India Bolsters Iran Ties with Vishwesh Negi’s Appointment as Ambassador
Amid the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, significant news has emerged regarding India’s ties with Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs has appointed Vishwesh Negi as India’s new ambassador to Iran. A 2002-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Negi currently serves as a Joint Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi. According to the Ministry, the new ambassador is expected to assume his diplomatic responsibilities in Tehran soon. Negi will take up this role at a time when strategic and trade relations between India and Iran are at a critical juncture. This development comes amidst heightened tensions. India has reiterated its concerns regarding the safety of commercial shipping routes and seafarers—particularly in the Strait of Hormuz—while advocating for dialogue and diplomatic efforts to resolve the current crisis. Prior to Negi’s appointment, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi last Friday. During the conversation, he emphasized that there must be no attacks on commercial shipping or seafarers under any circumstances. The two leaders also discussed the evolving security situation in the region. Subsequently, Jaishankar posted on X, stating that he had conveyed India’s deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and reiterated New Delhi’s support for dialogue and diplomacy. He stated, “Spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi this evening; expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in the region. Emphasized that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers must not occur under any circumstances. India condemns any such attacks by any party. Was apprised of Iran’s perspective on current developments and ongoing discussions. India always supports dialogue and diplomacy.” Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump tweeted on X that talks with Iran—expected to take place through intermediaries—are set to begin on Monday. Similarly, Iranian state media has reported that talks between Iran and Oman regarding a joint operational mechanism to control the maritime corridor are in the final stages.
PM Modi Begins Six-Day France Visit, to Attend G7 Summit and Strengthen India-France Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a Six-day visit to France, starting today. He will participate in a bilateral visit and the G-7 Leaders’ Summit. He will be in Nice on June 13th and 14th, in Evian for the summit on June 16th and 17th, and in Paris on June 17th and 18th. This is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s seventh visit to France since being sworn in as Prime Minister for the first time. This visit follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India on February 17th–19th, when relations between the two countries were elevated to the status of a Special Global Strategic Partnership. France is considered one of India’s most favored partners in Europe, and this relationship, based on strategic support and mutual respect, has reached its peak over the past several decades. During his visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India Innovates 2020 program, along with Prime Minister Macron. This program will bring together the best innovation startups from India, France, and around the world. Held during the India-France Innovation Year, this program is expected to attract participation from over 120 Indian companies and startups, along with prominent business leaders from France and other countries. PM Modi will also attend the WebTech Summit During this visit, PM Modi will also attend the WebTech Summit, Europe’s largest technology and startup event, in Paris on June 18. The Indian pavilion will be the largest this year. The G7 summit is also being capitalized on by US President Donald Trump’s participation, during which India will have the opportunity to reflect on issues affecting its security and economic interests. Defense: Defense cooperation between India and France is deep and wide-ranging, ranging from air and naval assets to helicopter engines and missiles. Some prominent examples of cooperation include the Rafale aircraft, Scorpene submarines, and Shakti helicopter engines. Space: In this area, ISRO and France’s national space agency, CNES, have a rich legacy of cooperation spanning six decades. Highlights include joint launches, the development of satellites such as Megha-Tropiques and SARAL, and cooperation on India’s human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. The two countries are also considering another satellite mission, TRISHNA. Nuclear: The passage of the Sustainable Use and Development of Nuclear Energy to Transform India (SHANTI) Act has created a major opportunity for cooperation between Indian and French industries. Regarding Small Modular Reactors/Advanced Modular Reactors, India and France signed a Declaration of Intent for cooperation in this area in February 2025.