munich leaders meeting

European companies are warning the EU against a rapid reduction in reliance on US technology providers, citing operational difficulties and high costs. Businesses argue that achieving "tech sovereignty" quickly is challenging without impacting their global competitiveness and that comparable European alternatives are currently limited.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), in Munich, Germany, among several other key dignitaries, during her ongoing visit.

President Trump playfully teased Secretary of State Marco Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump about sharing the spotlight at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting. The board, focused on the Gaza ceasefire and rebuilding, saw pledges of $7 billion from several nations, with the US contributing $10 billion. Trump praised both Rubio and Vice President Vance for their contributions.

An interaction was organized by Government of West Bengal, Consulate General Munich, BVMW and FICCI in Munich on Thursday.

US Vice President JD Vance has changed his tone regarding Europe. He now says the US and Europe are on the same side. Vance spoke at a meeting in Washington. He stated the European alliance remains important. He acknowledged cultural links between the US and Europe. Vance previously criticized EU policies in February.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Saturday met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference and discussed bilateral relationship ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to India this month. "..Allowed us to take stock of the relationship as we look forward to @realDonaldTrump 's visit," Jaishankar tweeted.

In their first bilateral meet in Munich, PM Modi and Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez discussed issues ranging from trade and investment, defence cooperation, agriculture and food security to traditional medicine and cultural cooperation.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the US and Europe to jointly rebuild trans-Atlantic trust amidst rising global rivalries, warning against isolationism. He emphasized a "new trans-Atlantic partnership," distancing Europe from US "culture wars" and advocating for free trade. Merz highlighted Europe's increased defense spending and commitment to a stronger European pillar within NATO, signaling a shift towards greater shared responsibility.

In the 1930s, a German painter became famous among Indian royalty for his portraiture skills.

Robert Lewandowski will be out for "around four weeks" after the Bayern Munich forward picked up a knee injury during Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League demolition of Chelsea, the Bundesliga leaders announced on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday arrived in Munich on a two-day visit to Germany during which he will attend the G7 summit. The G7 leaders are expected to focus on the Ukraine crisis that has triggered geopolitical turmoil besides fuelling a global food and energy crisis. Foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings and discussions with the G7 leaders.

Iran could direct proxies to attack US targets: Officials

PM Modi arrived in Munich on Sunday to attend the G7 summit where he will hold meetings with G7 and partner countries and will hold discussions on several issues, including environment, energy and counter-terrorism.

At the Munich security conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet US vice president JD Vance, warning against trusting Vladimir Putin. Concerns grow over a potential Ukraine peace deal orchestrated by Trump, which may force Kyiv into territorial concessions. European allies fear being left to handle Ukraine’s security alone. Meanwhile, security is heightened in Munich following a recent car-ramming attack that injured 30 people.

NEW DELHI: International terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and drug trafficking will figure high on the agenda of discussions Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will have with the world's most powerful leaders during his three-nation tour to Germany, Russia and France beginning on Tuesday.