PM Modi wraps up five-nation tour; Putin, Xi Jinping hold talks in Beijing; and more

This edition of India First reports on the conclusion of Prime Minister Modi's five-nation diplomatic tour across Europe and the Gulf, focusing on strategic agreements in defence, energy, and technology. A bilateral meeting in Italy established a trade target of twenty billion euros by 2029 and expanded employment quotas for Indian workers. Discussions also address a potential meeting between the Indian Prime Minister and the United States President at the Group of Seven summit in France regarding global geopolitical tensions. In Beijing, the Russian and Chinese Presidents signed trade and energy agreements, issuing a joint statement criticising unilateral global dominance. Concurrently, the Middle East conflict has caused a surge in global oil prices due to the closure of maritime choke points, prompting import-dependent nations to diversify energy sources. Additionally, India received an international agricultural honour in Rome for farmer-centric initiatives. These developments highlight shifting diplomatic alignments and economic pressures within the current global order, impacting international stability and energy markets.