The US State Department approves the sale of 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian military drones and related equipment to India for $4 billion.
Russian oil tankers continue to sail the Red Sea with little interruption due to Houthi attacks, as they have fewer ties to the Western countries targeted by the attacks, Reuters reports.
South Africa has confirmed that Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will join the BRICS, while Argentina declined the invitation.
India, the world's largest arms importer, is trying to distance itself from Russia, its largest supplier, over concerns about the supply of components due to the war in Ukraine. This could push Moscow closer to China, which is a concern for India.
Russia believes that its growing ties with China and emerging economies allow it to challenge the US-dominated financial system and the West. Russian documents indicate plans to undermine the dollar and create a new financial order that is not dominated by the United States.
