India Reaffirms Israel Ties, Tops Rice Output
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India’s strategic partnership with Israel during a recent interaction with Israeli leadership. The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation in defence, security, technology, and innovation. Both sides underlined their shared commitment to combating terrorism and expanding collaboration in areas such as agriculture, water management, and high technology. The exchange reflects continuity in India’s foreign policy approach towards Israel, which has seen steady growth in political, defence, and economic ties over the past decade.
India Emerges as World’s Largest Rice Producer
India has officially become the world’s largest producer of rice, overtaking China in overall output. The rise in production has been attributed to improved irrigation coverage, better procurement mechanisms, higher minimum support prices, and the use of improved seed varieties. Officials said the achievement strengthens India’s position in global food security and reinforces its role as a leading agricultural exporter, even as domestic availability remains a policy priority.
German Chancellor Merz to Visit India
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to visit India later this month on his first official trip to the country since taking office. The visit is expected to focus on strengthening the India-Germany strategic partnership, with discussions likely to cover trade, manufacturing, clean energy, defence cooperation, and emerging technologies. The trip signals renewed momentum in bilateral ties as both countries seek closer economic and geopolitical cooperation amid global uncertainty.
