During the visit, Prachura, who owns the Global Chess League franchise American Gambits, exchanged a team jersey with India’s captain Vishal Uppal, symbolizing sporting unity and mutual respect. He also interacted with players Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Ankita Raina, Riya Bhatia, and Prarthana Thombare, extending his best wishes to the squad.

This will be the first time India hosts the Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs. The Indian team will face the Netherlands and Slovenia in Group G, competing in a round-robin format. Group winners will qualify for the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers, while others will move to the Regional Group I stage.

In April 2025, India performed impressively in Pune, defeating South Korea 2-1 and finishing second in the Asia-Oceania Group I. That result secured their spot in this year’s Play-offs, marking another step in India’s growing tennis journey.

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In talks with South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, both countries discussed enhancing value-chain links, investment opportunities, and MSME participation. They also focused on standards and skill development initiatives.

Discussions with South Korea’s Minister Yeo Han-Koo centered on manufacturing, digital technologies, and clean energy. Both nations agreed to explore joint projects in electronics, EV components, and digital supply chains. Japan’s State Minister Koga Yuichiro focused on industrial cooperation and resilient supply chains.

Prasada met the UK’s Minister for Digital Economy, Liz Lloyd, to boost digital trade. Talks with the Netherlands explored inclusive and sustainable growth. On WTO reforms, Prasada emphasized a transparent, rules-based system and the need to restore the two-tier dispute settlement with an operational appellate body.

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Jaishankar also held talks with Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. Discussions focused on Europe’s current developments, the Ukraine conflict, and India-EU cooperation under Denmark’s EU Presidency. Both sides valued the opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties.

The EAM interacted with Singapore’s Vivian Balakrishnan, Netherlands’ David van Weel, Maldives’ Abdulla Khaleel, Mauritius’ Ritish Ramful, and Sri Lanka’s Vijitha Herath. Talks covered strategic positioning, development support, and follow-ups on recent state visits, highlighting India’s commitment to strong regional and international relations.

These meetings followed the High-Level Meeting of Like-Minded Global South Countries during the 80th UNGA session. Eighteen nations participated, representing diverse political and economic systems. The forum emphasized India’s efforts to strengthen its voice and leadership role in the Global South.

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