US President Donald Trump, during a private White House lunch with Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir on June 18, acknowledged “for the first time in weeks” that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan on May 10 was driven by “two very smart” leaders, PM Narendra Modi and General Munir, rather than by his own efforts. Trump expressed gratitude to both leaders for averting what “could have been a nuclear war,” and mentioned ongoing trade talks. Modi, in a phone call with Trump, clarified that no US mediation or trade deal was discussed during Operation Sindoor ceasefire negotiations, which were conducted purely through military channels. (PC: X & The New York Times)

Two Indian nationals studying in the US have been sentenced for orchestrating large-scale phishing schemes targeting elderly Americans. Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel, 20, received 63 months for laundering over $2.7 million by impersonating US government officials and coercing at least 25 seniors into handing over cash and gold . His co‑defendant, Dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya, has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing . In a separate case, Moinuddin Mohammed was sentenced to eight years for a similar scam defrauding older Americans of nearly $6 million . The DOJ warns seniors to be vigilant against government impersonation efforts. (PC: iStock)

India Today commentary argues that New Delhi should “grin and bear” Donald Trump’s self‑aggrandizing claims—like taking credit for brokering an India–Pakistan ceasefire and lavishing praise on Pakistan’s military chief—rather than react emotionally . While Trump brags about ending the conflict and calling Pakistan’s General Munir “fantastic” with “I love Pakistan” remarks, these assertions distort reality. Analysts emphasize that US–India ties are guided by bipartisan institutions, not just Trump, and Congress remains firmly pro‑India. The enduring strategic partnership—based on democracy, trade, counterterrorism, and balancing China—will outlast Trump’s presidency, and India must stay steady. (PC: India Today)

India has launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate nationals from Israel following the earlier rescue from Iran, amid growing Middle East tensions. The government stated the evacuation is for those “who wish to leave” as missile attacks escalate between Iran and Israel. Indian students previously evacuated from Iran via Armenia have now reached home safely. This latest move underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad during crises. The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with local authorities to ensure smooth transit. The operation comes as hospitals and civilian areas in Israel face ongoing threats, heightening evacuation urgency. (PC: PTI)

India and Canada have reset diplomatic ties after a 2-year freeze, with PM Modi attending the G7 Summit in Canada and meeting new Canadian PM Mark Carney. High commissioners will return, and trade talks resume. Carney distanced himself from pro-Khalistan groups, unlike predecessor Trudeau. Simultaneously, India declined Donald Trump’s invite, citing unease over Trump’s lunch with Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir and repeated claims of mediating an India-Pakistan ceasefire. Trump’s tariff threats and attempts to hyphenate India-Pakistan have further strained US-India relations. Canada now appears more aligned with Indian interests than the unpredictable US stance under Trump. (PC: India Today)

India’s PM Narendra Modi has firmly clarified to US President Donald Trump that the May 2025 ceasefire with Pakistan—triggered by India’s “Operation Sindoor” following the April 22 Pahalgam attack—was achieved solely through direct military communication, with no US mediation or trade leverage . Modi emphasized India’s “no-mediation” policy and briefed Trump on the measured nature of the counter-strikes . After their G7 phone call, Trump conceded that Modi and Pakistan’s military leadership “decided” to de-escalate, retracting his earlier mediation claims . The episode reinforces India’s diplomatic autonomy and highlights Modi’s decisive stance on terrorism and regional security. (PC: India Today)

A charter flight carrying 110 Indian nationals—primarily medical students from Urmia Medical University—landed in New Delhi early on June 19, under Operation Sindhu. These students were moved overland from Iran to Armenia before boarding the evacuation flight . Among them, 90 are from Jammu & Kashmir and their arrival brought relief to anxious families, who praised Prime Minister Modi and EAM Jaishankar . The MEA confirmed more evacuation flights are underway to safely bring back remaining Indian students stranded in Iran amid escalating Israel‑Iran hostilities. (PC: The Hindu)

US President Donald Trump has claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, saying, “I stopped the war.” This comes after a 35-minute call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which Modi reportedly stated that India acted only in response to terror and never accepted US mediation. India’s Foreign Secretary clarified the ceasefire followed a Pakistani request via military channels, not any US involvement. Trump made the remarks before hosting Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir. Despite India’s repeated rejections, Trump insisted he used trade pressure to achieve peace and claimed “not one story” was written about his role. (PC: NDTV)

A recent The Hindu podcast highlights India’s ascent to the fourth-largest global economy in nominal GDP terms, overtaking Japan—projected at around US $4.19 trillion for 2025 . IMF data shows sustained GDP growth (~6.2%), with rapid expansion from 10th in 2014 to 4th today . However, per‑capita income remains modest (~US $2,900), underlining persistent socioeconomic gaps . The podcast cautions against over‑reliance on nominal GDP, proposing purchasing power parity (PPP) and living standard metrics for richer insight. It urges deeper structural reforms—labour, agricultural, and education—to ensure inclusive, sustainable progress as India eyes third‑largest status. (PC: AP7AM)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a 35-minute phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, during which Trump extended an invitation for Modi to visit the U.S. after attending the G7 summit in Canada. Modi politely declined, citing a prior international commitment . During the call, he also clarified that the U.S. had not played any role in brokering the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan—countering Trump’s earlier assertions . The conversation underscores India’s position on managing its regional affairs independently and avoiding third-party mediation on sensitive bilateral issues. (PC: AP)