Relations between the eastern European nation Ukraine—caught up in a protracted territorial conflict over the Crimean Peninsula, and for which international sanctions were imposed on Russia—and India are back on track. Ukraine’s first priority at this stage of its engagements, according to H.E. Dr. Igor Polikha who is into his second stint as his country’s Ambassador to India, is to participate in Make in India. Dr Polikha is visibly impressed with some of the infrastructural innovations and growth in India that he’s seen since he was last here about five years ago, and talks us through those changes. We have an interview and have put him on our cover. 

Another important developing bilateral relationship is between India and Vietnam. The two nations have identified five pillars of strengthening strategic ties. They include cooperation in politics and diplomacy, trade, investment and tourism, security and defence, science and technology, culture and education. Exchanges between top leaders are getting more frequent. Vietnam has consistently logged over 6 per cent growth in its GDP over the past decade. India, on its part, has offered an USD 300 million line of credit to help Vietnam diversify sources of textile and garment material from India. We have an interview with H.E. Mr Ton Sinh Thanh, Ambassador of Vietnam, as part of the cover package.

Mongolia celebrated its annual Nadaam Festival in July. It more or less coincided with the 11th ASEM Summit in Ulaanbaatar. India Empire magazine was in Mongolia for both events. We bring you a pictorial coverage of that. 

We also have a report on Prime Minister’s 4-nation tour to the African continent, and his extensive exchanges with the Indian diaspora. 

There is much more to go through in this issue. 

Hope you have a very good read.

(sayantanc@gmail.com)