Indian PM Narendra Modi skipped the virtual BRICS-Plus joint meeting held on Tuesday on the situation in Gaza. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented India instead. Modi's absence comes with India being the only BRICS country to have abstained from a UN General Assembly resolution in October seeking a ‘humanitarian truce’ in Gaza. Modi was the only leader not present apart from Argentina, whose absence came amid reports that the country might withdraw from BRICS with the victory of pro-US libertarian candidate Javier Milei in the Presidential election.
According to reports, India is close to reaching an agreement with Tesla, allowing the US automaker to ship its electric cars to the country in 2024. Additionally, the automaker would set up a factory within two years, with Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu under consideration as potential locations. Reports suggest an announcement in this regard could be expected at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January.
Pakistan has applied to join BRICS in 2024 and is banking on Russia’s support during the membership process, the country’s recently appointed Ambassador to Russia, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, said on Tuesday. Jamali indicated that Islamabad intends to join the organisation under Russia’s presidency in 2024.
US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated on Tuesday that White House intelligence indicates that the Russian Wagner Group has been preparing to deploy air defence capabilities to either Iran or Hezbollah. Kirby said that the mercenary group is most likely acting on instructions from the Russian government. “We are prepared to use our counterterrorism sanctions authorities against Russian individuals or entities making these destabilising transfers,” Kirby asserted.
Citing the “evolving security situation” in Myanmar, the government of India advised all nationals to “avoid non-essential travel” to the war-torn country. Further, it advised those already living in Myanmar “to take precaution and avoid travel to the regions affected by violence.” The government also advised against inter-state travel by road should.
South Korea on Wednesday suspended part of the 2018 inter-Korea military agreement with North Korea after the latter launched a spy satellite on Tuesday, calling it a success. Pyongyang also vowed to launch more satellites soon.