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.
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.
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.
President Donald Trump's ongoing efforts to broker peace in the Middle East have resulted in a breakthrough deal between Israel and Hamas to end the Gaza conflict. The agreement, proposed by Trump, will see the exchange of hostages and prisoners and the supply of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The initial phase of the deal includes the release of 48 Israeli hostages and 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, with both sides committing to withdraw troops and provide safe passage for aid deliveries. Trump's administration has been credited for their coordinated efforts and pressure on regional actors to achieve this historic agreement.
The leader of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, arrived in Mumbai for his first official visit to India on Wednesday. Amidst a delegation of 125 members, including university vice-chancellors and cultural leaders, Starmer lit diyas at an event symbolizing the deep cultural ties between India and the UK ahead of Diwali. In addition to celebrating shared history and values, the visit also focuses on strengthening partnerships in trade, technology, security, education, and culture. Starmer's itinerary also includes visits to Yash Raj Films studios and business meetings with Indian industry leaders.