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 and President Macron Expand UPI in France…
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Emmanuel Macron in Nice, France, where the two leaders jointly inaugurated the “India Innovates” program, which aims to connect startups from India, France, and other countries. President Macron also welcomed PM Modi. This program will bring together leading innovation startups and venture capital funds from India, France, and other countries. Prime Minister Modi also stated that while different countries in the world trade with each other, there are also policy partnerships between different countries, but some relationships are driven by shared interests as well as shared passions. He described the relationship between India and France as one of strong trust, innovation, inspiration, shared values, and a shared vision. He emphasized the strength of this relationship, highlighting the strong trust, innovation, inspiration, shared values, and shared vision that have been the foundation of these initiatives over the years, and they have striven to find solutions to global challenges. He also expressed his happiness at the collaboration between the two countries and the launch of India Innovates. Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held bilateral talks during which the two leaders discussed key issues. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the talks focused on areas such as artificial intelligence, startups, trade, infrastructure, mobility, and health. The two leaders reviewed the progress of the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership and agreed to further strengthen it, discussing innovation, investment, security, culture, and people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron sealed the deal. Following the meeting, payments using the UPI payment app will now be available in France. Countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Combodia, Mauritius, Qatar, UAE, Singapore and Nepal have already adopted this payment system. France is the first European country to adopt India’s digital payment system, allowing Indian tourists to make payments directly in rupees by scanning a QR code in France. Modi led India’s financial sector to reach global prominence. During his visit to Paris in July 2023, he announced the bilateral agreement. In January 2024, PM Modi hosted the French President in Jaipur, where the President demonstrated the system live by purchasing tea and local handicrafts using UPI. Recently, at the India Innovates 2026 conference in France, PM Modi and the President met, and an agreement was reached to expand UPI to more French transport hubs and cities. Using UPI, Indian tourists can purchase tickets in rupees directly by scanning a QR code at ticket counters online. This world-renowned luxury shopping mall in Paris will also accept merchant UPI payments for Indian tourists. The Ministry of External Affairs also stated that the meeting yielded concrete results in several areas, particularly in the areas of AI, science, space, and startups. Before departing, Prime Minister Modi stated that the relationship holds a special place in the strategic vision of France and India, and during this visit, he will also participate in the G-7 summit and meet with several global leaders, including US President Trump. It is being told that Prime Minister Modi has left France for his visit to Slovakia and during this visit, India-Slovakia relations are expected to become stronger in the field of trade, investment, innovation and strategic cooperation.