India Observers

The UAE’s Malayali community has warmly embraced the Indian government’s proposal to officially rename Kerala as Keralam. For expatriates across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, the shift feels less like a change and more like a restoration of linguistic and cultural identity. For over a million Malayalis living in the UAE—the largest Indian state diaspora in the country—the name Keralam has always held emotional and traditional significance. Community leaders note that Malayalam speakers have consistently referred to their homeland as Keralam, while “Kerala” represented the colonial-era spelling used in passports, maps, and official documents. Many in the Gulf compare the move to the renaming of Bombay to Mumbai or Madras to Chennai—an overdue correction that aligns with cultural roots. Supporters say the term Keralam has origins linked to the Chera dynasty or the phrase “Land of Coconut Trees,” reflecting both heritage and geography. Not everyone is fully convinced; some argue that “Ke...

  Holashtak 2026 officially begins on Tuesday, February 24, marking the start of an eight-day period leading up to the Holi festivities. The phase continues until Holika Dahan on March 3, with Rangwali Holi celebrated on March 4 across India. In many Hindu households, Holashtak is traditionally considered a time to pause auspicious ceremonies such as marriages, housewarmings, and major religious rituals. Instead, families focus on prayer, charity, discipline, and spiritual reflection, preparing for the symbolic cleansing associated with Holika Dahan. This week, Indian media reports have highlighted a noticeable surge in Google searches for “Holashtak dates”, “Holashtak rules”, and “what to avoid during Holashtak”, indicating rising public interest as communities begin planning for the broader Holi celebrations. As the festival of colors approaches, Holashtak serves as both a spiritual pause and a cultural countdown to one of India’s most beloved celebrations.

  India–Israel engagement has evolved across decades, but Modi’s upcoming arrival in Israel—welcomed personally by Benjamin Netanyahu—signals a transformational phase. As the first Indian prime minister to visit Israel in a decade, Narendra Modi represents a nation that is now deeply embedded in West Asian strategic dynamics. Netanyahu’s statement about envisioning “a complete system of alliances” underscores the diplomatic ambition underpinning this visit. India’s rise as a tech-driven superpower and Israel’s unmatched innovation ecosystem create natural synergy. Layer this over shifting global alignments, and the partnership begins to resemble a cornerstone of a new regional calculus. Economic corridors, energy partnerships, digital cooperation, defense co-production, and regional security coordination are now on the table. The visit is expected to formalize several frameworks that will strengthen multi-country strategic connectivity. This is not just about two nations; it is abo...

  Varanasi has a vibrant new attraction this week — the Regional Saras Fair at the Sampurnanand Sanskrit University sports ground in Chaukaghat. Organised under DAY-NRLM, the fair brings together women-led self-help groups and artisans from multiple states, transforming the venue into a bustling lane of crafts, regional foods, and evening cultural performances. The fair was inaugurated by district panchayat president Poonam Maurya and district magistrate Satyendra Kumar, who also emphasized the “Lakhpati” programme designed to help SHG women expand their income opportunities. According to organisers, the fair will remain open until March 20, 2026 . What to Shop Aisle-wise browsing is the smartest way to make the most of the fair. Textiles to explore include: Silk sarees Chikan work garments Zari and zardozi pieces Bed sheets Everyday-use jute bags For gifting and décor, look out for: Black pottery Bamboo and jute craft items Wooden and soft toys Decorati...

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral discussions with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New Delhi on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit, reaffirming the growing strategic depth of India–UAE relations. During the meeting, both leaders reflected on the historic cultural and economic ties that have long anchored the partnership between the two countries. They expressed satisfaction at the significant progress achieved across key sectors—including trade, energy, digital economy, and connectivity initiatives. A major focus of the discussion was expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence. The leaders emphasized the importance of collaborative AI ecosystems, innovation-driven growth, and joint capacity-building to ensure that emerging technologies deliver inclusive and meaningful impact for both nations. The meeting underscored the shared vision of India and the UAE to position AI as a transformative pillar for future development, st...

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have elevated bilateral ties to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” , marking a significant milestone in India–France relations. Macron’s fourth state visit to India has been described as a breakthrough moment, reflecting the deepening trust and alignment between the two nations in a rapidly changing global order. During high-level talks and official engagements, both leaders underscored their shared vision of strengthening sovereignty, strategic autonomy, and resilience through enhanced cooperation in key sectors. A “Force for Global Stability” Hosting President Macron in Mumbai’s Lok Bhavan, PM Modi described the India–France relationship as a “force for global stability” in an increasingly uncertain world. According to a joint government statement, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order , particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indo-Pacific has emerged as a c...