Visits - January 2025 | General Test Preparation for CUET UG - CUET Commerce PDF Download

Overview of Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel's Visit to India

• Abdulla Khaleel, the Foreign Minister of the Maldives, visited India from January 2 to January 4, 2025. The purpose of his visit was to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries in various important areas, including maritime security, trade, and investment.
• During the visit, India and the Maldives signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the third phase of High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) in the Maldives.

Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Andhra Pradesh and Odisha

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Odisha from January 8 to 9, 2025, to launch various projects aimed at promoting sustainable development, industrial growth, and infrastructure enhancement. The total worth of these projects exceeded Rs 2 lakh crore.

• In Andhra Pradesh, PM Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several railway and road projects valued at over Rs. 19,500 crore.
• He also launched the first Green Hydrogen Hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) in Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh.
• In Odisha, PM Modi inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) convention and remotely flagged off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express in Bhubaneswar.

Microsoft chairman and CEO Satya Nadella's Visit to India

Microsoft Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Satya Nadella visited India in January 2025 as part of the Microsoft AI Tour, aiming to discuss expansion and investment plans to position India as a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

During this visit, IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division under the Digital India Corporation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft to promote the adoption and development of AI in India.

As part of this initiative, Microsoft and IndiaAI plan to establish "AI Catalysts," a Center of Excellence focused on fostering rural AI innovation in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. This initiative aims to equip 100,000 AI innovators and developers through hackathons, community building, and creating an AI marketplace.

Furthermore, Microsoft announced a substantial USD 3 billion investment in India over the next two years to enhance AI and cloud infrastructure, as well as skilling initiatives in the country.

Overview of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s Visit to India

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam made his first bilateral state visit to India from January 14 to 18, 2025. He was joined by Chee Hong Tat, Singapore's Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, and Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Development.

During his visit, President Tharman and Indian President Droupadi Murmu jointly launched the 60th Anniversary Commemorative logo at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. This logo signifies six decades of strong bilateral relations between India and Singapore.

Additionally, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Odisha government and various Singaporean organizations during President Tharman's visit.

Overview of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo’s Visit to India (January 23-26, 2025)

• President Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo of Indonesia visited India from January 23 to 26, 2025, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This visit marked his first bilateral trip to India and coincided with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Indonesia.

Signed MoUs and Cooperation Agreements

• During President Prabowo's visit, five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed and renewed, covering various areas such as health, traditional medicine, and maritime security.
• Health Cooperation. An MoU on Health Cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) of India and the Ministry of Health of Indonesia.
• Maritime Safety and Security. The MoU on Maritime Safety and Security Cooperation was renewed between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Badan Keamanan Laut Republik (BAKAMLA), the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency.
• Traditional Medicine Quality Assurance. The Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homeopathy (PCIM&H) under the Ministry of AYUSH in India and the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority signed an MoU on Traditional Medicine Quality Assurance.
• Digital Development. An MoU on Cooperation in Digital Development was signed between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of India and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs of Indonesia.
• Cultural Exchange Program. A Cultural Exchange Program was signed between the Ministry of Culture of India and the Ministry of Culture of Indonesia for the period 2025-2028.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's Visit to Saudi Arabia for Hajj Preparations

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, responsible for the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, visited Saudi Arabia from January 11 to 14, 2025. The purpose of his visit was to oversee the necessary arrangements and preparations for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage, with the goal of improving the experience for Indian pilgrims.

During his visit on January 13, 2025, India formalized a Hajj agreement with Saudi Arabia, securing a quota for 175,025 Indian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj season. The agreement was signed by Kiren Rijiju and Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Saudi Arabia's Minister for Hajj and Umrah, in Jeddah.

Overview of EAM S. Jaishankar's Visit to Spain (January 13-14, 2025)

• Union Minister S. Jaishankar from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) visited Spain for two days from January 13th to 14th, 2025. This was his second visit to Spain and his first as the External Affairs Minister.
• The purpose of the visit was to meet with Spain's leadership and engage in extensive discussions with Foreign Minister Manuel Albares. During his trip, Jaishankar also addressed the 9th Annual Conference of Spanish Ambassadors and interacted with the Indian community in Spain.
• During the meetings, India and Spain signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation in the areas of sports and sustainable urban development.