Italy, facing an influx of 800 migrants in Lampedusa within 36 hours, is taking steps to curb illegal immigration. Giorgia Meloni will sign a memorandum in Egypt, similar to one with Tunisia, as part of the 'Plan Mattei', a €5.5 billion investment in African development. The visit coincides with a €7.4 billion EU aid package to support Egypt's economy, amidst concerns of increased migration pressure due to conflicts in Sudan and Gaza. Egyptian President El-Sisi has warned of the potential for a Palestinian refugee flow into Egypt due to Israeli operations in Rafah.

India, as the current president of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), is hosting meetings leading to a summit in July. India's membership in the SCO aims to enhance Eurasian engagement but faces limitations due to disputes with China and Pakistan, as seen during the recent Defense Ministers' Meeting. The SCO's China-dominated nature and anti-West stance contrast with India's foreign policy, which includes countering China's influence through the Quad and other strategic partnerships. India's bilateral relations with Russia and Central Asia are strong and independent of the SCO, suggesting limited benefits from the group for India.

On January 22, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a significant event for Hindus worldwide. The temple's construction holds cultural, historical, and political importance, symbolizing the revered Hindu deity Ram and his ideal governance, Ram Rajya. The site has been contentious, with a history of conflict between Hindus and Muslims dating back to 1528 when a mosque was built over the original temple. The current ruling party, BJP, champions cultural nationalism and the temple's construction, which was legally sanctioned by the Supreme Court. The BJP's support for the temple has helped consolidate Hindu voters, weakening the Congress party's electoral base.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized India's commitment to the Global South and the need for a reformed and effective United Nations. India's foreign policy has historically supported the Global South, stemming from its own colonial past. India advocates for dialogue and diplomacy in the Russia-Ukraine war and calls for respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. India's role in South-South Cooperation and its position as a link between the developed North and the Global South are highlighted, especially in light of its economic growth and the fifth-largest economy status as per IMF projections. The article also discusses the need for UN reforms to ensure inclusivity and relevance, particularly for countries in Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific Island nations.

Myanmar's seafood industry is struggling due to security issues in Shan State and China's trade restrictions following COVID-19 outbreaks. The industry, which employs 3.5 million people, has seen a significant drop in international orders and increased transport costs, with 1 million jobs lost. Overland trade, accounting for 60% of marine exports, is now funneled through the Muse-Kyin San Kyawt route, raising expenses. The government has been urged to provide economic assistance, and the Asian Development Bank predicts a 6% economic growth which could aid recovery. Ongoing conflicts in Shan State further disrupt trade, with several ethnic armed groups not part of a 2015 peace deal and ceasefires proving ineffective.

India's withdrawal from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) raises questions about its future relations with ASEAN nations. India's concerns about trade imbalances and the influx of Chinese products led to its exit from the RCEP, which includes all 10 ASEAN members and other countries. India's decision may affect its engagement with Southeast Asia, as it has been working to strengthen ties through its Act East Policy and existing FTAs. With ASEAN countries likely to focus on RCEP, India risks isolation and must find new ways to engage with the region while addressing its domestic economic concerns and ongoing conflict with China.

India has been strategically countering Turkey's pro-Pakistan and anti-India stance, particularly on the Kashmir issue, by isolating Pakistan internationally and responding to Turkey's diplomatic offensives. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has engaged with leaders of countries in dispute with Turkey, cancelled a visit to Turkey, cut defense exports, and issued a demarche to Turkey's envoy. India also secured a defense deal with Armenia and is looking to reset ties with Malaysia following a regime change. India's foreign policy separates domestic politics from international relations, focusing on nation-state interests over religious communities, and has strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE while maintaining distance from Turkey.