RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY
Putin sees no need for nuclear weapons to win in Ukraine. But he's also keeping his options open
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to NATO, cautioning against excessive military support for Ukraine, as it could escalate into a nuclear conflict with Russia. Despite Russia's current military advantage in Ukraine, Putin emphasized that nuclear weapons remain a viable option if Russia's sovereignty and territorial integrity are threatened. Recent Russian drills with tactical nuclear weapons underscore Moscow's readiness to respond to perceived Western provocations, including discussions of deploying NATO troops in Ukraine and supplying longer-range weapons to Kyiv. This nuclear rhetoric marks a dangerous escalation amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Early discharge of Indians from Russian army will be discussed during Modi's visit to Moscow, says Foreign Secy Kwatra
PM Modi will visit Moscow, Russia, aiming for the early discharge of Indian nationals from the Russian Army, as per Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra. He will attend the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit with Vladimir Putin on July 8-9, 2024, discussing multifaceted relations and contemporary issues. Later, Modi will visit Austria from July 9-10.
Moscow expects to sign new co-operation pact with Iran in 'very near future', RIA reports
Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko stated that a new comprehensive cooperation agreement with Iran is close to completion and expected to be signed shortly. The agreement aims to replace a 20-year strategic pact signed in 2001, focusing on security, energy, industry, and technology. Details of the new agreement remain undisclosed, but the two countries have strengthened ties, particularly in investment, military, and energy sectors, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions.
Gunmen kill 20 at worship sites in Russia's Dagestan
Gunmen launched attacks at a synagogue, an Orthodox church, and a police post in Russia's Dagestan region, killing an Orthodox priest, multiple police officers, and civilians. The governor of Dagestan called it a "day of tragedy," with over 20 killed in what is believed to be a terrorist attack. Five gunmen were shot and killed. Days of mourning have been declared, and flags are at half-staff. The attackers' identities and motives are under investigation.
Japan sanctions Bengaluru tech company over Russian war 'support'
Japan has sanctioned Bengaluru-based Si2 Microsystems Pvt Ltd, an Indian tech firm, for allegedly supporting Russia's war efforts. This move, part of broader sanctions including firms from China, the UAE, and Central Asia, marks Japan's first targeting of foreign companies over Ukraine-related issues. The sanctions may strain the growing strategic partnership between Japan and India. Si2 Microsystems, involved in various high-tech projects, including government space initiatives, is now under scrutiny. Japan's tougher stance against Russia, influenced by Western pressures, contrasts with its previous policies, recalling sanctions imposed on India after the 1998 nuclear tests.
Moscow warns of retaliation if income from its assets is seized
Leaders of the G7 agreed at a summit in Italy last week to use interest from Russian assets frozen in the West to provide a $50 billion loan to Ukraine. Russia says the action is illegal and will rebound against the West by undermining confidence in the global financial system.
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Russian economy has withstood what even China could not have achieved: Prof. Alexander Dynkin
Prof. Alexander Dynkin discussed the significance of the Primakov Readings International Forum and the role of BRICS in shaping global economic trends. He emphasized India's pivotal role in BRICS and highlighted the growth potential in Russia-India ties. Dynkin provided insights into the Russian economy, foreign policy priorities, and commitments towards fostering regional stability and collaboration, especially in Africa. His analysis underscored Russia's resilience and strategic positioning in the evolving global landscape.
Pressing Russia to release Indians in Russian military: Foreign Secretary Kwatra
India has been pressing Russia for the safety and repatriation of Indian nationals employed by the Russian Army, following the deaths of two more Indians in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, bringing the total to four. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra emphasized continuous discussions with Russian authorities to ensure the safety of Indians in the war zone. India has demanded a halt to further recruitment of its nationals by the Russian Army. The government has contacted families and taken immediate action for those in the conflict zone. Ten Indians have been repatriated so far.
BRICS Foreign Ministers call for ensuring zero tolerance for terrorism
Foreign Ministers of the BRICS nations strongly condemned terrorism and termed it criminal and unjustifiable. They reaffirmed their commitment to combatting terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism and terrorism financing. They emphasised the primary responsibility of States in combating terrorism and called for zero tolerance and rejected double standards in countering terrorism. The ministers also addressed drug trafficking, anti-corruption efforts, and nuclear disarmament in their joint statement following a meeting in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod.
Hardeep Singh Puri, face of India's oil diplomacy, takes oath
Born in Delhi, the 1974 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Puri claims to be affiliated to ABVP - the students' body aligned to BJP, during his student days at Hindu College of the Delhi University (DU), where he received his bachelor and master's degrees in history.
Iran lodges protest with China about sovereignty issue
Iran's foreign ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador in Tehran to protest a China-UAE statement regarding Iran's sovereignty over Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunb islands. The islands are also claimed by UAE.
Ukraine's Zelenskyy gets more air defence missiles from Spain to fight deadly Russian glide bombs
Two Patriot systems are needed to protect the northeastern Kharkiv region, where the Kremlin's forces launched a cross-border offensive on May 10 that left Ukrainian troops reeling, Zelenskyy said. The death toll from a glide bomb attack on a Kharkiv shopping mall Saturday rose to 18, regional Gov Oleh Syniehubov said Monday, with five people still missing.
PSBs ask US to route advisories via finance ministry
Executives from some of the top lenders, including State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and Canara Bank, met with a six-member US Treasury delegation last month. The discussions focused on Russian payments and a possible breach of the internationally imposed $60 a barrel purchase price on Russian crude.
Will Russia's counter space weapon destroy US satellites? Tension between superpowers escalates
Russia earlier launched a counter space weapon which the US said threatens its satellites in the Low Earth Orbit. This weapon has both offensive and defensive capabilities.
Russia starts exercise with tactical nuclear weapons
Russia's Foreign Ministry has cited comments by French President Emmanuel Macron, who floated the possibility of sending European troops to fight Russia in Ukraine, and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who said Ukraine had the right to use weapons provided by London to strike targets inside Russia.
Russia expels British defense attache in a tit-for-tat move
Russia declared Britain's defense attache persona non grata and expelled Maxim Elovik over espionage allegations. Tensions between the UK and Russia involve cyberattacks, targeted killings, and Russian interference in Ukraine. Britain sanctioned wealthy Russians and tightened regulations on money laundering.
Ukrainian troops pull out of some areas and Zelenskyy postpones foreign trips amid Russian offensive
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a $2 billion arms package for Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv, aimed at supporting Ukraine in its defense against a new Russian offensive. The package includes funds for medium- and long-term foreign military financing, with most of the money coming from a package approved last month by Congress. Blinken's visit comes as Ukrainian forces face increased pressure from Russian troops in the east. President Zelenskyy has postponed all his upcoming foreign trips in response to the escalating conflict.
Why is Russia holding nuclear exercises - and what to watch for?
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his military to conduct drills involving the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, citing perceived threats from France, Britain, and the United States. The drills will include missile forces, aviation, and the navy from the Southern Military District, near Ukraine, as well as Belarus. Russia linked the drills to what it called "militant statements" by Western officials. While nuclear powers routinely conduct nuclear exercises, it is rare to explicitly link such drills to ongoing conflicts.
Zelenskyy postpones all upcoming foreign visits as Ukraine faces a new Russian offensive
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy delays foreign trips amid clashes with Russian forces. U.S. Secretary of State Blinken reassures Ukrainian support during Kyiv visit. Zelenskyy cancels plans, citing ongoing battles and Russia's incursions. Blinken lauds Ukrainian resilience, while Russia shoots down Ukrainian missiles and drones in border regions.
Defying West, Russia's Putin due to meet Xi Jinping in Beijing
Putin's two-day mission - the first visit of his new term - is expected to highlight the pair's vaunted "no limits" partnership in defiance from pressure from the United States over Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit China this week
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit China this week after an invitation from Xi Jinping. Beijing's foreign ministry confirmed the trip scheduled from Thursday to Friday. This marks Putin's second visit to China in just over six months, highlighting the close ties between the two nations. The visit comes amidst a strengthened partnership following Russia's military assault on Ukraine in February. China has served as a crucial economic lifeline for Moscow amid Western sanctions.
"Won't speak until allegations are proved before a jury": US on investigation into alleged attempt to kill Pannun
The US State Department has stated that it will not comment on the investigation into the alleged plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun until the allegations are proven in court. The department's spokesperson emphasized that the case is an ongoing legal matter. A Czech court has ruled to extradite an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, to the US in connection with the case. The Indian government has denied involvement and set up a committee to investigate. The US reiterated its non-interference stance in India's elections.
Russia comes out in New Delhi’s support; alleges that the US is complicating India’s election process
Washington lacks understanding of India's national mentality and history, says Russia. It also pulled up US for failing to provide any evidence of India's involvement in the foiled assassination attempt of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Russian Foreign Ministry dismisses US allegations of India's role in Pannun case
The Russian Foreign Ministry has rejected US allegations of an Indian plot to assassinate pro-Khalistan radical Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, stating that Washington has not provided any reliable evidence. The ministry's spokesperson criticized the US for its lack of understanding of India's national mentality and historical context, accusing the US of disrespecting India. The US Justice Department recently unsealed an indictment against an Indian national for his alleged involvement in the plot. India has dismissed these allegations as speculative and irresponsible.
Russia says it will target French troops if they are sent to Ukraine
Russia issued a stark warning to France, stating that if President Macron were to send troops to Ukraine, they would be considered legitimate targets by the Russian military. This comes after Macron's remarks in February, where he didn't rule out the deployment of ground troops in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized that any French presence in the conflict zone would make them targets. Russia's announcement of practicing the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons follows perceived threats from France, Britain, and the United States.
Germany recalls its ambassador in Russia for a week in protest over a hacker attack
Germany last week accused Russian military agents of hacking into the top echelons of Scholz's Social Democrats' party and other sensitive government and industrial targets. Berlin has joined NATO and fellow European countries in warning that Russia's cyberespionage would have consequences.
North Korea criticizes US for supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine, KCNA says
North Korea criticized the United States for supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine, as reported by state media KCNA. The U.S. official confirmed the shipment of missiles to Ukraine for its defense against Russia. North Korea's Ministry of National Defence expressed concern over the supply, stating that the U.S. could not defeat Russia with such support. The statement comes amid growing military ties between North Korea and Russia, seen by the U.S. and its allies as a source of escalating tensions in the Korean Peninsula.
10 Indians working as support staff with Russian military returned home: MEA
Ten Indian nationals working as support staff with the Russian military have been released and returned to India, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The MEA has been pressing Russia to ensure the return of all other Indian citizens serving in similar positions. After two Indians working in similar roles lost their lives, India last month advised its nationals against taking up such jobs. The Indian government is actively pursuing the case of all Indians serving with the Russian military, working to repatriate those who wish to return home.
Jaishankar raises India’s concerns over restrictions of Russian diamonds with Belgium
New Delhi is concerned over Western ban on rough diamond imports from Russia, the world's biggest diamond producer and the biggest source of raw material for India's thriving polished diamond industry located in Surat.
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