India on Monday strongly rejected Pakistan’s allegations of mistreatment of religious minorities, asserting that Islamabad lacks the moral authority to comment on such matters given its own record. Responding to remarks from Pakistan’s Foreign Office, New Delhi said attempts to highlight alleged incidents in India cannot mask Pakistan’s well-documented history of systemic discrimination and persecution of minorities. The response came after Pakistani Foreign Affairs spokespers
India on Monday strongly rejected Pakistan’s allegations of mistreatment of religious minorities, asserting that Islamabad lacks the moral authority to comment on such matters given its own record. Responding to remarks from Pakistan’s Foreign Office, New Delhi said attempts to highlight alleged incidents in India cannot mask Pakistan’s well-documented history of systemic discrimination and persecution of minorities. The response came after Pakistani Foreign Affairs spokespers
Israel has become the first member of the United Nations to officially recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, marking a significant diplomatic development for the self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa. The announcement ends decades of international non-recognition for Somaliland, which has operated as a separate political entity since breaking away from Somalia in 1991 following a prolonged civil conflict. The recognition was formalised on Friday when Isr
Israel has become the first member of the United Nations to officially recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, marking a significant diplomatic development for the self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa. The announcement ends decades of international non-recognition for Somaliland, which has operated as a separate political entity since breaking away from Somalia in 1991 following a prolonged civil conflict. The recognition was formalised on Friday when Isr
India has closed the Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka following growing security concerns and escalating diplomatic tensions with Bangladesh. The decision was taken after intelligence inputs warned of threats from extremist elements and provocative statements made by certain Bangladeshi political leaders. The closure reflects India’s increasing concern over the safety of its diplomatic missions and personnel in the neighbouring country. The Indian Visa Application Centre lo
India has closed the Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka following growing security concerns and escalating diplomatic tensions with Bangladesh. The decision was taken after intelligence inputs warned of threats from extremist elements and provocative statements made by certain Bangladeshi political leaders. The closure reflects India’s increasing concern over the safety of its diplomatic missions and personnel in the neighbouring country. The Indian Visa Application Centre lo
US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation on Thursday, December 11, as confirmed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor. During the discussion, Prime Minister Modi expressed his support for President Trump’s ongoing efforts to help bring peace to Ukraine. The call comes at a time when both nations are navigating trade tensions following the United States’ decision earlier this year to impose a 50% tariff on select Indian goods. According to
US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation on Thursday, December 11, as confirmed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor. During the discussion, Prime Minister Modi expressed his support for President Trump’s ongoing efforts to help bring peace to Ukraine. The call comes at a time when both nations are navigating trade tensions following the United States’ decision earlier this year to impose a 50% tariff on select Indian goods. According to
Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has strongly defended the Taliban government's right to maintain political and economic relations with India, pushing back against Pakistan’s criticism over Kabul-Delhi engagement. Speaking at a conference in Kabul, Muttaqi dismissed Islamabad's accusations that India supports anti-Pakistan groups, calling them inconsistent and politically motivated. He reminded that Pakistan itself maintains diplomatic presence in New Delhi with act
Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has strongly defended the Taliban government's right to maintain political and economic relations with India, pushing back against Pakistan’s criticism over Kabul-Delhi engagement. Speaking at a conference in Kabul, Muttaqi dismissed Islamabad's accusations that India supports anti-Pakistan groups, calling them inconsistent and politically motivated. He reminded that Pakistan itself maintains diplomatic presence in New Delhi with act
India has been elevated to major power status in the Asia Power Index 2025, marking a significant milestone in New Delhi’s expanding global profile. The latest edition of the Index places India third in its overall ranking, behind only the United States and China, reflecting a steady enhancement of the country’s economic strength, military capability and regional influence. The ranking signals a turning point for India, which has long sought to consolidate its role as a central player in
India has been elevated to major power status in the Asia Power Index 2025, marking a significant milestone in New Delhi’s expanding global profile. The latest edition of the Index places India third in its overall ranking, behind only the United States and China, reflecting a steady enhancement of the country’s economic strength, military capability and regional influence. The ranking signals a turning point for India, which has long sought to consolidate its role as a central player in
Tensions between China and Japan escalated sharply this week after Beijing delivered a series of unusually forceful warnings against any potential Japanese involvement in the Taiwan Strait. China’s defence ministry declared that Japan would face what it called a crushing defeat at the hands of the People’s Liberation Army if Tokyo attempted to intervene militarily in a Taiwan conflict. The warning, issued on Friday, followed a similar statement from China’s foreign ministry a day earlie
Tensions between China and Japan escalated sharply this week after Beijing delivered a series of unusually forceful warnings against any potential Japanese involvement in the Taiwan Strait. China’s defence ministry declared that Japan would face what it called a crushing defeat at the hands of the People’s Liberation Army if Tokyo attempted to intervene militarily in a Taiwan conflict. The warning, issued on Friday, followed a similar statement from China’s foreign ministry a day earlie
New Delhi: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that the American sanctions imposed on Iran will not affect the Chabahar Port project, a critical component of India’s regional connectivity and trade strategy. The confirmation underscores New Delhi’s commitment to maintaining strategic investments in the port, even as it continues its dialogue with the United States on broader trade and diplomatic issues. The Chabahar Port, located on Iran’s southeastern c
New Delhi: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that the American sanctions imposed on Iran will not affect the Chabahar Port project, a critical component of India’s regional connectivity and trade strategy. The confirmation underscores New Delhi’s commitment to maintaining strategic investments in the port, even as it continues its dialogue with the United States on broader trade and diplomatic issues. The Chabahar Port, located on Iran’s southeastern c
During his official visit to Japan on Tuesday, United States President Donald Trump met with the families of Japanese citizens who were abducted by North Korea several decades ago. The emotional meeting took place in Tokyo, where relatives of the victims shared their ongoing struggle for answers and appealed for international cooperation to bring their loved ones home. President Trump expressed deep sympathy and reaffirmed Washington’s full and unwavering support for Japan’s efforts to re
During his official visit to Japan on Tuesday, United States President Donald Trump met with the families of Japanese citizens who were abducted by North Korea several decades ago. The emotional meeting took place in Tokyo, where relatives of the victims shared their ongoing struggle for answers and appealed for international cooperation to bring their loved ones home. President Trump expressed deep sympathy and reaffirmed Washington’s full and unwavering support for Japan’s efforts to re
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has sharply criticised the United Nations, saying the global body has become increasingly ineffective and paralysed by internal divisions. Speaking in New Delhi at the release of a commemorative postage stamp marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, Jaishankar said the organisation’s decision-making has failed to reflect the realities of its membership or the priorities of the modern world. He emphasised that meaningful reforms are
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has sharply criticised the United Nations, saying the global body has become increasingly ineffective and paralysed by internal divisions. Speaking in New Delhi at the release of a commemorative postage stamp marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, Jaishankar said the organisation’s decision-making has failed to reflect the realities of its membership or the priorities of the modern world. He emphasised that meaningful reforms are
India is once again at the center of global diplomatic attention after former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to halt Russian oil imports. The Indian government swiftly denied the statement, emphasizing that its energy decisions are made independently and based solely on national interest. This move highlights New Delhi’s determination to maintain strategic autonomy amid increasing international pressure. Over the past two years
India is once again at the center of global diplomatic attention after former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to halt Russian oil imports. The Indian government swiftly denied the statement, emphasizing that its energy decisions are made independently and based solely on national interest. This move highlights New Delhi’s determination to maintain strategic autonomy amid increasing international pressure. Over the past two years
Hours before the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize announcement, former U.S. President Donald Trump reignited his long-standing criticism of Barack Obama, claiming that the former president received the prestigious honor “for doing nothing” and “destroying our country.” Trump’s remarks came during an interaction with reporters, where he contrasted his own record in foreign policy with Obama’s 2009 Nobel recognition. Speaking in characteristic fashion, Trump asserted that his admini
Hours before the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize announcement, former U.S. President Donald Trump reignited his long-standing criticism of Barack Obama, claiming that the former president received the prestigious honor “for doing nothing” and “destroying our country.” Trump’s remarks came during an interaction with reporters, where he contrasted his own record in foreign policy with Obama’s 2009 Nobel recognition. Speaking in characteristic fashion, Trump asserted that his admini
India has announced the reopening of its diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, marking a significant step in restoring engagement with the Taliban-led government. The decision, revealed during a bilateral meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi on October 10, represents the first high-level diplomatic dialogue between the two nations since the Taliban took power in August 2021. India had shut
India has announced the reopening of its diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, marking a significant step in restoring engagement with the Taliban-led government. The decision, revealed during a bilateral meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi on October 10, represents the first high-level diplomatic dialogue between the two nations since the Taliban took power in August 2021. India had shut
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on Monday, just before the start of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting, held at the Lotte New York Palace, marked their first in-person engagement since the United States announced an additional twenty-five percent tariff on India in response to Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil, which raised the total tariff burden to fifty percent. This face-to-face discuss
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on Monday, just before the start of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting, held at the Lotte New York Palace, marked their first in-person engagement since the United States announced an additional twenty-five percent tariff on India in response to Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil, which raised the total tariff burden to fifty percent. This face-to-face discuss
As tensions rise between India and the United States over trade and tariff disputes, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has urged Washington not to jeopardize its long-standing relationship with New Delhi. Her comments followed President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25 percent reciprocal tariff on Indian imports along with an additional 25 percent penalty tied to India’s continued energy trade with Russia. Haley emphasized tha
As tensions rise between India and the United States over trade and tariff disputes, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has urged Washington not to jeopardize its long-standing relationship with New Delhi. Her comments followed President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25 percent reciprocal tariff on Indian imports along with an additional 25 percent penalty tied to India’s continued energy trade with Russia. Haley emphasized tha
A diplomatic and economic row is deepening between India and the United States after US President Donald Trump imposed a steep increase in tariffs on Indian exports. Just one day after the announcement, the Indian rupee showed early signs of resilience, rising 3 paise to open at 87.69 against the US dollar in the currency market. The modest strengthening of the rupee comes even as the broader trade implications of the new US measures are expected to weigh heavily on the Indian economy in the
A diplomatic and economic row is deepening between India and the United States after US President Donald Trump imposed a steep increase in tariffs on Indian exports. Just one day after the announcement, the Indian rupee showed early signs of resilience, rising 3 paise to open at 87.69 against the US dollar in the currency market. The modest strengthening of the rupee comes even as the broader trade implications of the new US measures are expected to weigh heavily on the Indian economy in the
As the deadline set by US President Donald Trump for a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine draws closer, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on Wednesday to hold crucial talks with Russian officials and possibly President Vladimir Putin himself. Trump had previously issued a 50-day ultimatum to Putin to halt military actions, but last month he unexpectedly shortened it to just 10 to 12 days. This deadline is now set to expire within the week, increasing global tensions as Russia cont
As the deadline set by US President Donald Trump for a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine draws closer, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on Wednesday to hold crucial talks with Russian officials and possibly President Vladimir Putin himself. Trump had previously issued a 50-day ultimatum to Putin to halt military actions, but last month he unexpectedly shortened it to just 10 to 12 days. This deadline is now set to expire within the week, increasing global tensions as Russia cont
US President Donald Trump has once again asserted that his leadership has been instrumental in ending several major global conflicts, including the long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan. In a recent post on his social media account, Trump defended his record in response to criticism from radio host Charlamagne Tha God, insisting that the host knew nothing about his achievements on the world stage. Trump highlighted what he described as significant
US President Donald Trump has once again asserted that his leadership has been instrumental in ending several major global conflicts, including the long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan. In a recent post on his social media account, Trump defended his record in response to criticism from radio host Charlamagne Tha God, insisting that the host knew nothing about his achievements on the world stage. Trump highlighted what he described as significant
In a bold and unexpected move, the President of the United States has announced a 50 percent tariff on all imports from Brazil. The announcement deviated from usual trade policy rhetoric and was directly linked to the ongoing prosecution of Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro. The President emphasized that the tariff decision was not based on trade deficits or economic concerns but was instead a response to what he termed an unfair legal attack on Bolsonaro, who he described as a person
In a bold and unexpected move, the President of the United States has announced a 50 percent tariff on all imports from Brazil. The announcement deviated from usual trade policy rhetoric and was directly linked to the ongoing prosecution of Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro. The President emphasized that the tariff decision was not based on trade deficits or economic concerns but was instead a response to what he termed an unfair legal attack on Bolsonaro, who he described as a person
China has issued a firm response to remarks made by United States President Donald Trump regarding the imposition of additional tariffs on countries aligning with the BRICS bloc. The Chinese government strongly opposed what it described as the coercive use of tariffs in international diplomacy, saying such tactics undermine global cooperation and stability. The statement came after President Trump warned that the United States could impose an extra 10 percent tariff on imports from countries tha
China has issued a firm response to remarks made by United States President Donald Trump regarding the imposition of additional tariffs on countries aligning with the BRICS bloc. The Chinese government strongly opposed what it described as the coercive use of tariffs in international diplomacy, saying such tactics undermine global cooperation and stability. The statement came after President Trump warned that the United States could impose an extra 10 percent tariff on imports from countries tha