RUSSIA AND PAKISTAN

China's Xi Jinping calls on world powers to help Russia and Ukraine resume direct dialogue

During a meeting with China's Xi, Hungarian PM Viktor Orban discussed Russia-Ukraine peace talks, facing disapproval from EU and NATO. Orban, emphasizing China’s neutrality, and peace plan, visited Washington for his mission. Xi urged a cease-fire. China supports Russia, engaging in anti-terror drills in Belarus. Orban's EU presidency mission sidelined Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Russia starts energy supplies to Pakistan; Putin promises more after meeting with Pak PM Sharif

Putin arrives in Kazakhstan for Russia-China dominated SCO summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Kazakhstan for regional security and defense talks, along with bilateral meetings with Chinese and Turkish leaders. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, set for July 3-4 in Astana, will address deepening cooperation among member countries. While Russia and China will dominate the discussions, leaders from several countries, including India, Iran, and Turkey, will attend. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is also expected. Putin plans bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. India's Prime Minister Modi will be represented by Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Modi-Putin phone calls shaped Indian PM’s decision to visit Moscow for annual summit

Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Moscow for the annual summit stems from two phone calls between him and President Vladimir Putin. They first spoke after Putin's election victory in March and again following Modi's re-election in June. The visit aims to boost the strategic partnership amid global scrutiny and discussions on the Ukraine conflict. India's strategic autonomy and historical ties with Russia play a crucial role, emphasizing cooperation in defense, energy, and geopolitical support, including Soviet backing during the 1971 war and the Kashmir issue.

Third eye: Russia shows the map, lift rumours, and mango diplomacy

The exchange of goodwill gestures between India and Bangladesh, with PM Sheikh Hasina sending mangoes, hilsa fish, and sweets to Tripura CM Manik Saha, reflects the deepening ties between the two nations. In return, Saha's gift of pineapples showcases the positive trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations, strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Russia exports major consignment via INSTC ahead of PM Modi’s Moscow trip

The consignment will reach Mumbai port via Bandar Abbas port in Iran, ET has learnt. “For the first time, two trains with Kuzbass coal headed to India along the International North-South Transport Corridor. The trains set off from the Kemerovo region. They followed along the eastern branch of the INSTC through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas,” Russian Railways said on Monday in a statement.

Where are the nuclear hotspots around the world that can trigger the next World War?

Experts have identified several nuclear hotspots around the world that can trigger World War 3. This war unlike the previous world war will see the presence of nuclear weapons. South Asia, Russia, West Asia and the Korean Peninsula have been identified as some of the hotspots.

China's nuclear force now three times larger than India's: SIPRI data

China is rapidly increasing its nuclear arsenal, now boasting 500 warheads, triple that of India. This expansion reflects heightened geopolitical tensions and a global trend toward modernizing nuclear capabilities. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reports that all nine nuclear-armed states are enhancing their arsenals, with China and the US notably placing warheads on high operational alert.

View: Four years since Galwan Valley clash, India’s template to deal with China holds

The G7, in a recent meeting in Italy, shifted its focus towards China, urging Beijing to stop transferring dual-use materials to Russia for its defense sector. This move marks a significant shift in the conversation surrounding the Indo-Pacific and Ukraine. Xi Jinping's firm stance and China's role as a common link in global affairs have come under scrutiny. The article highlights India's response to Chinese aggression in Ladakh post-Galwan clash, leading to a strategic shift in its policies.

9 nuclear-armed nations including India continued to modernise N-arsenals in 2023: SIPRI

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported that nine nuclear-armed nations, including the US, Russia, France, China, India, and Pakistan, continued to modernize their nuclear arsenals in 2023. China notably increased its nuclear arsenal from 410 to 500 warheads and is expected to continue growing. The report highlighted that around 2,100 deployed warheads were on high operational alert, primarily held by Russia and the US, with China joining for the first time.

With Russia not attending, what can this weekend's Ukraine peace summit achieve?

The 'Summit on Peace in Ukraine', hosted by Switzerland, aims to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, but Russia's absence hinders progress at the non-traditional peace conference.

Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia are set to get seats on the UN Security Council

Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia are set to secure seats on the U.N. Security Council after a secret ballot by the General Assembly. The 193-member body will elect five countries for two-year terms, starting January 1, replacing Mozambique, Japan, Ecuador, Malta, and Switzerland. These nations will join the permanent members and last year's elected members

India needs strong leader, stable govt as ongoing conflicts worldwide won't end so quickly: Jaishankar

China is constructing roads, bridges and model village at the border on the land it took in 1962 and had made a road to Siachen with the coordination of Pakistan and India has also deployed forces, improved logistics on the border and the budget for India-China border has been increased from Rs 3000 crore to Rs 15,000 crore, the minister said.

Arvind Kejriwal says INDIA bloc working to protect democracy; draws parallels with Russia, Pakistan and Bangladesh

He expressed concerns over the state of democracy in India, drawing parallels with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Russia and emphasised the need to safeguard democratic values in the country.

Russia says Islamic State behind deadly Moscow concert hall attack

Russia has confirmed that Islamic State coordinated the March concert hall attack in Moscow, the deadliest terror attack in two decades. The attack, which killed over 140 people, was coordinated via the internet by members of Khorasan Province (IS-K), an IS branch active in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Russia has repeatedly tried to link Ukraine and the West to the attack, but has denied involvement.

Storm brewing, vital to have safe pair of hands to take India through: Jaishankar

Amidst the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as well as other geopolitical tensions, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated on Monday that a "storm" is looming and is expected to escalate. He emphasized the crucial need for a steady and reliable leadership to navigate India through this challenging period. These remarks were made during an interaction at a school in Delhi organized by the Delhi Tamil Education Association, just days before the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

China, Pakistan, or Russia? Who is sending bomb threats to malls, hospitals, airports, and schools of Delhi, Jaipur and Bengaluru?

Multiple schools in Bengaluru and Delhi faced hoax bomb threats via email, following a similar incident targeting St Philomena hospital chain. Tihar Jail and Delhi hospitals were also affected. Emails claimed explosives inside buildings, prompting police searches with no findings. Origin traced to Cyprus-based beeble.com. Intelligence suspects Pakistan's involvement. Efforts underway for international cooperation in tracing culprits.

Russia warns Pakistan of rice import ban over quality issue

Russia warns Pakistan of rice import ban due to phytosanitary issues. Previous bans lifted after negotiations. US President Biden expresses interest in partnership with Pakistan to address global challenges, including health security and human rights.

"Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas War, learning experience for India": Lt Gen Manjinder Singh

Lt Gen Manjinder Singh of the Indian Army Training Command highlighted the importance of learning from the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts for India's defense. He emphasized the need for evolving training methods to counter potential threats on Pakistan's borders. The use of 'Make in India' weapons enhances self-reliance. The Army Training Command focuses on improving training with evolving technologies and has expanded its footprint to 34 establishments across India. The Command also engages in international training cooperation to learn best practices.

ISIS-K, group tied to Moscow attack, has grown bolder and more violent

The Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K), an affiliate of the Taliban, has been criticized by the West for its violent attacks on the Taliban government. ISIS-K, which took responsibility for a terrorist attack in Moscow, has used the violence to undermine the Taliban's relationships with regional allies and portray the government as incapable of providing security in Afghanistan. The group has carried out near daily attacks on their soldiers and targeted the Russian Embassy in Kabul, Pakistan, and sent gunmen into a prominent hotel in Kabul.

Indian security analysts suggest probing role of Pakistan in encouraging radicals in Russia

Terrorists attacked a large concert hall in the Moscow region on Friday night and sprayed the crowd with gunfire, killing more than 90 people, injuring over 100 and setting fire to the venue in a brazen attack. Security has been tightened in Moscow and the adjoining regions, with mass events being cancelled.

Amid rising defense imports, India slashes procurement from Russia to less than half, a first since 1960s

India is strategically diversifying its defense procurement strategy, reducing reliance on Russian arms amidst tensions with Pakistan and China. SIPRI reports a significant decline in India's arms imports from Russia, marking the first time since the 1960s that less than half of imports come from Russia. This shift includes increased orders from Western countries like France and the United States, strengthening strategic partnerships. The move responds to heightened tensions with Pakistan and China, emphasizing bolstering defense posture through diversified imports and indigenous development.

India remains world’s largest arms importer, Russia its top supplier

India remains the world's top arms importer, with a 4.7% increase in imports. Russia is its main supplier, while China dominates as Pakistan's main supplier. Japan and South Korea also increased their imports. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt are major importers in the Middle East. Concern over China's ambitions drives arms imports in Asia and Oceania.