Maharashtra-Andhra play ‘cupid’ to lone tiger

Mumbai: In a warm gesture, the Maharashtra government has ‘in principle’ agreed to translocate two tigresses to the Papikonda National Park (PNP) in Andhra Pradesh, subject to clearance from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), official sources said. The PNP is located in the Papi Hills of Eluru and Polavaram districts, and Maharashtra has responded positively to a request from the AP Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. On Feb. 19, Kalyan, who holds the Environment & Forests...

min read

Maharashtra-Andhra play ‘cupid’ to lone tiger

Mumbai: In a warm gesture, the Maharashtra government has ‘in principle’ agreed to translocate two tigresses to the Papikonda National Park (PNP) in Andhra Pradesh, subject to clearance from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), official sources said. The PNP is located in the Papi Hills of Eluru and Polavaram districts, and Maharashtra has responded positively to a request from the AP Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. On Feb. 19, Kalyan, who holds the Environment & Forests departments, had made a formal written request to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, seeking two tigresses from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) of Chandrapur district. Citing the backgrounder, Kalyan said that on Jan. 20, a dispersing tiger from central India had entered AP state through the eco-sensitive zone of PNP tiger reserve, after traversing through Telangana. ‘Dispersing’ is the natural behaviour of young and independent tigers to leave their birthplace to carve their own territories, find mates and establish a new home. This prevents inbreeding, reduces competition on resources with their parents and enables genetic health of the larger tiger population in the wilds. The migrant tiger traversed over 650-kms through Eluru, East Godavari and Konaseema districts for nearly three weeks mostly through human dominated landscapes, when it was hunting for food also. “Though there were 20-22 instances of livestock depredation, no human injury was reported,” informed Kalyan, adding that the tiger passed through three States. Explaining the purpose for seeking two tigresses, Kalyan contended that it would boost inter-state wildlife conservation and sustainable tiger conservation in the Eastern Ghats landscape. Considering public safety and the NTCA’s Standard Operating Procedures the migrant tiger was tranquilized and safely captured on Feb. 6, 2026 through coordinated efforts of AP Forest Department, veterinarians and wildlife experts, he said. To keep track of his further movements, the tiger was fitted with a Satellite Radio Collar (SRC) and released in the PNP. Thereafter, the AP’s Expert Committee suggested release of two female tigers to facilitate breeding and territorial stability. After examining the issue in detail, Maharashtra’s Chief Wildlife Warden & Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Marthala Shrinivasa Reddy informed Additional Chief Secretary (Forest), that the proposal may be considered ‘in principle’, subject to formal proposal by AP government to NTCA and approvals from the latter and preparations of a mutually agreed translocation and post-release monitoring. “The translocation of tigers from Maharashtra to another state involves inter-State transfer of Schedule-I wildlife and requires prior approval of NTCA and other competent authorities as prescribed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and relevant guidelines,” Reddy informed. Reddy said that while the male-female ratio in TATR is comparatively low, but the adjoining Chandrapur Forest circle possesses an adequate female tiger population, from where two suitable females could be considered for translocation after all statutory approvals and procedures are completed. After Reddy’s green signal, the state Deputy Secretary (Forests) Niketa Pande wrote to the AP’s Principal Secretary (Environment and Forest) about Maharashtra’s ‘in-principle’ approval, and requested to complete all other formalities at the earliest to provide mates for the solo tiger in PNP.

What Are the Outcomes of Modi’s Foreign Visits?

VNS
May 23
4 min read

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s five nation tour in May has shifted traditional diplomatic relations to a strategic approach, during major global developments such as the West Asia energy crisis, post Operation Sindoor geopolitical tensions and changing global trade dynamics. The UAE visit focused on protecting India’s energy security over possible disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz which is the main global oil route.

The ADNOC & ISPRL agreement of storing up to 30 million barrels of crude oil in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves at Visakhapatnam and Chandikhol strengthens India’s long term energy security and provides a strategic fuel storage against supply shocks.

The visit deepened India UAE strategic ties through a new defence partnership and cyber cooperation, and major investment commitments worth 5 billion Dollars across infrastructure, banking and finance sectors. Agreements involving ADIA, ENDB and IHC further reinforced the UAE’s position as a major investment partner while expanding India UAE cooperation into defence, industrial collaboration and economic growth.

The European visits mainly focused on strengthening India’s global stand against terrorism, pushing forward the India EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and building partnerships in green technology and innovation to support India’s renewable energy goals, including the target of achieving 500 GW clean energy capacity.

PM Modi’s Sweden visit marked a significant elevation in bilateral ties with India and Sweden upgrading their relationship to a Strategic Partnership and adopting a roadmap covering AI, critical minerals, trade and cultural cooperation. The visit also strengthened India EU engagement, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen describing the India European union trade agreement as “mother of all deals”. bilateral trade is expected to grow to 7.75 billion dollars in coming years.

Saab Gripen fighter aircraft discussions, Kockums submarine technologies and expanding defence manufacturing under the “Make in India”. The visit signalled a transition in India Sweden defence ties to co production and industrial collaboration. Also, partnerships involving Ericsson, AI cooperation, port infrastructure engagement with Maersk and emerging 5G/6G collaboration strengthened India’s ambitions in technology.

Historic Milestone

Modi’s Norway visit marked a historic diplomatic milestone as it was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in 43 years. The visit expanded cooperation across green energy, blue economy, maritime security, Arctic research, digital technologies, health and space sectors, deepening its presence in India with investments valued at around 28 billion Dollars.

The third India Nordic Summit emerged as one of the most significant multilateral outcomes of the tour, Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership. States proposed 100 billion dollars investment under TEPA, this will create nearly one million jobs in India. And also, expanding cooperation in 6G technology, STEM research, defence industry, talent mobility, maritime security and blue economy initiatives. The partnership also opened strategic opportunities in Arctic engagement and Indo-Pacific cooperation under the MAHASAGAR and IPOI visions.

Modi’s Italy visit marked a new phase of cooperation in trade, defence, critical minerals, maritime transport, higher education and economic security. The visit reviewed implementation of the Joint Strategic Action Plan and set an ambitious trade target of 20 billion euros by 2029. With bilateral trade already reaching 16.77 billion dollar and growing Italian investments in sectors such as shipbuilding, defence, energy and mobility.

Diplomatic Footprint

Since 2014, Modi’s foreign outreach has significantly expanded India’s diplomatic footprint, with visits across major regions including the US, Europe, West Asia, Africa, Indo Pacific and Global South nations, helping position India as a key global stakeholder.

India’s foreign policy during this period shifted from a largely reactive approach to a more proactive engagement model, with India increasingly participating in global discussions on economy, security, climate and technology. This strategic outreach also strengthened key partnerships such as India Russia ties, leading to major defence cooperation including the acquisition of the S400 air defence system.

India successfully balanced relations with major powers including the US, Russia, Europe and Gulf nations while maintaining strategic autonomy and an independent foreign policy approach. At the same time, ties with Gulf countries evolved beyond energy cooperation to investments, defence, infrastructure and strategic partnerships.

India’s engagement with West Asian nations helped in securing energy interests, attracting investments and strengthening the role of the Indian diaspora in the region. Initiatives such as “Make in India” contributed to making India an attractive investment destination.

Strategic engagement with countries such as Japan helped India accelerate infrastructure development through cooperation in high-speed rail and industrial corridors, while India’s Indo Pacific outreach strengthened maritime cooperation and strengthened regional security and connectivity.

Changed Focus

Bilateral engagements with European countries are increasingly focusing on AI, quantum computing, semiconductors and 6G, supporting India’s long-term technological growth and innovation goals.

India’s global image has evolved from developing economy to as a major geopolitical, technological and economic power. Diplomatic outreach strengthened India’s counter terrorism position internationally and increased support for its security concerns, while engagement with the Global South expanded India’s influence across developing nations in Africa, Asia and island regions.

Defence diplomacy expanded through strategic partnerships, joint exercises and defence manufacturing corporation, contributing to the modernisation of India’s defence ecosystem. At the same time, international engagements opened new markets for Indian exports and strengthened trade relations across multiple regions.

India increasingly emerged as a bridge between developed and developing nations, especially during multilateral platforms such as G20, BRICS and Quad discussions.