In a recent podcast, PM Modi made unusually warm comments about China, calling for stability and prosperity through dialogue. This is seen as a significant tonal shift in India’s official stance since the border clashes of 2020 in Ladakh. A disengagement of troops at key border friction points happened just six months ago, signaling gradual thawing.
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia, has evolved as a significant geopolitical platform in the Indo-Pacific region. Initially born out of humanitarian collaboration during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the grouping has gradually assumed strategic and security dimensions, especially amidst rising concerns over China’s assertiveness.
Brazil, as the host of COP30, has proposed a broader, more inclusive approach to global climate decision-making. The country argues that current climate governance structures, such as the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, are not sufficient to ensure proper implementation of climate goals. To address this, Brazil suggests involving financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank to support climate solutions more effectively.
The global trade system is facing rising instability due to protectionist measures and unilateral trade policies, particularly from the United States. The Trump administration's emphasis on "fair trade" over "free trade" has led to increased tariffs and trade restrictions, impacting multiple economies. This approach undermines established trade norms and could destabilize global economic growth.