The G7 countries have committed to promoting the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC), in what is seen as a boost to the strategic initiative amid tension in West Asia, which may have delayed work on the project. While the Indian govt has started its end of the work on the initiative that was announced on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders Summit in Delhi last year, there are rail links in Saudi Arabia and some other countries that need to be established.

PM Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida in Italy, affirming that bilateral ties with Japan will continue to receive priority during his third term. They also discussed the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail project. Sources said PM Modi and Kishida committed to expediting work on the project. While the bullet train project is reported to be facing a five-year delay, Japanese authorities said earlier this year that work on all sections has started now and they are satisfied with the progress.

Palestine continues to press India to facilitate international efforts for an immediate ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid in war-ravaged Gaza. In a letter congratulating PM Narendra Modi for his third term in office, Palestine PM and foreign minister Mohammad Mustafa said as a global leader and a nation that values human rights and peace, India has a significant role in bringing an end to the “genocide” in Gaza.