Pakistan has expressed support for Iran’s right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, as highlighted during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Islamabad. This assertion came after discussions between Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, culminating in the signing of 12 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that span various sectors, including trade, agriculture, and technology. This alignment underscores the strengthening of bilateral ties amid regional tensions, particularly concerning nuclear capabilities. Pakistan’s endorsement raises concerns for …

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former US President Trump are reportedly negotiating a ceasefire plan that demands Hamas disarm and release hostages, with the US potentially leading an international administration in Gaza. However, Hamas has rejected the idea of disarmament, insisting on its right to resist Israeli occupation and asserting that its weapons are vital until a sovereign Palestinian state is established. This development highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as seen in rising …

China and Russia have commenced joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan, aiming to fortify their military cooperation and counter the perceived US-led global order. The exercises, dubbed “Joint Sea-2025,” are being held near Vladivostok and include various operations such as anti-submarine and air defense maneuvers. These drills reflect the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While China positions itself as a neutral party, its ongoing support …

India’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, recently visited Japan, where he engaged with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) to strengthen bilateral defense ties. This visit, part of efforts to enhance India-Japan maritime cooperation, involved discussions with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani on defense collaboration, technological exchange, and personnel training. The interactions aim to address emerging security challenges and deepen strategic synergy, reflecting the commitment of both nations to a Special Strategic …

Hamas has denied claims of its willingness to be demilitarized amid ongoing ceasefire discussions, asserting its right to resist Israeli occupation. This response followed statements from a US envoy regarding Hamas’s purported readiness to disarm. Additionally, Hamas criticized the envoy’s visit to a Gaza aid site as a “staged show.” The situation is further complicated by mounting international pressure for Palestinian state recognition, with the UK considering recognition contingent upon Israel’s actions regarding a ceasefire. …

The closure of the Ghulam Khan crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has raised significant trade concerns, stranding travelers and threatening the livelihoods of those reliant on this vital route. This crossing, pivotal for the export of Afghan goods, exacerbates the precarious economic situation in Afghanistan, especially as forced returns of Afghan refugees from Pakistan intensify. With over 1.2 million Afghans having returned, many face dire living conditions, increasing humanitarian needs. The inconsistent border policies of …

India has clarified that it has not halted purchases of Russian oil, despite claims by former US President Donald Trump. Government sources emphasize that India’s energy sourcing is driven by national interests and market conditions. Although some Indian refiners have reportedly turned to alternative supplies from the Middle East and West Africa, the Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed a strong, longstanding partnership with Russia. This situation highlights India’s strategic approach to energy security and its …

In the latest escalation of geopolitical maneuvering, the United States has intensified its use of Pakistan as a regional counterweight to India, culminating in President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on all Indian imports effective August 1, 2025. The move is widely perceived in New Delhi as a coercive tactic following India’s refusal to rush a trade agreement on Washington’s terms and its continued acquisition of Russian energy. Simultaneously, Trump has openly courted …

Slovenia has become the first EU nation to impose a comprehensive ban on arms trade with Israel due to the ongoing Gaza conflict, citing humanitarian concerns and the need for responsible state action amidst EU disunity. This embargo includes all forms of military weapon transactions and follows Slovenia’s previous measures against far-right Israeli ministers. While several countries are moving toward recognizing Palestinian statehood, Israel continues to reject these actions, viewing them as concessions to Hamas. …

India has clarified that no formal discussions have occurred regarding the purchase of the US F-35 fighter jets, as stated by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh. This follows the announcement of a potential policy review by the US regarding advanced military exports to India, yet Indian officials have expressed a clear preference for indigenous defense development over imports, emphasizing a self-reliance strategy. Reports indicate that India prefers joint development agreements, such …

Indian naval ships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan arrived in Manila, reinforcing the maritime cooperation between India and the Philippines. This visit, led by Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, aligns with India’s ongoing operational deployment in Southeast Asia and underscores India’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. Notably, the two nations are set to conduct their first joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea, amidst rising concerns over China’s assertiveness. This …

A Russian lawmaker has asserted that Russia possesses sufficient nuclear submarines to counter any US deployments in response to tensions, downplaying the significance of recent comments from former President Trump regarding US submarine movements. He emphasized that Russian submarines outnumber American ones and deemed the situation as manageable, calling for a fundamental agreement to prevent escalation into conflict. Meanwhile, analysts suggest that Trump’s remarks should not be taken seriously, viewing them as impulsive rather than …

India has firmly rejected a report by a UK parliamentary committee alleging its involvement in transnational repression, labeling the claims as baseless and stemming from dubious sources linked to anti-India entities. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the report’s lack of credibility, particularly given its reliance on discredited information. Prime Minister Modi recently addressed concerns regarding the presence of Khalistani extremists in the UK, emphasizing the need to prevent the misuse of democratic freedoms by …

The recent announcement of a 25% blanket tariff on Indian exports by the Trump administration has raised significant concerns for India, marking a major shift in US trade policy. This tariff, effective from August 2025, could severely impact Indian exports—projected to drop by up to 30%—and puts India at a competitive disadvantage compared to countries like China. Indian officials, led by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, are committed to exploring all avenues to protect national interests …

The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized the resilience and potential growth of the India-US defense partnership, notwithstanding recent criticisms from President Trump regarding India’s defense and energy ties with Russia. He affirmed that India’s sourcing decisions are based on national security and market realities, while reiterating the steady nature of India-Russia relations. Jaiswal highlighted India’s commitment to diversifying its defense procurement and moving forward with a balanced trade agreement with the US. The MEA’s diplomatic …

Indian tourist arrivals to Turkey have plunged by 37% in June 2025 compared to the previous year, with only 24,250 Indians visiting, down from 38,307. This dramatic decline follows Ankara’s overt support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and revelations of Turkish-made drones being used against India, actions that fueled a widespread travel boycott and business backlash. Major Indian travel agencies have ceased promoting Turkey, resulting in booking cancellations surging by up to 250%. The short-term …

In the lead-up to the 2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, member countries are discussing the establishment of a comprehensive security centre to enhance collaboration against various security challenges, particularly focusing on cyber threats, transnational crime, and narcotics. This initiative, driven by China’s presidency, aims to foster a tighter-knit SCO community and reinforce collective regional security. India, actively participating in the process, underscores its commitment to multilateral cooperation. The summit is poised to shape the …

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China recently celebrated its 98th anniversary, coinciding with President Xi Jinping’s ongoing modernization efforts and an intensified anti-corruption campaign within the military. High-ranking officials have faced removal and disciplinary actions as part of reforms aimed at creating a more efficient and modern military structure, which includes troop reductions and unit restructuring. A military parade is planned to exhibit these advancements. This scenario underscores China’s commitment to enhancing its military …

Top officials from India and Brazil convened for the eighth Joint Defence Committee meeting in Brasilia on July 30, 2025, to enhance military cooperation and strengthen defense industry ties, focusing on regional security in the Indo-Pacific and Latin America. Led by Shri Vishwesh Negi and Maj Gen Willain Koji Kamei, discussions emphasized military training and collaboration. The presence of Indian Ambassador Dr. Dinesh Bhatia underscored the strategic partnership’s importance. This meeting reflects India’s proactive approach …

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss trade and defense relations during his state visit to India from August 4-8. Both nations face security challenges related to China, prompting enhanced defense ties, including upcoming joint naval exercises in the South China Sea. The Philippines, which has previously acquired BrahMos missile systems from India, seeks to boost its coastal defenses further, recognizing the quality and affordability of Indian military …

Indian Naval Ships INS Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan, part of the Eastern Fleet, recently visited Manila, Philippines, reinforcing maritime cooperation in Southeast Asia. This visit, led by RAdm Susheel Menon, underscores India’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, with planned interactions including operational discussions, cross-deck visits, and a bilateral maritime exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and trust between the two navies. The engagement signifies India’s strategic outreach in the region, promoting stability and cooperation …

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has emphasized that the India-U.S. partnership has successfully navigated various challenges, reaffirming its commitment to a robust strategic alliance grounded in shared democratic values and interests. Despite U.S. tariffs on Indian imports and concerns over India’s oil purchases from Russia, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed confidence in the continued growth of defense ties between the two nations. He highlighted that India’s energy decisions are informed by market availability and …

Germany’s Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann, praised India as a vital technology partner, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, and emphasized the importance of finalizing the EU-India Free Trade Agreement for economic stability. He highlighted the collaborative effort in defense, particularly with Germany’s commitment to India’s Project-75I submarine program, and mentioned shared values in democracy and multilateralism. Ackermann also noted the challenges posed by US tariffs and urged India to strategize accordingly. The comprehensive partnership between India …

The recent executive order signed by Trump raises tariffs on 69 trading partners, including a 25% tariff on Indian goods, amid ongoing trade negotiations primarily focused on agricultural market access and military equipment purchases from Russia. The order aims to rectify trade imbalances deemed threats to U.S. national security and economic stability, imposing penalties on transhipment schemes and various tariff adjustments across several countries. While this move seeks to protect U.S. industries, it may strain …