India and Vietnam have significantly advanced their defense cooperation, marked by a meeting between Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai in New Delhi. The discussions focused on initiatives under the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, emphasizing defense as a key element amid shared regional security challenges. Concurrently, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan congratulated Vietnamese trainees during a Combined Graduation Parade at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, highlighting the …

President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago resort, emphasizing both leaders’ desire for peace in Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression. They discussed potential territorial concessions, with Zelenskyy indicating his negotiators are close to finalizing a 20-point peace proposal, which includes U.S. security guarantees akin to NATO protections. Despite intensified Russian attacks in Ukraine, Trump and Zelenskyy expressed a commitment to continued dialogue, with Trump suggesting that compromises on land could pave …

India is strategically diversifying its maritime options by leveraging Oman’s Duqm port, as reported by The National Interest. This initiative aims to reduce over-reliance on Iran’s Chabahar port, which has faced diplomatic volatility and sanctions risks. While Chabahar remains significant for continental access, Duqm enhances India’s operational flexibility in the western Indian Ocean, particularly against Pakistan, by shortening logistical distances. Oman’s decision to open Duqm to multiple international partners underscores its commitment to strategic autonomy, …

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to consolidate a ceasefire following recent border clashes that resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Talks held in southwestern China involved their foreign ministers and defense officials, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasizing the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and rebuilding mutual trust. Despite this diplomatic progress, tensions escalated as Cambodia reported Thai airstrikes on its territory, which Thailand justified as self-defense operations aimed at protecting its border claims. …

China has launched its most extensive military exercises around Taiwan, dubbed “Justice Mission 2025,” showcasing its ability to potentially isolate the island from external support in a conflict. This series of drills involves a comprehensive deployment of army, naval, air force, and artillery units, including live-fire exercises, signaling an escalation in military posturing following increased tensions catalyzed by U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and rhetoric from Japanese officials concerning a potential military response to a …

Pakistan’s recent $4 billion arms deal with the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Khalifa Haftar, has raised significant concerns as it violates the United Nations arms embargo imposed in 2011. This agreement, reportedly the largest in Pakistan’s history, includes the supply of advanced weaponry, showcasing Islamabad’s prioritization of profit over peace in a conflict-ridden region. Critics argue that this move risks Pakistan’s global credibility, invites potential sanctions, and aligns the country with autocratic regimes, …

The Indian government has approved the 260-megawatt Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. This decision allows India to advance multiple hydroelectric projects in the Indus basin, as the treaty, which previously governed water sharing, is now in abeyance. The Dulhasti Stage-II project, which builds upon the existing Stage-I facility, involves significant infrastructure, including a lengthy tunnel for …

Bangladesh has rejected India’s concerns regarding the treatment of minority communities, particularly Hindus, describing the allegations as exaggerated and misleading. The Bangladesh foreign ministry emphasized that incidents of violence are isolated criminal acts rather than indicative of systemic persecution, accusing certain Indian factions of misrepresenting facts to incite anti-Bangladesh sentiments. In response to India’s Ministry of External Affairs’ call for action over a recent lynching incident, Dhaka clarified that the deceased was a listed criminal …

Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) is grappling with severe civic challenges due to decades of neglect, lacking basic health facilities, infrastructure, and local governance. A recent report highlights the region’s growing unrest, exacerbated by inadequate responses to public grievances, including mass protests against tax imposition and governmental reforms perceived as detrimental. Despite a limited budget, efforts to create additional districts have further strained resources, leading to dissatisfaction among residents and local authorities. This unrest culminated in significant …

Russia has deployed nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missiles in Belarus, confirmed by Minsk’s Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin on December 26, 2025, with systems entering combat duty by month-end at the Krichev airbase, as revealed by U.S. satellite imagery analyzed December 27. Putin announced production and Belarus placement in August 2025, first tested against Ukraine in November 2024, extending Moscow’s reach across Europe amid NATO buildup. From India’s strategic lens, this escalation—pairing with tactical nukes since 2024—bolsters …

Iran’s cyber warfare group, Handala, has evolved from hacktivism to state-sponsored attacks, targeting Israeli officials’ personal devices to extract sensitive information and execute disinformation campaigns. Recent breaches, including access to former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s computer and the manipulation of public address systems, have aimed to undermine Israeli public security and instill psychological fear. Handala’s branding, using a symbol of Palestinian resistance, provides a façade of legitimacy, complicating potential military responses from Israel and enabling …

India’s oil import strategy has undergone significant transformation due to shifting geopolitical dynamics, particularly following the reimposition of U.S. sanctions on Iran in 2017. After a brief revival of energy ties with Iran post-2016, India sharply reduced its crude imports from the country by 91.8% by 2019-20, reflecting both sanctions pressure and a strategic pivot towards diversification. Currently, India sources its oil from a more varied portfolio, with notable increases from the United Arab Emirates …

The Quad partnership, comprising the U.S., India, Australia, and Japan, has faced stagnation due to rising U.S.-India trade tensions and India’s evolving relationship with China. Following the imposition of significant tariffs by the Trump administration, India has signaled a strategic recalibration, exemplified by its participation in BRICS, which the U.S. views unfavorably. Despite these challenges, both nations maintain a commitment to the Quad, recognizing its importance in shaping the economic future of Asia. Meanwhile, Japan …

North Korea recently conducted tests of long-range strategic cruise missiles, asserting its commitment to enhancing its nuclear deterrence capabilities amid perceived external threats. These missile launches, observed by leader Kim Jong Un, are part of a broader strategy to develop advanced military assets, including a nuclear-powered submarine, which North Korea aims to equip with nuclear missiles. While UN Security Council resolutions prohibit ballistic missile tests, cruise missile launches remain unregulated but pose significant threats to …

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed concerns over the lack of progress in Saudi-hosted talks with Afghanistan, emphasizing that Pakistan’s cooperation depends on Afghanistan’s commitment to counterterrorism. While Dar welcomed a recent fatwa prohibiting cross-border conflict and assurances from Taliban leaders, he reiterated that Pakistan requires concrete actions to prevent attacks from Afghan territory, particularly by groups like Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. Despite a fragile ceasefire and calls for improved relations, ongoing cross-border incidents continue to strain …

India’s diplomatic pressure on Pakistan has intensified amid escalating unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK), where protests against economic hardships are growing. Prime Minister Modi’s recent address highlighted India’s military readiness, particularly in light of the successful Operation Sindoor, and reinforced the message that there can be no dialogue while terrorism persists. Additionally, India has taken steps to restrict water flows under the Indus Waters Treaty, further exacerbating Pakistan’s economic and environmental challenges. As Islamabad grapples …

Intelligence agencies in India have reported a concerning shift of Khalistani activities to Australia, amid increased crackdowns in Canada and the UK. Recent months have seen a rise in anti-India vandalism and protests, with Khalistani groups targeting the substantial Indian diaspora of around 800,000 people in Australia. While these groups have faced resistance from the Indian community, incidents such as the tearing of the Indian flag and provocative slogans have heightened tensions. Officials emphasize the …

The sentencing of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Lt General Faiz Hameed, to 14 years in prison signifies a critical juncture in Pakistan’s civil-military dynamics, as it underscores the persistent imbalance between civilian authority and military power. His rise, intertwined with Imran Khan’s political ascent, turned tumultuous following Khan’s ouster, culminating in protests that targeted military institutions. This case illustrates the complexities of loyalty within Pakistan’s political landscape, where personal allegiances can quickly shift into …

The Pakistani envoy, Haider, announced that direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi are set to launch in January, marking a significant development in bilateral relations. During discussions with Professor Yunus, both leaders emphasized enhancing cooperation through trade, investment, and cultural exchanges, highlighting a 20% year-on-year growth in trade. The growing interest among Bangladeshi students in pursuing higher education in Pakistan, alongside an increase in medical tourism for advanced treatments, underscores the potential for deeper integration. …

The US State Department has condemned the recent killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker in Bangladesh, following a brutal attack by a mob allegedly motivated by blasphemy. This incident has raised concerns over the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, amidst a backdrop of increasing religious violence and political instability. Prominent US lawmakers, including Congressman Ro Khanna, have urged for a strong denunciation of such acts of hatred and emphasized …

In a recent update shared on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump described his latest discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin as “very productive.” This 75-minute call was the first direct communication between the two leaders since October and came just before Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the positive nature of the dialogue, with envoy Kirill Dmitriev also highlighting the constructive tone. Following these discussions, both leaders plan …

Ambassador Satish Chandra, a veteran Indian diplomat, reflects on India’s foreign policy, emphasizing its aim for a peaceful and cooperative neighborhood without hegemonic ambitions. He highlights India’s significant contributions to regional stability, notably in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, while maintaining a firm stance on national security. Chandra critiques India’s historical accommodation towards Pakistan, particularly concerning the Kashmir issue, and argues for a balanced approach that combines restraint with assertiveness. His insights underscore a shift in …

Nigeria has publicly cooperated with the United States in executing a Christmas Day airstrike targeting Islamic State militants, potentially averting unilateral military action threatened by President Trump. The operation, involving Tomahawk missiles launched from a U.S. Navy warship, was conducted due to the remote location being inaccessible for Nigerian forces. Despite the strike, experts express skepticism about its long-term impact on militancy, urging the U.S. to demonstrate a sustained commitment to addressing the growing violence …

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has criticized the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus for allegedly committing atrocities against minorities, particularly following recent incidents of violence against Hindus. In her Christmas message, Hasina condemned the government’s actions, including claims of setting horrific precedents such as the lynching of a Hindu man, asserting that it has curtailed religious freedom for all communities. She expressed hope that the festive season would foster harmony among different religions …

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reaffirmed its commitment to repatriating high-profile economic fugitives, including Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya, who are currently evading legal proceedings abroad. Amid public outrage over a viral video where Modi celebrated Mallya’s birthday in London, the MEA confirmed ongoing discussions with various foreign governments to secure their return, emphasizing India’s legal mechanisms, including the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018. This incident has reignited scrutiny over the government’s effectiveness …