Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
INDIA's prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (10) made a strong pitch to woo global investors to the world's fastest growing large economy, saying there are new opportunities across sectors and regions for mutual prosperity.
His pitch at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit comes months before he seeks a third term in national elections, in which the economy is a central issue, and also as global businesses look at India to diversify supply chains beyond China.
Modi said the world looks at India as a "powerhouse for talented youth, a technology hub for finding solutions and a democracy that delivers", and the country is on its way to becoming the third largest economy in a few years.
He said India's economy has shown momentum and resilience despite geopolitical troubles around the world and invited investors to be a part of its growth journey.
The prime minister highlighted the goal of India in the next 25 years. "We have the goal of making it a developed country by the time it celebrates 100 years of independence. Therefore, these 25 years' duration is India's Amrit Kaal," Modi said.
At the inauguration ceremony, Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel extended a warm welcome to delegates from over 130 countries.
Patel extended welcome to 34 partner countries and delegates from over 130 nations participating in the Vibrant Gujarat summit. He acknowledged prime minister Modi for extending the concept of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' globally, and highlighted India's pride in the success of its G20 presidency.
Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman of Reliance Industries, affirmed the company's roots, stating that Reliance has, is, and will always be a Gujarati company. He emphasised the substantial investments made, exceeding $150 billion in the past decade, with more than one-third specifically allocated to Gujarat.
Prominent foreign entities, including Microsoft, Nasdaq, Google, and Suzuki, are active participants in the summit. Among the notable Indian executives attending are Asia's two wealthiest individuals, Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, alongside N Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Tata Group.
As Gandhinagar prepares for the event, comprehensive security measures are in place, featuring 3-D mapping of venues utilising drones, decentralised command and control centers, and strategically placed CCTV cameras.
Mahatma Mandir, Sector-17 Exhibition Center, and GIFT City will host various programmes, each underlined by meticulous security arrangements.
Taliban security personnel on a Soviet-era tank ride towards the border, during clashes between Taliban security personnel and Pakistani border forces, in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar Province on October 15, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
Pakistan and Afghanistan agree to an “immediate ceasefire” after talks in Doha.
At least 10 Afghans killed in Pakistani air strikes before the truce.
Both countries to meet again in Istanbul on October 25.
Taliban and Pakistan pledge to respect each other’s sovereignty.
PAKISTAN and Afghanistan have agreed to an “immediate ceasefire” following talks in Doha, after Pakistani air strikes killed at least 10 Afghans and ended an earlier truce.
The two countries have been engaged in heavy border clashes for more than a week, marking their worst fighting since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
A 48-hour truce had briefly halted the fighting, which has killed dozens of troops and civilians, before it broke down on Friday.
After the talks in Doha, Qatar’s foreign ministry said early on Sunday that “the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries”.
The ministry added that both sides would hold follow-up meetings in the coming days to ensure the ceasefire remains in place.
Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the agreement and said the two sides would meet again in Istanbul on October 25.
“Terrorism on Pakistani soil conducted from Afghanistan will immediately stop. Both neighbouring countries will respect each other's sovereignty,” Asif posted on social media.
Afghanistan’s spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid also confirmed the “signing of an agreement”.
“It was decided that both countries will not carry out any acts of hostility against each other,” he wrote on X on Sunday.
“Neither country will undertake any hostile actions against the other, nor will they support groups carrying out attacks against the Government of Pakistan.”
The defence ministers shared a photo on X showing them shaking hands after signing the agreement.
Security tensions
The clashes have centred on security concerns.
Since the Taliban’s return to power, Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in militant attacks, mainly near its 2,600-kilometre border with Afghanistan.
Islamabad claims that groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operate from “sanctuaries” inside Afghanistan, a claim the Taliban government denies.
The recent violence began on October 11, days after explosions in Kabul during a visit by Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India.
The Taliban then launched attacks along parts of the southern border, prompting Pakistan to threaten a strong response.
Ahead of the Doha talks, a senior Taliban official told AFP that Pakistan had bombed three areas in Paktika province late Friday, warning that Kabul would retaliate.
A hospital official in Paktika said that 10 civilians, including two children, were killed and 12 others injured in the strikes. Three cricket players were among the dead.
Zabihullah Mujahid said on X that Taliban forces had been ordered to hold fire “to maintain the dignity and integrity of its negotiating team”.
Saadullah Torjan, a minister in Spin Boldak in Afghanistan’s south, said: “For now, the situation is returning to normal.”
“But there is still a state of war, and people are afraid.”
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