MEA

Horizons Middle East & Africa provides daily spotlights on one of the world's fastest-growing regions, offering global market analysis and news-making interviews with a special focus on MEA. The service covers various locations for readers, including Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Johannesburg, and the Gulf. Content is sourced from Bloomberg.

Japan's PM Takaichi is on her first official visit to India, invited by Modi from July 1 to 3 for the 16th India-Japan annual summit. The visit is part of diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

The MEA stated that a passport is a travel document, not a citizenship document, prompting questions about the legal definition of citizenship.

A senior MEA official clarified that a passport is not a citizenship document, stating it only attests to nationality during international travel. The statement was in response to a query about using passports to challenge voter exclusion under SIR.

Iran has invited PM Modi for the funeral of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, scheduled between July 3 and 9. MEA officials have not confirmed whether Modi will attend. Iran’s Petroleum Minister arrived in New Delhi to discuss investment opportunities.

Zahed Ur Rahman, the Information & Broadcasting Adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was allowed entry into India despite being on a blacklist generated by the MEA in 2025 but chose to return from Delhi airport, according to sources.

The Centre denied reports of an attack on the vessel MT Liaki Freedom near Oman. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the Ministry contacted the vessel and verified all crew members are safe.

The U.S. Navy attacked three merchant vessels carrying Indian seafarers, prompting India to issue a firm message demanding the strikes cease. India protested the attack on the Settebello ship, emphasizing its commitment to seafarers' welfare, according to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

India is expected to be invited to join an initiative to secure the Strait of Hormuz, according to French sources. The issue will be discussed during PM Modi's meeting with President Macron, as stated by MEA's Secretary (West) Sibi George.

India urged the global community to hold Pakistan accountable after violence in PoK. India accused Pakistan of spreading fake news and videos to cover up its human rights abuses, according to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.