This week’s headline features a story from Asia:

The inaugural ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue, held in Singapore on October 16, 2024, marked a key step in enhancing cybersecurity cooperation between India and ASEAN. Co-chaired by India's Amit A. Shukla and the Philippines' Jeffrey Ian Dy, the dialogue focused on addressing complex cyber threats, fostering capacity building, and advancing digital governance. It reinforced the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, emphasizing cybersecurity as a pillar for secure digital trade and resilient ICT infrastructure.

Europe:  On October 16, 2024, the German Cabinet approved the strategic document "Focus on India," outlining the future direction of bilateral relations with India. The German government aims to elevate the strategic partnership established in 2000 to a higher level. The initial steps for its implementation will be discussed at the upcoming Indo-German intergovernmental consultations at the end of the month.

North America: The US and India announced over USD 2 million in grants for 17 joint research projects on AI and quantum technologies, focusing on societal challenges. Additionally, a USD 1 million grant supports research on advanced materials and critical minerals.

South America: On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17th October, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean made an urgent call to revitalize the fight against poverty and resume this challenge as a priority on the regional public and political agenda during the hybrid event "Reimagining Solutions to Poverty.

Asia: The first ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue was held in Singapore, co-chaired by India and the Philippines. The discussions covered cyber threats, national policies, and ICT developments, focusing on cooperation in capacity building and digital transformation. The dialogue further strengthened the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Australia : India and Australia are intensifying negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) to finalize terms before Australia’s elections next year. India aims to address tariff asymmetries in its trade agreements with ASEAN, seeking differentiated concessions based on economic development level.

Africa:  At the 2023 BRICS Meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India's partnership in Africa's transformation under Agenda 2063. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to boost intra-African trade by removing barriers, supporting agriculture, and strengthening Africa’s industrial sector.