‘To be prepared for future, we must be prepared today’: UNTCC Chiefs Conclave highlights aspects of global security environment

As India hosts the United Nations Troop Contributing Countries’ (UNTCC) Chiefs Conclave, leaders of armed forces from across the world are examining the challenges posed by a complex and evolving global security environment and discussing strategies to enhance cooperation in the pursuit of global peace, reports 24brussels.

Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, noted the United Nations’ adaptability to changing circumstances. He stated, “To be prepared for the future, we must be prepared today. The challenges ahead are real and so is our capacity to meet them if we stay united in purpose, pragmatic in action, and unwavering in our commitment to peace.” Lacroix emphasized the need for countries to remain ready to address diverse crises as they arise.

Brig Gen Manoa Driuvakamaka Gadai, Commander of the Joint Task Force Command of Fiji, highlighted the evolution of peacekeeping. He pointed out that UN peacekeeping missions are becoming increasingly complex and politically volatile, yet the resources and mandates are not keeping pace. “Peace is not maintained by politics but by people,” he asserted.

During the conclave, Gen Alemshet Degife, Commander-in-Chief of the Land Force of Ethiopia, addressed current security threats. “The contemporary global security environment is increasingly complex and dynamic. Challenges such as asymmetric warfare, terrorism, violent extremism, cyber threats, regional instability, and humanitarian crises demand not only courage and professionalism but also enhanced collaboration and unity of purpose among troop-contributing countries,” he said.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated the country’s commitment to a “rules-based order,” condemning nations that “violate and undermine” international regulations. He remarked, “Nations realized that for development, growth, and prosperity, peace is essential. India was a founding signatory of the UN charter. It reflects India’s own philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ which teaches us that the world is one family.”

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi underscored the significance of hosting the conference, stating, “This conference in India is not only a privilege but also a reaffirmation of our shared determination to strengthen cooperation and carry forward the noble mission of global peace. It reflects the Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam— the world is one family—and Vishwa Bandhu—India as a friend to all.”

The UNTCC Chiefs Conclave, taking place from October 14 to 16, 2025, in New Delhi, assembles senior military leadership from over 30 nations. The event is focused on reinforcing collective commitment to global peace and security.

Discussions will aim to enhance peacekeeping cooperation through improved dialogue, interoperability, and the sharing of best practices. Additionally, the conclave will explore leveraging indigenous technology and Atmanirbhar innovations to make peacekeeping missions more robust, cost-effective, and prepared for future challenges. The goal is to advocate for increased representation of troop-contributing countries in UN decision-making structures, demonstrating India’s role as a collaborative and trusted ally in maintaining international peace.

Visakhapatnam AI hub will be connected to subsea cable and serve as global connectivity center: Kurian CEO, Google Cloud

The new Visakhapatnam AI hub will connect to Google’s global network through subsea cable infrastructure, according to Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, reports 24brussels. This facility is poised to become Google’s largest AI center outside the United States, backed by a USD 15 billion investment over the next five years.

Kurian emphasized that the AI hub, referred to as the ‘Andhra Pradesh AI hub’, will function as a landing station for multiple subsea cables, establishing a vital digital backbone that connects various regions in India. “We are not just bringing AI technology, but also a digital infrastructure through our subsea cable and network connectivity hub,” he stated. This new gigawatt-scale hub will form part of a wider network of AI centers in 12 countries.

During the announcement, Kurian expressed pride in Google’s longstanding presence in India, marking its 21st year with 14,000 employees across five locations. He noted that the investment is significant, declaring, “It’s the largest AI hub that we are going to be investing in anywhere in the world, outside of the U.S.”

The Visakhapatnam hub will feature a comprehensive suite of solutions using Google’s proprietary TPUs (Tensor Processing Units), which promise enhanced energy efficiency. Data will be stored locally to comply with national AI regulations. Google plans to implement its models, including Gemini, Imagine, and Veo, at the hub. “The hub is designed to provide full AI infrastructure to serve not just our own needs but also the needs of entrepreneurs, enterprises, and commercial organizations in India,” Kurian remarked.

This announcement represents a pivotal advancement in India’s artificial intelligence sector, integrating state-of-the-art AI capabilities with essential digital infrastructure, and positioning Andhra Pradesh as a central player in the nation’s expanding technology landscape.

Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar meets Singapore Consul-General to boost urban development, investment ties

Bengaluru, India — Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met with Edgar Pang, Consul-General of Singapore, during his visit to Bengaluru on Tuesday. The leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation in urban development, innovation, and investment between Karnataka and Singapore, reports 24brussels.

Shivakumar shared details of the meeting on social media, stating, “Had a warm interaction with Edgar Pang, Consul-General of Singapore, during his visit to Bengaluru today. We discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation in urban development, innovation and investment.” He emphasized that “Karnataka and Singapore share a forward-looking vision that can pave the way for stronger partnerships for growth and progress.”

This meeting follows significant diplomatic developments, including Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s official visit to India from September 2 to 4 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This visit marked a pinnacle in the strategic partnership between India and Singapore.

During their discussions on September 4 in New Delhi, the two Prime Ministers signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation across key sectors. This effort aligns with previous engagements, such as Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Singapore in September 2024 and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s State Visit to India in January 2025.

Both countries are executing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) roadmap that outlines future collaboration in eight key areas: economic cooperation, skills development, digitalization, sustainability, connectivity, healthcare, cultural exchange, and defense.