India Roundup: Messi event chaos, clean air funding, regional diplomacy

Chaos erupts at Messi event in India

Angry fans stormed Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday, December 13, after football star Lionel Messi left the venue earlier than expected during a heavily attended event. Thousands of fans, many wearing Argentina jerseys and waving flags, had gathered as part of Messi’s three-day “GOAT Tour” of India. Frustration grew as tight security limited access to the player, despite high ticket prices. Fans vandalised stadium property, ripped out seats and hurled objects onto the track, while some stormed the pitch. A senior police official confirmed the arrest of the event’s chief organiser, adding that authorities were exploring refunds. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to Messi and fans and ordered a probe, while the All India Football Federation said it was not involved in organising the private event.

World Bank approves major clean air programmes in India

The World Bank has approved financing for two major air quality programmes in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, aimed at improving air quality for about 270 million people. The Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program will invest nearly $300 million in cleaner transport, agriculture and industry, including electric buses, electric three-wheelers and access to clean cooking for millions of households. A separate $300 million programme in Haryana will strengthen air quality monitoring and support clean transport and cleaner technologies for small businesses. The initiatives are part of a broader regional effort to tackle air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan foothills.

Prada partners with Indian artisans after cultural backlash

Italian luxury brand Prada will launch a limited-edition sandal collection inspired by traditional Indian Kolhapuri chappals, turning earlier accusations of cultural appropriation into a formal collaboration with Indian artisans. Around 2,000 pairs will be produced in Maharashtra and Karnataka and sold globally from February 2026. Prada has signed agreements with two state-backed Indian leather development corporations and plans a three-year partnership that includes training programmes in India and Italy. The company said artisans would be fairly compensated, with the project expected to cost several million euros.

Pakistan and Bangladesh signal openness to new regional grouping

Pakistan has indicated openness to forming a regional grouping with Bangladesh, following Dhaka's assertion that it is strategically possible to pursue such cooperation without India. Pakistan’s Foreign Office said any proposal from Bangladesh would be viewed within the context of Islamabad’s commitment to multilateralism. The comments follow confirmation that a trilateral mechanism involving Bangladesh, China and Pakistan has already begun, with the first meeting held in China in June. Officials from the three countries said the framework is based on cooperation, openness and “true multilateralism,” and is not directed at any third party.

India eases business visas for Chinese professionals

India has moved to speed up business visas for Chinese professionals by cutting bureaucratic scrutiny and reducing approval times to under a month, according to officials. The decision marks a shift after years of tight restrictions following the 2020 border clashes between the two countries. Industry groups say the earlier delays led to billions of dollars in production losses, particularly in electronics and solar manufacturing. China welcomed the move as a positive step toward improving people-to-people exchanges, while Indian officials said the changes were part of broader efforts to stabilise economic ties and attract investment.