Bulgaria, one of the 28 member states of the European Union, is uniquely placed. Since January 1, 2018, and until June 30, 2018, this Balkan nation has the presidency of the Council of the European Union, the first time since the country’s accession to the EU in 2007. The Bulgarian presidency has four clear priorities—future of Europe and young people, western Balkans, security and stability, and digital Europe. Over two hundred political and expert-level meetings are scheduled during this period, other than twenty five high-level events. Bulgarian Ambassador to India H.E. Mr Petko Doykov, in an interview with India Empire magazine, outlines the abiding friendship between his country and India, several ministerial visits in recent times, the preparation for the Indian President’s visit to Bulgaria later this year, the growing bilateral trade, investment opportunities and the presence of Indian businesses in Bulgaria, and much more.

According to the India International Film Tourism Council, eight of the top 300 Indian films shot abroad in 2015-2016 were in Bulgaria. This includes Dilwale. As I write, the shooting of Brahmastra has started in Bulgaria (see news in Bulgaria section).

Mongolian Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr Gonchig Ganbold, who has regularly contributed wonderful features in the India Empire magazine has on this occasion written about theTsagaan sar—the white month of New Year which heralds the onset of a reinvigorating spring that follows months of extremely cold weather. Tsagaan sar is being celebrated since the early 13th century, ever since the time of Chinggis Khan.

The Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, H.E. Mr Syed Muazzem Ali has stressed on further strengthening relations between New Delhi and Dhaka, saying that the destinies of the two neighbours are inescapably intertwined. Meanwhile, the Peruvian Embassy in Delhi held a week-long GRULAC (Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries) photo exhibition at its art gallery called “MyLatinAmericanTrip2017”. It was a culmination of a photography contest open to all Indian tourists who travel through Latin America and the Caribbean. Seventy entries from non-professional photographers were received, and 19 were shortlisted. Awards were given away by the Dean of Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Hans Dannenberg Castellanos, and representatives from Mexico, Peru, Argentina and Chile.

In the diaspora section, we have an account of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Gulf, and several other items of interest.

I hope the contents hold your interest, as you navigate through our pages.

Happy reading.

(sayantanc@gmail.com)