With Pakistan’s economy at its weakest in years—burdened by a record $26.7 billion in new foreign loans in the last fiscal cycle and total public debt soaring past Rs76 trillion—government rhetoric over Kashmir is once again dominating official discourse. In the past three days, as international aid and diplomatic rollovers keep the state financially afloat and debt servicing consumes nearly half the federal budget, leaders in Islamabad have repeatedly spotlighted India’s 2019 revocation of Jammu …

The Indian Army has recently highlighted historical U.S. arms shipments to Pakistan, revealing that over $2 billion worth of military aid was provided from 1954 to 1971, coinciding with rising tensions leading to the 1971 Indo-Pak war and the subsequent creation of Bangladesh. This move serves as a pointed response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats to impose higher tariffs on India for purchasing oil from Russia, underscoring a perceived hypocrisy in U.S. foreign …

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was formally welcomed in New Delhi by Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the two countries marked 75 years of diplomatic relations. During the state visit, both leaders spoke at length about deepening cooperation in defense, security, trade, technology, and culture, officially elevating the India-Philippines relationship to a Strategic Partnership. President Marcos highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to building on shared democratic values, while Modi underscored the …

Russia has formally withdrawn from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, declaring it no longer considers itself bound by the pact banning ground-launched missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. Moscow’s announcement on August 4 cited escalating security threats from U.S. deployments in Europe and the Asia-Pacific, as well as recent American military exercises and the repositioning of nuclear submarines by President Trump. The INF Treaty, signed by the U.S. and the Soviet …

India and the Philippines have taken decisive steps to deepen their economic partnership with the signing of 14 agreements and memorandums of understanding, covering key sectors like trade, digital technology, tourism, and space cooperation. Leaders initiated negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement and agreed to boost two-way investments, targeting innovation, agribusiness, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy. With bilateral trade reaching $3.3 billion in 2024-25, both countries announced plans to resolve market access issues and enhance …

Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to expand military cooperation, particularly in response to evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. President Marcos praised India’s advanced defence technology, especially the BrahMos missile project, and welcomed Indian support for submarine infrastructure and modernization of the Philippine military. Today’s defence discussions highlighted expanded joint training, service-to-service talks, and plans for more intensive maritime and coast guard activities, underlining a unified stance on regional security and a free, open Indo-Pacific. …

The Philippine and Indian navies conducted their first-ever joint sail in the South China Sea, coinciding with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to New Delhi. This historic naval exercise involved Indian ships like the guided missile destroyer INS Delhi and showcased India’s commitment to strengthening maritime partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, particularly as a countermeasure to China’s expansive claims in the region. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India’s clear stance on the …

India has firmly rejected criticism from the US and the European Union regarding its procurement of Russian crude oil, emphasizing that such imports are driven by the necessity to maintain predictable energy costs amidst the global market disruption caused by the Ukraine conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the inconsistency of the West’s stance, noting that while they target India, they themselves continue to engage in trade with Russia, including energy and critical …

India and New Zealand have reaffirmed their robust defense ties, with Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth engaging in talks with New Zealand officials in New Delhi to enhance cooperation in defense technology, military training, and maritime security. The formal launch of a bilateral strategic dialogue aims to address security challenges and explore collaborative opportunities, complementing ongoing economic discussions that promise a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. This partnership reflects shared values and aspirations, …

The Russian Foreign Ministry criticized US tariffs and sanctions as acts of economic coercion against sovereign nations, particularly targeting India and Brazil. They framed these actions as part of a declining Western influence, asserting a shift towards a multipolar global order supported by BRICS and the Global South. India firmly defended its energy imports from Russia as a matter of national interest, rejecting Western criticisms as unjustified. This situation highlights the growing divergence between non-Western …

India’s strategic partnership with Russia remains robust despite U.S. pressures, exemplified by NSA Ajit Doval’s recent visit to Moscow, aimed at bolstering defense collaboration and energy ties. India’s imports of Russian crude oil have surged to 35-40% of total imports, allowing it to benefit economically while ensuring lower fuel prices for consumers. The U.S. tariffs and sanctions are viewed by Indian officials as unjustified, reinforcing India’s commitment to strategic autonomy and prioritizing its national interests. …

The Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy have successfully concluded the 32nd edition of their annual maritime exercise, SIMBEX 2025, held from July 28 to August 1 in the South China Sea. This exercise, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations, involved complex warfare scenarios, including gunnery and air-defense drills, highlighting the deepening bilateral ties and shared maritime security interests. The event showcased the participation of various naval assets, including the Shivalik-class frigate INS …

Pakistan’s military strategy under Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has undergone a significant transformation, signaling heightened risks for India. Recent developments, including a sharply worded interview on August 4, 2025, reveal Islamabad’s intent to potentially open a new front against India via the eastern corridor, exploiting shifts in Bangladesh’s political climate after hardline factions replaced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This development has provided Pakistan strategic cover to revive links with Islamist groups and …

Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is on a five-day State Visit to India, marking a significant step in enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in defense and security. During his visit, he will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss cooperation in defense, trade, and maritime security amidst ongoing regional tensions with China, particularly in the South China Sea. The Philippines is keen on acquiring more Indian defense equipment, exemplified by the recent delivery of …

Recent tensions between the U.S. and India have intensified following accusations from Stephen Miller, a top aide to former President Trump, claiming India is financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by purchasing Russian oil. Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded defiantly, indicating that India’s economic interests would take precedence despite U.S. tariff threats, emphasizing a shift toward local goods and self-reliance. Modi’s government has not issued directives to cease Russian oil purchases and maintains that these decisions …

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is facing a significant operational crisis as it struggles with engine reliability issues and U.S. restrictions on its F-16 fleet, which has historically been a cornerstone of its air power. With financial constraints leading to a shortage of spare parts, a considerable number of F-16s are grounded, severely affecting Pakistan’s air defense readiness amid rising tensions with India. The PAF is increasingly reliant on the Sino-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder, but this …

India’s evolving Indo-Pacific strategy has taken center stage in recent days as high-level military exchanges with Japan intensify. Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi completed a four-day official visit to Japan from July 30 to August 2, 2025, holding talks with Japanese defense leaders to strengthen maritime and strategic partnerships. This follows earlier meetings between senior army officials and precedes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Japan in late August, where discussions are …

On August 1, 2025, the United States finalized a deal reducing tariffs on Bangladeshi goods to 20%, down from 35%, following intense negotiations led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. This trade concession, hailed as a diplomatic win by the interim government, came at the cost of Bangladesh entering a secret agreement that bars military procurements from China and Russia. Such a pact has alarmed many within Bangladesh’s defense establishment, given the country’s heavy reliance on …

Recent reports indicate that the Islamist group Saltanat-e-Bangla in Dhaka, supported by a Turkish NGO, has displayed a map promoting the concept of a “Greater Bangladesh” that includes parts of India, raising concerns for Indian authorities. The Bangladeshi government has refuted claims of the group’s existence and clarified that the map was part of a historical exhibition at Dhaka University, with no ties to foreign political entities. India remains vigilant regarding developments in Bangladesh that …

Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, met US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard to discuss mutual interests amid rising tensions following President Trump’s announced 25% tariffs on Indian goods. Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s commitment to economic resilience and the prioritization of farmers and small industries in light of global instability. He highlighted the importance of vigilance regarding economic interests and the promotion of indigenous products as India aims to become the …

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence detected significant Chinese military activity, including multiple sorties of PLA aircraft and numerous PLAN vessels operating near its territory, indicating escalating tensions between Taiwan and China. The incursions, with several aircraft crossing the median line into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), underscore China’s persistent claim over Taiwan under the “One China” principle, despite Taiwan’s de facto independence. Historical context reveals this dispute traces back to the Chinese Civil War, …

India and the Philippines launched their first joint naval patrols in the disputed South China Sea on August 3, 2025, a move that highlights increasing defense cooperation amid growing regional tensions. The two-day exercise featured Indian warships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan, alongside Philippine frigates, conducting maritime maneuvers and at-sea replenishment within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The patrols coincided with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s state visit to India, where talks with …

In a series of developments that have sharply strained India-US relations, US President Donald Trump announced on July 30, 2025, the imposition of a 25% tariff on all Indian exports to the United States, effective August 1. The announcement, paired with a vague penalty related to India’s purchases of Russian military equipment and oil, startled Indian policymakers and the business sector, as nearly $40 billion in exports now face potential disruption. This move came alongside …

Three Indian Navy ships, including the guided-missile destroyer INS Delhi and stealth frigate INS Satpura, have arrived in the Philippines for joint exercises amid escalating regional tensions with China, while INS Satpura also participates in naval drills with Singapore. This marks a significant step in India’s strategy to enhance maritime partnerships and regional security in the Indo-Pacific, particularly with the Philippines, which is set to receive BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles under a $375 million agreement. …

Iran has fully reopened its airspace following a 12-day conflict with Israel that ended in a ceasefire. The Civil Aviation Organization confirmed that both domestic and international flights have returned to pre-war operations, with Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport resuming 24-hour services. The conflict, marked by Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites and Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks, underscored regional tensions. This development reflects a fragile ceasefire, indicating that while airspace is reopened, underlying geopolitical …