communication. Agriculture, India’s most vital sector, stands to gain enormously. Satellite imagery and weather data can help farmers track crop health, assess soil and moisture conditions, and anticipate adverse weather before it strikes.

Better forecasting of rainfall and extreme weather events can sharpen agricultural planning and cut losses. Space-based data can equally support livestock and dairy management, environmental monitoring, water conservation and disaster preparedness. Modi himself urged start-up founders to explore these opportunities further.

India embarks on this new era with a strong foundation. ISRO has repeatedly shown that extraordinary achievement does not require extravagant spending. Its reputation for delivering ambitious missions at remarkably low cost has earned global respect.

Chandrayaan-3’s successful lunar landing, commemorated each year on National Space Day, proved India’s technological maturity and its capacity for missions of global significance. Yet Government achievement alone cannot sustain leadership in a commercial space economy.

ISRO has laid the foundation, but the baton must now be shared with private enterprise. ISRO should continue to anchor frontier research and strategic missions, while private players bring speed, capital, commercial discipline and appetite for risk that Government institutions cannot always match.

Early signs are encouraging. Skyroot Aerospace, India’s first space-tech unicorn, has already flown the country’s first privately built rocket into orbit. Its founders speak of scaling from one launch a month to one a week and eventually several a day.

Alongside it, a growing cluster of firms spanning launch services, satellites, earth observation and space situational awareness is attracting serious investment and international contracts.

One start-up reportedly secured eight launch contracts within a month of its debut flight. India’s deepest asset remains its scientific and engineering talent. There is now a real opportunity to draw back Indian-origin professionals who built careers abroad.

Unlike the structured recruitment pathways of public institutions, private companies can hire laterally, reward niche expertise and assemble multidisciplinary teams quickly. This flexibility could prove decisive in the global contest for talent.

None of this will succeed without policy stability. Investors committing large sums to rockets and satellites need confidence that rules will not shift arbitrarily. The Prime Minister’s emphasis on consistency and trust is well placed.

A predictable regulatory environment and reliable access to infrastructure will unlock entrepreneurial risk-taking more effectively than rhetoric. India has proven scientific capability, cost competitiveness, deep talent and a maturing entrepreneurial culture. The space juggernaut has begun to move, and the momentum is unmistakable.

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EAM Jaishankar To Visit Russia For 27th Inter-Governmental Commission, Hold Talks With Lavrov On Global Issues

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will travel to Russia on 23–24 August 2026 to co-chair the 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) with First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, while also holding talks with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on regional and global issues.

This visit underscores the depth of the India-Russia strategic partnership, which has remained resilient and wide-ranging since 2000.

Jaishankar’s two-day official visit comes at the invitation of Denis Manturov, Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the 27th IRIGC-TEC session will cover cooperation across trade, economy, science, technology, and culture. The commission serves as a key institutional mechanism to review and expand bilateral initiatives in these sectors.

During the visit, Jaishankar will also meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Their discussions will focus on regional and global developments, reflecting the shared commitment of both nations to a multipolar world order. The meeting is expected to address pressing international issues, while reinforcing the longstanding diplomatic trust between New Delhi and Moscow.

India and Russia’s partnership was formally elevated with the signing of the “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership” in October 2000.

Since then, ties have acquired a qualitatively new character, encompassing enhanced cooperation in political, security, defence, trade and economy, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

This broad spectrum of engagement has ensured that the relationship remains strong and stable despite global geopolitical fluctuations.

Under the Strategic Partnership framework, several institutionalised dialogue mechanisms operate at both political and official levels. These mechanisms guarantee regular interaction and follow-up on cooperation activities, ensuring continuity and progress in bilateral relations.

The IRIGC itself has two divisions: the IRIGC-TEC, co-chaired by Jaishankar and Manturov, and the IRIGC-M&MTC, which is headed by the Defence Ministers of both countries and focuses on military and military-technical cooperation.

The timing of Jaishankar’s visit is significant. It follows recent meetings of the Russia-India Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation, where both sides reviewed joint activity plans and outlined measures for 2027. This demonstrates how the partnership is advancing simultaneously on economic, scientific, cultural, and defence tracks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently praised India’s “remarkable success” in economic, social, scientific, and technological spheres, describing the country as “rightfully enjoying high esteem” on the world stage.

His Independence Day greetings to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the fruitful cooperation between India and Russia, further underlining the strength of the bilateral relationship.

Jaishankar and Lavrov last met in July 2026 in Manila, where they reviewed bilateral ties and discussed the Ukraine conflict, the Gulf situation, and the safety of Indian seafarers. Their upcoming meeting in Moscow will build on these discussions, adding momentum to the diplomatic engagement.

The IRIGC-TEC session will provide a structured framework to identify new areas of cooperation and follow up on existing initiatives. It will also reaffirm the shared vision of India and Russia to expand engagement beyond traditional military, nuclear, and space cooperation, into emerging domains such as advanced technology, energy, and cultural exchange.

The bilateral relationship remains one of the steadiest in contemporary international affairs. Both nations continue to uphold economic and political sovereignty, resisting external pressures, and setting an example for the international community in building a fairer system of global relations.

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Amber Wings Unveils ATVA, India’s Hybrid VTOL Drone For Defence And Logistics

Amber Wings, a Chennai-based drone innovator, has unveiled its VTOL platform Atva, a hybrid drone designed for both defence and logistics applications.

It combines vertical take-off agility with fixed-wing efficiency, offering payload capacity up to 6 kg, endurance of one hour, and range exceeding 100 km, making it one of India’s most advanced UAV systems.

Amber Wings has positioned Atva as a tactical and logistics solution capable of operating in demanding environments. The drone is engineered with a hybrid vertical lift system that allows seamless transition between hovering and forward flight. This dual capability ensures rapid deployment in confined urban areas while maintaining long-range efficiency for extended missions.

The Atva platform integrates advanced imaging solutions. It is equipped with multispectral sensors, high-definition thermal optics, and stabilised 4K night-vision systems.

These features provide commanders with real-time battlefield awareness, enabling detection of hidden threats, unauthorised movements, and structural vulnerabilities. Such capabilities are critical for border security, tactical reconnaissance, and precision surveillance.

The drone’s logistics applications are equally significant. Atva can transport critical supplies such as ammunition, medical kits, and communication hardware across contested terrain, reducing reliance on vulnerable ground convoys. Its heavy-lift autonomous systems are optimised for frontline supply chains, ensuring continuity of operations in hostile zones.

Amber Wings has also emphasised resilience and safety. Atva features redundant propulsion systems, low-acoustic signatures, and optimised aerodynamics. These attributes allow it to penetrate contested airspace undetected while maintaining mission continuity even in adverse weather or high-interference environments. Fail-safe propulsion ensures stability and reliability under extreme conditions.

The platform is powered by in-house AI and onboard GPU compute, enabling Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. This autonomy reduces dependence on constant ground links, allowing adaptive mission control and real-time navigation. Such intelligence makes Atva suitable for both defence and commercial logistics, including quick commerce and medical supply transport.

Amber Wings has already secured DGCA certification for its hybrid cargo drone ATVA-1, marking a regulatory milestone in India’s drone ecosystem.

This approval authorises round-the-clock operations, including night flying, and positions the company as a leader in India’s UAV sector. With Atva, Amber Wings extends its portfolio to defence-grade platforms, complementing its logistics and Agritech drones.

Developed under Ubifly Technologies Pvt Ltd, Amber Wings benefits from collaboration with The ePlane Company, an IIT Madras-incubated start-up focused on urban air mobility. This synergy ensures that Atva is built on cutting-edge aerodynamics and indigenous innovation, aligning with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Pilot deployments are expected to focus on Tier II and III cities, where regulatory restrictions are lighter. The company aims to expand into nationwide operations once BVLOS and yellow zone approvals are secured. This roadmap could make Amber Wings one of the first Indian firms to operate large-scale autonomous drone networks across diverse sectors.

The Atva drone thus represents a convergence of tactical precision, logistics efficiency, and indigenous innovation. It is designed not only to strengthen India’s defence capabilities but also to transform commercial logistics by offering scalable, cost-effective aerial solutions.

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India Says Pakistan 'Insecure' Over Growing Ties With Afghanistan

India on Tuesday firmly rejected Pakistan’s criticism of its ties with Afghanistan, describing the remarks as a reflection of Islamabad’s insecurity and frustration over the growing strength of India-Afghanistan relations.

The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the statement during a bi-weekly press briefing in New Delhi.

The comments came in response to remarks made by Pakistani Army spokesperson General Ahmed Chaudhary, who invoked religious verses and advised Kabul to distance itself from “non-believers.” Jaiswal said such statements clearly demonstrated Pakistan’s frustration at the positive trajectory of India’s engagement with Afghanistan.

The expression of discontent from Islamabad followed the recent visit of Afghanistan’s Minister of Agriculture, Mawlawi Attaullah Omari, to India in July.

During his press conference in New Delhi, Omari emphasised the closeness of the relationship, stating that he felt as though he was among his own people and that the two nations shared the same DNA.

MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal also addressed a separate query regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. He reiterated that the treaty remains in abeyance until Pakistan irrevocably and credibly abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. He stressed that India’s position on the matter is consistent and unchanged.

Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra had recently written an article in Newsweek magazine, explaining India’s stance on the treaty. Kwatra argued that New Delhi’s decision to keep the 1960 accord in abeyance was a direct response to Pakistan’s conduct, particularly following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. He noted that Pakistan’s threats of war over the treaty were merely attempts to distract from its internal problems.

Kwatra highlighted that the treaty’s preamble had declared it was concluded in a spirit of goodwill and friendship. However, he pointed out that Pakistan had spent decades dismantling that goodwill. He emphasised that the abeyance of the treaty simply acknowledged what Pakistan’s actions had already destroyed.

He further stated that if Pakistan genuinely seeks India’s cooperation on bilateral issues, it must first dismantle the terror infrastructure it has built. Only then could there be a meaningful dialogue and progress on matters such as water sharing and broader regional cooperation.

India’s firm rejection of Pakistan’s remarks underscores its commitment to strengthening ties with Afghanistan while maintaining a consistent position on the Indus Waters Treaty. The statements also highlight New Delhi’s broader diplomatic approach of linking cooperation with Pakistan to the cessation of cross-border terrorism.

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Piyush Goyal’s Brussels Meetings With EU And Belgian Leaders To Strengthen Trade, Clean Energy And Agriculture Cooperation

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held a series of high‑level meetings in Brussels on Tuesday with European Union Commissioners and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval.

The discussions centred on strengthening cooperation in agriculture, clean energy, trade, investment, and sustainable industrial development as India and the European Union seek to deepen their strategic economic partnership.

Goyal met European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen. The talks focused on expanding collaboration in the agri‑food sector following the successful conclusion of the India‑EU Free Trade Agreement.

He emphasised the importance of building resilient agri‑food value chains, enhancing food security, supporting farmers, and promoting sustainable growth. This engagement is expected to open new opportunities for Indian agricultural exports and joint ventures in food processing.

In another meeting, Goyal held talks with European Commissioner for Climate, Net‑Zero and Clean Growth Wopke Hoekstra. Their discussions revolved around enhancing cooperation in climate action, renewable energy, and green technologies.

They exchanged views on strengthening India‑EU cooperation in clean growth and sustainable industrial development. The talks highlighted collaboration in renewable energy, green hydrogen, clean technologies, innovation, investments, and resilient value chains to support shared net‑zero ambitions.

The Commerce Minister also met Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy and Agriculture David Clarinval. They discussed expanding bilateral economic cooperation across trade, investment, technology, logistics, and workforce mobility.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening economic ties and highlighted the transformative potential of the India‑EU Free Trade Agreement for businesses and people in both countries.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Goyal is on a two‑day visit to Belgium from 14 to 15 July. His engagements are aimed at strengthening India’s trade and investment partnership with the European Union.

The minister is scheduled to visit the Port of Antwerp to study best practices in multimodal connectivity, green logistics, and resilient supply chains. He will also visit the Antwerp World Diamond Centre to explore opportunities for India’s gems and jewellery sector through greater collaboration in the global diamond value chain.

Goyal is expected to hold CEO‑level meetings with Alain Queverin of Thales Group and Jean‑Christophe Bogaert of Silox Group. The discussions will cover cooperation in aerospace, defence, cybersecurity, speciality chemicals, battery recycling, and sustainable manufacturing. These meetings are designed to reinforce India’s industrial partnerships with leading European companies.

The visit also includes participation in the India‑EU Business Roundtable and the third India‑EU Trade and Technology Council Ministerial Meeting. The agenda will focus on foreign direct investment, trade facilitation, trusted technology, sustainable industrial growth, and resilient supply chains.

During the Brussels visit, Goyal is co‑chairing the third TTC Ministerial Meeting alongside External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada. The TTC serves as the highest institutional mechanism for cooperation between India and the European Union on trade, trusted technology, and economic security.

This series of meetings underscores India’s commitment to deepening its strategic economic partnership with the European Union. By engaging with senior EU leaders and Belgian officials, Goyal is positioning India as a trusted partner in agriculture, clean energy, advanced technologies, and sustainable industrial development. The outcomes are expected to strengthen India’s role in resilient supply chains, green growth, and global trade integration.

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Afghan Agriculture Minister Omari Concludes India Visit With Strong Commitment To Bilateral Cooperation

Afghanistan’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Mawlawi Ataullah Omari, concluded his high-level visit to India on Sunday. He was accompanied by a senior delegation, and the visit ended with a strong commitment to sustaining momentum in bilateral engagement and advancing agricultural cooperation between the two nations.

The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that this was the fourth ministerial-level visit from Afghanistan to India since October 2025. The frequency of such exchanges reflects the growing importance of agricultural collaboration in the broader framework of India-Afghanistan relations.

During the visit, Omari met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The two sides reviewed ongoing cooperation and explored new avenues in agriculture, irrigation, livestock, agricultural research, education, capacity building, and agri-trade.

These discussions underscored the shared priority of strengthening Afghanistan’s agricultural base while leveraging India’s expertise in modern farming practices.

Food security, seed systems, and crop productivity were central themes. India reiterated its commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s agricultural sector through cooperation in climate-resilient and bio-fortified crop varieties, sustainable irrigation practices, water harvesting, watershed development, and other mutually beneficial initiatives. This reflects India’s long-standing role in helping Afghanistan build resilience against climate change and food insecurity.

In another significant meeting, Omari met Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan. Their discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in food processing through value addition, infrastructure development, technology transfer, capacity building, and promotion of bilateral trade in agricultural and food products.

This engagement is expected to open new opportunities for Afghan farmers and entrepreneurs to access Indian markets and technologies.

The Afghan Minister also met Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita. They exchanged views on ongoing bilateral cooperation aimed at supporting the welfare and development of the Afghan people, reaffirming India’s commitment to humanitarian and developmental assistance.

The delegation held extensive interactions with key Indian institutions and organisations. These included the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), International Potato Centre (CIP), International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI). These engagements provided Afghanistan with access to advanced agricultural research, financial expertise, and industry partnerships.

The visit is seen as a significant step in consolidating India’s role as a reliable partner in Afghanistan’s agricultural development. It also reflects Afghanistan’s determination to modernise its farming systems, enhance food security, and integrate with regional trade networks.

The outcomes of this visit are expected to contribute to Afghanistan’s long-term stability and economic recovery, while reinforcing India’s strategic vision of fostering peace and prosperity in the region.

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India And Afghanistan Review Wide-Ranging Bilateral Ties, Reaffirm Commitment To Welfare And Development

India and Afghanistan convened the 4th round of the India-Afghanistan Joint Committee Meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, where both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the discussions covered humanitarian assistance, development partnership, food security, healthcare, capacity building, education, sports, trade, visa facilitation and connectivity.

The meeting was co-chaired by M. Anand Prakash, Joint Secretary (PAI), Ministry of External Affairs of India, and Shuaib Baryalai, Director General, First Political Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan.

India reassured its continued commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s welfare and development needs. The Afghan side expressed appreciation for India’s sustained support and cooperation across multiple sectors.

Both delegations reaffirmed the importance of maintaining regular consultations and agreed to remain in close contact, with the next round of the Joint Committee Meeting to be scheduled at a mutually convenient time.

On Wednesday, the Afghan delegation also met Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita in New Delhi. In a post on X, Margherita stated that the discussions focused on India-Afghanistan bilateral relations, including ongoing cooperation for the welfare and development of the Afghan people. This meeting further underscored the continuity of India’s engagement with Afghanistan at multiple levels.

Afghanistan’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Mawlawi Ataullah Omari, arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday, highlighting the importance of agricultural cooperation in the bilateral agenda. Agriculture remains a critical sector for Afghanistan’s economy, and India has previously supported Afghan farmers through training programmes, supply of seeds and agricultural technology.

Last week, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s ongoing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. He noted that India has been sending medicines and offering development projects aimed at improving the lives of Afghan citizens. India’s assistance has included wheat supplies, vaccines, medical aid and infrastructure projects such as hospitals and clinics, which have been vital in addressing Afghanistan’s healthcare challenges.

India also strongly condemned Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism and criticised the recent airstrikes launched from Pakistan into Afghanistan, which resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children. New Delhi’s firm stance against terrorism reflects its broader regional security concerns and its commitment to safeguarding civilian lives in Afghanistan.

The Joint Committee Meeting reinforced India’s long-standing partnership with Afghanistan, built on centuries of civilizational ties and modern-day cooperation. India’s multifaceted support, ranging from humanitarian aid to capacity building and infrastructure development, continues to play a crucial role in Afghanistan’s stability and progress.

The Afghan side’s appreciation of India’s efforts demonstrates the enduring trust and reliance on New Delhi’s partnership during a period of significant challenges for Afghanistan.

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Taliban Government Expands Cooperation With India Despite Pakistan's Warnings

The latest visit by Attaullah Omari, the Taliban’s minister of agriculture, irrigation and livestock, to New Delhi marks a significant deepening of ties between the Taliban regime and India. Omari arrived at the head of an official delegation and was received by Anand Prakash, India’s additional secretary for foreign affairs, who oversees Afghanistan policy.

His arrival represents the fourth ministerial-level visit from Kabul to India, following earlier trips by the Taliban’s foreign, public health, and commerce and industry ministers. Each of these visits has focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across different sectors.

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed Omari’s visit and emphasised New Delhi’s interest in constructive discussions with Kabul.

The Taliban’s Ministry of Agriculture stated that the delegation’s primary aim was to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, irrigation and livestock, areas critical to Afghanistan’s economic survival and food security.

The growing number of high-level exchanges highlights a gradual strengthening of India’s engagement with Taliban-run Afghanistan. Beyond humanitarian assistance, India has broadened cooperation into trade, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure projects.

This expansion comes at a time when relations between Kabul and Islamabad have deteriorated to their lowest point in years. Pakistan’s repeated airstrikes inside Afghanistan and ongoing border clashes have provoked Taliban military responses, including claimed drone strikes in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and even near Islamabad. These developments have further deepened mistrust and hostility between the two neighbours.

The human dimension of this conflict has also reached India. At least one Taliban fighter wounded in recent border clashes with Pakistan has been transferred to New Delhi for medical treatment.

An Afghanistan International correspondent in the Indian capital met the injured fighter, who was unable to walk unaided, along with two companions. This episode underscores the Taliban’s growing reliance on India for humanitarian and medical support.

Pakistan has long regarded close ties between Kabul and New Delhi with suspicion, considering the limitation of Indian influence in Afghanistan a core national security priority. Despite these sensitivities, the Taliban has continued to expand political and economic cooperation with India.

Meanwhile, trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan has sharply declined, with several key border crossings remaining closed. Pakistan has conducted at least thirteen air and mortar strikes inside Afghanistan over the past five years, yet India remains the only country to have publicly condemned these attacks.

Afghanistan’s economic orientation has also shifted. The Taliban has increasingly replaced Pakistani goods and medicines in Afghan markets with imports from India and Iran. Trade routes have been redirected away from dependence on Pakistan’s Karachi port towards Iran’s Chabahar port, Central Asia and India. This reorientation reflects Kabul’s determination to reduce reliance on Pakistan and diversify its external partnerships.

Islamabad has accused the Taliban of collaborating with India to support Baloch militants and members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). It has also alleged that India is financing and arming anti-Pakistan groups operating from Afghan territory.

Both the Taliban and India have rejected these accusations. Nevertheless, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently claimed that the Taliban regime was assisting India’s activities against Pakistan and vowed to continue military operations against Afghan-based threats.

India has not formally recognised the Taliban administration but continues to pursue practical cooperation in economic, humanitarian and security fields. This pragmatic engagement allows New Delhi to expand its influence in Afghanistan while avoiding formal recognition of the regime.

The Taliban, for its part, has shown a willingness to deepen ties with India despite Pakistan’s warnings, signalling a major shift in regional alignments.

Agencies

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India To Supply High Quality Wheat Seeds To Indonesia In Landmark Food Security Cooperation

India has announced the supply of 100 tons of high-quality "DWR 162" wheat seeds to Indonesia.

The announcement was made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta. Both nations committed to building resilient food security systems and elevated their bilateral ties to a “Golden Chapter” of comprehensive strategic cooperation.

Addressing a joint press statement with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Prime Minister Modi declared that the Indian government would provide specially developed wheat to Indonesia to bolster its food security.

He emphasised that the two sides had also shared solutions regarding mid-day meal schemes and public distribution systems, noting that cooperation in these areas was being taken to the next level.

Prime Minister Modi explained that wheat seeds developed in India would be supplied to Indonesia to help strengthen its food security. He added that best practices in sustainable farming and agrotechnology would be shared, highlighting that the 21st century is driven by technology and that youth have a strong interest in it.

Indonesia does not grow wheat due to its tropical climate and remains fully reliant on imports, making it one of the world’s largest wheat buyers.

India and Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors.

Indian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, underscored the strategic importance of agricultural cooperation. He stated that both nations are actively building a framework for long-term sustainability.

He reiterated that addressing regional food stability is a priority, with India extending support to Indonesia’s food security needs through the critical supply of 100 tonnes of high-quality "DWR 162" wheat seeds. He described this as part of a broader, sustained engagement aimed at developing resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.

Prime Minister Modi’s State visit to Indonesia also saw the announcement of 20 major outcomes. These included agreements on defence, space, healthcare, agriculture, technology and critical minerals, as both nations agreed to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The outcomes comprised a total of 14 Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, along with six major announcements spanning strategic, economic, technological and cultural cooperation.

This initiative reflects India’s growing role in supporting regional food security while simultaneously strengthening its strategic partnership with Indonesia.

It also highlights the synergy between India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and Indonesia’s Emas 2045 developmental roadmap, both of which emphasise sustainability, resilience and technological advancement.

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Afghan Agriculture Minister Omari Begins Official Visit To India For Bilateral Cooperation

Afghan Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Mawlawi Ataullah Omari, arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for an official visit to India. His arrival was warmly welcomed by the Ministry of External Affairs, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noting that India looks forward to engaging discussions on issues of mutual interest.

The visit underscores the importance of agricultural and irrigation cooperation between the two countries, which has historically been a cornerstone of their bilateral engagement.

According to the Afghan Embassy in India, Omari is accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan.

The delegation is scheduled to meet with Indian counterparts and members of the Indian business community. Discussions will focus on cooperation in agriculture, irrigation, investment, and other areas of mutual interest, reflecting the shared priorities of both nations in strengthening food security and rural development.

India has consistently extended humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, particularly in the health sector. On 17 June, New Delhi delivered five tonnes of essential medicines to Kabul, reaffirming its enduring commitment to the well-being of the Afghan people.

This was part of a broader pattern of support, which has included regular shipments of medical supplies and disaster relief materials.

Earlier, on 11 June, the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening Afghanistan’s healthcare system. Medical equipment for diagnosis, treatment, and specialised care was gifted to Afghan health authorities.

The consignment included neonatal and paediatric care devices, cardiograph machines, ventilators, patient monitors, maxillofacial electrocautery, plastic surgery sets, and specialised medical kits. These contributions highlight India’s role in supporting Afghanistan’s fragile healthcare infrastructure.

India’s position on Afghanistan remains consistent and centred on supporting the Afghan people. At a United Nations Security Council meeting in June, India’s Permanent Representative, Parvathaneni Harish, reiterated that India and Afghanistan are contiguous neighbours and civilizational states with ties spanning centuries.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that India continues to support Afghanistan through initiatives related to food security, healthcare, pharmaceutical assistance, scholarships, and capacity-building opportunities.

India’s sustained engagement reflects its broader vision of fostering peace, stability, and development in Afghanistan.

The visit of Minister Omari is expected to further strengthen cooperation in critical sectors such as agriculture and irrigation, which are vital for Afghanistan’s economic recovery and long-term stability. It also signals India’s intent to deepen its role as a reliable partner in Afghanistan’s development journey, even amid challenging circumstances.

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