Russia has dismissed recent U.S. threats of tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, while stating it is exploring ways to assist the Caribbean nation amid a deepening fuel shortage. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the government seeks “constructive dialogue” with the United States regarding Cuba’s critical energy needs but stressed that public disputes over the matter are being avoided. He highlighted that Russia’s current trade with Cuba is limited, reducing the likelihood o

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that tariff threats played a decisive role in resolving several international conflicts during his tenure, claiming that economic pressure through trade measures helped prevent violence and bring rival nations to the negotiating table. In an interview with Fox Business, Trump asserted that at least six of what he described as eight wars were settled after he warned countries that they would face higher tariffs if hostilities continued. Among

China has said it understands and respects India’s aspiration for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, marking a notable shift in tone as the two Asian powers work to stabilise relations after several years of tension. The statement came during high-level diplomatic talks in New Delhi and is being viewed as a cautious but significant gesture aimed at rebuilding trust between the neighbours. China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu conveyed the po

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephone conversation with Mauritian Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the special and historic relationship between India and Mauritius. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral ties, expanding development cooperation, and ensuring peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region, underscoring the strategic significance of the island nation in India’s foreign pol

The United States announced a new round of sanctions on Friday targeting Iran’s oil and petrochemical trade, hours after indirect diplomatic talks between Tehran and Washington concluded in Oman, underscoring the fragile balance between pressure and engagement as both sides attempt to manage tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme. The measures, unveiled by the US State Department, apply to 15 entities and 14 vessels that officials say are linked to Iran’s so-called shad

A tragic explosion occurred at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, during Friday prayers, resulting in multiple injuries. The blast took place at the Tarlai Imambargah, located in the Shehzad Town area of Islamabad. Local media reports confirmed the incident, detailing that several people were injured as a result of the explosion. Police and rescue services have swiftly arrived at the scene, initiating rescue operations to assist the victims and prevent further casualties. As investiga

India and the United States are moving closer to concluding what officials describe as a landmark trade agreement, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar indicating that the final details are being worked out and an announcement could come soon. Speaking at the conclusion of his visit to Washington on February 5, Jaishankar said negotiations had reached an advanced stage and expressed confidence that the pact would usher in a new phase of cooperation between the two countries.

India’s national security advisor Ajit Doval conveyed a firm message to senior United States officials months before the announcement of a new trade agreement between New Delhi and Washington, underscoring that India would not yield to public pressure or coercive tactics during negotiations. According to officials familiar with the discussions, Doval made it clear during meetings in Washington that India was prepared to wait out the current US administration if necessary rather than accept terms it viewed as unfavorable. The visit took place in early September, shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling an active diplomatic phase for New Delhi across major global powers. During his interaction with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Doval reportedly emphasized that while India remained committed to reviving trade talks, it expected a more measured tone from Washington and less public criticism that could complicate bilateral ties. Officials said Doval sought to put recent acrimony behind the two countries and expressed interest in restarting substantive discussions on a trade deal that has been under negotiation for several years. At the same time, he warned that India would not be “bullied” by President Donald Trump or senior members of his team, stressing that any agreement must respect India’s economic interests and strategic autonomy. The remarks came months before Trump publicly announced progress on a trade deal with India following a phone call with Modi on February 2. That announcement marked a fresh attempt by both sides to rebuild momentum in economic cooperation after a period marked by tariff disputes and disagreements over market access. Diplomatic observers note that India’s approach reflects a broader foreign policy strategy that balances engagement with firmness. By signaling willingness to continue talks while resisting overt pressure, New Delhi appears intent on safeguarding domestic priorities while preserving its long-term partnership with Washington. The United States remains one of India’s largest trading partners, and both governments view closer economic integration as central to strengthening strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific. The Washington meeting is seen as part of quiet backchannel diplomacy aimed at lowering tensions and creating space for practical negotiations. With both sides now indicating readiness to resume dialogue, officials say the focus will be on rebuilding trust and advancing a mutually beneficial trade framework that supports growth and stability in the relationship.

Tensions between Iran and the United States intensified this week after the US military shot down an Iranian drone that it said approached the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in an aggressive manner in the Arabian Sea. The incident came as both sides exchanged sharp warnings and cautious signals about a possible return to nuclear diplomacy, underscoring the fragile balance between confrontation and negotiation in the region. According to US officials, the drone was intercepted

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed a significant reduction in tariffs on Indian exports to the United States following an announcement by US President Donald Trump that the two countries had reached a bilateral trade agreement aimed at lowering reciprocal duties. Under the new arrangement, tariffs on Made in India products entering the US market will be reduced to 18%, marking a notable shift in trade relations between the two major economies. The agreement also provide

In a significant development affecting global trade and energy policy, United States President Donald Trump announced a bilateral trade agreement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a direct telephone conversation on Monday. According to an official post shared by the US Ambassador to India on social media, the leaders discussed a range of strategic and economic issues, culminating in an accord that reduces key economic barriers between the two countries. In his publi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a conversation with Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, reaffirming India’s intention to deepen and expand cooperation across multiple sectors. The discussion marks a significant diplomatic engagement nearly a month after former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was removed from power and taken into United States custody following a high-profile military operation. In a message shared on social media, Modi said both sides

Uncertainty continues to surround Washington’s approach toward Tehran as President Donald Trump sends conflicting signals on whether the United States is moving closer to military action or renewed diplomacy with Iran. Speaking ahead of his first Cabinet meeting of 2026, the president indicated he was open to communication with Iranian leaders, even as the US expanded its military presence in West Asia and senior defense officials stressed readiness to act on presidential orders.

With renewed calls for peace, reconstruction, and an end to prolonged conflict, Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, is on her first official visit to India. Speaking to journalists in New Delhi on Thursday, she stressed the urgency of achieving Palestinian statehood, arguing that lasting peace in West Asia cannot be realised without ending occupation and restoring sovereignty to the Palestinian people. Dr. Shahin highl

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to travel to Turkey on Friday for high-level talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, as the two neighboring countries seek to strengthen cooperation across security, economic and regional issues. The visit comes amid heightened regional tensions and renewed diplomatic efforts to manage sensitive developments affecting the Middle East. According to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources cited in media reports, Fidan is expected

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held talks with United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in New Delhi, days ahead of his scheduled visit to Washington, D.C., for a high-level engagement on critical minerals. The meeting focused on multiple aspects of the India-US relationship, reflecting the breadth and depth of cooperation between the two countries across strategic, economic and defence domains. Following the meeting, Jaishankar said the discussions covered

India has reiterated its firm support for Israel and renewed its condemnation of terrorism in all forms, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri drawing clear parallels between the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, and India’s long experience with cross-border violence. Speaking at an International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemoration hosted by the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi, Misri underscored India’s position that acts of terror cannot be justified under any circumstances and must be co

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, marking his first public appearance since the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. Rubio outlined the administration’s approach toward Venezuela, defended the operation that led to Maduro’s detention, and emphasized the strategic concerns the United States has regarding the region. His testimony came amid scrutiny from senators on both sides of the ai

Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are set to resume trilateral negotiations aimed at ending the prolonged war in Ukraine, with the next round of talks scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on February 1. The development comes after the first round of discussions held last weekend failed to deliver a breakthrough, highlighting the deep divisions and complexity surrounding the conflict. Despite the absence of immediate results, the decision to continue talks reflects a shared understanding amo

Maharashtra was plunged into deep shock on Tuesday after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was dead in a plane crash during landing at Baramati airport. The charter aircraft, which was traveling from Mumbai to Baramati, met with a fatal accident at around 8:45 am while attempting to land. DGCA officials confirmed that there were no survivors in the crash and that five people were on board the aircraft, including Ajit Pawar, three passeng