OF THE
TIMES
13 May, 2024 13:17In this article, Interview: Join hands for future success of Russia-China partnership, says Putin there are quotes from a written interview with Vladimir Putin that explains how the BRICS approach to business is different from the approach of the US which aims a hegemony, or can we say preserving it, rather than multipolarity.
India and Iran sign long-term port deal
South Asian nation will operate Iran's strategic Chabahar Port on the Gulf of Oman, connecting it with Central Asia and Russia
[...]
According to the contract, state-run India Global Ports Limited (IGPL) will assume operations of general cargo and container terminals at one of Chabahar's two facilities, the Shahid Beheshti port. This one lies to the west of Iran's border with Pakistan and not far from that country's port of Gwadar, used as a hub in China's Belt and Road Initiative.
By inking the long-term deal, which comes after three years of negotiations, New Delhi effectively counterbalances China's presence in the region, reports suggest. It has also offered Tehran a rupee-denominated credit line equivalent to $250 million for infrastructure projects related to the port's development.
[...]
Chabahar is also seen as a gateway for unlocking India's trade potential with Central Asia, Russia and European countries. The port is a part of the INSTC multi-modal, north-south trade route linking the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea via Iran and Azerbaijan, and on to northern Europe.
This trade corridor originates in Mumbai and passes through Bandar Abbas, Bandar-e-Anzali, and Chabahar, then crosses the Caspian Sea to reach Astrakhan in southern Russia, linking Moscow and St Petersburg via rail and road connections. Data shows that the INSTC is projected to reduce transit times by 40%, shortening average trips from 45-60 days to 25-30 days. It is also likely to decrease freight costs by 30% and to emerge as a commercially viable alternative to the Suez Canal trade link between Asia and Europe.
"Russia may well take advantage of this uncertainty and move forward on the front line. Because of this, we in Europe have decided to significantly increase our subsidies in terms of weapons and ammunition for Ukraine."According to Breton, the EU is now on track to be producing 2 million shells, including 155mm caliber, per year for Ukraine. He said:
"It is fair to say the EU has moved into a war economy at least in terms of shell production. Now the challenge is for us to move into a war economy in all segments of the European defense industry."
Comment: Words do not carry weight, at least it is minimal in a physical sense, but the value of the above statements should not be overlooked, although that may in fact happen, as one thing is survive, but will Fico be able to recover enough to return to his post?
From the same source: See also:
Best of the Web: Slovakia's PM Robert Fico in 'life-threatening condition' after assassination attempt