India announced on Friday that it will reopen its embassy in Kabul, which was shut down after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. The move signals a significant upgrade in ties between India and the Taliban administration, as the Afghan group will also send diplomats to New Delhi. India previously closed its embassy in Kabul after the withdrawal of U.S.-led NATO forces, but launched a small mission in 2022 for trade, medical support, and aid.
The Taliban have accused Pakistan of being behind recent explosions in Kabul and Paktika provinces in Afghanistan, deepening the already strained relationship between the two countries. While the Afghan Ministry of Defence has publicly blamed Pakistan for the attacks, the Taliban has downplayed the severity of the explosions and attribute them to an ongoing investigation. This incident comes amidst mounting tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with Islamabad accusing the Taliban of sheltering militants responsible for attacks on their security forces. These explosions also occurred during a visit by the Taliban's foreign minister to India, the first such trip since the group's return to power.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has announced Maria Corina Machado as the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless efforts in promoting democratic rights and advocating for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela. This news comes as a welcome shift from the spotlight on US President Donald Trump, who was previously dominating the awards conversation. Learn more about Maria's life and her incredible journey in the full report by Khaleej Times. Stay informed with the latest news by following KT on WhatsApp Channels.
In a stern message delivered during his first official visit to India, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi cautioned Pakistan against provoking Afghanistan amidst escalating tensions along the border. Despite the combative tone towards Pakistan, Muttaqi's visit also saw a conciliatory and cooperative approach towards India, with the two nations announcing a range of measures to strengthen bilateral relations and development cooperation. This included upgrading India's technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged Embassy and a broad development and humanitarian package, reaffirming India's commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty and independence.
Amid ongoing speculation over whether President Donald Trump would be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his involvement in recent peace deals, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has finalized its decision on the 2025 laureate. While most experts and observers believe it is unlikely that Trump will be chosen, there is concern over how he will react to being publicly overlooked. Some fear that his volatile and authoritarian tendencies may lead to potential consequences for the independent committee. At a UN meeting last month, Trump boasted about halting multiple "unendable wars" and claimed that he deserved the peace prize, sparking further controversy.
Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi made his first ministerial-level visit to India since the Taliban came into power in August. The trip, at the invitation of India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, reflects the Taliban's efforts to expand regional engagement and explore potential economic and diplomatic ties. Discussions will cover a range of topics, including upgrading diplomatic relations and expanding consular services, as both countries cautiously navigate their relationship. This visit comes at a critical time for regional diplomacy, as India, along with other neighboring countries, takes a cautious approach towards engaging with the Taliban administration.
After two years of conflict, US President Trump revealed in a social media post that the US government has facilitated the first phase of a deal between Israel and Hamas to bring an end to the war. Despite some celebrations in Gaza and Israel, BBC News correspondents report that important details still need to be finalized. This initial phase includes the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, withdrawal of Israeli military forces from parts of Gaza, and the provision of aid to Gaza. Negotiations, led by the US, continue with the involvement of representatives from Israel, Hamas, and Arab countries.
During the visit of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced significant collaborations between India and the United Kingdom, particularly in the areas of defence, education, and people-to-people ties. He emphasized the natural partnership between India and the UK, rooted in democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. The two nations have signed agreements on military training and defence co-production, further enhancing their strategic ties. PM Modi also highlighted the synergy between India's dynamism and UK's expertise, and the commitment to building a bright future for both countries.
After the announcement of the initial phases of a plan to end fighting in Gaza, Sir Keir Starmer has expressed his relief and gratitude to the countries that have been working tirelessly for this breakthrough. US President Donald Trump has also celebrated the agreement, stating that all hostages will soon be released and Israel will withdraw their troops. While the agreement is hailed as historic, it is cautioned that there are still steps to take before the ceasefire can be implemented.
The possibility of a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump has been met with both hope and uncertainty. While Ambassador-designate Taranjit Singh Sandhu has made progress in easing trade tensions between the two countries, Trump's unpredictable diplomatic approach poses a challenge to the finalization of the meeting and its outcome.