Trump claims India cut Russian oil imports after US imposed 50% tariffs
US President Donald Trump on Sunday, January 4, claimed that India has significantly reduced its purchases of Russian oil following the imposition of steep tariffs on Indian goods by Washington. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said his administration’s decision to levy a 50 percent tariff had prompted a response from New Delhi, while also warning that the United States could escalate trade penalties further if necessary. Trump asserted that India’s leadership acted in respo
Trump claims India cut Russian oil imports after US imposed 50% tariffs
US President Donald Trump on Sunday, January 4, claimed that India has significantly reduced its purchases of Russian oil following the imposition of steep tariffs on Indian goods by Washington. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said his administration’s decision to levy a 50 percent tariff had prompted a response from New Delhi, while also warning that the United States could escalate trade penalties further if necessary. Trump asserted that India’s leadership acted in respo
US–Venezuela crisis – EU faces criticism over Venezuela stance as Russia alleges double standards
Russian officials have sharply criticized European leaders over what they describe as inconsistent interpretations of international law, following recent statements by senior European Union figures on Venezuela’s political future. The remarks have added to growing diplomatic tensions at a time when conflicts and power struggles are reshaping global relations. Russia’s special envoy Kirill Dimitrev accused European democracies of applying selective standards when responding to in
US–Venezuela crisis – EU faces criticism over Venezuela stance as Russia alleges double standards
Russian officials have sharply criticized European leaders over what they describe as inconsistent interpretations of international law, following recent statements by senior European Union figures on Venezuela’s political future. The remarks have added to growing diplomatic tensions at a time when conflicts and power struggles are reshaping global relations. Russia’s special envoy Kirill Dimitrev accused European democracies of applying selective standards when responding to in
US–Venezuela crisis – Trump claims large-scale U.S. strikes in Venezuela, says Maduro and wife captured
U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that the United States had carried out what he described as “large scale” strikes against Venezuela, triggering international attention and raising urgent questions about the status of the South American nation’s leadership. In a statement released on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured during the operation and removed from the country.
US–Venezuela crisis – Trump claims large-scale U.S. strikes in Venezuela, says Maduro and wife captured
U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that the United States had carried out what he described as “large scale” strikes against Venezuela, triggering international attention and raising urgent questions about the status of the South American nation’s leadership. In a statement released on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured during the operation and removed from the country.
US–Venezuela crisis – Russia condemns U.S. strike on Venezuela, urges restraint after Caracas explosions
Russia sharply criticized the United States on Saturday following reports of a large-scale military strike on Venezuela, describing the operation as an act of armed aggression and warning that the situation risks further destabilization if restraint is not exercised. The condemnation came after a series of explosions were reported in Caracas in the early hours of the morning, raising fears of a major escalation in an already volatile geopolitical standoff. In a statement issued by t
US–Venezuela crisis – Russia condemns U.S. strike on Venezuela, urges restraint after Caracas explosions
Russia sharply criticized the United States on Saturday following reports of a large-scale military strike on Venezuela, describing the operation as an act of armed aggression and warning that the situation risks further destabilization if restraint is not exercised. The condemnation came after a series of explosions were reported in Caracas in the early hours of the morning, raising fears of a major escalation in an already volatile geopolitical standoff. In a statement issued by t
US–Venezuela crisis - US launches strikes at multiple military sites across Venezuela
The United States launched coordinated military strikes on several locations across Venezuela on Saturday, December 3, according to official statements from Venezuelan authorities. The reported attacks targeted strategic defence installations in and around the capital, marking a sharp escalation in tensions b
US–Venezuela crisis - US launches strikes at multiple military sites across Venezuela
The United States launched coordinated military strikes on several locations across Venezuela on Saturday, December 3, according to official statements from Venezuelan authorities. The reported attacks targeted strategic defence installations in and around the capital, marking a sharp escalation in tensions b
US urges China to halt military drills near Taiwan as regional tensions rise
Amid escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, the United States State Department has urged China to halt its recent military activities near Taiwan, warning that the drills are unnecessarily heightening regional instability. The call followed a two-day military exercise conducted by China around Taiwan, which included missile launches and the deployment of fighter jets, naval vessels, and coast gua
US urges China to halt military drills near Taiwan as regional tensions rise
Amid escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, the United States State Department has urged China to halt its recent military activities near Taiwan, warning that the drills are unnecessarily heightening regional instability. The call followed a two-day military exercise conducted by China around Taiwan, which included missile launches and the deployment of fighter jets, naval vessels, and coast gua
Russia says drone attack targeted Putin residence, shares data with US military
Russia’s Defence Ministry said on Thursday that it had transferred what it described as evidence showing that Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian presidential residence earlier this week, an allegation that Kyiv and Western governments have firmly rejected. The announcement adds to rising diplomatic tensions as Moscow and Washington continue discussions related to the broader war in Ukraine. According to the ministry, fragments of a Ukrainian drone recovered after an alleged attem
Russia says drone attack targeted Putin residence, shares data with US military
Russia’s Defence Ministry said on Thursday that it had transferred what it described as evidence showing that Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian presidential residence earlier this week, an allegation that Kyiv and Western governments have firmly rejected. The announcement adds to rising diplomatic tensions as Moscow and Washington continue discussions related to the broader war in Ukraine. According to the ministry, fragments of a Ukrainian drone recovered after an alleged attem
India hits back at Pakistan on minorities allegations, calls charges hypocritical
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 hits back at Pakistan on minorities allegations, calls charges hypocritical
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 recognises Somaliland as independent state, opens path to diplomatic ties
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 recognises Somaliland as independent state, opens path to diplomatic ties
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 Shuts Dhaka Visa Centre Amid Security Threats and Diplomatic Tensions
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 Shuts Dhaka Visa Centre Amid Security Threats and Diplomatic Tensions
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
Thailand and Cambodia halt border fighting after talks with US president Trump
United States President Donald Trump said on Friday that the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to halt fighting following days of deadly clashes along their disputed border, raising hopes for a return to stability in the volatile region. The announcement came after Trump held separate phone conversations with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, as tensions threatened to escalate into a broader military confrontation. In
Thailand and Cambodia halt border fighting after talks with US president Trump
United States President Donald Trump said on Friday that the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to halt fighting following days of deadly clashes along their disputed border, raising hopes for a return to stability in the volatile region. The announcement came after Trump held separate phone conversations with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, as tensions threatened to escalate into a broader military confrontation. In
Trump weighs Core-5 global power bloc as potential alternative to the G7
US President Donald Trump is reported to be considering the formation of a new geopolitical grouping known as the “Core-5,” a proposed alliance that would bring together the United States, Russia, China, India, and Japan. The initiative is being explored as a potential alternative to the Group of Seven, signaling a significant shift in Washington’s approach to global leadership and alliance-building. If pursued, the Core-5 could represent one of the most powerful strategic blocs ever as
Trump weighs Core-5 global power bloc as potential alternative to the G7
US President Donald Trump is reported to be considering the formation of a new geopolitical grouping known as the “Core-5,” a proposed alliance that would bring together the United States, Russia, China, India, and Japan. The initiative is being explored as a potential alternative to the Group of Seven, signaling a significant shift in Washington’s approach to global leadership and alliance-building. If pursued, the Core-5 could represent one of the most powerful strategic blocs ever as
US–India Relations Update: Trump and Modi Discuss Ukraine, Trade, and Global Stability
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–India Relations Update: Trump and Modi Discuss Ukraine, Trade, and Global Stability
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
Taliban Hits Back At Pakistan: We Have Right To Maintain Ties With India, Says Muttaqi
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
Taliban Hits Back At Pakistan: We Have Right To Maintain Ties With India, Says Muttaqi
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
Trump warns of funding freeze, backs Asfura ahead of Honduras vote
United States President Donald Trump issued an unusually direct intervention in Honduras’s national politics on Friday, stating that Washington could withdraw financial support for the Central American nation if his preferred presidential candidate, Nasry “Tito” Asfura, does not win the upcoming election. The remarks were posted on his Truth Social platform just two days before Hondurans head to the polls on Sunday. Trump simultaneously revealed that he intends to grant a pardon to form
Trump warns of funding freeze, backs Asfura ahead of Honduras vote
United States President Donald Trump issued an unusually direct intervention in Honduras’s national politics on Friday, stating that Washington could withdraw financial support for the Central American nation if his preferred presidential candidate, Nasry “Tito” Asfura, does not win the upcoming election. The remarks were posted on his Truth Social platform just two days before Hondurans head to the polls on Sunday. Trump simultaneously revealed that he intends to grant a pardon to form
Asia Power Index 2025 ranks India as major power after Operation Sindoor gains
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
Asia Power Index 2025 ranks India as major power after Operation Sindoor gains
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
China warns Japan of “crushing defeat” as tensions rise over Taiwan dispute
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
China warns Japan of “crushing defeat” as tensions rise over Taiwan dispute
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
India confirms US sanctions will not impact Chabahar Port project in Iran
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
India confirms US sanctions will not impact Chabahar Port project in Iran
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
Trump pledges full US support to families of Japanese abducted by North Korea
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
Trump pledges full US support to families of Japanese abducted by North Korea
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
Jaishankar says UN system ‘gridlocked’ as reforms blocked by its own process
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
Jaishankar says UN system ‘gridlocked’ as reforms blocked by its own process
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









