Greenland is the world's largest island, located between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. It is an autonomous territory of Denmark and has its own government that handles internal affairs. The official languages here are Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) and Danish.
The capital of Greenland is Nuuk. Its area is approximately 2,166,086 square kilometres, and its population is around 56,000. The currency used here is the Danish Krone (DKK). The main occupations of the people here are fishing, tourism, and mineral extraction.
About 80 per cent of Greenland is covered in ice. Most of the region falls under the Arctic climate zone. The island has very few trees and plants, but Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, reindeer, and marine life are found in large numbers. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) here are very famous. In Greenland, numerous glaciers and icebergs continuously fall into the sea, making it a key area for studying climate change.
Donald Trump has issued a warning to Iran, stating to US media that plans are underway to do something large involving a heavy hit, amid swirling rumours of a possible nuclear strike. These remarks follow the results of the US midterm elections, where the mandate did not favour Republicans. Iran responded to the election results by claiming that the American public has rejected the strategy of an Iran war. Meanwhile, Trump also brought up Greenland, asserting that the United States secured it permanently and forever without having to go to war, while noting that nobody speaks about the achievement.
A speech delivered at the United Nations General Assembly addressed major international foreign policy challenges, focusing primarily on the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and broader geopolitical developments. The address called for the complete economic isolation of Iran until it abandons its nuclear ambitions and ceases regional hostility, while leaving open the possibility of a negotiated agreement following the United States midterm elections. The speech also outlined potential enforcement actions concerning Russian energy exports, specifically mentioning the possible use of the Lindsey Graham sanctions bill to impose significant tariffs on countries importing oil from Russia, including India and China. Additionally, the address covered global security concerns, categorising Western hemisphere cartels alongside terror outfits, highlighting strategic interests in Greenland, and noting upcoming bilateral meetings at the White House.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly and marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, United States President Donald Trump detailed his administration's domestic and international policy agenda. Domestically, Trump highlighted United States economic metrics, poverty reduction, and border security enforcement. In foreign affairs, Trump reiterated that Iran will not be permitted to obtain a nuclear weapon, referencing military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, the destruction of Iranian naval vessels, and United States naval escorts in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump reviewed the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the formation of a multilateral Board of Peace backed by the United Nations Security Council. He outlined diplomatic mediation across international disputes, including India and Pakistan, Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Additionally, Trump detailed United States military operations in Venezuela, the apprehension of Nicolás Maduro, and an agreement involving 65 billion barrels of oil. He announced an accord with Denmark regarding Greenland to construct two military bases for Arctic defense. On technological policy, Trump stated that the United States government will prioritize super intelligence over traditional artificial intelligence terminology. The address concluded with calls for United Nations structural reforms, spending reductions, opposition to international carbon taxation, and the rejection of International Criminal Court jurisdiction.
United States President Donald Trump announced a permanent agreement concerning Greenland, claiming it grants Washington control over the island's security at no financial cost to the US. According to the US State Department, the arrangement bars non-NATO countries from establishing military bases, stationing troops, or making sensitive investments in Greenland, aiming to prevent Russia and China from gaining a strategic foothold. The island holds significant geopolitical importance due to its geographical proximity to Russia's Kola Peninsula, rich reserves of critical rare earth minerals, and the opening of Arctic Northern Sea Routes driven by melting ice caps. The US already operates the Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland, with plans to expand its military presence. However, authorities in Denmark and Greenland have pushed back, asserting that the autonomous territory is not for sale.
The United States has announced an agreement concerning Greenland, aimed at securing long-term defence control and preventing adversaries from establishing military bases or making sensitive investments in the territory. The pact explicitly bars non-NATO nations from setting up military installations, directly countering potential security and commercial interests from Russia and China. Geographically situated close to Russia, Greenland offers strategic forward-basing advantages for American defence. Additionally, the arrangement permits US companies to invest in the territory and mine critical rare earth minerals, addressing international competition over essential natural resources. The White House and the US State Department outlined that the agreement provides permanent security capabilities in Greenland, ensuring no foreign adversary military presence and protecting regional interests without adding security costs to the United States.
This edition of India First covers global developments, starting with a ceasefire framework established between the US and Iran to end the roughly four-month-long war in West Asia.
US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on European allies, particularly the United Kingdom and France, for refusing to support the United States in its operations against Iran.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Finland President Alexander Stubb highlighted India’s growing influence in global affairs, supporting a permanent UN Security Council seat for the country. On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he said Russia is unlikely to win, noting Ukraine’s recent territorial gains.
As tensions escalate in West Asia, politics has erupted over Modi government’s 'silence' on Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killing in joint US-Israeli strikes.
On this India Today special report, Maria Shakil examines the significant crash in precious metal prices as gold and silver hit their lower circuits just ahead of the Union Budget. Maria Shakil noted that there has been a 'sudden increase post 2024 in the last two years and the increase has been rather sharp from 2025 January onward' before the current downturn. The programme explores the factors behind this parabolic rise and subsequent crash, including profit booking, the 'fear of missing out' (FOMO) among investors, and global geopolitical uncertainty. Analyst Rajiv Mantri contributes to the discussion, suggesting that the price volatility reflects a larger narrative regarding the status of the US dollar in the international economy and the search for safe-haven alternatives. The report provides a detailed graphic assessment of how prices have moved over the last year, highlighting the impact of global turbulence on Indian commodity markets.
In an India Today mega-exclusive, Geeta Mohan speaks with Kaja Kallas, the Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy. Kallas discusses the successful conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, noting that while democratic procedures take time, 'It is beneficial for both parties.' She addresses the geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the need to build partnerships with those who believe in free trade to diversify portfolios. Kallas responds to US criticisms regarding trade with Russia, highlighting EU sanctions on the Russian shadow fleet to end the war in Ukraine. On the Middle East, she asserts that the EU is the largest donor to Palestinians and is working on a Gaza Peace Plan to train Palestinian police. Kallas also touches upon transatlantic ties, the Greenland controversy, and the importance of the EU as a stable, predictable partner for India amidst global volatility and unpredictability.
This report focuses on the historic visit of European Union leaders to India for the 77th Republic Day celebrations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa attended the parade at Kartavya Path as chief guests, arriving in a ceremonial buggy with President Droupadi Murmu. Ursula von der Leyen described the invitation as the 'honor of a lifetime' and was seen wearing a traditional brocade bandhkala kurta. The event marked the first time an EU contingent marched in the parade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally briefed the leaders on the significance of various tableaux. The visit is strategically significant amid shifting global alliances and tensions between Europe and the US over Greenland. Discussions between PM Modi and the EU leadership are expected to cover trade, technology, and climate change, with the EU chief describing the potential strategic cooperation as a 'mother of all deals' for the two regions.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the viral sensation surrounding an AI-generated image of Donald Trump walking towards Greenland with a penguin. The image, shared by the White House with the caption 'Embrace the penguin,' has sparked widespread ridicule on social media due to the geographical inaccuracy of penguins in the Arctic. During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Donald Trump stated, 'But now what I'm asking for is a piece of ice, cold and poorly located, that can play a vital role in world peace and world protection.' The report highlights Trump's continued fascination with the island, framing it as a strategic necessity for global security. Additionally, the bulletin covers Trump's ongoing friction with Prime Minister Mark Carney over the 'Golden Dome' project and his warnings regarding China's influence. The segment explores how Trump uses a mix of humor, AI art, and aggressive diplomacy to keep Greenland at the centre of international political discourse.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating trade tensions between the United States and Europe. Donald Trump has threatened to impose punitive import tariffs on eight European nations, including Denmark, France, and Germany, due to their opposition to his ambitions to purchase Greenland. Trump stated, 'I've done more than any other American president for NATO by far, and we'll see how that goes. But Greenland is very important.' The transcript details how the US views Greenland as a vital strategic asset to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. While the European Union considers deploying its 'anti-coercion instrument' or 'big bazooka' to retaliate with trade sanctions, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reportedly struck a more conciliatory tone. The programme explores the geopolitical significance of Greenland’s mineral wealth and its role in US missile warning systems, highlighting how Trump is using economic pressure to compel European allies to align with American strategic priorities in the Arctic region.
On this report, the focus is on United States President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland. The White House recently shared an AI-generated image of a penguin carrying a US flag toward Greenland, leading to widespread trolling as penguins are not native to the Arctic region. During his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump stated, 'All we are asking for is a piece of ice, cold and poorly located, that can play a vital role in world peace and world protection.' The discussion highlights Trump's persistent 'Arctic dream' and his concerns regarding Russian and Chinese influence in the region. While Trump argues that US sovereignty over Greenland is essential for Western security, Russia and China have denied any interest in the territory. The programme examines the diplomatic tensions with NATO and Denmark as the Trump administration continues to push for the acquisition despite international criticism.
This news bulletin discusses a cryptic social media post from the White House featuring an AI-generated image of Donald Trump walking with a penguin. The post, captioned 'embrace the penguin', is interpreted as a signal of United States interest in Greenland and the Arctic region. During the broadcast, it was noted that 'President Trump and the White House essentially saying, look, we are going to be taking care of the Western Hemisphere.' The discussion highlights Trump's recent comments at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he suggested that military intervention might not be necessary to secure American interests in Greenland. The segment further explores the potential 'Greenland deal' which could allow the U.S. to build bases and mine critical minerals. Additionally, the report mentions a second image from the Department of War Rapid Response, possibly featuring Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, reinforcing the administration's focus on securing the Western Hemisphere and Arctic territories through new frameworks.
On this Special Report, the focus is on US President Donald Trump’s latest statements regarding a framework deal for Greenland. Following discussions at Davos with NATO Chief Mark Rutte and European leaders, Trump has shifted his tone from potential military action to a collaborative security arrangement. Highlighting the strategic importance of the territory, Trump stated, 'And actually, NATO is going to be involved with us. We're going to be doing it in conjunction, parts of it in conjunction with NATO, which is really the way it should be.' The proposed deal centers on the construction of a 'Golden Dome,' a sophisticated missile shield designed to protect the Western Hemisphere from intercontinental ballistic missiles. Trump argues that securing Greenland is essential to counter the increasing interests of Russia and China in the region. While the specific economic and defense details of the deal remain under formulation, the President emphasized that the US would avoid unnecessary expenses while ensuring the security of both the United States and the European Union.
In an exclusive interaction with India Today at Davos, Financial Times Chief Economics Commentator Martin Wolf and Foreign Policy Editor-in-Chief Ravi Agrawal analyse the 'extraordinary' volatility of Donald Trump’s foreign policy.
On this India Today special report, Financial Times Chief Economics Commentator Martin Wolf and Foreign Policy Editor-in-Chief Ravi Agrawal analyze the 'extraordinary' volatility of Donald Trump’s foreign policy. Martin Wolf observes that Trump’s unpredictability is unprecedented, stating, 'I can't think of a political leader like this before,' and characterizes the administration's style as 'classic dictatorial kitsch.' The discussion highlights Trump’s recent backing off from NATO threats, which Wolf attributes to waning domestic popularity and pushback from the Senate. Ravi Agrawal argues that Trump prefers 'blunt force' over traditional alliances, noting that while Trump 'chickens out' against major powers like China, he ignores international law with smaller nations. Both experts agree that the world is entering a prolonged 'era of disorder' as the traditional American-led global order collapses. Agrawal warns that even with a new leader, the current instability is just beginning as nations like India and Canada seek new, independent alliances in a 'messy and Trumpian' landscape.
In this exclusive interaction at Davos, Ian Bremmer, President of Eurasia Group, analyzes the shifting global dynamics in the 'Trumpian era'. Bremmer asserts that while Donald Trump dominates headlines, leaders like Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi hold more consistent power due to their domestic stability. He highlights that 'Modi is in one of the stronger positions to push back against Trump' compared to European leaders, citing India's 7% growth and strategic importance as a hedge against China. Bremmer discusses the 'G0 world'—a state of geopolitical recession where no single power leads—and evaluates Trump's 'Board of Peace' and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. He also clarifies his stance on India's AI capabilities, noting that while the US and China lead, India is developing significant human capacity and talent. The discussion provides a comprehensive outlook on how middle powers like India must navigate a 'technopolar' and multipolar economic world while dealing with a unipolar security order dominated by the United States.
