Category: World

Tokyo |  Japan and Australia have reaffirmed their strategic partnership, focusing on energy security, critical minerals, and defence cooperation during high-level talks between their leaders in Tokyo. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in energy trade and the supply of rare earth and critical minerals, which are vital for modern technologies and defence systems. Strong Energy Interdependence Australia remains a key supplier of coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Japan, while Japan provides nearly seven per cent…

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Washington/ Islamabad: A major push by the United States to expand its economic footprint in Pakistan’s mineral-rich southwest is running into serious turbulence, as escalating violence in Balochistan raises fresh concerns about stability and long-term investment viability. Economic Ambitions Meet Ground Reality Momentum for deeper economic cooperation between Washington and Islamabad picked up last year following a high-level engagement at the White House, where Asim Munir highlighted Pakistan’s vast untapped mineral reserves. The gesture signaled an invitation to global investors—particularly American firms—to explore opportunities in gold and copper extraction. At…

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New Delhi: In a symbolic display of cultural diplomacy, S. Jaishankar marked a significant moment in India–Jamaica relations during his recent visit to Kingston, where he joined Prime Minister Andrew Holness to inaugurate a newly installed electronic scoreboard at the iconic Sabina Park. The scoreboard, gifted by India, underscores the deep-rooted cultural and sporting ties shared by the two nations, with cricket serving as a powerful bridge between their histories and peoples. Cricket Diplomacy Highlights Shared Heritage Speaking at the event, Jaishankar described cricket as a unifying force that binds…

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New Delhi: Global military expenditure has witnessed an unprecedented rise, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and rapid technological advancements in warfare. According to the latest report released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, worldwide military spending reached a staggering $2.887 trillion in 2025, marking the 11th consecutive year of growth. India has emerged as the world’s fifth-largest military spender, with its defence budget increasing by 8.9% to $92.1 billion. The country follows the United States, China, Russia, and Germany in overall defence expenditure. Together, these five nations…

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Patna/ Kathmandu: A series of recent developments along the India–Nepal border in Bihar has triggered concern among local communities and traders, with fears emerging that the traditionally close “roti-beti” (livelihood and familial) ties between the two countries could face strain. For decades, the open border between India and Nepal has allowed seamless movement of people and goods, fostering deep economic, cultural, and familial connections. However, new enforcement measures and regulatory changes are now beginning to alter this long-standing arrangement. Rising Friction at the Border Recent incidents in border districts such…

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Moscow: North Korea has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Russian Federation, framing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a “just and sacred” struggle for national sovereignty. In a series of high-profile diplomatic engagements in Pyongyang, leader Kim Jong Un pledged to deepen a partnership that has rapidly evolved from a transactional exchange into a long-term strategic alliance. This commitment signals a significant shift in East Asian geopolitics, as Pyongyang integrates its military interests more closely with Moscow’s global objectives. Institutionalizing Long-Term Military Cooperation The burgeoning defense relationship was recently…

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Geneva: The United Nations has launched a refined diplomatic offensive aimed at dismantling the political hurdles that have paralyzed Libya’s transition toward national elections. This fresh initiative, spearheaded by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, focuses on a targeted approach to resolve specific disagreements that have long stalled the country’s democratic progress. Rather than seeking to overhaul the existing political framework, the UN is prioritizing high-level, limited gatherings of key stakeholders to address the technical and institutional friction points preventing a unified electoral roadmap. Strategic Shift Toward Targeted Diplomacy…

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Washington: The United States is facing growing strategic pressure as its ongoing military engagement with Iran raises concerns about its readiness in the Indo-Pacific, where tensions involving China and Taiwan continue to escalate. Concerns Over Resource Allocation At a recent hearing of the US Congressional Armed Services Committee, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo acknowledged that American stockpiles of advanced weapons remain limited, stressing that resources are being managed carefully. However, lawmakers voiced concern that the ongoing conflict in Iran has stretched military reserves and could impact preparedness elsewhere. Senator Richard Blumenthal…

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Bishkek/New Delhi: India has stepped up its defence diplomacy in Central Asia, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holding key bilateral talks with counterparts from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Bishkek. Focus on Kazakhstan Partnership During discussions with Kazakhstan’s Defence Minister Lieutenant General Dauren Kosanov, both sides reviewed ongoing defence cooperation and explored avenues to deepen strategic engagement. The talks emphasized expanding joint training, military exchanges, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing regional security. India and Kazakhstan have steadily built…

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