The World This Week#321

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The World This Week

The World This Week#321

Indian PM Modi's visit to the Maldives I Elections to the Upper House in Japan

The World This Week #321 Vol 7, No 30, 27 July 2025

GP Team
27 July 2025

PM Modi’s Visit, India and the Maldives:
Prioritizing Neighbors
Swati Sood

What happened?
On 25 July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Male, Maldives. He was welcomed by Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu and the Maldivian Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister, and the Minister of Homeland Security.

On the same day, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral meetings with Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu, emphasizing Maldives’s role in India’s Neighborhood First policy and the MAHASAGAR vision. Both leaders unveiled a new building of the Ministry of Defence of the Maldives and released a stamp to commemorate 60 years of ‘India-Maldives friendship.’

On the same day, India and the Maldives signed four MoUs and various Agreements. MoUs covered various sectors, including the United Payments Interface (UPI), digital public infrastructure, fisheries, and meteorology. India also extended to the Maldives a Line of Credit (LoC) worth INR 4,850 crore. Additionally, India and the Maldives have agreed upon Terms of Reference for the initiation of negotiations for signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

On 26 July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the Guest of Honour at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations

What is the background?
First, a brief note on India-Maldives relations. India and the Maldives’s ties can be traced back to medieval maritime trade. Such cultural exchanges, particularly from the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, shaped the country’s language, cuisine, and boat-building traditions. A strong political foundation underpins relations between the two countries. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1965. In 1988, India launched Operation Cactus to militarily intervene to prevent a coup to overthrow then-President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. In 2008, India also supported the country’s transition to democracy.

Second, recent tensions between India and the Maldives. The ‘India Out’ campaign was launched in 2020, notably led by then-opposition leader and current president Mohammed Muizzu. In January 2024, derogatory remarks made by Maldivian cabinet ministers against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi triggered a diplomatic confrontation between the two nations and saw Indians boycotting the Maldives. Subsequently, a majority of the remaining Indian military troops withdrew from the country. Another flashpoint has been the closeness of the current government with China in terms of economic and security cooperation.

Third, India’s Neighborhood First policy’ and the economic assistance to the Maldives. India’s ‘Neighborhood First policy’ guides its diplomatic strategy with countries in its immediate neighborhood, that is: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Neighborhood First policy emphasizes on expanding India’s trade and commerce relations with the neighboring countries. In 2020, India gave a USD 100â€¯million grant and a Line of Credit (LoC) of USD 400â€¯million for the Greater Malé Connectivity Project. In 2021, India provided a USD 50â€¯million defence Line of Credit (LoC) for the development and maintenance of the Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) naval harbour. In August 2024, India financed and handed over water and sewerage infrastructure projects across 28 islands, built at a cost of approximately USD 110 million. Further, India also provided emergency financial assistance by rolling over USDâ€¯100â€¯million of Maldivian Treasury Bills and established a currency swap framework of USD 400â€¯million and INRâ€¯3,000 crore. Additionally, India helped restore the water supply in Malé in 2014 through Operation Neer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India ensured the steadfast delivery of vaccines under the Vaccine Maitri initiative.

Fourth, the bilateral trade. India was the second largest trade partner in 2022 and the largest in 2023. Bilateral trade value in 2022 amounted to USD 176.5 million. India exports essential commodities to the Maldives, such as engineering and industrial products like drugs and pharmaceuticals, radar apparatus, cement, and agricultural produce like rice, spices, and vegetables. Whereas, the Maldives exports scrap metals to India.

What does it mean?
First, bipartisan support for advancing India-Maldives relations. India continues to remain an indispensable partner for the Maldives. The fallouts from tensions in the bilateral relations had manifested the Maldivian government the risk of alienating a regional power like India. As a result, there is growing recognition among Maldivian politicians –including those who have previously opposed India’s presence and influence—about the imperative of maintaining cordial and stable relations with India for national interest and regional security.

Second, the implications of increased Indian presence in the Maldives. India’s contribution to enhancing housing, healthcare, and transport can help promote a positive attitude towards India among the Maldivian people. This legitimizes India’s positioning of being a ‘first responder’ to the country, ensuring people-centric development. India has helped strengthen the Maldives’ defence and maritime surveillance capabilities. While Maldives has sought to balance Indian and Chinese influences to maximise its autonomy, Maldives’ economic position and shared security goals with India in terms of counter-terrorism and the Indian Ocean Region necessitate a reliance on India.

Elections for Japan’s Upper House:
Another setback for the ruling party
Kasvi Batra

What happened?
On 20 July, Japanese voters cast their ballots in the Upper House elections to decide 125 of the 248 seats in the National Diet (legislature of Japan).

On 21 July, results confirmed that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)–Komeito coalition lost its majority in the House of Councillors. The coalition secured 47 seats, falling short of the 50 needed to maintain a majority, though it still holds 75 seats, which were not up for re-election.

The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan remained the largest opposition bloc with 22 seats; The Democratic Party for the People (DPP) won 17 seats, surpassing Komeito as the third-largest party. Sanseito made the most gains, increasing its representation from one seat to 14.

What is the background?
First a brief overview of Japan’s political system.The National Diet, Japan’s bicameral legislature, consists of the House of Representatives (lower house) and the House of Councillors (upper house). Both houses share powers including electing leadership, forming committees, setting rules, investigating government affairs, and voting on petitions. The 248-member House of Councillors (uses a mixed electoral system. Members serve six-year terms, with half (124) elected every three years.

Second, a brief note on major political parties.The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Japan’s dominant center-right party with about 113 seats, is traditionally pro-business and backs the U.S.–Japan alliance, Its junior coalition partner; Komeito is a centrist, socially conservative party rooted in Buddhist-democratic principles, with approximately 27 seats. The main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), leans center-left and advocates for social welfare, constitutional pacifism, and expanded civil rights, holding roughly 41 seats. Nippon Ishin no Kai, a reform-oriented, right-leaning regionalist party based in Osaka, promotes federal decentralization and deregulation and has around 18 seats . The left-wing Japanese Communist Party holds around 11 seats and advocates socialism, anti-militarism, and grassroots democracy. Sanseito is also known as the "Japanese First" party, is a far-right nationalist and populist group campaigning on anti-immigration, economic nationalism, and strongly protectionist rhetoric holds 15 seats.

Third recent elections and party positions. The 2024 Lower House snap election was called by the current PM Shigeru Ishiba. Ishiba dissolved the House on 1 October to leverage his reformist image and regain public trust. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)–Komeito coalition secured only 215 seats, falling short of the 233 needed for a Lower House majority, marking only its second such loss since 1955, the first being in 2009. The Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) surged from 98 to 148 seats, becoming the largest opposition party

Fourth, important key issues in the Upper House elections. It included 3.5 per cent inflation rate, which exceeds the Bank of Japan's two per cent ceiling, rising prices of essential goods, cost of living concerns, immigration policy and overtourism concerns internal scandals within the ruling party and delays in trade negotiations with the US.;

What does it mean?
First, the setback to the ruling LDP., Opposition parties such as the Constitutional Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party gained significant ground in the current elections. For the first time in recent history, the ruling LDP-Komeito coalition lost its majority in both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. This dual loss has weakened the government’s legislative power, making it reliant on complex political negotiations to pass laws. The party’s vague campaign, reliance on handouts, and refusal to cut taxes amid inflation further eroded support.

Second, the weakening of PM Ishiba’s mandate. This election has raised doubts about his ability to uphold international commitments. Foreign partners may fear that Japan’s trade, security, and diplomatic promises may be undermined by internal instability.

TWTW Regional Roundups

News from around the world
Padmashree Anandhan, Rizwana Banu S, M Santhiya, Merin Treesa Alex, Rohini Reenum, Femy Francis, Anu Maria Joseph, Kasvi Batra and Swati Sood.

CHINA THIS WEEK
China: Yarlung Tsangpo mega dam project in Tibet raises concerns in India and Bangladesh
On 20 July, China’s Premier Li Qiang launched the mega projects to be made on the Tibetan Plateau, aimed to be the world’s largest hydroelectric facility. The project is located in the lower regions of Yarlung Tsangpo River, the location of the same have raised concerns regarding the water supply of lower riparian countries, and the ecological impact on the downstream countries India and Bangladesh. The ceremony was held in the Nyingchi region of Tibet. The Yarlung Tsangpo River becomes the Brahmaputra River as it leaves Tibet, and flows to India’s Arunachal Pradesh. The initiative was first announced under China’s 2020 five-year plan. The dam will create 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, which will be three times more than the Gorges Dam. Additional concerns include, impact on water and food security for India and Bangladesh, and the weaponization of water by China, which they can use to cause floods or induce drought. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “Rather, the project could help in disaster prevention and mitigation efforts, and support climate change adaptation in downstream regions.” This has also encouraged India to speed up the building of its hydropower projects in the Brahmaputra, Arunachal Pradesh.

China: Vietnam to conduct the first joint army drills, informs China’s Defense Ministry
On 20 July, China’s Ministry of National Defense reported that China and Vietnam will conduct their first joint army training exercise. The ministry announced that the exercise will be held this month in southern China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which borders Vietnam. This joint exercise comes in light of growing relations between the two countries as economic partners. The two have previously held joint naval and land border patrols. The future exercise will be the first where the armies of the two countries exchange. The ministry said: “This is the first joint army drill between China and Vietnam, with the theme of ‘joint border patrol training.” They added that this will further deepen the practical cooperation between the two militaries. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. This year, China's PLA was also part of Vietnam’s annual celebration of the fall of Saigon. It marked 50 years since the end of Vietnam’s civil war.

China: President and EU heads meet for the 25th China-EU Summit to further bilateral ties
On 24 July, China’s President Xi Jinping meets the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in Beijing. This is part of the 25th China-EU summit, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two entities. Ursula, before the trip, posted on social media: “Touch down in Beijing, as we mark 50 years of ties between Europe and China. This summit presents an opportunity to both advance and rebalance our relationship. I'm convinced there can be mutually beneficial cooperation. One that can define the next 50 years of our relations.” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Guo Jiankun, stated that both China and the EU are at a critical juncture, as they confront new opportunities and challenges based on past achievements. The summit aims to further bilateral ties between the two, as deepening cooperation will enhance the interests of both and the larger world, as expressed by Guo. The summit aims to discuss the trade relations, rare earths, trade deficit of the EU, climate change, EVs, and the overcapacity of Chinese industries.

China: Russia resumes joint oceanographic research expedition after five years
On 22 July, China and Russia set sail for a joint oceanographic expedition. This expedition aims to investigate the evolution of oceans and the forces driving climate change. They have a 25-member crew from both countries. This is the ninth such expedition between the two countries; but the first one since the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The researchers will conduct environmental surveys at the Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Chinese Consulate General in Vladivostok, Wang Jung said: “The resumption of China-Russia joint oceanographic surveys shows a shared commitment to addressing global climate change and exploring cutting-edge marine science, and marks a new chapter in bilateral marine research cooperation.”

China: India opens tourist visa application for Chinese nationals after five years
On 24 July, India’s Embassy in China announced that they are resuming applications for tourist visas; noting that they now allow Chinese citizens to acquire the visa for the first time in five years, as they inch towards improving relations. The applicants will be required to complete an online form and book an in-person appointment to submit their required documents. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called it a “positive move” that serves their common interests. The ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, said: “China stands ready to maintain communication and coordination with India to keep facilitating people-to-people exchanges between the two countries”. From 2020, India suspended all tourist visas for Chinese nationals after clashes in Doklam and the pandemic. They have also agreed to restore the direct flights between the two countries, and China’s Ambassador to India called to revive the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra to further the mending of ties.

China: Pakistan signs MoU with Chinese firm to advance its ship leasing, sales, and crew management
On 24 July, Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shandong Xinxu Group to advance ship leasing, sales, and crew management. This MOU was signed with Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) as part of modernizing the shipping industry, informed Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. He expressed that this is the beginning of their joint development and said: “It will strengthen Pakistan’s role in the growth of the shipping industry and create an enabling environment for further investment in the maritime sector”. The Chinese firm has agreed to give capital and a vessel to the PNSC. This comes days after Karachi ports halved port charges for their largest deep-sea facility, where Chaudhry said: “By lowering operational costs and streamlining logistics, we are not only boosting trade competitiveness but also contributing to climate resilience”.

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC THIS WEEK
Japan: Japan and US strike a trade deal; Exports from Japan to face 15 per cent tariffs
On 22 July Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he had struck a trade deal with Japan. The details of the agreement include a 15 per cent tariff on Japanese exports, USD 550 billion worth of Japanese investments in the USA, increased Japanese market access to American automobile, and agriculture producers. Tokyo’s trade envoy Ryosei Akazawa told reporters in Washington that the separate US sectoral tariffs of 50 percent on imports of Japanese steel and aluminium are not part of the deal. Akazawa also confirmed that this deal does not cover US spending on defense.

Vanuatu: UN court says countries are liable for climate emissions
On 23 July, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a landmark advisory opinion stating that countries can be held legally responsible for greenhouse gas emissions under international law. The case was initiated by students from the University of South Pacific, who urged Vanuatu to seek clarity on states’ climate obligations. The ICJ addressed two questions: what countries must do under existing law to protect the climate, and what legal consequences arise from harming the environment. ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa emphasized that environmental protection is essential for human rights. Rejecting arguments from major powers like the U.S. and China, the court held that responsibilities go beyond treaties like the Paris Accord, encompassing broader norms of human rights and cross-border harm. Notably, the court stated that loss of territory from sea level rise does not end statehood. Though non-binding, the opinion could drive climate litigation, strengthen small states’ negotiating power, and shape future legal standards.

SOUTHEAST AND SOUTH ASIA
Indonesia: Two regencies in the West Sumatra province declare emergency due to ongoing forest fires
On 22 July, Solok and Lima Puluh Kota regencies in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province declared a state of emergency; as all of Solok’s 14 districts and hilly areas in Lima Kota have been hit by forest fires. Mr Abdul Muhari, a spokesman for Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) stated that due to a decrease in rainfall, hot and dry weather conditions have significantly increased the risk of conflagration. Fire fighters are facing challenges in bringing the fire in Lima Puluh Kota under control as the affected region has only slopes ranging from 70 to 90 degrees making it difficult to reach. The relief effort is also being hindered by the fact that helicopters carrying water and retardants are presently being deployed in the provinces of Riau and South Sumatra where more than 140 peatland and forest fires have been reported. The fires in the region have led to heavy pollution which in turn has reduced the visibility to as low as a kilometer.

Philippines: US and Philippines finalise a trade agreement; goods from Philippines to incur 19 per cent tariffs in the US
On 23 July, The Manila Times reported that the United States and Philippines have arrived at a trade agreement under which there would be a 19 percent tariff on goods imported from the Philippines and zero tariff on certain US products such as automobiles. However, Philippine's President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. stated that details were still to be ironed out "on the different products, on the different exports." At a joint press conference with President Marcos, Trump stated that beyond the trade agreement, the two leaders would also collaborate on military matters. The 19 percent tariff is slightly below the 20 percent tariff that the Trump administration initially planned to impose on the Philippines and it also exceeds the previously announced 17 percent in April.

Pakistan: Pakistan and Bangladesh decide to exempt visa requirements for “official and diplomatic passport holders”
On 23 July, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with Home Minister of Bangladesh Jahangir Alam Chowdhury in Dhaka. After the meeting, it was announced that people from the two countries who possessed “diplomatic and official passports” would be exempted from visa requirements. Interior Minister Naqvi termed his visit as “of great significance in strengthening bilateral relations.” The Bangladeshi home minister expressed gratitude towards Pakistan for providing “training opportunities” to police personnel from Bangladesh. During the meeting, the two leaders decided to work towards increasing collaboration in “counter-narcotics, anti-human trafficking, counter-terrorism, and police training.” Pakistan-Bangladesh ties are on an upswing after Sheikh Hasina’s government fell in 2023. There has been a surge in the number of bilateral visits between the two countries. FM Dar had planned to travel to Bangladesh in April; however, the India-Pakistan military confrontation resulted in “delaying” the visit.

Pakistan: Pakistan and Afghanistan sign Preferential Trade Agreement, duties on eight items “capped” at 27 per cent
On 24 July, Pakistan and Afghanistan inked a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). The agreement was signed by Jawad Paul who is Commerce Secretary of Pakistan and Mullah Ahmadullah Zahid who is the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce in the interim Taliban government. The agreement aimed at decreasing duties on “eight agricultural products.” After the signing of the agreement, import tariffs on Pakistan’s grapes, mangoes, kinnows, bananas, and potatoes were from a previous 60 per cent to a maximum of 27 per cent. Similarly, the duties on the import products from Afghanistan- grapes, pomegranates, apples, and tomatoes will also incur a maximum of 27 per cent tariffs. The new duty rates would come into force on 1 August 2025. The agreement can be “renewed” in the following year and new products could also be included in the list.

Pakistan: Lahore gets Pakistan’s first electric tram imported from China
On 23 July, The Express Tribune reported that Lahore has received Pakistan’s first electric tram. The tram has been imported in China. As per The Express Tribune, the tram would not run on a conventional rail line. The imported tram from China can accommodate 200 people and has three compartments. It has the capacity to cover 27 kilometers with just “10-minute charge.” Further, the trap has the capacity to run driverless, however, in Pakistan it would be “manually operated” because of safety issues. The transport minister of Punjab Bilal Akbar Khan, claimed that trams with latest technology would be operating in Lahore and Gujranwala, even before it arrives in other big cities of the world such as Budapest. Further, the transport minister informed that for the trial period, trams would run from “Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura along the canal road corridor.” The concerned authorities would examine whether a separate lane is required for the tram to run. It is anticipated that the service of trap would also arrive in other cities of Punjab such as Faisalabad, if it is successful in Lahore

Pakistan: Bill in Senate seeks to prohibit children under 16 from making social media accounts
On 21 July, senators Sarmad Ali and Masroor Ahmed put forward a bill in the senate which sought to prohibit children less than the age of 16 from making social media accounts. The bill is seen as a measure for protecting children from “online exploitation, cyberbullying and harmful content.” As per the bill, if the social media companies are found guilty of allowing children less than the age of 16 to create social media accounts, they would be held liable for paying fines up to PKR five million. In addition to that, if any adult is found to facilitate minors for creating social media accounts, they could be given six months jail sentence as punishment. If the bill gets passed, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority would be obliged to delete all social media accounts whose owners are less than the age of 16.

MIDDLE EAST THIS WEEK
Iran: Iran and E3 countries hold talks in Istanbul
On 25 July, Iran and the E3 countries (France, Germany and the United Kingdom) held a diplomatic meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. The meeting followed earlier warnings by the E3 countries that failure to reach a nuclear deal by end of August would lead to re-imposition of sanctions on Iran under the “snapback mechanism” under the 2015 nuclear deal. On the Iranian side, the meeting was attended by Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and senior Iranian diplomat Majid Takht-Ravanchi who termed the meeting as “serious, frank and detailed.”Additionally, Iran revealed that both sides decided that negotiations on the matter will continue.

Israel: Israel attacks Hodeidah port in Yemen
On 21 July, Al Jazeera reported that Israel had once again launched attacks on the Houthi-controlled Hodeidah port in Yemen. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the attacks and stated that the attacks were aimed at “forcefully countering any attempt to restore the terror infrastructure previously attacked.” Israel has repeatedly claimed that the port is used by the Houthis to launch attacks against Israel and its allies. Following the latest attacks, the Israeli military reiterated that the “port serves as a channel for weapons used by the Houthis to carry out terrorist operations against Israel and its allies”. In response, the Houthis launched counter drone and missile attacks at several targets in Israel, including the Ben Gurion airport, Ashdod and Jaffa. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree confirmed that these attacks were in retaliation to Israel’s attacks on the port but also against the continuing bombardment of Gaza.

Gaza: Death toll from starvation reaches 111, aid-seeker deaths crosses 1000
On 23 July, Al Jazeera reported that deaths in Gaza due to starvation have reached 111 with majority of these deaths having occurred in recent weeks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 21 of those dead are below the age of five years and have died this year alone. 111 non-governmental and human rights organizations, in a statement, have revealed that this “mass starvation” is not due to the paucity of aid which is available at Gaza’s doorstep but because of access restrictions. It is to be noted that Israel had stopped the flow of aid into Gaza in March and only allowed limited supplies to trickle in since May. Aid distribution organizations operating within Gaza have accused it of “choking delivery.” Reports have also emerged of Israel targeting and killing aid seekers when they approach distribution points. In this regard, Al Jazeera reported that the number of aid seekers who have been killed by Israeli forces has crossed 1000.

Syria: Explosion in Idlib province kills four, 116 wounded
On 24 July, Al Jazeera quoted Syria’s state news agency SANA which reported that an explosion in the town of Maarat Misrin in the northern Idlib province has killed four people and wounded 116 others. The cause of the explosion remains unclear until the time of reporting. It is to be noted that this is the third blast in this month in the province with the previous two blasts occurring in Kafriya and al-Fu’ah regions.

AFRICA THIS WEEK
Western Sahara: Portugal supports Morocco’s autonomy proposal
On 23 July, Portugal announced its support for Morocco’s plan to settle the ongoing conflict in Western Sahara. Portugal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, made the announcement during a diplomatic meeting with other countries that support Morocco’s plan; to give the region limited self-rule. He described the proposal as “serious and credible.” The conflict over Western Sahara has been ongoing since Spain left the territory in 1975. Morocco claims sovereignty over the territory. Meanwhile, the rebel group, Polisario Front, supported by Algeria, seeks full independence for the region. The Polisario Front rejected Morocco’s offer and insisted that an independence vote was an acceptable path forward.

EUROPE THIS WEEK
EU-Japan summit ends with security and defence partnership
On 23 July, in the Japan-European Union (EU) strategic partnership summit, leaders pledged to deepen cooperation across security, defence, economy, and multilateral efforts. The two sides emphasized the need for secure supply chains, emerging technologies, and maritime security. The two sides also discussed pressing geopolitical issues, including Russia’s war against Ukraine, tensions in the Indo-Pacific, conflicts in the Middle East, and the Afghanistan crisis. The partnership reinforced support for multilateralism and ongoing collaboration in science, technology, and sustainable development. The 30th EU–Japan summit concluded with both partners defending the rules-based trade system amidst trade tensions with the US.

Greece: Experts warn that climate change is worsening wildfire risks
On 23 July, Euronews reported that a firefighting helicopter had crashed into the sea while attempting to collect water to fight a wildfire near Athens; all three crew members were rescued. A major wildfire also broke out near the southern city of Corinth, forcing the evacuation of several villages. Supported by 15 aircrafts and 12 helicopters; firefighters were deployed to tackle the fire, in a pine forest in a mountainous area. No injuries were reported. Temperatures in parts of Greece have increased to 40°C, creating dangerous conditions for emergency crews. Experts warn that climate change is worsening the wildfire risks, remembering the deadly 2018 Mati fire, where over 100 people lost their lives.

About the Authors
Swati Sood is an undergraduate student in Political Science at the University of Delhi. Kasvi Batra is a Research intern at National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS). Lekshmi MK is a postgraduate student at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College. R Preetha is pursuing post-graduation at the Department of International Studies, Stella Maris. Femy Francis, Anu Maria Joseph, and Padmashree Anandhan are Project Associates at NIAS. Rohini Reenum is a Doctoral Student at NIAS. is Project Associates at NIAS. Rizwana Banu S is an undergraduate student at the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College. Merin Treesa Alex is a postgraduate student at the Department of International Studies, Stella Maris College, Chennai. M Santhiya is from the Department of Political Science, Madras Christian College, Chennai.