Trump 2.0, Putin in India, elections in Canada, Bangladesh: What can we expect from 2025?

As the world prepares to turn the page to 2025, the coming year promises significant political, cultural, and sporting events that could reshape global narratives.

From leadership changes in pivotal countries to religious festivals of unparalleled scale, here’s a closer look at major events and their potential stakes.

Trump is back

Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency is likely to send shockwaves across the globe, marked by his unpredictable nature, divisive policies, and populist rhetoric.

Trump has vowed to resolve major conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia and ongoing violence in Gaza and West Asia. However, his isolationist stance, which prioritises limiting US involvement in distant conflicts, poses challenges in practice.

While conceding influence to Russia in Ukraine might bring an end to the fighting, it risks alienating Western allies and stirring domestic dissent. Despite these complexities, Trump is expected to pursue efforts — some possibly behind the scenes—to de-escalate violence and push for resolutions.

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Known for his “America First” policy, Trump’s leadership is expected to recalibrate US foreign relations , with potential trade tensions, challenges to multilateral institutions, and a renewed focus on domestic economic policies.

Countries like China and allies in Europe will keenly observe how this second term unfolds, particularly regarding military alliances such as NATO and the US stance on global climate initiatives.

Putin in India, a first since Russia-Ukraine war

In a move signalling stronger ties between India and Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin for a summit scheduled for early 2025.

This would mark Putin’s first visit to India since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While specific dates for the trip are yet to be finalised, Kremlin foreign policy advisor Yury Ushakov confirmed on December 2, 2024, that the invitation has been received .

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The development follows a recent meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov in India during an inter-governmental dialogue.

This visit is likely to focus on defense cooperation, trade, and energy security. The stakes are high, particularly with the West’s increasing sanctions on Russia and India’s strategic balancing between its partnerships with Moscow and Washington.

The final test for Trudeau

After several years marked by pandemic management, inflation concerns, and growing political polarization, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party faces stiff competition from the Conservatives.

Trudeau, nearing a decade in office, faces mounting pressure to step aside as he prepares for his fourth election. With both major parties confronting significant challenges, the outcome remains unpredictable. Trudeau aims to host the G7 leaders’ summit in June 2025.

The 2025 Canadian federal election is scheduled for no later than October 20, 2025, and will determine the composition of the 45th Canadian Parliament.

The 2021 federal election, held on September 20, 2021, resulted in little change from the 2019 election. Trudeau’s Liberal Party retained its status as a minority government, securing the most seats but failing to achieve a parliamentary majority or win the popular vote.

The Conservatives, while winning the popular vote, continued as the Official Opposition.

A free and fair election in Bangladesh?

The political future of Bangladesh hangs in the balance with its 2025 elections. As Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League faces increasing opposition, including allegations of authoritarianism and economic challenges, the elections could mark a turning point in the nation’s democratic journey.

The election will be being held following the ousting of Hasina’s government during the Student–People’s Uprising in August 2024. Before the general elections, a constituent assembly election is planned.

The interim administration, led by Muhammad Yunus, has formed Constitutional and Election Reform Commissions to oversee the transition. The government has announced that the general elections are scheduled to take place in late 2025 .

With Bangladesh being a growing economic hub in South Asia, international observers will be closely watching to ensure a free and fair process.

Olaf takes it to the German people

Germany’s federal election, scheduled for February 23, 2025, will shape the future of Europe’s largest economy. The election comes seven months ahead of schedule following the collapse of the ruling coalition in November.

Public support has dwindled for all three parties in the “traffic light” coalition, comprising Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens, and the Free Democrats (FDP).

Meanwhile, the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Christian Social Union (CSU) alliance have seen gains in polling, alongside the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the populist left-wing Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW).

Federal elections in Australia

Australia’s elections will determine the trajectory of its climate policies, trade agreements, and regional security commitments in the Indo-Pacific.

Australia’s next federal election is scheduled to take place by May 17, 2025 for half of the Senate, or by September 27, 2025 for the House of Representatives, to determine the composition of the 48th Parliament. Voters will elect 150 members to the House of Representatives — down from 151 in previous elections — and likely 40 of the 76 Senate seats.

The election is expected to see Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor government seeking a second term, facing opposition from Peter Dutton’s Liberal/National Coalition, as well as other contenders, including the Greens and independent candidates

With the Labor government under Albanese facing challenges on inflation and housing, the elections could swing toward the Liberal Party, potentially altering Canberra’s diplomatic approach to China and the US.

Elections in Singapore

Singapore’s tightly controlled political landscape will see another test as the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) faces growing public scrutiny over income inequality and housing affordability.

Singapore is set to hold its next general elections by November 23, 2025 to elect members for the 15th Parliament. This will mark the country’s 19th general election since 1948 and the 14th since achieving independence.

Notably, this will be the first general election since 2006 where Lee Hsien Loong will not helm the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP).

Following his succession by Lawrence Wong as Prime Minister on May 15, 2024 and as PAP Secretary-General on December 4, 2024, Wong will lead the party into the polls. The PAP, which has maintained a two-thirds supermajority in every election since independence, will aim to uphold its longstanding dominance.

The Prayagraj Kumbh Mela

One of the largest religious gatherings in the world, this gathering in Prayagraj will attract millions of devotees.

The 2025 Prayag Kumbh Mela, also referred to as the 2025 Maha Kumbh, will take place at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

This grand event, occurring once every 12 years, will run from January 13 to February 26, 2025. Following the Ardh Kumbh of 2019, it is anticipated to draw an estimated 400 million devotees and visitors.

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The Kumbh Mela holds profound spiritual significance in Hinduism, symbolising the 12-year battle between Gods and Demons over the elixir of immortality. Similar celebrations are also traditionally observed in Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.

The event has massive logistical stakes, as authorities must ensure the smooth management of crowds, sanitation, and security.

Women’s Rugby World Cup in England

The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, the premier international competition for women’s rugby union teams organised by World Rugby, will mark its tenth edition.

Scheduled to be held in England from August 22 to September 27, 2025, the tournament will open at the Stadium of Light, with the final taking place at the iconic Twickenham Stadium.

This will be England’s second time hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup, following the 2010 edition, and the fifth time the event will be held in the British Isles.

The 2025 tournament introduces an expanded format, increasing the number of participating teams to 16, up from 12 in 2021. New Zealand enters as the reigning champion, having secured a dramatic victory over England in the 2021 Rugby World Cup final.

With increased investment and fan engagement, this event is an opportunity to showcase the growth of rugby beyond traditional male-dominated viewership.

2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup in India

The 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will mark the 13th edition of the prestigious tournament and is set to be hosted in India. This will be the fourth time India has hosted the event, following the 1978, 1997, and 2013 editions.

The 2025 tournament will also be the last to feature an eight-team format. Australia, the defending champions, will aim to secure their eighth title after claiming their seventh in 2022.

India’s vibrant cricket culture ensures a massive turnout, and the tournament will provide a platform for new stars to emerge while promoting cricket’s growth in less-established nations.